HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Been another long week for us here.  Hubby had surgery last week for a massive shoulder tear that included 3 tendons last week so I’ve been busy playing nursemaid making sure he does what he is supposed to, but really making sure he doesn’t do what he isn’t supposed to.  He’s supposed to stay “immobile” for 6 weeks before beginning physical therapy and we’re coming up on 2 weeks complete.  I can’t wait for May 26th!!!!!!!!!!!

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
Finally feeling like spring around here (AGAIN), but just for the day and then we dip 20 degrees again.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • laundry
  • cleaning
  • paperwork

CURRENTLY READING

  • Barbara Freethy Callaways #4

TELEVISION/DVR

  • American Odyssey
  • Night Shift
  • Dig
  • Secret & Lies
  • Daniel Boone – I’ve been watching the reruns since it was before my time.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing much this week

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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
Blackened Salmon & Salad
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
Pork with Apple Cream Sauce
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
Orange Cardamom Roast Chicken
SATURDAY
Toasted French Toast
Asian BBQ Pork
SUNDAY
Buttermilk Pancakes
OUT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

  • Grandma’s Sour Cream Pound Cake
  • Danish Puff
  • Shish Kabob Marinade
  • Dulce de Leche Cookie Bars (for Christmas plates)
  • Good Neighbor Cocoa (for Christmas Bags)
  • Pork Chops with Apple Cream Sauce
  • Dulce de Leche Pineapple ice cream sundaes
  • Orange Cardamom Roast Chicken
  • Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits
  • Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Chicken
  • Pink Champagne Cake
  • Meat Loaf with Herb Gravy

HOMEMAKING TIP
Add your lemon, orange, lime and grapefruit rinds to the garbage disposal to help freshen it.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIP

  • Use a small demitasse spoon to curl your lashes.  Run the spoon under hot water so that it is warm to the touch. Place the edge on the spoon at the base of the lashes and gently push upward.  Apply a coat of mascara. Repeat the warm spoon action. Apply second coat of mascara.

ON MY MIND
Why is it that no one walks straight across in the main rows of parking lots? Have we become so lazy that we find it necessary to walk at an angle to get from point A to point B all the while keeping traffic from flowing as they wait for the pedestrian to get across?  And why is everyone NOT looking as they enter the aisle when leaving stores?

Just because pedestrians have the right of way does not mean they don’t also have the responsibility to look before walking out in front of cars!  And don’t even get me started on the idiots looking at their phones instead of watching where they are walking – especially the ones with children!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Been a long week for us here.  Hubby had surgery for a massive shoulder tear that included 3 tendons so I’ve been busy playing nursemaid making sure he does what he is supposed to, but really making sure he doesn’t do what he isn’t supposed to.

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
Spring had sprung, but we’re going to be dipping a quite a bit down in temperature (like 20+ degrees) and will wet again by Thursday.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • cleaning
  • laundry
  • paperwork

CURRENTLY READING

  • Barbara Freethy Callaway series
  • Last Book in Kathleen Brooks Women of Power series

TELEVISION/DVR
Everything from last week is on DVR to play catch up.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
LOL, yeah right – who had time.

MENU PLANS

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
Some type of chicken and Salad
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
Schnitzel & Noodles with Salad
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
Chive Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Veggies
SATURDAY
Cheesy Sausage & Croissant Casserole
Goat Cheese Lemon Chicken & Salad
SUNDAY
Bacon & Cheddar Grits Quiche
Chicken Fricassee & Veggies

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES FROM LAST WEEK
Nothing new this week with hubby’s surgery.

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY AT A LATER DATE
With hubby’s surgery last week I had A LOT of time in the waiting room to search all their old magazines for recipes and I found some fun sounding ones at that.

  • Baked Stuffed French Toast (Savory Style)
  • Gingerbread cake with Buttermilk Frosting
  • Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberry Glaze
  • Bananas Foster Coffee Cake with Vanilla Rum Sauce
  • Banana Brownie Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Bacon Onion Tart
  • Roasted Cider Brined Pork Loin with Green Tomato Chutney
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Mousse
  • Sunday Sauce (Savory)
  • Rainbow Angel Food Cake
  • Citrus Cookie Bars
  • Ginger Basil Vinaigrette
  • Peach Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
  • Red Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette

HOMEMAKING TIP
Slice an apple and leave the pieces in areas with strong odors.  After a few days, the apple slices will be brown and dry and odor will be replaced with the scent of apple.

ON MY MIND
Absolutely nothing – just trying to gather more than 2 hours sleep at a time so I can think straight. Shoulder injuries are kind of like having a new born baby – there is always ice to change and pillows to fluff to try and get him comfortable for another bout of sleep.

FAVORITE PHOTO
Found this on the camera drive this week when I was cleaning out the old stuff.  He’s about 40 feet tall and made out of corrugated tin, just wish he looked happy.

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

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
Cold and rainy again.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Laundry 
  • Prep for hubby’s surgery
  • Paperwork
  • Sorting spring clothes LOL just in case it stays for awhile next time

CURRENTLY READING

  • Barbara Freethy Callaways #3

TELEVISION/DVR

  • NCIS
  • Justified
  • Murdoch Mysteries – a new find for me and I’m really liking this show.
  • American Odyssey
  • Big Bang Theory
  • Mike and Molly

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing going on this week with hubby’s recovery.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK


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
SUNDAY

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES FROM LAST WEEK
None to report this week

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY AT A LATER DATE

  • Marshmallow Chocolate Cookie Sammies
  • Chicken Gumbo
  • Razzleberry Crisp
  • Lemon Pudding Cakes
  • Chocolate Cinnamon Babkallah

RECIPES TO TRY FOR NEXT YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PLATES

  • White Chocolate Green Tea Sugar Cookies
  • Golden Cashew Curry Brittle
  • Cookies and Cream Brownies
  • Irish Cream Brownies
  • Chocolate Fudge with Bourbon Sugar

HOMEMAKING TIP
To freshen the air in your house, sprinkle cinnamon on aluminum foil and place it in a hot oven leaving the door ajar.  As the cinnamon heats up it will freshen the whole house.

ON MY MIND
A lot and too much to put all of it into words. But a big problem for this germaphobe girl is people blowing their nose at the dinner table. In my opinion excusing yourself to the bathroom is not only proper etiquette, but also the best and only hygienic option. When you blow your nose, you introduce a myriad of germs. Think about that as you reach for any bowl of food on the table, the salt and pepper, or grab the handle of the restaurant door as you leave.

In my opinion (based on how I was raised) it is rude and just plain gross to blow your nose in front of others, ESPECIALLY when eating. In my opinion it is always better to excuse yourself….you can go outside or preferably the restroom because you really should wash your hands afterwards. Be respectful, polite and clean.

I went in search of an answer to whether this is polite or not and found only articles to support the old fashioned answer that is NOT polite.  Etiqutte Daily said it best:

  • “Q: Is it acceptable to blow your nose at the dinner table? My husband says that it is okay and has even blown his nose into a cloth napkin.
  • A: …If what is required is big, noisy nose-blowing, this should be conducted away from the table. It is distasteful to others to hear or see someone beleaguered by mucus deal with it at the table.”
Q: Is it acceptable to blow your nose at the dinner table? My husband says that it is okay and has even blown his nose into a cloth napkin.
A: Nose-blowing at the table should be limited to small puffs. If what is required is big, noisy nose-blowing, this should be conducted away from the table. It is distasteful to others to hear or see someone beleaguered by mucus deal with it at the table.
– See more at: http://www.etiquettedaily.com/2013/04/table-manners-dont-blow-it/#sthash.BU4GTS3V.dpuf
Q: Is it acceptable to blow your nose at the dinner table? My husband says that it is okay and has even blown his nose into a cloth napkin.
A: Nose-blowing at the table should be limited to small puffs. If what is required is big, noisy nose-blowing, this should be conducted away from the table. It is distasteful to others to hear or see someone beleaguered by mucus deal with it at the table.
– See more at: http://www.etiquettedaily.com/2013/04/table-manners-dont-blow-it/#sthash.BU4GTS3V.dpuf
Q: Is it acceptable to blow your nose at the dinner table? My husband says that it is okay and has even blown his nose into a cloth napkin.
A: Nose-blowing at the table should be limited to small puffs. If what is required is big, noisy nose-blowing, this should be conducted away from the table. It is distasteful to others to hear or see someone beleaguered by mucus deal with it at the table.
– See more at: http://www.etiquettedaily.com/2013/04/table-manners-dont-blow-it/#sthash.BU4GTS3V.dpuf

FAVORITE PHOTO
LOL – I actually didn’t take any this week. I think that is a first for me.

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Here we are at another Monday. I hope you had a great Easter.  Easter morning was gorgeous, absolutely beautiful sunrise (we would normally have fog or clouds until 10 or 11) but it didn’t last and the storm hit around noon.

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
Typical April weather – stormy and wet.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Research 
  • Paperwork
  • Dr. Appointments

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION/DVR

  • Dovekeepers
  • Killing Jesus
  • Castle
  • NCIS 
  • Bones

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
 Nothing going on this week.

WEEKLY MENU PLANS

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
Death by Chocolate Cakes
SUNDAY

EXPERIMENTAL RECIPE SUCCESSES with LINKS

RECIPES TO TRY IN THE FUTURE

  • Corn Bread Stuffing Muffins
  • Cream Cheese Danish Braid
  • Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
  • Crock Pot French Onion Soup
  • Salted Caramel Eclairs

HOMEMAKING TIP
Not all onions taste the same and can alter the flavor of your dish.  Know your onions.

  • Vidalia (Georgia), Walla Walla (Washington) or Maui (Hawaii) = SWEET onions which have a higher water and sugar content – found mostly in the spring and/or summer.
  • Red or Purple onions also have a sweeter flavor and are also known as Italian onions,  They do tend to lose their color when cooked, but add a mild sweet flavor and color to salads and burgers when used raw.
  • Green onions are “young” bulb onions and much milder in flavor making them perfect for salads and casseroles.
  • Shallots (Greek originally) form like garlic in clusters. These are a milder form of an onion, but don’t let that fool you.  Shallots are flavor packed miniatures.

ON MY MIND
If one more person tells me, “But the computer says” or “The computer won’t let me” I swear I’ll scream.  Your computer DOES NOT talk and like the old adage says, garbage in, garbage out! So if you can see that something does not make sense and the computer program is such that it won’t allow the proper corrections, CALL an IT guy!

Last year I had a medical bill that should have been 100% covered, but they DEMANDED 20% up front which I gave in and paid just to get out the door.  A few weeks after that I received a bill for the remainder of the whole amount.  I called them and explained (AGAIN) that my insurance (if billed properly) covered that expense 100%.  They said they understood and would re-bill the insurance correctly.

Then a few weeks ago (several months after the last phone call) I received a phone call from a different girl demanding full payment or they would send me to collections.  I went through the roof!  She said that I had NO insurance according to their computer, and that every time they billed my insurance company it was rejected for that reason.

Fortunately I had never spoken to this girl before and as it turns out she possessed not only common sense, but compassion and understanding as I explained one more time that I didn’t owe them anything, what my insurance was as well as HOW to bill it properly and what it covered and that they actually owed me money from the initial payment. She said she’d look into and fix it.  Honestly she was nice, but I wasn’t holding my breath. Guess what?  I received my refund check this week. Thank you new girl with a brain!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA THIS WEEK

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Here we are at another Monday and at the end of March already.  2015 is 1/4 over already – where does the time go?  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
TODAY
A little foggy and partly cloudy, but with an afternoon of sun.

WEEK
By Tuesday we’re supposed to drop 20 degrees and get rain.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Digging out the warm weather clothes (just in case)
  • Laundry
  • Spring Cleaning

CURRENTLY READING

  • Give a Little (Summerhill #7) by Kate Perry
  • Where the Heart is (Ribbon Ridge) by Darcy Burke

TELEVISION/DVR

  • NCIS 
  • NCIS Los Angeles
  • Castle
  • Dancing with the Stars

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I’m re-working a decorative birdhouse for my mom that was recently found to house thousands of wasps. It had completely faded to a gray.  I blocked the hole so no more wasps can take up residence and then added a little fresh color.

I tried an interesting egg color kit called 24K Eggs by RJ Rabbit.  They had a beautiful picture on the front that made the eggs appear to be a deep gold leafed color. After 2 coats of the “gold leaf” mixture and only a thin opaque layer I decided to get creative.  There wasn’t enough “gold leaf” provided in the package to actually have coated 12 eggs so I put on some rubber gloves and started mixing and matching by hand the “gold leaf” with the 3  basic colors (yellow, red and blue) provided and ended up with some pretty eggs at least.  The kit though was an epic fail if you solely follow their directions.

Tried to polish the brass porch lights, but the brass is too far gone,  so went with a matching paint job to the house trim.

With all the winter rain, the slope of the yard and the spongy soil the blocks around the front yard planter always sink each year.  I spent a few hours leveling the blocks and ridding the area of moss and weeds before adding a spring touch.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST
DINNER
DESSERT
MONDAY
Cereal and Fruit
TUESDAY
Bagel & cream cheese
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
WEDNESDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Easter Ham and all the trimmings

RECENT SUCCESSFUL RECIPES

RECIPE FAILS or DISLIKES

  • Lemon Souffle Pancakes – Flavor was great, but just not worth the work.
  • Couch Potato Bars – Hubs likes it, but honestly it didn’t have enough flavor for all the work.  I much prefer my Chunky Monkeys.

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY AT A LATER DATE

  • Pumpkin Empanadas
  • Strawberry Coconut Cake 
  • Pumpkin Brulee’ Tart

HOMEMAKING TIP

 A few definitions this week to help clarify:

  • BASTE – Using the drippings to coat the food as it bakes to keep it moist.
  • BEAT – Whisk briskly and vigorously with a beater until mixture is stiff.
  • BLEND – Mashing or mixing 2 or more ingredients together until blended well.
  • BRAISE – Simmering seared meat in a covered dish with only a small amount of moisture.
  • DREDGE – To coat thoroughly with flour.
  • FOLD – Add delicate ingredients gently with a spoon or spatula to a thicker mixture.
  • FRICASSEE – Cooking meat by stewing in a gravy.
  • MINCE – Chopping ingredients very fine.
  • SAUTE’ – Frying in a small amount of fat.
  • SIMMER – cooking over VERY low heat.

ON MY MIND LATELY
Why are we so able to accept computers and/or automation to run our lives?  When did it become acceptable to ignore the needs of people because some script on a computer dictates the flow chart of a conversation?

You can’t call a doctor’s office, store, or business for the most part without first encountering an automated menu.  Many times these menus do not even have the option you need on it.  It allows you to ask for a human, but first you MUST answer their questions and if you don’t answer them correctly 9 times out of 10 the person you do reach will need to transfer you to someone else.  And don’t even get me started on having to press 1 or 2 for English.

Long story short I want to thank Sade’ for being a human that still cares and went the extra mile to help me fix a serious issue for my step dad.  It took me 2 calls and an hour and a half to get to her and then another half hour working with her, but she personified the attitude we should ALL have to help others in need.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I finally wrote my post about the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific this past week and as I edited pictures to post I have to say this was my favorite not only for the week, but I think for the year.

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I can’t believe it’s Monday again already! I had a cyber/virtual productive weekend cleaning up photo files and ridding my computer of unnecessary “space holders”.  But now it’s time to link up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at home mom and Laurie at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
THIS MORNING:
Just in time for spring, it’s cold and rainy here again.  I hate those false nice days that fool you into short sleeves and sunny days.

FOR THE WEEK:
Pretty much the same, but less and less promise of sun and more and more promise of dreary skies as the week progresses.

TO DO LIST
TODAY:

  • Dr. appt. and hospital prep for hubby’s upcoming surgery
  • errands
  • groceries

THIS WEEK:

  • Laundry
  • EBAY
  • Cleaning

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION & DVR

  • Perception
  • Vikings on the history channel (hubby has a thing for Norway)

but I’m still working off the DVR from last week.

  • Castle
  • Scandal
  • Justified

PLAY TIME (If I can find any)

LMBO at that possibility.

A few recipes from last week never got made so they are on this week’s menu again.
 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


BREAKFAST
DINNER
DESSERT
MONDAY
Oatmeal with Fruit
C.O.R.N. or Y.O.Y.O.
TUESDAY
Bagel & cream cheese
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
WEDNESDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
Chicken Fricassee

THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
Moroccan Roast Chicken

FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
White Bean Gratin
Couch Potato Bars
SATURDAY
Bacon & Eggs
Coffee Meatballs & Noodles
SUNDAY
Pancakes French Quarter Pork & Beans


LAST WEEK’S RECIPE LINKS

NEW RECIPES I FOUND THIS WEEK TO TRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

  • Pineapple Skirt Steak

MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM LAST WEEK

Whiskey knows she’s not allowed in the kitchen while I’m cooking and tried to hide out under the table.

BLOGS TO CHECK OUT

I keep looking for new and inspiring blogs, but honestly so many have huge ad sections or pop ups nowadays that just annoy me!

HOMEMAKING TIP

A few hints for successful slow cooking in your crock pot:

  • Don’t stir unless a recipe specifically tells you to.  Removing the lid lets a significant amount of heat and moisture out which can change your cooking time.
  • Add dairy, seafood and fresh herbs at the end of your cooking time,  
  • Dairy products will break down and/or curdle if cooked too long.
  • Fresh herbs will turn black and lose their crispness if cooked too long.
  • Seafood is something you want to only cook until done or it will fall apart.
    • For best results browning beef before cooking in the crock pot makes for more even cooking.


    ON MY MIND LATELY

    WAY TOO MUCH!


    PRAYING FOR & INSPIRATION

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

    It’s time to link up for Happy Homemaker with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at home mom and Laurie at I’m an Organizing Junkie  for Menu Plan Monday.

    It was a lazy rainy weekend around here – lot’s of reading, baking, recipe creating, DVR catching up,  race watching and goofing off.

    BREAKFAST

    Yogurt, blueberries and granola.


    THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
    THIS MORNING:
    Gray, dreary and drizzly.


    FOR THE WEEK:
    ?? Keeps changing so we will see!

    TO DO LIST
    TODAY:  

    • Laundry 
    • Spring Cleaning

    THIS WEEK:

    • EBAY

    CURRENTLY READING

    TELEVISION & DVR

    • Scandal
    • Justified
    • Perception
    • Rizzoli & Isles

    PLAY TIME (If I can find any)
    I’m still tweaking the new framework for my weekly menu and recipe links. 

    And for those that were wondering what those acronyms you often see on my menus are:
    C.O.R.N. = CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
    Y.O.Y.O = YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
     Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie
    BREAKFAST
    DINNER
    DESSERT
    MONDAY
    Oatmeal with Fruit
    C.O.R.N. or Y.O.Y.O.

    TUESDAY
    Bagel & cream cheese
    EXPERIMENT NIGHT

    WEDNESDAY
    Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
    Rosemary, Parsley & Thyme Chicken

    THURSDAY
    Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
    Garlic Cider Chicken

    FRIDAY
    Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
    White Bean Gratin

    SATURDAY
    Bacon & Eggs
    Coffee Meatballs & Noodles
    SUNDAY
    Pancakes
    Apple Cider Pork Chops

    LAST WEEK’S RECIPES I TRIED and their RECIPE LINKS

    NEW RECIPES TO TRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

    • Orange Cardamom Roast Chicken
    • Pork with Apple Cream Sauce
    • Hungarian Meatballs
    • Hawaiian Meatballs
    • Dulce De Leche Pineapple Ice Cream Sundaes
    • Dulce De Leche Cookie Bars
    • Couch Potato Bars – they have peanut butter, pretzels, bacon, potato chips and chocolate chips – A MUST TRY COMBINATION

      MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM LAST WEEK

      I took a few photos for a golf pamphlet my mom is putting together.  This one turned out pretty.

      The pond looks like spring is about to bloom too.

      BLOGS TO CHECK OUT
      Nothing new this week.

      HOMEMAKING TIP / PRODUCT REVIEWS
      When using plastic ware for anything tomato or pizza sauce, a quick spray with non stick cooking spray will prevent the tomato sauce from staining your plastic.

      Tired of sticking your finger reaching for your cake tester?  Add some wine, OOPS I mean add a wine cork to the end for storage and make it safer.

      ON MY MIND LATELY & PRAYERS & INSPIRATION

      HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

      It’s another Monday… and you know what that means. It’s time to link up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at home mom and Laurie at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

      It was a lazy weekend around here – lot’s of reading, race watching and goofing off. Weather was too nice!

      BREAKFAST

      I’m cheating and having Mickey D’s on my way to town.


      THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
      THIS MORNING:
      It’s cold this morning, but promises to be warm and sunny by the time I get back from shopping and errands!  It’s just so short lived before it’s cold at night.

      FOR THE WEEK:
      Less and less promise of sun and more and more promise of dreary skies as the week progresses.

      TO DO LIST
      TODAY:

      • Grocery Shopping
      • Errands

      THIS WEEK:

      • Laundry
      • EBAY

      CURRENTLY READING

      TELEVISION & DVR

      • Scandal
      • Justified
      • Perception
      • Rizzoli & Isles

      PLAY TIME (If I can find any)
      I’m still tweaking the new framework for my weekly menu and recipe links.

      And for those that were wondering what those acronyms you often see on my menus are:
      C.O.R.N. = CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
      Y.O.Y.O = YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
       Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie
      BREAKFAST
      DINNER
      DESSERT
      MONDAY
      Oatmeal with Fruit
      C.O.R.N. or Y.O.Y.O.

      TUESDAY
      Bagel & cream cheese
      EXPERIMENT NIGHT

      WEDNESDAY
      Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
      Sour Cabbage Pulled Pork

      THURSDAY
      Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
      Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Casserole

      FRIDAY
      Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
      Blackened Salmon

      SATURDAY
      Lemon Souffle Pancakes
      Casino Wings
      Upside Down Chocolate Cake
      SUNDAY
      Parmesan French Toast & Bolognese Sauce

      LAST WEEK’S RECIPES I TRIED and their RECIPE LINKS

        NEW RECIPES TO TRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

        • Rosemary, Parsley & Thyme Chicken
        • Garlic Cider Chicken
        • Coffee meatballs & Noodles
        • Apple Cider Pork Chops
        • Pulled pork & coleslaw sandwiches

        MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM LAST WEEK

        LOL I honestly didn’t take anything but food pictures this week.

        BLOGS TO CHECK OUT
        Nothing new this week.

        HOMEMAKING TIP / PRODUCT REVIEWS
        After you clean the cat’s litter box pour 1/2 inch of distilled vinegar in the bottom and let it sit 20 minutes.  The vinegar will seep into the pores and scratches in the plastic and neutralize the ammonia smell.

        ON MY MIND LATELY & PRAYERS
        I’m praying for a world at peace.

        INSPIRATION

        HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

        It’s another Monday… you know what that means. It’s time to link up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at home mom and Laurie at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

        First things first! I want to wish my wonderful husband a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!

        BREAKFAST AS I WRITE:

        We’re going out for breakfast today for hubby’s birthday.


        THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
        THIS MORNING:
        Drizzly and cold!

        FOR THE WEEK:
        Pretty much the same all week.

        TO DO LIST
        TODAY:

        • Play for hubby’s birthday.  I’ll post about our adventures later this week.

        DURING THE WEEK:

        • Laundry
        • Recipe File Updates
        • Baseboards

        CURRENTLY READING

        TELEVISION & DVR

        A couple of new or returning shows start this week and I’m still working off the DVR from last week.

        • Castle
        • Scandal
        • State of Affairs
        • Justified
        • Sleepy Hollow
        • Perception
        • Rizzoli & Isles
        • Battle Creek
        • Good Witch

        PLAY TIME (If I can find any)

        Now I wouldn’t call it “play time”, but after my cortisone shot this past week I was told to stay off my feet for 48 hours.  So on the way home I stopped by Staples to buy some files and then I set up shop on the family room floor and set about cleaning up the HUGE pile of recipe scraps that hubby regularly reminds me we will NEVER be able to try them all and actually weeded out all the real scrap and organized the rest. I narrowed down 3 small totes to this file, but it is overstuffed LOL!

        I also tweaked the new framework for my weekly menu and recipe links (AGAIN).  The filled squares are actual links to tried and true recipes.  It is still not exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll keep working on it. I also designated Tuesday as “EXPERIMENT NIGHT”.

        And for those that were wondering what those acronyms you often see on my menus are:
        C.O.R.N. = CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
        Y.O.Y.O = YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN

         Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

        MONDAY
        Oatmeal with Fruit
        TUESDAY
        Bagel & cream cheese
        EXPERIMENT NIGHT
        WEDNESDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
        THURSDAY
        Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
        FRIDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
        SATURDAY
        SUNDAY
        Cadillacs & Salad

        LAST WEEK’S RECIPES I TRIED and their RECIPE LINKS

        NEW RECIPES I FOUND THIS WEEK OR CREATED AFTER BEING INSPIRED BY OTHER RECIPES TO TRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

        • Lemon Curd Napoleon
        • Baked Hawaiian Chicken
        • Voodoo Smothered Chicken
        • Chicken Christopher
        • Green Chile Marmalade Wings
        • Velvet Cake
        • Balsamic Glazed Steak Rolls 
        • Macaroon Peanut Butter Chocolate Tartlets
        • Lemon Souffle Pancakes
        • Orange Crunch Parfaits
        • Smoked Paprika Chicken Thighs
        • Norwegian Meatballs
        • Sauerkraut & Pork Roast
        • Blackened Salmon

        MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM LAST WEEK

        LOL, I honestly didn’t take anything but food pictures again this week and then the black brat (who has his choice of 3 beds in this house) tried to squeeze out sweet Whiskey from the bed she was sleeping in and I just had to grab a picture.

        BLOGS TO CHECK OUT

        I keep looking for new and inspiring blogs, but honestly so many have huge ad sections or pop ups nowadays that just annoy me!

        HOMEMAKING TIP / PRODUCT REVIEWS

        Does your wedding ring or diamond necklace need cleaning – just use a denture tablet.  My jeweler taught me this trick – it’s quick and efficient leaving you with sparkling jewelry.

        ON MY MIND LATELY

        Keeping with last week’s soap box rant I have a real problem with the new KFC HALO’s commercial (as well as soooooo many others that use this same negative tactic) where they use children disrespecting their father. Dad wakes up to a horse’s head (from the daughter’s stuffed toy) in his bed and the whole thing plays out like a bad godfather parody and ends with dad going out to buy what she wants.  At least this was followed by a sweet Extra Gum commercial where you can see awe and respect in the daughter’s eyes as dad makes her a cute origami swan out of her gum wrapper.

        I don’t know about you, but with so many choices in this world I will go out of my way to buy a product that isn’t negative or insulting my intelligence with their ads.

        Children are really SOOOO impressionable. We need to present them with positive, life affirming ideals and models to follow. I know it sounds silly, but SOOOOO many commercials today are using NEGATIVE advertisement and I just think it’s wrong.  Like so many other things, the longer it is allowed to continue the more things may change – an NOT for the better.  Children being allowed to be sarcastic, negative, disrespectful and catered to DOES NOT encourage or inspire them to be good positive adults in the future.

        PRAYING FOR & INSPIRATION

        HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

        It’s another Monday… you know what that means. It’s time to link up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at home mom and Laurie at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

        I had a good and productive weekend thanks go to my wonderful physical therapist who is treating the “whole” person and not just my knee.  I’m getting more and more energy and exercise every day.

        BREAKFAST AS I WRITE:

        Oatmeal & Fruit – It’s cold this morning!


        THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
        THIS MORNING:
        A tiny bit overcast, but with much promise of sunny skies mid morning, a rarity here at this time of year.  The nights have been clear and downright cold (24 degrees) though making it cold and flu season with a hint of ear infection!! Very misleading as it is only sunny and somewhat nice for 3-4 hours and then it’s bone chilling damp cold and miserable again. LOL the long term forecast has snow for next week and it has been a downright dry year with threat of wildfire in February all I can say is I’ll believe that when I see it.

        • … HARD FREEZE MONDAY AND TUESDAY MORNINGS…
        • DUE TO SEVERAL WEEKS OF UNUSUALLY WARM TEMPERATURES… MANY PLANTS IN SOUTHWEST OREGON VALLEYS ARE MUCH MORE DEVELOPED THAN NORMAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. A COLD AIR MASS WILL SETTLE OVER THE AREA TONIGHT AND PERSIST INTO TUESDAY MORNING. THIS WILL COMBINE WITH CLEAR SKIES AND CALM VALLEY WINDS TO DROP OVERNIGHT LOWS WELL INTO THE 20S.

        FOR THE WEEK:
        Pretty much the same, but less and less promise of sun and more and more promise of dreary skies as the week progresses.

        TO DO LIST
        TODAY:

        • Physical therapy
        • prepare for the visit to VA advocate (AGAIN)
        • Errands

        THIS WEEK:

        • Laundry
        • A Little Spring Cleaning on the remaining kitchen drawers
        • Clean Ceiling Fans
        • Some weeding

        CURRENTLY READING

        TELEVISION & DVR

        A couple of new or returning shows start this week and I’m still working off the DVR from last week.

        • Castle
        • Scandal
        • State of Affairs
        • Justified
        • Sleepy Hollow
        • Perception
        • Rizzoli & Isles
        • The Odd Couple – I think they are trying too hard – I really wanted to like this, but I think it will fail unfortunately.

        PLAY TIME (If I can find any)

        I tweaked the new framework for my weekly menu and recipe links.  The filled squares are actual links to tried and true recipes.  It is still not exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll keep working on it. I also designated Tuesday as “EXPERIMENT NIGHT”.

        And for those that were wondering what those acronyms you often see on my menus are:
        C.O.R.N. = CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
        Y.O.Y.O = YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN

         Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie
        BREAKFAST
        DINNER
        DESSERT
        MONDAY
        Oatmeal with Fruit
        C.O.R.N. or Y.O.Y.O.
        TUESDAY
        Bagel & cream cheese
        EXPERIMENT NIGHT
        WEDNESDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
        THURSDAY
        Scrambled Eggs with cheese & Toast
        FRIDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
        SATURDAY
        SUNDAY
        Buffalo Chicken Meatballs & Scrambled Eggs

        LAST WEEK’S RECIPES I TRIED and their RECIPE LINKS

        NEW RECIPES I FOUND THIS WEEK OR CREATED AFTER BEING INSPIRED BY OTHER RECIPES TO TRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

        • Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Bake
        • Navy Bean Dip
        • Chicken Durango
        • Peanut Butter Pork Chops
        • 14 Carat Cake
        • Lemon Strawberry Pie
        • Pineapple Raisin dessert tamales – there used to be this little mom & pop bistro near where I worked that had the greatest dessert tamales and I have been craving them so thought I would try to recreate them.

        MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM LAST WEEK

        LOL I honestly didn’t take anything but food pictures this week until I was on facebook Friday night and Min said something about the moon.  I ran outside and this was fantastic. According to a friend of ours this is the moon waxing, the lower planet is Venus and the middle one is Mars.

        BLOGS TO CHECK OUT

        I keep looking for new and inspiring blogs, but honestly so many have huge ad sections or pop ups nowadays that just annoy me!

        HOMEMAKING TIP / PRODUCT REVIEWS

        I’d been debating about buying the ball herb keepers and then they went on sale so I thought I’d give them a try.  I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised how much I like them.  They will save me so much time when I’m in a hurry. All the prep and mess is done all at once, and I used the entire package of fresh herbs so there is nothing left to go bad waiting for a recipe to use them in.

        You can also use an ice cube tray and then transfer the cubes to a ziploc bag after they are frozen, but I really love the lids and bright green that makes these easy to use and see readily.

        ON MY MIND LATELY

        When I was young we had a rule, well we had several, but we had a rule about food.  The main rule being that we had to AT LEAST TRY a food once before we were allowed to say we didn’t like it.  And even then, we were encouraged to try it several times.  The one way out was if mom wouldn’t eat it, we didn’t have to either after at least trying it once.

        The other big rule was that you ate what was put in front of youNO ONE was your short order cook unless of course we were eating out which when I was young was reserved for special occasions only and you still ate what was in front of you. No playing with your food, whining or complaining.

        So all this said, I have a real problem with the new KFC commercial (as well as soooooo many others that use this same negative tactic) where they use children disrespecting their mother’s cooking.  The one question, “What have you been feeding us?” is what I take the most exception with.

        Kids are so impressionable. I know it sounds silly, but SOOOOO many commercials today are using NEGATIVE advertisement and I just think it’s wrong.  Like so many other things, the longer it is allowed to continue the more things may change – an NOT for the better.  Children being allowed to be sarcastic, negative, disrespectful and catered to DOES NOT encourage or inspire them to be good positive adults in the future.

        PRAYING FOR & INSPIRATION

        I’m praying for a world at peace.

        My grand daughter Carlie loves the infinity sign.  So this made me think of her and hope she’s doing well at her dad’s house.

        HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

        It’s another Monday… you know what that means. It’s time to link up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at home mom and Laurie at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

        I had a good Valentine’s weekend.  We stayed home and BBQed Steaks with baked potatoes and hubby’s favorite for dessert – cheesecake! Plus NASCAR started on Saturday!

        Thanks go to my wonderful physical therapist who is treating the “whole” person and not just my knee.  She is very surprised that not 1 doctor put me through physical therapy after any of the 5 major surgeries I had in 2 years that zapped my strength and muscle tone and is not surprised by how weak I have been, but is happy with the path I’m on to become “whole” again! I’ve also started a new vitamin regime and have a lot of new found energy so this post is a little fuller than normal!

        BREAKFAST AS I WRITE:


        THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
        THIS MORNING:
        A little overcast, but with the supposed promise of sunny skies by lunch.  The nights have been clear and downright cold though making it cold and flu season with a hint of ear infection!! Very misleading as it is only sunny and somewhat nice for about 4 hours and then it’s bone chilling damp cold and miserable again.

        FOR THE WEEK:
        Pretty much the same, but less and less promise of sun and more and more promise of dreary skies as the week progresses.

        TO DO LIST
        TODAY:

        • Physical therapy
        • Dog grooming

        THIS WEEK:

        • Laundry
        • Cleaning
        • Paperwork up the ying yang

        CURRENTLY READING

        TELEVISION & DVR

        A couple of new or returning shows start this week,

        • Perception
        • Rizzoli & Isles
        • The Odd Couple remake
        • Vikings on the history channel (hubby has a thing for Norway)

        but I’m still working off the DVR from last week.

        • Castle
        • Scandal
        • State of Affairs
        • Justified
        • Sleepy Hollow

        PLAY TIME (If I can find any)

        I built a new framework for my weekly menu and recipe links.  It is still not exactly what I’m looking for, but I’ll keep working on it. I also changed up last week’s menu and made quite a few experimental recipes and was quite happy with the results.  Recipe links below.

         Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

        BREAKFAST
        DINNER
        DESSERT
        MONDAY
        Onion & cheese eggs with Toast
        C.O.R.N.

        TUESDAY
        Bagel & cream cheese

        WEDNESDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
        Y.O.Y.O.

        THURSDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola

        FRIDAY
        Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola

        SATURDAY
        SUNDAY

        LAST WEEK’S RECIPE LINKS

        NEW RECIPES I FOUND THIS WEEK TO TRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE

        • Pineapple Skirt Steak
        • Ham & Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
        • Country French Chicken and Rice
        • Chunky Beef Ragu

        MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM LAST WEEK

        It is a very strange winter, definitely the kind where you are always fighting a cold. Warm then cold…  dry then VERY wet… rain, but no snow pack… Early bulbs that then freeze and strange fungal growths on tree roots.

        BLOGS TO CHECK OUT

        I keep looking for new and inspiring blogs, but honestly so many have huge ad sections or pop ups nowadays that just annoy me!

        HOMEMAKING TIP

        One of the worst things is reaching for an onion or potato to find that they have rotted. And a lot of people don’t know not to store them together.  I’ve always used baskets, but they can become cumbersome and messy. I found these bags at Lakeside collection and they are a big help at keeping things fresh, organized, clean and they are color coded too.  All the onion skins and eyes end up in the bags instead of the shelves.  They were relatively inexpensive too.

        ON MY MIND LATELY

        If the people who walk the aisles of the local grocery store and walmart drove their cars the same way they drive their shopping carts there would be an accident every 10 feet and you couldn’t drive down the street.

        PRAYING FOR & INSPIRATION

        I’m praying for the courage and strength to deal with the VA (AGAIN) while we continue through this process.

        I also pray for forgiveness for everything I called the “WITCH” from my primary care doctor’s office last week.

        I LOVE my primary care doctor.  She unfortunately works for a University system that has taken on the practice that there is NO need for actual nurses or professionals in the office and they staff with untrained or at least not well trained and uncaring people who have the compassion, understanding and follow through of a gnat.  They also use a voicemail system that allows them to ignore, avoid (you choose) calls.  I have pages and pages of documented calls that only reached voicemail that have YET to be answered by them.  Recently I had to resort to a certified letter to get a referral placed 3 months after the doctor originally requested it.

        And that wasn’t the first time a referral fell through the system.  The first time they kept faxing to the WRONG insurance company – a company I have never been affiliated with and I only know this thanks to a front office girl telling me.  Obviously she will remain nameless to protect her.  By the time the referral went through 2 months later, the specialist was no longer accepting my insurance and I had to start the process over.  In all from the time the first referral was requested to me actually being seen by a specialist and then having to start over again 3 months had passed.

        This time I have had to cancel and reschedule with a specialist twice and this 3rd referral was extremely time sensitive!  Their inability to perform even simple functions has not only ticked me off and forced me to make dozens of unnecessary calls to follow up (basically doing their job for them), rearrange my schedule not once, but twice and not only inconvenienced me, but also the specialist’s office staff and patients.

        Don’t get me wrong – it’s not that she didn’t deserve EVERY single word as do the worthless office staff she works with, just that I shouldn’t have said it all.

        HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

        Good Morning! I had a fairly SLOW and VERY WET weekend and have a very early appointment this morning so I’m getting going early.

        I’m one of those people who unfortunately tends to remember dates and today is the anniversary of the Sylmar earthquake, my first one when I was quite young. LOL, I hate that I remember these things. I found this documentary video that I’d never seen.

        Join in with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

        BREAKFAST: A big cup of green tea and a banana and a tangerine for the road.
        TODAY’S TO DO LIST:
        • Dr. Appointment
        • Errands – Oil Change and tire rotation

        CURRENTLY READING:

        ON THE TELEVISION:

        Just the same old, same old until a few favorites start again next week.

        WEATHER:

        January was REALLY foggy and damp, but still warmer and drier than most so I got really spoiled and wasn’t ready for the February temperature drop and rain, but here it is!

           Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


          DATE BREAKFAST
          DINNER
          MONDAY 2/9 FRUIT
          Snapper Wrappers
          TUESDAY 2/10 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE
          Smokey Navy Bean Soup
          WEDNESDAY 2/11 YOGURT
          Pink Lemon Chicken
          THURSDAY 2/12 FRUIT
          French Onion Soup with Mac & Cheese Croutons
          FRIDAY 2/13 CEREAL
          Croque Madames
          SATURDAY 2/14 Luau Benedicts
          Grilled Steaks & Baked Potatoes with Cheesecake for Valentine’s
          SUNDAY 2/15 Farmer’s Breakfast 
          Caribbean Pork Steaks 

          I actually found (made) some time to do a DIY project.  Every year at Christmas time I go looking for decorative Christmas ornament hooks. They are always so expensive when you can find them!  Then recently I found some “country” ones in a catalog as a Christmas close out and they were 80% off!  

          The only problem was the color, but a can of silver spray paint fixed that!  The other problem is that Christmas hooks tangle up so much.  So, after these were dry I lined them up and used tie wraps to keep them in group ready for next year’s ornaments. 
          Next year before adding the ornaments I think I’ll add some red beads to each one.
          LAST WEEK’S RECIPE EXPERIMENTS
          THIS WEEK RECIPES TO TRY 
        • FRENCH ONION SOUP with MAC & CHEESE CROUTONS will post tomorrow.

            The storm broke in just the perfect spot to the west as the sun set Saturday night and then it returned to the regularly scheduled rain followed by a thunderstorm and heavier rain!

            As I rotate out my worn out (at least for my face and body) loofa wash cloth and back scrubbing cloth I use them as cleaning rags.

            I found a new blog this week to challenge my thinking outside the box while cooking and creating recipes, The Food in My Beard.

            I had a horrible week dealing with my primary care doctor’s office.  They are horrible, they don’t return calls, have an excuse for everything, promise and then never follow through, always send my referrals to the wrong insurance company… I’m PRAYING that common sense prevails with some medical issues and the imbeciles, idiots, ignorant, clueless people handling the paperwork and appointments dealing with it.