Thursday, June 28, 2018

On a recent typical summer weekday I decided to add up my “savings”.

Check it out!

7 am – got up and drank two cups of coffee on my patio that I made in my Keurig instead of buying coffees at Starbuck’s

Saved $10

9 am -made myself breakfast at home instead of getting a Starbuck’s sandwich or Chick Fil A minis

Saved $5

10 am -walked and listened to a podcast instead of paying for an exercise class

Saved $15

11- went to see my friend’s new boat and helped her a bit instead of going shopping

Saved anywhere from $20-$100

12- came home and made myself lunch

Saved $10

1 pm -Watched a DVR’ed show instead of going to a movie

Saved $10

Did my nails at home

Saved $30

Read a library book

Saved $10

4 pm- Made myself a cocktail

Saved $10

Cleaned, did laundry

Saved $10 (If I had a cleaning service I guess it would be $50 a week maybe?)

Made dinner for my family

Saved $50

By my calculations I now have at least $180 saved up for a shopping trip!

Go me!

*This post was written tongue in cheek and meant to be humorous. At the same time, I think it illustrates how easy it is to spend money like a drunken sailor when you have time on your hands!  This happened to be a day that I spent $0, but of course, I purchased groceries and gas the day prior.  Hope you enjoyed it!

Amy 

Monday, June 25, 2018

How was your weekend? Mine went by fast!  

On Thursday I had a dear friend over for lunch and she brought me this adorable owl succulent holder. I love succulents and I don’t think I’ve ever told her! Love it!

This is the only Loft top I ended up keeping.  I also wore this top Saturday night with white jeans.  (Navy blue striped flutter sleeve, you have some competition!)  I ended up returning the olive and raspberry just like this because of the material.  The material was a little bit “sueded” – not sure if that’s the right term- and I thought it would show stains and not wear well.  I wore this to hub’s volleyball game Thursday night.  We ordered nachos and I had a Michelob Ultra which is my beer of the summer.  My friend H came and hung out with us for a bit, too.  

This past week was so busy.  I was up and out early every day and Friday I just could not get motivated.  It was rainy and dreary and I took my Yeti coffee cup outside.  This is the cup I use to drink my coffee from at school.  It keeps your coffee hot for hours.  There is only one problem – it doesn’t fit in my car cup holder so I can’t take it places.  I need to put wine in it but I never think to do that.  Finally I got motivated and did my Loft returns.  I went in a store near Loft called Versona and came home with a $8.99 floral top, too.

Friday afternoon I had a spiked mango lemonade and we stayed home for dinner.  I made homemade quesadillas.  

Saturday morning I used my beloved Kentucky mug.  

Then, I did my self tanning.  You all, I’m pretty tan from 3 applications of this stuff.  It looks really natural.  I found it at Kroger.  

I now have another library book I couldn’t finish.  I switched to this one below and read a little bit on Saturday.  I have read a couple of other books by this author.  I am liking it so far.  Also, I bought a new nail color.  It’s really similar to one I have that’s almost out.  I really wanted to try this Infinite Shine.  Mel of The Larson Lingo only uses this kind and swears by it. 

I have talked about this mix before.  Saturday night we were headed to my SIL’s house for her husband’s birthday party.  She asked me to make Pesto Bowtie Pasta with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and feta.  Actually, she just said I could bring something and this is what I offered!  So, boil your bowtie pasta and toss with this packet mixed with EVOO and water, chopped artichokes, chopped sundried tomatoes and feta.  Done and done!  And, it works served hot or cold.  

The weather was great Saturday for walking and I listened to the latest Big Boo podcast. 

I folded clothes after my walk and watched my cooking shows.  I record Pioneer Woman and The Kitchen.  The Kitchen was talking about bbq.  I always get great weekly meal ideas from these sources.  After that, I made a semi homemade pizza for my boys and hub and I went to see the movie Adrift.  I liked it and he didn’t.  I don’t want to say too much in case you will see it.  It is a true story!  

This is my oldest niece again and her sweet dog at the birthday party for her Dad.  

This is the final product of my pasta.  There were beef tenderloin sandwiches, wings, Mexican layer dip, green chile dip, salad, a beautiful charcuterie spread and more!  The party was really nice and we had a great time.  We stayed until almost 10.  

Sunday we had plans to take our boys’ friend and his parents on the boat.  The weather turned out great and it wasn’t as hot.  We had a great time with them!  I made “Mermaid Juice” but it wasn’t very green so I called it “River Water” but it wasn’t quite brown enough.  The Dad gave me the idea to make a drink called “River Water” using dark rum instead.  Yes!

That’s a wrap on the weekend!  I have a lot to do this week so I need to start going to bed a little bit earlier!  I didn’t sleep great last week and it really affected my days.  

Hope you had a great weekend! 

Amy 

Friday, June 22, 2018

How was your week? I must admit I let the heat derail me from walking a couple of days. Wednesday was much better temperature wise, though.  I’m working on getting back on track.  This week has flown and what started out as a pretty open week got filled up quickly. 

What are your weekend plans? We have storm chances each day but we have a birthday party Saturday night and a boat day scheduled for Sunday so I hope the weather is on our side.  (True sign of adulthood – you talk incessantly about the weather!)  There are also more movies I want to see – so maybe an early Saturday afternoon matinee – especially if it is raining? 

Favorite #1)

I’m the guest co-host again with my friend Dan of the Fortyish podcast.  This time we talked about entertaining in your home. Listen here to episode 89 while you clean or walk or sit outside.  In the podcast, I referenced my post on entertaining that you can find here.  I was so happy that an out of town friend texted me today to tell me she threw a happy hour at her house with 12 girls!  I’m amazed she had 12 girls that could all get together the same night in the summer.  Miracles do happen!

Favorite #2)

I love saving money and/or scoring great deals. My sister pointed out that my blog posts this week have all talked about saving money!  This was not planned.  Tuesday I talked about entertaining kids this summer on a budget. Wednesday I talked about clothing and home decor for the 4th of July on a budget, and yesterday I talked about clothing for kids on a budget. Just click on the red type to go directly to those posts. I hope there will be a helpful nugget somewhere in there for you and leave me a comment or something that you do that works!  

Favorite #3)

Catching up with friends in the summer is always a goal of mine. Yesterday I had a friend over for lunch and I served a new recipe of asparagus and gruyere tart, tomato and mozzarella, salad with goat cheese, craisins, and nuts, garlic french fries, and Trader Joe’s lemon cake.  I made pineapple spritzer (non alchoholic) to drink.   One of my summer bucket list items is to learn new recipes.  I have been wanting to work more with store bought puff pastry.  It was super easy!  

Favorite #4)  

I’m still saving money by doing my own nails 2-3 times a week.  I’m back to OPI Suzi Without a Paddle.  I’m going to treat myself to a new color soon.  Leave me a new color suggestion in the comments if you have one.  I’m really into blues and whites this season.  

Favorite #5)  

This crazy niece of mine texting me from my mom’s phone for about an hour one day this week.  She is going to be in 3rd grade and is a hoot!

Favorite #6) 

My Loft order came in quicker than I thought it would.  Everything was 40% off and I got free shipping.

I think I will keep the top below but I don’t plan to wear it off the shoulder.  It is a great material but it’s a little short.  It doesn’t look like it from the photo, though!

These pants below are going back.  They are voluminous and not flattering in the stomach area.  I maybe could size down two sizes or something, but not sure if I will go to the trouble.

I didn’t realize it, but this shirt is exactly the same as the striped one.  I also ordered this in a pretty raspberry color.  Again, I don’t plan to wear this off the shoulder.  I feel like the olive and raspberry can go into fall.  They fit perfectly but they are a little bit short so I will have to try them on with jeans and different pants before I decide whether to keep them. 

I ordered a red and white striped top also.  It is really thin material and a little too long.  Go figure.  It will be going back.  

So – I will be keeping one – three tops and I’m returning the pants and the red and white stripe top.  My goal in this order was more easy tops to throw on.  It’s really a reminder that you have to try things on and you can’t go by the photos.

Have a wonderful weekend!  I can’t wait to read your Friday Favorites!  

Amy 

Thursday, June 21, 2018

I remember when I started dealing with my twin boys’ clothes.  I didn’t mind the washing, drying, and folding.  I did, however,  mind the putting away of the clothes.  I guess I could still say the same, except I don’t put their clothes away anymore now that they are 15 and perfectly capable!  

Do you know why I hated putting their clothes away?  It was because they had too many clothes for the space they had to store it in!  It was just too fun to buy coordinating or matching outfits so they had way more clothes than they could ever use.  Some of these were gifts and some were my purchases.  

So, my number 1 tip is….

1) Don’t buy too many clothes for your kids!  There are only 7 days in a week and if you are like me, you will be washing clothes more than once a week.  

2)  Now, determine what types of clothes they need and for what occasions they need to dress.  Kids grow so quickly that they may not be able to wear too many items in any one category.  

3)  Ask for hand me downs from family members or offer to pay for them (most family will not accept money).  Most people are so happy to have someone to hand things down to so they can make room for bigger sizes.  My nephew has enjoyed hand me downs from his two older cousins! 

4)  Find someone whose taste you like and ask if you can buy their outgrown clothes.  I was lucky to have a mom who had twin boys two years older than mine.  I bought their school uniforms and didn’t have to buy much more on my own.  I also bought suits that her boys outgrew.  That saved me a ton of money and they only got to wear them once. 

5)  Go to church or community sales.  If you are a consignor or a volunteer, you usually get to shop first.  These are a goldmine and are usually held in more than one season.

6)  Find your local kids consignment shops.  If you live in Louisville, Kentucky or nearby, Slugger Kids is a wonderful shop.  I have gotten like new Keens for $10.  

7)  Check out Goodwill or other thrift shops.  My sister finds a ton of good stuff there.  Last summer I found several men’s button downs for my son that likes to wear those.  

8)  Ask for clothing for gifts for your kids.  One of my sisters is good about planning ahead when her kids have a birthday coming up and have a need for a specific clothing item.  

9)  It’s garage sale season.  Kids’ clothes are often plentiful at these and many times I have seen clothing with tags.  In fact, I bought my niece a Land’s End down vest with tags for $5.  

10)  If you go to a school with uniforms like we did from kindergarten until 8th grade, schools will often have a sale.  Look for these and remember again that there are only 5 school days in a week so you don’t need more than that number of uniforms.  Like I mentioned in tip number 4, seek out a mom to buy from.

11)  This may sound bad, but my boys get new socks and underwear for Christmas and they always have.  This ensures that they get a yearly update of these items.  I also give them a couple of pieces of clothing.  I love the saying, “something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read”.  I want them to appreciate the basics in life.  I will usually put a new pair of swim trunks in their Easter basket.  

12)  I don’t have personal knowledge of this, but I know of a mom who loves Matilda Jane so she joined a MJ Facebook group and buys from other members.  

13) If you do buy new clothing try to hit the end of season sales and buy for the next year. My favorite stores for my boys were: Target, Old Navy, Children’s Place (does this still exist?), Boden, and Land’s End.

What did I forget?  What are your best tips?  

Amy 

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Today I’m linking up with The Blended Blog for their Style Perspectives theme of Red, White, and Blue Style!  

Stop! Before you go shopping for your 4th of July cookout, parade, fireworks, or party attire, take inventory of your closet. Pull out anything that is red, white, or blue. Don’t forget your denim skirts and shorts or as we call them in Kentucky – jorts! Grab whatever accessories you may own in those colors, too!  Ok, now try to put some outfits together. I would like to suggest just doing two of the three colors.  Sometimes all three of the colors at once can look overdone.  So after doing this, you may need to go shopping.  Make sure whatever you buy you can wear again.  

Below I have my light denim skirt and my red twist front tee with my white tassel earrings.

Next I have a very old Target skirt and navy top with white leather earrings and my silver garage sale bracelet.

Of course you are going to see my navy and white flutter sleeve with both options – my white skirt or my white denim cut offs depending on how dressed up I want to be, white feather earrings and a white and gold bracelet.

Finally I have my chambray shorts and the same navy top as I had with my striped skirt along with my sparkly red earrings.

What will I actually wear? It will depend on the weather and what we decide to do. I do know that I have plenty of options and don’t need to buy anything! I bet you will find the same!  I talked about my summer colors and I wear a lot of white, navy, yellow, pink, and black.  I don’t have much red in my closet.  

4th of July Home Decor:  

I used the same technique with my house as I used with my clothing to do some minimal 4th of July decorating. I went to my bookshelves to find books that were red or blue and I hunted down items that contained those colors. I also got out my decor purchased last year or in years past from either Hobby Lobby, Target, or Dollar Tree. I have a small chalkboard that I change up seasonally, too.  I gathered everything on my dining room table to see what I was working with.  I spent absolutely nothing this year.  More money for clothes, right?  

Tip:  I change up my mantel monthly and use that as an opportunity to dust really well.  

January – blue and white and snowmen

February – Valentine’s

March – St. Patrick’s Day

April – Easter

May – Derby

June- Summer

July – 4th of July

August – Back to school, Apples

September – Apples and Fall

October – Halloween and Fall

November – Thanksgiving, Turkey Stuff, and Fall 

December – Christmas

I don’t like a lot of clutter and knick knacks but I love decorating my mantel and hall entry table, especially.  

Public Service Announcement: On Monday’s Hello Monday post I mentioned that I placed a 40% off Loft order of mostly tops because I felt like I was lacking in that area of my closet.  Now there is a 50% off tops only at Loft promotion! Boo for me but yay for you! Remember there is free shipping when you spend $125. You could order the same top in multiple sizes and return in person to the store.  

P.S. Lindsay of Lindsay’s Sweet World has some awesome 4th of July decor from her Tuesday post. I’m totally jealous of her cute bar cart, but I really don’t know where I would put one – maybe on my patio?  Check out her post from Tuesday!

What do you normally wear on the 4th?

Do you decorate your home for the 4th?

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

So, sadly I’m past this stage, but I remember the long summer days of trying to keep my kids entertained while not breaking the bank.  I had to be conscious to not go crazy spending money in the summer.  

You really do need to plan/pencil things in at least the week before in my opinion, especially when planning with other families.  I also tried not to run too many errands with my kids.  One of the best investments I made was a weekly babysitter for about 3 hours for me to knock things off of my list.  This made for a much happier Mom and kids!  I would usually alternate an outing day with a day at home.  I like balance and I like giving my kids plenty of time to just be at home.

When mine gave up their naps, we still had quiet reading time.  I also kept a pretty good structure/schedule in the summer.  

-Invite another mom and kids over for water play in the yard.  Sprinkler, baby pool, water guns, sidewalk chalk are all cheap and fun to have around.

-Meet another mom and kids at a splash pad, city park, or a school playground

-Try to visit as many school playgrounds as you can

-Try to visit as many parks as you can

-Library

-Library’s events/activities

-Open gym at gymnastics place.  We never took gymnastics lessons, but you better believe we did their open gym from 2-5 as much as possible.  

-Summer movie clubhouse at your theater.

-Have another mom’s kids over for 2 hours while she runs errands and vice versa

-Join a pool or just pay as you go.  The baby pool was such a social thing for me.  I talked to other moms and the kids played with each other’s toys

-Try to do some local hikes

–zoo – It’s a great idea to ask for a yearly pass for your kids’ birthday gifts

-museums- Maybe they offer a discount day?

-Play car wash and wash all the riding toys that are kept outside.

-Have kids write and act in a play

-Have the kids hold a talent show for the neighbors

-Do Science experiments that you find online

-Have kids plan and make a meal

–Lay out an older forgotten toy for them to see first thing in the morning.  This worked like a charm for me!  

-Make a craft or a t-shirt

Listen to my podcast from last week where I talk about summer with my friend!

What ideas do you have for other moms or dads?  Leave any in the comments that might help someone out!  

Thanks for stopping by today!

Amy 

Monday, June 18, 2018

How is it already June 18?  Slow down, summer!  How was your weekend?  Mine was good and pretty low-key.

Friday night we headed to the mall as a family and did returns for my husband’s birthday gifts.  He didn’t like the Birkencrocs and he wanted to try a smaller size pant.  We also came home with a new Lululemon men’s polo shirt.  I don’t even own any Lululemon!  I think I’ve created a monster!

This is what I wore. It was time to put on some “real” clothes!  This kimono can double as a cover up (from my post on coverups).  I am still on my walking streak except for a break Saturday a.m.  

I was bummed going into the weekend because of this below.  

While at the mall we went to Yan Kee Noodle for dinner.  One son and I split the chicken pad thai.  It was pretty decent.  My hub got chicken teriyaki and my other son got chicken fried rice.  His was the best, in my opinion.

The boys wanted to stay home Saturday and we had plans for a movie later that afternoon so hub, Ernie, and I decided to try the boat for just a bit around 11 am.  I took Shannon’s advice and got Ernie a puppy whip from Starbuck’s when I was getting us sandwiches and a tall skinny vanilla latte for me.  My husband doesn’t drink coffee or cocktails with me.  He mainly drinks his favorite soft drink called Ale 8 One.  

You know what’s better than Starbuck’s?  Starbuck’s on a boat!

We parked the boat and I ate the tomato spinach panini.  It was good.  

Ernie loves his Daddy!  We ended up staying until about 2 and had a really good time.  

When I got home the mail had come!  Why do I love the mail arrival in the summer so much?  These are the $11 American Eagle slides I ordered.  I think I could have gone up a size but I’m hoping the band across the foot stretches a bit.  My husband asked me what in the world I was wearing on my feet.  I don’t think he is a fan!

I also received the cork and como earrings!  The cork has a nice gold shimmer and the camo is really dark and subtle.  I think I will get a lot of use out of these.  See my post from Wednesday for information about this Etsy shop.  

Then it was time for our movie!  This was the birthday gift from one son.  The movie was entertaining, but silly, like we knew it would be.  It was a little bit off color for the boys but we are pretty liberal with movies they see.  

Let me tell you how we have to do the movies…my husband loves the movies and must have popcorn and we buy the refillable bucket and bring our own giant baggies so we can share the bucket between the four of us.  It’s a spectacle, I tell you!  

Sunday morning, I read with my coffee on the patio.  I abandoned my last book without finishing and started this one.  I’m in such a book rut!  I can’t promise you I will finish this one, either.  

It was time for a nail refresh so I redid my nails with this OPI “Po Boys and Rich Girls”.  I do my nails a couple of times a week and I actually enjoy it.  It saves a bunch of money.  I haven’t had dip or gel since April, I think.  

For our Father’s Day, the boys wanted to make their Dad happy by boating!  Oh my gosh, I was such a baby and could hardly handle the heat!  We only lasted a little over an hour.  My husband made a canopy for more shade.  The air felt like you were stuck in someone’s armpit.  It was bad.  

We laughed as we were leaving because this boat was called “Prestige Worldwide” from the movie “Stepbrothers”.  Have you seen it?  There are so many good lines in that movie!

Also, on Sunday, I took advantage of Loft’s 40% off sale and bought a few tops.  I did spend $125 so I could get free shipping, but I’m sure at least half will go back.  I feel like I need some more cute and easy to throw on tops for summer.  Tip:  Never buy from Loft when there isn’t a sale and never pay for shipping if you can help it.  I have a store about 5 miles down the road for easy returns.  I will show you my loot next week or whenever it comes in!

Sunday night’s plans  involved a dark English man named Ross Poldark.  I finished season 3 on Amazon Instant Video and I’m going to watch Season 4 live!  I did miss the first episode of season 4 and can’t figure out where to watch it.  Let me know if you have any tips!  Have you started Poldark yet?  If you were/are a fan of Downton Abbey, I think you would like it.  

Hope you had a great weekend and thanks for reading!  

Amy