Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Friday, March 17, 2023

Happy Friday! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Happy Birthday to my amazing sister, Kate! Get yourself a shamrock shake today! I have not had my yearly shake yet.

Today is everyones’ favorite link up with Andrea and Erika where we share our Friday Favorites.

Here are mine…

Last Saturday was so much fun! I didn’t share this photo yet of Erica, Heather, and I “pre-parading”. It was so much fun to drop the Saturday routine/errands/chores and go have fun!

Our son Jack wanted to go hear his guitar teacher play at a church Sunday afternoon and said we could come. Tom and I jump when our kids want to spend time with us and with them going to college so close we have that luxury.

We found out this church was the oldest house of worship in Louisville – how cool is that? His guitar teacher is simply amazing and he has played in Spain!

After the concert, we went to The Eagle. Tom and I split a sandwich and it was just too spicy and we can handle some spice. We were really glad we split.

And, the sweet potato casserole was just too sweet.

We also got hush puppies that were too spicy.

Jack got a chicken sandwich and mac and cheese that wasn’t too spicy. So, we just ordered poorly, but it was just nice to have more time with Jack. He had been out of town for a choir event.

I was so happy to have my homemade Amy McMuffins. Mason came up with that! I take them to school and heat in my microwave and then eat it before I see any students.

I had my Irish food in the crockpot all day Sunday and then Monday I made the bread and we had that for dinner. I bought a regular brisket and not a corned beef brisket so it wasn’t that Irish this year – oops!

These are snowflakes on my jacket! Yes, we got a dusting of snow this week, but we still did our before dinner Ernie walks!

I also made shepherd’s pie and probably left it in the oven a bit too long. That is cheese on top that got browned.

This week, I talked about my weekend and weekend routine here, my reflections on the 3 year anniversary of “the day the world shut down” here, and shared my Fashion Files here. I wasn’t sure about the response my reflection on the last 3 years would have, but it seems like you all wanted to reflect as well. I think this is what helps me process things and it helps to know that we aren’t alone in all of emotions surrounding it. I also think it fosters gratitude. That is one thing that I think teenagers are lacking sometimes. I see my students whine and complain (about basically everything big and small – “I don’t want to be here today”, “I’m so tired”, “I have so much English homework”, “I have practice today”, …) and I try to put things in perspective and remind them of the good that is in the “normal”. I may be wasting my breath, but I hope I am getting through to a few. We also do silly little seasonal activities like this one we just did..

I gave them a blank 4 leaf clover and they had to start with “Tengo suerte porque…” which means “I’m lucky because…” and we shared out loud around the room and then I had them decorate our hallway with them.

Do you think that complaining is a normal part of being a teenager? Heck, do you think complaining is a normal part of the human experience? I like to tell them that complaining leads to more complaining because I really think it does.

Update on Tik Tok:

I am @sraspanish and have now posted 38 videos – mostly teaching grammatical concepts, verb tenses, little tricks, etc.. I have 175, 000 followers and one of my videos has 36 million views. How crazy is this?

The funny thing is that my account is meant for American students learning Spanish, but according to analytics, 70% of my followers/viewers are from Spanish speaking countries. Some of the comments have been mean, but overwhelmingly, they are super sweet like, “adopt me!”, “teach me!”, and “I love how you teach!”. I am not following or watching any other Tik Tok videos and I don’t even read most of the comments or respond. There are 36, 000 comments on the highest viewed video, so that would be impossible. I am trying to post a video every other day now. I am learning so much! I have recently been using the green screen where I put a computer slide behind me while I am talking – if that makes sense.

So, I didn’t mean to go off on so many tangents as this was supposed to be a lighthearted Friday Favorites!

What were your faves this week?

Amy

Thursday, March 16, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means link up day with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.

But first, some purchase updates:

I returned the Athleta flare leggings – they were super soft but way too long and that would have negated the cute slits at the ankle. I will probably pursue a pair again, but just didn’t think it was a good purchase this time. They were $55, so definitely not cheap. Also, they did not have pockets and I love my two pocketed scalloped hem leggings so much.

I returned this cute Target sweater and the black pants. The sweater is very short and it felt hot. I knew I would have to wear something under it, too. I just didn’t think I would be comfortable. The pants were too long, which is a common problem for me. I am 5’4.

I was on a quest to update my white jeans. I ordered Amazon Essentials and they were pretty good with a nice thick material, but then I went in Clothes Mentor for something else and decided to check their white jeans. I found a pair of NYDJ for $21 (almost $10 less than the Amazon Essentials) and the fabric seemed cooler, like it would keep me cooler in the warmer months. I plan to cut and fray them because they are too long and I just like that look anyway. So, I think I got a major score. Did you know that you often need to go up a size in white jeans? They tend to show all the lumps and bumps and sometimes you just need a bit more fabric.

NYDJ Jeans below:

I wouldn’t wear this out; I was just trying on!

So, this means that the only things I have purchased recently are:

White J.Crew Final Sale ruffle bathing suit – I am going to get it tailored. It is a bit big and the straps fall down, but I think it’s worth it because it’s so well made

Olukai mules

TJ Maxx coral floral blouse – have not worn in yet because it turned cold!

White NYDJ jeans from consignment

Your girl is growing up and not settling! She is returning anything that isn’t a 10/10!

So, now let’s see what I’ve been wearing. Spoiler alert – It’s nothing too fashionable!

This is what I wore to school last Friday:

The shirt was $3 from Old Navy and says “Live Happy” in Spanish. These are old Universal Thread Target jeans and an old Target cardigan that is really light weight. I am continuing to wear my mules most days.

For the parade Saturday, I decided on jeans, tennies, white button down, and Target cardigan. I wore the same one last year. I had to match my green beer earrings – beerrings? – and my shamrock headband. I used my clear purse with my spring striped purse strap.

Sunday I wore this to hear the guitar recital of Jack’s guitar teacher:

I love black with chambray, but this outfit looks very meh and this photo is bad, too. I wore my little scarf but you can’t really see it. I don’t think I can pull off the little scarf look, but I think it’s so cute.

Monday for school I wore this:

These are Matilda Jane flares, my green floral Loft blouse, and my Madewell sneaks with green laces. I look kinda dorky but I had to wear quiet shoes for testing we are doing this week.

The next day I wore this:

These are super soft Matilda Jane pants, a black tank blouse, and a soft leopard duster. I am holding a hairdryer and I am shoe-less. I thought it was funny. I had to do this for my photo because Tom was behind me in the bathroom and you can see his shoulder – lol.

So, that’s all I’ve got! What have you been wearing latley? This is a hard time of year to know what to wear, no?

Amy

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

I wasn’t going to post today. I really wasn’t. I just didn’t have a good idea for this week after my Monday’s post other than Fashion Files and Friday Favorites. This doesn’t happen to me very often. I also have a very busy week, so I was going to go easy on myself.

But, I got to school yesterday and people were saying it was the 3 year mark of March 13, 2020. It really made me pause and I did some reflection, not for the first time, of course.

In my school district, March 13th was the last day these halls would see students until April 8th, 2021.

So much has happened in my life since then:

my twins made their college decision a few weeks after schools shut down (luckily we had finished our visits), they finished their senior year at home, they took all of their AP exams from home, they literally had a drive by graduation and were handed diplomas through the car window, they left for college, I worked from home for the first time in my life, I became an empty nester in one fell swoop, I qualified for retirement if I wanted, I turned 50, Tom and I learned a new routine in our new stage of life…

Gosh, our country, our state, our city, our school district, everyone – did some really crazy things. I guess we didn’t know what we didn’t know.

I know I’m not a nurse or doctor, but I do feel that teachers were on the front lines.

We are still seeing fall out, but I can happily say that most kids are unmasked, smiling, talking, laughing, and opening up again. Real learning is taking place again. Last year was freaking hard. This year is so much better, from my point of view.

I’m definitely not trying to celebrate the anniversary, but to reflect on it.

If you care to share, leave me a comment!

Amy

Monday, March 13, 2023

Today I am linking up for Hello Monday here and for Not Just a Mom here!

I think I will kind of weave the two topics together if you all are ok with that!

Friday was super cold, but Ernie has gotten so used to our after school walk. He lets me do a couple of things around the house, but then about 30 minutes after I return home, he comes to me with the cutest face and perked up ears like, “Come on, Mom, it’s time”. He rolls in the grass of the front yard at the end of our walk:

Elizabeth wanted to meet up for happy hour at 4, but Erica was busy, so it was just the two of us. We met at Joe’s Older than Dirt and were happy with the reasonable prices.

We talked and talked and I got home around 6:30 – oops. I was full and Tom had a big lunch, so we both just skipped dinner. Tom had some snacks while he waited for me. I was willing to make something for him, but he was fine. Later I had some popcorn while watching tv.

This has pretty much been my routine this year – get up about an hour later than normal on Saturdays and start my day with my quiet time, a lit candle, two cups of coffee, and catching up on any blogs I missed during the week. Sometimes I read my book.

I told Tom my favorite thing about my new oven is the clock and he responded with a “yeah, you haven’t been using it for cooking!” He got me. I have only used it twice so far. He really thought that was funny.

This is the coveted chair in our house. Tom slept in until about 8 and no one else was home so I had no competition for it.

I like to start my weekend with a list:

My list usually has a section for things to do at home, places I need to go, and I flush out the meals for the week.

Can anyone peep the blog I am cathing up on?

Preppy Empty Nester is a great blog follow!

I’ve decided to try to do two weeks’ worth of breakfasts at a time. I did my grocery pick up on Thursday and it included two packs of English muffins. These are 4 WW points, but they are really great tasting – someone recommended them to me, but I forgot who. I put one slice of Canadian bacon, one slice of Sargento very thin cheese, and a square of egg. I put the eggs on my small cookie sheet and baked them.

I wrap them and put them in the freezer.

I also did Ernie’s chicken:

I also made ground beef for two different meals this week – shepard’s pie and spaghetti. Getting the meat part done really helps me and I had a ton of energy for meal prepping Saturday morning. I always do something for my future self during the weekend mornings. I enjoy it and it’s relaxing for me. I play a podcast or have a show on in the background.

I usually run errands around 10. This Saturday I did the library and Clothes Mentor. I had to find something for the bachelorette weekend I’m going to and I found some white NYDJ jeans! Do you know that you often have to go up a size in white jeans? I realized I never did have any white jeans last season and I really missed them, so I have been on a recent quest for a pair that fits well.

So, on a normal Saturday, I usually finish errands by lunchtime, make lunch for me and anyone else around, piddle around the house, read, watch tv, and lately I have been cooking Saturday night dinner at home.

The weekends look quite different than they used to. Much of our time is at home, now.

Then, it was time to go to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. My friend Heather came to my house and she rode with me to meet Erica at a club she belongs to.

We hung out there for a bit and had a drink and some Irish soda bread. Then, we walked to the parade.

My sister in law’s boat business was in it – Marine Sales and Service:

And, my niece Morgan walked with them!

We also saw Heather’s brother in law and some really cute dogs:

Then, we got some onion straws and bbq:

I didn’t get home until about 7! Tom had spent most of the day with Mason. They ate Venezuelan food for lunch and hung out. Jack was away at a singing event.

I guess we sprung forward overnight! I slept in until about the new 7:00 and did the same morning rourtine.

Then, I made Jen’s Irish recipe – with a few changes because I can never just follow a recipe:

I bought a very small seasoned brisket and browned it on the stove. I went ahead and added my cabbage at the beginning instead of waiting until the end. I also made her Irish soda bread in the afternoon!

I have the best luck with my crockpot on the weekends when I can watch it. I think I’m gone too long during the week and it just doesn’t turn out great. It all tastes like “crockpot”.

The rest of Sunday included some more errands because I have a busy week ahead.

What did you do this weekend and what does a day in the life look like for you? I am and have always been an early riser and use that energy in the morning to my advantage.

Hope your Monday is tolerable!

Amy

P.S. – My posting schedule might be lighter this week, so just want to let you know!

Friday, March 10, 2023

How was your week? Ours was a bit discombobulated at school! We had Monday off for storm damage/lack of electricity at many of our schools from the Friday storm and Wednesday I had a large majority of my students taking the ACT during most of the school day. So, it’s been an out of sorts week at school and that means lack of motivation for many students. Also, we are limping along towards spring break! We still have 21 calendar days!

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

What have been your favorite things this week? I would like to share some of mine!

I have been loving the early blooms on our trees:

However, I am a bit scared with our cold snap that they will die. Yup, it has turned cold/seasonable cool again. We had almost 80 degrees and sunny on Monday and then 40s since then.

Mason returned from the conference on Sunday afternoon and decided to stay another night because he doesn’t have class until afternoon on Monday. So, I got some added one on one time. because I was off Monday. Jack had to go back Sunday afternoon to sing in the chapel for mass. Mason and I watched some tv together and chatted Sunday evening, Monday morning and at lunchtime Monday. I was so happy to have that extra time.

Also on my day off Monday, I tried my hand at making gnocchi (boiling a package for 3 minutes) with bacon tomato sauce from this recipe.

I think I should have browned the gnocchi in a skillet after boiling, but I really liked it! Jen has been talking about always ordering gnocchi off of a menu when available and I had never tried it.

I bought this package at Fresh Market. Why is the little Italian girl so sad?

I decided to try some shampoo and conditioner from TJ Maxx and I love it! The smell is wonderful. It doesn’t suds up much, but I still feel that my hair was really clean.

And, I bought some hairspray and dry shampoo there, too. This is my favorite dry shampoo – like it really cleans your hair. And, I am happy with this new to me hairspray. I am new to buying hair products at TJ Maxx, but there are some great deals to be found.

I was very sad that Dave’s Thin Sliced Killer Bread was no longer in stock at my Kroger at the time of my pick up. Seriously, why is everything I want out of stock or no longer carried in my store? Does this happen to you, too? They subbed for this and I really like it, too.

I really only use this for my beloved avocado toast. You need a more hearty bread for avocado toast, in my expert opinion. Ha!

My day off on Monday was truly a treat. The weather was to die for. I hate that it came at the expense of a storm, though. I got a polish change (I didn’t want the full monty and didn’t want to sit for it and I also didn’t want my spray tan soaked off of my legs), which means just them trimming, buffing, and polishing your pigs. I went with a highlighter pink color and I am loving it. It’s only $16, too, before tip.

I realized that I can do a smaller grocery pick up if needed. It’s free if you spend $35, I think, and we all know how easy that is to do these days. Some weeks call for two different pick ups if you can’t plan for the entire week, you know?

I also vacuumed out my car on Monday. I keep a very empty, clean car. Tom, on the other hand, could live out of his. He keeps multiple jackets, tools, sporting equipment, hand sanitizer from 2001, bandanas for sweat?, medicine, a first aid kit, multiple protein bars, multiple cups and drink options. No, he does not drive for work. He drives to an office. He drives a Suburban and there is hardly room for me when I ride in his car.

Anyway…my car looked so good!

Sunday late afternoon, I wanted to go look at the high river. We went to Captain’s Quarters and there were actually a lot of people sitting outside. Can you see how high it is? Look at all of the debris from the storm, too.

I got an adult lemonade:

I got fish and could hardly touch the amount they gave me.

Tom got a hot brown. This is a Louisville specialty.

I am anxiously awaiting my Target spring sweater! It should be here this afternoon.

After reading One Italian Summer, I dove back into this. It’s about a female chef opening a new restaurant in Paris. I’m enjoying it. There are predictable elements and it’s a lighter read after my last book.

I got to see a beautiful sunrise in the school parking lot on Wednesday!

I am loving my one pair of button front jeans! Who would have thought? I like to call these my weekend jeans. They are from Old Navy and short length, so they are perfect on me.

I did decide to return the Athleta flare leggings. I just thought I don’t need a pair of $55 leggings, you know? They were too long and I just didn’t think it would be a good purchase. They were incredibly soft, though. I always reach for my leggings with pockets on both sides right now anyway, and those don’t have pockets.

What’s been good in your world this week?

Amy

Thursday, March 9, 2023

It’s Thursday and that means it’s link up day with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.

First, it’s been crazy around here so not much fashion has been going on. Friday we didn’t have school because of the threat of storms and very high winds. Well, that was a good call because many trees came down and several homes and schools were left without power. In fact, we also didn’t have school on Monday. We did not lose power and I was so thankful because we did lose it for five days the last time we had such high winds.

Thursday I wore this to school:

This is my Target Deff Leopard t-shirt, my white Target button up, my Matilda Jane flares, and my MIA black clogs. I did change into flats after a bit.

Sunday I wore denim on denim. This is my Old Navy chambray blouse with Old Navy distressed jeans, my new Olukais mules, and a cream sweater. I kept from cropping my face just so you could see the struggle I go through some days trying to take an outfit pic. What am I doing?

Did you read my post yesterday? I shared more about these shoes and other recent fashion purchases.

Monday when I didn’t have school I put on my biker shorts. I have Amazon and J.Crew biker shorts. They both have pockets on either side and are great for everything. I love them. I only left the house for a pedicure and a Kroger pick up.

And, Tuesday I wore this to school – older blouse from a boutique – the brand is Entro and I really like it and consignment Matilda Jane pants. I took my shoes for a test run at school and they stood the test. They were both comfortable and easy to walk in. If you have super narrow feet, though, they may not be for you. They do seem a bit wide for many in the reviews.

And finally, above, I wore my ON blouse like my chambray version, green Matilda Jane flares, and my new Olukais.

So, not a super fashionable week around here.

What have you been wearing?

Oh, I have to break out the sweaters again – winter is back!

Amy

How many parts will there be? I don’t know – maybe 12? Ha! Check out my first post here where I shared my January purchases and probably some early February purchases, too!

Ever since January 1, 2023, I have been looking toward spring with my purchases. I have plenty of winter clothes and I don’t enjoy buying them very much.

At the end of February, I had an appointment at my favorite consignment store and took 6 pairs of shoes, 1 handbag, 1 pair of pants, and 8 tops for re-sale. This forced me to really look at my spring and summer clothing and see what I wasn’t excited to wear. I will be happy if I get a bit of money back to put towards new things – mostly at this shop – Sassy Fox! They don’t take any fast fashion – so no Old Navy or Target for them.

I like to look at spring trends and look at my current clothing and see what I am still excited to wear and what still looks fresh and modern. I try to be very honest with myself. What didn’t fit quite right? What no longer excites me? Just like Marie Kondo says, I think it’s good to thank it for its service and send it along to someone who will be thrilled to have it. I am constantly learning what works for me, what I like to wear, and what I feel good in.

First, let’s recap my Loft purchases of 2023 now that I have photos of me wearing them:

The green and white striped shirt was a hit at school on this day (lots of comments from my students!) and then I wore it unbuttoned with a white tee over the weekend and I loved that look, but didn’t get a photo, unfortunately.

This cream cardigan jacket is super soft and I have been grabbing it for the cool weekend mornings, which has kind of surprised me. It’s a classic and I think it will always be “in style”. I don’t love it with the shirt underneath, but I have lots of options.

And, this green floral blouse is just so pretty and my favorite style of blouse for me:

I really like Loft and they have a nice teacher discount, too. I like to order online and order enough to get the shipping free and then return to my nearby store. I like the size selection online and maybe the deals are better?

I bought this impulse purchase blouse at TJ Maxx. I loved the print!

I am in love! I bought them and I love them! You may remember me telling you about these on my wish list recently?

They are so cushy. Tom has had and loved Olukais for years. Seriously, check them out for your hub. By the way, this is my first shoe purchase of 2023.

This was a bit of an impulse purchase, but I have been wanting a white tank swimsuit. This one appears to be fully and majorly lined, but if it doesn’t work, I will sell it to my consignment store, I guess. I am even willing to pay to get it tailored if needed. I haven’t gotten anything tailored in a long time so I could justify it.

J.Crew white swimsuit $39 final sale:

I have placed a Target.com order for these:

I am in need of a black work pant. So, we will see, but Target just makes returns so easy.

And this sweater – swoon!

And, I placed an Athleta order (my first!) for these:

I think I ordered them in a petite length. Again, this is an easy return to make. So, I will let you know.

It continues to be awkward, but eye opening to take my outfit pics.

What have you been buying lately?

Amy

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Are you intimidated like I was? I went to a spray tan booth once in my 30s and opened my mouth on accident and couldn’t follow directions about turning at correct times so I had been scared to try it again. Yes, I can totally see how Ross messed it up so badly!

Last spring, my co-worker Erica went to Sun Tan City and kind of explained what to do so I gave it a shot and really liked it. I kept going all spring and summer (monthly rate) and stopped from August until November. Then, I got a deal that couldn’t be beat to tan from November until March for a low rate. So, I went maybe a couple of times a month since November.

Another nice thing is that no appointment is required. I have never even had to wait in the lobby.

I think there is a deal now where you can go as a first timer for $20 if you do want to try it.

Last week was my last chance to go with that package and I thought I would walk you through the process. I am hoping to get a please come back deal sent to my inbox because I would like to go a couple times a month in the spring. I still love Tan Luxe The Butter and I plan to use that as maintenance until I go back to Sun Tan City. But, boy is it nice to have your whole body done for you. When I just used self tanning lotion, I only worried about my arms and legs.

There are a couple of different types of spray booths, brands, formulas of tanning agents, and levels of tan – light, medium, and dark. I figured out I liked Versa (brand name of the machine) medium after the first few times I went. The employees will help you decide and explain the different formulas to you, so don’t worry.

You want to wear loose dark clothing and you can’t shower for 4-6 hours after getting sprayed if you want your color to devolop and last.

I usually wear a black knit swing dress. I like to shower and wash my hair before going and then I don’t shower again until the next day. It has never stained my clothes or sheets. There is a bit of a smell but it doesn’t bother me too badly. You do want to wear your hair in a ponytail because you put on this cap:

This is what the booth looks like below. If you are claustrophobic, it does not have a door that closes and it is inside your own private room. You can go in your birthday suit with no worries. It has numbers on the floor and it tells you (the booth talks to you) to start with toes on number one and heels on number four, then you do three other positions always using the numbers as a guide. I put a towel down under my feet because I did have the bottoms of my feet get dirty before.

The booth washes itself immediately after and also an employee cleans each booth, but you don’t touch anything except the floor of the booth.

Before starting you put this barrier cream between your fingers and on your wrists and between your toes so that the tanning solution doesn’t make those areas really dark. I have forgotten this step before and I just washed my hands and feet immediately with wet wipes and it was ok.

There are posters with instructions inside your little room that locks, by the way. They tell you about how to put on the barrier cream (it is provided in the room), how to stand in the booth, how to change positions, etc. Also, there is a phone if you need to call the front desk. There are also paper towels, wipes, your hair net, a clean towel, and a mirror.

The whole booth process only takes about 5 minutes and it blows air on you to dry after, as well. I immediately put my clothes on and leave.

My spray tan lasts for 7-10 days if I just shower normally. Swimming or soaking in a bathtub can affect how long it lasts. Also, you are supposed to just wash with your hands and not use a loofah or a washcloth and then pat dry with your bath towel and not rub. You also want to keep moisturizing and that helps it last. It fades very naturally, though.

I think it looks best about two days after tanning so if you have an event to go to, I would plan ahead and go at least one day before the event, but two might be the best.

I have never done the spray tan where a person sprays you, so I can’t speak about that experience.

Here is what I looked like the day after:

My feet look pretty dark in the photo.

Is it vain? Yes. Is it silly that we like to “be tan” or have a little color? Yes. I don’t let myself get much real sun anymore so this has been a good option for me. Am I a bit worried about the chemicals involved? Yes. There are organic spray tans where the person uses the handheld sprayer on you. I might look into that, but I feel like that would be more expensive and cost prohibitive for me.

I hope I explained the process well enough for those of you curious.

Do you ever get sprayed? Have you been sprayed? Have you been sprayed by a skunk? I hope not!

Amy

Monday, March 6, 2023

My weekend started out weird but wonderful. I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to tell you about it! Thursday night I could not keep my eyes open. I literally had to rewind the show I was watching like 3 times because I fell asleep. I finally gave up and went to bed. Friday morning I was wide awake at 4:30 all bright eyed and bushy tailed because I had gone to sleep so early and came out to start my morning routine. It was raining and storming and I just had this weird premonition. I checked my work email and sure enough we had no school because of the severity of the storms expected. I don’t check work email at home as a regular practice anymore and I had taken all notifications off of my phone a few years ago. I am living in the dark ages and I love it.

I also should tell you something weird happened with Friday’s post. I think it was still sent out via email and I was able to link it to the Friday Favorites link up party, but it has disappeared off the face of my WordPress account. So strange!

So, I was kinda mad that I didn’t sleep in, but I was also ok with it. I drank my two cups of coffee, read blogs, and then decided to watch tv in case the power went out later and then I would read. These are very serious decisions I am making, people. I watched Outer Banks – Tom has abandoned it because of the extreme cheesy teen aspect. Tom left for work and seemed a bit salty that I got to stay home.

I walked Ernie during a lull in the rain and then my new oven was delivered and I was home to receive it! Jack was going to do it for us because he was home for spring break. Mason was still away at his conference. I talked on the phone with two friends and one of them started talking to me about the Murdaugh Murders so I jumped into that on Netflix. Wow.

Jack and I went to Goodwill and to Subway. I had not had a Subway (vegetarian, toasted!) in years and it was really good. Jack found three items at Goodwill and I found something I need for a bachelorette weekend activity coming up.

Then the weather got scary. The winds were so high that my patio furniture and a metal table were moving. I think they made the right call because of having kids leaving school at this time, busses on the roads, etc.

I was supposed to go to a couple of boutiques at a nearby neighborhood with my friends in the late afternoon, but the boutiques closed early or for the whole day. Afterward, we were supposed to go eat Mexican in the same neighborhood with our hubs, which we still did. The wind died down around 6 or 7 but it was pretty crazy. There are lots of trees down and blocked roads. One set of friends had to changed routes two times to get to the restaurant.

We took some arroz con pollo home for Jack and he and I watched Daisy Jones and the Six.

Saturday morning I was on a mission to shop TJ Maxx and Homegoods for shower curtains. Oh – and I also went to Target.

I found a black shower rod, black rings, and a shower curtain liner, but not the kind of pattern curtain I want. My sister told me not to settle and to look at the curtain as art for the bathroom. Also, it will be the first thing you see when you look in the bathroom. So, I ordered the one I really wanted and you will see it in a minute!

I succumbed to an impulse purchase at Target. These mixes are really good, but raisins really don’t belong. I love Raisin Bran, but nope, not here.

The one I really wanted was on Etsy, but also on Amazon for much less! If the fabric looks cheap, I will send it back.

Jack and Tom took out our old oven and put in our new one and it was quite a chore. It doesn’t fit exactly right and we are not ready to demo our kitchen yet. Ugh. Homeownership. But, they got it hooked up and it is working.

I swept, mopped, cleaned, straightened and we also had some yard messes from the storm. Finally, I got to go to my happy place in the sun!

I finished it yesterday morning, by the way. I don’t know what I think. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. Maybe I will go with that?

My oven has to be all smart and I had to download an app and all that jazz.

This was the inaugural item baked in the oven:

For dinner, I made Tom, Jack and I our honey mustard salad with chicken.

I watched another Daisy Jones with Jack and some Bravo shows I was behind on by myself.

Sunday morning I read and drank some coffee and prepped some vegetables for the week.

The next couple of weeks are going to be super busy with some things going on at work and no more days off.

What did you do this weekend? I hope you didn’t get bad storms!

Now, let’s talk Amazon…

I have been trying to be less implusive and really think about my purchases. Thank you to Tanya for providing this link up!

First off, I needed more of my favorite can’t live without popcorn butter spray, then Ernie needed more of his Rachael Ray little burger patties. They are so cute and he loves them. The price on this butter spray just keeps going up. I did not pay the current price you see when you click on the red font. I need to look at Walmart next time I’m there.

I want to read before bed instead of watching tv and I ordered this amber light clip on light and so far I love it, but the charger that came with it doesn’t fit in the spot where it’s supposed to go? I guess I really should send it back or call the company?

Then, I received a $30 gift card for participating in an education survey and went down a jewelry rabbit hole. I love the brand Pavoi and if you need a gift, it comes in really cute little gift boxes. I think the quality is pretty darn good, too.

First, I had wanted these starburst earrings for quite awhile.

Then, I wanted some new layering necklaces so I got this one and this one and extenders to help me do that.

I got this 80s looking ring to wear on my middle finger but it seems to run small so fourth finger it is. And, I lost one of my identical hoops that I wear all the time, so this was a re-order.

I didn’t do too badly, in my opinion!

What have you used Amazon for lately?

I’m feeling a bit melancholy today with my kids’ spring break being over, I guess. I also know how much I have to get done between now and the end of May. Also, we don’t have our spring break until March 31st, and that seems like a long time from now. Don’t worry – I usually don’t stay in these funks for long.

Thanks for reading and let me know about your weekend and your Amazon purchases in the comments!

Amy

Thursday, March 2, 2023

It’s time for another Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill!

Last Wednesday night I wore this to The Melting Pot. They had a step and repeat at the front of the restaurant so we were being silly. I hope these palazzo pants are still in style. I have maybe four or five pairs that I have had for a long time. They are comfortable like pajamas pants, cool (you don’t get too hot), and they still look presentable. I wore a very old TJ Maxx top with buttons along the sleeves.

Note to Self: Do not wear flowy sleeves while cooking your own meat with skewers over a vat of bubbling liquids.

All last week was Sparkle Week! Our librarians came up with this years ago as something fun in mid-February. Really only the teachers did it, but it was fun. One day I wore my silver sequin pants, one day I wore this:

And, the final day I wore sparkle leggings. I slacked on photos last week. We only had 3 days with kids and I had just enough sparkle clothing for 3 days!

On Saturday I wore this for errands. I had just cleaned my closet and it was a bit chilly in the late morning. Do you like cream with white? I’m not sure. I wore my current favorite Target jeans, my tan Danskos, a white soft linen button down, and my new Loft sweater blazer jacket thing.

Saturday night for the comedy show I changed into this:

Meh – at the last minute I changed into black clogs.

Monday for school I tried to turn lemons into lemonade because it was another Monday and we still have 5 – count them – 5 weeks until spring break. It’s so freaking late. We come back and only have 6 more weeks of school remaining. Doesn’t that seem too late?

And, finally I wore my new Loft striped shirt with jeans and the pumps only made it for a few minutes before I changed into flats.

I can’t figure out what to do with my face! Oh well!

What have you been wearing?

If you have been following along, I got all of my money back from Vaugu including the shipping! Still, major lesson learned…until I forget that lesson again. Ha!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy