INSPIRATIONAL – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads Me

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BLOGMAS 2022 ~ DAY 7 ~ CHRISTMAS COOKIES & TREATS

This is a FUN category! Do you do a lot of baking for the holiday season? Do you have special recipes that you use only for Christmas time? Are they hand me down recipes from your mom or grandma? Do you participate in cookie exchanges? Do you bake for your neighbors?

This year I am trying 2 new recipes (Peanut Butter Balls and Carmelitas), neither of which is exactly a cookie, but will be in addition to the traditional recipes that I make for the “GIVING PLATES” I use for the neighbors each year. I LOVE these plates. They are my way of hopefully spreading some positive random acts of kindness.

Remembering back to being a kid always seems like going home to me. Dad would buy all sorts of nuts by the pound during the holidays and of course bring out the nutcrackers. There was always a box (or 2 OR 3) of See’s candies (I just loved the milk chocolate Bordeauxs and since there was only 1 or 2 in each box I always tried to be the first to find them) and there would be tins and tins of butter cookies, snickerdoodles, peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge as well as the sugar cookies that us kids iced and decorated.

Here are some of my favorite recipes and a few links to recipes for even more favorites!

One of our newer favorites though for Christmas are GOOEY CARAMEL TOPPED GINGERSNAPS.

Whether you use homemade or store bought, these cookies turn out swoon worthy of ANY holiday goodie platter. They are sooooo simple, but look and taste sooooo decadent.

GOOEY CARAMEL TOPPED GINGERSNAPS
42 gingersnap cookies, (homemade or store bought)
14 ounces KRAFT caramels
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup + 1/4 cup finely chopped honey roasted peanuts
12 ounces combination of white and dark chocolate
Sprinkles of choice (I like chocolate for the holidays)

Arrange cookies on cooling rack line baking sheet.**
In a microwave melt the caramels with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Stir in peanuts.
Spoon about a teaspoon over each cookie.
Refrigerate until set.
Alternately melt white and dark chocolates.
Coat each cookie halfway with one of the chocolates, return to the rack allowing the excess to drip off.
Sprinkle with sprinkles and/or crushed peanuts.
Refrigerate until set.

NOTE** Wax paper or parchment paper works well also.

GINGERSNAPS
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup CRISCO
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup molasses
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoons ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
sugar for rolling

Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg and ground cloves. Set aside.
Cream butter and crisco together until smooth.
Add sugar and molasses, blending until smooth.
Add flour mixture gradually until well blended.
Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°.
Roll dough into small balls
Roll balls in sugar and place on cookie sheet.
Bake 8 minutes for soft chewy cookies and 12 minutes for crisp cookies.

Then there are the tried and true favorites of the past!

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE DROPS
2/3 cup HOT water
10 ounces Land of Lakes cocoa mix
2 cups JIF creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3 cups C&H powdered sugar, divided 2cups + 1 cup
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
2 cups crushed ginger snaps
72 Hershey Kisses (I like the cherry cordials)

Whisk together the hot water and cocoa mix until smooth.
Add peanut butter and corn syrup. Blend until smooth.
Add 2 cups powdered sugar and stir until well blended.
Stir in cookie crumbs until well blended.
Spray wax paper with PURE (these will be sticky so don’t forget this step).
Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough onto the wax paper.
Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
Roll each piece of dough into a ball and dredge in powdered sugar.
Press your thumb into the center and fill with a Hershey’s kiss.

The category is cookies, but cookies come in many forms as far as I’m concerned 😀 These are some of my favorite Christmas “non-cookie” recipes.

My great aunt Louise’s corn flake wreaths are not technically cookies, but they are a treat that I try to make at Christmas time. My great aunt who I only got to see a couple times a year used to make these every year for us kids, but especially just for me because I ALWAYS asked for them. My cousins and I would wait out on the front steps for her arrive just to see them, the wreaths that is.

She always made them soooooooooo pretty and perfect! Aunt Louise was just plain crazy it seemed to me. I can’t pinpoint any one thing that made me think that, but as the years wore on she continually proved it. Let’s just say if the made a movie of her life, Shirley MacLaine would play her part. Aunt Louise reminds me of Shirley’s character Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias.

CRAZY AUNT LOUISE’S HOLIDAY WREATHS (these are better when they are made a few days ahead)
30 LARGE marshmallows (or 1 jar marshmallow cream)
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon green food color
3 1/2 cups cornflakes
Red Hots

Combine marshmallows, butter, vanilla and food color in top of double boiler. Heat and stir frequently until well blended.
Gradually stir in cornflakes until well blended.
Drop onto wax paper and arrange into wreath shapes. I plop them onto the wax paper and then push out from the center to form the wreaths.
Decorate with red hots.
Let cool.
If your house is warm – chill in refrigerator until set.

Another fun recipe that can be dressed up with colored sanding sugar are SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS.

SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS
8 cups Rice Krispies
50 Kraft caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup + 1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 bag mini marshmallows
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons sea salt flakes

In a medium sauce pan over a low-medium heat stir together the sweetened condensed milk, the caramels and 1/4 cup unsalted butter until smooth.
Remove from heat.
Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil, extending over the edge.
Spray with non-stick PURE or PAM.
Melt butter in large sauce pan.
Add marshmallows and stir until just melted.
Add vanilla, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of caramel sauce and stir until smooth.
Remove from heat.
Stir in rice krispies until evenly coated.
Press into pan**.
Cool completely.
Pour remaining caramel over rice kripy treats and spread even with a spatula.
Sprinkle remaining sea salt over top.
Enjoy!
Store in an airtight container.

NOTES: **I use a stainless steel spatula that has been sprayed with PURE to keep it from sticking. It helps to press down firmly to get an even level.

This recipe is just PURE decadence, but has become a SERIOUS CHRISTMAS ADDICTION 😀

CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES
CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

Pre-heat oven to 350°.
Line cupcake tins with papers.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
Whisk eggs for about 1 minute. They will become frothy and lightened in color.
Add oil and whisk again until combined.
Add sugar and whisk for about 1 minute.
Add vanilla extract.
Add sour cream to the batter, whisking until combined
Now add the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl and whisk gently. Whisk batter until JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!

CINNAMON SWIRL
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar

Make the Cinnamon Swirl: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

Now start by pouring about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter on the bottom of each cupcake tin.
Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
Now, sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon Swirl mixture over batter.
Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
Using a toothpick, swirl the batter a few times to create a swirl effect.
Top already swirled cupcakes with one final 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to rotate pans.
Remove from the oven once cupcakes are lightly golden brown and puffed.
Cool 10 minutes.

GLAZE
+/- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
+/- 2 tablespoons milk

Mix powdered sugar and milk together.

NOTES: There are many factors that will affect your glaze consistency. The brand of sugar you use, whether you use a scale or a measuring cup… If your glaze is too thin and runny, add more sifted powdered sugar and test for consistency again. If the glaze is too thick and not spreading, add a very, very small amount (1 teaspoon) of milk at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

And these brownies are an ABSOLUTE MUST! The mint is perfect (not like toothpaste) coupled with the fudge brownie and rich ganache.

GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES
11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces
1/2 cup butter
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Creme-de-Menthe Filling (BELOW)
Dark Chocolate Ganache (BELOW)

In a medium saucepan, melt and stir 4 ounces (3/4 cup) of the dark chocolate pieces, butter, and the unsweetened chocolate over low heat.
Remove from heat; cool.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside.
Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture in saucepan.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon JUST until combined.
Stir in vanilla.
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined.
Stir in the remaining 7 ounces (1-1/2 cups) dark chocolate pieces. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
Spread Creme-de-Menthe Filling over cooled brownies.
Place uncut brownies in the refrigerator while preparing the Dark Chocolate Ganache.
Spread slightly cooled Dark Chocolate Ganache over Creme de Menthe Filling, spreading to the edges with a spatula.
Cover and chill about 1 hour or until set. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Cut into bars.
Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

CREME-DE-MENTHE FILLING
3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons GREEN creme de menthe
Milk (optional)

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter.
Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.
Gradually beat in 1 cup of the powdered sugar.
Beat in creme-de-menthe.
Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar. If necessary beat in 1 tablespoon of additional milk to make the filling slightly thicker than a frosting

CHOCOLATE GANACHE
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces

In a medium saucepan, bring whipping cream JUST to boiling over medium-high heat.
Remove from heat.
Add dark chocolate pieces (do not stir).
Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
Cool for 15 minutes.
Pour over brownies and QUICKLY spread evenly.

