I’m not sure I could have taken a better photo! Ha!
I recently-ish discovered Chicken Salad Chick. Do you have one where you live?
I remember telling my SIL that I would never go to a chicken salad restaurant and that I don’t go that gaga for chicken salad period. Well, something changed. Part of it could be the delicious little cookie they give you! Ha!
I really had never tried my hand at making my own chicken salad. Tom loves Waldorf Chicken salad and I think it is the one with nuts and grapes? He likes it from Fresh Market but I never eat it. I hate nuts. I also think the big ol’ grapes can be awkward.
This is a very basic chicken salad but I don’t see why you couldn’t add stuff – maybe hard boiled egg or pickle. In fact, Chicken Salad Chick has all kinds of variations, by the way, but here is the Classic Carol copycat. I cooked my chicken tenderloins in a skillet and just used some of the juices rather than adding broth. Also, I used half plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead of all the mayo. I used the olive oil mayo, too. I love that they tell you to dice the celery super fine because I hate big pieces of raw celery in foods. Awkward!
You can have this on bread, toasted bread, in a lettuce leaf, or on crackers. I love the crackers they give you at CSC so I ordered store brand club crackers to try to replicate that.
Let me know if you try it!
Amy
Also, I posted yesterday, so go here if you missed it!
Memorial Day is a day to remember service men who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and it also serves as the unofficial start to summer for most in the U.S. There are lots of red, white, and blue things out in stores. I am a very patriotic person and I love red, white, and blue.
My Dad didn’t die while serving but he still gets honored in my hometown. The dates are wrong on the flag because he served much longer than what it says. He was in Vietnam in 1969, I believe.
Once a Daddy’s girl, always a Daddy’s girl.
I love this photo!
Friday I drove to school for the last day ever (with students and at the earlier time)! For my last 5 teacher days, I will roll in later.
Erica surprised me with an Etsy find – this headband – and it happened to match my outfit. Ignore the eyes as I had already gotten teary-eyed a couple of times.
Classes wanted to do a Tik Tok and take photos and who am I to say no? I was glad we finished finals so we had time to do this. I gave a little good-bye speech to each class and highlighted what I liked about them.
I received three bouquets, a few gift cards and a few heartfelt notes. I was so touched.
Anyone have a suggestion for my notes? A binder?
We had to have a happy hour at the Cuban place, right?
I mean, does it get better than the Kroger parking lot? European patios vs. U.S. patios!
I love the flags that line our neighborhood streets.
I came home Friday night just full of emotions. My heart was so full from a great last day. I had a nice happy hour and the feeling of accomplishing another school year. And, it was also the first day of my parents’ house estate sale. What a crazy coincidence that my last day of teaching was on the first day of the sale. And, I thought I was ok. I thought I was doing surprisingly well. And, I was until I wasn’t.
When Tom came home from work I kind of lost it. I started crying from sadness and then got a headache from crying and then went to bed early. And, I found out the next day that I had a touch of PMS thrown in there apparently.
I woke up Saturday feeling better. I slept about 9 hours and that had to have helped. I did my favorite Saturday morning thing of piddling around, doing chores, making a plan, and all the things.
I went to Trader Joe’s:
I went to the library:
Tom needed Eddie Otis out of his hair so he could do some yard work so EO and I did some indoor tv watching and I started this:
We eventually went outside and I read for a bit and Tom and EO piddled around. EO just follows Tom around doing whatever little thing and then stopping Tom every 5 minutes for a “hug”. It’s the cutest thing ever.
Tom took me out and the food was quite mediocre. He chose the place so I can’t be blamed.
My fish sandwich had zero flavor. I did like the parmesan truffle fries.
Sunday I did some more necessary things like mopping the mudroom floor.
I helped Tom put the railings back on the deck.
Sweet boy:
With railings – the stair railings aren’t back up yet, though:
So, it was cold and rainy yesterday. Ho hum.
I went to Fresh Market to get hot dogs and the chicken dinner meal deal. I saw this sausage in the case:
It’s been a big week in many ways! I am excited to link up with Andrea and Erika to share! How was your week?
Today is my 31st last day of school as a high school Spanish teacher! I can hear my Mom saying, “well, I made it to 32!” because she was also a teacher and was very competitive and I can hear my Dad saying, “Amy, I never doubted you could do it. That is an amazing feat that most couldn’t do.” Now, I’m not saying I would have deserved that praise from my Dad but he was always in awe of what we did and didn’t hold back with saying it.
I can’t remember the last time our school year ended before Memorial Day to be honest, but remember we still have five teacher days. I came to the realization that this is ok – It will give me time to assess what I need to save from my classroom in an unhurried way. I think the schedule in the afternoon will be loose enough for me to run boxes home and to run boxes to donation places.
Here are my favorites from the week and many of them include school-related things since it was the last week.
I had my photo taken a few weeks ago but this is a normal occurrence as a teacher – for newspaper, yearbook, and whatnot. So, I thought nothing of it.
Well, the AP art students created a drawing like this for all 5 of the retiring teachers. Mine is obviously my favorite. I do need to talk to the kid who handled my chin(s). And, that better not be hair.
My face was supposed to read “awe” but it didn’t translate in the photo!
I helped serve the senior breakfast Wednesday morning and that was fun.
Immediately after the breakfast was “senior walk” where the seniors walk the halls for the last time. I received some really sweet notes and gifts.
Tom told me the notes are my resumé of sorts. What I appreciate from the notes is that they see me and understood my teaching methods. Does that make sense?
I chose to wear my new green gauzy J.Crew consignment dress. I was very comfortable and had pockets for my Kleenex.
I wore my earrings from Sally!
In strange news, my 6th period wanted to make a “candy salad” in Spanish last Friday for Tik Tok. We all said what type of candy we were adding to the “salad” in Spanish.
I started and then the line of kids behind me did theirs and this is the result:
Well, that video went viral and now I guess I am part of the creator fund and it said I made $748 based on views. Then, I checked again a few days later and it had gone up to over $1000. Now I don’t have this money yet and I am not sure how it gets to me and also, what?
I don’t understand TT and I really don’t want to be part of it but I did use it to engage the students over my last few years. How crazy is modern life? My account is Sra.Spanish – your Spanish teacher – and I did it to try to help teach some elements of the language. There are a lot of mean comments on there but I rarely read any. There are lots of nice comments, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad that it ended. Yes, it was an unlikely story but it wasn’t that far fetched if that makes sense – like it could happen in modern life but it is unlikely.
I also finished this; it was cute but not as good as the above. It was really Christian-based which surprised me.
And, now I have nothing I am excited to crack open!
I finally ordered new earring backs. I am loving the traditional earring backs and find those stay put the best.
My favorite “home-cooked” (home heated up?) meal this week was Trader Joe’s carnitas, rice, corn, potato chunks, and Chick Fil A avocado lime dressing and sour cream. Tom requested we have it again!
I had some fun on Instagram Sunday night…
Some quotes that inspired me this week…
This is a guy I grew up with. He is the big brother of one of my closest friends and he starts each day with a Facebook message that is positive and inspiring.
Happy Friday!
Give yourself grace if you are also exhausted and if you are starting your summer with kids at home; know that it takes a while to find your rhythm. This can be small kids or big kids. It’s all an adjustment!
It’s our unofficial start to summer this weekend in the US. Buy your sunscreen and your bug spray! I am also hoping to find a grill that I want on sale. We don’t currently have one.
Thank you for all the kind words you have left me this week. This weekend is my mom’s estate sale. The write up the estate sale agent did is really a beautiful tribute to my mom’s life. I really kind of can’t believe he captured her. I will leave you with a small part of it. I sit in the knowledge that her things that we didn’t keep will be loved and cherished and bring joy to a new person and she would really like that.
My mom was an art teacher and a miniatures collector and she made shadow boxes, mini scenes with them and sold them. She also dabbled in various other art forms. She traveled a lot and learned some art in the countries she visited, too. She kept making art until her very last days.
The estate company guy wrote:
“Step into the enchanting world of a former artist and master dollhouse maker whose stunning home and estate are now open to collectors and admirers alike. This unique sale offers a rare opportunity to explore a lifetime of creativity, craftsmanship, and global discovery” – it goes on and here is the link if you are curious:
Thursday sure got here quickly and it’s time to link up with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.
I decided to donate the below pants. I am keeping a couple of pairs of my printed palazzo-ish pants but these and another pair are 10 plus years old and I just decided I wouldn’t buy them today so bye-bye. I am wearing sneakers with a change in hand and my gauzy black shirt from Old Navy.
For a rainy day, I have on my black gauzy pants, Birks, blue/white button down and my favorite rain jacket by Columbia.
I scored at the consignment store this weekend. This dress is J.Crew and worn in already and has pockets. I wore it Sunday.
Monday I wore my Walmart floral dress.
Tuesday I wore these pants I love with a Natural Life shirt I’m not sure I love.
And that’s it! Do you have a favorite? Did I make the right call on the pants I donated?
Today I get to serve breakfast to the senior class. I love this tradition. I have first period planning so I can help for a bit. The servers are counselors, admin, and teachers who teach seniors. We always have a nice catered hot breakfast for them in the cafeteria. They have 5 days of activities this week leading up to graduation.
1. May 20th is World Bee Day…what’s something that’s kept you ‘busy as a bee’ lately?
I’m not that busy and I keep room in my calendar for spontaneity. I am out of the house from 8-4 every week day so that keeps me busy as a bee. I like to come home straight away to be with Eddie Otis, start dinner, talk to Tom, and then relax for a bit before bed. I hate the busyness culture in this country. I give up if I have a friend that is literally impossible to schedule with!
2. Do you like honey? What’s something you make or enjoy that calls for honey?
I like honey in things more than by itself. I love making homemade honey mustard and Tom and I both choose this dressing at restaurants – either that or balsamic vinaigrette. Honey mustard is so easy – EVOO, any type of mustard (yellow or dijon), and lemon juice. I add a little pepper and a little garlic powder and you can thin it out with water.
3. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
What’s a proverb you love, or one that speaks to you or has helped you in some way?
I use so many of the colloquial ones in my classes. “Strike while the iron is hot”, “Many hands make light work” – this was a favorite of my Dad’s.
The Bible is full of Proverbs, a whole book in fact, if that helps with your answer. The word proverb is defined as ‘a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice’.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding” is a good one for a type A person who wants to control and manage the situation.
4. Tell us about a ‘sweet’ moment in your life recently that filled you with joy, gratitude, or peace.
I received a note from a not very engaged senior boy. Well, I thought he was not very engaged. I think his note meant so much because it was brutally honest. He told me that he admired my enthusiasm and that I caused him to be more interested in the language. I think he said something about realizing he didn’t need to Google so much. Ha! Anyway, it was just really sweet because it came from an unexpected source.
5. When you were a child, what did you want to ‘be’ when you grew up? How close did you come to that?
From the moment I started school I loved it and I wanted to be a teacher. I came home from school and taught my stuffed animals and dolls. My mom put up a giant chalkboard in our playroom. I also played “piano teacher”. I had a friend in my neighborhood who I played school with at her house and she always got to be the teacher. I was mad! After that I wanted to be a newspaper reporter, then when I discovered my love of Spanish, I wanted to be a foreign correspondent, then an international lawyer, then I finally came back to teacher! It was in the blood the whole time!
I still remember how incredulous I felt the first time I signed my teacher name on a hall pass at age 22 in my first teaching job!
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I am a bit overwhelmed right now. My mom’s estate sale starts on the last day of my teaching career this Friday. I don’t have anything to do with the sale but the emotions are there, of course, or I probably wouldn’t be human.
My sister posted information on Facebook and we received a not so nice comment from our mom’s friend about “how sad it is that we are selling our mother’s beautiful things”. My one sister and I wanted to fight her and my other sister very diplomatically replied that “we still have plenty to cherish her by”.
Right after the sale, the house and carpets will be cleaned, the realtor photos will be taken, and then it will go on the market. So, a lot is happening. None of this is fun. It’s super sad. It’s also a lot of responsibility to manage a house and lawn at a distance. One of my sisters runs the security camera operation to make sure nothing is going on and she says it’s not hard on her emotionally but I think it has to be.
I really got off the topic of the hodgepodge, now didn’t I?
I mention in passing the shows that I watch but I don’t think I have ever done a dedicated post, so here goes. For what my opinion is worth, anyway!
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives – Hulu
I watched Season 1 with my jaw hanging open. They all look alike. They have had lots of cosmetic work done already. These are young, young women with three kids a piece already at age 24. There is nothing wrong with that if that is what you choose but they have no life experience. They pick and choose rules of their religion that they want to follow? I learned a lot and it was like an anthropological study for me. They brag about how many soft drinks they drink and how addicted they are but they don’t drink alcohol (well, some of them do but they aren’t supposed to) or caffeine. I don’t follow any of them on Tik Tok but all I can see is that they do dances on that platform which sometimes involve their babies. I have had some wonderful Mormon students in my career, by the way, if that has any relevance here. Tom said if I watch it I’m part of the problem and he is right.
I could only watch like one episode of season 2. I am not sure if the blue winter coats from season 1 or these outfits are worse. I do know it was a really funny Halloween costume this past year.
Thoughts?
Wear Whatever the F You Want – Prime
I was disappointed. I don’t like the format. I also wanted real people -like normal people. I only made it through three episodes and I didn’t like it. The styles were too extreme. One girl was Amish and then was a stripper for 20 years and then went back to wearing her Amish dress when she got married and now wants to dress like Dolly Parton. Where did they find these people.
I still really like Stacy and Clinton but I want to learn from them about what works and what doesn’t and even the most normal one (that I watched) still seemed like she was in costume.
I think I am done with the series but I might watch the rest this summer.
Race for the Crown – Netflix
I am about halfway finished. It was cool to see Lexington and Louisville highlighted and some of the wealth is crazy (the owner from Miami!) and I really am not sure how I feel about the horse racing industry. The last race I went to resulted in five horses dying that very day. I watched most of this limited series the day before the Derby so I was into the behind the scenes details and then saw some of them on Derby day on the tv!
I will probably finish it out but I got bored with it after the Derby.
Ransom Canyon – Netflix
Loved! I think I might start it again! Two words – Josh Duhamel has aged well. Minka Kelly is so pretty and elegant.
The Four Seasons – Netflix
I know a lot of people really liked it but I just thought it was sad. Maybe I will re-watch it this summer and see what I think. I will admit that right now I do a lot of falling asleep at pivotal moments so that could very well affect my opinion!
Below Deck- Bravo or Peacock
I love this show! It follows the lives of the employees of luxury yachts. This current season is located in The Seychelles and I didn’t know much about this area. I like seeing how they cater to the guests, what food the chef cooks, and I also like the drama that goes on with the yachties.
Summer House – Bravo or Peacock
I love this show! It follows the lives of young (ish) New Yorkers who rent a house in The Hamptons.
Love Hotel – Bravo or Peacock
This is ok. It follows four of the Real Housewives that you may know of as they try to date some guys/find love in Mexico.
The Lady’s Companion – Netflix
This is in Spanish and I started it with my kids. They never want to start it before 9:00 p.m. and you guessed it – I fall asleep. The one episode I was awake for was very cute. I will go back and get caught up. Maybe I will watch it in the morning! Ha!
Sharing a few weekend highlights with Sarah, Holly, and many more. I would love to hear yours in the comments!
Friday we got word that all after school activities would be cancelled for the possibility of severe weather – storms and tornadoes. Not good! Not a Friday vibe. I came home and we ordered pizza and I was glad everyone was staying home. It started storming as I was going to bed but it didn’t manifest anything big in my area. I am sorry for those in southern Kentucky that were hit hard. It’s been a year for weather, no?
Saturday morning the world was wet from the night before but it felt nice out. I am trying to embrace black coffee. I keep thinking how freeing it will be to not have to buy creamer!
The day was shaping up to be gorgeous but I had a lot of chores to tend to. Oh well.
One of them was another closet cleanout. I hate everything. Well, not everything. I took a basket of clothes to Clothes Mentor just hoping to get a little credit and I did pretty well.
They had the Amazon sweatshirt priced higher than on Amazon! It is good to know your brands and prices when you shop consignment.
Buc ee’s bathing suit anyone?
No, I did not buy the above items, but I did get this gauzy kelly green J.Crew dress,
this Tacos & Tequila wallet,
this crystal stone necklace,
and an “S” signet ring. Score!
I got into my next book! I am almost done and I don’t want it to end. I took a break from my Scottish book. I’m almost done and I know what is going to happen.
Scottish book:
Maybe when I grow up I will read more serious books.
Cute boy napped on my feet for a little bit.
I counted it up and Tom has now dedicated both days of 7 weekends to the porch project. There was one weekend that he didn’t work on Saturday and then there were about 3 spring break days in addition. So, I am counting it as 16 full days. You guys! That just seems like so much. I know he is saving a lot of money but one’s time is valuable, too. He doesn’t complain, but I do.
Saturday he redid the stairs and Sunday he did the backs/risers and he and Mason stained it.
His assitant:
I went out and got us take out mediterranean.
Sunday morning was more chores in the interior for me. I am organizing some stuff I brought back from my mom’s house and clearing some of my clutter, too.
I did a grocery list, a meal plan, and I went and picked up my groceries.
Later on I made myself a mimosa with a bit of grenadine. It’s so pretty and the grenadine stays on the bottom. I am still very happy about my new glasses.
I brought back this fish punch bowl from my mom’s and decided to try it out as a vase.
I really miss getting the paper and treated myself to a Sunday edition.
Tom took a break and we went to Costco and to an art fair. I am kind of over art fairs because all the stuff is the same. Boy, I sound like a grump!
We didn’t buy anything but we did go get Mexican on a patio!
I got grilled fish tacos!
In my Kroger order I decided to try Dolly Parton’s cookies because Chrissy Tiegen has no more cookies at my Kroger. Loyal blog readers with good memories will remember that I found her mix and it is the best mix I have ever used.
Chrissy is better than Dolly in this department.
Tom said Dolly’s cookies weren’t big enough. Sorry, guys. You can click away if you need to.
The stain:
Well, I hope you came here to hear about a 7 week long deck project and box cookie mixes because that is what you got.
It’s our last Monday with kids! No seniors will be in class, but we will have the others. I am just excited for a less crowded parking lot! Can I get an Amen?
Happy Friday! I am coming in to you all bleary-eyed this morning. This is the longest part of the school year. We are testing and babysitting. I’m so tired. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share just a few favorites this week, but they are good ones!
I thought to take a photo this week of my facial products that I am really happy with. I owe it all to Jenn for two of the products. And, to Jen for one!
They are out of order. I put the coconut oil on my face both morning and night. I rub excess on my elbows. I also have not needed any sort of chapstick since using this because it takes care of my lips, too. It melts your makeup off and it makes your face so moist. I also have not experienced breakouts. It’s magic. Then, I put on the witch hazel with a cotton round. It is the rose scent and when Jen talked about it I was like – no, I do not like that smell, but it is really nice. My moisturizer on a normal day that I am not going to be outside is the Trader Joe’s 15. I go up to a 30 or 50 if I am going to be outside. And, then I recently started using the glotion and it’s good!
This mani is still going strong and still making me so happy. My senior girls were talking about how much their nails cost and I said, “Mine are like $3.50!”
I used my chair Sunday and just had to share how much I love it.
Tom finished the deck on Sunday – well, he still has the stairs to go – and it made me so thankful for this space. I have missed it.
I got the biggest surprise in the mail! My dear reader and friend Sally sent me a retirement box! The gifts were perfect and the little notes were so thoughtful. I love when someone knows me and I feel seen.
This mug is so cute – the handle is bacon!
I believe this to be true and put this sign in a place I will see it each day.
I love writing handwritten notes to people and do plan to use these cute cards!
I have never had bookmarks like this but have wanted them. How cute!
These earrings are so cute and so me!
Love these clips! If I am home, my hair is up!
Get you a friend like Sally! Thank you so much!
Tom surprised me with roses Sunday and they are just gorgeous. He also picked out a really nice card with the perfect wording for me. He is not a grand gesture guy, but I think he knew that I needed this this year.
My favorite meal of the week was roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red onions, chicken, avocados, a bit of cheese, hot honey and lime juice. Tom liked it, too!
I treated myself to something this week and it was way better than the Japanese head spa. I got a 10 minute chair massage. We have a place in the mall and my back has been hurting and it’s much better now. I need to do this more often.
I don’t have a super long post today but I am thankful for all these blessings I have had this week.
My favorite outfit of last week was this – my new white pants and my old tropical blouse. I managed to wear my Dr. Scholl’s for about half the day and then I changed into flat sandals.
I had an early dinner at Captain’s Quarters that evening and changed into my Aerosoles cork heels.
The next day for school I wore this. These pants were $8 at Versona many years ago and I love them. I am not sure if the gauzy camp shirt is flattering on me or not.
I am loving my new pink and white gingham boxers from Amazon – a Melanie Shankle rec. I paired them with my Aerie button up. I also have ordered a blue and white gingham pair from Aerie. I do wear shorts a lot in the summer and I love pairing shorts with a long sleeve when I can. If you get the Amazon shorts, I recommend ordering a size larger than normal. You don’t want them to be tight and they run a bit small.
I found out this weekend that I need to be back in my sneakers for work. My back told me so.
So, this next outfit is blah. I wore my Halaras to work Monday with one of my three Old Navy blouses from last year or the year before. I have it in the pink/orange combo and the black version, too. Also, I have the pink/orange dress version of the shirt. I saw the pattern and swooned.
Tuesday for work I wore my light blue gauzy pants and my Aerie button up. It has a tiny blue stripe that runs through.
I saw this and thought it was interesting. I consider my nails part of my fashion. I have the coral red on my fingers and pink on my toes. I was going for a lighter shade of pink but they didn’t have what I wanted.
My classroom is still hot and muggy. I need to wear short sleeves but I am not really feeling wearing dresses this week. We have a chance of rain every day and it has already rained every day this week!
1. What’s something you’re curious about right now?
I guess I am most curious about what my retirement life will look like. I think this summer will just feel like a summer but I have never had much free time in the fall!
I am also wondering what my style will be like.
2. If you could plan the perfect girl’s weekend getaway, where would you go and what would be on the agenda? Do you have anything like this on your calendar in the next few months?
I would really like to plan a beach weekend with my sisters. I think it would be cathartic and we could all use it. I would like to visit a winery.
3. What’s the most unique item in your refrigerator right now?
I don’t think there is really anything unique right now. Maybe red pepper jelly? It’s so good on cream cheese with Wheat Thins. We also have fig spread and that is great on a gourmet grilled cheese!
4. In this season of your life, what do you find most challenging?
Cleaning the house! Finding the perfect time when I have the energy and EO is out of the house is next to impossible. I scurry to use Saturday mornings right now. Plus, this pup sheds more than our other labs.
5. Do you collect anything? If so why that?
These Starbucks mugs as my regular readers know! My England and Spain are special because those are the last two I received and my mom got them for me for Christmas. It’s something I use each day and I think about who gave it to me or where I got it and it makes me feel happy. I think you should use what you have and have what you use and it is very me to collect something practical. I am not really into non-practical dust catchers.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Next week is our senior walk where the seniors walk through the halls one last time. I am thinking of how I will mark and celebrate my “last walk”. Should I even mark it? One thought is a get together at a Mexican restaurant for students and former students and then for my friends.
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 