Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Captains Log-DAY 255, Week 1, Month 8 – It has been an interesting, sad and strange 7 months. This past week we have helped my uncle several days as he is SO SO close to the flooding area.  We also started cleaning out my aunt’s closets. I have always believed you end up where you are supposed to be in life for whatever reason and even though we were not happy about the condition of this house we initially thought we landed here to help my uncle with the house because he had his hands so full with my aunt and her Alzheimers.  Now I believe it was to be here to help him through her passing and dealing with the house, floods, etc…  God really does work in mysterious ways.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
We still have a small chance of thunderstorms for a few days and then they are predicting 2 FULL days of sunshine before we go back to potential thunderstorms.  Thus is the life in hurricane season.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
I see a small break in the clouds and the sun is actually trying to make a glorious appearance for the first time in what feels like months, but I know is only a few weeks.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Maple Brown sugar oatmeal with golden raisins and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE/HOUSE PROJECTS
I’m beginning to feel more at home.  We still have a ton of “little” projects and a few big ones, but ALL and ALL, it’s looking and feeling like a real home.

Once we finish the painting of the doors and baseboard we will order the carpet for the living room and atrium.  The living room is a great size (22×18), but these pictures make it look small.  Oh well, at least we got some shelves up and I was able to get some of our favorite things unpacked and even got a few quilts hung. The randomness of the shelves was based on the stud locations for mounting.  At first I didn’t think I would like it, but now I really love it.

 After the carpet is in we will order the matching loveseat and oversized chair to match the couch. Even the dogs are feeling more at home in their new plush beds made especially for thei old bones.
Did I mention I can’t wait for carpet?  
If we keep on momentum this month I think we can be ready by July!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Caulk and paint!
  • Lay floor in studio closet.
  • Sort 2 dozen big totes for donations or ebay sales.
  • A couple loads of laundry.
  • Vacuum.
  • Play one of the sunny days just to get out for a while!

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
I think there are a few new shows this week, but I haven’t checked yet. There are also a few movies coming out this month that I’d like to see and I might need to go to AMC for a matinee or two on warmer days.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing new this week as I’m still working on getting the studio organized so I can work on one half of it while playing on the other half.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
OUT
SANDWICH
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CARNITAS & SALAD
C.O.R.N. or RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT or C.O.R.N.


DESSERT




PINEAPPLE POUND CAKE


SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
I did get through several of the magazines that my uncle brought over from my aunt and have cut out quite a few interesting recipes. I only hope to live long enough to try ALL the recipes I cut out!

  • Pineapple Pound Cake – I will be trying this one later this weeks for a neighbor’s birthday.
  • Apple Cheddar Quinoa Muffins
  • Broken Dumpling Soup
  • Sour Orange Coconut Cakes
  • Pan Seared Chicken with wine and herbs
  • Creamy Chocolate Eclair Cake
  • Slow Cooker Pork and Tomatillo Stew aka (Guisado Verde)
  • Braised Beef with Sun-dried tomatoes and White Beans
  • Picnic Fruit Punch
  • Apricot Brandy Slush
  • Salmon Party Spread
  • Lemon Grilled Chicken 
  • Chili Chicken
  • Banana Beignet Bites
  • Aunt Murna’s Jam Cake
  • Lime Angel Food Cake
  • Buttermilk Scones
  • French Onion Salisbury steak

ON MY MIND
DRIVERS! and their RUDENESS.  I swear I’d rather be driving in New York City.  I have never seen so many drivers run red lights, weave in and out of traffic at VERY high speeds and the road rage is off the charts around here AND on a daily basis!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
The PROGRESS on the 30 day, er 60 day minimalist project is going along extremely well!  We are up to 1946 items and that’s before I start the 2 dozen totes in the atrium OR the studio boxes. I am hoping to finish by 60 days, but if not I WILL extend to 90!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I have an oak room screen that needed new panels made.  I also didn’t really have a good place to put it so I stood it out of the way.  Then the light bulb went off and I thought, “What a great place to store my antique quilts.”

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone has plans for a Memorial day full of family and friends tempered with just enough solemness for the occasion.

We had a VERY productive weekend – mainly because Saturday morning we awoke to find that hubby had left the freezer open Friday night and all the ice and everything else had melted right onto the kitchen floor.  So, it put me into a major cleaning and sorting mode and boy did I go!!!  I filled the car twice with donations plus did 2 loads of wet towels.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Cool and sunny, but looks are deceiving as I know we will be near 85 today.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
I see squirrels chasing and running all over – up and down trees.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
A scrambled egg and English muffin.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I am VERY happy with ALL that we accomplished this past weekend and am grateful for not needing to jump up and dive in to make the house presentable for when my uncle comes for dinner later.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Paint new molding in living room.
  • Sorting and organizing studio.
  • Sorting donation pile.
  • Hang living room fan.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
I think there are a few new shows this week, but I haven’t checked yet.

KITCHEN WISHES
I’ve been doing some “soul” searching in this department.  There was a time when I wanted and “needed” kitchen gadgets.  The older I get I realize that I truly get my enjoyment from the basics in cooking – chopping and prepping the way my grandmother used to. One of the things I did over the weekend was to sort through gadgets and kitchen tools.  I only kept my very favorites and LOVE how cleaned out my drawers are.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
BURGERS & POTATO SALAD


C.O.R.N.
DESSERT







HOUSE PROJECTS

Not much of a picture, but it’s of the molding. We had to shift things around to get the whole room done, but we had put ALL the furniture on those heavy duty felt pads so it was a bit easier.  Hubby got the last of the outlets changed out for me too.  All that’s left are the few electrical things that the electrician will be here Tuesday to finish.

This pile for the trash man is getting smaller each week, but still a mess when it rains.  We did get a portion of the Magnolia tree pruned and the gutters cleaned on the garage.  I don’t think the tree had been pruned since grams planted it 40 years ago.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

These are just a couple of the piles we donated to the women’s shelter this last week.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a great week and weekend.  I have not been around much, let alone on the internet. The past several weeks, er months have been chaotic to say the least.  The move here, the unexpected shambles of a house we committed too unknowingly, the massive clean out of my cousin’s things coupled with grams, gramps and even my great grandmother’s things along with my aunt’s declining health with the Alzheimers ALL before she even fell shattering her knee and ALL the ensuing surgeries, hospitalization and ICU time from the infections and stroke before her unexpected death have left me feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The past several weeks with the chaotic weather and family flying in and out have given us a break from the house for the most part, but also left us anxious to truly finish it. We are hoping to get quite a bit done this week and I’m hoping to also get back into a regular posting routine and try some new recipes too.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is warm with expected thunderstorms all week, but that’s Texas for you.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
It’s a bit dreary and gray, but dry for the moment.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Nothing as I have fasting blood work later this morning after we drop my mom at the airport. We are going to try a new Cajun place for lunch though that I’m looking forward to.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I see tons to do, but will get a running start at it this afternoon after we return.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Drop mom off at airport.
  • Blood work today with a follow-up appointment for the results later in the week.
  • Clean spare bedroom and bathroom.
  • Return a chair to my uncle that my mom was using during her stay.
  • Start the sorting on the studio that is piled to the ceiling to get it all out of the rest of the house during my mom’s visit.
  • Drop off donations from the minimalization project at women’s shelter re-sale shop.
  • Drop off hundreds of magazines to the hospital for their waiting rooms.
  • Clean top to bottom.
  • Several loads of laundry.
  • Paint all the new molding hubby has been putting up. This alone will take me weeks.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not sure yet, need to see what the new summer shows are going to be.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
LOL Nothing until the studio is sorted out.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
PULLED PORK SANDWICHES & BBQ BEANS
DESSERT

ON MY MIND
As I sat at many family events this week watching brothers and sisters interact I realized that two of the most important words in the English language are PERCEPTION and PERSPECTIVE. Each of our perceptions and perspectives are developed through OUR experiences in life and OUR interactions with family, friends and peers as well as teachers and even strangers. While much of life is black and white, many a memory falls into the gray area shrouded with personal perceptions and perspectives based on age, sex, education, playground interactions, job type, public interactions at different cultural times in society, etc…  I have chosen NOT to get involved with many of the family arguments that have ensued over the years and refuse to in the future also.  Long story short, sometimes it just isn’t worth the hassle.

PERCEPTION per·cep·tion pərˈsepSH(ə)n/
noun: perception; plural noun: perceptions

  • the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.
  • the state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses.
  • a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.

synonyms: recognition, awareness, consciousness, appreciation, realization, knowledge, grasp, understanding, comprehension, apprehension; formal cognizance, impression, idea, conception, notion, thought, belief, judgment, estimation

PERSPECTIVE per·spec·tive pərˈspektiv/
noun: perspective

  • the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.
  • a view or prospect.

  • a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

synonyms:  outlook, view, viewpoint, point of view, POV, standpoint, position, stand, stance, angle, slant, attitude, frame of mind, frame of reference, approach, way of looking, interpretation
       

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
We finished our 30 day minimalization project this past week and am proud to say we ended at almost 3 times the expected outcome with 1182 items! This week we will begin yet again as I begin the clean out of the studio and finish unpacking all the remaining boxes!  I’m really looking forward to this and feeling a bit more settled because of it.  The goal is to reach a point where we can have the carpet installed the first week of June and then acquire the last few pieces of furniture we want and need.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I did not even get a chance for any pictures this week.

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

It’s Monday whether we want it to be or not! I hope you had a great weekend.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s gray and stormy this week and doesn’t look like it will let up much any time soon.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
I see a long gray week with intermittent thunder storms.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
A banana and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I actually see the progress we’ve made and am anxious to be done.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Shopping for a couple family meals.
  • Cleaning.
  • ?? no BIG projects with mom visiting.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Nothing new this week.  We will look into getting cable soon after the last of the electrical work is done.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Planning a new pattern for quilts I am making my uncle and cousin from some of my aunt’s clothes.

HOUSE PROJECTS
Nothing new this week with family in for the funeral.

KITCHEN WISHES
I have so many kitchen gadgets and am finding that LESS really is more! So I no new wishes except to organize and clean out a bit more.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
OUT
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
SALISBURY STEAK & MASHED POTATOES
DESSERT

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
My uncle sent home tons of magazines from my aunt for me to go through, many of which are cooking and recipe oriented so I’m looking forward to going through those soon.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Hubby finished the floor molding in the living room.
  • The new couch is the perfect color.  I can’t wait until the carpeting is complete and the companion pieces are in place.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I typed up my aunt’s obituary for my uncle and we included this picture of her with a friend’s dog.

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It has been super pleasant this past week with beautiful spring weather and a gorgeous breeze, but today appears to be breaking that pattern and the rest of the week will be warm and humid.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
I see gray skies and drizzle, but am hoping for a sunny afternoon without humidity. LOL a girl can dream can’t she?

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
COFFEE, more coffee and a bowl of oatmeal.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m becoming a bit more settled as I look around the house each morning.  We’ve been working long hours to try and get things done before my mom’s visit which has now been moved forward 3 weeks with the impending funeral for my aunt.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
This week will be Monday/ Tuesday heavy and then as needed with my mom visiting.

  • A trip to Lowes for a faucet for the spare bathroom.

  • Call electrician to fix the last problem from the electrician my uncle hired that has really messed up the living room as well as fix the back porch light.

  • Cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. 

  • Laundry.

  • Paperwork.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We watched a few season and series finales this past week, but I’m just really not into TV much lately with ALL the hours we’ve been spending on this house.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing new this week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
QUICHE
SAUSAGE & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
OUT
C.O.R.N.
MEATLOAF & SALAD
??
DESSERT

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I thought I would show you how well the apple cider vinegar is working at collecting gnats and fruit flies. There are 7 or 8 EVERY day so this bowl has become a permanent fixture on my shelf.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
I received a WONDERFUL text from my psuedo daughter/niece for Mother’s Day that made me smile and cry all at once.  Amber fills my heart with love.  She has turned out to be a beautiful woman and fantastic mother that I am SOOO proud of.  She is the epitome of one of my favorite quotes.

FAVORITE CAMERA PHOTOS & HOUSE PROJECTS

These are totes full of all the bubble wrap from unpacking waiting for their turn up the ladder to the attic. I couldn’t just throw it all out.  What if we move again?

I planted a few drought resistant Lantana in yellow and variegated pink and Mexican Heather with the pretty purple flowers in the front planter to brighten things up.  And look at how big that Christmas tree has gotten.

It took me 4 coats between caulking and paint to turn the brown center beam in the ceiling white and then it took us 3 coats between sealer, primer and paint to cover the walls. 

The living room still needs some work in a few areas, but it will wait until after my mom’s visit to get done.  We ran into a bit of a problem when we took down that gold fan and put up the new one. It is really hard to get a good electrician these days and sad that we are going to have to spend money to fix what my uncle thought he got fixed just a year ago.

I did get another quilt hung, but the rest of the room is a bit sparse until we get carpeting and some furniture.

We decided to let me try my hand at Giana stone countertops. I also decided to add an extra challenge by starting with wood and not Formica. We added a cute molding along the edge and pre-cut the hole for the sink. I got a bit scared when the first step was a black onyx primer and spent a few minutes thinking what have I gotten myself into? Especially since I had to wait a minimum of 8 hours to move onto to step 2.

Step 2 was all the sponge and designing.  I felt A LOT better after this step.  Step 3 was 3 coats of the actual marble sealer and was a 4 hour wait between coats so this project didn’t take long for each step. but took over 3 days to complete.

I still need to finish the mirror and clean it up, but all in all I’m quite pleased with the results of the paint kit.
INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I have a favorite saying, “Man Plans, God laughs, We Adjust”.  I try to live by this to remind myself that I am not always in control and learning to roll with the punches is the best way to live without stress.

Many of you know that our family has been dealing with my ailing aunt. My aunt has been recovering from a really bad fall that shattered her knee in early February, the surgery to repair that and then the infection that sent her back to 2 more surgeries when she spiked a VERY HIGH fever on Easter.  We received a call Thursday 2 weeks ago that she’d had a stroke… the rest of the time has been a blur since then.  She was in “Skilled Nursing” (that place was a joke) at the time and rushed back to the hospital. She also had respiratory distress/pneumonia and a CDiff infection so she was placed in an ICU quarantine after the ER.  She conquered the ICU quarantine and began to improve even being moved to a regular room in the main hospital as she was breathing better and they were even going to begin physical therapy again. She still couldn’t communicate from the stroke though and was in so much pain she was unable to hardly lift her fingers. Unfortunately she was returned to ICU just a few days later and the pneumonia took over coupled with kidney failure and we lost her last Friday.

Thank you everyone for your notes and prayers. I do believe they made a difference, at the very least for myself and our family. The only consolation is knowing that she is no longer in any pain and her worst fear will never come to light.  She was so fearful of eventually being “institutionalized” for her Alzheimers. We will be having her funeral on my cousin’s birthday which also seems apropos since we lost Beth just 18 months ago.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It has been pretty nice in the mornings and late evenings, but fairly miserable midday, every day with the heat and humidity from all the rain we’ve been having, but this week looks like we’ll be a little more spring normal with mid 70’s days and very little rain.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Despite last week’s to do list getting kicked to the curb AGAIN, we got A LOT done!  What didn’t get done last week will start this week’s list.

  • Second coat spare bathroom vanity
  • Spare Bathroom Floor
  • Set toilet spare bathroom
  • Paint Living Room 
  • Hang Living Room fan
  • More Kitchen Organization 
  • Order flooring for living room and Atrium??
  • Laundry

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Nothing much yet.  We have rented a few more movies.

  • Misconduct
  • Back Track 
  • Jane Got a Gun

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CHICKEN MARSALA, ASPARAGUS & NOODLES
PORK CARNITAS & SALAD
C.O.R.N.
CADILLAC CHICKEN, ROASTED NEW POTATOES & GREEN BEANS
SALISBURY STEAK & SALAD
CHICKEN & NOODLES
BACON GUACAMOLE CHICKEN, RICE PILAF & SALAD
DESSERT

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I may have already mentioned this, but it works so well, it’s worth mentioning again.  I keep a small glass jar full of apple cider vinegar on my kitchen shelf.  Gnats and fruit flies both are drawn to it!  I spoon out 8 or 9 every single day.  Makes me feel better, like I’m doing my job since we have biting gnats here in this area.

ON MY MIND
How fleeting life can be and how to find better and more purpose in life. I re-evaluated everything in my life during the cancer and find myself doing it yet again as we mourn the passing of my aunt.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
Just a quick update on my 30 day minimalist challenge.  We were aiming at 465 items as per the original challenge.  I can say that we are very pleased to have hit 701 items at the close of day 9.  It feels fantastic to be ridding ourselves of items we no longer use and be giving them to others who can.  A local boy scout troop picked up 2 easy ups, 4 camping chairs and a table today.  Tomorrow I will make a 3rd trip to the local resale shop for the women’s shelter and then Tuesday a 3rd trip to Habitat to Humanity.

FAVORITE CAMERA PHOTOS & HOUSE PROJECTS

These are easily removed as we continue to paint, but I needed my “Cross Wall” to be up. Helped to get things off of tables.

We also found a great clock for the “BIG wall”.  I can’t wait until the beam, ceiling and walls are finally painted.

I had a hard time getting a decent picture with the humid conditions, but this is a beautiful mini rose condolence gift from my neighbor.

The spare bedroom is as good as it is going to get for now.  At least it is ready for use with family coming in for the funeral.  Eventually the bookcase will not be there and the things on the bed are from the bathroom we’re working on. Since this is the “family room” it was pretty cool to add my uncle’s Vietnam era Army footlocker to the room.

I was also able to get one of my favorite quilts hung in the studio. The studio itself will be a chaotic mess for a few more months to come as it will be the LAST thing to get finished. I’m going to pare down in there too with craft tools and projects.

Remember the cabinets I told you about from Habitat for Humanity that we bought for hubby’s garage?  They are really helping him get organized! I can’t believe how good his garage is looking.  Looks even better now than when I took this picture a few days ago.
PRAYERS & INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a busy and productive weekend. EVEN WITH THAT I WISH I HAD ACCOMPLISHED MORE.  LOL There are just NOT enough hours in the day, but in reality within the next few months I may change my opinion of that.  Then again I may not as we begin the yard and the garage in the heat of summer.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
Yesterday was wet and windy with tornado warnings, but today and tomorrow are supposed to be nice.  It’s just that time of year where you don’t really pay attention to the weather forecast because it’s going to change within the hour.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Despite last week’s to do list getting kicked to the curb, we got A LOT done!  What didn’t get done last week will start this week’s list.

  • Second coat spare bathroom vanity
  • Spare Bathroom Floor
  • Set toilet spare bathroom
  • Paint Living Room 
  • Hang Living Room fan
  • Kitchen Organization 
  • Order flooring for living room and Atrium
  • Find a chair for the spare bedroom
  • Laundry
  • EOM/BOM (end of month/beginning of month) stock-up shopping
  • Start on Studio Organization

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Nothing this week.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Not much new going on this week.  I have been working on some sketches for a few new craft ideas. I have been working on reinventing an old beat up dresser into shabby chic. Spray paint is the girl’s duct tape and I’m loving how it has helped me do the shabby chic thing and save so many things from the trash pile.

I used a bonding primer since there was a stained and worn finish on the wood and then finished it off with a satin white spray paint.

The handles were extremely worn and very date, but the hammered silver Rustoleum spray paint spruced them right up. I used the same paint on an old beat up brass lamp and voile’, it’s like new.

I still need to finish installing the drawer pulls on the remaining drawers and do some touch up paint on the mirror, but as of now it’s good to go.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
I sat and went through several old issues of Cook’s Illustrated and saved the recipes I want to try in the future.

  • Orange Honey Glazed Chicken
  • Apple Maple Glazed Chicken 
  • Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken
  • Apple Galette
  • Hot Chocolate Layer Cake with Homemade Marshmallows
  • White Chocolate Macadamia Cake 
  • Pear Crisp
  • Caesar Parmesan Dip
  • Chipotle Lime Dip
  • Cocktail Meatballs in Tomato Saffron Sauce
  • Buffalo Nickel Hamburger Loaf
  • Hungarian Beef Stew
  • Carne Adovada
  • Skillet Apple Pie
  • Galveston Shrimp Creole
  • Hunter’s Chicken
  • Maryland Caramel Tomatoes
  • Sicilian Meatloaf
  • Coke Fried Chicken
  • OH MY GOD Chicken
  • Lazy Daisy Cake
  • Peach Puzzle
  • Cider Baked Ham

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
Tip #1 – I quit spending a fortune on rinse aids for the dishwasher and just fill the compartment with white vinegar.  It still keeps the spots at bay, is environmentally friendly and works just as well.

Tip #2 –  If you need to zest a piece of citrus, but the rind is too smooth place the whole piece of fruit in the freezer for 30 minutes until partially hardened.  The rind being firmer will zest easier now.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY & PRAYERS

  • Getting closer to completing the house
  • The trash pile being bigger than the supply pile.
  • Remembering Michelle today on what would have been her 42nd birthday.
  • Prayers for my aunt as she recovers from ALL the medical upheaval of the past 2 months.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I had to laugh.  She just couldn’t resist he warm laundry.  Fortunately it was a load of rags so I had to indulge her.

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I just realized I haven’t posted anything since last week.  Last week was NOT what we planned, but I can fortunately say things are getting back to normal.

My aunt has been recovering from a really bad fall that shattered her knee, the surgery to repair that and then the infection that sent her back to surgery on Easter.  We received a call Thursday that she’d had a stroke… the rest of the week was a blur after that.  She was in “Skilled Nursing” (that place was a joke) at the time and rushed back to the hospital. She also had respiratory distress/pneumonia and a CDiff infection so she was placed in an ICU quarantine after the ER.  Happily I can report that as of today everything is looking up.  The stroke was minor and the quarantine has been lifted, she’s breathing better and they are even going to begin physical therapy again today.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
STORMY & WET!!!!!!  Glad I planned on staying in today.  We are getting slammed with the latest storm with standing water everywhere!  The city is locking down for the day.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Spare Bedroom Floor.
  • Atrium Floor.
  • Second coat of paint spare bathroom. 
  • Second coat spare bathroom vanity.
  • Spare Bathroom Floor.
  • Set toilet spare bathroom.
  • Finish Kitchen Floor.
  • Paint Living Room.
  • Kitchen Organization.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Nothing this week.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Not much going on this week.  I have been working on some sketches for a few new ideas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
SHIRRED EGGS & BACON
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CHIPOTLE LIME CHICKEN
C.O.R.N.
TARRAGON GARLIC BUTTER STEAK & ASPARAGUS with NEW POTATOES
SLOW ROASTED HONEY GLAZED PORK, NEW POTATOES & BRUSSELS SPROUTS
GRILLED SALMON & SALAD
DESSERT







HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I read recently that the most effective way to clean fresh produce is apple cider vinegar.  I took 2 apples and washed one the “normal” way and it looked and felt clean enough.  I took a second apple and washed it with the vinegar before washing the “normal” way and you wouldn’t believe what washed off the second apple! I filled a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar and conducted my own test.

ON MY MIND/PRAYERS
Prayers that my aunt’s recovery continues to make great forward progress.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

Our week did NOT go as planned, but ended up being just as productive as if it had, so ALL is good. LOL I spent most of yesterday sorting through ALL of our holiday decorations (including those things from both grandmothers) trying to reduce and decide on whether we keep it, donate it, toss it or if there is enough sentimental value to call family members to see if they want it. I can’t believe how much time this takes.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weather the past few days has been GORGEOUS! But all good things come to an end and today looks like it’s going to be one of those days, oops I mean weeks. It’s going to be warm, humid and stormy most of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • I will be spending most of today finishing the sort through Christmas ornaments and doing some much needed paperwork.
  • Tuesday we will be painting the spare bedroom and bathroom as well as installing the vanity in the spare bathroom.
  • Wednesday we will be ordering the new washer and dryer as well as picking up the sink for the spare bathroom.
  • Thursday-Saturday we have decided we need to have a few days to finish ALL the little bits and pieces.  There are several areas where we have had to wait for parts to arrive so moved on to something else and now it’s time to double back, etc…  If this goes smoothly on Thursday and Friday we hope to put the final coat of paint on the master bath Saturday.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not looking forward to much this week.  We have been catching up on a few movies and seen some recently that were pretty good or at least thought provoking:

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Not much going on this week.  I have been working on some sketches for a few new ideas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK with their recipe links
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
FRIED SPAM AND EGGS (HUBBY’S REQUEST)
PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
7UP STEAK & BAKED POTATOES
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a busy but productive week and then a relaxing weekend so I’m fresh and ready to go this week with high hopes of a lot more progress.  We even decided to take Tuesday off and go play – so much easier to do mid week when everyone else is at work!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s absolutely gorgeous this week and I’m hoping it lasts for several more weeks after this!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Start putting up the tin kitchen ceiling.
  • Remove the LAST bit of old carpeting from the spare bedroom.
  • Paint the spare bedroom.
  • Hang ceiling fan in studio.
  • Finish vinyl flooring if they have gotten it back in stock.
  • Plant Lantanas.
  • Take a day off and go play at the beach!

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
I enjoyed the Country Music Awards last night, but have just not been too interested in most TV these days.

HOUSE PROJECTS
I HAVE BEEN AVOIDING DOING THE SHOWER IN THE MASTER BATHROOM FOR QUITE AWHILE NOW.  1) THE REFINISHING KIT IS AN EPOXY AND I HATE EPOXY ANYTHING. 2) I KNEW IT WOULD BE MESSY!  I cannot tell you how glad I am that this job is over.  It looks amazing, but what I did NOT know is that I would be down for 2 days after finishing it.  This epoxy paint is horrible.  Despite the exhaust fan, a room fan and the windows and doors open I was definitely feeling the effects of the fumes – ended up dizzy, with a sore throat and headache.  My recommendation if you need this done is to hire a professional.  Some jobs are not worth saving money on.

BEFORE
AFTER

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Still hoping to get to a few things soon, but nothing seems to have gone my way in that department recently.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
PEANUT BUTTER BURGERS
C.O.R.N.
GLAZED STUFFED PORK CHOPS
CHICKEN & NOODLES
ORANGE CHICKEN & CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is a favorite photo for a weird reason. This is what fell out of gram’s washing machine as we rolled it out the back door.  It also means we are committed to purchasing the new ones this week or visiting the laundromat LOL. (The washer dryer set I want is on sale through Tuesday, but I have no idea when it can be delivered). After they hauled it away, I realized we probably should have taken it apart to see what else was in there.  We may have just thrown away a thousand dollars or winning lottery ticket.

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Sunday. Ours was strange to begin with and then became life threatening in a heartbeat.  We had volunteered to host this year, but after my aunt’s fall a couple months ago that shattered her kneecap, the subsequent surgery, rehab and her invasive Aspergilius allergy (only 4% survive after this allergy is detected in this type of situation) that she barely survived when they implanted her pacemaker 12 years ago, the subsequent stroke topped off by her having Alzheimer’s we decided I’d still cook, but at their house so she could be in her home and comfortable.  She was great when we got there at 2, but by 3 she was disoriented and had a 104° fever and we ushered her to the hospital. They determined a massive bacterial infection and she was rushed into emergency surgery.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We’re supposed to be clear and warm with the threat of scattered thunderstorms most of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Refinish shower
  • Sort books
  • Unpack remaining boxes
  • Laundry
  • Grocery Shoppping
  • Start backyard
  • Drop off donations

CURRENTLY READING
Nothing this week.

TELEVISION / DVR
Not much this week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
For the next few weeks I’m going to be trying links for recipes I’ve bookmarked from around the web.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

HOMEMAKING TIP

If you’re like me you save boxes for the electronic items since they need the added protection in case you move. I want them out of the way though and don’t want them to collect tons of dust.  So I slip them into large trash bags from each end and secure them with masking tape before placing them into the attic.  When you need to use them you’re probably moving anyway so now you have trash bags at the ready also.  For the extra large items I buy the extra large Christmas wrapping bags in January when they are 75-90% off.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I tried the silk tie way to dye eggs method that has been circulating all over social media. These were old ties I used and I think it worked relatively well.  You can even make out the Tobasco bottle on the top egg.

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a good and productive week. I even had a productive Sunday… until… a stupid fall. I have been climbing all over this house, ladders, the roof and I trip over a hammer while carrying a heavy box – just too ironic.

 I spent the rest of the day with ice, a blanket, my book, a nap and the Nascar race.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
Fortunately our weather has returned to a more normal spring time level.  Thank goodness as I am NOT ready for summer in ANY WAY, SHAPE or FORM!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK/HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Finish the flooring and organization in the studio.
  • Paint spare bathroom.
  • Install spare bathroom floor.
  • Install spare bathroom vanity.
  • Drop off next load of donations.
  • Cook and prep for Easter.  I’ll be cooking at our house and then transporting it to my aunt and uncles as she is still under the weather.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not much except what comes our way at the end of each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I’ve been working on my studio and hope to have some new crafts next week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CRISPY PORK CUTLETS with BUTTERED NOODLES
SMOTHERED STEAK TIPS
C.O.R.N.
SAKE CHICKEN and BROCCOLINI
BROCCOLI CHICKEN QUINOA
PAN SEARED WINE and HERB CHICKEN
ADULT STRAWBERRY LEMONADE, DEVILED EGGS, TROPICAL PORK ROAST, POTATOES AU GRATIN, RITZY BROCCOLI AND CARROT CASSEROLE,  CHOCOLATE BERRY BASKETS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
I took a bit of a fall yesterday so I took the afternoon off to ice my leg and finally caught up on many of the cooking magazines that I unearthed the other day and found a BUNCH of great recipe to try!

  • Fresh Pineapple Cake with Candied Carrot Ribbons
  • Purple Potato Soup 
  • Glazed Grilled Roasted Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Ribs
  • Swedish Cocktail Meatballs
  • Moravian Sugar Cake
  • Beer Batter Cheese Bread
  • Cider Baked Ham
  • Potato and Caramelized Onion Gratin
  • French Chicken Stew
  • Chocolate Malted Milk Cake
  • Butter’s Carrot Cake
  • Broken Dumpling Soup
  • Parmesan Pepperoni Chicken
  • Mississippi Mud Brownies
  • Creamy Chicken and Biscuit Bake
  • Pasta with Lemony Chicken and Asparagus
  • Rum Glazed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
  • Pan Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce
  • Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops
  • Sesame Green Beans
  • Sauteed Lemon Chicken Strips
  • Drunken Steak
  • Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee
  • Apple Dapple Cake

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
A tip to making your baking pans non-stick is to whisk together equal parts of cooking oil, shortening or butter and flour. Using a pastry brush to coat your pan(s).  Your baked goods will not stick!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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