{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/20/2025 }

 

Good morning dear friends and Happy Inauguration Day!!!

I am so thrilled to be here, to have been able to have voted for the first time this year, and to witness this miracle from God, take place.  We have had a very difficult past four years, we've had so much loss, so much grief, so many trials thrown our way.  There were times that I walked around with my Bible in hand, crying, not knowing how to move from one obstacle to the next.  It just felt like we were being bombarded by the enemy.

But, through it, God held our hand, and for me at least, he taught me how to pull closer, how to grow in my relationship with Him and how to become a bigger warrior for the Kingdom.  It makes everything we went through, worth it.

So Happy Inauguration Day to all!!!

Now, let's get on with our post for today.  I have to say, I am really enjoying posting daily.  Although, there will be days that the posts will be a day late, but that's because as I've done in the past, I prefer to live that day, document and take pictures, and then the next day I sit and put it all together and post it for the previous day.  It's still daily, and there will be a post every day on the blog, some on the actual day, some a day late.  I'm just thrilled that I have a post each and every day.  Feels like old blogging days.

Alright, enough babbling, have a blessed week my friends!

 

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

Crazy, again.  On Friday we were in the 70s, then back down to 40s and yesterday, when we went to the gym in the morning, it was 4.  Hahaha  I don't even know what to say.  They are calling for some snow later this afternoon, so we will see. 

 

Monday - Cloudy,  34

Tuesday - Sunny, 37

Wednesday - Sunny, 52

Thursday - Sunny, 50

Friday - Sunny, 60 

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 62 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 47

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

Crocheted doilies.  They just make me smile.  Some people find them tacky or old fashioned, but I find that they remind me of my childhood, my great grandma and my grandmothers. 

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

Currently doing The Bible Recap.

 

 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke. I am currently reading the second book, Julia's Last Hope.  Although, I am setting it aside to start my newer book which I've been waiting on to arrive from Portugal.

   

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 

YouTube

Homemaking vlogs, history documentaries.  

 

Hallmark

When Calls the Heart

 

Presidential Inauguration

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of coffee with almond and coconut milk, a bowl of weetabix with some of my homemade granola sprinkled over the top. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure yet, probably a salad with a leftover burger.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Portuguese Steaks with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Monday

Portuguese Steaks with Mashed Potatoes and Salad

Tuesday 

Charred Chicken Legs, Zucchini in Tomato Sauce, Rice for the boys

Wednesday 

Cilantro Lime Tilapia, Couscous, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Thursday

Spicy Three Pepper Turkey Fettucine, Garlic knots, Salad

Friday

Santa Fe Grilled Veggie Pizzas

Saturday

Fend for yourself

Sunday

Spaghetti Pie, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Salad

*** On my to do list *** 

Today:

Change bed linens

Get my 10k steps in

Laundry

 

This week:

Routine blood work on Tuesday

Start planning my garden for this year and gathering seeds

Start planning my new chickies, and get ready to order in a few weeks

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

Charred Chicken Legs....it's a new recipe for us. 

    

 

*** What I am creating ***

Nordic Winter Afghan, I really need to get this one finished and off the hook.

 

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

I love deer and have recently started bringing in more deer related decorations into the house. ♥  

 

 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor - Romans 12:10

{ Weekend in Review }

I don't have much to share, I had a very quiet weekend, the usual gym time with Curt, and then just time spent at home, doing housework, watching tv, reading, and spending time with the family.

 

Some weekends we are on the go and feel like we didn't get a rest, and some weekends we are homebodies (well most weekends we are homebodies), just doing whatever we wish, no commitments, no place to go, no need to be anywhere.  Those are by far my favorites.

 

Moments spent at home are just the best, aren't they?

 

Read:

Bible - Genesis and Job

Proverbs 18 and 19

 

Watched:

Youtube homemaking vlogs (I'll be sharing some of my newer favorites this coming week)

 

Ate:

Sonic - for the first time in over a year, and it did not go down well.  Never again lol

Shrimp Fajitas

Barbecue burgers and hotdogs (no buns, made a burger and brat bowl which was delicious)

 

 

{ New book - D. Teresa }

 

I love history, everything and anything about it, but especially England with all the kings and queens and so forth.

However, I almost always forget that Portugal has a very rich history also with royalty, and very close to England's.  I don't know why I never delved more into it's past, but it's something I want to do this year.

 

Did you know that the two nations have maintained the oldest continuously active diplomatic alliance in the world?  The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, dates all the way back to 1373 when a treaty was signed between King Edward III of England and the Portuguese royal family.

 

They've cooperate in military missions and commercially for many centuries, seeing many royal marriages between the two.  

 

So, I had a book sent over from Portugal, written by Isabel Stilwell, a Portuguese journalist and writer who focuses on historic novels, short stories and children's books.

She has quite a few books on the Portuguese royalty, and the one I picked is called D. Teresa.  A great Queen of Portugal who ruled with a fist of iron.

From Wikipedia:

Theresa (Portuguese: Teresa; Galician-Portuguese: Tareja or Tareixa; Latin: Tarasia) (c. 1080 – 11 November 1130) was Countess of Portugal, and for a time claimant to be its independent Queen. She rebelled against her half-sister Queen Urraca of León. She was recognised as Queen by Pope Paschal II in 1116, but was captured and forced to accept Portugal's vassalage to León in 1121, being allowed to keep her royal title.[2] Her political alliance and amorous liaison with Galician nobleman Fernando Pérez de Traba led to her being ousted by her son, Afonso Henriques, who with the support of the Portuguese nobility and clergy, defeated her at the Battle of São Mamede in 1128. 

 

I am so excited to read this one.

{ Cooking Thursday - Keto Pizza }

 

4 Ingredient Keto Pizza Crust

Source

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• sauce & pizza toppings of your choice

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
• In a large bowl, microwave the cream cheese and mozzarella together for 90 seconds, stirring half way through.
• Stir in the almond flour and beaten egg to combine (if your dough appears to be too sticky, add in a little more almond flour). Knead with your hands until a dough forms.
• Place the dough in between two large pieces of parchment paper and roll the dough out into a 10" circle, or until it's about 1/3 inch thick. (*See tips in the recipe notes below for keeping the dough from sticking to the paper).
• Remove the top piece of parchment paper, and place the bottom sheet with the dough on it onto a pizza pan or upside down sheet pan.
• Use a fork to pierce lots of holes throughout the dough to help it cook evenly and prevent bubbling.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and top it with sauce, cheese, and the toppings of your choice.

Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Gobble up. :-)
 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ Finding comfort in simple homemaking chores }

Do you know what the best thing is about being a homemaker?

Being a homemaker!  

Having the privilege to take care of our homes, being able to do that, and to make an impact on our children's lives and our husband's well being too.  We are the keeper of the home, the one that creates a warm, cozy and safe environment for our families.

It is a blessing from God to be able to do this very important job.  If you don't see yourself as blessed as a homemaker, I encourage you to rethink and start appreciating just how lucky we are.

I find the most comfort when I'm busy in my home, doing the normal daily chores that may seem trivial and mundane to some.  I don't think it's just because of the routine it creates in knowing basically what you will be doing each day.  The familiarity of  it all, but I also think it is the fact that I actually do enjoy these tasks that face me.

Just wanted to bring you along on a pretty normal day for me. 

 

Laundry - there is always a constant flow of laundry to wash and dry and fold.

 

Plants - I have so many around the house, and every morning I check on them, see if any need water or pruning.  Above, I am actually checking on my Passion Fruit Tree, she doesn't not do well outside in the winter so we brought her in, and as you can tell she's a climber.  When spring comes around, she will go back outside.

 

Tidying up - I usually walk past the living room and den on my way to the kitchen, and tidy the couches, pillows, fold blankets etc.  The furry babies also get lots of kisses and hugs, just because. 

 

Kitchen - put away clean dishes and wash breakfast dishes, wipe down counters and cabinets. Take out meat for dinner.

 

 

Bible reading - when the house is pretty much set to order, I usually come back to my bedroom and sit on my bed to read my Bible.  The babies usually come back and take their naps too.

 

Computer work - I'll usually take this time to pay bills, check email, check the blog, and do anything else that needs doing.  Today it was meal planning.

 

Dinner and prepping for next day - Dinner time is always a busy time.  I make dinner, set the table, feed the family, then wash dishes, put away leftovers, prepare hubby's lunch for work the next day, set the coffee machine for the morning, wipe down counters, sweep the floors and make sure Elliott has food and water for overnight.

After shower, I get in bed and either read or watch something on the TV and am usually asleep by 9pm the latest.  

I've often been asked what I do during the day, or how I go about my usual homemaking days, so I hope this gives you an idea. 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/13/2025 }

 

Good morning dear friends.

 

It is so cold right now, come on in out of the cold and have a cup of coffee with me.  

 

It is Monday morning, and if you didn't know this, aside from the weekend, I actually love Mondays.  I know, I know, you're probably thinking I've lost my marbles or need another cup of coffee.  Truth is, I do love Mondays, I love the start to a new week, I love a blank slate, I love setting the house to order after a slow relaxed weekend.  

 

I don't have much planned this week, other than some organizing I need to do, my routine blood test and grocery shopping.  

 

I wish you all a very good week ahead, hope it is a blessed one, and let's just really hope for a quiet and calm week, news wise.  January of 2025 has decided to come in with a huge bang, and I don't know about you, but I'm over it already.  Can we not have disasters and terror attacks and nonsense for a while, please?

 

*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 

Quite cold right now.  We did have two days of snow last week Thursday and Friday, everything shut down in our city, and everyone was working from home.  Thankfully, the temperatures aren't too bad the next few days, upper 50s and 60s. 

 

Monday - Clear,  50

Tuesday - Sunny, 56

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 57

Thursday - Sunny, 63

Friday - Partly cloudy, 71  (don't even know what to say to that lol)

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 45 

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 34

 

 

 *** Things that make me happy ***

Watching old shows I used to love as a child.  It's like you're immediately transported back in time, to simpler, happier days.        

 

 

*** Book I'm reading *** 

Currently doing The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble, reading the Bible chronologically.  Am really enjoying it, but, I don't enjoy the podcast videos, and don't really agree with a lot of what Tara-Leigh has to say and her interpretation of the scripture reading for that day.  I just don't, so I continue to read the Bible and follow the plan, but will no longer be watching the daily videos. 

 

 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke. I am currently reading the second book, Julia's Last Hope.

   

 

 

 

*** What's on my tv today *** 

YouTube

Homemaking vlogs, history documentaries.  

 

Hallmark

When Calls the Heart

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Had a cup of coffee, 2 scrambled eggs and 2 pieces of multigrain toast.  I find that when I have eggs for breakfast, it keeps me filled well beyond lunch, whereas when I have oatmeal or something else, it doesn't keep me as full.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Yogurt with granola and fruit.  

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Galinha no forno com arroz (Portuguese Chicken and Rice), mixed veggies. 

 

 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

New meal plan is in the works, so meals are only until Wednesday.

Monday

Galinha no forno com arroz (Portuguese Chicken and Rice), mixed veggies

Tuesday 

Fettucine Alfredo, Salad

Wednesday 

Homemade Pizza

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

*** On my to do list *** 

Today:

Change bed linens

Get my 10k steps in

Meal plan and grocery list

 

This week:

Workout and 10k steps every day

Clean out and organize hallway closet

Gym workout Saturday and Sunday

Routine blood work on Thursday morning

Grocery shopping

 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 

The Turkish Pasta last week was a hit, it will definitely go on rotation here at home.  I also made a Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon, and that was a hit as well. 

    

 

*** What I am creating ***

Slowly plodding around with the Nordic Winter Afghan. 

 

 

*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 

Snow.  I always love a snow picture ♥ 

 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

 

{ Sunday breakfasts, just a memory now }

 

When my kids were growing up, Sunday was our huge breakfast day.  My husband would always whip up his amazing omelets and bacon, we would also do toast and sausage and biscuits and gravy.  

It was a tradition that we started as a young married couple, and continued through many MANY years.  But as our children grew, they would often sleep in much later than Curt and I, so Sunday breakfast became something that only happened for special occasions, like a holiday, or when we have family sleep over.

We would always sit and chat about everything and anything.  We talked about current events, or things we did in the past, places we lived, places we visited and so forth.  It was a time to bond, to connect, to make sure everyone was doing well.  

We loved these moments, but truth be told, we took them for granted, because now that we don't have these moments anymore, I miss them, and it makes my heart hurt.  But it's life, and it's about change and moving on from season to season.

Maybe one day when both kids are out of the house and we are alone, we will bring this tradition back just for the two of us.  Who knows?  It's good to reminisce about those days though.

 

{ Sandra's Saturday Surfing }

 

 

 Just a few places I have visited this past week, some I visit often and others are newly found.

Paperbackswap - I've talked about this one site many times.  I had a few credits so was able to order 3 more books for my growing collection.  This time they are Tamera Alexander books, the first 3 in some of her series. 

 

Thrift Books - Well, I didn't get anything from this one, this time, but it's a favorite of mine and where I usually get all my books.  

 

 

Radio Garden - This is such a fun website.  I use it to listen to radio from Portugal and South Africa, but you can search any location in the world.  Do you want to listen to radio stations in England, Poland, Japan.  Any country, city, you can listen to instant radio.   It is amazing, give it a try.

MyRetroTVs - Now here's a website that is so much fun to use.  Do you want to watch tv from the 50s through to the 2000s?  Well you can channel browse through all those decades, and watch drama, commercials, cartoons etc.  It's such a wonderful trip down memory lane.

World Wide Telescope - If you love space as much as I do, you will enjoy this website.  You can see pictures in 3D and really visualize the universe.

{ Ins and Outs for 2025 }

I don't do yearly goals.  I think I did it many many ages ago and then ended up putting so much pressure on myself, that when I didn't achieve them, I felt absolutely horrible.  So I stopped doing that.  

Instead I just think of things that I want to continue doing or would like to do, but no pressure whatsoever, if it happens it does, if it doesn't, then it doesn't.

Here are my ins and outs for 2025.  Things I want to try and achieve, and things I really want to try and get rid of.

 

 

Outs 

- mindlessly scrolling on social media (Instagram and X)

I think this is a habit that many of us can relate to.  If I have some spare time I usually sit and scroll, mindlessly.  Just scrolling and scrolling.  I want to try and get rid of that habit.  I would like to open the apps, scroll through once and then move on.

 

 

-  putting pressure on myself to post on the blog or share on Instagram story

I am trying very hard to get back to daily blogging, but I know myself and know that if I put that pressure to do it, I won't enjoy it and will fail miserably, again.  So I'm giving myself grace and so far, I have loved posting daily, I missed it, I look forward to it and don't feel like I HAVE to, I just do because I want to and enjoy it so much.

 

Same with Instagram.  I do love sharing my days on the stories, and many of my followers there constantly message me thanking me and saying that I inspire them whether to cook more, workout, appreciate the simple things in life, and get closer to God.  But, like blogging, I want to share when I feel like it, not because I feel I HAVE to every day.

-  not be so judgemental at times

I try very hard to not judge, even if I don't agree with something I see or read or hear.  But, I am human and sometimes have the tendency to quickly judge before catching myself.  I would like to work on rather not judging immediately.

-  not compare myself to others

This is a hard one, it's very easy especially on social media, to see other people's lives and feel less than.  I would like to get rid of that feeling, and if need be, get rid of accounts on my feed that may indirectly conjure up those feelings in me.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming those people, but if something is a temptation or causes certain feelings, then it's up to ME to move away from it, not expect others to change who they are.

-  stop trying to live so caught up in the chaos around me and the world

Another difficult one to do because everywhere you turn there is chaos and grief and craziness going on.  Also, as humans we have a tendency to try and be like others, to go with the cool thing of the moment, to do what everyone else is doing, watch what they're watching etc.  That is going for sure, I've realized over time that I'm not happy living in the modern times, I am happier when I pull away, live simply and hold on to the memories and a way of living that is more in touch with my culture and my upbringing.

-  processed foods, excessive sugars and unhealthy foods

I've done really well this past year, but the truth is that at times, I still fall back into old habits.  The holidays especially are terrible to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  I have had too much sugar, too many processed foods and carbs etc.  That is going away again.

Ins

- more time with God

I don't know why we neglect this important time.  We tend to give excuses for not reading the Bible, for not spending time with the Lord.  I am making a big effort to change all that, I want more time with Him this year.

-  learning more about the history of Portugal

I only did my first year of school in Portugal, so even though I'm Portuguese, sadly, I don't know too much about our history and I want to change that.  This year I am determined to learn more.  I actually have a book on the way from Portugal about one of the Kings and Queens.  I intend to get more and really learn our history.

-  more period dramas and family shows and movies

I'm just going to say it, I don't like the movies and tv shows of today.  Aside from When Calls the Heart, I truly do not enjoy anything that is put out.  I'm sick of gross storylines, disgusting characters, politicized TV.  I want to go back to enjoying watching it.  It's supposed to take you away, to take you to another place and time, not make you feel judged, disgusted or angry.  

-  blogging

More and more blogging.  Daily posts, recipes, sharing my life and recording those memories the best I can.  It is something that brings me so much joy.

-  continue focusing on my health journey

Continue working out, continue eating healthy, continue focusing on filling my body (temple) with good things.  I think of my body as the temple that the Holy spirit and Jesus abide in, so why destroy that temple and create a place that is sick or unhealthy?  God deserves the best of me, and this is a small way to do it.

- reading my Bible daily and learning more scripture

I am currently doing the Bible Recap, so I'll be reading the Bible every day anyway, but I really want to stick with it and create a habit for myself.  I also want to do more scripture writing and memorizing.

-  spend more days like my great grandma and grandma

I miss the life they lived, the life that I remember as a child.  I really want to do either a day or two a week, where I retrace their steps, live the day as they did, and do things like they did.  I guess a step back in time, I think it would be fun to do.

-  listen to more Portuguese music and watch more Portuguese shows

I am fluent in Portuguese and English, but the truth is that, if I don't keep listening and immersing myself in my native language, eventually it will be forgotten or hard to speak.  I do speak it daily with my stepmother and when my brother is over for dinner, we speak Portuguese to each other.  But, I want to watch more of live TV, or shows or movies in Portuguese.

-  go outside more

Step outside, do more gardening, spend more time in the sun and working on my yard, or just being out in the fresh air.  

-  making my home a cozy place, going back to older ways

I'm sorry guys, but I have to be honest, I don't like homes that look like museums and are way too put together.  I am all for a clean and tidy home, but there's a difference between a tidy clean lived in home, and a home that filled with all the coolest, newest trends.  I want more doilies, more thrifted, more things from my grandparents, more family photos, old blankets draped on couches.  That is what I'm feeling for this year.

-  read more

Read, read and read again.  Read a ton of books, old books, new books, but not exactly following the trend.  I am sensing a pattern with me.  I want nothing to do with the mass production of ideas, things, books, shows, homes and so forth.  It's like being a borg, where there is one collective mind and all the millions of little bodies just nod and follow along.  Everyone eats the same, dresses the same, thinks the same.  Just NO.  Books seem to have fallen into that category too, where everyone reads the same thing because someone on Youtube or Tiktok or whatever, said that it's the IT book of the month.  Nope, not interested.  So I plan on reading more, but reading more good, homey, old, classic beautifully written books

I have many more ins and outs that I could list, but I would end up being here forever, so this will do for now.  I am excited for the new year and will probably do a look back at the end of 2025, to see how many of these ins and outs I actually stuck to.