Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Have you always wanted to be a part of a book club?  Make 2019 your year!  You may have to be the one to organize it, but it will be worth it – trust me!  It really holds you accountable to read more which I think is a goal of many people.  It also sometimes gets you reading genres you might not have read on your own.  You may also make some new friends.  Really, you have nothing to lose!

I am currently in my second book club.  The first ran its course after about 4 years together, which I thought was pretty good.  It lost and gained a few members and by the end we were down to about 4 people and we just let it fade out, but it was a lot of fun.  We read a lot of books!  One of our most memorable nights was when we sat in one of the members’ tree house (seriously – her husband built it and it had a table and seating for 8!) and discussed Fifty Shades of Grey with themed foods – garlic knots, playroom punch, laters baby taters.  Haha!  

My second book club had its first year in 2018 and it was pretty successful!

Here is how we organized ours:

-We decided to do Thursday nights at 6:30 and rotate houses.   If it was your month you would pick the book and be the hostess.  

-We sent out 9 months of Thursday dates via email and everyone picked a month and went ahead and gave their book title.  This worked much better than waiting until the month before for each person to pick their book like my first book club did. Many people like to order their books from Amazon in advance or request from the library.

-We did February, March, April, May, June, July, October, and November of 2018.  We skipped August and December because they were so busy with school starting and Christmas.  

-Eight months worked out perfectly because we had 8 members to start, but you could also do 4 people hosting twice each.

-As the year went on, we had a couple of people drop out.  We just cancelled those months or talked about the books at the following months’ meeting.  

-Don’t get your feelings hurt if you ask someone and they say no.  Some people are at a busy season in their lives and some people just aren’t readers.  I had a couple of gals say no and that was fine.

-Who do you ask?  You can ask neighbors, co-workers, people from church, friends, friends of friends that you know like to read.  My current group ranges in age from early 40s to mid 50s and has married and divorced women.  I have a friend who is in a different book club with her friends and her mom and some of her mom’s friends!  I think a variety of ages can give a variety of perspectives.  

-Don’t get your feelings hurt if someone drops out.  They may just not be able to honor the time commitment and it’s not personal.  

-After everyone has picked their month and their book selection, people just need to start reading!

-A week before each meeting, someone should email or text a reminder and a request for a RSVP so that the host can plan for table seating, plates, napkins, glasses, etc.

-The host usually makes an appetizer and provides some wine for our group.  Everyone else brings an appetizer and a bottle of wine or a drink of their choice.  We decided to keep it simple and everyone loves an appetizer meal.  You can bring store bought and that is totally fine.  Sometimes the host does a dessert, too,  

-Our rule is that we talk about the book, including the ending even if some haven’t finished or even started the book.  We still encourage everyone to come even if it was a bad month of reading for them.  To be honest, there was only one month where every single person read the whole book and it was the first month and it was my pick!  Lol!  (Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us – it was a pretty quick read and a good one to get us started)

-We don’t just talk about the book, of course!  We have talked about all kinds of things and had lots of laughs.  I tend to be the one to steer us back to the book or to make sure that our conversation at least involves the book in part.  It’s the teacher in me!

So, do you want to start a book club this year?  

For 2019 our dates are:  2/28, 3/21, 4/25, 5/23, 6/27, 7/25, 9/26, and 10/24.  We do the last Thursday of the month or close to the last if a holiday is involved.  We may add just a dinner out in November but November got cancelled last year.  

Here are some authors and book suggestions if your group needs them:

Colleen Hoover, Elizabeth Berg, Lianne Moriarity, Elin Hildebrand

The Last Mrs. Parrish

Verity

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine

All We Ever Wanted 

Happy book clubbing!  Let me know if you are already in a book club or plan to start one!

Amy

*Full disclosure:  I wrote this a couple of weeks ago and I have only had one person respond to my book club email for this year.  The one that responded was a no.  So, I will send one more request but I may not have a book club for this year, sadly.  

Monday, February 11, 2019

How was your weekend?  I’m linking up with Heather, Lindsay, and Tanya  here for Hello Monday!  Here is how my weekend went…

Friday after school, our Spanish club attempted to make this below.  It’s called an arepa and they are common in Colombia and Venezuela.  It is like a corn meal cake that after cooking, you slice open and stuff with various things.  We just did beans and cheese and they turned out really good!  

It is super easy and you only need this below, salt and water.  

After that, two other Spanish teachers and I were thirsty!  I swung by to pick up my Kroger online order and then met them for this below!  

Friday night dinner was chicken and noodles at home.  It was good comfort food for a cold night.  

Saturday morning I had to drop a son off at theater and get some medicine for my husband. I also returned my pretty pink earrings and my multi color sweater from Versona that I bought a week ago on my snow day.   I decided it was too short and boxy.  

I did some window shopping at the mall and I bought the Anthropologie Anatola tunic in a rust color on sale for $22 and wore it Saturday night. 

I picked son up and made lunch for everyone and did my nails.  Can you tell I want spring?  

Saturday night I took son to theater for his second performance and my two friends were working a dance at their girls’ school so we met for dinner before they went.  Two of us enjoyed red wine and one a cranberry vodka.  

I tried something new to me – eggplant casserole atop spicy lentils.  It was really good.  My husband didn’t have an appetite but my other son requested I bring him food home and he chose the salmon.  He loved it.  He is getting to be quite a foodie.  The other one – not so much.  

This is the play my son is doing.  We saw him perform Thursday night.  It continues on next weekend so we may go watch him one more time.  There are ten 10 minute plays.  

And, Sunday was an afternoon performance of his play.  We dropped him off at call time and took our other son to a record shop.  He has a record player and loves music.  

It’s hard to believe this week is already Valentine’s Day.  We haven’t made any plans yet.  We have a busy week in store, so I’m not sure what we will be able to do.   How about you?  

Hope you have a good Monday!

Amy 

Friday, February 8, 2019

Hello Friday!  This week kicked my butt!  With a five day week and activities every evening after school I do know why!  I’m linking up with Andrea et al for Friday Favorites here!  

Being in a movie scene!  Read about it here!  

This book is really cute!  I love Claire Cook.  A girl is the personal assistant for her famous brother and she uses his fame to go on a version of “Dancing with the Stars”!  It’s well written so that I don’t find it too cheesy but it’s light enough for what I need right now in my life.  

I love Prince (R.I.P.) and Purple Rain.  I even have a cocktail called Purple Rain.  The Easter candy is already out and look what I saw!  No, I didn’t buy it yet!  

I ordered these from Amazon and they seem like good quality for under $15.  They are not just sunglasses – but sunglasses readers!  Reading in the sun last Sunday made me realize I need these.  Do you need readers yet?  I’m only at a 1.5 and I only need them with my contacts in but not with my contacts out.  I’m so high maintenance, aren’t I?  

I’m starting to think spring and this bag just spoke to me.  I had never heard of an online shop called The Copper Fox but I ordered this for around $30 for spring.  I don’t have anything like it and I don’t have many purses anymore.  I will let you know about the quality when it arrives.  

What were your favorites this week?  Any fun weekend plans?  We have lots of theater plans this weekend.  I would like to squeeze in a movie, but not sure that will happen.  

Thanks for reading and happy weekending!  

Amy 

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Something pretty crazy and cool happened to me this past Monday.  

Apparently there are lots of movies being made in my city and state due to it being a desirable place in regards to tax breaks?  About two weeks ago, I filled out an online form for my theater son and me to be extras in a movie.  I said I was available on Sunday.  Well, this past Sunday I got an email asking if I would be available Monday and sadly, I had to say that I wasn’t available until after school. But, my son had a four hour rehearsal and wasn’t available.  

So, they told me I could come after school and they told me what to wear – winter clothing that looked fairly nice and not to wear black, red, white, or anything busy and to bring two changes of clothing.  Hello –  that is basically my wardrobe.  So, I found a few things and went down to the location after school.  

They were doing all of the staging at a hotel across the street from the shoot.  

The shoot was at a custom bakery that I assume they had rented out.  They must have also hired them to bake cookies.  

I was picked to be one of six people to sit at tables and pretend to eat cookies – well, we could actually eat them.  And, I had to pretend to drink coffee from an empty cup!  

I don’t want to show too much, so this is the fake cookie shop counter!  

The scene I was in and the only one I got to see was of a finance executive and her friend coming in to the shop and needing cookies because of stress.  The exec never took vacations and was giving her all to her job.  

Apparently she was going to inherit a cabin that was also left to the hunky handyman that cared for the cabin.  What does this sound like?  You guessed it!  Hallmark!  Or, it could be Lifetime!  

So, I will let you know if I hear anything.  I probably won’t even make it in the actual movie because they didn’t really shoot in my direction.  

But, it was a super fun experience and I’m glad I took the opportunity even after a long day at school!

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

I’m a little low on photos this week due to two days out of school last week!  Here is Tuesday’s outfit!  All of a sudden our heating system is so intense and I’m having to wear more springy outfits, I think.  

This was Friday when it was February first so I broke out my Valentine’s leggings!

Monday I forgot to take my photo, but here is what I wore.  

Here is yesterday.  

Which is your favorite?  What did you wear?  Check out yesterday’s post on February outfits here!  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Raise your hand if you are so tired of your winter clothes by now!  I know I am, but winter is not quite over yet, even though the groundhog did not see his shadow, thankfully.

The spring clothing is starting to appear in stores and I’m making a wish list and a list of spring holes in my closet, but until then…

I want you to go to your closet and pull out anything that is pink or red.  

Pull out any pink or red accessories, too.  

Give new life to those Christmas red tops you wore all through December.  

I recently did this exercise and couldn’t believe how much I had.  

Hopefully this will help you pull together some fun outfits for this month!

Anything black with red earrings works!

Black shirt with pink vest works! This cute heart scarf works with this red vest! 

Any blanket scarf with pink or red works – I have this bright pink sweater that looks good with mine.

And, of course any buffalo plaid works – also, I have my pink “burberry”.  

Thanks for reading and hope I gave you a few ideas!  

Amy 

Monday, February 4, 2019

How was your weekend?  Mine was good and I guess I didn’t really need it that badly after being off Wednesday and Thursday and a 2 hour delay Friday!  Hope I’m ready for a full 5 day week!  Are you?  How was your weekend?  

I’m linking up today with Lindsay, Heather, and Tanya.  Check out other posts right here!  

This guy left on Thursday morning so we missed him this weekend.  This is what he was doing and I’m happy he had a chance to get away!  

Thursday afternoon I had the pleasure of a happy hour with my old work friend V.  She agreed to meet during the 2 hours I have to kill while waiting for my son to have his theater class.  It takes some planning, but I like taking advantage of those moments to fill my cup (literally and figuratively!)

I had the “No Sleep Til Brooklyn”.  I don’t even know what was in it – just liked the Beastie Boy reference!  You know you are singing it now, too, if you are close to my age-lol!

And we had the guac!

Friday we went to school but the kids had a two hour delay.  Friday night was a theater rehearsal so other son and I tried a restaurant near the theatre called Ciao.  We really liked it and plan to take the whole family back!  

We shared ceasar salad, eggplant parm and breadsticks.  

We took cannoli to go for my other son.  

Saturday morning the boys had an ACT workshop and I took myself shopping to a boutique called 50Lou that I’ve been wanting to check out.  They have all locally made goods.  I will definitely go back for gifts!  

I also checked out a new biscuit place.  

I read this book this weekend and it was cute but rated R.  

I met two gals for the UK game later that afternoon – my sis-in-law J and my friend H. 

All I had was this water.  Just joking! 

We had chips and queso and pickle chips!

Theater son had a four hour rehearsal on Sunday afternoon and this guy takes after his mom.  He pulled out a beach chair and read in the sun.  Notice the snow shovels to the right of the photo.  Yes, Wednesday it was 7 degrees and yesterday it was in the high 60s!  Crazy!  

I started this book.  Claire Cook has written some really cute books and some have been made into movies.  One example is “Must Love Dogs”.  

I put a roast and vegetables in the oven and then picked up my son and came home and my hub was home!  We missed him but we’re glad he had fun.  

And, that was my weekend.  Looking forward to reading about yours!  We have lots of warm temps and rain this week before it gets cold again.

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Yesterday was the best kind of snow day!  Well, it started out being an “extreme cold day” and overnight we got a bit of snow.  

Here’s why it was the best:  it was a Wednesday – smack dab in the middle of the week at the epicenter of two weekends AND because we found out at 2:45!  That is so rare that that happens!  So, this meant I could have an afternoon caffeinated coffee and I stayed up later than normal – or at least tried to.  

I woke up at pretty much the same time Wednesday morning and leisurely read blogs, had my quiet time, and drank coffee.  

My husband still had to go to work so before he left I put in a load of laundry so that maybe he would think I had a productive day planned – haha!

When the sun finally came up, this is what the view out my front door looked like. 

One son woke up and I offered up some French toast.  

I did my nails with OPI Funny Bunny.

I worked very hard to clear off my DVR.  The Bachelor still had not been watched.

I finally managed to get out of the house around 2:00.  I had to get dog food from Costco – and a couple of other things.  

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Costco parking lot so empty and I practically had the store to myself.  

I really want to try one of these taco kits next trip.  

Mission accomplished at Costco and since it was on the way home, I stopped at Versona.  I’ve never seen that mall parking lot so empty either.  I have finally figured out the secret to avoiding big crowds.  Go shopping when there is an extreme cold advisory.  

These are very similar to my Amazon earrings and only cost $8.  

I thought these looked like shamrocks or flowers or both!  

David Yurman look a likes.

I predict that super tiny earrings are going to be a thing.  I also thought the ones on the right could be a Kendra Scott dupe.

Aren’t these cute for Valentine’s Day? 

Did I buy anything from the above photos?  No, but I may go back.  Did I buy anything else?  You will have to wait and see!  

I came home and started watching season two of Mrs. Maisel on Kellyann’s recommendation.  It’s really good!  Then, it was time to make dinner because apparently these people still want to eat on snow days.  And, during my Mrs. Maisel session I got a text that we would have another snow day!  So, I’m off again today.  

I will leave you with this graphic which I think is true!  We will be warming up today and Saturday will hit 50 and Sunday will get up to 60!  Crazy!  

I know not everyone gets to enjoy a snow day as an adult and for that I’m truly sorry.  It is a wonderful thing to get a “free pass” on a weekday as an adult.  I don’t take them for granted!  I will have to pay the piper in March when we lose a couple of scheduled days off.  

What about you?  Snow days good or bad?  How’s your weather?  

Stay warm!

Amy 

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

No school for me today!  Our district announced yesterday right after school that we would be out due to the extreme cold today!  I plan to practice my hygge and fika today!  

Today I’m linking with with Shay and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday as well as doing my regular What I Wore post.  

Last week was my second and final outfit challenge week:

black and white stripes – I changed from the boots to black flats at school.

Wednesday – leopard!

Thursday – cardigan.  Sadly it came off at school because my room was too hot for it.  

Friday – jeans

Saturday – UK game.  I am trying to show more weekend outfits.  

Notice how many times I’ve worn my new Rothy’s water bottle shoes?  Look at my cute co-worker in her Rothy’s!  She had wanted them, too, and when she heard my testimony she ordered them and is very happy, too.  She picked the same color as me.  Now she is ready to order a second pair in yellow.  I think yellow flats would be so fun to have!  Most of her wardrobe comes from Loft and she always looks so cute.  

Here is Jill again with her outfit pictures from the week.  Thank you, Jill!

Now, if you are still with me, here is What’s Up Wednesday!  

What we’re eating:  I’m in need of new recipes badly!  We have had spaghetti, tacos, chili, hot subs and fries, and I’m out!  I need to look through my favorite cookbooks this weekend.  Yes, I still love a real cookbook!

What I’m reminiscing about:  I’m really missing my Dad.  I finally made myself listen to a few saved voicemails.  Thank goodness for those.  My Dad still left voicemails and I’m so glad.  It is weird but cool to hear his voice!  If anyone has lost someone close to them, I’m sure you can relate.  It still seems surreal.  

What I’m loving:  I’m loving my coffee, tea, candles, cozy slippers and blankets.  Check out yesterday’s post here.  

What I’ve been up to:  School, being a Mom taxi, laundry and more laundry!  Teen clothing is huge and they go through so many clothes now!  I do make them put them away but I could ask them to do more… working on it.  

What I’m dreading:  Nothing really at the moment.

What I’m working on:  Working on school stuff and decluttering!  I lost a bit of momentum and hope to get it back!  Check out my closet clean out post inspired by Marie Kondo here.  

What I’m excited about:  The prospect of some snow days including today which is just a cold day!  

What I’m watching/reading:  Watching Enlisted with the family, The Good Place with one Son, The Office always!  Also, if you haven’t watched You on Netflix yet, please do!  It is not appropriate for even teens in my opinion.  It’s a little darker than what I normally watch.  I did a post here about the clothing.  Also, I need to watch season two of Mrs. Maisel!  Have you seen it?  

What I’m listening to:  podcasts, music in Spanish – my favorite artist (and my students’ favorite) is Alvaro Soler from Spain if you are interested.  

What I’m wearing:  See the first part of today’s post!  And, I can’t stop wearing my new Amazon leggings that I talked about in Friday’s post here.  

What I’m doing this weekend:  Being mom taxi for lots of theatre events!  

What I’m looking forward to next month:  Celebrating Valentine’s Day to some extent and a long weekend that weekend.  

What else is new:  Nothing much, really.  I’m totally o.k. with that.  My boys are swiftly approaching the end of their junior year and I’m just not ready!  Hub and I were saying that we both still picture them as like 10 or 11 years old.  We just can’t believe they have gotten this old on us.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy