Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS week 40 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.279

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING!! Welcome, grab some coffee and let’s chat.

We went to the Farmer’s Market and Oktoberfest on Saturday, but it was pretty rainy and we ended up quickly only picking up what I needed for the menu and heading out to a neighboring town for lunch with a stop along the way at a favorite junk store where I scored a few favorite things and a couple pieces of “brand new” vintage ™Tupperware.

WOW, is it really the first Monday in October already? Last week was busy, BUT, I did something yesterday that I’m always threatening to do, but rarely get the chance to. I got up without an alarm, made coffee, threw things in the slow cooker for some soup, wrote some recipes, watched a NASCAR race and a football game before I ever considered taking a shower and getting dressed. It was the most relaxed I have been in months!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is going to be gorgeous (high 70’s) as is tomorrow and then we take a MAJOR dip in temperatures (low 50’s) and some more rain. I’m good with that as I just finished washing and hanging my cold weather gear.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Despite taking and relaxing all day yesterday I was able to do the laundry. Tomorrow is cleaning day after taco Tuesday.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m headed to the grocery store in a bit as well as run errands. I’m hoping to finish cleaning out the rest of the estate sale items today and tomorrow for delivery to the abused women’s center on Wednesday. Our auxiliary is supporting this center this year and going out of our way to send them everything we can.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS I made our reservations for the trip to the Junk Hunt and antiquing with my girlfriend.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m delving into my new recipe box of tricks with high hopes for some new fall recipes. I’m also going to be joining in on A Simple Life’s BLOGTOBER prompts where I can.
  • DVR/TV The new season has began, but we have yet to get into a routine. I have been keeping up with Halloween Wars and Halloween Baking Championship so far.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
10/6 MONDAY
10/7 TUESDAY
10/8 WEDNESDAY
10/9 THURSDAY
10/10 FRIDAY
10/11 SATURDAY
10/12 SUNDAY
DINNER
TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
I’m cooking PORK POZOLE at the Eagles
CHICKEN PAPRIKASH SOUP
CHICKEN MARSALA BAKE
CORN/YOYO Clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own – cooking GRAN’S CHICKEN & NOODLES at the Eagles with PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE BARS
CRANBERRY CHICKEN (SLOW COOKER)
MUSHROOM BEEF STROGANOFF (SLOW COOKER)
DESSERT
 
MAGIC COOKIE BARS
BLUE CARROT BUNDT CAKE
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Most of you know how much I LOVE old handwritten recipes and then re-creating them. We are going to a Great Junk Hunt in a couple weeks and I will search for more, BUT we stopped in a favorite little junk store to browse during last Saturday’s rain and I made an early score with not one, but two boxes stuffed full of yummy recipes, most of which were not only dated but had names like Aunt Helen’s… as well as descriptive adjectives like “excellent – make again”. Plus, they were really cute boxes in great shape.

I’ve sorted them out to those I want to re-create for myself and the blog and have an additional stack that will be coming your way Jean. 🙂

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

Fantasy Landscape in the road on a cloudy day

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • EVERYMAN STEAKS, MUSHROOM GRAVY & MUSTARD EGG NOODLES
  • BAKED CRACK CHICKEN

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPES week 39 of 2024 ~ BLOG 365.272

I absolutely LOVE doing Happy Homemaker Mondays so extensively. They truly help keep me focused and on track. It helps me summarize the past week and lay out a fairly concise plan for me to follow this week. Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW where did last week go? I still have things to do on last week’s to do list which will make this week incredibly busier when I add them to this week’s list.

I spent several days last week helping a girlfriend with her MIL’s estate sale where I was able to get several things for the foster kid Christmas program and a pretty pink comforter set for the spare bedroom. I did her marketing and strategic placement of many things and fielded the Facebook Marketplace messages as well as local friends.

I also had an antique reseller pick up the last of my stepdad’s things from our house for consignment. There was also an oil change and brakes on my car, brunch with a fun friend, grocery shopping, farmer’s market, laundry, book work, paper work, medical testing, phone calls, yard clean up to get ready for winter and general organization.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

YAY, IT’S RAINING! And boy do we need it! The temperatures have dropped significantly too. I’ve pulled out the flannels too. Highs this week will be in the 60’s and low 70’s (maybe) with lows in the 40’s 🙂

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to get the laundry done yesterday and much of the cleaning so have at least a good head start this week on the chores.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a pedicure this morning and will stop at the butcher, Staples and WalMart for a few things I couldn’t get at the grocer.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS We began planning a trip for late October with 2 friends and so far one has canceled 🙁 I’m thinking it may not happen.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I copied a few recipes yesterday to work on for late October as well as a few for making holiday gifts.
  • DVR/TV The new season has started, but I’ve only seen a few shows so far: Halloween Wars, Halloween Baking, Amazing Race, The Floor, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU…

READING TIME

Book Club was canceled yesterday, which for me is good because I haven’t even started the book 😂 I’m trying to finish the Book Woman’s Daughter, but keep falling asleep!

