So, for the Nordstrom Sale, I did look through the preview on the website and the only thing I thought I might like were the Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty bootcut jeans, but I would have needed those in a petite length. When, I could finally shop (since I am not a card holder), they were out of stock.
For the Amazon Prime Days, I looked a bit more to see the deals. I ended up getting one thing I “needed” and two things that had been on my wish list.
I can’t stand a metal straw – I’m sorry. I think it reminds me of being at the dentist. My Kroger used to stock a smoothie straw, but no more, so I found and love these.
I have bought this headband for two people for gifts and I really like wearing a headband on my second day hair. If I wash my hair every other night, then I like this method when my hair is flatter and not as squeaky clean. So, I decided I needed this headband, too!
And, I have really been wanting to try this pillow spray. I have had a lavender pillow spray for a few years and it is almost gone. It’s really funny when I spray it on my pillow and Tom yells, “Ow, my eye!” This has not arrived yet, but between this and my Ashwagandha gummies – look out, Dreamland!
And, this was technically after Prime Days, but I needed more cushy athletic socks for my new Hokas. I’m impressed with the quality!
So, I did pretty well, no? I have placed an Old Navy order for this athletic dress – the thicker straps appealed to me, but I don’t know if I can pull it off. Shelly looked so cute! I also placed a J.Crew Factory order for another pair of bike shorts because I wear mine from Amazon so much and the price was great – they were recommended by Kristin. Finally, I placed a Target sale order for another pair of my favorite summer sandals in a smaller size, a knit dress, and a smaller size of my favorite cut offs. I will tell you how I fared when those arrive! As always, if something isn’t perfect, it will be returned.
The time is now to squeeze the most out of summer! I really just have the remainder of July now. I have a professional development August 1 and 2, set up my classroom that week, and help with registration (maybe), and then August 8 teachers officially come back and August 10 is day one with students.
I don’t take my summers for granted. When my summer officially began on June 1, I was looking forward to un-hurried mornings, drinking coffee and cocktails on the patio, reading outside, boating, more time with friends, breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners out, more time to exercise, more time to shop and cook healthy foods, time with my kids, time to declutter, organize, and clean. I hoped to do a few movies, some live music, and a few other things like that.
With our college payments and our home renovations, and the intense internship schedule of one of our kids, we didn’t have a big trip planned. I wasn’t planning on the Covid invasion that plagued our house for about 3 weeks between the 3 of my people, either!
Read Lots of Good Books – yes! I have shown you my books in my Friday Favorites or my Hello Monday posts. I didn’t set an exact number of books.
Take friends on boat – yes! But, we usually are able to keep the boat out until the beginning of November and I love the boating that happens after Labor Day, too!
Sister time on the boat:
Try some new restaurants and meet people for meals out – yes! We tried Common Haus and I tried South Seas. I went to a couple of old favorites, too.
Go to the Van Gogh Exhibit – yes!
Do the Omni rooftop pool – yes! So.much.fun. It was definitely one of my favorite summer days.
Go to a baseball game – yes! Two couples joined us after I took this photo.
Some outdoor music:
Boating to a pizza place:
Tom’s old work friend playing with his band:
Time in my hometown with some nieces:
Sister time:
See some movies:
I saw Top Gun Maverick with Tom…
and Downton Abbey alone. It was my first solo movie, you all!
Shakespeare in the park watching the play and seeing what my kid is doing this summer as an intern:
Celebrate Tom’s birthday – yes! He chose a restaurant called Harry’s.
Celebrate Father’s Day – yes! We cooked at home
Go to Adult Pool – yes! I went once and have plans to go again. When I say “adult pool”, it’s nothing scandalous, it’s just a whole separate pool at a swim cool for 18 and up. You can bring your own food and alcohol, too.
Get ice cream – yes! We’ve only gotten it once at an ice cream shop. We have gotten a few Blizzards and of course I keep some treats in the freezer.
Try a new cocktail – yes! I’m really into my new Modica drink mixes and my Saltwater Woody rum, pineapple seltzer and lemonade.
Purge clothes – yes! And, I made almost $300 selling things that no longer fit me or my style!
Buy CFA bag of ice – have not done this yet and would you believe I haven’t even been to the Chick Fil A drive through this summer? We have seriously gotten less take out than ever before!
Attend Greek Fest – no, sadly. It was a really busy weekend, but I had plans to go with my Greek friend Victoria – bonus! – but, she got Covid!
Celebrate 22nd Anniversary – we cancelled our reservation to spend time with my sister and her hub, so we will re-schedule this.
Go to a Polo match – I tried! My friend’s daughter is an equestrian and she and I tried to go, but they had cancelled it! I am still going to try to go before the season ends in October, I think.
Rent and ride one of those city scooters – Elizabeth has agreed to do this with me and we tried last Friday but we both had something come up! I may need a helmet and pads, but I’m excited!
Did you have a list? Mine was really fun to both create and carry out. I always get super sad at the end of summer. I try to remind myself that it’s technically “summer” until the end of September and that I need to keep on “summering” after school and on the weekends!
Time needs to slow down! Ok, now I only have two weeks left of summer! Yes, teachers are quite possessive of their summers! And, I am a bit salty because we are starting earlier in August than we have in years. Why???? I am linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday!
So, Friday I got ready for my fun Saturday plans. Every year my sister and her husband boat from our hometown up river to Louisville. I decided to make my Aunt Judy’s veggie pizza and fruit pizza.
I used two of the Crescent Roll sheets and baked them plain with nothing on them. When they had cooled, I put garden vegetable cream cheese on half and vanilla frosting on half. Then, I used carrot shreds, cauliflower, broccoli, and tomato. I think you can also add shredded cheddar cheese.
For the fruit, I used canned mandarin oranges and fresh blueberries and strawberries.
They are both so good!
I went back to Whole Foods and got the vanilla frosting mix and it is equally as good as the chocolate mix.
I also got stuff to make Hawaiian bun sliders and their pretzel bun sliders with turkey, ham, gouda, and cheddar.
So, we had reservations for our anniversary dinner Friday, but my sister and her husband came by boat Friday, too! So, we postponed our dinner to hang with them. First stop, a drink at Captain’s Quarters…
Then, we boated to Cunningham’s and had spinach queso…
and I got onion rings and fish. All the fried foods!
Seriously discussing the menu…
After we said goodbye, Tom and I were so full but we walked Ernie and that helped.
Saturday morning Tom worked with our plumber to put in our hall bathroom bathtub and put the pipes where they needed to be. We were not going to start this until after J and M headed back to the dorms, but I guess Tom was motivated to get started. We need to order fixtures, tile, and the vanity, but our vision is exactly our dog wash in our mudroom. We have lived with it for two years plus and we love it. Easy!
As a reminder, this is our dogwash:
So, that is our inspo and we are going to paint the walls Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray because we have a ton of paint left and because we like it.
So, the plumber left and we headed out on the river. The sky was gorgeous!
And, bonus, because my other sister had traveled to our hometown and she came, too. This is a blurry picture of them not waiting for me to start the party:
My brother in law waiting to help us anchor:
Molly and Tom:
We got out all the toys!
I brought the hot pink cooler Kate gave me for my 21st birthday – Can you see it on the inflatable dock?
Sisters!
The day went by so quickly and I was sad when they had to head back…
Sunday morning, Ernie jumped in bed for a cuddle – with Tom, his favorite…
He’s even laying his head on Tom’s pillow – Ha!
Sunday was overcast and I read and had my coffee and then it started raining and I moved to my covered patio…
Just started this and it’s really cute so far!
Is there anything better than a rainy, lazy day at home?
Then, I did some meal prep – birdballs! Ground turkey meatballs is what that means. You can also do ground chicken or a mixture.
And, I made another batch of freezer jam, but this time I split the pectin between raspberry and strawberry. We will see how this batch turns out. I bought lower sugar pectin this time.
Then, I met Erica at a Mexican place to hear about her recent trip. We ate so many chips with salsa and queso. Getting back on track today…
So, that was my weekend! What was the highlight of yours?
It is my 22nd anniversary today! We have a reservation for dinner!
It’s time to link up for everyones’ favorite with the ladies here! Check out some new blogs and maybe you’ll find some keepers.
So, it was a good week here for me. I had lots of time at home, time to run errands (but not many this week – just Costco and a Kroger pick up), time to sit outside and read, time to watch tv, time to cook for myself and my family, time to be a bit social, and just time to summer! Yes, I am using that as a verb!
As I let my hair grow longer, it has been super tangly. I have stick straight really fine hair, but lots of it. My old Wet Brush was not working and I had some de-tangling spray that also wasn’t really working. Someone (sorry!) shared this new to me style of Wet Brush and it really works. I don’t even think I need to find a spray anymore.
I used my new purse this week to go to brunch. You cannot beat the price of this purse and it looks like it costs more. I think they offer 26 different colors! I think it looks super cute with the thick guitar straps, too. These straps can be removed so that you can put a different one on.
I did pretty well at Costco as far as sticking to my list, but I bought myself a new blanket. When your college kids come home, they steal all of your phone chargers and blankets. Just a fair warning! Our basement is finished and that’s where I like to be in the summer because the AC is so cold down there!
Even Ernie likes it!
I made myself a lunch one day this week from some arugula that I bought and needed to use and some pasta salad I made this weekend. So, the arugula was just covered in a dressing I made up with olive oil, lemon juice, and some spices and then I put the pasta salad next to it and added grilled chicken.
For the pasta salad, I used whole wheat bow ties, mozzarella balls cut in fourths, grape tomatoes cut in half, and then I googled caprese pasta salad and followed directions for a balsamic dressing. I took this on the boat on Sunday and my friend Elizabeth loved it so I sent her home with the leftovers, but I had another container at home. Funny story – my sister Molly had also made caprese pasta salad and we didn’t even talk about it ahead of time! We are also #jamsisters this summer. I have made 3 batches (2 that weren’t exactly right) and 1 that is amazing! And, she has made strawberry and blueberry. My other sister hates to cook and hates to be in conversations where people are talking about cooking.
So, I have been to Whole Foods twice this summer and I don’t hate it. In fact, I think that the prices seem more in line with “normal” grocery stores now. Is this the Amazon influence or is this the “everything costs a lot now” issue?
This frosting mix – I didn’t even know that was a thing – is to die for. It was recommended by one of my IG follows – Rosie in Real Life – and I am buying this again. You mix it with a stick of butter and add milk. And, yes, I made a no occasion chocolate cake just so I could try it. And, try it I did!
Will I become a regular Whole Foods shopper? I don’t know. Ours is in a highly congested traffic area so I would have to be a super early bird to make it work.
A fun outing this week was a brunch with my niece Morgan. We went to Gralehaus which is behind Holy Grale. Gralehaus is mostly breakfast food and closes at 2:00 and Holy Grale opens at 2:00, I think. They have the cutest little German-ish biergarten inspired garden in between the two.
Morgan got a matcha drink and I tried a beermosa. It was pretty good – orange juice and beer.
I got the ugly fritatta – the only thing I’ve ever gotten here because it’s so good!
Morgan got an eggs and grains bowl that looked really good and she enjoyed.
Look how cute she is! She is a nurse and works nights.
My Hokas arrived. Can I just wear these shoes everyday now?
Ernie helped me do a test drive and they feel amazing.
My friend just got back from Paris and London and showed me some pictures and then I found this picture of my Dad and his girls from our European adventure. I think I was 23, Kate was 20, and Molly was 17. I am on the left, Molly is the beanpole in the middle, and Kate is on the right. My Dad stayed for two weeks and the rest of us traveled for four weeks. We did Amsterdam and some smaller towns in Holland, Paris, Brussels and the little town where our exchange student was from, a tiny bit of Germany, a tiny bit of Luxumbourg, Italy and Spain. The year was 1995 I think. Look at those 90s fashions that are all back in style!
And, this is my friend who went to Paris and London and this is us on our first day on college campus. She is getting ready to send her first to college so I went this for her.
I’ve been cleaning out papers and photos this week, too!
Did you shop the Nordstrom Sale or Prime Day deals? I ordered three little Prime Day things and today I am going to try to get some Wit and Wisdom jeans now that I can shop the N Sale.
I had a really good lunch another day. Did you read my cajun bowl idea? I roasted a spaghetti squash and then used the leftover diced tomatoes and turkey sausage and green beans and added lots of cajun seasoning and this was delish!
And, I had a walking meet up with my friend Victoria. This is called The Reservoir and is part of our water company. I never think to walk here and need to do this more. I’m the worst selfie taker and I’m concentrating so hard I forgot to smile!
This is the gatehouse for the reservoir. Victoria was wondering if someone actually used to live here to keep watch on the water supply.
Looks kinda European, right? You just walk around the outside perimeter and several other people were doing the same.
What a hodgepodge of favorites this week, right?
What were your favorites?
If you are new around here, this week I posted Hello Monday, Healthy-ish, Cajun Bowls, and Fashion Files and welcome – I’m glad you’re here!
It’s been awhile since I felt that I could link up with Fashion Files and I’m still just barely able to! Thank you to Kellyann and Jill for providing this link up!
From about June 28 until about July 9, I didn’t see anyone except my immediate family and I didn’t go anywhere other than out to buy supplies because 75% of my house had Covid. I was the only one who had had Covid back in the winter, but still I was a bit worried I would get it again, so I did lay low and wear a mask.
I actually think the fact that I have a closet full of clothes and I was only wearing lounge wear and active wear helped me to look away from all the Nordstrom sale talk and the Amazon Prime talk. Is it just me or does Nordstrom’s sale offerings look exactly the same as they have for years? The booties are the same, the jackets are the same, the sweaters are the same…I know it would be great to buy one investment piece at a lower price, but there has not been anything that tempted me. It’s a great way to get a tried and true beauty product, I think, but I am using up what I have right now. I am going to see if the Wit and Wisdom Itty Bitty Bootcut jeans are available in my size tomorrow.
Loved this from one of my IG follows!
From Prime Days, I did buy a headband, some straws, and some of the Deep Sleep pillow spray.
I am a bit disgruntled with the blogging/influencer community right now. I need more blogs that help me stay satisfied with my own wardrobe and give me new ways to wear old things. I guess there is no money to be made that way, right? It just all looks the same on every blog I read. Maybe I’m the problem!
Anyway, I did get “dressed” to have a date night last Saturday. I wore my Walmart black cut offs, a black tank, and my new Kohl’s super soft button down. I wore my last year’s Mark Fisher sandals that I love. I wanted to use my black Amazon purse but my friend took it to Paris and London (with my blessing!) so I did my clear purse.
I was comfortable and I was trying out the open shirt look. By keeping the colors the same – black shorts with black tank – it can give off a slimming effect, in my opinion.
So, my friend said that this Amazon purse was the perfect size for her Paris and London trip. She proceeded to order both colors for herself and I proceeded to add “beige” to my collection. I think it looks more cream, but Amazon calls it “beige” in the listing. Here is that purse if you are interested.
It has a side pocket for your phone and an inside pocket, too. I think they look super cute with the wider guitar straps, too. I decided to get the lighter color because I have wished for it so many times this summer as I was deciding which purse to carry. I think it will be great to have! The tassel is super cute, too.
I still love my ON shoes and I love that fact that you don’t have to tie them, but I was in the market for a new exercise shoe.
I ordered some Hokas from Zappos after trying them on in a store to see how I liked them. I would have bought them from the store, but they only had a really dark purple and I just didn’t want that color.
I took my first walk in them yesterday and they are so cushiony!
I have a new “recipe” for you! I put recipe in quotes because you could really throw anything together for this. And, you will see by my photo that I kinda did! Now, this received the Tom stamp of approval. He was sad that he couldn’t finish his because he got full.
A word about my “bowls”. Tom is super easy to please in the dinner department. He doesn’t want to have to make another decision so the fact that I have something ready for him at 6:00 ish makes him very happy. He is happy with tuna and crackers, tomato soup and grilled cheese, frozen Totino’s pizza, etc. I just put pressure on myself to make a nice meal most nights. He never cooks, by the way. He leaves for work at 7:00 am and gets home close to 6:00 pm and it’s just not his gift. He goes to bed at 8:30 so he likes to eat fairly early. #weold
I have been obsessed with “bowls”. I do a burrito bowl, egg roll in a bowl, an Asian/Teriyaki chicken bowl, buffalo bowl (for me – Tom doesn’t like buffalo sauce), KFC copycat bowl, and probably more that I can’t think of right now.
One night I did ask what Tom wanted for dinner and he said “anything NOT in a bowl”.
I told him that I would put his on a plate then.
Anyway…Tom loves cajun food and still bemoans the fact that his favorite cajun place went out of business. In fact, I think I hooked him with Emeril’s couscous jambalaya when we were dating…
So, I started with a base of Zatarain’s jambalaya rice in the box. It’s super easy – you just bring water and the rice mix to a boil and then simmer for 25 minutes. Then, I used already cooked, grilled chicken, and turkey sausage that I browned up. I sauteed the holy trinity of cajun cooking – onions, green peppers, and celery. Emeril taught me that this is called “the holy trinity”. I added frozen corn to the same skillet, then I roasted green beans in the air fryer just for some more veg/green. Oh, and I also added diced tomatoes and sprinkled some Tony Cachere’s on them.
For my bowl, I used cauliflower rice and just a spoonful of the jambalaya for flavor. I also measured out my turkey sausage to get 3 WW points worth. I estimate this meal was about 5 WW points in total for me.
Here is another meal that I think my meal prep partner Erica would enjoy.
You could also do shrimp in this bowl. You could do okra. I googled “cajun ingredients” and there are lots of variations on this. I also got images that looked like a “low country boil”, which could also make a great bowl! I think the next time I make this I will add the holy trinity and the diced tomatoes to the cauliflower rice along with the cajun spice and really incorporate it. This would be great for using up leftovers, too.
What do you think? Would you make a cajun bowl? Are you into bowls?
Let’s talk about what I’m doing to try to be healthier these days! I have lots of Eating Lately posts – just go to my search bar – but today’s post will include some other things and be a little bit different I hope.
First of all, I have started taking one of these Ashwagandha gummies in the evenings. According to the bottle, you can take up to four a day, but I am just doing one. I feel like I’m sleeping pretty soundly and waking up less. This could be in my head? They taste amazing.
I purchased Redmond’s real salt at Whole Foods. I am trying to get used to it; it doesn’t taste as salty as I am used to.
I added electrolyte water to my daily routine. I also picked this up at Whole Foods.
I like that they also had some individual sticks to try out different flavors. I think I like blue raspberry the best, but they are all good.
Ok, so I firmly believe that to lose weight it is 80% diet and 20% exercise. I started my getting healthy journey with just the eating part of it. I then added walking after I had lost some weight. If you exercise but don’t change your diet, you probably will not lose. I have done this, so I know.
In the last year, I have learned so much more about nutrition. I knew a fair amount before and I knew what I needed to do, but I just didn’t have the mental discipline to make it happen.
One of the things that I firmly believe is that women are not getting enough protein. We need about 30-40 grams of protein per meal.
This is 30 grams:
It is about a cup of chopped chicken. I used to think I was being healthy by ordering the “vegetarian sandwich” or the entree without meat. I think this left me unsatisfied which led to snacking.
There are lots of ways that I get my protein: grilled chicken, ground turkey, turkey sausage, eggs, fat free cottage cheese, my protein shake, high protein yogurt, high protein granola in said yogurt…
I highly recommend these breakfast sausages:
My low carb egg casserole with the sausages. The egg casserole has 6 eggs, fat free cottage cheese, and then with the sausages you are getting a good amount of protein.
Black beans are another way I get some protein. I usually have black beans a few times a week in one of my burrito bowls. I like this boxed container I found at Whole Foods but I always have a few cans on hand in my pantry.
Fajitas at your favorite Mexican place are a great way to get that protein. I prefer just chicken and shrimp, but this order also had some chorizo. I skip their rice and beans and use my own cauliflower rice at home or I just do without at the restaurant. Now, I could totally have some rice if I wanted, but it’s not something that I really love.
Recent “sub in a tub” for lunch:
This was just lettuce, turkey, cheese, pickles, banana peppers, and a simple olive oil dressing with italian seasonings. I have been trying to have one salad a day with protein on it. If you don’t have the protein, you won’t be full and will start looking around for more food!
My green beans got a little overcooked, but this is just already cooked grilled chicken, cauliflower rice, buffalo sauce, and a homemade ranch dressing.
The most important condiments/sauces in my repertoire:
buffalo sauce, mustard, fat free sour cream, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice (the big bottle), lime juice (the big bottle), soy sauce, Pam spray, avocado oil, olive oil, and water. I add water to so many of my sauces to thin them out.
A recent meal of zucchini noodles/zoodles. I bought a little hand held contraption years ago called a “vegetti” where you insert your zucchini and spirals come out. I added Trader Joe’s turkey meatballs (not good – make your own!) My friend Kim gave me this amazing recipe and I have used it in italian cuisine and I have added buffalo sauce. They freeze well, too!
I have found that some Asian sauces are pretty low in calories and you really don’t need much.
My beloved protein shake/iced coffee:
The low carb egg casserole:
Mix together 6 eggs, half cup of fat free cottage cheese, and one container of green chiles. Add some salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, whatever spices you enjoy. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. I like it a little more golden on top. This is zero WW points for me.
My Spanish omelette. I used two whole eggs and two egg whites and add some water. I add thinly sliced potato and onion. I let one side get browned and then using a plate I flip that bad boy and cook the other side. The Spaniards cut it like a pizza and they like it room temp. Potatoes are not the enemy in my opinion.
I refuse to hate what I eat! I can eat anything I want, but I want to feel good. Spices and sauces are my friends. I had some fried food Saturday night and I overate. It’s not a good feeling. The Japanese stop eating at 80% full. I wish I knew my 80% but I’m working on it.
I plate everything I eat. I’m worth it. I make it look nice. That is part of enjoying and savoring your meals, no?
I want to give a plug to Amanda Nighbert. You should follow her on Instagram. I have not done her LEAN program, but I think it is probably really good. The thing is that many programs can be good, but only if you are ready to do them.
Amanda is a registered dietician and gives mountains of information for free. She doesn’t have to do this, but she does. She will answer your questions on IG even if you aren’t a client.
Summer Eating Schedule:
So, I have two cups of coffee in the morning, a protein/iced coffee late morning, lots of water, two cups of electrolyte water, and just continue drinking water the rest of the day. I try to only drink alcohol on the weekends.
I eat breakfast between 8-10 depending on what I am doing and I try to workout before eating. I always have eggs with either vegetables or sausage or both.
I eat lunch around 12-1 and I try to have salad with protein or vegetables and protein.
I get a little snacky and usually do popcorn, avocado toast, string cheese, or yogurt.
For dinner around 6:00, I eat whatever my family is eating with a few variations or substitutions. I cook around 3:00 so that Mason can eat before work and then it’s ready. I don’t do this every night because sometimes we eat leftovers.
I am happy to report that I stopped the evening snacking! After dinner I will have a Dove mini ice cream bar (3 WW points) or a Dum Dum. If I didn’t have popcorn in the afternoon, I will sometimes have that in the evening, but I was able to stop the snacking in the last couple of weeks and I am so happy! If I brush my teeth early, I usually don’t want to ruin that. Ha!
Now, the perfect day is when I go to bed between 9-10 and get up around 6. I just don’t feel great when I push it past 10. I also think this is where the snacking comes in. I need to go to bed before I get the idea to snack.
Now let’s talk exercise:
I started out really strong June 1 and since then, your girl has struggled. I was Jazzercising, going to the gym, or walking 4-5 times a week. Then, Covid hit my house at the end of June and I didn’t think I should risk taking it to the gym or to the Jazzercise studio so I sat out for a week. It was super hot that week and I didn’t walk, either. Then, it was 4th of July and my week was discombobulated. So, I am currently working on gym and walking. I am having a hard time making the Jazzercise times work for me. The class I want is not at the time I want. I also knew it was just a summer thing, so maybe that is part of it. Just being real. Hangs head. I am also going to buy myself some Hokas, so hoping that will energize my walking. My shoes are in need of replacing.
I am actually going back to basics with tracking my food on my WW app more diligently and I will be checking out my own posts for some new old food ideas. Check out Eating Lately here, here, here.
And, listen…I am trying not to be obsessive. I am living my life and I am not asking for special accomodations when I go somewhere. It’s all about balance.
How was your weekend? Mine was better with everyone pretty much back to “normal” in my house. I am linking up with Holly and Sarah to share!
Also, I want to remind/tell everyone that I have a search bar on this amateur blog! If you are reading from a tablet/phone you need to scroll all the way down to the bottom just as far as you can scroll. Then type in a topic that you are looking for – for example “Greek Bowl”. If you are on a computer/laptop, there is a magnifying glass in the top right hand corner and that is where you would type.
If I have a recipe, I will always link it, so the type will be in red and you click on it. If I don’t do that it probably means there is no formal recipe and that I just describe what I did to make a certain meal.
I hope this helps!
Let’s go back to Thursday night. I had purchased tickets to Beyond Van Gogh back in March not really knowing anyones’ schedule for the summer. It was a bit of a scramble, but the four of us made it downtown.
I was underwhelmed. I heard so much hype and I guess I didn’t realize it was just panels that you had to read about Van Gogh and then digital projected images of his art. It was definitely not worth $40 a person. I have heard other people gush about it. I do think that the exhibit is set up differently in different cities so maybe Louisville didn’t come through as well as others?
I was hoping we would all eat dinner somewhere afterwards, but Tom still wasn’t feeling great so J, M, and I picked up Joella’s Hot Chicken and took it home.
Friday morning was the day…my third attempt at freezer jam. I measured my fruit before crushing it on the first two attempts so there was a problem with my fruit to pectin ratio. Third time was the charm. I will warn you that this jam is really sweet. I am going to do another attempt at using the lower sugar pectin. It is really delicious and you should definitely try it.
And, on Friday, I made the famous Chuy’s jalapeno ranch dip just for fun. I just looked up a copycat recipe and left out the fresh cilantro, used leftover canned jalapenos and some canned green chiles. I ate way too much of this Friday while watching tv.
Friday was a rainy and stormy day so I didn’t do the errands I needed to do. It was a good day to stay home. For dinner, I made this bowl again for the whole family. I don’t have a recipe – it’s just grilled chicken, broccoli, cauliflower rice, shredded carrots and thai sweet ginger sauce.
Saturday morning we had a plumber come to start the hall bath. So, I let Tom do his thing and I went out to do my errands. It was still raining. We finally are getting the rain we need, though!
I stopped at the farmer’s market:
The creator of this brand was there and was doing tastings. I left with this flavor and it is so good! It’s only 35 calories! Check out my low calorie cocktail post here.
I went to Whole Foods before it got too busy. I used to think it was too expensive, but now it seems more reasonable and I appreciate that I can trust that what I am getting is better for me. I am also learning to only buy the amount I need.
Turkey and cheese from the deli and the price isn’t that bad:
I bought an 18 cent baby banana as a joke for Tom.
I also had a library pick up that included this:
But, I am finishing this still. I like it and it has some depth. The main character is only 18.
My Swedish friend Tintin told me to spray hairspray on a toothbrush to control the wispies at the top of my head and it worked! I chose to try this first because I didn’t have to buy anything. I didn’t use MY toothbrush, by the way. I used Tom’s. Just kidding!
Saturday it just rained and rained but around 5:00 the sun came out and it was time for date night! We tried a newish German restaurant across the bridge in Indiana.
We took home two full boxes of leftovers. It was really good!
Then, we tried a new to us ice cream place back in downtown Louisville.
I got a kid’s cup of a very kid flavor – Cookie Monster! Doesn’t it look just like him? And, do I get bonus points for the matching nails?
Sunday morning I went to the gym because I hadn’t done very well with this over the last two weeks. Hangs head.
And, then Tom, Ernie, and I spent most of the day on the river with Elizabeth, her fiance Andrew, and their dog Bruno.
Ernie was worn out!
I didn’t get many pictures because I was too busy enjoying the beautiful weather and fun day.
This week was weird, right? 4th of July on Monday kinda threw everything off. Did you feel that way, too?
So, good news…Tom was negative and able to go back to work Tuesday, but he is still not 100%. I think he might be expecting too much of himself, but I also have heard people say it took them a few weeks to get back to “normal”. He got up at 4:30 and went to the gym Tuesday and Wednesday, but took a break yesterday morning and I think it was a good idea.
I never want to see another Covid test in my life after giving maybe ten (no one else thinks they can do their own in my house) over the last two weeks! Plus, I think I spent another $75 on tests!
Mason tested positive a couple of days after Tom and Jack had three negative tests but had all the same symptoms as Mason did. So, we just assumed that all three of them had it! Maybe we should have done an official drive through test site, but many of them have closed around here and honestly, it didn’t even cross my mind to find one until some time had passed.
Can I make a confession, though? I kinda like putting the drops in the test kit. I feel like a super serious lab worker.
And, thank you for all of your well wishes for my crew!
So, let’s talk about some favorites…
I guess my first has to be that everyone is on the mend and that the timing wasn’t worse. I’m glad the kids weren’t in school and in the middle of finals, you know?
My next favorite is that I have been texting back “STOP” to all of the sales texts I now get. I guess it’s my fault that I started getting so many. I would sign up to get a discount and then just continue to get so.many.texts from a company that I probably wasn’t going to order from again.
Try it if you are having the same problem!
I have been struggling to find a show to watch on my own besides the weekly Bravo and Peacock shows I’ve been watching.
I really enjoyed this one season, six episode show. Check it out! Also, I love the fun wardrobe of Katherine!
I started reading this and I’m really into it. I didn’t realize the main character was only 18 so it probably qualifies as “young adult”, but I’m still really enjoying it – about halfway through right now.
I cut some hydrangeas to put on my mantle!
I love these vines hanging over my fence, too.
This is my cleaner of summer from Target. It’s super cheap and it smells like the Capri Volcano candle. I have shared it before and I have purchased it a few times!
I made up a new lunch this week. I did cauliflower rice sauteed in a skillet with shredded carrots (pre-shredded in a bag from the grocery), broccoli, chicken and…
this sauce that looked interesting from Trader Joe’s. If you aren’t close to a TJ, I bet the regular grocery has something similar.
It was so good! If Erica agrees to do lunches again next year, this will definitely go in my rotation. Please, Erica!
I’m loving my little lemon dish; I learned the hard way to always bring this kind of stuff in and not leave it out in the elements. I also bring in the cushions every night.
and this little peach black tea candle from Trader Joe’s.
I made probably the best Rice Krispies treats ever for the non-existent 4th of July we had here. I had picked up the seasonal 4th of July box when I first saw it because they don’t last. We didn’t end up doing anything because of our sickies, but I still had to make them!
It was 6 tablespoons of salted butter melted, add to that 8 cups of mini marshmallows. When all melted (I just use the microwave) and stirred, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Then, add in 6 cups of cereal and one more cup of non-melted mini marshmallows. Put in a greased (Pam) 8×8 pan so they are thicker and then let sit. Yum! I’m usually a “chocolate for dessert” person, but if you give me one of these I am happy! The packaged Rice Krispies treats taste so bad to me, unless I’m going to dip them in a chocolate fountain! Ha!
Have you ever added Nutella or peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture? That’s amazing, too!
My favorite little specialty store – Paul’s Fruit Market – sells Fruity Pebbles treats! They sub out the Rice Krispies for Fruity Pebbles! Remember when I used Cap’n Crunch?
Sorry I talked about sweet treats for so long!
Tom’s parents sent a cute little Edible Arrangements fruit bouquet for the sickies in the house.
This next picture is a cry for help:
Any suggestions for these little wispies at the top of my head? I am having some breakage and I do not take any collagen or anything. Should I start taking Vital Proteins? I don’t even blow dry my hair and this summer I am only using a curling iron a couple of times a week. So, this is not a favorite, but it will be if I can get this under control.
So, I need a suggestion to improve this problem and a temporary fix to hold them down.
Also, I am wearing my re-ordered Seint makeup and my old lady Florida lip color in this photo.
I think “Things I Bought and Liked” on Instagram recommended this, but this 7 minute arm workout is a killer. I could only do half the first time I did it and now I am working my way up to not cheating at all through the whole thing. I’m trying to do it everyday!
I polished my nails this color this week:
And, I did another try on the freezer jam. Shay conviced me to try it, but my first two attempts were more like an ice cream or waffle topping. My sister Molly has been inspired, too, and she had more success using powdered pectin, so that is what I did this time.
It’s really fun and easy to make! I will let you know how my third attempt turns out.
The name of my blog is “Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa” so I gotta earn my keep! I wanted to do a more comprehensive post about enjoying cocktails – but with a more calorie conscious frame of mind.
Now, click away if talking about alcohol is a trigger for you. I actually have several people in my life who abstain and I totally respect that. Some of these can be made into “mocktails”. I am not sure I love that term, but there it is.
I indulge in a cocktail more in the warm weather but honestly, my favorite drink is water! Then, coffee! And, I am weird in that I prefer a cocktail before my food or without any food. Is anyone else like that?
Maybe it’s a sign of getting old, but I can’t believe the cocktail prices! If it’s a good one or something special, I don’t mind to pay $12. The cocktails at the Omni rooftop pool were so bad at $12-$14 a pop!
My famous skinny margarita is seriously better than most restaurant ones I have had. You tired of hearing about it yet?
But, this restaurant skinny was pretty good, too. The problem is is that you just don’t know how “skinny” it is! Also, if it’s the size of your head, is it really “skinny” anymore?
My margarita:
one shot of tequila mixed with half of a Crystal Light lemonade powder stick (individual size), fresh lime juice to taste, ice, and then filled to the top with Fresca. Don’t skimp on the Fresca. Lemon lime soda isn’t as good. Trust me on this!
This is my “Old Fashioned” given to me by my friend Victoria.
One shot of bourbon (you might like this even if you don’t think you are a bourbon drinker), a half shot of lemon juice, a full shot of the Modica cocktail mix (I found mine at Total Wine) and this is only 30 calories so no worries, mix all together and then add ice and fill to top with Diet Ginger Ale. Even if you aren’t counting calories, the diet version keeps it from being too sweet.
I am new to rum but I really like this brand called Saltwater Woody.
Then, I keep bourbon (this is Trader Joe’s), Tito’s vodka, and a light tequila (also Trader Joe’s) on hand.
If you are on WW, most of your hard liquors are going to be 3 points per shot.
The key is keeping your mixers at zero calories/points.
I start most of my cocktails with some Crystal Light powder. I then add the shot and mix well. Fresh lime or lemon juice is really great, but I just keep the bottles of juice on hand. Then, I always like a sparkling element. My favorite sparkling elements are Fresca, Diet Canada Dry, the Sparkling ICE beverage (not pictured but easy to find in grocery stores), and I am new to adding seltzers. The one pictured is Trader Joe’s pineapple and I really like it alone or with cocktails.
I just get such a kick out of being able to make a really good cocktail that is lower in calories and in cost than what I would get at a restaurant. Do you?
I do enjoy a hard seltzer and they are easier to take to the pool or on the boat. My favorite are Vizzy Mimosa, High Noon, and Truly lemonade and poolside. Jen says the margarita Trulys are really good so I am going to try those.
Examples of the Truly poolside flavors:
I just started adding electrolyte powder to a couple of my waters and it got me thinking that these would make great mixers. I did check with the dietician I follow on IG and she said they would be great, too.
I found this at Whole Foods and also picked up some individual sticks to try different flavors.
And, now I will leave you with a new cocktail recipe.
1 shot of rum mixed with half of a Crystal Light lemonade stick, a splash of lemon juice, and fill to the top with ice and a pineapple sparkling water. Yum! Sorry I don’t have a photo.
So, do you indulge in a cocktail or two? What is your drink of choice? You have any cocktail inspo for me?
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 