Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Today is our first day of school!  I will be back next week with some outfits!  

Do you struggle with finding time to spend with just your spouse?  It’s easy to go weeks or even months during busy seasons of life and it seems like a date night could be the first thing to go.  If you have young children, I really believe in a standing monthly date night or bimonthly if you can swing it.  Or, even dates at home after the kids are in bed can be a great thing.  Once our kids started middle school, we started leaving them for short periods of time and when you get to that stage, it is quite nice.  Now we go out a couple of times a week without them.  Sometimes we offer for them to go but they turn us down about half of the time!  

My husband and I are not late night people so we prefer to go out early and then come home and spend time with our kids.  Last week my husband came home a bit early unexpectedly on a Wednesday (finished up an out of office work meeting early) and I suggested we go out for a bit.  I keep a list of restaurants or places I want to go in my phone for when such a time occurs.  I like the idea of doing something on a Wednesday because Wednesday is that halfway point to the weekend and gives me something to look forward to.  

So, he agreed to head to an up and coming neighborhood called NULU (like “New Louisville”) For some reason I hadn’t ventured to this area on my own or with friends this summer.  We wandered in White’s Mercantile, Six Sisters Boutique, Revelry, and Mahonia.  The first three are more clothing, jewelry, and gifts and the last one is a plant store.  

Below are air plants.  They don’t require soil or water but just a weekly “bath”.  I think these are so cool and my good friend B has some.  Have you heard of these?  

Mahonia was his favorite because he really likes plants.  We are both wanting to add more plants to our home and have heard that many plants can naturally rid your home of toxins.  One of those is the peace lily and we are happy to say that we have kept two of these alive since December.  Fingers crossed that we can continue with it.  If you are local, this shop is simply inspirational.  

We didn’t buy anything from any of the stores but it was fun looking.  

Then, I wanted to head to my student’s family business “Bandido” Tacos.  This is a new location near NULU.  

They are attached to a brewery and this is their lovely outdoor space.  

We want to try to do a planter like this on our current patio.  

Hub and I ate in the restaurant and took carryout home to our sons!  It was a fun Wednesday weeknight date and I highly recommend it!

Amy 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

This isn’t a strictly fashion blog, but it’s no secret that I love fashion, bargain hunting, putting outfits together, giving you unsolicited advice, etc.  

As I was organizing my closet for back to school I thought it would be fun to round up and show you and me what I bought this summer.  I have already shown you everything either in a Wednesday or Friday post, usually, and you probably think all I do is shop.  I browse, order, return more than I keep as I’m sure many of you can relate to.  I also make some mistakes.  I’m getting better with my clothing purchases but it still happens.

For our purposes today we will define “summer purchases” as only the purchases I made from June 12-August 9 because that was my full summer break.  

Let’s start with pants:  

On the left we have a “denim look” capri with cute ankle ties at the bottom.  I hope to wear these into fall with clogs and wedges.  I kind of think this denim look is going to be a trend because I saw a stylish girl wearing this material.  Yes, that is all I have to go on – you’re welcome!  

On the right we have some plain black palazzo pants that I think can even be dressed up.  They run way big.  I’m hoping these can even work in to winter.  I will wear these now with my new black mules and a printed top and later maybe with a long sleeve top and a vest – rule of three!  

They are both from Steinmart!  Yes, Steinmart has really been the VIP this summer for me.  During a summer day the over 65 crowd and I were shopping up a storm!  No offense intended to the over 65 crowd;  you are smart and good with money and I want to learn your ways.  

Now let’s move on to dresses and skirts.  On the left is my Amazon dress that I’m not sure is going to work and is more trouble than worth to return- more here.  On the right is my Steinmart fun print skirt.  

And, as you can see tops were my most purchased and most needed category.  

Plain hot pink from Steinmart

Plain yellow from Versona

Fruit blouse from Steinmart (Of these, this is what I’ve worn the most!)

Yellow paisley from a consignment but Steinmart brand

Charcoal and marigold Target Universal Thread tops

Pink lace tank from consignment

Bright stripe short sleeve sweater from Versona

Floral tie frront from Versona

Versona was my runner up and it’s obvious I had a thing for the color yellow!  I usually find a lot more at consignment stores in the summer because I have more time to peruse, but this summer I just didn’t find much that I liked.  

And, finally shoes…  (I am leaving out a souvenir sweatshirt, a cardigan for fall, and a bathing suit)

Amazon black jelly bow flip flops, White Croc Sexi, Steinmart mules, and Reef rose gold flip flops.  I ended up returning the higher heeled black clogs because they were just too high.  

Is this a lot?  Yes!  But, I think I will get a lot of wear (or I already have) out of most of the items.  

Any favorites?  Did you shop a lot this summer?  If you still need anything for a trip or if you live in a warm climate, this is a great time to shop.  I’m trying not to open sale emails, go into clothing stores, etc.  because I feel that I am pretty set.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, August 12, 2019

I’m back at school today.  I have two days of meetings and prep and then it’s go time on Wednesday.

How was your weekend?  I’m linking up with Heather, etc. so go here to see other weekend recaps.  

The band that we heard recently was playing on Thursday night so hub and I went out from 6-8.  I got a mai tai.  It’s so pretty!  

They were playing at Captain’s Quarters and there was also a margarita competition going on.  I think I need to get tickets to that next year!  

Friday the boys had a friend over and I made a teen snack board.

I also received my Fashom styling service box.  Review coming soon!  

One son and I went to the library.  This book was really interesting.  It has examples of people all over the U.S., how much they make, and their money diary from one week.  

I started this and it is GOOD!  It’s about a monthly supper club.  I’ve always wanted to be in one and I like the food descriptions in the book and the drama with all of the characters.  

Saturday late afternoon we decided the day was too beautiful to waste.  It wasn’t typical August heat and the skies were blue!  

We found a new to us restaurant upriver and across in Indiana called Summers.  

I gave hub free reign to order and he picked a Hawaiian pizza and it was probably the best one I’ve ever had.  

The ride home was so calm and peaceful. 

Sunday I did chores, laundry, read a bit and picked up a couple of things from the Back to School aisles at Target.  The boys want to want until after the first day when they have their syllabi but I picked up a couple of notebooks and folders.  

I really wanted this backpack for myself.  Isn’t it perfect for a Spanish teacher?  

Close up:

I’m really regretting not splurging!  It is so cute!  

We also had workers here all weekend and some more progress made!  

Hope you had a great weekend, too!  

Amy 

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Hey everyone!  I don’t know if this topic appeals to all so I won’t be offended if you click away, but I did promise an update.  I told you about our plan here so feel free to go back if you don’t know what I’m talking about.  

Some exciting things have started happening and making it seem more “real” to me!  First we got windows and doors put in.  We also got the electric roughed in which I think means the outlets are now placed where we need them! 

Exterior Views:  

The new back door and mudroom (mudroom will contain storage and washer and dryer):  

French doors from master bedroom leading out to a patio between mudroom and master:  

Mudroom window:  

Interior Views:

My walk in closet furthest away and hub’s walk in closet closest with a hallway in between:

Master bedroom:  

Master bedroom french doors:  

Kitchen expansion from the black paper out to the wood on the left and mudroom:  

So, that’s where we are right now! 

Have you ever done an addition or major renovation?  Any tips are appreciated!

Amy 

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

I am playing around with my new tripod today!  I am gearing up for back to school by doing some outfit planning.  Trust me when I say you don’t want to see what I’ve actually been wearing – shorts and shirts with no accessories, swimsuits and coverups – not blog worthy!  

I finally got my hair cut and colored and it feels so much better but still is in the awkward stage when you need it to grow just a bit in these photos.  

In case you are new around here, I’m a high school teacher and need to be comfortable!  I prefer pants to skirts and dresses but I have a lot of skirts and dresses that I will try to wear before my summer clothing gets packed away.  I try to wear everything I own and if I don’t want to wear it I throw it in the donate/sell bag.  I prefer the “rule of 3” where I have three items on to look more pulled together.  This could mean pants, shirt, kimono or skirt, shirt, vest.  

I think this first photo is blurry because it was starting to get very humid out.  Matilda Jane pants, new Steinmart shoes here, hot pink top, Amazon kimono.

Let’s try a new location…

Same pants and shoes, new Versona top and old consignment cardigan.

And lastly, MIA Susan clog sandals, old Versona pants, new consignment pink tank, old Versona sweater kimono.

Do you have a favorite?  

Thanks for visiting me today!  

Amy 

P.S. – Have you heard of Fashom?  It’s a styling service like Stitch Fix but at a lower price point, I think.  I ordered a box this week and I will show you when it arrives!  

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Today I’m joining Tanya for her Prime Purchases link up! Reading others’ purchases could be dangerous for me today.  I get the best recommendations from other bloggers!  

I didn’t do as bad as I had feared when I looked back at this month’s purchases.  

First up:  

I saw someone recommend these so I bought them and really like them.  They have basically no support but they are cute and good for the pool or the boat or I guess the rain.  Even the bow is made from the same “jelly shoes” material. Raise your hand if you owned these in the 80s?

Next:  

I haven’t had any black sunglasses this year and I wanted to try this style.  The price was right but they are huge.  I do like them but my son accused me of trying to be Elton John.  I guess I should have paid more attention to the “super oversized” in the description.  Go big or go home, right?

And, finally:  

Warning:  this takes a long time to ship and they are now giving me the run around about returning it.  It’s a little tight in the chest area but I can probably make it work with a minimizing bra. Lesson learned to only do prime and free returns.  Also, it is a bit sheer and may require a lip of some sort.  I just really wanted a multi-purpouse LBD.  

This is not this month’s purchase, but…

You may remember that I ordered this popular suit before our Michigan trip.  It is a really nice quality.  I wanted to show it again today because I was watching Southern Charm on Bravo and they took a trip to Colorado. In the background at the hot springs they went to you can see a random woman (not part of the cast)  wearing this!  I’d like to know just how many of these suits Amazon sold!  

What have you purchased lately?  

Also, I used Amazon to send my nephew a Spider man car for his birthday last week and I used it to send my sister in law an e-gift card because she loves Amazon.  It has really revolutionized the way we shop!  Also, I love the returns to UPS stores and to Kohl’s.  So easy!

Amy 

Monday, August 5, 2019

Linking up with Heather etc. right here today!  How was your weekend?  Mine was really fun!  

Friday night my work friend E met me at an outdoor concert sponsored by the liquor store in the shopping village near my house.  

I finished this book because I couldn’t put it down!  I do recommend it and thanks to Preppy Empty Nester for recommending it on Instagram!  

And, then I started this – so cute!  I’m almost done with this now, too.  Pick this up right away if you like rom-com movies and books.  

Saturday morning I got my hair cut and colored for the first time since February!  

Before:  

After:  

I’m not mad; just can’t take a selfie very well!  

We had beautiful weather so hub and I and the pup went boating!  Pup likes to be under the steering wheel by his daddy!  

I bought the Truly citrus pack and the lemon is my favorite!  

There were lots of boats out!  

We came home late afternoon and ordered pizza and watched shows with our boys.  

Sunday morning I did a TJ’s run.  

And, we took our friends out on the boat and had brunch/lunch at Captain’s Quarters.  

We came home after lunch and I read a bit and made dinner and we hung with our boys.  Some more progress was made on our addition this week and weekend and I will do an update soon for those interested.

What are you up to today and this week?  We are doing last minute school errands and I’m setting up my classroom this week and a week from today I will be back in the world of full time employment.  My boys start Wednesday.  Where did the summer go?  

Hope you all had a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!  

Amy 

Friday, August 2, 2019

Happy Friday!  Let’s share some favorites from the week!  Please leave me yours in the comments, too!  Linking up with Andrea, etc.  here so this is a fun way to check out other blogs you may not know about. 

But, first, how was your week?  Mine was very relaxed – on purpose.  Next week I set up my classroom and my boys go to registration to get their senior! schedules and get their senior yearbook photos taken.  This week I did another Goodwill trip, did more organization, enjoyed slow mornings, and ran errands.  

If you are in the mood this weekend, try my friend H’s super easy sangria “recipe” that I posted yesterday here along with a new recipe and some meal suggestions.  I’m in a rut and desperately need some new recipes!  My latest recipe is Turkey Sausage Alfredo and it comes together in about 15 minutes and tastes like something from a restaurant in my opinion – it probably has something to do with the butter and heavy cream.  I guess I evened it out with the use of turkey sausage – ha!  I enjoyed my glass of sangria while cooking it the other night – refreshing!  

Shout out to my cousin and blog reader J for these favorites below.  I had heard of drug store brand Physician’s Formula but had never purchased anything.  She recommended The Healthy Foundation and it’s really good.  It is about $15.  It has a bit of a smell upon application but then goes away.  She described it as “your skin but better” and I think that sums it up.  I had been wanting to try the butter bronzer and I love it!  It has a nice smell and consistency and really makes me look like I’ve been in the sun more than I have. Walgreen’s had a deal and I got the butter lipstick for free in a mauve color.  I love it!  It really does go on like butter and makes your lips feel moist.  

Reporting back on my $25 Steinmart mules.  Love them!  I wore them the other day and they were super comfortable.  I think I will wear these a bunch.  I’ve included the Steinmart link if you are interested.  

My blog friend Kellyann recommended this and I cannot stop at one serving so not sure I should tell you about it!  

I enjoyed a Target run and got an iced doppio in a venti cup (means two shots of espresso) and then I proceeded to go buy new Premier Protein and emptied my half bottle of protein shake in the store – I’m classy like that!  This is 1 WW point.  Most people sing praises of the caramel flavor, but I prefer the vanilla.  It’s so good.  I only use half of a carton at a time which saves money and calories.  It is around $7 for a pack of 4 shakes at my Target.  

I purchased this phone tripod last spring but the holder wasn’t big enough for my phone.  And, I don’t have an oversized phone.  I finally ordered a bigger replacement holder and I’m excited to use this for my outfit pictures so I don’t have to bug people.  That hopefully will mean more outfit photos!  

This stack of library books is quite ambitious with only a few more days left of my summer!  I thought I would show you in case you’re looking for something.  These were either recommended to me or I thought the description looked fun.  

Pottery Barn has products from Friends!  I laughed out loud as I looked at these.  Remember the apothecary table from one episode?  Friends will always be one of my top favorite shows.  It started when I was in college and then after college my friends and I would hold viewing parties.  Or, we would call each other and discuss each episode.  So fun!  

Universal Thread at Target does it again.  I showed you some of my colored and patterned bottoms this week and these charcoal and marigold tops will be a welcome addition and work into fall.  Check them out here.  The shirt is knit and the sleeves are more like a linen/cotton.  I ordered two different sizes from Target.com and I am returning the one at the store that I didn’t choose.  So easy!  

What are you up to this weekend?  I am hoping to boat with some friends, see some progress on our renovation, spend some quality family time, and that’s about it.  

If you missed any posts this week, check out my palazzo pants and more post here, my sunglasses post here, and my weekend recap here and I already mentioned my recipe and meal post here!  

Any topic requests?  Let me know in the comments!  

Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Amy 

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Happy 1st day of August!  This is the month that many of us dread.  It is our hottest month and it’s just plain BUSY.  There’s so much to prepare and it’s time to change routines which is always hard no matter what your age!  

One of the things I’m doing to prepare is making a “back to school meals” list on my computer.  These meals will be super easy for the most part and still pretty much summer meals.  I will add the chili, soups, and more fall type foods later.  Having a list helps me immensely.  When I’m making my grocery list I seem to forget every meal I’ve ever made.  I’m hoping my list will help you, too.   My list is based on what my family will eat and you may have to slightly adjust.  

But, first, how about an easy recipe?  

Turkey Sausage Alfredo

This sausage is precooked so you don’t have to do this step, but I like to brown it in a skillet or you could also do the oven if you want.  Boil your penne while you are doing this.  

Put those two things together and now it’s time for the sauce.  

I used the same pan for my sauce because i thought it would add extra flavor.  You can start with a new skillet if you’d rather.  Just make a simple alfredo sauce.  I melted 3 T. butter and then added about 3/4 cup cream, brought it to a boil, then simmered for maybe 10 minutes.  Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and I also added a bit of cajun seasoning.  I also threw in a bit of mozzarella cheese, but I don’t think I will do that next time.  It really didn’t need it.  

Pour the sauce over the penne and sausage and sprinkle a bit of parmesan and you are done!  You guys, this tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.  It’s really good.  Feel free to use andouille sausage or another type of sausage.  

When I went to my friend’s house last week she bought a bottle of already made sangria, and simply added her own fruit and gingerale and it was some of the best sangria I’ve ever had.  So easy!  

Yum!  

O.k., moving on to other meal ideas…One thing that worked for me last year was to have themes – Monday pasta, Tuesday Mexican, Wednesday chicken, etc.  Another thing that I did last year was to cook two meals on Monday night and Wednesday night and that way on our late nights – 6:30 arrival at home on Tuesday and Thursday and it was simply just heat and eat.  I will have that same schedule this year so I am going to shoot for that again. I will tend to make spaghetti and taco meat at the same time.  I start cooking around 5:30 and dinner is ready at 6:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays.  

Tip:  I run my dishwasher while I’m cooking dinner and the boys unload right after dinner and then reload.  We have been doing this for a few years and the system works well for us.  

The other thing I do is take out on one weeknight a week most weeks and then cook one of the two weekend nights at home when I have more time to make a nice meal.  I am also creating a computer list of our take out options.  And, of course, I will be doing online grocery shopping and pick up!  Game changer in the busy fall!  

Disclaimer:  I don’t own an Instapot nor do I want another gadget right now and I mostly use the crockpot on weekends.  I feel that I’m gone too long during the weekdays and all the crockpot meat ends up being overcooked or all tasting the same.  Maybe it’s me but that’s how I feel.  

Back to School Meals:  (For me, I will sub out rice for cauliflower rice, turn things into a salad, easy swaps like that)

Frozen orange chicken (we like Costco’s the best), rice, broccoli

Frozen fish (panko tilapia from Costco), okra (roasted on sheet pan), little red potatoes(boiled or roasted on sheet pan)

Ham (slices that are fairly thick), mashed potatoes(can be ready made), green beans (canned)

Prepared BBQ, Texas Toast, baked beans, side salad (prepared mix)

Spaghetti

Tacos, rice 

Taco Salad with Doritos

Southwest Bowl (Andrea from Momfessionals) (search my blog and you will find it!)

Mexican Lasagna (search my blog)

Fettucine Alfredo with chicken (use above recipe but sub chicken and fettucine noodles)

Bacon Alfredo (this is from Grace and Love Blog but I have also posted it here!)  

Hot sub sandwiches, frozen potato wedges or fries, green salad

Baked Ziti

Hawaiian ham and swiss sliders, chips, salad

Faux Thanksgiving – thick cut turkey from deli, Stove Top stuffing, green beans

What are you go to back to school meals?  Let’s help each other out!  I’m so happy that we start on a Wednesday this year so I will get to ease into the routine.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy