Tuesday, December 4, 2018

I truly enjoy shopping for gifts. I love wrapping them, too! But, my favorite is watching people open my gifts. I can hardly wait and always want people to open mine first! I love Christmas, but I realize that it can be too much. My husband and I made the decision to give our kids something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. We give them more than 4 gifts, but we use that as a guideline. My husband and I like to give each other gifts and some years I will say we need to do a joint gift to each other or I will say let’s only spend x on each other. My husband usually can’t stick to it. He is a great gift giver and manages to surprise me most years.

As for extended family, we buy for the four grandparents but no other adults. I have 6 adults we could buy for, but we decided several years ago that it was for the kids and we draw names on my side because there are 9 kids. On hub’s side we only have 4 kids so we do gifts for my two nieces.

My favorite gifts that I have received:

Keurig coffeemaker, breadmaker, Kindle, Ugg slippers, Sam Eddleman riding boots, Clarisonic, Apple Watch

My favorite gifts I have given:

Simple human trashcan, pajamas, slippers, Amazon firestick, breadmaker, canvas family photos, iPad, blankets

Many years I like to follow a theme:

Cozy blankets

Pajamas

Makeup cases

Slippers

Vests

Jackets

I will tend to do the same things for the grandmothers or grandfathers some years.

I don’t really get too stressed about shopping and get it all done between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I like it to feel like Christmas when I’m shopping and if I finish too early I tend to go buy more stuff that I don’t need.

Fortunately we don’t have to mail anything. Some years we do one side of the family after Christmas.

My Favorite Places to Shop:  

Online:

Amazon, Target.com, Nordstrom.com

In Person:  

Costco, Trader Joe’s (check out their personal hygiene products and seasonal products), Target, Kohl’s (usually just for my boys’ pajamas, socks, underwear), Macy’s, Barnes and Noble

What is your shopping style? What are your favorite gifts to give and to receive? What are your favorite online and in person retailers?  

Amy

Monday, December 3, 2018

Can you even believe it’s December already?  I am linking up with My Glittery Heart, Lindsay’s Sweet World, and The Sirois Family today for their Hello Monday linkup.

My Friday started off with a bang.  I opened my email before I read Mix and Match Mama blog or Sheaffer Told Me To blog and it said I had one one of their rafflecopter giveaways from the week!  I was so shocked I couldn’t even believe it!  I picked Nordstrom because of their quality and wide range of things for women and men, makeup, shoes, accessories, and I plan to use some for Christmas gifts – of which I have not started buying, by the way!

I had to take a screenshot of their blog with my name on it!

Friday was a good day at school and after school I had a teacher happy hour that was good for me.  I made dinner and then went to the hospital for a bit.

Saturday morning was rainy as I went to the hospital early with the new Starbuck’s juniper latte.  How weird, right?  It smells like a Christmas tree but I really liked it.  Has anyone tried it?  I’m sorry I can’t really describe it.  My mom gave me a gift card to Starbuck’s for helping her and I was happy to use it for the first time.  

This is the scary parking garage curve in the rain.  Lol!

I got to attend my school’s annual craft fair for a bit.

I finished this – couldn’t put it down and it’s obvious that there will be a sequel!

I had a much needed pedicure and I got a mani with just a cut down and polish.

It was a restful weekend with just home and hospital.

Hope you have a great Monday and thanks for reading!

Amy

Friday, November 30, 2018

O.k., I have a few random things for you today, but first I feel like it’s a miracle I have made it through the week! I’m linking up with Andrea, etc. for Friday Favorites. 

These are the black velvet/velour Matilda Jane pants that I wore on Wednesday.  It was maybe a bit too festive for work on a Wednesday, but hey I was comfortable and wanted to try out the pants!

Did you read my Thursday post on struggling through a difficult time?  My husband helped me pick up my mom Wednesday night but first we stopped for a quick dinner and we visited my dad.  It was a nice treat.  I can’t remember the last time we ate at a restaurant just the two of us.  

Have you tried Vietnamese pho?  If you are local, try this place!  It has great food, atmosphere and isn’t too pricey.  

Above is the pho which is like a soup with noodles and below are our pork spring rolls.  

We also got a pork noodle bowl.  We shared everything and brought leftovers home.  

My husband also did a Costco run for us this week and this is our favorite salad.  

My sweet friend B brought over spaghetti, salad, breadsticks, and these delicious cookies for our dinner. 

What are your faves this week?  Any fun weekend plans?  I am hoping to get a much needed pedicure and visit my high school’s art and craft fair.  My boys have haircuts and we will be spending time with my dad at the hospital.  My mom is finally taking a break and we are so happy that she will recharge her batteries.  

Happy, happy Friday!

Amy 

Thursday, November 29, 2018

I’m going to get pretty personal here today.  Usually I keep this blog to fashion, recipes, and fun.  But, I’m struggling right now and I know there are many of you out there who are, too.  These are things I’m trying to do right now as I am juggling visiting my dad in the hospital and having my mom live with me.  She is reliant upon us for transportation to and from the hospital and my husband and I work full time jobs and have two kids and a dog.  I know there are people dealing with much more than this on their plates, too.  

-Try to continue your normal routine as best as you can.  I thought about not writing on the blog right now, but it is something that brings me joy so maybe I need this now more than before?

-Do not feel guilty about doing some “normal things” or things that bring you joy.  Look for opportunities to get a coffee, polish your nails, read a book.  It’s the old adage that “you can’t pour from an empty cup”.

-Let people help.  If people ask, they want to help.  It makes people happy to help you.

-Outsource what you can.  We have hired a driver to help with transportation for my mom a few times a week.  It’s important to me to take my sons to activities myself but I can’t be in two places at once.

-Don’t neglect your spouse and kids and say thank you a lot.  My husband has been amazing and I’ve tried to thank him more than usual and bring him Blizzards from DQ and other things he likes.  My boys have really matured and stepped up to the plate.  We’ve had some deep conversations and that have brought us closer.  

-Look for the blessings.  I have had such wonderful family, friends, co-workers, bosses, students, blog readers throughout this difficult season. People are good and they will help you if you let them.

I have also conquered some fears.  I don’t like driving at night.  It gets dark before 6 now and I’ve done great.  I had a deep rooted fear of parking garages – this hospital has the scariest, curviest garage entrance and I’ve conquered it.  I hate driving downtown – I’ve managed just fine.

-Be very organized.  This week I had a transportation schedule and a meal schedule on the memo board and it has really helped.  

-It’s o.k. to do take out or make meals easier during this time.  

-Use online grocery shopping or delivery.  That’s what it’s there for.  

-Still decorate and participate in holidays as much as you are able.  One of my blog readers said that one year she regretted not putting up a tree because it made her sadder not to have it and it would’ve brought her comfort.

-Take it one day at a time.  If you think too far ahead, you may get more overwhelmed.  I had a really bad day Monday and thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown.  I was thinking too far ahead and not focusing on just getting through that day.  

What things have helped you through a difficult season in life?  If you are currently in one, my thoughts go out to you.

Thanks for reading,

Amy 

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

You saw this outfit yesterday, but this is what I wore Monday.  Hospital gift store kimono, black pants, black top, Kendra Scott half price birthday necklace, and black booties.  One of my lovely readers, Nancy, commented on how good hotel and  hospital gifts shops can be – also museum gift stores have really unique things.  Maybe an idea for Christmas gifts if you happen by one of these.  

Tuesday’s outfit was my new Old Navy flannel, long black Walmart cardigan, black leggings, very old Target Frye knock off boots, and faux pearls that were half off last year at a boutique.  My hub and I went to a Great Gatsby themed wedding and I wore these with a black dress that looked a little flapper-esque that I’ve had for years.  

I managed to do one coat of this Monday night.  

I just love my library.  These are all recent recommendations from other bloggers.  

An Island Christmas by Nancy Thayer

Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

I will let you know what I think.  I have to start on Winter in Paradise because it’s a 7 day only book.

Remember how I have dark green Matilda Jane consignment pants that were $29 and I just found brown and grey ones for $17 at the same consignment store?  Well, I have a confession.  I ordered black and black velvet pants brand new.  They are $58 dollars each which is more than I typically spend.  But, I have been struggling with pants options and feel like all I have is leggings and jeans for winter.  My next door neighbor teacher is a man and he keeps telling me his 5 and 7 year old daughters have the same pants!  So, yes, maybe I look like a little girl.  I just think they are so unique and they are very good quality.  

When you have teen boys in the house, it’s very hard to have letter boards or anything spelled out.  I have these “BELIEVE” blocks as part of my Christmas decor and it has been changed twice.  Right now it is “bile eve” and yesterday it was something about an eel.  They think they are so clever!

Hope you have a very happy Wednesday and as always, thanks for reading and sticking with me!  Your comments make my day and I’ve really appreciated all of your kind words!

Amy 

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

O.k., I’m tired now of all the browns, cognacs, mustards and “fall” colors that I’ve been wearing.  I don’t have a capsule wardrobe per se, but I do like to rotate groups of clothing so I don’t get tired of them. 

Now, I will be wearing more black, grey, red, plaid, and I will continue wearing wine/burgundy because I am not tired of it and I think it is beautiful in the winter.  My sister and I were discussing what a great neutral grey is.  It looks good with black, wine, plaid, and many other colors.  I wore my grey jeans to the hospital and we started talking about it.  Do you own a lot of grey?  I have charcoal grey pants and grey jeans.  I have maybe one or two grey tops and a grey swing dress. 

I love all plaid and buffalo is one of them.  Guess where I got this kimono?  The hospital gift store for $26.  My mom convinced me to get it.  It is flannel and I’ve worn it twice.  

This Old Navy plaid is super soft and I think it’s a keeper!

Here is my swing dress with my half of a blanket scarf – I cut them all in half!  See here!

I also like to change up my polish.  These are three old OPI faves.  From left to right:  The Spy who loved me, Lucerne that look awesome, Comet Closer.  

Do you change your color palette?  What are your favorite colors to wear now?  

Amy 

Monday, November 26, 2018

How was your weekend?  Mine was filled with family at the hospital and at my house.  This little guy is my nephew eating a cupcake!

This little fashionista wanted to make the blog. 

I call her sister “Sporty Spice” because she doesn’t like to dress like her little sis. 

This guy was tuckered out from all of the excitement!

I had a tomato caprese sandwich that wasn’t too bad from the hospital sandwich shop.  

I’m always grateful for online grocery shopping and pick up, but I cannot tell you how nice it was to sit in the hospital by my dad’s bed and order.  I have done this 3 times sine we’ve been in the hospital. 

This catalog has some really cute things!  Look at the buffalo plaid dinnerware!  Look at the chocolate lab pillow!

I did some minimal Christmas decorations.  I can’t muster energy for a tree yet. 

I have a meal plan and the stuff for it thanks to my Kroger pick up.  

I finished this and I do recommend it.

I stopped by my consignment store on the way to the hospital and found another pair of Matilda Janes!  $17! It was Small Business Saturday and I had to support my locally owned boutique. 

This weekend was hard and emotional.  My Dad is still in the ICU and is still very sick.  I am trying to get better at balancing life between home, work, and hospital.  I did some normal things this weekend that helped me.  My mom also got a break from the hospital because of my sisters’ help.  

I’m not sure I’m ready for a 5 day week – it’s always rough after a holiday, isn’t it?  Alright, let’s see if we can do this!

Amy 

Friday, November 23, 2018

How was your Thanksgiving?  It went by fast!  This year didn’t feel like Thanksgiving for me because normally we would do my side of the family today but we are on day 17 in the hospital for my dad and it seems like we take one step forward only to take two steps back.  

Wednesday morning I got out the door early for a Trader Joe’s run and saw these adorable olive oil bowls for $5.99.  Add a bottle of olive oil and that would make a great hostess gift!

I picked up a few necessities and some easy meals to have on hand because I didn’t know what the weekend would hold. 

Then, I picked my mom up at my house (she is staying with me because my parents live an hour away and my dad was transported to my big city hospital from their hometown hospital after one day) and took her to a hair appointment.  I did my nails in the car while waiting.  

I took my mom to the hospital after her hair appointment and then met this lovely coworker at her suggestion for some stress relief.  We may have taken advantage of their $10 bottomless sangria, ham and chicken croquettes, and patatas bravas.  Yum.  I highly recommend this restaurant if you are local.  

Wednesday night my family of four went to Royals Hot Chicken before the hospital.  Again, I highly recommend!

Thanksgiving morning and my mom and I did a Starbuck’s run before the hospital.  I so appreciate all of the hospital workers that keep things going on a holiday.  It’s not easy I know.  

My sister and her family were at the hospital so I went home and had an apple cider mimosa while cooking for hub’s side of the family here in town.  

The sun was bright and it was a super nice day.  This is what I ended up wearing.  

Two of my beautiful nieces.  

Their beautiful mama, my sister in law, in her cute outfit.  Tom Petty t-shirt she found on Etsy and her leopard flats.  I felt it was blog worthy!  

It was a nice day.

Are you participating in Black Friday Sales?  I’m more of a Cyber Monday girl!

Have a great weekend!
Amy 

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Strange post title, right?  I wanted to get your attention! So for this two day week, I wore my Thanksgiving colors.

Monday I wore my Old Navy mustard boho shirt, Hue consignment jeggings, best clogs in the world – the MIA Sofia, and a vest from Loft.

On Tuesday I wore my American Eagle bootlegs, clogs again, Old Navy mustard velour, Target cardigan from last season, and my funky necklace.  

My two Old Navy plaid tops are due to arrive today- Woohoo!  I still haven’t decided what to wear on Thursday.  I will do a final check of the weather and that will be the decision maker.  

The Monday nurses changed my dad’s “very good” care to “excellent”.  If you read Monday’s post you will understand this better.  

Look at this cute outfit from our local Tunie’s boutique.  I think they have online if you want to check them out!

You can’t go wrong with Cracker Barrel recipes!

This is Grace and Love Blog’s winning recipe from Mix and Match Mama’s party last year.  Go easy on the ranch powder in my opinion – I don’t use the whole packet.

For the traditionalists, Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes are the best!  The cream cheese sounds weird, but it works!

What is your potato preference?  

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Amy