Monday, May 27, 2019

Enjoy your extra day off today, but also take the time to honor the men and women of our country who died for us.  My sweet little hometown started something new.  They let families purchase a flag to honor loved ones who are both alive and deceased from all branches of the military.  There are 60 flags currently flying and that will remain flying until November.  

My mom arranged for this one below and it is so special to me and to our family.  He loved this kind of stuff and he also loved this town and I know he is looking down on this and beaming.  

My sister’s sun dried tomato cheeseball:  

1 block of light cream cheese (I use neufchatel)

a bit of the sundried tomato juice from the jar

1 tsp. garlic powder

about 1/4 jar of sun dried tomatoes (chopped up small)

1/2 cup of finely shredded cheddar 

Mix all of this together in a bowl and roll in more finely shredded cheddar on a piece of plastic wrap.  Form a ball and let sit in frig for a bit.  I like it with water crackers.  

This is super easy but tastes amazing!  Need more recipes?  Click here for my post from last week.  

Come back tomorrow for a full weekend wrap up!  

Amy 

Friday, May 24, 2019

Happy Friday to you!  I’m linking up with Andrea, etc. right here!  

Also, today is graphic tee and kimono day! Yesterday was dress day, but I didn’t do it because I hadn’t shaved the old legs!  Oops!  I will be showing photos next week!  

First up is my tanning regimen.  I have added the Jergens face as my daily mousturizer and I really think it has added color to my face.  I use the wet skin in the shower and I have been lazy about the best of all, the summer color.  It requires a bit more time.  The best way to do it in my opinion is to shower at night, apply and sleep with it on, then shower off in the morning to get the smell off.  The smell isn’t too bad, but I don’t love it!  And, now you can see why I have been lazy with it – it requires some work!  

I finally got a new pedicure and picked my old standby “Lincoln Park After Dark”.  I had been sporting a white color “Funny Bunny”, so I went to opposite extremes!  

Run, don’t walk to Trader Joe’s to get this!  I had tried the peach version last year and it is also great, but this is my favorite.  It has just the right amount of fizz.  Rose all day!  

Have you started watching this yet?  I’m only on episode 2 but I’m enjoying it!  

And, I’m reading this!  It’s been on my library wait list for a long time and I finally got it.  I’m enjoying it but I think a couple of chapters could have been cut because it’s dragging a bit!  

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!  

Need recipes?  Check out my post yesterday here!  

Need new blogs to read?  Check out my post from Tuesday here!  

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

This weekend is already Memorial Day and in addition to remembering the reason for the holiday, for many it is the unofficial start to summer – way ahead of that June 20 official start date of summer.  

It’s a fun time to break out the red, white, and blue clothing and foods and maybe it acts as a bit of a dress rehearsal for the 4th of July.  

This first “recipe” we experienced on our trip to Germany.  Some of hub’s family lives there and we had this at several cook outs while there.  Grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of balsamic glaze.  All of these items can be easily found at Trader Joe’s (or any grocer) and this isn’t too bad for you.  

My fruit salad from my student brunch post, but leave out the mandarin oranges – so just blueberries and strawberries or add in apples and bananas to stay on theme with red, white, and blue.  Add 2 TBSP. of instant vanilla pudding powder and about 1/2 cup of lime juice.  

-red, white, and blue potato chips can now be found at the grocery stores!

-blue tortilla chips with red salsa

-rice krispie treats with the special Rice Krispies in stores now that have red and blue in them

-my rolo waffle pretzel with m and m’s in only red, white, and blue (spread waffle pretzels on a cookie sheet and top with rolos – put in oven at 300 for about 5 mins., take out and smoosh down with m and m – refrigerate for at least an hour and they will set)

There’s also this wonderful fruit pizza.  Use two rolls of crescent roll dough and spread on a cookie sheet.  Bake for about 8 minutes on 350 or until slightly golden on top.  After it has cooled, spread with cream cheese frosting in a tub from the store and add strawberries and blueberries.  This is always a crowd pleaser!  

What are your go to recipes for Memorial Day activities?  

Amy 

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Today is “wear something you haven’t worn yet this season” day if you haven’t already gotten dressed for the day!  Did you wear your floral yesterday?  Did you wear your stripes Monday?  If you are playing along, tomorrow is dress day and Friday is graphic tee day.  

Let’s start with a couple of school outfits from last week.  I don’t know why this photo is so hazy, but this is a couple of years old Loft blouse and my green Matilda Janes.  I’m not following the rule of three here as you can see, but I still like this outfit.  

Now I am wearing an old TJ Maxx blouse, black Matilda Janes, and a consignment sweater.  I am following the rule of three.  I’m wearing old Target sandals.  They do not make the grade for a full day teacher shoe.  I was hurting by the end of the day. What’s up with my hair here?   I am trying to wear every single piece of clothing and determine if it’s worth closet real estate or not.  

Friday was my personal day and I had just ordered and gotten my Target cut offs in the mail the day before.  I was playing around with this white blouse and my consignment OTBT sandals.  The white blouse is old from Old Navy.  I think I would wear this with flat sandals, but this didn’t make the cut for the day’s outfit.  

Below is what actually got worn outside of the house for my errands.  I love long sleeves with shorts.  I can pull this off in the spring and fall but rarely in the summer.  This blouse is consignment from Target and the Tory Burch Millers are consignment from several years ago.  They still look perfect.  And, I was happy to see this TB style with the gold logo is in the Von Maur department store this season at my mall.  The denim shorts are good!  I think they are considered high waisted and I will put them at the bottom of this post.  

Saturday night I wore my Old Navy light denim skirt from last year and a new TJ Maxx floral top I found on Friday for $16.99 – with the OTBT sandals.  

I also picked up these denim wide legged crops at TJ Maxx for $16.99.  I think I need to wear a more fitted top (this is my most worn top from last summer from Target Universal Thread).  This was my Monday school outfit, though, for the stripes theme.  

And, here are the denim shorts if you are interested.  I wanted non cuffed, light denim.  And, this price can’t be beat at $15.  I have three new pieces in today’s post and all of them were $16.99 or less.  My husband would get mad that I’m not saying $17, but $16.99 is the exact price and it just sounds better, you know?  

Universal Thread does it again!  I’m just never going to pay $70 for denim cut offs.  Can’t do it.  Not going to happen.  Fit tip:  Maybe go up a size so they are a bit more slouchy?  Also, I like to order two sizes and return the one that didn’t work (or both) to the store near me.  

What have you worn lately?  Send me any outfit pics from this week’s challenge and let me know if you are willing to be on the blog!

scott_amy@bellsouth.net

As always, thank you for reading and if you missed it, check out my favorite blogs here from my post yesterday!  

Amy 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Guess what?  I’m off school today for primary election day!  I love to start my day with a cup of coffee (or three), a devotional, and my favorite blogs – or as many as I have time for.  And then, of course, I’m off to vote!  

Also, today is floral day if you are playing along with me!  Tomorrow is wear something you haven’t worn yet this season, Thursday is dress day, and Friday is graphic tee day!  

*I didn’t put in links, so you are on your own – meaning you will have to type the name of the blog in your browser!  This teacher didn’t have time for that!  Sorry!  

Primarily Fashion Blogs: (sometimes they include recipes, product recommendations, trip review, etc.  )

This Blonde’s Shopping Bag – Kellyann is my faithful first commenter almost every day and I consider her a friend now. She finds affordable fashions and shows how she styles them.

CoasttoCoast2.com – Lisa also styles affordable fashions and also has given me some of my favorite recipes.  She is a fellow Trader Joe’s lover. 

Living on Cloud Nine – Andrea has fashion and recipes and is a mom of a high school boy and two college age boys.  She lives in northern Indiana and goes to Michigan a lot and gave me recommendations for my last trip there.  

Sheaffer Told Me To – used to be Pinterest Told me To.  I have taken her advice and some of my favorite clothing pieces are because of this blog.

Hi Sugarplum – Cassie styles Nordstrom pieces among others.  She has a great style.  

The Queen in Between – Shelly has great style with affordable pieces.

Bright on a Budget – Tiffany is a fellow Kentucky blogger.  She also styles affordable fashions for the real working mom.

Lifestyle/Mom Blogs:  (These blogs sometimes include fashion, but they are usually talking about their family life, product rec’s, recipes,etc.)

Mix and Match Mama – Shay is very well known as a cookbook author, travel agent, long time blogger

My Glittery Heart – Heather is a great mom with great style and a love for entertaining and eeking the fun out of every weekend.  She has an Etsy shop and is also following Weight Watchers.  

Lindsay’s Sweet World – Lindsay is the most organized person on the planet with some great ideas!  

The Other Side of the Road – Tanya is a new blogger friend and also has high school kids.  She does great book reviews and Amazon Prime product reviews. 

Polka Dotty Place – Whitney has great style and great recipes and is the most creative SAHM.  

Momfessionals – Andrea is super mom and hosts the Friday Faves link up.  I love her style and have also gotten many good recipes from her.  

The Slaughters – Erika has great style and is besties with Mix and Match Mama.

Carolina Charm – Christina has a beautiful blog of home design, recipes, fashion, family life.  

Big Mama – Melanie really only posts two days a week at most now, but I love her Friday shopping picks and she is a great and funny writer.  

Penny’s Passion – Penny always knows what shows and movies are coming out and she really lives life to the fullest. 

Stuff, Things, Etc.  – Kristin is a blog friend of mine.  She is learning the ropes as a new mom and is a military wife, too.  She is a great writer and a former teacher.  I bought her Madewell tote when she was ready to let it go.  

Kelly’s Korner – I love Kelly’s style and she gave me the rec for my favorite all time lip color – Revlon’s Goldpearl Plum.  I even found a matching Lipsense shade because I love it so much!  

Our Unschooling Journey – Rashawna is a homeschooling mom who is doing WW. She really makes the most of her days at home with her three boys.

All About That Mommy Life – Lauren is a teacher and a mom and has great product recommendations.  

I read a couple more but they don’t post with much regularity so I only wanted to recommend ones that post most days.  

My favorite blogs are the ones that show fashions for the “real woman” and recipes for real life.  I also love product recommendations.  I avoid blogs that feel that they are selling me something.  I prefer a blog that uses a bigger font and full size photos, too, but that isn’t a deal breaker for me.  I try to make my blog the kind of blog I would like to read, but I’m sure I don’t always succeed.  

Now, do you have any blog recommendations for me?  

I can’t accept that blogs are obsolete because they have added so much to my life!  If anyone tries to tell you that tell them they’re wrong!  

Happy blog reading!

Amy 

Monday, May 20, 2019

Hi everybody!  How was your weekend?  I’m linking up with Heather, Tanya, Lindsay, etc. for another Hello Monday so please go here and check out other posts!  

O.k., let’s start with Friday morning and just hit the highlights!  I had a personal day and I hit the gym after dropping one son off at school (the other wanted to walk).  

I ran errands and took my sweet time and drove around with the sun roof down.  It was good for the soul!  

I found a Blockbuster tee and this son was thrilled.  We still mourn the loss of going to the video store – lol!

I enjoyed some reading, sunshine and Truly Rose.  Have you tried Truly?  The new rose is my fave. Most of the area is shaded so I had to sit in kind of a weird spot in my folding chair to get the sun!  Lol!  

Friday night we had Thai takeout and t.v. and went to bed fairly early so Saturday morning I treated myself to a Starbuck’s skinny vanilla latte on the way to Trader Joe’s.  

After Trader Joe’s I went to the Vineyard Vines reveal at Target.  It was disappointing.  They had very little clothing and mostly housewares and coolers.  

Then, hub and I went to the boating yard sale and also went inside the boatique again.  I just looked and didn’t buy.  

Some people are getting their boats out already but the river is a bit high so that evening we ate with our couple friends on the river.  It was almost 90 Saturday!  

Sunday morning I did my Kroger run and got this entire cart for $40 because I used my reward coupons from having a Kroger credit card.  We put all our gas and groceries on this card.  

Both sons were very busy this weekend with school projects, plays, etc.  so Sunday afternoon hub and I made a mall run and then a Mexican food late lunch in between the boys’ activities.  

So, that’s about it!  This week is weird because we have school today, but not tomorrow for Election Day and then we will be back again Wednesday-Friday and then it’s Memorial Day weekend already – the unofficial start to summer!  

Don’t forget if you haven’t gotten dressed already that today is STRIPES day!  

Tomorrow is floral, Wednesday is wear something from your closet that you haven’t worn yet this season, Thursday is dress, and Friday is graphic tee!  

How was your weekend?  Does it feel like summer yet?  I know many schools get out this week!  But, we are over here limping along until June 7.

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Friday, May 17, 2019

Linking up today with Andrea, etc. for Friday Favorites!  Go here! 

My first favorite is that today is Friday!  What a week?  Are you exhausted, too?  I think it’s a rough month for teachers and parents alike!  

My second favorite is ADVdesigns!  Did you read my post yesterday and use the coupon code?  I have been loving my new earrings this week!  

My third favorite is my second Mother’s Day gift from my hub that came late (he also got me a new coffee maker).  It is a replica of a Spanish coin from a shipwreck from the jewelry company of Kristin Cavallari, Uncommon James.  This isn’t a great photo but I’m loving wearing it with silver necklace with my Dad’s birthdate on it that I showed you a few months ago.  I love this style necklace and the fact that I’m a Spanish teacher makes it a cool piece for me.  Don’t worry – I didn’t have my husband pay full price – I sent him a coupon code!  Yes!  

My fourth favorite is my new Barcelona candle from Bath and Body.  I got it because of Barcelona (Spanish teacher thing again!), but it smells just like the Capri Blue Volcano candle!  It is their sun -washed citrus scent.  I highly recommend it for summer!  

What have been your favorites this week?  Any fun weekend plans?  

Don’t forget about my themes for next week to help you get dressed!

Monday – Stripes

Tuesday – Floral

Wednesday – Something you haven’t worn yet this season

Thursday – Swing dress or any spring/summer dress

Friday – Graphic tee with cardigan or kimono

Send me photos at end of week or each day if you are willing to be on the blog!

scott_amy@bellsouth.net

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy 

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Do you love Etsy as much as I do?  Do you love supporting small businesses?  

Today I’m going to talk about a jewelry business called ADVdesigns that I discovered maybe 2 years ago on Etsy.  

I believe I first heard about ADVdesigns earrings from Kelly of Kelly’s Korner blog.  Amber Vaughn is the owner/designer and her customer service can’t be beat.  

I recently was placing my 5th order with her and just so you know, I started ordering from her long before I had this blog. I decided to send her a note with my order telling her I had a blog and asking if I could feature her in a more formal way.  I had already recommended her to many friends and I like to help a sister out.  

She sent me three pairs of earrings as a gift in addition to the four I ordered and gave me a coupon code for you that doesn’t expire!  How generous!  

Click here to shop her store or go to Etsy and search “ADVdesigns” and use code AMY20 at check out to receive 20% off.  Her prices are already so reasonable.  You can get a pair of earrings for as low as $4.  I can’t even get a Starbuck’s for that, people!  

These would make excellent teacher gifts – I know I would love to receive this!  

These would make excellent graduation gifts, too.  I have given them to my sisters for their birthdays and they love them, too.  

They come in cute boxes and they ship super fast!  

If you are new to the world of leather earrings – let me just tell you – they are so lightweight you won’t want to wear anything else.  I like the large size, but there are three sizes to pick from.  I truly wear this type of earring most days!  

I am also into acrylic earrings now, too, and she has added those to her shop as well.  I should mention that she also carries some bracelets.  

I think these really elevate an outfit.  Aren’t these cute and at such reasonable prices?  

Do you have any yet?  What are you waiting for?  

Thanks for reading!  And, thanks for supporting her business if you are able and interested!  

Amy 

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Happy hump day, all!  Did you read my “rule of 3” post yesterday here?  See how well I did below – or not – with following the rule!  

So, the temps over the past week have been in the 60s and 70s.  It’s been so nice during the week and mostly cold and rainy on the weekends!  The AC is cranked in the school building so it’s been nice to have long sleeves or a sweater.  

This is my uniform as of late – Old Navy blouse, Matilda Jane pants, sweater.  I am loving my spring 2019 Old Navy blouses – I have a couple floral and this butterfly/insect print.  I usually size up one at Old Navy and make sure to line dry them.  

Allergy eyes called for glasses on this day!  I think it’s figure flattering to go monochromatic with black pants and tank and throw a kimono over it.  I love this kimono from Nordstrom.com last summer and it can double as a swim cover up.  I can use these two basics and throw many a kimono over to change it up.  This would be a great travel outfit.  

I love these palazzo pants from last season.  This is how you get away with essentially wearing pajama pants at work.  This is a consignment orange blouse and a necklace I’ve had for a long time.  

Here is a student of mine who said I could use her photo- love her pants and as you can see, even the young girls are wearing these fun printed pants. These platform tennis shoes in white seem to be all the rage with the young girls and many fashion bloggers.  

Here is a weekend outfit for you:  This is what I wore Saturday to run errands and watch my son’s Shakespeare play.  I wore my $124 OTBT consignment sandals that I got for $18 for the first time and they were surprisingly walkable and comfortable.  

So, my weekend wear is often the same-ish as my work week wear!  

What have you been wearing lately?  

Thanks for reading!  Be sure to come back tomorrow for an exciting coupon code!  

And, don’t forget if you want help getting dressed next week, here is the schedule:

Monday – stripes

Tuesday – floral

Wednesday – something you haven’t worn yet this season

Thursday – swing dress or any spring/summer dress

Friday – graphic tee with a cardigan or kimono

Amy 

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

I was first exposed to the “rule of 3” in fashion and design by one of the first blogs I ever read – Everyday Mom Style.  The blog is no more, but I have kept what I learned from reading it.  

Examples:  

If I wear just a blouse and a skirt it may not provide much visual interest.  

If I wear a blouse, a skirt, and a vest it adds more visual interest to the outfit.  

I can also wear a blouse, skirt, and a bold necklace to make three items.  

From Obsessions Fashion online article, “When choosing an outfit, our natural tendency is to put together a bottom and a top, or just a dress, and although there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, just by adding a third item, you can instantly transform an other wise simple outfit to one that looks put together and complete.”  

A blogger than exemplifies this is Audrey at Putting Me Together.  She talks about “completer pieces” that act as her third pieces.  A completer piece can be a sweater, a vest, a kimono, a jacket, a blazer – something that ties it all together.  A slimming way to do this is to wear the same color top and bottom and add a third piece that is a contrasting color.  

If you feel you are stuck in a mom uniform or a work uniform, you might be surprised by how easy it is to just add one more thing.  Let’s say your typical outfit is a t-shirt and yoga pants.  Throw on a kimono when it’s time to go to the grocery.  Throw on a jean jacket as your third piece.  Or, wear your favorite jeans, a graphic tee instead of a workout tee, and then add the third piece.  Is this shallow?  Not really, in my opinion.  When I feel put together, I am more outgoing and more productive.  

I have taken some spring outfit examples to illustrate this point:  

I don’t love the outfit below, but the vest is my third piece.  It adds more interest than just the pants and top alone would.  I don’t love the red and blue and don’t feel as much myself in these colors.  I think pairing the red pants with white and the blue top with a neutral will feel more like me.  But, this illustrates my point.  

The outfit below really only has two pieces and I don’t love it – nor is it that flattering.  I guess the necklace could be my third, but…a vest would add another element.  

Same for this outfit – it’s just boring.  I don’t have my third piece.  

Now, look how much better the below outfits look.  

Do you agree that the third piece adds more to the outfits?  It really doesn’t take more effort to add a third piece and it helps when you have temperature variations during your day.  I like to “pin” my favorite outfits on Pinterest and I notice they all seem to follow the rule of 3.  

The third piece gets harder to do as the weather warms up.  I will be experimenting with this soon!  

Anyone interested in another outfit challenge?  The last one I did was in the winter, so let’s try it with our spring and summer clothing!  I’m trying to wear everything in my closet or donating it so this will be fun!  Email me your photos each day or at the end of the week or just tell me that you are participating!  Don’t buy anything – simply substitute when necessary.  This is just for fun and to help you and me get dressed each day!  

Monday – something striped

Tuesday – something floral

Wednesday – something you haven’t worn yet this season

Thursday – a swing dress or any spring/summer dress in your closet

Friday – graphic tee with a cardigan or a kimono

Amy