Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Monday, June 17, 2024

It’s Monday and that means it’s time for the Hello Monday link up with Sarah and Holly.! I always enjoy seeing what other bloggers did over the weekend. Sometimes I even steal some ideas for myself.

How was your weekend? Mine felt long because Tom was off for four days! I didn’t find out that he was taking off Thursday and Friday until the last minute but I was so happy. He hasn’t taken a weekday off since Christmas break and even got an email saying he was going to lose some PTO if he didn’t use it. He’s been so busy at work with bids due and just didn’t feel like he could afford to take time off. But, the stars aligned and it worked out.

So, Thursday morning, his birthday gift was my trip to the salon! Did you think I was going to cancel my hair appointment?

This is the face of someone who takes it seriously:

I came home and I told him the rest of the time was his! He chose a taco place for lunch:

We came home and then went back out for dinner with the whole fam at a Cuban place! Mexican and Cuban in one day!

I split this lechon asado (roasted pork) with Mason:

And, he picked Graeter’s for dessert and ended up with two cones because someone couldn’t finish and Tom does not let ice cream go to waste!

Real Talk: We are both really disillusioned by restaurant meals. We want to go out for the outing and to give me a break from cooking, but geez Louise. The prices are so high and the food is just meh at many of the places we have gone to lately. Are you feeling the same? Does this mean we are old and grumpy?

Friday morning I ran to the library while Tom did an errand – he had a good mix of productivity and down time, I think.

I loved the library’s summer book display:

Tom’s birthday and father’s day are always so close together. The kids and I shopped last week and he got two new Under Armour workout “outfits” – two shirts and two pairs of short, this “snackle box”:

and a hat from The Bear that says “yes chef”. He liked all of his gifts and he got two on his birthday and two on father’s day.

Friday afternoon after his errands, we took Eddie Otis to the cove and taught him to use the doggy ramp:

He was really cautious at first, but then jumped in and got the hang of using it to get back on the boat. His life jacket is still too big!

Tom ate from his snackle box and I wasn’t really hungry.

Tom and EO took a little nap and I got to read. I was so relaxed!

Sweet baby:

Saturday morning porch vibes: I start everyday outside and can usually get Mason to come out.

We piddled around on Saturday and I never left the house in my car! I just took a couple of walks.

The kids and I did make a father’s day cake for Tom and it cracked when we stacked the layers. I tried to keep it together. I think we didn’t let it cool long enough, but it tasted great!

I made a nice dinner of caprese chicken with bow tie pasta but didn’t take a photo!

Sunday morning we took Tom to a brunch buffet at the marina:

It was super hot so we decided to stay in the AC to eat and then go home to the AC. No boating for us on Sunday.

Before it got too hot, I did read outside with my fan going:

And, then the whole fam gathered in the basement to rent the movie Amsterdam because Tom wanted to see it. Eddie Otis has only been to the basement twice now. He took a nice little nap while we watched.

Tom thought he needed ice in his dog wash after they took a hot afternoon walk:

For father’s day dinner, Tom wanted BLTs, corn on the cob, and green beans, so that was easy enough!

We have a hot week ahead of us it seems. It looks like it will be 92-95 degrees with no rain in the forecast and this is not the norm for June. We have been so spoiled with cooler weather so far, though, so I guess we can’t complain.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Cheers!

Amy

Friday, June 14, 2024

It’s Friday and that means it’s Friday Favorites day with Andrea and Erika!

Here are some favorites from my week. I hope you also had many! Sometimes when I read others’ favorites I get ideas for what to put on my list for the next week – what to cook, where to go, what to watch, read, or listen to. Favorites are great and they help me to squeeze the happy out of my days!

Here are mine for the week…

So, some of you (one of you?) might be wondering about my sourdough starter. It sat on my counter for two days and looked no different. I followed my directions to the letter. I put it in the fridge as directed and still nothing.

So, a favorite is deciding NOT to do it right now!

Ha!

Instead, I was quite happy with my tried and true no knead bread. You can have a nice loaf in less than three hours.

Here is the recipe I used! (Click on the red word “here”) I don’t even have a Dutch oven. I just shape it into a circle and put it on a cookie sheet.

I have a puppy to feed. Do I really need to feed a sourdough starter right now?

I couldn’t find my Chobani creamer so I went back to Mean Girls. That reminds me. I need to watch the re-make this summer!

Mason asked for chili and I taught him my recipe:

And, yes, I do believe in macaroni noodles, a dash of cinnamon, and a dash of sugar in my chili. Mason doesn’t believe foods should be seasonal, but we got lucky and it was a pretty cool day when we had this for dinner.

I also made a quiche (Lorraine) this week. Isn’t she pretty? I got my recipe from a real live French girl named Audrey:

4 eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup milk (I used skim), bacon (raw and cut up), and I added salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. I also added onions and fresh parsley. Bake at 425 in a frozen pie crust for 30 minutes. I thawed the crust for 10 mintues but I did not pre-bake it. This just makes one.

I’m trying to drink less alcohol and hydrate more.

A good find:

A fun drink to make:

La Croix limoncello and a strawberry powder stick.

I’m enjoying the mysterious late arriving Old Navy Lily Pulitzer look alike sandals:

Third summer mani:

I love this one! My toes are currently white Funny Bunny so it works well! I can’t remember the last time my fingers and toes “matched” but I make sure they do work together.

I have three students who work at Zoe’s Kitchen and I promised I would give it a try this summer. I had been once many years ago and just thought it was ok.

It’s a new favorite! I got a salmon bowl and I loved the salmon and the orzo salad that I got with it. I tagged the girls in my Instagram story and told them I was sorry! Ha!

Meeting friends for breakfast feels like a big treat! I met my friend Beth at House of Marigold on Tuesday- yum! – and the interior is so cute!

I taught EO the trick I taught Ernie – I put a “poop bag” under his collar to take out to Daddy. He he! He acted a bit like he was confused but then he went with it!

Walmart Plus – I re-joined. I can cancel at anytime. I had a Monday delivery and it was really nice. Maybe this is what I need to do?

Mason asked me to do a new coffee shop and we were both so impressed:

We think it is African Safari themed and they had a little shop in the back with products you can buy.

Mason got a tea and I got a coffee and we split a little vegetable pie with chutney that was really good.

One morning Eddie Otis was ready to get up about an hour earlier than normal (6:15 is normal) so I went with it and enjoyed being outside in the dark. It’s been awhile since I’ve done that.

We attended my niece’s grad party last weekend and I just want to share how creative my sister is. I did help her with some ideas, too – ha! It was a party with two girls – my niece and her bestie. One girl is going to The Ohio State University so Kate made buckeyes (the candy):

One girl is going to Miami so Kate made hurricanes (for the adults):

There were walking tacos where you could pick Doritos or Fritos, buffalo chicken dip:

Walking dirt cake with Oreos and gummy worms and watermelon slices on a stick:

There were a lot of other little details, but I didn’t get photos of all of them.

I didn’t get a photo, but I had a former student over on the patio to talk about her upcoming year in Spain as a Fulbright recipient!

And, my last favorite was a spontaneous outing with Mason. Everyone else was busy and I suggested getting a drink somewhere. He picked Ciao.

I had the best aperol spritz I’ve ever had. In fact, I wasn’t sure I liked them because the aperol is a bit bitter. It was so good and so refreshing.

Mason wanted bruschetta:

And, we took chicken pesto cheese filled gnocchi in a bread bowl home to split:

Oh my! Jen loves gnocchi and I suggested it because I said my blog friend loves this. Mason and I both loved it but it was very filling. We split it and still had more leftover!

So, I had a lot of favorites this week! I had a lot of time at home, a lot of downtime, some quality time with some people in my life that I care about, and some fun outings.

Also, I’m re-watching Bridgerton – I didn’t get very far the first time I tried and I’m liking it better this time around – with subtitles. Do you ever turn them on? I think it helps me focus sometimes!

What was a favorite of yours this week?

Cheers to the weekend!

Amy

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

I guess it’s time for a pupdate! Our boy is about 4 months old now.

We adopted Eddie Otis in April and I feel ridiculous every time I say his name, but I have no regrets. Our kids call him “Eddie” and refuse to say the “Otis” part. They also think Eddie is too close to Ernie, our last dog, and they’re right.

Tom sent me a funny IG reel that says there are 3 stages to owning a labrador. Stage One is “you’re the cutest baby that ever babied”. Stage Two is “piranha a_hole”. Stage Three is “you’re the best dog there ever was”. So, we are in stage two. My arms are proof. He is very “mouth forward”. Mason says I am the recipient of the most bites or bite attempts because I am a human squeak toy and I react too much.

Let’s go through a day of Eddie Otis…

He wakes up in our bed around 6:00.

I feed him and then we start our day outside with birds, sticks, and he lets me read my devotional and blogs. Some week days Tom walks him around 6:30 if he has come back from the gym. Ideally, I would go to the gym right when Tom gets home from the gym, but full disclosure that has only happened once so far.

After Tom leaves for work around 7:30, Eddie Otis and I straighten up the kitchen if it needs it and then we go walk.

I listen to podcasts while we walk. He is pretty good on the leash. At first he “helps” me with it in his mouth, but then he is interested in all the good sniffs to be sniffed. He loves meeting dogs and other people while we walk, but this early there aren’t many out yet.

He is really weird (for us) about cars. He is very interested in all the cars that go by. He stops and stares and then tries to go after them. It could be a problem. We have had several cars stop and roll down their windows and say how cute he is. We are friendly around here.

We leave his crate door open all day and he has two dog beds. But, this is where he ends up several times a day. He loves the cool tile and usually takes a toy in here with him and falls asleep.

He takes a nice morning nap and this is usually when I get things done.

Depending on what is going on, we take another walk whenever he seems like he has energy to burn. He will come outside while I read sometimes and sometimes he just stays in his dog wash while I go out. If I leave the house, he gets crated.

He is really good with the command “sit”, but that’s about it right now.

Other funny things about him:

He loves water like you wouldn’t believe. We fill his bowl and he does this cute hoppy thing because he’s so excited.

He is very treat motivated, but so am I.

He loves his two dog puzzles. I ordered an advanced one and he had no problem. (My child is gifted.) I actually think I like this one better because the pieces don’t come out.

He did so well in the car on a 3 hour ride (two times) last Sunday.

Mason took this photo from the back of the car.

I start dinner around 5:00 and he is either taking another little nap or playing with toys or anything he can get out of the kitchen recycling bin.

Tom gets home and then we walk on the playground off leash. He plays one or two rounds of tether ball:

If it’s a good day, his friends can come out from their fences and say hello. He is a very social dog to other humans and canines.

On the weekends, he gets to swim in the river and go on the boat and he has more time with Tom.

He eats dinner around 5:30 and takes another nap after his playground walk usually. Then, he gets wild. His wild and crazy time is usually from 7:00-7:30. He is very bitey during this time and I usually go take my shower and let Tom enjoy this.

Tom goes to bed at 8:30 and takes EO with him. EO goes out to potty a few times a night. He won’t jump down from our bed and wants to be carried down the back steps at night. This is becoming a problem for me because he is probably about 30 pounds now and very long.

You can tell how big he is getting from the above photo of Mason holding him!

I probably told you way more than you needed to know and I’m sure we are not doing things by the book!

Life has sure not been dull with Eddie Otis around!

Cheers!

Amy

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Boy, if I were to try to list all the things I have learned from my ten plus years of reading blogs, it would take me forever.

My life has been better for reading blogs! I swear! I bet you will agree with me if you are also a regular blog reader.

So, what’s working for me right now? By the way, lots of things aren’t working for me right now, but how about we keep this positive? Ha! I really want to know what’s working for you in this season in the comments. Some days my comments section is gold, if I do say so myself. So, not only do blogs give me so many ideas, but your comments do, too. Thank you! Thank you!

Number One – my hydrangea:

After a season of not blooming, my hydrangea is going crazy! I like to think this is a gift from my Dad. I was so sad last summer. By the way, my Dad has now (unbelievably) been gone for five and a half years. I was in Dollar Tree standing in front of the Father’s Day cards the other day and I got emotional. I say feel the feelings. Another thing happened yesterday. I saw on a grocery app what I bought a year ago this month and it was Ernie’s special canned carrots, green beans, and all the chicken I was going to boil for him. I felt the feelings. I’m so lucky that I have had people and canines worth grieving, you know?

So, I am sharing my hydrangea when I need to bring a gift. I pick blooms that are in the back or kind of hidden, so I’m still enjoying plenty of blooms, too.

What I brought my friend Heather:

Number Two – the library:

This is nothing new, but it’s a constant in my life. I made the decision to stop buying books years ago (for both the monetary savings and the clutter factor) and if you are a Lazy Genius listener/follower that is a “decide once” decision for me. I use my library app and request books and I also go in and look around. I love my library! If you are home this summer with your kids, you need to use your library! I took my kids to three different ones and we did several of their programs. This shows our ages, but we also checked out DVDs, music CDs, and things that weren’t books.

Number Three – press ons:

I will keep using them until I have a reason not to, I guess! My favorite brand is Impress and I order them online. I like the petite or short size the best.

Here are the two I’ve done so far this summer:

I’m not very crafty, but even I can do this. The hardest part is timing – making sure you aren’t going to put your hands in water for quite some time after pressing them on. Then, the other and only hard part is picking the size that fits your nails the best.

My favorite way to do them is right after my nightly shower. I take my time choosing and lay them out in finger order. You simply press them on. If I need to file or cut, I try to wait a few minutes or maybe even until the next day. They don’t bother me at all and I can’t even tell I have them on.

Number Four – the dog walking belt bag packed and ready:

Eddie Otis and I take at least two walks a day. He hardly lets me put my shoes on (he thinks my laces are a toy!) so having this packed is very helpful. I don’t always have pockets so this is my pocket! Sometimes we as humans make things harder than they need to be and sometimes we figure it out.

Number Five – starting my day outside:

I am the morning person for EO and after he eats breakfast, I find that getting him outside right away is the best. He loves listening to the birds and looking around and I can read my devotional and my blogs. I daresay it’s good for me to start outside, too.

Time for my walk now, mama:

Number Six – the Trader Joe’s body wash and body butter combo

Smells are really important to me! I feel like this is really a nice summery smell that I am enjoying! I want the seasons to feel like the seasons and I think mixing up your smells is a fun way to embrace the one you’re in.

So, what’s working for you right now? It can be something big or something small! There is no wrong answer! (Oh crap, the teacher in me just came out!)

Cheers to finding what works for us!

Amy

Share Our Lives – Foods to Make for Someone Else

My sister has been the recipient of lots of meals because of some serious ish she went through. She said the most common is lasagna, so I try to steer away from that, but as a Spanish teacher I sometimes go with the Mexican theme. I like to make my Mexican lasagna which uses tortillas cut into “noodles”. I add a bag of chips and a thing of salsa. I like to do brownies sometimes, too.

Also, and this is from my sister’s experience, only use disposable pans. The last thing the person needs is another errand in returning someones’ dish. Include heating up instructions and ingredients in case there are allergens.

I think the best thing I received was from my friend Beth. She brought a bag from a specialty market of chicken salad, lunch meat, crackers, and stuff we could eat for lunch or pick at. This was really nice and something different.

Keep in mind that you may literally just need to drop it off on a porch. They may not be able to talk or visit.

Another nice thing if the family has kids – include some coloring books, puzzle books, some crayons. You can even drop off hand me downs from your kids.

The biggest thing is just not to overthink it. It doesn’t have to be homemade and it doesn’t have to be elaborate or fancy.

I actually did a whole post about this topic:

https://coffeeandcocktailsatthecasa.com/2019/01/22/tuesday-tip-3/

Other ideas:

a rotisserie chicken, Bob Evans mashed potatoes, and a salad kit,

McDonald’s chocolate chip cookies and a jug of milk

Jimmy John’s sandwiches

What are your best ideas?

Let’s talk about the weekend now!

I’m trying to make a sourdough starter!

Here is the recipe I used:

I’ve been having a green tea almost daily and I enjoyed one on Friday morning:

Friday I made a cake from a funfetti cake mix but made homemade frosting. It turned out so good and I took it to my girls’ day!

I also made Jell-O shots for my girls’ day. Full disclosure – I had bought this for the Barbie movie last summer and never did it!

My missing Old Navy sandals showed up and I wore them. They seriously could be Lily Pulitzer.

And, this was my girls’ day at my friend’s beautiful pool:

I brought her some hydrangeas! This is the summer of the hydrangea!

Saturday morning I braved Costco. I was like second in line before they opened so it wasn’t bad at all. I was out in about 15 minutes!

Our friends Scott and Jessica went boating with us. The day was pretty grey and we had some raindrops, but it was a really nice day.

We went home late afternoon and the kids and I threw together a simple dinner and Tom had leftovers. Peep half the cake behind. I only took half to the girls’ day and kept half at home.

And, the reason this post is coming to you late…Sunday was a long but really nice day! We took a road trip to my niece Samira’s grad party. It was a 3 hour drive and we just went for the day.

My sisters and I:

Sisters with my mom:

How was your weekend?

Cheers!

Amy

Friday, June 7, 2024

It’s Friday, but that’s not a good thing now that it’s summer. Time slow down! I am linking up today with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites – as usual I have a hodgepodge of things that brought me joy this week.

What brought you joy? What were your favorites? I hope you can name many!

Here are mine…

I have a 14 week old puppy and I try to “involve” him in my chores. Does that make me sound crazy? He “helps” me go get my two birdfeeders and I tell him I’m filling them up for the birds. Then he walks them back with me. I love seeing my full birdfeeder in front of my hydrangea. Eddie Otis (my puppy) usually finds some sticks along the way and has a lot of fun. I try to keep him outside as much as I can because I think it helps to keep him entertained and with potty training.

We had Taco Tuesday and I made my skinny margs for the kids and I. We drank them on the patio before dinner while it was lightly raining and while we waited on Tom to get home. Ahhhh – love that! Here is my recipe if you don’t know it! Honestly, it’s ruined Mexican restaurant margs for me. I like mine soooo much better.

I took my car to the car wash this week. I used to be too scared to do it alone. I was really worried about following the directions correctly, getting stuck inside, getting wet, you name it. I love having a clean car!

Do you read my friend Beth’s blog? If you have a pool, you need to read her latest post. She is such a great hostess!

I’m not sure I shared this, but Tom bought me four ferns for the patio. I have loved having them this season and early in the season to enjoy them longer!

Monday I made popovers and took four of them to my friend Victoria’s house so I didn’t go empty handed. They are so easy, but you do need the special pan. Here is the recipe I used. Good ol’ Betty Crocker!

Our dogs had a playdate and we had lunch:

It was funny to watch them together!

And, speaking of funny… Tom is “friends” with all the neighborhood dogs and one of them is a chihuahua. Tom sent me this photo and said that Taz (the chihuahua) has gotten in with the wrong crowd:

Have you seen a coyote vest? This dog is probably 6 pounds, by the way. Ha!

I was happy to find my dry shampoo at TJ Maxx again. I love the smell and this really works for me. I use dry shampoo more in the winter, though.

I was in Target and I snapped some photos of books I want to request from the library:

Some of them I have already requested.

This Lulu belt bag is really too small for my needs, but it’s not too small for dog walking. I keep it packed with the leash, the waste bags, and some treats. I add my Airpods and my phone. It’s worked out great having this ready.

I did a mani – I have done this color before and I really like it!

Jack and I shopped in Fresh Market while we were hungry for lunch. We got $5 sushi on Thursdays as is their special and a $6 rotisserie chicken, but we made lots of impulse purchases, too!

Want to go to Nantucket but it’s not in the budget this year? Just go to Fresh Market for their Nantucket chips:

Another day I ran some errands alone and walked in on the cutest thing. Eddie Otis was getting a guitar serenade. Look how intently he is watching.

And, I will leave you with that cuteness!

Cheers to the weekend!

Amy

Thursday, June 6, 2024

I’m having a two post day today! What? I wanted to link up with the gals at Share Your Shelf in addition to my usual Fashion Files.

I haven’t had a great reading year! I’m a fair weather reader and much prefer reading outside. I feel like if I’m sitting down inside my go to is the television. Not to worry, I only have a couple of hours to sit down inside so it isn’t a problem most of the year.

Here is what I am currently finishing. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s got food description, a chateau in France, and some romance. As the book went on, it got cheesier and it lacked character development.

I love Sarah Adams and loved this latest book of hers. I’m sad that I have read most of her books! If you are looking for a new summer reading author – check her out. Her books have a sports element, too. You like beefy NFL players? Here you go!

This was super cute and I loved it!

This was cute and she has many more set in locales all over the place, but it seems like my library doesn’t have any others.

I discovered a new author and enjoyed these books in the spring:

They were fluffy and like a Hallmark movie in book form, but pretty well written.

My favorite so far this year is The Rule Book by Sarah Adams. I’ve checked out some non-fiction, too, but I tend to just skim those.

Honestly, nothing I’ve read this year is anything I will rave about. I’ve not had the mental capacity to read anything too deep or thought provoking.

Here’s what I’m deciding between for my next reads:

We will see if any of the above stick. I could always get the alert that another library request has come in.

What are you reading right now? Any books or authors you would recommend to me?

Cheers!

Amy

Thursday, June 6, 2024

It’s Thursday and time for the link up with the Fashion Files ladies here! I’m also double posting today if you are into reading, check our Share Our Shelves here!

I’ve done really well with shopping in 2024. I’ve been content with my spring stuff and did really well finishing out the school year with what I had. Once May hit, though, I wanted to add a few new things that I felt I needed for summer.

I added this white cover up:

I highly recommend it! After my cover up post, I felt lacking. This material is magic! Click here for the link. I think it comes in like 36 different colors and patterns! I would like to get another one, but I am trying to break my pattern of buying duplicates.

Silver is a big trend for footwear this year. I picked these faux rubber Birks up in store at Target and I am constantly reaching for them. I wear them to take the pup out and just around the house. It’s not great to go barefoot at home and these make great house shoes. I also wear them on the boat or to the pool and to run errands. They are great for under $10.

I bought two pairs of Target sandals. I have worn the ones with the little buckles the most. Thanks to Jen for the rec!

I bought this Aerie set – I guess you have to buy each piece separately, though, so it’s not really a “set”.

I also ordered these from Old Navy, but I have never had this happen…

My package had an “exception” on May 24th? What the heck is an “exception”? Anyone else had this happen?

The word “excpetion” doesn’t make me feel any better. It’s June 6th! I guess I better call since I did pay for them.

And, I placed an Old Navy order for these two pairs of shorts:

And, these West Coast and East Coast t-shirts:

As you can see above I have worn all four items several times already.

Also, I stopped in Clothes Mentor and bought these Clarks black slide sandals. They were $20 and looked brand new. I do struggle with black sandals and it seems like all I want to buy is nude/tan!

And, I have hardly gotten “dressed” in the last week but I did wear this to go to happy hour:

Eddie Otis still doesn’t know why his mom takes photos in the bathroom!

What do you think of my recent purchases?

Cheers!

Amy

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Today is a happy day with a happy link up – Currently with Jennifer!

Jennifer is one of the most positive people in my blog roll. She helps me to start my day in a positive way! This link up is great because it helps me to appreciate the little things in life.

Did you read my Summer List yesterday? I feel like I came off a little bit meh about it. I think as women we feel guilty for having things we want to do that aren’t all the things that we feel we are supposed to do. I had a positive phone conversation with my sister Kate on the phone yesterday and a really nice conversation in person with my friend Victoria and I think both conversations helped me work through some of what you may have noticed in my tone. Maybe you didn’t notice anything and that’s good, too!

Loving

I find myself reaching for my two new pairs of Old Navy shorts lately. These are a linen blend and they have elastic waists and pockets and were $14.99 each. I feel like they could be J.Crew or J.Crew Factory quality and have already washed both pairs two or three times.

Here I wore them over a swim suit for the boat:

Here I wore them for a lunch date:

Don’t you love when you feel that you made a good purchase? I reached for cut offs in the summers of the past few years, but these seem to be more my speed right now.

Notice I also am wearing my new Target A New Day sandals from Jen’s rec!

Looking Forward To

I’m looking forward to savoring this season through my summer list. Tom and I love boating together and it’s been fun to have a new companion and our friends don’t seem to mind a sleepy puppy on board, either. The boat seems to lull him to sleep pretty quickly.

This photo both warms my heart and terrifies me:

Tom is letting him do his thing on the dock and he is so close to the water. When we arrive at this restaurant on the water, EO gets off the boat to go do his business.

I’m also looking forward to Eddie Otis and Luna’s next playdate. My friend Victoria got Luna the same weekend we got EO. They had a big time Monday at lunch. Look at Victoria’s darling fabric for her outdoor couch cushions that she sewed herself!

Luna is looking at him like he is crazy and they both have their tongues out. I need to pay Luna because EO slept for 3 hours when we got home.

I am looking forward to roasting more vegetables. These turned out so darn good. My secret is high heat and not to crowd your sheet pan. I did EVOO, salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, and, garlic powder. I broiled for the last few minutes. I served this with chicken sausage and quinoa and made a simple dressing of EVOO, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and garlic, salt, and pepper. Looking to eat more plant based and more healthy grains.

I’m also looking forward to all the fresh summery recipes! Let me know if you have any to share. I’m thinking a caprese chicken or salad some time soon, too.

Enjoying

I’m still enjoying my Chobani creamer and I’m still using my traditional coffee pot and I really hate the mess involved. Victoria told me her Nespresso has changed her coffee life and I’m really interested. She buys the Starbuck’s pods that work with the machine at Kroger.

I’m also enjoying watching EO work his second dog puzzle. You put treats in the little compartments and he has to find them. He really loves working puzzles! He is very motivated by treats! Ha!

Seeing

I really love our route to the river where we keep our boat and launch our boat. It’s the prettiest tree lined street. I don’t travel this road very much in the winter so it’s always a treat to get to see this again.

Do you have certain roads that you love to use?

I also love my yard as my regular readers know. It is such a quiet (most of the time) oasis and it is definitely my happy place.

Mosquitoes love me so much. I really have to remember to spray this around 4:00 p.m. and then I make sure to shower it off at night before bed. This is new to me this year and I really like it.

I would love to add some plants that keep them at bay, but Eddie Otis is very interested in plants.

Lounging Around In

Admittedly, this is an area of my closet I need to work on. I really don’t have nice lounge clothes and I hang on to my sleeping tanks way too long. Some have holes! I have been wearing my new Aerie set as a cover up and as lounge wear, though.

This intrigued me from the Walmart website. It’s a 4th of July themed sleep shirt that I would probably lounge in. Kind of cute, no?

And, that’s what I’m loving, looking forward to, enjoying, seeing, and lounging around in currently!

I’d love to hear some of yours! Thank you as always for reading!

Cheers!

Amy

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Do you make a summer list? Or, for that matter, do you make a fall, winter, and spring list? I have been lazy about making a list over the last school year and it’s really affected what I have done over the last few months. I feel like I haven’t taken advantage of getting out there this year.

I feel weird about making a list right now for some reason. I’m a bit overwhelmed with a new puppy and all it requires of me and some uncertainties I feel right now. Just keeping it real here. But, still, I want to re-charge my batteries, re-connect with people I care about, and eek what I can out of this current season. Also, I looked back on some previous lists and many of the things I previously put down I just don’t care about anymore. I don’t really care about farmer’s markets this summer. Do I need to go to see if that’s really true? What’s wrong with me? Do you ever feel like this?

First of all, here are some general themes I want to employ this summer:

less scrolling – more reading books

less shopping – more putting together outfits from what I have

less shopping – more decluttering (this always helps me to see just how much I have and how much I could end up with!)

less complaining – more rejoicing

less negativity – more positivity

more moving – less sitting

leas meat – more plants

less processed – more fresh

less hurry – more calm

less indoor time – more outdoor time

Want Tos for the Summer:

I want to lift weights at least 4 mornings a week.

I want to walk almost everyday with pup or alone with a podcast or both.

I also want to have dinner done so I can walk with Tom and Eddie Otis after Tom gets home from work. I know this means a lot to Tom to have me walk with him and it’s a great way to download our days. It’s also fun to see Eddie Otis explore the world together and he gives us lots of laughs.

I want to spend lots of quality time with Tom, kids, and pup. I have a drop everything attitude when my kids ask to hang out with me.

Celebrate Tom’s birthday and Father’s Day in a way that makes Tom happy.

Celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary.

Boat with friends to lunch or sit in cove and have a picnic on the boat.

Teach Eddie Otis how to use the doggy boat ramp.

Enjoy the scents of summer- coconut conditioner is currently in my shower and I’m using the Trader Joe’s bum bum dupe body wash and body cream.

One pool day at Erica’s pool – already enjoyed one day and might do another.

Rooftop or boutique pool day with my friend Beth.

Go to the adult pool with a friend or even by myself to read. We no longer belong to a pool, but there is a pool where I can pay as I go that has a pool set aside for 18 and up. Most of the people are way way up if you know what I mean, but it’s lovely and you can take a float.

Coffee dates or happy hour dates with friends.

Take lunch to Elizabeth at her office and sit outside and eat lunch with her – already promised this and need to make a plan.

Catch up on movies and tv I missed.

Try some new recipes – last summer was so fun making some French recipes with Mason.

Finally try pickle ball with my friend who is obsessed (Heather).

Plan and take a trip with family even if it’s small.

Plan a bigger trip for either fall break or winter break.

Plan a day in my hometown with my mom, sisters, and their kids.

Go to a matinee movie alone.

Go to lunch alone at a kind of nice place.

Read on my patio – finally over my reading slump I think. I have now read 5 books in 2024.

Go out to the patio after dinner and enjoy the longer daylight.

Get a few pedicures in summer colors – white will be the next one – possibly invite a friend.

Declutter as many spaces as possible – this might be a better time of year to do 40 bags in 40 days! It’s normally a Lent activity where you choose 40 spaces in your house and get a bag of stuff to donate.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten many things, but this should get me started!

Cheers!

Amy