GOOD MORNING! Here we are beginning week 4 of 2019 and I find myself wondering where the first 3 went?  I’m having such a tough time getting all my energy back – so much so that I already feel behind for the year 🙁  Oh well, onto this week’s Monday post as I pray to find some energy.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Welcome to the Pacific Northwest where the weather is almost always wet at least some of the day and ever changing at this time of the year.  When I looked at the weather yesterday there were supposed to be having several days of sunshine later this week and now today there aren’t any forecasted  🙁  We’re supposed to be a bit dryer this week which won’t take much since we were SUPER wet last week with flash flood watches and such.  The highs are supposed to be in the mid 40’s and the lows in the mid 30’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Peanut butter Banana Oatmeal and Lemon Green tea

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Our favorite munchkins spent a rainy Saturday night with us and after an uneventful game of CLUE we landed on a game of Monopoly that still sits waiting to be finished next weekend. 😀

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The NFL playoff games were on yesterday and kept us entertained through a rainy Sunday.  We’re long time RAMS fans and were thrilled that they are advancing to the Super Bowl!!  We REALLY wanted the Chiefs to beat the Patriots, unfortunately it just didn’t happen.

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

• LAUNDRY… Just a couple loads to get caught up on
  
• LIVING AREAS… clean and tidy
  
• KITCHEN…clean and tidy, but need to add felt stops to the self-closing cabinet doors
  
• YARD… nothing
• BLOG… still need to write up a few more new recipes and I’m still adjusting the party links to downsize the ones I participate in.   Three weeks into the new year and I have eliminated yet another 3 party links bringing it up to 16 gone.  There are at least 5 more on the chopping block for this week.  So many blogs have become too commercial and the ads as well as the layer of pages to get to the content have become just too much to bother with.
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… working on some garland for next year’s Christmas tree – I’ll post about it if it works out the way I’m hoping
  
• APPOINTMENTS… oncology follow up that is also a day away with shopping and food 😀
  
• TO DO… some paperwork, cable comparisons for my mom to get her bill to a manageable price, phone calls and still working on my cookbook cross reference system for upcoming recipes I want to make.
  

I’M READING Five Years gone by Marie Force

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH Not much on the DVR, we’re pretty caught up for now and I’m just NOT getting very excited about TV except for a couple cooking shows.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN TUESDAY SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE WEDNESDAY THURSDAY PORK EGG ROLL BOWL FRIDAY FRENCH ONION PENNE PASTA	PINEAPPLE RAISIN TAMALES OR BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE
SATURDAY	PANCAKES		CHICKEN LASAGNE
SUNDAY	BACON & EGGS		OUT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• PEASANT CHICKEN
• ROAST PORK TENDERLOIN with GREEN BEANS & PEARS
• BUFFALO MAC & CHEESE NESTS
• BBQ CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE BITES
• SMOKEY JALAPENO BBQ MEATBALLS
• BAKED CRANBERRY MEATBALLS
• CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD 

 

GOOD MORNING everyone! WOW we’re already entering week 3 of 2019,  Why is the time passing by so fast? I’m up early and hoping for a VERY productive day.  My energy levels are still lagging, but I need to take advantage of the better weather today before the next set of storms roll in.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – The past few days have been pretty nice, days in the 50’s and nights in the 30’s, at least for a couple hours midday LOL 😀 Mornings have been quite gray and foggy, but the sun makes an appearance in time for the sunset most days.  Today will be no exception, but we’re supposed to be back to mostly rain by Wednesday and stay that way for the rest of the week.  I have on Levis, my favorite canvas tennies and comfy sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Peanut Butter Oatmeal with Banana Slices and Green Tea

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

• LAUNDRY… ALL caught up as of yesterday.
  
• LIVING AREAS… Need to vacuum and do a bit of tidying.
  
• KITCHEN… REALLY clean as I’ve been polishing counter tops.
  
• YARD… nothing
  
• BLOG… still need to write up a couple more new recipes and I’m still adjusting the party links to downsize the ones I participate in.   Two weeks into the new year and I have eliminated another 5 party links bringing it up to 13 gone.  There are at least 5 on the chopping block for this week or at the most the end of the month. A few blogs are still on break so I’ll continue evaluating this category until I have it where I want it.  So many blogs have become too commercial and the ads as well as the layer of pages to get to the content have become just too much to bother with.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I’m working on next year’s Christmas gifts and will tell you it involves the fabric in the picture below and I found these great pieces on sale this past week.
  
• APPOINTMENTS/TO DO… I need to get the oil changed on the car, track down a few medical records to have transferred, am hoping for enough sun today to get at least the small storage space gone through in search of more needed paperwork for the VA…

CRAFTS / PROJECTS What I CAN show you  😀  but CANNOT tell you what the parts will equal.

If you know me, then you know I LOVE to cook!  I usually get several cookbooks for Christmas and I REALLY look forward to them.  The first thing I do is sit down and read them cover to cover, tabbing the recipes I want to make in the weeks ahead.  As you can see, this year was no exception.  My brother sent me the Half Baked Harvest, my girl friend Heather and munchkins gave me the Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines and Santa brought me the Six Sisters Stuff. 

For some odd reason this process always brings to mind a specific friend, Julie.  Julie’s dad was a professor at our university and they had a lot of talented kids in her family, several of which were in college at the same time which was quite costly so they lived very modestly on a professor’s salary. Julie was the middle girl of 5 and was quite used to getting the hand me downs.  Julie and I became fast friends and hung out a lot.  Many times there were three of us hanging out in Julie’s rec room as Julie’s friend Joann spent a lot of time there too.  Joann wasn’t into the college scene, but came from money and had other priorities most of the time – parties and such while we studied our butts off and worked several jobs.  Anyway, we all had our talents that we brought to the group.  

Julie used to borrow Joann’s designer clothes, A LOT!   Julie also had mad sewing skills.   The funny part was (and I doubt Joann even knows this now) late at night when we were studying Julie would take a break, disassemble whatever piece she had just borrowed from Joann and whip up her own version by using Joann’s piece as a pattern.  Then she’d put Joann’s dress, skirt, etc… back together, no worse for wear.  Long story short (I know, too late) I think I approach other people’s recipes the same way Julie approached designer clothes by taking it apart piece by piece, tweaking it to meet my flavor desires or textural expectations and putting it back together as an all new piece. 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I just LOVE that sliver of moon that made an appearance just in time for my picture.  The clouds covered it almost immediately.

INSPIRATION

I’m ALWAYS trying to remember that life is FULL of change and my favorite saying is,

“Man plans, God laughs!”

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We watched BIRD BOX with Sandra Bullock this past week – scary, but interesting movie.  I’m really sad 🙁 though to hear that teens are actually being so stupid and using movies like this to act out stupid scenarios for social media challenges/DARES.

I’M READING I still didn’t get much reading done this past week so I’m still reading: The Misadventures of Catie Bloom: a romantic comedy (Bloom Sisters Book 1) by Brooke Stanton

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH With shows just coming off hiatus we are actually pretty caught up on prime time shows with no DVR backlog.  There is a growing list for NetFlix and Amazon Prime.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY MEXICAN LASAGNE TUESDAY HAWAIIAN CHICKEN WEDNESDAY THURSDAY TORTILLA BAKE FRIDAY CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE	FUDGY BROWNIES, CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD OR CRANBERRY PEAR CRISP
SATURDAY	BISCUITS & SAUSAGE GRAVY BAKE		CHEDDAR CHICKEN POTPIE
SUNDAY	QUICHE LORRAINE		PERUVIAN SHEPHERD’S PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

ROAST PORK with APPLE PEAR CREAM SAUCE

MAGIC COOKIE BARS

PUB BURGERS with TANGY PUB SAUCE BAKED SPICY BACON GREEN BEANS

CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE

WHISKEY CHILI MEATBALLS WHISKEY BBQ CHICKEN

 

We took a little unplanned trip to the coast for a couple days last week right after a quiet New Year’s Eve and had a wonderful time.  MY BIL and SIL were supposed to be here for the New Year and bailed last minute so we decided a little fun was in order.  Traveling on New Year’s day was actually a FUN experience.  Our biggest issue for the entire trip was that a couple places we wanted to visit were National Parks and closed due to the governmental shut-down.

We were able to get a discounted room on the beach because of the last minute holiday time for the same price as a regular room anywhere else so we were ABSOLUTELY thrilled when it came with a balcony, ocean view and fireplace. The weather was GORGEOUS, the food was WONDERFUL and the scenery was FANTASTIC.  We came home to a beautiful mild end of the week while we finished de-decorating and cleaning up from Christmas.  The timing was PERFECT because by Friday night the weather had turned into a winter storm watch with LOTS of wind and we were inside once again.  At least it was a football playoff weekend and I tried a couple new recipes and got caught up on the laundry.

How was your New Year?

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING The entire week looks pretty much the same – gray, 40’s, rainy, maybe some wind gusts… You know me it’s my daily Levis, a pink long sleeve t-shirt and my favorite lightweight sweatshirt with BIG fluffy socks!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Huckleberry Green Tea, Kiwi and granola

CRAFTS / PROJECTS Don’t laugh, but I’m actually working on a couple ideas for next Christmas.  I’m also working on getting all the pictures form all our trips the past year edited and the posts completed.  We realized with this last trip that EVERYWHERE we stayed in the past year was under some form of construction which made it a bit of a pain!

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY We used up most of our back stores of Christmas gift tags, bags, ribbons and such this year so I ventured out a couple days after Christmas and into some awesome 75-90% off sales and was able to rebuild our stash for literally pennies on the dollar.  Certainly not something I do every year, but I scored BIG this year 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA This little guy was obviously fed by the people before us!  The fireplace in our room worked so well that we actually had to leave the sliding glass door to the balcony open at night so we didn’t roast which LOL 😀 was such a hard ship to be lulled to sleep by the crashing waves 😀  On our first morning we awoke to this guy squawking LOUDLY!! from our balcony railing as he stared expectantly at us.  😀 LOL When it happened again on day 2 we knew he was expecting to be fed.

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… ALL caught up 😀 though as long as you’re wearing clothes and active this is a perpetual category!  I should just say that the hamper is not overflowing 😀
  
• LIVING AREAS… ALL clean and neat except for a few Christmas boxes to be put away after the rain stops – I just don’t want anything wet to go into storage.
  
• KITCHEN…  need to put away the dishwasher
  
• YARD… nothing
  
• BLOG… need to write up a couple new recipes and I’m still adjusting the party links to downsize the ones I participate in.  So many blogs have become too commercial and the ads as well as the layer of pages to get to the content have become just too much to bother with.  Last week alone I eliminated 8 party links.  Many blogs have been on breaks so I’m still evaluating this category and how to handle it.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… just a bit of prep work on the new personalized Christmas gifts ideas before I pack them away for a few months
  
• APPOINTMENTS… dentist
  
• TO DO… finish updating my “Where I Like to Party” list and the same old, same old paperwork….
  

I’M READING I didn’t get much reading done this past week so I’m still reading: The Misadventures of Catie Bloom: a romantic comedy (Bloom Sisters Book 1) by Brooke Stanton

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH Shows are just starting back up after the holidays so not much on the DVR or list right now. We rented a couple movies this past week.

• The Catcher Was a Spy 😀 😀 😀 😀 about Mo Berg in WWII – anything WWII always interests me.
• An Elephant’s Journey – I thought was okay, but could have been much better.
• The Spy Who Dumped Me – pretty cute is a sarcastic comedy way.
• Unbroken Path to Redemption 😀 😀 😀 😀 about WWII hero Louis Zamperini’s Olympic journey.
• Orphan Horse 😀 😀 😀 😀 about a runaway and her bond with a horse.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

Essential Oils really work!

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY CARAPULCRA TUESDAY MEXICAN PORK ROAST WEDNESDAY THURSDAY CHICKEN with TOMATOES & HONEY FRIDAY CARIBBEAN TURKEY
SATURDAY			CHICKEN with BABY PEAS
SUNDAY			FARMHOUSE CHICKEN CASSEROLE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• HORSERADISH POTATO CRUSTED BEEF STEW
• EXTRACT vs. EMULSIONS TUTORIAL – VANILLA EXTRACT
• CREAMSICLE CHICKEN

 

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Can you believe another year has passed us by? May 2019 be one of your best years ever and fill you with happiness and joy.  We don’t celebrate out much on the new year anymore, that stopped when we had dogs and they hated the fireworks and noise so we started staying home for a quiet evening.  PLUS we never had to worry about being on the roads with ice, snow or those who had had too much to drink.  This year though the pups are no longer our reason, but it will be much the same.  I’m making a batch of black eyed pea chili with the left over prime rib from Christmas and we’ll watch movies and snuggle. WHATEVER you do this evening be safe and have fun.
There is one day a week and 2 memes that I do regularly to help keep on track;  Happy Homemaker Monday over at Sandra’s blog,  Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and Menu Plan Monday over at Laura’s blog, I’m an Organizing Junkie. I made myself 2 new, brighter and lighter badges for this year, BUT I’m also trying to add back in a bit more blogging with where I also like to blog hop for inspiration and creative ideas.  I fell a bit out of it last year with finishing the HOUSE FROM HELL and the move, but here in 2019 I will get back into the swing of things in the evenings as we watch television.  Doing this helps with my inspiration for cooking, crafts and even trips to take.  It just takes a bit of organization in the beginning and then you’re able to stay on track regularly. I just keep a spiral bound notebook where I attach a printed page of link ups where I check off the 3 links I’m sharing that week.  By checking off the blogs as I join in I also get a satisfied feeling of completing projects.  I’m including that list at the end in case you want to check any of them out and/or join in 😀

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE It’s been pretty nice the past few days since Christmas with the sun coming out in time to set and create some gorgeous sunsets!  But, that also make it much cooler at night with being clear so we’re still on the crisp side with highs in the 40’s during the day and down into the upper 20’s and lower 30’s at night.  We’re supposed to get back to rain by Friday.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Today is Blueberry Green Tea, a banana and some rice krispies.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY I saw an image on INSTAGRAM I immediately fell in love with, so I made myself one to work on being more productive, positive and happy… and then I saw another one I also made for myself and together they will work in tandem to keep me focused.

I’m also doing a “THANKFUL” jar again this year.  You jot down one thing you’re grateful each week, place it in the jar and then read them all on New Year’s eve next year.

And then I also saw this one.  While I can no longer have sugar I LOVE the inspiration behind it. 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO(S) FROM THE CAMERA

Sunset December 28th 2018

Munchkins Christmas Eve 2018

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… sheets, towels and casuals
  
• LIVING AREAS… vacuuming, dusting
  
• KITCHEN… straighten pantry
  
• YARD… nothing
  
• BLOG… party links, pinterest updates and some recipe updating
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… nothing this week
  
• APPOINTMENTS… nothing this week
  
• TO DO… paperwork
  

I’M READING

• The Misadventures of Catie Bloom: a romantic comedy (Bloom Sisters Book 1) by Brooke Stanton

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, DVD OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH – we rented a few Netflix movies over the weekend

• ALPHA – pretty good coming of age move
• RIVER RUNS RED –  we had trouble getting into this as it moved very slow and actually didn’t even finish it.
• A SIMPLE FAVOR –  scary movie (in a really weird way)!

shows I like to watch in general:
COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Good Place, American Housewife

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies – NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods,Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race, Dancing With the Stars, American Ninja Warrior

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Midnight Texas

COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Dessert Wars, Worst Cooks in America, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef, Southern at Heart, Best Baker in America

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY BLACK EYED PEA CHILI TUESDAY R.E.D. recipe experiment dinner night COWBOY GOULASH WEDNESDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night THURSDAY Potato Crusted Beef Stew FRIDAY Chicken Lasagne
SATURDAY			Chicken Biriani
SUNDAY			C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES
• ITALIAN DEVIL CHICKEN
• BANANA PUMPKIN MERINGUE PIE
• CHICKEN BLT CASSEROLE
  
• POTATO TOMATO CASSEROLE  

WHERE I LIKE TO PARTY

SUNDAYS
DISHING IT & DIGGING IT at Rustic & Refined
INSPIRE-BE-INSPIRED Sunday Features at Denise Designed
NIFTY THRIFTY SUNDAY at Meet Our Life
OVER THE MOON at Marilyn’s Treats
SOUPER SUNDAY at Kahakai Kitchen
SUNDAY’S BEST at Mother 2 Mother
SUNDAYS AT HOME at Celebrating Everyday Life, Love of Home, Starfish Cottage, Little Farmstead and My Soulful Home
THAT DIY PARTY at DIY Show Off

MONDAYS
AMAZE ME MONDAY at Dwellings The Heart of Your Home
CELEBRATE YOUR STORY at Celebrate & Decorate and Sweet Sensations
COOKING & CRAFTING with J&J at Julie’s Creative Lifestyle
CRAFTASTIC MONDAY at Sew Can Do
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
INSPIRATION MONDAY at I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom, Our Southern Home, What Meegan Makes, Inspiration for Moms and Refresh Restyle
INSPIRE ME MONDAY at Domestically Speaking, Create with Joy and My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
MADE BY YOU MONDAY at Skip To My Lou
MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY at The Dedicated House
MELT IN YOUR MOUTH MONDAY at Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms and
MENU PLAN MONDAY at I’m an Organizing Junkie
MERRY MONDAY at Where The Smiles Have Been and Our Crafty Mom
MIX IT UP MONDAY at Flour Me With Love
MOTIVATE ME MONDAY at Keeping It Simple, Rae Gun Ramblings, Pieces by Polly and Housewife Eclectic
PROJECT INSPIRED at The How To Home and Yesterday on Tuesday
SHOW and SHARE at Coastal Charm
SHOW AND TELL at Flamingo Toes
TUTORIALS & TIPS at Home Stories A to Z

TUESDAYS
DIY TUESDAYS at DIY Dreamer
INSPIRE ME TUESDAY at A Stroll Through Life
LOU LOU GIRLS FABULOUS PARTY at Lou Lou Girls
THE SCOOP at Confessions of a Plate Addict, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Stone Gable and Worthing Court
TALK OF THE TOWN at My RePurposed Life
TREASURE BOX TUESDAY at Memories by the Mile
TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME at Our Home Away From Home
TUESDAYS WITH A TWIST at Stone Cottage Adventures, Back To The Basics and God’s Growing Garden

WEDNESDAYS
SHARE YOUR STYLE at 21 Rosemary Lane and Kingsbury Brook Farm
WINTER BLUES WEDNESDAYS aka SWING INTO SPRING at DIY by Design
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY at Eclectic Red Barn, Ducks in A Row, Marilyn’s Treats, My Life Abundant, Mom Resource, Engineer Mommy, Simple Steps for Living Life, 2JustByou
WOW ME WEDNESDAYS at Ginger Snap Crafts
WOW US WEDNESDAY at Savvy Southern Style with A French Twist

THURSDAYS
CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS at Embracing Change
DAGMAR’S PARTY at Dagmar’s Home
FAVORITE THINGS at Katherine’s Corner, Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Eclectic Red Barn, Shoestring Elegance, Follow the Yellow Brick Home, Petite Haus, Marilyn’s Treats
FULL PLATE THURSDAY at Miz Helen’s Cottage
GRACE AT HOME at Imparting Grace
HOME SWEET HOME at The Charm of Home
I’M LOVIN’ IT at Tidy Mom
PIN JUNKIE PIN PARTY at The PIN Junkie
SHARE YOUR CUP at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
THIS IS HOW WE ROLL THURSDAY at 31 Organized

FRIDAYS
BLOGGERS PIT STOP at The Blogger’s Lifestyle
FOODIE FRIDAY at Back to My Southern Roots
HANDMADE HANGOUT at A Glimpse Inside, Gardners to Bergers, Too Much Time on My Hands and Twin Dragonfly Designs
HOME MATTERS at Life with Lorelai
PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY at Coffee with Us 3, Annie’s Noms, My BIG Fat Happy Life, Divas Run for Bling, A Princess and Her Pirates, The Whole Serving, This Scattered Life, As for Me and My Homestead, Lynchburg Mama, Phoenix Mom Blog, Pop Shop America, Beyond Mommying, Sparkle Living, Frugal Family Adventures, Sword Fights and Starry Nights and Candace Woesch

SATURDAYS
SATURDAY SPARKS at Pieced Pastimes
SHARE IT ONE MORE TIME at Everyday Home
SWAY SHAREFEST at The Sway Life
WEEKEND COOKING at Beth Fish Reads
WHAT TO DO WEEKENDS PARTY at Crafts a la Mode

MERRY CHRISTMAS sweet friends.  I know we all have tons to do today so let me get right to it.

All I can say is if you aren’t ready yet, don’t work so hard that you don’t enjoy it too!

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – I know this will surprise you, but it’s raining here LOL 😀 I do pray for safe travels for everyone traveling over the holiday, but I’m LOVING that I have no where to go and can just relax and enjoy it. It’s also in the mid 40’s where it’s supposed to be all week so we won’t have a white Christmas, but as the week progresses the lows will dip into the low30’s and even the 20’s so maybe New Year’s will be white instead.  I’, wearing a comfy pair of Levi’s, a long sleeve Christmas green t-shirt, thick fluffy socks (since I don’t even have to go outside today) and a gray sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Blackberries, blueberry green tea and cheerios

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY Just a few jokes

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA Last Saturday was baking day with the munchkins to make the Giving Plates.  We had so much fun! We made Magic cookie bars, corn flake wreathes, grasshopper brownies, peanut butter balls and peanut butter rice crispy balls to add to the Brigadeiros and salted pumpkin caramels I had already made. 

Besides the neighbor giving plates we made a couple plates for their dad’s fire station guys.  They took turns measuring, pouring, stirring and then all enjoyed decorating.  They got a real kick out of my “blue gloves”.  Mom and dad were able to get their packages wrapped while they were busy here 😀

INSPIRATION

Here’s a little holiday funny I saw on facebook over the weekend – just to make you laugh 😀

And so I made my own just for fun 😀

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

• LAUNDRY… ALL caught up
  
• LIVING AREAS… ALL clean
  
• KITCHEN… ALL clean from munchkin baking day and ready for Christmas
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning
• PROJECTS… nothing this week – this week is for relaxing and enjoying the holidays
  
• APPOINTMENTS… NONE
  
• TO DO… same old same old 😀
  

I’M READING – I’m still reading Yours after Dark, both series by Marie Force

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – There are still a number of Christmas movies to watch

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY COWBOY BEANS and GREEN CHILE CORN BEER BREAD TUESDAY PRIME RIB, SCALLOPED POTATOES, BROCCOLINI, SOUR CREAM FAN ROLLS, CRANBERRY RELISH WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY	BANANA PUMPKIN MERINGUE PIE
SATURDAY	??	??	BLACK EYED PEA CHILI
SUNDAY	??	??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SALTED PUMPKIN CARAMELS 
• BRIGADERIOS 
• PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
• COWBOY BEANS
• GREEN CHILE CORN BEER BREAD 

We took our Christmas “gift” trip last week and went to Seattle where it rained, but LOL we expected so there were no BIG surprises. We came home to GORGEOUS weather here only for it to literally change into a serious storm while I was out getting the errands and groceries done – or at least trying to – the storm was so severe it knocked out multiple trees which in turn knocked out multiple power lines which turned the city into a parking lot with no working traffic lights and closed down virtually EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE!  It took me hours to get home and then I had to go back the next day to finish.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – RAIN and yet MORE RAIN.  Oh and add in some cold – typical Pacific Northwest weather, but I really do love it.  As usual I’m wearing Levis with my favorite gray and pink plaid flannel shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – While it’s boring, it agrees with me so I’m having hot tea (huckleberry this morning) with a banana and peach yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – Nothing much til after the holidays

FUTURE IDEAS – Have y’all seen this? I saw it on Facebook over the weekend and fell in love with the idea. Each kid has their own snowman to unwrap and the bottom gift is a toy, the middle gift is clothing, the head is a favorite snack, and the card is either cash or a gift card! Super cute idea and keeps you from going overboard!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA –  We ate at a fun Italian restaurant when we were in Seattle at PIKE PLACE MARKET last week.  I LOVE that they are so sure of themselves that there wasn’t even a sign for the business name.  We found them online while researching the market and used GPS to get there.  We were so surprised to find no sign, but were confident we were there since the name of the restaurant is THE PINK DOOR. We had a GREAT lunch and if we lived closer would go back regularly.

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
  
• LIVING AREAS... need to vacuum
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… preparing BLOGMAS and AnnaBelle Elf on the Shelf posts to get through Christmas,
  
• PROJECTS… nothing until 2019
  
• APPOINTMENTS… dermatologist, baking with the munchkins
  
• TO DO…
  

I’M READING – I just finished Fatal Invasion and then started Yours after Dark, both series by Marie Force

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – Baking shows and Christmas movies of course!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY R.E.D. recipe experiment dinner WHISKEY MUSTARD MEATBALLS TUESDAY CHICKEN with TOMATOES & HONEY WEDNESDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night THURSDAY STIR FRY CHICKEN & SNOW PEAS FRIDAY CHICKEN POTATO CAKE
SATURDAY			BRAISED HORSERADISH BEEF
SUNDAY			C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• DUCHESS POTATO CASSEROLE
• CHICKEN CONTINENTAL 
• WINTER PORK ROAST – CRANBERRY ORANGE 

GOOD MORNING sweet friends!  It’s really early here – I absolutely HATE early morning appointments ESPECIALLY on a Monday and when it’s rainy and foggy on top of that. But, it was all that was available in December that worked with the schedule.  At least we’re getting an early start 😀

I hope you had a great week/weekend.  Ours was extremely cold and wet, but productive.  We also managed to get the DVR cleaned out and watch some football too.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING

RAIN, COLD and MORE RAIN and COLD!  BUT, I’m loving it.  Slowly, but surely I’m getting more cold weather gear together – that’s the hard part about moving from where it was hot and humid to here.  We’re supposed to be in the mid 40’s ALL week and WET!  Our lows are dipping into the 20’s and 30’s at night.

I’m wearing Levi’s with my pink turtleneck and gray hoodie with warm socks and boots 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – SAME OLD, SAME OLD Green Tea, banana and yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I finally finished the Christmas present for my friend and neighbor and it now resides on her front porch so I can show you the finished project.  It’s a reversible scarecrow and snowman.  I saw one in an antique store that was all beat up and crudely done plus they wanted a small fortune for it so hubby built one for me and I painted and decorated it. Hubby was nice enough to build me one too!

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – I really LOVE Christmas, but HATE crowds.  So I sat down yesterday and made up my menu through the first week of January so that the next time I go grocery shopping I should be able to get EVERYTHING I need other than the obvious perishables and meat that comes from the butcher.  At least any other stops will be a quick trip through the express line.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I really love how the clouds were hugging the mountain tops lately.

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… All caught up
  
• LIVING AREAS… vacuuming
  
• KITCHEN… empty the dishwasher, clean the pantry
  
• YARD… lots of rain, so nothing
  
• BLOG… getting caught up on BLOGMAS, ELF on the SHELF, recipes
  
• PROJECTS… baking for the Giving Plates
  
• APPOINTMENTS… nothing til 2019 after hubby’s dental appointment this morning
  
• TO DO… still have 3 gifts to do that I’m a bit stumped on, menu updating, recipe development
  

I’M READING – I just started Marie Force’s Fatal Invasion (book 13 of this series) – I’ve been reading her since she first started writing and love her characters and series. ANNABELLE UPDATES FROM LAST WEEK – AnnaBelle has been busy this week getting into trouble AND keeping her friends entertained.  

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE NESTS TUESDAY WINTER PORK ROAST & DUCHESS POTATO CASSEROLE WEDNESDAY CHICKEN CONTINENTAL THURSDAY BBQ CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE BITES FRIDAY R.E.D. recipe experiment dinner
SATURDAY			C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night
SUNDAY			C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BBQ APRICOT PINEAPPLE CHICKEN
• NEW ENGLAND STUFFED CLAMS
  
• MONGOLIAN BEEF ala INSTA POT

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings with your family and friends AND for those of you that braved Black Friday I hope it was safe and worth your time.  Personally, my black Friday was done on line, in my PJ’s and will be delivered today and tomorrow. 😀

We had a small and simple Thanksgiving, just 4 of us and we didn’t even get any pictures taken except this picture of the table before dinner.

We also took advantage of a small break in the weather and cut down our Christmas tree at our favorite Christmas tree farm. 

I loved this cute little sign and was amused as we were leaving and I looked over to see this umbrella on a tree.  I figure someone set it there to concentrate on cutting their tree and evidently the rain had stopped so they just forgot it 🙁

I also did a little shopping Saturday for the Shop Small, Shop Local event.  There is a darling shop in town that I found several ornaments for the tree and a couple of gifts at.  They did a wonderful open house spread and gave away wooden snowflake ornaments as a gift with your purchase. 🙂 I’m also looking forward to the craft fair at the fairgrounds next weekend.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Today is a much needed break in the wet weather.  We’re supposed to be in the low 50’s today and mid 40’s the rest of this week as well as VERY wet the rest of the week.  As normal I’m wearing Levi’s, a soft turtleneck and a matching flannel shirt with my warm fleece boots.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, cheerios and a banana

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – I’m finishing the Christmas Cards and getting them addressed to mail this week.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – We went to the Festivals of Lights over the Thanksgiving weekend during the one evening of no rain and I was able to get quite a few good pictures.  I LOVE the entrance – always the same, but also always beautiful.

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

• THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES on NETFLIX
• TRUST about J Paul Getty
• PATRIOT on AMAZON PRIME

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

• LAUNDRY…all done!
  
• LIVING AREAS… all done!
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean, but getting a deep clean today from the Thanksgiving mess.
  
• YARD… nothing much with all the rain
  
• BLOG… I’m working on my BLOGMAS posts and still have a recipes to update
• PROJECTS… finish wrapping gifts and shipping boxes
  
• APPOINTMENTS… just one mid week
  
• TO DO… still working on this list
  

I’M READING -Still trying to finish Vickie McKeehan’s Indigo Brothers Series

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – tons of Christmas movies! I have one going in the background all day while I’m working on things.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night TUESDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night WEDNESDAY CHILI SKILLET & CORNBREAD THURSDAY FRENCH ONION PEPPER BACON SOUP FRIDAY WHISKEY MOLASSES BEEF
SATURDAY	SAUSAGE BRUNCH PIES	??	MONGOLIAN BEEF
SUNDAY	BAKED EGGS	??	BEEF RAGU

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CRANBERRY CHERRY MERINGUE PIE with VODKA PIE CRUST
• PUMPKIN RAISIN SPICE CINNAMON ROLLS 
• SALTED CARAMEL SNICKERDOODLES 
• GREEN TABASCO CHICKEN and CORN RICE

GOOD MORNING everyone!  I hope you had a GREAT week.  Mine was one of organization.  It was the first one since our trek north that I had the downtime with no appointments or such to get serious about organizing our life.  It was also a necessary event with the holidays fastly approaching!

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It’s supposed to be sunny all week and near 60 degrees, BUT it’s getting down into the low 30’s at night and foggy in the mornings so that sunny 60 degrees ends up happening for all of about 4 hours a day!  I LOVE it though.  I am looking forward to the rain predicted next week. Right now it’s only 35 and super gray out still.

I have on Levis with a red, white and blue tye dyed sweatshirt and my fuzzy blue warm socks. 

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Mixed Berry yogurt, a small banana and Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I began a reverse Advent Box for donation after Thanksgiving.  I’m filling it with items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, shampoos, pasta, rices, canned goods, treats and goodies, homemade jars of jam… I’ll show a picture during BLOGMAS 2018.  I’m hoping you’ll join me for BLOGMAS this year.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – What has been happening in California just during the last week is devastating and I am praying for all of those people in Paradise as well as southern California. Having grown up in southern California I know all too well how devastating fire can be in general, but especially at this time of year with the Santa Ana winds.  I pray the winds CALM down so the firefighters can get a handle on these fires.

Hallmark Christmas movies are here and on my television daily as I work through my day. I’ve made Chunky Applesauce, Pumpkin Butter and Apple Pumpkin Butter so far in preparation for the holidays.

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing, sheets and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… really tidy
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… some recipe posts, future post planning and holiday BLOGMAS post planning
• PROJECTS… Christmas cards, Christmas gifts
  
• APPOINTMENTS… nothing this week
  
• TO DO… baseboards, silk plants, carpets, windows
  

I’M READING – Vickie McKeehan’s Indigo Brothers Series

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – I’m trying to coordinate our watch lists on the DVR with the things piling up on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – Christmas cards are in the half made process

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK – I’m trying a few new recipes this week and will post them next week if they are a success. I’m also making an OLD recipe that was originally from my grams, but I have updated over the years.

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN LEGS TUESDAY TABASCO CHICKEN & BAKED RICE WEDNESDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night THURSDAY CHICKEN CONTINENTAL & BROCCOLI FRIDAY GERMAN PORK CHOPS with PASTA & PEAS
SATURDAY			DENVER CHICKEN
SUNDAY			CHILI

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CHEESY CORN BREAD PUDDING
• CHICKEN IN OREGANO CREAM SAUCE 

GOOD MORNING!  Personally, I wish they’d just pick one time or the other already and leave it alone!!!  I’m not even sure I care which one!   This time change stuff is for the birds.

Despite the fact that I should be sleeping later I’m up early and will be doing some pre-Thanksgiving grocery shopping today.  My local stores have some GREAT sales on items I’m going to be needing, but the sales are only good until tomorrow so I’m getting a jump start on the 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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – With the fall back of the time this past weekend, we FINALLY hit the cooler weather I’ve been waiting for.  It’s been pretty wet and is down in the low 50’s 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea and yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I found an OLD frame (it was from a 1934 family photo) at an antique store this past week that just called to me and begged to become a wreath with interchangeable parts.  The slits on the sides are perfect for lacing the parts through.  I spray painted it a teal blue with red and silver sparkle paint and then added some sprayed pine cones. It’s not a GREAT picture, but you get the idea.

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing, towels and sheets
  
• LIVING AREAS… pretty clean, but I’m starting a house wide DEEP clean this week
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean, but I’m starting a house wide DEEP clean this week
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… I’ve been working on some holiday post planning, a few BLOGMAS posts and new recipes
• PROJECTS… I started the Christmas Cards
• APPOINTMENTS…nothing much this week
• TO DO... I’m still working on the photo editing and posts from San Diego, The West Coast for the wedding and our Montana trip.  I hope to get them all done in the next week or two!

I’M READING – Jana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune Series #13 – SWAMP SPOOK

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – We are STILL playing catch up on the DVR from the move and then the trip!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MONDAY VAMPIRE MAC & CHEESE with HOT DOGS TUESDAY OUT WEDNESDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night THURSDAY SPAM & TATERS FRIDAY GREEN TABASCO CHICKEN with CORN-ONION SOUFFLE	PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE
SATURDAY			SATURDAY PAN SEARED CHICKEN with SHERRY CREAM SAUCE & RICE PILAF
SUNDAY			SUNDAY HONEY BBQ CHICKEN & BAKED BEANS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BROWN GRAVY MEATBALLS
• MELTING POTATOES 
• BACON GRUYERE SMASHED POTATOES 
• CELERY ROOT CHICKEN MEDLEY 
• SLOW COOKER CRUSTLESS SHEPHERDS PIE
• OMG CHICKEN