Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Friday, November 22, 2019

3 more school days until Thanksgiving break!  I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. for one of my favorite link ups – where everyone shares their favorites of the week.  I love the positivity and I often get ideas for my own life!  Go here to check out some other posts!  

As always, thank you for reading and commenting!  It is definitely a highlight of my week every week to engage with my readers.  This is just a hobby for me – but one that has enriched my life so much.  I have made genuine friendships which sounds crazy.  Please pray for a very special blog friend of mine who is going through a tough time.  Also, please know that I realize the holidays are super hard for many.  If you are one of those, please know that you are in my thoughts, too.  

Today my favorites are a little bit different.  I wanted to share with you what I did with the remainder of my birthday money.  I talked about my other purchases here.  Maybe some of these things will serve as gift ideas for you.

O.k. so the flat lay (laying items out for a photo) is harder than it looks.  Do you notice anything different about my background?  I am using my new floors in the new master bedroom!  No, we are not moved in yet, but I am taking advantage of the light from the many windows and doors and the beautiful (to me) wood floors!  

Do not, I repeat, do not pay full price in the store at Old Navy.  They are practically giving things away online.  There is always some sort of extra percent off. I got the first three things for about $40!  That might be less than at a consignment store!  You can see me wearing many of these items here.  

This is the Old Navy loose fit tunic length button down.  I love buffalo plaid and this is the perfect length and perfect material.  I think this will be worn a lot!  I would really like to get another pattern.  Tip:  My work friend is very tall and orders tall versions from Old Navy.  If you are looking for longer length tops, this might be an option for you.  Tip:  I like to buy things with black in them because I know I have black bottoms.  Boring, maybe, but also smart.  

This is perfect for the woman who over heats easily.  You can take a cardigan off if needed and still look seasonal.  I just love black watch plaid.

These jeans/jeggings in petite are the perfect length for me.  I ordered regular size but in the petite/short length.

And, I ordered these two vests from JCPenney for $40 for both.  I avoided shipping costs by having them sent to my local store.  The great thing about these is the sweater material in the back and surprise! – they have pockets.  They are the Liz Claiborne brand which I think is really good quality at JCP.

What do you think?  These items came to about $80 and change.  That is pretty good for 5 items!  I think I used my birthday money wisely and had fun doing so.

So, those are my favorites from the week for the material things.  

For the non-material things, my favorites were my senior boys whose year is flying by (sadly), my hard working husband who is working hard on our renovation on the weekends, my sweet and funny students, a job that I love most days, and so much more!  

What are your weekend plans?  Our son is in a play tonight at school and then has theatre all day Saturday.  Our other son is in a quick recall/academic team match all day Saturday.  And, we will see where else the weekend takes us!

Thanks for reading,

Amy 

Thursday, November 21, 2019

I have been making one soup a week lately!  This may be my favorite thus far and I think it is definitely my husband’s!  This is sweet but has a bit of a spicy kick to it.  I really think the creamed corn makes the soup. 

There is just something comforting about a pot of soup simmering on the stove when the weather turns chilly.  The leftovers are even better.

Over the last few weeks I have made chili, taco soup with ground turkey, zuppa toscana, and now this!  

You will need:

half an onion, diced, and sauteed in the soup pot in EVOO before adding anything else

2 cans creamed corn

1 can chicken broth

1 can Rotel, drained

1 can green chilies

1 can regular corn

8 red potatoes microwaved and softened and then diced and added to mix

a few dashes of cumin, garlic powder, and pepper

a package of diced ham 

1/2 cup of heavy cream (add this about 10 minutes before serving)

This photo was taken before adding the Rotel (last minute idea!) and the heavy cream.

Add all ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for about an hour.  Add cream about 10 minutes before time to eat.  

Serve with cornbread if desired.  I highly recommend this brand and I love all the Krusteaz mixes.  They can’t be beat!  

Where do you stand on soup as a meal?  What is your favorite?  Let me know if you try this!  I got my recipe online but added a subtracted a few things!  

Amy 

Wednesday, November 20, 2109

Another Wednesday and another round of outfits!  I am linking up with The Style Six so go right here!  Also, I promised you some Thanksgiving outfit ideas but I have hardly gotten there yet – How is it this close to Thanksgiving already?  Hoping to still do more of that on the blog!  

Comfy school outfit, but still in need of a longer black top!  

That afternoon I switched to my liquid leggings and to booties to meet my friend for a happy hour meet up.  

I wore this dress for Thanksgiving a few years ago.  I have brown leggings underneath and the Versona vest you have seen every week.  

I got a new Old Navy tunic length button down and I love it!  This is part of my birthday money purchases.  

New black JCP vest and Old Navy jeans that I will tell you about soon – again, part of my birthday money purchases. 

Saturday errands outfit.  I love a vest instead of a coat for running in and out in the cold.  

Saturday night out outfit.  This poncho and these liquid leggings have already paid for themselves and both came from Target.  

And, school outfit with new Old Navy short sleeve plaid (another birthday money purchase).  I love this black watch plaid.  Also, because it is short sleeve it is good for those who run hot.  

And, of course, the first step to planning your Turkey Day outfit – the weather!  This is what ours looks like at this point.  Do you dress up for Thanksgiving or do you dress casually?  I think it is good to be comfortable but to make some effort.  That is sometimes hard to achieve!  

I also love to dress in fall colors because after Thanksgiving, I like to start wearing my reds, greens, blacks, Christmas colors and some sparkle and velvet fabrics.  Are you like that?  

Here is an idea for a jeans look.  Take a cute blouse and pair it with jeans and some jewelry and some booties.  

This could be a contender for this year.  It is comfortable and has fall colors!  

What do you plan to wear?  

What was your favorite outfit this week?  

Thanks for reading!  

Amy 

Tuesday, November 19. 2019

I have a great chili recipe in my opinion.  I always make chili on Halloween but I usually make my first pot when the first sign of fall comes.  This year I think it was the first weekend of October.  My son Mason loves my chili.  My mother in law gave me this recipe which she got from a neighbor which she got from the back of the tomato juice can I have found out!  

What you need:  

One can of Red Gold tomato juice (it’s in the juice aisle and not in the canned goods aisle!)

One pound of browned ground beef

One packet of chili seasoning mix.  I use the Kroger brand. 

One can of crushed tomatoes

One can of petite diced tomatoes

One can of chili hot beans (or kidney depending on your preference)

Half of an onion sauteed (can do at the same time as the beef if desired

One teaspoon sugar (it cuts the acidity of the tomato!)

One teaspoon cinnamon (trust me!)

Let everything come together in the pot for about an hour.

Serve atop cooked macaroni noodles and top with Fritos and shredded sharp cheddar.  That’s the way we like it around here!  

The finished product!  

Don’t dirty another pot – just do the meat and onion first in the same soup pot!  

Are you a fan of chili?  Let me know if you try this!

Amy 

Monday, November 18, 2019

How was your weekend?  Mine was pretty good!  This is our last 5 day week before Thanksgiving break.  Unfortunately we do have school the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  I think it would be nice to have the whole week off like some districts have.  Oh well!  I am linking up today with Heather, etc. so go right here to see more posts!  

Friday after school I started the weekend off right with a margarita!  A co-worker and I headed to a Mexican place close to school.  Then, I went home, the boys got home from activities, and I made a hodge podge of food at home for dinner.  

Our family is watching Schitt’s Creek together now that we have finished That 70s show.  Benefit to having teens – they can watch mature humor with you!  

Saturday was a bunch of errands and running around.  

Tom and I went out to a new to us Mexican place (can one really have too much Mexican?) and I tried a smoked pineapple mezcal drink – yum!  

And, we split some bean dip and queso and a pork dish.  

After dinner, we stopped by our friends’ house because we were only a block away and they had a lovely fire going.  They had just gotten back from St. John and we wanted to see their photos.  We stayed for about an hour but it was a nice visit.  

Sunday, I tried to get organized for a busy week.  I had already done the grocery shopping, but I like to look at my calendar and write everything down.  Jack has a play this week that opens on Thursday and rehearsals every day until then.  

Then, Tom and I saw Ford v. Ferrari – his turn to pick after Last Christmas last weekend.  I really liked it!  

How was your weekend?  Any highlights?  Hope it was a great one!

Thanks for visiting!

Amy 

Friday, November 15, 2019

Happy Friday!  What a week!  I was out every evening except one and I am ready for some down time this weekend.  I am linking up with Andrea, etc. so go right here to see other posts!  

My first favorite was seeing these two laugh and hang out when Mason returned from Europe.  The laughter coming from their game room/study room in the basement warmed my heart.  

Mason brought me a mug to add to my collection!  I just love the size of these mugs and everything about them!  

I cannot remember getting snow this early!  And, it stuck around all week due to the cold.  Ignore the shutter-less windows.  We have new ones ready to be hung – another part of the makeover project going on at Casa Scott!  

I really loved this book and finished it last Sunday.  It was cute and heartwarming.  

I started this.  It seems a bit dry and a little different style than my normal chick lit easy reads.  No one recommended it – just saw it on a library shelf and it sounded interesting.  It is about the family dynamics in the 70s of a upper class family.  

I put my monogram on my beautiful rose gold Bru mate koozie from my sister in law.  It is so pretty and really keeps your drink cold!  

Hub and I saw this Sunday afternoon after I had already done my Hello Monday post.  He said I would not get to pick the next movie.  I liked it but it is probably a wait until it comes out on DVD/streaming service type of movie.  I love the two main characters, though.  Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are soooo cute!  I swear I got my hair cut before I saw this movie.  Her hair is cute!  

Last night I finally tried Narci of Grace and Love blog and Kellyann of This Blondes Shopping Bag blog Zuppa Toscana.  It is good. My kale needed a bit more time to get less crunchy, but I really liked it and it was perfect for the weather.  

I found time for a drink – look at that giant ice cube – of bourbon and gingerale – with my good friend and former co-worker of 17 years.  It always feels nice to do something fun during the work week and this was so nice!  Tell me about your week!  What was your highlight?  

Happy weekend!

Amy 

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Well, I will be honest with you.  I was getting very frustrated until last week when suddenly a lot started happening!  

We had trim carpenters put trim on the doors and windows of new master and new mudroom.

We had flooring laid!  

And, we had asphalt driveway dug up and new concrete driveway and foundation for patio in the back poured.  

Mudroom will have tile instead of wood but trim is done.  

So now, we wait again, but next time I update you I hope I have paint to show you!  

Amy 

November 13, 2019

It’s already Wednesday, folks!  I am linking up with The Style Six so go right here to see more fashion posts!  Did you see my recent fall purchases post yesterday?  You will see some of the items below!  

My sweet son returned home Monday evening!  All is right in my world again.  He had a great time but was happy to be home.  I may share some of his itinerary and photos.  

Easy outfit – start with an all black base and throw a leopard poncho over it.  This is my $17 Kohl’s find from the accessories section.  It does have designated arm holes.  I find this type of poncho easier to wear and maybe more flattering.  

I just think this rust sweater from last year Anthro is too long.  I love my vest, of course, love my Wild Fable from Target leggings, and love my new rust mules.  Maybe I will look for a long sleeved rust tunic?  It was really too cold for short sleeves, to be honest.  

And, another black base.  I think I have too much black on!  

And, you have seen this outfit three times  now!  I really need to work on my going out wear.  I am wearing Target Wild Fable liquid leggings, new black blouse from Marshall’s consignment suede poncho in front and sweater material in back.  

What have you been wearing lately?  

Any favorites here?  

Thanks for reading,

Amy 

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

I have always loved having a fall birthday!  I make a list of fall items I want to add to my closet and it seems the perfect time to do some shopping for myself before I shop for others for the upcoming holidays.  I still receive some money for my birthday and it is always fun to have a guilt free shopping spree!  

Here we go…

I took my son Jack shopping at Kohl’s and found this on clearance by accident in the accessories section.  I am not a big fan of Kohls for myself.  I do not want to play the Kohl’s cash game and I think the prices are high without a sale.  Please don’t hate me!  I know many people love it.  I do think it’s a good option for men’s wear, but again, I feel like the prices are pretty high without sales.  My son is very picky, so I went where he requested.  

It is a lightweight poncho and it was only $17.  It is by Apt. 9 and the quality is pretty good and it is super soft.  I have already worn it a few times so I think I will get my money’s worth.  

Tip:  Look for ponchos, shawls, etc. in the accessories section of department stores.  Also, some shoe stores like DSW have ponchos.  

This is my JC Penney Liz Claiborne weekend cardigan.  It is super soft.  It was 40% off of $44.  I have already worn it several times.  

This is a blouse that was $16 from Marshall’s.  The brand is Green Envelope and I have another shirt by this brand from TJ Maxx.  It has buttons on the sleeves and is a great non-wrinkle material.  I have already worn it twice.  

I just loved these mules when I saw them on Lisa from Coast to Coast.  I wanted the rust, too and at only $22 a pop I ordered them online.  They are super pointy.  I think they will look nice with leggings.

I bought these pretty earrings for $10 from Old Navy.  I found myself needing this burgundy color and have already worn them 3 times.  

And, I finally decided on my half price Kendra Scott piece.  This was $46 and I love how lightweight it is.  It is soooo pretty.  I decided I wanted a longer necklace.  

What do you think?  Any favorites?  I have a few more things coming but I have to wait and make sure I can vouch for the quality and that I am going to keep them.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, November 11, 2019

Thank you to our service men and women on this Veteran’s Day.  I am linking up with Heather, Tanya, etc. for Hello Monday!  Go here for more posts!  

Friday morning, I got a text about a Girl’s Night Out!  My two besties and I met at a newish Italian place in a strip mall called “Grassa Gramma”.  Once inside, you do not feel like you are in a suburban strip mall.  The interior is a sight to behold!  

The server starts with a toast to life that is on the house followed by some amazing ciabatta bread!

My friend’s beautiful sangria!  

I got a specialty cocktail with vodka.  The glasses are so pretty!  

We decided to split the artichoke dip with flatbread, ceasar salad, and two different types of pizzas.  

I forgot to get a photo of the salad but it was the best I have ever had in my life!  

Look at this fountain in the middle of the restaurant!  

Yes, I am wearing the same outfit from last weekend!  I swear we did not plan the burgundy and black color scheme!  My friend in the middle does have on camo  but the light makes it hard to see.  

Saturday bright and early was hair day!  

Oops – I said I wanted to go shorter, but not this short!  I will get used to it and it will grow quickly.  I love the updated color, though!  

The rest of the day was grocery, cooking soup, a dip, and a dessert, tv watching, reading, and nothing big.  It really was so nice after going, going, going.  I miss Mason so much!  We just feel lopsided around here.  Both Friday and Saturday nights I was in bed around 9.

Sunday morning was coffee, reading, meal prepping, and school work.  I have managed to get behind again and we have grades due for the 12 weeks grading period. 

What did you do this weekend?  I hope it was a great one!

Amy