Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Do you ever have a day to yourself? Do you ever have a few hours to yourself? I think it’s so important to do this when you can. A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to do this. When my kids were younger and in elementary and middle school, I took off one day a year while they were in school just for me. In the summer, I had a babysitter come a few times a summer to give me a few hours. There is also your kids’ father – ha! Tom was able to hold down the fort, too. He never gave me a hard time about needing my ME time. Anyway, no matter what stage in life you are in, I urge you to take some time to yourself.

Step One:

Do not feel guilty. You work hard all the time and are always there for everyone in your life. Put on your oxygen mask first, yada yada.

The rest of the steps for me (yours will look different!):

Sleep in later than normal.

Go to gym (start coffee before so it’s ready and my reward for the gym)

Devotional and blog reading with lit candle with coffee mug warmer going – can I be anymore high maintenance? Currently using a beautiful Capri Volcano candle given to me by my bestie when I brought her food for a surgery – I said you negated my good deed t by giving me a gift for said deed!

My husband is spoiled so I still made him his yogurt parfait for work and lay out his banana and 3 cutie clementines. I’m anxious to get him off to work – today is about me adiós! Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out!

Kitchen clean up – Yup left the clean dishes in the dishwasher before bed and now the dirties are marinating in Dawn. Oh well. I CAN go to bed before the kitchen is clean. I sleep just fine. He, he.

*Bonus -The Big Boo Cast Podcast came out so I get to listen to it while cleaning.

*Bonus – Just got a lovely new springy Method kitchen cleaner that makes me want to clean!

Empty trash because the next day is trash day and also empty the kitchen recycling bin. Decide it’s time to get rid of random liqueurs for cocktails and alcohols I don’t like. Ain’t nobody got time for that or space for that. I have a built-in bar that maybe I can one day make look cute and show you. I also put random glassware in a box for Goodwill. I had a couple of other bags in the back of my car for Goodwill.

Make my breakfast and enjoy it outside with my book because it was 60 degrees! Somebody picked a good ME day!

Take a body shower and do hair minimally and get dressed minimally.

Do Goodwill drop off. Feel great and lighter!

Go get a spray tan (Gotta use my month’s membership, you know?)

Go to Trader Joe’s – my happy grocery store. I have a list, but I do let fun things jump into my cart. I get meal inspo, too.

Unfortunately I had an appointment at the Apple Store. I waited and waited while watching several geniuses milling about. Finally, my genius was ready for me. It was fine. It was just annoying. I was there for one of my kids’ Airpods.

Drive home. Unload. Make myself lunch. Eat on the patio with my book.

Do laundry. Clean a bit more. Fill bird feeders. How you do you know you’re old? You feed birds and watch birds and then talk about it.

Reward myself with my favorite chair on patio and my book again.

Get up to move laundry and fold laundry but literally the chair is my home from 12ish to 4ish.

Start dinner.

Tom comes home and dinner is at stopping point so I am able to walk with him.

Eat dinner.

Watch Tom watch a show while I do computer and phone things.

Clean up dinner.

Shower.

Watch Bravo’s Summer House – a guilty pleasure.

Bed around 9:30.

I had the best day! I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I felt human again. I had been on autopilot and the slowing down and the savouring of my time, the sunshine, and the time at home did something amazing for my mental health. Please take care of yourself! What do you need? Tell your loved ones what you need. It’s ok. You are not superwoman.

Tell me what you will do with your ME time in the comments.

Amy

Monday, March 25, 2024

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for a super short Hello Monday. I’m dragging, you all! I know you have heard this a bunch if you are a regular reader, but this year has taken it out of me – the district bussing issues, us starting school, then stopping, then starting, our new schedule putting us out an hour later, metal detector installation in October, and there’s probably more, but it’s been a year. The latest is that they still have not decided on a transportation plan for next year and that means we may or may not keep the current schedule. How do teachers plan for this (some might need to transfer schools to better fit their family needs) and how do families plan?

Anyway…

Let’s go back to Thursday when I met my friend Beth at Osteria. It’s becoming a fave happy hour spot. Look at this gorgeous bar…

The sunlight was really coming in the window. I had two glasses of rosé and we split some…

goat cheese fondata which was a really yummy goat cheese spread on baguette. Beth also had a lobster slider.

We had a lovely couple of hours and I still made it home to walk with Tom. He has continued his “Ernie” walks which I think are therapeutic for him. He also called our vet to ask him to put our feelers for our next fur baby, but I’m sure it will be a while. I heard him on the phone say, “I have a hole in my heart right now” and it made me feel for him. Our vet is also a labrador guy and he gets it. Yes, we want a third chocolate lab. I want to get two! If I can do twin humans, can I do twin puppies?

Friday came and Erica’s lunch for us was worth $27.99 in a restaurant (I do this – name a price for a meal sometimes!) – it was pesto chicken with tomatoes and roasted potatoes and asparagus.

I had her over after school for a glass of this before we went on to our Friday night plans. I got this from Trader Joe’s and took a photo so I can get it again!

Friday night Tom picked me up and we met our friends Heather and Eric at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer.

I had a chicken salad and a Mango Cart. Have you tried this beer? It’s described as a mango wheat ale. It’s really good!

Saturday brought some chores and a new mani. Isn’t this a pretty spring color?

I made salmon, broccoli and rice for dinner and then Mason had invited me to be his guest at a Western themed Shakespeare play. People were encouraged to dress in western attire. You really didn’t expect that, did you?

I didn’t understand much but Mason enjoyed it and I enjoyed being with Mason!

And, finally…

My Grocery Diaries published on the kitchn!

Yes, it was hard to find a photo of Tom with a semi-smile.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, March 22, 2024

Happy Friday! I am linking up with Andrea and Erika for some Friday Favorites! One of my sisters starts her spring break today – what about you? The other sister and I still have one more week to go.

I ordered myself some new eye patches and it reminded me they are really good for allergy/sinus pressure and pain for you or your family. You’re welcome for this photo!

So, Erica and I have had an Irish week at school and I have had an Irish week at home. We each brought in our version of corned beef for lunch one day:

The night after the beef, I made cottage pie. I used to call it shepherd’s pie but after learning that had lamb and cottage has beef, I corrected my language. I didn’t realize I was out of shredded cheddar so I cut little squares of Velveeta. Lol. It looks funny but it tasted great!

If you are in a cooking rut, please check out Polka Dotty Place. She has some really good ideas!

I am ready for foods other than Irish foods now!

We had a meeting after school where we were supposed to write ourselves a motivational letter for after Spring Break. Do you get into activities like this as an adult?

I will let you decide how I feel about these activities:

I was rewarded with a gorgeous sky one day upon arrival.

I am loving my $10 soy candle from the farm store last weekend. I love a little jar candle and the price was great for the size and the scent. I haven’t been to Bath and Body in forever.

I have only tried the avocado lime in the packets from CFA, but I had the apple cider with a spring mix salad this week and yum! I didn’t know my store carried these.

Ok – the best set I have done so far. March 9-March 20.

It was really cold at the start of the week, but on Wednesday I realized that I really AM a better person when I have some time in the sun.

This is a really good prosecco from Costco if you are a member or know a member.

Happy Friday to you! Happy Weekend to you! And, possibly Happy Spring Break to you!

Amy

PS – If you had a busy week and missed a post, here is Hello Monday, How to Have More Fun, Does a Social Media Comment Count, and Fashion Files. We were all over the place this week!

Thursday, March 21, 2024

It’s Thursday or Fashion Files Day with Kellyann and Jill!

Let’s go back to last week…

One day I wore this – J.Crew Factory printed pants I found on the clearance rack in the fall, J. Crew. consignment cardigan, my new Target muscle tee I talked about last week. I have worn a Target tee so many days! You can see in the background I was debating on a darker pink cardigan that is also consignment from many years ago.

I forgot to get a full outfit photo, but I basically wore the same parade outfit to school on Friday – same tee, light green cardigan, headband, and starburst earrings with black flare pants and sneakers.

I very rarely remember to take athleisure photos! Here is what I wore on Saturday.

Here is what I put on Saturday afternoon for dinner. I wore my weekend jeans, my pot o’ gold clogs, my Old Navy “pirate shirt” – every time I wear it I think of the Seinfeld episode, and my headband.

And, finally on Sunday… the last of my St. Patrick’s Day garb…

Monday for school it was back to winter temps outside but it was sub tropical in my classroom – oops. I wore dark red Matildas, my Nikes, a black Target muscle tee, and my star sweater because I’m a star – just kidding!

Have you kept track? Four of the outfit photos contain a Target muscle tee!

And, finally for the first day of spring, I did not let the temps deter me. I wore white jeans, my Gazelles, and a favorite TJ Maxx blouse of last season. I wore the heck out of this blouse and plan to again. I really love a blouse.

So, what have you been wearing? Do you have a favorite outfit of mine this week? Oh, and my press ons have lasted 10 days this time! I think it’s the petite size that’s done this for me. The better the fit, the longer they will last. I would be curious to try Andrea’s method. I believe she uses glue with her press ons and gets them to last 3 weeks! That thought scares me a bit, too, though. What if I can’t get them off when I want to get them off?

The only thing I’ve bought this month is my 5 Target muscle tees – 2 black, 1 white, 1 lime green, and one pale yellow.

I am trying to not shop until spring break so that I can treat myself shop a bit then! Do you think I can do it? I do have a couple things sitting in my Amazon cart even though I am trying to steer away from Amazon, Target (oops!), Old Navy, etc. I really want to visit my consignment shops over break. I want to do another big closet clean out and really try to figure out the essence of Amy Spring and Summer 2024. Ha! How can you take me seriously?

Do you have any spring and summer goals in the fashion department? I would love to hear!

Have a fashionable day,

Amy

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

I’ve had a thought on my brain to delve into deeper topics ’round here every once in a while. Not sure it’s my brand (I don’t actually have a brand), but I feel like we could have a good discussion through the comments.

So… I think I come off as pretty tough (maybe I don’t) but I am very sensitive. In fact, I think I check most of the boxes of being a “highly sensitive person or HSP”. So, I know it is a flaw of mine to be too sensitive to certain things. Ever since I have known Tom, he has said that I have to stop expecting people to act the way I want them to act or the way I would act in a given situation.

My sister Kate has gone through some crap that I won’t get into, but she has always said that going through that crap has shown her who her friends are/who she can count on. She is the sister who sent me my full-length mirror for “seeing her” because I always listened to her when she needed someone to listen. She is much happier now and I am so glad!

I understand – believe me, I do – that losing a dog is not the same as losing a human. I posted this on Facebook:

Is a comment enough for you from a really close friend or family member? Would you expect someone who has your cell phone number to also text you? My policy is that if I know you well enough to have your number in my contacts, you also get a text or call from me.

I wasn’t commented on my college bestie Heather’s post but only putting a heart and then calling or texting her. I found out she wants everyone to comment on her Facebook posts, too. I told her I hadn’t been commenting because of my call or text and didn’t think I would need to publicly put what I would say to her in private on her post. See? We are all different in this regard. So, now because Heather said that I have been doing both – leaving a Facebook comment and sending a quick text or making a phone call depending on the situation. When I told Heather about this post she said, “Social media is absolutely not enough for a close friend”. She didn’t hesitate. She is also one of the most thoughtful people I know.

For birthdays, I always text because sometimes there are so many social media comments to wade through and I know that a text or call is what I personally prefer. It’s especially nice when it’s from a friend I don’t hear from often. It really means a lot to me.

But, is a social media comment enough if that person is part of your family or close circle of friends? Has social media made it too easy for us to take the lazy way out?

Social media has been a great thing for me to connect with former students or to get a glimpse into the lives of people who live far away from me. When I see them, I feel that I am still “in the know” with their lives. So, I am not saying social media is all bad. I don’t feel that way at all.

I hope that I am not guilty of forgetting to reach out to people, because that would make me a big hypocrite! We can always do better, though, and all of us are still growing and evolving.

I also am not saying that I would cut someone off for not reaching out, but I would take pause. I have one friend that literally was never texting me back. So, I stopped initiating texts to them. Now, my friend Elizabeth is the most frustrating person to text with, but we joke about it. When I text her I can expect a 48-72 hour wait time on a response!

So, back to does a social media comment count…

How long does a text take? I will tell you that it takes a matter of seconds. I can’t buy the excuse that anyone is too busy because that is just not valid.

No, this post is not meant to be directed at anyone because most of my real-life people don’t read my blog, to be honest. It’s just been on my mind lately and I wanted to see what you all think!

Not Bitter – Seriously,

Amy

Monday, March 18, 2024

I had a really solid weekend! I had sunshine and quality time with my crew. I had reading time. I had cooking time. I had outdoor time. I took two long walks. I’m thankful!

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share more details in their Hello Monday link up!

Friday after school means happy hour! I went to Mojito Tapas with…

Mason! Mason had come home Thursday night because of no classes on Fridays and he wanted to write a paper at home and work on homework during the day. He tried his first mojito and liked it. We also had some shrimp and queso dip with chorizo.

Tom met us after work and on his way to Walgreen’s for his shingles shot. He was only able to stay a few minutes before his appointment, but it was nice he got to partake, too. Jack was off teaching music lessons.

When we got home I air fryed some potato peels I had been saving in the freezer. Weird, but Tom liked the first batch so much he wanted to try it again.

And, I made beef bulgogi bowls for those who needed dinner. I wasn’t hungry after the happy hour. This recipe is so good and really easy. I was able to get this ready in about 15 minutes.

I was so tired Friday night that I went to bed at my normal weekday time of 9:30.

Saturday morning – look at that frothy coffee! I am using hazelnut creamer right now. So good! I am still carrying on on with my traditional coffee pot for now.

I made cinnamon toast for anyone that wanted it.

Tom and I left to go to the boat supply store and to walk by the river. This is River the dog again, customer service at the shop. She puts her paw up to touch you to either tell you to keep petting her or for her to pet you back. She’s hilarious. She only works the counter on Saturdays.

We visited our boat:

The river is super high…

this was our first walk by the river without Ernie. No comment.

They have finished renovating our beautiful water tower and were doing tours:

Look at the color of the sky!

We kept on walking along the river…

I had on my green hat and beerrings, of course.

We walked to Haymarket which is a gourmet farm stand/farmer’s market with a nice outdoor area with a coffee counter, tables, and a place to order food. It also has a full bakery and pastry counter:

Tom wanted some pumpernickel bread, country ham, and bacon, and I wanted a candle.

Then, we drove to this marina on our way home. Most of the boats are still all wrapped up from winter!

Then,

Tom mowed and I made lunch and then I read outside for a few hours. I came inside and made green chocolate chip cookie dough!

He, he – they are super ugly, but funny. It looks like mint chocolate chip ice cream in the bowl. Or, they look like Shrek cookies!

First yard mow of the season. The grass looks so lush and the clouds looked so cool.

So, remember how I said Tom had his shingles shot? Well, we had plans to go to a pizza place as a family and he felt too bad to go out. When he had his first dose he got it at the same time as he got his flu shot and his C-vid booster. So, yes, he had shingles, c-vid, and flu shots all in one day. 3 days later and he was sick for like 2 weeks with what I call “man flu”. It turned into a sinus infection and It was very dramatic. I never got sick. That was a few weeks before we left for England and then he was sick on our trip, too.

So, it was just the kids and I…

We went to Parlour Pizza which we ordered for delivery while they were on spring break, and they were really impressed so I had wanted them to try it there.

Thankfully, we got home and Tom was showered and eating a snack and wanted some pizza. Was this a ruse to get out of leaving the house? Then, we attempted to watch Oppenheimer in the basement. I kept falling asleep when I wasn’t googling facts about the real deal and the key players. I finally gave up and went to bed again at 9:30!

Sunday morning I slept in until about 7:45! I guess this is the time of year that teachers are just worn out. I had plans to make my egg casserole and to start the brisket in the crockpot and to make the Irish soda bread. I was using Jen’s recipes, of course!

Finished product:

I started the crockpot and then Tom and I went for a walk at a historic home (on their grounds and in the woods on paths on the property).

After that, we came home and got cleaned up and then had an epic fail. We were meeting friends Michael and Beth (of Host It Notes) at a brewery for their St. Patrick’s Day event. We both pulled up around the same time and the gate was closed. We checked the event, we tried to call but got no answer, and then finally our friends noticed it was Saturday! Oh well. We were all dressed in green and Tom said he “wasted his St. Patrick’s Day outfit”. We ended up with green margaritas and guacamole. It was still fun to visit!

We went home to check the crockpot and that was about it for our weekend, sadly.

What was the highlight of yours?

Amy

Friday, March 15, 2024

Ok folks, I still have 10 school days after today until Spring Break! Eek! Ours feels so late especially due to the fact that we had very little winter weather. I hope my sanity will still be intact by the time we make it there.

But, alas, it’s time to link up with Erika and Andrea for our favorite post of the week, though – Friday Favorites!

Tom and I stopped at the library (he stayed in the car – I think he is afraid of books) on Sunday while having an adult date. An adult date means running errands.

Look at the St. Patrick’s Day book display! I need to tell someone how much I appreciate the color they provide me each season.

For the better part of our adult date, we went to Manhattan Project for a late lunch. This is also where I went with Beth last week! Remember the fried banana pepper rings and nachos?

We split a salad and…

fish and chips and Tom always says I give the server “too much information” but since I had said we were splitting, they split it in the kitchen. See, Tom? Each thing was the perfect portion for us.

Ok, I ordered Saltair Santal Bloom body wash and deodorant. While I like the smell, this won’t be a re-purchase for me. The deodorant pales pales pales in comparison to Donna, so I have re-ordered Donna to do a warm weather experiment – to see if it still holds up to my sweat. It’s more of a winter smell to me, but I think it will be fine. The body wash isn’t strong smelling enough for me to re-order. This brand is carried in the shampoo and conditioner at Target I noticed. This is strictly my opinion. I ran out of Donna after having her for roughly four months. That’s pretty darn good!

This week I have taken and eaten breakfast tacos with the La Banderita low carb street taco sized tortillas. Yum! They have been so good!

I made an interesting dinner – hasselback chicken – I put laughing cow mixed with fresh spinach inside the slits of the chicken with a piece of raw bacon and baked it. I thought it was really good!

I have enjoyed my pale lime green press on mani this week. I put it on Saturday morning for the parade and it’s still going strong as I write this on Thursday!

Tom still wants to walk after work (even without a dog) and we have done this together around the playground behind our house before dinner. He likes to say hi to all his “dog friends”.

We are doing ok, but we really miss our boy, Ernie. I came home immediately after school on Monday of this week for the first time (I kept myself busy, busy, busy last week) and it really hit me. I should have been on the patio with him and I should have been tripping over him to get in the door – lol.

Jack also had a sad moment. He was vacuuming his basement area and said he felt bad because he saw the dog hair and it was the last of it. I hugged him and said, “oh I’m sure that’s not the last of it” but we had a nice talk and I think it was cathartic for him.

Some of Tom’s dog friends:

The walking has been nice. I have tried to be done with dinner so I can take that time to walk with Tom.

I got a really sweet gift from my college friend and blog reader Jennie of this frame in which to put a photo and his collar:

I also got a sweet, sweet book and card from Sally, another blog reader, and friend. I read it and bawled.

Kellyann also sent me the sweetest card. I can’t tell you how much the comments mean to me that you all have left. Making the decision to say good-bye to a pet is one of the hardest adulting things.

And, I believe in signs. Do you? I have told you a few times that my Dad leaves me pennies and I save them? Well, this is kind of weird…

I have a tiny little wooden birdhouse that had a cardinal glued to it. The birdhouse is probably 2 inches tall. I think it was meant to be an ornament but I set it on my mantel. It was made by a family friend. So, the cardinal came unglued and I meant to re-glue it or have Tom do it (because that’s what husbands are for, right?). Anyway, I forgot about the cardinal and it’s probably been a year. I was sweeping the kitchen and the cardinal bird appears in the dustpan with the debris I have swept up. My sister Kate would say it was coincidence because she’s a cynic, but I was sweeping the kitchen on Monday (I never do this on a Monday, but I was sad and channeling my sad energy) and this appeared. So, it’s my Dad telling me Ernie is with him or it’s Ernie telling me he’s ok.

How cool is that? Anyway, we are doing ok and are talking about how to bring home our next fur baby.

Gosh with the Facebook memories, no? This was our favorite bagel place right by our house and my twins acting silly:

They dressed like old men and called any plaid button up a “Grandpa shirt” because that’s what my Dad wore.

I did something crazy this week (crazy in a boring middle aged woman way) and ordered pick up from Aldi for the first time. Tom asked if they were going to chuck the items in my car bagless, but I showed him that they charged me for their bags:

It was a great experience and I price compared with Kroger and did a Kroger pick up, too, but chose which thing to buy at each store. Do I want two pickups each week? No, but I can see doing every other week at each? Maybe?

And, you guys! I finished my Grocery Diaries for The Kitchn and they are paying me! What? I thought it was just for fun. I will let you know when it will be published. Does this mean I’m a real writer that gets paid? Ha!

We had some fab meal prep meals for lunch at school this week:

Erica’s shrimp curry:

My pizza bowl with quinoa this time rather than cauliflower rice:

Sub in a Tub:

And at home…

One night I didn’t feel like eating the bbq Tom was having and made myself 2 Kodiak pancakes. Bad photo, good pancakes.

Another night Tom had teriyaki chicken over rice and I had it over leftover quinoa. Having a real quinoa moment over here!

Are you all concerned about Kate? I am! What is going on? I hope all is well!

Ok, I made it to the gym at 5:30 three times last week and three times this week. I’m trying!

And, for laughs – my new hall pass:

We all had the same color clipboard for a hall pass in my hallway – each hall has a different color – well, the kids mix them up all the time and then it causes tons of emails about “hall passes missing” and it’s just silly. I had a mannequin arm in my classroom (don’t ask questions and nobody gets hurt) and had a muy artistic student give her a tat. There will be no mixing up of my hall pass now! Insert evil laugh! I will report back if I get “in trouble” for having a unique hall pass.

Well, as usual, we were all over the place for my faves this week. I hope I made you smile, drool, or chuckle?

Happy Weekend!

Wear green! We are all Irish this week!

Amy

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Happy Pi Day! My school might have an abundance of round desserts today. The math teachers used to do it up big, but not sure if they are still doing that. I may or may not have visited the teacher’s lounge in the past for the leftovers!

I’m linking up today with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files. Let’s see what the past week has looked like…

I am trying to be content and wear my previous season spring items. Even though I have a big closet, I have commandeered Mason’s second closet for my out of season things because I don’t like to see them. I want them to feel new and I want to meet my “old friends” again.

Exception to trying to be content:

I always feel like I need things to wear under things and some of my old tanks were not cutting it. Some were too low cut in the chest and some had the tiny little pin holes in them. So, in comes…

The Target A New Day muscle tee – it makes a great first layer, workout tee, you can wear under cardigans, kimonos, or alone with a printed bottom. I got 2 blacks, 1 white (need another one), lime green, and yellow. It appears they are now on sale for $7.

I have the black one on in this photo:

So, I tried a lewk above with my black Target silk skirt, my black Target muscle tee, and a white button down. I wore my Adidas Gazelles with a higher white ankle sock. I was super comfortable, but I’m on the fence about the outfit.

Here it is for the gym: Trigger warning my face apparently had not woken up yet.

The next day I wore my J.Crew Factory $12 clearance blouse with my J.Crew consignment pink cardigan, jeans, and I started in these old Tory Burch flats and they are so uncomfortable! I quickly switched to the Adidas Gazelles. Who knew I had so much pink and green?

For the parade on Saturday I call this “50 Shades of Green”…I wore my Target lime green muscle tee with an old Target green cardigan, and old shamrock headband, and old shamrock looking necklace, my green beer earrings (bearrings), and I decided to wear my Kut from the Kloth flares with my New Balances because we were walking at least 2 miles.

For school Monday, I wore my really, really old Old Navy butterfly blouse, a consignment magenta cardigan, my Matilda Jane Fin flares, and my gold clogs. I changed into my white leather Madewells sneaks after two periods. Lol!

And, for my last outfit, I wore this:

It’s hard to tell from the photo, but the Matilda Janes are navy, the white muscle tee, a consignment kimono that I got stuck in the zipper of my jeans last year and had to rip it out (took to the tailor to be repaired and lesson learned not to wear this with a zipper nearby). By the way, I only wear the Matildas to school. I don’t wear them out anywhere really. They are the perfect school pant. They are comfortable and not fussy for bathroom visits if you know what I mean.

What have you been wearing?

Do you have a favorite of my outfits this week?

Let me know if you get the Target tee! A lot of bloggers raved about it last season, but I’m often late to the party! And again, I had to somewhat eat my words from my post yesterday about shopping at Target.

Amy

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I often tell my students that the longest relationship they will have in their lifetimes is with themselves.

How do you speak to yourself?

Are you kind to yourself?

Here are things I do for myself that I equate with being kind to myself:

Candles – I light a candle in the morning, evening, or when I sit outside. I’ve been trying to “use up” old candles and haven’t bought one for quite a while, but I will buy a new one soon.

Warm drinks – Ahh, when it hits just the right temperature is there anything better than drinking coffee or tea?

Clothing myself – in things that make me feel great and not clothing myself in stiff, scratchy fabrics, ill-fitting garb, etc.

Time – I give myself the gift of morning quiet time, after school quiet time, unhurried time when I can.

Say NO and not over-fill my calendar – I know that my job is intense and full of people and decisions. Teachers make about 1500 decisions a day. That’s why I like routine and I already have my list of meals written out for me. I want to automate as much at school and home as possible. So, I don’t say yes to everything because I know I need down time.

Smells – I give myself good smells. I love nice smelling shower products and this is important to me. I like nice smelling lotions, too. This is why I splurge on Diva laundry liquid.

Laughing – I laugh every day. This is why I love my favorite funny podcast! Watch What Crappens makes fun of Bravo shows. I know they are good for a laugh if I haven’t had much to laugh about that day. I also laugh at myself and don’t beat myself up for the goofs I make on the regular.

Cooking – I cook for myself almost as much as I cook for Tom and my kids. I really enjoy the act of cooking and I’m proud of myself when I cook something great. I like the act of chopping. I’m so happy that I can feed myself the foods that I enjoy.

Exercising or taking walks – This is one I am working to incorporate in a more routine way. I know this is one of the kindest things I can do for my present and future self. I am also trying to walk with Tom because I think it’s good for us and a great way to talk.

Reading- I give myself the gift of time to read.

Nurturing my relationships – I am kind to myself by allowing myself to nurture my marriage, my relationships with my kids, and all my other relationships. That may sound odd, but they require work and care. and even the constant re-evaluating of what stage you are in with that relationship.

Maybe I am getting off topic a bit with my list…but have you been kind to yourself lately?

One thing I think we can all do to be kinder is to stay off social media or reduce our time on it. Sometimes I think it evokes the worst emotions in us. Comparison is the thief of joy, right? For some reason, I don’t think blogs do that to me. I do get ideas from reading blogs, though!

How have you been kind to yourself lately? Any recommendations?

Amy

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

I don’t know where to shop anymore. Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this means I should just be happy and wear what I have?

Every time I say, “Oh, I don’t shop there anymore” something happens, and I have to eat my words. Are you also like that?

I guess I’m having a hard time figuring out where I fit in with retailers lately.

Here are some favorite outfits I’ve worn lately that feel like me:

Here is a favorite Walmart.com purchase in 2024. This breton striped shirt is so well made. I say Walmart.com because I don’t go in the store and only order online. Their website is really, really bad. I have learned that I really like Free Assembly and Scoop brands from Walmart. When you see my stats below, you will see that I have had a lot of luck with this retailer in 2024!

I ordered white wide legged jeans from Chico’s and they were just too voluminous in the legs. I went in the store to return them and looked around and it just didn’t feel right to shop there. I have loved some of their pants for basics in the past, but nothing this season appealed to me at all!

I went in Old Navy to see if they had the $15 sale on a button up like they did online and they didn’t. Why are the prices so drastically different online versus in store? But, more than that, I had to get out of there. Everything looked so cheap, felt so scratchy, and just oozed fast fashion.

I am super happy with my two button ups I ordered in 2024, but shopping in the store was not pleasant! Like I said, it just felt too fast fashion for me.

I bought button ups in blue/white and pink/white online and washed them and shrunk them a bit on purpose and now I love them:

Target clothes don’t feel right now. Exception, I did buy the A New Day muscle tee in black, white, lime, and yellow. I thought it would be great for under cardigans, shirts, and even alone.

Is it me? Am I in a weird age for fashion?

Let’s look back at my January and February purchases and where I have been shopping:

Consignment: 4 items – 2 handbags, black sweater vest, black jeans

Carly Jean Los Angeles: 2 items – white kimono, blue and white boyfriend tee

Walmart: 5 items – pumpkin spice clearance sweater, striped breton, striped short sleeve sweater, navy tank swimsuit, green/white heart cardigan

Old Navy: 2 items – the blue/white button up, and the pink/white button up

Gap: 1 item – silver clogs

Dick’s Sporting Goods: 1 item – Adidas Gazelle platforms

Amazon: 3 items – fun print blouses and bright blue leggings with pockets

Marshall’s: 1 item – pink bird shirt

I like looking online and it’s so tempting to order online, but I hate returns with a passion.

I like ordering from places that have a brick and mortar to return to, but still, I don’t have unlimited time to make returns nor do I want to spend my time that way.

I have been happy with Nordstrom.com in the past and have found many great things that way! I can return to my Nordstrom Rack, which is the only Nordstrom we have.

I am super impressed with ordering from Walmart.com. They are so quick and communicative. They let you know the status of your order multiple times! This is a big plus for me. They are way better than Target.com who yanks my chain about when my orders will arrive.

Every now and again I find something at TJ Maxx or a local boutique, too.

Is it them or is it me?

Do you feel the same?

It’s like – I am a woman of a certain age with a woman-sized body, but I want to be modern, trendy but classy, and feel like myself. Does this store exist for me?

Amy