NOTE: You can substitute 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and several drops of green food coloring for the GREEN Creme-de-menthe.

2022 LIST update

I’ve been participating with Jean over at Chit Chat with Jean to do an accomplishment list for 2022 and a word for the year. This is my 2nd quarterly update – mid year. I wondered if I would be successful? I’d say I’m doing pretty good so far.

My list for 2022 is:

Do a Happy Homemaker Monday post each and every week. This keeps me more on track and organized about my home life. Doing Happy Homemaker Monday so extensively helps keep me on track as it summarizes the past week and lays out a fairly concise plan for this week. DONE
Do 1-2 devotionals every day. DONE, but slacking as I’m working my way through 100 Days of Grace & Gratitude – A Devotional Journal
Follow a nightly skincare regime – DONE
Complete 4 quilts – at least 1 for each quarter. 1 Christmas quilt wall hanging done almost done, 2 batik table runners in opposing colors are done and but I’m still working on one more quilt.
Finish indexing the recipes on my Food blog, Savory Kitchen Table. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Finish indexing the recipes on my Life blog, Chasing MY Life. When I merged my old blogspot blogs into this single blog it duplicated many things and added an “ALL” category that I am having to eliminate one by one so it’s taking a LONG time. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Make a better effort to reach out and connect with friends and family more regularly. This is a work in progress.
Learn YOGA or Pilates or both! This is a work in progress.
Take at least a 2 mile walk daily. DONE most days
Continue to downsize and declutter EVERYTHING. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Clean out photo files that date back 13 years! I’m working on it, but it’s really hard. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Create Shutterfly photo albums for 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Yet to do 😀
Go through scrap recipe tote and eliminate all the recipes I will never try – they’re just not worth saving. DONE
Do more drawing and painting – at least one per month. I’m still working on most of these, but did complete these first 5, one of which was for a Ukranian fund raiser. And hubby and I are doing one tomorrow for a date night outing. We’ll go to the afternoon class then dinner out 😀
Focus on rewriting more recipes to work for only 2 with no leftovers. This is a work in progress, but doing REALLY well so far. It has been seriously complicated by the increase in grocery prices 🙁
Volunteer at least once a month for a community project. DONE TO DATE
Do a date weekend once a month – exploring a new place we’ve never been before. I’d like to say we’ve been really good about this, but it’s only happened 3 times so far this year 🙁 1) RICOTTA class at a local winery 2) BURGERS & BEER at a local brewery that opened a new BURGER BOMB food truck 3) Romantic dinner at a favorite Italian restaurant. 4) We spent 2 days at a resort near Lassen National Park hiking and exploring 5) We spent 2 more days at Mt. Shasta also hiking and exploring 6) hubby and I are doing one tomorrow. We’ll go to an afternoon paint class then dinner out 😀 7) We are also putting together a trip not to far from home for our anniversary in August.
Clean out old files and recycle or destroy old papers. This is still an ongoing work in progress, but I’ve made seriously good progress.
Clean out craft cabinets and donate craft parts no longer needed. DONE
Eat at least 1 piece of fruit daily. DONE
Do at least 1 random act of kindness every time I leave the house. DONE
Read 36 books. Was hoping for double, but this was a realistic goal. Since I’m already there and only halfway through the year so have high hopes of making that double number. 44 so far 1) State of Grace by Marie Force, 2) Swamp Sweets by Jana DeLeon, 3) Beside Golden Irish Fields by Ava Miles, 4) What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen, 5) Women and Children First by Gill Paul, 6) Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel, 7) The Cape May Garden by Claudia Vance, 8) South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber, 9) A Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson and 10) All My Loving by Marie Force 11) Wild Widows by Marie Force 12) Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel 13) In Name Only by Jennifer Peel 14) Flame & Fortune by Jana DeLeon 15) The Restaurant by Pamela Kelley 16) Here, There & Everywhere by Marie Force 17) Someone Like You by Marie Force 18) Beach House Romance by Cora Seton 19) Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel 20) In Name Only by Jennifer Peel 21) Silent Partner by Jennifer Peel 22) The Wedding Charm by Susan Hatler 23) The Girl From the Channel Islands 24) Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas 25) The Book of Sorrel by Jennifer Peel 26) Written in the Stars by Noelle Fox 27) The Restaurant by Pamela Kelley 28) Secrets Hidden in the Glass by Cate Beauman 29) Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger 30) The Woman with the Blue Star by Pan Jenoff 31) The Lost Girls by Pam Jenoff 32) The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin 33) The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham 34) The Stationmaster’s Cottage, #1 Rivers End by Phillipa Nefri Clark 35) Accidentally Matched An Alaska Matchmaker Series by Cathryn Brown #1 36) Finally Matched An Alaska Matchmaker Series by Cathryn Brown #2 37) Hopefully Matched An Alaska Matchmaker Series by Cathryn Brown #3 38) A Fire Sparkling by Juliane Maclean 39) The Resistance Girl by Mandy Robotham 40) Jasmine Sea, #2 in the Rivers End series by Phillipa Nefri Clark 41) Palmerston House, #3 in the Rivers End series by Phillipa Nefri Clark 42) Last Known Contact by Phillipa Nefri Clark 43) The Honey Bus by Meredith May 44) Deadly Falls #1 Charlotte Dean Mysteries by Phillipa Nefri Clark

2022 LIST update

I’ve been participating with Jean over at Chit Chat with Jean to do an accomplishment list for the year and a word for the year. This is my first quarterly update. I wondered if I would be successful? I’d say I’m doing pretty fair so far.

My list for 2022 is:

Do a Happy Homemaker Monday post each and every week. This keeps me more on track and organized about my home life. Doing Happy Homemaker Monday so extensively helps keep me on track as it summarizes the past week and lays out a fairly concise plan for this week. DONE
Do 1-2 devotionals every day. DONE I’m working my way through 100 Days of Grace & Gratitude – A Devotional Journal
Follow a nightly skincare regime – DONE
Complete 4 quilts – at least 1 for each quarter. 1 Christmas quilt wall hanging done almost done, 2 batik table runners in opposing colors are done and but I’m still working on one more quilt.
Finish indexing the recipes on my Food blog, Savory Kitchen Table. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Finish indexing the recipes on my Life blog, Chasing MY Life. When I merged my old blogspot blogs into this single blog it duplicated many things and added an “ALL” category that I am having to eliminate one by one so it’s taking a LONG time. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Make a better effort to reach out and connect with friends and family more regularly. This is a work in progress.
Learn YOGA or Pilates or both! This is a work in progress.
Take at least a 2 mile walk daily. DONE most days
Continue to downsize and declutter EVERYTHING. This is a serious work in progress that will probably take ALL year.
Clean out photo files that date back 13 years! I’m working on it, but it’s really hard.
Create shutterfly photo albums for 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Yet to do 😀
Go through scrap recipe tote and eliminate all the recipes I will never try – they’re just not worth saving. DONE
Do more drawing and painting – at least one per month. I’m taking this bike and sunflower class this week and the others are a few I’m trying to replicate now.
Focus on rewriting more recipes to work for only 2 with no leftovers. This is a work in progress, but doing well so far.
Volunteer at least once a month for a community project. DONE TO DATE
Do a date weekend once a month – exploring a new place we’ve never been before. I’d like to say we’ve been really good about this, but it’s only happened once so far this year 🙁
Clean out old files and recycle or destroy old papers. This is an ongoing work in progress, but I’ve made good progress.
Clean out craft cabinets and donate craft parts no longer needed. DONE
Eat at least 1 piece of fruit daily. DONE
Do at least 1 random act of kindness every time I leave the house. DONE
Read 36 books. Hopefully it will be more, like double more, but I think this is a realistic goal since I’m halfway there. 18 so far 1) State of Grace by Marie Force, 2) Swamp Sweets by Jana DeLeon, 3) Beside Golden Irish Fields by Ava Miles, 4) What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen, 5) Women and Children First by Gill Paul, 6) Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel, 7) The Cape May Garden by Claudia Vance, 8) South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber, 9) A Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson and 10) All My Loving by Marie Force 11) Wild Widows by Marie Force 12) Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel 13) In Name Only by Jennifer Peel 14) Flame & Fortune by Jana DeLeon 15) The Restaurant by Pamela Kelley 16) Here, There & Everywhere by Marie Force 17) Someone Like You by Marie Force 18) Beach House Romance by Cora Seton

WORDS & LISTS for 2022

Jean over at Chit Chat with Jean is doing a word for the year and also a list of “22” things to accomplish in 2022. I like the way she thinks and realize that 2022 items would be unreasonable and using the last 2 numbers to do 22 items is completely acceptable, reasonable and even doable. Since this is my first time I don’t have any ‘leftovers” from last year and that makes me smile and approach this as even more possible.

After giving this serious thought I decided to join in. Will I be as successful? I’m not sure, but I’m seriously willing to give it a try. I’ll do quarterly updates until the end of the year and then decide about 2023 😀

I took a DaySpring quiz to help me determine my word for the year. A couple of words I considered were Renewal and Restoration before finally deciding.
My word for the year is – DEVOTION – love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause. I intend to find devotion in ALL people and ALL things in my life. If I can’t find devotion for someone or something, then it shouldn’t be in my life to begin with.

My list for 2022 is:

Do a Happy Homemaker Monday post each and every week. This keeps me more on track and organized about my home life. Doing Happy Homemaker Monday so extensively helps keep me on track as it summarizes the past week and lays out a fairly concise plan for this week.
Do 1-2 devotionals every day.
Follow a nightly skincare regime – I borrowed this from Jean, but because it lined up with the new Clinique regime hubby bought me for Christmas. I have used this in the past, but have been choosing not to spend the money on myself. Fortunately for me hubby didn’t agree. 😀
Complete 4 quilts – at least 1 for each quarter.
Finish indexing the recipes on my food blog, Savory Kitchen Table.
Finish indexing the recipes on my Life blog, Chasing MY Life. When I merged my old blogspot blogs into this single blog it duplicated many things and added an “ALL” category that I am having to eliminate one by one so it’s taking a LONG time.
Make a better effort to reach out and connect with friends and family more regularly.
Learn YOGA or Pilates or both!
Take at least a 2 mile walk daily.
Continue to downsize and declutter EVERYTHING.
Clean out photo files that date back 13 years!
Create shutterfly photo albums for 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Go through scrap recipe tote and eliminate all the recipes I will never try – they’re just not worth saving.
Do more drawing and painting – at least one per month.
Focus on rewriting more recipes to work for only 2 with no leftovers.
Volunteer at least once a month for a community project.
Do a date weekend once a month – exploring a new place we’ve never been before.
Clean out old files and recycle or destroy old papers.
Clean out craft cabinets and donate craft parts no longer needed.
Eat at least 1 piece of fruit daily.
Do at least 1 random act of kindness every time I leave the house.
Read 36 books. Hopefully it will be more, but I think this is a realistic goal.

What you think? Do you want to join in also?

Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one!

A FOOD FOR THOUGHT EMAIL…

A friend of mine opened his wife’s underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:

‘This, – he said – isn’t any ordinary package.’

He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.

‘She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on , was saving it for a special occasion.

Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died.

He turned to me and said: ‘Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion’.

I still think those words changed my life. Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything. I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.

I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day… I’ll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it. I don’t save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to.

The words ‘Someday….’ and ‘ One Day…’ are fading away from my dictionary. If it’s worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now….

I don’t know what my friend’s wife would have done if she knew she wouldn’t be there the next morning, this nobody can tell…

I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I’d like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favorite food.

It’s these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come..

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.

Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one!

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

How do you define peace?

I define peace by the absence of conflict, drama and or too much to do 😀

November 3rd is Election Day in the US of A, but did you know it’s also National Sandwich Day? Let’s vote, shall we? egg salad or tuna salad? chicken salad or grilled chicken on a bun? peanut butter and jelly or a bagel with cream cheese? turkey and swiss or ham and cheddar? grilled cheese or pimento cheese? roast beef-corned beef-or make mine veggie?

This is a wide open category that depends on the day, where I’m eating and my mood as well as appetite level. From those choices though I pick tuna salad, grilled chicken on a bun, PB&J, grilled cheese and veggie 😀

When did you last say (or feel) ‘no rest for the weary’?

4 years ago while working on the rehab of my grandparent’s place, the House From Hell. The same place that created a HUGE rift with my uncle after he swindled us out of about 75,000 dollars, my health, 3 years of our time and quite a bit of faith in family.

This time last year, where were you?

Same day, same time, Same bat channel!

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE SONG, VERSE OR QUOTE FEATURING THE WORD PEACE – This is not necessarily a favorite, but most recently heard.

P E A C E

(Taylor Swift from Hillsong Young and Free Folk Lore Album)
You will stay true
Even when the lies come
Your word remains truth
Even when my thoughts don’t line up
I will stand tall
On each promise You made
Let the rest fade away
There’s a peace far beyond all understanding
May it ever set my heart at ease
Dare anxiety come, I’ll remember that peace is a promise You keep
Peace is a promise You keep
You will stay true
Even in the chaos
Your word remains truth
Even when my mind wreaks havoc
I will be still
For I’ve known all along
My Jehovah Shalom
There’s a peace far beyond all understanding
May it ever set my heart at ease
What anxiety fails to remember is peace is a promise You keep
Peace is a promise You keep
You are peace to a restless soul
Peace when my thoughts wage war
Peace to the anxious heart
That’s who You are,…
I’ve found peace far beyond all understanding
Let it flow when my mind’s under siege
All anxiety bows in the presence of Jesus the Keeper of Peace
And peace is a promise He keeps

WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO… WAS THROWBACK THURSDAY

WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO… WAS THROWBACK THURSDAY – What I did instead was decide to do a Thankful Thursday inspirational thought.

NEW YEAR – NEW ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 21 of 2018

Sorry I’ve been MIA so much of the past few weeks. As we get closer to the BIG day, I’ve definitely been busier AND A LOT more tired. I hope you have all had a great week.

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
to visit with all the other Monday morning ladies.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – A HUGE storm rolled through unexpectedly last night leaving behind a TON of humidity to start the day. At least the storm also brought in a COOL front and it’s only supposed to be in the high 80’s this week so I’m wearing cut offs and a teal polo shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – My standard peach yogurt and green tea is today’s breakfast

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – I’m extremely happy that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel fromthis nightmare! I’m working on a final update to be posted soon. All of your encouraging remarks have REALLY helped get us through this!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Last Wednesday through Friday I spent visiting with my original BFF aka FFE (first friend ever) Leslie. We had a great time chatting and playing nostalgic catch up. So many memories to think about. It was so great to see her and spend time together.

This picture is of a gift my sweet neighbor brought me yesterday to say thank you and goodbye. And some of the flowers she brought me last week still look GREAT!

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS…KITCHEN… STUDIO… all getting a deep clean today and tomorrow
YARD… nothing much afteryesterday’s storms, just too wet to do anything, but hubby will mow Wednesday
BLOG… not much for a few weeks

CURRENTLY READING AND ON MY WAIT PILE

I’M READING Debra Clopton’s Windswept Bay Series Book #4 Forever & For Always

IN THE WAIT PILE TO READ

BARBARA FREETHY’S PERILOUS TRUST after I finish this series

SHOWS WE WATCH

COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies – NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race just ended and Dancing With the Stars will be beginning

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America Celebrity, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK
MONDAY	BANANA & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA SALAD OR ??	PORK CARNITAS TAMALES & GARDEN SALSA	FRUIT
TUESDAY	YOGURT & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA SALAD OR??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	FRUIT
WEDNESDAY	BANANA & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA SALAD OR??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	FRUIT
THURSDAY	YOGURT & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	OUT	OUT	FRUIT
FRIDAY	YOGURT & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	OUT	OUT	FRUIT
SATURDAY	YOGURT & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	OUT	OUT	FRUIT
SUNDAY	YOGURT & TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	OUT	OUT	FRUIT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 20 of 2018

Good Morning sweet ladies. Happy Belated Mother’s Day. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was quiet, but productive with last minute touch ups, grocery shopping and watching a couple movies and the NASCAR races.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – The sun is shinning, bu it’s beginning to get more and more sticky out there (which I hate). We’re predicted with high 90’s and high corresponding humidity all week and no rain in sight! I have on Levi’s pedal pushers and a comfy t-shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Peach yogurt, green tea and a handful of honey nut cheerios

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – none at the moment

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – Oh my, where to begin? Let me just say the list is long, blessed and heading in the right direction.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – All I took this past week was food photos 😀

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
LIVING AREAS… LOL you’re kidding right? there are boxes EVERYWHERE
KITCHEN… pretty clean and still empty
YARD… nothing much – hubby does need to mow one more time and use the vinegar mix on the weeds trying to come up along the pavers.
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING AND ON MY WAIT PILE

I’M READING Debra Clopton’s Windswept Bay series – Book #2 Somewhere with You

IN THE WAIT PILE TO READ

BARBARA FREETHY’S PERILOUS TRUST

MOVIES and/or SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED – We rented Justice League and Humanity Bureau from Red Box and are trying to clean out the DVR of old shows.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race, Dancing With the Stars

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef, Southern at Heart

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – EVERYTHING is packed so there will be no crafting until late June or so when I start the Christmas gifts and cards

WHERE I’VE BEEN SURFING ON THE NET – This article, 10 “Notes to Self” that Will Stop You from Taking Things Personally REALLY spoke to me with some wonderful messages I needed to hear. Here a few that spoke louder to me.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	TAHITI CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	LEMON FIZZ CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	FRENCH ONION SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	OUT	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES
SUNDAY	BACON & EGGS	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	PORK CARNITAS TAMALES	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

MAPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL CAKE with OOEY GOOEY COCONUT TOPPING
UPDATED KENTUCKY HOT BROWN CASSEROLE
LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
TAHITIAN CHICKEN
PULLED PORK TACOS
FRENCH ONION SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 19 of 2018

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies. It’s been a busy week around here and I’m still struggling with energy issues so am not getting as much done as I want AND/OR need to which is leaving me frustrated. My TO DO list is growing, but at least there will be a reward at the other end of this hassle. I’m really looking forward to the time to rehab with the gym and pool in hopes that my elusive energy and strength return in earnest.

I’m having a few blog issues too that are baffling my server guy so I’m a bit frustrated every time I see that “fatal error” on my side bar. I’m hoping he figures it out soon and I can have a bit easier way of blogging. Right now I have to log in, password and all EVERY time – so frustrating.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – The sun is shining, but there is no breeze blowing. It’s official, summer is here! 90’s all week with an ever increasing humidity equals = BOY AM I GLAD we’re leaving 😀

I’m wearing Levi’s capris with my favorite ovarian cancer awareness t-shirt and flip flops. And it is definitely time to start automatically putting this mop of hair in a ponytail first thing in the morning.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Peach protein shake and green tea

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
KITCHEN… pretty clean AND empty – the pantry and freezer are both looking bare, which is a good thing 😀
YARD… nothing much
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
APPOINTMENTS… Surgeon follow-up, blood work for next week’s doctor appointment, nail appointment, phone calls, paperwork…

CURRENTLY READING AND ON MY WAIT PILE

I’m still reading Debra Clopton’s FROM THIS MOMENT ON (WINDSWEPT BAY #1)

IN THE WAIT PILE TO READ

BARBARA FREETHY’S PERILOUS TRUST -Off the Grid: FBI Series Book #1

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	BAKED PINEAPPLE ORANGE CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	PAN SEARED BARRAMUNDI & ROASTED CORN	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	GERMAN PANCAKES	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	???
SUNDAY	SLUMBERING VOLCANOES	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	BUTTERMILK CHIVE CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

Category: INSPIRATIONAL