Category: MENU PLAN MONDAY

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

Good morning dear friends. I had a busy week working on projects and took most of the weekend off, but still didn’t get all my computer visits caught up!  I apologize to anyone I didn’t get visited last week. I’m hoping to have the time to get a lot of things that are mid-project accomplished this week.

I also had my oncology check up last week that received a wonderful flying colors review!

The super bowl and the commercials was only so-so this year, but I am looking forward to NASCAR starting next weekend! Normally I have a LONG list of superbowl commercials I loved, but this year there were very few with the larger companies all putting their monies into COVID relief instead of commercials.  I did like the Matthew McConaughey/Doritos commercial, the Sam Adams Clydesdales commercial, the Rocket Mortgage Pretty Sure commercial, and the *ETrade commercial, but the Toyota Up Stream commercial with Jessica Long actually made me tear up. I think they’re trying to replace Hallmark 😀

The weather this past week and predicted again for this week are typical winter weather for the Pacific North West, but I sure wish it would make up its mind! I see Levis, flannels, hoodies and UGG’s in my future this week 😀

Last week the snow predictions came true to a point. We could see it ALL around us, but it never actually happened on the valley floor. So, it was chilly and a couple of days downright cold with the wind, but no actual snow stuck.  This week the temperatures are predicted a bit lower and 4 days of snow predicted again, so we’ll see!

Hot water, red pear and oatmeal

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did a deep clean last week, so this week just needs some light dusting and vacuuming.  Just a couple loads of laundry also. HOUSEHOLD Need to finish a couple pieces of molding and then do all the caulking and painting of the baseboards in both bathrooms and the laundry room. I’m still working at removing the old adhesive from those stupid fish on the shower floor! I’m giving myself this week off though as my  body is protesting scooting along the floor so much 😀 I’m also re-doing my spices and minamalizing. CRAFT PROJECTS  I’m hoping to finish a couple of paintings I’m working on and start on the quilts I didn’t finish from Christmas. GROCERIES & ERRANDS Hubby has 2 doctor appointments this week, but YAY I have nowhere to go!

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX We’re still re-watching Stargate SG1 I haven’t seen these since the original so it all feels new again! PRIME I have Bliss to watch DISNEY+ I started WANDA VISION and it’s pretty cute RED BOX We rented Shadow in the Cloud which was amusing and fun and Let Him Go which was just downright sad as well as Breach which I wish I hadn’t wasted my time on. CABLE – UNICORN, CALL YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, YOUNG SHELDON 911, 911 LONESTAR, L&O SVU, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS, BULL, GOOD DOCTOR, RESIDENT, CHICAGO SERIES

I’m did finish reading SINS by Nadia Lee and started SECRETS, the sequel to it.  😀 And of course now that I’m into it I am falling asleep quickly and not having much reading time.

It’s hard to get decent pictures of small rooms, but this is the last bit of flooring being finished up. Like so many projects these days, they are a domino of things to be done. Because the flooring was so thick we had to adapt the toilets and since they were off we went ahead and did all new bolts and hoses since the others were at least 20 years old and a bit funky.

New pieces of floor molding had to be added around the vanities and showers since the original linoleum went underneath them before they were originally placed.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	7 LAYER DIP TARTS & SALAD	FRENCH ONION MANICOTTI	PORK RAMEN	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	BEEF YAKISOBA	FENNEL CRUSTED PORK with ROASTED POTATOES	APRICOT CHICKEN with COUSCOUS
DESSERT		MAPLE APPLE CAKE

• SLOW COOKED CHILE PORK CHOPS
• FRENCH ONION CHICKEN
• BROWN BUTTER & SAGE GNOCCHI with SWEET POTATOES & PECANS

• BEET PICKLED DEVILED EGGS
• COWGIRL KISSES WITH RASPBERRY CHIPOTLE SAUCE
• RUSTIC SAVORY COUNTRY HAM & CHEESE QUICHE

• FRENCH ONION MANICOTTI
• MEXICAN MANICOTTI
• 7 LAYER DIP TACO CUPS

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

I hope everyone had a GREAT week. I’m just going to jump in this week because I have a BUSY day ahead.

Imagine that, it’s gray, dreary and rainy in the Pacific Northwest 😀 LOL Highs are supposed to be in the 40’s and lows in the 30’s this week.  I don’t mind the cold or even the rain, but the bone chilling wet cold can be a little hard on the bones. But, it gives me the excuse to wear my favorite flannels, Levis and UGG’s. There is still a small threat of snow later in the week.

Hot water, oatmeal with bananas and yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING We’re still working on the flooring and LOL all the domino parts that it entails, so the cleaning this week is minimal and done as we go. Laundry is up to date, vacuuming is done, Christmas reorganization is almost done and donations are even dropped off. FLOOR PROJECT Domino parts include the repairing molding or replacing it as well as adding the new pieces that are necessary because the original flooring was laid BEFORE the cabinetry, new thresholds that need to be stained and placed, doors that need to cut off to accommodate the new flooring and thresholds, painting, new caulking, new fittings for the toilets, etc… APPOINTMENTS, GROCERIES & ERRANDS I like to get everything done in the real world all on the same day and then get back home to clean up and feel safe again. I will be doing ALL of my list today for the next couple weeks that includes groceries, drugstore, craft store, COSTCO and hardware store. I also have my 10 year oncology follow-up this week.  Unfortunately it is in a county that is under the “extreme” label so there will be no celebratory lunch as originally planned – just a get in and get out. Hubby can’t even go with me this year. I don’t have food delivery boxes coming this week or next so will be starting R.E.D. (Recipe Experiment Dinners) again. PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I still have a few of each to make RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have chosen several, but am still digging through my scraps for more

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX We’re still watching Stargate 1 as reruns, but we also saw the movies Outside The Wire and the 1st episode of Lupin CABLE – UNICORN, CALL YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, YOUNG SHELDON 911, 911 LONESTAR, L&O SVU, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS, BULL, GOOD DOCTOR, RESIDENT, CHICAGO SERIES

I’m still reading SINS by Nadia Lee.  😀 And of course now that I’m into it I am falling asleep quickly and not having much reading time.

I took another painting class with a friend this past week and I’m actually beginning to enjoy these classes 😀 The daisy pail was last week and the Gnome on a stump in the snow was last Saturday.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP & CHEDDAR BISCUITS	BACON MAC & CHEESE POT PIE	SPINACH SALAD	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	CHICKEN DOME POT PIES	BBQ RIBS & COLE SLAW	EVERYTHING BAGEL DUTCH BABY
DESSERT		PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CRINKLES or PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE

• STUFFED CHICKEN MARSALA
  
• CHOCOLATE CHINESE 5 SPICE CAKE
• CHILI PORK STEAKS & CHEDDAR GRITS
  
• STACKED SUIZA CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
• CREAMY CHICKEN & VEGGIES WITH GNOCCHI

• CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN SOUP
• TEX MEX BLT’S
• TERIYAKI SEX ON A STICK

• BROWN BUTTER & SAGE GNOCCHI with SWEET POTATOES & PECANS
  
• FRENCH ONION CHICKEN

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

I hope you all had a great week. It was a strange one for me – ups and downs with my stomach/sugar issues, but it was still productive. I even worked in a painting class with a friend on Saturday. I had never done anything like it before, but had a good time and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Then Sunday was NFL playoff day so we just lazed around and watched football and read since it was too cold to do anything outside anyway 😀

Cold, gray and rainy/snowy. We aren’t supposed to see any sun this week with gray rainy snowy days and cold temperatures, highs in the low 40’s and lows in the low 30’s. I’m going to be painting this morning so I’m wearing old painting levis and my painting t-shirt.

Hot water, peach yogurt and a cheddar cheese slice.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I just have the normal sheets and towels as well as a load of jeans and socks to do. GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have another meal box coming this week so have very little grocery shopping to do. Hubby has a doctor appointment, but other than that it’s another homebody week. PROJECT – Bathrooms are still in progress – we had to order some parts that are taking some time with “pandemic shipping” involved so the flooring is at a standstill, but the back bathroom is painted and I’m now working on removing the shower “stickies” and redoing the shower floor. Removing these stupid fish and the adhesive is a tedious and VERY time consuming project! My advice is to NEVER buy these stickies with all the stupid little cutouts as they are a serious pain in the butt. As a break from dealing with the shower floor the front bathroom is being prepped and will be painted this week. RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on a February menu, but for some reason it’s slow going this month.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX We’ve been re-watching Stargate SG1 REDBOX EmptyMan (weird, weird movie) Wander with Tommy Lee Jones and Dreamland CABLE UNICORN, CALL YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, YOUNG SHELDON 911, 911 LONESTAR, L&O SVU, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS, BULL, GOOD DOCTOR, RESIDENT, CHICAGO SERIES

I’m still reading SINS by Nadia Lee. It had good reviews on Amazon, but I was having trouble getting into it, but it’s flowing now 😀 And of course now I am falling asleep quickly and not having much reading time.

It’s been a little cold here! Even the spiders are having a hard winter!

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	SMOTHERED PORK CUTLETS with CHEDDAR GRITS & GREEN BEANS	FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BREAST with FONTINA & GARLIC BREAD	CREAMY CHICKEN & GNOCCHI DUMPLINGS with APPLE SLAW	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	SHREDDED PORK QUESADILLAS and REFRIED BEAN CASSEROLE	BREAKFAST FOR DINNER	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DESSERT		MAPLE APPLE CAKE

• BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS – TAKE OUT STYLE
• CREAMED EGG SALAD
• GINGER TAMARI CHICKEN & VEGGIES
• REFRIED BEAN & RICE BOWLS
• BEEFY RICOTTA MEATBALLS with PENNE PASTA & TOMATO PESTO GREEN BEANS

• CHICKEN BLT CASSEROLE
• BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAIL
• ROSEMARY THYME BUTTER SAUCE CHICKEN & VEGGIES

• STUFFED CHICKEN MARSALA
• BROWN BUTTER SAGE GNOCCHI & SWEET POTATOES
• STACKED SUIZA ENCHILADAS with PICKLED RED ONIONS

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

I wasn’t very motivated to check too many things off of my to do list this past weekend (woke up with a stomach bug Saturday and had a bad reaction on Sunday), though last week was quite productive with painting the back bathroom, cleaning the fixtures and finishing the sub floor in preparation of the new flooring that has of course been “slightly” delayed amid the shipping issues of the pandemic. We did watch all the NFL playoff games though.

I have some outdoor furniture that needs fresh paint, but it’s been too cold anyway to do that project and some Valentine’s Day crafts and treats I’d like to make, but like many people, I’ve been semi-consumed by the news over the last couple weeks and stayed home and away from the public as much as possible. These are certainly troubled times and I’m hopeful, prayerful  that there are MUCH better days ahead for us all.

On to the post for today.

As always it’s dark and foggy outside. Not unexpected for this time of year. The weather prediction for the last 10 days has been fading in and out predicting snow for the end of the week, but we’ll see what happens.  Either way it will be cold and wet this week, also no surprise for this time of year! 😀 I really like the rain, but I don’t care much for gray and dreary.  I have been fondly remembering when we were back in Michigan. It was much colder and we got tons of snow, BUT we also received A LOT of sun during the winter between snow storms. 😀

I have on old Levis, a faded favorite hoodie and slipper socks that will be replaced with POPS as I work.

I’ve been playing with my Christmas present, a NINJA FOODI and part of my breakfast are some wonderful dehydrated pears I made over the weekend that I’m having with my hot water.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Just the standard sheets and towels, vacuuming… GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a recipe box coming this week so don’t need to do any grocery shopping this week. PROJECTS Painting and new flooring bathrooms and laundry room PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX We started watching Stargate 1 at night since we hadn’t seen it in many years REDBOX The Spell, Empty Man CABLE Chicago (Med, Fire & PD), This Is Is, The Curse of the Cat People, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, The Creature From the Black Lagoon, Call Your Mother – cute new sitcom, Magnum, MacGyver, The Good Doctor, The Resident, American Housewife, Young Sheldon, Last Man Standing

I’m still reading SINS by Nadia Lee. It had good reviews on Amazon, but I was having trouble getting into it, but it’s flowing now 😀 And of course now I am falling asleep quickly and not having much reading time.

And the most important thing to remember is that it IS refillable! 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	MEXICAN MANICOTTI	BRISKET BRAISED CHICKEN	BEEFY RICOTTA MEATBALLS & PENNE PASTA with TOMATO PESTO	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	CHICKEN SUIZA ENCHILADAS & PICKLED RED ONIONS	BARNYARD BREAKFAST PIE	EGG ROLL IN A BOWL
DESSERT		CHOCOLATE BUTTERMILK CAKE

• RUSTIC COUNTRY HAM & CHEESE QUICHE
  
• SOUP TUTORIAL
  
• SAVORY CHICKEN BREAD
  
• CHICKEN & APPLES

• CHICKEN FRIED RICE
• TUSCAN PEPPER STEAK & 3 PEPPER SAUCE
• GARLIC HERB HONEY GLAZED PORK

• CHOCOLATE BUTTERMILK CAKE
• BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS
• CREAMED EGG SALAD
  
• GINGER TAMARI CHICKEN & NOODLES
• REFRIED BEAN BOWLS & HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
• BEEFY RICOTTA MEATBALLS & PENNE PASTA with TOMATO PESTO

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

I hope your first week of 2021 was a good one despite the obvious things going on in the world and our own backyard! Personally, I’m still in shock over last week’s events and choose to pray that things will settle down soon!

On the positive side, I’m making a few “little” updates here on the blog to freshen things up I hope.

It’s been gray cloudy and foggy A LOT lately. Last Friday was finally supposed to be gorgeous and yet we spent the day with weird storms moving in and out with intermittent heavy rain so I’m not putting a lot of stock in the weatherman this week. 

As of now today is supposed to be cloudy after the fog burns off, but dry and then we’re supposed to get 2 inches of rain Tuesday and Wednesday. Either way, highs are supposed to be in the high 40’s/low50’s with lows in the 30’s and 40’s, gray, cloudy and intermittently wet. 😀

Hot Water, mixed berry yogurt and cheddar cheese slice

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING & PROJECTS Just a load of sheets/towels and one of jeans and socks Finish painting first coat of paint on bathrooms and start the second coat Finish installing and leveling new subfloor in back bathroom – the new flooring has been delayed until the 16th, but you just never know these days with shipping. Finish removing old shower stickers and adhesive GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m starting a new delivery service for 3 recipes a week so need very little at the grocery store and only have 2 errands so will be home most of the week. Hubby does have a doctor appointment Monday afternoon and we’ll pick up our favorite pizza for dinner. PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I have a couple letters that need written and a couple phone calls I’m hoping for a live person to help with. RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING We’ll see how the delivery service goes, but I’m afraid like so many others we’ve tried before, the recipes will begin to repeat all too soon and I’ll be back to full recipe planning.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX There are a couple movies that were supposed to go to theaters that will be released that we’ll try to catch. PRIME There are a couple movies that were supposed to go to theaters that will be released that we’ll try to catch. DISNEY+ I’ve been playing with this during the day and watching Evermoor and Evermoor Chronicles HULU We’ve been watching the OLD ODD COUPLE with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman at night. CABLE A few of our favorite shows are back for a new season and I have a couple movies taped to watch. Blue Bloods, Magnum, Macgyver, L&O SVU, Chicago series, Young Sheldon…

This week I’m reading SINS by Nadia Lee. It had good reviews on Amazon, but I’m having trouble really getting into it.

Hubby cleaned up the old sub floor and then painted it to seal the previously wet areas before starting the new sub floor. Every time hubby and I work on a house, we leave our mark and we try to surprise each other to bring each other a smile. 

I couldn’t resist that blank slate of new paint. 😀 Here’s our latest work on the sub floor. And it doesn’t matter that it will be covered by the new sub floor because we’ll know it’s there! 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	*BBQ BEEF SAUSAGE & DEEP FRIED ONIONS	CHICKEN & APPLES	BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	GINGER TAMARI CHICKEN & VEGGIES	BEEF & NOODLES	MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES
DESSERT		*ROASTED APPLES w/ SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

• ROSEMARY THYME BUTTER SAUCE CHICKEN
  
• CREAMY LEMON CHICKEN SOUP
  
• PAN SEARED PORK WITH BRAISED TURNIPS & PARMESAN
  
• LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS (AIR FRIED)
  

• HOT HONEY LIME CHICKEN
• CHICKEN PEANUT STEW
• ITALIAN WEDDING CASSEROLE

• BEEF & BEAN ENCHILADAS
• CHICKEN & APPLES
• UPDATED EGG SALAD
• SAVORY RUSTIC HAM & CHEESE QUICHE
• SAVORY CHICKEN BREAD

GOOD MORNING HAPPY NEW YEAR may 2021 bring us ALL the much needed relief & joy that we deserve. I have high hopes for 2021, but also realize that the changing of the number from 2020 to 2021 doesn’t really change anything, we still must be vigilant and cautious to outlast this pandemic. I do hope that it changes a few attitudes though! I hope you had a quiet, but wonderful New Year’s celebration at home and are all in good health.

I spent the weekend sorting, packing and purging Christmas decorations getting ready to do a deep clean this week. Hubby began prepping for the new tile project in the back bedroom bathroom so that the worst of the mess was done before deep cleaning. We ordered the tile, bought the paint and a few supplies, but then as he was prepping we found a small issue and will need to make another trip to Home Depot so we can deal with it 🙁

I HATE that USPS delivers AMAZON on Sunday. Whatever it is can wait one more day in my opinion!  BUT, I do appreciate our delivery people. I happened to be walking by the front door yesterday when one of our regular carriers rang they bell. I always give them a little time to pick out a treat and then walk away before I open the door. As I opened the door he was just getting back into his truck and yelled out a thank you and telling me what a nice thing it is to have the treats and drinks available. I thanked him for thanking me and decided that I won’t take it down now that the holiday season is over, but leave it up since we are getting more things delivered during the pandemic and delivery people are working harder than ever. It isn’t much, but it is something I can continue doing. I’ll cycle in more seasonal drinks and treats as we move through time.

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING BIG surprise, but we’re supposed to have another cold and rainy week here in the Pacific North West. I’m going to do the grocery shopping this morning, so I’m wearing Levi’s, a soft pink hoodie and my favorite rain resistant clogs.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, mixed berry yogurt and an apple

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I need to finish taking down the tree and sorting Christmas decorations for donation before doing a deep clean. There are a couple loads of laundry to do before we kick this week into high gear and tackle some painting in both bathrooms. GROCERIES & ERRANDS I just need a little produce and dairy as I continue my quest to clean out the freezer and pantry to start the new year off fresh. PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS Just a couple. RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING February is done and I’m working on March. There are a couple of tutorials I’m working on for January.  I hope to do one or two each month in 2021 in an effort to clean up all my notes and desktop. 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX There wasn’t much on last week and we watched a few movies (some of which were older); CHRISTMAS BREAK IN with Danny Glover was cute, KNOCK AROUND GUYS with Vin Diesel was good for an older style mobster movie, 3 DAYS TO KILL with Kevin Costner was really good. Several friends recommended SCHITT’S CREEK and we’ll start it this week probably. REDBOX LOVE & MONSTERS was pretty good for a comedic horror film and HONEST THIEF with Liam Neeson was quite good also. PRIME DEATH OF A SHADOW is a science fiction WWI film was pretty good except it was all in German. HULU We finally finished Melissa and Joey DISNEY+ We just signed up for this and there are several movies in particular that we want to watch as well as the Mandalorian series that everyone is raving about. CABLE Not much but cooking shows last week – Kid’s Baking is back. Most of the shows we like will be returning later this week and there are even a couple new shows starting over the next couple of weeks. We did see HANCOCK with Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Justin Bateman on SYFY and it was really good – not sure where we were in 2008 when it first aired. WORST COOKS began a new season last night and EVERY season I ask how there can be so MANY oblivious people out there!

I’M READING

• Let It Be by Marie Force, a novella of her Vermont series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We were surprised by a nearly professional grade fireworks show that a neighbor just over the back fence and across the highway had on New Year’s Eve. He started quite early and between the FOG and SMOKE from the fireworks, the pictures aren’t great, but it was fun to watch none-the-less. 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP In an effort to break a few bad habits acquired during the pandemic of the last 9 months I’ve joined Martha over at Seaside Simplicity in NOT making resolutions this year, but doing Lifestyle changes instead.  You can read about it here. So this life tip seemed appropriate AND true!

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	LOGGER’S PIZZA with homemade RANCH DRESSING	SAVORY STUFFING BREAD & LEMON CHICKEN SOUP	ITALIAN FRITTATAS	C.O.R.N.   clean out refrigerator night	ROSEMARY BUTTER CHICKEN	STEAKS ON THE NEW GRILL	HAM & GRUYERE QUICHE
DESSERT		CRANBERRY UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAILS
  
• LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WINGS (AIR FRYER)
  

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• APPLE LEMON HARVEST BUNDT CAKE
• FLOATING CRUST CHICKEN POT PIE
• BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASSEROLE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• ROSEMARY BUTTER CHICKEN
• LEMON CHICKEN SOUP
• SAVORY STUFFING BREAD

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

A memory popped up on facebook over the weekend and I just had to amend it for 2021 😀

GOOD MORNING Here we are at the end of 2020.  I know that entering 2021 doesn’t magically make all things better, but I have HIGH hopes that 2021 WILL BE a better year that sees an end to the global pandemic with wide sweeping vaccination against COVID 19 and a renewed sense of community as we begin to recover as a society from the most personally, economically and challenging trying times in recent history.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING As you can see today is “supposed” to be sunny, though I’m sure that will only be for an hour after the cold fog burns off 😀  Actually looks like it won’t be too bad for a couple days, but after that it will be quite wet! I always check 2 different sites and average them, but as you can see this week they seem to agree with each other. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and a Harry & David pear YUMMY!

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Later this week I will be taking down the Christmas tree and beginning the arduous task of sorting through ornaments and downsizing decorations as I pack them away. GROCERIES & ERRANDS I will make a QUICK trip to the market for dairy and produce mid-week, but will literally go nowhere until 2021 after that! PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS Most of what I have to do in this category will wait until 2021. RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING With the COLD weather I’m spending some serious time in this category this week. January is done and I’m working on February in an effort to use things that are already in the freezer and pantry to start the year off FRESH.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV   I’m going to reevaluate our subscriptions this week and sign up for Disney+

REDBOX/NETFLIX – We watched a seriously satirical Christmas movie with Mel Gibson and Walter Goggins called FATMAN that was pretty good. We also saw George Clooney’s Midnight Sky that while it was good was pretty depressing. The War on Grandpa was fun with Robert Dinero. HULU – We’re just about finished with Melissa and Joey and will be looking for a late night comedy. CABLE – A few shows will come back later this week and I am officially done with ALL the Christmas movies

I’M READING

• I should finish South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber later today and will begin Marie Force’s Let It Be, a novella to her Vermont series.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We did get to spend a little time with the munchkins for a few socially distanced minutes on Christmas Day and saw them open their gifts. I REALLY miss my munchkin hugs, but it was so good to see their sweet smiles!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP My next house WILL have these!

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	CITRUS HERB ROAST TURKEY	BLACK EYED PEA CHILI & MIKE’S BREAD	C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night	BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAILS & BROILED LOBSTER	ITALIAN FRITTATAS	SPICY HONEY RIBS & PAN SEARED ARTICHOKES	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		Nothing new as we need to clean out the holiday collection 😀 of goodies

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
• OVERNIGHT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
• BEAR CLAWS OR PAWS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• CHICKEN NEW ORLEANS
• FRENCH ONION PORK TENDERLOIN
• BLUEBERRY BANANA MAPLE MUFFINS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• BLOODY SHRIMP COCKTAIL
• CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BANANA BUCHE DE NOEL

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and mixed berry yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did quite a bit of deep cleaning as we decorated and only have a load of laundry to finish GROCERIES & ERRANDS YAY I have no where to go and nothing to get until 2021! PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS just a couple things RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have a few new cookbooks I want to read through as I plan a January 2021 menu

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX – There are a few new things supposed to be released this week because they can’t be in the theatres PRIME – ?? HULU – still finishing Melissa and Joey as we go to bed each evening CABLE -most regular shows have taken this week off so I’m trying to finish the Christmas movies and

I’M READING

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

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

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• STRAWBERRY LEMONADE BARS
• HOT HONEY LIME BUTTER CHICKEN
• CHICKEN FRIED RICE
• MILK COFFEE BUNS
• SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
• WET & DRY BRINED TURKEY

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• RUSSIAN CABBAGE SOUP
• VODKA CHICKEN POMODORO
• ITALIAN PORK CHOPS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• SASSED UP CHICKEN & PEPPERS

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, yogurt and a banana

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did most of the laundry on Saturday, but have a couple more loads to do later in the week GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll do the grocery shopping for Christmas on Wednesday so I don’t have to go out again before Christmas. Hubby has been concerned with my lack of “Christmas spirit” so I’m trying to get more in the spirit by making a menu and stuff. PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I’m still waiting on some callbacks that may not happen until the new year at the rate things have been going 😀 RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX – Virgin River HULU – Melissa and Joey reruns to go to sleep by CABLE – a bunch of Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies, Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM, BULL, ALL Rise, Chicago series (Medical, Fire & PD), L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS (Regular, LA & New Orleans)

I’M READING

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

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• FLOATING CRUST CHICKEN POT PIE
• SCALLOPED SWEET CORN CASSEROLE
• PIZZA CASSEROLE
• GARLIC HERB HONEY GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN
• ITALIAN WEDDING CASSEROLE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• CARAMEL TOPPED GINGERSNAPS 
• CUCUMBER POMEGRANATE SALAD
• CHEDDAR BISCUIT TOPPED CHICKEN POT PIE

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did a deep clean of the bedroom yesterday, but am sorting through some clothes for donation and the kitchen for donations to the food pantry. PROJECTS I finished a set of Snowman heads yesterday and will get a picture sometime this week.  I also want to finish the ornaments hooks I’ve been working on. GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need just a few groceries for the week and have a hair appointment on Thursday unless it get canceled PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS same old, same old 😀 RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve been feeling a bit BLAH on the menu side of things lately, but am hoping to find some new inspiring ideas in my box of scraps

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX – Virgin River HULU – Melissa and Joey reruns to go to sleep by CABLE – a bunch of Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies, Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM, BULL, ALL Rise, Chicago series (Medical, Fire & PD), L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS (Regular, LA & New Orleans)

I’M READING

• South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASSEROLE
• CITRUS BRINED ROAST TURKEY
• TARRAGON VINEGAR PORK CHOPS
• APPLE LEMON HARVEST BUNDT CAKE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PORK TENDERLOIN with GREEN BEANS & ROASTED PEARS
• VINEGAR CHICKEN
• CHICKEN NEW ORLEANS
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I tried to get most of the laundry done over the weekend and will be glad the cleaning will get done “as I go” with the Thanksgiving dinner prep this week. Even a small Thanksgiving dinner requires time and prep when making it from scratch. GROCERIES & ERRANDS are pretty much done except for a couple little things! THANKSGIVING DINNER PREP I’m going to do a little each day to make the week easier! I actually started yesterday and will do as much today and tomorrow as possible.  Wednesday will be my “assembly” day to have the dressing and Brussels sprouts casserole ready for the oven on Thursday. I’ll also prepare dessert on Wednesday. I made the cranberry sauce on Saturday and will be starting the turkey brine tomorrow.  It does take a schedule. but leaves more time on Thursday for football and Christmas movies!  PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS Probably won’t get far on these since many things will close early for the holiday. RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING – I’m making a few new recipes for Thanksgiving and the next couple weeks that I think will be big hits.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX – Were on season 3 of Travelers, Jingle Jangle Christmas movie HULU – on the last season of REBA CABLE – Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies, Holiday baking shows, Some of the standard PRIME time shows – Chicago series, CSI’s, L&O SVU, American Housewife, Unicorn, Young Sheldon…

I’M READING

• A Home For Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PORK GREEN CHILI
• PUMPKIN PINEAPPLE CRUNCH CAKE
• CHICKEN CONTINENTAL
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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