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

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

A sunrise from last week.  We've been blessed with some beautiful sunrises lately.  We actually grilled out on Sunday.  It was slightly chilly, but the sun was out.

Do you remember my post on the Butterscotch Sugar cookies (from a Joanne Fluke book)?  I froze some of them, to see if they froze well, and they do!  Just sharing in case you like to have something in the freezer for unexpected guests, or need to quickly take a treat to someone.

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

The weather. . .

Highs in the 40's and lows in the 20's for the week.

Right now I am . . .

Making a pot of coffee.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Butter beans.  Do you use butter beans?  I do.  I have to order them online, as our stores here do not carry them.  Weird right?  I see that Meijer sells them (via looking online), but they add sugar to their canned beans for some reason.  Do you have access to butter beans (organic, non-gmo)?  I currently by Eden Butter beans (USA grown, only contains Kombu seaweed for better digestion).

Just when I am thinking of purging some writing books, a "freelancing" article comes up in my reading list today.  Hm.

So many blogs I follow/followed have ended or are coming to an end lately.  I go to where my reading page is and there is mostly blogs on crochet or writing anymore.

How I am feeling . . .

Coffee made, music on, and ready to tackle the day.

On the breakfast plate . . .

-Breakfast:  Egg/Sausage/Cheese breakfast sandwiches, coffee

On the lunch plate . . .

Maybe chicken salad/boiled egg, grapes.

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken quesadillas possibly.

On the menu . . .

-Southern Beefy Skillet (Eating Well Recipe, formally from Diabetic Living), but the recipe does not list the tomato sauce in the ingredients, so read the entire recipe and instructions first.

-Pork loin, roasted green beans, and wild rice blend, made with organic stock and pre-blanched kale.  Home canned BBQ sauce to pour over the pork over rice blend.

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

Beverage:  a gallon of homemade iced green tea infused with dehydrated spearmint from the garden.  Did you know spearmint is good for helping memory?  I just learned this.

When the current Mediterranean Orzo salad is gone, I plan to make another salad.

On my reading pile . . .

Thanks to two 65°F days (and mostly sunny) that lured me to the porch to actually sit and read, I finished this book.  

Currently reading this:

I also borrowed some interesting books from our library. 

 The "swap" book has some very interesting ideas in it.  I'm still waiting on a Sally Fallon book, and it is taking forever to get a copy from the library.  I thought for sure I owned a copy, but I do not.  I'm hoping it comes in soon.

On the TV this week . . .

Movies:  The Ice Road

Looking around the house. . .

What I purged - 16 books, 1 pair of 1.50 readers, 1 cast iron griddle, and gave away the last of my nail polish Christmas tree ornaments to a friend who does nails for a living (she loved them).

The house is pretty tidy, as we had guests over the weekend.

I'm very slowly purging items from the office, which may end up not an office.  That is topic for "thinking and pondering" I guess.

I finished giving my quilt rack a fresh coat of paint, and it's back up on a wall.  I am looking for a new quilt now.  The current one does not match (it's a knock off, cheap version quilt)

The to-do list . . .

-put another paint chip in the home journal
-order propane
-place an order for items I cannot get in the grocery store

-laundry

-dishes, run dishwasher

For the week (moved from last week, as I did not get it done)

-clean kitchen window, window blinds, wash curtains

-the hallway project is still on-going

From the camera . . .

I finished this lap afghan. It is packaged up to donate to the senior center.   I started another.  I keep getting notified (by friends) that there is a need for shawls for a group in our state called Shawls of Support for organ/tissue/eye donors.  One specific wanted purple ones.  I have yet to check my yarn stash, but the senior center was thrilled to get what I have already donated, I really would like to finish a few more lap afghans for them, before winter is over.  Then again, they may be able to use them in the summer if they have the AC on too.  Anyway, there are two great ways to help others with my yarn stash.

Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses. . .

It's not a prayer or bible verse, but a strongly written statement.   It's possibly encouragement to someone today.

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

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

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weekend weather was not too bad on Saturday, but boy it turned nasty on Sunday.  Wind, rain, and cold air moved in.  

I can't believe January 2024 is already coming to an end.  Where in the world did this month go?  I know I was/and still am consumed with painting, repairing drywall, and other winter work.

My husband insisted on getting out to put my books in the little free library for me.  It was pouring down rain and snow (sleet).

I spent one morning sorting garden seeds, making a plan, and sent out orders.  Shipping is free with Baker Creek in the USA, but High Mowing is a whopping $11.95 and Territorial is $8.95!  My plan is to save more seeds this season.

I spent one day running errands, and delivered 3 crocheted lap afghans and 3 jar openers to the senior center.  The folks that receive "meals on wheels" are offered a trivia contest, and one person/couple wins each month.  A basket of sorts is donated, and given to the winner(s).  Last year I donated one blanket, and this year I was able to get 3 finished.  It will provide for the trivia winners for 3 months.

I also took two bags of books to the thrift store.  

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

The weather . . .

High of 37° and low of 31°F, very little possibility of rain (thankful for that after several days of rain).

Right now I am . . .

Writing up this post, brewing more coffee

Thinking and pondering . . .

What color to paint the hallway.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired.  More like just can't wait to get this hallway done.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Not sure yet.

On the lunch plate . . .

Smoked pulled pork, baked beans 

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken, side veggie 

On the menu . . .

-Healthy Casserole with Beef and Lentils

-Sheet pan pork loin, brussel sprouts and apples

-Leftovers

-Snack, no bake energy bites

-Breakfast: Einkorn Ricotta Pancakes, Sausage patties, Scrambled eggs

What I am wearing . . .

Still in jammies, running late this morning.

On the reading pile . . .

On the TV . . .

Youtube videos on how to repair/replace larger drywall areas. 

Movies on either Netflix or Amazon.

Looking around the house . . .

Everything is looking good.  Other than I need to wash and clean the kitchen blinds (adding it to the winter project list).

To-do list . . .

-laundry
-make a breakfast that will last a few days
-sweep and mop floors

-run dishwasher

-clean bathrooms, wash a rug in one

For the week:

-work on the upstairs flooring 

-continue priming/painting in the hallway (doors/windows)

-whittle away at blog drafts:  I apparently had grand intentions on some things that are not going to happen, ha ha!

From the camera . . .

Two ingredient waffle - 2 Tbsp. peanut butter and one egg.  Mix and pour into a mini waffle maker.  Pretty good, but not low in calories or fat.  I just made us one each to try.  These would be good for a camping trip with some hiking involved.

Devotional, prayers, Bible Verses . . . 

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

Happy Homemaker Monday

Sunday weather started out at 12°F (wind chill of 5°F).  It was snowing as well.

Stray cat chasing a bird?   I have not seen any cats around here lately.  Interesting.  

 

 

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

The Weather . . .

19°F  with a wind chill of 8°F

Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee and posting this blog post.

Thinking and pondering . . .

If you have chickens, are you team "fill the roosts with straw/bedding"  or nothing team?  We put straw in ours, and our eggs are clean.  I was given some eggs a few weeks ago (team nothing in the roosts), and the eggs were very dirty.  Also, since I have not been putting straw in the roosts, they are laying on the floor of the coop, so I'm going back to putting straw inside the roosts.

How I am feeling . . .

Pretty good.

On the breakfast plate . . .

(before they cooled completely)

Egg/sage sausage/cheese cups to go with an oatmeal bake.  When I bake the egg cups, I like to put the solid ingredients in each cup first, then mix up the 6 eggs, 1/4 cup heavy cream (I used Greek plain yogurt and a splash of  milk, salt/pepper and 1/2 tsp. baking powder, and evenly pour it over the other ingredients.  It's just so much easier to evenly distribute the ingredients.  I baked this for 18-20 minutes at 350°F.

By the way, this helps make one pound of sausage make more meals.  I used 1 cup cooked sausage and 1 cup or less of pepper jack cheese that I hand shredded.

Also, I know they are not cheap, but I use parchment cups, because no matter what I grease my pan with, they always stick.

On the lunch plate . . .

Leftovers.

On the dinner plate . . .

Meatballs over wild rice, asparagus or green beans

On the menu . . .

-Cabbage Lasagna

-crock pot meatballs over wild rice or quinoa, roasted green beans
-Chicken sheet pan dinner

-leftovers

-Breakfast:  Egg/ham/cheese low carb quesadillas, Egg/sausage cups, pumpkin pancakes

On the reading pile . . .

Still reading this book.  I'm just lacking reading mojo lately.

On my TV . . .

Netflix - This is Us.

Looking around the house . . . 

One more day of painting, and I will have finished another door.  I have also managed to get more door trim painted.

I'm in full swing on the hallway project as well.  It was the "drop station" for all things that had to be moved for carpet removal.

I have started another donation box, gotten rid of a few things, and now I am focused  on chipping away at our winter project list.

To-do list . . .

Deep Clean - Clean Washing Machine (it has a "clean washer" cycle), clean microwave.  If you do not have a "Clean" cycle on your washing machine, you can buy tablets to toss in your washer and run on a hot cycle to clean your washing machine.

-dust
-laundry

-dishes

-bake a breakfast

-paint one side of a door, prime some door trim

From the camera . . .

(see yesterday's post on my handiwork update)

Devotional, Quote, Prayers . . .

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

Happy Homemaker Monday

 On the home winter project list, we have decided to completely remove the hallway paneling.   When the carpet was removed a large wooden storage box was moved to the hallway (to get it out of the way of work).  I am now going through it, and hopefully passing it on to other family members.  The box itself will be donated if no one can find a use for it.  I have contacted our historical society in the past, and they were not taking any donations.   There are some old family items in this storage box, and I can no longer store them.  

After cleaning my Dad's place and Mom's after they passed, I have a different look on what I keep and do not keep.

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

I will link up when she posts.  I'm running behind today.

The weather . . . 

High 30's, low 40's, some weather moving in around towards the weekend, with rain/snow.

Right now I am . . .

Brewing a late pot of coffee, and posting this.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Looking through my seeds and working on a seed order if necessary.

How I am feeling . . .

I'm not liking the lack of sunshine right now.  I do believe it plays a part in how a person feels.  Did I mention the tea recipe I will be trying?  I posted a link for it.  It is said to help with seasonal stress.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Egg/sausage scramble, Coffee.

On the lunch plate . . .

Have no idea yet.

On the dinner plate . . .

Perch, and a vegetable

On the menu. . .

No idea yet.  However, I do look in the freezer/fridge and pantry before writing it up.  I will work on that later.

On my reading pile . . .

I have not had any time to read over the last week.  I'm okay with that, as I am making progress on the winter project list.

On the TV this week . . .

Fool me Once (series on netflix)

Looking around the house . . .

If you haven't read my recent post on our winter project list, I am working on painting interior doors and door trim.

The to-do list . . .

-muck coop
-catch up on any laundry
-dust
-make some calls, the truck just got new rotors, but now it needs new tires
-water plants
-sweep/mop floors

-purge a storage box we no longer have room for

From the camera . . .

We were lucky to have a few beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but with the rain and snow moving in, the skies have been cloudy the last few days.

Devotional, quote, prayers . . .

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

Happy Homemaker Monday

 Happy New Year!  I do not write out resolutions for the upcoming year.  I started working myself  (physically, and there may be an update this new year, we'll see).  I'm just glad the holidays are done with this year.

On to other news . . .

A little homemaking tip:  I fill a small spray bottle with vodka (sanitizer) and add a few drops of lavender essential oil.  I spray our mattress when the bedding is being washed.  It cleans the mattress and leaves a lovely scent.

Self Care:  my self care this week was to buy myself a new set of casual dress boots (tossing out a very old, and very worn pair too).  I never find anything in the size I wear, so this is a pamper me moment.  A big bonus, was that the price tag said $55.00 and they were on sale for $14.99!  What did you do for yourself last week?  Or do you plan some self care next week?

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

The weather . . .

It rained all weekend, and we are so stinkin' tired of it.  We did not get any work done on the coop either.  Woke up to more rain, and a slight possibility of a snow shower today.  Temps are in the high 30's/low 40's here right now.

Right now I am . . .

Making coffee, and will be putting the Christmas tree in storage for the year.

Thinking and pondering . . .

I'm considering hiring someone to paint one ceiling, and possibly more.  It all depends on my energy level this winter, ha ha!  Also, the cost.  

I'm also thinking about changing my blog background/theme on blogger too.  There is much on the side bars that can be removed too.

How I am feeling . . .

Honestly?  Pretty good, and I feel on task too.  I got all of the Christmas decorations put away, other than the tree, and life in general is pretty good.

On the breakfast plate . . . 

Leftovers.

On the lunch plate . . .

Not sure.  Maybe homemade cauliflower crust pizza with home canned sauce.

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken Spaghetti using garden spaghetti squash for the pasta.  Garden green beans.

On the menu . . .

-One pan Pork Loin with Brussel Sprouts and Apples (new recipe to try - The Real Food Dieticians)

-Chicken Spaghetti using Spaghetti Squash (new recipe to try), roasted vegetables

-Crockpot Sweet Garlic Chicken, Green Beans baked with garlic powder

-grilled ham/cheese sandwiches, home canned tomato-basil soup

Snacks

-Greek Hummus Dip (new recipe to try, for a summer dip when the garden is in full swing)

On my reading pile . . .

Top two books are borrowed from the library.

On my TV this week . . .

Anything but Christmas movies ha ha!

Looking around the house . . .

I know some people get upset when people paint wood, but these dark wood doors need to get a new look.  I'm back to priming and painting some interior doors.  One door is completely done and back up where it belongs, and another down on the saw horses for a new, and brighter look.

I got the drill out, removed an old curtain rod (missing a part since last summer), installed the new one and put the curtain back up.  Some days, it's the "little" unfinished, now finished jobs that make my day complete.

I've also filled two boxes of purged/no longer needed items to donate soon.  I have a small stack of books to donate to a free little library soon as well.  If not, the books will be donated to the library book sale.  

To-do list . . .

-wash a kitchen rug (I can only do one at a time, as they have to dry flat, and I only own one drying unit for doing that).

-laundry

-dust

-put Christmas tree away, and other decor

-wash oven mitts (I try to do this once a month, but if I use them daily, then once a week - Homemaking Tip)

Use a clothes hanger with these hooks to hang dry your oven mitts.

Deep Clean for the week

-Clean oven and oven racks

From the camera . . .

In case you didn't see the recent post, my bunching onions are doing great!  I harvested some the other day.  they are larger than normal green onions, but seem to be hardy for this time of year.  Of course, all of this rain is helping, so I am harvesting more and enjoying them.

Devotional, Quote, Prayers. . .

No specific prayer requests at this time.

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