Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Life lately has been busy.  It’s mostly all good, but this is a busy season of life.  

I have not been good about a regular grocery day, nor have I done grocery pick up since this summer when my order went terribly wrong.  I have been visiting the grocery more than I would like due to poor planning on my part!  

So, this week I ordered from Instacart in the morning before school and my groceries were delivered that day after school!  I had a meeting after school and set my time up for between 4:00 and 5:00 and  think it came at 4:15.  I think it was only 50 cents more than pick up, you guys!  Life changing!  I did tip, but still!  I think I could’ve gotten the groceries as soon as 3 hours after placing the order.  I will definitely use this service again.

Unfortunately, I still had to put the groceries away and then cook the food.  

My sister made “feetloaf” this week and I thought it was so cute.  I thought I would show you in case you have small kids that would like this!  

The night before the Instacart delivery, I got take out for the family from McAllister’s because I had no dinner foods.  I sat outside and read my book while I waited.  I always look for little pockets of time for things that bring me joy like reading.  This book is really cute!  

My field trip was Monday.  It was really fun!  But, it is so much work to plan and execute a field trip.  I think the kids really enjoyed and appreciated it so that made it worthwhile.  We saw a performance called “Latin American Fiesta” which had singing, dancing, costumes, and history of the Spanish speaking world.  

I forgot to mention that over the weekend I finished this book.  I really liked the story.  The intimate scenes are pretty detailed, but I highly recommend this book if you need an easy chick lit read.  

Here is a picture from the Ironman a couple of weeks ago.  This is my college roommate and her husband was the one who participated in it.  

My husband watched him cross the finish line around 8:00 p.m. but I was home getting ready for the week ahead because it was on Sunday.  

Mason has a college visit today and gets to attend a class and meet a professor again!  I am really excited for him.  

Jack is getting ready to do a play called “45 Plays for 45 Presidents” in November with school and “Pride and Prejudice” in January with his community theatre.  He is going to be busy from now until January and then hopefully he will make the school musical.  

Both boys are doing great in school.  One son has 5 AP classes and the other has 4.  

Mason is back on the quick recall team which is our academic team.  I watched his matches yesterday and last week.  Both boys did this in 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.  I guess Mason has come full circle and finishing out high school with this again.  

Jack is going to guitar club after school some weeks.  How fun is that?  

Mason retired from debate team after last year.  He learned a lot but it had run its course. 

What has life been like lately for you?  

Amy 

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Happy Hump Day!  I’m going to go out of order chronologically, o.k.?  This is just how my photos loaded for me.  What have you been wearing lately?  It’s been fun to dust off last year’s fall clothes I think! But, I am not in love with any of these outfits.  It is real life, though, and I have to get dressed.  These photos help me to do better next time and maybe they will help you, too!  Maybe this is a What Not to Wear Wednesday?  

I am linking up with the style six, too, today.  Please go here to check out some other style posts!  

Here we go……

So, this is my field trip outfit from Monday and I don’t love it.  The forecast was bad and called for rain and wind but then none of that happened and I was overheated!  And, it just doesn’t look good together!  Oh well.  

Saturday errand outfit. 

Friday night art museum outfit – photo taken in museum bathroom.  I cannot stop wearing this leopard duster. That’s when you know you have made a good purchase.  I spent $26 and have already worn it three times!  

For school one day, I wore Hue black jeggings, Nordstrom top that just isn’t long enough and has constricting sleeves.  I do love my vest which came from Versona and is soooo soft.  I also have an oatmeal colored one (this one is light grey).  You will be seeing those vests a great deal, I think.  And, I love my consignment Tieks.  

And, finally another school outfit.  This is a last season mustard Old Navy top and MJ pants with Jack Rogers cognac booties.  I don’t love the booties with these pants.  I think flats or clogs look better with them.  

I don’t love any of these outfits.  There is something wrong with all of them and in addition, I need a hair cut!  You know when your hair becomes hard to style and you know it’s time? I am there.  Luckily I get to go see my wonderful stylist very soon!  

This photo below is what I want to be wearing!  I love to peruse Pinterest and get ideas.  I have only broken out the lighter scarves.  It still isn’t quite cold enough for my favorite blanket scarves.  I really need a mustard long cardigan.  Oh man, my fall wish list is long!  

What are you wearing lately?  

I would love to know!

Amy 

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The title of my blog is “Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa”, right?  I owe you some recipes!  My sweet blog friend Kellyann mentioned me on Instastories and told about this recipe (and also said some really nice things about my blog – thank you!) so I thought it was high time that I feature it again on the old blog.  

I actually think this is better if you make it one glass at a time, but I was making a portable batch for the boat.  I also make this every year for Thanksgiving and have been making it for several years now.  It is always a huge hit and like Kellyann said, it really does taste like fall in a cup.

Ingredients:

Real apple cider (splurge a bit and don’t use preschool apple juice, o.k.?)

Fireball

Bourbon (I have used Trader Joe’s before and it is really good.  This time I had Evan Williams)

1-2 apples

Ice Sparkling beverage in apple flavor

So, it should be 1 part Fireball, 1 part bourbon, and 2 parts apple cider.  
Shake well, pour in a glass with ice, and top with the Ice apple drink.  

I also chopped my apples and soaked in Fireball in a baggie for the boat.  I used an orange juice container washed out for my portable apple cider sangria.  

Yum!  

Let me know if you try it!  

Amy 

Monday, October 21, 2019

This weekend in one word was FULL.  How was your weekend?  I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here for more Hello Monday posts.  

We have a beautiful art museum – The Speed Art Museum – on the campus of the University of Louisville.  I have been wanting to go to the once a month  Friday night After Hours for years.  Under 21 is allowed in, too, and I managed to convince everyone to go!  All of the regular exhibits are open plus they have a theme and lots of extras like music and talks.  

It was sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and they had this cute little trailer out front.  

I tried the specialty drink –  “Fall Y’all”.  

My favorite exhibit was this floral garden.  

We had thought we might get food at the museum but it was expensive and a bit weird, so Tom suggested this diner again afterwards.  

It was a fun night and we even ran in to our friend Dan at the museum.  

Saturday morning was errands and while at Costco, I thought this was interesting.  I didn’t get it this time, but for $15 I thought it was a good deal if you are having a party.  

I tried the Pumpkin Cold Brew and liked it better this time.  I think the Starbuck’s closest to me makes subpar drinks.  Have you noticed that not all Starbuck’s are created equally?

I started this cute book.  I am just into the fun books right now.  Life itself is too serious right now and I just cannot read anything too deep.  

I ran into the salon to just get a polish change on my toes.  It had been since August!  

I got a green/grey called “Things I’ve seen in Aber-green” by OPI.  I am still considering a dark green for my next manicure so I think this will coordinate.  

Then, we met our friends at the boat at 4:30 for a boat ride and dinner.  Our boat has been out of commission for a few weeks.  We have not had the best boating season – lots of repairs needed or the weather didn’t cooperate.  

I made my Apple Cider Sangria and the recipe is coming your way tomorrow!  

We were able to dock and walk to the cutest little restaurant in this white house called “The Portage House”.  The chef/owner was a Chopped winner!  

The adorable interior of the restaurant.  

We opted to sit outside because the night was so nice.  We shared the brussels sprouts and hush puppies with our friends and then Tom and I split the Catfish.  I thought it was excellent!  

This was my half – still plenty!  We often split an entree – especially if we get an appetizer.  

The sky was simply gorgeous.  Every time we go out at night I wonder why we don’t do it more often.  We enjoyed the company of our friends and we were still all home by 8:00.  That’s my kind of night!  Lol!  

And, then yesterday, we visited my mom in my hometown.  The boys posed by the veteran’s flag of my Dad overlooking the river there.  I currently live on the same river I grew up on but just an hour away.  I think that’s kind of cool!  

My aunt and uncle were visiting my mom and we all had lunch and chatted for a few hours.  It was a nice visit. 

Today I am on a field trip for most of the day – my only field trip of the year.  I will report back about it later on in the week.  

I hope you have a decent Monday – I’m not going to say wonderful because it is Monday, after all.  

Tell me how your weekend was!

Thanks for reading,

Amy 

Friday, October 18, 2019

Happy Friday!  I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. so go right here!  How was your week?  Mine was busy as I guess they all weeks are in October.  

First up for my faves this week:  Did you see my What I Wore post here?  I couldn’t stop thinking about all the cool things I saw at Dee’s Craft store and I went back and bought this necklace for $12.  

Here is a better photo – I love it!  

And, I also bought this Simply Southern leopard duster.  It is so soft and it was $27.  

My burgundy Malaga Wine by OPI dip manicure is still going strong.  It seems so durable compared to gel.  

I am already thinking about my next color.  Look at this dark olive green.  What do we think? 

If you are a lover of dark chocolate as my son Mason is, this brownie mix is really good.

I also really like these Dole mixes.  First I show you brownies and then I show you salad!  

I took two weeks off of meal prepping because we didn’t have full weeks of school and boy did I miss having my meals prepared.  I had 5 breakfasts ready to go this week and it made such a difference in the morning.  I failed to prep my lunches, though, so that had me scrambling a bit in the morning.  

This blueberry goat cheese log from Trader Joe’s was so good I bought it a second time.  I am hoping to serve this on a charcuterie tray this weekend.  

What were your favorites this week?  

Hope it was a good one and have a wonderful weekend!  

Amy 

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Who wants an addition/renovation/construction update?  O.k., for the two people who raised their hands, here we go.  I feel like not much has happened lately.  Things were moving right along and then they stagnated.  I guess that is the case with all construction projects.  If you cannot tell from my tone – I.am.over.it.  

If you are new here, we added 560 square feet onto the back of our brick ranch house.  This includes a mudroom off of the kitchen and a master bedroom with his and hers walk in closets.  Our current bedroom will become the master bath.  We are turning current master bath which is tiny into the hall bath along with the current hall bath to make it double the size.  We are also remodeling the kitchen that the mudroom will lead into.  

First of all, the exterior.  We have a pretty hard brick to match.  I originally thought we should pick one of our brick colors and just go with a uniform brick on the exterior.  Hub thought he found a match but after getting it laid I was not happy with the look.

Original brick on left and addition brick on right of this photo.  This side of the house is really the only place you see it together.  

Then, the brick people said they could do something to help it match better.  I think they white washed the random selected bricks below.  I do think it looks better. And, keep in mind we will do some sort of landscaping on this side of the house.  

This week was the final visit from the electricians so we now have lights.  Photos taken after dark – sorry.  This is the mudroom below.  The box you see will be tiled and will be a dog wash.  Next to it will be the washer and dryer and the remaining area will be shelves and cabinets for storage but we have not figured out the exact configuration yet.  This leads into our current kitchen which we will be remodeling last.  

Mudroom door to the future patio.  

Master with lighting.  

Master window that will be behind the bed.

My dream closet

His closet

Paint color decisions:

Egret white is what I am considering for master bedroom, kitchen, and maybe mudroom.

Sea Salt is my top choice for master bath right now.  Agreeable gray is in the running for new hall bath.  

Well, that is about it!  I hope that the next time I do an update I will have clothes in my closet and be sleeping in my new room!  

Amy

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The weather has been so nice lately!  We have had 50s in the morning and highs of 70s most days.  Today it will not get out of the 50s.  Also, I am linking up with The Style Six.  Please check those ladies out here!  

Here is an outfit from last week.  This is my new TJ Maxx linen top.  

Here is another one.  This is my Target Universal Thread mustard top that I also bought in charcoal.  Do you buy multiples?  I only do if it is a staple piece.  

I finally wore a dress.  I have several knit swing dresses with 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves.  

This past weekend I went to Dees craft store next to my Steinmart.  They sold me my beloved Myra bag (look them up on Amazon, too!).  They carry the line called Simply Southern.  This rack of leggings was super tempting.  $15 for super soft leggings in really cute prints is a great deal.  

Give me all the camo!  

I did not buy anything, but they also had a leopard section that I cannot stop thinking about.  Stay tuned…

If you are interested in Simply Southern, they have a website and you can also see who sells this line in your area.  The stuff was super cute and the prices were not bad at all.  

And, finally yesterday the temps were almost 80 for the highs so I wore my new Steinmart leopard blouse (only $17) with a light cardigan.  

What did you wear this week?  Do you switch out seasonal clothing?  I use a spare closet and put things under the bed but I am hoping with my new closet that I can keep everything in one closet!  If I cannot, it might mean I have too many clothes!  

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

How was your Monday?  I actually like Mondays because I can go home right after school.  Tuesday is the day I dread because I have after school meetings, son has theatre and tonight we also have a Europe trip meeting at the late hour of 7:00!  These people must not know that my evening routine starts at 7:00!  Oh well.  My son leaves for Europe next month with his humanities class so it is very important!  I am going to miss him so much but I am so excited for him.  

Lately I have been talking about my Matilda Jane pants collection, but I have also written before about my love for the brand Hue.  I like quality brands and Hue is another one of those that has stood the test of time for me.  First of all – who would like pants that slip on like leggings but look like pants?  I know!  Genius!

This is a dark denim pair that I got on major sale at Macys last year.  They were seriously like $12.  It was maybe in March at the end of the winter season.  End of season is a good time to look and I would try your major department stores.  I have also bought a pair at the store store DSW.  

They are normally located in the accessory section; not in the clothing section.  

These were from a consignment store.  They look just like black jeans.  They even have back pockets.  

Another consignment store find.  Olive green is such a great color to have in your closet for fall.

I am only 5’4 so these cropped versions look more like ankle length on me.  I found these grey on major sale at Macys at the end of the summer season a few years ago for around $12, too.  

Fall trick:  Wear cropped with long boots because no one will ever know and they stay nice and tucked in for you!  Grey is another color that is a surprising work horse for your closet.  

And, last but not least – the pair that started it all for me.  These are the ones I found in the check out line at DSW while I was purchasing shoes.  I had wanted light denim and these appeared.

I also have a white cropped pair but they are packed away now.  In addition I have the Hue black and charcoal grey regular leggings that were recommended by Sheaffer Told Me To many years ago.  They still look brand new!  

Do you own any Hue?  What are your quality go to brands?  I would love to know!  

Amy 

Monday, October 14, 2019

How was your weekend?  Ours was busy!  Linking up with Heather etc. right here!  

Friday after school I made a cocktail and read on my patio for a bit.  

Jack went to a play and Tom, Mason, and I ate at The Caspian Grill.  I had falafel.  Mason and Tom had gyros but I didn’t get a photo.  Mason had started getting a cough the day before so he was fine to lay low this weekend.  

Remember my teen post last week?  I knew as soon as I posted that I would be tested and I was.  Friday morning Jack didn’t want to go to school because he didn’t sleep well Thursday night.  We told him if he didn’t go to school he didn’t get to go to the play.  Well, he made it through the school day just fine, went to his gaming club after school, and then went to his play.  He argued so much with us Friday morning and he really put me in a bad mood as I headed to school.  

Saturday morning I went to a neighborhood yard sale.  I only made it to maybe 5 because I was having no luck and it was so cold outside!  Oh well.  

I finished my last book and started this.  I really like the story but it is rated R!  

Saturday afternoon Tom and I headed to the monthly Flea Off Market.  

I got a Kentucky mule.  

I wore my new Target poncho with my camo leggings and my bee glasses.  Tom does not like them.  

We saw this cool mural.  

Then, we checked out this new market with booths for food, drink, and arts and crafts type stuff.  

We bought honey and bee pollen.  (You are supposed to eat a few pieces of pollen to keep allergies at bay.  It must be local pollen.)  Guess who liked my bee sunglasses?  Yup, the beekeeper really liked them!  Take that, Tom!  

And, for dinner I picked up Blaze.  Do you have a Blaze?  It is really thin crust pizza that you order up like a Subway sandwich and it is ready in 3 minutes!  

At Blaze, I had my first blog sighting!  Meaning, my sweet reader Laura came up to me and said hi and that she reads my blog!  Hi Laura!  I’m so glad you spoke to me!  I once saw a blogger and I was too shy to say anything.

Since Mason was sick, he and I started watching The Politician on Netflix.  I’m not sure what I think yet.  It only has one season and eight episodes.  

And, Sunday was grocery, meal prep, Goodwill shopping with Jack, and then watching our friend in his third Ironman.  They had to cancel the swim portion due to algae in the water but it was a beautiful day for the bike and run portions.  

Look at that view of our walking bridge across the river to Indiana!  

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Amy