{ 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 ♥ 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ Rowdy Raccoons }

  

You know that saying "you give them a hand, they take a whole arm?"

 

Well we are currently living it, with some raccoons that decided to become quite rude, even though they have access to food every day.  We are those kinda people that feed the wildlife, whoever they are, whatever they need, they know where to come for a meal.  

 

Call us the local animal kitchen.

 

I've never had an issue with that and I love being able to feed the wildlife, and truthfully we've never had an sort of issue until the past two days.  A gaze of raccoons...by the way did you know that a group of raccoons is called a gaze?  I had no clue, but I looked it up just for interest, and there it was.  Weird description, but anyway.

 

For the past two days, I have walked out my front door, to find my plants and veggies all dug up, completely pulled from the pots and some even ripped across the yard.   I was so confused at first, then I noticed that a family of four raccoons was hanging out on my porch, just waiting for their morning meal and instead of being thankful, these rowdy pests have taken to messing with my pots.  

 

Needless to say, I have spent today moving all my plants, getting them back into the pots, and taking them to the back porch instead.  Hopefully this deters the little naughty ones from anymore antics.

Anyway, today is grocery day for me.  I am going to start shopping in store again, so this is my last Walmart delivery order.  It's been great, but like I said in a previously blog, it's frustrating as well, there's always some item missing, something substituted, or I've had glass bottles broken etc.  It's ridiculous!

 

Anyway, I changed the header and background on my blog, I felt it needed a little refresh, and then I thought, why not bring you along with me on this Tuesday?

 

It's not like I have anything glamorous going on, but it's real life, it's what I do around here and I think some of you may enjoy it, I know I enjoy reading other blogs or watching vlogs about every day ordinary life. 

 

 

I worked in the bedroom, at my desk, paying bills and just doing random administrative things, and as always while I do that, the babies get on the bed and take wonderful naps.

 

I know there are people who don't like pets, but I honestly don't know what I would do without mine, they are our babies and such a huge part of our family.  Even the outside strays are our babies, we've given them all names and funny enough they respond to each name.  

 

 

I have been on a reading mission this year, where some years I don't read a single book, this year I have been inhaling them.  I'm loving reconnecting with my books and sitting down at the end of the day or early morning, opening the book and just reading for about an hour.  I'm a fast reader as it is, so if I don't have much going on, my nose is in a book and I can go through them really quickly.

 

This is the pile of books I have read since May.  Altogether I have read 30 books this year.  What?!?!?!?!  

 

That is incredible for me, and I'm nowhere near done, and we still have 6 months until the end of the year, so if I manage to read another 30 at least, that's 60 books in one year.  Crazy!!!

 

Today I also opened up my blog to book file on my computer and am planning to get back to putting my blog posts in book form.  I already have quite a few but really want to finish my collection and catch up.  I don't think it will take too long because the past few years, mainly from 2020 to now, I haven't been blogging as much, sad as it is for me, it will make the process quicker.  But it really is sad because I've missed documenting so many things that have happened in our lives the past 6 years, and I wish I did but there's no going back now, so onwards and forwards.

 

And that is it my friends, at least for today.  I don't have much more to share.  I do plan on keeping my camera near me and taking pictures as I move about my day, and trying to get it here on the blog.  Fingers crossed!

 

I will be coming by to say hi to the Happy Homemaker Monday participants this week, I need to do that this morning.

 

Have a blessed Wednesday friends!

xoxoxox 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/13/2026 }

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back.  How was your weekend?  

 

I hope it was a good one.  I for one had a quiet weekend with not going out and not having tons to do.  It's been months since I have had a proper relaxing weekend so it felt wonderful to be able to do that.

 

I am going to quickly put this post up because I need to head out the door, in about 20 minutes, with my husband, for his VA dental appointment in Oklahoma.  

 

I wish you all a very blessed week ahead, and thank you again for always stopping by even if I don't always have the time to return the favor.  I need to remedy that, truly, I do.   

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

  

Monday - Thunderstorms, 91 

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 93  

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 92

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 89 

Friday - Partly Sunny, 92 

Saturday - Sunny, 96 

Sunday - Sunny, 100

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just made my breakfast quickly and brought it to my desk so that I can eat and post at the same time.  I'm already dressed and hair done, makeup done everything, just have to put on some sandals and head out the door.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

My stepmom will be visiting us in September and I can't wait for it.  So I'm already thinking and planning everything ahead.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

A bit crampy this morning as it is the beginning of that week, you know.  But I keep telling myself, I'm turning 52 next month so this won't be for much longer, and I bet you by the time I'm through menopause, I will actually have days where I miss this.        

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Two pieces of wholewheat toast and two scrambled eggs with a cup of coffee.  However, I've had just half of it, and I think I'm done.  With the eggs and toast that is, the coffee will never stay just half, that has to go completely.  Hahah

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure, I don't know how long Curt's appointment will be so we may just have lunch in Oklahoma.    

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Ajo Chicken, Basmati Rice, Brussel Sprouts. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will start working on the new meal plan today.

 

Monday - Ajo Chicken, Basmati Rice, Brussel Sprouts  

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Garlic Lemon Tilapia, Roasted Veggies 

 

 

 

Wednesday -Beef Burrito Casserole, Salad

 

 

 

Thursday -  

 

Friday - 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

Sunday -  Islak Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries (This one will stay as I didn't get around to making it last week)

 

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Black midi dress, black sandals. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still reading through Judges in the Bible. 

Read and finished Heart of Stone ( Irish Angel series book 1) by Jill Marie Landis.  It was a quick and sweet read.  

 

I have now started a huge collection of Christian fiction stories that I got a while back.  The first one is The New England Romance Collection with five inspiring love stories set in the historic North East.

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

We have only two games this week before the final on Sunday.  I can't believe it's already at the end, I don't know what to do with myself after this  Hahahah

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

Older series that I have not watched yet

 

Netflix:

Worst Roommate Ever

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to give it the usual Monday clean but that will have to wait until later this afternoon, or tomorrow morning. 

 

 

*** 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  

 

This week: 

Curt decided to go ahead and just paint the paneled dining room, the same color as the green in the living room.  I did one wall and need to do the rest this week.

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

 Still working on the crochet blanket.  Will take another picture and show the progress soon. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love regrowing vegetables.  

 

 

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

At church we have started a new series, and yesterday's sermon was about The Pain of Betrayal.  Very good!  

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/06/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends, welcome back.  

 

I hope you are all doing well after this beautiful birthday weekend.  Did you do anything fun?

 

My family and I actually went to Dallas for a Portugal fan meet up, it was so much fun.  It took place at a local sports bar, we took over the rooftop and just had an amazing time with all the Portuguese fans.  Makes me think that we need to do more fun things like this in the future. 

 

However, I am not used to drinking anymore, not since I went healthy two years ago, and after just one beer and one cocktail, I am sorely paying for it today.  Oh well.

 

I hope you all have a blessed week, try to stay cool if you are in an area much like mine that is already into the triple digits and high humidity.

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Hot, already very hot and humid.  

  

Monday - Mostly sunny, 97 

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 99  

Wednesday - Sunny, 102

Thursday - Mosty sunny, 103 

Friday - Sunny, 101 

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 98 

Sunday - Thunderstorms, 96

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Just had two pieces of toast to calm my stomach.  I am now trying to get this post up as quick as I can because I feel so nauseous.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

On how we take life for granted, we can often go years where all we do is work, work and work without doing anything fun.  Yesterday reminded me that we need to take more time to spend with family, to have fun, to go do unplanned things.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Sick, have spent all night in the bathroom.  The alcohol just destroyed my stomach.  Lesson learned.      

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just two pieces of toast.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure I'll be able to eat anything, but I do want to boil some chicken to make some chicken soup for me, so may have that for lunch.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

We had a barbecue on Saturday and have a ton of leftovers, so that's what we will have today.  I will probably make some sort of side, but there are plenty of hamburgers and hotdogs, bratwurst and even some pork chops. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Leftover barbecue  

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Creamy Oregano Chicken, Egg Noodles, Salad

 

 

 

Wednesday - Hot Sesame Pork, Rice, Egg Rolls

 

 

 

Thursday -  Turkey Meatballs, Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad

 

Friday - Homemade Pizza

 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

Sunday -  Islak Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries

 

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Grey summer nightie, will pop on a summer dress later. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am now in Judges in the Bible. 

 

I'm a mood reader so sometimes I will pick a book that I think I want to read and then set it aside, that is what happened with Kristin Lavransdatter by Singrid Undset.   It is a mammoth of a book and I really don't want to get into it right now.  It's too hot for that.  Does that even make sense?

 

Anyway, I ended up reading The hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham and loved it.  Read it in a day.  I love her easy writing style and the story was so sweet.  I need to get more by this author. 

 

Next I will be starting Heart of Stone ( Irish Angel series book 1) by Jill Marie Landis.   

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

Portugal play today against Spain, if they lose the go home, so it's a big match for us.  USA also play today against Belgium and the same thing for them, if they lose they are out of the World Cup.  However if both USA and Portugal win their matches, they will be facing off against each other.  Oh boy, that's going to be hard for me to watch LOL 

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

Older series that I have not watched yet

 

Netflix:

Homicide Squad New Orleans

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I do need to give it the usual Monday morning clean, but with the way I am feeling today, I am not sure how much I'll get to.  I may just do the absolute minimum necessary, or I may do what I need to but do it slowly.  

 

I have zero patience for being sick of any kind, it frustrates me so much. 

 

 

*** 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  

 

This week: 

Gave the entryway a first coat, but need to do the second coat this week. 

Paint hallway 

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

Finished all the flowers and am now starting the lacey part of the pattern.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Had to snap a picture with Ronaldo.  By the way, these cutouts are their actual size, he is quite tall.   

 

 

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

My prayers are going up for all the victims in the Venezuela Earthquakes.  I am in awe of God's miracles as we continue to see people being pulled alive from the rubble.