Any favorites? I would love to hear brand and flavor.
You know what else I love? The option of making fun little drinks like…
I got these ideas from a person I follow on Instagram, but the world is my oyster now and I have so many flavor combo ideas!
I feel like these (whether alone or mixed with a drink mix) have helped me to drink less alcohol and to get my water intake.
This is a fairly new love for me. I avoided sparkling water until just a couple of years ago. In fact, I think hard seltzers were my gateway to non-alcoholic seltzers!
Happy Valentine’s Day! I haven’t done one of these in a long time, so I chose yesterday (a fairly typical Monday) to document.
I got up at 5:00 and enjoyed two cups of coffee (while using my new heating pad thing) and read my devotional and blogs.
In between cups of coffee, I unloaded the dishwasher.
I pulled my meal prep stuff out of the fridge to pack for the day. We have a faux egg mcmuffin and Big Mac bowls for E and I (my turn for lunch).
There she is! My shower cap and I took a very quick body shower around 6:20.
I brushed my teeth and fixed my hair and did my makeup.
I arrived at school at 6:48. Too early.
Look at all the crazy teachers there before me!
I get to my room around 6:55 and have a bit over a half an hour before any students come down the hall. They are not allowed in the hallways until the bell rings at 7:30. During this time I ate my faux egg McMuffin.
First period starts at 7:40 and we do a listening activity.:
Second period is my study hall and I am able to do tons of work which included cutting apart the valentines I am handing out today.
I graded some papers and thought this Spanish I family tree was funny – “Shout out to John!!!” I’m not sure what John did but she labeled all the divorces (we hadn’t learned that word yet).
Then I taught two Spanish III classes.
I drank as much Stanley water as possible.
Then, it was the magic time of 11:13 when I can eat lunch!
Big Mac Bowls:
Then, I taught two more classes…
And, then it was time for my favorite at 1:26 – Planning Period. Just kidding!
I did lots of organizing and a bit of copying and got all ready for first period. Then, I made a quick Tik Tok video about the difference between saber and conocer.
I went home and Ernie and I took a nice walk and it was so pretty out!
I had stains on two shirts from the weekend that I dealt with:
Then, I was starving and that is why there is no picture; I bascially inhaled my snack. I made a piece of avocado toast and some popcorn and ate it on the patio while reading this:
Around 4:30, I went inside to work on blog stuff, bake the rest of the red velvet cupcake batter from Sunday, and to start dinner.
I pulled together my second lunch of the week which was also the same as dinner.
Zucchini lasagna bowls:
I walked with Tom and Ernie when Tom got home around 5:45.
Ernie found a water bottle:
Then, Tom and I ate and Tom watched tv while I read.
Then it was shower time and a hair washing night.
And, I did a mani.
Then, it was time for my Bravo shows.
And, I went to bed at 9. This might be the most boring thing you’ve ever read!
How was your weekend? I hope it was great! Did you celebrate Valentine’s Day or The Superbowl, both, or neither? I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to tell you about mine…
Friday I met Erica and Elizabeth for a happy hour at Brick House. They had an awesome fireplace and fire going.
We had a drink and split this giant pretzel.
I went home and made dinner at home and fell asleep super early.
Saturday morning I had to do my own grocery shopping so I hit the store early. I wasn’t organized and hadn’t planned well in my last pick up which I did on Tuesday.
I came home and did some egg mcmuffins for breakfast prep. The eggs look weird; I cooked it in the air fryer!
I started this movie:
Then, I got both my kids to go to this week’s edition of a coffee shop – Please and Thank You!
I made a special-ish V Day meal and gave them their gifts.
Then, my kids and I went to a flamenco party that we were invited to by Erica who is taking lessons. Jack was interested in hearing the flamenco guitar and they both love the Spanish language so we had a good time. We practiced our Spanish most of the time we were there.
Sunday morning I did lots of meal prep for the week and then enjoyed an omelette on my sunny porch.
Tom and I walked Ernie and he found a football so he was ready for Superbowl Sunday!
It was a very relaxing weekend. The sun and 55 degree temps yesterday were exactly what I needed, too.
It’s time to link up with Kellyann and Jill to share our recent fashion.
Get out that red and pink, girls! We only have 5 more days to wear our hearts and Valentine’s Day colors.
Last Thursday I wore my Amazon heart sweater to school. I like the material of this sweater and it doesn’t make me hot at all! I paired it with new Target Universal Thread jeans.
Friday I broke out my old white booties. I wore them with my Costco Lucky brand sweater. I’m wearing the same jeans as the day before – gasp!
Sunday I wore this to have a Sunday Funday outing with Tom. I wore my new silk scarf with an old black Amazon Essentials sweater.
These are the same jeans as above but I think they look frumpy with these sneakers. I needed to be super comfy Monday for my three food days.
Tuesday I wore my grey jeans with a black blouse and my J.Crew consignment cardigan I found this year.
And, finally yesterday I wore my very old Amazon pink Burberry with a black column underneath. I did wear shoes – you will be happy to know!
So, nothing really to write home about? I like the little silk scarf outfit the best I think.
We are at that point where many people have abandoned resolutions now. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate some of the routines in your life? I am constantly trying to do things more efficiently.
What’s Working for me right now:
You have heard many of these things, but I want to tell you what I am still doing that is working.
I am washing my hair every other night. I still take a nightly shower. I also take a quick morning shower. Yes, I like to shower. My Dry Bar shower cap is amazing! I never thought I could love a shower cap and never even had one until my late 40s!
Doing my personal laundry and some light cleaning tasks on Thursdays. I feel great getting a few things done before the weekend.
Doing grocery pickup and not going in the store. I had to go in the store Saturday and it was not pleasant. It took way too long at the checkout and I picked up way too many impulse items.
Doing grocery pickup on Wednesday or Thursday so I go into the weekend fully stocked.
Not checking email after hours or on weekends. Just not doing it. I am so much happier and it’s even made me a better teacher because my batteries are re-charged and I can be fully present during my work hours. If you are a teacher, don’t “@ me” as the kids say. There are very few “true emergencies” in my line of work. I respond as soon as I get to school if I got a message after hours.
My new Shark cordless stick vaccuum. I am using it in place of the broom and dustpan. It’s great and maybe even the best on hard floors.
Here are some posts I wrote if you are feeling stuck:
Just click on the red font and it will take you to the post. As you can tell, I love to talk and write about life hacks.
What I don’t really do, but I think would be great: Pasta on Monday, Mexican on Tuesday, Asian on Wednesday, etc. Some sort of dinner routine.
Great idea I heard on Lazy Genius podcast:
A listener said they always have breakfast for dinner on Sunday nights and they cook extra for their breakfasts throughout the week. I thought this was a great idea. Work smarter and not harder and breakfast for dinner on a Sunday night sounds like a nice treat – especially if you weren’t able to do a big breakfast in the morning.
What’s working for you right now? It can be the smallest thing, but it might help me or someone else!
I did some research on what the spring trends are going to be. Here they are along with my thoughts.
First of all, do you think women of a certain age should care about fashion trends? If you want to, then I say, Heck Yes! If you don’t, that is fine, too.
I admire women who have a classic and timeless wardrobe and that bought quality pieces that have lasted for years. I also admire the fact that they can still freaking fit in the same size!
But, I also admire a woman who looks modern and picks and chooses the trends that work for her, her body, her style, and make her feel like a million bucks.
I think that I am pretty in touch with trends because of my job. It has been so interesting to see the teen fashions through the years. I am having major flashbacks from 1994, my first year of teaching. In fact, I can pull out some photos and you would not know if it was 2023 or 1994, I bet!
I bought this blouse for $37 because it’s a style I like and think looks flattering and I audibly gasped when I saw it.
BARBIECORE/HOT PINK
Heck yes! I love this shade of pink and all shades, really. I am so glad I bought my Walmart Scoop blazer last season.
HIGHLIGHTER COLORS (including more green)
Yes! I love bright colors. They just make me happy.
SAND AND KHAKI
Oh, I don’t know. This would probably wash me out near my face, but I could see some linen pants.
BIGGER BAGS
That could be nice. I always like to be prepared and I have had to pare my purse stuff down in the last years of using belt bags and cross body bags.
EMBELLISHED JEANS/DENIM
I have seen some really cute jeans with a stripe down the side hem. I don’t know about going back to all the grommets and doodads. Remember those jeans? Tom used to wonder aloud how many couches had gotten ruined by peoples’ embellished butts of jeans.
POLKA DOTS
Yes! I don’t think I have a single thing with polka dots right now. I’m kinda ashamed.
FRINGE
I have to be careful with fringe because I love it and I could real quickly look like I am wearing a costume.
I know I have only barely scratched the surface of spring 2023 trends. What have you seen in the stores or online for spring 2023? Do you get really excited about spring clothing?
It’s Monday again, darn it! But, that does mean it’s time to link up with Sarah and Holly. Also, hope over to Tanya for Prime Purchases. Here is mine that I did a week too early, but I haven’t bought anything since so it’s still good! Ha!
First, let’s start with some updates:
Ernie Update:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your sweet messages a week ago about our Ernie.
I updated you all on Friday and he is totally normal, we think. My brain wants an explanation, but my heart says to just enjoy him for as long as I have him and not to overthink it. If you are new to the story, our vet said he had internal bleeding and that was why he acted lethargic and skipped one meal. They said it was most likely due to a tumor on his spleen. The bleeding had stopped and that was why he quickly acted better, but the vet said we would likely have to make a decision in the next couple of weeks. Surgery is a risky and expensive option and the vet said it would likely only buy a couple of months.
I have been hurrying home each day and giving him extra attention and walks and making more food for him. I already was boiling chicken for him to have along with his kibble. He also gets carrots and green beans. I have been making eggs and sweet potatoes for him on a few days, too.
A nap after a walk:
TikTok Update:
I am making short Spanish lesson videos each weekday and I think I am up to 17. I am having fun with it and it’s only taking about 10 minutes of my time.
Friday after school I did get to go to a happy hour. We went to Spring Street Bar and Grille which is owned by an alum of our school, so all faculty were invited. The owner wore a t-shirt from high school with our logo and made a special cocktail in our color:
I wish more had been able to come, but it was really fun anyway!
I went home and luckily had already made the meat for spaghetti. We only use angel hair around here. It’s Tom’s favorite and it’s so good!
I had my wonderful, amazing popcorn a couple of hours later and watched some tv. We started two new things this weekend: Cunk on Earth on Netflix (hilarious, dry British humor), and Shrinking on Apple TV.
Saturday bright and early was hair day!
I had done a Kroger pick up on Thursday, but I needed a few things and I cannot even remember the last time I stepped foot in Kroger! I picked up these “nuggets of love” because Jack especially would find that funny and he has the palate of a 5 year old so this is gourmet for him.
I tried my best to sit outside Saturday afternoon, but it was too cold and windy even for me!
I did manage to read my book inside, but I was sad.
To cheer myself up, I went to my two consignment stores. I bought a cute small scarf for $1.43 at Sassy Fox (it was 75% off) and I also made an appointment to sell some spirng and summer stuff later in the month.
Then, I went to Clothes Mentor and didn’t buy a thing, but wanted to show you what they have:
And, my new chambray shirt from Old Navy is already on the racks! It looks a bit lighter so maybe they had a version of it last season because that would be a super quick consignment turn around.
We found a good stick on our walk. I try to walk with Tom as many weeknights as possible and on the weekends.
I made sheet pan fajitas in the air fryer for dinner. I still have no oven and I still do not miss it. The only reason is because of my substantial sized air fryer that also bakes, roasts, and much more. We did order the oven, but it’s gonna take about two months.
I even made my own fajita seasoning. You guys, I put these in bowls and the chicken was freaking next level. Slender Kitchen has taught me so much! I am going to make my own blackening seasoning for blackened tilapia this week. I know how easy it is to throw a seasoning packet in your grocery cart, but making your own is so easy and I swear that you have all the components.
I thought I had an onion but I didn’t, so these would have been better with one!
Let the record state that I cooked dinner on both Friday and Saturday nights this weekend!
I could not keep my eyes open after watching some telly and I was in bed by 9:30. I think I made it until 10:30 Friday night. Those of you who think I have exciting weekends, have I convinced you otherwise lately? Ha!
Sunday I was up bright and early and enjoyed my coffee and my book. I still had one breakfast burrito so I didn’t feel like breakfast prepping and I think my plan is going to be oatmeal this week. I am only responsible for one lunch for Erica and I this week and that is on Friday, so I thought maybe taking a break from prepping would be good for me!
I had a good week! It’s time to link up with Erika and Andrea to hear all about our weekly faves.
Let’s go back to Sunday afternoon. I usually do my Hello Monday post around lunchtime and then save whatever else I do on Sunday for my Friday Favorites – if it was in fact, a favorite.
Tom and I are trying to be home as much as possible for Ernie. So, I had a Sunday Funday plan with Elizabeth. She used to teach French next door to me but she moved on and is now in another field. I hadn’t seen her or talked to her for awhile so we were able to coordinate a time on Sunday afternoon. We met at The Reservoir and walked. It was super cold and it started raining and we were out.
We headed to a little hole in the wall The Dark Horse while is also a new restaurant called The Smokery. I want to take Tom back there for barbecue.
Then, we headed to Parlour and shared a beer flight.
We also got their breadsticks.
We had a great time and then I headed home to eat my Soup Sunday soup with Tom and watch Bad Sisters on Apple TV. We just finished it and really liked it!
Sweet boy!
Monday was food day in two of my classes. They voted for a Monday so they could cook on Sunday and it worked out great.
Ernie and I have walked each day after school and multiple times on the weekends.
After our Monday after school walk, Victoria came to see Ernie. She is a huge dog lover. We caught up over a Trader Joe’s baguette and red wine.
For dinner, I made a Thai peanut sauce bowl. I am really trying to perfect a peanut sauce. I love this flavor so much.
I filed my nails more rounded and did a normal polish mani using my Kur polish.
I got up Tuesday morning and was on my second cup of coffee before I realized it was a snow day! It was an old fashioned one with no digital work! It was due to ice on the road. I didn’t think it looked that bad when I looked out the window. So, I was up at the normal time and after Tom left for work I did a happy dance to be an adult with a free weekday!
I watched The Wedding Year in the morning (Jennifer loves a morning movie so I did like she said to do!)
I watched part of another movie, I caught up on lots of tv shows, I cooked myself breakfast and lunch, I made a Crumbl sugar cookie for one with a recipe I found. It was soooo good! I walked Ernie even though it was soooo cold. I finally left the house at 4:00 to go to Dollar Tree for a few things I had been needing.
We returned to school Wednesday and after Wednesday, the rest of the week is downhill in a good way!
Last weekend when I went to the library, I saw this book on the shelf again:
Along with this:
Is this a genre of books I don’t know about? We want to read about love stories involving bosses? No.thank.you!
One of the things I made on my snow day was buffalo chicken squares.
I love my new scarf that arrived this week and wore it right away!
Erica made blackened chicken tacos with mango salsa for our lunch at school on Wednesday:
I finally got a coffee cup warmer and I love it!
A little nap after a walk:
Ernie is doing great! He is acting totally normal now. I am so grateful and happy. I don’t know exactly what to make of it. I am wondering if the vet is wrong and what they saw was something else like a puncture from a bone or a stick. Or, is this just that the tumor is now stable and slow growing? I am debating calling the vet, but I also am scared to call the vet. We have been loving on this guy so much. He has just brought us so much fun and happiness in his 10 years.
Move over, Sharpie S Gel. I think I have a new favorite in these Tul pens. I got them on Amazon and they make me very happy. I like a clickable gel pen that is a fine to medium point.
I had a Wednesday afternoon outing with my friend Beth. We hadn’t seen each other in a few weeks and met at Napa for half price wine on Wednesday and their 4-6 happy hour.
They had a burger on their happy hour menu and it was incredible.
We sat by the window and the sun was so bright. We took silly sunglasses pictures.
It was a nice mid-week outing and I was home by 6:30 to hang with Tom and Ernie.
Yesterday I broke out the Carebear sweater:
We still have ice on our rain chain!
Ernie found a tennis ball behind the tennis center on our cold walk yesterday!
It’s already Thursday and that means it’s time to see what we’ve been wearing. I am linking up with Kellyann and Jill so click on their names and go see these gals!
Last Friday we were supposed to wear black to show that we were going to beat another school in the basketball game and we were in mourning for them, I guess. I wore my Target Universal Thread black jeans and my Amazon black top with some flats. I think black shoes would have looked better.
Saturday I tried out some denim on denim. These are the same jeans as the black. They are slim straight high waist. I feel weird in skinny jeans now. These are so comfortable on the legs and they feel great on. My chambray top is from Old Navy for the price of about two lattes ($12) and my clogs are old – I ordered them from a Swedish brand or Etsy. They are bright. Solid gold, baby.
Monday I wore Matilda Jane flares and a consignment Loft top. Did you know that Matilda Jane has more than just the ruffle pants? I have several flares by this brand. It’s extremely awkward to hold your phone so that your face can show, lift your face so it looks like you are not looking at your phone while trying to take a picture, and be annoyed by your husband’s blue cup in the background and his heckling while I am doing this.
Tuesday I tried a new lewk with jeans, my black silk Chico’s blouse, a new small silk scarf, and my hot pink blazer. See, I didn’t get the eyes right. I got some comments from students on my “drip”. If your teenager tells you, “nice drip” that means they like your clothing.
I ordered this scarf from Amazon and it came in the nicest packaging. I didn’t order this print, but I loved it, so I kept it. Hey, if the universe says it wants me to have this print, who am I to say no? If you click on the red type, you will see the scarf design I tried to order. I think it’s more spring like anyway. You can also see all the other options. I specifically wanted to fold it like a bib/bandana and wear it with a button down or a sweater.
And, here is my new Loft blouse. I think I talked about it in my Hello Monday post. I don’t think I included it in my January purchases, so we will call it a February purchase, mkay?
My nails weren’t quite long enough, but I filed them in the current rounder shape and used my Kur polish. I consider this part of my fashion.
I kinda like it.
What have you been putting on your bod?
Let’s pretend like 23 in 2023 was never spoken about. If you are my true friends, you won’t call me out. My sister Kate was right. I just like fashion too darn much. We shall see. I think I will continue recording my monthly purchases.
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 