Category: MISC

MID WEEK UPDATE

So far we are getting quite a bit accomplished this week.  Yesterday we FINALLY started on the laundry area.  LOL we had to since we wanted to finish the kitchen floor and the old laundry area “framework” was in the way.  To make things funnier we ran out of flooring today before we actually got that far.

This wall has been a sore spot for quite awhile and was the first thing opened up after they stared the foundation work because of the plumbing they broke so we’ve been anxious to get this done.  At first glance it doesn’t look so bad, but there are SO MANY things happening here – like the rotting header above and the collapsing water heater base below.
If you look close you’ll see 2 white PVC pipes.  If you look even closer you’ll see that the yellower one connects to nothing LOL
Looking a little better, but so far yet to go.
After I opened the outer wall I found this mess.  At least this rat’s nest really was old and abandoned, but got really freaked out by the egg shells below.  Needless to say I took a really long and really hot shower as soon as we were done with this area!  Today was trash day also so everything was bagged and out of here ASAP!
I just don’t understand how a professional installed this new water heater 2 1/2 years ago and did so on this rotted collapsing base instead of bring it to code.
New header and temporary ceiling.  Finishing this area will be a multi-stage process involving the electrician and plumber, but at least it is ready for the next step now.  The water heater closet is getting moved to the far right behind the door. To the left of that will be a stacking washer and dryer set.  To the left of that will be 3 feet of base cabinet and 3 feet of upper cabinets to match the rest of the kitchen.
Back to buy more flooring, but so much better than the slab we’ve been walking on!

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.

DAY 128 RANDOM UPDATE towards the LIGHT at the END of the TUNNEL

We are a LONG way from done, but we rounded a HUGE corner today!  Two BIG things that were weighing on our progress were the 3 VERY LARGE pieces of furniture that were still here taking up real estate in our living room and the need to paint  a 20 foot ceiling and wall as well as sealing around the triangular windows at the 20 foot height.

BEFORE

The painters were here for 5 hours doing the one room, but the wood had not been painted in 40 years and after 5 gallons of paint and 3 coats we decided that it looked perfect the way it was.  I will have to do some touch up after we install the linen cabinets tomorrow, but we are SOOOOO relieved to have it done and neither of us had to be on the ladder at that height.

1ST COAT
2ND COAT
AFTER

My uncle donated the desk, credenza and bookcase to his local volunteer fire department and they finally came and retrieved them today.  They showed up just after the painters left.  We can actually start painting the living room tomorrow and arrange for the carpeting! YAY!

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.

BACON CHEESEBURGER HAMBURGER HELPER NOT!!**

For some reason hubby loves Hamburger helper. Must be left over from his bachelor days. Now I can’t have pre-prepared foods so I made him a substitute recipe that tastes even better. I make in advance too which makes a great weeknight casserole ready to pop in the oven when you get home. Hubby likes the texture of Velveeta, but I find it a bit rubbery. So I tried Land of Lakes American cheese and it slices great while still giving you that smooth creamy cheese texture when it melts.


BACON CHEESEBURGER HAMBURGER HELPER NOT!!**
6 bacon strips cooked crisp and crumbled
1 1/2 pounds hamburger
1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
2 cups green giant frozen corn, thawed
2 large Yukon potatoes, sliced
Land o’ Lakes American Cheese Slices

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Toss bacon and corn together.
  • Layer potatoes over top.
  • Generously salt and pepper the potatoes.
  • Place a thin layer of cheese slices over potatoes.
  • Brown hamburger and onions together. Salt and pepper well while meat is browning. Drain off fat.
  • Layer over the potatoes and top with another layer of potatoes.
  • Salt and pepper again and layer with another layer of cheese.
  • Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

**I like to make these back to back (that way I also have 2 meals ready to go with half the mess) so the left over bits of browned sausage and caramelized onion add flavor to the hamburger.

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.

PAN SEARED SALMON in a KIWI LIME REDUCTION

We went to our local farmer’s market and scored some seriously gorgeous veggies today and I had just bought this absolutely gorgeous piece of salmon at Costco and went in search of an easy but tasty recipe.  I found this recipe, Saumon Kiwi from Denie Bernier and modified it only slightly for what I had on hand.  This was SUPREME! Fresh pan seared Atlantic salmon is seasoned, then topped with a Kiwi lime reduction sauce.

Recipe is for 4 people. – Add one fillet per person for more servings and increase sauce components by 1/4 per extra serving.

3 kiwis, peeled and cut into slices
1/8 cup of water
1/8 cup tangerine juice
Zest and juice of one lime (I used lemon)
1 heaping tablespoon of honey
2 tablespoons butter, for sauce
3 tablespoons of butter + 1 tablespoon avocado oil
4 fillets of salmon (mine were skinless which made it so much easier)
Fresh ground Himalayan Pink salt and fresh cracked tri-color pepper, to taste
Savory Spice Shop Supreme Shallot Salt, to taste

  • Make sauce first by adding first 6 ingredients in a small saucier pan on a low to medium fire until it becomes almost the consistency of a thin honey – about 30 minutes.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons of butte and avocado oil in heavy pan.  I use my porcelain cast iron pan.
  • Sear salmon fillets in a hot pan.
  • Sprinkle with salt, pepper & Shallot Salt on the flesh side of the fish and place skin side down first for 2 minutes.
  • Turn fillets gently, sprinkle with seasoning again and sear flesh side for another 2 minutes.
  • Remove skin and place that side of fish down in the plate – the other side is a tempting golden color.
  • Top with sauce on individual plates.

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!

CHICKEN CHILE CORN CUSTARDS

CHICKEN CHILE CORN CUSTARDS
2 medium fresh poblano or Anaheim chile peppers, roasted
1 small sweet red pepper, roasted
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
5 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups Green Giant white corn niblets, drained
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can green chiles, drained well
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Preheat oven to 425Ëš.
  • Grease 6 six ounce ramekins.
  • Place ramekins in a 13×9 baking dish.
  • In a large bowl combine eggs and cream.
  • Fold in peppers, corn, chicken, cheese, bread crumbs, chives, chili powder, salt and pepper.
  • Pour mixture evenly into ramekins.
  • Place baking dish on center rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Add 1 inch of boiling water to the baking dish.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean.
  • Remove ramekins from water and serve on plates.

PB&J CHICKEN STEW

I first saw this recipe on a blog and thought, hmmm maybe. Then it kept showing up again and again so I finally tried it. I’ve adapted it from what I originally printed out and unfortunately I don’t know where I first saw it, but I’ll give you the original and notate my changes in red and then you can decide for yourself.  We LOVED it. Perfect for a cool winter’s night.

PB&J CHICKEN STEW
8 skinless chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks
1 large onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup grape jelly or berry jam/jelly
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch strips
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 
1 knorr chicken gel boullion
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup creamy JIF
1/8 cup black and blue berry jam (courtesy of my SIL – YUMMY BTW)
2 tablespoons Classico sun-dried tomato pesto
1 celery stalk, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced
salt and pepper to taste

  • Place chicken pieces in the slow cooker. 
  • Add onions, carrots, celery and parsley.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together stock, peanut butter, jelly, tomato pesto. Pour over chicken and vegetables.
  • Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours or high for **2-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes.

**I was in a hurry and my chicken was not quite thawed which made it easier to cut into chunks. I cooked it on high for 3 hours and it was PERFECT!

SWEET & SPICY MANDARIN TANGERINE CHICKEN

We are trying really hard to get tons of vegetables in our diet.This is one of those recipes that gets you your full days worth all at once and is so tasty too!

SWEET & SPICY MANDARIN TANGERINE CHICKEN
2 large chicken pieces, cut into bite sized pieces
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 bunch green onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, sliced diagonally
1 cup snap peas, cleaned and halved
2 tangerines, peeled, halved and sectioned
1 small head broccoli, cleaned and pieced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup Franks Sweet Chili Sauce
1/4 cup tangerine juice (orange juice is good too)
Juice of 1 lemon
Sesame Oil
Wondra flour
Soba noodles
rice

  • In a small sauce pan whisk together the lemon juice, tangerine juice, sweet chili sauce and red pepper flakes bring to a slow boil. Turn off the heat.
  • Heat sesame oil in wok or wok type pan over medium high heat.
  • Add garlic until fragrant.
  • Dredge chicken pieces in Wondra flour and add to pan when oil is hot. Stir fry until chicken pieces are brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
  • Add more oil if necessary and then stir fry the celery until starts to soften.
  • Add carrots, followed by green onions, snap peas and broccoli cooking until desired tenderness.
  • Add tangerine pieces to sauce, tossing to coat.
  • Add chicken back in.
  • Add sauce to pan and toss to coat.
  • Fold in Soba noodles.
  • Serve over rice.
  • ENJOY!

This meal is labor intensive, but really worth it. Chopping all those vegetables takes a bit of time.