Hello friends, welcome back to my blog. I know it's been a while since I've come in to chat, but I had some time today, and took a few pictures yesterday, so thought it would be great to come in and do one of my usual homemaking posts.
For someone who used to blog daily, to go a while without an actual blog post, is a bit strange, and as time goes by I find it harder to get back into the swing of things.
It's almost like learning how to do it all again. Where I used to come in and sit, open the editor and just start typing, I seem to draw a blank. But, I did make an effort to take pictures of my Saturday for the specific reason of doing this post.
My morning started with a huge cup of coffee and the most beautiful of sunrises. Haven't been able to see many of these lately, with the clouds and the rain.
If you've followed me for a while, you may remember how much I love sunrises and sunsets, matter of fact I used to take photos and share them with you daily, when we were stationed in Arizona.
So I stepped out back with Kaia so she could potty, and snapped some photos of the sky and of my beautiful rose bush, which is blooming already. Just look at those gorgeous vivid pink roses.
I got dressed and immediately started with my homemaking. Curt started the yard work, and I began my chores inside. Laundry as always is a priority and seems to be never ending. I don't mind it as much, but I must say, the putting away is no fun.
I don't mind the washing and the folding though.
After a simple breakfast of coffee and toast, with Pumpkin Spice Apple butter, I continued with my to do list. What I really wanted to accomplish was the kitchen prep, cutting veggies and fruits for the week, and leaving everything prepped and in the fridge.
It is something that takes some time, but it's so rewarding and makes life much easier during the busy week.
Spinach and lettuce is something we use quite a bit of. I do either a salad or a veggie with every meal, but I also use spinach for bulking up meat dishes, like spaghetti or lasagna. The spinach also goes into smoothies for myself.
Having both the lettuce and the spinach packed in tupperware dishes, ensures that they stay fresh and crisp for a much longer period of time. I've gone about 3 weeks with them still tasting and looking fresh.
My garden is still producing green onions, like crazy. I just cut them all down a week and a half ago, and my husband brought in another huge bunch, when he was out there.
The good thing about it is that I wash, cut and freeze these, so they last me a really long time, and nothing goes to waste.
The fruit was also cut up, washed and is ready to be eaten. If I leave it in the fruit basket, it tends to not even be touched, but when it's cut up like this, then it's seen and the hubby and kids actually eat it.
Also, it helps a lot in the summer when the heat is insane and the fruit flies start showing up. This way the fruit lasts longer, it gets consumed and nothing is wasted.
Once the fruits and veg were done, I moved on to restocking the jars on the kitchen shelves. It's something I try to do every weekend, or when I notice something is running low.
So pasta, rice, chocolate chips, coconut, raisins and so on. I also try to keep a running list of what I may need to add to the grocery list for the next grocery pickup.
Since I've been doing Walmart pickup for a while now (much as I love in store shopping, prices are ridiculous and I find I save a bit more buying online since there's no temptation to add unnecessary items to the cart), I also find it easier to quickly add items to my shopping cart as I go. If I see something is running out or finished completely, I just open the site, add it to the cart and let it sit there. It helps me not forget.
Next I fed the furry kids, who are always under my feet, walking around, to the point where sometimes I find myself tripping over them. Hahaha
They're sweet though, and they're doing very well together, quickly becoming the best of friends. I know I promised you a post about Kaia and how she came to be the new family member, and I haven't forgotten, just haven't had the time to sit and write it up. Hopefully this week.
I washed up after all the prep work was done, and then got some frozen pizza going for lunch, while Curt finished up outside. I totally planned to go help him, because we have so much yard work to get done, but the winds picked up AGAIN, and there was no way I was going out there.
Even being indoors, the winds kicking everything up outside sets my lungs off, and I'm left coughing and weezing. By the way, can we please, please tell these winds to go kick rocks?
They are insane, I don't think I've ever witnessed such strong winds, and it feels like it's been a daily thing for months.
Anyway, winds aside, I got the house all clean and tidy. There's something so wonderful about walking through your house when it's clean, everything in it's place, and you have a wonderful candle lit making everything smell amazing.
I took a quick break to have some lunch and catch up on last week's Outlander, because I knew today was the season finale and wanted to be caught up. Sat and relaxed a little, and then got back in the kitchen to whip up a cake for our dessert.
Every weekend I try to make some sort of dessert for us. This time it was a Victoria Sponge which is like one of my favorite cakes, matter of fact I think I'll be making myself one for my birthday this year.
While the cake was in the oven, I got started on dinner prep. I was making my Mock Jambalaya, and wanted a different side dish. Don't know about you all, but I sometimes I get so sick of the same side dishes, so when I made the new two week menu, I tried to write in different ones to make.
This Broccoli Salad was one of those I jotted down, and I'm so glad I made it, it's delicious and just perfect for the warmer days. But, it does have to chill for at least an hour, so I wanted to get it in the fridge as soon as possible.
Have you ever noticed how homemaking is all about juggling different tasks at the same time? It used to bother me when I first got married. I couldn't understand just how I was supposed to get it all done.
I quickly learned to juggle, and to multitask and that of course, was a game changer.
For example, while the cake baked I got the salad done, and then quickly loaded the dishwasher, pulled out the dinner items and got the chicken and sausage cooking, while I let the cake cool down so that I could get the cream and jam in the middle.
Dinner was simple, as it's been lately while we try to make meals as cheap as possible. A quick yummy and filling mock jambalaya, and the delicious broccoli salad.
To end the day, I had a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Got the laundry all folded and put away, took my shower and climbed into bed to do my devotional and Bible reading. And so another day of homemaking came to an end. A day where I got everything checked off my to do list, fed my family and pets, and ended the day with a smile on my face and thanks in my heart.
I know I didn't have anything exciting to share, but this is what happened around here and I'm just glad to be sharing with you all.
I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend. I am off to read a little, and then get to bed before a new busy week starts.
Have a wonderful night friends.
