Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I just realized I haven’t posted anything since last week.  Last week was NOT what we planned, but I can fortunately say things are getting back to normal.

My aunt has been recovering from a really bad fall that shattered her knee, the surgery to repair that and then the infection that sent her back to surgery on Easter.  We received a call Thursday that she’d had a stroke… the rest of the week was a blur after that.  She was in “Skilled Nursing” (that place was a joke) at the time and rushed back to the hospital. She also had respiratory distress/pneumonia and a CDiff infection so she was placed in an ICU quarantine after the ER.  Happily I can report that as of today everything is looking up.  The stroke was minor and the quarantine has been lifted, she’s breathing better and they are even going to begin physical therapy again today.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
STORMY & WET!!!!!!  Glad I planned on staying in today.  We are getting slammed with the latest storm with standing water everywhere!  The city is locking down for the day.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Spare Bedroom Floor.
  • Atrium Floor.
  • Second coat of paint spare bathroom. 
  • Second coat spare bathroom vanity.
  • Spare Bathroom Floor.
  • Set toilet spare bathroom.
  • Finish Kitchen Floor.
  • Paint Living Room.
  • Kitchen Organization.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Nothing this week.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Not much going on this week.  I have been working on some sketches for a few new ideas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
SHIRRED EGGS & BACON
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CHIPOTLE LIME CHICKEN
C.O.R.N.
TARRAGON GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & ASPARAGUS with NEW POTATOES
SLOW ROASTED HONEY GLAZED PORK, NEW POTATOES & BRUSSELS SPROUTS
GRILLED SALMON & SALAD
DESSERT







HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I read recently that the most effective way to clean fresh produce is apple cider vinegar.  I took 2 apples and washed one the “normal” way and it looked and felt clean enough.  I took a second apple and washed it with the vinegar before washing the “normal” way and you wouldn’t believe what washed off the second apple! I filled a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and conducted my own test.

ON MY MIND/PRAYERS
Prayers that my aunt’s recovery continues to make great forward progress.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

Our week did NOT go as planned, but ended up being just as productive as if it had, so ALL is good. LOL I spent most of yesterday sorting through ALL of our holiday decorations (including those things from both grandmothers) trying to reduce and decide on whether we keep it, donate it, toss it or if there is enough sentimental value to call family members to see if they want it. I can’t believe how much time this takes.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weather the past few days has been GORGEOUS! But all good things come to an end and today looks like it’s going to be one of those days, oops I mean weeks. It’s going to be warm, humid and stormy most of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • I will be spending most of today finishing the sort through Christmas ornaments and doing some much needed paperwork.
  • Tuesday we will be painting the spare bedroom and bathroom as well as installing the vanity in the spare bathroom.
  • Wednesday we will be ordering the new washer and dryer as well as picking up the sink for the spare bathroom.
  • Thursday-Saturday we have decided we need to have a few days to finish ALL the little bits and pieces.  There are several areas where we have had to wait for parts to arrive so moved on to something else and now it’s time to double back, etc…  If this goes smoothly on Thursday and Friday we hope to put the final coat of paint on the master bath Saturday.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not looking forward to much this week.  We have been catching up on a few movies and seen some recently that were pretty good or at least thought provoking:

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Not much going on this week.  I have been working on some sketches for a few new ideas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK with their recipe links
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
FRIED SPAM AND EGGS (HUBBY’S REQUEST)
PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
7UP STEAK & BAKED POTATOES
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a busy but productive week and then a relaxing weekend so I’m fresh and ready to go this week with high hopes of a lot more progress.  We even decided to take Tuesday off and go play – so much easier to do mid week when everyone else is at work!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s absolutely gorgeous this week and I’m hoping it lasts for several more weeks after this!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Start putting up the tin kitchen ceiling.
  • Remove the LAST bit of old carpeting from the spare bedroom.
  • Paint the spare bedroom.
  • Hang ceiling fan in studio.
  • Finish vinyl flooring if they have gotten it back in stock.
  • Plant Lantanas.
  • Take a day off and go play at the beach!

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
I enjoyed the Country Music Awards last night, but have just not been too interested in most TV these days.

HOUSE PROJECTS
I HAVE BEEN AVOIDING DOING THE SHOWER IN THE MASTER BATHROOM FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW.  1) THE REFINISHING KIT IS AN EPOXY AND I HATE EPOXY ANYTHING. 2) I KNEW IT WOULD BE MESSY!  I cannot tell you how glad I am that this job is over.  It looks amazing, but what I did NOT know is that I would be down for 2 days after finishing it.  This epoxy paint is horrible.  Despite the exhaust fan, a room fan and the windows and doors open I was definitely feeling the effects of the fumes – ended up dizzy, with a sore throat and headache.  My recommendation if you need this done is to hire a professional.  Some jobs are not worth saving money on.

BEFORE
AFTER

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Still hoping to get to a few things soon, but nothing seems to have gone my way in that department recently.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
PEANUT BUTTER BURGERS
C.O.R.N.
GLAZED STUFFED PORK CHOPS
CHICKEN & NOODLES
ORANGE CHICKEN & CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is a favorite photo for a weird reason. This is what fell out of gram’s washing machine as we rolled it out the back door.  It also means we are committed to purchasing the new ones this week or visiting the laundromat LOL. (The washer dryer set I want is on sale through Tuesday, but I have no idea when it can be delivered). After they hauled it away, I realized we probably should have taken it apart to see what else was in there.  We may have just thrown away a thousand dollars or winning lottery ticket.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday. Ours was strange to begin with and then became life threatening in a heartbeat.  We had volunteered to host this year, but after my aunt’s fall a couple months ago that shattered her kneecap, the subsequent surgery, rehab and her invasive Aspergilius allergy (only 4% survive after this allergy is detected in this type of situation) that she barely survived when they implanted her pacemaker 12 years ago, the subsequent stroke topped off by her having Alzheimer’s we decided I’d still cook, but at their house so she could be in her home and comfortable.  She was great when we got there at 2, but by 3 she was disoriented and had a 104° fever and we ushered her to the hospital. They determined a massive bacterial infection and she was rushed into emergency surgery.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We’re supposed to be clear and warm with the threat of scattered thunderstorms most of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Refinish shower
  • Sort books
  • Unpack remaining boxes
  • Laundry
  • Grocery Shoppping
  • Start backyard
  • Drop off donations

CURRENTLY READING
Nothing this week.

TELEVISION / DVR
Not much this week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
For the next few weeks I’m going to be trying links for recipes I’ve bookmarked from around the web.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

HOMEMAKING TIP

If you’re like me you save boxes for the electronic items since they need the added protection in case you move. I want them out of the way though and don’t want them to collect tons of dust.  So I slip them into large trash bags from each end and secure them with masking tape before placing them into the attic.  When you need to use them you’re probably moving anyway so now you have trash bags at the ready also.  For the extra large items I buy the extra large Christmas wrapping bags in January when they are 75-90% off.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I tried the silk tie way to dye eggs method that has been circulating all over social media. These were old ties I used and I think it worked relatively well.  You can even make out the Tobasco bottle on the top egg.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a good and productive week. I even had a productive Sunday… until… a stupid fall. I have been climbing all over this house, ladders, the roof and I trip over a hammer while carrying a heavy box – just too ironic.

 I spent the rest of the day with ice, a blanket, my book, a nap and the Nascar race.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
Fortunately our weather has returned to a more normal spring time level.  Thank goodness as I am NOT ready for summer in ANY WAY, SHAPE or FORM!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK/HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Finish the flooring and organization in the studio.
  • Paint spare bathroom.
  • Install spare bathroom floor.
  • Install spare bathroom vanity.
  • Drop off next load of donations.
  • Cook and prep for Easter.  I’ll be cooking at our house and then transporting it to my aunt and uncles as she is still under the weather.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not much except what comes our way at the end of each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I’ve been working on my studio and hope to have some new crafts next week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CRISPY PORK CUTLETS with BUTTERED NOODLES
SMOTHERED STEAK TIPS
C.O.R.N.
SAKE CHICKEN and BROCCOLINI
BROCCOLI CHICKEN QUINOA
PAN SEARED WINE and HERB CHICKEN
ADULT STRAWBERRY LEMONADE, DEVILED EGGS, TROPICAL PORK ROAST, POTATOES AU GRATIN, RITZY BROCCOLI AND CARROT CASSEROLE,  CHOCOLATE BERRY BASKETS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
I took a bit of a fall yesterday so I took the afternoon off to ice my leg and finally caught up on many of the cooking magazines that I unearthed the other day and found a BUNCH of great recipe to try!

  • Fresh Pineapple Cake with Candied Carrot Ribbons
  • Purple Potato Soup 
  • Glazed Grilled Roasted Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Ribs
  • Swedish Cocktail Meatballs
  • Moravian Sugar Cake
  • Beer Batter Cheese Bread
  • Cider Baked Ham
  • Potato and Caramelized Onion Gratin
  • French Chicken Stew
  • Chocolate Malted Milk Cake
  • Butter’s Carrot Cake
  • Broken Dumpling Soup
  • Parmesan Pepperoni Chicken
  • Mississippi Mud Brownies
  • Creamy Chicken and Biscuit Bake
  • Pasta with Lemony Chicken and Asparagus
  • Rum Glazed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
  • Pan Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce
  • Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops
  • Sesame Green Beans
  • Sauteed Lemon Chicken Strips
  • Drunken Steak
  • Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee
  • Apple Dapple Cake

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
A tip to making your baking pans non-stick is to whisk together equal parts of cooking oil, shortening or butter and flour. Using a pastry brush to coat your pan(s).  Your baked goods will not stick!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY – #11 2016

Can you believe we’re on Monday number 11 for this year? I can’t wait to be finished with this remodel and be able to do more things that I truly believe will make time seem slower.  We did take half of Saturday off and go to the rodeo.  I’m so glad we did, it was a lot of fun and the weather was gorgeous!  We did get quite a bit done on the house too.  Unfortunately I did find another OLD and not recently LIVED in rat’s nest when I demolished one of the laundry room walls.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s supposed to be quite warm the next few days and then back down to normal on Thursday along with a new storm system.  Fortunately this is supposed to be a minor system compared to the 15 inches of rain we received in last week’s system.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK/HOUSE PROJECTS
I have FINALLY and AGAIN begun work on my studio.  But first this week I will be helping hubby with the dining/kitchen floor and laundry area for the next couple days and then the studio is ALL I plan to work on until it’s done.

I did get the walls patched yesterday as well as 80% of the carpet, padding and tack strip removed. There were quite a few cracks around the window in particular from before the foundation work was done.

I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THIS YELLOW IS GONE!

 I love that patching is now pink and dries white!  Makes it so easy.

IF ALL goes well I’m hoping that we also get the master shower refinished and the majority of the spare bathroom completed this week.

Then of course I have the standard grocery shopping and errands to do.  I’d say laundry, but that all depends on what we find doing that area.  Cross your fingers that there are no more surprises.

We did get the new lights hung in the kitchen and dining room on Saturday.  They are called Saturn lights and use LED.  Supposedly each light will only use $1.93 of electricity per year! We also put one in the master bath and I LOVE IT!  You can actually see in there!

I just CANNOT figure out why it looks like there was a woodpecker in the kitchen ceiling.  My cousin had an industrial fluorescent light in the kitchen and the only thing I can figure out is that she couldn’t find a stud to mount to.  Oh well, what’s another dozen holes to patch?  Thank goodness for good caulking and paint.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still reading and hope to finish this week:

TELEVISION / DVR
I finally watched the AGE OF ADELINE and really enjoyed it.  Redbox makes catching up so easy! I’m also looking forward to the new Gary Sinise Criminal Minds Beyond Borders that begins this week.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I did get a couple of “models” made for a few of the items I’m making for Christmas gifts this year.  Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.

I’m really loving the beaded wire crosses and the wind chimes which are made from old antique lamp glass prisms and antique silver pieces.

I’m also hoping to try and make some home made dryer sheets with a recipe I found on pinterest using non-chemical ingredients, essential oils and fabric squares.

IMAGE CREDIT

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
C.O.R.N.
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
This cow from the rodeo had the prettiest eyes!

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had quite a bit of progress on the master bathroom this past weekend and I’m looking forward to refinishing the shower on Tuesday. Once the shower is finished the only thing left to do will be the last coat of paint, at least in the master bath!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is WAY too warm for the first week in March!  I’m hoping we cool down a bit for actual spring when it hits.  We are supposed to get hit with a HUGE storm thus week.  As of now they are predicting over 3 inches of rain each day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but today is just overcast and getting a bit windy.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Today I will be running ALL my errands for the week, so it will be a long day.  I also want to go see my aunt today. She is home from the hospital (which I think is a mistake, but Medicare will only pay for 2 weeks of a rehab facility despite the doctor saying she cannot put any weight on the leg for 8 weeks).  Rehab now comes to her and my uncle is left with trying to keep her off her leg.  With hr Alzheimers this is a difficult task for him – she just plain forgets.  With the storm they are predicting I don’t want to be ANYWHERE out in traffic this week.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever happens our way as we collapse in exhaustion each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I have been acquiring the parts to make some beautiful wind chimes, decorative wall crosses, personalized pillow cases, homemade dryer sheets and fun pincushions.

HOUSE PROJECTS
This week we are hoping to finish painting the last coat on the living room, install the new living room fan and do the walls in the spare bathroom.  I have tons of “detail” work to finish in the master bathroom, but we did finally achieve running water, a flushing toilet and even a door this past weekend.

KITCHEN WISHES
The washer and dryer are REALLY on their last legs.  I’m praying they hold out another month so they can be part of the April budget, but we found our new ones by accident on Saturday and wish we were more ready for them, but we still need to do the walls, ceiling and move the water heater to bring it to code and that will take time and money.  I didn’t used to be fond of stackables, but these I think I will like.  They will also give me 36 inches more of kitchen counter space!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
POTATO CRUSTED BEER BRAISED CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
SMOKY ROAST CHICKEN
SPAGHETTI CHILI
DETROIT CONEY DOGS
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • NOT having to go to the other end of the house to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
  • Completed projects

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I was in need of some spring color and LOVE Lantana so bought a couple to plant near the front door.  They grow and spread so fast, are easy to keep pruned and are ALWAYS full of color!

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a VERY productive week around here! I hope you had a great week too. We’re on day 125 on this house and getting VERY exhausted, but hoping to complete the living areas by Easter which we volunteered to host.  I also found some fun new recipes for Easter that I’ll share soon.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
LOL it’s TOO warm and drizzly.  I’m ready for spring, but definitely not for these pre-summer temperatures.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Hubby’s birthday is this week so we are going to actually take a WHOLE day off and do something fun. After that we are hoping to finish the living room paint and molding.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still reading the same book LOL.  Maybe I’ll actually finish it this week.

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever we stay awake for at the end of the day.

HOUSE PROJECTS
We are starting to see serious progress – at least we were! I was looking for something yesterday which made a HUGE mess of things still packed that I will have to clean up today.  We did do something though that will make things better – we hired a contractor to paint the Atrium.  Every now and then you have to realize that just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you HAVE to.  Hubs and I both have been dreading this room as it as a 20 foot apex that is a pain in the butt and we just decided that it was smarter to pay someone else to do it.

Unfortunately we still had to do all the repair work from the dry rot.  Fortunately, it went smoothly and hubby and I knocked out all the repair work in one day.  Next week I hope to show you a truly finished room.  We have the floor and 3 cabinets to install next Friday. They’ll be here Thursday! YAY!  

Before and after the repairs.

 I can’t wait to finish this room! Well, I actually can’t wait to finish ANY room in its entirety!

We did manage to get the vanity in place in our bathroom but unfortunately the faucet didn’t fit so that will get exchanged later today.  So we decided to install the toilet instead, but that was too big for the back of the wall so we’ll go in search of a different style later today also.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Donating unused items to organizations that do for children
  • Spring like weather

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

He is NEVER without a toy in his mouth!

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I had a horribly busy week between the house projects and my aunt’s surgery and I think I overdid. Even yesterday morning I woke up pretty good, but ended up sick by the afternoon.  I’m still feeling a bit under the weather today, but will try to get a few things done anyway.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s too warm for February and we’re having cloudy days with a big storm on the way.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
It looks like we’ll finish the master bathroom this week and be well under way to completing the spare bathroom.  I’m hoping to also have the living room painted by the weekend.

CURRENTLY READING

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

ON MY MIND
I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed at ALL there still is to do here.  My logical mind KNOWS we are making progress, but I’m just so tired that some days it stills seems insurmountable.  That said, here are a few pictures of what we did get accomplished this week.

Playing with the pattern.
ALL glued down and setting up!
We STILL don’t know what ALL those holes in the wall were for, but hubby did get the thermostat moved to the living room side of the wall and got the piece of drywall cut out and replaced.  I will get it patched and get this alcove painted this week.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Pretty Sunsets
  • Long walks with the dog
  • Small project completions

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I ordered this pillow from a friend this weekend that sells Thirty-One products.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a productive, but also a lazy weekend here. I was able to catch up on a bunch of paperwork though I am NO where near done! I was able to complete more of my “reading” corner in the master bedroom and hung my newly stained shelf in there also.  I read somewhere that your dresser an nightstand tops should be clear for a more soothing “air” to the room.  Well, a clear dresser top will NEVER happen at our house, but the shelf is going to help A LOT!  I need to make another one for hubby’s side of the room.

We had a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner at home, but went out for lunch at one of my favorite seafood restaurants and were not disappointed.  We also rented the movie, The Martian.  We really enjoyed this movie – the possibilities of space and the will to survive are so mind boggling.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is gray and overcast with a threat of a thunderstorm soon.  It’s supposed to be warmer this week and I am NOT ready for warm weather!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • 5 year oncology check up
  • ZOO
TUESDAY
  • unload studio of all boxes and such
WEDNESDAY
  • hospital – my aunt is having surgery to replace the knee she shattered recently – ALL prayers welcome as she has a heart condition, an aspergilus allergy and is an Alzheimer’s patient.
THURSDAY
  • paint studio & begin again LOL
FRIDAY
  • Organize studio items
  • be available to help hubby with wainscoting and bathroom fixtures installation
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • cleaning and laundry

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We’re still just watching whatever comes our way.  We’re still working long days.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I made a few prototypes this past week for some really neat things, but want to perfect them a bit more before I share them.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL this is a never ending category, but we are hoping to have the house in working order by the time we host Easter.  It is possible. It is even probable. WE WILL SUCCEED!

KITCHEN WISHES
I’m getting a replacement stove on Tuesday as I’m having a continuous issue with uneven heating.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • LESS stress
  • Project completions
  • MORE energy

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

There is still A LOT of trim work to do, but I love my “Tom Sawyer meets the Waltons” look for the kitchen.  I did get a few shelves done in the kitchen and LOVE having ingredients at hand!

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Last week did NOT go as planned, so we’ll try again this week. I’ve been getting quite frustrated with ALL there is to still do and not getting there faster.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weekend was absolutely gorgeous and even though the week is supposed to start out cooler, it is supposed to be a beautiful week in the 60’s.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • quick trip to home depot and grocery
  • last coat of grout on entry
  • paint spare bath vanity
  • paint new pantry door
  • stain living room shelves
  • paint cabinet tops for living room
  • sand master bath shower and prep for resurfacing
TUESDAY
  • order last base unit for kitchen
  • stain last upper kitchen cabinet
  • mount last upper kitchen cabinet
  • chalkboard paint pantry door
  • laundry
  • cleaning
WEDNESDAY
  • pick up another load of molding at Lowe’s
  • paint living room ceiling and wall behind cabinets
  • mount living room cabinets
THURSDAY
  • paint remaining living room walls
  • paint around light box in atrium
  • mount light in atrium
  • remount cold air returns
FRIDAY
  • change out 15 light switches and several outlets
  • install rolling kitchen shelves
  • continue with sorting and organizing kitchen
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • ??

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Hoping for some new episodes this week of our favorite shows.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT







HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I keep a small ramekin of apple cider vinegar on my drain board at ALL times.  It attracts any of the gnats and/or fruit flies you may inadvertently bring home from the grocery store.

ON MY MIND
I have always felt that we give too much celebrity to sports figures for the sake of a sport.  I have the utmost respect for those that use their celebrity for bigger and better things.  The Walter Payton Man of The Year award (formerly known as the NFL Man of the year Award) is something that gets glossed over, but should really spotlight those that make an effort to make a difference like this year’s award winner, Anquan Boldin.  We need more Warrick Dunns and Anquan Boldins for the youth of today to look up to emulate.  A list of ALL winners since its inception in 1970 and its history can be found here.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Sunny days and getting closer to having an atrium to spend sunny afternoons in reading
  • Getting the paint off my arms and fingers

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I don’t want to be ALL sappy or anything, but today is a HUGE day in my life. 5 years ago today I lost 10 pounds in the form of a volleyball sized ovarian cancer tumor.  I know how INCREDIBLY blessed I am to be here and to be in complete remission.  So without soap box lecturing or anything I want to remind you all to get your yearly well woman exams.  They could save your life.  Mine did.

We had a beautiful and productive weekend.  What a difference a day makes.  Each day is looking better and better with projects getting accomplished and packing boxes going away!  We are still a long ways from being done, but we do feel more like we have a house now – even with the BIG BANG lawn furniture for the living room.

Our goal is to have the living room, master bath, atrium and laundry area done by the time we host Easter dinner. We had a fortunate find yesterday. The wall in the living room with the biggest crack from the foundation issues also had the ugliest dated paneling on it and it was painted a yellowish color that had become a pukey looking color with the added nicotine staining. We had decided that we would just work over it with a wainscoting wall board and with nothing to lose I decided to take a “peek” under it and was pleasantly pleased to find a beautiful finished sheet rocked wall that just needs the crack patched and paint!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weekend was gorgeous and today is going to be great, but we’re supposed to be taking a serious (15-20 degrees) dip on Wednesday.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – errands, grocery shopping as well as parts and supplies gathering for this week’s projects. The parts we need this week are going to take several trips because of their sizes. Install last 2 living room entertainment center cabinets and get them stained. Order the rest of cabinet handles and track lighting for the atrium.
  • TUESDAY – Costco and more parts and supplies gathering for this week’s projects. Second coat of stain on new living room cabinets. Install last cabinets for hubby’s “BAR” as well as the linen closet cabinets. Get cabinets stained.
  • WEDNESDAY – Prep and prime living room for painting.
  • THURSDAY – Paint living room.
  • FRIDAY – Stress test and we’ll see from there.
  • SATURDAY – Master bathroom walls and ceiling and paint if all goes well.
  • SUNDAY – SUPERBOWL COMMERCIALS AND FOOTBALL FOOD.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still trying to finish Sinister – Shaye Archer Book #2 by Jana Deleon.  I’m just too tired at the end of each day to get much done.

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever happens our way at the end of each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Still just acquiring prts and hope to share some things soon.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Everything having a place and being in its place!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

 A little paint will make EVERYTHING brighter! PLUS the new fan will be better.

This is the most wonderful smelling Hyacinth!  So pretty too.  My uncle brought it as a bread and butter gift when he came for dinner Saturday night.

We’re building an entertainment area that will house the games, DVDs and CDs. There are a few more cabinets to be installed here and will look SO much better after they are stained.

A little patch and paint and we ill have a brand new wall.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.