HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 52 of 2020

GOOD MORNING and guess what? I found it! I found that missing Christmas spirit. What is it they say, Better Late Than Never? I finished the ornament hangers and with hubby’s prodding and I agreed to decorate and am glad I did.  I’m making Christmas Cookies AND polar bear claws today also. I’ll include a picture of those next week or in the Blogmas posts somewhere.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING  It has been a typical Pacific North West winter weekend with lots of gray cold rain. It does look like we might see the sun Tuesday and Wednesday, unfortunately not in time to see the Christmas Star tonight 🙁 Temperatures will be in the high 40’s during the day and 30’s at night, except for Tuesday and Wednesday when it is supposed to drop into the 20’s at night.  I’m wearing Levis, a long sleeve polo shirt, slipper socks ‘cuz I’m going nowhere today as I bake away and watch Christmas movies.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and mixed berry yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did quite a bit of deep cleaning as we decorated and only have a load of laundry to finish
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS YAY I have no where to go and nothing to get until 2021!
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS just a couple things
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have a few new cookbooks I want to read through as I plan a January 2021 menu
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – There are a few new things supposed to be released this week because they can’t be in the theatres
  • PRIME – ??
  • HULU – still finishing Melissa and Joey as we go to bed each evening
  • CABLE -most regular shows have taken this week off so I’m trying to finish the Christmas movies and 

I’M READING

  • I’m still reading South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I bet some of you wondered if you would see a tree this year at all, but like I said hubby is pretty persuasive. He finally convinced me that I would regret it if we didn’t decorate just a little since Christmas is my favorite holiday. He did a minimal decoration outside also.

I also got the Christmas cacti all separated and replanted – they are so happy now! 🙂

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SASSED UP CHICKEN & PEPPERS
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
BUFFALO CHICKEN WING SOUP
PULLED PORK PARFAITS
GLAZED HAM, TWICE BAKED POTATOES, GLAZED CARROTS & CARAMEL BANANA BUCHE DE NOEL
C.O.R.N. CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS
C.O.R.N. CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS
DESSERT
CHRISTMAS COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • SASSED UP CHICKEN & PEPPERS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 of 2020

GOOD MORNING my sweet friends.  There are only 10 days to Christmas Eve and only 17 to New Years. Are you ready? It’s just crazy to me that 2021 is almost here. I’ve been enjoying doing BLOGMAS every day and it really is helping me get into the spirit. We did Christmas with my mom and stepdad last night because they are leaving later in the week for the desert.  That too is helping me get into the spirit.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING It’s gray and rainy.  Mid 40’s – that’s the highs and the lows this week to go along with the gray and rainy.  On my way home from the grocery store last Saturday the guy on the radio started to give the weather forecast and after the 2nd day he said, “Oh hell it’s going to be cold and rainy through at least Wednesday, but probably all week”. 😀 As usual I have on Levis, a soft fluffy hoodie and UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, yogurt and a banana

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did most of the laundry on Saturday, but have a couple more loads to do later in the week
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll do the grocery shopping for Christmas on Wednesday so I don’t have to go out again before Christmas. Hubby has been concerned with my lack of “Christmas spirit” so I’m trying to get more in the spirit by making a menu and stuff.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I’m still waiting on some callbacks that may not happen until the new year at the rate things have been going 😀
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Virgin River
  • HULU – Melissa and Joey reruns to go to sleep by
  • CABLE – a bunch of Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies, Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM, BULL, ALL Rise, Chicago series (Medical, Fire & PD), L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS (Regular, LA & New Orleans)

I’M READING

  • I’m still reading South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Looking for that Christmas spirit I have been working on the new ornament hangers and told hubby I’d put up a tree if I could finish them. The ones on the right are completed and I’m working on finishing the ones on the left that are still in pieces – literally. Hopefully, I will be able to show these to you attached to ornaments next week 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
MOLLY YEH KUNG PAO CHICKEN
MOLLY YEH PORK SOUP DUMPLINGS
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
POTATO GNOCCHI & MEAT SAUCE
FRENCH ONION SOUP & BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
PULLED PORK PARFAITS
DESSERT
CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • CHICKEN PEANUT STEW
  • SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
  • STRAWBERRY (FRUITY) LEMONADE BARS
  • CHICKEN FRIED RICE
  • HOT HONEY LIME BUTTER CHICKEN
  • ROADKILL STEW
  • MILK COFFEE BUNS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 50 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had a wonderful week! Oh my, is it really only 18 days until Christmas. I’m actually ready except for the motivation to decorate.  It just seems pointless with no one coming over to enjoy it, but I will try and muster up some motivation to decorate just a little.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING Yesterday was gorgeous!  The rest of the week, not so much! It is supposed to be cloudy, wet and cold for the next 10 days or so with highs in the 40’s and lows in the 30’s. As always I’m wearing Levis, my favorite red UGG’s and a green hoodie.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did a deep clean of the bedroom yesterday, but am sorting through some clothes for donation and the kitchen for donations to the food pantry.
  • PROJECTS I finished a set of Snowman heads yesterday and will get a picture sometime this week.  I also want to finish the ornaments hooks I’ve been working on.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need just a few groceries for the week and have a hair appointment on Thursday unless it get canceled
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS same old, same old 😀
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve been feeling a bit BLAH on the menu side of things lately, but am hoping to find some new inspiring ideas in my box of scraps
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Virgin River
  • HULU – Melissa and Joey reruns to go to sleep by
  • CABLE – a bunch of Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies, Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM, BULL, ALL Rise, Chicago series (Medical, Fire & PD), L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS (Regular, LA & New Orleans)

I’M READING

  • South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA There’s an old neighborhood in a neighboring downtown that has been overrun with homeless the last several years, but on one end of town they have done wonders to clean it up and it really shows.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
ANCHO HONEY GLAZED PORK LOIN & SCALLOPED CORN
CHICKEN PEANUT STEW & MILK COFFEE BUNS
FRENCH ONION SOUP & BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
CHICKEN FRIED RICE & SALAD
PORK STEW & SALAD
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE BARS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • PIZZA CASSEROLE
  • ITALIAN WEDDING CASSEROLE
  • FLOATING CRUST CHICKEN POT PIE
  • MILK COFFEE BUNS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 49 of 2020

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and weekend. Ours, like many of yours I’m sure was VERY quiet.  I did prepare a pretty traditional meal with leftovers for a couple days.  I even did a little “Black Friday” shopping 😀 LOCALLY and by appointment with a couple mom and pop shops on Friday – the beauty of small town living and by appointment was NOT getting up at the crack of dawn being able to support local merchants as well as completing my Christmas shopping.

Saturday and Sunday were quite chilly and lazy for me.  I did manage to get Christmas gifts wrapped as well as the Christmas cards addressed and ready for mailing while I watched a couple Christmas movies.

And don’t forget tomorrow is day 1 of BLOGMAS 2020. We’ve all had a stressful year and need some fun. I want this year especially to be relaxing and stress free. I’m not even doing a linky. Just comment on my post and we’ll you’re playing along. I’ll be sure to visit and comment on your post. Here is my list of this year’s prompts.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING It is supposed to be pretty clear all week with highs in the 40’s and low 50’s which will make for colder nights with lows in the low 30’s. I have on Levis, a favorite plush hoodie and my favorite red UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE I’m back to hot water regularly and peach yogurt.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING just a couple loads of laundry to be done
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a pedicure appointment Tuesday so will pick up the few groceries we need as well as run the errands in town I need to accomplish.
  • FINISH HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS & CHRISTMAS ORDERS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We just finished the Travelers series and were sorry to hear there won’t be a 4th season, but were glad to hear season 2 of Virgin River has been released which we will start tonight.  We also watched Christmas Chronicles 2 with Kurt Russel and Goldie Hawn
  • PRIME – Mrs. Maisel should be released later this week
  • HULU – Just finished REBA and are looking for another late night comedy
  • CABLE – Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM which just isn’t the same without Anna Faris, Chicago series (MED, FIRE & PD), L&O SVU, BULL, All Rise, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS, NCIS LA and NCIS New Orleans AND of course there are the obligatory Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies to watch 😀

I’M READING

  • A Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson – I’m about half through and am enjoying it, despite its sad topic, as it chronicles the differences and clashes between the cultural classes as well as men and women’s rights post WWI, Spanish flue and the depression of the early 1900’s.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA This is a silly photo this week. Years ago I was so tired of wasting the last of any shampoo in the bottle or just couldn’t talk myself into not finishing a bottle even though I didn’t care for the shampoo.  That’s when it occurred to me that I didn’t need to buy shower gel or even hand soap, but just make my own by funneling it all into my favorite pump bottles.  Now I don’t waste anything and it’s even kind of pretty looking! As for conditioner, it makes a great vehicle for shaving your legs while also moisturizing them 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
MEATLOAF, DRESSING and SALAD
PORK CHOPS and SCALLOPED CORN
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
CHICKEN & PEANUT STEW
ITALIAN PIZZA CASSEROLE
ANCHO HONEY GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN & SALAD
C.O.R.N.
clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
strawberry lemonade bars

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • APPLE LEMON HARVEST BUNDT CAKE
  • CITRUS BRINED ROAST TURKEY
  • BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASSEROLE

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 48 of 2020

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING I hope you had a WONDERFUL week and are planning a quiet, but fun Thanksgiving week for yourselves.

I spent a bit of yesterday afternoon working on my BLOGMAS list for 2020. December will be here before you know it! I needed a bit of normalcy and hope hope you plan to play along too 😀

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING They’re predicting a cold wet winter here.  The rain has moved back in AND the temperatures have dropped again. Our highs only happen for an hour or two a day.  We are definitely into the bone chilling cold time of the year and we’re not even into winter yet.  The “sunny” days are actually colder with no cloud cover to hold any warmth in the evenings.  I’m wearing my favorite Levi’s, pink hoodie pullover, warm boot socks and my favorite red UGGs. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I tried to get most of the laundry done over the weekend and will be glad the cleaning will get done “as I go” with the Thanksgiving dinner prep this week. Even a small Thanksgiving dinner requires time and prep when making it from scratch.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS are pretty much done except for a couple little things!
  • THANKSGIVING DINNER PREP I’m going to do a little each day to make the week easier! I actually started yesterday and will do as much today and tomorrow as possible.  Wednesday will be my “assembly” day to have the dressing and Brussels sprouts casserole ready for the oven on Thursday. I’ll also prepare dessert on Wednesday. I made the cranberry sauce on Saturday and will be starting the turkey brine tomorrow.  It does take a schedule. but leaves more time on Thursday for football and Christmas movies! 
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS Probably won’t get far on these since many things will close early for the holiday.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING – I’m making a few new recipes for Thanksgiving and the next couple weeks that I think will be big hits.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Were on season 3 of Travelers, Jingle Jangle Christmas movie
  • HULU – on the last season of REBA
  • CABLE – Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies, Holiday baking shows, Some of the standard PRIME time shows – Chicago series, CSI’s, L&O SVU, American Housewife, Unicorn, Young Sheldon… 

I’M READING

  • A Home For Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I put together a nice selection of drinks and snacks for the delivery drivers who have become even more essential this holiday season than ever before.  My new $12 card reader is working well for the failed SD card port – so much more cost effective than a new computer!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SASSY CHICKEN & PEPPERS
BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN & PEAS
  C.O.R.N.   clean out refrigerator night
HAPPY THANKSGIVING SEE BELOW
CHICKEN POMODORO & SALAD
ITALIAN CASSEROLE
CHICKEN & PEANUT STEW
 

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • RUSSIAN CABBAGE SOUP
  • CHICKEN NEW ORLEANS
  • TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
  • CHEDDAR PAN ROLLS
  • BUTTERMILK BRINED TURKEY & GRAVY

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 47 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had a wonderful week. I hope you’re all feeling well and staying safe as so many areas around the country are “pausing” to try and keep COVID cases at bay.  This is such a surreal time in our history and I continue to pray that everyone keeps their heads, practices basic hygiene (washing their hands etc…) and using common sense when gathering anywhere.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING The one thing I’ve learned here in the Pacific Northwest is to NOT get used to the sunny weather predictions.  IF they happen, they’re usually only for an hour or so.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, baby food and peach yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need a few things to finish a couple of handmade Christmas gifts also.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING for MY 2021 menu ideas
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We’ve been watching TRAVELERS and just started season 2.
  • HULU – REBA reruns to go to sleep by for hubby – personally, I read.
  • CABLE – Several favorites have restarted or are restarting this week! BULL, The Good Doctor, Transplant, NEXT, This Is Us, Filthy Rich, Young Sheldon, Unicorn, MOM, Chicago MED, FIRE & PD, NCIS LA, NCIS New Orleans, Law & Order SVU, Holiday baking shows…

I’M READING SPELLS Bayou Magic #2 by Kristen Proby

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA My SD Card port stopped working so I’m waiting on a reader adapter – the lesser cost over a new computer 🙂 So I’ll double up on pictures next week.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
RUSSIAN CABBAGE SOUP & CHEDDAR PAN ROLLS
REFRIED BEAN BOWLS & HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
C.O.R.N.
SPINACH ARTICHOKE TUNA CASSEROLE
GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN & SCALLOPED SWEET CORN
CHICKEN POMODORI & SALAD
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
POTATO CHIP SUGAR COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • FRENCH ONION PORK TENDERLOIN
  • BALSAMIC HONEY GLAZED SALMON
  • CHEESY BURRITO LASAGNA
  • CREAM OF POTATO SOUP PLUS
  • CHARRED APRICOT RASPBERRY WHISKEY HOT WINGS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 46 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a GREAT week.  It seemed long to me, but I know it had to do with the change back to “normal” time. I was able to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done and even wrapped and ready for shipping!  What’s left for me to do is all handmade and/or quilted – hoping to get it all done in time.  

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING  BRRRR it’s cold this week.  Last night was 26! It looks like the whole week will have highs around 50, lows in the 30’s and 40’s with a serious chance of rain ALL week, making a bone chilling type of cold.  I much prefer a “DRY” cold.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES, ERRANDS & finish CHRISTMAS shopping
  • WORK ON CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HOOKS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • GET TIRES ROTATED AND 1 LOW PRESSURE VALVE REPLACED – turns out those vale don’t last as long as people think and fail regularly on my car which is unfortunate because they are expensive too!
  • FUTURE RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
  • DROP OFF SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE GIFTS I chose 2-9 year old girls this year and had so much fun choosing gifts and stocking stuffers for them both. 😀 They each requested sheets, but what fun is something so practical for a 9 year old girl?  One requested a coat and the other shoes.  So I did get the sheets, coat and shoes, but then I color coordinated one in pink and the other in purple. For the stocking stuffers I found some cute ski hats and matching glove sets with 3 different colors of gloves, sets of 4 scrunchies, bath bombs, a Hallmark Christmas ornament, some lip gloss and a brush and compact set.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We started the series Travelers and are a e episodes in.
  • HULU – Re-watching REBA late nights to go to sleep by – hubby has to end the day on comedy.
  • CABLE -Baking Championships, Young Sheldon, Amazing Race as well as several prime time shows that are starting again this week. And of course there are MANY recorded Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movies to choose from. 😀

I’M READING

  • SHADOWS & SPELLS Bayou Magic series 1 & 2 by Kristen Proby

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I’ve been working on some ornament “hooks” that I will be permanently attaching to our favorite ornaments that will make it easier to place the ornaments on the tree by just wrapping the chain around a branch to secure it better. They are also more blingy and will hopefully reflect off the lights for some extra sparkle. This is a thought and work in progress 😀

FUNNY I don’t know about you, but I’m ALWAYS ready for the Christmas spirit!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
Y.O.Y.O. you’re on your own
CHEESY BURRITO CASSEROLE
CREAMY ARTICHOKE SOUP & MILK COFFEE BUNS
APRICOT WHISKEY WINGS & SALAD
CITRUS CHICKEN FRICASSEE & SALAD
REFRIED BEANS BOWLS with HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • SPIKED LEMONADE CHICKEN
  • PUMPKIN PINEAPPLE CRUNCH CAKE
  • updated CHICKEN CONTINENTAL
  • VINEGAR CHICKEN
  • BAKED SOUR CREAM CHICKEN

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 45 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL week and a good Halloween despite the surreal nature of it during a pandemic.  We toyed with the idea of going “dark”, but in the end treated Halloween with care, wearing masks to open the door and serving full size candy and cookies to the 17 trick or treaters we saw. One friend had the Halloween Bat hide special little candy bags in her house and the search was conducted in the dark using flashlights.  Another rented a bounce house for her kids and had candy hunt too. Our next BIG challenge as a society will be Thanksgiving.

Personally, I can’t wait for Tuesday to be over and pray we can return to some semblance of normal with a renewed faith in our fellow humans and a respect for each other that not everyone has had during this horrific campaign.  Here’s a couple funnies to help lighten the mood.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING We have a few more “nice” afternoons on the horizon and then it appears FALL/WINTER will be setting in by the end of the week with wet, rainy and even icy weather will be setting in with 15-20 degree lower temperatures.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and Peach, Pear and Apple baby food.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS
  • WORK ON THE HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We began REPRISAL and are a few episodes in – quite different and a bit dark, but then I learned it was canceled after season 1 so will probably not continue.  We need a series that will be around for awhile.  I like to see the endings. 😀 Any suggestions? We also saw Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween for a comedy on Saturday night and then HOLIDATE.  I did begin Call the Midwife on my own as hubby has no interest in that one.
  • HULU – We began Treadstone and are a few episodes in – about CIA sleeper agents, but then I learned it too was canceled after season 1 so will probably not continue.  We need a series that will be around for awhile.  I like to see the endings. 😀 Any suggestions? We’re also re-watching REBA as a late night comedy.
  • PRIME – We’re waiting on season 4 for both The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and ABESENTIA
  • CABLE – A few of my regular shows (Amazing Race, Ameican NINJA Warriors, Dancing with the Stars, This is Us, FEAR the Walking Dead,  Baking competitions – Holiday wars, Holiday Baking Championship…) have started and several more (Chicago Fire, Med and Police, L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Bull, NCIS…) n the next few weeks so there is that 😀 I’m not happy about DWTS firing Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews to be politically correct, but I do enjoy the dancing. And MORE importantly I’m taping ALL the new Hallmark and LifeTime Christmas movies 😀

I’M READING

  • I’m almost done with Marie Force’s Fatal Fraud and about to begin A Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson, an author I’ve never read, but had glowing reviews of her books so I have high hopes in liking the book.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP – Seems like a good time to reiterate this!

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
UPDATED CHICKEN CONTINENTAL
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
VINEGAR CHICKEN & SALAD
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
TERIYAKI SALMON & SALAD
HAWAIIAN PORK RIBS & COLESLAW
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES or PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • CARAMELIZED CABBAGE
  • GREEN CHILE PORK CHILI
  • PARMESAN POTATO BAKE

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 44 of 2020

GOOD MORNING It seems like it was a LONG week and that I still didn’t get everything done, but I did make great strides yesterday at getting all my little notes and projects organized.  I was even able to get several quilts cut out on Saturday night while we stayed in and watched The Might Joe Young.  I had never seen either version and Svengoolie was airing the 1949 original 😀

We also saw a couple races and several football games over the weekend while I was organizing.  We had hoped to get a walk around the pond done, but it was a bit chillier with the breeze than I wanted to tackle right now.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING We’ve had pleasant days in the low 70’s last week and virtually no wind until the weekend when the breeze kicked up quite a bit yesterday.  This week is supposed to cool off a bit more with mid 60’s are due this week with a breeze making it quite chilly, but our nights have been freezing (literally) in the mid 20’s to 30’s expected for the rest of the week 😀  The worst part is that the 60;s or 70’s are only for an hour or two a day because it takes so long for the fog to burn off and get up to temperature and then it’s time for it to start cooling back down.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food squeeze

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS
  • MISC. APPOINTMENTS (flu shot for hubby, eye dr, vent cleaning, etc…)
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • WORK ON A FEW QUILT PROJECTS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We watched season 1 of  Warrior Nun and I’m really enjoying it, can’t wait for season 2.
  • PRIME – We finished Eureka and are looking for a new Prime show to watch.
  • HULU – Finishing Doogie Howser
  • CABLE -NASCAR, This is Us, American Housewife

I’M READING

  • Fatal Fraud by Marie Force from the Fatal Series #16

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I hate to admit I didn’t take anything but food pictures this week 🙁 so I’ll leave you with this little thought 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
Y.O.Y.O.
TACO SALAD BOWLS
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
BAKED SOUR CREAM CHICKEN, ASIAGO POTATOES & SALAD
PORK GREEN CHILI & GRANDMA WARE’S CORNBREAD
LEMONADE CHICKEN & CANDIED ACORN SQUASH
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
POTATO CHIP CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • SWEET AND SOUR ROAST
  • SPINACH ARTICHOKE CHICKEN
  • CARAMELIZED CABBAGE

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 43 of 2020

GOOD MORNING my dear friends.  I’m finally getting back into routine! Or so I thought I was until the handle broke on the bathroom faucet as I was brushing my teeth yesterday.  I hadn’t planned on going to town until later in the week! So, I turned the bathroom water off under the sink and did some quick recalculations on my errands and recipe needs for the grocery list so I could get them ALL done on the same day and be able to stay home the rest of the week 😀 Fortunately, my hair appointment is local so that’s like staying home.

Despite my normal relaxed Sunday routine being interrupted, it worked and I was able to get EVERYTHING done in an even quicker amount of time than I would have during the week and even ended up with a couple bonus items (new UGG’s and weatherproof boots) because I was in the right place at the right time!

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING It’s foggy, cool and crisp in the mornings and evenings!  YAY!  Fall is truly here.  It takes all day, but we have been getting up to high 60’s by the afternoons.

I’m wanting to come up with a couple fall projects and saw these adorable and easy tin can pumpkins over at Drug Store Divas.

And I also want to try this Pumpkin Surprise Marble Cake over at Cindy’s OnLine Recipe Box.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water & peach yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • HAIR APPOINTMENT WEDNESDAY! FINALLY! IT’S BEEN 6 MONTHS!
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Started the series, The Haunting of Bly Manor
  • PRIME – still finishing Eureka
  • HULU – A few Doogie Howsers
  • CRACKLE – nothing this week
  • IMDb – nothing this week
  • CABLE – Halloween Wars, Halloween Baking Championship, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead

I’M READING

  • Christmas Kisses  – Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge book #2

and up next is:

  • South of Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I’m still cleaning up photo files, but I did capture this beautiful sunset over the pond on Saturday night.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER & BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
S.O.S.
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
HAM & BROCCOLI NOODLE CASSEROLE & SALAD
SPINACH ARTICHOKE CHICKEN & SALAD
SWEET & SOUR ROAST, CANDIED ACORN SQUASH and ASIAGO POTATOES
C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
GINGER STREUSEL PUMPKIN PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER
  • HAM & BROCCOLI NOODLE CASSEROLE
  • SPINACH ARTICHOKE CHICKEN

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY WEEK 47 OF 2020

GOOD MORNING

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX –
  • PRIME –
  • HULU –
  • CRACKLE –
  • IMDb –
  • CABLE –

I’M READING

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

 

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
U
B
C
H
P
H
C
DESSERT
C

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

HAPPY HOMEMAKER week 42 of 2020

GOOD MORNING This will be another short and sweet post.  We’re headed home in the next couple days and bot am I ready this time!!!  I want to get back into a routine and do some cooking and start to enjoy fall!

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING The weather has finally cooled off and there is even a little rain predicted, but as usual I have on Levis and a comfy casual t-shirt with POPs 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, peach yogurt and FRESH fruit

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
I Can’t wait to catch up!
  • NETFLIX – ??
  • PRIME – ??
  • HULU – ??
  • CRACKLE – ??
  • IMDb – ??
  • CABLE -??

I’M READING

  • The Color of Heaven (Book #1) by Julianne Maclean and I am really enjoying her style of writing.  She has a unique ability to drift in and out of tense while painting a very descriptive picture! She has 13 books in this series and they are all stand alone reads.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP forgive the poor grammar from this picture I found, but it does work 😀

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
??
??
??
??
??
??
??
DESSERT
 

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK