Tuesday, March 21, 2023

So, Elizabeth and I have been friends since she was 25 and I was 45! You guys! I am 20 years older than one of my friends. We taught next door to each other for four years and now she has left teaching for a different field. As I entered the stage of life where my kids were off doing their own thing, it has been nice to have a younger friend who has the time! I also think the pandemic brought us closer. Do you have friends of varying ages?

Elizabeth is so sweet, funny, and just a breath of fresh air. She won’t talk about herself for very long without saying, “but, how are you? I want to hear about you”. I have to keep pushing her to talk about herself instead of listening to me drone on.

This past weekend was Elizabeth’s bachelorette party about an hour and a half away on Nolin Lake.

There were many emails and texts leading up to it by the maid of honor who is her friend from college. I must admit I was intimidated and nervous about being the oldest one there. The ages ranged from 24-51. Elizabeth’s future sister in law Julie, her kinda sister in law (she is married to the fiance’s brother) Mary Grace, a friend Brittiny, a friend Kat, a friend Natasha, the maid of honor Carolyn and Erica and I made up the group. Another friend Jen tested positive for Covid and couldn’t come.

The first thing we did was meet at Bardstown Bourbon Company. Only 5 of us could do that. It was supposed to be 6 including the sick girl.

Elizabeth brought her dog Banana. She didn’t bring her dog a banana. Her dog is named Banana. Erica and I didn’t realize there would be 3 dogs, but it was no big deal except for a little chihuahua named Lana who pooped in our room. Anyway…

Another girl, Natasha, arrived a bit late with her dog, Carbon. They had to drive from Chicago. The dogs were allowed on most of the tour. The banana costume is because Elizabeth’s dog is named Banana. Notice Erica and I wanted the theme to be St. Patrick’s Day as it was literally March 17th.

After that, we got to the house and Carolyn gave us all a goodie bag with a flannel and a bandana in our favorite color and a few odds and ends for the weekend. It was very thoughtful. We all put on our flannels and bandanas.

Then, it was a flurry of unloading a whole bunch of food and adult beverages. The maid of honor wanted to do all the shopping and Venmo us. She asked us for our ingredient list if we were doing any cooking. I had to get Venmo for this trip! Ha!

During dinner we played a game where we told a story about ourselves and everyone had to guess if it was true or a lie. Many of us had never met so this was a good way to break the ice.

After dinner, we played a couple of games. The first one was a very rated R game that someone brought.

The second game was called Bridal Jeopardy and it was really creative and fun and we had teams of 2. The questions were about Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Andrew (her fiance), weddings in general, their wedding, or just about Andrew.

There were some drinks and shots while we played.

We all thought Erica looked like Michael Scott with her bandana like that.

Banana is only about a year old, but is the best behaved and sweetest little puppy. I think she is a Cavapoo.

I think I finally went to bed between 2 and 3 a.m. The kitchen was a hot mess and some of us cleaned it up before we went to bed. Thank goodness! Erica and I were the first ones up the next day and we started the coffee.

I was in charge of breakfast and I made coffee cake, egg casserole, and sausage squares at home. I heated them in the oven and it worked out great.

I brought my non-stick griddle and made brioche French toast.

The AirBnB was super nice. The weather was super crappy. There were so many things we couldn’t use because of how cold and windy it was. There was a hot tub, a fireplace pit, a beautiful long table on the front porch, a porch swing, a porch bed, a porch couch, an outdoor bar, and another outdoor seating area.

After brunch, everyone left for an aerial ropes course except for Erica and I. It was $70 and it just really wasn’t something either of us wanted to do, and we were really glad because of how cold it would be. It was also really far away from the house.

So, we stayed and watched the dogs, prepared charcuterie, started on dinner prep, and explored the lake and got Elizabeth a new contact lens case at Walgreen’s! Ha!

We made a caprese grilled cheese for our lunch:

The charcuterie with truffle popcorn:

The lake:

When everyone got back, we did temporary tatoos:

We put our shirts back on and took pics:

Then, a very crafty friend, Brittiny, taught us how to make earrings from polymer clay!

After that, we had dinner, which was a fabulous idea. We had a make your own pasta bar with salad and bread, done by Erica. I helped with all the prep in the afternoon and then after the earrings:

After dinner, we had our thrift exchange. We had to buy a thrift item in a favorite color of another person (it was randomly selected with an app) and then wear an outfit that would match. I said hot pink and then I wore my hot pink sweater. I received the bead and the scarf. The girl with me also said hot pink so we took a pic together.

Erica said purple and then we took a pic with the bride.

We also had to “create” an outfit for Elizabeth. One person did the clutch, one person did the veil, one person did the top, etc. I did the necklace. We also had to find this at a thrift store. Since it was so darned cold, we pulled the sheepskin off the couch to complete the look. Doesn’t she pull that off?

Then, we played a game where Elizabeth and Andrew were asked the same question and Andrew’s responses had been recorded ahead of time. It was so funny watching him try to answer in the banana suit.

It was really cute!

Dessert was a s’morechuterie board done by Julie. She included a chocolate chip cookie dough cheeseball!

Yeah, you better believe we used the indoor gas stove instead of braving the cold.

And, it looks empty, but we were all there…

This was another structure on the property with a bedroom, bathroom, bar, dance space, pool table, and arcade machines. We danced and did some funny line dances like the cha cha slide.

And, Bride down. I am also feeling like this after writing this post and I’m sure you are also in this position if you made it this far.

I think we went to bed around 1:00 a.m. the second night.

Sunday morning was all about cleaning, packing, and loading up.

The house was $120 a person for the whole weekend, which I thought was really reasonable.

I feel like we really clicked and connected despite the age differences. We all seemed to think the same things were funny and I am pretty immature for my age.

I can’t believe I could hang, though! I can’t believe I stayed up that late!

I hope that Elizabeth felt the love and that it was everything she hoped for. She would never tell you otherwise, though, because that is just how sweet she is.

When I got married no one really did this. I think we went out to dinner at Applebee’s and gave each other lingerie from Victoria’s Secret and called it a day. Did you do anything like this?

The maid of honor originally wanted to hire a private chef and a stripper. She lives in L.A. and I think this is more the norm there because I watch Real Housewives. I was also worried about what a “lake area stripper” might be like. No offense if you live near a lake and strip. My suggestion was that we ask the private chef to play both roles, but that would have possibly ended in disaster. There were lots of big…knives and hot…grease.

Anyway, that didn’t end up being feasible and I’m quite glad.

Amy

Monday, March 20, 2023

How was your weekend? Mine was full. In fact, if you are a long time reader you will know I don’t usually have such a full weekend!

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday!

Let’s go back to Thursday. Jennifer was visiting my city and we got a chance to meet up! The weather was pretty nice and we met at one of my favorite happy hour places, Red Hog. I told her, “I will be the one from the blog”.

She is just like she is behind the screen, fyi!

We got some lavash with pimento cheese and red pepper jelly and some fries with curry mayo.

We chatted for a couple of hours and could have for much longer!

Friday I left for a weekend away at 1:26 – yes, 1:26. Immediately at the end of 6th period, Erica and I carpooled to the first stop of Elizabeth’s bachelorette weekend. We all used to teach together, but now Elizabeth is in a different line of work.

The first stop was a bourbon tour. It was one of the best tours I have been on, because they don’t make you wait for your sample. They start you off with a sample – genius! Just kidding, that wasn’t why it was one of the best. The space was so beautiful, we loved our guide, and we had some funny people in our group.

Then, we drove to our AirBNB. Don’t worry, we only had a bit of bourbon.

Erica and I shared this room:

The house was adorable, but the weather really dissed us. It was just so cold. There was a beautiful front porch, bonfire pit, and hot tub, along with many other outdoor sitting areas.

Elizabeth has a puppy named Banana, so the bananas were part of the first night’s theme. Elizabeth is 30 and the age ranges of the 9 of us were 24-51! Another post is coming with more details!

The theme of the whole weekend was Camp Elizabeth because we were at a cabin in the country.

This was our “S’morechuterie” board and Elizabeth is wearing an entirely thrifted bridal outfit – we all had to bring one item – doesn’t she look so cute?

And, this is how I felt at the end of the weekend.

I stayed up until 3 a.m. the first night and 2 a.m. the next night. It was an hour earlier where we were, but still!

I will be back tomorrow with more details!

I’m tired!

How was your weekend?

Go away, winter! I will be holding my arms out to spring in just a few hours!

Amy

Friday, March 17, 2023

Happy Friday! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Happy Birthday to my amazing sister, Kate! Get yourself a shamrock shake today! I have not had my yearly shake yet.

Today is everyones’ favorite link up with Andrea and Erika where we share our Friday Favorites.

Here are mine…

Last Saturday was so much fun! I didn’t share this photo yet of Erica, Heather, and I “pre-parading”. It was so much fun to drop the Saturday routine/errands/chores and go have fun!

Our son Jack wanted to go hear his guitar teacher play at a church Sunday afternoon and said we could come. Tom and I jump when our kids want to spend time with us and with them going to college so close we have that luxury.

We found out this church was the oldest house of worship in Louisville – how cool is that? His guitar teacher is simply amazing and he has played in Spain!

After the concert, we went to The Eagle. Tom and I split a sandwich and it was just too spicy and we can handle some spice. We were really glad we split.

And, the sweet potato casserole was just too sweet.

We also got hush puppies that were too spicy.

Jack got a chicken sandwich and mac and cheese that wasn’t too spicy. So, we just ordered poorly, but it was just nice to have more time with Jack. He had been out of town for a choir event.

I was so happy to have my homemade Amy McMuffins. Mason came up with that! I take them to school and heat in my microwave and then eat it before I see any students.

I had my Irish food in the crockpot all day Sunday and then Monday I made the bread and we had that for dinner. I bought a regular brisket and not a corned beef brisket so it wasn’t that Irish this year – oops!

These are snowflakes on my jacket! Yes, we got a dusting of snow this week, but we still did our before dinner Ernie walks!

I also made shepherd’s pie and probably left it in the oven a bit too long. That is cheese on top that got browned.

This week, I talked about my weekend and weekend routine here, my reflections on the 3 year anniversary of “the day the world shut down” here, and shared my Fashion Files here. I wasn’t sure about the response my reflection on the last 3 years would have, but it seems like you all wanted to reflect as well. I think this is what helps me process things and it helps to know that we aren’t alone in all of emotions surrounding it. I also think it fosters gratitude. That is one thing that I think teenagers are lacking sometimes. I see my students whine and complain (about basically everything big and small – “I don’t want to be here today”, “I’m so tired”, “I have so much English homework”, “I have practice today”, …) and I try to put things in perspective and remind them of the good that is in the “normal”. I may be wasting my breath, but I hope I am getting through to a few. We also do silly little seasonal activities like this one we just did..

I gave them a blank 4 leaf clover and they had to start with “Tengo suerte porque…” which means “I’m lucky because…” and we shared out loud around the room and then I had them decorate our hallway with them.

Do you think that complaining is a normal part of being a teenager? Heck, do you think complaining is a normal part of the human experience? I like to tell them that complaining leads to more complaining because I really think it does.

Update on Tik Tok:

I am @sraspanish and have now posted 38 videos – mostly teaching grammatical concepts, verb tenses, little tricks, etc.. I have 175, 000 followers and one of my videos has 36 million views. How crazy is this?

The funny thing is that my account is meant for American students learning Spanish, but according to analytics, 70% of my followers/viewers are from Spanish speaking countries. Some of the comments have been mean, but overwhelmingly, they are super sweet like, “adopt me!”, “teach me!”, and “I love how you teach!”. I am not following or watching any other Tik Tok videos and I don’t even read most of the comments or respond. There are 36, 000 comments on the highest viewed video, so that would be impossible. I am trying to post a video every other day now. I am learning so much! I have recently been using the green screen where I put a computer slide behind me while I am talking – if that makes sense.

So, I didn’t mean to go off on so many tangents as this was supposed to be a lighthearted Friday Favorites!

What were your faves this week?

Amy

Thursday, March 16, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means link up day with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.

But first, some purchase updates:

I returned the Athleta flare leggings – they were super soft but way too long and that would have negated the cute slits at the ankle. I will probably pursue a pair again, but just didn’t think it was a good purchase this time. They were $55, so definitely not cheap. Also, they did not have pockets and I love my two pocketed scalloped hem leggings so much.

I returned this cute Target sweater and the black pants. The sweater is very short and it felt hot. I knew I would have to wear something under it, too. I just didn’t think I would be comfortable. The pants were too long, which is a common problem for me. I am 5’4.

I was on a quest to update my white jeans. I ordered Amazon Essentials and they were pretty good with a nice thick material, but then I went in Clothes Mentor for something else and decided to check their white jeans. I found a pair of NYDJ for $21 (almost $10 less than the Amazon Essentials) and the fabric seemed cooler, like it would keep me cooler in the warmer months. I plan to cut and fray them because they are too long and I just like that look anyway. So, I think I got a major score. Did you know that you often need to go up a size in white jeans? They tend to show all the lumps and bumps and sometimes you just need a bit more fabric.

NYDJ Jeans below:

I wouldn’t wear this out; I was just trying on!

So, this means that the only things I have purchased recently are:

White J.Crew Final Sale ruffle bathing suit – I am going to get it tailored. It is a bit big and the straps fall down, but I think it’s worth it because it’s so well made

Olukai mules

TJ Maxx coral floral blouse – have not worn in yet because it turned cold!

White NYDJ jeans from consignment

Your girl is growing up and not settling! She is returning anything that isn’t a 10/10!

So, now let’s see what I’ve been wearing. Spoiler alert – It’s nothing too fashionable!

This is what I wore to school last Friday:

The shirt was $3 from Old Navy and says “Live Happy” in Spanish. These are old Universal Thread Target jeans and an old Target cardigan that is really light weight. I am continuing to wear my mules most days.

For the parade Saturday, I decided on jeans, tennies, white button down, and Target cardigan. I wore the same one last year. I had to match my green beer earrings – beerrings? – and my shamrock headband. I used my clear purse with my spring striped purse strap.

Sunday I wore this to hear the guitar recital of Jack’s guitar teacher:

I love black with chambray, but this outfit looks very meh and this photo is bad, too. I wore my little scarf but you can’t really see it. I don’t think I can pull off the little scarf look, but I think it’s so cute.

Monday for school I wore this:

These are Matilda Jane flares, my green floral Loft blouse, and my Madewell sneaks with green laces. I look kinda dorky but I had to wear quiet shoes for testing we are doing this week.

The next day I wore this:

These are super soft Matilda Jane pants, a black tank blouse, and a soft leopard duster. I am holding a hairdryer and I am shoe-less. I thought it was funny. I had to do this for my photo because Tom was behind me in the bathroom and you can see his shoulder – lol.

So, that’s all I’ve got! What have you been wearing latley? This is a hard time of year to know what to wear, no?

Amy

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

I wasn’t going to post today. I really wasn’t. I just didn’t have a good idea for this week after my Monday’s post other than Fashion Files and Friday Favorites. This doesn’t happen to me very often. I also have a very busy week, so I was going to go easy on myself.

But, I got to school yesterday and people were saying it was the 3 year mark of March 13, 2020. It really made me pause and I did some reflection, not for the first time, of course.

In my school district, March 13th was the last day these halls would see students until April 8th, 2021.

So much has happened in my life since then:

my twins made their college decision a few weeks after schools shut down (luckily we had finished our visits), they finished their senior year at home, they took all of their AP exams from home, they literally had a drive by graduation and were handed diplomas through the car window, they left for college, I worked from home for the first time in my life, I became an empty nester in one fell swoop, I qualified for retirement if I wanted, I turned 50, Tom and I learned a new routine in our new stage of life…

Gosh, our country, our state, our city, our school district, everyone – did some really crazy things. I guess we didn’t know what we didn’t know.

I know I’m not a nurse or doctor, but I do feel that teachers were on the front lines.

We are still seeing fall out, but I can happily say that most kids are unmasked, smiling, talking, laughing, and opening up again. Real learning is taking place again. Last year was freaking hard. This year is so much better, from my point of view.

I’m definitely not trying to celebrate the anniversary, but to reflect on it.

If you care to share, leave me a comment!

Amy

Monday, March 13, 2023

Today I am linking up for Hello Monday here and for Not Just a Mom here!

I think I will kind of weave the two topics together if you all are ok with that!

Friday was super cold, but Ernie has gotten so used to our after school walk. He lets me do a couple of things around the house, but then about 30 minutes after I return home, he comes to me with the cutest face and perked up ears like, “Come on, Mom, it’s time”. He rolls in the grass of the front yard at the end of our walk:

Elizabeth wanted to meet up for happy hour at 4, but Erica was busy, so it was just the two of us. We met at Joe’s Older than Dirt and were happy with the reasonable prices.

We talked and talked and I got home around 6:30 – oops. I was full and Tom had a big lunch, so we both just skipped dinner. Tom had some snacks while he waited for me. I was willing to make something for him, but he was fine. Later I had some popcorn while watching tv.

This has pretty much been my routine this year – get up about an hour later than normal on Saturdays and start my day with my quiet time, a lit candle, two cups of coffee, and catching up on any blogs I missed during the week. Sometimes I read my book.

I told Tom my favorite thing about my new oven is the clock and he responded with a “yeah, you haven’t been using it for cooking!” He got me. I have only used it twice so far. He really thought that was funny.

This is the coveted chair in our house. Tom slept in until about 8 and no one else was home so I had no competition for it.

I like to start my weekend with a list:

My list usually has a section for things to do at home, places I need to go, and I flush out the meals for the week.

Can anyone peep the blog I am cathing up on?

Preppy Empty Nester is a great blog follow!

I’ve decided to try to do two weeks’ worth of breakfasts at a time. I did my grocery pick up on Thursday and it included two packs of English muffins. These are 4 WW points, but they are really great tasting – someone recommended them to me, but I forgot who. I put one slice of Canadian bacon, one slice of Sargento very thin cheese, and a square of egg. I put the eggs on my small cookie sheet and baked them.

I wrap them and put them in the freezer.

I also did Ernie’s chicken:

I also made ground beef for two different meals this week – shepard’s pie and spaghetti. Getting the meat part done really helps me and I had a ton of energy for meal prepping Saturday morning. I always do something for my future self during the weekend mornings. I enjoy it and it’s relaxing for me. I play a podcast or have a show on in the background.

I usually run errands around 10. This Saturday I did the library and Clothes Mentor. I had to find something for the bachelorette weekend I’m going to and I found some white NYDJ jeans! Do you know that you often have to go up a size in white jeans? I realized I never did have any white jeans last season and I really missed them, so I have been on a recent quest for a pair that fits well.

So, on a normal Saturday, I usually finish errands by lunchtime, make lunch for me and anyone else around, piddle around the house, read, watch tv, and lately I have been cooking Saturday night dinner at home.

The weekends look quite different than they used to. Much of our time is at home, now.

Then, it was time to go to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. My friend Heather came to my house and she rode with me to meet Erica at a club she belongs to.

We hung out there for a bit and had a drink and some Irish soda bread. Then, we walked to the parade.

My sister in law’s boat business was in it – Marine Sales and Service:

And, my niece Morgan walked with them!

We also saw Heather’s brother in law and some really cute dogs:

Then, we got some onion straws and bbq:

I didn’t get home until about 7! Tom had spent most of the day with Mason. They ate Venezuelan food for lunch and hung out. Jack was away at a singing event.

I guess we sprung forward overnight! I slept in until about the new 7:00 and did the same morning rourtine.

Then, I made Jen’s Irish recipe – with a few changes because I can never just follow a recipe:

I bought a very small seasoned brisket and browned it on the stove. I went ahead and added my cabbage at the beginning instead of waiting until the end. I also made her Irish soda bread in the afternoon!

I have the best luck with my crockpot on the weekends when I can watch it. I think I’m gone too long during the week and it just doesn’t turn out great. It all tastes like “crockpot”.

The rest of Sunday included some more errands because I have a busy week ahead.

What did you do this weekend and what does a day in the life look like for you? I am and have always been an early riser and use that energy in the morning to my advantage.

Hope your Monday is tolerable!

Amy

P.S. – My posting schedule might be lighter this week, so just want to let you know!

Friday, March 10, 2023

How was your week? Ours was a bit discombobulated at school! We had Monday off for storm damage/lack of electricity at many of our schools from the Friday storm and Wednesday I had a large majority of my students taking the ACT during most of the school day. So, it’s been an out of sorts week at school and that means lack of motivation for many students. Also, we are limping along towards spring break! We still have 21 calendar days!

It’s time to link up with Andrea and Erika for some Friday Favorites!

What have been your favorite things this week? I would like to share some of mine!

I have been loving the early blooms on our trees:

However, I am a bit scared with our cold snap that they will die. Yup, it has turned cold/seasonable cool again. We had almost 80 degrees and sunny on Monday and then 40s since then.

Mason returned from the conference on Sunday afternoon and decided to stay another night because he doesn’t have class until afternoon on Monday. So, I got some added one on one time. because I was off Monday. Jack had to go back Sunday afternoon to sing in the chapel for mass. Mason and I watched some tv together and chatted Sunday evening, Monday morning and at lunchtime Monday. I was so happy to have that extra time.

Also on my day off Monday, I tried my hand at making gnocchi (boiling a package for 3 minutes) with bacon tomato sauce from this recipe.

I think I should have browned the gnocchi in a skillet after boiling, but I really liked it! Jen has been talking about always ordering gnocchi off of a menu when available and I had never tried it.

I bought this package at Fresh Market. Why is the little Italian girl so sad?

I decided to try some shampoo and conditioner from TJ Maxx and I love it! The smell is wonderful. It doesn’t suds up much, but I still feel that my hair was really clean.

And, I bought some hairspray and dry shampoo there, too. This is my favorite dry shampoo – like it really cleans your hair. And, I am happy with this new to me hairspray. I am new to buying hair products at TJ Maxx, but there are some great deals to be found.

I was very sad that Dave’s Thin Sliced Killer Bread was no longer in stock at my Kroger at the time of my pick up. Seriously, why is everything I want out of stock or no longer carried in my store? Does this happen to you, too? They subbed for this and I really like it, too.

I really only use this for my beloved avocado toast. You need a more hearty bread for avocado toast, in my expert opinion. Ha!

My day off on Monday was truly a treat. The weather was to die for. I hate that it came at the expense of a storm, though. I got a polish change (I didn’t want the full monty and didn’t want to sit for it and I also didn’t want my spray tan soaked off of my legs), which means just them trimming, buffing, and polishing your pigs. I went with a highlighter pink color and I am loving it. It’s only $16, too, before tip.

I realized that I can do a smaller grocery pick up if needed. It’s free if you spend $35, I think, and we all know how easy that is to do these days. Some weeks call for two different pick ups if you can’t plan for the entire week, you know?

I also vacuumed out my car on Monday. I keep a very empty, clean car. Tom, on the other hand, could live out of his. He keeps multiple jackets, tools, sporting equipment, hand sanitizer from 2001, bandanas for sweat?, medicine, a first aid kit, multiple protein bars, multiple cups and drink options. No, he does not drive for work. He drives to an office. He drives a Suburban and there is hardly room for me when I ride in his car.

Anyway…my car looked so good!

Sunday late afternoon, I wanted to go look at the high river. We went to Captain’s Quarters and there were actually a lot of people sitting outside. Can you see how high it is? Look at all of the debris from the storm, too.

I got an adult lemonade:

I got fish and could hardly touch the amount they gave me.

Tom got a hot brown. This is a Louisville specialty.

I am anxiously awaiting my Target spring sweater! It should be here this afternoon.

After reading One Italian Summer, I dove back into this. It’s about a female chef opening a new restaurant in Paris. I’m enjoying it. There are predictable elements and it’s a lighter read after my last book.

I got to see a beautiful sunrise in the school parking lot on Wednesday!

I am loving my one pair of button front jeans! Who would have thought? I like to call these my weekend jeans. They are from Old Navy and short length, so they are perfect on me.

I did decide to return the Athleta flare leggings. I just thought I don’t need a pair of $55 leggings, you know? They were too long and I just didn’t think it would be a good purchase. They were incredibly soft, though. I always reach for my leggings with pockets on both sides right now anyway, and those don’t have pockets.

What’s been good in your world this week?

Amy

Thursday, March 9, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means it’s link up day with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.

First, it’s been crazy around here so not much fashion has been going on. Friday we didn’t have school because of the threat of storms and very high winds. Well, that was a good call because many trees came down and several homes and schools were left without power. In fact, we also didn’t have school on Monday. We did not lose power and I was so thankful because we did lose it for five days the last time we had such high winds.

Thursday I wore this to school:

This is my Target Deff Leopard t-shirt, my white Target button up, my Matilda Jane flares, and my MIA black clogs. I did change into flats after a bit.

Sunday I wore denim on denim. This is my Old Navy chambray blouse with Old Navy distressed jeans, my new Olukais mules, and a cream sweater. I kept from cropping my face just so you could see the struggle I go through some days trying to take an outfit pic. What am I doing?

Did you read my post yesterday? I shared more about these shoes and other recent fashion purchases.

Monday when I didn’t have school I put on my biker shorts. I have Amazon and J.Crew biker shorts. They both have pockets on either side and are great for everything. I love them. I only left the house for a pedicure and a Kroger pick up.

And, Tuesday I wore this to school – older blouse from a boutique – the brand is Entro and I really like it and consignment Matilda Jane pants. I took my shoes for a test run at school and they stood the test. They were both comfortable and easy to walk in. If you have super narrow feet, though, they may not be for you. They do seem a bit wide for many in the reviews.

And finally, above, I wore my ON blouse like my chambray version, green Matilda Jane flares, and my new Olukais.

So, not a super fashionable week around here.

What have you been wearing?

Oh, I have to break out the sweaters again – winter is back!

Amy

How many parts will there be? I don’t know – maybe 12? Ha! Check out my first post here where I shared my January purchases and probably some early February purchases, too!

Ever since January 1, 2023, I have been looking toward spring with my purchases. I have plenty of winter clothes and I don’t enjoy buying them very much.

At the end of February, I had an appointment at my favorite consignment store and took 6 pairs of shoes, 1 handbag, 1 pair of pants, and 8 tops for re-sale. This forced me to really look at my spring and summer clothing and see what I wasn’t excited to wear. I will be happy if I get a bit of money back to put towards new things – mostly at this shop – Sassy Fox! They don’t take any fast fashion – so no Old Navy or Target for them.

I like to look at spring trends and look at my current clothing and see what I am still excited to wear and what still looks fresh and modern. I try to be very honest with myself. What didn’t fit quite right? What no longer excites me? Just like Marie Kondo says, I think it’s good to thank it for its service and send it along to someone who will be thrilled to have it. I am constantly learning what works for me, what I like to wear, and what I feel good in.

First, let’s recap my Loft purchases of 2023 now that I have photos of me wearing them:

The green and white striped shirt was a hit at school on this day (lots of comments from my students!) and then I wore it unbuttoned with a white tee over the weekend and I loved that look, but didn’t get a photo, unfortunately.

This cream cardigan jacket is super soft and I have been grabbing it for the cool weekend mornings, which has kind of surprised me. It’s a classic and I think it will always be “in style”. I don’t love it with the shirt underneath, but I have lots of options.

And, this green floral blouse is just so pretty and my favorite style of blouse for me:

I really like Loft and they have a nice teacher discount, too. I like to order online and order enough to get the shipping free and then return to my nearby store. I like the size selection online and maybe the deals are better?

I bought this impulse purchase blouse at TJ Maxx. I loved the print!

I am in love! I bought them and I love them! You may remember me telling you about these on my wish list recently?

They are so cushy. Tom has had and loved Olukais for years. Seriously, check them out for your hub. By the way, this is my first shoe purchase of 2023.

This was a bit of an impulse purchase, but I have been wanting a white tank swimsuit. This one appears to be fully and majorly lined, but if it doesn’t work, I will sell it to my consignment store, I guess. I am even willing to pay to get it tailored if needed. I haven’t gotten anything tailored in a long time so I could justify it.

J.Crew white swimsuit $39 final sale:

I have placed a Target.com order for these:

I am in need of a black work pant. So, we will see, but Target just makes returns so easy.

And this sweater – swoon!

And, I placed an Athleta order (my first!) for these:

I think I ordered them in a petite length. Again, this is an easy return to make. So, I will let you know.

It continues to be awkward, but eye opening to take my outfit pics.

What have you been buying lately?

Amy

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Are you intimidated like I was? I went to a spray tan booth once in my 30s and opened my mouth on accident and couldn’t follow directions about turning at correct times so I had been scared to try it again. Yes, I can totally see how Ross messed it up so badly!

Last spring, my co-worker Erica went to Sun Tan City and kind of explained what to do so I gave it a shot and really liked it. I kept going all spring and summer (monthly rate) and stopped from August until November. Then, I got a deal that couldn’t be beat to tan from November until March for a low rate. So, I went maybe a couple of times a month since November.

Another nice thing is that no appointment is required. I have never even had to wait in the lobby.

I think there is a deal now where you can go as a first timer for $20 if you do want to try it.

Last week was my last chance to go with that package and I thought I would walk you through the process. I am hoping to get a please come back deal sent to my inbox because I would like to go a couple times a month in the spring. I still love Tan Luxe The Butter and I plan to use that as maintenance until I go back to Sun Tan City. But, boy is it nice to have your whole body done for you. When I just used self tanning lotion, I only worried about my arms and legs.

There are a couple of different types of spray booths, brands, formulas of tanning agents, and levels of tan – light, medium, and dark. I figured out I liked Versa (brand name of the machine) medium after the first few times I went. The employees will help you decide and explain the different formulas to you, so don’t worry.

You want to wear loose dark clothing and you can’t shower for 4-6 hours after getting sprayed if you want your color to devolop and last.

I usually wear a black knit swing dress. I like to shower and wash my hair before going and then I don’t shower again until the next day. It has never stained my clothes or sheets. There is a bit of a smell but it doesn’t bother me too badly. You do want to wear your hair in a ponytail because you put on this cap:

This is what the booth looks like below. If you are claustrophobic, it does not have a door that closes and it is inside your own private room. You can go in your birthday suit with no worries. It has numbers on the floor and it tells you (the booth talks to you) to start with toes on number one and heels on number four, then you do three other positions always using the numbers as a guide. I put a towel down under my feet because I did have the bottoms of my feet get dirty before.

The booth washes itself immediately after and also an employee cleans each booth, but you don’t touch anything except the floor of the booth.

Before starting you put this barrier cream between your fingers and on your wrists and between your toes so that the tanning solution doesn’t make those areas really dark. I have forgotten this step before and I just washed my hands and feet immediately with wet wipes and it was ok.

There are posters with instructions inside your little room that locks, by the way. They tell you about how to put on the barrier cream (it is provided in the room), how to stand in the booth, how to change positions, etc. Also, there is a phone if you need to call the front desk. There are also paper towels, wipes, your hair net, a clean towel, and a mirror.

The whole booth process only takes about 5 minutes and it blows air on you to dry after, as well. I immediately put my clothes on and leave.

My spray tan lasts for 7-10 days if I just shower normally. Swimming or soaking in a bathtub can affect how long it lasts. Also, you are supposed to just wash with your hands and not use a loofah or a washcloth and then pat dry with your bath towel and not rub. You also want to keep moisturizing and that helps it last. It fades very naturally, though.

I think it looks best about two days after tanning so if you have an event to go to, I would plan ahead and go at least one day before the event, but two might be the best.

I have never done the spray tan where a person sprays you, so I can’t speak about that experience.

Here is what I looked like the day after:

My feet look pretty dark in the photo.

Is it vain? Yes. Is it silly that we like to “be tan” or have a little color? Yes. I don’t let myself get much real sun anymore so this has been a good option for me. Am I a bit worried about the chemicals involved? Yes. There are organic spray tans where the person uses the handheld sprayer on you. I might look into that, but I feel like that would be more expensive and cost prohibitive for me.

I hope I explained the process well enough for those of you curious.

Do you ever get sprayed? Have you been sprayed? Have you been sprayed by a skunk? I hope not!

Amy