Monday Notes at My House
Happy Monday, all! Welcome to my lifestyle post called Monday Notes at My House.
Monday Notes at My House covers a little bit of this and a little bit of that! It is my weekly lifestyle post.
It has been 1 1/2 years since we relocated our loves from South Texas to West Texas, and every day it feels a little more like home.
Mr. B & I have lived in three homes together over our 41 years of marriage.
Each of the first two locations had a neighborhood eatery we could frequent for good coffee, sandwiches, soups and baked goods.
Our first one was called Twin Sisters…and yes, it was run by two twin sisters. Very eclectic with a cozy, cool vibe…and great food.
The second neighborhood eatery for us was a franchise, but we still loved it…La Madeleine Cafe & Bakery.
Their fireplace in colder weather was a big draw with a steaming cup of French Roast Coffee.
We finally have found our new place to frequent near our neighborhood…and I am thrilled.
MONDAY NOTES AT HOME: THE COFFEE SHOP
Mr. B discovered the MEZAMIZ COFFEE HOUSE on his own, but finally took me there this past weekend.
It is very artisan, eclectic and the sandwich, soup, and coffee I had was so good. In fact, I feel confident in saying this is the best Tomato Basil soup I have experienced…ever.
Who doesn’t love a place that serves coffee in a cup like this one! All affirmations welcome.
I love it …there were all types of people there…all ages…working on computers, reading books, playing chess…this is exactly what we were hoping to find.
We ran errands before we stopped for sustenance, and this is what I wore.
I have owned the J.JILL DOUBLE KNIT SWEATER JACKET for awhile…and it is on sale now. It is a light cardigan.
I am wearing it with an Eileen Fisher chocolate brown tank top, Chico’s dark wash jeggings, SAS SIMPLIFY LOAFERS…they say this color is antique wine, but it still looks brown to me…great shoes.
My necklace is artisan, and my handbag is an older Patricia Nash crossbody.
An outfit I like plus a new place to eat just equals smiles!
MONDAY NOTES AT HOME: TIME FOR COLOR
My nails are currently a vibrant, happy shade called CORAL REEF…and the brand is DND.
It is amazing how many positive comments I have received on this nail color since they were polished last week…I think everyone is ready for some spring color.
It really stands out with a darker outfit like I wore to the coffee shop.
But, the good news is….MY CLOSET REFRESH IS FINISHED!
Everything is organized by colors…heavy winter garments are hanging in another closet and as the cool weather ceases, more will move that direction.
I have a huge pile to prepare to take to a local re-sale shop…some of my other clothes sold well there. I finally said goodbye to the majority of the wrong colors for me.
And then I have a large bag to donate.
I always dread diving into this, but once it is completed, I am so happy….a huge load lifted.
My new nail color gets lost among some of these garments…but that is OK…I still like it.
MONDAY NOTES AT HOME: NEW PRODUCTS ON MONDAYS
I mentioned recently that since I have begun to work with MY SHOP, more brands are introducing me to their products.
I want to make sure that you know about some of these products so you can check them out for yourself…and after I try some of these I will let you know if I learn something you should know.
Since I began my focus of living one day at a time, I honestly have developed more of an open mind to new things. Somehow, that has replaced worry over the future.
So, welcome to the first of new products In Monday Notes.
I introduced you to Beauty Bio a few years ago at a special Dillard’s Event.
They introduced me to several new skincare tips, such as their GLO FACIAL HYDRATION SYSTEM AND TOOLS. I still use the tools today.
So, I am looking forward to trying the Beauty Bio EYELIGHTER CONCENTRATE...especially now that I am mostly free of glasses. The de-puffing tool has me intrigued.
TIMELESS SKINCARE is new to me, but they do have an impressive presentation.
All of these serums sound excellent with the different ingredients they use. I am going to try the yellow one first.
My skin responds very well to Vitamin C and that is one of the main ingredients of that first serum. Again, I will let you know which I like the best
But, these are two brands you may want to check out yourself.
In honor of my new introductions to new products and brands, this week will focus on new products for clothing.
Tuesday – Thursday will be new brands for you to enjoy…so I hope you will join me and enjoy learning about what is happening in fashion & beauty.
MONDAY NOTES AT HOME: BUSY TIME OF YEAR
I have been very busy since completing the two cataract surgeries, so I am yet to get to my book list.
This time of year is crazy busy in schools, and my daughter is slammed with all types of activities for the boys….academic and sports.
So, I am here to help out where she needs it.
Last Monday, was a school holiday for President’s Day, so I did spend time with all three of my grandsons.
But, I love so much that a local market has Cheap Chicken Mondays…you get 10 fried chicken legs for $9.00….only on Mondays!
Give the boys these legs with the deli macaroni & cheese…plus their favorite fruit…and it is a perfect, easy meal.
I know they will eat it all and not complain.
This is a happy way to end today’s Monday Notes at My House. Cheap Chicken…gotta love it.
Thank you to all who participated in the slight return of Would You Wear It on Saturday…it was fun to read everyone’s comments.
Tomorrow…a new brand for this audience here…hope you will join me…until then….
EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog. It means the world.
AND…visit my NEW CURATED SHOP where I will be adding my finds on a regular basis.
Happy Monday to Pam and the reader community! It is so much fun to see you out and about with Mr. B, looking snazzy from head to toe with your new hair and those fabulous sunglasses. Your new nail color is spring perfection, and looks so pretty on your hands. I can only imagine how good it must feel to have the closet refresh behind you. I recently moved a few early spring items into my main closet, but it will be a while before I make the complete swap. I[ve been buying winter pieces on sale and hope I might still get to wear a few of them, especially a fantastic ribbed knit sweater dress I purchased from Tuckernuck using your link. I still have boxes and tubs full of clothes piled high in my master bedroom, but that can be a rainy day project. I have lost just enough weight that my current size is too loose, but I haven’t gone down a full size yet. I have started walking with the warmer weather, in spite of the pinched nerve in my back, and it feels so good to be active again. I had some setbacks on my old house and am still trying to get that for sale sign up. Everything at the new house is on hold until that’s complete, but I did take time to switch to my early spring decor today. I won’t put the Easter things out until early March, but I just couldn’t stand that bare mantle staring at me every time I walked into the living room. I so enjoyed my cedar bough decor for the holidays, and probably left it up too long, but that’s a plus to living alone, I guess – no witnesses. Here’s to a peaceful and productive week ahead for everyone!
Like TAM, I’m down … half a size. Lol. Between that and the uncooperative weather, my spring things are still in the attic. Until I look there, I won’t know what I need. I’d like to drop one more size, so not sure where I’m headed … to knits that can be worn looser, or to Old Navy and Costco to fill in for now. It will maybe be a mix of both. After going through 3 wardrobes as I lost 60 pounds, I really dread this whole process, but I’m glad to be getting more healthy. I’m hoping you inspire me some to get at it! That sweater jacket is subdued for you, but it’s a great layering piece and I’m glad you kept it. A local shop or diner to have a cup of coffee and a light meal is one of the many little delights in life. In my case, I just love a good, old fashioned diner, the kind of spot that keeps your coffee cup full and makes your hash browns crispy. When we returned from Italy, Greece and Christmas out of town, one of the diner waitresses asked where we had been. That felt so warm and friendly. Glad you found “your” place.
I love to read about all of this activity! This week I will get the clothing I want to sell pressed and on hangers and hopefully get it to the consignment shop this week…that pile is also starring about me. It is such a great time to buy those sale items…and thank you for using my link. Let us know how that dress works out. I do like Tuckernuck dresses! Thank you for starting your week off here.
I would LOVE to find a diner, but have not been to a real one in years. It sounds wonderful. I am so thrilled that many of us are going through a healthy weight loss journey. Congrats to all! A great challenge is working with our new size! Chocolate brown items are great for me right now in the midst of winter, but I will slowly begin to add more color…after all, March knocks at the end of the week. The nails are my way of getting it going. Happy Monday!
Picking up grandchildren after school and feeding them daily, I often depended on bought fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and fruit for suppers…I would have enjoyed Cheap Chicken Mondays! I desperately need to do a closet cleaning out and refresh though I’m not ready to move winter sweaters out yet. Strangely, though I’m a very cold-natured person, I much prefer wearing my winter clothes than my summer clothes…probably because they cover up more of my body! Thinking of your newly-discovered coffee shop, isn’t it interesting how the coffee cup we use affects how much we enjoy our coffee! My favorite, the one I’m drinking from right now, has my name “ Mamma” on it and the names of our five grandchildren circling my name…I love it!
That coffee shop looks wonderful. When I’m in a new town, I look for three things. the library, the church, and the coffee shop.
Love those new glasses on you! Perfect for your facial structure. Why did I think they were in a different color family? Maybe they are a chameleon. You look great. We are in Gulfport, Florida which is touted as “Old Florida”and it is quiet with tiny houses, and lots of cafes in a cute downtown area. It is hard to pick a favorite. I am not a coffee drinker but I have been enjoying a variety of hot chocolates and croissants. Fun! I love your closet. I, too, organize by color, starting with my off whites and ending with my browns. Now I can’t wait to go home and curate, but since ‘home’ is in the middle of a blizzard, I am enjoying skipping this one!
I think that is exactly why I like winter clothing more…I love the covering of a good third piece! You nailed it Celia. I like it when a coffee shop gives us an actual cup and not a paper one. They do have a to-go cup but they ask if you are dining in or not. And I love my different at home cups…that is why I feature them often. Like I said…Gotta love Cheap Chicken Monday!
So do we!! Those same three things! Thanks for being here Marcia.
It sounds like you picked a perfect time to go South, Deborah! Now, you have me wanting hot chocolate and a croissant! These are Target sunglasses! I love that I no longer need the prescription sunglasses and I go mix things up a bit. Thanks for joining us today from your vacation spot.
Love Timeless. It is a serious affordable skin care brand.
Thank you, Suzi! I love to hear from those who have tried the new brands! Very helpful!
Happy Monday. so glad you found a cafe for a place to enjoy. Still looking for one closer to our community. Tomato basil soup is my favorite, still looking for a cafe that serves it and is really good.
Have a blessed week.
Pam, you look good. Cool coffee shop.
Great sign, coffee seems to solve lots of different feelings. Sweet mug, with an uplifting and inspiring message. We need more of this.
I hope you find one as good as the one we happened upon, Audrey. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes…we do…new discoveries always make me smile. Thanks Katherine.
How wonderful to find a local coffee shop with such good food. I love tomato basil soup & am always willing to try it wherever I go. I know exactly what you mean about the closet clearing. It is a dreaded job but feels so good when it is done. I am currently in a no buy phase. After some self-introspection, I realize that I have clothes envy. I will see something on someone else & want to buy it without considering whether it is right for my lifestyle. This leads to having a lot of things that don’t get worn very often & very crowded closets & drawers. As a part of Lent, I am evaluating each purchase I wish to make before I buy. I’m still getting to know myself as a single person something I have procrastinated doing.
We are still having a roller coaster ride as far as weather is concerned. The last couple of days were quite cold and windy. One dusting of snow and that is all of the moisture we got all month. But it is predicted to be in the 60-74 range this week. Can’t get the winter clothes out of the closet for another month. I keep my closet color coded, it is just easier to find things. You are way ahead of me for thinning the Hurd. I’m also between sizes which complicates thinning. Not a coffee drinker but your new cafe sounds wonderful. Tea and scones sounds wonderful to me!
Becky, I encourage you to also dress with style adjectives like many of us do…it really keeps you from spending money on the wrong garments. Let me know if you need help with that. When evaluating clothing, ask yourself…what does this tell the world about me? Is that what I want to say about me in my life right now. Always consider clothing as a calling card that sends a message about you…and we control those messages. Have fun with it…but pick 3-5 adjectives that you want to tell the world about you with your clothes and ten stick to them.
I could totally see sitting in there with a friend over tea and scones. Sounds lovely.
Love your outfit today. I have the same cardigan and jeggings and its one of my favorite combinations. How fun to find a great coffee shop with wonderful soup. I’m so glad you are enjoying living in Abilene. We are also experiencing wild temperature swings. It was in the mid 70s on Friday and I had to go into my off season closet to find something to wear for a memorial for the husband of a dear friend. Today its barely made it into the 20s so back to layers and boots. Closet turnover is still a ways way but I have started keeping a bag in the closet for items that need to cull. Its full now so time to donate and start a new bag. I’m a little wary of trying any new skin products. I have sensitive skin and I had an allergic reaction to Ponds, if you can believe it. I thought it was excema or hives but the dermatologist diagnosed it and when I stopped using Ponds it went away. Disappointed because I really liked the way it cleaned makeup.
So sorry to hear about the loss of a friend, and your sensitive skin. Hope you have products that work for you, Kathie
Pam, I’ve been using the Timeless vitamin C serum for about 6 months now and I’m very happy with it. I found it after looking for something with similar ingredients to the much more expensive Vitamin C serum purchased from my dermatologist. The glowing reviews for the Timeless serum convinced me to give it a try and I’m a very pleased with it. My skin can be very sensitive and this serum isn’t irritating at all. Hope you’re as happy with it as I am. And next time I reorder I’ll do it from your website!
Thank you, Yvette. I have only just begun with the serum but so far so good! Thank you for coming back to my link!