BLUE APRON was a HUGE success!

THANK YOU again Carrie!  Loving my first Blue Apron box that came this past week.  Such pretty vegetables and all the fixings for  the 3 meals. They also included wonderful recipe directions that were really easy to follow. I cant wait to get my next box.

I let hubby choose the order we tried the recipes and he chose the Fontina Stuffed Pork Chops with a pepper sauce for our second meal. I have to say I was thoroughly impressed again! Definitely a meal we’ll have again. I did change a few techniques, but only for my own liking.  For example, they had you cutting the Fontina into small squares and I chose to slice them for better coverage inside the pork chop and to get some oozing out along the edge so there was a CRISP cheesy edge to the chop.

D – A to Z Challenge – Dreams

D is for Dreams.  We all have them – sleeping, awake, aspirations… My current dream is starting to take shape on a Vision Board. We would really like to find and old church, train station, fire station or school to rehab into an open floor plan and make a forever home.  Anyone know of anything in any of these states?

noun: dream; plural noun: dream
dream – noun: dream; plural noun: dreams

1   *a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep.
*a state of mind in which someone is or seems to be unaware of their immediate surroundings.
synonyms: daydream, reverie, trance, daze, stupor, haze

verb: dream; 3rd person present: dreams; past tense: dreamed; past participle: dreamed; past tense: dreamt; past participle: dreamt; gerund or present participle: dreaming

1   *experience dreams during sleep.
synonyms: daydream, be in a trance, be lost in thought, be preoccupied, be abstracted, stare into space, muse, be in la-la land, have a dream, have a nightmare, fantasize about, daydream about; wish for, hope for, long for, yearn for, hanker after, set one’s heart on, aspire to, aim for, set one’s sights on, waste one’s time in a lazy, unproductive way.
2    *contemplate the possibility of doing something or that something might be the case.
synonyms: think, consider, contemplate, conceive

Just a little chat and update on MY life plus a review of my first Blue Apron recipe

THANK YOU Carrie!  My first Blue Apron box came today.  Such pretty vegetables and all the fixings for  the next 3 days. They also included wonderful recipe directions that were really easy to follow. I couldn’t wait to make dinner.  I let hubby choose the recipe and he chose the Chicken Under a “Brick” for our first meal. I have to say I was thoroughly impressed! Definitely a meal we’ll have again.

We also thought it might be a good idea to do a “Vision Board” for our search of the next house project. We would really like to find and old church, train station, fire station or school to rehab into an open floor plan and make a forever home.  Anyone know of anything in any of these states?

 

C – A to Z Challenge – COMFORT ZONE

A comfort zone is a psychological state, I also believe it can also be a physical state, in which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress. This is the zone where a steady level of performance is possible. This is where I’m striving to be at ALL times these days!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY WEEK 14 of 2017

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was a whirlwind of road trip travel, surprises, a milestone birthday and memorials coupled with trying to stay out of the tornado warnings and weather.  It was a wonderful weekend of family, friends, love, loss, tears and laughter.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It is beautiful and supposed to be quite warm and then cool off by the end of the week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I really have to get to the grocery store today so it’s black cherry yogurt and coffee because that is all that is in the house LOL.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

Everything is in good standing.  The dog sitter was here all weekend and kept it quite neat.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Laundry
  • Ebay
  • Studio sorting

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

LOL I have NO idea! We’ll try to play catch-up on the DVR and go from there.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

My first Blue Apron order will be here Wednesday and I’m looking forward to trying some new recipes. A HUGE thank you to Carrie!

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
QUICHE LORRAINE leftovers
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
??
DINNER
CAJUN POT ROAST AND MASHED POTATOES
BLUE APRON CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK
BLUE APRON FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOPS
 BLUE APRON SPINACH AND FRESH MOZZARELLA PIZZA
WILTED SPINACH SALAD with GRILLED CHICKEN
POT ROAST HASH & EGGS
DESSERT

ON MY MIND

It’s been a long week and I’m still recovering, but just have to say, LIFE IS TOO SHORT to not enjoy your family and friends.  Don’t put off seeing your family and friends.  Don’t put off telling them how much they mean to you.  Tell them how much you love them ALWAYS!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Hubby and I are making very specific lists to begin researching where we will make home for our next project.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I haven’t gone through all the pictures, but this was one of the most interesting. It was a high rise on the San Antonio River Walk that creates this awesome optical illusion to make it look completely flat.

And this was one of my favorites I borrowed it from my IG account. It’s from the afternoon of the memorial and “surprise appearance”.  Love you LOLA, Happy milestone BIRTHDAY! RIP Ray, we love you!

#2ofmyFavoritePeople toasting to #1oftheBestMenEver #LifeAsItHappens

A post shared by 3 Sides of Crazy (@threesidesofcrazy) on

 

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.

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B – 2017 A to Z challenge Brackenridge B&B review

While we were in San Antonio we needed a place to stay and since it was a last minute trip on a Friday and Saturday we were having trouble finding a decent place at an affordable rate.  We finally found the historic Brackenridge Bed & Breakfast with 1 room left!

Unfortunately, they did NOT come close to their webpage write up!  A lesson to be learned!

“The Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast is in the heart of the historic German King William District of San Antonio. This two story Greek revival mansion was built around 1901 by John T. Brackenridge, nephew of philanthropist, George Brackenridge, who donated the land for Brackenridge Park. It was originally built and served as a four apartment flat. At that time, the house was located on South Alamo street.

On April, 1985 it was set on rollers, turned around, and moved back to occupy its present site on Madison street. Later that year it was acquired by Carolyn Cole, who tastefully restored the house, preserving its original front Greek columns, 12 foot high ceilings and stunning longleaf pine wood floors. This lumber was a favorite among builders during the Industrial Revolution. It is rare to find these days, since it was nearly decimated at the turn of the 20th century by irresponsible harvesting practices.

The Brackenridge House opened its doors as a bed and breakfast in 1986. Carolyn lived in thehouse and ran the inn for nine years. She received a restoration award from the San Antonio Conservation Society in 1987.

In 1995, the inn was sold to Colonel Bennie Blansett and his wife Sue. Bennie and Sue are life-long Texans well known for their Southern hospitality. They maintained a strong following and had an excellent reputation for 16 years.

Roland and Lily Lopez bought the Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast in January 2011. They are committed to continue with its current reputation as a premier San Antonio bed and breakfast and to maintain the standards that the guests of the Brackenridge House have enjoyed since 1986 by offering excellence in service.

The Inn is filled with antiques and features breezy verandas on both the first and second floors in the front and rear of the house. The Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast radiates Texas hospitality. It is all you could hope for in a Bed and Breakfast stay. You will discover comfort, convenience and pampering in an elegant Victorian setting, perfect for romance, rest, relaxation and recreation.”

Unfortunately, they have fallen way short.  The house is poorly maintained, the linens stained and ragged, the furniture horribly not to historic believability, the walls with mold bubbling out the paint, moldings cracked and chipped needing repair and paint… the walls were paper thin offering NO privacy, I actually woke up thinking someone was in our room when the neighbors came back late the first night we were there… the kitchen and dining room were above the guest rooms and the noise began at 6AM offering NO relaxation or peace and the food was not very good at all. Plus there was not enough parking for the guests – 4 small spaces for 5 rooms and no street parking available for blocks.

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A – 2017 A to Z CHALLENGE

Ironically when I decided to do the A to Z challenge this year it starts on  the day I’m at The Alamo. I haven’t been here since 1992 and hubby had never been, but with being retired Army wanted to visit.  So, when we had the opportunity to visit San Antonio for a friend’s milestone birthday as a surprise we couldn’t let it pass without visiting.  I find it interesting that a city as big as San Antonio is basically built around an old fort.

The battle of the Alamo was of HUGE significance because there were so many noteable Americans (Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, William B. Travis) killed in the battle. Per Wikipedia, “The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Following a 13-day siege, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission near San Antonio de Béxar (modern-day San Antonio, Texas, United States), killing all of the Texian defenders. Santa Anna’s cruelty during the battle inspired many Texians—both Texas settlers and adventurers from the United States—to join the Texian Army. Buoyed by a desire for revenge, the Texians defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836, ending the revolution. …In the early morning hours of March 6, the Mexican Army advanced on the Alamo. After repelling two attacks, the Texians were unable to fend off a third attack.”

I’ll add in some pictures from today’s visit after we get home.

APRIL 2017 A to Z CHALLENGE

The A to Z challenge is something I used to enjoy a lot and decided to get involved in again this year.  A few years ago they began having everyone announce their “THEMES” if they had one.  The “Theme” I decided to follow this year is one of personal choice.  I sat down and wrote the days of the month and the corresponding letters then closed my eyes and just thought about places, things or emotions that were lessons I wanted to learn or are just plain important to me. I had a tough time deciding so some days will have multiple entries.

So my themes will be:

4/1  A – The Alamo
4/3  B – Brackenridge B&B, Betrayal
4/4  C – Comfort Zone
4/5  D – Depth
4/6  E – Evoke
4/7  F – Fredricksburg, Faith
4/8  G – Gravpevine, Grand Canyon
4/10 H – Haceta Head LightHouse
4/11  I – Inspirational
4/12  J – Jamaica
4/13  K – Keepsake
4/14  L – Levis
4/15  M – Lake Mead
4/17  N – Admiral Nimitz Museum
4/18  O – Outdoor
4/19  P – Painted Churches
4/20  Q – Quaint
4/21  R – Rustic, Rural
4/22  S – Seaside
4/24  T – Tequila
4/25  U – Unhinged
4/26  V – Vegas
4/27  W – Whiskey
4/28  X – Xray
4/29  Y – Yesterday
4/30  Z – ????

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 13 of 2017

Did everyone have a good weekend?  Ours started out with a violent thunderstorm and tornado warnings, but we woke up Saturday to beautiful skies and warm temperatures.  I’ve been doing a lot of ebaying and organizing while I continue the minimizing and donating so wasn’t too bothered by the warm weather.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

After a beautiful, but warm weekend we are slated for more thunderstorms, warmer temperatures and high humidity as the week progresses – good thing I have a lot of inside activities this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I’m having blueberry yogurt with granola and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is in good order despite the activities I have going on.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • A couple doctor appointments – hoping to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • EBAY pictures and descriptions
  • Trip to surprise a friend for her significant birthday.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Still reading Jan Deleon novels trying to get caught up on all her series books.  This week is Book #3 of the Family Inheritance series.

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
TOASTED FRENCH TOAST
CREAMED CHICKEN ON TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CREAMED CHICKEN ON TOAST  and SALAD
CAMPFIRE CHICKEN and POTATOES in foil and SALAD
GRILLED TAMARIND CHICKEN SKEWERS with MORITA CHILE SAUCE
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
GRILLED STEAKS and ASPARAGUS
TAVERN CHICKEN and NOODLES
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

  • ASIAN PEAR and GRAPE CABBAGE SALAD
  • RED, WHITE & BLEU MEATBALLS
  • PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERBED WINE SAUCE
  • SESAME CHICKEN
  • LEMON CURD CHEESECAKE
  • CHICKEN BOG
  • CHICKEN and SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA
  • CREAMY CRAB DIP
  • NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN DIP
  • CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY and ALMOND RUGELACH
  • MOLTEN RED VELVET CAKES
  • BRAISED TOMATO MUSHROOM CHICKEN
  • TAVERN CHICKEN

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

2017 has been a rough year so far.  My MIL passed away on the 7th and it has taken me a couple weeks to process this. Mom was 4 days shy of her 97th birthday.  Can you believe she was almost 90 in this picture taken at a family camp out several years ago? She lived a VERY FULL and mostly happy life leaving behind a long legacy of love and family.  While at that age you know it’s natural causes and inevitable, it never lessens the severity of the impact. She had been saying for years that she was ready to go, but I just never wanted it to happen. Just knowing I’ll never be able to hear her sweet voice again leaves me with a heavy heart.

Then on the 21st my favorite BIL, Ray,  entered hospice as his cancer continued to eat away at his body.  He passed quietly surrounded by family on the 25th.  Ray was one of the best men I have EVER known in my entire life. I LOVED talking to him for hours – we have so many beliefs and ideals in common, almost like we shared the same thought process despite the HUGE age difference (hubby is almost 20 years older than me and his sister is 7 years older than him and my BIL was 3 years older than her – you get the picture). He lived a VERY FULL and happy life also leaving behind a long legacy of love and family.

His death is hitting me the hardest I think as we were both diagnosed with reproductive cancers within weeks of each other. He did everything right, just a bit too late for when his was diagnosed. I have had to struggle with moving past the Survivor’s Guilt of a high mortality cancer for the past 6 years and 99% of the time I’m doing well with it, I just wish he was walking that same path with me!

I REALLY MISS THEM BOTH!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

My violets are REALLY going to town in this window!

We had a visitor pop into our yard last Wednesday and couldn’t convince him he wasn’t ours. He had a collar, but no tags.  I tried calling rescues and local shelters and walking him through the neighborhood asking everyone I saw if they knew him.  As for the shelters they were NO help at all, at least by phone. Everyone said I was not in their jurisdiction and were actually quite rude! The last woman told me to just let him go, someone else would take care of him.  Can you believe that? So, we took him to our vet to see if maybe he was microchipped (he wasn’t) or they had any info on him.  They sent us to the nicest no kill shelter where he was immediately welcomed and seemed happy to be there. Bye Jake (that’s what we called him).  I pray you are adopted by a really nice family with 2 little boys and a HUGE yard.

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.

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BLACK BEAN SALSA CHEDDAR CHICKEN

This super sloppy looking recipe is soooooooo easy and super delicious too. I got it from my mom, but don’t remember where she got it. Mom makes it with chicken thighs and serves it over Fritos, but hubby prefers chicken breasts.

BLACK BEAN SALSA CHEDDAR CHICKEN

2 tablespoons butter
15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
10 ounces of your favorite salsa
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
1 1/2 cup medium cheddar cheese
Fritos

  • Heat butter over medium high heat.
  • Add chicken pieces, quickly browning on all sides.
  • Add salsa and beans.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until chicken pieces cooked through.
  • Top with cheese, until melted.
  • Serve over Fritos.

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD with BACON VINAIGRETTE

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

5 ounces baby spinach
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 teaspoon warm bacon grease
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
2 1/2 tablespoons golden vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon olive oil
1 tablespoon sliced almonds (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Toss together the spinach, strawberries and shallots in a large bowl.
  • Toast the almonds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  • Transfer to a bowl or plate and set aside to cool.
  • Start the bacon in a cold medium skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate; leave the bacon fat in the pan.
  • Take the skillet off the heat and whisk in the mustard and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Add the vinegar and then whisk in the olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the bacon and almonds to the salad, pour over the bacon vinaigrette, and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

LINKING TO: CELEBRATE YOUR STORY, CRAFTASTIC MONDAY, DISHING IT & DIGGING IT, NIFTY THRIFTY SUNDAY, SHOW & TELL, SUNDAYS AT HOME, SUNDAY’S BEST, THAT DIY PARTY, JCOOKING & CRAFTING WITH J&J, INPIRATION MONDAY , INSPIRE ME MONDAY , MADE BY YOU MONDAY, MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY, MELT IN YOUR MOUTH MONDAY, MERRY MONDAY, MIX IT UP MONDAY, MOTIVATE ME MONDAY, PROJECT INSPIRED, SHOW AND SHARE, TUTORIALS & TIP, DIY TUESDAYS, LOU LOU GIRLS FABULOUS PARTY, THE SCOOP, TREASURE BOX TUESDAY, TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME, TUESDAYS WITH A TWIST, CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS, SHARE YOUR CUP , WINTER BLUES WEDNESDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, SHOW ME WEDNESDAYS, WOW US WEDNESDAY , CREATIVE CIRCLE, DAGMAR’S PARTY, HOME SWEET HOME, FAVORITE THINGS, GRACE AT HOME, HOME MATTERS, PIN JUNKIE PIN PARTY, TALK OF THE TOWN, BLOGGER’S PIT STOP, HANDMADE HANGOUT, PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY, SHARE IT ONE MORE TIME, SWAY SHAREFEST, WHAT TO DO WEEKENDS PARTY, BOUQUET OF TALENT PARTY, INSPIRE-BE-INSPIRED, RAE GUN BLOCK PARTY, I’M LOVIN’ IT, THIS IS HOW WE ROLL THURSDAY, FULL PLATE THURSDAY, FOODIE FRIDAY, SOUPER SUNDAY, BETH FISH READS, SATURDAY SPARKS, AMAZE ME MONDAY, INSPIRE ME TUESDAY, SHARE YOUR STYLE, OVER THE MOON

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