Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

This is merely a list! I am including my favorite gifts I have received and gifts that I have given others that were well received.

I am team “Shop between Thanksgiving and Christmas” and somehow it always gets done. Of course, I don’t buy for that many people anymore. Some of you might be done or almost done so I apologize if my ideas are coming to you too late!

If you missed it, you might want to go back to my Saturday post – I shared 4 Somethings that are all holiday related!

Try to shop locally if you can and have that choice to make. We have a hardware store that also has some unique gift ideas – Brownsboro Hardware. They have had road construction affecting the entry to their parking lot so I really want to push them among my local friends. Think outside of the box – a boating store might have a cool gift for someone to anticipate for next summer – Marine Sales and Service if you are local. We bought Molly a float one year and she loved it and it was like she got a gift again when summer rolled around! Or, just go big and buy someone a boat!

A hair salon – they have curling irons, rollers, fancy shampoos and conditioners – J. Estell Salon for example, which is my salon and has great products and even hair styling tools. My mom always used to buy us Aveda products from her salon. What a treat! I have heard that some hair products from Amazon are fake or watered down. Eek!

A local restaurant gift card would be a treat!

Playthings Toy Store has unique toys that kids love! I am seeing more and more small businesses close up shop, you all. Let’s all vow to at least shop small for one gift.

I also think you can shop second hand for some gifts – toys for sure. Sometimes you can find clothes with tags that also fit the person you are shopping for.

Listen, I also really don’t think it’s about the gifts. If you have traditionally gotten gifts for friends, why not say “let’s just make a reservation for January and enjoy each others’ company and have something to look forward to”. It might be awkward, but I bet they would love this idea.

People love homemade food gifts especially. You can make spice blends, Chex Mix, cookies, simmer pot mixes, etc.

coffee maker/accessories to create a coffee bar (could be good for a teen or young adult)

coffee frother – handheld or the small appliance kind that you have to plug in (I love mine!)

bread maker

automatic trashcan

photo calendar

grandchildren birthstone necklace or ring

technology that makes life easier for an older person – just be careful that it isn’t too complicated to work

monogrammed things – Marley Lilly, Etsy – notepads, bracelet, tote bag

winter cozy things – heated vest, gloves, spa socks, fuzzy blanket

spa things – hair towel, silk pillowcase, good smelling bath products

sunglasses

really nice laundry detergent like Diva

good olive oil or a set – I love Graza

good balsamic vinegar – to to a specialty market if the person is a foodie and you might find all kinds of inspo

think outside the season – what do they love to do in the summer?

car accessories – phone stands, mats, good smelling things, vacuum kit

grilling stuff

kit to make your own smoked cocktails

leather dopp kit

leather handbag – Clayton and Crume, Bonhomia

pickle ball set

When I think of my favorite gifts over the years, it wasn’t just about the gift. It was about the giver really “seeing” me or “knowing me”. It wasn’t about the amount they spent, but the fact that they paid attention. Does that make sense?

My mom gave me so many gifts – she was really big on gift giving! My Dad gave me a few things that really stand out (or I found out they were his idea) my first Keurig, my Kindle, and my breadmaker.

Have I given you any ideas today?

Leave your ideas in the comments, please!

Amy

Monday, December 1, 2025

Can you believe it’s December? Wow! How was your Thanksgiving weekend?

I am linking up with Sarah and Holly to share mine, although I posted on Friday and already talked about part of it. I participated in Share 4 Somethings on Saturday and I made it all holiday themed, so go back and check that out. I shared some things I am doing that might also help you?

I had a couple of hard days this past week – I actually think the anticipation of them was harder than the actual days. Are you like that, too? Wednesday was the closing of my mom’s house with my sister Molly. Read about that here if you care to. I actually did post all last week after all, so you could have some catching up to do if you so desire! I also was dreading Thanksgiving because I didn’t get to see my side of the family and it would be the first without my mom. And, my sisters and I had decided to not do anything this year, sadly. Maybe we should have?

I did my nails Tuesday in this dark red, kind of cat eye:

I really like it! I have a big Black Friday order from Impress nails coming in soon. I think I got 40% off and it had been a long time since I had ordered. Here is my tutorial on my press ons. I’m just giving you all kinds of reading assignments!

We got home Thursday night from Natural Bridge State Park around 7:30. Tom’s parents live close to this park, so we decided to try this – come to them instead of them coming to us. We had Tom’s sister’s family of four plus a boyfriend of one of my nieces, plus Tom’s sister’s mother-in-law, and then my family – so we had a group of 12. We arrived about an hour and a half before the reservation for the buffet and the lobby/seating area was tiny and it wasn’t very conducive to visiting, but it was fine. Our table was ready, and we ate from the buffet. It gave my sister-in-law a break from hosting, so that was good.

Friday morning, I woke up pretty early and had a couple of cups of coffee and had done my morning routine when I heard a pop! The power went out! Tom was still in bed, but he had heard it, too, and had seen a flash. Eddie was with me, and he had heard it, too. His little ears were on high alert. Tom called the power company, and I was grateful that our water heater is run on gas because I took a shower and put on my new track pants, my new Santa shirt, and my Dad’s old green Old Navy vest. I should show you the label – I don’t ever remember Old Navy having this type of label it’s so old.

I went up to Heine Brothers coffee shop with my phone charger and my book, and I had a lovely little morning, and it reminded me I need to do this more often.

I got a sugar cookie latte. I really am on a sugar cookie kick. Their cups are so cute!

Tom texted me before I even started eating my breakfast sandwich that the power had been restored. It was so cold out, so I felt really lucky that we didn’t have to be without for too long.

Since I was out, I went to Kroger for a few things.

I was looking for brioche, but they were out. I had heard of this croissant bread and wanted to try it and it is really good. Wouldn’t this be great for a breakfast casserole, too?

I also decided to get red and green sprinkles to make my own coffee shop style lattes for the season and to sprinkle on anything and everything this month! Who doesn’t like sprinkles?

Leaving the house early Friday threw me off with the chores I had planned to do before going out so when I got home from the store, I did a few things, but I was just not motivated. I think I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from the week of hard things.

I talked to both sisters on the phone and read my book and napped a little. Tom and Mason were both here and they went to the gym together and I was going to order take out food but I decided to be the mom who says “we have food at home”. I guess this is a bit of a “girl dinner” because it was delicious to me. I poured a decent glass of wine (not like the wine from the tasting that tasted like feet), made a simple salad with my new favorite lettuce (still laughing that I have a favorite lettuce), made blackened chicken on the stovetop, roasted broccoli in the oven, and made frozen French fries with garlic aioli. There’s a little baguette action there, too.

This was really sweet – Tom said he loved the meal and was so glad I didn’t order anything.

Since the pumpkin pie left a lot to be desired at the state park, I picked up a two pack at Kroger – two pieces of pumpkin pie. Lol.

Did you do any Black Friday shopping? I ordered Revant eyeliner and some Amazon things for myself.

I was out of witch hazel so I ordered that, Lumi glotion (I accidentally ordered two), Korean skin care dark spot corrector, and another set of the nails I am wearing for my niece Brooke. She wants a lesson and is coming over!

I received an order I had placed before Black Friday – Molly has been using electrolytes for years before they were cool. She told me she likes these so I ordered them. I loved the apple – the only one I have tried so far.

And, my beloved Donna Karan. I decided this will be my winter scent (unless I find a perfume I like and that works with this) and I put it on and realized how much I missed it! I love you, Donna!

Today is the day to give your people their advent calendars. I bought the chocolate for Jack and his roommate just to be fun and silly. Jack loves candy.

Mason is getting his tea advent calendar today!

Saturday I had a Target pick up order of just a few things and then I decided to get wings for the noon University of Kentucky/University of Louisville game. Basically, if you were born and raised in Louisville you are a Lou fan. If you are from another place in Kentucky, you are a UK fan. It’s a big rivalry and it’s a great day to go shopping in Louisville since everyone is watching the game. Lol. Wingstop had these little fried corn things and Tom really liked them.

The game was great for U of L fans and horrible for UK fans. Tom had to turn it off since he is a UK fan.

I enjoyed this cider.

Tom put up my white pencil tree in our bedroom.

And, for dinner we did a Thanksgiving meal! I did ham and chicken schnitzel instead of turkey. Chicken is a yummier schnitzel than the pork I did last time. The pork just isn’t as moist.

Sunday, we awoke to some snow/sleet.

Festive coffee!

We’ve/I’ve watched some tv this weekend. Tom and I area watching Man on the Inside Season 2 on Netflix. It’s so cute! I think I like Season 2 better.

I watched Champagne Problems on Netflix. I really like Minka Kelly. She was in Ransom Canyon.

I watched Crazy Rich Asians on my Echo Show while cooking. I hadn’t turned it on in months but it’s great for background entertainment when I’m in the kitchen.

Let me know what else I should watch!

I am going to use my own Meal List to come up with some easy meals for this week. Is your calendar full this month? Take it one week at a time or even one day at a time! I always took one personal day in December to do shopping or errands. It was a big help!

Amy

It’s Share 4 Somethings with Jenn day so here I am!

ONE

I plan to shop locally at small businesses when possible. In past years I have relied a lot on online shopping because of time limitations with my job, but this year I want to shop in person at locally owned small businesses first. I have noticed so many restaurants and shops go out of business in my area in just the last two months. It’s shocking and sad! I might even go out today for “Small Business Saturday”.

If you are local:

Work the Metal, Red Tree, Revelry, Darling State of Mind, Tunie’s, Brownsboro Hardware, Marine Sales and Service, Haymarket, Paul’s Fruit Market (lots of gifts here!), Dolfinger’s, Quest, Swag’s Shoes, Playthings are some of my favorites.

TWO

I try to encourage friends and maybe family to spend time together rather than exchange gifts – “hey, let’s just make a reservation this year and enjoy each other’s company” or better yet, “let’s put something on the calendar for January when we need something to look forward to”. Would this idea help you? You could even go ahead and buy gift cards for the local restaurant that you plan to visit in January. Did you know Costco has really good deals on local restaurant gift cards? Tom’s work Christmas party has permanently been moved to January, and I think that’s so smart. My friend might change her Christmas party to a January winter wonderland theme.

THREE

I have already put so many community events on my calendar and attended some. These are so fun! They really help me to get in the spirit. I invite friends sometimes and that also makes it a fun friend outing!

Last year, we attended a couple of cute little markets…

FOUR

I try to see my holiday errands as fun I get to do these things rather than I have to. So, first you have to think about your values and what is important to you. You might need a conversation with your spouse, kids, and family. I got dressed for my errands and made them fun last year. This is the time to pull out my festive attire and my red and green! Why not?

I recently listened to a podcast about adult friendship, and they made the point to invite people to do things that you might not normally think about as a friend activity – “hey, do you want to go stocking stuffer shopping at a couple of places with me?” or “hey, do you want to get a coffee and bring our shopping lists and maybe we can bounce ideas off of each other?”

By the way, I don’t like impractical stocking stuffers that just fill a big sock! As my kids have gotten older, they have gotten more consumables – toiletries, food items, phone chargers – think outside the box. Go to hardware stores, Auto Zone, sports equipment stores, music stores (guitar picks), etc. Think about their hobbies and go to specialty stores (locally owned small businesses!) that fit them. I think food gift cards to their faves can be really good in a stocking, too!

I have a gift idea post coming next week!

What would you share today?

Amy

Friday, November 28, 2025

Happy Black Friday to those who celebrate! Ha! I am not sure what’s going on in the blog world but I decided to post today so you all don’t miss me too much! Just kidding, of course!

I am not planning to shop today but boy are there so many sale emails and texts coming through.

Some stuff from the week…

Eddie Otis needed a vaccination on Monday and he was a little angel. He was a good boy.

We got home and then he wouldn’t get out of the car for quite a while.

Do you spot his dolphin he took with him on the ride?

It was a treat to go to a Starbuck’s and be asked if I wanted my “for here coffee” in a real mug. I got a sugar cookie latte and I was tickled by the sprinkles, too.

I hadn’t had much lunch so I ordered the potato chive bake – recommend!

I am loving my short boots for our wet morning walks. I am on my second pair of Costco $20 boots in maybe 10 years and these are the ones I reach for the most. They are so easy to slip on. I really enjoy walking through the wet or dry leaves.

I feel like Eddie Otis looks at me to make sure I’m having a good time, too.

My Christmas library book requests are coming in… how fun is that? Yes, yes I do judge a book by its cover.

I had plans to get a pedicure on Tuesday but it was cold and rainy all day and it just didn’t seem like a good time. I piddled around the house and stayed in much of the day because I knew Wednesday would be a long day.

Wednesday morning I left my house around 9:00 am and it was blustery cold and super windy for the drive to my hometown. We finally got a closing date on my mom’s house and it happened to be the day before Thanksgiving. Molly was the only one who had to sign but I had told her I would accompany her.

We met at a cute coffee shop and I got a really good brown sugar flavored coffee and some egg bites.

I told Molly I hadn’t claimed my Dad’s wedding ring but that I had been wearing it on my middle finger since the day of the offer back in early October and look at this…

She had on my mom’s wedding ring! We didn’t even discuss this and I honestly didn’t know which sister had my mom’s rings. We haven’t divided up jewelry yet.

Kate didn’t come for the closing because she is 3.5 hours away and we understood. We want to do an overnight with all of us when it’s a better time.

I don’t know how to describe the closing rather than it was a really special time. We met and sat across from the buyers – the wife was actually a student of my mom’s in the early 80s and the husband lived in China for his job for a bit and my mom loved China. They are grandparents of 8 and my parents were grandparents of 9. They talked about the layout of the house and how it would be nice for their big family and we told them how our parents used the space. They offered for us to come by anytime and we exchanged phone numbers. It was a closing, and it was a sweet closure. We left the office and cried a bit and hugged and then called Kate and shared the experience with her.

We drove to the Airbnb that we rented for Christmas to check it out in person and then we went to this cute store:

We ate lunch:

We tried to go to a few shops and they were closed until Friday.

We went to a winery and had the weirdest tasting with a gentleman who works there. It was like a Seinfeld episode. I got in trouble multiple times. I yawned and he asked if he was “keeping me awake”. He told me I didn’t taste correctly, and I had to cover my tongue for 15 seconds. I had no idea what that meant.

A group of four came in and he told us he was going to start from the beginning for them so we had to listen about the first few wines again. It was a tasting with a side of lecture. He told us one wine would pair well with ostrich. Someone from the other group asked what would be a good palate cleanser in between wines and he said “roast beef” and my sister asked if anyone had any in their pocket.

Anyway…it gave us lots of laughs!

We went to another winery and it was a Christmas wonderland…

It was a nice day with my sister after a hard thing.

I am still processing what this means. My parents moved to this town in 1975 and owned a house until 2025 which makes that a 50-year run.

Thanksgiving came and we drove a couple of hours to meet Tom’s family at a state park. This was different than the usual tradition.

Someone in the lobby started a fire in the fireplace for us.

It was sooooo cold so these were the photos I got from the lodge balcony.

They had a buffet and we ate.

Former student dog sitter sent us a pic of our boy:

I am wrapping up acorn spice just in time to use peppermint and Iowa pine!

And, now I will let myself use this:

Tell me a favorite of yours from the week!

Amy

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just want to say how thankful I am for my loyal blog readers. I really feel like we are friends! The amount of support and encouragement you give me is insane and I really don’t know that I deserve it. I am grateful for this space. If you are struggling today, maybe my post from yesterday will help you.

I had a really good November – boy did it pass quickly. I guess being stuck in a school all day made time slow down because time seems to be moving much more quickly now.
I am still trying to be the best version of myself and figuring out my new routine!

I want to be home most nights at dinner time. It’s important to me to cook and spend time with Tom. I like to have no more than one week night out and by out I mean still probably home by 7 or 8.

I am working on decluttering and organizing and being more minimalist and using space more wisely in my house.

November was a good month.

I completed my 9th week of going to the gym in the mornings.

I felt comfortable taking EO to the dog park by myself.

I enjoyed as much outdoor time as I could.

I celebrated my birthday – multiple times with different groups.

I enjoyed my new fall additions to my wardrobe.

Tom took a week off to do some house things – we got a dumpster and he ditched old fencing and old patio, we ripped up carpet, and he worked on the new fence. Wow! I couldn’t believe what he accomplished and I so appreciated his hard work.

I enjoyed some patio snacks and read some good books.

We did our final boat ride of 2025 before winterizing.

We enjoyed a concert; Tom really loved it and that made me happy.

We did a German cooking class and again Tom probably wasn’t that excited to go, but he ended up really loving it.

We went to the German Christmas market.

I had a nice lunch with Mason. We both love discovering new places and trying new to us foods so this really filled our cups!

I had a nice happy hour with Erica at one of my favorite bars in town.

I am excited to head into December, and I’ve already done some Christmas events and enjoyed some decor!

I hope you also had a good month.

What are you thankful for today? I hope that you have a cornucopia of blessings.

Amy

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

1. Do you feel like you have a ‘full plate’ at the moment? In what way? 

I feel like I finally have a manageable plate. I don’t want to fill my plate up again too full!

I did tutor a kid in Spanish this week at Starbuck’s and they have asked me to do that weekly. I committed for a bit – not forever.

I got there early, and the barista asked if I wanted a real mug for my sugar cookie latte. It was a treat! I went early to avoid traffic, but it turned out to be nice time to read my book before the lesson started.

I felt like I really help the student. That was a good feeling.

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more ‘let’s wing it’.  

I really didn’t learn to cook until I was married at 28. I liked to bake as a child and did that a little bit. My grandma taught me how to make her mashed potatoes. My mom didn’t want me in the kitchen “making messes”. I had my kids in the kitchen quite a bit to make cookies or fun things. Mason likes to cook and is pretty good. I usually start with a recipe but then I go a bit rogue.

Cooking is fun to me (most of the time) and I love when someone likes my cooking. I get joy from cooking for others. I brought my friend Elizabeth quiche, salad, and some other goodies to her office. I think she really liked the food and the company since I stayed for a whole hour to chat with her even though I hadn’t planned to stay that long.

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

I tend to get really excited about a project and then fizzle when I realize how much work it will entail.

But, with that said I was good about saying NO to committees and extra obligations at work. I did a lot but those who do a lot are asked to do a lot more.

4. When did you last say ‘the more the merrier’ and mean it? 

I always feel this way when I go to festivals, events, etc. When I go to restaurants I don’t really enjoy shouting over a huge table. I think restaurants are most comfortable with 2-4 people.

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T – time to reflect and just be

H – home – where I’ve spent most of my time and poured my energy into

A – attitude – I get to have this life now

N – “no” in November – being able to say this and respect my boundaries

K – keep – what to keep and what to toss

S – stay – true to myself and my values

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

This came across my Facebook feed:

My Aunt Judy made these and so many good appetizers and desserts, so I texted her this photo. They are so good! You could probably just do ground beef or ground pork and not the mixture. It’s kind of hard to find the cocktail rye, but usually it comes out at the holidays. I might make them!

Thank you, Joyce! I’m glad to link up today!

I hope everyone is ready for whatever your plans are for tomorrow and thanks for reading!

Amy

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Feeling blue like this tree?

There are lots of reasons why you may not be feeling very festive this year – changing traditions, family dynamics, the stress of the holidays on your finances, adult kids adulting and moving on, divorce, custody arrangements, illness, loss of family members, family feuds, etc.

I was reflecting the other day on some hard family holidays my family has been through. Some of these were in my pre-blogging days. I think there were two Christmases where my sister in Columbus, Ohio couldn’t travel to my parents’ town in Indiana, and we all went to her. Her husband was in the hospital with leukemia, and she had a new baby. Yup, she had a 9 month old baby. The next year his leukemia came back, and he had to have a stem cell transplant. Yeah, my sister has been through it. We laughed our heads off at the depressing Christmas decorations in the waiting room I remember. That’s how we dealt with it – inappropriate humor.

There was also the year we had Chick Fil A for a late Friday Thanksgiving in my Dad’s hospital waiting room. Gosh, that was so sad. I wanted to find some joy for the kids (my nieces and nephews) and gave out money for the candy in the depressing hospital gift shop that had bins of penny candy. We trashed that waiting room, but we did clean it up!

First, know that you are not alone. There are others who are in the same boat. There are so many people who dread a holiday for one reason or another.

-Remember that Thanksgiving is just one day. Remember that Christmas is just one day. The clock will strike midnight and the expectations for a magical time will be lowered again.

-Volunteer. Look for a way to give back or serve on the actual holiday.

-Offer to work your job if it is a job that stays open.

-Stay off of social media. It’s fake news. You see those photos, but those photos are just a mirage. I bet Aunt Karen was drunk and slurring her words and saying all kinds of inappropriate things. That cute kid in the cute outfit is a spoiled brat whose voice is so annoying I bet. Don’t compare your situation.

-Think of all the good things that you can enjoy. Think of the upside to your current situation. At least you won’t have as many dishes. At least you will have more peace. At least you can wear your favorite pajamas and have a hygiene-free day.

-Band together with others who might be in the same situation.

-Do something totally unorthodox or unexpected. Travel if you can, go somewhere different. Eat an unorthodox meal that won’t have you thinking of the feasts of past.

– If it your first empty nester holiday with just you and your spouse or significant other, think back to your first holiday pre-kids. This could actually be a romantic and cozy holiday for you.

Here is what Gretchen Rubin said on Instagram:

This may seem so silly, but I do enjoy seeing the holiday products in the grocery store. I really like this one! I am not a big soda drinker, but I love the little glass bottles of Coca-cola and I love the cranberry added to the beverages. I usually buy stuff to make Shirley Temples. Who doesn’t like a red drink?

I replace daily things like my hand soap, kitchen cleaner, candle, placemat, tablecloth, etc. These little festive touches work for me and make it feel like the season.

Read Fiona Ferris’ book! This really inspired me last year.

This year both Thanksgiving and Christmas are different for me. Also, I am missing the holiday excitement of working in a school. I stopped and thought about how many holiday things I did in my classes recently – I gave them Thanksgiving vocabulary and winter holiday vocabulary (can’t really just call it Christmas) and we had round table discussions about both holidays, we wrote thank you letters in Spanish, we decorated a turkey and wrote what we were thankful for…

The excitement about school breaks was in the air and it was so much fun and anticipation.

Survival Tips:

-If you are scared of small talk/awkward family interactions – arrive later and leave earlier. Small doses.

-If you don’t like the food/have a special diet or goals, eat something healthy first and then just pick a few things to eat. Most people are not going to be paying attention to what’s on your plate. Keep in mind that it is just one meal.

-If someone forces leftovers on you don’t argue. It’s not that big of a deal. My friend got so bent out of shape that her mother-in-law brought too many desserts and then wouldn’t take the leftovers home. I told her to put them in our faculty lounge. Teachers will eat anything! This is not the stuff to worry about.

-Stick to the positive. Try to think of a compliment for anyone you have to interact with. When said mother-in-law brings too many desserts, “Oh, you are so generous!”

-Bring a small gift to the hostess. It starts things off on the right foot. A kitchen towel, handsoap, hand lotion, a candle – something small.

-Avoid talking about politics or anything controversial. It’s really not the time or place.

-Try open-ended, positive questions like “So, tell me something good in your life right now” or “What good things have happened to you since I saw you last?” You might have to start and say – for example, “I recently got to talk to an old friend!”

-Bring old family photos. Your family may only have one thing in common – shared history or shared family members. Think of a photo like a visual aid that will help your conversation.

-Many people think alcohol is the only thing that can help a family gathering but drink lots of water and avoid over serving yourself. You will say something you regret and feel like crap the next day for more than one reason.

-You don’t owe anyone anything. I guess what I mean by that is that you can be sad, you can be quiet, you can be struggling this year, and you can even bow out. You can feel your feelings. Someone said to me this year that they hope I “can be happy on Thanksgiving”.

-Take a break. Go outside or to the bathroom to give yourself a time out. Let them think you smoke or have IBS.

-Bring stickers. Who doesn’t love to put a sticker on their shirt whether they are 6 or 86? Have you ever seen someone sad around stickers?

-If you need a laugh…read this off color McSweeney’s article entitled “Thanksgiving or Perimenopause”!

What other suggestions do you have?

Amy

Monday, November 24, 2025

It’s Monday and link up with Sarah and Holly day – to talk about our weekends.

If I were still teaching, I would be headed into a two day week before the holiday. Those short weeks often felt the longest! Also, I am not contributing to two meals like I normally would. We always went to Tom’s sister’s house on Thursday and my mom’s house on Friday and I always made 2-3 dishes for each. So, I am not trying to get through the last two days until break and I am not food shopping, which is actually kind of nice, but odd, of course!

This year we are eating at a state park buffet and the forecast looks to be super cold for the holiday.

I think I’ve decided I will do my own Thanksgiving-esque meal sometime over the weekend. Maybe all the foods will be on sale!

Friday was another gloomy day and Eddie Otis and I did our playground walk while the kids were inside learning.

I stayed home and did chores and then at 4:00 I met Erica at Grassa Gramma for their happy hour special at the bar.

It fit the vibe of the moody, gloomy weather.

I had the $7 happy hour old fashioned:

Italy is imprinted on the ice cube:

Before happy hour I had pre-ordered pizza for dinner for Tom, Mason, and I. Did you know you can do that? I went to bed around 9 and slept in until 7:15!

Saturday morning Tom took EO out of the house so I Swiffered, mopped, dusted, did laundry, and decided to go ahead and take down the fall decor, including the few Thanksgiving pieces. I got out the Christmas decor to assess. I ran to Paul’s Fruit Market to get a few things. Now that I think about it, I accomplished a lot between 9 and 11 Saturday morning!

We met our friends at the German American Club (where we went for the cooking lesson last week) for their Chriskindlmrkt or Christmas market. It’s pretty small and quaint, but still fun!

I got some Gluhwein and a mug to take home. It has the recipe on the back of the mug – it’s red wine with spices served hot.

It was fun to be outside and to visit with our friends. On the way home we stopped at a Nordic bakery, and it was so cute! Yup, we went to Germany and Norway all in one day.

We came home and it was time to cuddle and watch sports…

Yesterday morning I used my new mug for my coffee and enjoyed some…

Nordic bread!

I cleaned my closet and gathered my Chirstmas accessories. I have just enough. I don’t want to go overboard. I pulled out my Christmas clothing, too.

I went to the basement and sorted some of the Christmas decor and went to Target to get some new twinkle lights and just see what they had.

I like this (all of it is old):

But I’m not really happy with the mantel yet:

Tom and I went downtown to walk around and see some new businesses that I was curious about…

And then we stopped at an outdoor store for some new socks for Tom.

We came home and I read on the patio for a bit:

And then….

Raw meat alert

Can you take it?

Are you sure?

It was time to recreate the schnitzel!

Cheating:

I bought this special seasoning at the market; they used it on their schnitzel. It’s really fun to say “schnitzel” instead of a cuss word.

Anyway, I will let you know know how it turned out later in the week!

Tell me a highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, November 21, 2025

It’s Friday and time to link up with Andrea and Erika to share our favorites from the week. How was your week? Ours has been cooler and rainy. We haven’t really seen much sun.

We have really been tossed around with the closing of my mom’s house. About a week ago they said they thought we could close today, then they said no, but maybe the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, then they said nothing, then they said they can do it today at 1:00 and we made all the plans, then they said no they can’t get the paperwork together but maybe next Wednesday but wait then the realtor called yesterday afternoon and said that they could do today after all but at that point it was too late in the day for Molly to get a sub! Yes, I did intend for that all to be a run on! Who does business like that?

Molly is the only one who has to be there as the first trustee (because she is the only one who lives in the same state and my mom talked about how that would be the easiest potentially when she was drawing this up), but I told Molly I would go with her since I’m only an hour away. Anyway…I don’t have confidence that it will be Wednesday.

Here are some favorites from my camera roll this week…

I started my week by finishing this book:

I loved it! I loved the Germany references, the house swap premise, and more. There were some goofy parts but I really enjoyed it.

I got to pick up:

Yup, I have started my seasonal reading!

It’s getting ridiculous at this point but when I was in Kroger for one or two things I perused the holiday offerings and they have a Santa lambie! Raise your hand if you do a stocking for your doggy! Tom has named all of Eddie Otis’ toys and here is his list of lambie stuffed animals:

Lambie Pequeño (small lambie)

Lambie Gigante (giant lambie) – it is so big that he looks hilarious walking around with it in his mouth

Lambie Halloweenie (lambie with a witches hat on)

And, look at you, Kroger! They had my peppermint! I have been looking for this flavor everywhere!

For my birthday, Blonde Heather gave me this wonderful spray (that Tom hates apparently – he asked what that awful smell was). It really smells like a Christmas tree, and it is strong. I am making myself wait to use it but I have tested it out, obviously. I love it and that’s all that matters.

I think I will save this bottle when it’s gone.

Tuesday morning (and really all day) I was so thankful to be able to stay home. It rained and I opened a window near me. I love the sound and that fresh rain air. I stayed home all day until about 4:00 when I met Beth and Becky at a holiday fair where different vendors had their wares on display. It was fun to get out and look around!

I had simmered a pot of soup all day and had that when I got home.

Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Wednesday I picked up pants from my tailor. I hemmed the leopard barrel leg (still not sure I can pull it off but they are in my first photo) and my original first pair of Halara jeans. A hole developed toward the bottom cuff of one leg so I cut them off and they looked bad so I had a professional hemming done. I love repairing clothes. It makes me feel very pioneer woman and resourceful woman. I act like I did the repairs!

I have been using this lotion on my body but it says you can use it on your face…hmmm…should I? This lotion lasts through a couple of showers, even. It makes your skin so soft. I can feel the collagen just pumping through my skin.

I’m still going to get the tub of Cerave lotion for winter, though. It’s so good.

This is really good mascara! It is tubing. I realized how important mascara primer is several years ago (for me). This has the primer on one end and the mascara on the other and it won’t break the bank. I am really loving it.

Did you read my Dinner Queue post on Tuesday? We had spaghetti one night this week. Everyone loved it and it hit the spot. We like angel hair!

Here is a statement I never thought I would utter. I have a new favorite lettuce. It is butter lettuce with “immune supporting mix of lettuces, pea shoots, and lemony sorrel”. I don’t know what any of that means but trust me when I say that this combined with some grated fresh parm and my simple salad dressing – a little bit of EVOO, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic – was delicious. It’s only about $3 a container.

I am trying to perfect a winter white cosmo. It’s impossible to find white cranberry juice so I ordered it on Amazon.

I like my cocktails to have a fizzy element so I am adding cranberry Sprite.

Blah, blah, blah Trader Joe’s. Let me tell you that your regular grocery probably has really good cheese, too. They even have a little basket of tiny little cheeses that are like $2. It’s a good way to try out a new to you cheese.

I got an enormous hunk of dill havarti at Kroger and it is so good. It was triple the size of what you see below for $6.

Cute little napping boy on top of Vaca Frita (Tom named it “fried cow” because that is on the menu at the Cuban restaurant) and an emotional support cloth napkin.

Tom doesn’t speak Spanish, but I guess I have rubbed off on him due to all the Spanish involved in Eddie Otis’ toy box.

I enjoyed my fun leggings at the gym one day this week.

Mason and I had a fun lunch one day this week. We went to Blue Dog Bakery.

Pretty coffee in a mug:

I don’t think I have ever had a wheatberry salad but I really liked it:

I had a French jambon sandwich:

We actually sat outside with heater and it was vibey!

This is the book I started next and it’s cute so far:

It was a good week!

I am not sure of when I will post next week but it will probably be most if not all of the week, so come see me!

Happy Friday!

Amy

Thursday, November 20, 2025

It’s already Thursday! That means that Thanksgiving is exactly one week away. I am linking up with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files and Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings today.

I have been on a bit of a shopping spree. I usually buy some things for my November 2nd birthday and then I have opened the floodgates. I am going to try to stop now.

I have been buying brown! I bought American Eagle classic sweatpants in brown and Quince wide leg lounge pants in brown. Brown is the “it” color apparently.

Let’s see what I’ve been wearing in the 50s and 60s degree weather we have been having.

I wore this to take lunch to my friend Elizabeth at her office. I am wearing black Halara jeans, an old green Walmart sweater, and a no wrinkle button up underneath. I think I should have tucked in the shirt and not left it hanging.

My shoes are new. I bought Dansko black Mary Jane clogs. Amazon had the best price I could find.

I wore this for some errands. I have on my Target cow mules, my striped Halara jeans, and my white button up from Aerie. I have two of these and I love them.

For a birthday dinner out I wore my new Old Navy black skirt (I got it in burgundy, too), my boutique blouse that you have seen a lot of, and my scalloped black cardigan. I have on my old suede boots from Target that have a bit of a country vibe.

For Saturday things I wore my Land’s End striped track pants, my exercise sneakers, a white tee and I think I put a jacket over.

For the German cooking class later that day I put on my boutique blouse, and….my extra petite medium wash Halaras came in that I pre-ordered a couple of months ago. They are perfect. I love them so much. I think my collection is complete now. I have 6 pairs of Halara jeans! I am wearing brown mule/clogs from last season.

Here I am in the new brown sweats (sorry for the sun glare), a brown shirt, and my leopard vest.

The brown sweats are a bit long but I can roll the waistband. They are so cozy. Why did we ever stop wearing sweats? By the way, they call them a “jogger” but to me a jogger has a pretty big band at the bottom. A sweat has an elastic bottom.

I got it in my head that I “needed” a hot pink sweater and I found one for 40% off at Old Navy in store. I have now worn it 3 times since Sunday!

It matches my new bag, too!

I also bought the cutest graphic tee while in ON that I will show you soon. I need to back off the shopping now!

I have no idea what I am wearing for Thanksgiving. I will have to look at the weather and look at my options.

1. I love mashed potatoes! I really like the whole combo of the meal together, though.
2. My sister in law’s mother in law makes the best stuffing/dressing. It doesn’t go in the bird cavity so I guess that is dressing. It is made with Stovetop cornbread box mix but with added sausage and things. It’s so good. I need to ask for the recipe.
3. I am not. Our Christmas will be small and just the four of us but since Jack is out of the house I guess I will feel that I am kind of hosting this year. I want to make it special.
4. Probably neither this year. I have never done or gone to a Turkey Trot on actual Thanksgiving day. We have almost always walked our dog at the nature preserve or done some exercise before eating the meal, though.
5. The earliest I would do is the Wednesday before. I kind of like that. You come home (since we never host) and poof – it’s Christmas!
6. Sit down.
7. I am a pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving person because it’s really the only time I eat it!
8. We are doing a day trip only I think.
9. No! I do not want to be in that mess!
10. I am most looking forward to some time with our family of four and then seeing my side of the family in a happy occasion and not a sad one – I hope.

Whew! That was a lot!

What are you wearing/buying right now?

What would you answer to one of the questions?

Amy