Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

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 have a long list I hope to accomplish this week so I’m just jumping right in hoping to get an early start.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE As always it is supposed to be cool, gray and rainy.  Welcome to winter in the Pacific North West 🙂

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, mixed berry yogurt and medium cheddar cheese slice

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… I’ve still got 2 loads to do.  I was going to get them done yesterday, but the power started being an issue Saturday night and I put them off for fear of a wet load sitting and waiting around not being able to get dry.
  
• YARD… not a thing except refilling the hummingbird feeders.
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… Continuing to clean the silt that is actually mud from the gutter and calling the city about it.  They did send the street sweeper last week and he made 3 passes, but he did it in such a way that he ended up delivering more mud to our end of the cul-de-sac than what he cleaned up.  I spent an hour Saturday morning cleaning up as much as I could before it began to rain...
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… I have my 9 year cancer follow-up this year on Wednesday.  I cannot tell you how surreal it is to be able to say that.  Even after all this time I still get very emotional and worry prior to these visits.
  
• BLOG… I’ll try and get pictures of the quilts taken and do an update.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I ran across 3 unfinished small quilts and picked up the fabric to finish the bindings on them this week.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We watched a cute movie called Ghost Town with Tea Leoni, Greg Kinnear and Ricky Gervais and a SYFY with Matt Damon and Jodie Foster called Elysium on Netflix.  I have a few cooking shows on the DVR to watch and have been really enjoying Anne with an E on Netflix.  I did find season 3 of Designated Survivor on Netflix also that we just started.

I’M READING Enchanting Sebastian by Ava Miles from the Merriam Series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA There is just something so pretty and serene about the pond near our neighborhood at this time of year. Here are 2 different pictures of the same pond area just a few hours apart.  I love how the fog moved out to the south and the cattle moved in to the shot.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	CREPES with LINGONBERRIES	POACHED EGGS and BACON
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	TUNA SALAD	SALAD & FRUIT	??	SUPERBOWL MUNCHIES
DINNER	MEATBALL POTATO GRATIN & SALAD	POTATO SQUASH STEW	TAGLIATELLE with ARTICHOKES and homemade PASTA	ORANGE GLAZED SALMON & SALAD	CHEESY SOUR CREAM CHICKEN  & RICE	BLACK BEAN, BEEF & POTATO ENCHILADAS with HOMEMADE REFRIED BEANS	see above 😀
DESSERT		ORANGE PRETZEL SALAD

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK A couple of these were really good. but I’ll have to make again to get better pictures.

• AMALFI POSITANO CHICKEN OR PORK
• CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CUPS
• UPSIDE DOWN HONEY APPLE CAKE
• BAKED FIRECRACKER CHICKEN
• 7UP LOOSE MEAT SANDWICHES
• CINNAMON CRUMB APPLE OATMEAL MUFFINS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• HALIBUT with HABANERO BEURRE BLANC
• BUTTERMILK CHIVE CHICKEN
• PORK SALTIMBOCCA
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• GRAN’S MEATLOAF
• POLYNESIAN CARROTS
• TOMATO BEEF STROGANOFF
• CHERRY ALMOND CREAM CHEESE DUMP CAKE
• MELTING POTATOES

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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 great week and an even better weekend.  I got a lot done on Saturday cleaning out the freezer and baking a pie for the new neighbor.  We then watched the playoffs on Sunday while I worked on some garland for next Christmas.  Yep, you read that right – next Christmas (2020).  I wanted to get it done while it was still fresh in my mind what I wanted to do and that way I can also get it packed into the boxes in a timely fashion!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Today is supposed to be pleasant and then we go back to non-stop gray and rainy for the next 10 days.  Days will hover around mid 40’s and lows will be in the 30’s at night. 

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, a banana and mixed berry yogurt

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… laundry is up to date except for the bed sheets and towels, vacuum, bathrooms…
  
• YARD… 🙂 nothing to do
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… deep clean the laundry room where we have been having ants again coming from under the baseboards.  In the winter they are trying to get out of the cold and in the summer they seem to be looking for water.  I have an essential oil spray I’m going to try on the baseboards to prevent them from even wanting in. 😀 Yesterday they were in the utensil drawer so that got emptied and everything washed.  I hate this kind of ants!  They’re not looking for food and always appear in the weirdest places.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… hubby has a dental appointment…, Taco Tuesday with friends, a long overdue pedicure on Wendesday
  
• BLOG… a couple recipe updates
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I’m hoping to get a coat of stain on the table I’ve been refinishing if the weather gets warm enough one day and I’m still hoping to get the mixed media and alcohol ink projects started.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The winter return of many series is backed up on the DVR as well as the January Hallmark movies. We binge watched the latest season on Lost in Space on Saturday and started the “new” version of Anne of Green Gales, Anne with an E.  I am enjoying the new Anne of Green Gables, but so far the 1985 version with Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst is still my favorite!

I’M READING Jana DeLeon’s The Lost Girls of Johnson’s Bayou

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I only took food and craft pictures this week!  Unfortunately, I tend to use my phone more and more for pictures 🙁 But, I did get a quick shot of the new garland I’m making for next Christmas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	QUICHE	PANCAKES
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	CHICKEN SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.N.	SALAD & FRUIT	PIZZA	SOUP
DINNER	4 INGREDIENT CHICKEN with CRISPY POTATO LATKES	CONVEYOR BELT CHICKEN and MELTING POTATOES	HOT WILTED GREENS with BACON DRESSING	C.O.R.N.	S.O.S.	MEATLOAF & MASHED POTATOES with SALAD	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		PEACH BLUEBERRY PIE				??

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BUFFALO CHICKEN CASSEROLE
• SPARKLER CHICKEN
• PAN SEARED CHICKEN IN LEMON WINE SAUCE

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

GOOD MORNING everyone.  I hope you had a wonderful week.  Mine was busy, productive and informative though I had a bunch of downtime with my knee injury while we awaited the MRI results.  Unfortunately, I did tear my meniscus, but fortunately I have a WONDERFUL primary care doctor!  We discussed it and agreed to start with cortisone shots and reevaluate where I am in 3 months before just heading to the surgeon to be cut open AGAIN.  I have had my fill of surgeries during the past decade so if I can avoid another one I will!  That said, I still have to be careful and won’t be running any marathons, but I am walking better and able to not spend all my time with ice on the knee.  By the end of the day I do crave the ice, but at least it’s not morning, noon and night now!

LOL 😀 She did tell me I have to come up with a better story for how I did it!  She suggested something like saving a puppy from getting hurt in traffic instead of  I tore it crushing a box for recycling! 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING It’s been super wet here!  It’s cold too and we’re on winter weather watch. It’s the bone chilling kind of cold.  It’s supposed to be rainy and snowy here this week with lows in the low 30’s and highs in the low 40’s.  I actually hope to see some snow, just not the kind like last year that left us in the cold and dark for 4 days.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Mixed Berry Yogurt & Hot Water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN…Did a deep clean last week after putting away the Christmas decorations as well as ALL the bedding and laundry so I’m really caught up.
  
• YARD…It rained all last week and is supposed to rain and snow all this week, so nope, nothing I’m going to worry about 😀
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… Cleaning the silt from the gutter in the street.  We’re in a cul-de-sac with poor drainage and everything ends up in front of the driveway when it rains due to poor drain placement when the tract was originally built.  The normal pain in the butt issue was made worse this past Tuesday by a water main break in front of a neighbor’s house up the street.  It’s obvious the city isn’t going to clean it up, so we will have to.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… hubby has a doctor appointment, Taco Tuesday with Janie, refinishing drop leaf table, still going through VA paperwork…
  
• BLOG… I’m hoping to get caught up on some trip posts from 2019.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… still hoping to get the mixed median and alcohol ink projects started.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The winter return of many series is backed up on the DVR as well as the January Hallmark movies and there were a couple new Netflix series we want to try, but nothing definitive yet.

I’M READING Jana DeLeon’s The Lost Girls of Johnson’s Bayou

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Hubby got the table completely disassembled and all sanded down.  Now it’s time to start the refinishing.  The bottom picture is the sanded color and the first coat of the new English Chestnut stain.  I’ll get it steel wooled this week and get the 2nd coat of stain on if the weather cooperates.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	EGGS IN HASH BROWN NESTS with small HAM STEAKS	LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES & BACON
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	TUNA SALAD	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	BEEF STROGANOFF & SALAD	CHICKEN & CORN STEW with MILK COFFEE BUNS	BURGERS, FRIES & BRIGHT CABBAGE SLAW	C.O.R.N.	CONVEYOR BELT CHICKEN & SALAD	4 INGREDIENT CHICKEN & SALAD	SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE
DESSERT		CINNAMON CRUMB APPLE OATMEAL MUFFINS				CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CANDY

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• GOLDEN GATE BARS
• CARROTS & APPLES
• RED VELVET ALMOND CAKE
• HONEY BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS
• BACON WRAPPED TENDERLOIN TIPS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BLUEBERRY BANANA MAPLE MUFFINS
• TOMATO DUMPLINGS
• FRENCH ONION MEATBALLS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• GOCHUJANG CARAMEL CHICKEN
• CHICKEN /PORK POSITANO
• RED WINE VINAIGRETTE
• CHICKEN & CORN STEW

INSPIRATIONAL & A FUNNY

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING TIP

I tend to clean my shower while I’m in it.  I figure I’m already getting all wet so I can do a better job from top to bottom by doing it from the inside!  That said I absolutely hate trying to clean the sliding glass door tract!  Seems like it’s impossible to get completely clean.  A number of years ago I started using a baby bottle brush to get under the doors along the caulking and rubber strip.  The first time I did it I was AMAZED by what I was able to clean out of what looked like a relatively clean area! 

I was in need of a new brush so went to Wally World to get a new set.  There was a young mother with 2 VERY young children, maybe 6 months and 2 years old shopping on the same aisle.  She looked quite tired.  She asked me if the set I was buying was a good set and I kind of laughed and said absolutely, but let me tell you what I really use it for.  She almost started crying!  She told me how she was just trying to figure out the same problem and was beside herself trying to keep up with the cleaning and 2 young children.  She thanked me for making her day a bit easier.  Even if I did nothing more than give her an outlet to vent, I’m happy to have helped. 😀

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

GOOD MORNING friends.  It’s the first FULL week of the new year!  I can’t believe the holidays are over and we’re starting a brand new year.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me in getting this week underway.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING I know we generally put up the week here, but I’m putting up 2 because it’s kind of a deja vu forecast to last year just prior to #Snowmageddon2019 and our horrific power outage with the snow starting to creep in.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and sliced apple

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… This is the week of the deep clean after de-constructing Christmas decorations.  They are so beautiful while up, but seem to make such a mess when you put them away!
  
• YARD… nothing – it’s supposed to rain EVERY day this week!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… MRI later today to determine the extent of the Meniscus tear and tendon damage to evaluate the next step in fixing my knee.  Looking for paperwork to answer VA denial – AGAIN!  Pedicure, errands…
  
• BLOG… a few recipe updates, a few trip updates from 2019…
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… nothing this week, but hoping to begin the mixed media project and/or alcohol ink project next week.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED Winter shows are just starting back up, but I’m trying to finish up Hallmark Christmas movies; Christmas in Rome, Christmas in Montana, Our Christmas Love Song, Winter in Vail, Love on the Slopes, One Winter Proposal…  We’ve also been watching Svengoolie old black and white SYFY movies for a few laughs.

I’M READING Fatal Accusation by Marie Force #15 in her Fatal Series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We took a little road trip to see a few covered bridges we hadn’t seen before.  This is the #Office covered bridge near Oakridge. They had it nicely decorated for Christmas.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT and COFFEE	YOGURT and COFFEE	YOGURT and COFFEE	YOGURT and COFFEE	YOGURT and COFFEE	QUICHE LORRAINE	EGGS IN HASH BROWN NESTS with COUNTRY HAM
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	SOUP & SANDWICHES	C.O.R.N.	SALAD & FRUIT	PASTRAMI SANDWICHES	APPETIZER PLATES for the RACE
DINNER	CHICKEN POSITANO & SALAD	S.O.S.	WILTED GREENS & DARK BREAD	C.O.R.N.	SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE & SALAD with RED WINE VINAIGRETTE	HONEY BUTTER GARLIC PORK LOIN & SALAD	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		RUM RAISIN NOODLE BAKE				SNICKER DOODLES

SUCCESSFUL LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• TROPICAL SLOW COOKER CHICKEN
• GRANNY’S CHICKEN
• TOMATO BARLEY SAUSAGE SOUP
• HOLIDAY SCALLOPED POTATOES
• CREAMY GARLIC BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• KING CAKE
• IRISH POTATO NACHOS
• CHUNKY MONKEYS
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• CARROTS & APPLES
• GOLDEN GATE BARS
• BACON WRAPPED TENDERLOIN TIPS
• RED VELVET ALMOND CAKE
• HONEY BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS

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

GOOD MORNING I know it’s still 2019, but more of this week falls into 2020 than 2019 so instead of calling it week 53 of 2019 I’m just jumping right into 2020!  I have plans for updating how I do A LOT of things in 2020, some simple, some not so simple, but hopefully ALL for the better.  One of the simpler things is changing my color format up just a bit here on the blog, subtly.  The other is working on updating old tried and true recipes with NEW UPDATED pictures and streamlined instructions while another is to work on trying recipes from one (or two) cookbook(s) at a time instead of jumping ALL over the place. 😀 As for the everyday life plans I’ve learned to plan week by week so as not to be disappointed.

What are some of your plans for 2020?

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s pretty much supposed to be gray and in the 40’s all week long!  What rain is in the forecast is under 50% chance so I figure we’re just looking at gray and fog 😀 Pretty normal for January.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE peach yogurt and hot water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… totally up to date to end 2019 on, but know there will be tons to clean after de-decorating next weekend.
  
• YARD… Santa balloon blow up is already down, but the lights and wreath will come down next weekend.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… charity donations drop off, VA paperwork, filing and an annual doctor follow up Tuesday afternoon to end the year for medications and surgery evaluation for torn tendon. 
  
• BLOG… fairly up to date (for this week anyway 🙂 …
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… A mixed media project, some alcohol ink painting and I’m starting a pen pal for 2020 that I’m looking forward to.
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED  Since all of our normal shows are on winter hiatus, we went searching for something to watch and found a quaint show, Virgin River, on Netflix that we’ve been 3 episode binge watching and I’ve really enjoyed.  There was also a cute movie, Falling Inn Love, that we also enjoyed. Then we watched some OLD “B” sci-fi vampire and monster movies for a laugh!

I’M READING Marie Force’s FATAL ACCUSATION Book #14

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA This time last year… this year is FOGGY and not quite as cold.

INSPIRATION

I know it’s post Christmas, but I couldn’t resist this FUNNY! I guess I found it especially funny because I actually received several new sweaters for Christmas!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP I know many of you will be making beans for New Years, so here’s an extra helpful tip! And here’s my recipe for Black Eyed Pea Chili that we make every New Years and uses canned beans to avoid the soaking altogether. 😀

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	BREAKFAST BOMBS	??	??	EGG & HASH BROWN NESTS with HAM	LEMON PANCAKES with BLUEBERRIES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	C.O.R.N.	OUT	OUT	??	SANDWICHES
DINNER	SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE	ALOHA RIBS & SALAD	BLACK EYED PEA CHILI & ANTIQUE CORN BREAD	7 UP SLOPPY BURGERS & PASTA SALAD	OUT	OUT	WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA
APPETIZERS DESSERT		KRAB COCKTAIL & WHEAT THINS	UPSIDE DOWN APPLE HONEY CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CIDER BRINED BAKED HAM
• WHITE CHICKEN RAGU
• CIDER GLAZED CHRISTMAS CAKES
• CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES
• POMEGRANATE CHESS TART

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK Still on break 😀

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• TROPICAL SLOW COOKER CHICKEN
• GRANNY’S CHICKEN
• TOMATO BARLEY SAUSAGE SOUP
• HOLIDAY SCALLOPED POTATOES
• CREAMY GARLIC BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS (OR CARROTS)

GOOD MORNING We’re officially in the Christmas week!  So, Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you are as close to be done with shopping, wrapping and food prep as you want to be.  We’re also only a week away from New Year’s 2020.  I remember thinking how weird it was going to be changing to a “new” century and now I find it even MORE mind bobbling to think about it even being 2020!!!!!!!   I’ve been under the weather for several days, but still have things to do before places close up shop for the holiday and LOTS of food prep to do also so I’m jumping right in with Happy Homemaker.  Be sure to join us and link up over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING The weather has been REALLY weird lately and changes daily despite the predictions! I’ve truly just been taking it one day at a time.  Theoretically it’s going to rain all week with highs in the mid 40’s and lows in the low 30’s.  Today’s a baking day and a couple errands so I’m dressing for comfort – Levis, favorite teal hoodie and UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE hot water and cherry yogurt

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… just a couple loads of laundry, floors to vacuum (though I know they’ll need it again on Thursday), kitchen to clean, though I’ll be making the neighbor Christmas plates today so it will need a good deep clean later today or tomorrow morning. At least I’m doing dinner in the slow cooker so that will help.
  
• YARD… refill hummingbird feeders – we have a breed that lives here year round called the Anna – they sing too.  I’m not sure how they exist in the cold here, but they do so I keep the feeders full.  I have to bring them in at night a good deal of the time so they don’t freeze.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… nothing this week except the butcher today for the Christmas Eve steaks and mail my mom’s mail to her.
  
• BLOG… working on a few recipe updates and future postings.  I’ve also revived my “recipe” blog, SAVORY KITCHEN TABLE specifically for a recipe file. I like that it is ONLY recipes these days and doesn’t get bogged down with crafts or house remodel updates!  I moved to this wordpress format here at Chasing MY Life almost 3 years ago and it works great, but I honestly miss the simplicity of the blogger format I use at SAVORY KITCHEN TABLE.  I had been involved in several other blogs and while I miss my original that I lost to a google issue with their domain company, I’m happy to be doing things much simpler overall.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I hope to start on a couple mixed media projects after the first of the year and finish the garland for next Christmas.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

We finished Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories and the new season of Mrs. Maisel. We’re caught up on the fall finales.  But, I still have quite a few Hallmark Christmas movies to watch this week as well as a ton of cooking shows.

Some of the “regular” shows we’re watching for this year are:

• CRIME, SYFY, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS Series (Original, LA, NOLA), All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team, Supernatural
  
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me, Almost Family

I’M READING I finished Kissing Jenna Book #2 of Kristen Proby’s BIG SKY series and have moved on to Book #3 Waiting for Willa

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We had a short break in the rain one day last week and took that opportunity to take all of the stale snacks, chips and crackers over to the peacocks. They will eat ANYTHING and according to hubby’s research it’s okay that they’ll eat anything 😀  They especially loved the peanut butter balls and nuts.

There were just a couple straggly looking peacocks when we first got there, but dozens more literally came running out of the trees and bushes to join in.

There were a bunch of wild turkeys lurking in the background.  They seemed like they wanted in on the buffet, but the peacocks kept running them off which kind of surprised me.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – TROPICAL DUMP CHICKEN with CARROTS & APPLE COMPOTE
TUESDAY – GRILLED STEAKS, BAKED POTATOES & WILTED GREENS SALAD
WEDNESDAY – BAKED HAM, SCALLOPED POTATOES, HONEY GLAZED CARROTS & POMEGRANATE CHESS TART
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – EGGS IN HASH BROWN NESTS with HAM STEAKS
SATURDAY – LEMON PANCAKES with PEPPERED BACON
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N. – probably HAM SANDWICHES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SHREDDED EGG SALAD
• BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN for 2
• BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
• SALTY CARAMEL MILK CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
• FRENCH ONION POTATO SOUP
• SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & STUFFING

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK A few of my favorite party links are taking a holiday break so I’m also taking a break until the second week of 2020 from participating in any groups or parties 😀

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• CREAMY GARLIC BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS
• WHITE CHICKEN RAGU with FETTUCCINE
• CIDER BAKED HAM
• CIDER DRIZZLED CHRISTMAS CAKES

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

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  Can you believe that Christmas is only 9 days away? Or that 2020 is only 2 weeks away?  Personally, I find it mind boggling! I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season and having the time to truly enjoy it as you go. I’ve been feeling a bit puny so spent most of yesterday down and out 🙁

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It is supposed to be a really wet week here and cold too.  It’s been a bone chilling type of wet/cold.  Don’t let those highs fool you, so far this past week we’ve been 4-5 degrees lower each day from what they predicted. 🙁 and with no sun it feels like even more of a difference!  Thursday in particular I will be staying in. It’s 30 degrees right now and I’m planning on Levis with a gray fleece hoodie and UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Peach yogurt and a banana

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry  is caught up, vacuuming is done, bathrooms are clean, fridge is cleaned…
  
• YARD… we finished the decorating yesterday in the frigid cold.  I literally had to keep stopping and go in to get warm so it took ALL day!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… We have a couple doctor appointments Tuesday and Wednesday, but are ALL done with shopping, even the grocery shopping will be done in a couple hours so I get to avoid the stores until 2020.  We’ll be going to the Festival of Lights tonight.
  
• BLOG… I have a couple BLOGMAS posts to get done and there are a few recipes to write up for next week.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS…  I’m hoping to get some mixed media projects done later this week.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

We are still only about halfway through Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories.  We’re also about halfway through the new season of Mrs. Maisel. We’re caught up on the fall finales.  But, I have quite a few Hallmark Christmas movies to watch this week.

Some of the shows we’re watching for this year are:

• CRIME, SYFY, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team, Supernatural
  
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me, Almost Family
  

I’M READING I’m almost done with Kissing Jenna Book #2 of Kristen Proby’s BIG SKY series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – FETTUCINE with CHICKEN RAGU & SALAD
TUESDAY – BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN & SALAD
WEDNESDAY – HOLIDAY EVE CHICKEN & SALAD
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – TROPICAL DUMP CHICKEN & SALAD
SATURDAY – GRANNY’S CHICKEN
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SHORT RIBS ala INSTA POT with CREAMY POLENTA
• COCKTAIL CRAB DIP
• BBQ HOISIN BRISKET ala SLOW COOKER
• CHOCOLATE PRETZEL PB SQUARES
• MUSHROOM CREAM CHICKEN
• ROASTED APPLE PIE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• • BALSAMIC MUSHROOM CHICKEN
  • OVEN BBQ CHICKEN
  • EGG NOG CUPCAKES with RUM CARAMEL
    

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• FETTUCINE with CHICKEN RAGU
• BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
• FRENCH ONION POTATO SOUP
• CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN BRUSSELS SPROUTS
• BRAISED BALSAMIC CHICKEN
  
• HOLIDAY EVE CHICKEN
  
• TROPICAL DUMP CHICKEN
  
• GRANNY’S CHICKEN

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

GOOD MORNING ladies!  I’m getting an early start this morning so I’m just going to jump in here.  I hope you had a fantastic week and are having an enjoyable journey to the holidays! We’re just 16 days away from Christmas.

I spent the past couple days decorating and sorting though Christmas decorations.  I did the whole FENG SHUI things and held each item before deciding whether to donate, hang it on the tree or pack it away for next year.  I am seriously downsizing on “things”.  I dropped off 3 bags at Goodwill yesterday before I had a chance to change my mind.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING We’re starting the week off ALMOST dry, but that will go away quickly and the temperatures will be dropping a bit too.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Black Cherry Yogurt and a banana with hot water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… today is laundry and errand day which includes some groceries
  
• YARD… decorate for Christmas sometime this week
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… going to Shore Acres (a light display) and I will do a post with pictures later this week.
  
• BLOG… BLOGMAS, recipe updates, holiday related posts
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… still trying to decide on faces for the bowling pin snowmen so I can finish them and post a picture soon
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

We are still only about halfway through Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories.  We’re hoping to get the new season of Mrs. Maisel started this week.

The DVR is finally getting cleaned out with ALL the fall finales taking place.  Some of the shows we’re watching for this year are:

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me

I’M READING Kissing Jenna Book #2 of Kristen Proby’s BIG SKY series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Saturday was raining ALL day EXCEPT for about 3 hours mid morning so we took a bunch of stale food over to feed the peacocks.  They rewarded me with some awesome photo ops. 😀

I ALWAYS forget how much work decorating for the holidays.  I ALWAYS remember why it’s worth the trouble after we’re done. 😀

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – BBQ HOISIN BRISKET, BAKED POTATO & SALAD
TUESDAY – OUT
WEDNESDAY – OUT
THURSDAY – CHICKEN CORDON BLUE DELUXE, FRIED POTATOES & SALAD
FRIDAY – TUNA MELTS & TOMATO SOUP
SATURDAY – SEAFOOD SALAD & PARMESAN ROLLS
SUNDAY – TOMATO SAUSAGE BARLEY SOUP & CORNMEAL ROLLS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• GINGER ORANGE GLAZED CHICKEN
• TEX MEX CHICKEN STEW
• MONKEY MUFFINS
• BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS
• BOURBON EGG NOG COOKIES

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• SALISBURY STEAK MEATBALLS
• CARAMEL GINGERSNAPS
• MOONSHINE FRUITCAKE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• BBQ HOISIN BRISKET
• ROASTED APPLE PIE
• MUSHROOM CREAM CHICKEN
• CHOCOLATE PRETZEL PB SQUARES

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

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving full of your favorite 3 F’s – Family, Friends and food!   We had to cancel our Thanksgiving trek on Tuesday when we encountered the BIG west coast Bombogenesis storm not very long after leaving home for California.  We were going to be stopped going over the pass anyway, so we read the writing on the virtual wall and turned ourselves around and came home.  We are so glad we made that decision!  We did stop on the way home at a favorite Tavern that a friend was working at and had lunch with her.

I’m a BIG believer in things happening for a reason and I just know this was God’s way of preventing Thanksgiving from turning into WWIII among hubby and his sister over their parent’s Celebration of Life that she had scheduled to coincide with Thanksgiving Day without even consulting her other 4 siblings, but was convenient for her.  I still pray for a resolution that doesn’t divide the family any further than it already has. 

We spent Thanksgiving with friends, the same friends we had to cancel on when hubby’s sister first announced the Celebration of Life for Thanksgiving and had a great day full of some fun, our favorite people, great food and a little football too.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It has been one COLD week up to now.  This week is a bit warmer and will be turning rainy by week’s end.  The historic west coast storm of Thanksgiving week changed our plans around BIG time so I am just taking everything one day at a time and not getting disappointed when things change.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE After an unconventional food weekend with the munchkins I’m feeling it and having a baby food and hot water morning.

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… laundry is done and house is pretty tidy
  
• YARD… hummingbird article that will post later
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… finish Christmas card insides and get them mailed this week, a couple of medical appointments, gift wrapping, helping mom get ready for her trip to the desert
  
• BLOG… BLOGMAS, recipes…, get caught up on my weekly link-ups that I fell behind on over the Thanksgiving week.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I need to finish the bowling pin snowmen, decorate for Christmas.  We are using our artificial tree this year, but did support our local (AND FAVORITE) tree farm on Saturday by finding a nice wreath for the front door.
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

BLOGAMAS began yesterday 😀 I hope you’ll have some fun and join in as you can.  Just remember BLOGMAS for me is a NO pressure event JUST for fun! 😀

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

We are still only about halfway through Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories.  We did watch Klaus and Christmas Chronicles with the munchkins on Saturday.  We had watched Christmas Chronicles last year with them when it first aired – so I guess that’s our new tradition.  We also saw the Knight before Christmas which was a cute movie.

The DVR is finally getting cleaned out with ALL the fall finales taking place.  Some of the shows we’re watching for this year are (though a couple are quickly becoming non-essential and a few others are in their final seasons):

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – Dancing with the Stars

I’M READING I’m about to finish Charming Hannah by Kristen Proby, book #1  from her BIG Sky series but am almost finished and loaded a few fun Christmas stories for the rest of the year.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I had the munchkins for the day on Saturday so their folks could go to the Oregon “Civil War” (Ducks and Beavers – ducks won) game with friends.  We had a “PACKED” day of fun; baking, games, , movies (Klaus and Christmas Chronicles) horsing around… but one of my favorite moments was getting to take them to see the Oakland Christmas Tree.  I was super surprised to learn they had never seen it before!  The tree is set up every year literally in the middle of the intersection in a neighboring small town.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – Chili Hominy Bake and Salad
TUESDAY – Tomato Barley Sausage Soup with Cornmeal Pan Rolls
WEDNESDAY – Chicken Positano & Salad
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – Lemon Chicken Paillard & Salad
SATURDAY – Homestyle S.O.S. & Salad
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
• Sweet & Sour Cucumbers & Onions – American & Japanese Versions
• Garlic & Herb Pork Chops
• Pickled Beets

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PEPPER PASTA SALAD
• MALASADAS – POTUGUESE DONUTS
• COCOA FUDGE CAKE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• Bourbon EggNog Cookies
• Monkey Muffins
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Tex Mex Chicken Stew
• Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken

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

GOOD MORNING How was your week my friends?  Mine was busy getting ready and packing stuff to take on our Thanksgiving trip, but be a bit ready for the Christmas season as soon as we return too.  I got my Christmas cards addressed, family reunion flyers addressed, oil changed, tires rotated, laundry done and we even got in some play time at the Sip & Stroll in a neighboring town and picking up the parts to refinish a 19th century mahogany drop leaf table with barley twist legs that we had picked up at a junk store – they had no idea what they had!  It is well worn, but ALL original right down to the bumper stops and in EXCELLENT condition for a table well over 100 years old.  I’ve been wanting one like this for a LONG time.  These are the before pictures.  Imagine what a beauty it will be AFTER refinishing.  It will only take a few hours of work, $30-$40 in materials and it will be a beauty!  We picked it up for $45 and it is worth over $2000 refinished NOT that we’d sell it. 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s supposed to get up to 45° today, but I have my doubts unless the sun breaks through at some time which is NOT predicted.  It’s 33°, gray and a foggy rain right now, a little cool but otherwise normal for this time of year.  The snow prediction is definitely early for us here.  I have Levis, a long sleeve t-shirt and one of my comfiest flannels with UGGs ready for today.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Mixed Berry Yogurt & Hot water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… laundry is done, bags are packed, house is tidy
  
• YARD… not a darn thing
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… it’s Thanksgiving, so nothing but what we want
  
• BLOG… Getting ahead on BLOGMAS, caught up on BLOGEMBER, upcoming recipes
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… bowling pin snowmen
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY Praying that things go well family wise between hubby and his LIL sister regarding their parents end of life celebration.

I made a date with a friend for the upcoming Craft fair and lunch afterwards.  We’re going to have so much fun!

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We about halfway through Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories. 

The DVR is finally getting cleaned out with the fall finales taking place.  Some of the shows we’re watching for this year are (though a couple are quickly becoming non-essential and a few others are in their final seasons):

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – Dancing with the Stars

I’M READING I’m still reading Charming Hannah by Kristen Proby, book #1  from her BIG Sky series but am almost finished and loaded a few fun Christmas stories for the rest of the year.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Last week we had to get the oil changed and the tires rotated for our Thanksgiving week trip.  The oil change went fine, but the tire rotation was backed up for hours so Chris (the shop owner) asked if we’d come back EARLY the next morning as they were opening and he’d get us right in.  We reluctantly agreed (I was looking forward to sleeping in on Friday, but oh well).  But, boy am I glad we didn’t sleep in.  The tire rotation, Wally World and breakfast at a favorite grill were all accomplished by 9AM.  The favorite grill is farther out in the country though and I was rewarded with these fun pictures of the sun TRYING to shine through the fog in the field across from the frosted over collapsed horse stables, a side effect of Snowmaggedon 2019.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

Always the perfect time for an oldie but goodie!  “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly”

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – TEX MEX CHICKEN STEW
TUESDAY – ORANGE GINGER GLAZED CHICKEN with BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS
WEDNESDAY – GARLIC HERB PORK CHOPS WITH SALAD
THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING with SIL and family
FRIDAY – CHICKEN IN MUSHROOM SAUCE
SATURDAY – LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD with SALAD
SUNDAY – FRENCH ONION PORK TENDERLOIN with CREAMED CARROTS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BANANA BLUEBERRY MAPLE MUFFINS
• GRILLED CHICKEN RAMEN with PEANUT SAUCE
• BACON MAC & CHEESE
• GRANS CORN PUDDING

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• TEXAS BBQ BEANS
• BLUEBERRY BANANA MAPLE MUFFINS
• PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH APPLE PIE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• GARLIC & HERB PORK CHOPS
• BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
• LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD
• TEX MEX CHICKEN STEW
• STRAWBERRY PRETZEL DESSERT

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

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  How was your week?  I had appointments of one kind or another every day last week making it feel really broken up and discombobulated.  I’m hoping to get more done this week AND have a little fun too as I don’t have anywhere to be for the most part.  I need to get clothes ready for the Thanksgiving week trip. 

Today is a good friends birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER – and I baked muffins to go with her birthday present.  I’ll be running all of this by her house later this afternoon and posting the recipe later this week.  I can even eat these muffins since there is NO granulated sugar actually in them, but they taste great!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s starting out a bit gray and we’re supposed to have a decent amount of rain as the day goes on as well as a little tomorrow as the temperature will take a 10 degree dip this week from start to finish.  I have some Levi’s, a comfy sweatshirt and some pillow socks to wear when I get dressed.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food (Apple Carrot Pineapple) 😀

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry is caught up as of this morning 😀 Need a little tidying elsewhere
  
• YARD… nothing to be done right now
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… looks like a pretty good week or two until after Thanksgiving
  
• BLOG… I’m still trying to get caught up on BLOGEMBER as well as prepare for BLOGMAS and a few new recipes to post
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I FINALLY finished the Christmas Card Tower with hubby’s help, but it was A LOT of work!  I was going to make several as gifts, but unless we come up with a new design this will be a one time project.  The good thing is that it will somewhat disassemble each year by just undoing 12 screws so it will pack away flat each year.  Getting the idea out of my brain into real life only took 12 big screws, 4 medium screws, 88 tiny brass screws, 1 lazy susan so it revolves, 1 decorative mat, 1 butcher block round, 6 1×1’s cut into 2 different sizes, 8 molding pieces cut into 48 equal sized pieces, 1 painter’s tarp, a couple of 60 degree days, 3 cans of spray paint, decorative ribbon, a lot of patience and hubby’s help. :D.  BUT, it will last forever. BTW, are you ready for Christmas?

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

The DVR is still a bit backed up and we need to get caught up on quite a few shows and movies. Some of the shows for this year are (though a couple are quickly becoming non-essential and a few others are in their final seasons):

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, Stumptown, The Rookie, Madam Secretary, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars

I’M READING Charming Hannah by Kristen Proby, book #1  from her BIG Sky series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA My Christmas cacti are REALLY happy 😀

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK The plans for last week became totally topsy turvy so we’ll try for a better week this week with staying on schedule. 😀

MONDAY – WINTER PORK ROAST
TUESDAY – BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF & BACON MAC & CHEESE
WEDNESDAY – C.O.R.N.
THURSDAY – GRILLED CHICKEN with RAMEN & PEANUT SAUCE
FRIDAY – LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD
SATURDAY – CREAMY GARLIC & HERB PORK CHOPS
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CORN FLAKE WREATHS
• GARLIC LIME SLOW COOKER CHICKEN
• TOMATO CHEDDAR DUMPLINGS
• HONEYMOON SALAD
• CLASSIC CLAM CHOWDER

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PORK SALTIMBOCCA
• STUFFED BALSAMIC CHICKEN
• CHICKEN IN LEMON WINE SAUCE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• GRAN’S CORN PUDDING
• BLUEBERRY BANANA MAPLE MUFFINS
  
• GRILLED CHICKEN with RAMEN & PEANUT SAUCE
• LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD
• CREAMY GARLIC & HERB PORK CHOPS

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

GOOD MORNING everyone.  Happy Monday!  I can’t believe how quickly time seems to fly at this time of year!  I hope you had a blessed and productive week full of family time and fun.  I got quite a bit accomplished and saw some great football (The Chiefs and Titans game was one of the best I’ve seen all season) and NASCAR too. 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING

I follow 2 different weather pages and rarely do they agree so I usually figure it will just be somewhere in between 😀  Every now and then they come within a couple degrees of agreeing.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE We’re back to food not being a not so friendly.  So, hot water and baby food it is for breakfast.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS FYI Christmas is only 44 days away!  Are you ready? 😀

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… pretty neat, just a little tidying to do
  
• YARD… not a single thing!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… Hubby and I both have several this week 😀 that will make a TO DO list difficult as they are in the middle of the days
  
• BLOG… My goal is to get caught up on BLOGEMBER that I’ve fallen behind on, work on some BLOGMAS posts that can be done ahead of time and finish a couple recipes that I’ve been updating… 
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… Hoping to get to the Bowling Pin snowmen, but they will probably wait until after Thanksgiving because I started a Christmas Card Tower that I need to get painted before the weather gets too cold
  

ON MY MIND I’m worried about hubby and his upcoming interaction with his youngest sister over Thanksgiving.  I know he intends to keep it civil, but she is so far over the line about her dealings with their parents passing, settling affairs and the celebration of Life that I’m afraid it will come to a major fight and legal action to straighten it out so it’s fair for all 5 kids.  Unfortunately, no one wants to stand up to her and will just allow her to “screw” them all to avoid the unpleasantness 🙁  We could use prayers that things go smoothly.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The DVR is getting a bit backed up and we need to get caught up on quite a few shows and movies. Some of the favorite shows this year are:

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL Shows – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, Stumptown, The Rookie, Madam Secretary, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars

We rented a couple Red Box movies over the weekend that were pretty good:

• Hobbs & Shaw with Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham – far fetched and funny 😀
• The Kitchen – about the Irish Mob with Melissa McCarthy
• The Art of Racing in the Rain – a really sweet film with Milo Ventimiglia
  

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – CLAM CHOWDER & SALAD with BLEU CHEESE YOGURT DRESSING
TUESDAY – PORK CHOPS & SCALLOPED POTATOES with SALAD
WEDNESDAY – C.O.R.N.
THURSDAY – CHICKEN FRANCAISE & CORN PUDDING
FRIDAY – CREAMY ROASTED RED PEPPER CHICKEN SOUP & PULL APART ROLLS
SATURDAY – GARLIC LIME CHICKEN, GLAZED CARROTS & SALAD
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• GRILLED GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN
• CHICKEN CORN ENCHILADAS
• DOUBLE APPLE BUNDT CAKE
  

RECIPES WITH LINKS FROM LAST WEEK OR TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• CREAMY ROASTED RED PEPPER CHICKEN SOUP
• CLASSIC CLAM CHOWDER
• GOLDEN PILLOW ROLLS
• PICKLED BEETS
• CHICKEN & GREEN CHILE COBBLER
• ORANGE TERIYAKI CHICKEN