Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

It’s time for Hodgepodge with Joyce today! Let’s go!

1. How do you feel about the transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine? 

Well, now that I am retired, it’s different. I have to be mindful of the school traffic in the morning and afternoon, but I am seeing less traffic during the day so that has been nice. This is only my second year to not have to transition from lazy summer days to a busier fall routine, so I’m still adjusting, for sure.

I was already ready to call summer over each year as school started. I knew I could still do “summer things” after school and on the weekend, but I had already transitioned, if that makes sense. Also, I wanted summer to be over if I couldn’t “summer”. Haha.

2. Your favorite cookie? 

A classic chocolate chip cookie but bonus points if it has sea salt on top. I don’t like nuts so that is a sure way for me to save some calories. I won’t touch a cookie with a nut.

3. What’s something you’ve learned from a culture different than your own? 

I would say I have learned the most from the Spanish and the German cultures as I have spent the most time in those two countries. I love how the Spanish love their families and linger over meals. The Germans are organized and also spend time around a table with their families. Neither culture eats meals in the car. Both walk as a mode of transportation. We have so much to learn from other cultures but also our cities aren’t set up the same with respect to walkability.

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic…which hat would you most like to wear? Tell us why. 

I think I would be best at food critic or book critic. I don’t think I could really do either because I wouldn’t want to eat just anything and I would feel bad criticizing something someone made. I also wouldn’t want to read books I didn’t want to read, and I would feel bad criticizing something someone wrote.

5. What’s a small, random thing from your childhood that you still remember clearly? 

Gosh! What don’t I remember? I remember some super random things.

My mom found these tiny chocolate chip cookies, and I remember us playing with them and “feeding” them to our dolls.

We took an epic train trip from Chicago to Seattle and my mom bought us “train pants” – comfortable navy blue “slacks” to hide any stains acquired while on the train.

My mom announced that we were doing a spring break called “Wander Indiana” which was also the Indiana marketing slogan for a bit. We lived in southeast Indiana and if we went south we were in Kentucky, by the way. We had no itinerary or reservations and just got in the car, and she told my dad to drive north. I really can’t remember what we did but I think we found some Amish country and thought that was cool.

We had jackets with travel patches sewed on them. I will have to find a picture. I guess we bought a patch from every place we visited and then my mom sewed them on a nylon windbreaker jacket.

We almost always got McDonald’s at least once while on our road trips and my dad was annoyed that Kate had to order a plain cheeseburger and hold us up. He very rarely got mad at anything but this was a thorn in his side. Kate was the picky eater. Now she is the one who is the most adventurous with her palate.

Oops, sorry. I just kept remembering things.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Continuing in the vein of number 5…

I probably remember a lot because of all the photos. My mom took so many photos. She even taught photography as part of her art teaching career. I am so grateful for these photos now.

I am also grateful for all the amazing things my parents did for us. They took us to so many museums, plays, and festivals. They took us to see our extended family at least twice a year without fail. One side was 3 hours away and the other was 6 hours away. I realize now that this wasn’t easy, but it was why we still have great relationships with our aunts, uncles, and cousins.

They really gave us experiences and encouraged us to spread our wings and we did. We went alone to camps and on organized trips with church and school. Kate went to a cycling camp. I went out west with my church group for two weeks on a bus. I went to Spain for a month-long homestay program at 17. Molly studied abroad in Holland, and I studied abroad in Spain. They gave us such a great childhood.

Dangit, Joyce, I’m going to get the Kleenex!

Amy

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Happy Fashion Files Day! What have you been wearing lately? You can’t talk about clothing without talking about the weather, no? We have had some temps in the 80s rather than the 90s and it’s been nice. The mornings have actually been cool!

Here is what I’ve been wearing since we last talked…

I wore this to my hair appointment last week. This is my brown with white trim top from TJ Maxx, my new white linen Target pants that came in short length – woohoo – and I must tell you that I returned these Amazon sandals. They just weren’t comfortable enough to justify keeping. I do want this style of sandal, so let me know if you have a recommendation. But, also, do I have other shoe options that would work with this outfit – yes.

I wore my trusty Aerie cut offs and my Old Navy navy blouse with my consignment Reef flip flops one day to run an errand. Both the blouse and the cut offs have proven to be great purchases from late spring/early summer. How happy are you when you made a good purchase that you have worn a lot? I am quite happy about it!

I wore this to meet my former student for lunch. It had cooled off a bit like I mentioned and I am loving my newly repaired zipper in these jeans. These are my only Halara jeans that button and zip. The others are pull on. I love the fun piping down the leg. I wore my TJ Maxx blouse from spring and my old heeled Dr. Scholl’s buckle sandals.

For dinner on a patio on Saturday night, I wore this:

I figured this outfit’s days are numbered as we close out August. It’s my Old Navy skort that is a fun summer print, my white blouse, and my gold Aerie dressier? flip flops. This skort also turned out to be a great purchase and I had fun wearing it this summer.

For Saturday pedicure I wore this – the Aerie shorts, Hari Mari flip flops that are the best flip flops I own for pedicures, and a consignment blouse. It does require a camisole under and I usually resist buying any pieces that need another piece but I wanted a short sleeved button up and it’s been worn a lot.

I love this feature. It has a button that gets buttoned on the interior to keep your shirt from gaping. Why don’t all of them have this. I guess one could sew one’s own button on if one was so inclined to sew buttons.

I am enjoying my new navy blue with gray tones pedicure – OPI Less is Norse is the color.

I wanted to show you my earring situation. I got a second piercing at the end of college, I think. I have literally no recollection of it and I know I wasn’t drunk or anything like that, but I just don’t remember it at all which is kind of scary. I don’t even think I used it much after the first year I got the piercing. A few years ago I decided to use it again and it was still open and everything. Kids, let this be a lesson that some piercings never close up!

Extreme ear close up:

My second piercing is the wildest thing about me. I have zero tattoos.

You know by now that I am a fan of Halara and if you don’t, I will have to flunk you for reading comprehension of my blog. At first, the shipping speed was slow, and they had a weird smell that washed out after a few washes – due to the dye? Now the shipping speed is pretty fast and there is no smell. The reason I stand by this brand is that they are good quality, good fit for me, and wash well. I have literally worn each of my Halara pieces so many times now that they have been one of the biggest bargains in my closet. I saw these and they reminded me a bit of Matilda Jane:

I have not ordered any, but I am tempted. Aren’t they cute?

I ordered this blouse from Target in black and white but I will return if the fit or material isn’t perfect. I am seeing such a need for plain white and plain black short sleeved blouses! Duh, Amy! Captain Obvious! I once went to a party and a mean boy said, “Did you ride the short bus, Captain Obvious?” Also, I have been on the hunt for a short-sleeved chambray shirt and due to Kellyann’s influence, I have ordered a darling one from Belk.

Stay tuned! I know you can hardly wait to see my three blouses heading my way. Again, I wasn’t planning to shop but these feel like literal holes in my closet to help me wear other things.

From last week, I returned the brown high heeled flip flop sandals because they were just not comfortable, like I said, and I returned the black linen Target pants. I kept the smaller size in the brown polka dot pants. So, the white are a size larger than the brown polka dot. You just have to try things on. It’s frustrating that different prints can fit differently but it just happens.

I am still working on pulling out things that look too summery to pack away/move to another closet as we head into September. I am looking for the things in my closet that are summer weight but look a bit more fall or transitional. Yes, this would be considered a hobby of mine. I really enjoy rearranging and making outfits.

I’m definitely a more discerning shopper than I used to be. I’m trying not to “settle” on things that aren’t quite right.

As usual, I have been wordy, but I like to talk about the why behind the fashion.

Please join our party here or check out other entries!

What have you been wearing lately? Shopping for? Excited to wear? Tell me everything!

Amy

Monday, August 24, 2026

How was your weekend? Mine was nice. I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share a bit.

Friday I enjoyed an iced coffee – the Salty Canadian I shared Friday. I use decaf instant espresso powder so I don’t worry about too much caffeine.

While on our morning walk, I was pleased to see a full bike rack. Love that!

The leathergoods store where Mason works and whose founder was my student was having a vault sale and I wanted to see what they offered. It was great! I also ran into another former student, and it was so fun to see him!

I also enjoyed walking around this area of the city which is called NULU.

And, I went to see the new Magnolia Bakery!

I ran into a former student who is now a dentist.

I went home to Edde Otis and when Tom got home we ordered pad thai. We hadn’t had it in a long time!

This is Eddie Otis’ collection of stuffed animals that he has brought to the door to greet Daddy or when it’s time to walk or go in the car.

Friday night I watched this. It was so cute, but have a Kleenex handy.

Saturday morning I had a pedicure appointment. It had been over two months since I had my white gel pedi done.

I chose OPI Less is Norse which is a navy with gray in it. It’s not as dark as it looks here:

We had dinner out on this lovely patio with our friends Dan and Kara that evening.

The patio had water misters, but it wasn’t too terribly hot.

We had some queso and tacos.

We walked to Graeter’s after and I had toffee chip. Tom always gets black raspberry chip.

Sunday it was cool enough outside for a sweatshirt and a blanket!

I received a book in the mail Saturday and started reading it. Do you know rapper Jack Harlow? This is his mom. I taught her other son. She is a motivational speaker and writer. Tom asked if this book was written in rap. It’s not, but you are free to rap it rather than read it.

“Chobani to the left, Chobani to the right, Chobani for now, Chobani for later (pumpkin spice), so much Chobani there is hardly room for a tater”. That’s my rapping.

I guess you can tell I did a Target pick up for only Chobani? There was a deal and I am making myself save the pumpkin. Jen made me try the Cookies & Cream and I love it!

I returned two of my Target linen pants, too. The black because I don’t really need another black pant and the larger size of the polka dot. The pairs weren’t showing up with my credit card or my Target app and the price has no gone up to $30 from $21 and the cashier gave me a store credit as if I had paid $30. I told her I felt bad but she assured me that since the money goes back to Target due to store credit that I shouldn’t feel bad and it’s not my fault the purchase didn’t show up. I made $18, I guess.

I also ran by Trader Joe’s to get some things for easy dinners this week.

Jen also made me get these and I have been wanting them!

These are really good. They were an impulse purchase!

Wednesday, September 2 is our next Currently and the themes will be: Adjusting (to), Baking/Cooking, Decorating, Balancing, and Learning.

Amy

Friday, August 21, 2026

This week flew by! Did you think so, too?

Let’s link up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week.

Isn’t this tree line pretty? I enjoyed it one day with Eddie Otis. It had rained and I wanted a path for us to walk on so we got in the car and went to this tiny little park close to home.

The heat broke and it’s been cooler this week.

The school system can’t keep up with the mowing in the school yard behind our house so some neighbors cut a “path”.

Field trip! I try to take Eddie Otis in the car a few times a week and he loves the car. This week I took him somewhere almost every day!

I was picking something up and he saw these mannequins in the window and growled at them and it made me laugh. I have always been afraid of mannequins so like mother, like son.

Ah, I love a morning rain!

Hydrangea update:

I still have only gotten two blooms. I cut one and one remains on the bush. But the green bushy part is out of control and multiplying. It looks really healthy so maybe I’m just not going to get blooms this year, but the plant is still ok?

This was a joke for Tom. He never assumes I will do his errands, but I ask him if he needs anything each day. Sometimes I say, “what can I do for you today to make your life easier?” and he replies, “just be here when I get home” – lol. One day he said he was out of toothpaste, and he came home to this:

I had a much-needed hair day this week and I always enjoy talking to my stylist, too, so it’s a bonus.

Before:

After:

I got some length taken off and long layers put in and some long bangs, too.

Nail journey update:

The damage has all grown out and they are getting stronger. Yay!

I loved this book! I think it will be one of my 2026 favorites. It was just so sweet, and I loved the Chicago setting.

I started this but I had some really good requests come in so I might table it for a bit. I’m enjoying it, though!

But the other part of this photo is that I was able to sit outside for a bit because it was cooler out! You know, many of the novels that have “summer” in the title really aren’t that heavy on the summer theme, so you are able to read them whenever.

It had been a while since I had checked protein amounts, so I did a little thing this week.

Amylu sausages=12 g

One egg = 6 g

3 tbsp. egg whites = 5 g

1/4 cup cottage cheese = 6 g

I combine the egg, whites, and the cottage and make my microwave egg thing. I will say that 1/4 cup cottage cheese is a little much for my egg thingy.

So, this is 29 g of p. If I added a second egg, it would be 35 g of p. The Kroger yogurt is 13 g. I really love the Greek non-fat vanilla yogurt that is Kroger brand and it’s like 89cents right now.

Another thing I have been doing is cooking my rice in bone broth.

This is my favorite brand of electrolytes, and the lemonade salt is my new fave flavor. It’s so good!

I went to Target on Sunday and I couldn’t leave this darling little plate. It was $5 and it will be perfect for a “Spanish happy hour”.

I do a library trip weekly and look what I found on the new release shelf. It is one of my requests, so I went ahead and got it!

And this request came up for me:

Happy mail! I got two magazines in the mail this week and I am “saving” them for the weekend.

I tried a new iced coffee at home that was delish! It’s called a “Salty Canadian”!

1/2 tsp. melted butter

3 tsp. maple syrup

sea salt

2 shots espresso (I use the instant Nespresso decaf)

froth all that together or shake in a mason jar with lid

add to a cup with ice and milk of your choice

Are you ready?

I saw touches of fall while walking in my hood this week. Are you already seeing some leaves fall, too?

I put away some things that I didn’t plan to wear again this summer and I am going to pull some things for an early fall capsule/transitional wardrobe. I am also going to look at my fall decor soon but not put it out yet. So fun, right?

We still had college dorm room stuff in our basement storage room, and I decided since neither kid took this white shelf that I would add it to my closet:

I’m not sure it will stay this way – just testing it out!

I had a nice lunch with Madeleine, my former student. She is moving next week so this was our final get together! I have so enjoyed our chats this summer! We went to one of my favorite places in Louisville, Red Hog. It gives me California vibes.

We split a BLT and I had a spritz. Everything is always delicious.

Maybe this is why August is a weird month for me:

Did you read my Unpopular Opinions yesterday? Also, it’s so true that if you have the urge to shop, cleaning out your closet or your car really helps. I am team basically nothing in my car. I have an umbrella, a box of Kleenex, and my water bottle. Tom’s car has so much “gear” and “stuff” in it that he can hardly fit any people.

Ha!

And this is why you should be so nice to your teacher friends and family…

What filled your cup this week?

Amy

Thursday, August 20, 2026

I first heard of these posts from Kristin! These are things I just don’t get that others seem excited about! Now, with that being said – to each their own. People probably don’t like the things I like. That’s what keeps life interesting! I hope this makes you laugh and know that we can still be blog friends, okay? Sound off in the comments about what you just don’t “get”!

Alcoholic soft serve – it’s way too cold for me and you have to “eat it”. My sister said it has to be soooo cold because of the alcohol having to stay frozen. I literally felt like my tongue was burning. I think I got “tongue burn”. I am glad I tried it but it’s not for me.

Hey Dudes shoes – these are the ugliest shoes I have ever seen and there is nothing feminine about them. I don’t even like them on literal dudes. “Hey Dude, your shoes are ugly!”

Tall Tables – maybe it’s because I’m on the shorter side. I feel like I’m mounting a horse. I am not graceful. My legs dangle. This stranger appears to be more skilled in the art of a tall table.

This place only had tall tables.

Sushi as a meal – I would like one or two pieces as an appetizer, but I really don’t want to eat sushi as my meal. This is a new epiphany for me.

Beaver gas stations – it’s still a gas station. I don’t get it. I don’t enjoy a gas station for my shopping. I pump my gas, buy nothing else, and leave. I will admit that I have never visited a beaver gas station. Now, I am an encourager of more fun and whimsy in your life, so if this is your fun and your whimsy, go for it! But now that I heard about the situation in Beavercreek, Ohio with the big beaver suing the little beaver I will boycott the big beaver. You can’t trademark all the beavers. That’s just not right. Beavercreek, Ohio has more right to all the beavers in their business names than the Big Beaver Corporation!

Buying/ Using disposable water bottles – I think the water tastes bad and I don’t enjoy having plastic to recycle. It’s a huge waste of money and so bad for the environment. Plus, the sound they make when they are empty and being crushed is horrible to me. I was a teacher during the “flip the water bottle” phase and it was horrible. I also had someone crushing a plastic water bottle during many lessons. Some schools are now banning metal water bottles. I do get that. We had a major girl fight at my school where the two girls used Stanley cups as weaponry.

Paying $$$$$ to go to concerts – you are still so far away, and the performers look like ants, and you have to watch on a video screen anyway. Give me a smaller venue and I guess a lesser-known artist.

I saw this on social media recently:

Amazon clothes – I have had very little success. I have figured out that I need to not be super cheap on Amazon to get something good – like $30 or more. I would say an exception would be Amazon Essentials tanks and tees. I have loved that line. Otherwise, most Amazon clothing is impulse for me and ends up being returned. And, why do their brands have such weird names like “Anrabess” and “Ekouear”?

Drive thru coffee – I don’t do it much anymore so maybe that’s why the price including a tip is shocking to me now. I don’t really enjoy the paper cup or anything about the drive thru coffee experience. I usually spill it, too.

Extreme online shopping – I love getting a package in the mail, but when I have packages coming every day or several days in a row, I feel kind of gross. I don’t like what it does to me as a person. I track, I stalk, I stay home and wait for my packages. I cancel plans. Just kidding!

Outlet malls – I think they used to be better than they are now. The last time I went to one, the prices didn’t seem discounted at all. I have heard that some brands make a specific line of clothing to be sold at outlet malls.

Packing cubes – I have them. I have the compression type. I can’t seem to make them work for me. I am a roller. I roll my clothing. I feel like the cubes need a certain amount of space and rolled clothes can fit better.

Social Media Usage Between Couples – I hate when a couple shares a social media account “BenandLynn Jones”. Why? I hate when a couple holds a conversation in the comments. Don’t y’all live together? I hate public posts that could have been private. Who are you putting on a show for?

AI signs and AI photos – There is an AI template, and everyone is using it for flyers or signs. I looked for an example but couldn’t find one to share. Wardrobe Oxygen talked about why she never ate breakfast at her hotel on a recent trip. The AI poster was horrible. I couldn’t find her photo again, but the AI generated bacon looked like an animal tongue. She said it totally turned her off. Let’s use our noggins, people!

I have seen some people use AI photos of themselves on social media and act like it’s a normal photo. I just saw you in real life and you don’t look like that. I guess filters are ok, but AI just bothers me in this way.

What is an unpopular opinion of yours?

Amy

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

It’s Wednesday and our Joyce has Hodgepodge for us today!

1. August 19th is National Aviation Day…do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chosen in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio (their birthplace)?

I am a nervous flyer, but I love to travel. I hate that but it’s just what it is. The last time I flew was to Spain in 2024. My favorite part of flying is landing.

I have not been to Kitty Hawk. I have been to the Dayton National Museum of the United States Air Force and it’s super cool if you ever get a chance to visit.

My Dad learned to fly in college in the ROTC and joined the Air Force and went on to become a Lt. Colonel so it was a big part of my life.

Here are Kate and I sitting on the couch with a piece of art depicting one of the planes my Dad flew.

I think I’m sad because of my hairdo (hairdon’t).

Someone from my Dad’s Vietnam unit wrote a book about their assignment. My Dad was a forward air controller in the war.

My dad and me and notice my accessories:

We moved to Madison, Indiana from Evansville, Indiana so my Dad could be the commander of a practice bombing range but he still had to go fly fighters in Terre Haute, Indiana once a week. He would come home every Tuesday in his flight suit. How do I remember that it was Tuesdays that he flew? Here he is with Molly:

We didn’t have to move around because of this post he took in Madison. He was there from 1975 until 1992, I think? We did have to “move” to Phoenix for a few months for my dad to train on a new jet. I got to start second grade there during that time. I returned home to my second grade class at home and everyone thought I was “new” and it made me mad. I had been there for kindergarten and first grade.

We had a family trip to the Dayton museum and my dad got to show us all the planes he flew and tell us stories. Kate has video of him telling some of them. On the left is my cousin’s kid Ben, then all my dad’s grandkids – twins Mia and Miles, Lena, Nora, Mason, Jack, and Samira. Silas and Lincoln weren’t born yet.

I’m not sure where this next photo was taken because my kids are in a different outfit. Maybe we went back to the museum the next day.

Jack in a cockpit:

Mason in a cockpit:

After my Dad retired from the Air Force/Air National Guard, he was a pilot for a local chemical company and actually got to fly more and absolutely loved his “second career”. We got to see his plane at Christmas, you might remember. We got to hear some really special stories, too.

2. In what area of your life do you tend to ‘wing it’? Is this an area you should be winging? 

I still tend to wing it with cleaning. I would like to have a better schedule as I have said many a time. I try my best, but Eddie Otis comes running when I get out the broom or Swiffer. He wants to “help”. He also likes to “help” dust and tries to grab the cloth. He doesn’t ever help me with dishes which is unfortunate.

Who me?

3. A favorite book, song, or movie that relates to flight in some way?   

I love the song Fly Me to the Moon. Top Gun will always be one of my favorite movies. My cousin and I used to sing “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” all the time, too.

4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream…what’s your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge? 

If I’m going to have it, I like ice cream or gelato. I like a very small kid sized scoop. I don’t need much.

5. I never get tired of coffee, potatoes, the library, looking at my old photos.  I could go on and on!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This nephew, Miles, is becoming a pilot!

Don’t forget Currently is coming up soon. September’s themes will be: Adjusting (to), Baking/Cooking, Decorating, Balancing, and Learning. Thank you to Laura for helping me with these. Interpret these anyway you wish!

Grab this graphic if you like, thanks to Tanya:

Amy

Monday, August 17, 2026

It’s Monday and I’m retired so I love a Monday! I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly to share my weekend. How was yours? We had a heat advisory, and the river is a mess due to the storms last week. It was so hot on Saturday, but yesterday I could hardly breathe when I went outside!

Friday morning was a nice treat. I went to Con Huevos with two friends. We had a nice chat over breakfast/brunch/lunch – it was 11:00!

Breakfast tacos:

My other friend and I were boring and just did eggs, potatoes, and toast, but it hit the spot.

After that, I went home and got Eddie Otis, and we dropped off a bag at my friend’s house. I didn’t expect her to come out but she did, and we got to chat and that was nice. I overthought it and questioned my offerings multiple times, but I made strawberry muffins and truffle popcorn and bought from our bougie little market: cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, plantain chips, guacamole, and shortbread cookies. It was random but I called it “weekend treats”. I have known this friend for 26 years and we taught together for some of those. I adore her and my heart breaks for what her family is going through.

Eddie Otis and I went home and enjoyed the air conditioning!

For dinner, I got Fazoli’s take out. Tom and I used to get that a bit and then we used to take our kids there because it was kid friendly. We always got the sampler platter which had spaghetti, lasagna, and alfredo. Well, I am a better cook now and Fazoli’s is not. Anyway, it was fun to re-visit this old favorite.

We finished The Hawk and it was silly but entertaining.

Saturday was cleaning day for me. I also worked on my plants which almost all live in the mudroom. They love the light in there. I managed to get all the floors done with EO out of the house walking with Tom.

I made bagel sandwiches for brunch.

I tried to go to a coffee/tiramisu pop up at a nearby shopping center with Mason, but the line was crazy long and like I said, there was a heat advisory. Several people were holding umbrellas.

We pivoted and went to Bamboo (coffee and donuts).

Tom was outside mowing and Eddie Otis and I watched Sterling Point and I read my book.

I worked in my closet a bit and pulled out things I don’t plan to wear again this season and just shuffled some things around. This is one of my favorite things to do!

We watched some Top Gun on tv and then the new Top Gun came on and then our friends called to see if we wanted to meet at the nearby pizza place and we did.

I had been curious about this canned cocktail and they were $3. I really liked the peach flavor.

I watched some of My Brilliant Career on Netflix when we got home.

Sunday, I opened the door and it was already miserable out. I needed some Target things and didn’t need some Target things if you know what I mean.

Ulta and Target have broken up, by the way. I asked an employee what happened to Ulta and he told me. It’s going to be Target Beauty or something like that.

Tom went to another room and closed the door and EO came back and took Tom’s seat and then was very dramatic. Then, he grabbed the remote and ran off.

This week…

I want to make this dish and these rolls. I have discovered a new blog and sometimes that’s all it takes to bring back some cooking inspo. I also plan to make this 80s recipe from my aunt. She has a version of this. I could not find Russian dressing or apricot preserves. I got Kosher Lipton soup mix. Is Russian dressing no longer PC?

I am missing salad as I have been cautious about it for the last month. I am going to get my salad greens from the farmer’s market or my permanent farmer’s market and make my olive oil, dijon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup dressing. I’m going to throw in pumpkin seeds and a soft cheese like goat and maybe some craisins.

I told you last Monday that I was sad for some friends. It helped me to “do” last week. I sent some things, I prepared a care package of weekend treats, like I said, and I texted. Thank you all for your comments on this. Also, my sisters and I are learning that our kids’ lives are not ours to control and parenting adult kids can be more challenging. Goodness, this is a hard thing to accept.

I’m thinking of so many parents sending kids off to a first year of college, another year of college, to the “real world” for their first big boy/girl job and transitioning to a new stage of life.

Amy

Friday, August 15, 2026

It’s Friday and we are exactly halfway through August, believe it or not. Let’s link up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week.

I bought some pumpkin spice creamer and thoroughly enjoyed it this week! I will probably wait until a more appropriate month to buy it again, but it was fun this week!

Just look at that…

Did you know it has collagen powder in it?

I bought collagen and creatine this week. I’m putting collagen in my first cup of coffee and creatine in my second. Now I have to drink the whole cup and not toss the dredges. I am considering changing my blog name to “Coffee and Collagen and Creatine at the Casa”. Stay tuned.

I dropped my phone a few times recently and this glass protector saved me. I changed it out for a new one; it was a 3 pack. You need this.

I got a visit from Jack and made him chocolate chip pancakes!

Eddie Otis and I are doing well with our new routine. He took lambie out for his walk and I was trying to get a photo but he dropped it.

I get such a sense of accomplishment when I get something fixed at the tailor. I picked up repaired jeans and pants this week. I’ve already worn both! Woot Woot!

I went in Kroger (as opposed to delivery) and I have never seen so many deals. Nothing was expired. This was a Tuesday. Maybe I will look for Tuesday deals again?

The movie theater last weekend had no Twizzlers! Redemption for 27cents!

I love my umbrella and love that I got to use it! Clear umbrellas are a game changer. I love the black trim. I purchased this from Target in the spring. We got some rain on Wednesday, and it was much needed.

We have not had rain (a good soaking) in such a long time that I can’t remember when it was.

EO and I got our walk in while it was sprinkling and then I can’t tell you how happy I was for a summer morning rain with my cup of coffee when I had nowhere to go.

Awkward blog photo – I got my eyebrows tinted and waxed this week. I am going to use The Ordinary serum to try to thicken up where I don’t have as much growing. If you are looking for help with brows, this won’t break the bank. Just look up “brow tinting in my area”.

I finished this:

I really liked it. It was chick lit but with depth.

I started this and it’s really sweet so far. That’s what I need right now.

I thought the rainy day called for chicken pot pie and I made it for dinner with a frozen crust for the bottom and a sheet of puff pastry on top. I am trying to use up some freezer stuff so I was happy. In weird stuff you won’t believe…

My sister Molly makes chicken pot pie quite a bit and I was talking to her on the phone and told her I made it that day. I explained my bottom normal crust and puff top crust and she said, “you won’t believe this, but I also have one frozen pie crust and one frozen sheet of puff pastry in my freezer, and I was thinking about making it like that soon.” She always copies off of me – lol! First I had twins, then five years later she had twins.

I told you earlier this summer we were reading the same book without talking about it and very often we are having the same thing for dinner.

These are really good and have quite a kick! They need a creamy cheese to cut the kick.

I made the dip the Big Boo Cast has been talking about – Boursin, fig preserves, crushed pistachios, and hot honey. They said to have with this cracker. It’s too much going on. It’s better with a Ritz but I probably won’t make it again because there are way better dips and I know dips. I served some of the dip to Tom and he said, “there’s a lot going on here.” Bahahaha!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I am not brand loyal and like to try new products. When I repeat a purchase, that means something.

Repeating:

This is so good, lathers so well, and my face feels so clean without feeling dry. I heart this product.

Another repeat:

Who is your primary care physician? Mine is Dr. Teal. I love this smell. I wouldn’t call myself a “lavender person”, but I don’t really think this smells that lavendery. It just smells so good and look, it says, “sleep blend”. I use this for my nightly shower.

I recently bought this one for my daytime scent for my morning shower. I love it, too, but it’s not as strong as the above.

Yesterday, I had a nice “ladies who lunch” lunch with my friend Beth to celebrate her birthday.

I ordered wine at lunch! Naughty! I wanted to support my favorite local winemaker Good Pain Wines who recently got her wine accepted at this Louisville classic restaurant, 211 Clover Lane. Go out to lunch! Lunch is so affordable. Our sandwiches were $18 and you can barely get a “moist sandwich” as my kids would say, at Jimmy John’s for that amount.

The waiter heard me tell another lady there that I knew that it was Beth’s birthday celebration and he surprised her with a crème brûlée.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

It’s Wednesday and that means it’s Hodgepodge with Joyce day!

Before I start, many of you know and love Jenn. Last weekend, her love sadly passed away. Please keep her in your prayers.

1. I saw a meme on Instagram that went like this-‘The movie Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 and was set in 1963, so if remade in 2026 it would be set in 2002. Now I need a little lie down in a dark room for a while.” 

Time is crazy isn’t it? So…what were you up to in the year 2002? 

First, of all, I was 16 in 1987. I loved that movie. I still love it now. Two words – Patrick Swayze. My sister Molly always says, “I carried the watermelon” from the movie whenever she has watermelon.

2002 was a really big year! I had been married for two years and had been teaching at the school from which I retired recently for two years. In January of 2002, Tom and I were walking our beloved first dog Archie at the dog park and we decided to start trying for a baby. We did not start right away at the dog park for clarification. In February I was pregnant and took a test before leaving for a West Virginia ski trip. I skiied! Can you even believe that? I don’t think I really believed the pregnancy test because it was from The Dollar Tree.

My twins were due in November but came early in September and that was a crazy rest of the year, to say the least.

2. “Me? I’m scared of everything…” What’s something that scares you that you’d like to try anyway? 

I would pee my pants, but I think a tethered hot air balloon would be an experience of a lifetime. Notice that I said “tethered”.

3. Watermelon-yay or nay? Which melon is your favorite-watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew. Of the watermelon food/beverages listed which would you say yes to…

watermelon salsa~watermelon feta salad~watermelon sorbet~

a watermelon Jolly Rancher~a watermelon margarita 

Watermelon is my favorite of these but it doesn’t have much flavor in my opinion. I don’t eat the other melons. I am anti-melon. I’d rather drink a big glass of water. He he. I do, however, love pineapple, but that wasn’t a choice. I craved fresh pineapple during my pregnancy in 2002! Now, if the watermelon is perfectly ripe and the perfect color, I do enjoy it.

I have had watermelon flavored cocktails, and they just don’t have much flavor, in my opinion.

I would go with the watermelon feta salad since I love feta.

4. August 12th is National Middle Child Day. Are you a middle child? If not, where do you fall in the birth order in your family of origin? Do you think this has influenced your personality? Elaborate. 

I think birth order and how it affects personality is fascinating and I think a kid’s role in the family is put upon them by the parents without them intending to usually. My sister Kate is the middle but if Molly hadn’t been born, she would have been the baby. So, that is interesting to think about. Kate is liked by everyone. She is a peacekeeper. She is the most go with the flow of all of us. She had the most friends growing up and I would say was the most “popular”. I admire how Kate can focus on one thing and be in the moment where I am often thinking about the “next thing” and sometimes don’t live in the moment.

I am the oldest and I definitely am a true “oldest in the family” personality. I think the oldest has a lot of responsibility and it can be hard on them.

I also think birth order in marriage is interesting. Tom is the oldest and I am the oldest. An oldest and a baby sometimes struggle is what I have heard.

5. Would you rather talk to everyone at a crowded party for a short time, or have a significant conversation with two people? Explain. 

I think at a party I would rather make my rounds to everyone.

I love to have a significant conversation with two people but that doesn’t seem appropriate at a crowded party. I definitely don’t want to have a shouting conversation! I also don’t want to be anti-social sitting in a corner in a deep conversation with only two people. See? Classic over-thinker, oldest daughter. I am worried about everyone feeling included.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I’m out of random thoughts!

Amy

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Hello! Well, last week I don’t even think I bothered with real clothes from Monday through Wednesday. It was athletic shorts and tees to run errands and walk the dog. I’m at the point in the summer where I’m over the heat, over the clothes, and over the season! This is pretty typical for me in August.

By Thursday, I was ready to put something nicer on. I paired my fun summer skort from Old Navy with my newer white J.Crew Factory blouse. Both of these turned out to be excellent purchases. I get compliments on this skort every time I wear it. It’s just so fun. And, the blouse, it’s just perfect. One of my dear blog readers commented that I should get a striped one. It’s $50! That’s a lot for this born and bred bargain hunter, but when you consider price per wear and just how perfect it is…

The buckle sandals are probably 5 years old from Target. As a general rule I don’t let myself buy Target shoes because they are usually impulse and get donated. These turned out to be a good purchase, too.

Friday, I paired my other Old Navy skort from this season (orange gauze) with a white tee and my kimono. FYI – I learned that flowy kimonos make me hot. I took it off for the car and then I couldn’t keep it on after I got out of the car! It’s just fussy, too. Did I ever tell you about the time I was at school rushing to use the restroom and zipped it in my jeans and had to be rescued by a co-worker who had to rip it and then I had to take it to the tailor to get it fixed and I was late to class? Yeah, that’s typical Amy.

For the movie theater, I wore flip flops, cut offs, a white tee shirt with a graphic, and my striped button up.

I’m definitely starting to think about fall and transitioning to fall. Are you? I did not purchase anything from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, but looking kind of gets you in the mood for fall.

I also look at Instagram and get inspiration.

I love this look even though it does say “teacher”. I’m trying not to dress like a teacher now! I have brown knit pants, I have a chambray, and I have a scarf.

I take inspiration from retailer ads. I used to do this from magazines. Do you snap screenshots of outfits you want to copy? I think we get bogged down with trying to be exact, but it really doesn’t have to be an exact copy. Your version might be better!

I love the white/off white blouse (I don’t have an exact but I have something similar), and I have dark jeans (not exactly like this) and I have black Dansko Mary Janes. I think the jeans need to be a little shorter to show some ankle for this look. I think her burgundy color is better, but I’m going to use what I have.

I think I would only do this look until Labor Day -white on white with tan flip flops. I don’t have a jean jacket but a chambray button up would work.

I know they say the old rules about white after Labor Day don’t apply, but after August, I feel like white pants, anything too tropical, and gauzy gear all look too summery for me and where I live. You may feel differently and that’s ok. I like to pull those things from my closet or from my rotation. I’m tired of those things anyhow at the end of August.

Dark wide leg jeans, a white blouse, and flip flops:

I found a new IG account that belongs to a professor living in Copenhagen.

Do you want to know what all the cool girls are wearing in Copenhagen? Honestly, it hadn’t crossed my mind. However, did you know the Danish are some of the happiest people on Earth? Maybe it’s due to the “cool girls”?

Apparently, they wear baggy jeans with flip flops. Ok. done. I will try this and be cool.

They wear white tops with jeans and flip flops. I like the pop of the red handbag. I don’t have one, but that’s ok.

Look for me to try some of these outfits!

Please join us here with your blog! Check out some new blogs, too!

Amy