Monday, April 1, 2019

Happy April Fool’s Day!  Do you play tricks on people today?  When we are in school on April Fool’s, I announce a quiz and then say “April Fool’s!” When I was a kid we would put salt in the sugar bowl for my Dad’s coffee.  My boys and I have done a few things to hub through the years, too.  Maybe I will get them to come up with a plan for when he gets home from work tonight!  

Friday after school I had some shopping and cleaning to do.  I had to go to Costco to get some of the things I needed for the weekend- one of which was a quick meal for Friday night.  I was happy to see that they now have a Cobb salad!  It fed all of us two times this weekend.  I also bought the Asian chicken wraps.  I unwrapped mine and put it in a low carb wrap that is only one WW point!  Score!  I mentioned last week that I’m doing WW online.  

My cousin A from Michigan was stopping to spend a night on her way to the beach.  She and her son and husband arrived around 8 p.m. and stayed until Saturday morning.  It was a nice little visit!  We forgot to take a picture Friday night, so this was Saturday before they left and before I had fixed myself up!  

The fact that we were having guests prompted us to do our cleaning Thursday night and Friday,  so the rest of Saturday was free for me.  Hub left town to help his parents and I had the day to myself while the boys entertained themselves.  I had been wanting to visit The Prickly Pear.  If you are local, you should check it out.  I have been many times but their merchandise for spring is out now.  A friend of mine owns it.  

It’s in the cutest little yellow house.  They carry accessories, clothing, decor, beach towels and totes,  and housewares.  

They now carry this wonderful cologne that my family discovered in a boutique in Michigan.  I bought it for my sister a couple of birthdays ago because she loved it.  Have you heard of this?  It is a nice clean smell for summer in my opinion.  

She has the cutest earrings – most are under $12. 

I decided on these.  

I returned home with Subway for lunch for the boys and for me (I got the veggie sub toasted with no dressings and it was 5 WW points) and rested for a bit before it was time to take one son to the movies.  After dropping him off, I visited World Market.  They have unique accessories.  

I decided to get these for only $5!  I thought they looked like Uncommon James, which is the line by Kristin Cavallari.  

I wanted to mention that this would be a great place for unique gifts and even Easter basket content.  

After World Market, I headed to Target and wanted to let you know they still have the $1 faux succulents in cracked Easter eggs!  

I picked son up from movies and we ate dinner at home and watched a couple of shows. 

Sunday morning was chilly!  But, it was sunny and beautiful.  I hope the cold doesn’t affect my new beautiful blooms.  My Dad loved spring after a long winter and always talked about the world coming alive again. 

Sunday was a big March Madness basketball game (our team lost), grocery shopping, a trip to Barnes and Noble with a son, some magazine reading, dinner, and a little more t.v.  

What did you do this weekend?  This is our Spring Break week and I have a long list of to do’s for today!  One son has a 4 hour theater practice – yes, they keep on practicing!  I will be back tomorrow with a couple of easy drink recipes!  

Amy 

Friday, March 29, 2019

At 2:20 today, I will be on Spring Break!  I am not sure how much I will blog next week – I’m thinking I will do my “Hello Monday” and my “Friday Favorites” and then I’m not sure about the other days.  But, I could post every day as normal!  It will be a surprise!  Hope you will check each day or sign up to follow me and you will receive an email.  

So, here are some favorites from the week…

During my Target trip last weekend, I was happy to see they had my favorite denim shorts from Universal Thread again this year.  These are $18 and I wore mine all the time last summer.  If you are a bit self conscious about wearing cut offs or you feel you are – ahem- too old, I think these are the perfect solution.  They go with everything and are a bit of a “dressed up” version of cut offs.  Don’t forget you can also go to Target.com and order them if you can’t get to a store.  Universal Thread is my favorite and pretty much only Target brand that I buy now.  

I also happened upon olive green in the same style.  I have talked about my love of the drawstring linen Old Navy shorts – I have them in white, black, and tan.  I think I like this material better.  

These crackers are really good.  They taste like a corn chip or a tortilla chip and you can have something like 41 of these for 3 WW points.  

Last summer one of my sons and I watched every season and every episode of New Girl and now the other son has decided to watch it, so the whole family is watching it again!  It is PG-13 plus but we watch it with them and they are almost seniors in high school – how is that possible, by the way?  We have always been pretty liberal about what they watch – but just a warning if you have teens.  It is seriously laugh out loud funny!  

It’s almost flip flop time!  My favorite brand is Reef.  I plan on checking out the new styles (I will probably go to Macy’s – they seem to have a big selection each spring) and deciding on a new pair for this year.  I have brown ones from several years ago that still look pretty good.  I kinda have my eye on these blush ones.  

I’m also looking for the perfect wedges for the season that I can wear to work and social events and that I can dress up or down – that’s a tall order, I know.  I have my eye on these Kork Ease metallics.  My friend B had these in tan last summer so I will have to get her testimony and try these on.  What do you think?  I can’t do the really high wedge, by the way.  

I thought these were so cute from the Target Dollar Spot.  They are little cracked Easter eggs with fake succulents and they were only $1.  I’m using them on my tiered tray!  

What have been your favorites this week?  

Thanks for reading and have a lovely early spring weekend!  

Amy 

Thursday, March 28, 2019

I will admit it – I love television!  I probably only watch an hour or so during the week, but it is my guilty pleasure.  I watch some with my husband and some with the whole family, but today we will strictly be talking about “my” shows!

We still have cable – I guess you would call it that.  We have AT&T Uverse and AT&T is our WIFI and cellular service as well so we have it bundled.  We also have Netflix and Amazon Instant Video – because it comes with our Prime membership.

I watch very little “live” t.v.  My favorite invention of the recent past is the DVR function.  I love it so much I can’t even tell you.  I have friends who don’t know how to work theirs and to that I want to scream “drop everything and learn now because it is life changing!” That, and the ability to pause a live show is just the bee’s knees to me.  I have all of my current shows set to “series recording” which means that every time it is on it records it.  This is great because I can’t remember which night which show is on and I don’t have to because of this function.  

My favorite channel is Bravo!  This would be reason enough for me to pay for a cable subscription.  Not only do I watch many Bravo shows, but I listen to a hilarious podcast that recaps and makes fun of these shows – “Watch What Crappens”.  This has made all of the kid driving and fetching more fun.  I don’t listen to it with my kids in the car- only when I am on my way to get them or after dropping them off.  It does have foul language.

Current Favorite Shows:

Bravo:

Summer House – a group of NYC 20-30 year olds rent a summer house in The Hamptons

Mexican Dynasties – the three richest/most prominent Mexico City families and their lives

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – the lives of rich Beverly Hills women

Real Housewives of New York City – same but in NYC – I like this group of housewives the best of all the groups!

Don’t be Tardy – the family of  Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta.  She is married to a former NFL player and they have 6 kids, two of whom are twins.  Their young kids speak Spanish!

E!:

Very Cavallari – If you watched Laguna Beach and The Hills on MTV years ago, this is Kristin and her current life in Nashville and her company Uncommon James.  She chooses not to put her kids on camera which I respect.  Her husband is Jay Cutler.

We’re talking some real quality t.v. here!  Don’t judge!  I do read books, too!  Ha!

What are your current favorite shows?  Do you watch live t.v., cable, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant?  It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?  

Happy watching!

Amy 

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

We’re halfway there!  And, this Friday will mean Spring Break!  We always have the first week of April as our Spring Break.  I have often thought we need it earlier to be more of a halfway point between January and summer?  Are you also on break next week?  

This is what I wore on Monday.  It is cold again and it appears the heat in the building is now off so we have been a bit chilly at school.  This Free People top is so unique.  I’m wearing Matilda Jane pants, Tieks consignment flats, a necklace that is probably 8 years old from Versona, and a consignment cuff bracelet that you can’t really see.  

I used this twice so far in addition to my Jergens Wet Skin.  

Here is a weird picture of my slightly tanned arm.  I’m wishing I had a before picture.  I talked about this on Monday here.  I also did some product recommendations here on Friday if you missed it.  I diligently write down other peoples’ recommendations so maybe you are the same?  

I’m enjoying this baby blue on my nails right now.  OPI Suzi Without a Paddle is the name.  Did you read my nail polish hack yesterday here?  

This is what I wore Tuesday.  I’m wearing the Tieks consignment flats again, Chico’s consignment pants, an old knit bouse from the Kohl’s Chaps line (you can find some gems in this line, in my opinion – other than that I’m not a big Kohl’s fan.)  

What have you worn this week?  This is always a hard time to dress.  The calendar says spring but the temps don’t always match up.  Our low this morning was 29 degrees.  I guess I know that I’m old by the amount of time I spend talking about the weather!  

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!

Amy 

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

As I was piddling around this weekend and using some of these “hacks” I wondered if I should share them with you.  Of course I should!  Please share yours with me in the comments, too.  

I keep a spray bottle full of water in my bathroom and in the summer one goes with me lots of places.  In my bathroom year round, I use it in the morning to refresh my hair and to smooth any lumps and bumps from sleeping because I wash my hair at night.  When the weather turns hot, it is great to take one on the boat or to the pool.  I have even taken it to outdoor concerts.  It can really cool you off.  

When you get a pedicure take your own polish.  This allows you to fix any chips as they happen. 

When your nail polish starts getting a bit old, put a few drops of nail polish remover in it and shake, shake, shake.  If you get professional manis and pedis, you will notice the nail techs really spend some serious time rolling and shaking the polish bottles.  

Put a few drops of contact solution in your mascara and it will help it to declump.  

If you wear flats (or any shoe) that rub on your foot bone, this little baby really works.  

Hope you learned at least one new trick!  Remember to leave yours in the comments!  

Amy 

Monday, March 25, 2019

How was your weekend?  Mine was spent doing a lot of driving, a little Target shopping, some meal prepping, and a little bit of reading and t.v.  Friday night we stayed home and all had something different to eat.  Do you ever do that?  Hub had frozen pizza, one son had ravioli, and the other had leftovers.  

I am doing WW online and I had a homemade bean burrito, a veggie burger, and a salad.  A bit random, but it worked.  

It was a bit chilly this weekend, but it was so nice to see the sun on Saturday.  I did a baby blue manicure.  Do you have trouble with bold colors on your fingernails?  Try changing the length of your nails.  These colors look better on shorter nails in my opinion.  

I hadn’t been in Target for a couple of weeks.  I did want to let you know that the Revlon hair tool is in the store if you don’t want to order it off of Amazon.  It looks like it is about five more dollars at Target.  I’m still loving mine.  

This used to be my favorite tanning product – the mousse.  I would apply it with rubber gloves on!  But, it is $12.  

My college roomie recommended this and it’s my new favorite after using it last summer.  It is only $7 and I found it easy to use.  

In addition to my Jergen’s Wet Skin, I’m going to start doing real self tanner every few days.  I wish I had taken a before picture to show you, but I have a nice light tan going right now. 

One of my sons attended the junior prom while the other decided to see Captain Marvel with Dad.  They had so much fun and his date was so sweet.  They ate at an Asian Mexican fusion restaurant, went to prom, and then went to Waffle House after.  

I made a good breakfast this weekend.  It was half of a baked potato sauteed in a skillet with zucchini along with scrambled eggs, a sprinkle of cheese, and Everything but the bagel seasoning.  

We have 5 days until spring break!  This can feel like the longest week of the year!  

Hope you had a great weekend and have a happy Monday!

Amy 

Friday, March 22, 2019

Happy Friday!  This week went by quickly!  I have been seeing a lot of good product recommendations on blogs and on Instastories lately.  It seems like the change of seasons brings about a need for new products, am I right?  I have gotten the best recommendations from other people and I absolutely hate wasting money on a product that I end up hating!  So, let’s go left to right in my basket of goodies, starting from the back row.  It’s a bit random, by the way!  

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer

I mentioned this recently, but after using it again for the last week, I want to mention it again.  After you finish your shower but before you towel off, you apply this and then immediately towel off.  There is no wait time, so it must be magic.  It gives you a subtle tan and is perfect for early spring.  Bonus, you don’t have to apply lotion unless you want to.

John Frieda Blonder 

This is for the blondes out there and especially the blondes who have a little “help” if you know what I mean!  I have been highlighting my hair since my early twenties.  I use this after washing my hair maybe a few times a week.  It has enabled me to wait longer between salon appointments.  I had my hair hightlighted in November and didn’t need to go again until February.  Last spring I went in April and waited until November!  Say what?  I will tell you it gives you a more golden shade of blonde rather than an ashy blonde.  I’m on my second bottle.  There is also a shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray in this line that are really great, too.  

Not Your Mother’s She’s a Tease hairspray

I seriously looked for this in 4 or 5 stores recently and ended up ordering a 2 pack on Amazon.  I love this hairspray so much and am on maybe my 10th bottle?  The price is great – around $5 and it holds my thick hair but you can still comb through it or work with it if needed.  It smells amazing, too.  I hate a too sweet or too strong smell and this is perfect.  

Simply Saline

I will never live without this.  My husband and I both use our own, of course, every day.  I swear it has helped keep allergies at bay.  We live in a horrible place for allergies and we love this product.  It’s in a 3 pack at Costco or at your pharmacy or grocery for about $5.  

Maybelline Sheer Stay Matte Ink in Seductress

This was recommended by Kelly of Kelly’s Korner blog.  It really stays all day, but it is a matte if you like shiny.  This is the perfect day color.  I love my Lipsence but I feel that I have to save it for night and weekend!  So, this is what I use for day time now.  It is a bit sticky feeling if that bothers you.  

Cerave sunscreen for face with zinc

Do you suffer from melasma or dark spots?  I was told the only thing that will help is zinc.  This product does make your face look slightly white but it’s worth it.  I put foundation or tinted moisturizer over it to help it not look so white.  

Dum Dum suckers

In my effort to lower my calories I have been having one of these after dinner.  I always want something sweet!  I usually have a clementine and then this is my “treat” while I watch a show.  I can make these last a long time!  So, I told you this list was random!

What are your favorite products?  Do you change them up as the seasons change?  

Have a great weekend!

Amy 

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Hello and happy Thursday!  We’ve almost made it to Friday once again!  Are you a consignment shopper?  Several years ago my good friend V would show me things she purchased and they were good, good, good!  So, one summer we did a tour of several of our local boutiques.  It was so much fun!  So, now I’m a big fan and I visit three shops regularly if you are local to Louisville, Ky.  I go to Clothes Mentor, Sassy Fox, and Dunc’s.  Even my small hometown has some great consignment stores, so I bet you can find one of your own!

Here are some recent examples.  I did leave empty handed.  You have to be careful to stick to your list and not just buy something because it was cheap.

American Eagle jacket $16

Universal Thread from Target – Aren’t these slides cute?  $12

Sam Eddleman sandals $16 –  I have a similar black pair that I love

This was a brand I hadn’t heard of but thought they were super cute – $12

Jack Rogers – $16

Are you convinced yet?  Are you a consignment shopper?  I feel good shopping this way because I’m helping the environment and my pocketbook!

Amy 

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Happy Wednesday to all!  I have been bad about taking photos!  I bought a tripod but my phone won’t fit with the case on my phone!  Oh well, here you go:  

This was Monday at work.  I bought this new grey vest at Versona.com for $19!  Did you read my Shop with Me at Versona post here?  I decided to check out their website and I found it very user friendly and the shipping was fast, although not free.  I’m wearing my Rothy’s, Matilda Jane pants, favorite Caslon tee from Nordstrom.

Tuesday I wore my consignment silver Seychelles booties, Matilda Jane Finn pants, Old Navy embroided sleeveless top from a couple of years ago, and my new Walmart Sofia Vergara jean jacket.  I added a couple of items to my closet in the last couple of weeks and will be showing those soon.  Also, my hair is done using the Revlon dryer/voluminizer I talked about here and that all bloggers seem to be talking about!  

And, finally, I have starting doing Weight Watchers or WW as it is now called.  I have done it in the past and lost and kept it off post twin babies.  It is really the best “lifestyle plan” out there in my humble and non-expert opinion.  I am learning the ropes and hoping to do well with it.  I have been inspired by My Glittery Heart and Preppy Empty Nester and they don’t even know who I am!  They have both recently talked about doing the program and given recipe suggestions, for which I am very grateful.  Then, my mom called and said she was doing it and offered to treat me to it and I felt that the universe was leading me this way.  I hope I can offer up some healthy meal ideas for others, too.  

Is anyone else out there doing WW?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

If you’re like many, you struggle with getting week night dinners on the table at dinnertime due to activities that run until past when you would need to start making dinner! 

Spring sports have started along with whatever other activities you or your kids have going on.

I have 2-3 nights a week where I don’t get home until 6:30.  That isn’t that bad, but we like to eat around that time.  

I try to make dinner more complicated than it needs to be.  I’m working on this!  

So, my tips probably aren’t going to break the internet, but here goes:

-Make dinners simpler – think lunch for dinner – sandwiches and salads

-Make all of your meat on Sunday. I did this last weekend.  I made my spaghetti meat and my taco meat at the same time and also grilled my chicken for a Greek salad.  

Here is my sample menu for the week:  

Monday – leftovers from the weekend – We have an abundance of Chinese take out!  We also cleaned out other random single portions of leftovers.  Leftovers can be fun.  I have heard some families draw numbers and the number one gets first dibs on their choice of leftovers.  Wouldn’t this be kind of fun?  

Tuesday – Taco Tuesday with already cooked taco meat.  Our family an always eat Mexican!  It’s nice to know Tuesdays are done for me!

Wednesday – spaghetti – We have pasta at least once a week.  

Thursday – Entree Greek Salad with grilled chicken, cucumbers, feta, tomatoes, and lettuce.  I’m trying to get my family on board with more entree salads.  

Other ideas:  

sandwich bar – a couple of types of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, condiments and chips or veggies for a side

potato bar – already bake the potatoes on the weekend or all day in crockpot wrapped in foil.  You can top with chili, cheese, sour cream, chicken, bbq – anything!

burrito bowls with protein prepped on weekend

ready made bbq on top of Texas Toast, baked beans from a can

fajitas with ready made meat and flour tortillas

quesadillas with ready made meat.  You can cook these the night before and the reheat in the microwave just fine

soup and grilled cheese

already cooked ham, ready made mashed potatoes, canned green beans, rolls

Sometimes you need a little help from the store!  It’s still healthier than fast food!

How do you get dinner on the table?  Any go to meal ideas or suggestions for me?  

Hope you got at least one new idea!

Amy