HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 45 of 2018

GOOD MORNING!  Personally, I wish they’d just pick one time or the other already and leave it alone!!!  I’m not even sure I care which one!   This time change stuff is for the birds.

Despite the fact that I should be sleeping later I’m up early and will be doing some pre-Thanksgiving grocery shopping today.  My local stores have some GREAT sales on items I’m going to be needing, but the sales are only good until tomorrow so I’m getting a jump start on the week.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – With the fall back of the time this past weekend, we FINALLY hit the cooler weather I’ve been waiting for.  It’s been pretty wet and is down in the low 50’s 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea and yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I found an OLD frame (it was from a 1934 family photo) at an antique store this past week that just called to me and begged to become a wreath with interchangeable parts.  The slits on the sides are perfect for lacing the parts through.  I spray painted it a teal blue with red and silver sparkle paint and then added some sprayed pine cones. It’s not a GREAT picture, but you get the idea.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing, towels and sheets
  • LIVING AREAS… pretty clean, but I’m starting a house wide DEEP clean this week
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean, but I’m starting a house wide DEEP clean this week
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… I’ve been working on some holiday post planning, a few BLOGMAS posts and new recipes
  • PROJECTS… I started the Christmas Cards
  • APPOINTMENTS…nothing much this week
  • TO DO... I’m still working on the photo editing and posts from San Diego, The West Coast for the wedding and our Montana trip.  I hope to get them all done in the next week or two!

I’M READINGJana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune Series #13 – SWAMP SPOOK

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – We are STILL playing catch up on the DVR from the move and then the trip!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

VAMPIRE MAC & CHEESE with HOT DOGS

TUESDAY

OUT

WEDNESDAY

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

THURSDAY

SPAM & TATERS

FRIDAY

GREEN TABASCO CHICKEN with CORN-ONION SOUFFLE

PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with SHERRY CREAM SAUCE & RICE PILAF

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

HONEY BBQ CHICKEN & BAKED BEANS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 44 of 2018

GOOD MORNING dear friends! I’m finally getting back into the swing of things after our trip. It was beautiful – maybe too beautiful because I have way too many images to finish editing. It was also unseasonably WARM for the north so I over packed expecting much cooler weather and for some reason was having trouble getting back into the swing of things here last week. I will have the post about the trip up later this week.  I’m also trying quite a few new recipes this week that will post to the blog later in the week.  My rule is that I never post new recipes until we have definitely decided we’d eat them again and again. 😀

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – A cool fall drizzle though we had some pretty good storms the past 2 nights and got some much needed rain.  Our temps are supposed to be in the 50’s-60’s all week and a bit wet.  As normal I’m wearing a pair of levis and a soft long sleeve t-shirt and matching lightweight sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, a banana and mixed fruit yogurt

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – Beginning the holiday menu planning and organization for gifts and shopping.  I’m also working on some research for our Christmas trip – we decided a couple years back that we’d rather take a small trip as our gift to each other than do Christmas presents, but we do still do stockings for Christmas morning.  I’ve also started working on my blog entries for BLOGMAS 2018 gathering my thoughts and ideas.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA this was from a teeny tiny town in north eastern Oregon.  This abandoned church is definitely on the top of my favorites from the Montana trip. It appears a salvage company came in and stripped it of all the pews, stained glass windows, altar…

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… some dishes to do
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… a little recipe updating and some more BLOGMAS holiday post planning
  • PROJECTS… getting back into the swing of getting the Christmas cards made
  • APPOINTMENTS… one for hubby on Wednesday and me on the Thursday when I’ll also do the pre-Thanksgiving and monthly shopping

I’M READING – Vickie McKeehan’s Indigo Brothers Series

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

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

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies – NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911, FBI, Manifest

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, Dancing With the Stars Adults and Jr.s

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Midnight Texas

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

VEGGIE CHICKEN MEDLEY & MELTING POTATOES

TUESDAY

OMG CHICKEN & BACON GRUYERE SMASHED POTATOES

WEDNESDAY

SLOW COOKER CRUSTLESS SHEPHERDS PIE

THURSDAY

CHICKEN IN OREGANO CREAM SAUCE

FRIDAY

BROWN GRAVY MEATBALLS & CHEESY CORNBREAD PUDDING

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

??

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK – none this week

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 43 of 2018

GOOD MORNING everyone. We’re still traveling for a couple more days so this will be short and sweet today.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It’s only about 30 degrees, but the days have been warming up to the mid 60’s which has been a truly amazing thing for this road trip.  We packed for the normal here at this time of year (COLD AND SNOW) and are so glad to be over packed and not need most of it! I’m wearing my favorite black levis with my favorite long sleeved gray t-shirt and am ready to travel as we leave here headed home.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green Blueberry Tea with a banana

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA There are TONS of pictures from this road trip, but I have edited precious few so far.  This is one of my FAVORITES though so far from this week. I’m working on getting my travel posts together.

INSPIRATION/QUOTE/FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

  • LAUNDRYEVERYTHING from our trip when we get home
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday powst planning
  • TO DO… will evaluate this when we get back later in the week

I’M READING – I’m reading some Carey Heywood series while we travel

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCHEVERYTHING from last week while we were traveling

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – nothing til November

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY- FRIDAY

??

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

ROCHESTER CHICKEN ala IMMIGRANTS

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

PAN SEARED CHICKEN in HERB WINE SAUCE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 42 of 2018

GOOD MORNING and happy Monday!!  There are just 10 weeks left to this year and we are only 72 days away from Christmas!  So putting that all into perspective, another Monday feels like a breeze.

We spent the weekend helping my mom with a garage sale that was less than successful – just seems like no one was out and about this weekend – not sure why, but maybe the cold nights and cooler foggy mornings kept people in and just snuggling up with a good book. She was disappointed and says she’ll never have another.  We tooke several car loads to Goodwill and at least she is free of all the stuff hanging out.

Besides that we did watch the NASCAR races and a couple football games while I got the laundry done and packed for our upcoming trip for a memorial and to visit some old friends.  We’re going to take different routes to and from to check out some new areas to research.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – We’re having a bit of an Indian Summer here, but ironically it’s only a few hours a day.  While we are getting to the mid 70’s during the day, we are getting down into the 30’s at night so it takes awhile to heat up during the day and as soon as the sun sets it’s chilly again, especially with the breeze, but I’M LOVING IT!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea and a banana – the experimenting will wait until we return from our next little trip.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME WONDER – As you get older you really realize that life in general is a FLUID process.  And that EVERY person that enters or LEAVES your life has an indelible stamp on your ability to live and/function as you continue the journey.  Sometimes it’s a friend who loses a child through a horrific disease or an aging parent that you know is inevitable, but hurts all the same or sometimes it’s a sudden unexpected death that leaves you dumbstruck but every time their laughing face pops up in a facebook memory you relive it all over again… and again.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA 🙁 unfortunately the only pictures I took this week were for my mom and her leftover garage sale items that she’s donating.

INSPIRATION


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

  • LAUNDRY… all caught up
  • LIVING AREAS… need a little tidying
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipes I’m writing for future experimenting, holiday post planning and still editing the pictures from the San Diego Zoo trip, Disneyland and Hearst Castle to finish the posts on those trips and working on Blogmas 2018

  • PROJECTS… nothing til November
  • APPOINTMENTS… doctor for me
  • TO DO… We have a little trip planned for this week that I’ll tell you all about next week.

I’M READING  Book #3 of The FIX series by Carey Heywood

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

COMEDIESBig Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Good Place, American Housewife

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comediesNCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods,Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITYThe Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race, Dancing With the Stars, American Ninja Warrior,

SYFYZ Nation, the Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Midnight Texas

COOKINGGuy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Dessert Wars, Worst Cooks in America, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef, Southern at Heart, Best Baker in America

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

ALOHA RIBS and RED CABBAGE SLAW

TUESDAY

??

WEDNESDAY

??

THURSDAY

??

FRIDAY

??

 

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

??

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 41 of 2018

GOOD MORNING dear friends. Can you believe we’re into the final quarter of 2018 with the holidays looming on us?  I notice it so much more this time of year with the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas displays taking over EVERY store! We have another quick trip coming up before we settle in for the winter and start our serious research on where to make a final settlement.

I got caught up on laundry and changing out the spring/summer clothes for the fall/winter clothes.  We watched some football (Rams & Chiefs are both still undefeated), NASCAR racing and helped my mom with some garage sale pricing, but all in all it was an uneventful weekend! 

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – I’m in Heaven! It’s still in the 50’s again this morning and we’re supposed to be in the mid 60-s to 70’s ALL this week with a touch of rain here and there. I’m wearing Levis, a blue embroidered long sleeved tee and my favorite flannel shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Breakfast is atill kind of boring so I’m going to start experimenting a little bit soon I hope.  As for today, it’s blueberry green tea and black cherry yogurt.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I’m still working on the photos from our trip here, but this was probably my favorite beach area that we stopped at.INSPIRATION AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS

  • LAUNDRY… All caught up yesterday! 😀
  • LIVING AREAS… pretty clean
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much, but will be building a flower box for my mom soon
  • BLOG… putting together a few new recipes for the future and some holiday post planning – Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday and I’m starting to get it together by working on Christmas lists, gifts and my BLOGMAS posts for 2018 – won’t you join me?
  • PROJECTS… getting together some great new recipes for neighbor gifts and Christmas gift lists
  • APPOINTMENTS… not much this week
  • TO DO… helping my mom get her garage sale together for Friday and Saturday.

I’M READING – Book #3 of The FIX series by Carey Heywood

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – STILL playing catch up of all the new shows starting and with all the traveling many sling and Netflix shows are just piling up 😀

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK I’m trying to get back into the swing of things so this is a work in progress category!

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

CHICKEN DUMPLING STEW & SAUTEED CARROTS

TUESDAY

ROCHESTER CHICKEN ala IMMIGRANTS & SALAD

WEDNESDAY

TOMATO BASIL SQUARES & SALAD

THURSDAY

DRUNKEN CHICKEN & TOMATOES with GREEN BEANS

FRIDAY

SLOW COOKER SHEPHERD’S PIE with CUCUMBERS & ONIONS

 

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

CHIPOTLE BBQ MEATBALL HEROES & SALAD

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 40 of 2018

GOOD MORNING dear friends. We are done traveling for a bit and beginning to settle in for winter. I have to say I am LOVING the crisp fall mornings and reasonable temperatures here in the Pacific North West – such a vast change from the desert!!

We’re settling into a better routine and I will be a better blogger for it!  I know I missed visiting a few people last week, but will definitely get there this week!

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – I’m in Heaven finally! It’s still in the 50’s this morning and we’re supposed to be in the mid 60-s to 70’s ALL this week, with a touch of rain here and there. I was up super early today for an appointment so am already dressed in levis, a gray long sleeved tee and my favorite sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea and mixed berry yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – nothing this week, BUT November will be my month 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We came around a bend in the road and there was just a HUGE herd of Tule Elk – so pretty!  This guy seemed to be in charge and was quite vocal about it!!

Saturday night’s sky was GORGEOUS as a storm moved in while the sun was setting.

Hubby said I should come with a warning – a Tsunami warning LOL 😀 But in reality I was freezing.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads later in the week
  • LIVING AREAS… still getting organized, but that will happen this week
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much, but will be building a flower box for my mom soon
  • BLOG… some more recipe updating, future post planning and some holiday post planning – I’ve made up my BLOGMAS list for 2018 – won’t you join me?
  • PROJECTS… getting together some Christmas gift lists and recipes
  • APPOINTMENTS… hubby dentist twice this week, me blood work and dr.
  • TO DO… help mom get garage sale together for next week.

I’M READINGThe FIX series by Carey Heywood

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – have been playing catch up of all the new shows starting and with all the traveling many sling and Netflix shows are just piling up 😀

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK – still getting into the swing of things so the menu is a work in progress

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

PEPPER JELLY PORK CHOPS

TUESDAY

WHISKEY MOLASSES SHREDDED BEEF

WEDNESDAY

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

THURSDAY

HONEY GLAZED PORK & HONEY ROASTED CARROTS

FRIDAY

??

PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIES

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

??

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 39 of 2018

GOOD MORNING everyone. I hope you had a GREAT week and weekend!

Well it’s official! FALL is here! YAY!!! 😀

We spent last week first at Disneyland, California Adventure and then at the central coast visiting Hearst Castle, Cambria and Big Sur area while relaxing a few days before a BIG family wedding at Avila Beach on Saturday night.  Hubby’s side of the family is HUGE and we ALWAYS have a GREAT time whenever we all get together for anything, but especially the special events like weddings.  We have fallen in love with Lindsay, our nephew M.J.’s new bride and look forward to getting to know her better.  SIL treated us to a FANTASTIC suite for the night so I felt like a princess!

It was also a SAD time as we spent time with Lola (in the pink hat), a LONG time “friend” of the family HA HA, nope more accurately she became actual family many years ago and is my sister from another mother and my SIL’s BFF of MANY years.  Unfortunately, LOLA has decided to move away to Texas since that is where her kids now are. So her presence will be sorely missed! We have already made tentative plans to meet in Vegas though 😀

SIL posing for silly pictures.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – I’m at my SIL’s house so the weather is PERFECT! 😀 It is still in the 50’s and a bit overcast, but we’re supposed to get up 65 and sunny today.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – yogurt, green tea and a banana

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY THINK – our bank called last week while we were on a HEARST CASTLE tour and told me they had been informed by MasterCard that my card had been compromised in a data breach at a retailer so they needed to close it and were issuing me a new one. That alone ticked me off since we’re traveling, though we could use hubby’s card. But, when I asked where the data breached occurred so I could avoid that retailer in the future, I was informed that they could NOT give me a retailer’s name because it could potentially damage the retailer’s reputation and that they didn’t even actually know who it was!  They did give me a date range though.  Are you ready for this?  The date range was Feb, 1st, 2018 – June 15th, 2018.  So this tells me that my information has been out there and has been at risk for a good 6 months now! Plus we were still in Texas at that time and on our way to the west coast – so where did I use that card that became an issue – inquiring minds want to know!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I took this one last Thursday as we sat on the beach after dinner and just watched the sun go down. I’m really glad I got this picture since Friday night was all fogged in and overcast.

And I love this one from Disney’s haunted mansion.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS – We’re still traveling this week so no real time table till hubby’s dental appointment later and then we’ll get back into a routine.

I’M READING – nothing this week – have been enjoying the scenery too much and am too tired at night to even bother.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – The new season starts tonight, but we’re still on the road this week so not sure what we’ll catch or not.  I’m still on the fence about the Magnum P.I. remake, but we’ll give it a chance. We are looking forward to a few of the new shows like New Amsterdam, The Rookie, God Friended Me, A Million Little Things and then of course our old favorites:

COMEDIESBig Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comediesNCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Designated Survivor (yes it was canceled, but has been picked up by Netflix), Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911 – I like that they have moved the Chicago series to all on the same night. Sadly Scorpion one of my favorites has been canceled 🙁

DRAMAS & REALITYThe Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race, Dancing With the Stars, American Ninja Warrior, Ransom, Instinct

SYFYZ Nation, the Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural, Midnight Texas

COOKINGGuy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef, Southern at Heart, Best Baker in America

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

??

TUESDAY

OUT

WEDNESDAY

??

THURSDAY

??

FRIDAY

??

??

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

??

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 38 of 2018

GOOD MORNING sweet friends. I have come to really love these Monday mornings to recap my week and plan the new one.   I hope you had a GREAT weekend.  Ours was quiet, but SUPER productive as we cleaned, packed and started to close up this house. Closing the house is simple as long as you follow a logical check list, but I also did a deep clean (things like pulling out the oven, refrigerator and washer dryer to clean behind them, window sills, and under the bed…the dust here in the desert finds its way in no matter what you do!!!!) since my mom will be here in a month.

Packing was the hardest part since this is a multi leg journey.  I’ve organized the bags according to location, but there is also the garment bag with the dress clothes for the wedding which is an awkward piece. We will be leaving here soon after this post 😀

We did work in a visit with my favorite uncle and his family who live nearby for my birthday on Saturday and we did also get all 3 NASCAR races watched in between and even a little football. My birthday dinner (at least on the real day) ended up being 5 GUYS BURGER and FRIES which lasted me 2 meals so I was good.  I did miss having cake – probably the only day of the year I really eat it and LOL now I cannot ever have it again 🙁 Hubby gave me a trip to Disneyland and my favorite Disneyland restaurant for my birthday so we will be eating at Blue Bayou tonight after we get checked in.

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday to visit with a great group of ladies.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It will hit triple digits before we actually leave today, but YAY this will be the LAST time I EVER say that 😀 I have on gray capris and my favorite tye dyed off the shoulder top with sandals.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Mixed Berry yogurt, green tea and some grapes

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY 

  • I’m praying for the safety and well being all those in Hurricane Florence’s path as they deal with their clean-up and rebuilding.  I have serious empathy after surviving Hurricane Harvey last year.  It takes a community working together to survive and rebuild stronger.
  • While I’m NOT 100%, I AM stronger than I was when we got here and have more stamina MOST days so I’m very thankful for that. I know this will be a work in progress and not happen overnight after my body has endured so many traumatic things the past 7 years.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – My old neighbor sent me a surprise birthday gift that is perfect for the fall season I’m craving! Fortunately, we will be north by the end of the month.

INSPIRATION

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

This is a completely free week as we begin our trek north via Disneyland (Hubby’s birthday gift to me), Hearst Castle, our nephew’s wedding and visiting with friends and family along the way!

I’M READING & WATCHINGThree Sisters Catering Book #1 Pinch of Salt

We found a new to us series on NETFLIX that has been fun. Death in Paradise.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK – on the road this week so really unsure except for my birthday dinner on Monday 😀

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

??

MONDAY

dinner at the Blue Bayou

TUESDAY

??

WEDNESDAY

??

THURSDAY

??

FRIDAY

??

??

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

Whatever they are serving at the wedding 😀

LOL I cannot remember what we signed up for 😀

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

SIL’s choice

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY week 37 OF 2018

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  I hope you had a GREAT week.  Mine was busy, but productive. We attended hubby’s airborne picnic on Saturday.  It was SUPER hot and I didn’t do very well with the combination of the heat and the food, but am glad he got to go. I spent most of yesterday recuperating.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Only 2 more Mondays in this horrid triple digit heat.  I’m already in my swimsuit this morning and ready to get my workout done.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green Tea, yogurt and banana

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – nothing until after our migration

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

It’s Ovarian Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I didn’t get any good pictures this week.

INSPIRATION – I can’t believe it’s been 17 years since this horrific event.AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… I’m doing a deep clean today
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much, but hubby is giving the BBQ a serious deep clean
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
  • PROJECTS… nothing till after our migration
  • APPOINTMENTS… dentist, nails
  • TO DO… we’re going to go to the county fair for my birthday and to see Peppermint with Jennifer Garner this week.

I’M READINGMurder at Merisham House

A mansion, a title and marriage to a wealthy Lord – Lady Eveline Cartwright has it all. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to prevent her being bludgeoned to death one night in the study of Merisham Lodge, the family’s country estate in Derbyshire. Suspicion quickly falls on her ne’er-do-well son, Peter, but not everyone in the household is convinced of his guilt. Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, know that when it comes to a crime, all is not always as it seems. With suspicions and motives thick on the ground, Joan and Verity must use all the wit and courage they possess to expose a deadly murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve their aim…

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – we’ve been watching NASCAR (when it’s not rained out). This is the last week before the CHASE play offs.  Football has started and while we are watching we are not as diligent as years past because of all the political stuff.  We did binge watch Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime and Iron Fist on Netflix.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP – I tried this yesterday and it not only works, but the bacon was tastier and crisper too.MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN, TUNA

or

GREEN SALAD

MONDAY

CHICKEN DUMPLING STEW

TUESDAY

ORANGE BRAISED CHICKEN & RICE

WEDNESDAY 

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

THURSDAY 

HONEY ORANGE CHICKEN & STIR FRIED VEGGIES

FRIDAY

DRUNKEN CHICKEN & TOMATOES

PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE

SATURDAY

SATURDAY 

ROCHESTER CHICKEN ala IMMIGRANTS

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 36 of 2018

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies.  I’m so happy September is here!  That means fall is right around the corner along with PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING! 😀 I hope you had a great weekend and are having a great holiday too!

Ours is quiet and we are getting some honey do’s done before we call our time here over.  Hubby replaced the hardware (wheels and guides) on the sliding screen door and I cleaned out the tracks with a toothbrush – the dust and dirt from the wind beats the door all up.  We watched the NASCAR races, did some pool time and binge watched some Jack Ryan on AMAZON too.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – We’re still running in the triple digits, but we leave here in 2 weeks so I can handle anything at this point. 😀 It’s supposed to be a gym day, but with being a holiday we’re just doing pool time and avoiding the crowds at the gym so I’m wearing a swimsuit and cover up.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – A banana and green tea with some honey nut cheerios

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Fall is almost here and it’s my favorite season
  • It’s almost comfort food season full of soups, stews, cinnamon and spice 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – From our trip to San Diego last week.  I’m working on a post for the rest of the pictures. We fit a lot into just a few days, so it is taking me a while to get them all edited.

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing, sheets and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… nothing, I did a deep clean yesterday
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipe updating and future post planning
  • PROJECTS… Christmas cards
  • APPOINTMENTS… nothing much this week
  • TO DO… lunch with friends

I’M READING -Nothing this week but I need to get organized

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – The fall schedule starts soon so we have just been watching some Netflix, Hulu and Amazon

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 PORK CHOPS with ROASTED APPLES & BRUSSELS SPROUTS

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

PINEAPPLE CASHEW CHICKEN

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

GRILLED HULI HULI CHICKEN & SALAD

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 VENETIAN CHICKEN & RICE

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

??

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD & SALAD with HONEY BUTTERMILK DRESSING

SUNDAY

??

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 CHICKEN IN OREGANO CREAM SAUCE with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 35 of 2018

GOOD MORNING everyone.  It is a beautiful morning here!  I had a GREAT weekend and am looking forward to a WONDERFUL week.  I know many of you are preparing for your kiddos return to school and hope you’re able to have a bit of free time soon. On to this morning’s Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It will be triple digits again, but on the low end and the humidity is back down into the teens so it’s actually quite nice of an evening and especially in the mornings. 

The pool is really nice again too.  I have on black leggings with a favorite Pink Floyd t-shirt on my way to the gym and then the pool.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, peach yogurt and a banana

ON MY MIND/HEALTH UPDATE & PROJECTS

  • Menu Planning and trying to make it fit with what’s in the pantry and freezer as we wind down on our stay here is becoming a little more difficult, but cooking in general has become less of a challenge as I’ve adjusted to our new “normal” and lesser portion size. LOL, eating not so much though, but at least I’m alive to bitch about it! 😀
  • As I’m approaching a new milestone and the 3rd quarter since surgery I am a bit stronger, though I still tire quite easily, have not really regained my strength (though I’m trying – the gym and pool have really helped) and still have a LONG ways to go on getting my muscle tone back. The hardest part has been having so few clothes that fit and with winter approaching that will be my next challenge.  Summer was easy since I’ve lived in workout clothes and swimsuits.
  • I’m also still battling a “Port Site Infection”, a fairly rare, but yet not uncommon surgical suture site issue. If it is not one thing it is another it seems.  The doctor I saw here was really not much reassurance so I will see how it is when we get back north next month and see the new doctor my friend recommended.
  • I’m also wondering about when journalism as a whole became so backwards.  When I took journalism in college I was taught a lot about articles titles and what they convey, font size, etc… Hubby and I were reading the newspaper yesterday (yep a real one) and I saw an article title that made sense, but could have made more sense with more respect for a state, with no abbreviations AND in the same amount of space, but better spaced!  It’s like the proofreader and editor took the day off and the author took the easy way out without using their brain.

“Ore. hazelnut growers

expect bumper crop”

or it could have been:

Oregon growers expect

bumper hazelnut crop

 

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – we’ve had some amazing sunsets these past few weeks and they weren’t even smoke infused.

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… clean
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and some holiday post planning
  • PROJECTS… still trying to get motivated to do the Christmas cards
  • APPOINTMENTS… quarterly blood work, gym
  • TO DO… not  sure yet

I’M READINGSummer Lake romance box set 4-6 by SJ McCoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR WE RECENTLY WATCHED

  • TIN STAR – about a London detective that moves to the Canadian Rockies for a simpler life only to have it complicated by a BIG oil company moving into town and bringing all the organized crime and lifestyle with it or so it seemed until his undercover life comes back to haunt him and his family.
  • 11-22-63 – about a time traveler going back to change the events around the JFK assassination.
  • We also watched a great movie this past weekend. I’d never heard of it, but found it on Netflix and really enjoyed it, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. The story is told in reflection but is centered around WWII and the island of Guernsey (part of the Channel Islands) in the English channel off the coast of Normandy. I just LOVE period stories about WWII.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN WINGS

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

STICKY SPICY ORANGE CHICKEN

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 CREOLE CHICKEN THIGHS with RICE&BEANS

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

??

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

SLOW COOKER SWEDISH MEATBALLS & NOODLES

CARAMEL APPLE SLAB PIE

SUNDAY

??

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 BOURBON CHICKEN & HERB BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 34 of 2018

GOOD MORNING everyone. I can’t believe it’s Monday again already. We had a busy week and weekend too. We did lunch with some friends one day, dinner with some other friends one night, went to a BBQ, watched all the Nascar races as we approach the end of the season, did several days at the gym, and went to Pioneer Town for our anniversary that snuck up on us 😀

Pioneer Town really was a bit of a disappointment as it is no longer anywhere close to what you see on the Wikipedia page, but I’ll cover that in another post with my pictures. The NASCAR races were good and exciting though!

Be sure to link up with
Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday

and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Still hot here.  This week will still be in the triple digits yet again, but with a bit cooler evenings and tolerable, and with only 4 weeks until we make our slow trek north and with every subsequent leg the weather will get cooler and cooler. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea of course with a banana and peach yogurt

ON MY MIND – When did we as a society allow insurance companies to make our medical decisions?  When I was a kid you went to the doctor, they did what was necessary, billed your insurance who paid R&C (reasonable and customary) and you paid the difference, usually 20% and everyone was happy.  Now, the insurance company can decide that what my doctor is referring me to and for is either unnecessary or too far away and that I have to do without or choose a “closer” provider.  And forget traveling!  They have literally told me not to travel if I am going to need any medical attention that cannot be covered by urgent care! WTH?

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – I am progressing in this recuperation! BUT, that said this experimenting with food still sucks.  I find myself going back time and again to the same old things that work, but that is such a SMALL list that it becomes quite boring day in and day out.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – We had dinner with some of our oldest friends last Tuesday.  It was SOOOOOOOO good to see them!

The restaurant we went to was GREAT and we were early enough to get a PRIMO table in the bar which happened to be having an ALL night happy hour. So, 4 1/2 hours later with excellent drinks and appetizers we all but closed the place down and had a GREAT time in the process.  😀 

Our server/bartender was even kind enough to take several pictures.  And you know what?  We really haven’t changed all that much over the years!  We are all very glad though that our “younger” adventures (some were pretty wild!!!) took place before the internet and there is NO FOREVER proof that it even ever happened! 😀

We don’t get to see each other often, especially when we were back east, but now that we’re all on the same coast again we’re planning an adventure for hubby’s next birthday or maybe before.

The SURVIVING 4 of an original 10 😀

INSPIRATION


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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  • LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much, just a little weeding
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning
  • PROJECTS… not much this week
  • APPOINTMENTS… a couple of follow ups and meeting my ‘cuz for happy hour 1 night
  • TO DO… gym and then still deciding, maybe the mountains one day to cool off.

I’M READING -Book #3 Summer Romance series by SJ Mccoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – A couple of Garage Sale movies with Lori Loughlin and a Chesapeake Shores episode

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – still the Christmas cards.  I got the itch and got all the parts, but haven’t had the energy or inclination to go any further 🙁

WHERE I’VE BEEN SURFING ON THE NET – no where new this week.  I was busy and extremely tired this week so just didn’t get the urge to surf much.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 CREOLE CHICKEN THIGHS & RICE

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

HONEY BBQ PORK CHOPS & SALAD

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

SPINACH & STRAWBERRY SALAD with POPPY SEED DRESSING

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

GREEN TEA & YOGURT

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 BOURBON CHICKEN and BISCUITS

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

BACON & EGGS

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

SLOW COOKER SWEDISH MEATBALLS & NOODLES

COCOA MERINGUE KISSES

SUNDAY

HAM & CHEESE OMELTTES

PROTEIN DRINK

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

 HULI HULI CHICKEN

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK