BANANA PUMPKIN MERINGUE PIE

When we go antiquing one of my favorite finds are old recipe boxes, BUT they have to be full of lovingly handwritten recipes!  Needless to say between these finds, cookbooks and magazines I have amassed a LARGE amount of recipes to try or if you will, scraps of recipes, hence the new meme name.

Years ago I participated in a meme called Magazine Monday in an effort to clean out magazines and cook booklets hosted over at the now defunct blog Cream Puffs in Venice. I’d love to revive that meme AND clean out ALL my scraps of paper, but as I don’t know how to contact her for her permission to use the meme, I’ve decided to create my own theme called RECIPE SCRAPS and even better it won’t be tied to a specific day 😀  I like not assigning a specific day to this theme AND even better these scraps of paper will go away forever as I try each recipe.

BANANA PUMPKIN MERINGUE PIE
1 pie crust (homemade or store bought – your choice)
1 can Libby’s pumpkin puree
6 bananas
3 eggs
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon FRESHLY grated nutmeg
pinch FRESH ground salt

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Arrange unpeeled bananas on cookie sheet and roast 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool before handling.
  • Increase oven temperature to 375°.
  • Line a 9 inch pie plate with pie dough.
  • Lightly brush the edges of the pie shell with heavy cream to create a perfect, golden brown finish.
  • Peel bananas.
  • Add bananas to food processor and puree.
  • Add sugar, eggs, cream, pumpkin pie spice, butter, nutmeg and salt.
  • Add pumpkin and stir until JUST incorporated.
  • Transfer to pie plate.
  • Bake 50 minutes or until set around edges and only slightly jiggles.
  • Cool completely on rack.

MERINGUE
4 egg whites
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
pinch FRESH ground salt

  • Preheat oven broiler.
  • Beat egg whites until frothy.
  • Add cream of tartar and powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until stiff glossy curled peaks form.
  • Spread on filling being sure to seal the edges to the pie crust.
  • Swirl meringue with the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks.
  • Broil at least 4 inches from the heat source for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden.
  • Let cool 30 minutes before slicing.

NOTE:

  • Preparing your meringue in a freezer chilled metal bowl with freezer chilled beaters helps with the meringue success.
  • If you have a kitchen torch, you can also use this method as an alternative, but be careful to spread the flame evenly across the entire surface to achieve a uniform look.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 52 of 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS sweet friends.  I know we all have tons to do today so let me get right to it.

All I can say is if you aren’t ready yet, don’t work so hard that you don’t enjoy it too!

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – I know this will surprise you, but it’s raining here LOL 😀 I do pray for safe travels for everyone traveling over the holiday, but I’m LOVING that I have no where to go and can just relax and enjoy it. It’s also in the mid 40’s where it’s supposed to be all week so we won’t have a white Christmas, but as the week progresses the lows will dip into the low30’s and even the 20’s so maybe New Year’s will be white instead.  I’, wearing a comfy pair of Levi’s, a long sleeve Christmas green t-shirt, thick fluffy socks (since I don’t even have to go outside today) and a gray sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Blackberries, blueberry green tea and cheerios

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY Just a few jokes

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA Last Saturday was baking day with the munchkins to make the Giving Plates.  We had so much fun! We made Magic cookie bars, corn flake wreathes, grasshopper brownies, peanut butter balls and peanut butter rice crispy balls to add to the Brigadeiros and salted pumpkin caramels I had already made. 

Besides the neighbor giving plates we made a couple plates for their dad’s fire station guys.  They took turns measuring, pouring, stirring and then all enjoyed decorating.  They got a real kick out of my “blue gloves”.  Mom and dad were able to get their packages wrapped while they were busy here 😀

INSPIRATION

Here’s a little holiday funny I saw on facebook over the weekend – just to make you laugh 😀

And so I made my own just for fun 😀

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

  • LAUNDRY… ALL caught up
  • LIVING AREAS… ALL clean
  • KITCHEN… ALL clean from munchkin baking day and ready for Christmas
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning
  • PROJECTS… nothing this week – this week is for relaxing and enjoying the holidays
  • APPOINTMENTS… NONE
  • TO DO… same old same old 😀

I’M READING – I’m still reading Yours after Dark, both series by Marie Force

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – There are still a number of Christmas movies to watch

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

COWBOY BEANS and GREEN CHILE CORN BEER BREAD

TUESDAY

PRIME RIB, SCALLOPED POTATOES, BROCCOLINI, SOUR CREAM FAN ROLLS, CRANBERRY RELISH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BANANA PUMPKIN MERINGUE PIE

SATURDAY

?? ??

BLACK EYED PEA CHILI

SUNDAY

?? ??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 OF 2018

We took our Christmas “gift” trip last week and went to Seattle where it rained, but LOL we expected so there were no BIG surprises. We came home to GORGEOUS weather here only for it to literally change into a serious storm while I was out getting the errands and groceries done – or at least trying to – the storm was so severe it knocked out multiple trees which in turn knocked out multiple power lines which turned the city into a parking lot with no working traffic lights and closed down virtually EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE!  It took me hours to get home and then I had to go back the next day to finish.

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – RAIN and yet MORE RAIN.  Oh and add in some cold – typical Pacific Northwest weather, but I really do love it.  As usual I’m wearing Levis with my favorite gray and pink plaid flannel shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – While it’s boring, it agrees with me so I’m having hot tea (huckleberry this morning) with a banana and peach yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – Nothing much til after the holidays

FUTURE IDEASHave y’all seen this? I saw it on Facebook over the weekend and fell in love with the idea. Each kid has their own snowman to unwrap and the bottom gift is a toy, the middle gift is clothing, the head is a favorite snack, and the card is either cash or a gift card! Super cute idea and keeps you from going overboard!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA –  We ate at a fun Italian restaurant when we were in Seattle at PIKE PLACE MARKET last week.  I LOVE that they are so sure of themselves that there wasn’t even a sign for the business name.  We found them online while researching the market and used GPS to get there.  We were so surprised to find no sign, but were confident we were there since the name of the restaurant is THE PINK DOOR. We had a GREAT lunch and if we lived closer would go back regularly.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
  • LIVING AREAS... need to vacuum
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… preparing BLOGMAS and AnnaBelle Elf on the Shelf posts to get through Christmas,
  • PROJECTS… nothing until 2019
  • APPOINTMENTS… dermatologist, baking with the munchkins
  • TO DO

I’M READING – I just finished Fatal Invasion and then started Yours after Dark, both series by Marie Force

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – Baking shows and Christmas movies of course!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

R.E.D. recipe experiment dinner WHISKEY MUSTARD MEATBALLS

TUESDAY

CHICKEN with TOMATOES & HONEY

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

STIR FRY CHICKEN & SNOW PEAS

FRIDAY

CHICKEN POTATO CAKE

SATURDAY

BRAISED HORSERADISH BEEF

SUNDAY

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 50 of 2018

GOOD MORNING sweet friends!  It’s really early here – I absolutely HATE early morning appointments ESPECIALLY on a Monday and when it’s rainy and foggy on top of that. But, it was all that was available in December that worked with the schedule.  At least we’re getting an early start 😀

I hope you had a great week/weekend.  Ours was extremely cold and wet, but productive.  We also managed to get the DVR cleaned out and watch some football too.

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING

RAIN, COLD and MORE RAIN and COLD!  BUT, I’m loving it.  Slowly, but surely I’m getting more cold weather gear together – that’s the hard part about moving from where it was hot and humid to here.  We’re supposed to be in the mid 40’s ALL week and WET!  Our lows are dipping into the 20’s and 30’s at night.

I’m wearing Levi’s with my pink turtleneck and gray hoodie with warm socks and boots 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATESAME OLD, SAME OLD Green Tea, banana and yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I finally finished the Christmas present for my friend and neighbor and it now resides on her front porch so I can show you the finished project.  It’s a reversible scarecrow and snowman.  I saw one in an antique store that was all beat up and crudely done plus they wanted a small fortune for it so hubby built one for me and I painted and decorated it. Hubby was nice enough to build me one too!

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – I really LOVE Christmas, but HATE crowds.  So I sat down yesterday and made up my menu through the first week of January so that the next time I go grocery shopping I should be able to get EVERYTHING I need other than the obvious perishables and meat that comes from the butcher.  At least any other stops will be a quick trip through the express line.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I really love how the clouds were hugging the mountain tops lately.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… All caught up
  • LIVING AREAS… vacuuming
  • KITCHEN… empty the dishwasher, clean the pantry
  • YARD… lots of rain, so nothing
  • BLOG… getting caught up on BLOGMAS, ELF on the SHELF, recipes
  • PROJECTS… baking for the Giving Plates
  • APPOINTMENTS… nothing til 2019 after hubby’s dental appointment this morning
  • TO DO… still have 3 gifts to do that I’m a bit stumped on, menu updating, recipe development

I’M READING – I just started Marie Force’s Fatal Invasion (book 13 of this series) – I’ve been reading her since she first started writing and love her characters and series. ANNABELLE UPDATES FROM LAST WEEK – AnnaBelle has been busy this week getting into trouble AND keeping her friends entertained.  

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE NESTS

TUESDAY

WINTER PORK ROAST & DUCHESS POTATO CASSEROLE

WEDNESDAY

CHICKEN CONTINENTAL

THURSDAY

BBQ CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE BITES

FRIDAY

R.E.D. recipe experiment dinner

SATURDAY

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

SUNDAY

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 49 of 2018

GOOD MORNING Let me start with the BIG question. ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS, let alone December? I’m actually ready.  I had a productive week inside and out.  Hubby and I decorated outside on the 1 day we had no rain and the tree went up the day after Thanksgiving while we had family here to help decorate.

I might actually be getting my MOJO back.  The Christmas cards are done and mailed.  I have the last of the shipping boxes ready to take to the post office later this morning.  It will just be the 2 of us for the actual holiday so that makes things a bit easier too.  I ordered the prime rib from the butcher and will do my major shopping for the sides the week of the 17th.  Once again with just 2 of us I’m making smaller portions and less food all around.

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Last week was EXTREMELY wet and cold.  This week they’re predicting colder, but dryer at least.  We’re supposed to be in the mid 40’s all week with lows at night to the mid 20’s – definitely hot tea or cocoa weather. I’m off early to an appointment out of town (an hour away and 10 degrees colder) so I’m wearing layers!  Levis with warm socks and boots, a long sleeve thermal, flannel shirt and lightweight sweatshirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Honey and oats granola with a banana and green tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I won’t be starting anything new until after the New Year but will share with you my “Christmas Wreath”.  I had seen the idea on Pinterest originally and then found this awesome antique frame.  With the slatted area it has allowed me to make seasonal ribbons and decorations that can be laced in and tied and then easily unlaced to change to the next holiday or season.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY -My nephew, Wyatt Douglas was born healthy on Saturday and my niece is recuperating nicely after a last minute C-section.  He’s an adorable cutie (not that I’m biased or anything).  My niece and her twin are both extremely private and not even on social media so I will not be sharing unauthorized photos no matter how much I want to show you how cute he is.  I’m actually thrilled that they take social media privacy so seriously.  I know a few that don’t and their kids are going to hate them when they are old enough to realize what was shared throughout their life.

I started BLOGMAS 2018 on Saturday and hope you’re joining me.  It’s never too late to join in! There will be some form of a linky (I’m not happy with the initial ones and will probably be changing) on each post and they will be open ALL month long so join in when you can 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – It’s #ElfOnTheShelf time for the munchkins.  Meet our new elfette, AnnaBelle.  Her buddy, Alvin will be arriving on Wednesday.

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED – My munchkins loaned me the Elf On The Shelf movie – LOL 😀 I had never seen it.  Pretty cute, just wish I had come up with it!

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… really clean, vacuumed yesterday
  • KITCHEN… also really clean
  • YARD… the moss deterrent was put on the rook last week before the serious rain – other than that nothing much
  • BLOG… BLOGMAS 2018 & some recipe updating
  • PROJECTS… a couple of secret gifts being built 😀
  • APPOINTMENTS… nothing this week

I’M READING – not much this week, just too tired by the time I fall into bed

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – Christmas movies of course.  Most everything else has been cleaned out over the Thanksgiving weekend.

FUNNY FOR THE SEASON

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

CHICKEN CONTINENTAL

TUESDAY

BBQ CHICKEN MACARONI & CHEESE

WEDNESDAY

BUFFALO MACARONI & CHEESE BITES

THURSDAY

TOMATO BASIL SOUP

FRIDAY

BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

SATURDAY

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

SUNDAY

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 48 of 2018

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings with your family and friends AND for those of you that braved Black Friday I hope it was safe and worth your time.  Personally, my black Friday was done on line, in my PJ’s and will be delivered today and tomorrow. 😀

We had a small and simple Thanksgiving, just 4 of us and we didn’t even get any pictures taken except this picture of the table before dinner.

We also took advantage of a small break in the weather and cut down our Christmas tree at our favorite Christmas tree farm. 

I loved this cute little sign and was amused as we were leaving and I looked over to see this umbrella on a tree.  I figure someone set it there to concentrate on cutting their tree and evidently the rain had stopped so they just forgot it 🙁

I also did a little shopping Saturday for the Shop Small, Shop Local event.  There is a darling shop in town that I found several ornaments for the tree and a couple of gifts at.  They did a wonderful open house spread and gave away wooden snowflake ornaments as a gift with your purchase. 🙂 I’m also looking forward to the craft fair at the fairgrounds next weekend.

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Today is a much needed break in the wet weather.  We’re supposed to be in the low 50’s today and mid 40’s the rest of this week as well as VERY wet the rest of the week.  As normal I’m wearing Levi’s, a soft turtleneck and a matching flannel shirt with my warm fleece boots.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, cheerios and a banana

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – I’m finishing the Christmas Cards and getting them addressed to mail this week.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – We went to the Festivals of Lights over the Thanksgiving weekend during the one evening of no rain and I was able to get quite a few good pictures.  I LOVE the entrance – always the same, but also always beautiful.

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

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

  • LAUNDRY…all done!
  • LIVING AREAS… all done!
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean, but getting a deep clean today from the Thanksgiving mess.
  • YARD… nothing much with all the rain
  • BLOG… I’m working on my BLOGMAS posts and still have a recipes to update
  • PROJECTS… finish wrapping gifts and shipping boxes
  • APPOINTMENTS… just one mid week
  • TO DO… still working on this list

I’M READING -Still trying to finish Vickie McKeehan’s Indigo Brothers Series

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – tons of Christmas movies! I have one going in the background all day while I’m working on things.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

CHILI SKILLET & CORNBREAD

THURSDAY

FRENCH ONION PEPPER BACON SOUP

FRIDAY

WHISKEY MOLASSES BEEF

SATURDAY

SAUSAGE BRUNCH PIES ??

MONGOLIAN BEEF

SUNDAY

BAKED EGGS ?? BEEF RAGU

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 47 of 2018

GOOD MORNING everyone. I hope your weekend was GREAT!  Ours was quiet, productive and fun too.  We watched ALL the end of season NASCAR championship races as well as some football.  We had lunch at one of our favorite taverns.  Hubby finished re”building” my desk and cleaning it up while I finished the canning and some gift wrapping. 

I’m off to literally do the LAST minute Thanksgiving shopping and go with hubby to an appointment and then we’re coming home to stay through the crazy upcoming weekend.

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It’s gray and foggy and not yet 40 this morning.  Today and tomorrow are supposed to warm up to mid 50’s with partly sunny skies.  After that there is a cold front due to move in leaving us with all out RAIN and temperatures in the 40’s for Thanksgiving.  I’m wearing Levis with a cozy purple turtleneck an coordinating flannel shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, strawberry yogurt with honey almond granola and wild blueberries

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – Trying to finish up the last of some homemade gifts

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY / FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I completed my jams and butters and even got them decorated so they are ready for wrapping. I also got a few bottles of flavored vanilla prepped.  And yes, 2019 is what they say bcause they won’t actually be ready for use until mid January.  I’ll post that recipe later this week.

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED – HALLMARK Christmas movies of course!

JUST FOR FUN 

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

  • LAUNDRY… a set of sheets and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… vacuuming
  • KITCHEN… LOL with Thanksgiving prep it will get worse before it gets better 😀
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… just a few pre-planned posts
  • PROJECTS… put up the Christmas tree next weekend
  • APPOINTMENTS… just one
  • TO DO… EVERYTHING

I’M READING – I’m still reading Vickie McKeehan’s Indigo Brothers Series

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – Hallmark Christmas movies and a few prime time shows

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT

BLUEBERRY PUFF CAKE

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

ITALIAN PORK CHOPS & NOODLES

TUESDAY

GREEN TABASCO CHICKEN  & SALAD (recipe will be up some time this week)

WEDNESDAY

ALOHA RIBS & BLACK EYED PEA CHILI

THURSDAY

GARLIC HERB TURKEY, CREAMY MASHED POTATOES, SOURDOUGH STUFFING, GRAVY, CORN CASSEROLE (DIL), BRUSSELS SPROUTS (DIL), SOUR CREAM FAN ROLLS, CRANBERRY RELISH

FRIDAY

OUT

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

CRANBERRY MERINGUE PIE, PUMPKIN PIE (DIL)

SATURDAY

TEX-MEX BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

HOT TURKEY SANDWICHES and THANKSGIVING leftovers

SUNDAY

PUMPKIN SPICE CINNAMON ROLLS

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 46 of 2018

GOOD MORNING everyone!  I hope you had a GREAT week.  Mine was one of organization.  It was the first one since our trek north that I had the downtime with no appointments or such to get serious about organizing our life.  It was also a necessary event with the holidays fastly approaching!

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

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It’s supposed to be sunny all week and near 60 degrees, BUT it’s getting down into the low 30’s at night and foggy in the mornings so that sunny 60 degrees ends up happening for all of about 4 hours a day!  I LOVE it though.  I am looking forward to the rain predicted next week. Right now it’s only 35 and super gray out still.

I have on Levis with a red, white and blue tye dyed sweatshirt and my fuzzy blue warm socks. 

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Mixed Berry yogurt, a small banana and Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I began a reverse Advent Box for donation after Thanksgiving.  I’m filling it with items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, shampoos, pasta, rices, canned goods, treats and goodies, homemade jars of jam… I’ll show a picture during BLOGMAS 2018.  I’m hoping you’ll join me for BLOGMAS this year.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – What has been happening in California just during the last week is devastating and I am praying for all of those people in Paradise as well as southern California. Having grown up in southern California I know all too well how devastating fire can be in general, but especially at this time of year with the Santa Ana winds.  I pray the winds CALM down so the firefighters can get a handle on these fires.

Hallmark Christmas movies are here and on my television daily as I work through my day. I’ve made Chunky Applesauce, Pumpkin Butter and Apple Pumpkin Butter so far in preparation for the holidays.

INSPIRATION

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

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing, sheets and towels
  • LIVING AREAS… really tidy
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • YARD… nothing much
  • BLOG… some recipe posts, future post planning and holiday BLOGMAS post planning
  • PROJECTS… Christmas cards, Christmas gifts
  • APPOINTMENTS… nothing this week
  • TO DO… baseboards, silk plants, carpets, windows

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

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – I’m trying to coordinate our watch lists on the DVR with the things piling up on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – Christmas cards are in the half made process

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK – I’m trying a few new recipes this week and will post them next week if they are a success. I’m also making an OLD recipe that was originally from my grams, but I have updated over the years.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

HONEY BBQ CHICKEN LEGS

TUESDAY

TABASCO CHICKEN & BAKED RICE

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

CHICKEN CONTINENTAL & BROCCOLI

FRIDAY

GERMAN PORK CHOPS with PASTA & PEAS

SATURDAY

DENVER CHICKEN

SUNDAY

CHILI

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 45 of 2018

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea and yogurt

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

INSPIRATION

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

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

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

VAMPIRE MAC & CHEESE with HOT DOGS

TUESDAY

OUT

WEDNESDAY

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

THURSDAY

SPAM & TATERS

FRIDAY

GREEN TABASCO CHICKEN with CORN-ONION SOUFFLE

PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with SHERRY CREAM SAUCE & RICE PILAF

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

HONEY BBQ CHICKEN & BAKED BEANS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 44 of 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

VEGGIE CHICKEN MEDLEY & MELTING POTATOES

TUESDAY

OMG CHICKEN & BACON GRUYERE SMASHED POTATOES

WEDNESDAY

SLOW COOKER CRUSTLESS SHEPHERDS PIE

THURSDAY

CHICKEN IN OREGANO CREAM SAUCE

FRIDAY

BROWN GRAVY MEATBALLS & CHEESY CORNBREAD PUDDING

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

??

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK – none this week

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 43 of 2018

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

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green Blueberry Tea with a banana

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

INSPIRATION/QUOTE/FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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

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

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

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

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – nothing til November

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

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY- FRIDAY

??

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

ROCHESTER CHICKEN ala IMMIGRANTS

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

PAN SEARED CHICKEN in HERB WINE SAUCE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 42 of 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INSPIRATION


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

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

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

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

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

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

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

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

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

DESSERT

MONDAY – FRIDAY

GREEN TEA,

BANANA & YOGURT

CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD

MONDAY

ALOHA RIBS and RED CABBAGE SLAW

TUESDAY

??

WEDNESDAY

??

THURSDAY

??

FRIDAY

??

 

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

??

SUNDAY

SUNDAY

??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK