Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 of 2017

Oh my, it’s Monday again and just 1 week until Christmas! Are you ready?  We’re as ready as we’re going to be since it is a quiet, just the 2 of us year.  I’m finishing the Christmas cards this week and packages have shipped and will arrive at their various destinations during the week. We made it a very simple year! We ordered a “quarter ham” from HoneyBaked ham and will have carrots.  I can have both (YAY!) as long as the ham is well minced and the carrots are soft enough to mush with my tongue! Christmas will be my fist “REAL” meal so we’ll see how that goes. Now onto the business we call Monday morning check-in and update here at our house.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Weather is still in the 60-70’s, such a nice reprieve for us.  We had a pretty good storm Saturday into Sunday and the ground is still really wet! The week should be pleasant, but all I get is a walk each day and then back inside until we’re sure I have no new infections.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green tea and protein drink

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

Hubby is doing a GREAT job, but let’s face it, he’s a GUY and it will NEVER be up to my standards , but I’m trying really hard to go with the flow and follow doctor’s orders to do nothing.

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… pretty good, considering
  • KITCHEN… needs work
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

As for me, I am working on finishing the Christmas cards and updating the address book this week besides working on some blog compilation.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I did start reading Ava Miles Dare Valley series again. I’m on book #10 HOME SWEET LOVE.

Quite a few shows have gone on winter hiatus already so I’m concentrating on Christmas movies and NETFLIX. I want to wean out the following list, but while I’m still in recuperation mode it will help as a diversion.

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, EAT SLEEP BBQ, GRILL DADS

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
This category is a sad and sore subject for me until about March. My surgery did not go as planned which is changing so much about food, but sure beats the alternative of being 6 foot under. Hubby is loving being able to eat what he calls bachelor food – S.O.S., chili, hot dogs, hamburger helper, etc… I told him NOT to get used to it though, as soon as I can muster enough energy to cook and off this blasted puree diet I am going to to take a hand at some Ramen Fusion.  In the meantime I will be working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass the new requirements. I look forward to previewing those rework recipes in a few months.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2 times a day
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
2-4 times a day
4 ounces PUREED FOOD
4 ounces PUREED FOOD
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
1 time a day
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
 4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces   vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 time a day 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I do realize that I am sooooo blessed to be alive.  I also realize that so many people are living with things so much worse than I am now. But, that said it is extremely hard to wake up from a “semi-simple” surgery to find that it not only turned complicated, but also life altering.  This is just plain going to take some time to get used too! So, Please pardon my pity party.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby got me a gingerbread house kit to make to occupy my time.  I made this for the little boy next door and he seems to really LOVE it!

INSPIRATION

Certainly seemed like the best quote for how I feel this week.

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

SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS

SEA SALT & CARAMEL RICE KRISPY TREATS
8 cups Rice Krispies
50 Kraft caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup + 1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 bag mini marshmallows
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons sea salt flakes

  • In a medium sauce pan over a low-medium heat stir together the sweetened condensed milk, the caramels and 1/4 cup of the unsalted butter until smooth.
  • Remove from heat.

 

  • Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil, extending over the edge.
  • Spray with non-stick PURE or PAM.
  • Melt remaining butter in large sauce pan.
  • Add marshmallows and stir  until just melted.
  • Add vanilla, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of caramel sauce and stir until smooth.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in rice krispies until evenly coated.
  • Press into pan**.
  • Cool completely.

 

  • Pour remaining caramel over the COOLED rice krispy treats and spread even with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle sea salt flakes over top.
  • Enjoy!
  • Store in an airtight container.

**I use a stainless steel spatula that has been sprayed with PURE to keep it from sticking.  It helps to press down firmly to get an even level.

TATER TOT GRILLED CHEESE & BACON WAFFLE SANDWICH

TATER TOT GRILLED CHEESE & BACON WAFFLE SANDWICH
1 bag frozen tater tots, thawed (give or take depending on your waffle maker size)
4 – 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp
4 – 6 slices of cheddar or ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced or thin red onion slices

  • Preheat waffle iron on high.
  • Place thawed tater tots closely together in an even layer on the waffle iron.
  • Close the lid and press it down tightly.
  • Cook until the tater tot waffle is crisp, about 5 – 10 minutes.
  • Remove the waffle from the waffle iron and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
  • Repeat the process to make a second tater tot waffle.
  • When the second waffle is crisp, top it with half of the cheese, the cooked bacon, and the sliced green onions.
  • Using the bottom plate of the waffle iron, heat the sandwich until the cheese has melted on the bottom waffle.
  • When the cheese has melted, carefully flip the sandwich over and allow the cheese to melt on the other side before removing the sandwich from the iron.
  • Cut it into quarters and serve.

SHARING with FOODIE FRIDAY and FULL PLATE THURSDAY.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 50 of 2017 DAY 5 of RECOVERY

I hope everyone had a wonderful week and are having a wonderful holiday season. I’m home from the hospital, but will address that in the Things On My Mind section.  The weekend was quiet and VERY uneventful thankfully.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Temperatures are FINALLY down into the tolerable range. We even had to turn the heat on when we got home from the hospital on Friday. Friday was an ironic day here in southeast Texas.  7 years ago when I had my cancer surgery, we had a rare ice storm in the area.  Then we moved away for several years, but came back to work on my grandparent’s house and are here again for this surgery.  Ironically, we had SNOW last Thursday and Friday. yep I said snow! What a shock that was to wake up to in the middle of the night! I don’t get to go outside for another week give or take so am not yet enjoying the change in temperatures though.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

3 ounces of peach high protein drink.

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

Unfortunately for the next 90-120 days this is hubby’s category. I am not allowed to do anything or lift anything heavier than a bag of flour.  Hubby is being a GREAT sport though and tending to my every need. Because of the risk of infection we are still having to wash every day.  He’s just not used to doing it, the vacuuming, cleaning up after the cat and dog, etc…

  • LAUNDRY... quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS... I did a serious deep clean just before surgery so am hoping this will get hubby through until March LOL NOT
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I haven’t done any reading since last Tuesday, but am hoping to do some later today and get back into a routine. I’m still trying to finish Ava Miles book #9 Calendar of New Beginnings.

  • BIG BANG THEORY and YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

Probably nothing this week, but am hoping to start sketching the door series and tree of life next week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

This category is a sad and sore subject for me until about March.  My surgery did not go as planned which is changing so much about food, but sure beats the alternative of being 6 foot under. Hubby is loving being able to eat what he calls bachelor food – S.O.S., chili, hot dogs, hamburger helper, etc… I told him NOT to get used to it though, as soon as I can cook again we will be eating healthier than ever.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2 times a day
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
2-4 times a day
4 ounces strained pureed soup
4 ounces strained pureed soup
4 ounces strained pureed soup
4 ounces strained pureed soup
4 ounces strained pureed soup
4 ounces strained pureed soup
4 ounces strained pureed soup
2 times a day
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
 4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
2 times a day  4 ounces jell-o 4 ounces jell-o 4 ounces jell-o 4 ounces jell-o 4 ounces jell-o 4 ounces jell-o  4 ounces jell-o

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

You know the old Yiddish proverb, Man Plans, God Laughs? If not, you should learn it just to keep yourself sane.

So, as many of you know I have been suffering from some health issues the past few years, especially this last year. To give you a quick background when I was 24 I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and not doing well. Several months into the disease I went to my rhuematlogist, held out my hand with 32 pills in it and said “I can’t live this way”. She agreed and we moved into treating the disease and it side affects like Fibromyalgia with diet or better said, lack of diet.  I immediately gave up ALL steroids, preservatives, splendas, aspartames, diet food of any kind, non GMO food, canned “food”, boxed “food”fast food as a whole and started perimeter shopping and scratch cooking with “REAL” foods. My life immediately improved.

Fast forward many years to 2011 and my oncologist claiming this change in food prep and eating for all those years saved my life when she was able to lift out a twice torsioned (wrapped around the ovary 2 times) volleyball sized ovarian tumor from my body intact and I have been NED (no evidence of disease) for almost 7 years since.  She decided it was because the cancer had nothing else to feed on in my body except itself. I knew I was extremely blessed when after 6 more months of testing everything and everywhere to make sure it was the only tumor, that they found none.

Fast forward another year and I’m having problems with the hiatal hernia that my cancer doctor found, but left alone. Enter a new gastroenterologist who was able to fix the hiatal hernia and shredded esophogaus with a Nissen Fundoplication (2012). This didn’t alter what I ate except in the beginning 2 months, but did alter how much and how often I ate.  I also gave up 90% of bread – just filled me up too fast.

Fast forward 9 months (2013) and the mesh from the Nissen Fundoplication failed requiring a revision surgery and another period of liquid food adjustment.

Fast forward to 2016 and the E.Coli bacterial infection that landed me in the hospital with a concussion because I lost consciousness and fell after becoming violently ill.  For the next 13 months I was tested by neurology and cardiology for my symptoms before they finally handed me off to gastroenterology which had a HUGE wait time so my wonderful primary doctor got tired of waiting and began doing logical testing on her own. She was the one who found the hiatal hernia (again) and referred me to the surgeon.  His testing was further delayed another 6 weeks past their normal backlog by Hurricane Harvey.  I love my surgeon and his immediate staff as well as my hospital nurses Ericah and Lexi.  Other than that the hospital will be getting a not so favorable review from me.  The recovery nurse should NEVER have contact with human beings and the respiratory therapist is negligent with he lack of follow through and the nurse’s aides need to be trained in patient care and helping.

We went into last Wednesday believing he was going to be able to fix the fix on the revision surgery.  Unfortunately this is where the Yiddish proverb enters.  I had planned food and EVERYTHING on the fix of the fix, but he was unable to correct the issue and had to make a drastic decision to do a bypass. This is a HUGE DRASTIC LIFE CHANGE for anybody, but for me there is very little information written on it for someone who isn’t doing it for weight loss.  I mean EVERYTHING written about the subject is for people who need to lose significant amounts of weight. The diet is strict and I can live with that, but the recovery time has now doubled!  Once recovery time is over I can live with the longterm lifetime diet and special vitamins as it is high protein, lowfat and REALLY healthy which is right up my alley anyway.

So here we are on day 5 of 90-120 days of nothingness except keeping a food and medicine journal.  I cannot tell you how much ALL of your thoughts and prayers have meant to me and are seeing seen me through this ordeal. There is 1 good thing. I did want to lose about 15 pounds and now that is going to be a given. 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I was able to get most of my elf on the shelf photos taken before surgery and definitely have a few favorites. 😀

INSPIRATION

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

REINDEER NIBBLES

REINDEER NIBBLES
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
4 cups regular oats (uncooked)
1 cup unsalted peanuts, slightly chopped
1 1/2 cups golden raisins
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups melted CandyQuick

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Whisk together the honey, peanut butter and cinnamon in a small sauce pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thoroughly heated through. DO NOT BOIL.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • In a large bowl pour peanut butter mixture over the oatmeal, stir to combine.
  • Spread oats in a jelly roll pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally
  • Return oats to large mixing bowl and stir in peanuts, chocolate chips and raisins.
  • Spread oat mixture back into jelly roll pan and return to oven.
  • Turn oven off and let cool in oven for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally and keeping the door closed.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Melt CandyQuick in 30 second increments until pourable.  Stir after each 30 seconds.
  • Pour CandQuick over oat mixture and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Break apart into pieces.
  • Store in an airtight container.

NOTE: The pieces that are at the bottom make a great granola!

SHARING with FOODIE FRIDAY and TASTY THURSDAY.

BUTTERMILK ROLLS

A batch of homemade bread is a necessary evil for any holiday feast. These rolls are buttery and golden  and just plain delicious!

BUTTERMILK ROLLS makes 24 rolls
1/2 cup warm water
2 envelopes active dry yeast 1/4 ounce each)
6 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk (NOT low-fat)
1 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
4 + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided and melted
3 1/2 + 4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Flaky Sea Salt

  • Combine warm water, heat and 1 teaspoon of sugar, set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes or so.
  • In a medium bowl stir together eggs, buttermilk, kosher salt, 4 tablespoons butter, and remaining sugar until well blended.
  • Add yeast mixture and 3 1/2 cups of the flour, stirring until dough forms.
  • Sprinkle for surface with remaining flour.
  • Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead until slightly elastic. Add addictional flour as necessary.
  • Place dough in greased bowl, turning to coat dough.
  • Cover with saran and chill at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Grease 2 – 12 cups muffin tins.
  • Punch chilled dough down and turn out onto a floured surface.
  • Divide dough in half.
  • Roll one half of the dough to a 12×16 rectangle 1/4 inch thick.
  • Brush with melted butter.
  • Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  • Gently roll each piece into a round and place in muffin tins.
  • Repeat with the other half of the dough until all rolls are ready for baking.
  • Brush again with any remaining melted butter.
  • Cover with a cheesecloth towel and let rise in a warm place 1-1 1/2 hours until double in size.
  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Bake rolls 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Brush again with butter and transfer to cooling rack for 15-20 minutes

SHARING with FOODIE FRIDAY and TASTY THURSDAY.

DOUBLE APPLE BUNDT CAKE ala Dorie Greenspan

Here is another Dorie Greenspan cake that topped my list from when I did the meme several years back.

DOUBLE APPLE BUNDT CAKE

2 cups ALL PURPOSE flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup apple butter
2 eggs
2 medium apples, peeled, cored and grated
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
½ cup plump golden raisins

  • Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Butter a 12 cup Bundt pan.
  • Dust the interior of the pan with flour, then tap out the excess.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Set aside.
  • Working with a stand mixer beat the butter and sugar on medium speed, scarping the bowl as needed for 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth, thick and pale.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating for about 1 minute after each addition; until you have a light, fluffy batter. Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the apple butter. It may appear to curdle the batter, don’t worry it will be okay.
  • With the mixer still on low speed add the grated apples and mix to completely blend.
  • Add the dry ingredients, mixing only until they disappear into the batter.
  • Using a rubber spatula, fold in the nuts and raisins.
  • Turn the batter into the Bundt pan and smooth the top of the batter with the rubber spatula.
  • Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a think knife inserted deep into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Transfer the pan to a cooling rack to cool for 5 minutes before inverting and cooling the cake to room temperature.
  • If possible, once the cake is completely cool, wrap well in plastic and let it stand overnight at room temperature to ripen the flavors.
  • If you’re not going to ice the cake, you can dust it with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

OPTIONAL GLAZE:
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange or lemon juice

  • Put the sugar in a small bowl and stir in a squirt or two of either orange or lemon juice. Keep adding the juice a little at a time until you have a glaze that falls easily from the tip of a spoon.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake letting it slide down the curves of the cake in whatever pattern it makes.
  • Let the cake stand until the glaze dries before slicing.

SHARING with FOODIE FRIDAY and TASTY THURSDAY.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 49 of 2017

I hope everyone had an awesome week. Mine was busy with surgery prep and trying to get things done in advance so hubby has very little to do while I’m in recovery mode.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a thunderstorm yesterday that rivaled Hurricane Harvey and has knocked out my TV and internet so I’m using the neighbors to finish this post.  At&T after a heated discussion did promise a technician between 4 and 8 this afternoon.  Unfortunately the 2 dozen Christmas movies I had taped on the DVR to watch during recovery are now toast as well as  so we will be calling the customer loyalty number and having a chat about reliability since this is the 4th time in 12 months we have been without service or lost all our shows already recorded.

The weather itself is gray, rainy and still quite WARM. 80° in December is unbearable as far as I’m concerned.  It is supposed to storm today and tomorrow and then drop down into the 60’s on Wednesday.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Protein drink and green tea

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

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads today, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow in preparation of not being able to do anything for 60 days and not wanting hubby to have to do it.
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m reading book #9 Calendar of New Beginnings.

  • BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON when it returns later this week
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T. starts this week
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

Not this week, but maybe next week if I’m feeling up to it,  Ill be working on a series of door paintings (possibly mixed media) which I hope to show you soon as well as a mixed media tree of life.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
MEAT & CHEESE
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
DINNER
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
 GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
GUY FOOD & LIQUID DIET
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

I did A LOT of pre-prep during Thanksgiving week, but the refrigerator still only had so much space.  By staking and using the appropriate sized plates in between you can stack and stack and stack to fit it ALL in.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I’m looking forward to starting recovery later this week with surgery finally behind me.  Because of surgery I was on the war path to get things accomplished so hubby didn’t have to.  I’m happy to say all my Christmas packages are wrapped and packaged for shipping. YAY something good is coming from the rush to get ready for surgery.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Saturday night’s FULL Moon was just GORGEOUS!

INSPIRATION

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

TUNA NOODLE or CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
1 large can tuna, drained WELL (a combination of salmon and tuna works well also)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can evaporated milk
1 bunch green onions, chopped or sliced thin
1 shallot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups cooked egg noodles or pasta of choice
1 can Le Seur peas, drained WELL (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
1 cup crushed potato chips##
Fresh ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Whisk together soup and milk until well blended.
  • Fold in tuna, onion, garlic, peas and cheese.
  • When well blended gently fold in noodles and pour into a prepared baking dish.
  • Top with crushed potato chips and bake 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

NOTE**Gram’s original recipe called for 1 cup velvet cubes, but I never touch the stuff so adapted it to real cheese

NOTE##Grams always used potato chips, but I also like to use a buttered bread crumb or cracker mixture.

 

CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE
1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (can substitute a LARGE can of chicken)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 bunch green onions, chopped or sliced thin
1 shallot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups cooked egg noodles or pasta of choice
1 can Le Seur peas, drained WELL
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
1 cup crushed potato chips##
Fresh ground salt and pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Whisk together soup and milk until well blended.
  • Fold in tuna, onion, garlic, peas and cheese.
  • When well blended gently fold in noodles and pour into a prepared baking dish.
  • Top with crushed potato chips and bake 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

NOTE**Gram’s original recipe called for 1 cup velvet cubes, but I never touch the stuff so adapted it to real cheese

NOTE##Grams always used potato chips, but I also like to use a buttered bread crumb or cracker mixture.

SHARING with FOODIE FRIDAY and TASTY THURSDAY.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 48 of 2017

I hope you had as great a Thanksgiving as we did. It was a day full of relaxation, food and football.  It was a small gathering this year for us.  My uncle came for dinner and brought a yummy apple pie with Marble Slab Vanilla Ice Cream – YUMMY! The weekend was quiet – we NEVER do Black Friday anyway, but being in isolation in the house made it seem quieter than normal. I did tape AND watch several Christmas movies as well as eat some yummy leftovers which are in my opinion the best part of Thanksgiving.

When I was a kid, the Friday after Thanksgiving was the day we put up our Christmas tree, ate turkey sandwiches and started wrapping Christmas presents. Well, this year we put up decorations, ate HOT turkey sandwiches and relaxed. Living in a BIG city this year I avoid shopping on Mondays, Fridays and weekends so it was nice to have a LONG relaxing weekend.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

While it has been more pleasant recently there are still a few days this week projected in the 80’s with higher humidity, but I have realized this is my current norm and won’t change until we move.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Pomegranates and cucumber salad with Green Tea

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… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
  • KITCHEN… part of the deep clean today
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage pending our move so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • ERRANDS…hospital pre-op blood and xrays Wednesday, grocery shopping, drugstore and Target
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and BLOGMAS post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I finally finished reading the Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles book 8 in her Dare Valley Series.  I will continue her series with book #9 Calendar of New Beginnings as I’m enjoying it, but for a bit of change I switched over to Marie Force’s Green Mountain #8 Can’t Buy Me Love.

  • BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, GUY’S RANCH

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
TATER TOT WAFFLE BACON CHEESE SANDWICHES
 QUICHE
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DINNER
 TURKEY TETTRAZINI
HOT TURKEY SANDWICHES
 PORK CHOPS & STUFFING
 CHILI DOGS and DEVILED POTATO SALAD
  MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES
 MEATLOAF and PARMESAN STACKERS
 C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

10 days until surgery – FINALLY! Who would think I’d actually be looking forward to such a thing?  After the past 13 months I will be so relieved to have it over that I’m actually glad it’s almost here! I’m trying to get things done a month ahead to make life easier for hubby ESPECIALLY with Christmas in the middle!.

We mixed and match our recliners (since the backs come off so easy these days) so I would have the most comfortable parts in the bedroom since I’ll still be sleeping in a recliner for the next several weeks.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

On of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers! INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 47 of 2017

I hope you all had a great week and weekend.  Mine was so so – just getting things done that will help hubby while I’m down, but I’m not expecting much excitement until after surgery.

This can be a stressful week for many, so let’s start it with a laugh! Just remember that a turkey is JUST a BIG chicken. I’m going to do my Thanksgiving shopping this morning and then won’t eave the house again!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We finally got a bit of a “COLD” front (at least for here) through yesterday that has lowered temperatures to the fall level finally.  I don’t have many hopes for a real winter here, but would like it if the temperatures at least get down to the 60’s for a high and stay there for more than 4 days!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A banana, tangerine and coffee

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

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing – doctor has me washing things much more often trying to eliminate infection possibilities. I have to say washing the linens every other day is getting tiresome.  I never wear clothes more than one day, but sheets and towels usually get 3-4 days or so before changing them.
  • LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow for Thanksgiving
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean, but with starting Thanksgiving prep tomorrow that WILL change! I do the veggie chopping and making the croutons for the stuffing on Tuesday and baking on Wednesday so I’m not doing it all on Thursday – makes it so much more stress free!  That way I can watch the parade and enjoy my coffee!
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much for hubby and nothing for me at all
  • BLOG… still doing some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday posts scheduled, I’m also working on my ideas for Ava the elf

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T. ??
  • MADAME SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, STRANGER THINGS, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR, LONGMIRE
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, GUY’S RANCH

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
WAFFLES & BACON
SHIRRED EGGS
PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DINNER
SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN and SCALLION RICE recipe will post soon
PORK MARSALA recipe will post soon
TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE recipe will post soon  and SALAD
SEE MENU BELOW
 C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
  MOLASSES CRINKLES recipe will post soon
  REINDEER NIBBLES recipe will post soon

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Only more 16 days until surgery and I can’t be happier!  I need to get this behind me and on the road to recovery! I ended up with yet another infection this past week and have been put on house “isolation” for the most part until surgery. Primarily I’m staying away from school children and elderly that may be sick or contagious, washing my hands A LOT, showering A LOT and am on 3 new eye drops to combat the latest issue. I’ve already been in for 2 weeks other than doctor appointments and am looking forward to get out and doing the Thanksgiving shopping this morning and after that will only leave the house on the day of pre-op at the hospital and then on the day of surgery.  It’s getting old being so sequestered, but has become a necessary evil.  We even had to cancel our trip to Santa’s Wonderland. 🙁 There’s always next year. 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I got hubby a new stocking this year and it is really cute. Mine is an UGG red, white and green plaid that I really like too.

Then, there is Gunner, at 15 3/4 he’s still trudging along, but spends most his time chasing rabbits in his sleep in his favorite bed these days.

INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 46 of 2017

GOOD MORNING. I can’t believe it is Monday already again! It really seems like the weeks go faster the closer we get to the end of the year. We had a quiet weekend at home except for the few hours I was out with the girls for a yearly craft fair jaunt and lunch.

There are some friends of a friend that are becoming shut-ins for health reasons so at lunch we discussed who would make what for the Thanksgiving meal that is being taken to them. I got cranberry sauce YUMMY and then started the who is making what list for Christmas Eve at Patty’s house after church. I got veggies which I actually like to make, but no one else wants to sign up for. I’m going to make my southern green beans and seagram’s honey glazed carrots. All of these recipes will be posted after Thanksgiving as I’m making them then also and need new pictures.

I made the cranberry sauce this weekend and froze it so it will be easily transported in this horrible heat we are still having.  I also got my Thanksgiving menu together (it’s only 10 days away) so we could get the shopping done later this week before the crowds.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather is better than it has been, but NO WHERE near where it should be for mid November. I am so over the 80 degree temperatures!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Fresh fruit and coffee

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

Between now and Thanksgiving I’m working hard every day to get as much manual labor done as possible and super stocking so hubby doesn’t have to do much shopping, something he REALLY hates to do and is really not good at LOL. He will be able to do the laundry, vacuuming, dishes etc… with little effort, but I want to make it as easy as possible on him.

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a REALLY deep clean today and tomorrow
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean really
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
  • ERRANDS… blood work and EKG for surgery – never got them done last week with getting sick

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I finally finished reading the Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles in her Dare Valley Series.  I will finish her series as I’m enjoying it, but for a bit of change I switched over to Jana Deleon’s Happily Everlasting series and am on book #2, Once Hunted, Twice Shy.

The Holiday Baking Championship started this past week and I’m enjoying that.

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED on the 21st
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, GUY’S BIG PROJECT

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
PANCAKES and BACON
HAM and EGG OMELETS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
??
DINNER
OLD FASHIONED TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
BURGERS with GREEN TOMATO MAYO
DEVILED BEEF TENDERS and PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES
BRANDING IRON MEATBALLS
  SMOTHERED STEAK TIPS and ROASTED ROOT VEGGIES  SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN with SCALLION RICE  PORK MARSALA with BUTTERED EGG NOODLES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I’m doing a countdown to surgery.  Just 23 days to go.  It will be a LONG 23 days though.  I ended up with laryngitis and bronchitis last week and the doctor and I agreed upon a self-imposed “isolation” to keep me healthy enough for surgery. We had been out of town the week before a few days and she believes coming back here with the higher humidity was what did me in. Then last night I discovered new eye infection similar to the last and put in for an emergency referral last night and am waiting on the call to go in to the specialist.  It wasn’t this bad last time and he almost put me in the hospital so I am a little scared this time. Something I’m allergic to or exposed to is biting me maybe.  Since the last time I have been washing the towels and sheets every two days as it is.  Hubby is convinced that I picked up something working on this HOUSE FROM HELL that I have just never been able to get rid of because of my compromised immunity.  I’m beginning to think he may be right.

Even if the doctor hadn’t suggested it, hubby was going to impose an isolation because of my compromised immunity.  I did go to a favorite craft fair on Saturday and came home with a slight fever and coughing, so have acquiesced to hubby and agreed to a more stringent “isolation”.  Insert BIG SIGH here! At this point I will do whatever is necessary to get me through surgery with no more delays.  I AM READY TO RECLAIM MY LIFE!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We haven’t had much rain, but sure have had pretty skies!

INSPIRATION

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

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