Category: MENU PLAN MONDAY

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY 12-5-2016

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT WEEK. I can’t believe it’s December! the 5th already no less.  Christmas is only 20 days away so time to kick it up into high gear!

Our weekend was rainy since last Thursday, but that worked in my favor as I had to put the house back together after the carpet installation, was starting to wrap gifts and do Christmas cards and we got the tree up too. We also had a great Christmas program at church last night. Our neighbor is in the choir and hand bells so it makes it even more personal.

On to our regularly scheduled Happy Homemaker Monday.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is still dark, gray and rainy, but tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and then we get an arctic cold mass by Thursday which hubby and I will seriously enjoy.  We TRULY miss the cold weather and hope to be back in it by this time next year!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
An english muffin with peanut butter and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m  a bit frantic trying to get it done before Thursday!  There are still things everywhere and then there are also Christmas presents and wrappings everywhere as well as shipping boxes.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
I have approximately 72 hours to finish my projects before we have to pick mom up at the airport.  It’s going to be a BUSY week.

Monday

  • Start at the tire store as we had a sensor go off on the way home from church last night.
  • Errands.
  • Paint entry trim.
  • Paint hallway trim.
  • Paint kitchen trim.

Tuesday

  • Wrap gifts and finish packing shipping boxes.
  • Deal with garage flood areas.
  • LAUNDRY

Wednesday

  •  Central MARKET for groceries.  Our first Christmas dinner is Saturday.

Thursday 

  • CLEAN
  • VACUUM
  • pick mom up at airport

Friday

  • APPLE store appt. for mom’s computer
  • ??

Saturday

  • Christmas dinner

Sunday

  • ??

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • GILMORE GIRLS
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART
  • PURE GENIUS
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAM SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ICE PILOTS
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

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
CRUSTED ROMANO CHICKEN with BUFFALO POTATO PANCAKES
C.O.R.N.
OUT
CHRISTMAS DINNER with MOM – PRIME RIB, BAKED POTATOES, GLAZED CARROTS
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
 
 
 
 
 
??
 

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
Before you know it it will be time for spring cleaning.  I thought I’d share quick one of the things I’ve Been doing this the past couple years and it has really helped me make decisions to get rid of those things just taking up space!  I don’t use June per se’ as my deadline, but I use October instead as I begin to ready the house for the holidays.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
WE HAVE CARPETING!!!  WE HAVE A LIVING SPACE WE CAN  START TO ENJOY!!! We had stacked EVERYTHING in the dining room, and I do mean stacked.  I broke my back trying to get it all back together so we could move forward.

Everyone seems to be settling in well.  The table you see on the floor is in its normal place, but we took the legs off and stored them underneath and are using the table as a sturdy base for the Christmas tree.

One of the things I’ve been doing is using my old crates for storage (emergency water, misc. items, etc…) under the church pew and it really has helped.  Now that we have the carpeting I didn’t want the crates to snag or tear the carpeting so I installed some furniture sliders permanently on the bottom and then used some of the moisture proof leftover carpet padding for the cushion on the inside.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

MY Best Girl after her morning sponge bath.  She’s on medication and requires a shower with a special shampoo every other day.  On the days she doesn’t get a shower she gets a sponge bath with a different medication.  Poor thing ended up with a horrible infection from laying on the stupid slab floor.  We tried to keep her on throw rugs, but it was near impossible to watch her every move.  Fortunately we now have the carpeting so she will be more comfortable.  We have a wonderful vet and she is always so impressed at how old our animals are.  Both dogs are almost 15 – 3 years past their life expectancy and doing well considering.  The cat will be 19!
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 11-28-2016

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a VERY small Thanksgiving, but it was good.

Now it’s time to go into full on Christmas prep! I did get Frosty and Rudolph out by the front door yesterday. We’re celebrating Christmas early with my mom on the 10th, on actual Christmas with just us and then again on the 27th with other family – I LOVE celebrating ALL month long!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Absolutely beautiful. NOT! It was supposed to be a great week, but we woke up to wind and a severe thunderstorm.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Leftover Quiche Lorraine and coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I still see a mess as we ready for the carpet installation next week, but at least it’s an organized chaos.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Monday – finish caulking new molding, painting new molding and doing another coat of paint on all baseboards that will be near carpeting.
  • Tuesday – laundry, vacuuming, clean oven and pantry
  • Wednesday – marblelize kitchen counters
  • Thursday – Errands, grocery shopping, nails
  • Friday – Plumber appointment, pest control appointment
  • Saturday – Install tub enclosure
  • Sunday – Empty living room and Atrium for carpet installation on Monday
  • Monday – Carpet installation and put rooms back together
  • Tuesday – Go cut Christmas tree and decorate
  • Wednesday – Central market grocery shopping for the prime rib for the first Christmas
  • Thursday – final cleaning before Mom gets here late that night

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PURE GENIUS
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAM SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ICE PILOTS
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

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
CARROT & BEET SOUP with PARMESAN CRISPS
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
BBQ RIBS & SALAD
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

  • Praying for peace for my mom as she lost her brother and my aunt Johanna as she is grieving my uncle’s passing last Friday. Mom was able to make it there in time to see him which I know was a blessing to her. Grateful that my uncle did not suffer for very long and his gentle passing.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • The holidays being upon us with all the baking and goodies
  • Chore list getting smaller (at least on the inside) of the house

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

It’s that time of year again.  I’m doing twin elves this year for my “nieces and nephew”.  Ralph and Walter here will arrive in their Christmas box for mom to do what she will on Christmas morning.
I’m so glad we did just a turkey breast for Thanksgiving.  It turned out gorgeous with my new apple cider brine and was the perfect amount of leftovers.

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 11~21~2016

Good Morning everyone. I hope you had a great week.  Monday is upon us again and it’s time to kick it into high gear with Thanksgiving only 3 days away.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s absolutely GORGEOUS.  The overnight temperatures have been so low that the days are EXTREMELY pleasant and today will be no exception. The rest of the week is supposed to be ALL the same except for some rain on Wednesday morning. Thanksgiving should be PERFECT.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Oatmeal with brown sugar and golden raisins with coffee of course.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
It’s a managed chaos as I am compiling everything I can into the dining room to make the carpet installation go quickly and smoothly.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
The carpeting was supposed to be going in right after Thanksgiving, but there is delay – (of course there is) and it won’t be installed until December 6th  so we are doing double duty this week and next trying REALLY hard to finish up ALL the messy projects that require paint or grout. I’m still being a squeaky wheel trying to get them to move it up to the original date.

  • Monday – paint kitchen ceiling now that it has set for an entire week and should be really dry from the new mud.
  • Tuesday – finish caulking nail holes in all the new molding and paint as much as we can.  Molding and all the fine lines seems to take twice as long.
  • Wednesday – finish painting and do last layer of grout on entry way.
  • Thursday – HAPPY THANKSGIVING! It’ll just be the 2 of us so I have ALL day to cook and watch the parade and football. I’m going to try an apple cider brined turkey.  I figure with just the 2 of us, it’ll be a good time to experiment.  The rest of the meal will be tried and true traditional recipes
  • Friday – SORT, SORT, SORT in the studio.
  • Saturday – SORT, SORT, SORT in the studio.
  • Sunday – ?????  and Football

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PURE GENIUS
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAM SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ICE PILOTS
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
As soon as Thanksgiving is over I will get started for real – I have NO choice!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
OUT
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
all from scratch: APPLE CIDER BRINED ROAST TURKEY, PARMSAN MASHED POTATOES, DRESSING, GRAVY, GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, CRANBERRY SAUCE
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND
Praying for my Uncle Bob and his condition.  He’s had managed (treated and then in remission) bone cancer for many years, but unfortunately it has now metastasized to his brain in a late stage form and we are on a day to day basis as he struggles with this.  My mom will be flying back to Pennsylvania to see him on Thanksgiving day.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • My ability to roll with the punches as we experience more delays at completing the house from hell.
  • A small, but planned relaxing Thanksgiving weekend.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
The wall crack is from the large vent to the slab and was more noticeable before the foundation work.  He has now taped it twice (the first taping was done poorly and bubbled and cracked immediately) and retextured the ENTIRE wall to match. Even with him here for 2 days he left imperfection “issues” that I was able to sand and patch.  I really didn’t want that man in my house a 3rd time.  After the first time I asked his boss to make sure he brought different tarps with him the next time as the tarps smelled to high heaven with mold and mildew and I have such a compromised immunity it was too much risk.  Well, he fooled me.  He just didn’t bring any tarps the 2nd time.

So much with waiting 3 months for the highly recommended contractor.  He won’t be receiving any recommendations from us!

These are the before and after from the recent dry wall guy hassles.  I was able to sand and fix his imperfection “issues” and they are no longer noticeable.

Once the carpeting goes in and the furniture is back in their proper places it will look more finished.
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 11~14~2016

WOW where did last week go?  I did get some rest after the dry wall guy from hell left Thursday afternoon on the 2nd day of a one day job and I got the initial clean up done.  UNFORTUNATELY, we had to call his boss out to see the problems that DID NOT get dealt with and he will be back AGAIN today! GRRRRRRRRRRR & UGHHHHHHHHH! I hate delays, especially those caused by carelessness.  On top of it the dry wall guy actually asked for more money because he felt he’d been asked to do more than the original (and VERY expensive) quote called for!!!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weather has been GORGEOUS this past week and this upcoming week is supposed to be more of the same – cool evenings (I even needed a light jacket last night when I walked the dogs) which lead to cool mornings and extremely pleasant days.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Peach Yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I see the covered furniture and am already looking forward to the dry wall guy being gone so I can clean again.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Paint Living Room after dry wall is done.
  • Finish caulking and painting kitchen trim.
  • Paint kitchen ceiling now that repairs are dry.
  • Sort studio boxes.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL??
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I was supposed to have started things by now, but that’s life!

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
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
RUSTIC CHICKEN and PASTA
C.O.R.N.
CHICKEN CHILE and CORNBREAD
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • We FINALLY get to order the carpeting tomorrow!!!! Enough said.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – recipes soon

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 11~7~2016

MONDAY! HERE WE ARE AGAIN! 

A week ago was our 1 year “anniversary” of arriving here to the house from hell.  I’m still working on a post FULL of before and after pictures which I hope to have up yet this week.

Unfortunately we decided last Wednesday night to go to one of our formerly favorite TEXMEX restaurants to celebrate – BAD DECISION.  I say unfortunately because 10 hours later I was in the hospital with a severe case of food poisoning and a concussion from where I fell in the bathroom after I became violently ill. The ER doctor said it was the 2nd case that week from the same restaurant. So this will be a quiet and SLOW week for me and I hope to get back on track next week.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
We had some SERIOUS thunderstorms last night and it is a little rainy this morning with a chance of more serious thunderstorms throughout the day. The temperatures have dropped into the 70’s (FINALLY!!) and so it is quite pleasant.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey nut cheerios with banana and milk and of course COFFEE!

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m happy with the condition for a Monday after a week of issues.  I have tons to do, but as I’m on a modified bed rest will do it SLOWLY! AND I won’t be entirely upset if i doesn’t ALL get done.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Keep sorting craft parts in the studio.
  • Finish the marbelizing on the bar area and utility counter and hoping the delay of sitting several extra days before the top coat hasn’t changed the process.
  • Dust and vacuum.
  • Shade cloth for backyard behind our bedroom.
  • Prune roses and trim lantana.
  • Grocery store and errands.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We did find a new NETFLIX show, ICE Pilots, this weekend while I was forced to lay around and are really enjoying it.  Amazing show about keeping WWII planes in service in some of the harshest conditions imaginable.

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
Unfortunately last week’s issues changed everything so I’m going to try this menu again this week.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
PANCAKES or FRENCH TOAST
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
GRILLED STEAK and SALAD
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

MONDAY! HERE WE ARE AGAIN! 

I was hoping to be redirecting you today to my new and improved website, but my webmaster has been called to do some photography field work and we are encountering another small delay while he is out of town.  That said, it has left me with time to continue my passionate “donation project” in an effort to clean out TONS of things.  I especially wanted to get jackets and blankets taken care of before any old weather sets in here.  I’ll keep those separate to take to the local homeless shelter along with towels and bedding.

This past weekend was our 1 year “anniversary” of arriving here to the house from hell.  I’m working on a post FULL of before and after pictures which I hope to have up yet this week.

We have been really working on this project with everything from tools to craft supplies and are EXTREMELY happy with the results over the past year, but especially the past 193 days with our total now over 8000 items.

One of the sad items I had to finally give up was my Girl Scout sweatshirt.  I was an advisor/leader for 3 sister troops – brownies through cadettes for several years and we had such a great time, but alas I have officially worn out this sweatshirt.  I will post this picture to facebook as I know it will make my niece/daughter smile.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is a little foggy, but is supposed to clear into a beautiful day.  We do have a chance for some showers later in the week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey nut cheerios with banana and milk and of course COFFEE!

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m happy with the condition for a Monday.  I spent ALL day Saturday doing a DEEP DEEP CLEAN on our bedroom after I sorted the cold weather clothes and fabric stash so I’m happy with that room especially.  While I was doing that I also did 3 loads of laundry so have none to start the week with.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Keep sorting craft parts in the studio.
  • Last coat of paint on Carlie’s closet.
  • Dust and vacuum.
  • Shade cloth for backyard behind our bedroom.
  • Prune roses and trim lantana.
  • Grocery store and errands.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I spent a good deal of the week sorting through craft “PARTS” for the donation piles, but hope to get busy in this category within the next couple weeks.

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 or FRENCH TOAST
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
GRILLED STEAK and SALAD
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I FINALLY was able to empty 2 steamers trunks of cold weather gear and re-load them with my quilting fabric stash – so even the fabric was sorted and some donated.
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 HOMMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL fall weekend. I LOVE this time of year.  My neighbor and I went to a local craft fair and then hubby and I went to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday.  After the Farmer’s Market we had a late lunch at Bernie’s Burger Bus which had been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Dang if those weren’t the best burgers ever!

I spent Sunday then sorting through scrap booking, jewelry beading and craft items filling donation bins and boxes for friends.  I’ve made a decision to scale back on my activities  to only those that give me pure joy.  LOL yu will notice I didn’t mention quilting, card making or canning.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Last weekend WAS gorgeous and this week is supposed to be even better!  FINALLY!!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey Nut Cheerios with a banana and Coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m amazed it’s as tidy as it is after I tore through all the crafts yesterday.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Renew tags on the car.
  • Deep clean the living room and prep the wall area for the drywaller.
  • Couple loads of laundry.
  • Drop of next load of donations.
  • Seal garage inside and out so we can begin backyard work.
  • Do some eBay listings.
  • Do some organization in my studio.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing this week, BUT next week… I’m going to start some canning projects.

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.


CREAM OF CELERY SOUP (new recipe)
DESSERT







SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

Good Morning everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for a new week.

My new webpage is still in the making as my brother/webmaster/server has had a FULL plate, but LOL I’ll keep you posted on the unveiling.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s a beautiful morning with fluffy clouds.  LOL then I opened the door and it’s going to be another scorcher of a day.  This Indian Summer is killing me, but most my projects will be inside this week so I’ll just pretend we’re having a crisp fall day.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Banana walnut oatmeal and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m fairly happy.  I had a super productive weekend and just need to finish sorting a few totes and boxes and then tomorrow will do a super deep clean.

One of the things I did was sort through ALL of our Christmas decorations.  I pulled out several totes worth of things that I will “probably” donate.  I decided to use these things this year for the season and see if there was anything I couldn’t live without.  If not, it will all be boxed up and donated on January 7th. Seemed like a plausible way to make a decision to minimalize.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
I sat down yesterday and made a chart for what needs to be finished before my mom’s visit in early December and am going to do my best to stick to it!

  • A couple of molding pieces that need to be added.
  • Paint Carlie’s closet.
  • Floor molding in Carlie’s closet.
  • Finish sorting Christmas ornaments.
  • Do some ebay listings.
  • Do some organization in my studio.
  • DEEP cleaning.
  • A craft fair with my neighbor.

We are so close to finishing, but it still feels like it is a lifetime away.  I do have to share this amazing transformation though.  The atrium as we call it was an actual atrium when grams and gramps bought the house.  They had it enclosed with a rook and turned it into a part of the house.  In doing so one of the bedrooms “lost” it’s window as it now looked into an extension of the living room.  Gramps paneled it in a dark brown as was popular in 1980 and put in a makeshift bookshelf closing off the bedroom from any natural light source and it NEVER changed!  Below is the picture of when we arrived and below that is the pictures of the transformation and the re-installation of a “window” for that room allowing natural light again.

BEFORE AS MY COUSIN LEFT IT. It still astonishes me what a difference we’ve made.

Cleaned and primed – ready for window.  I love the white color as compared to the heavy dark paneling look!

NOW “WINDOW” READY FOR CARLIE TO MOVE IN. We used a multi paned door turned sideways and trimmed to fit as a permanent window.  Add a little trim moulding and voile’ it looks like it was always there. It doesn’t need to open.  I’m putting together curtains and beaded tiebacks for the bedroom side so there is still privacy.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I borrowed these from my “daughter of my heart’s” facebook page, but they fill my heart with such joy I just needed to share. Since this picture Am has cut off about 10 inches and I LOVE the new style!

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We are trying all the new shows and will narrow them down soon – thank goodness for DVRs!
TELEVISION

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

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
SHIRRED EGGS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N
SWEDISH MEATBALLS
SLOW ROASTED ITALIAN CHICKEN
POACHED WHITE FISH WITH KIWI REDUCTION
PORK AND PINEAPPLE
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

LET ME BEGIN BY SAYING THAT THE FOLLOWING IS NOT 
AN ABSOLUTE ABOUT ALL PEOPLE.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL SAHM AND PARENTS 
WHO ALREADY FEEL AND ACT THIS WAY!

We have a cultural decay problem in this country. Life as we once knew it will NEVER be again. We have a lack of parenting problem in this country. As parents, our jobs are to raise children into functioning adults first and to be their friend second. Teaching children to be independent, hard working, respectful, happy and gracious is the best thing you can do for them, you and for ALL the people they will encounter in the future. Teaching them about the ups AND the downs of life is realistic and responsible.

There is an apathy, a lack of respect, a lack of accountability, a lack of responsibility, a lack of courtesy… A silver spoon entitlement complex is taking over. Political correctness has become an insane concept trying to make life fair. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Life ISN’T fair and NO ONE every said it would be. Doing the best you can each and everyday is all you can really control.

Watching the news is not always just hearing the factual events as it once was. Commentary and social media have taken over – everyone wants to be the first to break the “NEWS” whether it is complete or correct. Fact checking seems to be a thing of the past in many cases. Spin doctors manipulate news every day.

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME VENT.  I’m stepping down from my soap box now. 

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • COUNT DOWN TO HOUSE COMPLETION
  • COUNT DOWN TO CARLIE MOVING IN
  • COUNT DOWN TO ELF ON A SHELF PICTURES FOR MY MUNCHKINS

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 fairly productive, yet lazy weekend here.  Sunday was the lazy part with A LOT of NASCAR since the races were both postponed due to Hurricane Matthew and Sunday being our big football day anyway.  The evenings have finally cooled off so we can enjoy the outside a bit.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
The breeze is blowing and the temperature is absolutely beautiful this morning.  Our days are still heating up to the low 80’s, but the evenings are FINALLY cooling down into the 50’s and 60’s so it all equals out better and the humidity is finally MUCH lower so the little bit of heat is really tolerable.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Waffles and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I see a HUGE mess! LOL it’s a GOOD mess though as I continue sorting and preparing Carlie’s room.  This week is the BIG craft room purge and looking for good homes for all the parts I no longer need.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Pick up the tub enclosure and get it installed for Carlie’s bathroom.
  • Sort craft room 1 last time and organize new rolling tool box.
  • Drop off the 2 HUGE boxes of Hallmark ornaments at the Children’s Hospital. 
  • Buy new fabric storage boxes for quilting material.
  • Paint Carlie’s closet.  While we got the rooms painted, we did not do the closets right off, but the time has come to do just that.
  • Laundry and Cleaning.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We are trying all the new shows and will narrow them down soon – thank goodness for DVRs!

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

With everything else going on I’m in between books right now.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I really need to get going on the things I am canning and making for Christmas.   I did get my list made for what I will actually be making, now just to get it done.

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.
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT







SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

ON MY MIND
Praying for ALL of those affected by Hurricane Matthew.  There are so many countries and communities fighting just to restore basic needs, Haiti in particular.

We are never ALL going to agree about EVERYTHING, but am thinking we should ALL be nicer to each other – especially in this politically charged presidential election season.  So many people seem to be adamant on serious battle lines being drawn and everything being black and white ONLY.  I hate to break it to everyone, but life is rarely black and white.  Learning to compromise and live in the gray area of intersected commonalities is probably the best we can do this season.  But seriously, BE KIND to each other no matter what your personal views are.  The other person’s views are just as important to them.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • LOL that the election is almost here and hopefully things will settle down a bit for everyone when it’s finally over.
  • Progress on the house and the cooler weather so we can begin to work on the outside.

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

DOUBLE WOW flew by and here we are back on another Monday. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and is bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for the first week of one of my favorite months.

We’re still here trying to finish this rehab!  You know the drill 2 steps forward only to take 10 backwards.  I did finally hear from the contractor and hopefully the last two ig things will be done by mid month and then we can order the carpet.  Looks like we really will be done by the 1 year mark.

I’m still working towards my new web page and hope to have it up and running soon with everything all combined.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER
The sun is shining and the temperatures as well as the humidity have ebbed a bit making life so much more enjoyable.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Oatmeal and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE I SEE & MY
WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
I started cleaning over the weekend and some deep organizing as I try to combine two rooms together giving Carlie a completely empty room to move in to. I’ll try to finish the cleaning and de-cluttering today.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We are trying all the new shows and will narrow them down soon – thank goodness for DVRs!

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • THE PITCH
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

With everything else going on I’m in between books right now.
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
C.O.R.N.
??
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
C.O.R.N.
DINNER
HOT WINGS
something in my new crock pot
C.O.R.N.
BUFFALO KING RANCH CHICKEN
SLOPPY JOES
CHILI & CORNBREAD
SOMETHING ON THE GRILL
DESSERT







FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
Hubby has been working like a dog on the garage. We are at the 11 month mark and it has been a long haul, but hubby finally reached his happy place.  Just to refresh your memory here are a couple of the before pictures of what we “inherited” with the garage followed by pictures from yesterday.

 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 week and weekend. I didn’t quite get around to visit everyone, but I will do better this week. I have to be honest, I’m tired! I’m a big believer in staying positive and “showing up” every day to live life, but like I said, I’m tired. 
 
Part of it is day 335 on this house.  We’re still working towards completing it by the one year mark for several reasons: 

  • 1) we’re just tired of living in a construction zone 
  • 2) the one year mark is only 3 weeks before Thanksgiving and we’re planning on having a normal holiday season this year – that includes Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years.
  • 3) my mom is coming to visit just before Christmas
  • 4) Our son and his family are coming just after Christmas and bringing our granddaughter to stay while she begins college here locally. 

The other part of it is medicinal in a round robin kind of way.  Finishing this house would help with a couple of my conditions that are aggravated by heavy manual labor and stress. The last part is trying a new medicine and the side effects that go along with it. I committed to a 3 month round of it and am told it will get better if I just hang in there.

Many of you know I’ve been involved in several different blogs while I was “finding” myself.  It has all become too much though.  With my brother’s help (he’s my server) I am combining and collapsing all my irons in the fire into one new site that will be ALL encompassing no matter where my life takes me from here on out. I will be staying with my original “roots” from 3 Sides of Crazy. I bought my new domain and have made a couple selections for my new header and am now waiting on the behind the scenes completion so I can get busy combining and importing.  I’ll keep you posted on when I make the BIG move.  I’m really excited at de-cluttering my virtual life as well as my real life.
WHICH ONE DO YOU GUYS LIKE? 
Or do you think I need something entirely different?

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
The sun is shining, FOR NOW, but we’ll see.  We are supposed to be a bit cooler this week with off and on thunderstorms. It is still not where I’d like for fall, but at least it is tolerable enough to get going on the backyard soon.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Cinnamon Maple Oatmeal and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE I SEE & MY
WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • I started cleaning on Saturday and got distracted so I’ll finish the cleaning and de-cluttering today. 
  • I’m also getting more serious about donating as I’m beginning the “Make room for Carlie” changes.  We’re so excited to have her coming to live with us until her parents move this way. I keep wondering where ALL this stuff came from, but then I remember, sigh and get busy again.
  • Finish the inventory and call the woman from Texas Children’s Hospital AGAIN.  I’m donating my Barbie and Hallmark ornament collection to them for the kids and am trying to coordinate a drop off.
  • List a few things on eBay.
  • Try and finish the Painted Churches tour post once and for all – I ended up with way too many pictures to edit.
  • Start the drywall work in the living room.  Alas, the great contractor who was going to work us in before October is not returning calls or texts so I guess I’m just going to have to do it myself.  Hubby is busy working on putting up the interior walls in the garage.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We are trying all the new shows and will narrow them down soon – thank goodness for DVRs!

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • THE PITCH
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

With everything else going on I’m in between books right now.

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 HOLES
BACON & PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
C.O.R.N.
??
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
C.O.R.N.
DINNER
HAM STEAK with MAC & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.


BLACK BEAN CHILI & CORNBREAD
SOMETHING ON THE GRILL
DESSERT







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

It’s been a very long week and an even longer weekend and I’m just not feeling up to par. We worked outside several days on the backyard area and it is super slow going.  Digging in clay like mud/dirt and rock is horrible, but worse in the 90+ degree heat and humidity we are still having.  At least things are dry right now near the garage edge so we will be getting the garage sealed inside and out as well as possible and get things fairly level before they deliver the pallet of 100 bags of sand and pavers for the patio area.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
The sun is shining and there are a few fluffy clouds, but it is already stifling with high humidity.  We are supposed to hit 95 degrees today so I’m enjoying the AC inside before I tackle outside again.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
French Toast and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
I see tons of things I need to do, but things that will take a backseat to getting the bathroom floor and entryway grouting and a patio area done.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
Looking forward to the premiers this week. Oh and we found a cool new show (to us), American Pickers, on the history channel that we’ve been enjoying A LOT!

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
TOASTED FRENCH TOAST
SAUSAGE AND CHEESE FRITTATA
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
OUT
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
LOBSTER CAKES
ROAST CHICKEN with MASHED POTATOES and GRAVY
OUT
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE
SLOPPY JOES
CHICKEN POSOZLE
ORANGE CHICKEN & CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
My brother and SIL got me 2 new cookbooks for my  birthday and I’ll reading those this week to fill this list.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
Honestly I haven’t even downloaded the pictures yet so next week I’ll post double.

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.