Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Friday, September 17, 2021

Happy Friday, all! How was your week?

I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. here for Friday Favorites!

Wednesday night Tom and I ate at our closest Mexican restaurant.

I had the fajitas and they were really good!

We also had Spanish Club and some funny kids photo shopped two of our favorite Latino singers in this photo.

Teachers are super picky about their pens. I do not enjoy Flair pens! I know a lot of you all love them. My ideal pen is one without a lid. I love this Sharpie S-Gel and I will buy more!

I am continuing to make an iced coffee to take to school. I use a tbsp. of instant grounds, a bit of water, and half of a Premier Protein. My favorite right now is Caramel with Peanut Butter Chocolate coming in at a close second. The pumpkin is o.k. I think I prefer my pumpkin drinks hot, maybe? But, if you like a pumpkin cold brew, you may like this flavor.

I cannot live without this now that I have found it. It comes in a 3 pack from Amazon and I hear it is also sold at Walmart. I took my air popped popcorn with this on it to the movie theater a couple of weeks ago and was not even tempted by Tom’s poprcorn.

I started this on Prime and it is quite fascinating. I liked hearing how the business was started. I will try to watch the last epidsode this weekend. There are only 4, so not a great commitment.

I need to do some fall recon (window shopping to see what fall styles are out there!) but I did see these metallic booties and I could see those being fun to have in your fall wardrobe.

Love! Get these if you love the smells of fall!

I love this! I try to use this at night and I do think it helps me relax!

And, I love this, too, thanks to Kristen for recommending it! I got these in my Target.com order and I love the way they package and securely tape everything. I have had some toiletries not well secured from Amazon.

I still love Olaplex shampoo but I ran out. I do not love the Olaplex conditioner so I was using just whatever I had. I ordered this pair and really like it!

I use this religiously am and pm!

I still love to wash my face with the orange in the am and I love this facial cleanser for pm or anytime, really!

Erica made a ground turkey and kale soup yesterday that was amazing!

What were your faves this week? I would love to hear! Happy weekend!

Amy

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Here is a good old fashioned coffee talk post for you today. I think there are some things we need to catch up on. If I forget anything, leave it in the comments for me! Thanks!

Blue Apron – I did two weeks and it just isn’t for me. It is about $50 for two of us for two meals. So, that is $12.50 a meal. The recipes take way longer than 30 minutes. The Wellness/WW plan I was getting was very high in points. I get 16 points daily and the meals were 10-14 but the instructions said I could leave certain things out for less points – but then what is the point? Also, there were lots of green beans and potatoes in the recipes and I have those and make them all the time.

It may be right for many people but Tom and I both agreed it wasn’t for us.

Do you remember my Syllabus for Self Care? I thought I would let you know how I’m doing.

I am doing really well on most all of it. I am not doing well with this. I am checking email while doing my meal prep usually and I go ahead and bite the bullet with his weekly memo. Maybe it actually lets me relax the rest of the day because I know what is coming for the week?

Now that it is nicer out, I am doing better with this. I need to commit to more outside time, though!

And, I will have to work at this. I need to give myself rest from time to time.

Nails – You may have noticed that my nails have been naked. I just cannot keep polish on for more than a day or two. I need to let them heal because they have ridges from dip. I hate looking at them like this, though. I may put forth the effort to do my gel at home again.

I did my own pedicure. I used smokin’ hot by Essie. It is a nice grey/purple.

I am actually thinking about this for my fingernails. If anyone has any advice on this let me know!

Self Tanning – I stopped for awhile but now I am using a combo of my leftover Banana Boat and my Tanology. I ran out of Tan Luxe The Butter and am waiting to find it on sale. It is my favorite. Let me know if there is something else I should try. I want it to be fairly dark.

Hard Seltzers – I started liking a couple of White Claw flavors! I also really like High Noon. I still like Truly Punch and Lemonade. They all seem so summery, though and now I crave…..

red wine! I thought this bottle from Trader Joe’s was so cute!

But, I know nothing about wine. I like pinot noir and red blends. Leave me a comment on a red I should try. I don’t like sweet but I don’t like too terribly dry. And, I like the $10-$20 price range.

Cake – Remember my first cake where I used a Funfetti mix? I have now tried chocolate fudge, red velvet, strawberry, and spice. Below I did some sauteed apples to serve over the spice.

Am I eating too much cake? Maybe. I do share it at school and it is within my WW points!

School – is an emotional roller coaster. I have had shining moments where I was so happy for normal. I felt like a normal teacher again. My students were happy and normal. Going outside has been refreshing, but I can’t do it that much.

I have some students who I have known for over two years and they know me and that helps in this environment. I have some students who I have only known for 5 weeks who don’t seem to want to open up and who are seriously addicted to their phones. A girl raised her hand and I went back to help her and she was in the middle of a Netflix show. I told her she should probably pause it because she might miss something while I helped her.

I asked a journal question in Spanish about lessons learned during the pandemic and two kids were on their phones and I asked if they learned the importance of an unlimited data plan.

Our school allows cell phones but my policy is they are not to be seen nor heard unless I invite them to get them out.

Also, airpods…. Are babies going to be born with airpods already in their ears?

Sorry to end on this note, it makes me kinda sad.

What did I forget? I hope you were able to enjoy your coffee!

Amy

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Happy Hump Day! Who is ready for another edition of What I Wore Wednesday?

First we have three school outfits from last week:

This day I wore my red Matilda Jane pants (they also have this style that I really like – I would say it’s like an elevated yoga pant of yesteryear), my Savanna Jane top from last year, my denim jacket, and my new teacher discount Tieks.

This day I wore consignment brown Matilda Janes, a white consignment tee, my Umgee kimono, and my gold Tieks.

For a casual Friday, I wore my new Universal Thread jeans in the darker wash, an old Old Navy blouse and my MIA clogs. Did you read my clog post yesterday?

Friday night I wore my other new Universal Thread jeans that I cut and frayed, a Target blouse from last year, and my MIA sandal clogs.

Saturday for Oktoberfest, I wore gold Birks, my Target denim cut offs, and my TJ Maxx blouse. And, you have to have a crossbody for something like this!

This Monday I wore my Target dress with a sweater (got hot immediately and took it off!) and my white booties.

And, yesterday I wore my Umgee pants from June Adell Boutique (online). The pants are so cute (I think) and they have pockets, but they are long! I can only pull them off with a heel.

I wore my black higher heeled clogs and I will tell you that they are not full day of school shoes. My dogs were barking.

What have you been wearing lately?

What is your fave outfit above? Or, maybe you hate them all? Ha!

Thanks for visiting me!

Amy

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Do you have a love for clogs? I certainly do and so does my friend Beth!

Recently, Melanie Shankle of Big Mama Blog and The Big Boo Cast podcast did an Instagram clog post. Check that out if you are on Instagram. I enjoyed seeing her picks.

Let’s talk about my collection…

I have what I would call “classic clogs” in gold (very, very gold – like Goldmember gold)and red. The gold are Lotta of Stockholm and the red are from an Etsy site. Etsy is a good source of clogs I think.

I am really drawn to metallics lately and I have already worn the gold to school this year a few times. I have only worn the red once or twice.

Below, I have MIA sandal clogs that I have really gotten my money’s worth from. Beth also has these!

Then, I have MIA higher heeled clogs and MIA lower heeled clogs.

I think clogs work with skirts, dresses, jeans, pants, my Matilda Jane ruffle pants, and even denim shorts. So, I like the classic nature (they really don’t go out of style) and I like the versatility. I like a bit of height, but not too much.

Here is what I wore Friday night.

Here they are again with a dress.

These will be packed away when it is too cold for open toed shoes.

Here is my cognac lower heeled clog for work on Friday.

They are all wooden soles so I believe they may take some getting used to, but I find them to be very comfortable.

If you are looking to try some, MIA is a pretty good price point and high quality, in my opinion. Lotta from Stockholm is not bad price-wise and also great quality, and then the Etsy option is a good one, too.

Beth is a big fan of Dansko. I love hers, but there are some that I am not a fan of. For example, the classic Dansko clog with the back on them are extremely uncomfortable on me. I feel like I am walking with bricks underneath my feet.

Beth says these below are her absolute favorites. She wishes now she had bought them in all the colors available. A red pair and a brown pair would have fit well in her wardrobe. These shoes are cute and comfortable and if Beth had a dollar for every time someone complimented them, she would have some serious chump change.

Side view:

These red ones are Clarks sandal clogs. You all know I love a red shoe!

These cognac are both Lottas. They have the traditional wooden sole. They are cute, but inflexible and are not something Beth can walk in all day. They are great for short trips out only. Plus, they make a lot of noise when she walks. I like that aspect, I think! But, Beth loves this color and the lower and higher heeled option.

Two other Dansko favorites of Beth’s are these black ones and the leopard ones.

I really feel like I NEED both of these!

Beth says that if she had an unlimited budget she would buy a pair of No. 6 clogs. They are pricey, but supposed to be awesome.

Here’s the thing – we both added to our collection very gradually and the quality is good and the style is classic so they last for years.

What is your stand on clogs?

Amy

P.S. – Thank you, Beth! You are my fashionable friend and I love to see what you wear every time we hang out!

Monday, September 13, 2021

Happy birthday to my mom today!

How was your weekend? I am linking up with Heather and more here for Hello Monday and also linking up with Jen and more here for Not Just a Mom – Morning Routine edition.

Friday after school I came home and vegged for a bit. Erica (my lunch prep partner) and I had walked after school both Wednesday and Thursday so it felt nice to be “off the hook” on Friday.

For dinner, Tom had lunch leftovers (he goes out to lunch every.single.day and often has leftovers) and I had a veggie burger in a wrap and some frozen hash browns.

And then we went to a 7:30 showing of Queen Pins, the movie with Kristen Bell about the coupon queens. I drank a coffee to make sure I could stay awake.

Well, I drifted off a few times – oops. Ain’t no tired like Friday night teacher tired. The movie wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be. It was kinda serious for most of it. So, I’m not sure I can recommend it. I did watch Exreme Couponing on TLC so I have always been fascinated by this, but I also think it’s sad and too extreme and the products you get this way are not healthy. They are the packaged, processed foods that make the “American” diet so bad.

I sat outside for a bit when we got home and just enjoyed the lights and the moon.

I went to bed at 10 instead of trying to stay up for a show. I also went to bed at 10 on Saturday night. I think this is the time of year that I just need to do that!

Such an early bedtime had me up pretty early both mornings and I went outside and lit my apple, champagne, honey candle and just enjoyed the peacefulness.

I straightened, did laundry, mopped, walked, and did a library pickup and a Kroger pick up.

We got word that Jack and Mason were coming home “sometime”. I am glad we didn’t wait around because it ended up being close to 4:00.

I talked Tom into a “day date” and we went to The Flea Off Market for a minute. I wasn’t too impressed by this one.

And, then we went to our main goal for the afternoon – Oktoberfest! I can’t believe we had never seen the German American Club before. It is so cute!

These pictures are to send to Tom’s family in Germany but I am afraid his photo facial expressions might make them too sad. Tom had a great time despite his face.

We came home and hung out with Jack and Mason – they seemed more eager to talk to us and were willing to answer our questions and chat for quite awhile. We sat with them while they ate dinner (we had had a combined lunch and dinner at the Oktoberfest) and watched Kim’s Convenience.

Then, Tom and I set up the UK football game on the patio.

I half watch/read during games. I just started this. Paris, food descriptions, a writer trying to find her muse – all things I love in a book! I also started the LuLaRoe documentary on Prime!

I slipped away to watch Gilmore Girls with J and M and then they had an online gaming session with friends to attend.

Sunday morning coffee on the deck was so nice.

I did my meal prep – back to egg casserole, veggies, and Jimmy Dean turkey sausage for this week!

One of my meals is lettuce wraps with cauliflower fried rice.

And, my other is AmyLu chicken, apple, gouda sausage with veggies that I haven’t made yet.

I had to run back to Kroger for some stuff for Spanish Club and for a few things left off of my order.

Then, after I felt that my tasks were done for the week, Tom and I went out on the boat. I was sad we hadn’t made plans with anyone but we were very spur of the moment this weekend.

We pulled up to Captain’s Quarters and then I got a text that my college friend and her husband were in the cove, so we got our food to go and met them there. So, it turned out great that we didn’t have anyone on the boat.

We hung out in the cove for about two hours and then it was time to head home.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

I debated posting this because it is quite boring! But, here goes! And, boy how it has changed now that I only worry about myself.

My Morning Routine:

5:00- Get up! Tom has left for the gym and woken me up so I am not sure why I need an alarm.

5-6:15 – Drink two cups of coffee while doing my quiet time and reading my blogs. Check school email and pack foods for school. Tom gets home from the gym, walks Ernie, and we talk for a bit while we feed Ernie.

6:15-6:45 – get myself ready

6:45 – leave for school

7:00-8:32 – Eat my breakfast at my desk and do all the things to get ready to teach six consecutive 50 minute classes with only a 20 minute break for lunch.

That’s it!

I love reading others’ routines!

Have a not horrible Monday! Ha!

Amy

Friday, September 10, 2021

How was your short week? I hope it was good!

Here are some things that brought a smile to my face this week. I am linking up with Andrea, etc. here for Friday Favorites!

I am kinda proud of myself. I placed a Target order that should be here this weekend. I am tired of looking for the things I want in stores and not finding it. Yes, first world problems! Time is at a premium now and I just don’t enjoy hours of errands on the weekend and they ain’t happenin’ during the week.

I have a friend who is seriously always running errands. I call her on a Friday night and she is running errands! Work smarter, not harder, girl!

I am super excited to try to make my own pumpkin cold brew with these! Step off, I will try to wait until closer to October but I gotta get my protein.

I just knew that if I went in my store it wouldn’t be there.

And, I have already looked for these products with no luck. This acorn spice is amazing! See ya, Bath and Body! I think it’s better for ya, too, because Mrs. Meyer’s doesn’t play.

I ordered two hand soaps to get me through October and November and hopefully I can get my hands on her peppermint.

And, I ordered just one cleaning spray because I’m not that crazy that I will clean that much during October and November.

I bought a new Essie called “Amuse Me” and I was tickled that it matched my book. I am enjoying this book but I am not sure I would highly recommend it. I feel like the characters fall really flat and I’m just not that invested. Anyone know what I mean if you’ve read it?

I got my Real Simple and always enjoy it.

And, I got my InStyle. What kind of witchcraft does Jen use to look this good?

I liked the shiny with florals and the

geometric patterns that they say are “in style”.

Tom and I started Ted Lasso! It is so good!

And, I took my AP classes outside again yesterday. It was so nice!

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Thursday, September 9, 2021

I am big on intentionality and I think making a list helps me do that. I won’t beat myself up if I don’t do all of these things but I do think it will help me to squeeze the most out of the season. I am sad and feel sad sometimes, as I am sure you do, too. I can’t believe my kids are out of the nest-ish and that makes me sad. I am sad about Covid and what it means to life as we know it. I am sad about many other things I see on the news.

But, I think everyday should contain a tiny bit of happiness. This list might help me grab what I can and it might help you, too.

-Light a fall candle. I have been lighting my apple candles! I got a honeycrisp apple from Trader Joe’s and an apple from Bath and Body. In October I will do pumpkin scented!

-Use my solo stove on the patio with Tom or with friends, too.

-Go to a football game

-Watch a football game on the patio and possibly eat chili while doing so.

-Make chili!

-Wear all the fall colors! Wear my fall hat that makes me look like a park ranger.

-Drink apple cider and maybe find an apple orchard.

-Drink a PSL! (Pumpkin Spice Latte)

-Make fun fall foods – dish of candy corn and peanuts is one!

-Go to an Oktoberfest

-Go to a fall festival

-Buy pumpkins

-Buy mums

-Go leaf peeping – hopefully by boat and by car

-Make my apple cider sangria

-Create a new fall cocktail

-Spend time on my patio

-Decorate patio for fall

What am I forgetting?

Happy Fall – almost!

Amy

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Welcome to another week’s edition of What I Wore Wednesday! We have had high 70s and low 80s lately, along with some rain. It has just been so nice to be out of the 90s. Now if the mosquitos would just go bye-bye!

Last Thursday I wore this to school. I still think my tri-pod is moving. I have on my trusty Chico’s pants that I got at at a consignment store for $10 probably 8 years ago, my Steinmart poncho-ish top with my Reef sandals. If I had been wearing this anywhere other than school, I would have worn a higher heel, but I can’t be uncomfortable for a full day of teaching. I had to wear pants because I was taking my two afternoon AP classes outside and I planned to sit on the grass with them. I love this poncho and wanted to get another because it has fall vibes but is for warmer temps.

Proof that we went outside:

I think this was the day before but I can’t remember? I wore my fall-ish TJ Maxx blouse with my mustard pencil skirt and gold clogs.

Friday I gave up on the tri-pod and went next door to the French room to ask Elizabeth for a photo. We were supposed to wear all black for the football game, so I did as much black as I could. This is my Walmart dress and my black New Balances.

I did leopard accessories.

I get lots of compliments from the students when I go more casual. It’s funny!

Something big happened after school on Friday. I placed a Target jeans order because jeans were on sale for $15 and Tom had told me that a pair of jeans I tried to wear last weekend looked too big. I ordered two pairs of Universal Thread in the next size down and they fit. I am actually down more than one jean size because I couldn’t fit in my larger sized jeans last year. I fit in leggings last year. I wore “leggings size”.

I decided to keep two pairs of the exact style but one in a medium and one in a dark. They call these the mid rise skinny but I think they look more like a boot cut.

I cut and frayed the medium wash and I kept the darker wash intact. They are a bit long on me at 5’4, but I will probably wear them with a bit of a heel.

Ignore the pile of clothes in Mason’s room behind me.

These jeans are really good. They are not too thick and have the perfect amount of stretch.

I wore them Friday night and felt great in them. I know I have a long way to go, but a pair of jeans that fits is a wonderful thing. I forgot to get an outfit photo.

Anyway, I highly recommend them!

Saturday night I got to wear the Amazon dress out! I have worn it one other time to brunch. It is a bit staticky. I wonder if I wash it on delicate and let it line dry if that will take care of it. My Amazon palm print skirt had the same issue until I washed it. I love this print so much and I really am tempted to get another print, too.

Sunday, I wore this to sit by the river. I don’t do athleisure very well. I wore a black Walmart skort and this Target white top. Meh – there’s nothing special and I didn’t know what to throw on to just be casual.

And, yesterday I wore my Umgee tunic/dress from Amazon that I told you about yesterday during the Prime Purchases link up.

I made it more summery with the white leggings and sandals, but I would like to try it with a darker legging and boots or booties. Should I have kept it? I just love the print!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

I am linking up today with Tanya for her Prime Purchases link up. Once a month we share recent Amazon purchases and I love this! I find Amazon overwhelming, so I love to see what others buy.

For the month of August, I thought I would have to buy lots of stuff for back to school for me and for the boys for back to the dorm. Turns out, I really didn’t need much because my school has a nice supply closet for us and the boys took a trip to Target and spent about $120 between them and were fine with the rest of the dorm stuff they had from freshman year. That is the nice thing about college, most of the dorm expenses come freshman year. They are really low maintenance, too.

I bought a mask chain and I cannot live without it! I never liked setting my mask down on my desk or on another surface last year. I keep my mask around my neck during my planning when I’m alone and during lunch. Love it!

I bought this top for my sister for her August 13th birthday.

And, I bought her this headband.

She said she loves them both!

I am really liking my new purse and I use it for everywhere that isn’t school – concerts, shopping, etc. It has a large pocket that I wear facing out. The other side had a large black label that I cut. I feel like this purse is a major fall staple. I love the cognac color and the ability to change straps is so fun. You need one!

This is the replacement strap I bought and I already had a camo one.

We have some local boutiques that sell these and the replacement straps. I may go in and look at the designs they have. This would make a great gift for someone!

I feel pretty good buying any Umgee brand items off of Amazon. It is a brand sold in many of our boutiques and the price point is a little higher for Amazon stuff, which honestly, in my opinion, translates to higher quality. This dress is a little short on me so I am going to try it with leggings or jeans. If that doesn’t work I will return it. But, I love the style and pattern.

Why did I wait so long to buy this? I never knew I could feel this way about a laundry detergent! I started with the tiny but cute $18 size. I am using the clear laundry pods (learned my lesson about the blue ones – they stained some of my stuff) and I add in a cap full of the Diva scent. My mudroom smells amazing, my house smells amazing, my clothing and towels smell amazing. I am a big fan!

Where has this been all of my life? I had been using the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray, but this is so much better. It legit tastes like theater popcorn. I love popcorn and use my kernels in the paper bag method. Super easy and way cheaper! I top it with this spray and a bit of salt.

And, another food in my effort to eat healthier. I boil these noodles and don’t use the seasoning pack that comes with. The noodles are delish and made from millet and brown rice. They are zero points for me.

And, I get nervous when I run low on my fave hairspray. It just smells perfect for me and works for my hair texture. I have never been this devoted to a product!

Have you bought any of these products? What have you been “priming” lately?

Amy

Monday, September 6, 2021

I thought I would go ahead and post today because tomorrow is the Prime Purchases link up. I am linking up today with Heather and others here!

Friday early evening Tom and I headed to a nearby neighborhood for dinner and a concert.

Tom had a brat and I had the inside of a quesadilla and some fries. The place we chose just had bar food.

We saw several people and it was really fun! My friend Heather showed up!

We stayed out until about 9:30 and when we got home I walked Ernie over to the football field where my school had just finished our first home game.

Saturday morning I sat on the deck with my coffee. I had lots of errands to run and several things around the house to get done before Jack and Mason came home for Labor Day weekend and their birthdays!

They were happy to hang out all afternoon together. We were supposed to go to dinner on the boat with our friends but it started raining. So, we did a super nice dinner instead.

I had a sangria and my friend and I split sushi, brussel sprouts, and fries.

The female side of the table. I wore my new Amazon dress.

When we got home we watched some tv with the boys.

Sunday morning we woke up to lots of rain. It was Jack and Mason’s birthday and we let them sleep in.

Tom went and got donuts per Mason’s request and I made chocolate chip pancakes for Jack’s request.

They opened presents and went down to play some games together and Tom and I went to look at the river. It is very brown and there is lots of debris from the rain so we opted not to take our boat out.

We just sat and enjoyed the nice weather for a bit.

Then, the boys requested take out sushi so we went and ordered it. We got a few different rolls to share.

And, they had requested cookie cake.

We watched Kim’s Convenience and enjoyed a quiet evening of their choice. Tom had wanted to go to the movies with them but I had to remind Tom that they probably just want to be at home since they have been away at their dorms.

I am happy to have the day off today and Jack and Mason will go back to school at some point.

How was your weekend so far? It’s hard to believe how fast summer went by. I always get a bit sad even though I love fall. I think it’s because I know what comes after fall!

Thanks for reading and come back for Prime Purchases tomorrow. Spoiler: I bought a lot and most of it was for me!

Amy