HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 10 of 2018

Good morning sweet friends. Saturday was gorgeous here so we made a trip to the Farmer’s Market and bought some beautiful carrots and turnips as well as some local BBQ sauce, but Sunday was rainy and dreary so we rented and watched a couple movies, Same Kind of Different as Me and The Darkest Hour. Both based on true stories. They were good and informative for so many different reasons so it was a LAZY Sunday! I did get some future blog posts organized and decided on some link parties to join up with for some new blogs to follow.

 

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Still raining and thunderstorms which will only keep me inside because we’re now in the 80’s with high humidity. The rest of the week is supposed to be warm, but at least sunny.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey Nut Cheerios, Banana & Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I’m not working on anything right now, but am setting a few projects aside to keep separate from the moving boxes in case the inspiration strikes.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

We are so very close to being out of here.  Just a few more medical tests and appointments to get past and the house sale.  I’m not letting that slow me down or stop me though.  I’ve been getting super organized – right down to using the dishes, pots and pans that I will be donating so I can pack what we’re keeping. We took 2 more loads for donation this past week. When we delivered some metal baker rack shelves to Habitat for Humanity someone was purchasing them as we unloaded them – so glad they are going to a good home. We’re probably 85% packed and ready to go. I don’t want to jinx anything, but it all seems to moving right along! We are SOOOOOOO ready to put THE HOUSE FROM HELL in our rear view mirror!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I recently did a product review for SILK PLANTS DIRECT and love their products. This is one of the pictures I used in the review. They really do have nice silk plants.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… Just some routine loads – towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… did a serious deep clean last week so all is pretty tidy
  • YARD… we had a couple days rain free last week and we were able to re-seed the backyard and replant the barrels to spruce it up for the upcoming sale.
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife, Living Biblically

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdon of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY

  • The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, the Amazing Race just ended and Dancing With the Stars will be beginning

SYFY

  • Z Nation, the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files, Supernatural

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, Bobby & Damaris, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK with RECIPE LINKS

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
B-FAST   2X DAY
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
SNACK   2X a day
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
LUNCH 2-4 OZ. PROTEIN
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
CHERRY YOGURT
PEACH YOGURT
CHERRY YOGURT
PEACH YOGURT
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
 DINNER   2-4 OZ. PROTEIN and small salad
C.O.R.N.    clean out refrigerator night SPAGHETTI CARBONARA PAN SEARED BARRAMUNDI C.O.R.N.    clean out refrigerator night SHEPHERD’S PIE ITALIAN  BLK BEAN CHICKEN RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 9 of 2018

Good morning. I hope everyone had a great week. I’m having an off morning so will just get to it.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is gorgeous so far, but last week and the rest of this week have and are scheduled to be up, down and sideways with weather changes by many degrees and thunderstorms.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I have a few sketches going, a little dishrag crocheting and a mixed media project that I’m searching for all the parts

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY / FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

It has been a tough 7 months around here. First we lost our sweet angel Whiskey over Memorial day, then we lost our sweet Sady at the end of January and today we said goodbye to our Gunny. It doesn’t matter that they ALL lived past their life expectancy, but it does make us feel a little better to know we could pamper them all their lives. They brought us such joy.

St. Patrick’s Day would have been his 16th birthday – extremely old for his breed. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia and cancer finally took over and his pain level was intolerable for him and for us to see him in such pain forced a trip to the emergency vet yesterday.

7 years ago Christmas while we were in Texas taking care of my aunt I was in a Kohl’s store shopping for, well for Christmas gifts.  I saw this great selection of ornaments and was looking for a golden retriever and a black lab for our tree. I found the golden and then reached for the black lab just as another woman did also.  We laughed and started talking. Long story short she and her husband had just moved to Texas also and were looking for new ornaments.  The ironic kicker here is that as we talked we found that we had come from neighboring towns on the west coast.  We kept talking and found that our dogs had the same birth date (St. Patrick’s Day), and talking further we discovered that they were from the same litter! Her Chester and my Gunner were brothers! Talk about a small world!! 😀

This is one of my favorite recent picture of Gunny.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… I did a lot of sorting, donating and packing over the weekend and plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean, but need to mop badly
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some more recipe updating, future post planning and next year’s holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

COMEDIES

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON, LIFE IN PIECES, THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T., MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION, LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY, CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED, 911

DRAMAS & REALITY

  • THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US, THE RESIDENT, the AMAZING RACE just ended and DANCING WITH THE STARS will be beginning

SYFY

  • Z NATION, the WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS, ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES, SUPERNATURAL

COOKING

  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT, KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA, MASTER CHEF JR. is starting soon

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

 

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
B-FAST 2X DAY
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
HONEY NUT CHEERIOS, BANANA & GREEN TEA
SNACK 2X a day
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
PROTEIN DRINK
LUNCH 2-4 OZ. PROTEIN
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
CHERRY YOGURT
PEACH YOGURT
CHERRY YOGURT
PEACH YOGURT
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST
DINNER

3 ounces PROTEIN and small salad

BARRAMUNDI FISHY CHICKEN STIR FRY

BUFFALO CHICKEN FRITES

FONTINA STUFFED CHICKEN

OUT FOR HUBBY’S BIRTHDAY

BLACK BEAN SALSA CHEDDAR CHICKEN

TERIYAKI SEX ON A STICK

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIPS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 8 of 2018

GOOD MORNING! Here we are in week 8 of 2018 and a long weekend too.

We had a quiet, wet weekend.  We did go to the Farmer’s Market Saturday, but it was raining and my favorite vendors weren’t there so we headed to my favorite grocer with the best produce and did a little shopping and ate lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants which is still kind of hard for me because of the spice, but I muddled through with a plain cheese quesadilla that I’m still munching on.  I’m giving doggy bags a new meaning with how many additional meals I get after we get home.

This was the official NASCAR season kickoff weekend at Daytona and the drivers did NOT disappoint.  It was action packed and fun.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had to switch from heat to air conditioning this past weekend and I’m hoping this is not indicative of the weather to come.  We’re supposed to be in the mid to high 70’s with higher humidity and a chance of thunderstorms ALL week, but right now it’s just gray and foggy. I AM NOT READY for summer – I WANT SPRING!!!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

Nothing much right now.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • I was doing really well on the road to recovery when I developed a new bacterial infection.  The doctor put me on a serious antibiotic to fight it and I was doing really well for the first week.  On day 8 she decided to extend the prescription another week which seemed fine. But, 2 days later I ended up with severe side affects and have been pretty miserable since Saturday night, but I have stopped the medication and seem to be getting better though I need to call her office tomorrow when they open back up.
  • I also tried on lots of clothes over the weekend and have several large donation piles again.  The weight loss is a double edge sword as I’m now smaller than my skinny clothes and are eventually going to need to buy new clothes and I am not fond of clothes shopping.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I have an elderly neighbor that lives alone that I often take dinner too or a batch of goodies when I make some for hubby.  The door bell rang the other day and she was standing there with these beautiful pink and red tulips for Valentine’s day as a thank you – She’s so sweet to me!

We also had some worrisome moments when Sady couldn’t quite be found.  But, the crematorium called me and explained what happened and then the sweet woman actually drove her remains to our local vet so we didn’t have to wait another week to be home where she belongs.  Nice people make such a HUGE difference in our lives!  I need to dig out the baby pictures for Sady, Dickens and Gunner to have them in the area too.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing as I’m still battling yet another infection
  • LIVING AREAS… lots of mopping and vacuuming as we’re having a little rain each day – just enough to make a mess
  • KITCHEN… I NEVER again want a kitchen that is a thoroughfare! Between hubby and the dog going in and out constantly it always needs cleaning!
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… I need to plant the barrels soon, but am waiting to make sure we don’t get a late freeze
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

OLYMPICS are on the DVR daily for awhile.  The winter Olympics are my absolute favorite and I watch them ALL! Thank goodness for DVR’s! 😀

  • I’m now reading BOOK #11, Change of Fortune of JANA DELEON’S Miss Fortune series. It’s a fun read that makes you laugh out loud.

COMEDIES

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, LIFE IN PIECES

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED, 911

DRAMAS

  • THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US, THE RESIDENT

SYFY

  • Z NATION, the WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS
  • ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES, THE ALIENIST starts later this week

COOKING

  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT
  • KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
2 times a day
B-FAST
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
2 times a day
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink

LUNCH

2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
DINNER

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

BBQ BACON CHEESEBURGER MEATBALLS

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

HUNGARIAN CHICKEN

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

CHIPOTLE PEPPER SHREDDED PORK 

 

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

CAST IRON SKILLET ROAST CHICKEN

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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 week 7 of 2018

Good morning! Here we are about to start yet another new week.  I hope your weekend was great.  Mine was full of errands, chores and stormy weather followed by a SERIOUS cold front!

I had a few tests last Friday due to the new infection and while we were out we picked up my wedding ring that had been at the jeweler to be sized.  Our jeweler is in this cute little town and when we are normally there all the local antique stores are closed.  But, we lucked out and they were actually open! YAY! I LOVE ANTIQUING. When I go through an antique store I’m always on the lookout for old recipe boxes WITH recipes!  I lucked out on Friday and found a gorgeous large oak recipe box stuffed full of old handwritten recipes and a ton of newspaper clippings. I am having so much fun going through them AND will be making some retro meals too! LOL 😀 some of the recipes were written in German so I’m still not sure what they are, but I have a German neighbor that I’m going to see if she can translate them.

I found this over the weekend and have adopted it as my new motto:

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather is still super crazy here.  Friday and Saturday were in the mid to high 70’s, true flip flop weather with a heavy rain and thunderstorm moving in and making it wet, but by Saturday dusk it was suddenly 55 degrees and dropping fast to an overnight low of 39 degrees.  Then we had a high of 40 yesterday with a windchill of 31-33 all day. The rest of this week is supposed to be in the low 50’s with off and on rain and thunderstorms and then back into the high 70’s by the weekend. Like I said, completely wonkers on the weather front.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey Nut cheerios with banana slices with milk and a cup of Green Tea

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • my recent post about my unplanned gastric bypass RECOVERY UPDATE
  • my recent post about FEELING BLESSED – OVARIAN CANCER
  • What we’re saving in the food bill is being spent on clothes.  I went through several totes of my “skinny” clothes over the weekend and even those are now being donated 🙁 I’m not a real love of shopping girl so this makes all of this a real chore for me.  I did buy a few new bras and tops on Saturday while I was out, but am holding off on pants until I finish losing weight.  My skinny jeans are too big, but passable for a while longer.
  • I have been ebaying (or at least trying to) many items (mostly antiques and collectibles), but am now thinking my peace of mind is worth more than the money that can be made from all these items and am in the process of sorting though and donating many items to the local abused women’s resale shop so they can benefit from them. I just can’t move them again or justify the time involved with the smaller items.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing – I will sure be glad when we’re out of here and can stop this overwhelming process.
  • LIVING AREAS… time for a serious deep clean
  • KITCHEN… time for a serious deep clean
  • STUDIO… is just storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… not much
  • BLOG… a little more recipe updating and future post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR / MOVIES

The Olympics are at the forefront of everything being watched.  Winter Olympics are my favorite! Go Team USA! 😀

MOVIES

I’ve taped a few of the Hallmark Valentine’s movies to watch during down time.

READING

I’m now reading ONCE HUNTED, TWICE SHY an EVERLASTING SERIES NOVEL by Mandy Roth

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Good Place, American Housewife, Better Late Than Never, Life in Pieces

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdom of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS

  • The Good Doctor, This is Us, The Resident, Elementary

SYFY

  • Z Nation, The Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC LEegends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives, The Grill Dads, Beat Bobby Flay, Bobby and Damaris, Baked in Vermont, Kid’s Baking Championship, Worst Cooks in America, Giada

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
2 times a day
B-FAST
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and  Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
BACON & EGGS
TOASTED FRENCH TOAST
2 times a day
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 time a day

LUNCH

2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
DINNER 6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

6-8 ounces

CHICKEN PARMESAN LASAGNA

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

6-8 ounces

CASHEW CHICKEN

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

6-8 ounces

GRILLED SWORDFISH with LEMON BASTING SAUCE & SALAD with HOMEMADE CELERY SEED DRESSING

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 6 of 2018

Good morning! Here we are at week 6 already. Can you believe that?  Time is truly just flying by!!!! I hope you had a GREAT weekend.

So are you a Super Bowl watcher?  We love football here and enjoyed yesterday’s game a lot, especially since we were voting fo the Eagles!

Do you watch just for the commercials? I don’t, since I love football, but I REALLY ENJOY the Super Bowl for the commercials almost as much as the game itself. My favorite commercials this year were:

  • M&M’S with DANNY DEVITO
  • ALEXA LOSES HER VOICE
  • DODGE RAM VIKINGS
  • ELI MANNING AND ODELL BECKHAM DIRTY DANCING
  • MARTHA STEWART AND JACK IN THE BOX
  • BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE
  • ALEXA SOUTHERN MODEL
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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been sooooooo crazy.  One day was 80 degrees last week and then 57 degrees the next day.  The lows at night have been just as crazy ranging from 30-60 degrees.  This week is supposed to be just as crazy with patchy fog, low visibility and a few days of rain also.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey Nut cheerios and banana with milk and Green Tea

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Last week was very sad for us as we lost our beloved Sady.  Fur children are so precious and so hard to lose.  I found her and her sisters behind the garage almost 20 years ago when they were about 2 weeks old.  Her mother had been hit by a car.  I raised the three of them by hand until they were old enough to find homes for, but Sady always had a special place in my heart.  When she was little she would curl up on my neck after she took her bottle and sleep there. She was always a tiny little thing and I kept her as an indoor only cat.  Sady ALWAYS thought she was a real person with so many human like qualities.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

My uncle was here for dinner on Saturday night and brought me these great flowers for the table.  I just love this little vase! It’s hard to see, but there is all sorts of pretty embossing all over it.

YAY – I get to start exercising today!

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… hubby helped me do a SERIOUS deep clean on Saturday before my uncle came for dinner so the house is still looking really good.
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean after a deep clean Saturday night
  • STUDIO… is just storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… still nothing after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR / MOVIES

MOVIES

I’ve taped a few of the Hallmark Valentine’s movies to watch in some down time.

We actually ventured out into the world on Friday to see a movie – the first time hubby has really let me out among people for fear of me getting sick during recovery.  We saw the new Winchester with Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke.  I have always been enthralled with the Winchester Mystery House and love touring it whenever we are in the area.  I loved the plot of the movie, but was hoping to see more of the actual house.

  • I’m now reading Marie Force’s Here Come’s the Sun part of the Green Mountain, Butler, Vermont series.

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Good Place, American Housewife, Better Late Than Never, Life in Pieces

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdom of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS

  • The Good Doctor, This is Us, The Resident, Elementary

SYFY

  • Z Nation, The Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC LEegends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives, The Grill Dads, Beat Bobby Flay, Bobby and Damaris, Baked in Vermont, Kid’s Baking Championship, Worst Cooks in America, Giada

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
2 times a day
B-FAST
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and  Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
QUICHE LORRAINE
BISCUITS & GRAVY  CASSEROLE BAKE
2 times a day
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 time a day

LUNCH

2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
DINNER

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

6-8 ounces

PAN SEARED CHICKEN with CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN BRUSSELS SPROUTS

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

6-8 ounces

BAKED GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

6-8 ounces

CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE

6-8 ounces

C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 5 of 2018

I hope everyone had a GREAT week. I can’t believe we’re here on a new Monday already.  My week was busy, but boring too.  Seems like I never get everything accomplished that I have on my list. On to this week and I hope that it’s more productive yet.

Be sure and join in 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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been ALL over the place!  This week though is supposed to be in the low 60’s again with clear skies and cold nights because of it.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey nut cheerios and Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

Nothing new yet

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Next Monday I get to start an exercise routine, FINALLY YAY!!!!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We took a day trip last week in search of the ALIEN Cow and were able to get some awesome shots of the wildlife.  You can see the entire post here, but this is one of my favorite photos from the excursion.

Sunsets have been beautiful and a bit dramatic of late!

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve rented a bunch of Netflix movies the last several weeks to get me through the boredom and cold weather, but I’ve seen just about everything I want to see for awhile – really looking forward to spring at this point and getting out of this house!

  • I’m now reading Marie Force’s Here Come’s the Sun part of the Green Mountain, Butler, Vermont series.

COMEDIES

  • Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, The Good Place, American Housewife, Better Late Than Never, Life in Pieces

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, Criminal Minds, Wisdom of the Crowd, S.W.A.T., Madam Secretary, Scandal, Designated Survivor, Brave, Valor, Seal Team, Blindspot, Macgyver, Scorpion, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Elementary, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, 911

DRAMAS

  • The Good Doctor, This is Us, The Resident

SYFY

  • Z Nation, The Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC LEegends, Orville, Once Upon a Time, The X-Files

COOKING

  • Guy’s Grocery Games, Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives, The Grill Dads, Beat Bobby Flay, Bobby and Damaris, Baked in Vermont, Kid’s Baking Championship, Worst Cooks in America, Giada

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
My new plan is to cook for 3 or 4 days and then have a C.O.R.N. weekend! That way we start the new week fresh every Monday. Saturday and Sunday mornings will be my “do anything needed to make me happy” mornings.

My uncle will be here for dinner on Saturday. One of the things I love best about Saturday’s menu is that 3 of the 4 recipes are “make ahead” recipes. So, I can make all my mess on Friday and be all cleaned up before he even gets here on Saturday. All the recipes will post on Sunday through Wednesday next week.

I hope everyone has had a GREAT weekend.

MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
2 times a day
B-FAST
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
Honey Nut Cheerios with Banana and Green Tea
SCRAMBLED EGGS
PANCAKES
2 times a day
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 cup 1% Milk or Protein Drink
1 time a day

LUNCH

2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
2-4 ounces Protein or yogurt
DINNER 3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

MAPLE GINGER CHICKEN THIGHS & HONEY ROASTED CARROTS

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

PRESERVED LEMON CHICKEN & CHARRED POBLANO CORN

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

C.O.R.N.

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

C.O.R.N.

3 ounces PROTEIN small salad

C.O.R.N.

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

BRAISED BEEF BRISKET, FOUR WINDS SWEET SLAW, BBQ BAKED BEANS & HOT CHOCOLATE SOUFFLES

3 ounces PROTEIN & small salad

C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 4 of 2018

Can you believe we’re entering the last full week of the 1st month of 2018? Didn’t we just have Christmas and New Year’s? Now Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away.  Where does the time go these days? This year is already 1/13th over!  I’ve been so bored with not able to really do anything so you would think time would be dragging! I hope everyone had a GREAT week.

Be sure to join in and 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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been ALL over the place!  This week though is supposed to be in the low 60’s with cloudy skies and rain on and off ALL week. It’s bringing back the humidity, but at least it’s not as noticeable in the bad way with the lower temperatures.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Honey Nut cheerios with a banana and milk

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

No real projects going on, but trying to sort though piles and piles of recipes, receipts and misc. paperwork.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Just 10 more days until I can start working out to regain my muscle tone and LOL 😀 hopefully find my energy. I’m actually excited to be able to do this. Theoretically more exercise will make the food issues better too.

I’ve been pretty good at sticking to the no lifting, pulling or pushing part of this plan, but I am really looking forward to being the one to get a DEEP clean done as well as the vacuuming that needs to be done.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We’re about 50 miles from the coast as the crow flies so I think this guy is a little lost.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads AGAIN this week, towels, bedding and clothing – hopefully soon I can quite washing every other day
  • LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a psuedo deep clean today and tomorrow now that the cold snap appears to be all but over
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean, but needs some organizing and a pantry and freezer inventory for next few weeks menu since we are trying to anticipate a spring move and I want to have this all cleaned out before then
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms and continued rain into this week, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

COMEDIES

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, LIFE IN PIECES

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED, 911

DRAMAS

  • THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US, THE RESIDENT starts later this week

SYFY

  • Z NATION, the WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS
  • ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES, THE ALIENIST starts later this week

COOKING

  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT
  • KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA, GIADA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
This category continues to be a sore subject for me though it is getting better day by day. I will be continue working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass ALL the new requirements.

My new plan is to cook for 4 days and then have a C.O.R.N. weekend!  That way we start the new week fresh every Monday. Saturday and Sunday mornings will be my “do anything needed to make me happy” mornings.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2 times a day
B-FAST
4 ounces PROTEIN and GREEN Tea
4 ounces PROTEIN and GREEN Tea
4 ounces PROTEIN and GREEN Tea
4 ounces PROTEIN and GREEN Tea
4 ounces PROTEIN and GREEN Tea
 SHIRRED EGGS
 BANANA PANCAKES
2 times a day
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup 1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 time a day

LUNCH

2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
2-4 ounces PROTEIN or yogurt
DINNER 3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR small salad

HOT CHICKEN SALAD with SWEET & SOUR TOMATOES

3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR small salad

TIPSY CHICKEN with CHARRED POBLANO CREAMED CORN

3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR small salad

SWEET GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS with ROASTED HONEY CARROTS

3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR small salad

SPLIT PEA SOUP with HAM

PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH PIE

3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR SALAD

C.O.R.N.

3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR SALAD

C.O.R.N.

3 OUNCES PROTEIN with VEGGIE OR SALAD

C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 3 of 2018

Week 3 of 2018 is underway and I’m anxious to be over this recuperation mode and ready to get my energy back and get some serious things done! Though, it will be 6 more weeks until I get formally released and begin a serious exercise routine. That said, with ALL this flu going around I’m just as happy to be stuck inside away from people.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re having ANOTHER cold snap here and are supposed to have rain and wintry mix sleet added to the mix tomorrow and Wednesday. With the flu epidemic at raging proportions I’m really staying in and away from people!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

GERBER’S GRABBER – Apple Carrot Pineapple & Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I started working on finishing the kitchen counters.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Starting later this week I can start to do a few more things, but am told the serious exercise and packing have to wait until the 90 day mark.  I’m handling the food part okay and realize it will actually save us some money in the long run though that is being eaten up by the mandatory 5 times a day vitamins.  They also sent me a blood work order to have done next month and I’m dreading the new 4 times a year blood work – 20 freaking tests!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We’ve been having quite a bit of clear weather lately and the sunsets have been really pretty.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing – STILL washing most things every other day for a few more weeks to prevent infection
  • LIVING AREAS… can’t wait until I can relieve hubby of the duties and do a deep clean
  • KITCHEN… also needs a deep cleaning and paint touch up
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… hubby is going to mow and vinegar salt the weeds today before the rain tonight
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve rented a bunch of Netflix movies the last several weeks to get me through the boredom and cold weather, but I’ve seen just about everything I want to see for awhile – really looking forward to spring at this point and getting out of this house!

  • I’m now reading Sophie Moss’ Seal Island series during my recuperation and am book #2, The Selkie Enchantress.

COMEDIES

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, LIFE IN PIECES

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED, 911

DRAMAS

  • THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US, THE RESIDENT starts later this week

SYFY

  • Z NATION, the WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS
  • ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES, THE ALIENIST starts later this week

COOKING

  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT
  • KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

I’ve placed orders this week with Home Chef and Hello Fresh to get back into the swing of cooking without leaving the house to shop since I still can’t carry grocery bags yet and I’m trying to stay away from people in general, but there will still be leftovers unfortunately. I planned a couple C.O.R.N. nights to use the leftovers.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
B-FAST
3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea
TOASTED FRENCH TOAST
BACON & EGGS
2 times a day
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup  1% MILK  or PROTEIN DRINK
1 time a day
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
LUNCH & DINNER
2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

MAPLE GLAZED DUCK with BLOOD ORANGE SALAD and FINGERLING POTATOES

2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

PARMESAN and ROSEMARY PORK CHOPS with ALMOND COUSCOUS and ROASTED CARROTS

2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

CRISPY ONION CHICKEN with GREEN BEANS and MUSHROOM GRAVY

2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

CHICKEN UNDER A ZUCCHINI BLANKET with MASHED POTATOES and GREEN BEANS

2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

C.O.R.N.

2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

SPAGHETTI & RICOTTA MEATBALLS with GARLIC GREEN BEANS

2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a  small salad

C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

While these recipes were successful, we still prefer my Laverne Defazio pot roast and my Aloha BBQ Ribs (recipe later this month when I make them) to either of these recipes.  I posted them in case anyone prefers their flavor profiles.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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 week 2 of 2018

WOW, it seems like it was just new year’s eve and here we are on the 8th already entering week 2! I hope you all had a great week. Mine was still low key as I continue to recuperate.  2 more weeks and I can enter a more normal activity life. YAY!!!!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The SUPER cold snap has broken here and the day time temps are supposed to be in the 60’s with the lows in the 30’s and 40’s, so I’m actually loving the weather right now.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal with golden raisins

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the drive to get anything accomplished during this recuperation. I’ve just been so slow to get my energy back.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I had a good 1 month check up with the surgeon this past Thursday. He said I’m doing great , but still have 2 more weeks of no lifting or cleaning etc… He did give me the go ahead to start experimenting with veggies and fruits to see what my body can tolerate. He wants me eating more calories because I’m losing too much weight.

The one thing that many people don’t understand is that this will never get bigger or stretch, IT IS WHAT IT IS FOREVER! So, I made up a diagram that makes it easier to see that the change is permanent.  It also shows why more chewing and smaller portions are necessary as a few digestive processes are now bypassed.

The biggest issue I recently found out about is that there are tons of medications that I can NEVER take again because of the bypass because they can do serious damage to the “new” smaller stomach.  Among them are the medications I take for Fibromyalgia and Systemic Lupus leaving me with only an occasional Tylenol as my only alternative for ANY pain.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

With the deep cold I never left the house except to go to the doctor so never even took a picture last week.

INSPIRATION

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRYquite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREASplan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
  • KITCHENpretty clean
  • STUDIOis mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD nothing
  • BLOGsome recipe updating, future post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • I’m reading Sophie Moss’ Wind Chime series during my recuperation and am book #3, WIND CHIME SUMMER.

COMEDIES

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, LIFE IN PIECES

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED

DRAMAS

  • THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US

SYFY

  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS
  • ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES

COOKING

  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT
  • KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
In the beginning I told hubby NOT to get used to my existing diet and the doctor has given me the permission to cook though I still cannot lift so hubby still has to help with the shopping, but is going to have to give up the bachelor foods 😀   While I can only eat a bite or two of what I make, there is NO reason hubby shouldn’t get a few home cooked meals this week. Food will go a A LOT further now, but I am going to have to adapt the recipes A LOT.

I also began Home Chef again for 4 meals this month to ease me back into things.  No matter how you look at it proportions are going to be a challenge so now is the time to start rewriting and reworking recipes.  I will also plan more C.O.R.N. nights into my menus.

In the meantime I will continue working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass ALL the new requirements. I look forward to previewing those rework recipes in a few months.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
B-FAST
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
2 times a day
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 time a day
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
ME 2 times  day

 

 

 DINNER FOR HUBBY

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

PINEAPPLE PEANUT BUTTER BABY BACK RIBS

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

C.O.R.N.

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

C.O.R.N.

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

COFFEE BREWED POT-ROAST & BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

C.O.R.N.

2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad

C.O.R.N.

& SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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 week 1 of 2018

May 2018 be what 2007-2017 were supposed to be!

Honestly, I’m looking forward to better things in the days to come. 

I’m not going to dwell on the past, BUT I am certainly going to focus on making 2018 the best year yet!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s 22 with the wind chill and I’m staying inside!  Highs this week are only supposed to be in the 30’s before wind chill so I’m avoiding the outside except for my follow up with the surgeon later this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green Tea and Banana

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… hubby is planning on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow – I can’t wait until I can do it again (the way I like)
  • KITCHEN… pretty clean
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, GREAT NEWS
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, SUPERGIRL
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT, KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

LOL, I get to “switch” diets midweek, but I have to tell you there isn’t much difference between them.  And honestly I’m (well, my body) NOT ready for regular food despite the cravings for it.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

On Christmas eve at a party we go to every year that has tons of scrumptious food that I couldn’t eat, a friend asked me if I had hit the depression yet. I just stared at her for a few minutes and thought what are you talking about?  Then it hit me, what I’ve been feeling is a form of PTSD, especially after the hospital stay from hell starting with a recovery nurse that deserves to be fired – I did speak with the patient liaison about the major mistreatment that occurred.  But, the reality is MY life was completely upended while I slept through surgery. Decisions were made I was not a party to and when I woke up from surgery and was told EVERYTHING about how I lived would be completely different for the rest of my life I have to admit I didn’t even know how to process that information.

Fortunately, I refuse to get depressed.  There are some bad days, but I am coping and will continue to think positively, take it as a challenge and adjust.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby set Ava up to guard the stockings on Christmas Eve. 😀

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 52 of 2017

I don’t even know if Sandra will be doing this meme today so I’m making this short and sweet today as it IS Christmas!
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
A storm and cold front moved in on Friday night and we dropped 20 degrees so it’s finally pleasant here.  We are expecting the temperatures to stay low, but rain is expected for several days later this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Protein drink

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Nothing that won’t wait until Tuesday or so…

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… hubby is doing fairly good at keeping things relatively clean
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, GREAT NEWS
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, SUPERGIRL
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT and the new KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP  AS WELL AS the new WORST COOKS IN AMERICA begin soon
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

Hubby is on his own still while I enter phase 3 of relearning to eat 😀


SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Sunset just before the storm a few hours later.

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 of 2017

Oh my, it’s Monday again and just 1 week until Christmas! Are you ready?  We’re as ready as we’re going to be since it is a quiet, just the 2 of us year.  I’m finishing the Christmas cards this week and packages have shipped and will arrive at their various destinations during the week. We made it a very simple year! We ordered a “quarter ham” from HoneyBaked ham and will have carrots.  I can have both (YAY!) as long as the ham is well minced and the carrots are soft enough to mush with my tongue! Christmas will be my fist “REAL” meal so we’ll see how that goes. Now onto the business we call Monday morning check-in and update here at our house.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Weather is still in the 60-70’s, such a nice reprieve for us.  We had a pretty good storm Saturday into Sunday and the ground is still really wet! The week should be pleasant, but all I get is a walk each day and then back inside until we’re sure I have no new infections.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green tea and protein drink

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Hubby is doing a GREAT job, but let’s face it, he’s a GUY and it will NEVER be up to my standards , but I’m trying really hard to go with the flow and follow doctor’s orders to do nothing.

  • LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
  • LIVING AREAS… pretty good, considering
  • KITCHEN… needs work
  • STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
  • YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

As for me, I am working on finishing the Christmas cards and updating the address book this week besides working on some blog compilation.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I did start reading Ava Miles Dare Valley series again. I’m on book #10 HOME SWEET LOVE.

Quite a few shows have gone on winter hiatus already so I’m concentrating on Christmas movies and NETFLIX. I want to wean out the following list, but while I’m still in recuperation mode it will help as a diversion.

  • BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
  • BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, EAT SLEEP BBQ, GRILL DADS

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
This category is a sad and sore subject for me until about March. My surgery did not go as planned which is changing so much about food, but sure beats the alternative of being 6 foot under. Hubby is loving being able to eat what he calls bachelor food – S.O.S., chili, hot dogs, hamburger helper, etc… I told him NOT to get used to it though, as soon as I can muster enough energy to cook and off this blasted puree diet I am going to to take a hand at some Ramen Fusion.  In the meantime I will be working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass the new requirements. I look forward to previewing those rework recipes in a few months.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
2 times a day
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
2-4 times a day
4 ounces PUREED FOOD
4 ounces PUREED FOOD
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
1 time a day
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
4 ounces   vanilla yogurt
4 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 time a day 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE 4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I do realize that I am sooooo blessed to be alive.  I also realize that so many people are living with things so much worse than I am now. But, that said it is extremely hard to wake up from a “semi-simple” surgery to find that it not only turned complicated, but also life altering.  This is just plain going to take some time to get used too! So, Please pardon my pity party.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby got me a gingerbread house kit to make to occupy my time.  I made this for the little boy next door and he seems to really LOVE it!

INSPIRATION

Certainly seemed like the best quote for how I feel this week.

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