Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Thursday, December 10. 2020

Hello and welcome to the slowest day in blog land! Why do people not blog on Thursdays?

Here are some snapshots of what we have been eating around here lately/what I have been cooking.

My college kids came home November 20 and 21 and the grocery runs have sure looked different! I have been cooking more, too. I am not sure why but I feel like we need more sides when the boys are here. When it was Tom and I we were having lots of one dish meals and lots of easier meals, I think. Also, there are so many more dishes! Where do all the dishes come from?

I put the turkey in the freezer and brought it out one night to make Hot Browns. This dish is from here – Louisville, Kentucky. You start with toasted thick cut bread (I used Trader Joes brioche) and then you top it with turkey and mornay sauce then you broil and top with tomato, bacon, and parmesan. They turned out pretty good!

The boys love chocolate chip pancakes so sometimes I make those as a treat for them. I have an electric non-stick griddle that I really like. It is great for pancakes, French toast, grilled cheese, and quesadillas. They are super cheap, too. I think I got mine for $19.99.

My boys (and Tom and I) love this basic salad akin to the Outback salad. I use iceberg clean from my salad spinner (another gadget I really like that dries your lettuce – I prefer to chop my own lettuces due to all the problems with E.Coli.), carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, big croutons, and hard boiled eggs.

And, I make my own honey mustard. It is so easy – EVOO, mustard, honey, little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add a bit of mayo to make it creamier. Once you make your own salad dressings, you will never go back.

I have finally figured out how to make my hard boiled eggs peelable. You simply add a dash of baking soda to your boiling water. It is amazing! Why did you not tell me this? Anyone? Buelller?

I did an experiment that worked quite well. I dipped coated chicken tenders in pretzel pieces and then sauteed/fried them. Sorry for raw chicken photo – I forgot to take picture of finished product.

Mason really loves my homemade potato wedges. Just cut in half and keep cutting in half. I add a bit of EVOO and s and p. I bake at 400 for 20 minutes or so and then broil for a couple of minutes at the end.

All meals have been eaten upon my fun Target plastic plates. I have Santa, reindeer, and Christmas trees and I have 8 of them. They are a funky shape and they just make me happy. They are left out next to the stove.

I did something crazy to surprise my boys – Tom included. Did you know you can go in the movie theater and buy the hot buttered popcorn? You can!

One night we had breakfast for dinner and it was not a well balanced meal – tator tots,

biscuits with gravy or jam,

and pancakes! Everyone loved it because we almost never do this.

And, the southwest bowl which is always popular. The cilantro lime aioli makes it but you can use up leftovers and use whatever you like – rice, beans, corn, guac, salsa, sour cream, cheese, chicken or beef.

We have also had spahetti and chili recently.

I am going to pull out more turkey for turkey and noodles (I bought the frozen Reames brand noodles). We have tacos on deck. We have ham, green beans, and mashed potatoes on deck, too.

What have you been cooking lately?

I hope maybe I have given you an idea or two. I love getting meal ideas from my favorite blogs!

Amy

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Linking up with The Style Six here today!

Last Wednesday I wore this to my department lunch/baby shower. It was super cold and we had to eat outside in a tent, so white long sleeves under my poncho, black warm crackle leggings, and black booties.

This is the white A New Day long sleeve t-shirt from Target.

Each day last week I wore black leggings with something plaid on top! All of my plaid I already had in my closet and I think all of it is from Old Navy! They do plaid well! Tip: Order in a tall size for a longer length with leggings. I did not do this, but this may help someone!

This one from Old Navy is so soft. After Thanksgiving I stop wearing all of the browns and oranges and switch to more Christmas colors. Do you do that, too?

This is not really plaid but I like the small check print from Old Navy.

In addition to wearing it to teach virtually (they can really only see me from the shoulders up!), I wore it with my black faux fur vest on Saturday to run a few errands.

I am new to the black watch plaid game but I really like it. This is another Old Navy but it is short sleeve so I wore it with this black sweater. I think it was mild enough a few days last year to wear it without anything on top.

I love this Old Navy slightly dressier/more feminine plaid.

And, these leggings remind me of Scotch tape – the perfect present wrapping outfit? I got these a few years ago from a local boutique for only $11. I am going to pair them with my mustard A New Day cardigan and a black top. What do we think about that combo? By the way, I am not sure I have shown you this. I really wanted a mustard sweater and found this great lighter weight/ great length sweater. It has sadly already started pilling, but I do have a new sweater shaver I need to learn how to use.

I walked in Old Navy over the weekend and promptly left because the line was too long. But, I did see this adorable top! Buffalo plaid and ruffles? Order it online!

Sorry for the blurry photo but I found this Target A New Day pearl earring set for only $5. I am into simple studs some days and of course, these work well with your mask.

And, in other news, I have been using this Revlon Sheer Pink.

Here are a couple more blurry photos for you! Am I drunk? Am I busy? Am I impatient? Who knows? Maybe I am all three.

Guess what? We are getting high 50s and low 60s temps here the rest of the week! I am so excited! I am going to get outside.

What have you been wearing lately? Are you mad for plaid?

Amy

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Today my post is just like the old Oprah’s Favorite Things except I don’t buy any of these for you.

In fact, I may be late with my list but maybe you still need a few gifts or maybe you have people asking what you want? Maybe you will have some money to spend after Christmas and can save my list?

Basically, I went through my house and thought about what really adds value and that I really love.

Here we go…

If you like self-tanner, I really recommend this giant pump bottle. Wait for it to go on sale for $39 and it will last for a long, long time. It is really natural with a tiny little sparkle. It also does not smell as bad as many.

I do not know if this is still available on Amazon, but I have worn earrings from this set almost every day. They are so comfortable and I can find a color to match anything I wear. You forget you have earrings on and they have worked with my masks, too.

My Madewell white sneaks. I really love these. Madewell is a great brand and I love their totes, too. Really you cannot go wrong with this brand!

Target is killing it this season and Target, I am so sorry for trying to swear off your clothes. This GoodfellowandCo. pullover would be so cute monogrammed – or not – and it is great for men and women. Universal Thread, A New Day, and Knox Rose are my favorite brands found at Target.

Aerie! The sweatshirts, sweaters, pullovers, and leggings I have from American Eagle and Aerie (same company) are great quality at reasonable prices. This leopard pullover, the side slit sweatshirts, the crackle leggings would all be great gifts for others or for you.

This bag strap or a purse with this kind of strap would be great! I have loved clipping this on my white or brown bags and have received lots of compliments.

The Target Stars Above robe! I love this! I have also heard others rave about everything Stars Above from Target.

I found out the hard way I cannot drive without my popsocket holder for my phone. I love this doo-dad.

And, of course, I love my pop socket. It lets you stand your phone up vertically or horizontally and is a way for you to securely hold your phone in your hand. Also, the pop socket is a necessity for the best phone holder I have ever had. You need both of these in your life. You do have to be able to stick (with a sticker) the holder on your car console. My husband has nowhere to stick one, unfortunately.

A Woodwick Candle! The crackle is so pleasing.

I love this shower cap! Actually, a shower cap period will change your life and protect your hairstyle.

Blue blocker glasses!

I finally listened to so many and changed out all of my undergarments to Soma brand. These are the best! I got half black and half nude.

A pricier gift – but AirPod Pros! Tom bought these for himself but does not like them as much as his originals so Merry Christmas to me! He says this shape does not stay in his ears but this shape is better for mine. I do not like the shape of the originals. Win-win!

And, I love my Seint makeup system (used to be called Maskcara). I feel like my skin looks so much better and I have really pared down my makeup. Let me know if you are interested in hearing more about Seint and I can send you to my college gal pal.

What are your favorite things? I would love to know!

Amy

Monday, December 7, 2020

Well, guys, I do not have much to talk about on this Monday! I did drink a lot of coffee but I did not have a single cocktail and I spent most of the weekend at my casa. What about you? Are you sticking closer to home these days?

I am linking up today with Heather, Tanya, and more right here.

Friday after I finished teaching I was tired! I laid down and napped a bit. Then, I decided to get my peppermint mocha shake (I got vanilla and chocolate for my other three people – do not worry!) and CFA for dinner for some of us and salmon and broccoli for others. I had salmon that I had been promising to cook for my son and it needed to happen soon.

We enjoyed our dinner and watched some telly together.

I decided to go watch some t.v. on my own in my room because I have not been enjoying my white tree lit up like I should. I got sucked into Virgin River on Netflix and now I am hooked! The acting of the mayor, Hope, is so bad, though. Everyone else is pretty good except some of the older women. Ha!

Saturday morning was coffee and lights. Notice there are still no ornaments on our pencil tree.

I decided it was time to tackle my closet. I moved all the shoes because I am hardly wearing any because I needed shelf space for the type of things I am wearing. It has already made life easier.

And, these are the hanging clothes I am wearing.

I keep a bag for donation and re-sell in my closet at all times. The trashbag is always donate and the Trader Joe bag is to take to Clothes Mentor next time I go. I have not gone in so long.

I finally got out to get a snickerdoodle latte and go get my library…

book bundle. I heard about this last week and I thought it was so cool. Our libraries are still closed. Why can we go to the mall but not the library? Why can we go to retailers but not the library? I understand not lingering, but I do not understand why people cannot wear a mask and browse around with a time limit. Also, they are quarantining the books for 7 days. Maybe you could write down what you want and not touch?

Anyway, you tell what kinds of books you like and a librarian picks you out a stack! Actually, the librarian called me to talk about what I like.

I had requested Beach Read and it was ready. I started it and it is so good!!!!!

I think the title does not fit the book so far – anyone read it and agree?

I also bought some wrapping paper and stocking stuffers at Walgreens. Mason went to a book store with a friend and Jack had virtual theatre class. Mason’s friend came back to our house and the three of them hung out and played some videogames. This is the first time we have had anyone in our house in a very long time. We asked about what he has been doing and he has been isolated as well.

I made chili for dinner and watched some more Virgin River. I read some more of Beach Read, too.

Sunday morning I hit the computer for some work. We are in the home stretch with two more weeks of school. I have one level writing digital children’s books in Spanish using all of the verb tenses and the other level doing artist presentations. I also have quizzes to make up and give and we are learning winter/holiday vocabulary in order to have a virtual conversation. I am feeling pretty good about ending 2020 academically. Our semester has 3 more weeks when we come back in January.

I also spent lots of time online shopping and my gifts are starting to roll in. I am done with all the grandparents and I really like what I got. Sorry I cannot tell you yet. Tom and I are trying to give each other a Master bath for Christmas but work has stalled. Plumbing was the next step but our plumber has Covid – he is getting better. I was fine to take a break from the work for that reason – believe me!

How was your weekend?

Amy

Friday, December 4, 2020

Happy Friday! How was your week? Mine was pretty good and it was kind of nice to be back to the routine, surprisingly. I will say that I feel less hurried and frantic this holiday season. Usually the time between Thanksgiving and Winter break is so crazy for teachers and moms. I am still working 8 hour days but at home and I just feel a little more calm. I guess that lack of afternoon and evening activities contribute to my more tranquil persona. Do you feel the same?

My college kids and I are sharing our spaces just fine. Tom goes to work at 7:30 and comes home at 5:30. His life has remained almost the same during 2020. They started finals yesterday and have one or more each day until December 9. I am trying to not helicopter too much, but just asking what they have each day and giving them tips for organization.

I am happy to link up with Andrea, etc. right here where we share things from our week that were favorites.

Here we go!

This is a practice I have had since way before Corona. I have always kept a pump bottle of hand sanitizer in my car. Every time I get back in the car from an errand I sanitize. I found this seasonal scent at Target – they have 3 other scents, but I picked peppermint. I thought this would add a bit of happy to my very few errands these days!

I also found this mercury glass votive holder for $3 at Target. I had been looking for something to hold my…

Capri Blue votives that smell amazing! I believe I ordered these off of Amazon last season and only used one. Target also had gold, red, and green votive holders I believe. I wanted to buy more but I thought just one in my favorite shade of mercury glass would be enough.

This is yummy! I ordered it in my last Kroger pick up.

It is peppermint mocha season! The amount of money I have saved since March in NOT going through the Starbuck’s drive through could probably buy me a really nice item of clothing or a handbag. I have found that having good creamer at home really helps. I also picked up some whip cream for a fancier afternoon coffee.

Sunday afternoon I ran into Trader Joe’s to get a few items and I was marveling at how many items there would make great gifts and/or stocking stuffers. A wooden charcuterie board, wooden bowls, wooden spoons, hand cream, set of lip balms. Plus, all of their candy and treats would be great gifts that you know would be used. Why not create a basket? Also, this is a good reminder to look for gifts at your local grocery store.

We got our first snow Monday late afternoon and evening! If you are wondering why we have doormats line up on the back deck, it is because Tom re-stained the deck and it took 3 weeks to dry. Crazy! He finally put the mats down so we could use the back door and we can take them up now.

My view Tuesday morning! Some of you cold weather dwellers are probably laughing at the little amount we call snow around here. My kids and I were just talking about wanting a white Christmas this year. Wouldn’t that be pretty?

Mason was my happy hour companion this week! Jack had a theatre thing to attend in person – woohoo! So, while he had that I asked Mason if he wanted to hang out with his ol’ mom. Our restaurants are closed to in-person dining for two more weeks at least but we really want to support them. I can honestly say I have never gone to a patio in 30 degree weather. Each table got their own heater.

We went to a place called Agave and Rye and I had a margarita and we split some chips and queso and each had a taco. We took tacos, chips and queso home for Tom and Jack.

We had a lovely time with good conversation. It is amazing to start to have an adult relationship with your child.

And, then I get this on Facebook… this was one of our favorite family restaurants that has now gone out of business. I loved their hot chocolate t-shirts and loved matching or coordinating their outfits. Look at those cute faces. I was telling Tom I long for those days sometimes.

I found this to be a really cute movie with decent acting. I just cannot handle the horrible acting on some of the Hallmark movies! I like Emma Roberts and this was a cute flick that was just what I needed Sunday afternoon.

What were your favorites this week? Any fun weekend plans? I need to shop! I also need to buy wrapping supplies. I am planning to make a pot of chili one day, but that is about it right now.

Happy Weekend!

Amy

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Happy Hump Day! I am linking up today with The Style Six here.

I have decided a bad photo is better than no photo. Kristin talked about not letting perfection be the enemy of good with outfit photos and I agree. That is so true in so many aspects of life. As women, I think we sometimes fall into that trap – wanting the perfect house, the perfect holiday, etc. You just cannot have it all or do it all. Sometimes good is enough. Does everyone feel better now? Ha!

So, here are some quick snapshots of what I have been putting on. It has been between 30-50 degrees lately here in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thanksgiving Day I decided to be comfortable and wore my Madewell sneaks, black leggings and my Aerie pullover that has already paid for itself. It is not flattering, but it is so easy to throw on. I kind of wished I had changed and dressed up more later in the day but we were just the four of us at home.

Friday night when we went to the outdoor artwalk I wore my turtle neck Aerie pullover that my sister got me last year. I wore leggings and my New Balance tennies.

Saturday night dinner and I wore my Aerie crackle leggings, really old black heels from a consignment store, a festive blouse, and my Kendra Scott birthday necklace with only the one strand.

I added this old Target black shawl/poncho. We sat on a heated patio at a restaurant and I did not need it. Those heated patios can be intense. Kentucky is closed to indoor dining until December 13.

Monday for teaching I wanted to be cozy and comfortable because it was cold and rainy. It is a total coincidence that I put my hand on my heart in my Costco star sweater. I am not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ernie and I had a cold walk and I dressed for it.

What have you been wearing lately?

Gift Ideas: You cannot go wrong with anything from Aerie for a girl/woman from ages 12- infinity. I love my Madewell sneakers and again, anything from Madewell is awesome. Kendra Scott is another favorite brand and anyone would be thrilled to receive something of hers!

Amy

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Are blanket scarves still in style? Do we care? The goal this winter is staying warm so that you can get outside! Through many years of error, I have learned that the goal is not to have skin showing or exposed to the elements. It amazes me how much warmer a blanket scarf can make you!

Here is my collection and I am going to show you how to wear them yourself, a weird thing I do with mine, how to share them with your holiday decor, and how to store them.

I own 5:

None of them are new this season, by the way.

I love this fall colored one. I am still going to wear it during the winter, though!

This was from the Target Dollar Spot for $5. I really like it and I think it might be my favorite right now. It is a bit wrinkled because I had just worn it.

This one was a gift from my Mother in law a few years ago. I like the navy and red and the touch of mustard.

This one with pink in it is currently the tree skirt for my white bedroom tree! If I decide to wear it, my tree can handle being naked for a few hours.

My classic Christmas scarf is dressing the green pencil tree in the family room. Again, we can share!

I was thinking a blanket scarf could also make a great table runner or a base for a tablescape (someone has been watching Below Deck!).

Did you notice anything about my scarves? They are all cut in half. I simply cannot handle my neck being strangled by too much scarf. I fold them in half and then cut into two triangles. My sister and sister in law have my other halves. I would like to buy another Christmas looking one to wear as a shawl this year. Let me know if you see any good ones!

I learned how to store them like a donut or a cinnamon roll.

Take the end and put it in your palm and start wrapping around your hand.

It will look like this:

Take the end sticking up and …

Pull it through the center of the hole securing it. Less calories than a real donut or cinnamon roll, too, right?

Here is really the only way I wear them. Hold your triangle in front of you with the point down. Put it on your chest like a bib and pull the ends behind your head to the opposite sides and you are done. You may have to arrange in the mirror a bit. Instant outfit. This takes the place of your necklace. Also, do not try to wear long or big earrings. Studs are made for blanket scarf wearing.

Tell me all your thoughts on blanket scarves!

Amy

Monday, November 30, 2020

Wow! It is the last day of November. How was your Thanksgiving and your (hopefully) long weekend? Ours went by too quickly as they always do! I am linking up with Heather, Tanya, etc. right here.

I had school Monday and Tuesday and my kids were home from college so they did their thing while I taught in the basement.

Wednesday they had orthodontist appointments – still needing to wear the old retainer at night to keep the work their braces did. They got braces at the end of 8th grade and had them off before junior year I think.

I kept the Thanksgiving mantel and fall decor up until Thanksgiving day but I was chomping at the bit to switch it out. I started putting it away Thanksgiving night.

Wednesday was a nasty rainy day and I just enjoyed no school and hanging with the boys. We got Mexican takeout for dinner and watched t.v. together.

Thanksgiving morning I went to the patio and watched some of the virtual Macy’s parade on the ipad.

I went to the little bbq place to pick up our meal. Tom took a long bike ride and then did lots of chores with our renovation and the leaves this weekend. He also chopped some wood for the fire.

Then, I started drinking my apple cider mimosa when I got home. So good – I think I like it better than a normal mimosa.

More parade while I made french toast. Our plan was to eat around 4 so big breakfast and Thanksgiving meal. If you don’t have an electric griddle, I really recommend it. It is great for pancakes, french toast, grilled cheese, etc.

Throughout the day I just read and piddled and cooked a few things to go with our meal.

I made deviled eggs – only 6 because it was just the four of us and Mason doesn’t like them. Jack loves them.

And I made homemade cranberry sauce but I think I’m the only one who had any! I was also thinking I could strain it and use for a cocktail? Or I can try to make a cranberry simple syrup with the leftover cranberries I didn’t use.

I also made corn.

And, I heated up Sister Schubert’s yeast rolls which we all love.

So, we had mashed potatoes, green beans, turkey from the bbq place. Their stuffing was bad so I made Stove Top brand which I had on hand and…

I also made macaroni and cheese.

We had a nice meal at the table and our kids were appreciative of it just being the four of us and doing the “right thing”. They are very conscientious of the rules for Covid set by the governor and by their college. Their college has asked them to be responsible over break so that they can come back on campus for the second semester.

I had Costco pumpkin pie in the freezer – I sliced and wrapped individually and put in a container – but I am really the only one who likes it. So, I did something different and made a S’mores platter for dessert.

It was nice. Tom and I stayed out the longest and watched a show by the fire. One of the best things we did back in the spring is buy a WIFI extender so that we have strong WIFI on the patio and can enjoy streaming shows there. After the fire, I got a second wind and put up all of the Christmas. I decided to do just the skinny pencil tree in the family room this year so we don’t have to move furniture (except our side table) and I haven’t done ornaments yet, but I like the lights the most.

Black Friday morning I got to enjoy the lights with my coffee.

Over the weekend I have been watching this cute show.

Friday around noon, Mason, Tom, and I went to this little Christmas market at a nearby shopping center. Jack didn’t want to go.

We bought a charcuterie box to snack on later.

The rest of the day we just did some chores and hung out. The kids are enjoying spending time together playing video games and watching YouTube videos I think. They also have some papers and assignments due before their finals.

Around 5:30, we headed to the country for the art walk/light show you may remember me talking about in October. I thought the kids would like it, too. Before we ate at the restaurant and then did it after eating, but you can also just go without eating in their restaurant.

The farm where the restaurant and art walk are located:

Masked up and ready – We were the only ones for most of the walk and took our masks off. Mason found this old ski jacket at a vintage store and is loving it.

Your “ticket” is a glow bracelet.

It was fun and I think they enjoyed it! They had lots of inside jokes and it was good to get out in the crisp air. There just isn’t much to do right now! I think it will take lots of creativity this holiday season.

We stopped at Dairy Queen and got ice cream for after dinner and went home and had leftovers.

And, we watched some shows as a family and then everyone did their own thing. I have been so tired and going to bed around 9:30 most nights. I have been sleeping in until 7, too! It’s been really good for me to be off my wake up, log on, stare at computer all day routine.

Saturday morning I couldn’t wait to get back to my book I started Friday. Are you a Nicholas Sparks fan? Dude can write a story, in my opinion. I sadly finished it Saturday afternoon. I recommend it. I am going back to Louisiana Lucky but it is moving slowly for me.

Saturday was super lazy. It was nice and sunny out so I got some vitamin D and I finally captured a photo of the squirrel eating our pumpkin. So cute!

Late Saturday afternoon I went to Target for a return and to just look around.

Saturday night Tom and I met our friends on a patio. Our boys were happy to eat orange chicken and salad at home and have some time without us.

I tried a cocktail called a Ginger Snap. It was lemony and very gingery and kind of tasted like a Hall’s honey lemon cough drop. It was nice to see our friends and hear about everyone’s Thanksgiving.

And, now it is Sunday morning and it is time to pay the piper. I have so much work to do to get ready for the week. I have also had recommendations to write for students and I did two of them Friday morning. I have one more to write today, along with making handouts for classes and making Google Slide presentations for classes. These next 3 weeks before winter break will be intense. In some ways, it feels like it should already be winter break!

If you are still there, thanks for reading! I hope you had a wonderful holiday despite the limitations this year.

Amy

Friday, November 27, 2020

Happy Black Friday! Is anyone going out shopping? I think we are embracing Cyber Monday or Cyber Week around here – along with shopping locally when we can.

I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. right here.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. I will do a full recap in my Hello Monday I think, but for now here are some things that made me happy this week.

Remember when I wrote 3 snail mail letters? I got two letters back! How fun! I am going to try to continue doing this.

Every year I get one peppermint mocha shake from Chick Fil A and I am ready for this year’s soon! Do you like them? I may get one this weekend.

Tom isn’t big on posed pictures or smiling in them. He smiles a lot in real life, though, I promise. My high school bestie who is also a talented photographer captured this one and it came up in my Facebook memories.

Do you like egg nog? I tried this and it is good!

It is static season! I like to keep a small can of this around and it really helps.

I am continuing to enjoy the patio as long as I can. One day this week I had a hot chocolate and read the mail.

I love chai lattes and this local place has the best! Jack got a smoothie.

This is promising news and I have heard that teachers would be in phase two to get vaccinated. Will you get the vaccine as soon as you can?

This was on sale on Amazon for only $18 so I jumped on it.

The results? An 80s mug shot. I need some practice.

We had two ferns that did really well from May-November. Tom planted them in front of our arborvitaes. I hope they stay alive.

I switched out the o.j. for the cider yesterday and it was so good!

And, I said good-bye to the Thanksgiving decor. I will show you my Christmas decor when I finish.

A nearby shopping center is having a European style market that I am going to try to go to today. It is time for me to get my gifts!

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

Amy