{ Period Dramas I have watched this month }

Are you ready?

 

It has been a while since I've done a Period Drama post, and I know a lot of you enjoy these just as much as I do. 

 

Now, I haven't really watched many the past year or so, there haven't been any that I was enjoying or felt like it was worth mentioning, but I have watched two the past few weeks and thought maybe it's time.  It's time to do another one of these and at the least tell you which two I watched, what I thought, and what if any are coming up soon that I will also be watching or looking forward to.

 

As always, if you have watched any recently let me know down in the comments.  

 

 

Seeking Persephone

 

I went back and forth on watching this one, not because it didn't appeal to me, but the fact that I had to pay to watch it on Amazon.  I didn't quite understand why this was being charged, but I gave in and I can tell you that I am really happy that I did.  It was so good, so sweet and clean without sex scenes and morbid gruesome scenes.

 

What we got instead was beautiful scenery, stunning settings and a story that tugs at your heartstrings.  Now if you don't know Seeking Persephone is actually based on a book by Sarah M. Eden and is part of a series which I am no looking to buy and add to my collection.

 

Persephone is the older daughter in a family who is almost destitute.  Her mother has passed and she takes on the role of caretaker for their father and younger siblings.  When she receives a marriage proposal from a Duke, she is taken back at first but thinking about her siblings and the huge amount of money he is willing to give the family as a dowry, she accepts.

 

The story is one of two people who don't know each other, have gotten married and are now navigating this new life.  Persephone is very sweet and kind and sees the best in people, whereas Adam is a Duke in pursuit of an heir, not very friendly and very much self conscious of this scar he has on his face.  We don't know at first where the scar came from but later in the movie it is explained.

 

I don't want to say more because it would ruin the movie, but it's a sweet love story that slowly makes you fall in love with the two characters. 

 

 

Hope Valley: 1874 

 

Oh Hope Valley.  I think this one is going to be a favorite just like When Calls the Heart and When Hope Calls.  Obviously it is related because it's a prequel to When Calls the Heart.

 

There has only been one episode, with the next coming out on Thursday and every Thursday after that.  The story is about a woman called Rebecca who has lost her husband and takes off on a wagon with their 11 year old daughter, to head west.  She bought a boardinghouse and her plan is to live there and start a new life, but of course, there is a slight hiccup that brings her to Hope Valley and the handsome Tom.

 

Can I just say that I love both Bethany Joy Lenz and Benjamin Ayres, from all the Hallmark movies I have watched over the years.  To see them now playing the main characters in this series is just wonderful.

 

So, not much to say yet about the series, other than I loved the first episode, already am excited to see what comes next and knowing that I love the other two series so much, I am sure this one is going to be just as good.

 

Oh and Jill Hennessy from Crossing Jordan is also one of the main characters, another great actress, so there's that too.

 

 

Those are the two I have watched this month and as I go forward and watch others, I will of course come back and share.  I do plan on making a full post of more upcoming period dramas too.  

 

What have you watched lately?  Any good ones you want to share? 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/23/2026}

 

Good morning everyone from a cold Texas.  Y'all, this weekend we hit 102, this morning we are at 40.  I don't know what is going on, or who is messing with the weather, but my goodness, enough already, pick a temperature or season, and stick with it.  

 

Anyway, I'm coming to you from a cold morning with dew on the grass but the most stunning pink colored skies.

 

So, good morning again, come on in, as you can see I have a new graphic up top.  I wanted something Spring like and a bit of a change, so that's the new one I'll be using for a while, and as always you are more than welcome to use it too.  

 

Now let's get on, as I have two fur babies staring at me wanting I don't know what.  The minute I sit at my computer desk, they suddenly need something, every time, without fail.  Hahah  

 

I wish you all a blessed week ahead.  

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

I debated saying anything but I've already said it above, so I'll just leave these confusing temperatures for your perusal.  No wonder people are constantly sick lately with the ever changing temperatures. 

 

Monday - Cloudy, 71

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 86

Wednesday - Sunny, 93

Thursday - Sunny, 94

Friday - Partly cloudy, 62

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 59

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 80

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

The animals won.  I took a break from from this post, got dressed for the day, did the dishes, got my breakfast, fed themTrying to get this post up, but both Kaia and Elliott keep bugging me, for God knows what.  They are like toddlers when you pick up the phone and they start screaming for something.  Remember those days? Hahah 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Honestly?  Crochet and crochet and books and sweet family tv shows. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Speaking women to women, it's that time and I am inching very close to menopause and being done with perimenopause, so my cycles have been different, to say the least.  

 

I am so quite tired and sore today, we have spent all weekend building a new shed to transform into a chicken coop, and this blasted thing has aggravated us so much.  We still have to put the doors on, but gave up.  It was so hot and windy and like I said, the building of the shed itself was a lesson in patience.  Hahaha  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had my second cup of coffee, two pieces of wholewheat toast with apple butter.  I did have a bowl of oatmeal at 6am but it did not fill me at all. 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

I will be having some tuna salad with chickpeas.        

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese, Garlic Bread and Salad   

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Starting to work on the new meal plan today, so only have meals until Wednesday.

 

Monday - Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese, Garlic Bread and Salad

Tuesday -  Roast Chicken Quarters, Buttered Garlic Rice, Broccoli 

Wednesday - Sheet Pan Tomato Basil Gnocchi, Tomato Cucumber Salad

Thursday -  

Friday - 

Saturday -   

Sunday - 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Don't laugh but, I got out of my pajamas and put on a clean fresh pair of pajamas.  I am not going anywhere today, I am not feeling great, and I plan on taking it easy all day, so I want to be comfortable. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished the third book in the Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series.  Yep, my absolutely favorite new series that will forever live on my bookshelves.  I encourage everyone to read these books if you haven't yet done so.

 

I have now started a trilogy by Tracie Peterson called Ladies of Liberty which is an Historical romance series.  It's giving me the same kind of vibes as the Harbor of Spies series that I read recently from Megan Soja.

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

I also watched Seeking Persephone and LOVED it.  What a sweet period drama.  

 

Also, on the Hallmark channel the new period drama series called Hope Valley: 1874.   It is the prequel to When Calls the Heart, so if you're a fan of that series, you will want to watch this one.  I loved the first episode and I can tell that I'm going to really enjoy watching this series.  I just wish there were more like these.

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I can say that my house does not need much attention today, and I'm very happy to report that because the energy and motivation I have today, are about zero.  See, even I the happy homemaker have my days where I just couldn't be bothered and that's ok, we are allowed a day like that.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Watch tv, read my book, crochet.  That's it.

 

*** What I am creating *** 

My gorgeous Solstice Star Blanket is just growing so much.  It sits heavily on my lap when I crochet, and I am loving every second and every row.  

 

 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

My sweet Elliott ♥  He was sitting on my bed with the sunlight on him and I just had to snap this picture.  

 

 

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

I know a lot out there are feeling scared and frustrated with the uncertainty of the world we currently live in.  I know that I can say until I'm blue in the face, to let it go and put it in God's hands, but I also know it's always easy.

 

So instead I will leave you some peace scriptures that you can say out loud and pray over yourself and your families.  I hope that helps 🙏

 

Proverbs 3:17
Her [wisdom] ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, and all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast on You.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand (a hand of Justice, of power, of victory, of Salvation).

Isaiah 43:1b
Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!

  

{ A crocheting Saturday }

I have always found crocheting to be a calming hobby, something I could do to make me forget about the world, to calm my heart and my soul, to remind me to see the beauty in every moment.

 

When I stopped crocheting, a year or two ago, it wasn't for a specific reason, frankly I don't know why I did.  I don't understand it myself, because I made the conscious decision to stop, no one did it for me, and I certainly wasn't forced to.  It's strange that I would stop doing something that I know for a fact, brings me so much joy and peace, but sometimes we do things out of character, don't we?

 

Whatever the reason, I am just happy that I picked it up again, and now that I am back into it, the rows are just flowing.

 

I worked through Part 5 last week, making a row in the morning and a row at night.  I told myself that I can read or watch tv, or do whatever else I want, as long as I do two rows a day.

 

It's funny that I have to negotiate with myself, but this is the way I find that helps me to have a routine where I do what is expected of me as a wife, mother and homemaker, and I also allow myself the fun things.  

 

A time and place for everything right? 

 

 

So, this is my Solstice Star Blanket by Helen Shrimpton at Crystals and Crochet.  I have followed Helen for so many years and have made many of her blankets.  I love the patterns, I love that she always does videos to take us along and help, and she always provides us with these exquisite pieces of art, that may seem so complicated but it's really just a combination of easy crochet stitches, just placed ever so daintily row after row.

 

 

The colors for this one came purely by accident.  I wanted to get back into crochet and I knew that if I didn't do immediately when I got the urge, I wouldn't.  So, I didn't want to wait for more yarn, or go to the store and try to figure out a combination that would work.

 

Instead I turned to my own yarn stash and picked out some colors that I already had on hand.  To be honest, at first, I didn't think these colors would work together, they're also very different from my usual muted pastels.

 

But I picked them up, and as I always do when crocheting, I just grabbed the first one at hand and went with it and then started alternating the yarn. 

 

 

As it started growing, I started loving it.  It screams Autumn to me though, but that's ok, it can be finished and put away until the cold weather returns later in the year.  

 

I do plan on starting another as soon as this one is finished.

 

I started Part 6, which is rows 63-72 and I am on row 65 at the moment.  I'm really looking forward to it being done just so I can say I did it.  

 

Next blanket I plan on making will be a Universe in Bloom from Look at What I Made.  I did a Sophie's Universe blanket 10 years ago, also from Dedri and loved it.  Actually I've made a few of her patterns, and they're all wonderful, so very much looking forward to the new one.

 

Now, I better get off here and work a few more rows on this beautiful Solstice Star. 

{ A Spring homemaking day }

Spring is on the way, well, it's practically here, so say all my fruit trees.  Above you can see my peach tree blossoming, beautiful fragile small pink buds that smell amazing and are a sight to see.  Then the wind comes in roaring like a lion, and whips through giving this poor tree a run for it's money, and when it dissipates and moves on to another area, only a few blooms remain.

 

They cling desperately to the branches, much like old man winter clings to it's last cold days, not wanting to leave, not wanting to give over the reigns to spring.   

 

The allergies are in full force, raging from the pollen that is thrown around during these windy days.  And that for me, is the sure sign that Spring is literally around the corner, peeking, waiting to make it's entrance. 

When I was younger I used to take Spring as the sign to get into a full top to bottom home cleaning.  I even did posts on it here o the blog.  I didn't relent, I started one day, moved from room to room and gave it a deep clean that would leave it shining and fresh scented, but would leave me utterly exhausted for days.

 

It used to be fun, now? Not so much.  I have changed into a different kind of approach.  I try to keep the house clean constantly, not letting it go between seasons, so that I don't have to do such a hard clean, but rather just smaller daily and even weekly catch ups. 

It is what happens as you grow older and wiser.  I don't know about the wise part, but the older part, it is happening, oh yes it is.  When I look back on my blog and how young I was when I first started this journey, it makes me smile.  I can't believe that I am turning 52 years old this year.  

 

Without wanting to, my body does let me know that I am no longer as young as I was, and there are things that I can't do with as much vigor as I used to.  I could let it get to me, become frustrated or fight it, but I choose to go with the flow.  I do what I can, which I will say for my age is a lot when I think about my parents at my age and how much older they seemed to be and act.

 

But I also have to be smart and know when to stop, when to rest and when to admit that maybe it's time to change things slightly.  So I have and it works for me. 

I have been slowly organizing the garage, I will show you in a later post.  But the shelves are up and the tubs are in, and we're going through everything and putting it in the storage tubs, which will be neatly labeled for easy access. 

 

I spent an hour typing and printing out titles for the labels.  Is it a lot of work?  Sure, but when I see everything labeled I will be happy I took the time. 

If you hadn't noticed yet, and I know you have, I am very much into my reading and my books lately.  I am also on a lot of upcoming book review tours, all Christian, and I am thrilled to see book mail almost daily.

 

These two will be up next week, so if you are interested in either or both, be sure to check out my reviews and thoughts in upcoming posts.

 

The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine and And She Got Up by Courtney Pray Duke. 

 

In my personal reading, I am more than halfway through the last book in the Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers and oh my goodness, these are my favorite books now.  They have changed my life, my faith, and have made me want to read my Bible more and get closer to God.  Fantastic books! 

As is usual in this house, we often have bananas that go ripe too fast, and then no one touches them, other than me.  The boys all have admitted that they deliberately leave them so that I am forced to make some sort of goodie with them.  Brats hahahahah

 

This time I whipped up some Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins which are divine.  Recipe will be on the food blog by this weekend. 

I also picked up my crochet hook and current project, again.  I mentioned in my Happy Homemaker Monday that I was itching to get back into my Solstice Star Blanket, and I did.  I was a bit apprehensive at first, it seemed awkward and weird crocheting again.  Also, huge tip, if you are working on a big project like a blanket, don't set it aside for months unless you make a lot of notes reminding you exactly what row you were on, what part of the pattern, what hook and all of that.

 

I always do this.  Set it aside, think I'll remember and then struggle to figure it all back out again.  I had to look for the right part, reprint everything again, then count rows over and over to make sure I was on the right one.  Oh Sandra!

 

However, I figured it out and am currently on the last row of Part 5.  I just have Part 6 and Part 7 and the blanket will be finished.  I can't wait.

 

Again, this is the Solstice Star Blanket by Helen Shrimpton over at Crystals and Crochet. 

As I crochet, my babies lay next to me sleeping, climbing under their blankets, leaving just their faces out.  It's something I started doing with them when they were little, I do it with all our animals.  I get them used to sleeping under their own blankets, but I always say over and over "face.....face....I gotta see your face so you can breathe".

 

At first it doesn't work, they get under there and I have to physically pull the blankets off them.  Takes about a week or two, but then figure it out after a while and do this on their own.  They are just too sweet ♥ 

The days move on slowly, transitioning from cold to warm, to cold again, to wind that slaps everything around and plays flute music through the windows.  Then the heat comes again, storms, tornado weather, then 30 degrees again and ice on the car windshields.

 

The changing of the seasons is a thing to behold, confusing at times but beautiful in it's own way.

 

As much as I pride myself on cooking all our meals, even I am ok with a random Dominos pizza night.  After a long day of homemaking or working on a project like the bookshelves or the garage, Dominos came to save the day.  I didn't complain, the boys didn't complain and Elliott thought it was great as well.

 

He came to inspect the pizza boxes then took off to lay on my dining chair (one of his favorite places to curl up and nap). 

Dinner was had, the kitchen was tidied up and we played a family game, something we do practically every night after dinner.  

 

Our current favorite game to play is Nertz.  A fun card game of solitaire but played with up to 6 people.   We enjoy these game nights, they give us a chance to spend time together after a busy work day.

 

I would love to know if your family as game nights as well and if you do, what kind of games do you play. 

{ Cooking Thursday - Greek Sheet Pan Chicken }

One of our favorite dinners, is this super easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken.  I am always looking for easy delicious recipes, and one website that I turn to over and over, is The Mediterranean Dish.  Love it, it is filled with the most wonderful recipes, and every single one I have tried from there has been a huge hit.

 

 

 

 

Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

Source: The Mediterranean Dish

 

Ingredients

For the Ladolemono (Greek salad dressing)

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Juice of 2 large lemons
• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 large garlic clove minced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Chicken and Veggies

• 1 large red onion, halved and sliced into 1/2 -inch pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (half moons)
• 1 large orange bell pepper, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1 large tomato, cut into 8 wedges
• Kosher salt
• ground black pepper
• 6 to 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives
• 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, for garnish

Instructions

• Get ready: Position a rack in the middle of your oven and heat it to 425°F.
• Make the ladolemono Greek salad dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, add the lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper and whisk vigorously to combine. While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil and continue whisking until emulsified.
• Coat the veggies. On a large sheet pan, spread the onions, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Season well with salt and pepper, then pour about 1/4 cup of the sauce all over the veggies. Toss to coat, then spread the vegetables out so they are all touching the surface of the pan.
• Add the remaining ingredients. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken, olives, and chunks of feta in between the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining ladolemono sauce, making sure the chicken especially is covered with the sauce.
• Bake. Bake on the center rack of your heated oven until the chicken is cooked through, about 35 minutes. For more color, transfer the chicken to the top rack about 6 inches away from the broiler. Broil for a couple of minutes, watching closely to make sure the chicken and vegetables gain some color but do not burn.
• Finish and serve. Remove from the oven and spoon the pan juice all over the chicken. Garnish with the parsley and serve. 

 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ Bookshelf clean out }

 

Over the past few years, I have collected many books.  Some have been sent by publishers for book reviews, others I have gotten for free, some as gifts, some bought new and a lot bought at a fraction of their price from Thriftbooks.

 

The bookshelves have grown, the piles have grown with them, and I am at the point where I need to do a clean up, choose those that I absolutely can't part with, donate the ones that are still in good condition (99% of my books are because I cherish them), and put some up over at Paperbackswap so that I can exchange them for new to me books.

 

It's a big project to tackle and I will tell you, I am not looking forward to it, the sheer magnitude of it makes me cringe, but it needs to happen, and I have taken the first steps to do it. 

 

I have been compiling piles in boxes.  Boxes for the thrift store, boxes for paperbackswap, and the rest I have been reorganizing on the shelves.

 

If I had my way, I would have a huge study room, a home library, with big leather chairs draping with comfy blankets, a fireplace, lots of plants, a dark green color on the wall and books upon books on shelves that ran wall to wall.  That would be my dream, and one day, I may just have that room, but for now, we make do with what we have.

And what we have, are shelves throughout the house, filled with books of every kind.  Fiction, non fiction, textbooks, picture books, kid books and everything in between.  There's so many, but not all I plan on keeping or reading again (honestly, I am not really one to read books more than once, or watch series or movies more than once), but there are books that have touched me and change me, and those will stay.

I started tackling this project last week Friday and it's slow going, I take my time going through each book and deciding what I want to do with it.  

 

I then put them into the different boxes, but will once again go through the boxes again, just in case I change my mind about one or two.  

 

Maybe I should have been a librarian! 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/16/2026 }

 

 

Good morning sweet ladies, come on in out of the cold.  It is currently 28 degrees outside from a whopping 81 yesterday.  Texas has issues my friends, it can't decide whether it wants to be cold or hot, and so we are stuck in between this craziness.  

 

But never mind that, come in and sit with me, I have hot coffee, or tea if you prefer.  Let's see what is happening around our homes for the upcoming week.

 

I am pretty proud of myself for being able to blog daily, I just need to do a quick weekend review, but I did manage to post every day last week, and that just thrilled me.  Hoping to do the same this week.  

 

Now, let's get on with our post.  I wish you all a blessed, productive and joyful week ahead.  

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Confusing.  I am just hoping it picks a temperature and season, and stays there.  I will say, I am NOT looking forward to 100 next Saturday.  What on earth?

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 51

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 72

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 85

Thursday - Mostly Sunny, 96

Friday - Sunny, 98

Saturday - Sunny, 100

Sunday - Sunny, 99

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Trying to get this post up, but both Kaia and Elliott keep bugging me, for God knows what.  They are like toddlers when you pick up the phone and they start screaming for something.  Remember those days? Hahah 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

I have a lot I want to get done this week, but mostly I want to pick up my crochet blanket again, I want to read more, I want to be in the Word more, organize more, post more.  Just more and more.  We will see how it goes. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I am doing well.  But I wanted to share something with you that I have found has helped me so much lately.  Last week, during my morning prayers, I have started giving my day over to God and asking that His will be done, and that the day go according to His will and not mine.  

 

It has completely transformed my days.  I have felt such joy, content and peace when I do that.  One day, I forgot, and I noticed a huge difference, I was irritated and frustrated, tired, anxious and all that stuff.  Give it a try and let me know if you also feel a difference. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I just had two pieces of wholewheat toast with butter and a little slathering of liver spread.  I also had two scrambled eggs.  This kind of breakfast keeps me full well until lunch time and sometimes beyond.  I did also have two cups of coffee already, one at 4:30 AM when we got up, and another with my breakfast.  

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure, but will probably have a salad.       

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Zucchini Lasagna, Broccoli and Cauliflower in a bechamel sauce.    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Zucchini Lasagna, Broccoli and Cauliflower in a bechamel sauce

Tuesday -  Moroccan Fish, Curried Quinoa, Salad 

Wednesday - Chicken Florentine, Mashed Potatoes, Roast Veggies

Thursday -  Sloppy Joes, Sweet Potato Fries

Friday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad

Saturday -   BLT Sandwiches

Sunday - Ground Beef Pita Pockets, Greek Roast Potatoes

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my pajamas, pastel pink with black polka dots.  It is another set from Joyspun which is one of my favorite brands, for all kinds of clothing, including underwear.  By far the comfiest you can find.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Oh my word, this weekend I read and finished the first two books in Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series.  These are 500 page books, and I read both, the first on Friday and the second on Saturday.  These are now my favorite books of all time, they have even surpassed my previous favorites which if you've been here for a while, you know is These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner.

 

The Mark of the Lion books have touched me and changed me forever.  Beautiful historical stories about God, about faith, about finding God and struggling through the journey.  Oh my word I can't say enough about them, and I encourage you to read them if you haven't yet.  

 

Today I will start the third and last in the series, As sure as the Dawn.  

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  I am also hoping to find a way to watch Seeking Persephone.

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I have to do the usual Monday clean and reset for the week, and I always look forward to it.  Many of you may think I'm weird, but Monday is one of my favorite days of the week. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Continue bookshelf organization (I am going through all my books and making piles of what I am keeping, what I'm donating, and what I'm posting online to trade)

 

*** What I am creating *** 

My crochet blanket will be picked up again today, I am just itching to get back into it.  Matter of fact, I really want to get back into my crochet, I find it so calming and relaxing and I miss it.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Home ♥   

 

 

 

 

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

At church yesterday, our Pastor was not present so one of the Pastors from another campus delivered the word.  It was SO good, I took so many notes because it was fantastic and it taught me so much, and helped me tremendously.

 

He talked about anxiety, worry and fear, and how we need to face those on a daily basis.  he used stories from the Bible to show us how we need to stay focused on God and not divert our eyes elsewhere.  One of the examples he gave was Peter in the boat, when during the storm the disciples see Jesus out on the water, and Peter asks Jesus to call him to go to his side and walk on the water.  Jesus tells him to do it, and Peter takes that first step and then a few more while his eyes are focused on Jesus and his faith is unshakeable, but then his eyes drift from Jesus to the huge waves around them, and he immediately starts sinking, he no longer can control the fear and anxiety, which causes him to start drowning.

 

A good example that when we are faced with situations that are scary or worrisome, we are to trust and believe and know that God is with us in those moments, to not avert our eyes from Him, because when we do, when we start looking around at what is coming at us, we can't take it, we can't handle it, and we are overcome with those feelings.  

 

I am including below the full message if you want to listen.  It will bless you. 

{ A DIY hack for my Swiffer mop }

A few months ago, I purchased a Swiffer Power Mop.  I wanted something easy, because my previous mops were the usual twist and pull and whatever, and with my osteoarthritis, my hands sometimes hurt and the wringing action was putting tremendous strain on my joints.

 

I knew I didn't want a very expensive mop, I just wanted something inexpensive, but something that would do the job.  I've had multiple swiffers over the years and they were never great for mopping, at least I didn't think they were.  So, when I bought this one I was a little apprehensive but just thought no matter what it would help my hands and that's what I needed.

 

I have now had it for a few months and will say that I love it, it's easy to use, it does a great job, but I did have to hack it so to speak, in a few ways.  In other words, I had to change and DIY a little for it to be even better.

 

Because this is a homemaking blog and I always share my tips and tricks that I have found, that help me around my home, I of course had to come and show you as well.  What's the point of finding something great and a tip that will save money, if we don't share it with others right?

 

The first thing I noticed that I didn't like, were the cleaning pads that came with the mop, and the ones that you have to buy, obviously.  They can be a bit pricey and honestly, I found them to be a bit flimsy and easily fall apart, they also don't have any kind of rough surface to get hard spots out.

 

I was looking online and came across these re washable pads for the Swiffer Power Mop.  They were very inexpensive, I got them on Amazon and I must say, I LOVE them.  They clean so well and go right in the washer when needing a refresh.

 

They don't fall apart, they cling right to the mop bottom, they wash really well and come out looking like new.  Definitely a must purchase if you have one of these mops.  The package comes with 7 pads, and was just $9.99.  

 

Just for you to compare the two.  At Walmart the Refill pack is $9.94 for 5 refills which you can't wash and have to throw out.  In my mind the reusable and washable ones are much better quality, work well and can be washed, so it's a winner to me.

 

7 Count Reusable Mop Pads for Swiffer PowerMop

  

 

The next thing I wanted, was to be able to refill the cleaner solution myself with a homemade one, or another type of cleaner.  Each of the refill bottles is around $6, but it will be much cheaper if I don't have to keep buying it.

 

Getting around this was a bit more difficult, because it doesn't have a lid per say.  Of course it has a lid but it's not one that you can easily pop off or twist off.  It took a bit of digging around online and ultimately I ended up asking Chat GPT to help me, and it did.  

 

So, the way to refill these.  You need to boil some water, pour the water into a bowl, then take the empty solution bottle, turn it upside down and place it, lid size down in the bowl.  Leave it in for about a minute.  

 

 

The hot water loosens the plastic tabs inside and makes it easier to remove it.  The next step is to take a butter knife, pop it under the purple lid and lift gently all around.  

 

I then just slide the knife up and into one of those holes at the top, pushed gently and it popped right off.  

 

 

I usually make my own solution but I did have a bit left in the Lysol bottle, so I poured all of that into the container, filled the rest of the way up with water, and replaced the lid back on nice and tight.

 

Popped it back into my mop and it works perfectly.

 

 

As soon as this solution ends, I will be making my own.  Usually I do:

 

2 cups warm water

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 70% 

1 teaspoon of dish soap (I use Ivory)

Optional:  essential oil (I don't do that very often, but sometimes I will add a few drops of lavender) 

 

I hope you find these tips helpfu, as I said above, when I find something that works well for me, I immediately want to share it with all the other homemakers out there.  

 

It has saved me quite a bit of money, and I love that I can make a safer solution without all the added chemicals.