Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Monday, March 2, 2020

Hello March and hello dear readers! How was your weekend? Did you do any of the tips from last week’s post? I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here to join us!

I don’t have any pictures from Friday, but I had a good day. I stayed after school for over an hour getting work done. I felt like I had a good teaching week and it was a good feeling. After I left school I had a Kroger pick up scheduled. I had not done it since December because it was so bad the last time. I waited an hour and then my order still was so wrong. This time was wonderful. I was the only car there and I was done in 10 minutes. I really like getting the grocery run done on Friday. I may keep this up.

I convinced my husband and our friends to go to a Mexican place for an early dinner on hub’s way home from work. We had a nice time and when we left it was snowing. I got Cane’s for the boys and took it home to them and then we all watched a show. It was a perfect Friday night!

Saturday morning my son had to be at school early for a quick recall team road trip. I packed up my library books and went to the locally owned coffee shop and had the place to myself. Why don’t I do that more often? It was so nice. A former student waited on me, too!

This is the book I started getting into. I also made my list for the day.

I came home, did laundry, cleaned, organized, and made avocado toast for lunch.

Our other son had theatre all day and I enjoyed my spring Pioneer Woman magazine in the afternoon.

We decided to cook at home so I made Andrea from Momfessionals Southwest Bowls but I asked hub to go get authentic chips and queso from our Mexican restaurant up the road. Mexican two nights in a row!

We hung out as a family and caught up on everyone’s day. Nobody had plans to go out.

Sunday morning I actually slept in until 7! I spent the morning doing meal prep and kitchen cleaning.

I tried the recipe that Tanya from The Other Side of the Road blog shared. It has to rise for 2 hours but it only has 4 ingredients and it bakes up in 18-20 minutes. It is called No Knead Yeast bread and I will make it again! I was so impressed! Thanks Tanya!

I was feeling so domestic that I agreed to make one boy pancakes and the other french toast. Who am I?

I graded 4 sets of papers and then did school work.

My Monday self will certainly thank me, right?

Did you have a nice weekend? I hope so!

Amy

Friday, February 28, 2020

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

Here are some favorites for the week…

I bought these happy yellow daffodils for $3 at Trader Joes last Sunday. Watching them bloom this week has been so nice. Our weather turned cold again but having a touch of spring in the house is so nice. Always buy the flowers!

In the same vein, I am ready for March and I think we all are! This patch of clover made me happy – anyone see any with four leaves for me?

Did you read my post about spring and summer shoes this week? I saw these interesting Birkenstocks – What do you think?

Also, notice my alarm…I set so many alarms every day for so many things. It makes me laugh!

I ordered my first food off of Amazon because I could not find this in my grocery store. Preppy Empty Nester blog recommended this and I whole heartedly agree. I love popcorn and I may like this more than Skinny Pop, which I love, too.

In March, I will let myself buy one Shamrock Shake. Are you a fan? I hear they are already out!

What were your faves this week?

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

Amy

Thursday, February 27, 2020

This is a topic I have put a great deal of thought into – the weekend! I use my brain power for the important things., right? Of course each season of life is different; you may have to do what works for you in the given season with the age of your kids, your spouse’s work schedule, etc. I remember when I actually looked forward to Monday mornings because my weekends were so intense with infant twins. Each season will pass if you are currently in a hard season.

These are things I try to do and have found really work for me:

-Do some errands during the week so that Saturday isn’t all about errands.

-Do one load of laundry each week day. I don’t do this right now. But, I do try to start laundry Friday after school to get a jump on it. I hope that when my mudroom next to my kitchen contains my washer and dryer that this will be easier to do!

-Make Friday night dinner automatic: pizza, sandwiches, etc. Come up with an easy tradition.

-Go out on Friday to make the most of your weekend. I have trouble with this sometimes because I’m tired. Sometimes I will simply do a happy hour and then bring food home. Sometimes I will meet my husband on his way home. I’m always glad I did something!

-Divide the weekend into 5 sections and try to do one thing during each section.

Section 1: Friday night

Section 2: Saturday before noon

Section 3: Saturday afternoon or evening

Section 4: Sunday before noin

Section 5: Sunday afternoon

I can’t remember where I heard that tip but I liked it.

-Try to make the weekend feel different than the week. Light a candle. Drink an afternoon coffee.

-This is a hard one… don’t spend your Sunday thinking about work on Monday. What works for me is to take a little chunk of time either Saturday or Sunday morning to do some work. That way it is off my plate and I can relax. The last two weeks I have worked really hard to prepare for Monday before I left school Friday and that has been so good for me!

-Try to do at least one social thing. I read about events on Facebook or elsewhere and pencil them in my calendar I’m case I can make it work.

-Make errands more fun by doing them as a family or as a couple. Or do an errand on the way to something more fun.

What makes it a good weekend for you?

What are your best tips?

Amy

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Trust me when I say you do not want to see my outfits as of late! You have already seen them; I am repeating things and I am bored! I will still link up with The Style Six girls here, though!

Because of this, I am bringing back a series if you will that I did some time ago where you go shopping with me. I decided to start with a local shoe store chain. If you do not have one, you can shop them online.

I am giddy with anticipation for spring and summer shoes.

Here is what I saw.

Love the leopard and I love a khaki shorts and black top combo for summer.

Blowfish $44.99

This pair combines snakeskin and the jute bottom wedge.

Anne Klein $59.99

The white bottomed sandals really bothered me last year but they are now growing on me! This pair combines that look with the typical wedge for a more updated look.

Earth Origins and I think these were $59.99

I have been so happy with my Lucky brand shoes that I have had. These below I think are my favorites! OMG! What is not to love? This is a big trend this year.

Lucky $ 59.99

I tried these on for you and they are weird. They are a good dupe for Rothys but I have a very normal width foot and these gaped at both sides. I love the leopard pattern and they are really a good dupe. If you have a wide foot they might work for you but you can even tell in the photo how much they gape around the top of the shoe.

Why is the lighting so bad in stores? These Steve Madden camo sneakers are so cute in person!

Dr. Scholls makes some really good shoes still to this day (remember the clogs of the 70s and 80s?) I thought these could be a good white option for summer. I am a bit weird about white shoes. Anyone else?

These Danskos are a dark olive green. I was expecting super comfort but they were not that comfortable in my opinion. I am always drawn to Danskos but then I never end up pulling the trigger. .

I have thought about Rainblow flip flops for at least 10 years. Anyone have them? Should I do it?

These are so cute for you or that teen girl in your life! Camo with orange accents? Love them!

I had a good time! You know me; I like to see things in person.

What is your favorite?

Any spring or summer shoe trends you want to try?

Amy

Monday, February 24, 2020

How was your weekend? I am linking up with Heather, etc. so go here to find some great new blogs to follow.

Last week took it out of me. I somehow found the energy to do the Kroger grocery shopping after school Friday with Mason (reluctantly). We mostly got breakfast and snack foods but we used our reward checks and only spent $2.09! Wow!

I made myself a cup of coffee at 5:00 p.m. after the grocery run and found out that nope, coffee at that late hour does not affect my 9:00 bedtime. Good to know! I could not keep my eyes open.

For dinner, we ordered Dominos. It is our go to for ordering pizza these days. Tom and I like the thin crust.

I was so glad I had shopped on Friday because Saturday a.m I was able to do a Goodwill drop off and then change out my dip manicure. I went crazy with this bright blue because I thought the light blue was too spring like for now.

Jack had an audition that afternoon and we accompanied him. Then, Saturday night the boys went together to the play that Jack directed. The play was written by a teen in his program and he wanted to try his hand at directing. Tom and I went to a pub to watch the UK game. I thought of my friend Kellyann because we played Florida. Go see her at http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com!

I finished this book this weekend and I liked it but I didn’t love it.

Sunday I treated myself to a local Hazelnut to enjoy while I did Trader Joe’s. I needed meal stuff for the week now!

I got some yellow daffodils and it was a nice trip.

I am switching up breakfast prep this week to homemade Egg McMuffins without meat. You could add ham or turkey bacon if you wanted but I am fine with just English muffin, egg, and cheese.

Sunday was a truly relaxing day. Jack had choir practice and Mason went to a friend’s house to play games. Tom worked on the back deck and I read and watched him work while also doing a million loads of laundry and some more meal prepping.

This week will be a busy one; I feel like I say that every week!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy

Friday, February 21, 2020

Happy Friday! Oh my gosh – I am exhausted! Our students had a four day weekend last weekend but Friday was a teacher work day (which can be more exhausting) and Monday was Parent Teacher Conference day. We hit the ground running Tuesday and it is a long stretch until Spring Break. I know that all sounds whiney, but this is a tough time of year to keep students engaged. Luckily I have saved two personal days for sometime this spring when I need them and I have some fun things planned in my classes. I am still holding out for ONE glorious snow day. Please?

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

First off, I really like this new hand wash. It was recommended by my friend Kristin of Stuff, Things, Etc. I love the smell and I think it is free of all those nasty chemicals we do not want. I found it at Target.

Where have roasted sweet potatoes been all my life? I peeled two then put in the microwave for 2 minutes and then after they cooled I was able to easily slice into cubes. I put a bit of EVOO and salt and pepper and roasted in the oven at 400 for about 30 minutes. So delicious! I have used these in a few meals this week. I love meal prep and this was great this week!

I was so happy last Saturday to find this at Total Wine thanks to my reader Nikki. It is so yummy!

I was having Mexican last week and wanted a margarita and brought out my favorite recipe. This is low cal and so good – recipe coming next week but you can see the ingredients below. I am spoiled now and cannot handle the super sweet artificial restaurant versions anymore.

Last weekend I treated myself to a chai latte from local Heine Brothers. They really make the best. Do you like chai lattes? They are so good!

How was your week? Any favorites to share with me? Any recommendations? I am happy to not have much on the calendar for this weekend. I plan to start spring cleaning, decluttering more, and organizing some things. I will have a renovation up date for you soon I hope. Spoiler… not much has happened since the last one!

Happy weekend!

Amy

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Do not get dressed when it rains; stay home in your pjs! But, if you must get dressed, let’s discuss.

First of all, do not wear white when it rains! Do not wear suede shoes – especially lighter colored suede. I pretty much always wear black pants when it rains.

I have black Hunter rain boots that I have had for 8 years? I highly recommend getting a pair of tall or short rain boots. I often wear these to work and bring another pair of “normal” shoes to change into. Since I have tall boots, I often wear black leggings or skinny pant to tuck in to the boots. So much to think about, right?

I had heard of these clear umbrellas, but I finally took the plunge and bought one at Target and I love it! My handle broke unfortunately so another one from Amazon is currently in my cart. What makes this so great? You can put the umbrella down as close to your head as you want and still have total visibility. I love it!

I also have little rainproof loafers from Costco – not pictured. They are kind of like if some one cut off a duck boot and made it a flat. These are great for summer rain.

Also, I noticed Target started carrying a great brand called Okabashi. I used to see this brand at a local boutique; beware, these may be a lesser quality made especially for Target. However, I think these blush and black flats would be great for wet sidewalks.

Once you have the right gear, you may not mind the rain as much! My tall black Hunters in a fall outfit and my short yellows for the Kentucky Derby. I wear my black so much more! I am considering another short pair in black. One reason why I don’t wear the yellow as much is because they are more work to slip on and off. That is silly, but true! And, of course, you need some sort of rain jacket. Would you believe I got my black Columbia for only $10 at Kohl’s? I can’t remember how I worked that deal but it was a good one!

What kind of rain gear do you have? What do you recommend? It has been raining a ton here lately, by the way. I think Mother Nature confused snow for rain.

It’s almost Friday! Thanks for reading!

Amy

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Happy Hump Day! I am linking up today with The Style Six so go here to see more posts.

So, last week I tried to wear pink or red every day. I don’t own that much pink or red to be honest! I showed you most of these last week in my What I Wore post here.

On this day, I wore my newish polka dot with red sequin earrings. I need my rule of three third piece like a black vest.

And, forgive the closed eyes as WordPress (the site I use for my blog) has changed everything on me on both the app and the website and I am trying to figure out how to edit! Ugh! Why must people change things that are working for me? Do these people not know that I am already hanging on by a thread technologically speaking?

You have seen this combo before but I was trying something with the booties and I do not like!

I did some spring browsing this weekend and I like this Target cover up. I love to buy at least one new cover up each season. The last few years my favorites have come from Target – but usually from Target.com. I sometimes forget that they offer more online and the returns are super easy. I love a black tank suit or tankini with fun colorful coverups.

Well, that is about all I have for today! Once again, I leave you with I am tired of my winter clothing! What have you worn lately? Thoughts on my outfits or the cover up? Anyone know anything about the new WordPress?

