Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

It is time to link up with Sheaffer and Shay and hope I’m not being too redundant for my regular readers!

Eating Lately:

You know it – more Slender Kitchen recipes! I told you I was going to make One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta – amazing!

and

Red Curry Thai

These were both dinners for Tom and I and then lunches for Erica and I. I love just using one website right now to get new ideas.

I also made us a breakfast bowl for one of our lunches.

Reminiscing about:

I have a few fall photos framed as part of my fall decor.

I love this photo of my sweet twins at an apple orchard in my hometown. My Dad was with us.

And they also had pumpkins there…

and a professional family photo at a historic home near our house. Our photographer was my former student.

Loving:

This sight!

And, my companion, of course. I love walking through crunchy leaves!

Been Up to:

Oh, you know, just trying to teach 150ish kids a day. On Friday, Spanish 3 got to try to play Spanish Scrabble. These girls wanted a photo of their group, their Scrabble board, and a staged fight over the game!

They are so cute and sweet! And, in case you don’t know, high school girls are super casual. The attire is t-shirts, sweatshirts, running shorts, sweatpants, and tennis shoes. Seriously, has there ever been a more low maintenance time for our teens?

Dreading:

I don’t know. I guess the winter a bit. I have a huge let down when Christmas is over. I want to find a way to love January!

Working on:

This was just for fun, but I thought it was so cute. It is a Thanksgiving appetizer that looks like pumpkin pie. Directions coming soon!

I also put myself in charge of the taco meat for Spanish Club’s taco bar this week.

Excited about:

A couple more fall boating outings, hopefully. We normally winterize the boat at the beginning of November.

Watching:

My Bravo shows! Also, for some reason I am watching Bachelor in Paradise. I only watch about an hour of tv a night right now.

Reading:

I bought a couple of fall books on Amazon.

Listening: I am listening to my podcasts – Watch What Crappens, Big Boo Cast, Midlife Matters, and Bestie Breakdown. I also really think I like the new T. Swift album. I am not a Swiftie by any means, but I do like her music.

Wearing:

Here is my casual fall weekend ‘fit. I am wearing a flannel as a shacket because I can’t really handle anything too long or bulky on my frame.

For work, I am cycling through my Matilda Jane pants with blouses. I think these pants are great. The quality is great and they look nice for work while feeling like I am wearing sweatpants.

Well, that’s about it for me! What’s up with you on this Wednesday – the last of the month! How is that possible?

Amy

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Why do I love these types of posts so much? I think I’m a Life Hack Nerd. I am constantly trying to be more efficient, I think. Are you like this, too?

I would love to post what’s working for you, too! Please leave it in the comments and I will do a follow up with your responses unless you tell me otherwise.

Here we go:

Thursday Kroger Pick Up – I like doing this on my way home from work. It’s not a separate trip. I place my order Wednesday night or Thursday morning. I use the Kroger app and actually start building my list as we run out and need things during the week. It also saves all past purchases. Now, this does mean I have to know what foods I need for the weekend and the week ahead. Erica and I usually start talking about the following week’s lunches around about Wednesday so it forces me to pick my recipes. I also sometimes ask her what she wants me to make that I haven’t made in awhile. And, yes, in this time of high grocery prices, I absolutely think not going in the store saves money. I look at my calendar for the week ahead and plan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Yeah, it takes some time but I think it’s time well spent. (Get it? Spent?)

Thursday Laundry – I throw in my load or two of clothes while I am unloading the groceries. I like to have the washer and dryer empty for the weekend in case Tom needs it, the kids bring laundry home, and for when we do the sheets.

Washing hair every other night – I take a shower at night no matter what, but I have only been washing my hair every other night. I have even stretched it another night lately. My hair seems to be doing better now with this method. I also use a bit of dry shampoo in the mornings where I didn’t wash the night before. I often wear a headband for my second or third day hair day, too.

Not checking work email at home – I am so proud of myself! This is hard. I took work email off of my phone. I have absolutely zero notifications set up. I don’t have Google Classroom or Infinite Campus or Remind or anything. I check my email before I close my work computer for the day at school and then I wait until I get to school at 6:45 the next morning. Game Changer! Also, our principal still sends his Sunday video message but I watch it at school on Monday morning now. You guys! I did not think I could achieve this but I did!

Walking Ernie and then reading outside after school – Getting outside so much on a work day is absolutely helping my mental health. We have had a gorgeous fall! On a typical work day I get home between 2:45 (yes, I’m lucky, but I do go to school at 6:45, remember?) and 3:30 so that gives me a solid two hours to just BE before I start making dinner. Also, remember that I do not get to step foot outside during the whole school day, unfortunately.

Ahh, look at that sky!

Lighting a fall candle every morning – I’m not just wanting for the weekend to light my candle anymore. Man, could this be a metaphor for life in general! What else can we do during the week instead of waiting for the weekend? Why can fun only happen on the weekends?

Not wearing makeup to work – Hear me out. I am putting on a bit of eye makeup and lipstick, but leaving my face bare most days. This stemmed from my face being really dry and needing to use hard core moisturizer. I think the letting my skin breathe is helping my skin to look better! I mean, teenagers know I’m old regardless of my makeup, right?

Reading for pleasure – I broke my no book buying streak to purchase a couple of fun fall reads from Amazon. Yes, I still like a book with pages. These came recommended by Bourbon, Lipstick and Stilettos on IG who used to have a blog. I always like her recs.

What’s working for you? I will post them next week or Friday, depending on how many I get!

Amy

Monday, October 24, 2022

Welll, here you are again, Monday…

It’s time to link up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday.

Friday I came home right after school and then I was able to talk Tom into taking me out for Mexican! And, then, our friends Heather and Scott were able to join us. The trees have suddenly turned so beautiful!

I had a “skinny” margarita. I am not sure why their skinnys look orange and their normal are true margarita color…hmmmm

I got the fajita bowl!

We had a really nice evening eating and chatting!

Saturday morning I went ahead and made 4 breakfast burritos. I already have one faux egg mcmuffin in the freezer, so I want to use that up.

Also, my first lunch for Erica and I is is going to be a farmer’s market breakfast bowl.

I made my Saturday breakfast at the same time. Then, I cleaned and did chores around the house while listening to podcasts.

I am going to tell you Thursday about a few new fashion purchases. I bought a pair of Old Navy – gasp! – button fly distressed jeans and an Old Navy flannel that I am using as more of a “shacket”. Kellyann convinced me to go in Old Navy recently where I tried on several styles of jeans (and sizes). I avoided the flares because I now have a pair of light and dark that I love. Look at all of our newly fallen leaves! I love them so much!

I took myself on a bit of a Saturday errand running spree and picked up my first PSL of the season to sip while driving. It was lovely! Starbuck’s is such a rarity for me now that it made it a true treat.

My favorite trees are the red ones!

One of my stops was Michael’s and it was a Christmas wonderland! Not ready!

I went in a new store and it is really nice but very pricey.

I came home and ate Mexican fajita bowl leftovers that I wrapped in a low carb tortilla and the rest of my turkey meatballs and green beans. I sat on the patio, of course!

I did a bit of reading. I am trying to finish this and I have one more library book. I splurged and ordered some fall themed books from Amazon that are coming soon. I want to be ready for them!

One of the things on my Michael’s list was a new set of more Edison type bulbs string lights for my mantel.

It’s apple cider sangria time, people!

I lit and enjoyed my candle!

I talked Tom into going out to dinner again – we should have just stayed home – and we had a very mediocre meal. I ordered a stromboli and Tom ordered a sloppy joe.

We came home and walked Ernie in the dark and then I enjoyed my patio for a bit while Tom collapsed in his chair. He did a 30 mile bike ride that morning.

Sunday morning I got up and did some blog work for the week. I was glad that I had already done the meal prep that had to be done.

My other two meals for the week for Erica and I will also be dinners for Tom and I. I am still excited to use Slender Kitchen recipes. I am really excited to try Thai Red Coconut Curry with chicken and One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta and I am going to add chicken. I am leaning more toward comfort foods and moving away from the summer meals that I was enjoying. I am also excited to add some Thai cuisine. I had to buy a few specialty items like fish sauce so I hope I like this and can use it up for other dishes. Remember that I include links when I can. Just click on the red type and it will take you to the recipes, websites, or my older posts.

Groceries were all picked up and put away on Thursday after school, so I was set. Even if I forget something, it is so much easier to run in for a few items.

Sunday morning I also had to make a bunch of taco meat for Spanish Club this week. I decided to make it and freeze it, then take my crockpot to school and dump it in to warm it up. We are having a taco bar for our next Spanish Club meeting and no one volunteered for the meat.

Kinda gross photo:

Next I tried an experiment. I found this cute little “pumpkin pie” app for Turkey Day!

Instructions coming soon – the hardest part is cutting the cheese. Did anyone giggle?

I looked outside and my husband was on the garage roof!

Then, it was time for a fall boat trip – can you tell we are trying to eek out as many boating sessions as possible?

I read my book and Tom watched football!

And that was a wrap on my weekend, sadly. We really need rain and we are supposed to get it on Tuesday. But, man, this weather has been so great!

We have an amateur weather predictor at school – she is a Science teacher by day. She says we are going to have a cold and snowy winter. I like a bit of that, but I tire of it really quickly. But, fall…never!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, October 21, 2022

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

Favorite number one is that it’s FRIDAY! Fridays are hitting really great right now, you know?

For my other favorites, let’s start with some new stuff…

I have really fine hair, but lots of it, you know? I think this is what has led to some major tangles as my hair has gotten longer.

This smells amazing and works for me! I just searched Amazon and picked something with a good price point.

I got a new fanny pack. I saw this on Kelly Stamps on IG and the price was right. I think I’m really going to like it. It holds triple the amount of the Lulu belt bag that I have and it sits in a better spot on me.

I had a lot of fun on Sunday and Monday…

Sunday we went to the punkin’ chunkin’ where they catapult a pumpkin towards a target in the river. This is a breast cancer charity event.

I got to tour a sweet boat that is for sale. We went by car because sponsors paid a lot of money for these boat parking spots and there would be no boat parking for us.

Isn’t that nice? I could live on that boat!

Hanging out and chatting…the weather was divine!

Tom wanted some jerk wings…

Then, on Monday night my friend’s husband pulled off a surprise dinner for her 50th birthday. She had been to her college daughter’s parents weekend on her actual birthday the day before so she didn’t suspect anything. It was so fun to surprise her!

I split a caprese salad – yum!

And, I got halibut.

Here’s a picture of us when we first met in 1990!

Maybe this is why I’m so tired today? I did a lot at the beginning of the week!

Another favorite was that my college kids were home until Tuesday after dinner. We had a nice dinner together Tuesday night and then watched the new season of Derry Girls. I think they enjoyed sleeping at home and just having some down time. They have been super busy since August.

Some meals I have had lately have been a favorite…

Greek bowls:

I included Cut Da Carb “pita” chips and hummus.

A take out salad from Waldo’s Chicken and Beer:

Lunch of chili:

Burrito Bowls:

Erica’s Slender Kitchen Indian food this week:

The weather has been chilly this week! We are warming up, though. Wednesday after school it felt great in the sun. Taking the time to get that vitamin D and read for a bit is still a goal of mine.

What have been your faves this week?

Amy

Thursday, October 20. 2022

I have talked about this for years and I still do it. I absolutely think it helps me to be more content with what is in my closet! I think the key is to not take it too literally. Find something in the same color or color family. Find something you have that can can work. Do not try to be exact!

Here is what I do:

I do a very specific search on Pinterest or Google images or both for a piece in my closet that I want to wear. I type in “black button down shirt outfit”:

I screenshot the inspo that I like the best…

I like how she has light jeans and a brown belt. I probably wouldn’t have thought of that on my own.

I like her darker distressed jeans and the pop of red. I don’t have a red handbag but I have red clogs. See what I mean about not being too literal?

I really like the look of black on light jeans so here’s another inspo of that look…

Here’s another example. I just knew I wanted to wear a sweater with jeans but wasn’t feeling inspired…

I screenshot some front tucked sweater looks because I think showing some waist is more flattering…

And, I got a new fanny pack that works way better for me than my Lululemon bag, so I went to get some inspo for that! The pack looks kinda cheap in the Amazon photo, but it looks way better in person. I am going to use it as my wallet and throw it into my bigger tote for school, but it is plenty roomy for anything else I need to do.

I keep these screenshots on my phone until I try the outfit and see if it works for me.

Errand running outfit:

Do you think this method would help you to shop your closet?

Amy

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

This is a reader request!

I’ve learned that chili making can be quite controversial! I grew up eating chili and I had made chili myself lots of times before landing on MY recipe. Well, it’s actually stolen from a neighbor of Tom’s growing up and from the back of the Red Gold tomato juice can!

Ingredients:

-One big old can of tomato juice found in the juice aisle. I use Red Gold but you could use another brand I’m sure.

-one chili mix spice packet

-one tablespoon of sugar

-one teaspoon of cinnamon

-macaroni noodles cooked and added separately upon serving

-ground beef

-very tiny diced onion

-one can diced tomatoes

-one can chili beans – mild or hot – your preference

Brown your ground beef and when almost done, add onion. Drain on paper towel lined plate and then add back in to your pot. Add juice, tomatoes, beans, spice packet, sugar, and cinnamon. Let it all cook together and let the flavors marry. Serve with macaroni, Fritos, and some cheddar cheese.

It’s really simple, but it’s the best I have ever had!

Amy

Tuesday, October 18. 2022

I was kind of at a loss for a post for today so I thought I would share how I shopped and planned for Fall Break food for the college aged kid.

Maybe this will just give you some family meal ideas.

I started with a list of favorite meals that I knew they might want.

Dinner:

Chili with grilled cheese

Chicken Alfredo

Honey Mustard Salad

Burrito Bowls

Lunch or Snacks:

Totchos (Nachos made with tater tots)

Nachos

Quesadillas

BLTs

Tacos

Charcuterie with crackers, salami, cheese, green apples (their fave)

Breakfast:

Giant pop tart

Cinnamon toast

Cereal

Everything potatoes (diced potatoes with everything but the bagel seasoning)

Chocolate chip pancakes

I also made sure to have lots of chips and their favorite soft drinks – Sprite and Virgil’s root beer.

I ordered the groceries for pick up on Thursday. I was fully stocked going into the weekend. Are you trying this yet? What is your grocery day?

Now do I need to cook three meals a day for them? No! Did I cook three meals a day? No! But, I really enjoy making food for them and that is how I show love. They can make stuff for themselves, too, of course.

Mason loves my everything potatoes and this was just a snack I think. Bare Nuggets from Costco in the air fryer and homemade honey mustard and ranch accompanied both.

Jack got frozen fries with Bare Nuggets and the same two sauces plus ketchup. I broke out the fall plates for them, too.

If you belong to Costco, these are a must buy. They are really not that bad for you, either.

Mason laughed really hard when I suggested a giant pop tart. It was really too sweet, in my opinion but it was fun to make. Ready made pie crust, strawberry jam (that I made! this summer), another pie crust, and then after it cooled a simple powdered sugar icing and sprinkles.

I bought some Halloween candy to have out for them and then I made the S’morechuterie platter.

Chili with macaroni noodles, fritos, and a grilled cheese.

Jack likes very basic nachos. What are you gonna do?

I also made honey mustard salad with angel hair chicken alfredo.

Did Tom get fed? Yes! He gets fed every day!

The nice thing, too, is that I always get a “thank you so much for the food” from my kids.

I loved having them home and I feel lucky that I can bless them with some home cooked meals to give them a break from their dining hall food.

Amy

Monday, October 17, 2022

Linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday!

Friday was a really cool day at school – the guy in the middle blue jacket is from Puerto Rico originally and is a recording artist/singer at only 17!

Because it was also the end of Hispanic Heritage month along with Homecoming, we were able to have him sing in Spanish at our first pep rally since 2019! The kids showed him all the love and he worked the crowd. They held up their cell phone flashlights and it was so cool!

After school, we had 50 kids show up for a taste of Latin flavors and Latin dance lessons!

This is my student from Peru dancing with the instructor. He was so good!

I was so tired, by managed to come home and make chili. My college kids were supposed to be coming home for fall break but they ended up dissing me and not coming until Saturday!

They came home and I made them food and then we had plans to go to lunch on the river. It was so nice!

We got home and I made this dip that Erika talked about last week in her post.

We had a fire, ate dip, and had S’mores while watching football. My kids had tacos, but Tom and I were still full from lunch.

Sunday morning I was starving and made myself some hashbrowns and eggs.

I cleaned, spent time with my kids, and got ready for the week, and then had a really fun Sunday Funday that I will tell you about in my Friday Favorites!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, October 14, 2022

It’s Friday! I am linking up with Andrea and Erika and many more for this fun link up. I have a hodgepodge for you today of products, moments, outings, and more.

Last weekend I went to Bath and Body Works with my nieces and found a new scent. It’s not super fall-ish, but I really like it. I seem to like things with the word “champagne” in them!

I needed to replace my nail polish top coat. I have loved using Orly and got another one at TJ Maxx. For only $3, I think this is a great product!

I told you the wrong scent when I talked about my two fall candle purchases. I bought “White Pumpkin” and this one… “Pumpkin Bonfire”. I love both and I am very picky about my scents.

It’s so hard, too, because you have to like the smell and what the candle design looks like on the outside!

Ok…my face is back to normal from the extreme dryness I was experiencing. Where has this been all my life? It is WONDERFUL! It will also last a really long time.

I don’t know if I have ever shown you the back of my yard and maybe no one cares? Ha! You could say that about most of the stuff I write, too! Our house backs up into an elementary school yard and I love that we have this extra space. Ernie loves it, too. He gets a few laps around the school yard most days.

I took a walk around my neighborhood and saw some fun fall decor.

This was dark – this yard has two figures hanging from trees – EEK!

And, this one might actually get a visit from the police..

Ok – the best way to do an at home mani is to sit at a table and have something to occupy you while you dry. I usually listen to a podcast. Having your hands flat on the table really is the trick.

I used my OPI Taupe-less Beach.

How do you show acts of love to your family? I make Tom’s yogurt everyday. Can he do this himself? Of course! But, it’s something I started doing for him and he appreciates it.

I put frozen berries in the big compartment and top it with a container of Oikos pro strawberry and then in the other compartment I put Nature Valley high protein granola.

He got a bonus the other day when I also made him a little charcuterie to go to take to work. He’s a lucky man, no? Ha!

I was skeptical, but man – these are good! I am happy to have some pancakes in my life now!

I need some recipes because I think you can do lots with this mix.

I picked this up on a whim and it made a great mimosa. I like bottles like this for the times in your life that you don’t want to mess with a cork. I found mine at Liquor Barn.

I finished my Hello Monday post before I did this last Sunday. I heard there would be a sailboat regatta and when managed to take the boat out and sit and watch for a couple of hours. I have no idea what was going on, but boy it sure looked idyllic!

Ernie came and was a very good boy.

My mom went to her miniature show last weekend and apparently left something behind. Tom brought this to me and asked if I would like a cup of tea. He does nice things for me, too.

I am still on the same jar of the Pixie eye patches. I like to leave them on for about an hour and I really do think they reduce eye puffiness. I would like to try a cheaper brand so let me know if you have one!

Monday night I got a wild hair and asked Tom if he wanted to meet at a new place called Waldo’s Chicken and Beer. He did and we sat outside and it was lovely and the food was great. We will be back!

I made chips/crackers out of my Cut Da Carb wraps and they were good! All of these chips are one WW point. I enjoyed them with hummus and cucumbers. This is a great afternoon snack for me!

I got bored with my last book and didn’t finish it – yet. I might finish it, but I’m not sure. I picked this up and I am enjoying the Puerto Rican cultural nods. It is set in Chicago in a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood but there is also an Irish whiskey distillery next door to the main character’s family restaurant.

And, again reading outside for a bit each day is filling my cup!

I think these are the bomb! I have only had the little cotton no show socks to wear with sneakers, but I wanted something for my flats and Danskos. The price can’t be beat and I am not lying when I say I didn’t adjust them a single time during the 8-9 hours that I had them on. They prevented rubbing on the heel and side of my foot. Check them out here.

So, what were your faves this week? Can you believe we are halfway through October? No! Slow down!

Happy, happy Friday!

Amy

P.S. – Check out any posts you missed this week! I talked about Healthy Living and gave ideas for products and meals here, I posted the lasagna cupcakes recipe here, I showed my weekly fashion here, and I re-capped my weekend and talked about hosting here!

Thursday, October 13, 2022

It’s Thursday and that means Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill!

If you are new around here, I am a high school Spanish teacher and these are the outfits I really wear. I take one shot with my tripod and call it a day!

On this day, we were starting artist presentations so I thought it would be good to wear my Frida Kahlo t-shirt from Target with a fun printed LuLaRoe skirt (I know, I know, but I have about 5 non-wrinkle pencil skirts that I really like), a JC Penney Liz Claiborne knit cardigan, and my Shu Shop sneakers.

On this day I wore jean, a white t-shirt, a consignment scarf kimono and my Danskos. I had a near-emergency. I got the kimono caught in my zipper and thought I would have to cut it.

This was a Friday ‘fit and I wore my new consignment Kut from the Kloth flares with my new Amazon fall tee and a white button down over it. I wore my Hush Puppies cow loafers and my feet were so happy. They are so comfy!

On Saturday I wore my sweater vest finally! It’s a bit long and I wanted them hem of my shirt showing so I kinda rolled it under. My skinny jeans are constricting my legs now and they just feel too skinny. I really need a good stretchy straight leg. Recs needed! I can’t have the legs too wide, though! Kellyann made a good point – skinny legs just seem so hot now.

And, a fall boating outfit from Sunday. These Target Wild Fable camo leggings are so good. I am so glad camo is still “in” and I’m glad I bought these years ago. I paired them with an orange Loft consignment sweater and then I had a blue button down to change into when I got hot.

And, another weekend outfit – my higher waisted jeans from last year, an old Target blouse, and my Danskos.

In my Hello Monday post, I told you that I found some things at the consignment store with my sister and nieces. Want to see what I found?

This Loft blouse:

This J.Jill blouse. The fabric is soooo soft.

And, this blouse from Old Navy that was new with tags. The funny thing is – I was looking for a blouse like this last spring and summer.

I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me – I find exactly what I am looking for at a consignment store. I have one story about a ruined J.Crew straw tote and I found the same one new with tags! I have another about my Wine and Cheese sweater – it was out of stock in my size so I sized down but it barely fit. I found it at my consignment store in the exact size I needed!

If you don’t like the current styles in the stores, you may find that you like last season’s selections that people have discarded at your local consignment store. As you can see from my above outfits, I have a consignment item incorporated in most of my outfits.

Here are some looks I am wanting to recreate. I love going to Pinterest and typing in “vest outfit” or something very specific like that. It really helps you to use what you have in your closet I think!

By the way, I have a few more vests on order. I will let you know what I end up keeping. I think the vest might be a great thing for me because I get hot in a full sweater at work.

I also like to snap photos when I read magazines. I have a gold velvet top so I thought I could do this color scheme. This was an ad for my favorite consignment shop in a local magazine publication. See -they are good!

So, do you have a favorite outfit from above?

What have you been wearing?

Are you in”vested” in the vest look this season?

Amy