Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY – #11 2016

Can you believe we’re on Monday number 11 for this year? I can’t wait to be finished with this remodel and be able to do more things that I truly believe will make time seem slower.  We did take half of Saturday off and go to the rodeo.  I’m so glad we did, it was a lot of fun and the weather was gorgeous!  We did get quite a bit done on the house too.  Unfortunately I did find another OLD and not recently LIVED in rat’s nest when I demolished one of the laundry room walls.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s supposed to be quite warm the next few days and then back down to normal on Thursday along with a new storm system.  Fortunately this is supposed to be a minor system compared to the 15 inches of rain we received in last week’s system.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK/HOUSE PROJECTS
I have FINALLY and AGAIN begun work on my studio.  But first this week I will be helping hubby with the dining/kitchen floor and laundry area for the next couple days and then the studio is ALL I plan to work on until it’s done.

I did get the walls patched yesterday as well as 80% of the carpet, padding and tack strip removed. There were quite a few cracks around the window in particular from before the foundation work was done.

I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THIS YELLOW IS GONE!

 I love that patching is now pink and dries white!  Makes it so easy.

IF ALL goes well I’m hoping that we also get the master shower refinished and the majority of the spare bathroom completed this week.

Then of course I have the standard grocery shopping and errands to do.  I’d say laundry, but that all depends on what we find doing that area.  Cross your fingers that there are no more surprises.

We did get the new lights hung in the kitchen and dining room on Saturday.  They are called Saturn lights and use LED.  Supposedly each light will only use $1.93 of electricity per year! We also put one in the master bath and I LOVE IT!  You can actually see in there!

I just CANNOT figure out why it looks like there was a woodpecker in the kitchen ceiling.  My cousin had an industrial fluorescent light in the kitchen and the only thing I can figure out is that she couldn’t find a stud to mount to.  Oh well, what’s another dozen holes to patch?  Thank goodness for good caulking and paint.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still reading and hope to finish this week:

TELEVISION / DVR
I finally watched the AGE OF ADELINE and really enjoyed it.  Redbox makes catching up so easy! I’m also looking forward to the new Gary Sinise Criminal Minds Beyond Borders that begins this week.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I did get a couple of “models” made for a few of the items I’m making for Christmas gifts this year.  Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.

I’m really loving the beaded wire crosses and the wind chimes which are made from old antique lamp glass prisms and antique silver pieces.

I’m also hoping to try and make some home made dryer sheets with a recipe I found on pinterest using non-chemical ingredients, essential oils and fabric squares.

IMAGE CREDIT

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
C.O.R.N.
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
This cow from the rodeo had the prettiest eyes!

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 quite a bit of progress on the master bathroom this past weekend and I’m looking forward to refinishing the shower on Tuesday. Once the shower is finished the only thing left to do will be the last coat of paint, at least in the master bath!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is WAY too warm for the first week in March!  I’m hoping we cool down a bit for actual spring when it hits.  We are supposed to get hit with a HUGE storm thus week.  As of now they are predicting over 3 inches of rain each day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but today is just overcast and getting a bit windy.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Today I will be running ALL my errands for the week, so it will be a long day.  I also want to go see my aunt today. She is home from the hospital (which I think is a mistake, but Medicare will only pay for 2 weeks of a rehab facility despite the doctor saying she cannot put any weight on the leg for 8 weeks).  Rehab now comes to her and my uncle is left with trying to keep her off her leg.  With hr Alzheimers this is a difficult task for him – she just plain forgets.  With the storm they are predicting I don’t want to be ANYWHERE out in traffic this week.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever happens our way as we collapse in exhaustion each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I have been acquiring the parts to make some beautiful wind chimes, decorative wall crosses, personalized pillow cases, homemade dryer sheets and fun pincushions.

HOUSE PROJECTS
This week we are hoping to finish painting the last coat on the living room, install the new living room fan and do the walls in the spare bathroom.  I have tons of “detail” work to finish in the master bathroom, but we did finally achieve running water, a flushing toilet and even a door this past weekend.

KITCHEN WISHES
The washer and dryer are REALLY on their last legs.  I’m praying they hold out another month so they can be part of the April budget, but we found our new ones by accident on Saturday and wish we were more ready for them, but we still need to do the walls, ceiling and move the water heater to bring it to code and that will take time and money.  I didn’t used to be fond of stackables, but these I think I will like.  They will also give me 36 inches more of kitchen counter space!

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.
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
POTATO CRUSTED BEER BRAISED CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
SMOKY ROAST CHICKEN
SPAGHETTI CHILI
DETROIT CONEY DOGS
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • NOT having to go to the other end of the house to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
  • Completed projects

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
I was in need of some spring color and LOVE Lantana so bought a couple to plant near the front door.  They grow and spread so fast, are easy to keep pruned and are ALWAYS full of color!

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.

HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a VERY productive week around here! I hope you had a great week too. We’re on day 125 on this house and getting VERY exhausted, but hoping to complete the living areas by Easter which we volunteered to host.  I also found some fun new recipes for Easter that I’ll share soon.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
LOL it’s TOO warm and drizzly.  I’m ready for spring, but definitely not for these pre-summer temperatures.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Hubby’s birthday is this week so we are going to actually take a WHOLE day off and do something fun. After that we are hoping to finish the living room paint and molding.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still reading the same book LOL.  Maybe I’ll actually finish it this week.

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever we stay awake for at the end of the day.

HOUSE PROJECTS
We are starting to see serious progress – at least we were! I was looking for something yesterday which made a HUGE mess of things still packed that I will have to clean up today.  We did do something though that will make things better – we hired a contractor to paint the Atrium.  Every now and then you have to realize that just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you HAVE to.  Hubs and I both have been dreading this room as it as a 20 foot apex that is a pain in the butt and we just decided that it was smarter to pay someone else to do it.

Unfortunately we still had to do all the repair work from the dry rot.  Fortunately, it went smoothly and hubby and I knocked out all the repair work in one day.  Next week I hope to show you a truly finished room.  We have the floor and 3 cabinets to install next Friday. They’ll be here Thursday! YAY!  

Before and after the repairs.

 I can’t wait to finish this room! Well, I actually can’t wait to finish ANY room in its entirety!

We did manage to get the vanity in place in our bathroom but unfortunately the faucet didn’t fit so that will get exchanged later today.  So we decided to install the toilet instead, but that was too big for the back of the wall so we’ll go in search of a different style later today also.

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
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Donating unused items to organizations that do for children
  • Spring like weather

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

He is NEVER without a toy in his mouth!

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 had a horribly busy week between the house projects and my aunt’s surgery and I think I overdid. Even yesterday morning I woke up pretty good, but ended up sick by the afternoon.  I’m still feeling a bit under the weather today, but will try to get a few things done anyway.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s too warm for February and we’re having cloudy days with a big storm on the way.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
It looks like we’ll finish the master bathroom this week and be well under way to completing the spare bathroom.  I’m hoping to also have the living room painted by the weekend.

CURRENTLY READING

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
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

ON MY MIND
I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed at ALL there still is to do here.  My logical mind KNOWS we are making progress, but I’m just so tired that some days it stills seems insurmountable.  That said, here are a few pictures of what we did get accomplished this week.

Playing with the pattern.
ALL glued down and setting up!
We STILL don’t know what ALL those holes in the wall were for, but hubby did get the thermostat moved to the living room side of the wall and got the piece of drywall cut out and replaced.  I will get it patched and get this alcove painted this week.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Pretty Sunsets
  • Long walks with the dog
  • Small project completions

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I ordered this pillow from a friend this weekend that sells Thirty-One products.

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.

BUFFALO CHICKEN MUFFINS

BUFFALO CHICKEN MUFFINS
Yield: 24-30 Muffins

1 recipe of your favorite PIZZA dough or cheat and use a can of Pillsbury Pizza dough
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 pound ROTISSERIE chicken pieces
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
2 cups fresh mozzarella

Instructions
  • Saute chopped onions in butter over medium heat. Once transparent, add chopped chicken to heat through.
  • Add Buffalo Sauce and heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
  •  Prepare muffin tins with non-stick spray or line with muffin papers.
  • Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a large rectangle roughly 1/4 inch in thickness.
  • Spread chicken and cheese evenly across each piece of rolled out dough. 
  • Starting from long side of dough, begin rolling the dough up like a cinnamon roll. Pinch ends when done. 
  • Slice into 1 1/2 to 2 inch rolls. 
  • Place in muffin tins. 
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and dough is lightly browned. 
  • Serve and enjoy!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a productive, but also a lazy weekend here. I was able to catch up on a bunch of paperwork though I am NO where near done! I was able to complete more of my “reading” corner in the master bedroom and hung my newly stained shelf in there also.  I read somewhere that your dresser an nightstand tops should be clear for a more soothing “air” to the room.  Well, a clear dresser top will NEVER happen at our house, but the shelf is going to help A LOT!  I need to make another one for hubby’s side of the room.

We had a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner at home, but went out for lunch at one of my favorite seafood restaurants and were not disappointed.  We also rented the movie, The Martian.  We really enjoyed this movie – the possibilities of space and the will to survive are so mind boggling.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is gray and overcast with a threat of a thunderstorm soon.  It’s supposed to be warmer this week and I am NOT ready for warm weather!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • 5 year oncology check up
  • ZOO
TUESDAY
  • unload studio of all boxes and such
WEDNESDAY
  • hospital – my aunt is having surgery to replace the knee she shattered recently – ALL prayers welcome as she has a heart condition, an aspergilus allergy and is an Alzheimer’s patient.
THURSDAY
  • paint studio & begin again LOL
FRIDAY
  • Organize studio items
  • be available to help hubby with wainscoting and bathroom fixtures installation
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • cleaning and laundry

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We’re still just watching whatever comes our way.  We’re still working long days.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I made a few prototypes this past week for some really neat things, but want to perfect them a bit more before I share them.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL this is a never ending category, but we are hoping to have the house in working order by the time we host Easter.  It is possible. It is even probable. WE WILL SUCCEED!

KITCHEN WISHES
I’m getting a replacement stove on Tuesday as I’m having a continuous issue with uneven heating.

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
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • LESS stress
  • Project completions
  • MORE energy

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

There is still A LOT of trim work to do, but I love my “Tom Sawyer meets the Waltons” look for the kitchen.  I did get a few shelves done in the kitchen and LOVE having ingredients at hand!

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.

BAKING PARTNERS – RIGO JANCSI

This month challenge (since this is the month of Valentine’s Day and love) is to make a Hungarian pastry called Rigo Jancsi.  A popular Austria-Hungary dessert is named after Rigó Jancsi (1858–1927), a famous Hungarian Gypsy violinist who seduced and married Clara Ward, Princess de Caraman-Chimay, the only daughter of American millionaire E. B. Ward and the wife of Belgian Prince de Caraman-Chimay. Their love story never ended happily ever after though. This is actually a chocolate sponge cake filled with chocolate mousse, and topped with chocolate ganache.  I added some fresh raspberries and and a raspberry coulee.

This really is a time taking effort, you need at a least a day to make it but it worth all effort. This recipe is adapted from Joe pastry and stabilized chocolate mousse inspired  from here. This recipe makes about six 2 ½ inch pieces.

For the sponge cake:
2 ½ tablespoon (24g)  all-purpose flour
1 tablespoons (6g)  cocoa powder
5 tablespoon (71g) butter
2 ounces  (57g) semisweet chocolate, chopped fine
3 eggs, room temperature and separated
3 tablespoon (45g)  sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate glaze:
3 ounces (84g)bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon(26g)  butter
1 tablespoon (27g)  light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
3/4 tablespoons (5g)  cocoa powder
3 tablespoon  powdered sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped fine
¾ cup heavy cream + 1 tablespoon
¼ teaspoon rum extract( other wise use 3/4 tablespoon  rum)
¾ teaspoon gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoon boiling water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the assembly:
Apricot glaze
1 tablespoon apricot jam
¼ cup water
  • Preheat your oven to 350. Line a 8  inch square pan with parchment paper and brush it with melted butter.
  • For the cake: Whisk together the cocoa powder and flour. 
  • Add the chocolate pieces and butter in a bowl and stir to melt, apply ten-second bursts of heat as necessary. When the mixture is smooth, set it aside to cool. 
  • In a mixer fitted with a whip, beat the egg yolks on high until pale and thick, about five minutes, then with the machine running add half the sugar in a stream. 
  • Continue whipping until the yolks and sugar fall from the whip in a ribbon. 
  • Transfer the yolk mixture to a medium bowl and fold in chocolate mixture. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the whites. 
  • Rinse and dry the mixer bowl and whip (If you have a second bowl like I do place it in the freezer while you do the above steps). Put the whites in the bowl and whip to soft peaks, add the salt, then add the remaining sugar in a stream. 
  • Continue to whip to the stiff peak stage, the foam should be very glossy. Stir 1/3 of the whites into the yolk mixture to lighten the batter, then fold in the rest in two additions. Lastly, fold in the flour and cocoa. 
  • Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and level it with an icing spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and loosen the edges with a knife. 
  • Lay a second sheet of parchment and a wire rack over the layer, then invert the pan. Remove the pan and — carefully — the top sheet of parchment. 
  • Cover the cake with a clean kitchen towel and another wire rack and invert the cake again. Remove the parchment from the top and allow the cake to cool.
  • When the cake is cool, cut the sheet in half. 
  • Prepare the glaze by combining all the ingredients except for the vanilla in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the bowl for 20 seconds on full power, then apply as many ten-second bursts as needed to melt the chocolate completely, stirring in between to allow the residual heat to do most of the work. 
  • Stir in the vanilla and pour the glaze over the cake, spreading it promptly with an icing spatula. Allow the glaze to set, about 45 minutes to an hour. 
  • Divide into two equal halves, cut one half into 2 ½ inch 6 pieces. .Set the pieces aside or store in the refrigerator.
  • For the filling: melt the chocolate pieces with 1 tablespoon heavy cream in the microwave, using a 20-second burst, then as many ten-second bursts as needed until it’s completely smooth. Cool it until it’s just barely warm to the touch. 
  • Add ¾ teaspoon gelatin in 1 tablespoon cold water and set aside for 5 minutes.
  • Then add 1 tablespoon of boiling water into the gelatin. 
  • Add this liquid gelatin to  3/4 cup heavy cream along with rum extract, vanilla and whip very well. 
  • Stir together the cocoa and powdered sugar. 
  • Whip the cream mixture to just shy of soft peaks. Then, with the machine on, whip in the cocoa and sugar mixture. 
  • Add the melted chocolate all at once and quickly whip or whisk it in, whichever works better for you. 
  • Set the second cake layer on sheet of parchment paper and trim up the sides. Brush apricot glaze over it, then apply the filling, being careful to apply it evenly. 
  • Square up the corners. 
  • Gently lay the glazed top pieces on the top, then refrigerate the entire cake for at least an hour. 
  • When ready to serve, cut the cake into pieces using a sharp knife heated under hot top water. 
  • Enjoy

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Last week did NOT go as planned, so we’ll try again this week. I’ve been getting quite frustrated with ALL there is to still do and not getting there faster.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weekend was absolutely gorgeous and even though the week is supposed to start out cooler, it is supposed to be a beautiful week in the 60’s.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • quick trip to home depot and grocery
  • last coat of grout on entry
  • paint spare bath vanity
  • paint new pantry door
  • stain living room shelves
  • paint cabinet tops for living room
  • sand master bath shower and prep for resurfacing
TUESDAY
  • order last base unit for kitchen
  • stain last upper kitchen cabinet
  • mount last upper kitchen cabinet
  • chalkboard paint pantry door
  • laundry
  • cleaning
WEDNESDAY
  • pick up another load of molding at Lowe’s
  • paint living room ceiling and wall behind cabinets
  • mount living room cabinets
THURSDAY
  • paint remaining living room walls
  • paint around light box in atrium
  • mount light in atrium
  • remount cold air returns
FRIDAY
  • change out 15 light switches and several outlets
  • install rolling kitchen shelves
  • continue with sorting and organizing kitchen
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • ??

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Hoping for some new episodes this week of our favorite shows.

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.
DESSERT







HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP
I keep a small ramekin of apple cider vinegar on my drain board at ALL times.  It attracts any of the gnats and/or fruit flies you may inadvertently bring home from the grocery store.

ON MY MIND
I have always felt that we give too much celebrity to sports figures for the sake of a sport.  I have the utmost respect for those that use their celebrity for bigger and better things.  The Walter Payton Man of The Year award (formerly known as the NFL Man of the year Award) is something that gets glossed over, but should really spotlight those that make an effort to make a difference like this year’s award winner, Anquan Boldin.  We need more Warrick Dunns and Anquan Boldins for the youth of today to look up to emulate.  A list of ALL winners since its inception in 1970 and its history can be found here.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Sunny days and getting closer to having an atrium to spend sunny afternoons in reading
  • Getting the paint off my arms and fingers

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 don’t want to be ALL sappy or anything, but today is a HUGE day in my life. 5 years ago today I lost 10 pounds in the form of a volleyball sized ovarian cancer tumor.  I know how INCREDIBLY blessed I am to be here and to be in complete remission.  So without soap box lecturing or anything I want to remind you all to get your yearly well woman exams.  They could save your life.  Mine did.

We had a beautiful and productive weekend.  What a difference a day makes.  Each day is looking better and better with projects getting accomplished and packing boxes going away!  We are still a long ways from being done, but we do feel more like we have a house now – even with the BIG BANG lawn furniture for the living room.

Our goal is to have the living room, master bath, atrium and laundry area done by the time we host Easter dinner. We had a fortunate find yesterday. The wall in the living room with the biggest crack from the foundation issues also had the ugliest dated paneling on it and it was painted a yellowish color that had become a pukey looking color with the added nicotine staining. We had decided that we would just work over it with a wainscoting wall board and with nothing to lose I decided to take a “peek” under it and was pleasantly pleased to find a beautiful finished sheet rocked wall that just needs the crack patched and paint!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weekend was gorgeous and today is going to be great, but we’re supposed to be taking a serious (15-20 degrees) dip on Wednesday.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – errands, grocery shopping as well as parts and supplies gathering for this week’s projects. The parts we need this week are going to take several trips because of their sizes. Install last 2 living room entertainment center cabinets and get them stained. Order the rest of cabinet handles and track lighting for the atrium.
  • TUESDAY – Costco and more parts and supplies gathering for this week’s projects. Second coat of stain on new living room cabinets. Install last cabinets for hubby’s “BAR” as well as the linen closet cabinets. Get cabinets stained.
  • WEDNESDAY – Prep and prime living room for painting.
  • THURSDAY – Paint living room.
  • FRIDAY – Stress test and we’ll see from there.
  • SATURDAY – Master bathroom walls and ceiling and paint if all goes well.
  • SUNDAY – SUPERBOWL COMMERCIALS AND FOOTBALL FOOD.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m still trying to finish Sinister – Shaye Archer Book #2 by Jana Deleon.  I’m just too tired at the end of each day to get much done.

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever happens our way at the end of each day.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Still just acquiring prts and hope to share some things soon.

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
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Everything having a place and being in its place!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

 A little paint will make EVERYTHING brighter! PLUS the new fan will be better.

This is the most wonderful smelling Hyacinth!  So pretty too.  My uncle brought it as a bread and butter gift when he came for dinner Saturday night.

We’re building an entertainment area that will house the games, DVDs and CDs. There are a few more cabinets to be installed here and will look SO much better after they are stained.

A little patch and paint and we ill have a brand new wall.

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 + 90 DAY UPDATE

With the playoffs yesterday we tried to cram everything into Saturday and boy am I tired!

Last week did NOT go as planned thanks to the unprofessional plumbing team working on the foundation plumbing repairs under the house.  The plumbing is 40 years old and a week ago Friday they broke loose the drain in the tub.  They were supposed to fix it THAT day and of course left without doing so.  We made a temporary type repair so we could shower since it is our only working shower.  Monday came and went and then Tuesday and Wednesday without the actual plumber showing up, just the diggers under the house.  My week wasn’t going on schedule as it was and I had just finished moving everything from the sewing room into the spare bedroom on Thursday and was patching walls, cleaning corners and demolishing molding when the plumber arrived to fix the tub.  Several minutes after he began he announced that he was going to have to punch an access hole into the wall to be able to fix it since today’s standard sizes are different from 40 years ago.  No big deal right? Except the wall was inside the room that I had just filled to the hilt!  I told him he’d have to come back tomorrow as it would take me several hours to clear a path.  He told me I couldn’t use it in the meantime and I told him he better find a way to temporary it as I was not going without a shower because of their lack of communication and follow through.

Friday and Saturday went much more productively thank goodness.  I’m even seeing some serious organizational progress.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The forecast has changed every hour for the last 2 days so I’m taking this with a grain of salt.  Supposedly today’s clouds will give way to 2 days of rain and then we will take a cold drop again.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
While I’m being more realistic this week, I still have high hopes in meeting my self imposed deadlines.

  • MONDAY – Grout entryway, Paint walls in refrigerator alcove, Set tiles for under refrigerator so we can get it moved out of the living room, Texture kitchen wall and get it painted, Paint bathroom walls with gripper paint to get it ready for texturing, Finish sorting through kitchen utensils and organize 1-2 cabinets.
  • TUESDAY –  Get blood drawn, Walmart and grocery store. Finish the migration of “things”.
  • WEDNESDAY – We’re getting a little more realistic with projects and because of the size and shape of the living room with the cathedral ceilings we’re going to do it one wall at a time starting with the wall that the TV will mount to.  LOL must have the TV by Superbowl.  This wall will also have the built in cabinetry for the DVD’s, CD’s, games, etc… So today I will get the ceiling painted in the center so hubby can get the new fan and lght mounted.  I’m hoping to also get the TV wall painted.
  • THURSDAY – Laundry, clean and a bit of spray painting to be done.
  • FRIDAY – Tonight and tomorrow night we will have company and I get to really cook for the first time in a long time! Cook and prep for Brent and Carlie’s stay.
  • SATURDAY – Cook and prep for dinner with George.
  • SUNDAY – Not sure yet.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Whatever we can find time for.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I came up with a few more ideas for those Christmas presents and have ordered a few parts I needed to get them started.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL see to do 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
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
SANDWICH
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
C.O.R.N.

DESSERT





SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING TIP
I keep a square block of soap around to stand my widget in so it’s safe but always ready for duty.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Having the space to be a bit more creative.
  • Hubby’s garage is almost empty of gramp’s and my uncle’s things.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
We were able to finish removing the dated paneling from the atrium which was NO easy feat on the 20 foot tall wall. And this is the first time the dining room table has been completely clear since we got here 90 days ago!

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 #3 – DAY 83

YAY! We had a productive weekend! We tried to go out for breakfast Saturday, but decided too late and the little diner that sounded so great on line turned out to be another ‘wait in line to order and pay‘ place.  We really want to find some real mom and pop places to go out and be served at, but they are becoming harder and harder to find for casual dining, especially for breakfast.

We ran errands Saturday morning and made it home before the skies opened up fortunately.  One of the errands was to buy the new range.  It went really well and will even be delivered sometime today!  I’m so excited – a sink and a range in the same week.  WOW I can cook again!

I had been unpacking and trying to pare down things, but it has become an unruly mess and I will be actually packing a few things back up for now.  We took 6 big totes for donation on Saturday and already have 3 more packed for this week.  I was serious about becoming a minimalist!

One of the things I’m having issues with is my “tools” still all in boxes.  So this week I’m going to empty gram’s old sewing room into the living room which I have spent the past 2 days cleaning out and get that room painted as it’s going to be the spare bedroom which we need done by the 29th.

Then I’m going to get my studio set up so I can get my tools and things organized. I seriously love having ‘deadlines’ to help me stay focused on what needs done next. They really work as great incentives.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
We had a cool weekend especially when the wind was blowing and it rained off and on all day Saturday, but it is supposed to be beautiful the rest of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • MONDAY – Empty Sewing Room and pack up a few things.
  • TUESDAY – Paint “sewing” room and turn it into the new spare bedroom.
  • WEDNESDAY – Paint studio and begin organizing.
  • THURSDAY – I bet I’ll still be organizing the studio LOL
  • FRIDAY – There used to be an atrium and gramps closed it in back in 1982 so it has been a part of the house for a very long time, but I just don’t know what else to call this room. Anyway, gramps also “paneled” over the Hardy Plank so it is VERY dated.  We’re removing the paneling (which is what I’ll be doing today) and going to paint the Hardy Plank.  Hubby is then going to get very creative with the molding around each arch where there used to be sliding glass doors many years ago.  Unfortunately gramps just paneled right over the dryrot.  There also used to be a faux beam across the room at a really low level with a ceiling fan, but we removed the faux beam and will be doing track lighting from the electrical outlet at the wall instead.
  • SATURDAY – Laundry, relax & football.
  • SUNDAY – Read, relax & Football.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m pretty tired at night so am not getting much reading done, but I’m STILL reading:

TELEVISION / DVR
Just a few of the normals as we have time.  We have been so tired that we don’t care too much about TV.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
None right now, but I hope that changes soon as I have quite a few ideas for the Old Fashioned Christmas homemade gifts that I’m really excited about.

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
C.O.R.N.
Hot Wings & Celery sticks with Bleu Cheese
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING TIP
Want to get the rest of the wax out of a candle, but it’s in a stubborn place? Place the entire candle in the freezer for an hour and the wax will shrink and come right out after.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Being able to cook again!
  • Seeing the progress on the house.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Gramps delivered special delivery mail for many years so this was an awesome find in the garage.  It was in the bottom of a tin can full of screws. I’m going to try and clean it up when I get time.
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 an eventful and productive weekend with having to adapt the kitchen sink base for all the plumbing reroute issues, but FINALLY we will have a working kitchen sink yet today and hubby even got the old dishwasher working.  LOL when we took out the dishwasher to begin the cabinets we found that whoever installed the dishwasher originally had it running off of the cold water so no wonder it didn’t clean the dishes.  We decided to reinstall it for now (to the hot water) and give it a chance.  I’m just so excited that I won’t have to wash dishes on my hands and knees in the bathtub that I won’t even mind doing them by hand! I admit it, I’m exhausted!!!!! It’s been 76 VERY LONG days of manual labor and emotional strain.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
This past weekend Old Man Winter came roaring into town Friday night with threat of tornado.  Fortunately all we had was torrential rain, MEGA wind and hail and a 25 degree temperature drop over night.  This week is cold and windy, but clear though there is supposed to be more storming later in the week.  I have learned not to take the weather report too seriously though – just stay prepared.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • Monday – Idiot Plumbers will be back to begin finishing their tunneling under the house and repairs. Many phone calls including the foundation company to have them come check up on the plumbers as the plumbers have undermined work that the foundation people just did and are claiming otherwise despite my pictures proving differently. Stain the new 3 kitchen cabinets that we decided to add. Grout front entry floor. Lay master bath floor tile. Pick up cleaning and run a few errands.
  • Tuesday – Hang new cabinets. Grout master bath floor tile and start sanding shower for refinishing. Laundry. Tile floor under stove, refrigerator and dishwasher area.
  • Wednesday – Hopefully today is the day we get a stove! LOL Or at least get it ordered. Also buying the new toilet for the master bath and hopefully will have it set by end of day.
  • Thursday – Wash pantry containers and organize pantry and cabinets.  Doing this will get LOTS of things off the tables in the other rooms and make it easier to work.
  • Friday – Start refinishing shower and possibly do floor tile in spare bath depending on the idiot plumbers.
  • Saturday – Flea  Market, Farmer’s Market and Football playoffs
  • Sunday – COOK! and Football playoffs

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We still have no cable and are getting used to this central time zone with prime time starting at 7PM.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
WOOHOO I have actually started my homemade Christmas gifts for next year and believe I have come up with some pretty neat ideas that everyone will appreciate and really like.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL See my to do list!

KITCHEN WISHES

  • flooring
  • counter tops

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
??
??
DINNER
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
COCK-a-LEEKIE soup
C.O.R.N.


MALIBU CHICKEN & VEGGIES
Cream of Roasted Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese


DESSERT






RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
This is the first time in quite some time that I took some time off this past weekend and actually read a few magazines and cookbooks.  With the weather having turned so cold I was really interested in some stews and soups and I just happened to have a magazine of recipes I received at Christmas.

  • Cock-a-Leekie Soup
  • Chicken BLT Soup
  • Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings
  • Brazilian Black Bean Soup
  • Goulash Soup
  • Ham & Vegetable Stew
  • Mexican Potato Soup
  • Stuffed Baked Potato Soup
  • Edamame Soup
  • Creamy Cabbage Soup 
  • Buttermilk Pecan Pancakes with Bourbon Molasses Butter
  • Filet of Beef with Horseradish sauce
I believe this quote speaks to my state of mind right now!
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.  ~Martha Washington

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Seeing the progress in the kitchen.
  • Seeing less and less packing boxes in the living room!
  • Having less laundry to do.

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.