Category: MISC

ROYAL CHOCOLATE CAKE

    This recipe is the perfect moist chocolate cake that is great with a simple fruit topping or a simple cream cheese frosting or better yet a decadent chocolate frosting – your choice.

    CAKE
    6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
    3 cups all purpose flour
    1 tablespoon baking soda
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1 1/2 cups sugar
    1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
    1 1/2 teaspoon PURE Vanilla Extract
    1 1/2 cups cold water

    • Preheat oven to 350°.
      Grease and flour two 8-inch or one 13×9 cake pans.
    • Sift cocoa, flour, baking soda, salt and sugar into a medium bowl, mix well. 
    • Combine mayonnaise, vanilla and water in an electric mixer at low speed until smooth. 
    • Slowly sift in dry mixture until just incorporated (do not over beat). 
    • Pour batter into cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 
    • Cool on wire racks and frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.

    CHOCOLATE ICING
    1 cup butter. softened
    1 cup cocoa
    1 tsp. vanilla extract
    5-6 cups confectioners’ sugar
    6 or more tablespoons milk

    • In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and cocoa with whisk attachment until smooth. 
    • Add vanilla. 
    • Add confectioners’ sugar alternately with milk until icing reaches a spreadable consistency. 

     NOTES:

    • You may not need all 6 cups of sugar 
    • You may need more than 6 tablespoons of milk

    CREAM CHEESE CHOCOLATE ICING
    8-ounces cream cheese, room temperature

    1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
    2 tablespoons cocoa
    3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
    1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
      • In a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
      • With the mixer on low, slowly add sugar and cocoa, scraping down the sides of the bowls as necessary.
      • Add vanilla and increase mixer speed to medium. Blend until frosting is fluffy, about 1 minute.

        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.

        GRAN’S POUND CAKE

        2 sticks butter, room temperature
        1/2 cup crisco
        3 cups sugar
        5 large  eggs
        3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
        1/2 teaspoon sea salt
        1/2 teaspoon baking powder
        1 cup whole milk
        1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
        1 teaspoon lemon juice

        • Preheat oven to 350 degrees°. 
        • Using a stand mixer cream the butter and shortening together until creamy. 
        • Add sugar, one cup at a time. It may be a little grainy, but don’t worry it won’t stay that way.
        • Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.  I break each egg into a small bowl and whisk it before adding it. Grams always thought this was best.
        • Sift dry ingredients together into a bowl.
        • Alternately add milk and flour mixture, starting with the flour and ending with the flour until creamy and smooth. 
        • Mix in lemon juice and vanilla.  Batter will be a bit thick.
        • Use a spatula to move batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
        • Bounce the pan on the counter top several times to remove the air bubbles and level it out for an evenly baked top.
        • Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. I start my timer at 1 hour and then check every 10-15 minutes after that.
        • Cool for 15 minutes.
        • Invert onto a plate and cool for 15 minutes more and then invert again so the pretty side is up.
        • Serve with your favorite topping.

        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.

        LUSCIOUS LEMON LAYER CAKE

        LUSCIOUS LEMON LAYER CAKE
        CAKE
        3 cups sifted cake flour
        1 tablespoon baking powder
        1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
        1⁄2 teaspoon salt
        1 cup unsalted butter, softened
        2 cups sugar
        1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
        4 eggs, room temperature
        1 1⁄2 cups buttermilk
        1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla

        2 cups lemon curd
        3 cups buttercream icing (recipe below)

        • Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl and set aside.
        • Cream butter, sugar, and grated lemon zest with an electric mixer in separate mixing bowl until pale and fluffy.
        • Beat eggs in 1 at a time, thoroughly.
        • With electric mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
        • Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
        • Divide batter evenly between two buttered and floured 9 inch cake pans.
        • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cakes are golden and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
        • Cool cakes in pans for 10-15 minutes.
        • Remove cooled layers from pans.
        • Cut layers in half horizontally with a serrated knife.
        • Spread a thin layer of buttercream icing followed by a thin layer of lemon curd evenly between the layers and stack on serving plate.

        ICING
        1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
        1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine (softened)
        1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
        4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
        1 tablespoon lemon zest
        2 tablespoons milk

        • In large bowl, beat shortening and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy.
        • Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
        • Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.
        • Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry.
        • Gradually add milk; beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.

        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.

        CRAB BISQUE

        We took a day off earlier this month and headed for the beach! It was a beautiful clear spring day and we thoroughly enjoyed our day.  What we enjoyed the most was lunch.  I brought up restaurants on my phone and saw one in particular that had GREAT reviews and a super high rating so we thought we would try it. I have to be honest, we almost didn’t try it because it was in a questionable looking neighborhood and actually looked closed.  This picture is from google images and obviously taken quite a while ago.  The outside didn’t look this good. 

        The whole island is still under rehab since Katrina and I’m happy to say starting to look more like it did when I was a kid.  So we decided we’d at least go inside and check it out.  It was like Alice sliding down the rabbit hole!  Rudy and Paco is a restaurant with a central and South American influence with very uniques menu items.  Every bite as scrumptious as the one before it. It is also worth the price! Inside was this beautiful restaurant with linen table cloths, service beyond belief and FANTASTIC food!

        Don’t be fooled though this is a small restaurant (that’s a mirror at the back making it look bigger) so be sure to make a reservation. They even have a dress code for dinner! Yes, in 2016 they will turn you away in casual clothing at dinner.

        The meal began with a plate of fried plantain chips with the most fantastic tomato jam.  There was also some sort of spinach dip that neither of us cared much for.  My meal included a cup of their crab bisque which I immediately started trying to duplicate.  I think I finally did it! Now on to all the rest of their menu items!

        If you are on Galveston Island make sure to make a reservation for Rudy & Paco. 

        CRAB BISQUE
        1 cup onion, minced
        1 cup carrot, minced
        2 1/2 cups chicken broth
        4 tablespoons flour
        6 tablespoons butter
        1 cup heavy cream
        1⁄2 cup cooking sherry
        1 tablespoon lemon juice
        1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
        1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
        Fresh chives, minced
        salt
        1⁄2 lb raw lobsters, chopped or 1⁄2 lb lump crabmeat

        • Saute onion and carrot in 2 tablespoons butter until soft. Set aside.
        • In 4 quart saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter and add flour, whisking constantly over medium heat until roux becomes light brown (about 5 minutes). DO NOT BURN!
        • Slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure mixture stays smooth.
        • Add onions and carrots, cover, and simmer for 1/2 hour.
        • Add cream, sherry, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and lobster or crab and simmer an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
        • Garnish with fresh minced chives if desired.

        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.

        6 MONTH UPDATE

        I realized I hadn’t done an update recently on our LIFE IN REMODEL.  Besides working on this project we call a house we have been dealing with a critical situation with my sick aunt. She could use everyone’s prayers to pull through this. What little time I had before is non-existent now so, I’ll make this quick. 

        This week has NOT gone at all as planned.  It Started with Sunday night and early Monday morning with 17.2 inches of rain and the shut down one of the largest cities in the country.  Fortunately we did not have any serious flooding with our house, but the garage and back yard are another story.  I did walk down and take this picture of the overflowing bayou not too far from our house.  The birds were enjoying the fresh water.  Tuesday brought another downpour and then Wednesday did too as well as Thursday!  Friday and Saturday have been downright gorgeous though!

        These are those great fire proof file cabinets we bought at Habitat for Humanity to organize hubby’s garage.  He’s working hard to get organized and do his part for this month’s minimalist challenge to eliminate our excess of stuff.

        The rest of the flooring finally came in for the kitchen and alcove off the master bedroom and we got that laid.  As you can see finish molding needs to be next on our list.  We’re going to use the same flooring in the spare bathroom and hope to get that down this next week.

        I’ve been working a bit more on that “TRASH to TREASURE” mirror project.  As you can see in this top picture we now have it screwed to the wall, but now I needed to find a way to disguise the screws.  I found some cut balsa wood pieces at the craft store and used 2 pieces to build the design below.  I hope to get it all painted and finished on Monday. I’ll do a follow up once the bathroom is finished.

        We finally got the spare bedroom emptied, carpet, padding and tack strip removed.  Then we began to paint and paint and paint again.  The walls were like sponges – so thirsty! As you can see I tried one color and then another until I was happy with it.

        The flooring went in fairly smoothly! YAY, we needed a break. The flat woven rug I originally chose for the dining room is in here now and I have to say I’m really liking it. Hubby got the spacers removed and the baseboard up today so we could move furniture in.  I’m still painting the larger dresser in the garage and there will be a chair that has yet to be purchased, but ALL in ALL I’m liking it! We’re calling this the “family room” because every photograph or art piece was done by a friend or family member.

        Once again we cut it pretty short.  This is all that was left over from the flooring.

        30 DAY MINIMALIST CHALLENGE

        As you know we have been working around the clock to get things under control in this house.  Just to recap, we made a deal to come here last October and rehab my grandparent’s old place that my cousin had been in since 1993 when my grandfather passed away.  She passed away in 2014 and the house sat. Sigh. The hard part was that my uncle did not have a real clue as to how bad the house was under the “clutter” of my cousin’s things.  He was trying to work on it, still work and take care of my aunt who has Alzheimer’s disease.  So as you can imagine, it wasn’t getting done.  He told us it was going to need some cleaning out, paint and a little TLC.  Let me just say that my uncle had no real idea and that if we had not had our elderly animals with us, we would have turned around immediately gone back!

        Even working long hours and at a fast pace it took us over 6 weeks to trash and donate the clutter so we could even get started.  

        The house ended up needing EVERYTHING! from the foundation up.  We have now replaced ALL fixtures, electrical, plumbing, cabinets, windows and are almost done with the flooring as well as everything in between.  Our things had been in storage for several years and quite honestly we have been OVERWHELMED dealing with ALL of gram’s and gramp’s things and all of Beth’s things too as well as ALL of ours now in the midst of a MAJOR construction zone.

        But the construction zone has become a home – I can cook real food and move forward with getting settled in! Our home is still full of boxes full of things that need permanent homes and I’m still a little bit overwhelmed.

        Even though we don’t have a lot of stuff (we’re still currently missing crucial furniture – sofa, chairs, coffee table), we have a ton of stuff. Seeing everything piled high and wondering “Where am I going to put this?” is exhausting for both of us so we’re going to do something about it. We’ve been making regular trips to our local donation sight, but it’s NOT enough.  I’ve been setting aside anything that could be sold on Ebay, but that pile is HUGE and I want a fresh start. So this is like the shampoo bottle says, Lather, Rinse and Repeat. 

        So here on day 180, our 6 month mark as a house warming gift to ourselves, we’re beginning a 30 Day Minimalist Challenge. For the last 6 months we have been living VERY basically so believe that we won’t even miss many of the things we choose to get rid of. Even though we already got rid of TONS of things, I bet I can still meet this challenge.  I originally found this idea on a blog about 2 years ago.  It’s pretty simple, and brilliant, really. Every day, for thirty days, you remove (trash, donate, or sell) items from your home.

        Day 1 – 1 item
        Day 2 – 2 items
        Day 3 – 3 items
        Day 4 – 4 items
        And so on, until you reach day 30 and are removing 30 items. That’s AT LEAST 465 items we’ll get rid of. One of the hardest parts is keeping the inventory list, but I just found a clip board and put an old spiral notebook on it to keep it handy for the month to come.

        Donation inventories and receipts to date for 2016 – hope to double this over the next 30 days. 

        BTW that’s my new carpet those pages are laying on, do you like it?