Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

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 

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

My photos this week are all out of order!  And, I only followed through on my weekly themes last week for three out of five days – oops!  Also, I’m enjoying taking my outfit photos at home before I leave for school and a big thanks to my son who is always ready early for being my photographer!  

Also, I want to say thank you for shopping Amber’s Etsy shop ADVdesigns.  She told me she has had several people use my coupon code.  If you are still interested search “ADVdesigns” on Etsy and check out with code “AMY20” for 20% off of her already reasonable prices!  Click here for that entire post!  The code never expires and you may need summer graduation gifts, birthday gifts, or some jewelry for yourself to match your summer color palette!  

I think this will be my top of the summer.  It’s Knox Rose from Target and I didn’t even know they still had this brand.  I ordered online and it is summer perfection!  If you like it, use the brand filters on the Target website.  I think it was $17.  

These are my Hue leggings/jeggings and I don’t think they are super flattering, but I love them.  

This is what I wore on Saturday, but I didn’t feel right wearing a graphic tee to school – it felt too casual.  

I wanted to show you how this outfit on the right is appropriate for a teen girl and a woman of a certain age.  Doesn’t she look cute.  Boho top, jeans, and Birkenstocks.  The gentleman on the left wanted you to see his outfit, too – lol!  

I wore my red and blue skirt as a cover up on the boat on Memorial Day!  

This gingham top has fussy strings that I need to figure out what to do with!  

This was casual for a pedicure when I didn’t have school on election day.  I changed sandals later on.  This is a knit skort which I find handy to have in my wardrobe in the summer.  

And, finally Tuesday’s outfit (yesterday).  Yes, I’m taking a chance by wearing white linen as a teacher, but hey – you have to take risks in life.  

And, that’s a wrap for the last week!  What about you?  What have you been wearing lately?  

Amy 

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Hello Tuesday!  How was your 3 day weekend?  Mine was pretty good!  I crossed off things on my list and made time for plenty of fun!

Here are the highlights:

Friday after work, the weather cooperated and we decided to take our inaugural boat ride of the season.  I had my Truly Rose.  

We parked and ate at Captain’s Quarters.  You can go in the restaurant or sit on the patio or the waiters bring food to your boat.  

Saturday was spent running errands, running boys around, doing laundry, and stuff like that, but Saturday night we had plans to attend the first outdoor concert of the season.  This group was awesome and really connected with the crowd.  

The sunset was gorgeous.  

Sunday morning and I had a mimosa by the river while our dog swam. 

Sunday afternoon we had plans to attend the musical Spam-a-lot which is a spoof of Monty Python.  

I started this book and I’m liking it.  I have read all of Sophie Kinsella’s books.  It won’t be my favorite, but I’m enjoying it.  

I finished Dead to Me.  I liked it, but I didn’t love it.  

I finished One Day in December.  I liked it but I didn’t love it.  I think there’s a pattern here!  

And, we ended our weekend by boating one last time.  We went downtown to see the hundreds of flags for Memorial Day.  

I bought this sunscreen for the bottle, but there’s something about that Coppertone smell that is just so summer to me!  

And, we stopped at Captain’s Quarters again just for a drink.  I had my first Miami Vice of the season.  

We have started watching That 70s Shows with our boys.  They are enjoying the 70s cultural stuff and it’s funny because one of our boys has to dress like a member of The Bee Gees for history class this week.  

And, that’s about it!  What did you do this weekend?  

We have 9 more days of school with students!  

Amy 

Monday, May 27, 2019

Enjoy your extra day off today, but also take the time to honor the men and women of our country who died for us.  My sweet little hometown started something new.  They let families purchase a flag to honor loved ones who are both alive and deceased from all branches of the military.  There are 60 flags currently flying and that will remain flying until November.  

My mom arranged for this one below and it is so special to me and to our family.  He loved this kind of stuff and he also loved this town and I know he is looking down on this and beaming.  

My sister’s sun dried tomato cheeseball:  

1 block of light cream cheese (I use neufchatel)

a bit of the sundried tomato juice from the jar

1 tsp. garlic powder

about 1/4 jar of sun dried tomatoes (chopped up small)

1/2 cup of finely shredded cheddar 

Mix all of this together in a bowl and roll in more finely shredded cheddar on a piece of plastic wrap.  Form a ball and let sit in frig for a bit.  I like it with water crackers.  

This is super easy but tastes amazing!  Need more recipes?  Click here for my post from last week.  

Come back tomorrow for a full weekend wrap up!  

Amy 

Friday, May 24, 2019

Happy Friday to you!  I’m linking up with Andrea, etc. right here!  

Also, today is graphic tee and kimono day! Yesterday was dress day, but I didn’t do it because I hadn’t shaved the old legs!  Oops!  I will be showing photos next week!  

First up is my tanning regimen.  I have added the Jergens face as my daily mousturizer and I really think it has added color to my face.  I use the wet skin in the shower and I have been lazy about the best of all, the summer color.  It requires a bit more time.  The best way to do it in my opinion is to shower at night, apply and sleep with it on, then shower off in the morning to get the smell off.  The smell isn’t too bad, but I don’t love it!  And, now you can see why I have been lazy with it – it requires some work!  

I finally got a new pedicure and picked my old standby “Lincoln Park After Dark”.  I had been sporting a white color “Funny Bunny”, so I went to opposite extremes!  

Run, don’t walk to Trader Joe’s to get this!  I had tried the peach version last year and it is also great, but this is my favorite.  It has just the right amount of fizz.  Rose all day!  

Have you started watching this yet?  I’m only on episode 2 but I’m enjoying it!  

And, I’m reading this!  It’s been on my library wait list for a long time and I finally got it.  I’m enjoying it but I think a couple of chapters could have been cut because it’s dragging a bit!  

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!  

Need recipes?  Check out my post yesterday here!  

Need new blogs to read?  Check out my post from Tuesday here!  

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

This weekend is already Memorial Day and in addition to remembering the reason for the holiday, for many it is the unofficial start to summer – way ahead of that June 20 official start date of summer.  

It’s a fun time to break out the red, white, and blue clothing and foods and maybe it acts as a bit of a dress rehearsal for the 4th of July.  

This first “recipe” we experienced on our trip to Germany.  Some of hub’s family lives there and we had this at several cook outs while there.  Grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of balsamic glaze.  All of these items can be easily found at Trader Joe’s (or any grocer) and this isn’t too bad for you.  

My fruit salad from my student brunch post, but leave out the mandarin oranges – so just blueberries and strawberries or add in apples and bananas to stay on theme with red, white, and blue.  Add 2 TBSP. of instant vanilla pudding powder and about 1/2 cup of lime juice.  

-red, white, and blue potato chips can now be found at the grocery stores!

-blue tortilla chips with red salsa

-rice krispie treats with the special Rice Krispies in stores now that have red and blue in them

-my rolo waffle pretzel with m and m’s in only red, white, and blue (spread waffle pretzels on a cookie sheet and top with rolos – put in oven at 300 for about 5 mins., take out and smoosh down with m and m – refrigerate for at least an hour and they will set)

There’s also this wonderful fruit pizza.  Use two rolls of crescent roll dough and spread on a cookie sheet.  Bake for about 8 minutes on 350 or until slightly golden on top.  After it has cooled, spread with cream cheese frosting in a tub from the store and add strawberries and blueberries.  This is always a crowd pleaser!  

What are your go to recipes for Memorial Day activities?  

Amy