Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Something pretty crazy and cool happened to me this past Monday.  

Apparently there are lots of movies being made in my city and state due to it being a desirable place in regards to tax breaks?  About two weeks ago, I filled out an online form for my theater son and me to be extras in a movie.  I said I was available on Sunday.  Well, this past Sunday I got an email asking if I would be available Monday and sadly, I had to say that I wasn’t available until after school. But, my son had a four hour rehearsal and wasn’t available.  

So, they told me I could come after school and they told me what to wear – winter clothing that looked fairly nice and not to wear black, red, white, or anything busy and to bring two changes of clothing.  Hello –  that is basically my wardrobe.  So, I found a few things and went down to the location after school.  

They were doing all of the staging at a hotel across the street from the shoot.  

The shoot was at a custom bakery that I assume they had rented out.  They must have also hired them to bake cookies.  

I was picked to be one of six people to sit at tables and pretend to eat cookies – well, we could actually eat them.  And, I had to pretend to drink coffee from an empty cup!  

I don’t want to show too much, so this is the fake cookie shop counter!  

The scene I was in and the only one I got to see was of a finance executive and her friend coming in to the shop and needing cookies because of stress.  The exec never took vacations and was giving her all to her job.  

Apparently she was going to inherit a cabin that was also left to the hunky handyman that cared for the cabin.  What does this sound like?  You guessed it!  Hallmark!  Or, it could be Lifetime!  

So, I will let you know if I hear anything.  I probably won’t even make it in the actual movie because they didn’t really shoot in my direction.  

But, it was a super fun experience and I’m glad I took the opportunity even after a long day at school!

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

I’m a little low on photos this week due to two days out of school last week!  Here is Tuesday’s outfit!  All of a sudden our heating system is so intense and I’m having to wear more springy outfits, I think.  

This was Friday when it was February first so I broke out my Valentine’s leggings!

Monday I forgot to take my photo, but here is what I wore.  

Here is yesterday.  

Which is your favorite?  What did you wear?  Check out yesterday’s post on February outfits here!  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Raise your hand if you are so tired of your winter clothes by now!  I know I am, but winter is not quite over yet, even though the groundhog did not see his shadow, thankfully.

The spring clothing is starting to appear in stores and I’m making a wish list and a list of spring holes in my closet, but until then…

I want you to go to your closet and pull out anything that is pink or red.  

Pull out any pink or red accessories, too.  

Give new life to those Christmas red tops you wore all through December.  

I recently did this exercise and couldn’t believe how much I had.  

Hopefully this will help you pull together some fun outfits for this month!

Anything black with red earrings works!

Black shirt with pink vest works! This cute heart scarf works with this red vest! 

Any blanket scarf with pink or red works – I have this bright pink sweater that looks good with mine.

And, of course any buffalo plaid works – also, I have my pink “burberry”.  

Thanks for reading and hope I gave you a few ideas!  

Amy 

Monday, February 4, 2019

How was your weekend?  Mine was good and I guess I didn’t really need it that badly after being off Wednesday and Thursday and a 2 hour delay Friday!  Hope I’m ready for a full 5 day week!  Are you?  How was your weekend?  

I’m linking up today with Lindsay, Heather, and Tanya.  Check out other posts right here!  

This guy left on Thursday morning so we missed him this weekend.  This is what he was doing and I’m happy he had a chance to get away!  

Thursday afternoon I had the pleasure of a happy hour with my old work friend V.  She agreed to meet during the 2 hours I have to kill while waiting for my son to have his theater class.  It takes some planning, but I like taking advantage of those moments to fill my cup (literally and figuratively!)

I had the “No Sleep Til Brooklyn”.  I don’t even know what was in it – just liked the Beastie Boy reference!  You know you are singing it now, too, if you are close to my age-lol!

And we had the guac!

Friday we went to school but the kids had a two hour delay.  Friday night was a theater rehearsal so other son and I tried a restaurant near the theatre called Ciao.  We really liked it and plan to take the whole family back!  

We shared ceasar salad, eggplant parm and breadsticks.  

We took cannoli to go for my other son.  

Saturday morning the boys had an ACT workshop and I took myself shopping to a boutique called 50Lou that I’ve been wanting to check out.  They have all locally made goods.  I will definitely go back for gifts!  

I also checked out a new biscuit place.  

I read this book this weekend and it was cute but rated R.  

I met two gals for the UK game later that afternoon – my sis-in-law J and my friend H. 

All I had was this water.  Just joking! 

We had chips and queso and pickle chips!

Theater son had a four hour rehearsal on Sunday afternoon and this guy takes after his mom.  He pulled out a beach chair and read in the sun.  Notice the snow shovels to the right of the photo.  Yes, Wednesday it was 7 degrees and yesterday it was in the high 60s!  Crazy!  

I started this book.  Claire Cook has written some really cute books and some have been made into movies.  One example is “Must Love Dogs”.  

I put a roast and vegetables in the oven and then picked up my son and came home and my hub was home!  We missed him but we’re glad he had fun.  

And, that was my weekend.  Looking forward to reading about yours!  We have lots of warm temps and rain this week before it gets cold again.

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Yesterday was the best kind of snow day!  Well, it started out being an “extreme cold day” and overnight we got a bit of snow.  

Here’s why it was the best:  it was a Wednesday – smack dab in the middle of the week at the epicenter of two weekends AND because we found out at 2:45!  That is so rare that that happens!  So, this meant I could have an afternoon caffeinated coffee and I stayed up later than normal – or at least tried to.  

I woke up at pretty much the same time Wednesday morning and leisurely read blogs, had my quiet time, and drank coffee.  

My husband still had to go to work so before he left I put in a load of laundry so that maybe he would think I had a productive day planned – haha!

When the sun finally came up, this is what the view out my front door looked like. 

One son woke up and I offered up some French toast.  

I did my nails with OPI Funny Bunny.

I worked very hard to clear off my DVR.  The Bachelor still had not been watched.

I finally managed to get out of the house around 2:00.  I had to get dog food from Costco – and a couple of other things.  

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Costco parking lot so empty and I practically had the store to myself.  

I really want to try one of these taco kits next trip.  

Mission accomplished at Costco and since it was on the way home, I stopped at Versona.  I’ve never seen that mall parking lot so empty either.  I have finally figured out the secret to avoiding big crowds.  Go shopping when there is an extreme cold advisory.  

These are very similar to my Amazon earrings and only cost $8.  

I thought these looked like shamrocks or flowers or both!  

David Yurman look a likes.

I predict that super tiny earrings are going to be a thing.  I also thought the ones on the right could be a Kendra Scott dupe.

Aren’t these cute for Valentine’s Day? 

Did I buy anything from the above photos?  No, but I may go back.  Did I buy anything else?  You will have to wait and see!  

I came home and started watching season two of Mrs. Maisel on Kellyann’s recommendation.  It’s really good!  Then, it was time to make dinner because apparently these people still want to eat on snow days.  And, during my Mrs. Maisel session I got a text that we would have another snow day!  So, I’m off again today.  

I will leave you with this graphic which I think is true!  We will be warming up today and Saturday will hit 50 and Sunday will get up to 60!  Crazy!  

I know not everyone gets to enjoy a snow day as an adult and for that I’m truly sorry.  It is a wonderful thing to get a “free pass” on a weekday as an adult.  I don’t take them for granted!  I will have to pay the piper in March when we lose a couple of scheduled days off.  

What about you?  Snow days good or bad?  How’s your weather?  

Stay warm!

Amy 

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

No school for me today!  Our district announced yesterday right after school that we would be out due to the extreme cold today!  I plan to practice my hygge and fika today!  

Today I’m linking with with Shay and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday as well as doing my regular What I Wore post.  

Last week was my second and final outfit challenge week:

black and white stripes – I changed from the boots to black flats at school.

Wednesday – leopard!

Thursday – cardigan.  Sadly it came off at school because my room was too hot for it.  

Friday – jeans

Saturday – UK game.  I am trying to show more weekend outfits.  

Notice how many times I’ve worn my new Rothy’s water bottle shoes?  Look at my cute co-worker in her Rothy’s!  She had wanted them, too, and when she heard my testimony she ordered them and is very happy, too.  She picked the same color as me.  Now she is ready to order a second pair in yellow.  I think yellow flats would be so fun to have!  Most of her wardrobe comes from Loft and she always looks so cute.  

Here is Jill again with her outfit pictures from the week.  Thank you, Jill!

Now, if you are still with me, here is What’s Up Wednesday!  

What we’re eating:  I’m in need of new recipes badly!  We have had spaghetti, tacos, chili, hot subs and fries, and I’m out!  I need to look through my favorite cookbooks this weekend.  Yes, I still love a real cookbook!

What I’m reminiscing about:  I’m really missing my Dad.  I finally made myself listen to a few saved voicemails.  Thank goodness for those.  My Dad still left voicemails and I’m so glad.  It is weird but cool to hear his voice!  If anyone has lost someone close to them, I’m sure you can relate.  It still seems surreal.  

What I’m loving:  I’m loving my coffee, tea, candles, cozy slippers and blankets.  Check out yesterday’s post here.  

What I’ve been up to:  School, being a Mom taxi, laundry and more laundry!  Teen clothing is huge and they go through so many clothes now!  I do make them put them away but I could ask them to do more… working on it.  

What I’m dreading:  Nothing really at the moment.

What I’m working on:  Working on school stuff and decluttering!  I lost a bit of momentum and hope to get it back!  Check out my closet clean out post inspired by Marie Kondo here.  

What I’m excited about:  The prospect of some snow days including today which is just a cold day!  

What I’m watching/reading:  Watching Enlisted with the family, The Good Place with one Son, The Office always!  Also, if you haven’t watched You on Netflix yet, please do!  It is not appropriate for even teens in my opinion.  It’s a little darker than what I normally watch.  I did a post here about the clothing.  Also, I need to watch season two of Mrs. Maisel!  Have you seen it?  

What I’m listening to:  podcasts, music in Spanish – my favorite artist (and my students’ favorite) is Alvaro Soler from Spain if you are interested.  

What I’m wearing:  See the first part of today’s post!  And, I can’t stop wearing my new Amazon leggings that I talked about in Friday’s post here.  

What I’m doing this weekend:  Being mom taxi for lots of theatre events!  

What I’m looking forward to next month:  Celebrating Valentine’s Day to some extent and a long weekend that weekend.  

What else is new:  Nothing much, really.  I’m totally o.k. with that.  My boys are swiftly approaching the end of their junior year and I’m just not ready!  Hub and I were saying that we both still picture them as like 10 or 11 years old.  We just can’t believe they have gotten this old on us.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Are you a winter person or a summer person?  I am definitely NOT a winter person but I’m not an extreme heat person either!  I like May and June weather the best.  Can I be that specific?  I like sitting outside.  I like wearing shoes without socks.  I like not needing a jacket.  But, when I start hating winter I try to think of all the good things about the season.  There are no mosquitos right now.  Chapstick won’t melt in your car.  You can leave groceries in your car for longer because it feels like a freezer outside. I can wear my rule of three layers of clothing easily.  

And, in the end, I really value living somewhere with four distinct seasons.  And, let’s face it, I’m only in Kentucky so it could be a whole lot worse!

So, let’s embrace the rest of this season, my friends who live in cold climates.  Let’s enjoy some hygge and some fika, o.k.?  

HYGGE=a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.  

FIKA=a part of the Swedish culture that pertains to making time for sharing a cup of coffee or tea and a little something to eat with friends and colleagues.  

So, I think Denmark, Norway, and Sweden know a little about cold weather!

-Make it a point to invite friends to share a coffee at your home or at a coffee shop.  Maybe do this on a weekday to make the week feel more fun!

-Buy a new to you tea and try to enjoy an extra cup of something warm when you get home in the afternoon.

-In Germany they tend to do a 3 p.m. ish coffee and piece of cake.  That sounds like a nice thing to do with family or friends.

-Enjoy your cozy slippers or socks and your cozy blankets.  

-Light your candles.  Everyone looks better by candlelight!

-Make your beverages at home a little more special with some whipped cream.  I like a decaf coffee in the evenings and these are two of my favorite teas.  The Chai is caffeinated, so be careful if you are drinking tea close to bedtime. 

-This is a great time of year for hot chocolate!  I found dark hot chocolate!  I sometimes make a “mocha joe” and put half of a packet of this in my coffee. 

-Bake something new to you.  These are my hawaiian sliders but on hawaiian crescent roll dough.  This is also a great time of year to bake bread, make soups, and any kind of comfort food.  

-Play a game with your family or invite friends over to play.

-Take lots of naps and snuggle with your pets.

-Get outside even if it’s only for a 10 minute walk. 

-When it has been days since you have seen the sun and it’s finally sunny, drop everything and get outside.  You need that vitamin D even if it’s cold vitamin D!

-Use the extra indoor time to declutter, catch up on reading, movie and t.v. watching.  

-When you go outside, cover all of your skin and you won’t feel as cold.  A hat really does help – your parents were right!  So, find a cute hat!  

-Remember that the shortest day of the year December 20 is way past us!  It is now staying light out as much as 30 minutes later!

-Wear cozy fabrics.  

-Decorate for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.  It adds some winter fun and whimsy.

-Groundhog Day is coming up!  Maybe have a Groundhog Day dinner and reveal whether he sees his shadow or not.  

What do you think?  How do you survive winter?  Or, do you love it?  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

Monday, January 28, 2019

Well, here we are again, Monday.  I’m linking up with Heather, Lindsay, Johannah, and Tanya so go here if you want to see other posts!

This weekend went by very quickly and I didn’t do a whole lot, nor did I take many pictures.  

Friday night we ordered pizza and watched Enlisted.  It’s a hilarious show that all four of us enjoy.  We try to watch something together each night which gets hard with teens.  Our favorites have been The Office, Psych, Frazier, Whose Line is it Anyway, and Franklin and Bash.  

Saturday morning one boy had to be at school for academic team and then hub and I went to the annual boat show to support his sister and brother in law’s business.  If you are nearby and in the market for a boat, come see them!

It was so cool to see the new boats with all the upgrades!  

I’m still enjoying Limelight by Amy Poeppel and had a cup of hot chocolate along with my book Saturday afternoon.  

Saturday night we went out with two other couples to watch the UK basketball game and eat dinner.  

Four Roses and gingerale and honey mustard popcorn to get started.  We shared The Royal Crostini and boneless wings from the menu above.  

Sunday was a lazy day with the exception of a son’s audition for another play.  He is already cast in two plays for this spring and I think that will keep him plenty busy!  This third one would be after the two current ones are over, though.

I did meal prep, made everybody lunch and dinner, laundry, cleaning, reading, and that’s about it.  

We are going to get some extreme cold this week and maybe some snow.  We have a super busy week and honestly, I wouldn’t mind some of it getting snowed out!  I should be careful what I wish for.  

How was your weekend?  Are you over winter or still wanting more?  

Thanks for reading!  

Amy

Friday, January 25, 2019

Happy, happy Friday!  And, just like that January is almost over!  Maybe I will get motivated to put out some Valentine’s decor this weekend?  

Today I am linking up with Andrea, Shay, and Erika for Friday Favorites.  Go here to check out some other posts!

Here are my favorites from this week:

I think that lucite or acrylic lightweight earrings will be all the rage this spring and summer.  Amazon has some amazing selections in my opinion.  Each of these pairs was around $10 and they are divine!  Go here to purchase some, but I have no affiliation.  I just love them!

I wore these yesterday – so you can see the size!

I also bought some athletic leggings from Amazon – with pockets!  I have never had pockets!  You can find these here.

These are the Jamberry nail laquer stickers that require no heat.  I have had them on for about five days and have showered, washed hair, and done a lot of dishes.  I think I really love these!  

New Trader Joe’s find:  cooked chicken that is not slimy and gross! I have been eating it plain for lunch with rice and green beans and using it for soups, nachos and quesadillas.  

Target cleaner that smells like the Capri Volcano candle!  This is only a buck fifty!  It was flying off of the shelves at my Target.  It was a tip on a Friday favorite last week, but I can’t remember which blogger mentioned it.  I also bought one for each of my two bffs that I had lunch with on Saturday.  We all love that candle so I knew they would love it, too.

I had to repurchase my students’ favorite lotions.  They had discontinued Happiness so I had to go with Energy but it is very similar.  The Bath and Body Aromatheraphy line is really good.  I am all about the good smells today, no?

I have been wearing boots to get to work and then changing into flats. These are the original Uggs and I think they are 18 years old.  My husband gave them to me when I did not even know what an Ugg was!  Talk about price per wear being really low on a good quality item like this that has lasted so long.  

What is on your weekend agenda?  I am hoping for some fun social time! Maybe I can watch a basketball game at a bar?  

Thanks for reading and happy weekending!

Amy

P.S. 

If you are new here or you have had a busy week, check out this week’s posts:

Beck from the Netflix show You’s style here

What I Wore Wednesday and Participants of my Style Challenge here

Tuesday Tip on How to Bless People With a Meal here