Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Tuesday, April 16. 2024

Ok, it’s time to round up what I bought in March and April so far. I’ve done really well! I think being busy combined with re-introducing myself to my spring clothes has helped me keep shopping at bay.

Target muscle tees – I bought the Target A New Day extended shoulder tee in white, black (2), lime green, and yellow and have already worn all of them several times. These are great! They regularly go on sale for $7 a piece! Even so, the regular price of $10 is fair. I have worn these under kimonos and cardigans and alone, too.

If you are also looking for something that doesn’t come down too low in the front, get you one to try! I ordered a couple of different sizes and they both worked.

Pink linens pants – Amazon

These were too long so I cut them. After washing them, I think the fray on the bottom is perfect and they are going to stay without fraying further. I really like the light elastic waistband on these. I think these run true to size.

Blue pants Umgee – Amazon

I love these pants! I already had them in black from a local boutique and wore the heck out of them in the late summer. I don’t know if they are the most flattering, but the fabric is divine and they feel like a dream and have pockets. I love this gauzy material. Uh oh – looks like the link I gave you has them in a light green and a hot pink. Amy has issues with buying multiples when she likes something! By the way, I did size down one in these.

2 ON graphic tees

One is a little city scene and one says Malibu. I was so freaking happy to happen upon these for $5 each. I don’t know why I love them so much. These are cropped so I sized up a couple of sizes and they have washed really well. This is a really nice t-shirt material. I also bought one for Erica’s birthday that says “Enjoy the Journey” and is super soft.

Cream summer sweater – Old Navy – shown in photo above with the Malibu tee.

2 knit floral sleeve tops -TJ Maxx

Top One – and I should have stopped with this one as it fits better and it’s my favorite:

Top Two:

They were $16 each. The middle is a t-shirt knit and the sleeves are silky materials. I thought these would look cute with jeans or skirts, too, and can be dressed up, too.

I feel really set for outfits for the last 6 weeks of school. I do need to find a new dress but I haven’t had much luck. I think I am set on jeans, pants, shorts, skirts, and tops. It’s a great feeling to look in your closet and see lots of options, no? I feel like my closet is not overstuffed at this point and I see lots of things I’m excited to wear. They may not all look 10/10, but I feel good in them.

Let’s break it down:

TJ Maxx – 2

Target – 5 (just basics – the 5 muscle tees)

Amazon – 1

Umgee – 1 (via Amazon, but a boutique brand)

Old Navy – 3 – 2 graphic tees, and one summer cardigan

I did not add up the amounts this month, but I did really well. Do you have a favorite purchase or outfit?

Amy

Monday, April 15, 2024

I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly to share my Weekend Top 5 today!

ONE

I’m going to call Thursday night part of the weekend – have I ever shown you my latest in my collection of my lightweight beaded earring collection? My friend gave me a gift card to a local boutique for my birthday back in November and I finally managed to spend it about a month ago. I bought these bourbon earrings:

Jack was finally home early and wanted to hang out. I told him about a 5-7 p.m. happy hour at Steak and Bourbon and bonus that my former student bartends there.

We split a wedge salad and I got a $5 old fashioned (thus the bourbon earrings) and

now Jack is also a convert to the butter candle. The rolls would be great alone with that flaky sea salt on top, but the butter candle takes it to the next level. We even ordered the Maldon sea salt flakes from Amazon to have at home.

It was a nasty, rainy night outside and I left Tom with soup and grilled cheese and he got to hang out with Eddie Otis and was just fine!

TWO

Eddie Otis! We are now just over a week of this little guy being in our lives. Saturday he had his first trip down to the river.

Ok – look at that! He’s so little but he’s already acting like a big dog.

He was not afraid at all and went right down to the water.

Can you even?

THREE

Friday night we got to have a nice dinner at Osteria with Heather, Heather, and their husbands Eric and Scott. Blonde Heather was my college roommate – we actually met in the line at orientation in the summer before college started and decided to room together. Brunette Heather – Heather and I met her day one of college and then I realized she was from just across the river from me.

I split a really good salad and margarita pizza with one Heather and forgot to take many photos!

And, it had been Eric’s birthday that week so we celebrated him!

FOUR

College is winding down and we have been invited on campus for a couple of things. Saturday we had a chance to eat Chinese food as a family of four at Joy Luck.

Boy, four years have gone by so quickly. And, what a ride it’s been starting college in the fall of 2020.

FIVE

After many grey and rainy days, the sun finally came back to us! I filled my bird feeders (remember that I just add bird seed to my Kroger order) and put my patio cushions out. I drank some rosé in a jam jar – love doing this – and sat in my favorite chair and read.

My nails look horrible right now. I’ve been taking a two week break from press ons and it’s also worked out with Eddie Otis and washing my hands so much.

What were your weekend top 5?

Amy

Friday, April 12, 2024

It’s Friday! Oh, that first week back after spring break is always a killer, no? Add in a puppy and whoa!

Also, what was I smoking when I thought two puppies at once would be a good idea?

But anyway, all of my favorites this week could be about puppies!

It’s time to link up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites!

Here we go…

Loving my new phone case. I have an iphone 13. It has a built in pop socket!

I also finally re-ordered Seint makeup. I have now been using it for four years. My sister just ordered some, too, and I’m anxious to see what she thinks.

I made pan con tomate this weekend – sooo good!

I was taught to put ham on top!

The Bored Teachers Comedy tour was really funny and I need to go to more comedy shows.

I had been wanting to go to Agave and Rye for awhile and this time it was just mid as the kids say. Mid means not that great. My curiosity was satiated, though!

Before the comedy tour at The Brown Theatre, I had a few minutes to kill and went in The Brown Hotel – so fancy with a piano player. It is where the Hot Brown was developed.

I got a fun purchase at TJ Maxx last week that I forgot to show you:

My patio theme is lemons and I thought it would be fun for entertaining.

And, loving this little platter and bowl from Target!

I’ve done pretty well with cooking this week despite having to watch Eddie Otis constantly. I did baked tacos one night:

It was Erica’s bday at school (well, this was the day before) and I did a little lunch party for her:

She came over to meet EO after school:

Puppy’s first vet visit also happened this week:

He was an angel in the car on the way and then got rave review from our wonderful vet:

Our friends Scott and Jessica came over to meet our boy and not only did they bring him toys, but I also got these cute Derby earrings – so sweet!

Elizabeth came over after work to visit us, too!

She brought us a cute puppy toy, too.

I sent her home with the dinner I had made for that night because she works an 8-5 job! Ha! It was Greek lemon chicken, roasted broccoli, and roasted potatoes:

One night I made a burger bowl with tater tots:

really trying to work on food waste reduction – on the day Erica was gone, I used up veg for this salad

and used pizza bowl ingredients with extra whole wheat angel hair…

so good! I forgot a photo, but I also made spinach artichoke pasta with chicken for Erica’s bday lunch at school.

EO found the down spout and took his first shower! We have had so much rain!

selfie:

Amy

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Ok, it’s Thursday and time for Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill.

Let’s go back to mid-week last week when we had storms that brought in a cold front.

I tried this on to go to lunch with my friend:

But, I settled on this:

Danskos, Wit and Wisdom jeans, Entro flowery blouse, new Old Navy sweater.

The next day I wore all black as a base – Matilda Jane pants, black Target muscle tee, and my star sweater.

I wore this Friday to go out to eat and to the teacher comedy show:

Kut from the Kloth jeans, Lucky booties, black tee with fancy sleeves, and my fringe vest.

This is what I wore Saturday for puppy pick up day:

And, for school Tuesday I wore my new Umgee light blue pants with one of my new spring break TJ Maxx tops. I bought two essentially just black tees but with fancy sleeves. They are both floral sleeves and I thought they would be cute for spring and summer. Also, do you peep my new floral phone case? It’s a pop socket case so it has a built in pop socket. I cleaned my phone really well, put a new glass screen protector on it, and put the new case on it. I feel like I have a new phone!

I wore the white sneakers you see on the bathroom counter, by the way.

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

I had the best spring break! The weather was insanely beautiful from Friday through Tuesday when the weather turned stormy. Then it was cold from Wednesday through Saturday and warmed up again.

Added bonus for my spring break was that my kids had a college Easter break with no classes Thursday-Monday! Another added bonus – my neighbor was out of town! He uses power tools and blows leaves in all the season for hours on end!

Friday after school I went to Martini’s patio and that was a nice way to start the break!

Saturday we drove to pick out our puppy! On the way home we stopped at Limestone Yacht Club for the first time.

Sunday we (the whole fam of four!) went to Easter at my mom’s house and one of my sisters and her family got to come, too.

Monday I ran some errands which included a much needed pedicure and took Jack shopping for a couple of things. We brought Blaze pizza home for Mason, too. I loved having a weekday to just do whatever!

Tuesday I had breakfast and went consignment shopping with my friend Victoria. We went out to dinner with our friend Eric.

Wednesday I went to lunch with my friend Beth.

Thursday I knew I had to really get the house puppy ready and get some supplies so I did that. Some supplies were things to offer friends who come over for puppy breath!

I refreshed and minimized the decor in the living room:

Friday was my last puppy free day so I was kind of lazy and knew I had evening plans and didn’t want to do to much! I went to dinner with Tom and he dropped me off at a theatre to meet Erica for The Bored Teachers Comedy Tour. Tom was actually my back up. Erica and I were supposed to do dinner but her flight was late so she had to just meet me at the comedy show. Thanks, Tom!

Waiting on Erica:

It was really funny! But, it also made me sad that there was so much truth to their comedy!

Saturday was puppy pick up day!

Sunday was hang out at home and train puppy and then Jack had his choir’s spring concert at 3:00 and puppy went to, but Tom ended up keeping him outside most of the time.

Yes, I guess we are those people:

Monday was Eclipse Day and an added day of break. I eclipsed alone. I kept the door open and Eddie Otis slept inside the whole time then he and I spent a couple of hours on a blanket in the yard playing.

Now we have 7 weeks of school left. Eek! I’m so ready!

I had such a nice week at home! After the kids went back to classes after their Easter break, I had some time in my house alone – no humans and no dogs. It was weird, but I think it was just what I needed. I’m so grateful!

Amy

PS – I am so behind on comments, but thank you for your sweet words. My routine is now all out of whack!

Tuesday, April 9. 2024

I got into a fight with strangers on the internet/Facebook last month. No, not really – but, I did make a comment to this post that declared that a school’s PTA had purchased bumper cars to use in the school hallways for student incentives:

It showed a picture of two teachers trying them out. I cut off their heads because I don’t know them and it felt like the right thing to do.

I’m not sure why this elementary school news blurb showed up in my feed, but I commented that now schools are required to literally run a carnival? I got lots of support for my post, but I also got some, “oh they just want to have fun” kind of things.

So, two bumper cars in the school hallway for students who “work hard”. Let’s say you have 500 kids. What a huge distraction for all involved! The kids who get to ride will be talking smack, the kids who don’t will be fixated on when it will be their turn, the teachers trying to walk down hallways during their planning period will be dodging bumper cars, the custodians will most likely have more to clean, the liabilities when and not if someone gets hurt, and I as a parent would not sign a waiver to let my kid participate so it would cause problems for me at home.

Also, do we want to teach kids to bump into other cars? That might be bad for their driver’s ed course coming up in the future!

How can we teach kids to work hard because it’s the right thing to do and because you will be proud of yourself?

My school recently rewarded the kids who hadn’t gotten in a fight or had a behavior referral with stress balls complete with our school logo. That was fun! I can still hear the balls bouncing in my sleep. Shouldn’t we have given the stress balls to those who fought? Or, to the teachers?

Maybe this is showing my age, but I think we have taken rewards for kids too far.

Sound off in the comments if you have any thoughts. You can certainly disagree with me!

Amy

Monday, April 8, 2024

Eclipse? What eclipse? We have a puppy to talk about!

First of all, his name is Eddie Otis and it makes me giggle every time I say it. Our first chocolate lab was named Archie after a guy named Archie Otis from Tom’s hometown. Otis was the last name. I got to name Ernie (Ernesto Gordo = Fat Ernest) so it’s Tom’s turn again and he chose Archie Otis’ son Eddie Otis. He does not keep in contact with these people, by the way.

Our friend Eric ordered this dog bed for us! We were so touched.

We traveled about 40 minutes away to Indiana early Saturday morning. We had picked out our boy from the three males (it was a whole litter of chocolates!) a week prior and he was bathed and ready.

Look at that tongue!

Seeing his new yard for the first time!

He had visitors – both Heathers, one of the Heather’s daughter and friend, and Eric, the husband of one of the Heathers.

I walked in on this late afternoon:

First night went pretty well. This towel was rubbed all over his mama so he would have her scent. He is already crying when he needs to go out to potty.

His mama is silver and named Aly:

His Dad’s name is Terry:

We are in love and we are tired!

Amy

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