Category: HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY 11~14~2016

WOW where did last week go?  I did get some rest after the dry wall guy from hell left Thursday afternoon on the 2nd day of a one day job and I got the initial clean up done.  UNFORTUNATELY, we had to call his boss out to see the problems that DID NOT get dealt with and he will be back AGAIN today! GRRRRRRRRRRR & UGHHHHHHHHH! I hate delays, especially those caused by carelessness.  On top of it the dry wall guy actually asked for more money because he felt he’d been asked to do more than the original (and VERY expensive) quote called for!!!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weather has been GORGEOUS this past week and this upcoming week is supposed to be more of the same – cool evenings (I even needed a light jacket last night when I walked the dogs) which lead to cool mornings and extremely pleasant days.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Peach Yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I see the covered furniture and am already looking forward to the dry wall guy being gone so I can clean again.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Paint Living Room after dry wall is done.
  • Finish caulking and painting kitchen trim.
  • Paint kitchen ceiling now that repairs are dry.
  • Sort studio boxes.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL??
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I was supposed to have started things by now, but that’s life!

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
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
RUSTIC CHICKEN and PASTA
C.O.R.N.
CHICKEN CHILE and CORNBREAD
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • We FINALLY get to order the carpeting tomorrow!!!! Enough said.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – recipes soon

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 11~7~2016

MONDAY! HERE WE ARE AGAIN! 

A week ago was our 1 year “anniversary” of arriving here to the house from hell.  I’m still working on a post FULL of before and after pictures which I hope to have up yet this week.

Unfortunately we decided last Wednesday night to go to one of our formerly favorite TEXMEX restaurants to celebrate – BAD DECISION.  I say unfortunately because 10 hours later I was in the hospital with a severe case of food poisoning and a concussion from where I fell in the bathroom after I became violently ill. The ER doctor said it was the 2nd case that week from the same restaurant. So this will be a quiet and SLOW week for me and I hope to get back on track next week.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
We had some SERIOUS thunderstorms last night and it is a little rainy this morning with a chance of more serious thunderstorms throughout the day. The temperatures have dropped into the 70’s (FINALLY!!) and so it is quite pleasant.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey nut cheerios with banana and milk and of course COFFEE!

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m happy with the condition for a Monday after a week of issues.  I have tons to do, but as I’m on a modified bed rest will do it SLOWLY! AND I won’t be entirely upset if i doesn’t ALL get done.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Keep sorting craft parts in the studio.
  • Finish the marbelizing on the bar area and utility counter and hoping the delay of sitting several extra days before the top coat hasn’t changed the process.
  • Dust and vacuum.
  • Shade cloth for backyard behind our bedroom.
  • Prune roses and trim lantana.
  • Grocery store and errands.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We did find a new NETFLIX show, ICE Pilots, this weekend while I was forced to lay around and are really enjoying it.  Amazing show about keeping WWII planes in service in some of the harshest conditions imaginable.

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
Unfortunately last week’s issues changed everything so I’m going to try this menu again this week.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
PANCAKES or FRENCH TOAST
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
GRILLED STEAK and SALAD
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

MONDAY! HERE WE ARE AGAIN! 

I was hoping to be redirecting you today to my new and improved website, but my webmaster has been called to do some photography field work and we are encountering another small delay while he is out of town.  That said, it has left me with time to continue my passionate “donation project” in an effort to clean out TONS of things.  I especially wanted to get jackets and blankets taken care of before any old weather sets in here.  I’ll keep those separate to take to the local homeless shelter along with towels and bedding.

This past weekend was our 1 year “anniversary” of arriving here to the house from hell.  I’m working on a post FULL of before and after pictures which I hope to have up yet this week.

We have been really working on this project with everything from tools to craft supplies and are EXTREMELY happy with the results over the past year, but especially the past 193 days with our total now over 8000 items.

One of the sad items I had to finally give up was my Girl Scout sweatshirt.  I was an advisor/leader for 3 sister troops – brownies through cadettes for several years and we had such a great time, but alas I have officially worn out this sweatshirt.  I will post this picture to facebook as I know it will make my niece/daughter smile.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is a little foggy, but is supposed to clear into a beautiful day.  We do have a chance for some showers later in the week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey nut cheerios with banana and milk and of course COFFEE!

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m happy with the condition for a Monday.  I spent ALL day Saturday doing a DEEP DEEP CLEAN on our bedroom after I sorted the cold weather clothes and fabric stash so I’m happy with that room especially.  While I was doing that I also did 3 loads of laundry so have none to start the week with.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Keep sorting craft parts in the studio.
  • Last coat of paint on Carlie’s closet.
  • Dust and vacuum.
  • Shade cloth for backyard behind our bedroom.
  • Prune roses and trim lantana.
  • Grocery store and errands.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I spent a good deal of the week sorting through craft “PARTS” for the donation piles, but hope to get busy in this category within the next couple weeks.

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
PANCAKES or FRENCH TOAST
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
GRILLED STEAK and SALAD
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I FINALLY was able to empty 2 steamers trunks of cold weather gear and re-load them with my quilting fabric stash – so even the fabric was sorted and some donated.
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 HOMMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL fall weekend. I LOVE this time of year.  My neighbor and I went to a local craft fair and then hubby and I went to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday.  After the Farmer’s Market we had a late lunch at Bernie’s Burger Bus which had been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Dang if those weren’t the best burgers ever!

I spent Sunday then sorting through scrap booking, jewelry beading and craft items filling donation bins and boxes for friends.  I’ve made a decision to scale back on my activities  to only those that give me pure joy.  LOL yu will notice I didn’t mention quilting, card making or canning.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Last weekend WAS gorgeous and this week is supposed to be even better!  FINALLY!!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey Nut Cheerios with a banana and Coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m amazed it’s as tidy as it is after I tore through all the crafts yesterday.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Renew tags on the car.
  • Deep clean the living room and prep the wall area for the drywaller.
  • Couple loads of laundry.
  • Drop of next load of donations.
  • Seal garage inside and out so we can begin backyard work.
  • Do some eBay listings.
  • Do some organization in my studio.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing this week, BUT next week… I’m going to start some canning projects.

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.


CREAM OF CELERY SOUP (new recipe)
DESSERT







SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Good Morning everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for a new week.

My new webpage is still in the making as my brother/webmaster/server has had a FULL plate, but LOL I’ll keep you posted on the unveiling.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s a beautiful morning with fluffy clouds.  LOL then I opened the door and it’s going to be another scorcher of a day.  This Indian Summer is killing me, but most my projects will be inside this week so I’ll just pretend we’re having a crisp fall day.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Banana walnut oatmeal and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m fairly happy.  I had a super productive weekend and just need to finish sorting a few totes and boxes and then tomorrow will do a super deep clean.

One of the things I did was sort through ALL of our Christmas decorations.  I pulled out several totes worth of things that I will “probably” donate.  I decided to use these things this year for the season and see if there was anything I couldn’t live without.  If not, it will all be boxed up and donated on January 7th. Seemed like a plausible way to make a decision to minimalize.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
I sat down yesterday and made a chart for what needs to be finished before my mom’s visit in early December and am going to do my best to stick to it!

  • A couple of molding pieces that need to be added.
  • Paint Carlie’s closet.
  • Floor molding in Carlie’s closet.
  • Finish sorting Christmas ornaments.
  • Do some ebay listings.
  • Do some organization in my studio.
  • DEEP cleaning.
  • A craft fair with my neighbor.

We are so close to finishing, but it still feels like it is a lifetime away.  I do have to share this amazing transformation though.  The atrium as we call it was an actual atrium when grams and gramps bought the house.  They had it enclosed with a rook and turned it into a part of the house.  In doing so one of the bedrooms “lost” it’s window as it now looked into an extension of the living room.  Gramps paneled it in a dark brown as was popular in 1980 and put in a makeshift bookshelf closing off the bedroom from any natural light source and it NEVER changed!  Below is the picture of when we arrived and below that is the pictures of the transformation and the re-installation of a “window” for that room allowing natural light again.

BEFORE AS MY COUSIN LEFT IT. It still astonishes me what a difference we’ve made.

Cleaned and primed – ready for window.  I love the white color as compared to the heavy dark paneling look!

NOW “WINDOW” READY FOR CARLIE TO MOVE IN. We used a multi paned door turned sideways and trimmed to fit as a permanent window.  Add a little trim moulding and voile’ it looks like it was always there. It doesn’t need to open.  I’m putting together curtains and beaded tiebacks for the bedroom side so there is still privacy.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I borrowed these from my “daughter of my heart’s” facebook page, but they fill my heart with such joy I just needed to share. Since this picture Am has cut off about 10 inches and I LOVE the new style!

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We are trying all the new shows and will narrow them down soon – thank goodness for DVRs!
TELEVISION

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

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
SHIRRED EGGS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N
SWEDISH MEATBALLS
SLOW ROASTED ITALIAN CHICKEN
POACHED WHITE FISH WITH KIWI REDUCTION
PORK AND PINEAPPLE
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

LET ME BEGIN BY SAYING THAT THE FOLLOWING IS NOT 
AN ABSOLUTE ABOUT ALL PEOPLE.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL SAHM AND PARENTS 
WHO ALREADY FEEL AND ACT THIS WAY!

We have a cultural decay problem in this country. Life as we once knew it will NEVER be again. We have a lack of parenting problem in this country. As parents, our jobs are to raise children into functioning adults first and to be their friend second. Teaching children to be independent, hard working, respectful, happy and gracious is the best thing you can do for them, you and for ALL the people they will encounter in the future. Teaching them about the ups AND the downs of life is realistic and responsible.

There is an apathy, a lack of respect, a lack of accountability, a lack of responsibility, a lack of courtesy… A silver spoon entitlement complex is taking over. Political correctness has become an insane concept trying to make life fair. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Life ISN’T fair and NO ONE every said it would be. Doing the best you can each and everyday is all you can really control.

Watching the news is not always just hearing the factual events as it once was. Commentary and social media have taken over – everyone wants to be the first to break the “NEWS” whether it is complete or correct. Fact checking seems to be a thing of the past in many cases. Spin doctors manipulate news every day.

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME VENT.  I’m stepping down from my soap box now. 

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • COUNT DOWN TO HOUSE COMPLETION
  • COUNT DOWN TO CARLIE MOVING IN
  • COUNT DOWN TO ELF ON A SHELF PICTURES FOR MY MUNCHKINS

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

As you know hubby and I have been very excited about buying my grandparents house and our cross country move to rehab it to bring it up to date.

My cousin had been living here since my grandfather’s death in 1993.  Sadly, she passed away in 2014 and the house had been sitting here empty (or so we thought).  We thought from what my uncle said that the house was virtually empty, that he had been cleaning it out the past 6 months.  Sadly, that too was not the case.  I am so shocked by the state of the house.  My cousin was the creative type and I knew she wasn’t the best of housekeepers, but I am seriously shocked and appalled by what we found here.  Honestly, if we hadn’t had 3 aging animals traveling with us and spent a small fortune to move here, we would have turned around and gone back after what we saw that first day.

As you read this hubby and I have put in a total of 287 hours over the past 12 days and it is barely livable. The house is virtually empty (now), but the garage is still full. There is not a fixture, cabinet, faucet, wall or appliance that doesn’t need replaced or majorly repaired at the very least including the kitchen sink. The dumpster will arrive Thursday and then the fun will begin. I will post pictures soon to keep this chronicle up to date.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
Looks like the weather will be all over the place this week.  I’m looking forward to some cooler wet weather.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Unload moving trucks.
  • Empty garage.
  • Wreck out ALL of kitchen and ALL appliances.
  • Wreck out carpeting.
  • Peel wallpaper from 3 rooms.

CURRENTLY READING
Read? Who has time to read? LOL I read every night as I fall asleep. This week is book #5 from Marie Force’s Green Mountain series and book #9 from Barbara Freethy’s Callaway series.

TELEVISION / DVR
No internet yet so we’re catching a few shows on stream after the fact.
 
CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I do hope to get some crafting for the holidays in after the worst of the clean up is done.

HOUSE PROJECTS
WOW Where do I begin?  

  • EVERYTHING!

KITCHEN WISHES
That the kitchen fairies show up while I sleep and help make this nightmare become a glorious dream.
 
MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT &  FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
 OUT
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
~~
~~
DINNER
 S#*% on a Shingle
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT







I may not have a kitchen, but I will have my hot plate, griddle, waffle maker and crock pots.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
On the upside I have lost 15 pounds from all the back breaking work this past 2 weeks.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
We bought a small dorm sized fridge, a hot plate and added the only surviving furniture and voila we have a makeshift kitchen dining area.  I’ll add a slow cooker, griddle, waffle maker and we will be fine for a few weeks.

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

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

Seems like summer is passing by pretty quickly.  We’ve been really busy with multiple projects and now we’re finishing up some medical appointments and packing before our move.

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 was supposed to be several degrees cooler today, the day I have to work in the steamy hot storage area, but evidently that weather pattern has stalled until later in the week, but I need to get this done now in preparation for the BIG move.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Monday – STORAGE! Prep and organize for the BIG move
Tuesday – not sure yet – it is so rare to get a free day 😀
Wednesday – Hubby Physical Therapy & grocery shopping
Thursday – Hubby Eye surgery
Friday – Post Op appt.
Saturday – Blackberry Festival (if hubby is up to it)
Sunday – D.W.Y.W. day (Do What You Want day)

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
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with Toast
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
SATURDAY
something Peach
SUNDAY

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
I promised myself NO MORE recipes until after the BIG move, but couldn’t resist these:

  • Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cobbler
  • Bananas Foster Bake
  • Blackberry Apricot Slump
  • Pear Cheese Danish Slab
  • Pumpkin Pan Pie
  • Ginger Cookies
  • Sweet Raisin Tamales
  • Pluot upside-down cake
  • Bacon Buttermilk Scones
  • Salted Caramel Pie
  • Summer Corn Chowder
  • Oven Roasted Tomatoes
  • Mandarin Sunburst Salad
  • Tandoori Chicken
  • Marinated Skirt Steak
  • Skirt Steak Pinwheels

  • You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
  • You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
  • You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
  • You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
  • You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
  • You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.
  • You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.”
 ~  Abraham Lincoln

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • Fall approaching – it’s my favorite season
  • Completed Projects
  • Sweet Pineapple
  • Cool breezes

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

So, I missed doing Happy Homemaker Monday and Menu Plan Monday last week and then the week felt like it was only 2 days long just flying right by me.  We were at a destination wedding the weekend of the 24th for my brother and got home late the 26th and by the time I picked up the dogs from the kennel, drove home, unpacked and did the laundry I was beat. That 72 hours seemed to take the whole week.

The wedding weekend started out iffy with no water at the Bed and Breakfast on Friday night and then ran out again on Saturday morning while I still had soap in my hair (but that’s a story for another post).  We ended up with water in time to get showered after the BIG 7 course breakfast that I could not really enjoy because I had soap in my hair and fortunately the rest of the weekend was fairly drama free, but that is for an upcoming post I’m working on.  I’m getting caught up again on everything around the house and blog just in time to start the final packing for the BIG multi-layered move.  That too will be an upcoming future post with lots of before and after pictures.

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
Last week was SUPER hot with record breaking temperatures and compromised respiratory health from the smoke of all the fires in and around the area.  Yesterday it rained and that helped cool things down a lot though it didn’t do much for the smoke lingering in the air. LOL while I loved the cooler temperatures, I hate wet smoke smell.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Physical therapy twice for hubby
  • Paperwork
  • Cleaning
  • Packing

CURRENTLY READING
I’ve been slacking a little on reading lately. I’m hoping to get some done this weekend while we are away.

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

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I finished my Christmas Cards!  I’m so impressed with myself.  Unfortunately I packed them all up for the move before I remembered to take a picture. But here’s a picture of halfway done.  I even got labels for the new address made and pasted into each one and the return address labels are on the envelopes.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
BREAKFAST
DINNER
DESSERT
MONDAY
Cereal & Fruit
Y.O.Y.O. / C.O.R.N.

TUESDAY
Bagel & cream cheese
Ground Beef Reuben Melts

WEDNESDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
Spinach Salad with warm Bacon Dressing



THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
Sideways Taco Salad

FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
 Mexican Cobb Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

SATURDAY


SUNDAY


SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

So often we become so focused on the finish line 
that we fail to enjoy the journey. 
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS
Are you getting bitten to death by bugs this summer? Don’t go buy pricey bite creams.  Instead saturate a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and dot the bites.  Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-bacterial all rolled into one and a pantry staple 99% of us have in our kitchen. It will stop the itch, reduce the swelling and heal the skin all at once naturally and inexpensively.

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I keep a tray of vinegar ice cubes in the freezer to use once a week in my garbage disposal to keep it fresh and help sharpen the blades at the same time.  I also use a lot of lemons in my cooking and try to time cleaning the disposal to also grinding the rinds of the lemons for not only a fresh smelling disposal, but also a fresh smelling kitchen.

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • HUGS from my favorite neighbor kids!
  • Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!
  • When an experimental recipe turns out PERFECT like the Aloha BBQ Pork Ribs did!
  • Reading a book that I get so lost in that I forget ALL about time.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

View from our room in the Light Keeper’s cottage for 2 glorious days and nights!  There were so many pictures to choose from, but I have to say this was one of my very favorites. I’m doing a post about the entire destination wedding soon where I will be sharing all the other photos.

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

WHEW! This is going to be both a short and long week. Short in the time to get things done, long in anticipation of the BIG day. My brother is getting married next weekend so there is a lot to do.  It’s a destination wedding so we have packing to do, decorations, kenneling dogs and picking up out of town relatives to start with.

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 has been absolutely beautiful here until the temperature shot up 18 degrees and got a bit muggy again this past weekend making it exceptionally warm! It is supposed to be nicer as the week gets older and we’re spending the weekend at the coast for the weekend which will be ABSOLUTELY beautiful!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Pack for the wedding
  • Make a folding board for the backseat – our normal set up won’t work since we have to pick up my future sister-in-law’s sister from the airport after we drop the dogs off at the kennel.
  • Physical Therapy appointment*
  • Eye Surgery F/U appointment*

*I’ll sure be happy when hubby can drive again.

CURRENTLY READING
I’ve been slacking a little on reading lately. I’m hoping to get some done this weekend while we are away.

TELEVISION / DVR

  • Astronaut Wives Club 
  • Complications
  • The Strain
  • Proof
  • Dark Matter
  • Devious Maids
  • The Last Ship
  • Falling Skies
  • Under the Dome
  • Rookie Blue
BREAKFAST
DINNER
DESSERT
MONDAY
Cereal & Fruit
HAM & CHEESE FRENCH TOAST
TUESDAY
Bagel & cream cheese
SWEET & STICKY PORK CHOPS & DIRTY RICE
WEDNESDAY
Blueberries & Granola
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
BEEF & POTATO HAND PIES
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
REHEARSAL DINNER
SATURDAY
Biscuits & Gravy
WEDDING
SUNDAY
Ham & Cheese Omelets
ALOHA RIBS & HAWAIIAN POTATO SALAD

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus 
  • Ham & Pea Pasta Salad
  • Toretellini Salad
  • Chipotle Meatloaf
  • Almond Fruit Stollen
  • Morning Sweet Buns
  • Backyard Jerk Chicken
  • Peach Dump Cake

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • Sunny beach days
  • Watching kids play with non-technology (riding bikes, flying kites…)

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a great week, but pretty busy so I’m a little behind on most things.  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 been much nicer temperature wise, but really overcast so pretty muggy when the sun breaks through in the afternoons.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Hubby’s physical therapy appointments (2)
  • Hubby’s eye surgery appointments (3)
  • Grocery shopping
  • A few Phone Calls

CURRENTLY READING
I’ve been slacking a little on reading lately.

TELEVISION / DVR

  • Astronaut Wives Club 
  • Complications
  • The Strain
  • Proof
  • Dark Matter
  • 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
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
SATURDAY
something Chocolate
SUNDAY

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

  • Ham & Cheese French Toast
  • Coconut Chicken Salad w/ Warm Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

ON MY MIND
It’s been chaotic the past two weeks.  Two weeks ago today I received one of those early morning phone calls that no one wants to answer.  My mom’s winter home in a Desert Resort (that hubby and I just finished painting inside and out for her along with other tasks) was broken into and apparently “squatters” had been systematically cleaning it out prior to someone finally noticing and calling us.  She and my step dad made a whirlwind trip down to change locks, take inventory and clean-up from the vandalism.

The hard part was after they returned trying to locate receipts, fill out forms and organize it all together into a semblance of order.  One of the things that ticks me off is that people always ask for your receipt, but most receipts are now printed on thermal paper.  As I was sorting through receipts many that were only a few months or a year old were already beginning to fade so bad they would hardly photocopy. I have to say, I think that thermal paper receipts should be done away with!!!!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • Planning our upcoming house projects
  • Thinking about minimalizing and donating a bunch of things after the move

HELPFUL TIP
I had my truck detailed recently and it looks so pretty!  I added new seat covers, but felt I was missing something so I wanted to add air freshener, but I hate most of the air fresheners – they just don’t smell real. I bought 2 wax melts, removed the tops and placed them under the seats and now my truck smells like a pina colada!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

From Graftti Weekend this past weekend.

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a quiet week and 4th at home. I did quite a bit done, but also got some serious relaxing done.  I hope you had a great holiday.

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
Still warm and a bit muggy, but we’re supposed to drop  about 10 degrees by the end of the week! YAY!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Dr. appointments
  • Receipt Research for a problem
  • Calls & Letter re: medical billing issues

CURRENTLY READING
I didn’t get much reading done last week so am still reading:

TELEVISION / DVR
The Strain and Dominion start this week as well as catching up on

  • Astronaut Wives Club 
  • Complications
  • Proof
  • Dark Matter
  • The Last Ship
  • Falling Skies
  • Under the Dome
  • Rookie Blue

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
The Christmas cards are finished as far as the craft work, but still need addressed and personal notes at Christmas time. The sun was glaring a bit so it is hard to tell, but I was spraying them with glitter and snow.
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
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
TACOS
SATURDAY
SHIRRED EGGS & TOAST
BALINESE CHICKEN
MAGIC CARAMEL BARS
SUNDAY
Ham & Cheese Omelets

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • Finished Craft Projects
  • Fireworks
  • Smiling Children 
  • Hugs
  • BBQS/PICNICS

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We were at the river having lunch at a favorite hamburger joint and went down the local boat ramp to check out the water level and there was lone flipper at the bottom of the ramp.  You have to wonder how someone stepped out of their flipper without knowing it.

INSPIRATION