MENU PLANS – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS & RECIPE LINKS week 35 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.246

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

WEEKEND RECAP

It’s official. We’re in the “BER months and I couldn’t be happier! I think they are my favorite months of the year along with January, February and March 😀 😂 🤣 In other words I’m just not fond of June through August.

It was a fairly quiet weekend, especially for a holiday one. I went to the farmer’s market and grocery shopping on Saturday morning and then made some Bolegnese sauce with veggies and tomatoes from the garden and even got some laundry done also. Saturday night we watched a couple movies. I’ve also been house sitting and feeding our neighbor’s cat as well as watering their plants so that took a bit of time in the evening.

Sunday was much of the same except that the weather was so much nicer!!!!! Saturday had been quite warm with a nice breeze in the evening, but Sunday was beautiful from start to finish!

Now let’s get this new week started! We have friends coming for BBQ ribs, coleslaw and watermelon later and I need to get the homemade sauce started. 😀

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

This week should be a carbon copy of last week with highs in the 80’s and low’s in the 50’s – pretty dang perfect in my book!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING all done 🙂
GROCERIES & ERRANDS also all done – at least until the end of the week. And I have no appointments this week for a change.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m still working on some fall themed recipes for my new NINJA cooker.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX Watched a few movies – some REALLY good and others quite questionable to have been on a decent streaming channel. We also started watching YELLOWJACKETS (very LOOSELY based on the 1972 plane crash in the Andes Mountains) at the suggestion of a friend. It’s interesting, a bit graphic and gross at times, but intriguing enough I want to see where they go with it.
CABLE I was able to get caught up on Masterchef and some old movies in the DVR.

READING TIME

I’m reading Gill Paul’s The Collector’s Daughter, but keep falling asleep too fast. I’m anxious to read more of this book read because I’m enjoying it so much.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY 9/2	9/3 TUESDAY	9/4 WEDNESDAY	9/5 THURSDAY	FRIDAY 9/6	9/7 SATURDAY	9/8 SUNDAY
DINNER	ALOHA RIBS, COLESLAW, WATERMELON	PORK CAKE, GREEN BEANS and SALAD	HAM BALLS & BAKED BEANS	BLACK BEAN SALSA CHICKEN and SALAD	ORANGE CHICKEN, RICE & SALAD	BUTTERMILK RANCH PORK CHOPS & POTATOES	CORN/YOYO clean out the refrigerator night or you’re on your own
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I’ve been house sitting and feeding my neighbor’s cat as well as watering their plants. The back deck has been really pleasant of an evening and I caught this guy fluttering around the bird feeder in the sunset.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

SALISBURY STEAK with TOMATO ONION GRAVY
OVEN ROASTED CORN on the COB
SWISS POTATO BAKE WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS, RECIPE LINKS week 34 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.239

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

WEEKEND RECAP

The weekend weather was ABSOLUTELY beautiful. A girlfriend and I went to a local Vintage Street fair that is held annually. Fortunately the weekend rain fell Friday night before the event and while it was cool enough for flannel shirts in the morning, it was perfect the rest of the day. We had yummy local made sourdough lemon poppy seed treats and lavender ice tea and found some wonderful vintage finds for upcoming Christmas projects and gifts. Sunday was just a lazy day and that was okay by me!! I had so much to catch up on!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We are supposed to heat back up a little bit this week, but fortunately the nighttime lows are going to be perfect so once again, that is just fine by me! Highs in the low 80’s for the most part and lows in the low 50’s 😀

ON MY MIND

My surgery follow up is on Wednesday and I should be released to “normal” activity though my choices for normal will be different by MY choosing. I do have a meeting tonight and expect a bit of blow back from some of my decisions to NOT be involved in some things moving forward. I will continue to do fundraiser dinners on Fridays once a month or so, but am dialing it back A LOT on other levels.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to do and a bit of vacuuming, but all good otherwise.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need quite a few things for the fundraiser dinner on Friday and will shop later today so I can get the macaroons done soon. I guess it will be a several trips to town kind of week since my post op is on Wednesday but I need things today and tomorrow 😀
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Hubby bought me a NINJA FOODI POSSIBLE COOKER for my upcoming birthday and I have been busy working on some fun recipes for the upcoming weeks 😀

