Thursday, November 12, 2026

{ Cooking Thursday - Chicken and Wild Rice Soup }

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Ever since Jasmine moved out, four years ago, she has been loving cooking for herself and trying new recipes.
 
Last week she made this incredible Chicken and Wild Rice soup and gave me the leftovers, it was sooooo good that I asked for the recipe and made it this weekend.  This is the perfect cold weather soup, it is hearty and delicious and so easy to make.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
 
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Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
 
1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning 
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
salt and black pepper to taste 
 
 
In a pot, add a little bit of olive oil and then add the chicken thighs, cut into small cubes.  Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
 
When chicken is cooked, remove and add in two tablespoons of butter.  Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook for about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and saute.
 
Pour in chicken broth, add wild rice and the Italian seasoning, and stir everything.
 
Add in the chicken, cover and then simmer for 35 to 50 minutes or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.  Add more broth if needed.
 
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.  Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and about 1 cup of the hot broth from the soup.
 
Pour the roux into the soup, and add the Parmesan cheese, still until combined.
 
Simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes.  Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy! 

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

{ Local book sale haul }

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Our local retirement center, often holds book sales.  They drop down their prices to 50 cents per hardback and 25 cents for paperback.  If you are like me and love books, these are the perfect times to get new ones without worrying about spending too much money.
 
I am always on the lookout for a book sale, free books and ways to keep growing my library without feeling bad about it.
 
Now, I do have an extensive home library at the moment, but I don't keep every book I have, many I have passed on through my local thrift store, or paperbackswap.  
 
Just an idea for the book lovers out there.
 
On Saturday morning, Curt, Jasmine and I went by to see what they had.  I walked out with a few books and paid $4 because on top of those great prices they were also doing a 50% off, so score for me.  
 
Let me show you what is being added to my library:


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Knight's Acre by Norah Lofts 

The landower Legacy by Victoria Holt
 
Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers 
 
A change of fortune by Jen Turano 
 

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Courting trouble by Deeanne Gist
 
Maid to match by Deeanne Gist
 
A Place in his heart by Rebecca Demarino
 
Mine is the night by Liz Curtis Higgs 
 

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A bride in the bargain by Deeanne Gist
 
Love on assignment by Cara Lynn James
 
Leading lady by Lawana Blackwell
 
The maiden of Mayfair by Lawana Blackwell
 
The widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell
 

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From paperbackswap I had some credits so got some Mary Stewart books.  
 
Have you picked up any good books lately?  Do you have suggestions for the best place to find inexpensive or even free books? 

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

{ Midnight Hallelujah by Ebie Hepworth - TLC Book Tour }


 
 
 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 29, 2026

If you’re disappointed with your life, struggling with faith, and frustrated with a seemingly silent God, Midnight Hallelujah dares to speak hope into the silence. Ebie Hepworth invites you into her dark nights and imagined conversations with Sarah, the mother of Isaac, who kept her company through them as she bridges our modern struggles with timeless biblical truths.

If you are navigating life’s deepest valleys this book will help you:

  • feel less alone as Ebie confides her own stories of grief showing up when least expected;
  • know what it means to struggle with faith fatigue, and how to recover from it;
  • experience the life-changing truth that, even in the heavy silence, God is not absent; and
  • gain practical tools like “hope therapy” for navigating life’s challenges.

This book is for you as you stand in the tension between faith and reality, between what you thought God would do and what remains unseen. If you have felt the ache of silence and wondered if hope is still within reach, come and rediscover real hope in Christ Himself.

 
 

Monday, November 09, 2026

{ What to do in a Valley by Jabin Chavez - TLC Book Tour }


 
 
 

About What to Do in a Valley: Trusting God to Breathe New Life into Your Dry Bones

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 29, 2026

Take life’s valleys as not mere challenges but divine appointments designed to refine and strengthen your faith in this deep exploration of Psalm 23:4-6. You may be at your worst, but that’s when God can do his best work in your life. Take heart and use this opportunity to grow spiritual strength and wisdom as He walks alongside you offering encouragement and spiritual insight.

Jabin Chavez explores the profound lessons learned during life’s most challenging moments and sheds light on the divine purpose behind them. Key Insights from What to Do in a Valley will help you:

  • See life’s valleys not as mere challenges but divine appointments designed to refine and strengthen your faith.
  • Gain a fresh perspective on spiritual battles by embracing the valley as a sacred space for personal growth.
  • Discover unique insights into navigating life’s toughest seasons with faith and resilience.
  • Find comfort knowing that even in “the valley of the shadow of death,” you are not alone and God’s goodness and mercy will follow you.

In this book, Jabin offers practical steps for growth so your experiences in the valley build you up rather than break you down. Whether you’re pleading the blood, speaking in tongues, or seeking intercessory prayer, this book provides the guidance needed to navigate the wilderness and emerge stronger.

Are you in the valley, feeling like you’re under spiritual attack? Discover the transformative power of the Holy Spirit’s gym, where trials become the pathway to strength and spiritual growth.

About the Author

Jabin Chavez is a pastor, artist, podcast host, and highly sought after speaker who has a long track record of growing departments, ministries, and organizations. After five years serving at the influential Free Chapel under Pastor Jentezen Franklin, in 2018 Jabin Chavez and his wife Shanen decided to plant City Light Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also the founder of Jabin Chavez Ministries, a multi-cultural and multi-generational ministry that is helping lead people to Jesus, through which he speaks and leads worship all over the country and the world. Chavez has spoken widely at influential churches and conferences including Free Chapel, Elevation Church, The Belonging Co, Love Is Red Conference, Impact Church, Word of Life Church, Encounter Conference, Abundant Church, Lifepoint Church, James River Assembly, RISE Conference, Champions Centre, and many others. In 2019, Chavez preached a sermon called “What to Do in a Valley” at Elevation Church and it has been viewed over 200,000 times. In addition, Jabin also hosts the Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast. He lives and ministers in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife Shanen and their kids.

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/09/2026 }

Good morning everyone, welcome to a cold November morning.
 
I hope you are all doing well.  We are doing good, life is moving forward and I'm coming out of the hard weeks I just went through.  It was two months of a really tough battle with many things happening.  But, God is good and everything is back on track, and I'm so happy to say that my anxiety is gone.  It is definitely connected to my hormones and rears it's ugly head right before my cycle, so I'm working with my doctor on that.
 
Anyway, enough sad things, let's get on with our post.  I will be doing more daily posts now that things have slowed down.  I will say, I am quite proud of myself for posting so much during October, I was not in a good place but pushed through and I'm glad I did.
 
As we get ready for the holidays, I will definitely be blogging more.  I want to get back to my blogging roots, and come at it with the same excitement that I did years ago.  
 
Alright, let's see what everyone is up to. 
 
Wishing you all a very happy and blessed week!   




♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Cold but this week we will be seeing some 70 degree days, so I guess that's weird hahahah  I am ready for cold winter cozy weather, and right now, it is not cooperating.  
 
Monday - Cloudy, 71
Tuesday - Partly sunny, 74
Wednesday - Sunny, 76
Thursday - Sunny, 76
Friday - Sunny, 69
Saturday - Showers, 62
Sunday - Light rain, 56


♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
All my windows have condensation, a true sign of cooler weather, and I love it.  The sun has come up and because it's cloudy, the sky is a pink color with mist moving over the land.  Beautiful ♥   


♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
At my desk, listening to Max Velocity video about upcoming snow and where, and working on this post.    
 

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
How wonderful God is.  Elliott went through a lot the past two months but my boy is healed and back to himself, and I couldn't be happier. 
 

♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
I'm feeling good this morning, slightly tired, but overall I am good.  Aside from a slight stomach ache which I attribute to my ridiculous intake of stuff that I shouldn't have had this weekend.  Too many carbs in the form of bread, too many sweets, two donuts, and oh my word just terrible choices I made, but we're back on track.  
 

♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I've had a cup of coffee with hazelnut no sugar creamer.  The way I am able to use the creamer and not pack on all the extra calories, is that I make my coffee with 2% milk, then literally add a tiny and I mean tiny splash, just like two drops of the creamer which gives me the taste of the hazelnut, but not all the calories.
 
I made some oatmeal but I could only eat about 3 spoons of it, I don't know what is my deal with oatmeal lately, I think it's the kind of oatmeal I have which is not very good.  I may have some eggs later because I'm absolutely starving.  
 

♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
Tuna Salad with chickpeas and boiled egg.  
 

♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Steaks with creamy oregano sauce, basmati rice and salad. 
 

♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
In my pajamas as always at this time, I will change into some leggings soon and a tshirt.  It's going to be a slow, quiet day at home.  

 

♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
Almost done with 2 Samuel in the Bible.      

Currently reading Thornyhold by Mary Stewart. 
 
 


♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Youtube - 
Homemaking and book vlogs
Crochet and Knitting podcasts 
 
Netflix - 
Call the Midwife 
The Great British Bake Off
 
 
Turkish Soap -
Mercan Kosk
Guller ve Gunahlar
Muhtemel Ask
Halef
Sevdigim Sensin
Gunesin Dogdugu Yer
Anne Yarisi
Sevdan Bir Ates
 

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥
 
Monday - Steaks with creamy oregano sauce, basmati rice and roast brussell sprouts  
Tuesday - Tomato Cream Cheese Pasta, Garlic Knots, Salad
Wednesday - Mediterranean bowls, meatball, couscous, olives, hummus, red onion and tomato 
Thursday -Greek Chicken in Tomato sauce, Pasta, Bean salad
Friday - Greek Kokinisto Pork, Orzo and Salad
Saturday -Tantuni Wraps
Sunday - Burgers and spicy fries


♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
I put up my paper snowflakes on the windows and the Thanksgiving tree is up in the dining room, but I am going to get more things out.  I am ready for the season.  


♥♥ To Do List for the week ♥♥
- Carpet clean, vacuum, dust
- Laundry 
- Change bedding 
- Start sleeve two of my Jumper
- Make my Christmas Pudding 
- Meal plan for Thanksgiving
  

♥♥ What I am creating ♥♥
I made my first sleeve for the Clarendon Cables Jumper and I am in love.  Starting my second today and hopefully finishing it by tomorrow, it's a quick pattern once you get the hang of it.   


♥♥ Something fun to share ♥♥
With the holidays coming up and specifically Thanksgiving, we know there will be pie baking, right?
 
Here is a quick graphic that shows different pie crusts.  It definitely helps me to have a graphic like this with everything in one place.  
 

 
♥♥ From the camera ♥♥
My first sleeve is done and I am in love with it, I honestly can't wait for this jumper to finished so I can start wearing it. 
 
 

♥♥ Devotional ♥♥ 
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  - Psalms 119:105  

 
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