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

I used to record my clothing purchases and did so for maybe three years.  It was super enlightening and I think it made me a better shopper.  I would look at my purchases and think – wow I could have used that monthly sum for a staple item instead.  I would cross out what got donated or sold at the end of the year.  I really recommend doing this if you love clothes like I do.  I learned so much! 

I am naturally a bargain hunter.  I would go immediately to the clearance rack without any thought to my color scheme, what I needed, what I already had – I was simply looking for that bargain!  

Now, I do still look on the clearance rank but I am much more careful.  Also, I have developed my seasonal color palette and I try to use those colors to have a cohesive wardrobe.  I am trying to learn that one full price item may be a better bargain in the long run than 5 sale items.  It is a hard lesson to learn!

Also, I am trying not to change my nature and who I am and what I feel comfortable in.  I like tops with black in them because I have lots of black pants.  I prefer neutral shoes in brown, black, and metallics.  These are what I wear the most.

I have not shopped much in 2020 so far.  I really think it is due to a few factors:  

-I have gotten to be a better shopper and was happy with many of my previous winter purchases.  

-My new closet allowed me to see what I had and I took the opportunity to purge and that makes me feel that I can see what I have even more.  Also, life is too short to be uncomfortable in your clothing.  Why have a closet full of 7s when you can have a half full closet of 10s. I hope that makes sense!  

How much have you shopped in 2020?  During the years I journaled my purchases I did see some patterns.  I have more time in the summer to shop so I do so more.  Plus, I love my sandals, flip flops, cover ups and they are fun to buy.  Two other months stood out for me – March and September.  I was always ready to update for the coming seasons.  

I hope you enjoy seeing what I have bought.  

$12 – poncho/sweater thing open on both sides from The Prickly Pear (local boutique owned by a friend)  

I think this will be a classic and I think this was a great purchase!  

$5.99 – Old Navy – I have not worn this yet but it matches many of my kimonos.  Heck, this was the price of a latte so even if it was not a good purchase I feel pretty good!

$5.99 – Old Navy – This is the same top and I have already worn this with a kimono.  Again, I think it is a good purchase!  

I bought this polka dot top at Steinmart for $20 something.  I lost my receipt.  I have worn this three times already and I am not sure how flattering it is but I wanted a polka dot badly.  This is a non-wrinkle polyester ish material. 

And, I bought these palazzo pants for $25 at the same time I bought the polka dot above at Steinmart.  I was drawn to the green for March and St. Patrick’s Day for some reason.  I am anxious to wear them but it has been too cold most days.  

I spent under $100 for almost two months!  I did not include any Christmas money purchases as I did those before 2019 ended.  I am very happy with this amount and I think I made good purchases.

Now, I will continue making my spring wish list based on my current spring clothing.  I feel that I am in a bit of a rut, though.  I am not super excited about ordering from unknown retailers sight unseen.  I much prefer online shopping when I can return to the local store.  Where should I look?  My go tos have been Old Navy(want to get away from ON), American Eagle, Loft, Target (very selectively), and TJ Maxx.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, February 17, 2020

How was your weekend? Mine went by so quickly! I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here to see more Monday posts.

First off, my niece turned 12 on Thursday and I sent her scrunchies, a set of beauty treatment face masks, and a clip on reading light. Here is the picture my sister took of her with all the scrunchies on at once! She is a character!

So, our Friday night Valentine’s celebration was really low key! One son went bowling with friends and I made bow tie alfredo for the other. Hub got sloppy joes, brussels sprouts, and potato wedges because the restaurant we had gone to a week ago took sloppy joes off of the menu. He was so happy!

Saturday our son had a long day of academic team competition and they placed 3rd out of 8 teams, I think. Our son made it to state for language arts and humanities.

Saturday after the competition our other son came home from theatre and a friend’s house.
Tom and I had a casual dinner at Crescent Hill Craft House. It was so noisy that we were ready to leave. Are you getting like that? So many places we go to are so loud.

Sunday was a lazy day with some errands including Kroger. Our son had theatre again because he is directing a play next week. I roasted some sweet potato for lunches this week. It turned out so yummy!

I also went to the library to pick up this book on hold. It seems like it will be really cute! I have been in a rut lately and have not had a good book to read.

Tell me about your weekend! I hope it was great!

Amy