Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 15 of 2018

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies. I hope you had a wonderful week and an even better weekend. Last week was pretty busy with appointments and odds and ends things for me, but this week looks to be a little slower and I hope to get a lot more accomplished though I seem to have a bit of a cold from all the crazy weather this weekend which is already slowing me down. Having an almost non-existent immunity makes a cold pretty scary for me and I end up staying in to avoid getting even sicker which slows down EVERYTHING!

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 – It looks like this week will be mellow, but the weather changes too quickly around here sometimes.  Last Saturday’s 40 degree drop wasn’t originally predicted either 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – peach yogurt and green tea

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY/FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – things are moving along here with sorting, packing and even seem to be dragging a bit at times, but I know they’ll speed up at the end so am glad to have the time to pack properly and patch the nail holes, etc… as I go.  We sold this as turn key and want to truly leave it move in ready – right down to the house being completely clean including the windows.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS – I spent Saturday inside since it was so cold outside and went to town on getting chores done.

  • LAUNDRY… I did all the sheets, towels and bedding on Saturday so just a couple loads of jeans and tops
  • LIVING AREAS… messy but actually clean under the clutter of all the sorting and packing
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean really.  I’ve been condensing and cleaning out the pantry and fridge and getting as much recycled apossible
  • YARD… after the weekend storms it’s just too wet to do anything, but it will need mowed and trimmed before the end of the week
  • BLOG… still doing some recipe updating and compilation from the old blog, future post planning for while we are on the road and even some holiday post planning because it will be here before you know it

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, 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, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race just ended and Dancing With the Stars will be beginning

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

STRAWBERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

GRAN’S BUTTER CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

 OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN CASSOULET

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

BACON RANCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

OLD FASHIONED TUNA CASSEROLE

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

SPICY CHICKEN POT STICKERS

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

DUTCH BABY & SWEET & SPICY BACON

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICHES

CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES

SUNDAY

BACON & CHEDDAR PANCAKES

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC-N-CHEESE

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

CREAMY SUN DRIED TOMATO PARMESAN CHICKEN

CREAMY SUN DRIED TOMATO PARMESAN CHICKEN
1 1/2 pounds large THINLY sliced boneless and skinless chicken breasts
1 shallot, sliced thin
1 cup sliced mushrooms
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black cracked pepper (adjust to your tastes)
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 ounce jar sun dried tomato strips in oil drained (reserve 3 tablespoons of oil for cooking)
3 tablespoons reserved sun dried tomato oil or olive oil, divided
5-6 button mushrooms, diced
1/2 cup white wine
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 – 2 cups spinach (optional)
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley to serve

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika and onion powder.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken for 2 minutes or so each side, or until golden and cooked through.
  • Transfer to a warm plate and set aside.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan.
  • Add shallots and garlic, sautéing a minute or so until garlic is fragrant.
  • Add in the sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms if using sautéing 1-2 more minutes to release their flavors.
  • Add paprika and Italian seasoning, stirring to blend.
  • Reduce heat to a medium-low.
  • Add white wine and then the heavy cream, stirring to blend.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese. Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes until cheese melts and blends into sauce.
  • Add in spinach leaves if using and allow to wilt in the sauce.
  • Add the chicken back into the pan; top with parsley and serve over pasta.

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 14 of 2018

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. Ours was quiet, just Easter service and brunch.  I do LOVE our pastor’s subtle sense of humor as he inserted an April Fool’s joke or two into the sermon while still making it reverent for the occasion.

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 – a little gray and cloudy, but pleasant right now.  It is supposed to heat up to the 80’s this week with some thunderstorms later in the week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – cheerios, banana and green tea

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – Sandra recommended a series of cookbooks recently and I ordered 2 of them to see if I would like them.  They arrived on Saturday and I sat and read them cover to cover. I also bookmarked the recipes I want to try.

The tabs on the side are for the recipes I can make before our move with what I currently have in the pantry and freezer. I also ordered a new slow cooker cookbook today that will be here next week and will be perfect for cold winter in the Pacific North West.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… packing stuff everywhere, but really pretty clean
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean and empty too which makes it easier to keep clean 😀
  • YARD… nothing
  • BLOG… some more recipe updating, future post planning and even more holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

  • READING – in between books at the moment

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife, Roseanne, Splitting Up Together

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY

  • The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident

SYFY

  • Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural, The Mist

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef, Celebrity Worst Cooks

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

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

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

SLOW COOKER BEEF & BROCCOLI

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

BBQ PULLED PORK

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

KITCHEN SINK FRITTATA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

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

CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES

SUNDAY

EGGS and JAMBALAYA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

BACON CHEESEBURGER HAMBURGER HELPER NOT! AUTHENTIC ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF BANANA PINEAPPLE SOUR CREAM CAKE

SMOTHERED STEAK TIPS

ARTICHOKE MUSHROOM RAGU CHICKEN 

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

BBQ STEAK TIPS

Steak tips come from one of two areas of the cow, either the tenderloin (a more tender, expensive cut) or from the sirloin or round flap meat.

BBQ STEAK TIPS
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 small container Greek yogurt
1 LARGE red onion, halved and sliced thin
Fresh ground salt and pepper
1 1/2 pounds steak tips
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • Stir steak tips with yogurt and let sit 45 minutes.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook onion with a sprinkle of salt covered until softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon remove onions from skillet.
  • Add additional tablespoon of oil.
  • Pat steak tips dry and then generously season them with salt and pepper.
  • Add steak to the pan and cook until browned all over to desired doneness (5-20 minutes).
  • Transfer steak to platter and tent with foil.
  • Add onion back to skillet along with the broth and BBQ sauce.
  • Simmer 5 -10 minutes over medium heat until sauce begins to thicken.
  • Season to taste.
  • Whisk in butter pieces.
  • Add steak tips into sauce, stirring to coat.
  • Ladle steak tips and sauce over prepared pasta.
  • Enjoy.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 13 of 2018

Good morning everyone. I hope you had a WONDERFUL weekend. Saturday was productive, but Sunday was lazy here.  I’m making lists and more lists trying to get organized for the move and it is keeping my mind running in circles preventing me from getting good sleep making me a bit sleepy this morning.

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 – Spring is here, but as always here in the south it is already feeling like summer with some 80’s temperatures and higher humidity.  SOOOOOOOOOO glad to be getting out of here before the “REAL” summer hits.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – peach yogurt and Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – no real crafts going, but am doing little touch ups and such as I pack things up.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY:

  • I was able to sort down and minimize even more last week and keep packing.
  • Making check lists and checking them twice for the move.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – my favorite antique store find:

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… Just 1 load today YAY 😀
  • LIVING AREAS… I need to vacuum and straighten just a bit.
  • KITCHEN… I have it dwindled down to the very bare minimum of pots and pans as well as dishes and glasses.  In fact all that’s left are items that will be donated when we move.
  • STUDIO… LOL 😀 what studio?  It is now completely and absolutely filled with packed boxes.
  • YARD… hubby mowed and has been watering the new seed. The grass is filling in quite nicely from where Gunny had worried a path around the whiskey barrel.
  • BLOG… still working on redoing some older recipes from my old blog

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

We did a couple rentals Saturday night and saw Jumanji and Downsizing.  I really likes the original Jumanji, but this was a cute up to date version. Downsizing was kind of mind blowing, but interesting in a really weird way. Then on Sunday when NASCAR was snowed out, we rented The Shape of Water which I found to be pretty interesting.

  • I’m reading nothing right now, but will probably start something later tonight.

COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife, Splitting Up Together starts this week along with Roseanne

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911, We tried Station 19, but didn’t care for it at all!

DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, Dancing With the Stars will be beginning soon

SYFY – Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Once Upon a Time, Supernatural

COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK – I’ve started building my menus around what’s in the freezer and pantry – literally! I’d rather run out of things and have to go shopping than have too much left when we pull up stakes.

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

DENVER CHICKEN with PASTA

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

 HOBO CHICKEN PACKS

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

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

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

ORANGE BEEF LETTUCE WRAPS

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

ARTICHOKE MUSHROOM RAGU CHICKEN

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

OUT

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

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

CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES

SUNDAY

BACON & EGGS

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??

out with friends for Easter Brunch Buffet

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 12 of 2018

Have I mentioned I am NOT a fan of Daylight Savings Time? I HATE that it seems like the middle of the night at 7AM!  I especially am not fond of it here as it seems to bring on the warmer weather and high humidity.  Oh well, just a couple more months here.  We’re 90% packed and waiting on the house.  We are especially looking forward to having some “down” time to rest and recuperate, getting my strength and toning back before we move forward with our next and last project.

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

Looks like it might be threatening to thunderstorm, but still to dark to really know for sure.  It’s supposed to be right around 80 all week with a little higher humidity, but still more tolerable than July!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green Tea and Protein drink

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • I took another load for donation.  It is making me extremely happy to be minimizing life so much!
  • Working on my list for a Purposeful Life.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY…just a load of towels as I did a deep dive over the weekend while packing and sorting
  • LIVING AREAS… really clean after the weekend
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean – I’m still cleaning the pantry though as I am cooking primarily from the freezer and pantry trying to dwindle down stock in hopes of a quick and easy sale of the house
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days
  • YARD… just a little watering of the new things I planted to spruce up some barrels and pots for the house sale – my new Gardenias are starting to bloom and the lantanas gave me a surprise with a lavender and yellow mix – so pretty together – this also doubles as my FAVORITE PHOTO from the CAMERA
  • BLOG… still doing some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

  • I’m now reading Marie Force’s Gansett Island series.

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Middle, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife, Living Biblically, Splitting Up Together and Roseanne start next week

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911, For the People, Deception, Station 19 starts this week and Instinct starts next week

DRAMAS & REALITY

  • The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, Timeless, Little BIG Shots and Dancing With the Stars will be beginning, One Strange Rock

SYFY

  • Z Nation, The Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural, DareDevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Defenders, Luke Cage

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef, Southern at Heart (Damaris Phillips), Giada, Spring Baking Championship starts tonight

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

SNACK

LUNCH

DINNER

SNACK/DESSERT

MONDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

CASHEW CHICKEN and RICE with BROCCOLI

PROTEIN SHAKE

TUESDAY

PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

 PAPRIKA POT ROAST with MASHED POTATOES & ROAST CARROTS

PROTEIN SHAKE

WEDNESDAY

CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

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

PROTEIN SHAKE

THURSDAY

CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

PEANUT BUTTER BURGERS & SALAD

PROTEIN SHAKE

FRIDAY

BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

STEAKS on the GRILL

PROTEIN SHAKE

SATURDAY

BACON CHEDDAR PANCAKES

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

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

COCOA BROWNIES

SUNDAY

CORNED BEEF HASH & EGGS

PROTEIN DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN  OR TUNA SALAD

CHICKEN in OREGANO TOMATO CREAM

PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 11 of 2018

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I had a productive weekend planned and it all went out the window when my sweet Thai neighbor asked me to go shopping with her at her favorite Asian market. I thought sure, I could use a quick trip to the market.  WHOA, it turned out to be more like a trip to Disneyland – so many colors and new things to see.  I picked up a few new vegetables I’ve never tried before and a jar of Jack Fruit which I originally saw on Guy’s Grocery Games when Damaris Phillips said she regularly use it as a meat substitute for her vegetarian husband. So many of the products had zero English so I couldn’t even recognize what they were or what to do with them. But, oh what a learning experience!

Hubby and I watched a couple NASCAR races and did a little sorting for donation items and packing others for the upcoming move. I’m still having some low blood pressure issues that left me napping quite a bit on Saturday. 🙁 I REALLY want my energy and strength back!!!

We’re really sad about Whiskey, Sady and Gunner. Losing them all within 7 months despite their advanced age was hard, but we just realized this weekend how much easier traveling will be and the freedom to do what we want, when we want for awhile. We’ve decided to put things into storage for 6 months or so and take some time for me to use the gym and the pool this summer to get my strength and energy back before we really starting searching for the next project.

So on to 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

The weather has been ALL over the place lately.  It was 65 on Thursday and 90 by Saturday and back to 60 today.  It’s all about layers right now! The rest of the week is supposed to be quite nice, but the weather changes all too frequently around here to depend on it.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Protein drink and green tea

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We took a day trip last Thursday to Galveston since this week will be spring break and we will avoid EVERYWHERE! It was EXTREMELY overcast so pictures did not turn out very good, but hubby insisted I get in one for a change.  We ate at Bubba Gumps and it was HORRIBLE, but made for a good picture.  I guess we’ll just have to go back to my favorite Bubba Gumps in Honolulu 😀 I also found this colorful drugstore wooden Indian.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… clean but cluttered as I’ve been packing and sorting
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean for now
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning, link party research and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

There are a few new shows starting this week, but it’s way  too soon to tell what will make the cut.

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, 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, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY

  • The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race just ended and Dancing With the Stars will be beginning

SYFY

  • Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
B-FAST 
2X DAY
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
SNACK   2X a day
PROTEIN DRINK
LUNCH 2-4 oz. PROTEIN
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST or YOGURT with FRUIT
  DINNER   2-4 oz.  PROTEIN and small salad
 BALSAMIC MOZZARELLA CHICKEN with marinated artichokes and grape tomatoes
  CHICKEN CESAER SALAD with ANCHOVY CROUTONS C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night  C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night TACO SALAD CASSEROLE
 BUFFALO HASSELBACK CHICKEN and CELERY SALAD
 BROWN BOX MEATLOAF and HONEY ROASTED CARROTS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

CHICKEN or BEEF SHORTCAKES

I found this recipe in a pile of grams old recipe pamphlets and it sounded so easy to update while still being really tasty. I made beef today, but will make chicken next time and add celery, onions and carrots to make it more like Inside Out Chicken Pot Pies.

CHICKEN or BEEF SHORTCAKES makes 8
3 cups rotisserie chicken pieces* OR beef rib eye cubes
8 warm biscuits (made from scratch or Pillsbury canned)
1 quart chicken or beef broth
1/3 cup butter
scant 3/4 cup flour
FRESH ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • In a saucepan bring all but 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to a boil.
  • In a separate small saucepan melt butter.
  • Add flour and whisk until golden.
  • Add in reserved broth and whisk until well blended making a roux.
  • Slowly add roux to broth and combine well.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add chicken, salt and pepper to taste, stirring to coat chicken well and heat through.
  • Split biscuits in half.
  • Ladle chicken mixture onto biscuit and replace top.

NOTE: *I usually buy a rotisserie chicken each week at Costco to eat off of so always seem to have one around for quick recipes like this.

 

BALSAMIC BAKED MOZZARELLA CHICKEN

BALSAMIC BAKED MOZZARELLA CHICKEN serves 4
adapted from CafeDelites.com

4 skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons lemon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
FRESH ground salt teaspoon salt, to taste
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 ounce jar marinated artichokes, drained well
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, sliced
1 LARGE shallot, sliced
1/4 cup QUALITY balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3/4 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped basil

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon olive oil.
  • Mix together Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Rub seasoning all over each breast.
  • Arrange the tomatoes, half of the garlic, shallot slices and red onion slices around the chicken in the dish.
  • Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, sugar and remaining garlic in a jug to combine.
  • Pour over the chicken breasts, flip each breast in the sauce to evenly coat.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes (depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts), or until no longer pink in the middle.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and broil for 4-5 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Garnish with parsley and basil.
  • Serve over pasta
  • Drizzle with the pan juices.

LINKING WITH:  CELEBRATE YOUR STORY, CRAFTASTIC MONDAY, DISHING IT & DIGGING IT, NIFTY THRIFTY SUNDAY, SHOW & TELL, SUNDAYS AT HOME, SUNDAY’S BEST, THAT DIY PARTY, JCOOKING & CRAFTING WITH J&J, INPIRATION MONDAY , INSPIRE ME MONDAY , MADE BY YOU MONDAY, MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY, MELT IN YOUR MOUTH MONDAY, MERRY MONDAY, MIX IT UP MONDAY, MOTIVATE ME MONDAY, PROJECT INSPIRED, SHOW AND SHARE, TUTORIALS & TIP , DIY TUESDAYS, LOU LOU GIRLS FABULOUS PARTY, THE SCOOP, TREASURE BOX TUESDAY, TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME, TUESDAYS WITH A TWIST,CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS, SHARE YOUR CUP , WINTER BLUES WEDNESDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, SHOW ME WEDNESDAYS, WOW US WEDNESDAY , CREATIVE CIRCLE, DAGMAR’S PARTY, HOME SWEET HOME, FAVORITE THINGS, GRACE AT HOME, HOME MATTERS, PIN JUNKIE PIN PARTY, TALK OF THE TOWN, BLOGGER’S PIT STOP, HANDMADE HANGOUT, PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY, SHARE IT ONE MORE TIME, SWAY SHAREFEST, WHAT TO DO WEEKENDS PARTY, BOUQUET OF TALENT PARTY, INSPIRE-BE-INSPIRED, RAE GUN BLOCK PARTY, I’M LOVIN’ IT, THIS IS HOW WE ROLL THURSDAY, FULL PLATE THURSDAY, FOODIE FRIDAY

HAWAIIAN HASSELBACK CHICKEN

I’m working on a Italian Pizza, Buffalo Chicken and Mexican Taco version too!
HAWAIIAN HASSELBACK CHICKEN adapted from The Painted Apron
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs**
3-4 ounces thinly sliced tavern ham from the deli
1 LARGE can crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved **
1-2 cups King’s Hawaiian ORIGINAL BBQ sauce

  • PREHEAT oven to 375°.
  • Spray baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Slice thighs grid like, cutting about 2/3 way down DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY
  • Tuck a piece of tavern ham in between cut areas.
  • Arrange chicken pieces close together, but not cramped together.
  • In a small bowl fold together the BBQ sauce and pineapple pieces.
  • Spoon pineapple mixture over chicken. Use additional BBQ sauce as necessary to make sure chicken is completely coated.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through, basting with pan juices 1/2 way through baking time.

NOTES:**

  • Breasts work too, but require less cooking time. DO NOT OVERCOOK or they will be dry!
  • I also  throw in a small can of drained pineapple chunks just because hubby likes them and it adds a bit of texture to the dish.
  • You can prep this dish in the morning to cook when you get home from work. It refrigerates well to be baked later.

Linking to  DISHING IT & DIGGING IT at Rustic & Refined, SUNDAY’S BEST at Mother 2 Mother, SUNDAYS AT HOME at Celebrating Everyday Life and My Soulful Home, CELEBRATE YOUR STORY at Celebrate & Decorate,
COOKING & CRAFTING with J&J AT Julie’s Creative Lifestyle, MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY at The Dedicated House, MELT IN YOUR MOUTH MONDAY at Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms, MERRY MONDAY at Where The Smiles Have Been and Our Crafty Mom, MIX IT UP MONDAY at Flour Me With Love, SHOW and SHARE at Coastal Charm, LOU LOU GIRLS FABULOUS PARTY at Lou Lou Girls, TAKE OUT TUESDAY at The Painted Apron, TREASURE BOX TUESDAY at Memories by the Mile, TUESDAYS WITH A TWIST at Stone Cottage Adventures, DELICIOUS DISHES at Walking On Sunshine, SHARE YOUR CUP @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, FAVORITE THINGS at Katherine’s Corner, FULL PLATE THURSDAY at Miz Helen’s Cottage, BLOGGERS PIT STOP at The Blogger’s Lifestyle, HOME MATTERS at Life with Lorelai, KITCHEN FUN & CRAFTY FRIDAY at Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons, PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY at Coffee with Us 3, SHARE IT ONE MORE TIME at Everyday Home, SWAY SHAREFEST at The Sway Life

TIE-DYE EASTER EGGS

Using ordinary materials (vinegar, food coloring and whipping cream) you probably already have on hand to decorate gorgeous Easter eggs is so easy and fun too! You will want to wear gloves so as not to dye your fingers.

TIE-DYE EASTER EGGS
INGREDIENTS
Bowl of Vinegar
Whipped cream
Food coloring
Hard-boiled eggs

  • Boils eggs and cool to room temperature.
  • In a bowl large enough to hold all the eggs (or work in batches) place the eggs in the bowl and cover with vinegar for 20 minutes. The vinegar allows the dye to adhere to the egg shell better.
  • Dry the eggs and set aside.
  • In a large baking dish fill it with a thick layer (about 1 inch deep) of the whipping cream.
  • Generously dot the cream with various colors of food dye coating most of the surface fairly close together.
  • Drag a skewer or chopstick through the cream to create a tie-dye design, kind of like you’re making a marbled cake.
  • Place a layer of paper towels on a cookie sheet and set aside.
  • Put on gloves to protect your hands from the dye.
  • Gently place an egg on the surface of the whipped cream.
  • Slowly roll the egg over the surface to coat the shell.
  • Place the egg on the cookie sheet and repeat with remaining eggs. DO NOT WIPE ANYTHING OFF!
  • Let dry 20 minutes.
  • Fill a large bowl with water. The water will remove the excess cream leaving the design on the egg.
  • Gently submerge the egg and then GENTLY dry with paper toweling. DO NOT RUB HARD as you might rub off the design.
  • Store eggs in refrigerator.

NOTE: This can be done substituting shaving cream for whipped cream, but then they are for decoration only and NOT edible!!

And just for your information here is a great little color chart for other methods.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 10 of 2018

Good morning sweet friends. Saturday was gorgeous here so we made a trip to the Farmer’s Market and bought some beautiful carrots and turnips as well as some local BBQ sauce, but Sunday was rainy and dreary so we rented and watched a couple movies, Same Kind of Different as Me and The Darkest Hour. Both based on true stories. They were good and informative for so many different reasons so it was a LAZY Sunday! I did get some future blog posts organized and decided on some link parties to join up with for some new blogs to follow.

 

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

Still raining and thunderstorms which will only keep me inside because we’re now in the 80’s with high humidity. The rest of the week is supposed to be warm, but at least sunny.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey Nut Cheerios, Banana & Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I’m not working on anything right now, but am setting a few projects aside to keep separate from the moving boxes in case the inspiration strikes.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

We are so very close to being out of here.  Just a few more medical tests and appointments to get past and the house sale.  I’m not letting that slow me down or stop me though.  I’ve been getting super organized – right down to using the dishes, pots and pans that I will be donating so I can pack what we’re keeping. We took 2 more loads for donation this past week. When we delivered some metal baker rack shelves to Habitat for Humanity someone was purchasing them as we unloaded them – so glad they are going to a good home. We’re probably 85% packed and ready to go. I don’t want to jinx anything, but it all seems to moving right along! We are SOOOOOOO ready to put THE HOUSE FROM HELL in our rear view mirror!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I recently did a product review for SILK PLANTS DIRECT and love their products. This is one of the pictures I used in the review. They really do have nice silk plants.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… Just some routine loads – towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… did a serious deep clean last week so all is pretty tidy
  • YARD… we had a couple days rain free last week and we were able to re-seed the backyard and replant the barrels to spruce it up for the upcoming sale.
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife, Living Biblically

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY

  • The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race just ended and Dancing With the Stars will be beginning

SYFY

  • Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK with RECIPE LINKS

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
B-FAST   2X DAY
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
SNACK   2X a day
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
LUNCH 2-4 OZ. PROTEIN
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
CHERRY YOGURT
 PEACH YOGURT
CHERRY YOGURT
 PEACH YOGURT
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
 DINNER   2-4 OZ. PROTEIN and small salad
 C.O.R.N.    clean out refrigerator night SPAGHETTI CARBONARA PAN SEARED BARRAMUNDI C.O.R.N.    clean out refrigerator night SHEPHERD’S PIE ITALIAN  BLK BEAN CHICKEN RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP