Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

December 31, 2024

I mean, as I sit here thinking about my year I can’t help but feel so blessed. I had some very hard things happen, but it will also be a year I remember for all the good things, too. Some highlights were my twins getting college degrees, adopting a new puppy, and our trip to Spain. Some hard things were the loss of our old Ernie boy and my mom’s very serious condition and hospital stay in July.

Want to take a walk down memory lane with me? If not, that’s ok. It was a fun post for me to write. It was cathartic, too, as I shed some tears while writing. I may have said this before but I am really quick to tear up these days. I am also quicker to laugh because I don’t take myself or life too seriously.

I had to spend a lot of time at home this year because of Ernie and then Eddie Otis. That’s ok. There are seasons for staying home more and seasons for leaving the house more.

I had trouble editing photos on this post, so it is without many photos I had planned.

January – I was riding a high after getting Mason back to the US from him study abroad in England. We returned from our trip on December 29th and then I had a couple of weeks with him home before he moved back on campus for his final semester. Jack continued to live at home for his last semester.

We had one good snow and that would be it, sadly.

Februrary – Mason and I did a coffee shop date at least one time on a Saturday. Ernie was starting to really slow down after about the year mark of his cancer diagnosis.

March – on the second of the month we said goodbye to Ernie. Our vet could not have been more compassionate and as sad as I was it was an absolute honor to be there with our boy to comfort him. The rest of March was sad but Tom and I spent a lot of time together and got out of the house a lot.

April – I had spring break and spent it at home and Tom was ready for another dog in the house. We adopted Eddie Otis and he and I spent the final day of Spring Break – Eclipse Day – together. The rest of April was crazy with both of us coming home from work to let pup out.

May – Thankfully the college semester ended and we had puppy help! No, but it was also sad because it was the end of an era. I truly miss the small liberal arts college that my kids attended in our city. I loved the ability to go to performances and events so easily. Don’t overlook the colleges that are close to home because you can still live on campus and have “the college experience”. Of course, it depends on the kid and their needs.

June – We celebrated a niece graduating high school in Columbus, OH.

July – We boated! My mom got very, very sick. My sisters and I came together and helped manage her hospital stay and her transition back home. She quickly got back on her feet by the end of July when one sister and I had to get ready to go back to school. The other sister still had a couple of weeks.

August – I headed back to school at the most crazy early date of my career. I think I was in my classroom on August 2nd.

September – Twins turned 22! We left for Spain! A dream come true!

October– We were in Spain until October 5th and really nothing else matters. I did all the fall activities I could do!

November – I had my birthday! We celebrated Thanksgiving.

December– We had a lovely Christmas! In the weeks leading up, I did all the festive things I could. I wore all the festive clothing and accessories I have. I had fun!

I learned a lot in 2024. I have so much more to learn! Thank you for being such a big and happy part of my 2024!

Amy

Monday, December 30, 2024

It’s such a nice feeling to have until January 6th off from work! Yes, it’s hard to get out so late – December 20th – but my sister put it this way – the longer you have off before Christmas the more Christmas errands and prep you will do and you could have time to add more to your plate and spin your wheels. The time you have off after Christmas can be for relaxation and house projects and non-Christmas things. Sister Kate is very wise, no?

I hope that Sarah and Holly are doing their link-up today!

We left off on ye old blog with Friday Favorites and we had gotten to the end of Christmas Day.

The day after Christmas was the day we were gathering at my mom’s house in Indiana. My mom spent Eve and Day with Molly’s family and they brought her back. My other sister Kate was coming from Ohio.

We literally have to go over the Ohio River, so this works…

Somebody thinks he’s a lap dog. One of my students thinks EO’s tongue is too long. Lol!

EO is a great car rider. He would have slept the whole hour in the way back of the family truckster but Tom stopped for a bathroom break (yay – it’s him now that always has to stop and not me!) and that got EO excited. He was very concerned about his people getting out of the car.

EO was also an angel at Grandma’s house again like he was at Thanksgiving. Cousin Ezra (Kate’s lunchmeat dog – as Tom calls him is very aggressive toward EO but EO remains calm). Ezra is only about 10 pounds.

We took some silly sister pics on the porch:

Do you think we look alike? I am the oldest and the floral print is Kate (the middle) and the green is Molly (the baby).

We did a pasta bar and I made bowtie alfredo:

It has cajun seasoning on it. And, I made some roasted broccoli that was criticized for its smell and small amount. Lol.

All the carbs…

We did white elephant gifts with a game involved and then my mom gave her gifts out and we gave my mom gifts but that is all we do by way of gift giving and it’s great!

I had changed my Christmas mani to this:

So fresh and so clean!

We had a really nice day with my side of the family in Indiana. The next day we were supposed to go to Tom’s parents but there was illness afoot at their house so it was cancelled. We were literally walking out the door all four of us and Eddie Otis when we found out.

So, Tom and did some returns we needed to do and then I did an errand on my own and talked on the phone to a couple of people I needed to get caught up with. Then, we really didn’t do much the rest of the day. Tom and I are watching Bad Sisters so we watched a couple of episodes. Then, we got Thai for dinner.

Pad Thai with chicken:

I watched a movie in Spanish and stayed up too late, but still got up early on Saturday morning.

It was only 52 so EO and I started our day on the patio!

I don’t want to be materialistic, but I want to share a few special gifts that I received this year. My former student went to college and started making the preppy leather monogram belts with a friend. It morphed into a business with a store in both Louisville and Charleston, SC! I loved this kid and he took AP Spanish! The store is called Clayton and Crume. I have wanted a bag for years – years, I tell you!

Look what Tom did and I didn’t even really tell him.

I did tell him I wanted to replace my glittery Kate Spade studs and he did that, too.

And, look what my mom got me! I’m so excited!

And, then Tom got sick with what he thought was a sinus infection. Spoiler…he was sick all weekend. He logged a lot of hours in the chair but he did go and take Eddie Otis on some walks when he wasn’t in the chair.

I had plans so off I went on Saturday morning at 10 in this ‘fit.

I met my friend Victoria at Con Huevos and we talked for 3 hours! We hadn’t seen each other since September probably so we had a lot to catch up on.

I went home and lacked motivation to clean and do laundry and put holiday things away. Eddie Otis is super advanced so around 4:00 he grabbed his margarita for happy hour.

Since he isn’t 21, I met my friend Heather at Mojito and we both had a mojito. When in Cuba…

And, their plantain chips and guac are to die for. And, my former student waited on us! A former student worked at Con Huevos and came over to say hi there, too. They’re everywhere I tell ya.

I came home after happy hour and started the Holiday Touchdown Kansas City Chiefs movie – lol.

Sunday morning I did the walk with EO because Tom was in the bed. He finally got up and EO got another walk.

I literally did nothing Sunday until about 2:00 and then I went to TJ Maxx and the store was so empty of merch. I’ve never seen it that empty! I didn’t buy anything. Then, I did a grocery pick up and made this chili:

And, now I am writing this blog post.

Anyone have any other movie suggestions? Shows? Books? Let me know!

How was your weekend? Did you continue the celebrations?

Amy

Friday, December 27, 2024 – I think? I have lost track of all days of the week and dates!

With my Hello Monday post, I left off Sunday morning…

Sunday afternoon,

Tom and I went to check out an area called Paristown for their Fete de Noel – some huts with things you can buy a la German Christmas market, a skating rink, a fire pit, and a food hall that is there all year round. A lady offered to take our picture so we said yes! Notice Tom’s head and hand. He saw an alpaca booth and I’ve never seen this man buy something so fast. He is so happy with his new alpaca beanie and scarf. Treat yo’self, Tom.

It was small, but cute and now my curiosity has been satisfied. It was really cold out, too!

I suggested Drake’s for lunch and we lucked out and got to sit by the big fireplace that wasn’t lit…

I asked the host if we could sit by the fireplace and he failed to mention it wasn’t currently a working fireplace. Lol.

Anyway, I had a mimosa. I had hoped to get something at the festival, but I didn’t see anything I wanted.

Anyway, we had a nice afternoon and then came home and didn’t need any dinner! We watched tv and relaxed and we were both really excited to not have work the next day!

Monday I went to Trader Joe’s right when it opened followed by World Market.

I was lazy most of Monday after those errands and then later in the afternoon I went to a bookstore to get my last thing I needed. The traffic wasn’t bad and there weren’t too many people.

I did pretty well with a couple of errands Saturday and Monday – I enjoyed being out in the hustle and bustle but it wasn’t stressful at all because I didn’t pack too much in and I timed it right, I guess. I felt happy to be out.

This was my Monday shopping ‘fit.

I really did get ready and make my holiday errands a fun thing this year. Maybe this is the secret I have been searching for. Well, 90% of my gifts were sent to me in the mail so that helps one be more calm and joyful, right?

Monday afternoon I made cookies – not very holiday but my kids are purists when it come to baked goods. And, I made a simple dinner of the best hot dogs you will ever have from Fresh Market, baked beans, and Kraft mac and cheese. Tom and I started the next season of Bad Sisters on Apple, too. I didn’t accomplish all of my baking list, but I do still have more of break and it might happen.

Monday night I found out that our Eve plans changed. I misunderstood that one kid did have to work until 5 and was only singing in church for the 8:00 service. The other kid had to work 12-5. So, we had to remain flexible, I guess. We had plans to go out to eat on Eve and then go to the 8:00 service.

Even though they live at home, we are rarely all home at the same time. They are really busy with work and social lives right now which is great.

So, it felt like a real treat that we all got to be in the same car and got to go eat at The Irish Rover on Christmas Eve. I wanted to channel a bit of the British simplicity and vibe and this is as close as we’ve got! It also happened to be on the same street as the church we were attending so it worked out well.

So cute, right? Tom said my fish and chips looked like a baby foot. After that, I couldn’t unsee it.

One of us got Welsh rarebit, two got fish and one got stew and it was wonderful.

Tom sitting by the fireplace taking it all in…

Then we headed off to the lovely little church…

It was such a beautiful service!

Eddie Otis slept in until almost 8! Then, he watched me make monkey bread.

We got home so late on Eve that we decided to wait on the somewhat traditional new pajamas. This year I went with fleece pants and hoodies and they immediately put them on and wore them all day so that was nice. And, they posed for a photo!

We had also waited on our new tradition of:

It was a big hit. Everyone got a nice chocolate bar – Lindt and Milka – and a book – except mine was a library book that I wrapped up – lol! I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one for myself even though I did look.

Tom got Greenlights and then wanted us to know how much they look alike. I am going to read Tom’s book and already started it.

I think we will continue the book and chocolate because everyone loved it so much. Also, the kids bought each other an additional book when they were out shopping together so that was sweet.

Eddie Otis was so good! He got a giant Lambie and a pack of cigarettes. He really loves toys and was happy to play with them while we opened presents. My kids were so sweet and appreciative of what we got them. They got a lot of food items in their stockings this year! Ha!

He’s a smoker now.

Our kids used their gifts and spent the whole day hanging out together. For lunch we had charcuterie and Eve leftovers.

Tom got me lots of great magazines in my stocking and it was mild out so I got to do one of my favorite things!

I sat on the patio quite a bit and Tom took EO on a long walk. Then, I started cooking.

We had dinner around 5:30…

I made salmon, bought an already cooked beef roast from Trader Joe’s (that was actually really good!), made my own horseradish sauce, Hasselback potatoes, brussels sprouts with balsamic, and popovers. And, I made a salad with homemade dressing.

The inside of the popover:

After dinner, Tom and I walked EO and enjoyed looking at the lights.

It was a really nice day with just the four of us! Was it perfect? No! Was it good? Yes!

This…

really gave me some food for thought this year. I know. I know. You are tired of hearing about it. But, I really wanted to be intentional and control what I could control this year. This book helped with that. I was sad to not be in England and Scotland like last year but also happy to be home this year (pros and cons). This can be a hard stage with kids this age. I had some hurts, disappointments, and stresses with family lest you think all is perfect in my world – it’s definitely not. But, I enjoyed the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and did some festive activities. I watched so many holiday movies and I didn’t run myself ragged with all the preparations. I did my share of overthinking – when will I stop doing this? Never – most likely! But, I wore my festive clothes and my red lipstick. I had my toes painted red even though no one saw them out in the wild. And, I hope I showed the most important people in my life how much I love them.

Amy

Monday, December 23, 2024

Hi everyone! How are we feeling? I have decided I am going to post today and Friday – or at least that is the plan for now!

Let’s go back to Wednesday of last week just to see the outfit for our “Let It Snow” – Dress in silver, blue, white and sparkle spirit day.

Thursday was holiday accessory day and I just had my headband and earrings with my Christmas tree button sweater.

I didn’t do pajama day because I don’t have any holiday pajamas but I wore the above jeans again because they are literally pajama jeans! Again, they are Halara and I love them! So, I guess I am wearing jeans a lot now!

Friday night we had a party to go to – my friend Beth of Host It Notes – created a tacky pop up bar in her basement and wait til you see the results! It was just as good as any bar or even better. She did such a good job!

Since it was a tacky party, I wore this again!

I think we can all safely say I have gotten a lot of wear out of my holiday capsule wardrobe.

The fun started at the door with a sign that said, “Come in, ya filthy animals”…

These were edible pretzel stick cigarettes!

It was so fun! I was soooo tired, though! Parties on Friday nights are hard for me!

Saturday morning I was up and at ’em and I started making puppy chow!

I had a goal of getting out of the house by 9:45 to be at the stores at 10 at the shopping center I wanted to go to. I channeled my Fiona Ferris and got my holiday flavored coffee, by bag with the red and green strap and I decided to go casual with my green ball cap and athleisure…

The crowds weren’t bad and I was successful with my list. The last thing on my list was to go in the new Fresh Market in the shopping center. It is beautiful and different from the one closer to my house.

And, yes, I spent too much money! Fresh Market will do that to you.

I went home and made Chex Mix! Now from my “Baking” List I have made white chocolate Chex Mix, Chex Mix, and Puppy Chow.

Then, I watched the entire movie of Love Actually at long last. I never really got it because I never had watched the whole thing. Please don’t shame me in the comments. It is so freaking good!

My second pair of Halaras came in! Merry Christmas to me! Don’t you love the holidays when you can shop for yourself and make it look like you are shopping for others? I ordered the light black/grey and I sized down this time. They didn’t have the weird gas smell and they arrived very quick compared to the last pair. I guess the gas smell takes longer to arrive? I decided that Tom and I needed a fancy dinner – fancy for us – out. Well, we left a bit too late and realized everyone and their brother was doing the same! We drove down our favorite street and it was packed.

I wore my black silk button up and my black fur vest. Monochromatic, I guess. I do have on my Prosecco red and green earrings and I carried my fun clutch with a bee and red and green.

So, Mexican never lets you down.

Tom is an enigma. He acted like he had never been to a Mexican restaurant before and he studied this menu from cover to cover.

I ordered something I have never had before called “Fiesta Bonita” and it was indeed a pretty party in my belly. I could only eat a third but it was rice, chicken, shrimp, and cheese and my leftover kid Mason is gonna love it.

And, Tom ordered tortilla soup after all that studying. It was the biggest bowl of soup either of us had ever seen and he brought most of it home, too!

When we got home, I said it’s time for Hallmark – see ya! I watched A Paris Christmas Waltz and enjoyed seeing my Glee actor in it. I really loved Glee for awhile. Did you watch it?

I went to bed at 9:30 after staying up too late on Friday night. Sunday morning I had my coffee with my devotional and then it was time to study the playbook again. See my notes sticking out? Lol.

And, that’s all I’ve got for you!

Check out the Mel Robbins “Let them” theory if you are struggling. It’s really empowering!

You do not have to sacrifice yourself to please other people. You cannot be all things to all people.

Simplify. Be true to yourself.

Your home is good enough. Your food is good enough. Your wrapping is good enough. YOU are good enough.

Merry Christmas!

Amy

Friday, December 20, 2024

Oh my goodness! This is a Friday to beat all Fridays and I really should have taken off a day last week, I guess. I hate getting to this point and feeling so run down. My school district cannot think outside of the box about us getting out on any other day besides Friday. Wednesday would have been nice! Thursday is ok! Ha!

But, alas, I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites of the week. I am not sure of my posting schedule for next week, so don’t worry if I am sporadic. I am thinking I might post three times.

I really haven’t shopped in person! I did get to go to two Christmas markets but that was mainly for the looking and the activity. What would we do without Amazon? I do have a list of a few stores to get to this weekend. Tomorrow will be CRAZY! But, maybe I can go right at opening time or maybe I can be chill enough to wait until Monday. Me, chill? Nah!

I keep getting reminders of what I was doing this time last year. I was arriving in Manchester, England to see my baby! Mason had only been gone since September for semester abroad, but it felt like a long time. Travel meant I had to simplify the holiday. I didn’t do much decor in the house, zero Christmas shopping, and just got 3 days of sub plans ready to be gone from school. I keep getting emails to book the same restaurants as I did in England and Scotland this time last year.

Sunday I made these festive homemade Rice Krispie treats for the kids who make our copies. I almost never have to make my own and it frees up so much teacher time for me. I love these kids so much! We had a copy center cookie party from just our department – one of our men came up with it! A man! Incredible!

It was Sunday Funday and I took Tom to a Christmas market where he found a friend! A work acquaintance of his does beautiful woodworking and we purchased some of his wares. The market was at a brewery that used to be a greenhouse and I have mentioned it a few times.

I had German glühwein which is hot red wine and it translates to “glow wine” because you be glowing after drinking it.

I also had some German potato soup. Tom had stuffed his face with something at home so he didn’t eat anything.

Am I glowing?

Sunday also meant making some Amy McMuffins.

No real meal planning or prepping happened this week other than that. I wanted to use my Costco shortcuts!

And, one night I did a Thanksgiving meal! I had bought a box of Stove Top a long time ago. I bought turkey for sandwiches and a hot brown at Costco, and I made homemade mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.

This was also a lunch for Erica and I and I made myself laugh with my post it for her:

She had some drama this year! So, she loved it and said it was a pretty high quality Thanksgiving meal and it hit the spot at school.

One night I made frozen fish with my own homemade blackening seasoning. This would make a great little gift – a cute little container of blackening seasoning.

And, I used up the rest of the potatoes to make little wedges.

Now that I look at what I “accomplished” in the kitchen during a busy week, I’m kinda like slightly impressed. Lol.

Mason and I laughed because this little boy wants to be involved in everything. He steals the dishtowels, oven mitts, cloth napkins – if we aren’t careful.

This wig is supposed to be my hair. A boy is doing his demonstration speech on how to be me. He was so proud of it but did admit it needs a little trim. I like her hair better!

Kids are crazy and so funny! We also made a TikTok at the end of class one day this week, too, for my Sra. Spanish account.

I literally took a shower and put on my pjs at 5:30 one night and I highly recommend. When you can do it, do it.

Bad photo, but I took it to remind myself how decadent it felt to be showered and jammied before dinner!

Story Time! Do you want to hear two funny-ish stories?

Maybe they will sound teacher martyr-ish – I’m not sure.

We had a faculty meeting after school Tuesday to watch a power point about the semester; it would have been better to show going into the second semester because we just didn’t have the bandwidth to take it in. It had lots of statistics – attendance numbers, test scores, etc.

Then, we could stay even later to have a dessert bar and get our holiday gift. The dessert bar was to be provided by us! I didn’t understand that part of it until it was too late for me to bring anything.

So, let me get this straight…you want me to stay after school from 3:35-4:30 to eat a dessert I made? I can go home and eat a dessert I made, too. Just saying.

Our holiday gift was a lunch bag with our school logo on it. It was cute.

Wednesday had been advertised as a special holiday luncheon for us during our normal lunch period. We usually have a catered meal in the library with tablecloths and decor and such. As I was walking in Wednesday morning, someone said the luncheon fell through. So, someone ordered pizza but many didn’t get any because one lunch group ate too much. Then they ordered more that arrived too late. It was really sad. An email was sent that you could have someone bring you a plate of pizza for you to eat in your room if you didn’t get any!

Someone said the lunch bag was a subtle hint that you better bring your own! Ha!

A sweet student gave me a candle! I told her how much I liked this type of smell!

Wednesday also marked the 6 year anniversary of my Dad’s passing. Honestly, I have chosen to think of him more on his birthday than on his death day. But, my sweet cousin remembered and texted me. I shared the text with my mom and sisters and said, “I hope Dad leaves me a penny today”. Well, I got home from school and looked at an outdoor chair that I never pay attention to right now. It’s the farther one away from my back door, it has no cushion on it, no one has sat there for ages, and it had a dime on it! I was so happy!

My kids went Christmas shopping together this week and decided to pick out books for each other. I am not sure if they misunderstood or if they just liked that idea. I’m glad they still love and appreciate books. I picked a book for Tom that I also want to read because Tom is not a reader. I still have to find the good chocolate to add to this tradition!

Ok, well, that’s about all I’ve got in me!

What were the highlights of your week? Are you feeling good?

Amy

Thursday, December 19, 2024

This week at school we have had a holiday theme week – I was going to make my own anyway! Monday was red or green day, Tuesday was Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Wednesday was Let it Snow day with silver, white, blue, Thursday was holiday accessories day, and Friday is Christmas PJ day.

Linking up with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files today!

One day after school last week, I changed into this. I can’t remember where I went – maybe just to pick up dinner?

I have two holiday items that I can’t wear to school – the one above says ” The North Pole Cocktail Club” and my other one is my “Prosecc Ho Ho Ho” shirt so I have to wear those on weekends.. I wore my ruffle Matilda Janes and I think I already had on my fun headband from school. I slipped on my SoftWalks. Ok, ladies, I plan to get them in black, too. They are GOOD. Like better than Danskos good. Better than Birkenstocks good. For me. I have learned the feet, arches, preferences are different. These are worth the money and actually more affordable than the aforementioned brands. Here is a link if you want to check them out. I do like the ones that look more like Danskos.

This was a school outfit and I wore my black consignment jeans, red consignment knot tee from Target Universal Thread brand, my Target Christmas tree button sweater, and my headband, along with my consignment New Balances – brand new – found them about 6 years ago now. I had to proctor so I wanted to be comfortable.

What is going on with my hair? The higher the hair? I wore my Merry & Bright sweater with darker red Matilda Janes and my Gap silver mules. OMG. I literally threw the mules away after school. They were so uncomfortable. I was dying for a different pair of shoes to change into and I dehydrated myself so I didn’t have to walk in pain to the restroom.

Friday I wore jeans, Stan Smiths, white button up, and green sweater.

Friday night I wore Merry & Bright, silver skirt, pink blazer, and old Target boots. Another color footwear would have been better.

Sunday I wore Prosecc Ho Ho Ho on a day date with Tom to a brewery for a Christmas market. I added my black faux fur vest.

Here is where we start the theme week. Monday was red or green day and I wore my old red velvet top with my black silk slip skirt and Sambas. I was comfy and liked my outfit!

It was a rainy day!

On Jenn’s rec, I ordered a pair of Halara jeans. They were very reasonably priced but they did take about 2 weeks to reach me and then they had a bit of a gasoline smell? What is that?

This is the model I ordered;

I ordered the short length as I am 5’4 and you can see without shoes that they are still long but with shoes they are fine. I could cut the hem and fray it.

Here they are styled with a slight heel:

I wore these old boots:

They are the brand Sanita and I need to wear them more. They do require me to use a shoe horn to get them on and off and that has been a deterrent.

Anyway, I freaking love the jeans! They are so comfortable! I promptly ordered another pair in a washed out black/gray color. They are pull on and have no zipper or button but have front and back pockets.

I threw them in the wash so I could wear them again this week!

Do you have a favorite outfit? Are you also thinking I am going to be sick of my festive attire soon? Ha!

Amy

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

It’s Wednesday and time to link up with Joyce for her fun hodgepodge!

1. What’s one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

I probably say this every year, but…declutter. I hope to have some time and motivation to go through some spaces and get some donations together.

2. What’s something that brought a smile to your face this year?

So much! I am thinking of writing a 2024 in review post. My sweet old dog Ernie in the last 3 months of his life, my new puppy Eddie Otis, my kids, Tom, my students, my friends, pretty scenes in nature and out and about. I am quicker to tears these days but I think I am also quicker to smiles, if that makes sense?

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety? 

Cheese! Dips! I am an appetizer person, for sure. I am into Nut Thins and Triscuit thins right now. Have you seen that funny meme about Triscuits? “I always wondered what it would taste like to chew on a wicker chair” or something like that?

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

I don’t think I have stayed up until midnight in a few years. The last few we have gone to dinner with our best friends and been home well before midnight. It’s midnight somewhere, right? This looks interesting to me for this year:

5. What are three words that describe your 2024? 

Oh gosh that is hard – change, bravery, mindset?

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I had no gifts purchased as of December 7th and now I am almost done. It always comes together. I wasn’t stressed at all. Isn’t that a metaphor for life…”it always comes together”.

What would you say to one of the hodgepodge questions?

Amy

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

I decided to share this in case it can help anyone! I use the term “baking” very loosely.

I will include my recipes to help you, too!

I started making a list in my phone memo and then I ordered the ingredients from my last Kroger pick up and from Amazon. I cannot find bagel chips in my Kroger!

I love to make Chex Mix at the holidays because we have more time at home to watch movies and snack. Homemade is just so much better than the kind you can buy. I am using pretzel sticks, bagel chips, peanuts, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex. Have you ever heard it called “Nuts and Bolts”. I had not and it made me chuckle.

I want to try Melanie Shankle’s recipe below for chocolate chip cookies. My kids are purists and love the Nestle Recipe but maybe I can fool them? I am intrigued by the raw sugar and purchased it to try in this recipe. The Ghirardelli chips are next level! I had to peek, but have not made the recipe yet.

White Chocolate Chex Mix – I would almost rather have a little cup of this than a cookie. Are you like that, too?

Puppy Chow – lol. I did buy Crispix cereal rather than using a Chex cereal.

Peanut Butter Blossoms – why are these so good?

Pretzel Rolo Candies with red and green M & Ms.

Pink meringues because it’s tradition.

I don’t plan to have one big baking day, but to make things when I feel like it.

Do you have a baking list?

Amy

monday, december 16, 2024

my left shift key doesn’t work unless I really, really hit it hard. not sure I have the energy or the desire to use the shift key on the right. are we ok with that?

linking up with Sarah and Holly, by the way!

this picture from friday kinda foreshadowed the weekend to come. how honest should I be? let me think about that.

Erica brought us chicken breast and a steak knife to cut it for lunch. I wrote “Friday the 13th with a week left” on my photo…

I’m kind of scaring myself and the forehead wrinkles and lines are super scary…

If you peeped my nail, here is the leftover press on from exactly a year ago…

I was able to get another mani out of it and it makes me quite happy! You can usually get two manis out of one box. The boxes range from $6-$10.

It was hard to find a time to go a holiday happy hour with Elizabeth and Erica before everyone got busy with holiday stuff. We went to Osteria at 4:00 but had to leave by 5:15 – it was better than nothing! And, we shared their frites!

Changed into this for the next thing…

I kept the pink blazer off most of the night and wore my Merry & Bright sweater with my silver sequin skirt. The boots aren’t the best, but they were ok.

Eric and Heather picked us up and we went to NULU to a cajun place that has a speakeasy in the basement. The bartender was named Joe and put on a show. He rhymed the whole time.

Did you see what I did there?

We got espresso martinis and one for our other Heather. She and her husband Scott arrived a little bit after us.

Then, Tom gets a call that Mason has blown a tire on the highway. Eric wouldn’t take NO for an answer and drove Tom to Mason. Scott decided that he had a long day anyway and left Heather to have a girls’ night. So, what was supposed to be a holiday table for 6 with a visit to the holiday pop up bar in the next block after became a girls’ dinner for 3 with a distracted Amy.

The bread they brought us:

parmesan risotto:

Pizza and cajun fries:

We all shared and then Tom and Eric came back to pick us up even though we said we could Uber. We offered to order them to go food but they both declined.

Saturday morning and it was time for all the chores and all the errands. Tom gets Eddie Otis out of the house which is great but it means that I usually spend all my puppy free time working.

Also, we had tires to buy! So, I helped with the drop off and picking up of the car and stopped at the library nearby after.

Look at their fire themed shelf! “Stay warm, folks” picks:

I also had to take in the book EO ate and pay for it.

Tom wanted to do Costco with me so we went together. I ripped our list in half and we got two carts. There were so many people. Where do they come from? It was miserable.

One kid was home and I made bowtie alfredo with cajun seasoning for him and Tom had a leftover lunch from the week of chicken pot pie. I had the bagged salad we got at Costco.

And, popcorn…

I felt like I deserved it by the time I sat down. It was a day full of adulting!

Sunday morning it was raining and mild…

More chores, more organizing, and chocolate chip pancakes!

And, it’s all good. I have so much to be thankful for.

What about you?

Amy

Friday, December 13, 2024

It’s Friday and link up day with Andrea and Erika!

Here is an eclectic mix of things I loved this week!

Boy, do I need this reminder each day to live in the moment and not wish each part of the day, the week, the month, and the year away. I have really been into quotes this week. Did you see my Tuesday Inspo post?

But, yes, I live for that 3:20 bell and especially for that 3:20 bell on Friday! Ha!

I know, I know, but I am enjoying my holiday creamers in my coffee at home! Frosted Gingerbread and Peppermint Mocha are this week’s selections. Because I am crazy like that, I have one of each each morning! Do not forget about a frother as a Christmas gift option. It has made me so happy and I could probably use an upgrade!

I have also started using Vital Proteins in my coffee. Anyone else? Have you noticed any positive changes? I didn’t realize there was so much protein in a serving so I think it’s also helping me to up my protein.

I placed a Target.com order for a couple of holiday sweaters – the green fuzzy Christmas tree looking one and the Merry & Bright one – and Mrs. Meyer’s. It amazes me how happy these make me. I have peppermint soap and cleaner for this month and snowdrop soap and cleaner for January. Remember that I am trying to embrace and love January?

I bought a box of Swiss Miss hot chocolate and mini marshmallows and have enjoyed it immensely in the afternoon a couple of times this week. I use my electric tea kettle to give me the hot water. That would be another great gift to give someone along with your favorite tea.

I was thrilled Sunday to be able to sit outside with it and my book and my blanket. I am asking for a new cozy blanket to help with my January hygge goals.

And someone staring at me…

Sunday night was a bust. I wanted to see the Christmas boat parade on the river but Tom wasn’t feeling great. We got to see some launch but didn’t go to the place with the best view.

I did see some Facebook photos the next day and would like to see more of this event next year, perhaps!

I was able to start my day on the patio Monday and Tuesday because of milder temps.

Does anyone else have the baby Solo Stove. We can only keep it going for about 5 minutes. I would say that would be a great gift, but I can’t keep it going. We do love our big boy sized Solo Stove and that works great.

My Spanish 3 had to make PSA posters for the hallways and some are so artistic!

Aren’t they cute? I smile when I walk down the hallways and see them. I let them pick where to hang them.

OK, the name is dorky, but this series on Netflix was good enough that I binged all the episodes in two nights.

I loved Anise and Suzane especially and they are great models for growing older with style and class. And, the dating coach Logan has the most incredible head of hair!

I can’t explain this but I love when my weather app uses the word “drizzle”.

And, then I woke up Wednesday to a dusting of snow!

Bedroom pencil tree – tacky but cute!

I am taking earlier showers and putting my Walmart jammies from last year on. I bought three pairs of Christmas pjs that are long sleeved tops and pants (with pockets!) They are too hot to sleep in so I just use them as lounge wear. I have my only pair of fuzzy socks for the holiday and my Christmas blanket in this photo, too!

Another meeting this week with a snack bribe. The Chex Mix in the cute snowman holder was nice, though. Yes, the meeting could have been an email!

My co-worker brought me an afternoon tea and it made my day! She keeps a kettle at school and I gave her these cups as a gift.

I have been trying to go out on Wednesdays to break up my weekly monotony of school, home, school, home – and I understand that some people would love to only have to go to work and then home! It’s been good for me to do something once a week, though. This week it was so, so, so cold on Wednesday so I merely went out to our favorite Mediterranean food place with Mason. He was home that day and we actually looked through some cookbooks together while sipping my cocktail testing for the holidays. Then, he went with me to pick out some food for dinner. We are trying to explore the menu and not just get our standby. We picked fried cauliflower – it seemed grilled, though, as there was no breading -and it came with two dipping sauces and it was fabulous! We also got stew, rice, salmon, and lavash rolls.

This is super random, but in a corner of the restaurant is a Cuban bakery and their stuff is literally works of art. We got a piece of opera cake and it was so good. Have you heard of opera cake? It’s a little like tiramisu which they also had. I should have taken a photo of their bakery case.

I told Mason about this and we decided we are going to incorporate it.

I plan to go to a locally owned book store but I’m not sure where to get really good chocolate. World Market? Our locally owned candy shop? Let me know if you have a favorite brand recommendation.

What was the highlight of your week? 3:20 Friday, baby!

Amy