{ 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. 

{ Cooking Thursday - Homemade Doner Kebab }

 

 

Since starting my healthy journey and changing our eating habits, I have turned to a more Mediterranean diet, and we have all been enjoying it.  I have always loved Mediterranean food, especially anything like Gyros, Kebabs and Shawarmas.  

 

 

When I came across this easy doner kebab recipe, I immediately put it on the menu and it was a hit.  Will be making it quite a lot in the future.

  

Doner Kebab

Recipe from FoolProofLiving 

 

For The Doner Meat 

▢ 1 onion, medium-sized/peeled and cut into large chunks

▢ 2 cloves garlic, peeled 

▢ 1 lb ground beef, 85/15 

▢ 1 tablespoon tomato paste 

▢ 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, full-fat or no fat (both would work) 

▢ 1 teaspoon ground cumin 

▢ 1 teaspoon paprika 

▢ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional 

▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt 

▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper 

 

 

Instructions 

 

Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204°C). Place the onion and garlic in a food processor and pulse until fully chopped/pureed. Place it in a large bowl. Into that same bowl, add in the beef, tomato paste, Greek yogurt, ground cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands, mix well until thoroughly combined. Divide the mixture into 3 equal pieces*. 

 

Grab a large sheet of parchment paper and place one of the pieces in the middle. Place another sheet of parchment on top and, using a rolling pin (or your hands), roll it out into a rectangle. Do your best to make it as even as possible. 

 

Remove the parchment paper on top. 

 

Starting from the bottom with the short side facing you, roll the meat (with the parchment paper) onto itself in 2-inch increments until complete. