SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK

FOR TODAY

Outside my window… to the west is gray and cloudy with the threat of rain… to the east is fluffy clouds, snow capped mountains, a hint of blue sky and the sun trying to peek through.

I am thinking… that there has to be silver lining somewhere under this black cloud called the VA!

I am thankful… for a blended family Christmas and everyone’s safe travels to and fro.

In the kitchen… we have a few new recipes brewing as I plan out January’s menu.  I swear it’s genetic.  I can’t follow a recipe without embellishing it.  Blame it on my family and all their quirky eating habits.  I have to add and eliminate ingredients to accommodate them, but in the end the results are still just as tasty.  I’ll post them soon on my food blog ALWAYS EAT ON THE GOOD CHINA.

I am wearing… my daily uniform LOL – 515 Levi’s, cozy wool socks and my favorite brown LL Bean sweater.

I am creating… some Christmas gifts for next year – quit laughing, these things take time.  I’m also creating some new recipes for:

  • Salad w/ Poppy Seed Tarragon Creme Fraiche dressing 
  • Broccoli Salad w/ Buttermilk Dressing and Bacon
  • Baked Potatoes w/ Shallot Corn Butter
  • Tangy Ranch Dressing
  • Hot Crab Rangoon Dip
  • Fruit and Nut Breakfast Ring
  • Kentucky Hot Browns 
  • Parmesan Corn Muffins
  • Beef & Barley Stew
  • Celery Soup w/ Gorgonzola Cream
  • Cream of Tomato Soup w/ Rice
  • Cream of Vegetable Soup
  • Lemon Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Country Bistro Dinner
  • Chicken Francoise
  • Melted Cheese Burgers
  • Paprika Pot Roast
  • Apricot & Tarragon Pork Chops
  • Pork Chops w/ Roasted Apple & Onions
  • Apple Pie Cupcakes in a Jar

I am going… to JC Penneys, Michael’s, Costco and the grocery store.

I am wondering… about so many things that my head is swirling…

I am reading… Cook’s Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking and The 4 Hour Chef

I am hoping… to solve some paperwork issues this week – several letters to write and send certified regarding VA issues…

I am looking forward to… a weekend away with hubby soon…

I am learning… how to be patient, but also how to squeak the wheel for oil!

Around the house… the Christmas decorations are getting packed away and we’re getting back to daily life.

I am pondering… to live in the day and not worry about the future as much.

A favorite quote for today

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” 
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of my favorite things… spring cleaning – you’re laughing again!  Yes I love to clean and start fresh.  I have a confession to make though – I also like Fall cleaning, winter cleaning and summer cleaning.  I really am trying to pare down my life and live simpler.

A few plans for the rest of the week: sorting some storage boxes and converting the things I’m saving to rubber totes, repacking the Christmas decorations into newer boxes and/or rubber totes to get them back into the attic, creating a few new recipes and getting back into my exercise routine.

A peek into my day… cleaning out the pantry, laundry, blog catch up, a new recipe, Maple Pork Tenderloin & reading on my new kindle.

Favorite picture of the week… a freshly painted and clean room after the holidays.

I'm mostly known as 'MA'

I love day book entries! They say a lot and keep us on track too I think. I’ve been thinking that soon I’m going to start on Christmas crafts for next year. I ran out of time to do them this past year. Happy New Year!

Martha

The room is so clean and minimalist – love it! I know what you mean about the cleaning, one of my most impost times to have a really clean home is for New Years. I just feel like it’s a god way to kick off the new year. Happy 2013 to you and the family! 🙂