MENU PLANS – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

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

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

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

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
BLOG… some 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 MONDAY week 48 of 2017

I hope you had as great a Thanksgiving as we did. It was a day full of relaxation, food and football. It was a small gathering this year for us. My uncle came for dinner and brought a yummy apple pie with Marble Slab Vanilla Ice Cream – YUMMY! The weekend was quiet – we NEVER do Black Friday anyway, but being in isolation in the house made it seem quieter than normal. I did tape AND watch several Christmas movies as well as eat some yummy leftovers which are in my opinion the best part of Thanksgiving.

When I was a kid, the Friday after Thanksgiving was the day we put up our Christmas tree, ate turkey sandwiches and started wrapping Christmas presents. Well, this year we put up decorations, ate HOT turkey sandwiches and relaxed. Living in a BIG city this year I avoid shopping on Mondays, Fridays and weekends so it was nice to have a LONG relaxing weekend.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

While it has been more pleasant recently there are still a few days this week projected in the 80’s with higher humidity, but I have realized this is my current norm and won’t change until we move.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Pomegranates and cucumber salad with Green Tea

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… part of the deep clean today
STUDIO… is mainly storage pending our move so nothing going on there
YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
ERRANDS…hospital pre-op blood and xrays Wednesday, grocery shopping, drugstore and Target
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and BLOGMAS post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I finally finished reading the Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles book 8 in her Dare Valley Series. I will continue her series with book #9 Calendar of New Beginnings as I’m enjoying it, but for a bit of change I switched over to Marie Force’s Green Mountain #8 Can’t Buy Me Love.

BIG BANG THEORY and the new 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
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, GUY’S RANCH

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	FRUIT & COFFEE	SCRAMBLED EGGS	TATER TOT WAFFLE BACON CHEESE SANDWICHES	QUICHE
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP	MEAT ROLL-UPS	SALAD	MEAT & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.
DINNER	TURKEY TETTRAZINI	HOT TURKEY SANDWICHES	PORK CHOPS & STUFFING	CHILI DOGS and DEVILED POTATO SALAD	MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES	MEATLOAF and PARMESAN STACKERS	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

10 days until surgery – FINALLY! Who would think I’d actually be looking forward to such a thing? After the past 13 months I will be so relieved to have it over that I’m actually glad it’s almost here! I’m trying to get things done a month ahead to make life easier for hubby ESPECIALLY with Christmas in the middle!.

We mixed and match our recliners (since the backs come off so easy these days) so I would have the most comfortable parts in the bedroom since I’ll still be sleeping in a recliner for the next several weeks.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

On of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers! 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.

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Tag: MENU PLANS