Monday, November 20, 2023

This week my plan is to blog on Wednesday and Friday only, but you never know!

I am happy to link up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday and I want to thank them for providing this link up!

How was your weekend?

Thursday night, Tom and I and Heather and Eric went to our other friend Heather’s Dad’s visitation. It was across the river in Indiana so the four of us rode together and afterwards, we went to Torchy’s for the first time. We don’t have one in Louisville, and we were impressed. It was late, we were hungry, and it was fast, too.

Friday, I took off work for the funeral. I will only show this photo of the fire trucks in front of the church. Heather’s dad was a career firefighter and had been retired for a number of years. After the funeral, there was a processional past the fire station with a truck parked outside and a line of firefighters saluting. The roads were blocked all through the Indiana town, across the bridge, and on the Kentucky side until we arrived at the cemetery for the burial service and burial.

It was a hard day. I was so sad for her and of course, I was remembering my own father’s funeral.

Friday night Jack played a role in Hansel and Gretel the opera at his college so Tom and I ate a quick dinner at home and then went to see him.

Dark green is still going strong 7 days later as I type this post. I used my 40% off coupon to order some holiday designs.

I chose not to do Saturday errands and had a plan with my friend Beth. The day was cool and crisp but very sunny and it was just what I needed.

We went to the 10th year anniversary of Evan Williams Bourbon in a repurposed space downtown. They had music, tastings, a free cocktail, and some food booths.

We also checked out some downtown urban bourbon trail distilleries/outlets. Bardstown Bourbon Company has a new and amazing space.

We left downtown and ended our day in this lovely little biergarten between two restaurants – Holy Grale and Gralehaus.

Beth insisted upon taking my photo for ye old blog!

We shared a salad and a pretzel, too!

After our fun day out, I did a Kroger pick up, an Aerie return, a Dollar Tree run, and put away groceries and made BLTS for dinner.

I enjoyed texting with Mason, too, and we talked on Facetime for quite awhile while I was cooking.

I think you all can tell how much enjoyment and amusement I get from his photos and texts. Jack is also super sweet but doesn’t share as much.

I know I will really miss Mason this weekend. Tom and I watched some tv and then I went to bed but couldn’t sleep so got up and then watched some Gilmore Girls which puts me to sleep because I’ve watched it so much and it’s comforting to me. That was such a run on sentence, and I don’t think I even care to fix it. Jack and Mason have a running joke with me because the Gilmore Girls ending music always wakes me up! It’s super aggressive and loud! So, I woke up and went to bed.

Sunday morning, I slept in until 7:00 which is super rare for me. I worked on some trip details. I am debating whether to pre-book the short regional train trips, but knowing me I will feel better having them booked.

I know some of you lucky folks are already out for Thanksgiving break and even some college kids are home! Jack has two days of class left, as do I. It’s kind of weird, but it’s ok, too.

I am motivated today to get stuff done at school for the week after break. I am freaking out mildly that I will have only a bit more than 3 weeks before we leave on our trip to the UK! I am so excited, but my brain has started the usual – Why am I doing this again? Would it have been better just to have Mason come home? Do I have everything planned? Did I schedule enough and leave enough time for spontaneous activity? What if the weather is bad on our flight days? What if we have flight delays? Will Ernie be ok? What if we lose our passports? Where are our passports? (Just kidding on that last one!)

Do you also do this? I hate this about myself, but it is the way I am built.

I bought a new carry-on tote for my personal item. We are going to use our carry-on wheeling bags that we bought in 2016 for Germany. I “auditioned” the new carry-on tote and continue to use it as my school bag to make sure I like it. I am also auditioning outfits – ha! I am also using the “teacher test” on the shoe choices I am making. You might as well use your job for something, right? Joking! My colors (I think) are black, camel, and some bright Christmas colors. I may do an entire post on it.

So, let’s talk about the upcoming weekend. I tried to get most everything done Saturday and yesterday so I could have Wednesday to have fun or do those last-minute things that sneak up – or to decorate for Christmas – minimally.

In other news, I pulled a “baller” move, I think. Thursday we go to Tom’s sister’s house in town for a traditional Thanksgiving meal in late afternoon. I am in charge of pie, potatoes, and a green salad. Friday, we go to my hometown an hour away and because everyone has already had the traditional with their in-laws (we have always done Thursday with in-laws and Friday with my side), we are having a pasta bar for an early dinner but needed a meal upon arrival around 11 – my sister is bringing good bagels and cream cheese, so we are having a brunch type meal around 11. I ordered a Chick Fil A nugget tray and a chicken mini tray to bring. The young kids say “baller” as a compliment and one meaning of the term can be someone who makes things happen by making smart decisions. Moms, we are all ballers! Right?

Pasta bar details:

Salad

Bread with olive oil to dip

Lasagna

Baked spaghetti

Alfredo sauce with a cool shape or two shapes of pasta

Thanksgiving decorated sheet cake

I pretty much took charge and bossed everyone around because my mom wanted to know the plan and Kate and Molly said they didn’t care and needed direction. I AM the oldest, so it’s only right.

Whew, you all are cheaper than therapy! Do you ever feel that I am using you for that?

If you are still here, thank you for that!

Amy

Friday, November 17, 2023

What a week! I say that every week, but for different reasons. This week was long and sad because of my best friend’s dad passing away. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week.

My first favorite is you all…

I didn’t post on Tuesday and then I think you could tell by my Wednesday post Coffee Talk that I have been feeling down and letting self-doubt creep in. Am I doing enough at home? I’m having trouble meal planning, prepping, cooking, cleaning, and just keeping up. Am I good enough at school? I am so frustrated by some decisions and lack thereof at work. I have people who make my job harder than it needs to be. Am I bringing anything new to the blogging world? Sometimes I feel so boring and redundant. Anyway, I didn’t put all of this into words on Wednesday, but your comments (I swear I wasn’t fishing!) made me feel better. Thank you.

Another favorite was how happy I think I made my friend and her husband when I brought some things…

I made mini muffins, french toast casserole, and fruit salad, and was able to pick up their sweet pup from the groomers. It’s fun having a dog in your passenger seat!

And now some some Aldi finds…

Also, check out Jen’s post on her Aldi finds here! It’s kind of like a Trader Joe’s haul post because she bought all things I have never bought and some I didn’t even know about! I am starting there for my Thanksgiving shopping this weekend. I am in charge of pie (Costco), potatoes, and a green salad for Tom’s side and then for my side Friday we are having a pasta bar.

I was using flavored K cups and doing my fat free half and half frothing routine, but the pumpkin coffee was no longer available, and the holiday creamers started coming out, so now I am frothing up a bit of this or another holiday creamer…

and it’s really good!

I also bought some of this to put on top of a regular coffee. I bet this would also be good on pumpkin pie!

Tom and I both liked this, but I only used half of the cheese packet. It seemed like it would have been way too cheesy with all of it.

I placed an Impress press on nail order that arrived on my birthday – so fun –

After letting my nails stay naked for about 3 days this time to give them a break, I applied “Pine for You” and it’s a really dark green. I love it! As I am writing this post, I am on day 5. So, since I started my press on journey again, I have had grey that lasted 7 days, black that lasted 8 days, and aqua green that only lasted 4 days. I still don’t know why the aqua started popping off, but my theory is that the sticky was old because I applied them the same way. I think you have better outcomes with trimming them and keeping them shorter, too. I didn’t notice that the set on the right was wider fit, and I don’t really need that, so I gave those to Erica because she has a wider nail bed.

The dark green “pine for you”:

Sunday Funday this week was a trip to Costco with Tom (he goes through protein shakes like you wouldn’t believe) and after we went to a new location of one of Tom’s favorites, Diorio’s Pizza.

I like that you can get one slice of pizza and I could only eat about half of it!

We also got salads and Tom got lasagna.

We also visited the Mexican grocery because I needed to get some prizes for school.

It’s always interesting to go there!

Sometimes running errands with your spouse is a “date” these days!

I am so happy to have a freezer!

One night I made this, and I loved it!

I added some of these mushrooms, but I think I like the mushrooms better on their own. I think it was the mix of the gorgonzola and the mushroom seasoning that I didn’t like. I have also used the mushroom medley for an omelette!

Each year, I try to get one peppermint mocha milkshake from Chick Fil A. Have you had one? They are so good!

They are out now, but I usually wait until mid-December!

Ernie seems to love the leaves! He always gets to roll around at the end of the walk!

A couple of organizations at school treated us to a Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday..

It was so good, but I needed a turkey nap and still had 3 classes to teach!

Whew – my faves were crazy and all over the place this week!

What were your favorites this week? I hope you had many!

Amy

Thursday, November 16, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill!

The weather is the major determining factor for what I wear. Unfortunately, the outdoor weather doesn’t matter much because my classroom is subtropical! I am serious! I have had three days where I thought I was going to pass out. One teacher in my hallway asks them to totally turn off the heat in her room and they warn her that “it can never be turned on again this year”. Okayyyyyyy……

So, one day I wore this very light Target Knox Rose dress in fallish colors. Yes, the sweater came off right away never to be put back on. I wore this on Thanksgiving last year, too!

Friday I wore jeans and this light blouse and the sweater came off.

Friday night I wore my Hush Puppies pumps, my Wit and Wisdom jeans, and my hot pink blouse (sorry you saw this in Hello Monday already!) and loved the outfit and was very comfortable.

Sunday Tom and I went to Costco and saw this fridge with a mirror on the front. What is this? A diet fridge? You must look at yourself before opening it to feed your face? My outfit for Sunday Funday was my ON distressed jeans, a fall blouse, and a fuzzy vest while it was still chilly out.

Monday for school I wore my black Wit and Wisdom dress pants and a new top from TJ Maxx from Saturday. I will show you this in more detail.

And, in my quest to wear fall colors, I wore this fall colored blouse with dark green Matilda Janes the next day.

And, finally I wore this and Tom got in my pic!

Here is some inspo…

I love the light jeans with black…

and the light jeans with black and white stripes and camel…

I would really like some camel and black cap toe flats. Rothy’s has some that are so cute. I’m not on board with the chunky loafer yet.

I love this look below, but with different shoes. I like Converse, but not with this. I think they ruin the outfit here.

Sorry I haven’t done a Thanksgiving fashion post yet! I will probably wear one of my fall blouses with jeans to be honest. I am not feeling a dress this year and don’t really have one that I haven’t worn to death.

And, just like I planned, I am really tired of my fall-colored clothing and ready to start wearing black, camel, wine, jewel tones, and plaid. I would like to get a jewel toned silk button up because I wore my black one so much last year and plan to do the same this year.

What have you been wearing lately?

Buying lately?

What are the looks you want to try?

Amy

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

No, I didn’t post yesterday. I had writer’s block. I sat down to write about Thanksgiving and looked up my old Thanksgiving posts and I just didn’t have anything new to say! I rarely experience a lack of ideas for a blog post because I guess I am wordy, but it happened!

Literal coffee talk…I love my coffee mug warmer. I think it would make a great gift, too! Here is mine on Amazon! You could include a new mug or some gourmet coffee for your coffee lover.

School…

My school had metal detectors installed last week. Students can’t start going through them until 8:00 (we start at 8:40) so I try to arrive right at 7:59 to beat the students. It’s taken me a while to get used to my new schedule, but I think I have landed on leaving the house at 7:50 and then most days I am able to be home by 3:45. Last year it was leave at 6:45 and arrive home at 2:45. It seems like such a minor change, but it really threw me.

Even though it’s getting dark around 5:30, I get to go to work when it’s light out now, so that is nice. I’m also trying to do some of my chores in the morning so that I don’t have as much to do after school.

Friends…

I’ve been sad and this might have contributed to writer’s block. My best friend’s dad passed Sunday morning. I understand all too well how it feels so I want to be a support to her. That night I brought her a bag of goodies from our fabulous Paul’s Fruit Market. I brought bakery buns, deli meats and cheese, gourmet popcorn, homemade cinnamon rolls, and a few sweet treats. I also stopped at CVS and got her lavender body wash and eye patches and a card. I dropped it off when she wasn’t home yet.

I plan to make fruit salad and a French toast casserole and drop it off the night before the visitation that starts at 11. Hopefully that will be helpful?

I think most people think of dinner, so I like to think of daytime food. Any other ideas or things you like to do?

Mason…

I think he is a little bit homesick, but he hasn’t said it. He is worried that Jack misses him. He is also really starting to realize he has exactly a month left and needs to do some more day trips and experience some things on his list. It also seems that his courses are pretty hard and time consuming, so he does spend a lot of time reading and working on school work in England.

So, that’s about it for my coffee talk today!

What would you tell me over coffee?

Amy

Monday, November 13, 2023

Whew! We have 7 school days until Thanksgiving break! I can hardly believe it. Then, we we return, we have exactly 20 school days until Winter break.

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share my weekend.

Let’s go back to Friday. I had been so hot in my classroom all week because the district had turned on the heat and the temps outside were in the upper 70s. I wore my very lightweight blouse but added a sweater for the morning.

I decided to return the silver sparkly A New Day long sleeve tee because I think it’s going to be too itchy and I won’t wear it. It is very different material than the black, wine, brown, and camel that I purchased.

Friday was good and after school, my friend Elizabeth came over for my now “signature French happy hour”. A bottle of white sauvignon blanc, truffle popcorn, truffle fries, and garlic aioli is all it takes and I can whip this up very quickly.

After Elizabeth left, I was being picked up by a friend for a girl dinner out. I wore my Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut, my hot pink cougar blouse, and my tan Hush Puppies.

Wow – I was blown away by this new to me place!

The star of our dinner was the crispy cauliflower with a yummy dipping sauce.

I had a really nice evening, but got home kind of late for me and then fell asleep on the couch and didn’t make it to my bed until about 1:30 a.m.

I was feeling it on Saturday morning!

I love this! It’s great with just crackers but on Saturday morning after I got some coffee in me, I used it for…

A mushroom, red onion, bacon omelette. I just use the bacon bits that are real bacon and come in the pouch.

It turned out delish!

My Saturday mornings are now usually errand mornings. I went to TJ Maxx and the line was super long, but I was patient.

I went to Aldi. I have missed the grocery savings that I was getting there, so I’m back, baby!

I finished Hello Stranger by Katherine Center – loved it! I started The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella.

I worked on our trip details and my Google Doc for quite a while in the afternoon, then I made my Target return. The sky was lovely!

For dinner, we had salad, chicken and totchos (tater tot nachos):

I went to bed at 8:45 after Tom and I watched part of the movie Downhill with Will Ferrell! I was so tired!

I felt great Sunday morning and did morning things plus watched a bit of:

I got to Facetime with Mason for about 30 minutes! We had a great conversation, even though I know I’m annoying and ask for too many details. He was in a great mood and very patient with me – lol!

I also did some meal prepping for the week and listened to some podcasts while cleaning the house and just the usual get ready for the week ahead things.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, November 10, 2023

It’s Friday! I am linking up here for Friday Favorites!

How was your week? I will share some things that made me happy this week!

I changed my press ons to this color. I thought it was going to be less summer aqua and more of a light fall green (yes, I’m crazy!), so it looks pretty summery to me.

While my grey and my black lasted 7 days, these popped off after 4 days. I don’t know if I needed to let my nails “rest” or I didn’t prep them well, but now I am letting my nails stay naked for a bit before applying any more.

I was looking for the wonderful Truly Holiday pack and found the Celebrations pack instead:

Ok – love! I have only tried these two, but I really like them.

I meant to get the sugar free, but I love this peppermint mocha. Yes, I jumped the gun a bit. I need to do more pumpkin before December!

Monday was my turn for lunch for Erica and I and this turned out great – cauliflower rice, grilled chicken, black beans, red onions, sweet potatoes, and I made a little chipotle crema to go on top. Erica gave it two thumbs up, too. I made up the recipe.

I’m kind of obsessed with sweet potatoes lately and I love the combo with black beans.

The weather has been fabulous even though it’s getting dark earlier. I have made it a point to sit outside in the morning, after school, and in the evening after dinner.

Monday after school I had my friend Beth over and Ernie was waiting for her. I forgot to take pictures but we had some wine and truffle popcorn and chatted. I could do this on a Monday because I was off Tuesday. What a treat!

When I was off Tuesday, I picked up two books I’m excited about from the library. I didn’t even know Sophie Kinsella had a new book, so I am super happy. I love her!

And, here was a Christmas book I have not read:

Tuesday I voted, of course, but I also got a bunch of errands run. Erica wanted me to help her put some outfits together and we had lunch at Cheesecake Factory after shopping. I ordered from their Skinnylicious menu and it was really, really good.

I had salad and a chicken sandwich:

Texts from Mason continue to be a favorite. He often starts texting me at 3 or 4 am my time and then I wake up and see them and text back. I wouldn’t have it any other way! He seems like he is doing well and I know he is growing a ton from this experience.

Neither of my kids really like Thanksgiving food. I love it!

Mason had an adventure this week. He had two whole days in London which is a little over 3 hours away from where he is studying. He left really early one day and stayed in a hostel and left really late the next day. He did it all with just a backpack.

Coffee shop pic he sent:

Japanese food for lunch:

Crossing the Thames:

Portuguese piri-piri chicken for dinner.

Such a foodie! Also, he bought a famous James Smith and Sons umbrella as a souvenir. He texted and said he just passed a really cool umbrella shop and I told him he should get one as his souvenir. He did (a lesser priced one) and texted that he loved having it to walk around the city. He is such an old soul.

I plan to finish this book this weekend, but it is so good! I think I know what is going to happen and it’s a little silly, but I am enjoying it.

What were your faves this week?

I hope you had many!

Amy

Thursday, November 9, 2023

It’s link up day for Fashion Files here!

First, let’s start with some new items I added to my wardrobe.

On my birthday, I visited my local boutique and saw this dress:

I love black and camel and black and gold and it had my animal print! How much animal is too much? I have my aqua blouse (spring/summer) so that is put away now and my hot pink blouse. So, this makes only my third!

If you spent $30 or more, you could pick a free poncho, so I picked this one!

Did you see the Target Rowing Blazers collab? Never heard of it, but this v neck sweater made me gasp. I ordered mine online.

I had wanted a washable black silk skirt so I tried this one from Target and I love it!

I also ordered 5 basic long sleeve tees from Target to be able to wear under things. They are really nice quality. I feel like they are a step above t-shirt material.

I decided to keep the camel coatigan in the larger size. Here is me trying it on one last time with a column of black underneath.

Now, I will try, try, try to be content with my wardrobe. I am really proud of how little I have purchased since school started and I am also proud of being more thoughtful about purchases.

Here is what I wore on my birthday! It was super cold and I had lots of errands to run. I wore the new long sleeve black tee from Target, leggings from Costco, and last year’s Target plaid flannel.

For my birthday dinner, I wore the new silk skirt, an old black sweater, my new to me booties, and my favorite beaded clutch.

For school the next day, I wore leggings, my new TJ Maxx striped pullover, and my New Balance sneaks.

For Friday night birthday dinne with friends, I wore the silk skirt again, the booties again, and my hot pink sweater.

One of my friends got me this cool necklace and I wore it Saturday with this fun print blouse from TJ Maxx.

And, Monday for school I wore a fall colored blouse, my mustard cardigan, and my Dillard’s jeans with my Danskos.

And, Tuesday when I was off for Election Day, I wore Target jeans, gold clogs, and my other new TJ Maxx top (both turning out to be good buys!). This is the first time Ernie has tried to hog my spotlight. Look how sweet! He was like, “Who cares about your outfit, woman. You are off today and I want another walk.” And, yes, I did change shoes and walk him before I went out!

My goal is to wear all my fall colors this month before I switch to black, wine, royal blue, and plaid for the month of December. I think this helps me to wear more of my closet!

What have you purchased lately?

What have you worn lately?

It was cold last week, but now we are in the 70s again! This is why we need fall colors in lighter fabrics. It never fails that we get warm weather again. I’m not complaining because I love it!

Amy

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Have you ever played that drinking game? You say “never have I ever done____” and then if someone in the group HAS done it they have to drink? This might liven up your Thanksgiving if you play this game around the table? Ha!

I thought I would share some things I have never done. I will not be drinking during this post because I really have not done these things!

Had a facial – Seriously! I have had maybe 3 massages in my life (full body is what I am talking about- one was when I was pregnant and I got to lay on my stomach with a hole cut out for it!) But, I have never had a facial. I am most interested in a neck and scalp massage which some have told me is part of the facial.

Been fired from a job – Nope! I have also gotten the three post college jobs I wanted (3 different schools) and have never been rejected in the work sense. I was a model employee from the time I had my first job. I was a lifeguard, manager of a pool, newspaper ad designer?, Talbots surplus store worker, PIzza Hut server, floating restaurant on the river server, and I think that’s it. I took pride in being on time and being a good worker. The job I liked the least was working with clothing at Talbots. As much as I like clothing, hanging it up and folding it for a job is super boring. I mostly unboxed and tagged items.

Had a gel pedicure– I guess I never saw the need because my pedi would last a long time, even at the beach. I also really didn’t know people did it! It seems weird to have to put your foot into the gel curing light!

Done the drink wine/paint a picture activity – I actually have a Jack/Mason funny. We drove by Pinot’s Palette which had just opened and I said, “Oh that’s one of those places where women learn to paint and drink wine!” My twins were probably 8 and one of them responded, “I thought women were just born knowing how to drink wine.” Anyway, I hate doing crafts and art. I am not good at it. I also don’t know what the heck I would do with my crappy painting after I finish. I don’t get why you can’t just drink wine. I did really enjoy a woodworking place where my friend Beth took me. You picked a wood think and painted a stencil on it. I did Tom and my intials and still love it.

Spent night in hotel alone – I don’t have to travel for work and the one time I did go to a American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language conference in Dallas, I took Tom. It was allowed! So, I have not done this yet!

Go to a movie alone – This has been on my list to do in the summer, but I just haven’t done it yet.

Eat in a nice restaurant alone – I think I have eaten in Panera and places like that alone, but I want to go to a nicer restaurant alone sometime. My friend loves doing this.

Cooked a whole chicken or a whole turkey – Can you believe I haven’t done this? I will admit that I am scared. I don’t want to know what animal my meat used to be.

What would you say that you have never done? What should I do from my list?

I hope you enjoyed this! I know it was random, but these were the things that came to mind!

Amy

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Today I thought I would share my birthday gifts and throw in some ideas for the women in your lives that you might be shopping for this holiday season.

First, though, have you made your list?

I start with a list in my planner of who all I need to buy for. I list possible ideas next to their names and I am not afraid to go with a theme. For example, this year, everyone gets something cozy, this year everyone gets jewelry, this year everyone gets something personalized.

I love getting a candle. A friend gave me this great smelling one:

I am definitely more into soy and less into cloying Bath and Body these days.

Most girls would love anything by Sol Janeiro – they make the famous Bum Bum Cream. There are amazing gift sets out right now, too.

I love these knotted headbands and wear them often.

I love getting earrings!

I also got a boutique gift card and an Amazon gift card. Seriously, most people would love an Amazon gift card.

Other ideas:

Laneige lip mask – there is a set with 6 different flavors!

I love my pillow spray and this is a splurge so it makes a great gift. My first bottle lasted a year!

I love foodie gifts – there are so many cool things from local cooking stores. Spice mixes, rubs, sauces, how about champagne mustard that my friend Beth from Host It Notes recommends? You could even pair it with a new set of champagne flutes if the person enjoys champagne, prosecco, or mimosas.

If it is a coffee lover, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed my frother! The teen girls would love this, too. Maybe in one of the fun colors?

My popcorn popper that I love would be a great gift maybe with some popcorn seasoning and popcorn?

I hope I’ve given you just a few ideas today! Leave your best ideas in the comments or what you plan to do this year.

Amy

Monday, November 6, 2023

This is a weird week for us – in a good way! We have school today but not tomorrow due to Election Day and then we will only have Wednesday through Friday left. We have a full five-day week next week and then just a weird little two-day week before Thanksgiving break. November is going to be busy, and I have a feeling it’s going to fly by. I love November, though!

I am happy to link up with Sarah and Holly to share my weekend. I debated breaking this up into two parts, but I will try to be brief!

I am going to start out with Thursday, my birthday! Thank you all for the sweet birthday wishes. I know that I confused you with my posting goof up.

I had the day off and I made the most of it. I treated myself to my first Starbuck’s in a long, long time.

I enjoyed getting a holiday cup and since I never get Starbuck’s anymore, it really did feel like a treat. I am also trying to not eat out much between now and Winter Break because that is also not feeling like a treat anymore.

I did this order from Macro Barista on IG:

I did a small Goodwill drop off. I keep a bag in my closet and when anything is not able to be sold to either of my two consignment stores (and for non-clothing items) I donate it.

I had a Target return. I wandered the aisles with my Starbuck’s and I only picked up a few things I really needed. It was nice, but I think I am a happier and healthier shopper when I use Target.com and only go in for returns. There are a bunch of temptations that lead to impulse spending in Target, no?

I got some frozen foods at Trader Joe’s because I have a freezer finally!

I went to the mall to the Kendra Scott store and got my half price item.

I chose a black short necklace because I wear black so much this time of year. Note: Kendra Scott has necklace extenders if you need more length. They work great!

My Impress order came in the mail on my actual birthday! I got a super dark green, a wine, a shiny red, and a more emerald green. I decided to go to their website to see the options and got all of these for around $25.

Ernie and I took a walk!

I made my first really good apple cider sangria of the season in the afternoon while reading.

Since it was a “school night” Tom and I made a super early dinner reservation so Tom could meet me on his way home from work.

I chose Steak & Bourbon and I love the cozy dark interior and the food is outstanding.

We got the deviled eggs to start:

We split the wedge salad:

We split the pot roast and still had leftovers!

We added a side of brussel sprouts:

And, I got a delicious and lovely piece of cake to end the meal. I also couldn’t eat much of this, but enjoyed the rest on Saturday night.

We were home by 7:00, I think! Jack had late class but came home soon after that and had shopped for me and bought me a pair of earrings- so sweet. Mason had called me earlier in the day, too. It was fun to get a few gifts dropped off and some in the mail and I enjoyed getting texts and Facebook messages. I had a really good day!

Friday it was back to school and it was “bread of the dead” bonus day. I had at least one kid make the traditional bread in each class so we got to try it. It has an orange glaze on top and you can make dough knobs to denote people that have passed.

It was a good day. My school just got metal detectors installed and they get turned on this week, so many of the kids were talking about that.

Friday night was time to celebrate with my two besties and their hubs. I chose our favorite Mexican place and got a skinny? margarita. It looks chubby to me!

One of my friends brought upside down cupcakes from local bakery and it was funny because they look like sombreros!

They sang and brought me a shot of tequila and I could barely take a sip. Flashbacks!

Saturday dawned and I enjoyed some fall weather on the patio while also doing all my Saturday things – laundry, dishes, cleaning, tidying, etc.

Tom and I took a little road trip to my hometown for the day. There was a music festival going on and there were so many people. My sister was in town so we wanted to visit with my mom, my sister and her kids.

The drive was lovely and it gave Tom and I a chance to talk which was great, too.

We walked and walked and enjoyed outdoor street performers. We went in a couple of little shops and my sister ran into a high school friend, so that was fun.

Over the weekend I finished:

This may be my very favorite of all of Elin’s books. I really liked the Winter Stroll series and some of her earlier books, too. But, I really liked this and it was worth the wait!

I am now into this and really loving it, too. I am a happy library book girl right now!

I have more requests coming at the library, but let me know if you have any Christmasy books to recommend. I have already read many of the ones that bloggers recommend.

And, she has been winterized, so goodbye to boating season 2023:

Our first boat ride was mid-May and our last was at the end of October.

Sunday it was time to do breakfast meal prep again since I had a freezer. You guys, it is so nice to have a fridge! It’s so clean and organized, too!

What was the highlight of your weekend? I hope you had a great one!

Amy