Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Today is my dear husband’s birthday!  We’ve now been together for 22 birthdays of his;  we actually didn’t meet until he was 30 and I was 25.  He likes to tease me that he expects a surprise because I’ve surprised him so many times.  One of my best surprises for him was a Reds baseball game with tons of his friends.  He thought it was just going to be the two of us.  He prefers a low key celebration or no celebration at all.  Many years he just wants me to cook a favorite of his.  He is low maintenance and easy to please.  This year our boys are recovering from wisdom teeth surgery so it will definitely be low key.  He does want to see Men in Black so if the boys feel up to it we may all go.  I will let you know what we ended up doing in my Hello Monday report!  

So, today I’m going to talk about what I did Tuesday evening with my two best friends since freshman year of college.  They both live here but I rarely get to see them because this is a busy stage of life for all of us.  

One of the two has a crazy work schedule in this season of life; she works from home but her schedule right now is 11 am-5 pm and 8 pm-11pm.  I offered to bring happy hour/dinner to her house and have our other friend come, too during her 5-8 break.  It was so much fun!  

Let’s go backwards and start with dessert:

I made the Trader Joe’s truffle brownie mix and if you have never had them they are decadent!  And, I made sopapilla cheesecake bars (I halved the recipe because I also had the brownies)  The bars are to die for.  If you love cheesecake, you will love these:

2 tubes of crescent rolls

1 and 1/2 cups of sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 blocks of cream cheese (I use the lighter neufchatel)

1 stick butter

1/4 cup cinnamon

Lay out one roll of crescent rolls in a 13 x 9 pressing the perforations closed

Use a hand held mixer to mix together the cream cheese (soften slightly in microwave or leave out on counter) and only 1 cup of the sugar.  Add the vanilla.  Now spread this on top of the crescent rolls.  Add the second tube of crescent rolls on top, seal perforations, and try to kind of close the edges of the two layers so the filling won’t come out.  Now pour the melted stick of butter on top (you could probably reduce the butter because it’s a lot).  Mix together the 1/2 cup sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle on top of the butter.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.  

Then, I made Lisa’s (from Coast to Coast blog) avocado, cucumber, feta, lemon juice mixture.  This is to die for.  My friends loved it!  

We got to sit on my friend’s lovely portico/porch and we started with chips and salsa.  

And, for the main dish I made my Mexican Lasagna.  You basically use flour tortillas cut in strips instead of pasta noodles and the mixture in between is chicken, salsa, sour cream, corn, black beans and shredded cheese.  I have talked about this on the blog as a great dinner to bring to new moms.  Put some sour cream on the side or over the top.  

Our cocktail was a low calorie Paloma.  Tequila, grapefuit juice, Fresca and a little bit of lemonade powder if you want.  I think this is a great alternative to a margarita.  

So, we had a lovely evening together.  Sometimes restaurants can be too noisy for good conversation.  Or, maybe I’m just getting old!  

Do you prefer someone’s home in the summer or a restaurant?  

What are your go to meals for entertaining?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

It’s now officially summer for me, but you will still see some school outfits below because I haven’t had time to wear any summer outfits yet!  Monday was my last teacher day and I decided to do my first professional development hours on Tuesday.  And, by the time many of you read this, I will be in the oral surgeon’s office with my boys.  Yes, I decided to do their wisdom teeth surgeries back to back and on my first day off.  

So, here we go!  

This was a rainy day last week thus the garage picture.  I’m loving my new Amazon Soda black sandals.  I’m wearing my consignment Chico’s pants (yes, I wear these almost every week, they’ve been to Europe with me, and I’ve had them for maybe 6 years now and I purchased them for $10), my Loft tassel sleeveless blouse, and my TJ Maxx kimono.  One of my red earrings broke at the end of the day so I want to find another red earring.  I like how the tassel and earrings matched.  

And, the last day of school was another rainy day and I broke out my camo shirt, my brown Matilda Janes, Birkenstocks from a consignment store several years ago.  

I tried the french braid and liked it.  

That evening I changed into this to go out for Mexican.  Notice my clogs and I will talk about them in a minute.  My shirt is the Knox Rose for Target and these are my TJ Maxx wide leg denim crops.  I got each piece for around $16.  I think I need a narrower silhouette on top for these pants.  They are super comfortable, though.  
So, these were supposed to be my clogs of summer but they aren’t comfortable enough to fit the bill.  They are MIA brand Greta and I had high hopes for them.  They pinch my toes and I tried the sock stretching method to no avail.  

Now, I think I’ve found her – the MIA Susan.  I saw these in Off Broadway Shoes but they didn’t have my size.  The color, the heel, and the price were right.  I found them online at Nordstrom Rack and they took way too long to get to me, but finally arrived Monday.  But, I think they are going to be my summer clog.  

I was basically trying to find an open toe version of my beloved MIA Sofias below.  You can tell how much I wore them.  They are so stinking comfortable and that’s all a gift wants in a clog, right?  

I guess it’s the 70s girl in me that is so attached to the idea of a clog.  When I talk about comfort in a shoe, you can really trust me.  I have done the all day at school test on these.  I stand for 8 hours on hard concrete floors.  Shoe companies really should employ teachers, don’t you think?  

What have you been wearing lately?  How do you feel about clogs?  Summer clogs?  Clog sandals?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Amy 

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Do you make a summer list?  I think it’s a good idea to make one to keep yourself accountable and to eek the most fun and productivity out of your summer.  I also like to make a seasonal or monthly list for the same reasons.  

Celebrate end of my twin boys’ junior year

Celebrate my 25th year

Celebrate my husband’s birthday and father’s day

Use my salt cave gift card for some halotherapy

Get regular 10 minute shoulder and neck massages

Watch Big Brother with one son

Go to my first movie alone (an afternoon matinee, preferably – Can you believe I’ve never done this?)

Take a pizza on the boat (weird, but why not?)

Host people on the boat

Read some good books – First one almost done – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – really good!  

Declutter (especially while boys recover from wisdom teeth removal)

Meet friends for coffee, brunch, lunch, happy hour

Exercise almost every morning

Get all of my PD hours done before school starts

I’m sure I will think of more things!  

Amy

Monday, June 10, 2019

How was your weekend?  I’m linking up with Heather, etc. so go here to see more posts. 

On Thursday morning, my department at school had the first 2 hour exam block as our planning period, so we did a pitch in breakfast.  

We had a quiche, a sundried tomato egg casserole, a sausage casserole, pastries, fruit, and avocado toast.  I made the avocado toast.  

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I tried to be cute and did mini muffins on Friday morning for the last day of my boys’ junior year!  

Saturday we saw Aladdin.  It was so good!

And the rest of the weekend plans were affected by this… non stop rain.  

I did jump on the bandwagon and I can’t put this book down!  So many people have recommended it.  I finally am reading a book that I will finish and recommend!  

And, that’s it!  The rest of the time was laundry, chores, grocery shopping, and boring stuff like that.  Today is my last teacher day!  

Hope you have a good one!

Amy 

Friday, June 7, 2019

School’s out for the summer!  Well, it’s out for students at 2:20 today!  I have to come to work on Monday, but that’s o.k.  

I’m linking up today with Andrea, etc. so go here to check out some posts!  

The lighting in this photo isn’t great, but I’ve been all about the blues for my manicures lately.  I was going for lavender/blue.  It’s called “Bikini So Teeny” by Essie.

I was also open to OPI, but didn’t find this.  I’m happy to know it’s one of spring’s best nail colors!  

I used to do this to my hair all the time – dating as far back as high school cheerleader days.  I need to do this for summer.  Can you french braid?  I can do this one the best.  

Have you heard of a bogg bag?  I first saw this at a debate tournament of all places two years ago.  And, the funny thing was – I saw multiple moms with them!  How weird!  So, now I want one for boat, beach, and pool.  They are sold out in every color online!  What?  I checked where they are sold and found a boutique near me and they have a wait list for when they come in!  

This is the famous Joanna Gaines lip color and it’s on sale right now on Nordstrom’s website.  If you are looking for a summer nude, this might be it.  I have only owned one MAC lipstick but I used the whole tube and loved the formula so I know it’s a good quality lipstick.  

Also, on Nordstrom’s website and online only is the most recent collection from Cassie of Hi Sugarplum! blog.  I’m planning to look at it this weekend if it’s not all sold out!  

What were your favorites this week?  Any fun plans for the summer?  We have the ACT and an outdoor bluegrass concert in a park.  I’m hoping the weather cooperates!

Amy 

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Tuesday morning was my school’s traditional “Senior Walk”.  This is an event where the senior class dresses up and walks every hall to say good-bye to the underclassmen, teachers, and administrators.  Many hand out hugs, flowers, candy, cards, and a few give meaningful gifts.  I teach about 50 seniors each year and I really love teaching them until “senioritis” kicks in!  

I let the cat out of the bag about my blog to many of my senior girls this year!  So, I want to dedicate this post to my students!  

I cherish the handwritten notes and cards and that’s really all that a teacher wants; anything else is just icing on the cake.  

My loot: 

A sweet girl embroidered the name of my blog!  I was blown away!  I didn’t even know she could sew and this was such a touching gift that I will always treasure. 

Another sweet girl and loyal blog reader gave me these awesome earrings!  I am excited to wear these and I will always think of her when I do!  

Three more girls gifted me essential oils because I bought a classroom diffuser this year and often talk about oils and trying them out.   And, this bookmark was given to me because I talk about how much I enjoy reading!  

This girl works at our local salt cave and I have talked non-stop about going there this year!  I was stunned, though, that she gifted me a session and I hope she didn’t feel that she had to!  I can’t wait to try out the benefits of halotherapy – new term to me for salt therapy!  

Cards and notes that made me cry!  

And, this sweet girl printed our class photo for me to have – super thoughtful!  

After I got to sit down and open my gifts and read my cards my overwhelming thought was that these kids know me really well and that made me feel so special – maybe more than I deserve to feel.  I don’t show you this to brag and I hope it doesn’t seem like that.  I’m definitely not the most popular teacher and I definitely don’t always get through to every student.  But, when a person in your life – student, friend, family member, significant other gives you a gift that is so perfect for you it makes you feel seen.  They see you for who you are and they know what brings you joy and what makes you tick.  They aren’t trying to change you by giving you an aspirational gift of the person they would like you to be.  

Thanks for reading today and I hope that I can be as good of a gift giver as these sweet kids.  And, if you are worried about the next generation, I hope these gestures make you feel more hopeful.  These kids are on the right track and I feel lucky that I got to spend the last year with them!

Amy 

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

I’ve got quite a lot for you today – some better than others and some photos better than others!  

This was my school outfit yesterday.  This is an old LulaRoe Maxi and I love that you don’t have to shave your legs when you wear a maxi skirt or dress!  The top is Old Navy this year – I’m going to get lots of wear out of it because it’s black and super light weight with a cute shoulder detail and my trusty yellow Steinmart sweater (old).  I’m wearing consignment Tory Burch flip flops and ADVdesigns earrings.  

This was last Thursday.  I think I’m really going to get a lot of wear out of these TJ Maxx denim wide leg crops.  The blouse is Old Navy and the sweater is old consignment from Banana Republic.  Consignment tip:  stick to quality brands and maybe look one size up; pre-owned clothing has been through the wash and possible shrinkage may have ocurred.  I find Banana, Ann Taylor, Boden, Madewell, and many other better brands at my consignment stores.  

This is similar to the first outfit because it’s the same top and sweater, but with my trusty old consignment Chico’s pants.  My Birks were my Mother’s Day gift last year and this necklace is old and I love it.  I may need to make it shorter next time so it lays better with this blouse.  

This is my same student who wore the boho shirt, Birks, and jeans last week.  She had to dress up a little for a presentation.  I thought this translated well to a woman of a certain age and a teen.  

This was my Friday outfit with my new kimono.  I’m pretty casual but it was Friday at the end of the year.  Go here for information about the kimono – it has tons of different prints.  I am wearing my Hue faux jeans/jeggings and my plastic/rubber Birkenstocks from Nordstrom.com.  I also gifted these Birks to my MIL for Mother’s Day.  They are super comfy and they float if you wear them to the beach.  They are around $39.99, too!

You will now notice the difference in photographers.  My son really takes his time (and took all but the next two photos) and my husband does not.  This is what I wore to my husband’s work picnic and he only took one photo and didn’t wait for me to adjust – I think I will fire him! Consignment sandals by OTBT, Matilda Jane consignment pants, Old Navy blouse, and consignment sweater.  Have I convinced you to try consignment shopping yet?  

Dinner Saturday night and another blouse not adjusted.  Same sandals as above, distressed American Eagle jeans (They seriously have some good jeans options – they come in short online and that is what I need at 5’4), new blouse from TJ Maxx that was around $16 and my adorable flamingo clutch purse from Old Navy last year. 

Sunday boating outfit.  I love a good cover up and honestly it usually stays on so it needs to be cute.  I have found my favorites over the years at Target and this one is from there, too – this season so you may be able to find it.  Coral is the color of the year and I can’t resist a palm print!  Bonus points, because it matches my Birks!  Ha!  

And, finally my Monday outfit.  These are old palazzo pants – Steinmart and an old top from Chico’s – full price, but I have worn the heck out of it.  I think you can do that with a black staple top like this.  And, my new sandals that kept my feet comfy for a full day of teaching – check them out in yesterday’s post here!  

Whew!  I’m tired.  So, why do I show you my outfits?  Maybe you can find a similar silhouette in your closet or a similar color combo and that will help you.  I love to look at others’ outfits and snap pictures of my favorites to help me get dressed.  Also, I want you to see that it doesn’t cost much to look and feel your best at any size and at any age.  

So, to wrap it up:  

-See what consignment stores you can find – maybe even when you’re on vacation!  

-Maybe try the stores I mentioned in this post? 

Steinmart, TJ Maxx, American Eagle (online for best size selection), Old Navy (online for best size selection and often better prices/promos) – Old Navy is seriously killing it this season for tops in my opinion!, Amazon (of course!), Chico’s (maybe look for this brand at consignment stores), and LulaRoe (again look for this brand at consignment stores – I can find lots and I love the quality of their Cassie skirt and their maxi)

I appreciate any suggestions you have for me!  Thanks for reading this long post, my lovely readers!  

Amy

P.S. – Who is ready for some summer shorts outfits in my What I Wore!  Me!!!!!!

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Linking up today with my blog friend Tanya from The Other Side of the Road for her “Prime Purchases”.  Click here to see others’ top picks from Amazon.  I love this idea because Amazon is overwhelming for me!  Most things I order are because of recommendations because I can’t find all this goodness on my own and I don’t want the hassle of returning items!  

Also, I really believe in shopping locally if I can, so I try to make Amazon my last resort.  But, sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do, you know?  So, I only have 3 items from this month to share, but they are 3 good ones!  

So, I believe this first item is a rec from Lisa at Coast to Coast.  I have been looking for a black sandal with a bit of a heel but not too much and guys, they are not the highest quality, but they passed the teacher test; they were comfortable enough for this teacher to wear all day on the hard concrete floors!  I think these may be just a one season sandal but I’m totally cool with that for the price!  They were right around $30 for my size.  And, I did find them to be TTS.  

I showed you this next item last Friday in my Friday favorites and it’s a winner!  I wore it to school Friday and for just under $15, it’s another winner!  It’s kind of a cool fabric so it makes it great for summer!  

I wanted to jump on the raffia earring trend and these are them!  I love them and they are extremely lightweight.  

I hope you can search these three items on Amazon and find them easily.  I’m super happy with all three!

Any recommendations for me?  Amazon is like Disney for adults; you wish it and it appears on your doorstep.  Those brown boxes make me too happy!

If you are new to my blog, I hope you’ll come back tomorrow for What I Wore!

Amy 

Friday, May 31, 2019

Happy Friday!  Today is our last day for seniors to be in class, but underclassmen have exactly one week left.  We’re getting there.  For me, personally, I’m ready, but my boys will be seniors and I just can’t wrap my head around that.  

Today I’m linking up with Andrea, etc. so go here to see other posts!  

Are you particular about your pens?  I’m super picky!  I was in Dollar Tree for something and I thought I would take a chance on a 2 pack for $1 (obviously).  I figured they may run out of ink quickly, but that for 50 cents a pen I could take a chance.  Well, more than a month later and they are still going strong and I’ve gone back for more colors.  I can only find black, blue, turquoise, and orange in my store.  If you want to look for them, I think they say “R2 Rollerball”.  I’m going to go back for more soon!  

I wish she would publish more often (it only comes out four times a year) because I really love the Pioneer Woman magazine.  My husband gave me a subscription for Christmas.  I love her blog, her cookbooks, her clothing, her earrings, and her cowboys boots.  Oh, and her hair.  

Did you see my recent obsession with avocado toast?  Go here to see how I make mine!  

I placed an Amazon order for another kimono.  It was under $15 and Sheaffer recommended it.  I wanted some bright summer colors and plan to wear it with a t-shirt and cutoffs hopefully this weekend.  Go here to see it on Amazon and for a better photo of it.  

And, that’s about it!  I’m excited to bring you new and better content over the summer when I have more time.  

What are you up to this weekend?  Come back Monday to find out what I did!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Amy 

Thursday, May 30, 2019

I have a confession to make…I have recently become obsessed with avocado toast.  I eat it almost every day!  I don’t usually eat mine for breakfast, though.  I usually have it for my afternoon snack around 3 to hold me over until dinner time.  

All of my ingredients are from Trader Joe’s and if you have one near you, I highly recommend you grabbing these same items.  If not, please order this seasoning off of Amazon.  It really makes this dish!  

You need:

about 1/4 – 1/3 ripe avocado

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning (you could also look up a recipe to make your own seasoning blend)

a nice substantial bread – I use the 7 grain sprouted bread from TJ’s 

an egg the way you like it

Let’s begin:  

Toast your bread

Remove desired amount of avocado and mash it with a fork (Some people add lime juice but I just don’t think it needs it)

Spread on toast

Sprinkle your seasoning.

You can do a sliced hard boiled egg, sunny side up egg, or whatever you want.  I do either a fried egg or a fried egg white because I don’t like runny yolks.  

Usually my egg looks prettier than this, but you get the picture.  I then cut it into 4 pieces and eat with my hands.  This is 4 WW points according to my calculations.  I feel like the bread and the good fat of the avocado are good for me, though!  

Let me know if you try it!  

Amy