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

STREAMING We finished STARGATE ATLANTIS and have returned to finish SUPERNATURAL, but aren’t thrilled with that choice so are rethinking for another show. We watched a cute movie on NETFLIX called THE UNION.
CABLE We finished the FOOD TRUCK RACE and got caught up on BBQ BRAWL.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	8/26 MONDAY	8/27 TUESDAY	8/28 WEDNESDAY	8/29 THURSDAY	8/30 FRIDAY	8/31 SATURDAY	9/1 SUNDAY
DINNER	BEEF TIPS & BROCCOLI	PORK CHOPS & SCALLOPED POTATOES	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	MEATLOAF, SAUER MASHED POTATOES, TOMALITOS	PORK MEDALLIONS with ONION GRAVY and ROAST POTATOES	LEMON CHICKEN AND GLAZED CARROTS
DESSERT					WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY MACAROONS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I didn’t take many pictures last week, but here are a few from the street fair we went to. I adore the repurposed horse trailers. The lavender ice tea is the daughter (hence the Farmer’s Daughter name) of one of my favorite local community minded farms, LEHNE farms, that has a wonderful fruit and veggie stand and bakery at a local nursery!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS week 32 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.225

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

WEEKEND RECAP

It was the County Fair last week. We went on Thursday (Military Day and hubby got in free). As much as I LOVE the fair, it was a miserable day with high heat, high humidity, horrific air quality from the fires all around us and it was REALLY bothering my eyes. Friday we were going to spend the day antiquing in a town to the north and have dinner out, but after we got there and made the first stop I just didn’t feel right so we stopped for a late lunch and came home so I could rest more. Saturday and Sunday were just spent lounging around the house and getting the laundry done as well as watching the closing OLYMPIC ceremonies.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

This week looks like it will be beautiful, sunny and in the high 70’s. The real determinant will be wind direction and the smoke from ALL the local fires.

ON MY MIND

I got my stitches out last Wednesday, but incisions were still infected so was put on an additional week of antibiotics. I’ve been doing so well before this with staying healthy that it concerns me to be backsliding. Being immunocompromised really isn’t any fun!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING ALL up to date!
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need to pick up a few things for the desserts on Friday as well as the normal groceries for the week.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS It’s the annual Blackberry Festival this weekend with a classic car show and all things blackberry.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m starting to think forward to fall recipes. But, this week I’m concentrating on blackberry themed recipes for desserts for a friend’s fundraiser dinner on Friday.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

STREAMING SERVICES We have been watching Stargate Atlantis together and Orphan Black Echoes. Down the day I have old Macgyver and Matlock episodes playing in the background while I recuperated. Late at night we’re watching really old Night Court episodes.
CABLE Still watching the Great American Food Truck Race and the BBQ Brawl as well as a couple other cooking shows and NASCAR races.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	8/12 MONDAY	8/13 TUESDAY	8/14 WEDNESDAY	8/15 THURSDAY	8/16 FRIDAY	8/17 SATURDAY	8/18 SUNDAY
DINNER	BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN SALAD	CORN MOUSSAKA & SALAD	ROAST CHICKEN and SMOTHERED POTATOES	SPINACH BACON SALAD	BUFFALO CHICKEN SLOPPY JOES	APPLE BBQ CHICKEN SALAD	OUT for our ANNIVERSARY
DESSERT				LEMON COBBLER	BLACKBERRY PIE BARS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Here are a few of my favorites from the fair last week. The pigs are one of my favorite next to the bunnies. And my friend, Teri took 3rd place in the quilts.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS
Obviously we eat A LOT of chicken!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENUS week 22 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.148

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Good morning my friends. I’m so happy to be home and maybe back to a more normal routine this week. I hope you are all enjoying the long weekend, but also remember that this is not just a BBQ holiday. It’s a time to honor those that gave all for our country.

Honestly, I’m exhausted!!!!!! It’s been an exhausting month!!!!!! I need a vacation from my vacation!! I’m going to take a couple days to rest up and then think about what needs to be done next.

Also, I’ve spent a great deal of my time volunteering for the Eagles over the past 2 years. June 1st will bring about a “changing of the guard” in officers that I have some serious doubts about. So, I’m branching out to other organizations with my volunteer efforts. This is a good thing for me, but requires a mind change.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to get caught up on.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have to make a list and get several groceries this week when I go to town for my pedicure on Wednesday.
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS Hoping to spend Thursday and Friday getting caught up on multiple projects.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I really need to hunker down and go through several recipe piles and trim down my want to make list.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

AMAZON PRIME We started watching WAREHOUSE 13 of an evening. We really enjoyed it the first time around.
ROKU We are watching COACH reruns for hubby to fall asleep to.

Now that I’m all caught up from the trip and a non-stop week of food prep for the cribbage tournament over the holiday weekend I can finally start a new book. I STILL DREAM ABOUT YOU by Fannie Flagg.

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	BBQ BEEF PATTIES and TOMALITOS	TUSCAN CHICKEN and ASPARAGUS	CORN / YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	ORANGE TERIYAKI CHICKEN and RICE	BAKED HAM with RASPBERRY SAUCE	CORN / YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	BAVETTE STEAK in DEMI-GLACE AND SAUER POTATOES
DESSERT

I’m still sorting through all the pictures from our trip, but I did get a couple this week with my super early mornings that were particularly nice and spoke to me.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS & RECIPE LINKS week 20 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.134

**Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom**

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Ours was spent traveling and then having a wonderful late lunch with my SIL and then a late dinner with a favorite nephew and his family. I’ll be accomplishing SIL’s honey do list (mostly technological stuff – updating her cell phone, changing out her modem and router…) for the next couple days before we leave for the family reunion.

We traveled this past weekend to spend time with my SIL before the family reunion this next weekend. What a shock to the system! We were warm at home, but only for 2 hours a day. We crossed the state border and the temperature jumped almost 40 degrees at 10AM! It’s a beautiful 70 degrees here at SIL’s house.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

SIL’s choice

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	5/13 MONDAY	5/14 TUESDAY	5/15 WEDNESDAY	5/16 THURSDAY	5/17 FRIDAY	5/18 SATURDAY	5/19 SUNDAY
DINNER	SIL’S CHOICE	SIL CHOICE	SIL CHOICE	HITCHING POST with friends driving up for the night	STREET TACOS	POTLUCK	SIL’s CHOICE
DESSERT

Winter has gone on and on this year. I didn’t think we were ever going to be able to start a garden. Then this week the temps finally hit spring! The feed store was down to their last tomato starters so I bought them because they said they wouldn’t be getting anymore and am hoping for the best.

We also had an old box spring that needed disposed of. The local disposal site wouldn’t take it unless it was broken down into pieces and even then it was going to cost $18 for us to take it to them. Hubby took all the batting off and broke it down and then folded it in half so it would fit in my car for transport. It was then that the light bulb went off in my head. Let me introduce you to the new tomato cage. I think it will help support the tomato branches much better than the old cages.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS & RECIPE LINKS week 16 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.106

It’s cloudy and gray, which is no big surprise 😀 Today’s high is supposed to be around 50 or so and then clear for the rest of the week. Clear will be awesome during the day, but will bring back some cold nights. Levis and a favorite long sleeve t-shirt. I am trading in the UGG’s for tennies in hopes that spring really is here to stay.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I got caught up on all the laundry and cleaning this weekend. 😀
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I only need a few things for me this week, but I’m preparing dinner Tuesday AND Friday for the Eagles and need several things for those meals. Fortunately, I only have to cook for tomorrow and not serve. I have a hair cut and first pedicure for the season tomorrow and will pick up the groceries I need at that time.
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS My main goal today is to get caught up on this category! Yesterday I was heavy into spring cleaning and sorting through linen and bathroom type things. Another friend has been doing the same thing and my car is full of donations from the 2 of us.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m still doing a few slow cooked meals and looking for lighter spring recipes.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX I watched the BRICKLAYER an action packed CIA type movie
PRIME We’ve been watching a new series called FALLOUT with Walter Goggins – a bit weird and even raunchy in places, but intriguing too.
CABLE The DVR is pretty well cleaned up, but there are a few lingering shows to catch up on – WHEN CALLS THE HEART, SPRING BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, TRACKER, NCIS, LAW & ORDER, BLUE BLOODS, GHOSTS, YOUNG SHELDON, GOOD DOCTOR…

I’m still trying to finish THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn on my actual kindle – just can’t talk myself into walking away completely. I did start Fannie Flagg’s I STILL DREAM ABOUT YOU on my kindle phone app which I’ve been reading in waiting rooms and such.

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	4/15 MONDAY	4/16 TUESDAY	4/17 WEDNESDAY	4/18 THURSDAY	4/19 FRIDAY	4/20 SATURDAY	4/21 SUNDAY
DINNER	SLOW COOKER CHICKEN & DRESSING	OVEN BBQ CHICKEN	BAVETTE STEAK	BROWN SUGAR BOURBON PORK CHOPS	COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH	HONEY THYME PORK	CHICKEN FAJITA BOWLS
DESSERT		MARGARITA CAKE with CREAM CHEESE FROSTING			LEMON BLUEBERRY COFFEECAKE

I didn’t take many photos this week, but did see these adorable chicks up at the feed store. And these bulls were on opposite sides of the road and VERY vocal when the female came trotting up to one of them. It was fun to watch them. 😀

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 13 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.85

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Good morning my friends. I’m so glad you are joining me in my corner of blogland. Pour a cup of coffee and grab a slice of my Lemon Blueberry coffee cake (the recipe will be posted next week) while we chat. This is going to be a super busy week to end March with. And Easter will be the topper.

I’m mostly recovered from my month away, but still dealing with a few issues I haven’t unpacked mentally yet. Some things after I’ve finished unpacking them will not see the light of day and for that I refer you to my inspiration category this week. 😀

It may be spring where you are, but here we’re still having mostly winter. Spring pops in for an hour here or there, but has yet to make a notable appearance. This week is full of rain with highs near 50°. So I have yet to put away flannels, turtlenecks and UGGs.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’ll finish with the deep clean this week, but am caught up on laundry. I’m trying to clean out drawers and the closet as spring approaches.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have an appointment in town tomorrow and will pick up just a few things after.
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I have so much paperwork to catch up on! This week will be jam packed with so much to do!
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking into some spring recipes that are a bit lighter.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

We’re ALMOST caught up with the things that recorded while we were gone – TOURNAMENT of CHAMPIONS, CSI, FBI’s, CHICAGO SERIES, GOOD DOCTOR, YOUNG SHELDON, GHOSTS

I have never stopped reading a book before, but I’m about to if I can’t get done this week with THE ALICE NETWORK.

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY 3/25	TUESDAY 3/26	WEDNESDAY 3/27	THURSDAY 3/28	FRIDAY 3/29	SATURDAY 3/30	SUNDAY 3/31
DINNER	RANCHERAS CHICKEN FRIED STEAK	HERB ROASTED CHICKEN with MASHED POTATOES	TEXAS STYLE STEAKS with CHEDDAR RICE	FRIED CHICKEN SALAD	working the cribbage event at the Eagles so not cooking at home	working the cribbage event at the Eagles so not cooking at home	HAM, SCALLOPED POTATOES, GLAZED CARROTS
DESSERT		LEMON BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE					DUTCH APPLE PIE (HUBBY’S REQUEST)

It’s mating season at the Peacock Farm 😀

that said I’m loving my new shirt: 😀

Easter is upon us so here are a few color combos that I’m in love with 😀

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY weel 12 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.78

I hope you’re having a wonderful start to the week. I’m off and running as I have a ton to get done today. Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

We got home last night and it was absolutely gorgeous – 68° and sunny! Today is supposed to be the same, but the as the weather page said “Drag The Jackets Out Again; Winter Isn’t Done“! Tomorrow is supposed to dip to mid 50’s and then by Wednesday we’re back into the 40’s and really wet. Today is Levi’s and a lightweight flannel with tennies.

There is A LOT for me to “UNPACK” both physically AND mentally from the past 3 weeks. I’m not really ready to go there yet here on the blog, but I am glad I did the “right” thing.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have 3 weeks worth of laundry to do and some general cleaning.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS There is literally NOTHING in the refrigerator so my first stop will be the grocery store.
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS It will take a few days to get all my ducks in a row and get back on track. At least they are all in the same pond this week.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING This week is planned, but I’m going to start some spring recipe research for some lighter versions of our favorites.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

We have a mess load of shows to catch up on the DVR. We watched a few movies while we were gone though. A couple I’m surprised I didn’t catch the first time – UPGRADED, The OTHER ZOEY, ALIENS ABDUCTED MY PARENTS, HITCH, OVERBOARD, THE PROPOSAL…

I’m about half way through THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn – I’m really enjoying books about WWII, especially about women spies. And especially when it covers multiple time periods in history as in this case both WWI AND WWII.

“1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She’s also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie’s parents banish her to Europe to have her “little problem” taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she’s recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she’s trained by the mesmerizing Lili, code name Alice, the “queen of spies,” who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy’s nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. That is until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn’t heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth . . . no matter where it leads.”

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL SOUP	TOMATILLO CHICKEN	CHICKEN FRIED STEAK RANCHERAS	CABBAGE BEEF SOUP	HAM & BEANS with BUTTER BISCUITS	POT ROAST & VEGGIES	LEMON HERB ROAST CHICKEN
DESSERT		BUTTERMILK DEVILS FOOD SHEET CAKE

I still have a bunch of pictures to edit from the trip, but a few of my favorites are from The Cadillac Ranch.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 20 of 2018

Good Morning sweet ladies. Happy Belated Mother’s Day. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was quiet, but productive with last minute touch ups, grocery shopping and watching a couple movies and the NASCAR races.

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 & WHAT I’M WEARING – The sun is shinning, bu it’s beginning to get more and more sticky out there (which I hate). We’re predicted with high 90’s and high corresponding humidity all week and no rain in sight! I have on Levi’s pedal pushers and a comfy t-shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Peach yogurt, green tea and a handful of honey nut cheerios

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – none at the moment

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – Oh my, where to begin? Let me just say the list is long, blessed and heading in the right direction.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – All I took this past week was food photos 😀

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
LIVING AREAS… LOL you’re kidding right? there are boxes EVERYWHERE
KITCHEN… pretty clean and still empty
YARD… nothing much – hubby does need to mow one more time and use the vinegar mix on the weeds trying to come up along the pavers.
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING AND ON MY WAIT PILE

I’M READING Debra Clopton’s Windswept Bay series – Book #2 Somewhere with You

IN THE WAIT PILE TO READ

BARBARA FREETHY’S PERILOUS TRUST

MOVIES and/or SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED – We rented Justice League and Humanity Bureau from Red Box and are trying to clean out the DVR of old shows.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

COMEDIES – Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Life in Pieces, The Good Place, American Housewife

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, Dancing With the Stars

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, Southern at Heart

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – EVERYTHING is packed so there will be no crafting until late June or so when I start the Christmas gifts and cards

WHERE I’VE BEEN SURFING ON THE NET – This article, 10 “Notes to Self” that Will Stop You from Taking Things Personally REALLY spoke to me with some wonderful messages I needed to hear. Here a few that spoke louder to me.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	TAHITI CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	LEMON FIZZ CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	FRENCH ONION SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	OUT	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES
SUNDAY	BACON & EGGS	PROTEIN DRINK	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, TUNA SALAD OR ??	PORK CARNITAS TAMALES	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

MAPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL CAKE with OOEY GOOEY COCONUT TOPPING
UPDATED KENTUCKY HOT BROWN CASSEROLE
LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN
TAHITIAN CHICKEN
PULLED PORK TACOS
FRENCH ONION SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 11 of 2018

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I had a productive weekend planned and it all went out the window when my sweet Thai neighbor asked me to go shopping with her at her favorite Asian market. I thought sure, I could use a quick trip to the market. WHOA, it turned out to be more like a trip to Disneyland – so many colors and new things to see. I picked up a few new vegetables I’ve never tried before and a jar of Jack Fruit which I originally saw on Guy’s Grocery Games when Damaris Phillips said she regularly use it as a meat substitute for her vegetarian husband. So many of the products had zero English so I couldn’t even recognize what they were or what to do with them. But, oh what a learning experience!

Hubby and I watched a couple NASCAR races and did a little sorting for donation items and packing others for the upcoming move. I’m still having some low blood pressure issues that left me napping quite a bit on Saturday. 🙁 I REALLY want my energy and strength back!!!

We’re really sad about Whiskey, Sady and Gunner. Losing them all within 7 months despite their advanced age was hard, but we just realized this weekend how much easier traveling will be and the freedom to do what we want, when we want for awhile. We’ve decided to put things into storage for 6 months or so and take some time for me to use the gym and the pool this summer to get my strength and energy back before we really starting searching for the next project.

So on to Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

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 ALL over the place lately. It was 65 on Thursday and 90 by Saturday and back to 60 today. It’s all about layers right now! The rest of the week is supposed to be quite nice, but the weather changes all too frequently around here to depend on it.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Protein drink and green tea

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We took a day trip last Thursday to Galveston since this week will be spring break and we will avoid EVERYWHERE! It was EXTREMELY overcast so pictures did not turn out very good, but hubby insisted I get in one for a change. We ate at Bubba Gumps and it was HORRIBLE, but made for a good picture. I guess we’ll just have to go back to my favorite Bubba Gumps in Honolulu 😀 I also found this colorful drugstore wooden Indian.

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… just a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… clean but cluttered as I’ve been packing and sorting
KITCHEN… pretty clean for now
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning, link party research and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TV / DVR

There are a few new shows starting this week, but it’s way too soon to tell what will make the cut.

I’m now reading Fatal Chaos by Marie Force and am just about to finish so not sure what I’m moving onto.

COMEDIES

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

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

	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	BASIC OMELETTES	S.O.S.
SNACK 2X a day	PROTEIN DRINK
LUNCH 2-4 oz. PROTEIN	GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST or YOGURT with FRUIT
DINNER 2-4 oz. PROTEIN and small salad	BALSAMIC MOZZARELLA CHICKEN with marinated artichokes and grape tomatoes	CHICKEN CESAER SALAD with ANCHOVY CROUTONS	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	TACO SALAD CASSEROLE	BUFFALO HASSELBACK CHICKEN and CELERY SALAD	BROWN BOX MEATLOAF and HONEY ROASTED CARROTS

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

I’m now reading J ana Deleon’s UNSEEN, book #5 in the Shaye Archer mystery series.

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

Tag: MENU PLANS