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
 9/29 MONDAY
9/30 TUESDAY
10/1 WEDNESDAY
 10/2 THURSDAY
10/3 FRIDAY
10/4 SATURDAY
10/5 SUNDAY
DINNER
Reuben Braid
Steak Burgers and Potato Salad
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator or you’re on your own
Baked Fettuccine and Green Beans
Chile con Carne Queso Cups
French Country Soup and Crusty Bread
Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta
DESSERT
 
Blue Carrot Bundt Cake
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I’m not a Bloody Mary drinker, but did have to admire this brunch worthy one at a local haunt!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BAKED PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN
  • COPY CAT EVERYTHING CAESAR DRESSING

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 38 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.265

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Hello lovely ladies! It’s not only a ‘BER month, but it’s also now officially FALL! I cannot tell you how happy that makes me! We welcomed it yesterday with temperatures in the 50’s and a little bit of rain 🙂

Saturday we went to the Farmer’s Market for all the produce I need for the week, did the grocery shopping, had a nice lunch at a favorite haunt, watered plants inside and out for a traveling friend, met with people buying a hutch from her (of course they called to do it while she was gone) and met up with another friend for a drink and dinner. All in all a really relaxed day and weekend!

Sunday started by having brunch with friends and since it was still cool, rainy and a Sunday after brunch, I spent the day watching football, researching recipes and preparing a few ideas for BLOGMAS 2025. Yes, I said BLOGMAS. Can you believe we are 3/4 of the way through this year?

BLOGMAS 2025 begins in 66 days which means, just for your information, that Christmas is only 94 days away! I’m planning to add a daily tip or idea this year to help keep the homespun and positive ideas flowing throughout the season.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Fall has arrived with ACTUAL fall weather! The night time lows are now dipping into the 40’s which makes the predicted 80 degree highs almost laughable since it takes until 3PM to get there and they only last about an hour because it’s supposed to be partly cloudy all week 🙂 Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Fall?

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Even though yesterday was a lazy day I did manage to get 3 loads of laundry done. I’ll be doing some deep cleaning tomorrow after the antique guy picks up the furniture for consignment.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS All caught up except for the Eagle’s shopping which I’ll do after my early morning test appointment on Wednesday.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS We are planning a trip with friends for the 3rd week in October to do some junk hunting and antiquing. We’re also beginning to plan that long awaited to trip to visit family that we cancelled when my step dad fell ill.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m all planned through October and looking forward to late fall recipes when we return from out trip.
  • DVR/TV The new fall shows begin this week, but I haven’t even begun to research what I want to watch.

READING TIME

I just finished BOOK WOMAN of  TROUBLESOME CREEK and am about to start THE BOOK WOMAN’S DAUGHTER BY Kim Michelle Richardson.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
9/22 MONDAY
9/23 TUESDAY
 9/24 WEDNESDAY
9/25 THURSDAY
9/26 FRIDAY
9/27 SATURDAY
9/28 SUNDAY
DINNER
MEETING NIGHT CORN/YOYO
clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
CORN/YOYO
clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
AUTUMN SALAD
LINGUINI & MEATBALLS in CREAM SAUCE with GREEN BEANS
GREEN ENCHILADA CHICKEN SOUP
SAUCY BAKED CHICKEN & COLESLAW
DESSERT
 
BLUEBERRY CARROT BUNDT CAKE
 

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BAKED MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES
  • HAWAIIAN FRIED RICE
  • HAWAIIAN COLESLAW

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS with RECIPES week 37 of 2025~ BLOG 365.258

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I have got to find a way to slow everything down!!! I want to enjoy each and EVERY day of the fall season.  We’re already at mid September so it’s already moving TOO fast!!.

Last week was a jumble of activities that also included cooking at the Eagle’s one night, an auxiliary meeting that I barely got my report done for, lots of shopping and computer work for the Eagles also on top of everything I need(ed) to do at home.

BUT, the best part was “lunch” with a close friend. Years ago we agreed at this age we needed to do more one on one lunch dates and such as we share a birthday month. LOL She’s never lied to me before, but she did this week and it led to her getting me to a ‘SURPRISE PARTY‘ at a favorite local winery! My first ever surprise party that included crowns, birthday girl pins and magic wands with LOTS absolutely beautiful flowers from my friend’s yard!

Then on Sunday we went for a “normal” lunch at the same close friend’s bar and grill… and she got me again with another set of friends, more flowers and balloons! I absolutely LOVE balloons!! I am certainly blessed to have such wonderful friends! And thank you Nicole for trying so hard to make a sugar free dessert!! I love you all.

Hubby woke me with coffee and breakfast in bed for my birthday this morning, so I’m lingering here in bed to write this post and actually having a lazy morning! We’re then having lunch with my mom and then just the two of are going to a favorite restaurant for appetizers and drinks this evening.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Fall is here!!!!! And I’m loving EVERY minute of it!! It’s supposed to be near 80°, but we woke yesterday to rain and 60’s that lasted all day 🙂 And the rest of the week is supposed to be quite similar.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did 4 loads of laundry yesterday, prepped the meat for the Tuesday special at the Eagles as well as prepped multiple meals for this week at home. Hubby isn’t “allowing” me to do anything today whether I want to or not. I do have a few phone calls that won’t wait and don’t care that it’s my birthday tho LOL 😀
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a small list of items I need this week and will pick them up when I do the Eagle’s shopping on Tuesday, a medical test on Wednesday and helping a friend organize an estate sale on Thursday.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I found several cook books while helping my friend with her MIL’s things for the estate sale and have been enjoying not only reading them, but finding some new recipes for fall and the next several weeks.
  • DVR/TV I’m working on my mom’s internet/TV and trying to come up with a plan to cut her costs, increase her productiveness as well as update her TV and APPS.

READING TIME

I began THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michelle Richardson and am enjoying, but have been so tired I’m not getting very far each night. Book club met yesterday and we are starting SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC by Andrea Mara.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
 9/15 MONDAY
 9/16 TUESDAY
 9/17 WEDNESDAY
 9/18 THURSDAY
9/19 FRIDAY
9/20 SATURDAY
9/21 SUNDAY
DINNER
OUT FOR BOTH LUNCH AND DINNER
BAKED FETTUCCINE ALFREDO & BROCCOLI
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
EVERYMAN STEAKS & MUSTARD NOODLES
CHILI CON CARNE CUPS & SALAD
PASTA with BUTTERNUT SQUASH and SAGE and PORK CHOPS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
DESSERT
 
BLUE CARROT BUNDT CAKE
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We had dinner with some friends the other night out on their deck and they have the prettiest ragdoll cat and of course my favorite KitKat. I was able to get some great pictures of Blue in particular down watching for birds. 

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • NUTTY PEACH SQUARES
  • BLOODY MARY PICKLES
  • SUNSHINE CAKE aka PIG PICKIN’ CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENUS week 36 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.251

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Once again the week flew by too fast and I had way too much to do to enjoy much of it. So much of it was mundane, but necessary tasks that I am glad to have over! I’m looking forward to a slower pace this week. It will culminate with a birthday lunch with a dear friend next weekend. Our birthdays are 10 days apart so we try and take each other out for a fun day each year.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a FANTASTIC thunderstorm last Wednesday that showed up out of the blue, gave us one heck of a show and also cooled things off quite nicely. Fortunately, most of the lighting was going sideways and not starting new fires in the area. This week is starting out with those same cooler temperatures and some more rain.

ON MY MIND

I refuse to sound monotonous here, so let’s just say things are still settling around here 🙂

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m pretty much up to date. Then again are we ever truly up yo date with laundry?
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be in town tomorrow for a hair cut and pedicure so I will pick up groceries then. We still have our main car in the shop for an electrical issue and as soon as it is done the other one will be going in a list of things.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS These things are still on hold for now.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I spent most of yesterday researching and planning about the next 3-4 weeks of recipes.
  • DVR/TV The new season is about to start in a couple weeks, but I’m not sure what’s even going to be on these days.

READING TIME

I just finished THE BOOK OF LOST AND FOUND by Lucy Foley and began THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michelle Richardson. Book club met yesterday and we are starting SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC by Andrea Mara.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
9/8 MONDAY
 9/9 TUESDAY
9/10 WEDNESDAY
9/11 THURSDAY
9/12 FRIDAY
9/13 SATURDAY
9/14 SUNDAY
DINNER
GREEN CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP
CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD with EVERYTHING BAGEL CAESAR DRESSING
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
HAWAIIAN FRIED RICE and COLESLAW
PORK POSOLE & CRUSTY BREAD
CROCK POT REUBENS
??
DESSERT
 
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE BARS
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My friend got these adorable coasters as a gift yesterday – they’re just so cute!

LIFE TIP

INSPIRATIONS

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • AUTHENTIC CARNITAS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 35 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.244

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED/ON MY MIND

GOOD MORNING sweet friends. Last week was busy and sped by just as the whole summer seems to have done. But, I am looking forward to Fall. Fall is my season and my happy place! Especially when I can be home! I cooked Friday night’s dinner at the Eagles and it was slow, but consistent! So, all and all we had a good night for charity!

Saturday we went to the farmer’s market and had lunch out. I also made a BIG batch of Sunday Gravy using up a bunch of the overripe tomatoes from the garden.

Then on Sunday we went to brunch with the gang that put on the DIGG’s BBQ competition, BBQ Throw Down and breakfast for the Blackberry Festival weekend before relaxing for the rest of the day. I spent the relaxing part getting caught up on some dinner menu profit reports for the Eagles. We also finally got our plaque and apron for winning at the DIGG’s competition.

We tied for 1st in the BEEF category with Tony’s beef, placed 2nd with Dan’s BBQ Beans in meaty side dishes and 2nd and 3rd in side salads with Heather’s Macaroni salad and my Mac Slaw.

We are still dealing with some things regarding my stepdad’s passing and the estate sale that need resolution, but we’re moving forward day by day with grace to resolve those things. I spent a couple of days boxing up the remaining unsold items and cleaning the garage out. I placed the unsold items in the shed and will give it 30 days for my step sisters to pick up the items before donating those things also. Of course I’ll get donation receipts to forward on to his estate. It’s just so sad that it became all about money to them 🙁 and that what’s left of his life is pieces of furniture and tools that no one wants. To me, it’s even sadder that I’ve been more of a daughter to him than his own flesh and blood. They never came to visit him until he was dying. At that they didn’t even offer to help him until the very end. His getting to see them was always on their terms and he had to travel to them – it’s just so sad. Several years ago (PRE-COVID) when he and mom returned from a trip to Nova Scotia they both were sick. They thought they’d get over it in time, but I finally insisted they at least go to urgent care where they were both diagnosed with pneumonia. His was bad enough that they promptly admitted him to the hospital where he spent 2 weeks. He was so week he was then transferred to rehab for several more weeks. Neither step sister came to visit then or even offer to help as I dealt with our sick parents. One of them did send me a text asking to let her know if he was going to die so she could come visit. They only leave a few hours away!!!

I have the solace of the last few years in knowing that he thanked me regularly for taking care of him and mom as they got older. One of the last things he said to me was thank you and to be sure and take care of my mom, the love of his later life.

They stormed out (literally) last week without several things, one of which was his spare change collection of $18.46. When they stormed out they slammed the storm door into the porch light breaking the storm door, pulling it out of the casing and leaving the screws hanging. So, I put the spare change to good use buying the replacement parts to fix the door. Ironically, the youngest one in her mind had turned the very existence of that spare change collection into a missing silver bar collection that never even existed.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

One more week of high temps (high 80’s and low 90’s), but at least nights are REALLY starting to cool off (low 50’s) so the mornings have been absolutely gorgeous!

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Both are caught up! YAY!!!
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS Just a few short errands this week besides working at closing out the last fiscal year and boxing up Eagle’s Auxiliary records as well as the shopping for the Eagles and Offyce.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Still on hold a bit longer.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have a list of several new things I want to try, but will research them deeper this week.
  • DVR/TV We’ve started watching STARGATE SG1 over again of an evening. We then switch to the BOB NEWHART SHOW for comedy before going to sleep.

READING TIME

I’m just about finished with THE BOOK OF LOST & FOUND by Lucy Foley and will then be starting A FLICKER IN THE DARK by Stacy Willingham for book club.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
 9/1 MONDAY
9/2 TUESDAY
9/3 WEDNESDAY
9/4 THURSDAY
9/5 FRIDAY
9/6 SATURDAY
9/7 SUNDAY
DINNER
HOMEMADE CARNITAS, REFRIED BEANS AND RICE
CHICKEN STROGANOFF & GREEN BEANS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
MONTE CRISTOS & COLESLAW
CROCKPOT REUBENS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CHICKEN JOES & PASTA SALAD
DESSERT
 
CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE BARS
 PEACH SQUARES

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

The Farmer’s Market was WONDERFUL this week and I’m really sad that this season has so few weeks left to it. I did LOVE this adorable little girl who was out trying to catch bubbles 🙂 The stray husbands holding bags are always fun to watch also. I got everything from my list and then some.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPES week 34 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.237

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED / ON MY MIND

Oh my there are parts of last week that were wonderful and parts that were so horrible I’m trying to forget them. It was a busy stressful week trying to finalize many things for my step dad’s memorial on Saturday.

The memorial itself was very nice and well done by a local pastor that has known my stepdad for quite a few years. Mom did up a photo board of pictures of him from over the years to have in the fellowship room during the reception. And then I scanned them to a flash drive for a screen display during the service. There was also a wonderful cross section of attendees from his college roommate, older sister with her son and DIL, younger brother, golf buddies, AA buddies and a whole host of friends, family and neighbors.  My friend Martha who I met doing an estate sale for her daughter and son-in-law was there – she’ll be 104 in February and is sprier than most 40 year olds. It was so good to see her and get one of her hugs! My friend Nellie who used to own a local deli shop before she abandoned us to retire early catered the reception in the fellowship hall with her sandwiches, fruit and cookies.

The stressful part came on Sunday morning when my stepsisters showed up half an hour after the appointed time to settle up a few things. With grace (instead of telling you how it really went down) I’ll just say that it devolved quickly with the prickly one yelling at my mom and accusing her of things that just weren’t even possible. It ended with me “inviting” them to leave before mom had a stroke or heart attack because she was so upset. Let’s just say they expected mom to make up financially for things and choices their dad made regarding their mother’s trust over the years that mom had nothing to do with. The way they acted and the things they asked for were ludicrous and completely out of line. It was as if they expected their dad to stop living after their mom died over 25 years ago. I can unequivocally say that he would be sooooooo very ashamed of the way they acted and the things they said.

Let’s just say I believe that from here on out they will be communicating through lawyers or at the very least in public places.

I’m choosing to remain positive and pray that with MUCH grace this can be worked out amicably.

We did go to a birthday party for a spry 94 year old on Sunday afternoon.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

That cold front predicted through much of the mid west isn’t going to hit here!!!! We’re predicted to have highs in the 90’s and lows around 60 throughout the week and partly cloudy so that means a chance of mugginess too.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry is pretty good, but now that everyone is done traipsing through the house there will be a serious deep clean going on.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m cooking dinner at the Eagles on Friday and hosting an impromptu group for labor day so want to get my shopping done early before everybody is stocking up for the long weekend.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Still on hold for a bit. We’re not leaving mom alone until more dust settles around here.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking forward to fall recipes and am going to sit down with a few favorite cookbooks later this week to try some new recipes.
  • DVR/TV We need to clean out the DVR soon!!!!!

READING TIME

I’m working on finishing The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley still. Another good reason to look forward to fall with rainy lazy Sundays.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
 8/25 MONDAY
8/26 TUESDAY
8/27 WEDNESDAY
 8/28 THURSDAY
8/29 FRIDAY
8/30 SATURDAY
8/31 SUNDAY
DINNER
Meeting night CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own!
CHEESY CHICKEN & BROCCOLI BAKE
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own!
ITALIAN SUNDAY GRAVY OVER PASTA
cooking at the Eagles 
MEATLOAF, ROASTED POTATOES & CARROTS with GRAVY
In celebration of Blackberry and all the work being over we’re all going out together for BRUNCH to celebrate so it’s a CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own!
CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA
DESSERT
 
 HAWAIIAN WEDDING CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We need rain SOOOOOO very bad. The pond is really showing the drought. And the Black Eyed Susans are on their last legs of the season!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES, MENUS week 33 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.230

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW once again last week sped by and here we are again at Monday. Today is our anniversary, but it’s Monday and everywhere we’d like to go to celebrate is closed so will celebrate tomorrow while we are at the coast for an appointment for hubby.

I’ve spent most of last week packing away and sorting the things from the estate sale for donation this week. When I wasn’t doing that I was prepping for the Blackberry Festival special that some friends and I talked another friend into running. We did a Blackberry Brisket Biscuit and it was a huge success. I made the homemade biscuits and Blackberry Jalapeno jam (I even strained it 3 times to get rid of the seeds) and my girlfriend’s hubby smoked a brisket. He’s also a graphic artist and made us a cool banner.

The Festival itself was fun, even with the rain! The rain kept the temperatures down and I even found myself wanting a hoodie at one point while we were checking out all the old classic cars. I’ll put some pictures down in the favorite photos from the camera section. We then went downtown to the Farmer’s Market for some gorgeous carrots, fresh small head cabbage, sun dried tomatoes and then went by my favorite permanent Veggie farm where I bought some sourdough cinnamon rolls and peaches. 

I do have to get back on track this week and get some things done!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s been quite cloudy since the rain and that’s making it A LOT humid and muggy! We’re supposed to move back to the high 80’s and clouds most the week.

ON MY MIND

There has been so much going on for so long I can’t even keep my thoughts straight. Just when things seemed to be settling down we found out my brother will be having open heart surgery in a couple weeks because of an aneurysm. Trying to stay positive for him and keep my mom from worrying too much. He has good doctors. He’s only 3 years older than my dad was when he passed from a massive heart attack so it’s a bit scary.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have quite a bit of both to do before the memorial for my stepdad on Saturday as I’m sure people will be coming back to the house after.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be doing the grocery shopping on Thursday because of hubby’s out of town appointment on Tuesday, working at the Eagles on Wednesday and our anniversary today.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Once again we’ve postponed ALL our trips until things settle down with family.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Fall is quickly approaching and I’m anxious to do some stews and slow cooking.
  • DVR/TV We’ve been so busy I’ve barely seen many of my favorite shows, but look at this more this week.

READING TIME

I’m reading THE BOOK of Lost and FOUND by Lucy Foley. I chose this book based on the last one I read by her and I love her style though this book is quite a bit different, but in a good way.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀 This will be a strange week with the upcoming memorial on Saturday and friends and family in and out for several days so am not planning too many meals and just going with the flow.
 8/18 MONDAY
 8/19 TUESDAY
8/20 WEDNESDAY
 8/21 THURSDAY
8/22 FRIDAY
8/23 SATURDAY
8/24 SUNDAY
DINNER
FRENCH ONION MEAT LOAF, ROASTED BABY POTATOES & BUTTERNUT SQUASH
OUT for the day with hubby so will celebrate our anniversary somewhere nice
OUT with GIRLFRIENDS
??
??
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
DESSERT
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
  • CHEESY ITALIAN & SAUSAGE PASTA

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 32 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.223

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and be sure to wish her happy birthday! Yesterday was her birthday so in my book she gets to celebrate all week.

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning dear friends. It sure seems like last week, the first week of August literally flew by me. Last week had many appointments and Eagle’s responsibilities as well as the final preparation for the 50% off weekend. The “garage sale” part of the estate sale is over, but I still have large pieces of furniture that no one seems to want at any price. A very dear friend is coming over later this morning to help me box up the clothing, shoes and small chachki type items for donation to the appropriate places. Before declaring it completely over and donating the furniture I’ll try some more Craig’s List and Marketplace listings. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re under a severe heat advisory since yesterday and in the triple digits so am trying to hibernate a bit. Fortunately, we have an air conditioner in the workshop portion of the garage that we’ll be working in today. The temperatures should dip back down by mid week.

THIS WEEK

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I am up to date on laundry, but will need to do some serious cleaning after this week and everything is finished being sorted and packed for donation.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a small list for the butcher and produce that I’ll do before today’s appointment in town. This week I have a mammogram and a bone density scan. I also have the Eagle’s shopping to do and delivering the donation boxes.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Everything is still on hold until things settle down after the memorial and some family medical things.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve been stalking recipes from Pinterest that sound good for the next couple weeks. I can’t believe how close we are to fall and that will be a whole new search!
  • DVR/TV It was so hot yesterday that we hibernated with movies after the birthday party. We saw JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH with Brendan Fraser, JOURNEY 2 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND with Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine as well as THE MAGNETIC MONSTER from 1953.

READING TIME

Book club met yesterday, but I was at a birthday party. I did finish the book and got there just  in time for the last few minutes of discussion. They’ve chosen 2 new books and I haven’t decided which one to read first. They’ve chosen LOVE, MOM by Iliana Xander and A FLICKER IN THE DARK by Stacy Willingham.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
 8/11 MONDAY
 8/12 TUESDAY
8/13 WEDNESDAY
 8/14 THURSDAY
8/15 FRIDAY
8/16 SATURDAY
8/17 SUNDAY
DINNER
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
CHIPOTLE RANCH CHICKEN BURRITOS
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
SPINACH ARTICHOKE PENNE PASTA SALAD
TUSCAN CHICKEN
DESSERT
 
BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS

I had to laugh at this sign in front of the newly re-opened bookstore that had burned in an electrical fire last year. And these are our favorite summer TV snacks. I will be planting these tomatoes again and again each year – they are so sweet it is like eating candy. The cute face belongs to Elliott a Spanish Mastiff puppy who came to visit the estate sale over the weekend. We dropped off some metal pieces for recycling and found this brand new “claw” had been sent for recycling. It was huge! And I just love the field picture for some unknown reason. It is usually full of sheep and much greener!

INSPIRATIONS

HOMEMAKING TIP

LIFE TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BURRITO BAKE
  • CHEESY ITALIAN SAUSAGE & SHELLS
  • CHICKEN SAUSAGE PARMESAN SOUP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

Hopefully I’ll get back to participating in my meme links this week.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPE LINKS week 31 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.216

Good morning dear friends. The estate sale is going slow! I believe that the economy and all that is going on is affecting it because we live in such a depressed county. The people who want and need things can’t afford them and those that can already have what we’re selling. I’ve only sold one piece of furniture in a week. The men’s clothes in particular are just not selling.

It’s been a long week and I’m physically and mentally exhausted so will just jump into today’s categories.

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Friday and Saturday were HOT AND HUMID for the beginning of the estate sale, but yesterday was GORGEOUS!! This week is starting out just as nice as yesterday, but we’ll be in the triple digits by Friday! Fortunately, the evenings are still getting down into the 50’s making the day times tolerable.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Cleaning will wait until after the sale is over next week and people aren’t tramping in and out of the house, but I’m actually up to date on the laundry.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m going to town today for just a few things and drop off a couple of boxes of donations. I have a pedicure and facial scheduled for this week also. I also need to make some phone calls that will require sitting down and spending a chunk of time.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I really need to work on this, but have enough to skate by until next week.
  • DVR/TV We’ve been watching CHEERS to go to sleep by, but not much else. We did watch a couple of old John Wayne movies – Donovan’s Reef and Rio Bravo.

READING TIME

I’m STILL trying to finish THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley, but keep falling asleep 2 paragraphs in 🙂 not because it’s not good, but because I’m so tired!!!

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
 8/4 MONDAY
 8/5 TUESDAY
 8/6 WEDNESDAY
 8/7 THURSDAY
 8/8 FRIDAY
8/9 SATURDAY
 8/10 SUNDAY
DINNER
CHICKEN PARMESAN SOUP & CRUSTY BREAD
CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
BURRITO BAKE
LINGUINI & CLAMS with GARLIC BREAD
 CHICKEN WINGS and POTATO SALAD
OUT WITH FRIENDS
DESSERT
 
BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We have been having amazing sunsets this past week. And my neighbor’s daughter brought Mr. Beary White to visit the estate sale. He’s virtually blind and deaf, but oh so sweet and worth so much more than the tag says!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU PLANS & RECIPES week 30 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.209

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning friends!! I am trying to get around and visit more, but I honestly have almost no spare time with everything going on. I certainly expect things to change after this sale is over!

Things are coming together for the estate sale FINALLY! Friends & Family day is a soft open on Thursday and then we are going to streamline the sale with just Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week and Friday and Saturday next week. We will be listing a few things on Craig’s list and Facebook Marketplace trying to sell EVERYTHING with nothing left over.

I have kept up with my Eagle’s duties and now with the BBQ ThrowDown (I’m still waiting to hear the scholarship totals) behind us, I can actually breathe a little better. We do have the Blackberry Festival coming up, but that will be a piece of cake by comparison and is literally the weekend before we go away so it will be a fun intro to our trip. My only duties for the festival are helping a girlfriend with one of the breakfast items she’ll be serving at her bar and grill. I’ll talk more on that next week as we are still perfecting the recipe, but I promise you it will be awesome!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

This week will be pretty boring weather wise and that’s just okay by me! Highs this week will be between 82° and 89° with lows between 56° and 59° making it almost perfect weather with cool evenings and mornings with just a few hours of actual heat in the afternoons.

ON MY MIND

Honestly? I have too much on my mind, but I’m choosing to trust that things will work out just the way they are supposed to! I’m trying VERY hard NOT to overthink anything or worry too much.

I do know that we have an anniversary coming up and we are NOT going to postpone the few days we had planned at the coast no matter what comes up. We have already postponed EVERYTHING the past several months during my step dad’s illness and we need a break so we can breathe better!!!!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was quite productive yesterday and did 4 loads of laundry as well as cleaned window tracks and blinds as well as vacuumed so I will be working in the garage today trying to finish pricing and organizing things for the estate sale.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I literally only need a few things and will work them into my Eagle’s and OFFYCE shopping on Tuesday.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS No real projects other than the estate sale, but will be going to the coast in 3 weeks. 😊
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING this is a category I NEED to get serious about soon. I’m running out of menu plans 😂
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • We did watch a Gerard Butler movie that was pretty good. It’s a few years old, but I’d never heard of it, PLANE. We also watched STAR TREK INSURRECTION and that was pretty good too.

READING TIME

I’m trying to finish THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley, but keep falling asleep 2 paragraphs in 🙂

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
7/28 MONDAY
7/29 TUESDAY
7/30 WEDNESDAY
7/31 THURSDAY
8/1 FRIDAY
8/2 SATURDAY
8/3 SUNDAY
DINNER
BURRITO BAKE 
BRISKET in a  BISCUIT with JALAPENO BLACKBERRY JAM 
 TUSCAN HERB CHICKEN
 FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE
 CHICKEN CHILAQUILES
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 PEPPERONCINI CHICKEN & RICE
DESSERT
 
MAGIC BLONDIES
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My tomatoes are going crazy!!!! And they are sooooooo sweet this year. This was last night’s haul and the haul from the day before was just as good. The little Sugar Rush grape tomatoes are the ones we snack on while watching TV at night.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE
  • MORTON’S CHICKEN CHRISTOPHER

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS and RECIPES week 29 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.202

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Monday I had several meetings and Tuesday and Wednesday was spent with Eagle’s duties.Thursday and Friday were spent prepping for cooking for the Eagle’s Friday night.

Then on Saturday and Sunday we had our 3rd annual BBQ Showdown, a sanctioned BBQ competition hosted here in our little town that also includes a HUGE corn hole competition. I worked both days selling tokens and SWAG.

A couple friends of ours are part of the organizers and put their heart and soul into ALWAYS making it a HUGE success. From year 1 it has been just that, a HUGE success. Both previous years after expenses (costs, prize money and trophies) they have given away over $20,000.00 in TRADE scholarships that Mike Rowe would be proud of. This year is no different and there will be even more in scholarships. I hope to have that number when I post on Thursday. It continues to grow EVERY year as well as being a great influx to the economy of our little town with FULL hotel rooms, campgrounds and restaurants.

This year they added an ancillary competition using blueberries from our local Blueberry supplier, NORRIS BLUEBERRY FARM in the farm community on the edge of town. They opened up the competition to the public as well as the BBQers and so I entered one of our favorite recipes for pie bars. I was required to have a “team name”, hence the BLUE MOON BAKER name for the bars. Turns out I was the ONLY community member against 45 professional BBQ teams. I don’t think I ever had a chance 😂 But, I actually placed 10th out of 46! Not bad for a home baker 🙂

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last week was a scorcher with highs in the high 90’s and low 100’s with lows in the 70’s at night so it never really cooled off. Last night rained a bit and this week is supposed to be much better with highs in the low 80’s and lows back into the 50’s at night.

ON MY MIND

Trying to figure out the estate sale while doing right by my step dad’s memory, my stepsisters and my mom’s wishes. There is a level of difficulty with emotional ties and tangible items. We also have the memorial to plan for and there are quite a few details to be handled.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to get the laundry done on Saturday night and everything is otherwise pretty tidy.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a hair cut and pedicure on Thursday when I’ll do some grocery shopping.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Travels are on hold until late September. I need to finish and print the Eagle’s newsletter this week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I printed out a few recipes for next week, but need to do some research for menu planning after that.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I have some Hallmark Christmas in July movies and some cooking shows. We did watch a cute movie with Mel Gibson, Monster Summer. There hasn’t been much else on TV.

READING TIME

Book club has started again and we’re reading THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
7/21 MONDAY
7/22 TUESDAY
7/23 WEDNESDAY
7/24 THURSDAY
7/25 FRIDAY
7/26 SATURDAY
7/27 SUNDAY
DINNER
 CHILI LIME PORK, MASHED POTATOES & GREEN BEANS
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 CHEESY SHELLS AND SAUSAGE with SALAD
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 TUSCAN HERB CHICKEN and SALAD
CHICKEN CHILAQUILES and SPANISH RICE
DESSERT
 
BLUE MOON BLUEBERRY BARS 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CHILE LIME PORK CHOPS
  • BLUE MOON BLUEBERRY PIE BARS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK