Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Friday, September 10, 2021

How was your short week? I hope it was good!

Here are some things that brought a smile to my face this week. I am linking up with Andrea, etc. here for Friday Favorites!

I am kinda proud of myself. I placed a Target order that should be here this weekend. I am tired of looking for the things I want in stores and not finding it. Yes, first world problems! Time is at a premium now and I just don’t enjoy hours of errands on the weekend and they ain’t happenin’ during the week.

I have a friend who is seriously always running errands. I call her on a Friday night and she is running errands! Work smarter, not harder, girl!

I am super excited to try to make my own pumpkin cold brew with these! Step off, I will try to wait until closer to October but I gotta get my protein.

I just knew that if I went in my store it wouldn’t be there.

And, I have already looked for these products with no luck. This acorn spice is amazing! See ya, Bath and Body! I think it’s better for ya, too, because Mrs. Meyer’s doesn’t play.

I ordered two hand soaps to get me through October and November and hopefully I can get my hands on her peppermint.

And, I ordered just one cleaning spray because I’m not that crazy that I will clean that much during October and November.

I bought a new Essie called “Amuse Me” and I was tickled that it matched my book. I am enjoying this book but I am not sure I would highly recommend it. I feel like the characters fall really flat and I’m just not that invested. Anyone know what I mean if you’ve read it?

I got my Real Simple and always enjoy it.

And, I got my InStyle. What kind of witchcraft does Jen use to look this good?

I liked the shiny with florals and the

geometric patterns that they say are “in style”.

Tom and I started Ted Lasso! It is so good!

And, I took my AP classes outside again yesterday. It was so nice!

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Thursday, September 9, 2021

I am big on intentionality and I think making a list helps me do that. I won’t beat myself up if I don’t do all of these things but I do think it will help me to squeeze the most out of the season. I am sad and feel sad sometimes, as I am sure you do, too. I can’t believe my kids are out of the nest-ish and that makes me sad. I am sad about Covid and what it means to life as we know it. I am sad about many other things I see on the news.

But, I think everyday should contain a tiny bit of happiness. This list might help me grab what I can and it might help you, too.

-Light a fall candle. I have been lighting my apple candles! I got a honeycrisp apple from Trader Joe’s and an apple from Bath and Body. In October I will do pumpkin scented!

-Use my solo stove on the patio with Tom or with friends, too.

-Go to a football game

-Watch a football game on the patio and possibly eat chili while doing so.

-Make chili!

-Wear all the fall colors! Wear my fall hat that makes me look like a park ranger.

-Drink apple cider and maybe find an apple orchard.

-Drink a PSL! (Pumpkin Spice Latte)

-Make fun fall foods – dish of candy corn and peanuts is one!

-Go to an Oktoberfest

-Go to a fall festival

-Buy pumpkins

-Buy mums

-Go leaf peeping – hopefully by boat and by car

-Make my apple cider sangria

-Create a new fall cocktail

-Spend time on my patio

-Decorate patio for fall

What am I forgetting?

Happy Fall – almost!

Amy

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Welcome to another week’s edition of What I Wore Wednesday! We have had high 70s and low 80s lately, along with some rain. It has just been so nice to be out of the 90s. Now if the mosquitos would just go bye-bye!

Last Thursday I wore this to school. I still think my tri-pod is moving. I have on my trusty Chico’s pants that I got at at a consignment store for $10 probably 8 years ago, my Steinmart poncho-ish top with my Reef sandals. If I had been wearing this anywhere other than school, I would have worn a higher heel, but I can’t be uncomfortable for a full day of teaching. I had to wear pants because I was taking my two afternoon AP classes outside and I planned to sit on the grass with them. I love this poncho and wanted to get another because it has fall vibes but is for warmer temps.

Proof that we went outside:

I think this was the day before but I can’t remember? I wore my fall-ish TJ Maxx blouse with my mustard pencil skirt and gold clogs.

Friday I gave up on the tri-pod and went next door to the French room to ask Elizabeth for a photo. We were supposed to wear all black for the football game, so I did as much black as I could. This is my Walmart dress and my black New Balances.

I did leopard accessories.

I get lots of compliments from the students when I go more casual. It’s funny!

Something big happened after school on Friday. I placed a Target jeans order because jeans were on sale for $15 and Tom had told me that a pair of jeans I tried to wear last weekend looked too big. I ordered two pairs of Universal Thread in the next size down and they fit. I am actually down more than one jean size because I couldn’t fit in my larger sized jeans last year. I fit in leggings last year. I wore “leggings size”.

I decided to keep two pairs of the exact style but one in a medium and one in a dark. They call these the mid rise skinny but I think they look more like a boot cut.

I cut and frayed the medium wash and I kept the darker wash intact. They are a bit long on me at 5’4, but I will probably wear them with a bit of a heel.

Ignore the pile of clothes in Mason’s room behind me.

These jeans are really good. They are not too thick and have the perfect amount of stretch.

I wore them Friday night and felt great in them. I know I have a long way to go, but a pair of jeans that fits is a wonderful thing. I forgot to get an outfit photo.

Anyway, I highly recommend them!

Saturday night I got to wear the Amazon dress out! I have worn it one other time to brunch. It is a bit staticky. I wonder if I wash it on delicate and let it line dry if that will take care of it. My Amazon palm print skirt had the same issue until I washed it. I love this print so much and I really am tempted to get another print, too.

Sunday, I wore this to sit by the river. I don’t do athleisure very well. I wore a black Walmart skort and this Target white top. Meh – there’s nothing special and I didn’t know what to throw on to just be casual.

And, yesterday I wore my Umgee tunic/dress from Amazon that I told you about yesterday during the Prime Purchases link up.

I made it more summery with the white leggings and sandals, but I would like to try it with a darker legging and boots or booties. Should I have kept it? I just love the print!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

I am linking up today with Tanya for her Prime Purchases link up. Once a month we share recent Amazon purchases and I love this! I find Amazon overwhelming, so I love to see what others buy.

For the month of August, I thought I would have to buy lots of stuff for back to school for me and for the boys for back to the dorm. Turns out, I really didn’t need much because my school has a nice supply closet for us and the boys took a trip to Target and spent about $120 between them and were fine with the rest of the dorm stuff they had from freshman year. That is the nice thing about college, most of the dorm expenses come freshman year. They are really low maintenance, too.

I bought a mask chain and I cannot live without it! I never liked setting my mask down on my desk or on another surface last year. I keep my mask around my neck during my planning when I’m alone and during lunch. Love it!

I bought this top for my sister for her August 13th birthday.

And, I bought her this headband.

She said she loves them both!

I am really liking my new purse and I use it for everywhere that isn’t school – concerts, shopping, etc. It has a large pocket that I wear facing out. The other side had a large black label that I cut. I feel like this purse is a major fall staple. I love the cognac color and the ability to change straps is so fun. You need one!

This is the replacement strap I bought and I already had a camo one.

We have some local boutiques that sell these and the replacement straps. I may go in and look at the designs they have. This would make a great gift for someone!

I feel pretty good buying any Umgee brand items off of Amazon. It is a brand sold in many of our boutiques and the price point is a little higher for Amazon stuff, which honestly, in my opinion, translates to higher quality. This dress is a little short on me so I am going to try it with leggings or jeans. If that doesn’t work I will return it. But, I love the style and pattern.

Why did I wait so long to buy this? I never knew I could feel this way about a laundry detergent! I started with the tiny but cute $18 size. I am using the clear laundry pods (learned my lesson about the blue ones – they stained some of my stuff) and I add in a cap full of the Diva scent. My mudroom smells amazing, my house smells amazing, my clothing and towels smell amazing. I am a big fan!

Where has this been all of my life? I had been using the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray, but this is so much better. It legit tastes like theater popcorn. I love popcorn and use my kernels in the paper bag method. Super easy and way cheaper! I top it with this spray and a bit of salt.

And, another food in my effort to eat healthier. I boil these noodles and don’t use the seasoning pack that comes with. The noodles are delish and made from millet and brown rice. They are zero points for me.

And, I get nervous when I run low on my fave hairspray. It just smells perfect for me and works for my hair texture. I have never been this devoted to a product!

Have you bought any of these products? What have you been “priming” lately?

Amy

Monday, September 6, 2021

I thought I would go ahead and post today because tomorrow is the Prime Purchases link up. I am linking up today with Heather and others here!

Friday early evening Tom and I headed to a nearby neighborhood for dinner and a concert.

Tom had a brat and I had the inside of a quesadilla and some fries. The place we chose just had bar food.

We saw several people and it was really fun! My friend Heather showed up!

We stayed out until about 9:30 and when we got home I walked Ernie over to the football field where my school had just finished our first home game.

Saturday morning I sat on the deck with my coffee. I had lots of errands to run and several things around the house to get done before Jack and Mason came home for Labor Day weekend and their birthdays!

They were happy to hang out all afternoon together. We were supposed to go to dinner on the boat with our friends but it started raining. So, we did a super nice dinner instead.

I had a sangria and my friend and I split sushi, brussel sprouts, and fries.

The female side of the table. I wore my new Amazon dress.

When we got home we watched some tv with the boys.

Sunday morning we woke up to lots of rain. It was Jack and Mason’s birthday and we let them sleep in.

Tom went and got donuts per Mason’s request and I made chocolate chip pancakes for Jack’s request.

They opened presents and went down to play some games together and Tom and I went to look at the river. It is very brown and there is lots of debris from the rain so we opted not to take our boat out.

We just sat and enjoyed the nice weather for a bit.

Then, the boys requested take out sushi so we went and ordered it. We got a few different rolls to share.

And, they had requested cookie cake.

We watched Kim’s Convenience and enjoyed a quiet evening of their choice. Tom had wanted to go to the movies with them but I had to remind Tom that they probably just want to be at home since they have been away at their dorms.

I am happy to have the day off today and Jack and Mason will go back to school at some point.

How was your weekend so far? It’s hard to believe how fast summer went by. I always get a bit sad even though I love fall. I think it’s because I know what comes after fall!

Thanks for reading and come back for Prime Purchases tomorrow. Spoiler: I bought a lot and most of it was for me!

Amy

Friday, September 3, 2021

It’s Friday, Friday! Gotta get down on Friday! They mean so much more now. This week was long. I am linking up with Andrea, etc. here today.

Here are some things from my camera roll this week that were my favorites.

I am still reading Guncle but I was anxious to start this. I like it so far and I’m invested. The weather was rainy at the beginning of the week but the heat finally broke and we have had much more comfortable temps. You know I am an outside reader, so it has been nice to go outside after dinner.

I ordered two Blue Apron meals for two people. It is kind of expensive and the meals take a bit longer than my typical cooking, I think.

The packaging is really nice and convenient.

The first meal I made was Asian inspired tilapia, brown rice, and green beans. I did the WW approved/Wellness meals.

I haven’t made the second meal yet, and I put the chicken in the freezer because I knew it would be a couple of days.

Ernie loves to find giant puddles after the rain!

I sat on the patio in the rain one evening.

Have you ever seen a rhinocerous beetle? Oh my gosh; it was huge!

I am super excited about the new Kristen Bell movie about couponers. I must admit I was fascinated by the TLC show about the extreme couponers.

I watched a bit of the new Marie Kondo show on Netflix called Sparking Joy. I just think her methods are so interesting and I think the way she explains Japanese culture and beliefs is really cool, too.

I got my Pioneer Woman fall edition.

It’s almost time! I may make a TJ run tomorrow morning but I plan to go for the fall stuff, too!

Yesterday after school I had Beth over for happy hour and she brought this gorgeous light up pumpkin. I am so excited to put pumpkins out but I am giving apples their due first.

I made a sun dried tomato cheese ball, but I made it very small for two. We sat on the patio and it was so nice out! I didn’t get a photo – oops!

And, I asked permission to conduct class outside. The kids brought in beach towels and we read our literature textbook.

This tree is right outside my classroom window and I call it “my tree”.

Shenanigans before we went back inside:

They were soooooo happy! They asked if we could do it everyday – NO! But, I hope to take them out at least once a week. I really think it is good for our kids’ mental health. Unfortunately, a lot of our lessons are tied to technology and harder to do outside. It made my heart happy that they enjoyed it.

I overslept one day this week. I have been super tired. I fell asleep at 8:30 on the couch, went to bed at 9 and slept til 1:30 a.m. and got up to go to the bathroom. Then, I slept from 1:30-6:15. That’s a lot of sleep. So, I hurried and got ready and got a venti Pike with one pump of pumpkin at Starbucks and it was so good!

One night for dinner this week I had the skinny pizza dough pizza. Yum!

It’s hard to believe it’s already Labor Day weekend! What are your plans?

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

P.S. – It’s been a hard time with a lot of sadness. I am thinking of you if your heart is heavy from everything our country is going through.

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Erica, my co-worker, made this dish again! So many people wanted this recipe last time I talked about it. Just kidding, I think two people wanted it. So, here we go. I dubbed this “restaurant quality” which is the highest compliment I give.

Doesn’t this look good?

You need:

zucchini spiralized (you can buy it pre-made in the store if you don’t have a spiralizer) – 2-3 depending on size

1 tsp. olive oil

3 T. reduced fat cream cheese

1 small onion

2 garlic cloves

I 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 T. water

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 cup chopped basil

4 tsp. parmesan or pecorino cheese

Do:

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet

Add onion until golden

Add garlic

Stir in tomatoes and water

Bring to a boil

Reduce heat to low and simmer 3 minutes

Add salt and red pepper flakes

Gently stir in zucchini

Increase heat to medium high and cook for 5 minutes

Stir in cream cheese until melted and remove from heat

Sprinkle with parmesan.

The first time she did it she added grilled chicken strips and this time she artichoke hearts (canned) and fresh mushrooms.

I think there are probably lots of variations you could do!

This is Erica’s fridge in her classroom where we have all of our meals for the week. I don’t have a fridge anymore because mine was from the 1950s and finally died a couple of years ago.

Isn’t this a beautiful sight? We bring in our meals on Monday and then just pick what sounds good each day for our 20 minute lunch break.

We both agreed we have never eaten better!

Let me know if you make this and I will tell Erica!

Amy

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Happy September 1st! Are you ready for all things apple? I know I will let a bit of pumpkin slip in before September leaves us. In fact, I am itching for my first taste of pumpkin coffee – maybe this weekend. At least I didn’t do it in August, right?

Sadly, The Style Six is no more, but I will continue to share what I am wearing on Wednesdays. It’s not always exciting, but it’s what I really wore. Some look bad, some look o.k., and they are all ruined by a mask! Ha!

Last Wednesday I wore these consignment Matilda Jane crops, this consignment blouse, and my metallic lace ups.

Thursday I wore my newish TJ Maxx top. I love the print, but the material is weird and a bit hot. I knew better than to accept a not perfect material. The skirt is LulaRoe and handed down from a co-worker and I wore my metallic clogs. I felt great in this but I think it looks frumpy. I don’t know that a 5’4 person can pull off a long skirt. I look tired and I am still having the issue of fuzzy pictures.

Friday I got tons of compliments on my “fit” but looking back at the photo I don’t know. I wore my leopard sneaks that were like 90% off in the spring coming in at $12 I think. I have on an Old Navy skirt and a Steinmart leopard blouse.

Friday night I wore this to dinner and the concert. Finally a photo that is clear.

Monday I went simple with this blouse and my trusty black pants along with my red clogs.

And, yesterday I wore this TJ Maxx blouse with tiny leaves on it with another pair of consignment Matilda Janes and my gold Tieks that are also from consignment.

Now I am wondering if my tripod is moving my phone? You’re welcome for such a professional blog! Ha!

And, you have heard this story most likely but I found 3 pairs of Tieks at one of my consignment stores years ago. They were $30 ish each.

Some people are bothered by the big toe showing and there is a trick where you put some moleskin on the inside to hide it.

I feel pretty certain that people know I have big toes so I am o.k. with it.

I love the turquoise bottom.

They are really good flats if you are a flat person. So are Rothy’s. I really want another pair of Rothy’s!

Also, I made a purchase. I love Aerie lounge stuff. Yes, I am at the Soma age, but I like Aerie, o.k.?

I ordered this and it is perfection. I put it on after school everyday this week. It has pockets!

What have you been wearing lately? Buying lately?

Any favorite outfits above? I haven’t repeated a school outfit yet, but I plan to soon. I just want to make sure I am wearing all of my dresses before they look out of season!

Happy hump day!

Amy

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

I have done this type of post before, but this trip I bought some new to me things so I thought I would share.

Are you a Costco member? Sam’s Club? Other warehouse store?

Do I think they save you money? Not really! We do buy our dog food here for a much better price, but there are tons of tempting things so I don’t know how much we truly save.

It’s a bit overwhelming!

We buy our toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, etc. here, too. It’s just nice to not have to think about that stuff very often. For all of these products, I love the house brand Kirkland.

I bought this fruit container for $10. Tom thinks pre-cut fruit tastes funny. I kinda forgot and bought it but we have been eating it.

I bought these adorable little cucumbers. If you want to make pickles these would be great. I have been dipping them in a Greek yogurt dip.

I love to keep frozen green beans on hand and the skinny ones are my favorite.

This fish looked good for an easy meal.

These veggies are really good! They really do retain their fire roasted flavor.

I enjoy having some type of sausage for a sheet pan supper.

In an effort to add more protein, I have been having two of these again for my breakfast with my veggie mixture and my low carb egg easserole.

Tom is a big fan of anything honey mustard.

And, that’s about it from this trip! Did you want to see my dog food? Ha!

Do you have any Costco faves? I feel like they have new products each time I go.

Pro Tip: Costco is a great place for Christmas shopping! If you see something, buy it because it won’t last long. They had Hunter boots this weekend for a great price!

Amy

August 30, 2021

It’s hard to believe we only have two more days left of August! I am linking up today with Heather and many more here.

How was your weekend?

Friday night Tom and I had concert tickets so we left home a bit early to try to find some dinner near the venue. We ended up at a Louisville classic called Come Back Inn.

We split a salad and some bruschetta and a pasta that was not good.

The concert was in a new to us space.

There were no bad seats in the house. We saw Paul Thorn and his fan base was probably 60-75. Tom and I were the youngest ones there, we think!

The lady in the hat was having a really good time. She made at least 10 trips to the bar and was trying to get everyone to dance with her.

We got home around 10 and I was tired!

Saturday morning I did a much needed Costco run.

I also cleaned most of the house and did my September mantle. I just put fake apples in the vases, found red books, and gathered my copper mug and Tom’s copper horseshoe.

Jack and Mason came home to hang out together and to spend the night.

I ran out to Bath and Body to get apple hand soap and

an apple candle. I dedicate September to all things apple!

I also put these burlap apples in a bowl along with a couple of the plastic red ones. I love this matching bowl and tray for fall.

For dinner, we have a Cane’s and a Chick Fil A across the street from each other so I got both. I finally tried a CFA nugget in the Cane’s sauce because I have been saying I was going to try it.

My modified meal: grilled nuggets, my pickles from home, my baked potato.

We watched Kim’s Convenience together and later on Saturday night the boys watched a Gilmore Girls with me.

Sunday morning I did my two meals for lunches this week – egg roll in a bowl and a Mexican mixture not pictured.

Then, I had a college girls brunch at Wild Eggs.

I had a mimosa and the farmer’s market skillet.

The rest of the day I did a bit more meal prep, watched some tv with Jack, and was just lazy. It was really hot this weekend so I didn’t want to be outside much!

We have a five day week and then it will be Labor Day weekend, which is also Jack and Mason’s 19th birthday weekend! Our weather is supposed to get much cooler this week.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy