FIESTA CHICKEN LASAGNA

We have quite a few favorite recipes that I have never blogged about or added to my recipe file.  I’m trying to diligently add these as I make them again and get decent pictures of the finished products. This recipe is so easy and a great change up from traditional beef lasagna. 

FIESTA CHICKEN LASAGNA
1 box Barilla oven ready lasagna noodles
2 jars thick and chunky salsa, 1 jar drained well
1/2 pound chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite sized pieces
2 cans seasoned black beans, drained REALLY well
2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
3 cups shredded Jack cheese
1/4+ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spread a layer of the salsa on the bottom of the pan.
  • Top with a layer of the lasagna noodles.
  • Top with an even layer of chicken pieces, beans, salsa, cilantro, onions and cheese.
  • Repeat 2 more times, ending with cheese.
  • Cover and bake 20 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes.
  • Recover and let stand 10 minutes before cutting. 

I love my lasagna pan almost as much as the oven ready Barilla lasagna noodles, but the two are not compatible.  The pan was designed for boiled noodles.  So, I carefully break the oven ready noodles into thirds to use and it works really well.

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 12 of 2020

    Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
    with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

    GOOD MORNING ladies.  I hope you are all feeling well and staying as stress free as possible during these crazy times.  Personally, I choose to remain positive and am surrounding myself with early spring cleaning projects around the house and lots of reading while I stay home.  Being immuno-compromised I worry, but REFUSE to panic worry and am just staying home and busy while I pray that others do the same and an answer is found to a vaccine and cure.

    OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It snowed last night all around us, but not on the valley floor.  It’s gray and cloudy about 30.  We’re supposed to be in the low 50’s during the day and low 30’s at night this week.  In other words, normal Pacific Northwest pre-spring weather where you dress in multiple layers that you take on and off as the day goes on and the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds.  I have on Levi’s, a lightweight hoodie and UGG’s.

    ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, black cherry yogurt and a banana

    AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

    • LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… working on a deep clean, have a load of laundry to do, dust mopping and vacuuming also need done.  I did get a deep clean done on the stove and oven over the weekend.
    • YARD… Hubby is going to finish working on the new garden boxes on the days without rain.  He’s almost done with screwing in the 3rd rail on the fence. Spring bulbs have started coming up, but our lows at night are back down into the high 20’s and low 30’s so I hope they won’t freeze.
    • CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… Every year I do a deep clean of the tops of the window molding door jambs, the fan blades and globes which are some of my least favorite chores.  I run the globes through the dishwasher and then trade them with the next one until they are all clean and sparkling.  It always amazes me how much dust can accumulate on door jambs and tops of windows.  There are also 2 “dust collector” large ledges in the living room that need everything taken down, dusted and put back up – just a lot of up and down on the ladder with furniture in the way.
    • APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… fortunately, there were no appointments scheduled so this week I’ll be staying in and working on some long procrastinated projects.
    • BLOG… I’ll also have some time this week to get caught up on long overdue recipes to write and photo editing.
    • TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I have a table to finish refinishing, a mixed media project that I hope to actually get to and if there is still time, a couple of small quilts that need borders.

    WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED Getting caught up on the DVR, lots and lots of cooking shows and started a new Netflix series called Northern Rescue.

    I’M READING The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

    FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

    MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

    MONDAY
    TUESDAY
    WEDNESDAY
    THURSDAY
    FRIDAY
    SATURDAY
    SUNDAY
    BREAKFAST
    YOGURT & HOT WATER
    YOGURT & HOT WATER
    YOGURT & HOT WATER
    YOGURT & HOT WATER
    YOGURT & HOT WATER
    LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
    EVERYTHING BAGEL DUTCH BABY
    LUNCH
    TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS
    GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES
    MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS
    C.O.R.D. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR DAY
    SALAD & FRUIT
    PASTRAMI SANDWICHES
    TUNA SANDWICHES
    DINNER
    4 INGREDIENT CHICKEN & SALAD
    NOLAN RYAN MEATLOAF & SALAD
    SOURDOUGH CHICKEN FRIED STEAK & COUNTRY GRAVY
    C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
    INSTA-POT CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS with SALAD
    ROAST CHICKEN AND TART BLACK BEAN SALSA
    SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS with SALAD
    DESSERT
    CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
    COWBOY BROWNIES

    SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

    FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

    RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

    • HONEY MISO COD & CAMP CARROTS
    • BLACK BEAN, BEEF AND POTATO ENCHILADAS

    INSPIRATIONAL

    LIFE TIP This seems like a good time to share this:

    HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

    I hope everyone had a great week and weekend.  I have not been around much, let alone on the internet. The past several weeks, er months have been chaotic to say the least.  The move here, the unexpected shambles of a house we committed too unknowingly, the massive clean out of my cousin’s things coupled with grams, gramps and even my great grandmother’s things along with my aunt’s declining health with the Alzheimers ALL before she even fell shattering her knee and ALL the ensuing surgeries, hospitalization and ICU time from the infections and stroke before her unexpected death have left me feeling a bit overwhelmed.

    The past several weeks with the chaotic weather and family flying in and out have given us a break from the house for the most part, but also left us anxious to truly finish it. We are hoping to get quite a bit done this week and I’m hoping to also get back into a regular posting routine and try some new recipes too.

    THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
    It is warm with expected thunderstorms all week, but that’s Texas for you.

    AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
    It’s a bit dreary and gray, but dry for the moment.

    ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
    Nothing as I have fasting blood work later this morning after we drop my mom at the airport. We are going to try a new Cajun place for lunch though that I’m looking forward to.

    AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
    I see tons to do, but will get a running start at it this afternoon after we return.

    TO DO FOR THE WEEK

    • Drop mom off at airport.
    • Blood work today with a follow-up appointment for the results later in the week.
    • Clean spare bedroom and bathroom.
    • Return a chair to my uncle that my mom was using during her stay.
    • Start the sorting on the studio that is piled to the ceiling to get it all out of the rest of the house during my mom’s visit.
    • Drop off donations from the minimalization project at women’s shelter re-sale shop.
    • Drop off hundreds of magazines to the hospital for their waiting rooms.
    • Clean top to bottom.
    • Several loads of laundry.
    • Paint all the new molding hubby has been putting up. This alone will take me weeks.

    CURRENTLY READING

    TELEVISION / DVR
    Not sure yet, need to see what the new summer shows are going to be.

    CRAFTS & PROJECTS
    LOL Nothing until the studio is sorted out.

    MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

    MONDAY
    TUESDAY
    WEDNESDAY
    THURSDAY
    FRIDAY
    SATURDAY
    SUNDAY
    BREAKFAST
    YOGURT & FRUIT
    SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
    FRUIT SMOOTHIE
    YOGURT & FRUIT
    MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
    EGGS in the CLOUDS
    BACON & EGGS
    LUNCH
    FRUIT & CHEESE
    SOUP & CRACKERS
    SANDWICH
    OUT
    MEAT & CHEESE
    LEFTOVERS
    SANDWICHES
    DINNER
    C.O.R.N.
    RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
    PULLED PORK SANDWICHES & BBQ BEANS
    DESSERT

    ON MY MIND
    As I sat at many family events this week watching brothers and sisters interact I realized that two of the most important words in the English language are PERCEPTION and PERSPECTIVE. Each of our perceptions and perspectives are developed through OUR experiences in life and OUR interactions with family, friends and peers as well as teachers and even strangers. While much of life is black and white, many a memory falls into the gray area shrouded with personal perceptions and perspectives based on age, sex, education, playground interactions, job type, public interactions at different cultural times in society, etc…  I have chosen NOT to get involved with many of the family arguments that have ensued over the years and refuse to in the future also.  Long story short, sometimes it just isn’t worth the hassle.

    PERCEPTION per·cep·tion pərˈsepSH(ə)n/
    noun: perception; plural noun: perceptions

    • the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.
    • the state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses.
    • a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.

    synonyms: recognition, awareness, consciousness, appreciation, realization, knowledge, grasp, understanding, comprehension, apprehension; formal cognizance, impression, idea, conception, notion, thought, belief, judgment, estimation

    PERSPECTIVE per·spec·tive pərˈspektiv/
    noun: perspective

    • the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.
    • a view or prospect.
    • a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

    synonyms:  outlook, view, viewpoint, point of view, POV, standpoint, position, stand, stance, angle, slant, attitude, frame of mind, frame of reference, approach, way of looking, interpretation
           

    THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
    We finished our 30 day minimalization project this past week and am proud to say we ended at almost 3 times the expected outcome with 1182 items! This week we will begin yet again as I begin the clean out of the studio and finish unpacking all the remaining boxes!  I’m really looking forward to this and feeling a bit more settled because of it.  The goal is to reach a point where we can have the carpet installed the first week of June and then acquire the last few pieces of furniture we want and need.

    FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
    I did not even get a chance for any pictures this week.

    INSPIRATION

    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.

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

    It’s Monday whether we want it to be or not! I hope you had a great weekend.

    THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
    It’s gray and stormy this week and doesn’t look like it will let up much any time soon.

    AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
    I see a long gray week with intermittent thunder storms.

    ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
    A banana and coffee.

    AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
    I actually see the progress we’ve made and am anxious to be done.

    TO DO FOR THE WEEK

    • Shopping for a couple family meals.
    • Cleaning.
    • ?? no BIG projects with mom visiting.

    CURRENTLY READING

    TELEVISION / DVR
    Nothing new this week.  We will look into getting cable soon after the last of the electrical work is done.

    CRAFTS & PROJECTS
    Planning a new pattern for quilts I am making my uncle and cousin from some of my aunt’s clothes.

    HOUSE PROJECTS
    Nothing new this week with family in for the funeral.

    KITCHEN WISHES
    I have so many kitchen gadgets and am finding that LESS really is more! So I no new wishes except to organize and clean out a bit more.

    MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

    MONDAY
    TUESDAY
    WEDNESDAY
    THURSDAY
    FRIDAY
    SATURDAY
    SUNDAY
    BREAKFAST
    YOGURT & FRUIT
    SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
    FRUIT SMOOTHIE
    YOGURT & FRUIT
    MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
    OUT
    BACON & EGGS
    LUNCH
    FRUIT & CHEESE
    SOUP & CRACKERS
    SANDWICH
    OUT
    MEAT & CHEESE
    LEFTOVERS
    SANDWICHES
    DINNER
    C.O.R.N.
    SALISBURY STEAK & MASHED POTATOES
    DESSERT

    RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
    My uncle sent home tons of magazines from my aunt for me to go through, many of which are cooking and recipe oriented so I’m looking forward to going through those soon.

    THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

    • Hubby finished the floor molding in the living room.
    • The new couch is the perfect color.  I can’t wait until the carpeting is complete and the companion pieces are in place.

    FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
    I typed up my aunt’s obituary for my uncle and we included this picture of her with a friend’s dog.

    INSPIRATION

    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.

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

    I was having a productive week, and then WHAM! I got hit by the flu.  For once in my life and because it hit so hard and fast that I didn’t have a choice I napped and did virtually nothing for 3 days.  Fortunately dinner was already in the slow cooker on the worst day.  Hope you had a better week!

    WEATHER OUTSIDE
    It’s been gorgeous this past week, but now we’re inching back up into the 80’s and 90’s, look’s like we may be heading to an Indian Summer with warm days and cool evenings.

    TO DO FOR THE WEEK

    • 2 Physical therapy appointments for hubby
    • cleaning
    • laundry

    CURRENTLY READING

    TELEVISION / DVR

    • Football starts this week!
    • Cedar Cove
    • A few movies we have on the DVR

    CRAFTS & PROJECTS
    Everything is on hold until next month after the move.

    HOME PROJECTS
    Can’t wait to get there and have a long list for this category.  We planned this move well though.  We will have an entire week to clean and paint the new place before the trucks get there which will hopefully make unpacking go much more smoothly.
     
    KITCHEN WISHES 

    USA Pans Pullman Loaf Pan with Cover, Aluminized Steel with Americoat, 9 x 4 x 4 Inches
    Prepara Herb Savor Pods, Set of 3
    Kuhn Rikon W1184 Square PushPan, 9-Inch Square
    MONDAY
    TUESDAY
    WEDNESDAY
    THURSDAY
    FRIDAY
    SATURDAY
    SUNDAY
    BREAKFAST
    YOGURT & FRUIT
    SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
    FRUIT SMOOTHIE
    YOGURT & FRUIT
    MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
    LUNCH
    FRUIT & CHEESE
    SOUP & CRACKERS
    SANDWICH
    OUT
    MEAT & CHEESE
    ??
    ??
    DINNER
    EXPERIMENT NIGHT
    Chicken & Shrimp Paella
    C.O.R.N.
    DESSERT

    SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

    RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
    SHHHH, don’t tell hubby, but I cut out a few more this week.

    • Creole Coleslaw
    • Slow Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs 
    • Banana Walnut Buttermilk Muffins
    • Cornmeal Souffle
    • Sour Cream Pound Cake
    • John’s Breakfast Bowl
    • Ernestine’s Company Meal

    HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

    • By all accounts, FISH OIL is the solution to many things not the least of which is preventing a middle aged spread by helping to increase your metabolism  and prevent muscle mass shrinkage as you age. Eating tuna and/or salmon several times a week or a fish supplement with both EPA and DHA daily.

    HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

    • Microwaving lemons, limes and oranges 10-15 seconds before squeezing yields more juice.
    • Always bring your eggs to room temperature before baking.  They cream with the butter better that way.
    • Always keep your kitchen knives sharp.  They are of more use and actually safer tat way.

    FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
    This poor guy startled me as I almost stepped on him barefooted, but then realized he must have been a victim of the lawnmower.

    THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

    • Plans that come together the way they are supposed to 
    • Crisp evenings 
    • Leaves beginning to change colors
    • Warm Meals
    • Smiling Faces

      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.

      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

      HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

      With the BIG move a few weeks away, I’m at that point of trying to finish up the packing for the moving truck. There are always the little things that need a corner of a tote or box and then the things you really need to use right up to the last minute, but don’t really want to take with you so are trying to gauge the use so you don’t need to buy a fresh bottle or pack an almost empty one.  I’m trying to make menus to use what’s still in the pantry and freezer without doing a lot of shopping except for fruits and veggies.

      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 heating up again with some higher humidity so I am trying to get all outside activities done first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

      TO DO FOR THE WEEK

      • Finish inventory and ty-wrapping totes closed for the move early in the mornings
      • A couple of appointments for hubby
      • Clean BBQ and pack
      • Put together “1st Week” tote – it will have clean sheets, towels, kitchen towels and sleeping clothes so we don’t have to unpack anything immediately which is good since the trucks (from 2 different places) aren’t going to arrive until a week after we do.
      • Put together “1st Week” suitcase of clothes for each of us.

      CURRENTLY READING

      TELEVISION / DVR
      Since we’ll be moving in 3 weeks, I’m really trying to get EVERYTHING off the DVR that I had saved to see.  In addition to those old shows we’ll try and work in the normal summer shows that are quickly coming to season finales.

      • 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
      OUT for our ANNIVERSARY
      WEDNESDAY
      Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
      Fiesta Chicken Lasagna
      THURSDAY
      Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
      Ham & Cheese French Toast
      FRIDAY
      Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
      Beef & Potato Hand Pies
      SATURDAY
      Biscuits & Gravy
      Hobo Chicken Casserole
      HUMMINGBIRD CAKE
      SUNDAY
      Ham & Cheese Omelets
      Sesame Orange Roast Chicken

      LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

      RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
      A few more recipes from the “I promised myself NO MORE recipes until after the BIG move, but couldn’t resist these” file:

      • Tomato and Peach Salad
      • Braised Chicken Thighs with savory marinated peaches
      • Caramel Apple Cookies
      • Maple Sugar Cookie
      • Pumpkin Banana Bread
      • Pull apart Pumpkin Loaf
      • Salted Caramel Cheesecake
      • Apple Carrot Cake Muffins
      • Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites
      • Cherry Swirl Brownies
      • Pumpkin Raisin Doodles
      • Chicken in Sweet Zesty Raisin Sauce
      • Coconut Lime Curd Bars

      HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

      • To lighten up a homemade creamy dressing you can substitute yogurt for mayonnaise or use a half and half combination.  It’s still creamy, but much lighter and more pourable.
      • Freeze thinly sliced green onions in air tight containers to use in scrambled eggs or salads.
      • When making spaghetti, cook your pasta for less than al dente, drain and add to sauce to finish cooking.  You end up with more flavor in the pasta.

      THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

      • Being married to my best friend.
      • ORGANIZATION!
      • Looking forward to a more settled lifestyle.

      FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

      from a recent car show

      My inspiration for 30 years has been my best friend and husband.  I’m still IN love with you and my love grows stronger each and every day.  Thank you for your undying love through this roller coaster we call life.  The ride keeps getting more exciting each and every year.  You have proven in sickness and health more times than anyone should have to.

      HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

      Last week got REALLY warm!!!! So, to beat the heat I stayed inside and thought about snow.  Yep, I’m thinking about winter and Christmas already.  I actually started my Christmas cards and am about 75% DONE.  It’s been a while since I made my own and I forgot how hard it is to cut out all the little pieces – boy, are my hands tired!

      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 is STILL HOT! And super muggymight as well be in Texas or Florida!  We are setting new records all the time.

      TO DO FOR THE WEEK

      • Finish Christmas cards
      • Paperwork
      • Appt.s
      • Phone Calls

      CURRENTLY READING

      TELEVISION / DVR

      • Astronaut Wives Club 
      • Complications
      • Proof
      • Dark Matter
      • The Last Ship
      • 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
      THURSDAY
      Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
      Chicken Broccoli Casserole & Salad
      FRIDAY
      Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
      Sweet & Sticky Pork Chops w/ Dirty Rice
      SATURDAY
      Steaks and baked potatoes with a side of fireworks
      SUNDAY
      Fruit Smoothies

      SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS  FROM LAST WEEK

      FUTURE RECIPES TO TRY
      My favorite neighbor ever surprised me yesterday with armfuls of cookbooks she wanted to get rid of.  I’m so in love with new recipes that I’m not sure where to start.  My nephew is coming for a week soon so I decided to start with kid friendly recipes – he’s young, but he’s a HUGE growing boy so I also needed easy, flavorful and stretching recipes.  Here are the ones I have found so far:

      • TexMex Tamale Skillet
      • Hamburger Strogaanoff
      • Ground Beef Reuben Melts
      • Pizza Calzone
      • Chili Rice con Queso
      • Fiesta Chicken Lasagna
      • Italian Lemon Semifreddo 

      HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS
      With summer comes rough, flaky and dry skin.  Here’s a homemade exfoliating body wash that will make your skin silky smooth.

      PINEAPPLE BODY WASH – makes 2 week’s worth.  I saved an old Herbal Essence bottle to keep this recipe in.

      1 6-ounce can pineapple juice
      2 cups castile liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s or Kirk’s original at Walmart)

      • Blend together.
      • Shake to mix before using each day.
      • Pour a small amount on wash cloth, lather and wash.

      “You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” ― C. JoyBell C.

      THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

      • Air conditioning in triple digit temperatures
      • Fresh Flowers 
      • Laughing children playing outside

      FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA THIS WEEK
      We’ve been watching these ‘environmental’ platforms for quite some time now.  There are 3 of them in this particular area and all have residents.   The fledglings have been taking test flights and appear to be close to ready to leave home.

      The platforms don’t look huge until you take a picture from below and then you realize their actual size.

      INSPIRATION

      RECIPES

      APPETIZERS

      BEEF

      BEVERAGES

      BREADS

      BRUNCH & EGGS

      CAKES, COOKIES, DESSERTS & FROSTINGS

      CANDIES, DRINKS, ICE CREAM, CANDIES, JAMS & JELL-O

      CASSEROLES

      CHICKEN & TURKEY

      CHINESE

      FRUITS, GRAVIES, SAUCES, SEASONINGS & DRESSINGS

      MEXICAN

      PASTAS

      PORK

      POTATOES & RICES

      SALADS

      SANDWICHES & PIZZAS

      SEAFOOD

      SOUPS & STEWS

      VEGGIES

      XYZ