Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Friday, April 5, 2024

You guys! How is it Friday already? My week went so quickly, but alas, I do have off until Tuesday…

I am happy to link up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites today.

So, my first favorite is that it’s spring break and I’ve had the house to myself for more time than I can remember. I’ve gone somewhere each day, but I’ve not been in a hurry and I’ve had lots of time to do whatever I want. Let’s just say this was much needed!

I discovered the the original Sex and the City is on Netflix. It’s so fun to go back and watch. Were you a fan?

I bought this candle trio at Trader Joe’s and decided to put them all on this piece of wood trivet thing. I really like how it looks and then I pick which one to light!

Ok – new favorite wine for spring/summer and it’s less than six bucks. I’m headed back to get more to keep on hand for when I have people over. I got mine at Trader Joe’s. The bottle is really pretty and would make a good gift, too.

My periwinkle hydrangea never bloomed last spring or summer and my friend said it was due to the polar vortex. It already has little buds on it this year and I am so happy!

I went into the library and they had a multicolor display and I finally told the librarian how much I love these colorful displays each month!

I didn’t make a lot of plans for my spring break but I did make plans to meet my friend Victoria for breakfast and consignment shopping and it was so fun to get caught up!

Another Trader Joe’s find that my kids really liked when they were home:

One of our best dinners involved Jen’s chicken!

We had one crazy stormy day Tuesday but we didn’t lose power. We did have tornadoes near us and lots of destruction. I am super scared of tornadoes and this is the season for them.

I lost my slim can cooler and spent last summer without one so I used the gift card my student gave me to replace it with this adorable Stanley version from Target.

Another good dinner was my Peruvian chicken!

I made the best cake – I used a Betty Crocker fudge mix and it already called for 3 eggs so I didn’t add an extra. The frosting was on the Hershey’s cocoa canister and it is so freaking good- it was 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 stick butter, 1 teaspon vanilla, 1/3 cup cocoa and 1/3 cup milk. This is a reminder to me to always look at the recipes on the boxes and packages of different items.

One of my outings was to TJ Maxx and they had some great things! I am debating adding these because I have worn the heck out of my higher heeled lighter raffia version.

Swoon! I loved this Target outdoor dinnerware and I am debating getting some.

I think most hard seltzers are vodka based, but these are tequila and I tried one last weekend and loved it. I bought myself a box to keep at home.

I’m almost done with book number 2:

Then, I have the third one ready to go:

Everyone around here is talking about the eclipse. I ordered glasses from Amazon but plan to stay in my back yard. I am probably more afraid of getting stuck in horrible traffic than I am of tornadoes. Plus, I have to work the next day. This video that showed each state in reference to the eclipse was cool:

I think Tom will be at work and kids will be on campus but I do think I will have one companion for sure – my new pup! We are picking him up Saturday morning! I can’t believe it!

I keep having Facebook memories pop up because this is about the time we got Ernie 11 years ago. Look at Baby Ernie!

I’m waiting to tell you all his name when I formally introduce you next week!

Happy Friday! Happy Weekend! Happy Eclipse?

Amy

Thursday, April 4, 2024

It’s Thursday and Fashion Files day with Kellyann and Jill!

I almost deleted this first outfit photo. I wore my Walmart striped sweater with my red Matilda Janes for school with my silver clogs and a headband. I think I was just looking for comfort and that I got, but I really hate this outfit that I wore to school.

One:

By Friday my new Amazon Umgee blue gauzy pants had arrived and I was happy to wear them. I wore my light yellow Target muscle tee (by the way, I have worn my yellow, lime green, white, and black so many times already!) and an old kimono. I wore my Tieks flats and I think another shoe would have looked better, but it was a school day and comfort is key. My hair was extremely poofy.

Two:

My Saturday outfit was a fave. I wore my weekend jeans (ON from last year, distressed, button fly) and my new Malibu ON t-shirt that I got for $5, and the ON cardigan I ordered. Um, this whole outfit is Old Navy!

Three:

Easter outfit – I wanted the Old Navy kelly green dress that I ordered to work, but it was too tent-like on me. So, I made do with an old Target dress.

Four:

Monday outfit – I dug out my black Walmart cut offs and wore them with a white Target tee from my link above and my Old Navy striped shirt. I wore this to go get a pedicure and later to run some errands.

Five:

Later while running errands I tried tying the shirt:

And, lastly, I wore my black Umgee gauzy pants (just like the blue) with my other $5 Old Navy tee – a city drawing design – and a pink cardigan. I broke out my Crocs Brooklyns because it had been raining.

Six:

So, I think Target and Old Navy dominated this week’s outfits. Just when I say I am trying to get away from shopping at those stores! Ha! I am always made to eat my words.

My goals right now are to wear what I have and try to put together modern looks with those elements. I am writing down where I think I have holes in my closet to make informed purchases. Since I am off this week I have more time to look around and see what’s out there.

Do you have a favorite outfit this week? Mine were the two involving my new $5 Old Navy tees – numbers 3 and 6. Do you still like a graphic tee? I do and I plan to wear some to school for the last 7 weeks. I can wear a kimono or a cardigan over them and I can pair them with my fun printed pants, too. I love feeling like I have lots of options.

Oh, I do feel like I need a new spring handbag and a new pair of shoes. I’m not in a big rush and can wait and see what’s out there.

Is there anything on your radar for spring?

Thanks for reading,

Amy

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Time slow down! It’s my spring break! Ha! I am happy to link up with Jennifer and others for the monthly Currently post today.

We are sharing what we are loving, looking forward to, buying, planting, and cleaning. These topics are perfect for me since they really fit in with my spring break plans. It’s really glorious to have a week at home without your hub home from work or kids in the house. Is that mean? Did I just say that out loud?

Loving

On Monday, I got a spring pedicure. I picked Lucky Lady Lavender by OPI – it’s a purpleish pink shade

Sorry – feet photos are weird. Why am I putting my feet on the internet? I wanted to wear open toed shoes for a couple of days until our cold front comes in. I am getting ready to curate my sandal collection for this season and see what I need/want. Yup, it’s getting cold again and then it’s warming up again.

I’m loving the purple trees mixed in with all the green. I don’t know the name of them but they are everywhere I turn around here.

I am loving finding a new author and I am on my second book now and have two more of hers lined up. I also want to read The Women by Kristin Hannah and the new Sarah Adams book. She is another favorite newish author.

Looking Forward To

I mean, what else can I say right now? I am looking forward to having a dog in the house again.

Buying

We will be buying all the puppy things, of course!

I am also buying birdseed. I add it to my Kroger order and a 5 lb. bag fills both of these feeders that I have had forever. One was a wedding gift and I’ve been married 24 years!

I bought this ON sweater which is perfect for spring and I returned a pair of jeans that I tried and didn’t work. I was so excited to see that I happened upon a $5 graphic tee sale. I bought this Malibu Beach and another cute graphic tee you will see tomorrow if you come back!

This was my Saturday outfit!

Planting

A sweet student brought me this hyacinth and I had this adorable empty planter so I guess you could say I am “planting” this.

Cleaning

Basically I am trying to clean out everything – my closet and all the spaces in the house. I took 5 bags to donate Monday. I am also trying to see my house with a puppy’s eyes – ha! We also are having houseguests at the end of April and I want to make sure my house will be ready.

So, that’s what I’m up to Currently! What about you?

Amy

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

One of the mysteries of life is how I can feel like I have so much more to wear when I have a smaller wardrobe. It’s crazy, right?

The change of seasons is a perfect time to do a closet clean out. If I am not excited to put something into the rotation from last spring, it probably needs to go. I also think a mid-season assessment is good to do as well. Maybe I will put that on my calendar to do in about a month when I see what I have been wearing.

One of my spring break projects was a good closet clean out. In fact, I told myself I could do NO SHOPPING until this happened.

So, my closet wasn’t horrible, but It wasn’t great, either.

Here is my approach:

Head to my closet with a couple of bags. One can be for re-sell and one can be for donate.

Here are the questions I ask myself:

Do I want to waste one of my amazing hangers on this item?

Would I buy this item today?

Does this item bring me joy?

Does this item still fit my style aesthetic? And, does it still fit me the way I would like it to fit?

Do I feel good when I wear this?

Does this item have pilling, stains, tears, or anything else that would make me look like a ragamuffin?

Am I holding onto this because it was expensive or given to me?

Here is what I did:

I put all the toppers on the right – so kimonos, light spring sweaters, and blazers.

To the left I put the short sleeve blouses together and by color and the long sleeve blouses together and by color.

The bottom is t-shirts, graphic tees, things that go under things, and things I am thinking of trying to wear soon to see if they work.

My skirts, pants, and dresses were already pretty organized and curated.

Here are the shoes I wear in spring:

I do need to go through all my summer sandals and see what I still love.

I feel so much better!

Now I do keep a smaller bag in my closet at all times for donations when I try to wear something and it doesn’t work.

What’s the state of your closet right now?

Amy

Monday, April 1, 2024

That’s no joke! It’s April! I am linking up with Tanya for Prime Purchases and Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday today!

Let’s start with Amazon because I have some things I’m really loving!

Last August when our German cousins were here I bought black gauzy pants by Umgee (one of my favorite brands) in a little boutique. I recently got them out again and started wearing them – here:

I thought I would look around for another color on Amazon and score:

Here they are in action for school on Friday:

I love them so much and I sized down one:

I love Donna:

This is my third stick.

I love these eye patches. I am not sure I bought the most popular brand, but these feel great and maybe work?

And, I really like the hold and the ability to come through this hairspray:

I have been very careful with Amazon lately – not letting myself go crazy. I’m really happy with all of these purchases this month!

Let’s go back to Friday. I went to Martini’s patio with Erica and then a teacher and his wife joined us for a bit. The weather was so nice this weekend! We had sunny and 70s for the most part!

I went home and made bowtie alfredo for some, and Tom had leftovers.

Saturday morning I went to Trader Joe’s, Old Navy, and used my spray tan membership.

I didn’t need any flowers, but they looked so pretty!

I bought this mix which is so good:

And this little candle trio:

I got a few staples and a few fun food items.

I finally finished this and really liked it. It is chick lit/romance, but it was deeper than you might think.

And, then I started her next one:

I have discovered whole wheat pita pizza. The crust is surprisingly good. I cooked it at 450 for about 10 minutes. My kids are pizza snobs and they really liked it.

Then, Tom and I took a little road trip to this farm:

to meet three chocolate lab males and we both gravitated toward this little guy:

Look at that face! He is about a week away from being ready to come home. Yes, it’s soon after losing Ernie, but we knew we were doing it at some point sooner rather than later and Tom found this litter and he tells me he is ready. And we decided to only adopt one. We might get a brother in a year or two. I am not sure I am ready for the puppy stage at all!

After our little adventure, we stopped at Limestone Yacht Club (not as fancy as the name implies) because we found out Tom can watch The Cincinatti Reds play there. We can’t get the games on the tv or the radio because it’s blacked out here or something. You have to have Bally sports network and Tom says it’s too expensive even though I am tired of hearing him complain each baseball season and I said just do it!

I tried the tequila High Noon seltzer and loved it!

We went home and ordered sushi for dinner with our kids and they were so happy. We hadn’t had sushi in forever and I forgot to get a photo.

Sunday morning I made corn pudding:

And we went to my mom’s house after Jack sang in church. We had a nice meal and celebrated my four niece and nephews March birthdays. Unfortunately my other sister couldn’t come.

We had DQ ice cream cake!

The four of them – it was so sunny that we didn’t get a great picture. The one in the green hoody and the girl on the end are twins.

The view from my mom’s deck:

It was a nice day!

Amy

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Today is the Share Four Somethings link up with Jennifer. Happy Saturday! If you are a regular reader, some of this will be redundant!

I was looking for a free image of the number four and found this -a four dyed Easter eggs photo. Do you still dye eggs? I have great memories of egg salad after Easter that was colorful due to the dye on the egg white. I love egg salad! Do you? We only had it once a year!

ONE – Something I’ve loved or disliked:

In the vein of choosing positivity, I am going to focus on “loved”. I had a rough month between losing Ernie on March 2nd and something else that is really not for the blog but now everything is better.

One student brought me these tulips (along with a basket of goodies):

And one student brought me this hyacinth plant and she said it was “just because”:

I want you to know that teenagers are wonderful! I also received a card, a couple of hugs, and several sweet words.

TWO – Something accomplished

I really took pride in having both bathrooms clean at the same time. I had the house to myself, and I did both at the same time pretty much. I have not gotten any new decor for the hall bath, and we are approaching the one-year mark of it being finished. Both spaces make me immensely happy.

THREE – Something I’ve improved upon or that needs improvement

Again, choosing the positive “improved upon” – I have improved upon my gym going and I feel great. I still need to figure out a walking routine that I want to do in addition.

FOUR – Something I’ve noticed

I’ve noticed that the older I get the more I appreciate the simple things. I love that I have a little bit of sun on the patio when I get home and then as the sun starts to lower, I get some really great sunshine on my patio. I love seeing how green my grass is right now, hearing the birds chirp, seeing the first bees buzzing around (I’ve never been scared of bees – I just calmly let them do their thing and hope they don’t sting me), hearing the kids playing on the playground behind my house (they aren’t on screens!), a simple chilled glass of wine, and so much more that makes me happy.

Is there something you would share with me today? I hope to get caught up on your comments this weekend if I haven’t already responded!

Amy

Thursday, March 28, 2024

It’s Fashion Files day with Kellyann and Jill!

Let’s go back to last week when I wore this to school. I think it was before I was dressed that I heard that there was a bomb threat and we were hanging out in the football stadium. Ok – casual it is. I am really wearing my Madewell sneakers a lot lately. I paired it with Target jeans and my ON button up.

I forgot to get a photo a couple of days in the last week. I have been really leaving late! Well, late for me. I am still about 40 minutes before the school day starts.

Here is what I wore Saturday to the Western themed Shakespeare:

Sunday I really needed a cami or a tank and I would have really liked my outfit. The shoes can make a black and white outfit pop and if you can see my headband it is a scarf looking headband with pink and green.

Monday for school the only thing I liked was my last season Target blouse.

Tuesday I loved what I wore but it’s really not flattering. My MIA clogs were worn with my Umgee gauzy pants and my ON button up.

And, that’s it! Do you have a fave? I am excited to work on my closet on spring break!

Amy

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

It’s Wednesday and the last one of the month! I’m linking up with Sheaffer and Shay to do a little What’s Up with me right now.

What We’re Eating

This weekend I experimented with a frozen Caulipower brand cauliflower crust and made a pizza. It was delish but the bottom was not crisp enough. You could not tell it wasn’t a normal thin crust. The package came with two so I will try it again.

We are NOT eating any more Irish food. I had my fill! Ha!

I am still craving this pizza bowl. I have done it with cauliflower rice and quinoa and both work great. If you haven’t tried it, put it on your list!

Honestly, I have no cooking inspo right now. I am trying to just survive until spring break. I can tell I need a break from meal prep, thinking about meal prep, grocery shopping, and all aspects of normal feeding myself and anyone else. I always get this way before a break and then I get inspired again after some time off the grind.

We need a new grill! Tom and I are talking about what type to get this time. I think that will help me get into all the spring and summer meals I can make. Let me know if you have a recommendation.

What I’m Reminiscing About

Tom and I have been hiking/walking in the woods and it’s really sad without Ernie with us. But, it’s also good because we are talking A LOT. I am Tom’s Ernie right now and that’s kind of sweet, too.

Get ready…here comes a horrible photo, but you won’t be able to stand the cuteness of Baby Ernie…

Are you ready?

So, we have two names picked out for our next baby or babies. I can’t believe Tom is actually entertaining my crazy idea. The names are hilarious, and we might be going to look at a litter this weekend. There is no “looking” by the way. I fully know that it wouldn’t just be looking.

What I’m Loving

A student gave me these tulips to cheer me up. After my post about Does a Social Media Comment Count? this really touched me. I told her that she was more thoughtful than many adults twice her age, including me. I also need to work on little happies for the people in my life. Gosh, you guys, the job of a high school teacher is so emotional. You feel beat down, but then you have something like this and you are so touched. I also got a hug from a kid who I thought would be a problem at the beginning of the year who has turned out to be so sweet. I really need to take some time and call home for compliments.

I’m loving the outdoor live music opportunities coming now that the weather is warming. Did you see my Fun post? I take screenshots and put these in my calendar and then try to make it work to go.

I’m also loving a glass of wine in the sun…

I have been doing some stress/sadness cleaning. One day I cleaned both bathrooms and I still love them both so much!

Hall bath:

Primary bath:

Tom did a great job picking the construction elements and I really like what I picked for decor.

What We’ve Been Up To

I bet you aren’t expecting this…

Tom and I went to a local circus because I had a student who was in it. Tom is a good sport – let the record state that. We sat on the most uncomfortable bleachers from the 60s that didn’t even have a way to climb up them. I feared for my life every time a butt shifted. We lived to tell about it, though.

What I’m Dreading

Mosquitos! They love me! Tom sent me this planter idea and I want to try it.

What I’m Excited About

Boating season!

We are usually able to get our boat out around the beginning of May depending on if the river is cooperative. If we have a lot of rain sometimes, we have to plan around that because the river can get too high. Sunday on the way to the circus which was also on the river we stopped and looked at some boats. More seemed to have their winter wrapping off so that was nice to see.

What I’m Watching/Reading

I am watching The Bachelor finale – I haven’t seen it yet as of writing this. I am watching all the Bravo shows that I love and I am hoping to start this series based off of a Liane Moriarity book.

And, this is so embarrassing…

This will be the first book I am able to complete of 2024. I am almost done and I have a couple other books ready by this author. It’s a little deeper than your average romance novel. I know it’s a Harlequin Forever Yours novel, but it’s also been a sweet story. One big problem, though… the love interest male is a furniture maker who also is a lunchroom monitor at a school – yeah, right. He is required to be at the staff/faculty meetings. Nope. Lunchroom monitors are not hot. (No offense) Also, they would not have to come to staff meetings with the teachers and counselors. Come on!

What I’m Listening To

Silence as much as possible. Your girl is overstimulated at school.

What I’m Wearing

This was my Monday outfit – bleh. I like the top but I wore some chocolate brown pants and New Balance.

Sunday outfit, but my bra is showing and I should have added a cami under.

In words I never thought I would say…I wore this to a Western themed Shakespeare play with Mason.

And, this was an outfit I already had on when I found out I would be arriving at school to a bomb threat with all the students and faculty in the football stadium until we got the all clear to go inside the building. We lost about an hour of instruction that day and I was glad I was comfortable and casual. Oh, and many kids went home, so it was a low attendance day.

What I’m Doing This Weekend

You never know with me!

What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month

All kinds of crazy! Spring break will start the month and then there will be a solar eclipse. Who knows what else? Ha!

What’s up with you on this last Wednesday of March?

Amy

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Do you ever have a day to yourself? Do you ever have a few hours to yourself? I think it’s so important to do this when you can. A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to do this. When my kids were younger and in elementary and middle school, I took off one day a year while they were in school just for me. In the summer, I had a babysitter come a few times a summer to give me a few hours. There is also your kids’ father – ha! Tom was able to hold down the fort, too. He never gave me a hard time about needing my ME time. Anyway, no matter what stage in life you are in, I urge you to take some time to yourself.

Step One:

Do not feel guilty. You work hard all the time and are always there for everyone in your life. Put on your oxygen mask first, yada yada.

The rest of the steps for me (yours will look different!):

Sleep in later than normal.

Go to gym (start coffee before so it’s ready and my reward for the gym)

Devotional and blog reading with lit candle with coffee mug warmer going – can I be anymore high maintenance? Currently using a beautiful Capri Volcano candle given to me by my bestie when I brought her food for a surgery – I said you negated my good deed t by giving me a gift for said deed!

My husband is spoiled so I still made him his yogurt parfait for work and lay out his banana and 3 cutie clementines. I’m anxious to get him off to work – today is about me adiós! Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out!

Kitchen clean up – Yup left the clean dishes in the dishwasher before bed and now the dirties are marinating in Dawn. Oh well. I CAN go to bed before the kitchen is clean. I sleep just fine. He, he.

*Bonus -The Big Boo Cast Podcast came out so I get to listen to it while cleaning.

*Bonus – Just got a lovely new springy Method kitchen cleaner that makes me want to clean!

Empty trash because the next day is trash day and also empty the kitchen recycling bin. Decide it’s time to get rid of random liqueurs for cocktails and alcohols I don’t like. Ain’t nobody got time for that or space for that. I have a built-in bar that maybe I can one day make look cute and show you. I also put random glassware in a box for Goodwill. I had a couple of other bags in the back of my car for Goodwill.

Make my breakfast and enjoy it outside with my book because it was 60 degrees! Somebody picked a good ME day!

Take a body shower and do hair minimally and get dressed minimally.

Do Goodwill drop off. Feel great and lighter!

Go get a spray tan (Gotta use my month’s membership, you know?)

Go to Trader Joe’s – my happy grocery store. I have a list, but I do let fun things jump into my cart. I get meal inspo, too.

Unfortunately I had an appointment at the Apple Store. I waited and waited while watching several geniuses milling about. Finally, my genius was ready for me. It was fine. It was just annoying. I was there for one of my kids’ Airpods.

Drive home. Unload. Make myself lunch. Eat on the patio with my book.

Do laundry. Clean a bit more. Fill bird feeders. How you do you know you’re old? You feed birds and watch birds and then talk about it.

Reward myself with my favorite chair on patio and my book again.

Get up to move laundry and fold laundry but literally the chair is my home from 12ish to 4ish.

Start dinner.

Tom comes home and dinner is at stopping point so I am able to walk with him.

Eat dinner.

Watch Tom watch a show while I do computer and phone things.

Clean up dinner.

Shower.

Watch Bravo’s Summer House – a guilty pleasure.

Bed around 9:30.

I had the best day! I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I felt human again. I had been on autopilot and the slowing down and the savouring of my time, the sunshine, and the time at home did something amazing for my mental health. Please take care of yourself! What do you need? Tell your loved ones what you need. It’s ok. You are not superwoman.

Tell me what you will do with your ME time in the comments.

Amy

Monday, March 25, 2024

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for a super short Hello Monday. I’m dragging, you all! I know you have heard this a bunch if you are a regular reader, but this year has taken it out of me – the district bussing issues, us starting school, then stopping, then starting, our new schedule putting us out an hour later, metal detector installation in October, and there’s probably more, but it’s been a year. The latest is that they still have not decided on a transportation plan for next year and that means we may or may not keep the current schedule. How do teachers plan for this (some might need to transfer schools to better fit their family needs) and how do families plan?

Anyway…

Let’s go back to Thursday when I met my friend Beth at Osteria. It’s becoming a fave happy hour spot. Look at this gorgeous bar…

The sunlight was really coming in the window. I had two glasses of rosé and we split some…

goat cheese fondata which was a really yummy goat cheese spread on baguette. Beth also had a lobster slider.

We had a lovely couple of hours and I still made it home to walk with Tom. He has continued his “Ernie” walks which I think are therapeutic for him. He also called our vet to ask him to put our feelers for our next fur baby, but I’m sure it will be a while. I heard him on the phone say, “I have a hole in my heart right now” and it made me feel for him. Our vet is also a labrador guy and he gets it. Yes, we want a third chocolate lab. I want to get two! If I can do twin humans, can I do twin puppies?

Friday came and Erica’s lunch for us was worth $27.99 in a restaurant (I do this – name a price for a meal sometimes!) – it was pesto chicken with tomatoes and roasted potatoes and asparagus.

I had her over after school for a glass of this before we went on to our Friday night plans. I got this from Trader Joe’s and took a photo so I can get it again!

Friday night Tom picked me up and we met our friends Heather and Eric at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer.

I had a chicken salad and a Mango Cart. Have you tried this beer? It’s described as a mango wheat ale. It’s really good!

Saturday brought some chores and a new mani. Isn’t this a pretty spring color?

I made salmon, broccoli and rice for dinner and then Mason had invited me to be his guest at a Western themed Shakespeare play. People were encouraged to dress in western attire. You really didn’t expect that, did you?

I didn’t understand much but Mason enjoyed it and I enjoyed being with Mason!

And, finally…

My Grocery Diaries published on the kitchn!

Yes, it was hard to find a photo of Tom with a semi-smile.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy