HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I had a busy week and got quite a bit done, but I never seem to have enough hours to get it ALL done! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready for a great new week.

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s still in the mid 90’s, but that horrible smoke is back in the air making life, or at least breathing difficult.  I AM SO READY for fall!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Physical Therapy appointments 
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Paperwork

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR

  • Astronaut Wives Club 
  • Hell On Wheels
  • Complications
  • The Strain
  • Proof
  • Dark Matter
  • Devious Maids
  • The Last Ship
  • Falling Skies
  • Under the Dome
  • Rookie Blue
BREAKFAST
DINNER
DESSERT
MONDAY
Cereal & Fruit
Y.O.Y.O. / C.O.R.N.
TUESDAY
Bagel & cream cheese
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
WEDNESDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
Hobo Chicken Casserole
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
Ham & Cheese French Toast
SATURDAY
Biscuits & Gravy
Veggie Burgers and Baked Beans
SUNDAY
Ham & Cheese Omelets
Pork & Green Chile Verde Stew with Bacon Scones

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
A few more from the “I promised myself NO MORE recipes until after the BIG move, but couldn’t resist these” pile (I promise the last before we move):

  • Southern Chicken Salad
  • Crab and Corn Cakes with Lime Sour Cream
  • Tomato Jam
  • Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes
  • Mudslide Cupcakes
  • Pina Colada Cupcakes
  • Sweet Tea Vinaigrette
  • Pumpkin Crumb Cake
  • Bacon Caramel Rolls
  • Gingerbread Cookies
  • Gingerbread Cinnamon Buns
  • Caramel Hummingbird Cake
  • Butterscotch Marble Cake
  • Apple Cake with Butterscotch Frosting
  • Gooey Cinnamon Tugs
  • Lemon Foldover Coffee Cake
  • Apple Pull Apart Loaf
  • Roasted Drumsticks with Chipolte Raisin Sauce
  • Chocolate Glazed Creamy Pumpkin Pie

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

  • Don’t cut open meat to check doneness.  Use an instant read thermometer instead.  That way you don’t lose all the juice.
  • ALWAYS use a paper towel to pat dry meat before adding to oil to get a better searing.
  • You can bake bacon at 400° on a cookie sheet to get a nice crisp doneness without the hassle of multiple batches in a skillet.

CRAFTS/PROJECTS
I can’t wait for autumn so I can make one of these:

My nephew recently made this pantry for their house and I love it so will do a version of it for our new kitchen.  It’s made with black gas pipe which makes it virtually indestructible.

And I AM GOING TO FIND a way to do this in my new kitchen!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • Time to sit and read undisturbed
  • Finished Projects
  • Looking forward to adventures.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Laura {a spoonful of joy}

I know exactly how you feel about time! I just never seem to have enough of it!
You always have such great homemaking tips – I especially the one about the bacon! Thanks!
Beautiful quote and so so true!
Have a great week!

Tamy Bollar

My nephew is pretty genius about things like storage! I'm going to make the Hummingbird cake either later this week or early next week and will post the finished recipe.

Have a great week too my friend!

Joanna Unbehaun

YES to caramel hummingbird cake! I am always looking for ideas on how to store all my canned goods/pantry stuff, especially since this winter is supposed to be awful! Have a great week!

Tamy Bollar

With our move only a few weeks away I'm trying to ignore the heat and smoke and focus on the upcoming fall season!

Also helps knowing we are going to rehab the kitchen almost immediately so I can dream as big as I want on that awesome drawer set up, a new pantry and a larger laundry/cleaning area!

I'm going to make the Hummingbird cake either later this week or early next week and will post the finished recipe.

Have a great week too my friend!

Carrie B.

OH my poor Sweetie. I just feel for you dealing with those hot temps and horrible air!! I pray things clear up and cool down SOON!
I just love looking at your menu and pile of recipes. It's so fun to dream on each dish. I'm especially excited reading about caramel hummingbird cake and apple cake with butterscotch frosting. Holy yum!
I love the pumpkin photos – so pretty and waht a great idea! And that pantry is amazing, but that cabinet with the holes for unruly utensils – so brilliant!!
I LOVE your inspiration this week too. Just beautiful. Have a great week dear Friend! xo