It’s Thursday and time to link up with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.
I wore this last Thursday to work. I think the tropical linen shorts from Old Navy are one or two years old. I also have a lime green and white striped pair. I do think Old Navy does linen shorts well, but their sizing can be off, so you must try on and you must possibly try two that say they are the same size! Lol!
The top is new from Loft. I succumbed to one of the IG ads and bought it without much thinking – not realized the bottom had an elastic band. It’s also a thick material that may be better for fall or into fall.
I bought myself a yellow monogrammed Land’s End tote, too. These totes are great. The pockets are just awesome. I have actually been using it as my purse in the last few school days and then to run errands.
Friday my group had to wear black to work plus it was a really ugly rainy day. Ok – done!
Sitting down photos can be so bad. I wore my white linen pants and my hot pink consignment blouse with my consignment scarf-like kimono out to eat last Saturday. I also have a consignment straw clutch. I told Heather and Heather that most of my outfit was consignment and they were impressed as they love consignment shopping, too.
I wore this comfortable gauzy green J.Crew consignment dress to my niece and nephew’s grad party.
The theme for our last work day was tropical/bon voyage – yes we had themes – so I wore my Walmart dress.
1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?
I love a birthday or any celebration! I like to start with a surprise on the kitchen table like a donut or a card or something the person likes. I ask if they want to go out to eat or if they prefer to have me make something about a week before. In the above photo you see the BLTs Tom chose for his birthday dinner a few years ago. I ask if they want cake and what kind and I either buy it or make it depending on what they say. Tom’s birthday is next week! I need to ask him what he wants to do. Tom’s birthday and Father’s Day fall very close together! As an adult, sometimes what we do depends on the day of the week that the birthday falls on.
Tom surprised me with roses for Mother’s Day and I put them in the fish punch bowl! The peach roses from my student
2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses…what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate.
I would rather have a plant. I would rather have an interesting bouquet. Is that wrong of me? But, I did get a really beautiful peach rose bouquet from a student. Also, it doesn’t have to be a dozen. I do see the world through rose colored glasses sometimes because I am usually an optimist. I can get into a real Negative Nancy mode and no one likes that so I try to see the bright side.
3. June 4th is National Cheese Day…will you celebrate? What’s something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese?
A day without cheese is like a day without the sun. I eat a string cheese every day pretty much. Sure! I will celebrate now that I know! I just bought feta for Greek bowls, I have parmesan for some pasta, and I also bought havarti for brioche grilled cheese with havarti and fig jam. We fancy!
4. ’tis the season…any weddings on your June calendar? What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?
I wanted to show you how pretty this wedding invitation is, but I covered the details.
No weddings on my June calendar, but I am looking forward to an August wedding. Our friends Beth and Bob have their first daughter getting married. Her invitation is so pretty and unique.
5. What are you most looking forward to this June?
I love June. I think our weather is just so nice. It’s cool in the mornings, it’s perfect during the day, and in the evenings it’s just divine (if it weren’t for the mosquitoes!). I also think June brings such a feeling of possibilities. I have lived my life on a school calendar for 48 years now and in June you just feel like the world is your oyster. I am hoping to have the motivation to declutter (it’s an ongoing theme with me), organize, make some spaces look better, be social, be active, and do a lot of reading and cooking.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I made a good dinner this week. Tom raved about it to Eddie Otis. He said, “this is too good to share, Eddie Otis”. I made roasted potato wedges, roasted zucchini and yellow squash, and blackened tilapia fish sandwiches with a homemade blackening seasoning and a homemade remoulade. Both were super easy. I air fried the fish in my oven on the air fryer setting.
The remoulade:
1/2 cup mayo
1 T. pickle relish
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. spicy brown mustard
a dash of dried parsley
a dash of Tabasco
a dash of sea salt or kosher salt
Thin out with water if you need to and apply the sauce to both sides of a toasted bun, baby. Both sides! Then, add a little shredded lettuce and a tomato slice before placing your fish atop.
Blackening seasoning:
Mix it all in a little bowl.
3 T. paprika
1 T. onion powder
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. cumin
1 t. oregano
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1/2 t. cayenne
You put some olive oil on your thawed fish and then you massage this mix atop. I air fried at 400 for about 12 minutes. It wasn’t too spicy.
What would you say to one of the hodgepodge questions?
It’s the final day of May and here I am doing a Saturday post so I can link up with Jenn!
Basically, she gives us four prompts and we fill them in. So fun, right? I will probably be a bit redundant, but it’s also a time for reflection.
I loved
May was a month of a little time off from work with our Derby long weekend, going to my hometown one last time before the estate sale, Mother’s Day, and the end of school with the students.
I really appreciate Tom. He helped me with my mom’s house and worked on the deck. He also did all his normal stuff of yard work, dog entertaining, and the other little things he does. He made me feel special on Mother’s Day, too.
Tom is tired:
Last trip to my mom’s house before the sale:
The deck:
I loved getting through these things this month.
Celebrating:
There was a lot of celebrating! Last day of school with students, a last happy hour, and my department retirement surprise lunch!
I learned
I learned how estate sales work, I learned about the retirement process, and I learned that I should have cleaned out my room better at the end of each school year. I also learned what is important to save.
Went well
I would say the estate sale and the end of the school year with students went well.
Let go of
I let go of some possessions for other people to enjoy. A dear friend will have these piano rolls from our family’s player piano. One of them even has my Dad’s handwriting. I know I can go to her house and see it.
I let go of school stuff for others to use and enjoy.
I let go of school responsibilities and some drama that happened this week.
Well, the pollen has gotten me! Or, whatever allergens come out in May have gotten to me. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week, though.
I talked about most of my Memorial Day weekend here, but I wrote my post on Sunday afternoon. I didn’t have much motivation to be productive or social. The weather was cool and gray until Monday, too. I did have lots of cardinals visit my yard. I filled up my two feeders and they came. I wrote a little song, “My birdseed brings all the birds to my yard” and that’s all I have so far.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the estate sale was going on at my mom’s house. We didn’t have any part of it, but just had to have everything out we wanted to keep. The agent was selling everything in the house except the appliances. And, in fact, he sold the garage fridge he wasn’t supposed to sell. We watched on our security cameras and there was lots of texting with the agent. I will probably do a whole dedicated post to what I have learned. We got messages from hometown people and it was emotional. I felt like I had that cloud hanging over me all weekend.
But, on Monday, the sun came out. Tom and I went down to the river to check on our boat, charge the battery, and let little Eddie Otis swim in the river.
I parted ways with Tom and EO and took myself to Haymarket which is kind of like a farmer’s market indoors, bakery, coffee shop with a greenhouse in the back. They are affiliated with a big farm out in the country, too.
I sat in the sun for a bit and it was lovely.
For my summer scent, I am using this body wash and body butter from Trader Joe’s.
Along with this summery hair and body mist from Ouai.
I also purchased Trader Joe’s sunscreens. I have only used the facial before. I believe both the facial and the invisible gel body are dupes for Super Goop.
I was putting new eggs in the container and Tom asked if I had put self tanner on the eggs like I put on myself.
Wear the shorts! I do hate getting my legs stuck to a restaurant or car seat – note to self to put a towel in my car. But, I am so happy with my Amazon Anrabess boxers and my Wild Fable from Target. Wear them at home if nothing else.
I am sticking with lemon decor for now.
Part of my kitchen renovation will include cabinetry in the mudroom.
It’s so nice to have my deck back again. I am out here as much as I can be!
I enjoyed using my Mother’s Day gift card when I ran out of coffee. I went and bought two brewed coffees to doctor up myself at home. I also got my favorite breakfast sandwich. Gift cards feel like free money!
A long term sub gave me this specialty bbq sauce for helping her. I really didn’t help her much, but what a sweet gesture. Food gifts are always great gifts to give.
Joanne is so sweet and makes really cool cards with her own two hands! She sent me this gorgeous retirement card!
I finished this book and really liked it. It dealt with Alzheimer’s and I think the author handled it really well. From the back cover, “Leaving Chicago behind, the last thing she expects when she walks through the door of her childhood home is Adam Wheeler in her bed”. Adam is a live in nurse and the main character is Elle, the granddaughter who was raised by her grandmother Lovie. I wasn’t sure I would be into it, but I am glad I read it.
Now for my most favorite of the week…
We have had teacher work days this week from Tuesday through today – but wait there’s more. We also have to come back Monday. We have to sign in at 8:30 and sign out at 3:30. I thought I might be able to run a few errands but it’s like maximum security prison. I asked my world language department if they wanted to do a pitch in/potluck brunch on Tuesday (it was the day with the least amount of scheduling) and no one seemed interested. I went as far as to think that maybe I would just do a brunch for the whole department. Then, I got tired.
Well, those little stinkers had a surprise up their sleeves!
They did an Italian buffet, fancy Italian soda with fancy ice, and a cake. They gave me a giant card and flowers, too. I was so touched and tickled. I tried to say this and it came out “touckled”. I got teary-eyed. I really didn’t expect anything at all.
My room is almost totally wiped clean of any Spanish evidence. I have separated my sentimental stuff from my giveaway/trash/donation stuff and the Japanese teacher has started moving his stuff in. I received a really sweet and thoughtful message from a dear old friend about her mom’s teaching stuff in boxes in her garage. She advised me to pass my stuff along rather than keep it. So, I did a lot of giving things away and only kept what I think I will truly look at again. I have a box of photos and a box of letters and cards that are my main prize possessions.
When I take a picture of what my room looks like now and put it on Instagram my students will be shocked. Maybe I shouldn’t?
I’m in my feels, but I still have peace about my decision. I typed a thank you letter to my principal but I made it funny (I think). When they started talking about PD, training videos, committees, and new initiatives at the faculty meeting I broke out into hives and that further solidified my decision.
My Friday Favorites led me once again to this topic! Sorry!
Are you a hat person? I want to be. I found my Soho and Paris hats for a steal on the JC Penney website this winter!
These kind of look white, but they are new and they are tan linen pants from Amazon based on Jen’s rec. They are pretty wide leg and I am not sure if I like these or the white linen I bought better. Anyway, these will be more warm weather kinda need to dress up pants. Again, I have on the tropical TJ Maxx blouse, and my new this season Dr. Scholl’s sandals with the buckles.
This overshirt from Aerie is just too big and looks frumpy but I can’t part with it. I wore it with my tropical graphic tee, old mini skirt from Old Navy and faux Birks.
I have two Aerie white button ups and they are perfect. I bought a second because it was on major sale and I knew how much I was reaching for it. I also have a yellow stripe version. I pulled out this red and navy skirt for Memorial Day weekend and wore my Paris slides. I bought the Paris slides at TJ Maxx right before the Olympics for like $8.
I wore this outfit again two days later on Memorial Day itself but in a more casual way.
And, here’s the yellow stripe with my Wild Fable sweat shorts. I’m telling you I keep reaching for these button ups. It’s been pretty cool here so long sleeves with shorts or skirts is working.
I love my Amazon Anrabess boxers and keep reaching for them, too. I like them with my button up.
I’m in love with these Wild Fable by Target shorts. I put a pair on every day! They have washed very well.
Don’t you love it when you have made a good clothing purchase that you can stand by?
What have you been wearing? Do you have a favorite outfit of mine? I definitely had a more casual week!
How is your week going? I am on my second of five teacher work days today. We have to sign in at 8:30 and sign out at 3:30. We cannot be trusted, you know? Can you tell I am over it? Ha!
I got out my lemon decor!
Even in the rain, I love this space. I light a candle and have a warm drink!
1. What’s your favorite room in your house and why?
My favorite “room” is my patio and my deck. I can’t figure out what to call each of them. The lower patio is off the side of the garage and has a roof and ceiling fans and a table for six and a sectional. The deck is off of the mudroom on the back of the house. What do you think – patio for the lower and deck for the upper?
I have memories as a child of sitting outside by a tree with my book or my notebook. I was outside from sun up until sun down in the summers. I feel like I like being outside more than the average Joe. I can sit outside in every month except for January and February usually.
2. What’s something that will instantly annoy you?
I feel like I have gotten less irritable rather than more as I have gotten older. I think others get more irritable as they age. I hope this is true about me because I want to be a chill person and now I have the perspective about what is really a problem and what is not. I had students this year come up to me and tell me they had a problem like they forgot something in another room and they are so sorry but can they go get it. My response was always, “Girl, that is not a problem! Of course!” and they seemed so shocked. Have we scared these kids?
But, I really hate when I let a car out and don’t get a courtesy wave. Come on – I didn’t have to do that!
Oh, and I was leaving the consignment store the other day and I held the door for a younger woman – maybe late 20s or early 30s – because she had a basket of clothes and her hands were full. I didn’t even get a “thank you”. Are you serious? I actually out loud scoffed as I left. That is so rare where I live. We tend to gush our thank you’s about the littlest things. So, I want a gush, too!
I remember once we had Germans staying with us (Tom’s cousin) and I gave up my car for them for a whole week and only got a “Danke” and I told Tom that I couldn’t believe I didn’t get more than that. It’s kind of the German way, though. They are not gushers.
3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day…will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you’re not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food restaurant?
Well, I didn’t even know. I like a slider. I like 5 Guys junior cheeseburger. I don’t need a huge burger, but I really do like a gourmet burger with interesting toppings. I do not plan to celebrate this. I need a new grill and then I want to become better at making them at home.
4. What are three scents you like?
I like masculine scents. I hate florals. I hate artificial smelling things. I hate headache-inducing smells.
I like mahogany, teakwood, sandalwood, cedarwood, coconut, tobacco, and citrus.
5. What do you miss most about being a kid?
Riding a bike so much? That feeling of freedom of riding my bike down the big hill in my neighborhood with the wind whipping my hair? I have a bike and ride it sometimes in my current neighborhood. I still do a lot of my kid pastimes, though. I loved to read, be outside, bake, plan things, write and act out plays – ha!, make up dances and perform them. Would anyone like me to write and act out a one woman play about my current life? I can also include song and dance.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I have a very strict sunscreen regimen and I have strong opinions. I hate getting burned so much.
You must do lotion – not spray – in the mirror before going out. Don’t forget ears and lips – ouch! So I strongly believe in looking in the mirror while you apply – with your bathing suit on, of course. Get under your straps and your suit where it could slip. Let it dry for a bit before putting your cover up on. Spray sunscreen sucks. It is only good for touch ups when you are already out in the sun. I still think lotion is superior when you are already out in the sun. Set a timer to reapply. Don’t forget feet. My kids got their feet burned so badly when they were teenagers and smarter than me about sunscreen.
I’m not sure I could have taken a better photo! Ha!
I recently-ish discovered Chicken Salad Chick. Do you have one where you live?
I remember telling my SIL that I would never go to a chicken salad restaurant and that I don’t go that gaga for chicken salad period. Well, something changed. Part of it could be the delicious little cookie they give you! Ha!
I really had never tried my hand at making my own chicken salad. Tom loves Waldorf Chicken salad and I think it is the one with nuts and grapes? He likes it from Fresh Market but I never eat it. I hate nuts. I also think the big ol’ grapes can be awkward.
This is a very basic chicken salad but I don’t see why you couldn’t add stuff – maybe hard boiled egg or pickle. In fact, Chicken Salad Chick has all kinds of variations, by the way, but here is the Classic Carol copycat. I cooked my chicken tenderloins in a skillet and just used some of the juices rather than adding broth. Also, I used half plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead of all the mayo. I used the olive oil mayo, too. I love that they tell you to dice the celery super fine because I hate big pieces of raw celery in foods. Awkward!
You can have this on bread, toasted bread, in a lettuce leaf, or on crackers. I love the crackers they give you at CSC so I ordered store brand club crackers to try to replicate that.
Let me know if you try it!
Amy
Also, I posted yesterday, so go here if you missed it!
Memorial Day is a day to remember service men who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and it also serves as the unofficial start to summer for most in the U.S. There are lots of red, white, and blue things out in stores. I am a very patriotic person and I love red, white, and blue.
My Dad didn’t die while serving but he still gets honored in my hometown. The dates are wrong on the flag because he served much longer than what it says. He was in Vietnam in 1969, I believe.
Once a Daddy’s girl, always a Daddy’s girl.
I love this photo!
Friday I drove to school for the last day ever (with students and at the earlier time)! For my last 5 teacher days, I will roll in later.
Erica surprised me with an Etsy find – this headband – and it happened to match my outfit. Ignore the eyes as I had already gotten teary-eyed a couple of times.
Classes wanted to do a Tik Tok and take photos and who am I to say no? I was glad we finished finals so we had time to do this. I gave a little good-bye speech to each class and highlighted what I liked about them.
I received three bouquets, a few gift cards and a few heartfelt notes. I was so touched.
Anyone have a suggestion for my notes? A binder?
We had to have a happy hour at the Cuban place, right?
I mean, does it get better than the Kroger parking lot? European patios vs. U.S. patios!
I love the flags that line our neighborhood streets.
I came home Friday night just full of emotions. My heart was so full from a great last day. I had a nice happy hour and the feeling of accomplishing another school year. And, it was also the first day of my parents’ house estate sale. What a crazy coincidence that my last day of teaching was on the first day of the sale. And, I thought I was ok. I thought I was doing surprisingly well. And, I was until I wasn’t.
When Tom came home from work I kind of lost it. I started crying from sadness and then got a headache from crying and then went to bed early. And, I found out the next day that I had a touch of PMS thrown in there apparently.
I woke up Saturday feeling better. I slept about 9 hours and that had to have helped. I did my favorite Saturday morning thing of piddling around, doing chores, making a plan, and all the things.
I went to Trader Joe’s:
I went to the library:
Tom needed Eddie Otis out of his hair so he could do some yard work so EO and I did some indoor tv watching and I started this:
We eventually went outside and I read for a bit and Tom and EO piddled around. EO just follows Tom around doing whatever little thing and then stopping Tom every 5 minutes for a “hug”. It’s the cutest thing ever.
Tom took me out and the food was quite mediocre. He chose the place so I can’t be blamed.
My fish sandwich had zero flavor. I did like the parmesan truffle fries.
Sunday I did some more necessary things like mopping the mudroom floor.
I helped Tom put the railings back on the deck.
Sweet boy:
With railings – the stair railings aren’t back up yet, though:
So, it was cold and rainy yesterday. Ho hum.
I went to Fresh Market to get hot dogs and the chicken dinner meal deal. I saw this sausage in the case:
It’s been a big week in many ways! I am excited to link up with Andrea and Erika to share! How was your week?
Today is my 31st last day of school as a high school Spanish teacher! I can hear my Mom saying, “well, I made it to 32!” because she was also a teacher and was very competitive and I can hear my Dad saying, “Amy, I never doubted you could do it. That is an amazing feat that most couldn’t do.” Now, I’m not saying I would have deserved that praise from my Dad but he was always in awe of what we did and didn’t hold back with saying it.
I can’t remember the last time our school year ended before Memorial Day to be honest, but remember we still have five teacher days. I came to the realization that this is ok – It will give me time to assess what I need to save from my classroom in an unhurried way. I think the schedule in the afternoon will be loose enough for me to run boxes home and to run boxes to donation places.
Here are my favorites from the week and many of them include school-related things since it was the last week.
I had my photo taken a few weeks ago but this is a normal occurrence as a teacher – for newspaper, yearbook, and whatnot. So, I thought nothing of it.
Well, the AP art students created a drawing like this for all 5 of the retiring teachers. Mine is obviously my favorite. I do need to talk to the kid who handled my chin(s). And, that better not be hair.
My face was supposed to read “awe” but it didn’t translate in the photo!
I helped serve the senior breakfast Wednesday morning and that was fun.
Immediately after the breakfast was “senior walk” where the seniors walk the halls for the last time. I received some really sweet notes and gifts.
Tom told me the notes are my resumé of sorts. What I appreciate from the notes is that they see me and understood my teaching methods. Does that make sense?
I chose to wear my new green gauzy J.Crew consignment dress. I was very comfortable and had pockets for my Kleenex.
I wore my earrings from Sally!
In strange news, my 6th period wanted to make a “candy salad” in Spanish last Friday for Tik Tok. We all said what type of candy we were adding to the “salad” in Spanish.
I started and then the line of kids behind me did theirs and this is the result:
Well, that video went viral and now I guess I am part of the creator fund and it said I made $748 based on views. Then, I checked again a few days later and it had gone up to over $1000. Now I don’t have this money yet and I am not sure how it gets to me and also, what?
I don’t understand TT and I really don’t want to be part of it but I did use it to engage the students over my last few years. How crazy is modern life? My account is Sra.Spanish – your Spanish teacher – and I did it to try to help teach some elements of the language. There are a lot of mean comments on there but I rarely read any. There are lots of nice comments, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad that it ended. Yes, it was an unlikely story but it wasn’t that far fetched if that makes sense – like it could happen in modern life but it is unlikely.
I also finished this; it was cute but not as good as the above. It was really Christian-based which surprised me.
And, now I have nothing I am excited to crack open!
I finally ordered new earring backs. I am loving the traditional earring backs and find those stay put the best.
My favorite “home-cooked” (home heated up?) meal this week was Trader Joe’s carnitas, rice, corn, potato chunks, and Chick Fil A avocado lime dressing and sour cream. Tom requested we have it again!
I had some fun on Instagram Sunday night…
Some quotes that inspired me this week…
This is a guy I grew up with. He is the big brother of one of my closest friends and he starts each day with a Facebook message that is positive and inspiring.
Happy Friday!
Give yourself grace if you are also exhausted and if you are starting your summer with kids at home; know that it takes a while to find your rhythm. This can be small kids or big kids. It’s all an adjustment!
It’s our unofficial start to summer this weekend in the US. Buy your sunscreen and your bug spray! I am also hoping to find a grill that I want on sale. We don’t currently have one.
Thank you for all the kind words you have left me this week. This weekend is my mom’s estate sale. The write up the estate sale agent did is really a beautiful tribute to my mom’s life. I really kind of can’t believe he captured her. I will leave you with a small part of it. I sit in the knowledge that her things that we didn’t keep will be loved and cherished and bring joy to a new person and she would really like that.
My mom was an art teacher and a miniatures collector and she made shadow boxes, mini scenes with them and sold them. She also dabbled in various other art forms. She traveled a lot and learned some art in the countries she visited, too. She kept making art until her very last days.
The estate company guy wrote:
“Step into the enchanting world of a former artist and master dollhouse maker whose stunning home and estate are now open to collectors and admirers alike. This unique sale offers a rare opportunity to explore a lifetime of creativity, craftsmanship, and global discovery” – it goes on and here is the link if you are curious:
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 