{ Soft and Beautiful Saturday }

  

The week has come to an end, and Saturday greets us with an expectant smile.  It lures us into a sense of calmness and relaxation which no doubt, has been very much needed probably since Monday morning rolled around.

 

For the most part, Saturdays for us are still busy days, well, and Sundays too.  I don't really think we have slow, quiet, boring weekends anymore, so I try very hard to sneak some of these in whenever I get the chance.

 

Today for example, is one of these where I plan to make it a soft and beautiful Saturday.  So what exactly do I do on these days?

 

Let me give you some examples: 

 

 

♥ A quiet morning ♥

Start by opening the curtains and blinds to let in the morning light.  I will usually open the windows too to let in some fresh morning air before the heat of the day comes along.  Saturdays mean that I am the only one up from 4:30am to around 7am, and I love this time.  I make my coffee, sit on the couch, say my prayers and then scroll through the phone, answer voice messages from family and watch some YouTube.

 

 

 

♥ Time for one of my favorite hobbies ♥

Whether it is reading, crocheting, baking or trying a new recipe, I try to fit one of those in on a slow Saturday.  I don't usually bake during the week, and if it's a busy weekend I don't get to do it either, so on days like these, I love to make a special treat for the family.

 

 

 

♥ Disconnect from the phone ♥

I'm not one to be constantly attached to my phone, matter of fact, I am constantly leaving my phone and forgetting where it is because I just move on with my day.  I tend to get in trouble with family sometimes because I don't respond when I should, or they laugh and it's become a family joke that I am usually walking around muttering "where's my phone?".

 

But for weekends like this, I deliberately make it a point of leaving it alone, and staying in the moment.  I want to live my day away from the screen, social media, news or anything else that will distract me. 

 

 

♥ Go for walks outdoors ♥

I am surrounded by fields and horses, alpacas and so on.  Whenever I get the chance, I love to go for a walk with my husband and dog.  It feels good to go outside, get fresh air, move our body and just be in nature.

 

 

 

♥ Self care ♥

During the week I obviously shower every day and brush my hair and teeth and so on.  But I don't take the time to do anything extra for myself, so on these specific slow beautiful days, I take some time for self care.  

 

Taking a bubble bath, shaving my legs, putting on a face mask or hair mask, taking a nap, using my massagers, or just sitting in the dark with my eyes closed and resting my body and soul. 

 

 

♥ Perfect evening ♥

Sitting down with a good book and a cup of tea, or watching a sweet romance on television.  I will turn off all the lights and light a candle.  Sometimes I put on some music, often music that I haven't listened to in a long time.  

 

For example, you know how certain songs or music in general, have a way of reminding you of a specific time and place in your life?  Well I was reminiscing about my babies being little and us living on base in Mountain Home, Idaho.  I used to dance around with them in my arms to get them to sleep, while listening to the current country stations.  So, I looked for a playlist on Spotify that played Country music from 1999 which is when Jasmine was born, and I sat and listened to it.  It was such a wonderful trip down memory lane and it made me smile.

{ Right now }

 

 

Feeling -  Sore, my sciatica has been really good for years and now suddenly it is starting to act up.  The past two days I have been struggling.

Drinking - Water with ice, it's far too hot.

Writing -  This post, also starting the new meal plan and budget for the month of August.

Thinking - That I can't wait for summer to be over, I am already dreaming of cooler temperatures and pumpkins. 

 
Contemplating - Doing my 15 minute workout today or just skipping it because of the sciatica.  Thing is, the workout actually helps but I am just not feeling it today. 

Knowing - That this heat will come to an end, even if it feels like it's overwhelming right now.

Listening - to the window air conditioner working, and the roosters crowing outside. 

Jumping - for joy knowing that this September my stepmom will be visiting again.  I can't wait. 

Savoring - I just made two chicken strips for my lunch.  I don't eat much during the summer, just don't feel hungry and some days I will go with just breakfast and then dinner.  

Resisting - The temptation to have some Lindor truffles.  They are staring at me though so I may need to sneak in one or two. 

 
Eating - Nothing right now

Hiding - Nothing at the moment although later Curt will be bringing me some diet coke because I'm craving some, and Nick loves diet coke so I will have to hide a can from him or he will drink it all hahaha

Feeling - impatient for the fall weather to finally arrive. 

{ Slow Cooking Thursday - Let's look back }

September 14, 2006, the very first time I posted a Slow Cooking Thursday.  I had this idea flying around in my head, I was very big into slow cooking at the time, it was something new I guess, and everyone and their mother had a crockpot.

 

I was always on the hunt for slow cooking recipes, and I had a blog that I had just started a few months before (in February), and thought, this was a good idea.  A place to post a recipe but also gather a ton from others.

 

So the very first Slow Cooking Thursday was launched.

 

I shared a recipe for Chuck Wagon Chili, didn't even have a picture of it but just went for it.  Nine ladies joined in and the comments were numerous with everyone super excited.

 

It did well for a couple of years and then I fell off the wagon.  I tried changing it to Cooking Thursday just to open it up to all sorts of recipes and bring more participants in, but it kind of fizzled out and frankly I lost interest myself.

 

But as I was looking at my blog the other day, I realized I have so many recipes posted in the Slow Cooking Thursday and so many shared by so many of you, that I thought I would come in and re-share them in case you missed them back then.

 

Now, obviously I'm not going to share each recipe here one by one, we would be sitting here for years.  I am just going to give you the link to the list and you can browse through the posts.

 

The issues is that a lot of the blogs that used to participate or shared recipes are now gone.  Some have gone private, some have been deactivated, some completely deleted.  It makes me sad, feels like a part of my past has been erased, but it's life, it's been 20 years and people move on, things happen, life changes.

 

Anyway, go on an take a look through those posts, but here are some of my favorite recipes:

 

Crockpot Grinders

 

 

 

 Honey Chipotle Slow Cooker Ribs

 

 

 

Brown Sugar Barbecue Sandwiches

 

 

  

Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops

 

 

 

In closing, I will leave you a post that I made, that I actually forgot I did and just realized it while typing this one up, where I list almost all the recipes shared, with links.  Enjoy!

 

Slow Cooking and Cooking Thursday - Thursday May 31, 2012 

 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

 

{ Talk to me Tuesday }

 

 

Question: What is your blogging routine?

 

I have none at the moment.  Terrible right?

 

I used to be very good at blogging and would set aside time every morning and evening to post.  I actually remember a time, not sure of the year, but we were still stationed in Arizona, where I often would post two blog posts a day.  WHAT?!?!?!?!?

 

I don't know how or why I did that, but my word, not sure how I had the energy or the patience or the content.  I do wish I still did that though because that was the peak of my blogging existence.

 

So what does blogging look like for me now?

 

The only time I have strictly set aside for blogging, is Monday mornings for the Happy Homemaker Monday.  Any other post I make, like this one for instance, just happens randomly if I have the time, or think about it, or feel like.  Not a very good blogging routine to have but it's what it is at the moment.

 

What is your blogging routine like? 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/20/2026 }

 

Good morning everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. 

 

I am so tired today, I don't even know why but I'm just ready to go back to bed.  hahaha  There are days like these right?  You wake up and feel like you haven't slept even though you have.  Nothing some more coffee won't fix.  

 

Anyway, welcome back.

 

Let's see what is happening around our home this week.

 

Have a blessed week friends, and stay cool.  We are heading for the hottest week here in Texas and I'm not looking forward to it at all.

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

I am not looking forward to this week at all.  Like AT.ALL. 

 

  

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting at my desk and working on this post.  Curt just left for work, and I've seen him off and now retired back to the bedroom with the fur babies, who are fast asleep on the bed. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Nothing particular in mind, just normal day to day thoughts and homemaking and bills etc. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, just tired.  We had another busy weekend and I'm so tired, but today is my down day so I am hoping to get a bit of nap. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Haven't had breakfast yet, but will have another cup of coffee soon and a bowl of oatmeal. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Probably some tuna salad.     

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Islak Burgers, Rice, Salad 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Islak Burgers, Rice, Salad   

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Sausages in Tomato Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli 

 

 

 

Wednesday - Greek Chicken Bake, Couscous, Chickpea Salad 

 

 

Thursday - Brother in Law's birthday, out to dinner at an Indian Restaurant 

 

 

Friday - Hot Sesame Pork, Sesame Noodles, Roast Veggies

 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

 

Sunday -  Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole, Salad  

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown, will put on a dress later. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still reading through Judges in the Bible. 

Reading the second story in The New England Romance Collection. 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

Turkish series:

I'm a little bored at the moment because most series are on break during the summer.  Though I have these two currently going, I'm not enjoying them as much as I wish I did. 

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

 

Netflix:

Crime Documentaries

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Need to do carpet cleaning today so will be busy with that.   

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

The blanket is still going but my word, this part I'm working on has confused me so much.  I have had to rip out and redo multiple rows because they're so similar and I keep messing up.  Honestly can't wait to see this part behind me.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Just love this bookmark my daughter got me.  She actually got me two like this, the other one is just as pretty but different fabric.  ♥   

 

 

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

Last week tested my faith and patience.  I need to constantly remind myself that when I give power or thought to things that worry me, I am actually taking God's love and practically throwing it back in His face and giving the enemy power.  It is so frustrating to me to keep doing this, but I am human and the flesh speaks louder at times.   

 

{ Mid Year Book Freakout Tag }

I have seen this tag going around and I decided to do it here on the blog, to mainly put in one place the books that I have read so far this year, or rather, not to list them all but just the ones that stood out to me for one reason or another.

 

As I have said many times before, this year has been one where I've reconnected with reading and am loving the time I spend between the pages of books.  I've loved reading since I was a child, but I do go through phases where I don't pick up a single book, sometimes a whole year will go by without me reading a line.  

 

So, which books have stood out the first half of the year?  Let's take a look. 

 

 

1. Best book you've read so far? 

Without a doubt, it has to be A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers.  That is a book that marked me for life and I will never forget it.  It encouraged me to be a better Christian, to seek out God more and to never drift from my beliefs, no matter the circumstance. 

 

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far? 

An Echo in the Darkness, the second book after A Voice in the Wind.  The character growth, the spiritual journey and the change from a man who didn't believe in God, to being fully a believer, is like no other.

 

3. New release you haven’t read yet but want to? 

The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham.  

 

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

The Soul of the Revolution by Megan Soja.  I read the first three books in the series, the beginning of the year, and now can't wait for the fourth which is releasing in November of this year. 

 

5. Biggest disappointment? 

I picked up a trilogy from Paperbackswap, thinking I would enjoy it.  I believed it was a series set in the western frontier, but it turned out to be about Joseph Smith which is something I am not particularly interested in. 

 

6. Biggest surprise? 

All the biblical fiction from Connilynn Cossette.  She's become my favorite Christian fiction author this year. 

 

7. Favorite new author (new or debut)? 

There's a few that have surprised me but without a doubt Connilynn Cossette along with Rachel Fordham. 

 

8. Newest favorite character? 

Hadassah from A voice in the wind.  What a beautiful woman inside and out, her strength, her faith, her love for God shining through horrible situations, made me want to be a stronger Christian. 

 

9. Book that made you cry? 

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers.  I know I keep saying the same book, but it was that good and that moving for me. 

 

10. Book that made you happy? 

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar.  The story is about the woman in the Bible who bled for twelve years.  It was such a good story, such a good fictional twist on the story that it made me smile. 

 

11. Most beautiful book you’ve bought this year or received? 

There have been a few, but I have loved the Carrie Cotten Medieval Christian fantasy books.  All the covers are simple but yet so stunning. 

 

12. What books do you want to read by the end of the year? 

I still have a stack that are possibilities.  I am a mood reader so I stopped making to be read piles because I never stuck with them.

 

But off the top of my head:

The Songbird by Carrie Cotten - the last in the series

The Soul of the Revolution by Megan Soja

The Anne of Avonlea series 

{ Spend the day with me }

Good morning sweet ladies.  

 

It is a beautiful rainy morning here in Texas.  It has been raining since 4 am, and it's been absolutely glorious, the temperatures have dropped the lower 70s and for that I am so grateful.  I know summer is practically just halfway through but the triple digits and high humidity are not fun at all.

 

 

♥ RAIN ♥

It started early morning and has remained constant, slowly coming down, the pitter patter a familiar comforting sound on the roof.  I love the feeling that rain brings up in me, this feeling of warmth and cozy.  I much prefer a dark, cloudy, rainy day, to a bright hot sunny day. (don't judge me haha) 

♥ GROCERY SHOPPING ♥

I don't mind the actual shopping, however, putting it all away makes me want to run for the hills.  It's one of the chores of homemaking that I really dislike, that and putting clean laundry away.  I guess I can't love every chore that comes with being a homemaker right?

 

 

 

♥ BREAD BAKING♥

I got my sandwich bread made for the week.  I decided to use my recipe for french bread baguettes and just make two loaves.  I've mentioned before how I will usually make about 8 baguettes or sub buns from this recipe, but didn't need those right now and do need some fresh bread.

 

 

 

♥ READING♥

I said earlier this week that I had read 30 books, but that is not true, I forgot to add some that were already on my bookshelf and while looking for another to read, I saw them and realized that I read them in the beginning of the year, so that brings my books read total to 36.

 

Good grief!  

 

I wanted to show you my cute bookmarks that my daughter Jasmine got me from the farmer's market this past weekend.  How sweet are these? 

 

 

 

♥ QUICK LUNCH AND STARTING DINNER ♥

When it's hot outside I find that I don't want to eat meals, like full meals or proper food, if that even makes sense.  I sometimes will just have a bowl of cereal or will actually skip that meal which I shouldn't do, but I just can't bring myself to eat a hot meal.

 

For lunch I didn't feel like having leftovers, so I had one of my favorite summer quick lunches.  A bowl of greek yogurt with honey and peanut butter and some granola.  It is so good and so refreshing.

 

 

♥ AFTERNOON COFFEE AND RELAX ♥ 

Every day, I try to take an afternoon break to enjoy a cup of coffee and a cookie, while sitting down and either crocheting or reading a book.  With the rain coming down, I decided to do this at my chair right by the big living room window.  Nothing like listening to the thunder and watching the rain coming down, while sipping on a hot cup of coffee and nibbling on a shortbread cookie.

 

 

♥ WINDING DOWN ♥

After my break, I sliced the two loaves up and placed them in ziploc bags in the fridge. I got 3 bags and one will go to Jasmine tomorrow.  Then I got dinner finished, I had already placed it in the crockpot earlier in the day and all I had to was make the sides, which were rice and a spicy cucumber salad which is a favorite around here.  

 

By the time dinner was done and dishes put in the washer and the kitchen tidied up, I was so tired and just ready for bed.  But the sense of a clean home and a productive well lived day, always makes it rewarding.

♥ MEALS ENJOYED THIS WEEK ♥ 

Just two of the meals that enjoyed this past week.

 

Fish fillets with tomato and onion in the oven, bean salad and quinoa 

 

 

Ground beef and eggplant with rice and spicy cucumber salad

 

I hope you enjoyed spending this day with me.  I know it's nothing extraordinary or super fun, but it is my life and it's basically what most of my days look like, except for the bread baking which happens once a week only.  Either way, you get the idea.

 

I hope you've all had a blessed week and I wish you all a very blessed weekend ahead.

xoxoxo 

{ Christmas in July - Hallmark Movies }

 

It is that time of year!

 

I don't know if many of you do this at all, but usually in July I start watching Christmas movies.  I mostly watch them in November and leading up to the holiday but I try to do it in n July every year, to coincide with Hallmark's Christmas in July schedule. 

 

With that in mind, for my own record and so that I have a place to come and see what is playing every day, I wanted to share it here, and who knows, maybe one or two of you might want to watch as well.

 

So here it is: 

I have watched some of these so I'll skip those but for the most part, there are plenty of wonderful movies to get us prepared for the cooler months and the wonderful Christmas holiday.

 

Let me know if you do this yourself and if you have any other activities you participate in for this Christmas in July ♥