Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Thursday, September 5, 2019

This is such a special day!  My identical twin boys are 17!  I really do remember everything as if it were yesterday.  I look at my precious boys today and I have a hard time believing they were 10 weeks premature (only 6-7 weeks premature for twins, though). 

But, first…I have never given their names on my blog.  Any guesses?  You can’t guess if you know them IRL, ok?  And, yes, I have decided to reveal their names after you try to guess!

Hub and I found out we were pregnant about 1.5 years into marriage which is pretty quick, but he was 33 and I was 28 when we got married and we were ready. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was told that something was wrong because the timeline and development didn’t match up(?) but to come back in a week.  Um, ok…..  Then, I went back and they said that the heartbeat was great and everything looked wonderful (still don’t understand why I was beside myself for that week thinking something was very wrong) but let’s just look around some more.  I remember thinking what on Earth would looking around some more do and then the tech said “Yup, there’s another one.” and I still didn’t get it!  So, I found out that I was having twins at 6 weeks pregnant.  I was shocked!  I had so many people tell me they had always wanted twins but it had never ever crossed my mind.  I will always say this was the best surprise of my life!

The pregnancy was actually really great until 27 weeks.  I got pregnant right before spring break and then had an easy rest of the year followed by a relaxing summer where I supervised a pool and was in the pool everyday with my big belly.  I think things changed because I tried to start school.  I made it to the first day and then was told to check into the hospital at 27 weeks after my doctor appointment.  I was able to get the lung development shot and then got to go home after three days on partial bed rest at home for the next 3 weeks until I had to have an emergency c-section due to my platelet count and my liver enzymes.   Then the boys stayed in the NICU for a little over 5 weeks.  They came home at just under 5 lbs. each after being born at 2.9 and 2.14 lbs.  Those 5 weeks were super hard.  I made it my job to go there every morning and hold them and pump and feed if I could.  I called every night to get their weights and was so excited when they went up.  We had some set backs, too.  We had lots of support and lots of visitors and hub was a great partner and came everyday after work, too.  

My sweet angels still in the NICU…

We finally got to bring them home and then we were zombies for the first year, I think, but we also had so much fun!  They quickly turned into chubby little things and it was hard to tell they had been so small.  We were told they could have developmental issues, eyesight issues, learning disabilities, etc. I put them to bed with classical music for 2 years, taught them baby sign language, exposed them to Spanish and other languages, had tons of educational toys, etc. – basically the teacher in me came out to try to do everything to help them with any difficulties they might have. Hub was awesome and did so much reading and play with them, too. I don’t want to make it sound like I did it all because I didn’t.

Anyway, we were so blessed with the best babies ever. They slept great, ate great, were happy and funny, and they developed into smart little things with great senses of humor. They have rarely fought and really have been great friends but are not co-dependent at all. We put them in separate classes all through elementary.

5th grade safety patrol!  We couldn’t believe they put them in charge!  

They figured out how to make my back minivan seats go backward!
Don’t worry – it was just in the driveway!  

They made the high school yearbook on the twins page!

It has been so fun to get to watch their sweet and supportive relationsship!  

I hope these photos have given you a glimpse into how fun it’s been to be their mom!  I will talk more about their personalities when I reveal their names!  

Thanks for indulging me, 

Amy 

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Happy hump day!  Why do short weeks feel long?  

This week is dedicated to the versatile kimono.  I showed you my co-worker in her swing dress and kimono last week but recently I have not felt like wearing dresses.  Not to fear, this look works just as well with pants in my opinion.  

The monochromatic underneath is very slimming.  This can be a base for many a completer or third piece – a cardigan, a blazer, or a kimono.  I can wear this base once a week and add a different topper and no one will know, I bet.  

And, this look incorporates blue, yellow and my bright Amazon kimono with my Target Universal Thread slides.  

Both outfits were super comfortable yet I think/I hope I look put together for school.  I also think they are some of the more flattering that I have worn lately.  

Meet my new bag for fall…

I was looking for something unique and a bit artsy.  This is by Myra bags and is made of recycled materials and it was only $40!  They are sold on Amazon but I got mine at a local boutique.  They have different designs and styles and I might like another one, too!  

I had some self care on Saturday and got a new dip manicure.  I was going for a blue or a grey and my nail tech talked me into layering two different dips.  My previous one had lasted 3.5 weeks and could have gone a few more days probably.  

I have provided the dips and the numbers for you.  She did OPI 42 on bottom and DNS 142 on top.  I really like it!  

And then my pedi was Ïncognito in Sausalito by OPI – a navy.  So, they coordinate but they are not an exact match, which is what I was going for.  

What have you been wearing lately?  Where do you stand on the no white after Labor Day rule?  I usually stop wearing it just because I am tired of it!  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Let’s go back to last Wednesday, o.k.?  Our German cousin (husband’s first cousin’s son) Max, who is 22, arrived.  He is a filmmaker and between gigs in D.C. and Detroit so he asked to come stay with us for the 2 weeks in between.  We know him pretty well. We met him in Germany when he was 4, his family came here when he was 12, he came by himself when he was 15, and we went there when he was 19.  Did you get all that?  

Thursday after school I took him to get his cell phone working here and we popped into Liquor Barn next door and did a bourbon tasting – of only one bourbon but we did it!  

Then, we all met up at the Mexican restaurant because what is more American, right?  

Saturday morning I tried the cold brew pumpkin and I’m not a fan.  I think pumpkin works better with heat – I’m sticking with the PSL! 

I was very happy to finally organize my “china cabinet” built into my dining room.  I created a mini “bar cart” on the bottom.  I would love to really have a bar cart but it doesn’t make much sense right now with the house in a state of chaos with the renovation.  

Then, we watched a noon game and were slugs until almost 4:00.  Noon games not good.  

Did you see my game snacks yesterday here?  They can be a meal and there is a crockpot recipe for you, too, so check it out.  I turned the leftover “totchos” into a breakfast casserole the next morning and I will give you the recipe soon!

Around 4:30 we took Max shopping for some clothing he needed for Detroit.  Then, we went home and ate the crockpot stuff along with baked salmon and rolls and around 7 we went to Captain’s Quarters to hear some music.  The weather was perfect.  

And, Sunday, we were lucky to have our boat running again.  We went out from about 10:30-2 and showed Max the city from the river and tooled around a bit and then had brunch/lunch at CQ.  

I got salad and spinach queso to share.  

Max ordered the hot brown!  

Later Sunday afternoon we took one boy to shop for used books and records.  

And, the boys and I stayed home while hub and Max went to a baseball game.  A friend had given us two tickets and we could’ve bought more, but the boys and I were worn out from the first three weeks of school.  I know it sounds lame, but it really is true.  It’s a big adjustment.      So one son and I watched Big Brother and I think there was a bit of homework done.  

Monday was the day for all of the errands and I decorated for fall (coming soon!).  I woke up not feeling great.  I seem to suffer more from fall allergies than spring ones.  And, I had some school work to do.  Even though it’s a short week it will be a busy one.  I also made pulled pork in the crockpot (recipe coming soon!) for dinner.  

How was your long weekend?  I hope it was great and as always, thanks for visiting me!

Amy 

Monday, September 2, 2019

I hope you are enjoying an extra weekend day today!  Come back tomorrow for a weekend recap, but hope you enjoy a couple of recipes that I made this weekend.  

It’s now September and appropriate to decorate for fall and bring out some more fall type foods, right?  

Our first college football game was Saturday and I made these awesome ham and swiss sliders.  You have probably seen them floating around the internet.  I have also seen them in cookbooks called “funeral sandwiches” – but, how about we just call them ham and swiss sliders?

Preheat oven to 350.

Break apart your hawaiian buns and top with bun sized ham and bun sized swiss slices.  Top with bun top.  Melt 1/4 stick butter in the microwave for 12 sliders.  Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 TB. Worchestershire sauce and 1 tsp. garlic powder.  Stir.  Brush on top and sprinkle Everything but the Bagel Seasoning.  Bake for 8 minutes uncovered being careful not to burn tops.  If in danger, put foil on top.  

Totchos – Get it – nachos but with tator tots?

Follow package directions and make sure to fully cook.  Then add sharp cheddar and bacon pieces and put back in hot oven for a couple of minutes until melted.  

Serve with sour cream.  Yum!  

We were going to be busy all day so I put this in the crockpot in the morning.

Red potatoes cut into thirds, onion cut up, vegetable broth, salt and pepper, and two cans of green beans including the juice.  I also put in diced ham.  I cooked on high for 4 hours and it was perfect.  

Yum!  I made baked salmon and rolls to go with it.  

What do you think?  Let me know if you make any of these things or if you think they would work for you!  

Come back tomorrow for a weekend recap and I will also tell you what I did with the leftover totchos!  It’s genius and almost like I planned it (but I didn’t)!   Ha!  

Enjoy your holiday!

Amy 

Friday, August 30, 2019

It has been a long week, people!  Do you agree?  I am looking forward to a three day weekend ahead.  Linking up with Andrea, etc. right here!

Last weekend I went into Homegoods just for fun.  I feel that I am not ready to decorate or look for decor for my addition quite yet, but I found this cute utensil holder.  We have been struggling to fit our stuff in a smaller vessel so this has doubled our space and been very nice this week.  It was only $7!  

I cannot wait to get some mums!  They just scream fall to me.  I resisted but plan to do this in September.  

I loved this quote and I think many of us are ready for fall this year!

I’m hoping the brick is finished by the time I get home from school today!  

Last weekend I made these lemon bars to take to the outdoor concert.  You cannot go wrong with this brand – Krusteaz!  All of their mixes taste like homemade or better than homemade!

I have  been looking for this product and it was not on the shelves at my Kroger.  I did find it at Walmart last weekend.  

I thought it would be good to put on desserts or on top of an afternoon coffee?  

Target Universal Thread does it again. I rarely buy Target shoes but I was desperate. These are a perfect fall transition shoe and they are teacher approved.

What made you happy this week?  

Have a wonderful long weekend!  

Amy

Thursday, August 29, 2019

I’ve got some quirks, I will admit.  One of my quirks pertains to seasonal themes.  I full embraced summer and had all things citrus – lemon hand soap, sun washed citrus candles and wallflowers.  I made lemon bars,  I made lots of cucumber and tomato dishes.  I bought watermelon and corn.  It’s now time for a seasonal change as we head into September!  

So, I will dedicate the month of September to all things APPLE.  I have been doing this for the last several years!

October is for pumpkin!

December is for peppermint and peppermint mocha!  

So, back to September.  I plan to try these wallflowers from Bath and Body.  

In late September, maybe I will allow pumpkin to combo with my apple?

And, I will enjoy lighting my candle with my morning coffee or on my patio. 

One of the best and easiest apple recipes is this Heath dip.  I like it with green apples.  You buy a tub of caramel and then top with Heath pieces.  It’s very low cal – not.  

This recipe is coming soon.  I have the ingredients and I will be making it this weekend!

And, I will be embracing apple drinks!  Another recipe I will bring you soon is my apple cider sangria!

Do you enjoy apple scents and recipes?  It also works for back to school as we see apple themes everywhere!

Did you hear that Starbuck’s pumpkin spice came out this week?  I will try to resist but I probably won’t make it to October.  

Amy 

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Hello all!  I have a few school outfits for you, a weekend outfit, my Walmart intel, and a nail report!  What more could you ask for?  

This was an easy outfit of black Matilda Janes and my new fruit blouse from the summer.  

These are my trusty Chico’s pants, my Old Navy butterfly blouse and a consignment cardigan.  I just had the pants reinforced by my tailor because the seams were wearing out!  That $10 I spent on these 6 years ago has paid off!  

Saturday night outfit – Amazon cactus top I had hemmed and Old Navy jeans that I frayed myself (you can’t see them hems in this photo, though).

TJ Maxx top and Matilda Jane pants.

I wanted to show you my co-worker’s swing dress and kimono.  It looks so pulled together yet feels like pajamas.

Here are some blouses at a good price point from my Walmart trip this past weekend.  They are a little scratchy and I think they will remain wrinkly, though.  

These were flannel tunics and I really wanted one but  made myself wait.  They were soft.  

This is what I went to look for.  I bought the one on the right even though I think I like the one on the left better.  My decision came down to what I had that would work with it in my closet.  

I will be wearing a cardigan over it, but I think this works for those in a hot climate.  It has fall colors but will help you stay cool.  

Today is 3 weeks with my light pink dip nail polish manicure.  I want to go back within the next few days and this is what I might change to below…it won’t be exact because these aren’t dip photos.

I like this blue/grey for end of summer into early fall.

A little bit lighter…

And, then more in the grey/lavender family…

Which one is your favorite polish color?  

Any favorite outfit?  

What do you think of the Walmart clothing I showed?  

I’m so tired of my summer clothes!  I know it’s too early to break out the fall stuff, but I feel like I’ve been wearing the same stuff since April of last year – because I have!  Ha!  Are you the same?

Thanks for reading,

Amy

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

I don’t think I tried to make French toast until a few years ago.  Recently one of my sons has fallen in love with it so I like to make it for him once a week or so.  

Are you a fan?  Are you ready to hear my secret?  The secret is in the bread you use.  I discovered the Trader Joe’s brioche (a very buttery French bread) but my Kroger also carries a loaf of brioche in the deli so I think all should be able to find it.  

For 2-3 slices (double if making more and you can keep it warm in a low temp oven set at 250):

crack one egg into a shallow dish that will allow you to fit your bread in it

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon

Add a cap full of vanilla (I plan to add bourbon to this in the fall or find a vanilla bourbon!)

Pour about 1/2 cup of milk in

Using a fork, break the yolk and mix the mixture well

Heat your pan to medium low and add non stick spray and a pat of butter.

Dunk one piece of bread at a time and flip over on both sides to saturate.

Heat in your pan until golden brown on one side and then flip and do the other side.

Repeat.  

Let me know if you try it!

Amy 

Monday,  August 26, 2019

I refuse to use the exclamation point now that we are back in school.  And, a period seems to weird so my title will go punctuation-less, o.k.?  How was your weekend?  Mine was really good!  I’m linking up with Heather, etc. so go here if you want to see more weekend posts.  

Friday afternoon at 3:30 my son who is in theater and choir left for his choir retreat.  They were going to a camp about an hour away with cabins, a cafeteria, a pool, a softball field to learn new songs and to have some fun and bonding.  This is his first year to be in choir even though he is a senior and he was very excited.  

Our other son had a friend over after gaming club and they hung out and ordered pizza.  

Around 7, hub and I crossed the river by car (sadly) to meet our friends at a restaurant.  Our boat needs a part and has been out of commission for the last couple of weekends.  We went to O’Shea’s – an Irish pub – with our friends and their daughter and a friend of the daughter’s.  After some steamy hot weather last week, our weekend weather was in the low 80s and just perfect.  In fact, I don’t think we will see above 80s the rest of August.  But, September and October can be super hot in Kentucky.  

We met at college orientation when we were 18 and roomed together all through college (except when I was in Spain and doing student teaching) and then lived together for four years after college and I met my husband through her husband!  

After we ate, there was music on the river.  

This is our pedestrian bridge from Kentucky to Indiana and it gives off a light show in the evenings.  

We stayed out until about 9:30 and I was proud of myself for making it out on a Friday night two weeks in a row!  I’m so tired on Friday nights when school starts, but it really does add to your weekend to rally and do something to celebrate, you know?  

I told my son to give me a daily text while he was gone.  So, this is what I got Saturday morning. Teen boy texts look very different from teen girl texts – or so I’ve heard.

Yup – so much information in that text, right?  

Saturday I tried grocery shopping at Walmart.  I went to a nicer one that’s further away (because the one closer to me is not good)  and I also wanted to look at their clothes.  I did buy a fall top that I will show you Wednesday but other than that the quality of most of the stuff I saw was not good in my opinion.  I saw one top for almost $30.  I’m not buying a Walmart top for that price when I can go to Steinmart, Versona, or TJ Maxx.  I hope you don’t hate me for saying this – but these bloggers and influencers that are pushing Walmart clothing so hard…beware. I am not a clothing snob in the least.  I’m one of the biggest bargain hunters there is, but I need the clothing to feel nice and not scratchy and to not fall apart after one washing.  I know some people don’t live in a big city with lots of options and they rely on Walmart.  Maybe I’m just not seeing the right stuff?

After Walmart, my son and I went to the library and it was nice to spend time with him.

I took my son to the movies with his friend and they had a great time while hub and I met friends at our favorite outdoor concert venue for food trucks and British music.  

She is my other friend since I was 18 and I met her the first day of college!  We found out we are from towns only 15 minutes apart and we have been best friends ever since.  

It was another fun night.  We picked up son and friend and took him home and called it a night.  

I did my breakfast prep and lunch this week will be spinach wrap with garden veggie cream cheese and tomato and cucumber.  See my lunch ideas post from last week here.  

I pulled a chair to the front porch to sit with my fur baby because he misses his back stoop.  We had brick put on the addition all weekend long and I hope to see it finished this coming week!  

I started this and I think I’m going to like it.  I loved The Rosie Project.  

I bring a bunch of school work home at the beginning of the year and spent about 2 hours on it. I still believe in doing work on paper for those of you who hear that some classes have gone paperless.  I think they still need to write!  

I took myself to Versona just to get out of the house and just looked around.  

I also ran in to Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Kroger and then I picked up my son!  We missed him but it was apparent he didn’t miss us!  

How was your weekend?  

Hope it was great!

Amy 

Friday, August 23, 2019

I’m so glad to see you, Friday!  I’m linking up with Andrea, etc. for Friday Favorites so go right here!  

Still loving this easy dinner – Southwest Bowls.  I make it once a week, usually!  

We started the brick on the addition this week!  

This was the two week photo of my dip nails.  I’m pretty happy with it but I kind of wish I had gone with a bit darker color.  I also think lighter colors have more longevity – or look better longer at least.  I think I like it more than gel.  It seemed easier to apply.  We will see about getting it removed when I go to change colors.  I plan to try to wait at least another week – making this service cost about $1 a day.  

My boys have changed so much since freshman year.  They are way taller than me now!  I miss the American Eagle blouse I’m wearing! I loved that so much but it literally fell apart because I wore it so much; now I wish I had taken it to the tailor to repair it.  

This book is so cute!  I am almost finished.  

Yesterday I talked about my lunches.  This is what my breakfast looks like.  

One of my boys had some trouble sleeping the first couple of nights of school.  I bought these – melatonin gummies – and now both boys are taking them 30 minutes before they want to sleep and they report success.  I have heard that some use them in a kid’s version for their little ones.  

This is what my packed lunch looked like yesterday.  

After doing some serious lipstick testing this summer I really think you can’t go wrong with classic Revlon.  They are usually around $6 and their colors are beautiful and the formula is moisturizing.  

I have on a combo of “Wink for Pink” and “Blushed” .  I will be changing to more fall lip colors soon but “Blushed” will still work.  

What have your faves been this week?  

What’s on tap for you this weekend?  

Amy