Happy Homemaker Monday

We are greatly anticipating outdoor spring activities and garden prep.  Not to mention the finishing of the new coop.  I already have a plan in place for moving the chickens.

We have friends that just sold their house, bought an RV and are living/traveling in the RV now.  I'll admit, it sounds interesting, and could imagine a life with a lot less taxes.

I'm on the hunt for Arnica cream/lotion.  Sigh.  Just trying to avoid buying all the ingredients to make it.  If you know of a resource, be sure to comment.  By the way, I have tried to grow arnica here a few times, and with no success for some reason.

We had unexpected guests all weekend, so I feel like we did not get much done around here.  We did manage to pick up a few bales of straw (at a high price), from a farm store for now.  We are having trouble locating a larger amount from a local farmer, for the chickens.  We've sent a few messages, so we are waiting for responses.  

We also managed to pick up the light we needed for the hallway ceiling.  The online inventory stated they had 5 in stock, but when we arrived that was not the case.  We will still need one more light fixture.  

 

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Somehow I missed last week, but nothing much was news-worthy.  I apologize for the length of this post today.  I hope you have a hot cup of java or tea to get you to the end.

The weather . . .

The weekend was very cold, with Sunday morning being a windchill of 18°F.  Today we are to hit the lower 60's, and then we lower again to the 50's with nights in the 30's.  All of our daffodils that bloomed so far, and now laying flat.  I am hoping the remainder of them still bloom.

Right now I am . . .

Sipping coffee, and writing out a to-do list, and getting early morning laundry started.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I'm considering other herbs to infuse  for healthy ice teas.  Does anyone else make tea infusions for health?

I'm working on high protein, healthy snack options.  I borrowed some "clean" snack cookbooks from the library, but more than half the recipes call for protein powder.  I want real food ideas.  I do  have some eggs waiting in the fridge to boil in a few weeks.  

How I am feeling . . .

Pretty good.  We've been welcoming spring with some nettle/oat straw tea infusions (served iced), and ending the evenings with hot tea and squeezed lemons.  

On the breakfast plate . . .

Our most recent breakfast, and our favorite.  I could literally eat this every morning!  My husband said, that when he was reheating his at work, everyone asked what he was eating (it smelled that good!).  I'll make a post to share how I made this.  It a bit of work, but it lasts for a few days too.  Not sure what we'll have this week yet.

On the lunch plate . . .

Slice of organic sourdough bread, with fresh made peanut butter, and banana slices.  The organic bananas that we've purchased the last few times, have tasted weird.

On the dinner plate . . .

Not sure yet.  It may be a new recipe, or it could be something easy like grilled cheese and home canned tomato soup.

On the menu . . .

-Stuffed pepper pizzas, sliced apples

-Sheet pan chicken dinner, veggies

-Crockpot meatballs, oven roasted mushrooms/asparagus

I have several new recipes to try.  I am working on our freezer stash, so hence new recipes to indulge in. 

On the reading pile . . .

Another book passed on to me from my Mom, that was on a bookshelf.  I'm not a big fan of romance novels, but I am giving it a try.  So far, it's slow going.  Mom wrote the sticky note that is still on the front of it.  I have tucked it inside, so I can pass the book on when I am done.  Hopefully I will finish it.  I used to buy up all of the Love Inspired books at our library book sale and deliver them to her.  I guess I should have known that one would make its way back to me.  

New to the bookshelf.  Gulp.  Yes, I said "new" to the shelf, but I have a large box filling up with finished books to donate soon.

On the TV this week . . .

Western movies.

Looking around the house . . .

The kitchen is looking fantastic for once.  Other than our tote of painting supplies still hanging around.  I'll be moving it later this week.

On the to-do list . . .

-laundry

-sweep/mop

-dust

-water plants

-paint interior side of door to garage 

For the week . . .

-wash down kitchen island

-wash down kitchen cupboards

-wash two more windows downstairs

-wash and clean upstairs windows

From the camera . . .

Despite snow and colder weather, the green onion is springing back to life in the herb garden.  Note:  I took this photo before the weekend snow buried them lol!

What I am crocheting . . .

I'm not quite done with this throw, but it's coming along.  There are many hours of hard work involved with this project.  I use an "H" hook, so there is a lot of stitching and a lot of yarn used.  Cold days are coming to an end, so my goal is to finish it before it gets too hot to work on it.

My current project for when I need a break on the large throw pictured first on this project list.  The only one that got a baby carriage robe from me was our grandson who passed away suddenly at the age of 4 months.  I think I used purple and blue in his blanket.  

There are so many babies being born on my husband's side of the family, that I cannot keep up with crocheted gifts.  Anyway, I am making this carriage blanket with yarn in my stash, to work on using up the stash yarn.  I may be adding baby booties, but for now, I am using up some baby blue and light brown yarn to make this blanket.

My current go-to project for on-the-road traveling - baby washcloths in white.  I have yellow-ish yarn, multi-colored yarn and white.  I have zero in any blue for this project.  I do not want to buy yarn right now either, so white is being used (all 100% cotton, light weight, discontinued yarn).

I completely forgot about this square doily.  I am back at working a row a day (when I can or remember).  It takes more concentration, no interruptions, and some reading eyeglasses to get those fine stitches to look good.

The two unfinished projects that were taken apart - thin dishcloth (these never sold at the craft shows anyway), and a flip flip key fob.  The keyfobs were to be sold at a store on the island, where my camper ornaments were sold, but that store closed last year.

Devotional, Bible Verse, Prayers . . .

Prayers for the tornado victims, from the tornados that came through our state and caused much destruction.

Happy Homemaker Monday 3-25-2024  © Mar 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

March rolled in quicker than expected.  It brought rain, cloudy skies, followed by some warmer weather.  The tree buds are already over winter.

Our green onions are starting to produce new growth with all the recent rain, and the sight is welcoming.

The weather was nice enough to grill out for dinner.  

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

Well, they say it will be a high of 74°F and sunny today, then we cool back down the rest of the week.

Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee late, and posting this blog post.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Wondering if we are getting thunderstorms today.  

How I am feeling . . .

Good!

On the breakfast plate . . .

I'm thinking I'll make a ham and cheese crust-less quiche, to use ham we froze, and some garden zucchini we froze as well. I'll toss in some of those frozen garden green peppers too.

On the lunch menu . . .

Not sure yet.

On the dinner menu . . .

Not sure yet.

On the menu . . . 

(concentrating on what's in the freezer/pantry this week)

-homemade meatballs in home canned tomato sauce (with dollops of ricotta), over frozen and thawed garden spaghetti squash, and roasted frozen garden green beans

-Italian sausage pasta dish (with green lentil pasta), with added frozen asparagus and frozen garden bell peppers, roasted rutabaga

-chicken salad (chicken from the freezer) for lunches, made with home canned sweet pickle and hot pepper relishes

-strawberry bread, using frozen strawberries from last summer

On my reading pile . . .

On my TV . . .

Willie Nelson Movies - Red Headed Stranger

Looking around the house . . .

We got one coat of paint on the interior hallway garage and entry doors done.  They'll need a second coat.

On the to-do list . . .

-clean microwave
-dishes
-muck coop

-library returns

From the camera . . .

What I am crocheting . . .

I forgot to get photos.  Will get an update in another blogpost soon.

Devotional, Bible Verses, Prayers . . .

If you sent up prayers for our youngest daughter, she is feeling much better and back to work.  Thank you!

Happy Homemaker Monday  ~ Update  © Mar 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

 Today is definitely a "happy" homemaker day.  Waking up to new floors in the hall and the kitchen is a game changer.  It really brightened up the house.  If you didn't see the photos of the hallway progress, you can see the post HERE.  

Today is the last Monday of February 2024.  How will you be spending your day today?  Time flies by way too fast.

We are getting a lot finished on the to-do list, and boy it feels great.  No more pattern binders piled in the living room, another lap afghan finished, kitchen blinds/windows cleaned, and so forth.  We still have a bit of work in the hall, but it's 98% done!

We haven't decided on the next course of action, but with spring around the corner, we may be back to working on our waist high, raised beds (a project from last spring).  There is the complete garage clean out, and the drywall repair/new outlet and window project too, to think about.  

I think I forgot to buy new seeds for some winter squash for this years garden, so I need to get on that before the week is over.

Also, in the process of moving the refrigerator, I realized how many printed recipes I had on the side (with magnet clips).  Oh boy.  They have been there for a few years.  I guess I just forgot about them, and secondly, I just don't have the time to try them all.   Some are tried recipes, but for the most part are recipes to try.  Once again, I let them pile up.  A very bad habit of mine.  It's on the purge/clean list for the week.

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

The sun will be out, but the rain moves in tonight.  It will be warming up too.

Right now I am . . .

Brewing another pot of coffee.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I had to toss out the plastic floor mat, that was under my computer chair (in the kitchen).  I'm considering replacing it to protect the flooring, but stores here do not carry the clear ones, or any for that matter, for non-carpet floors.  I had to buy the last one online.  My husband says we really don't need one, but the wheels do put wear and tear on the flooring.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired, but a good tired.

On the breakfast plate . . .

I'm thinking I will bake Cheddar and Chili Egg Casserole.

And blueberry link sausages.

On the lunch plate . . .

?

On the dinner plate . . .

I put about a half batch of a new recipe in the crockpot.  It'll be a side for tonight's yet-to-decide dinner.  I'll let you know if it's good.  The original recipe calls for 5 sweet potatoes and 3 onions.  Hence why I made a half batch of this.  I used frozen jalapenos from last years garden.

On the menu . . .

Again, I didn't have time to plan this yet.  I will work on this today.  I'm going to base my menu on what's in the freezer.  Stay tuned.

On my reading pile . . .

On my TV . . .

Whatever looks interesting.

Looking around the house . . .

 The kitchen was swept and mopped, and everything is finally moved back in their place.  We used those felt mover pads, and it worked for most of it.  We'll add felt floor protectors to the legs too. 

To-do List . . .

-breakfast for the next few days 
-sweep/mop the rest of the floors
-dishes
-any laundry left from the weekend
-put trash out

For the week:

-prime hallway entry door

From the camera . . .

Yikes!  I have nothing to share today, other than my crochet projects below.

What I am crocheting . . .

Finished this lap afghan.  The idea is to only use yarn I have, so the top and bottom are different gray colors, but it worked.

I'm back to working on this blanket, while the weather is cooler, but on warmer days I am not.

Devotional, Bible Verses, Prayers. . .

Prayers for our youngest, as she is sick and the doctor was unsure of what was the cause of it is.  I delivered her some homemade ginger-ale, but she is still pretty sick.

Happy Homemaker Monday  © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Kitchen ~ Pattern Binder Purge

 

Friday was an extremely foggy day.  I was a bit worried about my husband's drive to work. By 11am, the fog had lifted.

My husband and I were not happy with the glue-down flooring that was installed in the kitchen, after half of the floor was torn out for joist replacements and new subfloor over a year ago.  it was coming up, spreading apart and dirt was sticking in the cracks.

A wrench in my winter hallway repairs, but the flooring was on sale, and the installers were free, so my husband made arrangements.

On Wednesday, we emptied the entire kitchen, other than the refrigerator.  The flooring/installers were to arrive at 10-11am Thursday to install (same flooring as hallway).  Around noon, I am notified that they are not going to make it.  Friday they arrived, but had to come back on Saturday to finish up.  Hence my delay on posting.

During my waiting process, I had collected all of the pattern binders (but one), purged them all, tossed out what was junk, and gave away a pile of unwanted patterns.   Whew!  Project binder purge is DONE!  Checked off the to-do list! 

In the process of re-flooring the kitchen, we removed the only base board electrical heater and a new electrical outlet was installed.  We do not need the heater, and it was malfunctioning anyway (a hazard if left installed). 

New floor trim was installed where the heater was, and I had to paint a bit, but it all looks great.

I would say 90% of the hallway, and kitchen floor trim was re-installed. I painted the kitchen trim, so that saved us money, but we needed trim for the hallway.

Also, the computer chair, at our kitchen desk area had to be replaced.  I was not prepared for that expense.

Kitchen ~ Pattern Binder Purge  © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

Do any of you own one of those box style choppers, that also work as a mandolin?  I have a hand chopper and food processer, but I'm thinking the box chopper would be easier to use, and wash and store.  It could utilize it in the camper as well.

I'm just thinking ahead for garden season, when we bring in tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and the like.  I need to replace my mandolin this year, so I'm curious about this type of chopper/mandolin.

I have been getting outside for fresh air as often as I can. I think this is mentally and physically important.  Whether it is to pick up trash thrown in the yard from people driving by, to muck the coop, pick up or clean up the porch/patio, or ...

...to simply put on a jacket and sip a hot beverage and sit and enjoy the sunshine.

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

We still have a bit of snow on the ground, but we are to get up into the 50's again this week.

Right now I am . . .

Drinking coffee, and writing this post.

Thinking and pondering . . .

What project to do next.  We need to paint the master bathroom, and we also need to install a window in another room, with drywall repair work and a new electrical outlet.  We may be hiring someone for the window/drywall job.  Depends on if we are close to a finish on the hallway before the end of the month.

How I am feeling . . .

Terrific.  I did buy an elbow brace for my aching elbow (from slipping on ice while stepping out of the truck).

We make ourselves goals, we give ourselves rewards, and my husband said he hasn't felt this good in maybe 30 years.  

Last weeks pamper me moment?  Painted my nails at the end of a very nasty weather day.  Dressed up and went out for breakfast one day.

On the breakfast plate . . .

A new recipe!!  Breakfast Lasagna!  It's a layer of scrambled eggs, a different type of sausage gravy, applegate low sodium/no sugar ham, and cheeses.  I'll post my review on this later this week (to keep this post short, ha ha!).

On the lunch plate . . .

Leftovers.

On the dinner plate . . .

Not sure just yet.  It could be leftovers again.

On the menu. . .

Breakfast:  Einkorn Pumpkin Pancakes, maybe bacon to go with them?  Blueberries.  

-Mexican Lasagna, Crockpot creamed Corn (using frozen off the cob corn)

-Meatball casserole (using homemade frozen meatballs, that are made with oats vs. bread crumbs, home canned sauce, and some cheeses, Green Beans (also from the garden freezer goodies)

-Spaghetti squash pesto chicken, veggie side (maybe roasted rutabaga)

-Leftovers

On my reading pile . . .

I needed a break from reading the Leslie Meier series.   I am about half way into this book, and I am very much enjoying it.

On my TV . . .

Anything that looks good.

Looking around the house . . .

I'll have an update on the hallway progress this week.  It's coming along nicely.

One box of donations was packed and delivered.  We donated to a Habitat Restore, as the items were used light fixtures, switch plates and the like.  

I have another box started for donations, but it's not full enough to deliver.

To-do list . . .

-clean the washing mashing filter

My washing machine filter is not exactly easy to clean.  This is what it looks like after I remove the full bottom panel under the front loading door (some of you have a cute little access door).  You can see the filter is behind wires, and is back inside, making it much more difficult to get a bucket under it to catch the water that comes out.  I will be looking to see where the filter is when we ever do need to buy a new washing machine.  Did you know that you should clean your washing machine filter 4 times a year?  I don't clean ours that often.  There is just the two of us, and no pets, so the filter stays pretty clean.

-laundry after the washer is put back together
-prepare a few days of breakfast
-dust

-sweep/mop floors

-sort more yarn totes

-prime side hallway entry door (the inside of it for now)

-pick up hallway floor trim

Deep clean for the week:

-finish cleaning the kitchen blinds/windows

From the camera . . .

What I am crocheting . . .

I posted an update on handiwork yesterday.  You can see the post HERE.  

I also started another lap afghan, but these will dwindle as the weather warms up.  I will switch to projects for me/us when the cold weather leaves.

On-the-go projects are baby wash clothes for gifting, an XL pot holder for our own kitchen (all these years I never made one for us), and eventually baby booties to gift.

Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses. . .

Psalm 28:7

"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."

Happy Homemaker Monday  © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

One step forward, two steps back ~ 3 Ingredient Crackers ~ Red Lentil Crackers

 

I dropped my readers, while looking up at the ceiling for some reason, and they fell off my head. Ha!  I've been using them this way for a few days now.  I hope to replace them soon.

I feel like the hallway repairs/renovations are one step forward, and two back lately.  First, we are painstakingly painting a second coat of paint to all of the trim in the hallway.  The hall gets a lot of light, and I'll be honest, the second coat does look a lot better.  It will take some time to complete that job now.  

Next up, we discovered that one outlet is not working at all, and another is on the fritz.  We will be replacing both of those in the hallway too.

I am a journal junkie, and yes we have a home journal.  I have been good at taking notes, and stapling/or taping the paint chips on appropriate room pages.  I log the store, the cost, and sometimes include the receipt.  If we need to touch up paint or buy new anything, it's been written down for future reference.  If you are repairing or renovating, I highly suggest getting one for your own home.

I made the 3-ingredient crackers again, and this time I used my silicone mat for the first 15 minute bake.  The recipe states to flip them onto another baking sheet with parchment paper.

The dough sticks to these too, so I guess use parchment paper to avoid more things to wash.  I still like these the best so far, but it is pretty difficult to get the entire dough thin enough to bake crisp. I even put the thicker ones back in the oven and they did not crisp up this time.

Welcome to my kitchen, where I try recipes, so you don't have to - Red Lentil Crackers.  They are less fuss, bake nice, and are crisp.  There are several recipes out there, and this one I tried did not have a lot of flavor.  Look for a recipe with more spices/herbs if you try these.  They are thicker, so I'd spread it out much thinner, but they are very crisp (some are too crisp in my opinion).

The last trip to the grocery store, I found some organic cucumbers again.  We made my quick chicken salad, and love these.  It's been light meals here lately with all the work, but healthy meals.

In a quick pinch, I mix organic canned chicken with organic mayo, and a bit of home canned hot pepper relish, and a bit of sweet pickle relish.  I did not have any red grapes, or would have added those, and I did not add a boiled egg, as we had egg salad for another meal.  If I have celery, I dice some of that too.

Did I share this tip?  I save the lids off of our organic mayo (I don't make it fresh in winter when the eggs are in low production).  The lids fit perfect for when I open a jar of hot/sweet pepper relish.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The lack of sunshine was dragging us down, but we finally got a full day of it Sunday.  We didn't have time to go get the hallway flooring over the weekend, but that is okay.  If you have done repairs and renovations, you know it's best to start at the top and work down, and get all of the painting done before the flooring goes in.  We are not done painting.

 Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

We are excited to hear we may reach the high 50's, and possibly 60° later this week.  Perfect weather to paint the door to the garage and possibly side door (interior side of the doors).  They forcasted "freezing fog" for this morning.  I have never heard of that.

Right now I am . . .

Making a 2nd pot of coffee and finishing this post.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I'm thinking about purging another bookshelf, that contains mostly books on grammar, writing, and writing skills.  I had a moment in my life, where I wrote freelance articles, and it was fun.  I have not had the ambition, motivation, nor energy to continue that path, so the books may be purged.

How I am feeling . . .

My fingernails are down to the quick from washing walls and window trim.  I am constantly applying hand cream too.  Otherwise, pretty happy with our repairs and hallway progress.  My elbow is sore from constant work (the one I fell on the ice).

My hair is much softer from using the homemade hair detangler.  It is said it will repair damaged ends, so I hope to have a good update in a month or so.

On the breakfast plate . . .

French toast made with Ezekiel bread, blueberry sausages and scrambled eggs.

On the menu . . .

I have absolutely no idea, ha ha!  I will be working on that later this morning.

On my reading pile . . .

I'm still reading this book, although with all of the painting going on here, I have had zero time to read it.

On the TV this week . . .

YouTube videos on fixing dog scratches on a fiberglass door.  I have just learned about dog scratch protection panels that you can simply stick on your doors to prevent them from causing damage.  I wish I knew about these before the dogs here (over the years) damaged the door.

Movies on Netflix

Looking around the house . . .

Excited to purge more.  I donated all of my display stands (took 3 boxes) to a local thrift store (not a chain thrift).  I'm going to start purging books in my "office" in between repairs/renovations.

I also got rid of a large box of large plastic Easter eggs.  I bought them for an "adult" egg hunt, but year after year, the rain and mud prevented it.  

The new smoke alarm was installed in the hallway, ceiling paint touched up in a few areas, walls were spackled and sanded, and hallway windows primed and painted one coat.  It will take a second coat before we paint the walls.  The wood trim was just so dark in color.  Both drywall patched areas were re-installed and mudded in (and drying).

On the to-do list . . .

-clean veggie/fruit drawers in fridge

-dust living room, Master bath/bedroom

-wash bedding

-sweep and mop Master bath/bedroom

For the week, deep cleaning:

-wash kitchen blinds and windows, wash valances

From the camera . . .

To save money on paint tape, we are using this tool to prime and paint around the window trim edges. It takes longer, but paint tape is not cheap either.  Photo is the beginning of priming the window trim.

Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses. . .

Happy Homemaker Monday © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart