KITCHEN & COOKING TIPS – Page 5 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

CONVERSIONS

I know many people are finding delicious recipes from all over the internet these days. Some of the most unusual and tasty ones I have come across are from Australia and Europe. These are also the recipes that give me the most pause. Mainly because I now have to think. I have to do the dreaded math and convert from metric to standard. So I’m offering this handy conversion chart for those of you having the same qualms. I have found many different charts, but these particular measurements seem the most consistent and commonly used weights and volumes for the cooking we most commonly do for our families.

U.S.	METRIC
VOLUME	VOLUME
½ teaspoon	2 milliliters
1 teaspoon	5 milliliters
1 tablespoon	15 milliliters
¼ cup	50 milliliters
1/3 cup	75 milliliters
½ cup	125 milliliters
¾ cup	175 milliliters
1 cup	¼ liter
WEIGHT	WEIGHT
1 ounce	28 grams
1 pound	454 grams
TEMPERATURE	TEMPERATURE
Fahrenheit	Centigrade
325 degrees	165 degrees
350 degrees	175 degrees
375 degrees	190 degrees
PAN SIZE	PAN SIZE
9X13 inches	23×32.5 centimeters
9×9 inches	22.8×22.8 centimeters
8×8 inches	20.3×20.3 centimeters
15.5×10.5 inches Jelly roll pan	39.3×26.6 centimeters

Do it Yourself ~ Etched Kitchen Storage Jars

I found the coolest idea over at Martha Stewart years ago, but am finally getting around to doing them. The following instructions are from her site. All of my glass jars were written on with Sharpie on the rear or the bottom, but this idea of Martha’s is soooooooooooooooo much better.

Keep pantry staples organized with a set of glass storage jars customized with etched lettering.

1. Clean and dry the glass. Using painter’s tape, mark off the area you want to etch. Attach vinyl stick-on letters and decorative tape; press hard to ensure they are attached firmly.

2. Cover work surfaces (be sure to work in a well-ventilated area). Put on protective gloves and an old shirt with long sleeves. Paint an even layer of etching cream onto glass. Let stand for amount of time indicated by manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Rinse with warm water in a stainless steel sink. (Avoid porcelain sinks; the cream damages glazed surfaces.) Remove letters and tape.

TECHNIQUES TO MAKE WEEK DAY MEALS EASIER

There are many ways to make your life easier in order to still have made from scratch recipes every day of the week and not resort to hamburger helpers or take out.

By having a menu plan ahead of time you can get organized whenever you have the time. When I do the shopping, I buy in bulk to cut the cost and since I have my menu plan ahead of time, I break down the bulk package into meal appropriate sizes before freezing when I get home. During the winter, I like to spend Sunday afternoons preparing for the week’s meals. If I know we’re heading into a particularly busy time I always make double batches and freeze half for another meal. There are times we literally eat out of the freezer for the whole week, but they are all homemade meals.

Remembering to defrost your meat is key to easy meal preparation on weekdays. The most time consuming part of cooking with fresh ingredients every night of the week is the chopping and preparation of vegetables. If you are sticking to your meal plan you can do these all at once. For example if you are going to need a 1/2 cup chopped onion for each of 3 meals, then choose a large onion and chop the entire onion, storing it in Tupperware and taking out what you need for each meal as you need it. I also gather together the seasonings for each meal and have them ready to go.

The key here is to be able to start cooking immediately and just add ingredients without having to do chopping and prepping.

To recap:

Menu Plan
Defrost Meat
pre-chop vegetables
pre-measure seasonings
pre-set table when/where possible
prepare double batches when appropriate

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 27 of 2017

I hope everyone had a great week. Mine was busy and productive. We’re still not completely unpacked from the move here which is making it a pain in the butt to start packing all over again. I’m trying to go through box after box of old paperwork and shred what I can to lighten the load, but it is so time consuming. We’ve been trying to piece together all the missing pieces of our life that were lost or stolen during the last move.

I am trying to get back into a more regular blog schedule also and started writing my weekly wrap up with Chat Time this past Friday. We are still trying to research and make decisions about moving, but my upcoming surgery is messing with our timelines. We were supposed to go next week and check out an area we are interested in, but had to cancel when the only opening the surgeon had for my consultation was in the middle of our trip. So, it seems like the more we move forward, the more we stand still. BUT, at least we are NOT moving backward.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It is sunny with fluffy clouds looking really nice – until you open the door! We need rain, but instead we are getting super high temperatures (89.2 ALREADY this morning) , super high dew points (88 degrees), super high humidity (98%) making the heat indexes extremely high, (feels like 125° according to weather underground‘s calculations) well over 100 degree, miserable and makes you dehydrated so quickly! I do like weather underground as it gives you so much information. We’ve been using it to compare places in our research also.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Black Cherry Yogurt and Green Tea

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m thinking all is good around here. Just a few stray areas to be cleaned up, but I did a super deep clean over the weekend as the 4th of July celebration is here tomorrow.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors (AGAIN)
KITCHEN… YAY, clean for once!
STUDIO… I did a DEEP clean last week so all is good for now
YARD… not a darn thing
BLOG… I’m doing some recipe updating and planning for future posts. I’m even thinking ahead to BLOGMAS 2017 making some headers and lists.
COMPUTER… I need to do MAJOR back-up and move some of the photos on both computers to their respective flashdrives.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’re still binging on The Walking Dead and are part way through Season 5. I’m really glad my brother advised us not to get too attached to any one character! I was mad when they killed Hershel!

We also started the Travelers and Between.

I’m almost done with Book #1, NORA ROBERTS LAND of Ava Miles’ series for Dare Valley. I do love to read series where you really get to know ALL the characters.

NIGHT SHIFT
SUPERHUMAN – some of these people amaze me SOOOOO much! I wish I was this talented.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT – always a fun watch – loving the new softer side of Simon
DATE MY DAD
GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW – I just love this show – they are always so civilized and nice with recipes that make me WANT to be a better baker.
MASTER CHEF – there are some interesting characters this season
THE “F” WORD – I love this fun new side of Gordon Ramsey

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I saw a mixed media project that really interested me when we at hubby’s military reunion a few weeks ago. It will be a multi-layered mixed media project that will need drying time between the layers because of its intricacies. I am gathering all the parts, and there are quite a few, to make my own as best I can from memory. It’s also a project that I can do while I’m laid up so I’m hoping to finish it during that time. I tried to find a similar image online, but can’t even come close so hope the image in my mind works on the canvas and I have some pictures of the actual work soon.

I’ve also been searching pinterest boards for Christmas ideas to incorporate into our Homemade Christmas and my Blogmas posts. The link above is for my HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA BOARD. Here are a few of my current research ideas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

We will be barbecuing for the 4th of course, but the rest of the week I will be trying new recipes wile I can. Hubby is (in a weird way) looking forward to being able to eat bachelor style while I can’t cook or eat regular food.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	BLT FRITATTA	PANCAKES & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	INSIDE OUT HOT BROWNS	MARINATED SKIRT STEAK with APPLE SLAW with CARAMELIZED CIDER DRESSING	TANGY CHICKEN FRICASSEE	SAUSAGE CHEDDAR BALLS and SALAD with PARMESAN HERB DRESSING	CHICKEN with SNAP PEAS and SALAD	HOT CHICKEN CASSEROLE	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

No major house projects going on at the moment
Doctors have pin pointed the source of my health issues – now just the wait time to get it fixed and then the long recovery that will follow
FINALLY getting organized now that the house projects are completed on the HOUSE FROM HELL

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Another beautiful sunset earlier this week after a storm.

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.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 26 of 2017

Can you believe that this is the last week of the first half of the year already? It sure seems to be going by quickly – too quickly.

I hope you had a wonderful week! It was a quiet week for me as I recuperated and did as the doctor ordered and hubby enforced. I am still a bit under the weather, but 90% better than this time last week. I also had the first of a more definitive testing to determine the root cause of my health issues. Keep a positive thought for me as we go in later today for results.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It rained all weekend, but as it’s summer and I’m stuck inside anyway, that’s okay. We are supposed to be warm with thunderstorms off and on all week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Black Cherry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m pretty happy as I was feeling better and was able to get quite a bit of the housework done over the weekend and it’s looking pretty good.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors like always – oh the joys of having pets and husbands
KITCHEN… I did a serious deep clean this past weekend and it looks great!
STUDIO… Still looking good, but NEEDS to be messed up LOL
YARD… YAY, nothing for a bit.
BLOG… some recipe updating and pre-planning for future posts. I’m still thinking ahead to BLOGMAS 2017 and working on some new recipes, jams and candies

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We have FINALLY been watching The Walking Dead! We just started season 3. I’m really glad my brother advised us not to get too attached to any one character! We are just not sure how watching this show hasn’t happened before now. We have so much to catch up on!

I’ve cleaned out most ALL cooking shows, lifetime movies and Hallmark shows while I was sick. We’re also still trying a few new shows on NetFlix and Amazon Prime.

I started Ava Mile series for Dare Valley with NORA ROBERTS LAND. I do love to read series where you really get to know ALL the characters.

NIGHT SHIFT – though I do HATE that they made the 1st one of the season a “TO BE CONTINUED”
SUPERHUMAN – some of these people amaze me SOOOOO much! I wish I was this talented.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT
WORLD OF DANCE
DATE MY DAD
GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW – I just love this show – they are always so civilized and nice with recipes that make me WANT to be a better baker.
MASTER CHEF
THE “F” WORD – I love this fun new side of Gordon Ramsey

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

I’m finally back among the living so let’s give this weekly menu a new try this week!

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRITATTA	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	TOMATO PORK CHILI	TAMALE PIE	BUFFALO CHICKEN AND POTATOES	FONTINA ROLLED CHICKEN	CHICKEN IN RAISIN SAUCE	C.O.R.N	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I finally finished the HOUSE FROM HELL update and it is here if your are interested. All I can say now is that we are anxious to move on and as soon as we are done with doctors, surgeries and treatments we will do just that.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Tropical Storm Cindy was originally supposed to hit us, but then turned and spared us. We were however left with a GORGEOUS sunset.

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.

Save

JELL-O TRICKS

I think most everyone knows this trick by now, but it always amazes me how much better it makes a bowl of Jell-O. So, I thought it was worth mentioning again even though I first mentioned it in 2008.

Around our house we always put canned fruit (peaches or pears usually) in the Jell-O for a little bit of extra UMPH to an otherwise bland snack! AND If I keep this made, we both tend to eat this at night when the munchies strike and stay away from the chips and ice cream.

When you drain those canned fruits, use a sieve and drain them into the measuring cup for the cold water first.
Then just add enough water to bring the level to where you need it. I usually get about 1 1/4 cup of fruit juice. Doing this will make for a better, more substantial flavor to any Jell-O.
Just after I pour in the Jell-o I use a small salad fork to stir up the fruit in each bowl. The fruit will usually end up well distributed in the Jell-O.
We also don’t like the film that forms on the top and I hated trying to stack all the bowls in the refrigerator, so I started using my Pampered Chef prep bowls for making Jell-O. Once you’ve made it, put the lids on and you can easily stack them in the frig.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 23 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week/weekend. Our Memorial Day weekend was hot and humid when the air conditioning went out and we couldn’t get the A/C guy here until Tuesday morning – seems like these things always happen on a holiday weekend. Then, just shortly after I posted Happy Homemaker Monday last week my world fell apart and I lost most of the week.

Grief is a strange thing in how it affects us. We had to make the worst decision of our life at the emergency vet Monday morning. Losing my best friend, my Whiskey dog, truly was the last straw in a string of multiple deaths the past few months and I just fell all to pieces. I know she was almost 15, but I just wasn’t ready for it to happen the way it did.

Once I started to pull out of the deep hole I was in I did get a few things done, but will try and take up the slack this week. Hoping to get back to myself this week.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

I have given up on listening to the weatherman – the weather will be what it will be. The only thing I can count on is that hurricane season is here and it will be hot and humid! We did have a HUGE storm yesterday and have a pretty high chance of thunderstorms again today and tomorrow.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Oatmeal with brown sugar and golden raisins with coffee.

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

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of towels to be folded.
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors.
KITCHEN… quite clean, but I plan to make a mess soon as I do the last resurfacing of the countertops.
STUDIO... I did a deep clean week before last and was planning on making messes as I began some Christmas cards but never got around to them with all the sadness from losing Whiskey. I just couldn’t get into the spirit.
YARD… Adding some grass seeds and fertilizer.
BLOG… some recipe updating and planning for future posts. I’m even thinking ahead to BLOGMAS 2017

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We did watch two amazing movies this week. I’m convinced RedBox released them just this week especially for me! Both movies were in perfect timing with the tough week we were having. The first was A DOG’S PURPOSE and then THE SHACK. They both spoke to my heart and soul to restore order to my world. It is just that simple!

Ironically, the quote that spoke the loudest to me was also the one Sandra posted. We must have both felt the same thing, which is a good thing in my book.

I need to check and see if there are any new shows starting this week for the summer, but for now we are just watching some Netflix shows and waiting for the summer season to really kick in. At least America’s got talent is back and I like Tyra Banks as Nick Cannon’s replacement.

Still trying to finish the Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 5 finally, The Fountain of Infinite Wishes

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

Last week’s menu never happened so we’ll try again this week. I did have a couple recipes from last week that were already ready to post at least.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	OUT	OUT
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	OUT	OUT
DINNER	BEEF STROGANOFF & SALAD	VENETIAN CHICKEN AND MASHED POTATOES	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	ARTICHOKE FRITTERS & HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE	PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE	OUT	OUT
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

VANILLA COGNAC BRINED PORK and GINGERSNAP GRAVY
APPLE PIE SNICKERDOODLES
PIONEER BEAN DINNER

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY or ON MY MIND

There have been so many things going on in our life the past few years that I have been fretting about or just being upset about. I keep focusing on a time in my life when I wanted to do something (who can even remember what now?) and saying something along the lines of “That’s NOT fair!” and my dad replying with “who said life was gong to be fair?”. That one statement was maybe one of the best lessons I ever learned in life. There are a few things I know for sure:

BAD things DO happen to GOOD people.
We can NEVER know for sure what someone else is thinking or feeling.
OUR life experiences are only ours as are OUR reactions to events.

The scene in THE SHACK where Mack meets Wisdom spoke volumes to me. It truly reminds me that we need to realize and remember that we are truly here to help others, NOT be their judge. Our path to happiness and a sense of purpose in this life that leaves us content depends on our ability to do just that.

The other important scene to me was where the Father teaches him about forgiveness. Forgiveness is for you as much as anything so you are not wallowing in your own grief and discontent. You can NEVER change the past so you MUST find a way to live in the present and be available to a future that is happy and loving.

LOOKING FORWARD TO

A short trip later this week for hubby’s military unit.
Planning our research trip for next month.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Granted this is from 15 years ago, but I had to post it. IT IS ONE OF MY TWO ALL TIME FAVORITES. I found enough old pictures to do Whiskey’s memorial post while I had it me to do it.

INSPIRATION

That said:

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.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 22 of 2017

I CANNOT believe we are entering the 22 week of the year! Where has the time gone? Memorial Day Weekend around our house is usually a VERY relaxed time where we pretty much do just what we want. We did watch a couple NASCAR races (rain delays and all) and we were going to truly finish the last project, putting up the shade cloth for the back patio so we can no spend a little time out there with our coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, but alas the air conditioning went out on Saturday and we were just too warm and miserable to bother. Of course the air conditioning went out at 6pm on Saturday of a holiday weekend! W.O.R.S.T. case and time possible. It looks like it will be Tuesday sometime before we can even get it looked at so we’re just hanging in there hoping for cooler temperatures.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Already too warm for me today and with a dew point and humidity it looks like it’s going to be a VERY warm week with high humidity and we have a fairly high threat of thunderstorms EVERY day!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Ensure clear (berry flavored) and coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I see plenty to do, but it will mostly wait until tomorrow.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but need to do floors
KITCHEN… quite clean, but I plan to make a mess soon. I’m such a messy cook as I invent. BUT, I also need to finish the granite countertops.
STUDIO… I did a DEEP clean yesterday, now on to making messes as I begin some Christmas cards
YARD… A little pruning and deadheading of some old blooms and putting up the shade cloth if the weather permits
BLOG… some recipe updating and planing for future posts. I’m even thinking ahead to BLOGMAS 2017

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We are just watching some Netflix shows and waiting for the summer season to kick in. At least America’s got talent starts tomorrow night.

Still trying to finish the Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 4, The Promise of Rainbows.

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I need to get busy deciding on bindings, but I have yet to find the box with the rest of the material yet. At least these are ready for their bindings. I’m also still looking for the box with the ones that need to be finished pieced.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

There were a few recipes I didn’t get around to last week so have added them to this week’s recipe list.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	STEAK on the GRILL with BBQ BEANS and CORN on the COB	PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE	COGNAC BRINED PORK TENDERLOIN with GINGER SNAP JUS and SALAD from KRAZY KAT’S RESTAURANT in Delaware	C.O.R.N.	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	WILTED SPINACH SALAD with GRILLED CHICKEN	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

I drink a cup every night before bed. I figure it can’t hurt.

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

We are still in a holding pattern on being able to move forward on this. We do appreciate your continued prayers and support as we go through this mess.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Whiskey our almost 15 year old lab is starting to have mobility issues, but she is still the MOST adorable pup I’ve ever had. Lately she’s been laying wherever she can to use shelves and such as resting places.

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.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 21 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week and weekend. I got quite a bit done around here, just a bunch of little stuff. We also watched both the NASCAR CAMPING WORLD truck and NASCAR MONSTER ENERGY car races as they were in the evenings.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We have been rather dry (for here anyway) for the past couple months, but no longer. The skies finally broke open late last night and have yet to stop. At least the sod we planted and fertilized will have gotten a good head start.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Scrambled eggs with cheese and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

This week I have a ton of straightening up to do after a busy weekend.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Ebay which seems never ending
Cleaning – really need to do deep cleaning on the floors
Laundry
a Couple of appointments
Grocery Shopping
a few errands

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR CRAFTS & PROJECTS

We are really getting into a summer schedule of nothingness and I’m searching for more and more Netflix and Amazon at night. We just finished IRON FIST on Netflix that we are really enjoying and just started Jessica Jones that might be okay – season 3 just started, but we’re binge watching 1 and 2 first.

I’m almost done catching up on all my cooking shows and I’m looking forward to America’s Got Talent coming back at the end of the month. We really enjoyed Nick Cannon as the host in years past so am interested in seeing how his being gone changes the dynamic of the show.

I’ve also ben watching some old Father Dowling Mysteries. I loved Tom Bosley, Tracy Nelson and Mary Wickes.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 4, The Promise of Rainbows.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

For several weeks I tried the Blue Apron home service and then also Home Chef and Home Fresh. I loved their recipes, the recipe cards and the fresh ingredients, but in the end had too many issues with slow or late delivery (which I’m sure is the delivery people and I’m probably at the end of the route as things wold show up at 8PM) and not enough choices that my family would like. I already do the Saturday morning Farmer’s market for my fresh produce and have been scratch cooking for MANY years so I came to realize I just need to search out some new recipes. This week I’ve chosen a cookbook from my shelf, Southern Living’s Off the Eaten Path, and am going to try some of the recipes I have marked. We’ll just go book to book from there.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	OUT	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE from LYNN’S PARADISE CAFE	CAROL FAY’S FAMOUS MEATLOAF from the LOVELESS CAFE in Nashville	CHICKEN S.O.S. with SALAD	FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS and BROCCOLI	VENETIAN CHICKEN and SALAD	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	COGNAC BRINED PORK TENDERLOIN with GINGER SNAP JUS and SALAD from KRAZY KAT’S RESTAURANT in Delaware
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

CARIBBEAN CHICKEN – MY 2ND FAVORITE FROM THE WEEK
CHICKEN S.O.S. – MY FAVORITE FROM THE WEEK
SLOW COOKER BALSAMIC CHICKEN
CHUNKY MONKEYS
RUSSIAN DRESSING
CATALINA DRESSING

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

UNFORTUNATELY, this continues to be a sore subject. The “ADULT” creating all our drama who continues to JUMP UP AND DOWN making demands on time and money that cannot be ignored and is throwing a tantrum like a small child is the same person that CANNOT seem to get his ducks in row (pieces to the playing board, bricks into the load… – you choose) to end the drama that he created, but is imposing on us. We are PRAYING for a resolution by the end of the month so we can move on with our life!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
Hubby has a military reunion where we will get to see some old friends and it is not too far from an area we are researching for our next project. The best part is that we have family there and are really looking forward to seeing that after way too long!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Unfortunately, I know too many of these “Negative Nellies”. Some people are just self centered enough to not play nice in this game we call life.

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.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 20 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful mother’s day and was pampered by their families. Mine was quiet, which is okay. I got A LOT done and rested well too.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s been reasonably pleasant recently and looks like this week will stay the same with the potential of thunderstorms late week. As long as the humidity doesn’t go crazy I can live with it.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Coffee and an English muffin.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I did a deep clean last Friday and Saturday so I’m pretty happy.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

YAY the backyard is done as are all the heavy projects!!!!!!!

A couple doctor’s appointments
Some Ebaying.
Some laundry.
A few wood touch up projects.
Assemble some Christmas gifts.
Design Christmas cards.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We are really getting into a summer schedule of nothingness and I’m searching more and more Netflix and amazon at night. We did find IRON FIST on Netflix that we are really enjoying and just started Bosch on Amazon that might be okay – season 3 just started, but we’re binge watching 1 and 2 first. I’m looking forward to America’s Got Talent coming back at the end of the month. We really enjoyed Nick Cannon as the host so interested in seeing how his being gone changes the dynamic of the show. I’ve also ben watching some old Father Dowling Mysteries. I loved Tom Bosley, Tracy Nelson and Mary Wickes.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 4, The Promise of Rainbows.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

This week I’m working on recreating and updating some of my grandmother’s recipes. If they work I will be posting them along the way. Unfortunately the age of the recipes and her chicken scratch writing have left some blank areas that I’m making assumptions to fill in those blanks. So, these are truly work in progress.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	CROCK-POT CELEBRATION CHICKEN with MASHED POTATOES and GLAZED CARROTS	CHICKEN PARMESAN SOUP with PARMESAN CRISPS	CROCK-POT BALSAMIC CHICKEN with JASMINE RICE and SNOW PEAS	VENETIAN CHICKEN and SALAD	PIONEER BEAN DINNER and CORN BREAD	C.O.R.N.	CRISPY PINEAPPLE CHICKEN & SHRIMP with JASMINE RICE
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Sometime this week we should have a resolution to a problem that has been weighing heavily on our minds and life in general. At that time I will FINALLY do the house update post and fill everyone in. It’s just a sad, sad situation.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

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.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 17 of 2017

I hope you all had a GREAT weekend. Ours was quiet. I’m stuck in the house for the most part again.

Having a compromised immunity SUCKS. Thank you SLE. It especially sucks when you’re working with a house like this and constantly exposed to something lurking. Despite my constant effort to wash the dirt and grime away I keep ending up with bacterial infections from what I am coming in contact with. Fortunately this time I got into the doctor the next day after I noticed a problem . She took one look and said I had what she thought was cellulitis. She referred me a great specialist the same day who says we caught it in time to avoid the hospital and eye surgery.

The ophthalmologist also told me that cellulitis can be from a mosquito or spider bite. It usually affects the skin of the lower legs, but mine is in the muscle of my lower eyelid which makes even blinking painful. While it isn’t contagious, it can spread withing your own body quickly making it a potentially serious bacterial infection that can become life threatening by spreading to the lymph nodes or bloodstream when left untreated, Boy am I glad I didn’t ignore the pain and went to the doctor right away. I can’t be out in the sun because of the medications so, it will be a quiet week indoors for me again.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s supposed to warm up quite a bit this week, high 80’s+ and even a low 90’s, but at least there is no rain in the forecast for the next 5 days!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Black Cherry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m pretty happy. Doing the laundry and deep cleans on Saturdays are making for HAPPY Mondays!

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

We’re going to work on some finishing touches around here this week:

Caulk and seal new molding on door frames
Seal windows

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Not much on TV at this time of year, just a few straggler shows that are about to wrap up for the season and some cooking shows backing up on the DVR so I’ll catch up on those this week. We did find a new show on Netflix that we are liking and we watched Adam Sandler’s Sandy Wexler this past weekend. It was okay.

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on the second book, Chocolate Garden.

CRAFTS/PROJECTS

I’m working to finish a quilt for my niece Jill and her first baby, Luca. I used a Noah’s Ark theme for one side and spring showers for the back.

KITCHEN WISHES

LOL nothing for now, but dreaming about my next kitchen.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	BACON & EGGS	PANCAKES or WAFFLES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.
DINNER	CHICKEN CHOW MEIN	INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES	BLUE APRON TAWANESE CHICKEN & RICE	BLUE APRON SEARED COD IN CREME FRAICHE SAUCE	BLUE APRON SILCILIAN STEAK & FREGOLA SALAD	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

Health tips for Kids – Precautions are better than treatment

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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.

Save

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 16 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. Ours was quiet, but really nice. Our church service was a bit odd and we have been wanting a change from that church, but with all the other things going on we are going to wait until we know more about where we are going to land before make those changes. We’re still working out some kinks in a stressful situation around here, but hope to have some concrete answers soon so we can make some decisions about our next project.

We were originally going to go out for brunch after church, but changed our mind and had a small quiet Easter dinner here with my uncle and a neighbor. We had a pineapple carrot glazed ham with all the fixin’s.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s cloudy and war already, but thankfully there is a small breeze. I will be indoors for medical testing most the day so fortunately will not even notice much.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Yogurt with strawberries, blueberries and granola.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Not bad as I did a deep clean Saturday before having Easter dinner yesterday.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Not much on TV at this time of year, just a few straggler shows that are about to wrap up for the season and some cooking shows backing up on the DVR so I’ll catch up on those this week.

I’m still reading Kristen Proby’s Boudreaux Series #5 book, Easy Magic.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A busy week here and hoping to get a ton done!

A couple doctor appointments
Researching
Ebaying
Sorting and Donating

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	CHICKEN CHILE CORN CHOWDER and GRILLED CHEESE	C.O.R.N. Y.O.Y.O.	MEATLOAF and SALAD	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with MCGILLICUDDY SAUCE	C.O.R.N. Y.O.Y.O.	BLACK BEAN SALSA CHEDDAR CHICKEN	POT ROAST HASH & EGGS
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Family fun for a special birthday and memorial weekend at FAT ASS ranch and winery.

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.

Save

Category: KITCHEN & COOKING TIPS