HOMEMAKING TIPS – Page 2 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY week 24 of 2017

We were away this past week for hubby’s military, 1st Cavalry, reunion and while the reunion itself was good (there is serious room for improvement for organization by those in charge of the actual events and the hotel was not staffed or equipped to handle a crowd of this size appropriately – the food really SUCKED!), we enjoyed seeing some old friends and catching up though. The weather was beautiful so it was really nice to head north and be relieved from the oppressive heat and humidity here at home.

We also spent an afternoon in a local college town who happened to be having a street fair that had good food and great music! AND I also found some parts I needed for some Christmas presents in one of their antique malls.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

VERY warm and VERY humid with lots of cloud cover and a threat of thunderstorms all week. After all, it is June on the Gulf Coast of Texas so not much changes – HOT, HUMID and OPPRESSIVE – HURRICANE SEASON PREVAILS.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green tea and Honey Nut cheerios with a sliced banana.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Today and tomorrow will be serious deep clean days since we were gone and the house sitter was her with Gunny and Sady. I usually vacuum every other day, sometimes every day with the animals so being away so long makes my OCD go nuts LOL!

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY… SEVERAL loads from being gone 4 days and not doing before we left – dang I should have thought that through!
LIVING AREAS… need to do a deep clean after being gone and not doing much before we left
KITCHEN… quite clean since we were gone, but I plan to make a mess soon. I’m such a messy cook as I invent
STUDIO… Needs a good cleaning, but still hoping to get to Christmas cards soon.
YARD… A little mowing, edging, pruning and dead heading of some old blooms.
BLOG… some recipe updating and planing for future posts.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We just got home so will try to catch up on anything that accumulated on the DVR and will check for anything that might start this week so I can set it to record. We always record so we don’t have to watch commercials.

As for reading, I’m now in between series so have to decide what series to start next.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	CHICKEN & WAFFLES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	CREAMED CHICKEN & MARINATED CARROTS	HUMPTY DUMPTY HAM	HUNGARIAN CHICKEN & SALAD	C.O.R.N.	FOIL WRAPPED CHICKEN	CASHEW CHICKEN with LIME MARMALADE DIPPING SAUCE	SOMETHING ON THE GRILL
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

Still trying to resolve the family situation with my uncle. We CANNOT wait to have this burden lifted from our shoulders. We pray every day will be the day the resolution happens and soon.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

My heart and soul are still refreshed from watching A DOG’S PURPOSE and THE SHACK. BOTH movies spoke directly to my heart and soul to restore order to my world. It is just that simple! I’m reveling in this renewed spirit.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is a picture of a picture from 2002 and already in a scrapbook, but is truly one of the best ones ever. When Whiskey was young I had to keep her and Gunny apart for about the first 6 months of her life because Gunny was SOOOOO BIG and she was so tiny. So when we were at home I kept a baby gate up between the front and back of the house (we had an old house with an actual door to a hallway that led to the back of the house) so I could monitor them.

This one day Whiskey was up on her toes at the gate and Gunny came along and wanted to play. Gunny took her ear in his teeth and put a paw on her head. Then he made the mistake of tugging forward on her ear and pushing back on her head at the same time. Whiskey became ALL teeth and needless to say ran the roost from then on.

I just can’t even tell you how much I MISS her! We did receive her beautifully carved box of ashes this week and I had a special tag made for it. Watching Gunny (who is even older yet) miss her so much is the hardest.

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.

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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.

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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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 19 of 2017

WOW I can’t believe it’s not only Monday again, but also that we’re into the 5th month of the new year already! I hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was quite busy with LOTS of little things! I’m still on the “stay out of the sun” medication, but have been able to work around that with working in the shady parts of the yard as we try and get the backyard finished once and for all.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been beautiful lately with warm afternoons, but low dew point and low humidity so extremely tolerable. I call it barefoot weather and love it! The humidity is supposed to rise a bit this week, but I’m hoping it stays in the tolerable range.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is coffee and oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m pretty happy. I deep cleaned all the floors on Friday and then deep cleaned my studio on Saturday as I made room for my sewing table to be set up. I also got all the laundry done over the weekend.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Order the sod for the backyard
Doctor’s appointment for B12 shot #2 of 12 trying to get my stamina back
Ebay
Vacuum
Dust

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m currently reading Ava Miles Dare River 5 book series. I’m on book 3, Fireflies and Magnolias.

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	SHIRRED EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	ROSEMARY MUSTARD CHICKEN and RANCH FRENCH FRIES	BUFFALO CHICKEN FRITES	GARLIC CREAM CHICKEN and SALAD	FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS and PARMESAN ROASTED CARROTS	BUTTERMILK CHIVE CHICKEN and RANCH GREEN BEANS	STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD with BACON VINAIGRETTE	CAST IRON SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN with ROASTED POTATOES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We’ve been working hard on the backyard. 6000 pounds of sand, 960 pounds of river rock, 1320 pounds of pavers and several flower pots later we’re getting close! We still need to order the top soil and sod to be delivered, but within 2 weeks the backyard will be done! I’m using my old herb rack in this corner to get the pots started out of the direct sun.

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.

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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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY WEEK 14 of 2017

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was a whirlwind of road trip travel, surprises, a milestone birthday and memorials coupled with trying to stay out of the tornado warnings and weather. It was a wonderful weekend of family, friends, love, loss, tears and laughter.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It is beautiful and supposed to be quite warm and then cool off by the end of the week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I really have to get to the grocery store today so it’s black cherry yogurt and coffee because that is all that is in the house LOL.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Everything is in good standing. The dog sitter was here all weekend and kept it quite neat.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Laundry
Ebay
Studio sorting

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

LOL I have NO idea! We’ll try to play catch-up on the DVR and go from there.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

My first Blue Apron order will be here Wednesday and I’m looking forward to trying some new recipes. A HUGE thank you to Carrie!

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	QUICHE LORRAINE leftovers	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	??
DINNER	QUICHE LORRAINE	CAJUN POT ROAST AND MASHED POTATOES	BLUE APRON CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK	BLUE APRON FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS	BLUE APRON SPINACH AND FRESH MOZZARELLA PIZZA	WILTED SPINACH SALAD with GRILLED CHICKEN	POT ROAST HASH & EGGS
DESSERT

ON MY MIND

It’s been a long week and I’m still recovering, but just have to say, LIFE IS TOO SHORT to not enjoy your family and friends. Don’t put off seeing your family and friends. Don’t put off telling them how much they mean to you. Tell them how much you love them ALWAYS!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Hubby and I are making very specific lists to begin researching where we will make home for our next project.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I haven’t gone through all the pictures, but this was one of the most interesting. It was a high rise on the San Antonio River Walk that creates this awesome optical illusion to make it look completely flat.

And this was one of my favorites I borrowed it from my IG account. It’s from the afternoon of the memorial and “surprise appearance”. Love you LOLA, Happy milestone BIRTHDAY! RIP Ray, we love you!

#2ofmyFavoritePeople toasting to #1oftheBestMenEver #LifeAsItHappens

A post shared by 3 Sides of Crazy (@threesidesofcrazy) on Mar 31, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT

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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 13 of 2017

Did everyone have a good weekend? Ours started out with a violent thunderstorm and tornado warnings, but we woke up Saturday to beautiful skies and warm temperatures. I’ve been doing a lot of ebaying and organizing while I continue the minimizing and donating so wasn’t too bothered by the warm weather.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

After a beautiful, but warm weekend we are slated for more thunderstorms, warmer temperatures and high humidity as the week progresses – good thing I have a lot of inside activities this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I’m having blueberry yogurt with granola and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is in good order despite the activities I have going on.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A couple doctor appointments – hoping to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
EBAY pictures and descriptions
Trip to surprise a friend for her significant birthday.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Still reading Jan Deleon novels trying to get caught up on all her series books. This week is Book #3 of the Family Inheritance series.

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	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	CREAMED CHICKEN ON TOAST
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	CREAMED CHICKEN ON TOAST and SALAD	CAMPFIRE CHICKEN and POTATOES in foil and SALAD	GRILLED TAMARIND CHICKEN SKEWERS with MORITA CHILE SAUCE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.	GRILLED STEAKS and ASPARAGUS	TAVERN CHICKEN and NOODLES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

ASIAN PEAR and GRAPE CABBAGE SALAD
RED, WHITE & BLEU MEATBALLS
PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERBED WINE SAUCE
SESAME CHICKEN
LEMON CURD CHEESECAKE
CHICKEN BOG
CHICKEN and SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA
CREAMY CRAB DIP
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN DIP
CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY and ALMOND RUGELACH
MOLTEN RED VELVET CAKES
BRAISED TOMATO MUSHROOM CHICKEN
TAVERN CHICKEN

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

2017 has been a rough year so far. My MIL passed away on the 7th and it has taken me a couple weeks to process this. Mom was 4 days shy of her 97th birthday. Can you believe she was almost 90 in this picture taken at a family camp out several years ago? She lived a VERY FULL and mostly happy life leaving behind a long legacy of love and family. While at that age you know it’s natural causes and inevitable, it never lessens the severity of the impact. She had been saying for years that she was ready to go, but I just never wanted it to happen. Just knowing I’ll never be able to hear her sweet voice again leaves me with a heavy heart.

Then on the 21st my favorite BIL, Ray, entered hospice as his cancer continued to eat away at his body. He passed quietly surrounded by family on the 25th. Ray was one of the best men I have EVER known in my entire life. I LOVED talking to him for hours – we have so many beliefs and ideals in common, almost like we shared the same thought process despite the HUGE age difference (hubby is almost 20 years older than me and his sister is 7 years older than him and my BIL was 3 years older than her – you get the picture). He lived a VERY FULL and happy life also leaving behind a long legacy of love and family.

His death is hitting me the hardest I think as we were both diagnosed with reproductive cancers within weeks of each other. He did everything right, just a bit too late for when his was diagnosed. I have had to struggle with moving past the Survivor’s Guilt of a high mortality cancer for the past 6 years and 99% of the time I’m doing well with it, I just wish he was walking that same path with me!

I REALLY MISS THEM BOTH!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

My violets are REALLY going to town in this window!

We had a visitor pop into our yard last Wednesday and couldn’t convince him he wasn’t ours. He had a collar, but no tags. I tried calling rescues and local shelters and walking him through the neighborhood asking everyone I saw if they knew him. As for the shelters they were NO help at all, at least by phone. Everyone said I was not in their jurisdiction and were actually quite rude! The last woman told me to just let him go, someone else would take care of him. Can you believe that? So, we took him to our vet to see if maybe he was microchipped (he wasn’t) or they had any info on him. They sent us to the nicest no kill shelter where he was immediately welcomed and seemed happy to be there. Bye Jake (that’s what we called him). I pray you are adopted by a really nice family with 2 little boys and a HUGE yard.

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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 11 of 2017

I hope you all had a GREAT weekend and remembered to adjust your clocks so you weren’t late this morning. We seem to have quite a few clocks so I adjusted them all late Saturday and changed all the batteries too. Ironically our atomic clock is no longer changing itself so I think it’s on its last legs. I’m just getting used to this new time and someone from a research firm called to do a survey going on 11PM last night and woke me up. So, last night’s sleep was much less than stellar.

Life has been chaotic at best with my health concerns and appointments. I had to reschedule two specialty appointments and find a new primary care manager when mine up and closed up his office with no forward or warning and without following through with ANYTHING! Fortunately my insurance was able to get me a new PCM with no wait due to the circumstances. BUT, now I have to see the new PCM before she will do referrals which is postponing appoinments already scheduled – ALL the technical loopholes are a PAIN in the butt, especially all the time spent on the phone dealing with it. Unfortunately, this has left me a bit lacking on my blogging. I am really going to try and get my groove back and post more often.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a rainy weekend so everything is a bit wet still, but the temperatures dropped quite a bit too making it more enjoyable around here. Looks like it will be a really nice week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A little blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m fairly happy with the house. There is still some sorting to do in the studio, but all and all it looks great, at least until I do the laundry.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY
SHOWER the dog
EBAY – we have quite a few totes full after all our sorting so really want to get moving on listing these items and moving everything out! What doesn’t sell will get donated to lighten the load.
STUDIO – sorting and paperwork
BACKYARD – we are waiting on a couple contractor projects (Garage siding and fencing) to be finished before we can complete the backyard so this will stay on the list until the rain lets up and we can actually finish it!

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Trying to get into a few new shows, but just don’t seem to have any interest in TV right now. I did start a new book though, The Lost Girls of Johnson’s Bayou by Jana DeLeon.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Nothing new this week. Hubby is still working on some of my parts for assembly, but his old grinder broke and we’re waiting on the replacement.

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	CORNED BEEF HASH and EGGS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	CROCKPOT EXPERIMENT NIGHT	GRILL NIGHT and POTATO SALAD	PARMESAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS and PASTA	DANISH CUBE STEAKS	CORNED BEEF and CABBAGE of course with CARROTS and POTATOES	BEEF & NOODLES	ORANGE CHICKEN & CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 10 of 2017

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Saturday was productive even as the rain began, but we had a double header NASCAR race to occupy our afternoon and then on Sunday I made a nice brunch and ran a couple errands before the deluge of rain began and everything is now wet and soggy.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It poured ALL day yesterday and there are DEEP puddles and standing water EVERYWHERE! It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s today, continue to rain off and on, but with all the water unless a breeze comes up it will be HUMID!! Looks like the last storm to hit the west coast is going to make our week wet and yucky here as it travels east!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is clean, but slightly cluttered as I began packing the bookcase and sorting for donation also.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Hoping the contractor shows for the garage siding and side fencing, but doubt he will since things are so wet.
Keep sorting books and paperwork.
Laundry
Doctor appointment

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

It’s that time of year again when some of my favorite shows are going on hiatus and replacements are premiering. The only one I’ve seen so far is DOUBT and I like it so far, but I think it is being canceled as is TRAINING DAY with Bill Paxton’s death. TIME AFTER TIME looks promising, but I never judge a show by the pilot. I also love the kids cooking shows and MASTERCHEF JUNIOR begins this week. I liked the pilot of TAKEN also, but we’ll see where that goes. I LOVE the new CHICAGO JUSTICE as it fits right in with CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO P.D. and CHICAGO MED.

SHAY ARCHER series #4 WICKED by Jana DeLeon

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

We got started on a few Christmas presents and hubby is doing some “garage work” on some of the parts for me, but it looks like they may sit for awhile. We have started packing and are hoping to be able to sell and be out of here within a few months so will begin the assembly process of the pieces on the other end.

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	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and BAKED CARROTS	SESAME PORK with PINEAPPLE and BROCCOLI	C.O.R.N.	RED, WHITE & BLUE MEATBALLS with PARSLEY NOODLES	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERB WINE SAUCE	CHICKEN & NOODLES	HAMBURGER STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

TENDERLOIN GRILLADES
INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE with MOZZA STUFFED MEATBALLS
INSIDE OUT BEEF POT PIES (recipe later this week)

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

STOVE TOP MAC & CHEESE
DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE with MOCHA FROSTING
GOLDEN CUPCAKES with MOCHA FROSTING
LEMON CUPCAKES
ORANGE MAPLE FRENCH TOAST BRUNCH CASSEROLE

RECIPES THAT TASTED GREAT BUT WON’T BE MAKING AGAIN

It was good, but just not up “our” alley for taste.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND/THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I am still feeling betrayed by an elder I should be able to rely on and trust, but trying not to dwell on it. I do realize he’s not in his right mind as there appears to be serious dementia and/or Alzheimers going on that has yet to be diagnosed because his normal toxic/caustic/racist nature prevents people from realizing there is a problem unless they see him daily and hear the same stories and see him forget what he just wrote down… Unfortunately there is also an outside influence by a gold digging woman who has NO idea what is really going on within his family as she has NEVER been here or met any of his family. Just working to move forward and live a better life, especially during this Lenten season. I also believe that Karma is a bitch and will take care of this for me. So, on to happy thoughts and moving life forward!

Trying to figure out my cell phone problems. My OLD cell phone was “acting” up, or so I thought. My new phone is doing much the same things. I’ve come to the conclusion that because this house sits on the boundary of 3 separate cities and 2 counties that there are some “dead” zones where cell towers overlap and that there may be no real solution until we move.

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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 9 of 2017

I hope everyone had a fantastic week. Mine was not so much, but that only makes me think this week will be better. I had my annual Ovarian Cancer check up (6 years NED), blood work and mammogram. Unfortunately it did not go as planned and we spent all day at the hospital. Then, the next day I received a call from a scheduler and was forced back for another round of testing all day Friday. Long story short everything is okay, but there was a seriously tense 72 hours there until we were sure not to mention all the invasive testing and wait times.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

An unexpected storm came through last night which is making today miserable already this morning.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Blueberry yogurt and coffee.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A few appointments for us both and paperwork for me to find.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve been catching up on some Netflix and Amazon shows and I’m going to catch up on so cooking shows this week.

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	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES	CHICKEN POT PIE	C.O.R.N.	OUT FOR HUBBY’S BIRTHDAY	WHITE WINE CHICKEN & RICE	ROASTED PEPPER BEEF GHOULASH	APRICOT PORK LOIN with BAKED CARROTS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

This past week brought much emotion and disappointment too. While I’m not ready to talk about any of it because of the betrayal and disregard of a loved one I know whatever happens that I’m confident that God has a plan to turn this into something good and I’m so thankful for that!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is another toss up week for me on pictures. Because last week was SOOOOOO bad I really loved finding my pretty African Violets full of blooms already bloomed and so many more about to. I was especially surprised since I have neglected them so much recently. I also LOVE this salad. It’s my go to comfort health food, a combination of tuna, chicken and egg salad on a bed of chopped cucumbers and grape tomatoes with homemade 1000 island dressing.

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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 6 of 2017

It’s Monday, AGAIN and ALREADY! Seems like the weeks are flying by. Didn’t we just have Christmas? I hope you had a great weekend and fun with the SuperBowl. Being so close to the actual event, we didn’t leave the house for several days before. The last time I was out was Friday morning and there were ALREADY some WILD and LARGE tailgating parties going on making traffic a nightmare. We went to a specific bakery last Wednesday and ended up in HUGE traffic. Little did we know the FALCONS were staying in the Westin Hotel around the corner. That was when we decided to stay home for a few days!

My team made it to, but not through the playoffs so the Falcons are who I was rooting for this year, unfortunately they failed in overtime – so many records set and broken this year! We grilled some hamburgers, made a salad and snuggled in for the game. I did not know that Luke Bryan was going to open with the National Anthem, but was glad since he’s one of my favorites.

I watch the SuperBowl as much for the commercials as the game most years. I actually kept track yesterday of my “new” commercial favorites:

Skittles “Round Robin” Katie
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s STRIKE – loved the Terminator references.
Buick with Cam Newton
Terry Bradshaw TIDE
Wendy’s other guy’s frozen beef
SuperBowl babies
Audi Soap Box Derby
Peter Fonda Biker Easy Rider – though so few people probably even got the reference
Melissa McCarthy KIA
Mr. Clean
Western Snickers

I also thought Lady GAGA did a great interesting performance during Pepsi’s halftime performance. Loved the round keyboard. I also loved her hello to her mom and dad.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It has been gray and dreary the past few days, but at least we got a little rain yesterday and this morning. I don’t seem to mind gray and dreary when it’s accompanied by rain. We are supposed to warm up during the daytime this week too.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I haven’t been a breakfast eater for most my life even though I know better. I’ve been trying to get better about it so today I’m having coffee and a scrambled egg with toast.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m happy with almost all of it. We did have a MAJOR problem with the contractor hired to refinish the master shower with porcelain tile paint last Friday and Saturday. It was supposed to be a 1 day job, that he turned into 2 and then didn’t even finish because of a miscommunication on HIS part despite the exact verbiage HE used on HIS estimate. He now claims that “Refinish Tile walls” means to clean up after he removed the old finish. Now we’re trying to get a “REAL” tile guy in to finish the job. Don’t know yet, but figure it will end up costing us double in the end. The estimate/contract are specific enough that we could win a case against him, but it isn’t worth the time to fight and in the end the work still needs to be completed. So far every CONTRACTOR we’ve experienced here is like your worst nightmare from the TV commercials.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

MONDAY 2/6

some phone calls and appointments.
Vacuuming
Mopping
Laundry

TUESDAY 2/7

finally get the sand ordered for leveling the backyard. Hoping to have it delivered on Friday so we can get it accomplished over the weekend.
work on the Studio has been SLOW, just not enough space to work in since I had give up the closet to storage and some of the wall space to furniture from the spare bedroom so I get frustrated and walk away. Eventually, LOL probably the next house, though I will keep plugging away and I will get it handled.
EBAY

WEDNESDAY 2/8

Re-take on last week’s celebratory lunch. Last week’s try was just plain awful. It started with showing up at one of our favorite restaurants to find it was completely gutted and gone and then the whole day went downhill from there so we’re going to try again this week. We’re thinking of maybe going to the zoo while the weather is nice or the Natural History Museum if it’s raining.

THURSDAY 2/9

Grocery Shopping
Some more EBAY

FRIDAY 2/10

COOKING & BAKING a few new recipes

SATURDAY 2/11

Work on backyard

SUNDAY 2/12

BBQ and movies

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY *NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS
CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE * PURE GENIUS
WHEN CALLS THE HEART * GRIMM
BLUE BLOODS * BONES
THIS IS US * SCORPION
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE * GOLIATH
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR * BULL
MADAM SECRETARY * Z-NATION

ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few… Thank goodness for DVR’s!

I’m starting to go through the bookcase and pack a few things up, but I’m saving out some favorites with bookmarked recipes for making soon as well as a few new reads.

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	OUT	CARAMEL CINNAMON APPLE FRENCH TOAST
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	ROASTED PEPPER BEEF GOULASH	TWISTED PEPPER STEAK	C.O.R.N.	CARAMELIZED LEMON and GREEN CHILE VERDE WHITE FISH	MEXICAN COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING	CHICKEN MARSALA	LAVERNE DEFAZIO POT ROAST
DESSERT			CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

KENTUCKY HOT BROWN
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES
LEMON MARSALA CHICKEN & SHRIMP with ARTICHOKES (recipe this week)
CHOCOLATE CHERRY TRUFFLES

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER – I’m also going through and taking new pictures as I merge the old blog with the new website.

Peach Crisp ~ Country Style *Steak Tips with Red Wine Pan Sauce
Salted Caramel Bars *Slow Cooker BBQ Steak Tips
Cherry Pineapple Upside Down Cake *Asian Braised Short Ribs – Slow Cooker
Butter Caramel Dip *Roasted Lemon Chicken
Slow Cooker Green Beans *Chicken Imperial
Bacon Wrapped Apple Chicken *Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie *French Onion Soup for Two
Beef, Barley Mushroom soup *Country Pork Stew
Apricot Pork Tenderloin *Brussels Sprouts Salads
Butterscotch Fruit Dip *Chocolate Martinis
Red, White and Blue Meatballs *Pink Velvet Cake
Cheesy Bacon Dip *Cream of Chicken Soup
BBQ Peach Chicken Wings *Cheesy Hash Browns
Ham and Egg Grits

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – NOT THIS WEEK

This is what the contractor left us with claiming the job was done. Thank goodness we have a second shower until we can get a new contractor in to do the job properly.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.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 5 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week. I’m still a bit under the weather, but trying my best to get life back on track! Making a plan for the week seems to help.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been beautiful and crisp the past week. We really needed that so the roof had time to dry out from that horrible leak we had the day we received 5 inches in 3 hours. The roofer was here last Saturday and believes he fixed the problem, but only the next rain storm will tell. The weather this week is supposed to be about 5 degrees warmer, but just as beautiful. I hope it lasts as we are still waiting on the masonry guy to come fix the bricks on the back of the house.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Coffee and toast is all that seems appealing this morning.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house doesn’t actually look bad, but does look like I’ve been under the weather. It has that lived in look that needs sprucing up which is exactly where I will start the week before I run out of energy.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

1/30 MONDAY

Phone Calls
Paperwork
Errands
Laundry
Cleaning
Vacuuming

1/31 TUESDAY

Start prep on Master Shower for contractor to refinish – we’re saving a ton of money ($350) by doing the prep work ourselves.
Caulk Atrium windows

2/1 WEDNESDAY

Pest Control to get started on the Spring regime
Order sand for delivery
Central Market for hubby’s favorite pepperoncinis and a few favorite cooking oils and spices.

2/2 THURSDAY

6 year cancerversary celebratory lunch trying a new restaurant
IKEA for a small spice cabinet to match the one I already have as I have finished combining, sorting and purging the spices.

2/3 FRIDAY

Contractor here to refinish shower so I have to be somewhere, anywhere else as I can’t be around the toxic fumes due to my compromised respiratory system.

2/4 SATURDAY

Studio!!!!!!!!!!

2/5 SUNDAY

SUPERBOWL LI – FALCONS vs. PATRIOTS

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY
WHEN CALLS THE HEART
PURE GENIUS
NCIS
BLUE BLOODS
THIS IS US
GRIMM
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
GOLIATH
BULL
SCORPION
SUPERGIRL
CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
HEARTLAND
HEART OF DIXIE
STRANGER THINGS
Z-NATION
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
MADAM SECRETARY
ONCE UPON A TIME
CHESAPEAKE SHORES
ICE PILOTS
ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING
Secrets and Lies ~ THE OKLAHOMA BRANDS #3 by Maggie Shayne

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I’m working my way towards the corner of the studio so I can finish a small sampler quilt (all it needs is binding) that matches the large quilt in the living room and will hang on the new quilt bar my mom got me for Christmas.

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	PANCAKE LASAGNA	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO SOUP CASSEROLE	CHICKEN CHILI	C.O.R.N.	CADILLACS PARMESAN ROAST BEEFS	BAKED WHITE FISH & SALAD	KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS	BEEF STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

I am so tired of all the political “screaming” and protesting. I have been trying to find positive things to latch onto instead. I ran across a historical woman the other day that really spoke to me about courage. Nancy Wake, ever heard of her? Me either and I have a Women’s Studies minor. She was a woman of conviction who made a major effort to WWII. Here is the link to Nancy Wake and well worth the read. Another woman worth your time was Septima Clark. Septima Clark made a major difference in the South by teaching blacks to read so they could gain their voting rights.

On another note, so many iconic actors and actresses have passed away recently. Mary Tyler Moore is affecting me the most for so many reasons and so many shows from my early years, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda and the old black & white Dick Van Dyke Shows, but one movie which wasn’t her best, but resonates with me right now because of the content is Finnegan Begin Again which starred her, Robert Preston and Sam Waterston. It was about a man (Robert Preston) who is retired and taking care of his senile wife. He can’t get her to allow him to throw anything out and their house has become unmanageable. He meets a woman, Mary Tyler Moore who is dating a man, Sam Waterston with whom she is hopelessly mismatched. They become confidants and each allows the other to share their life and experiences with them. The movie was cute, but the scenes where Mary and Robert rig up a trash chute from the second story to get rid of his wife’s pack rat items is what really resonates with me. And because she was senile they had to go through EVERYTHING before tossing it because she hid things inside of things which is what really reminds me of this place!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Organization!
ELIMINATING things from my life!

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.

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Category: HOMEMAKING TIPS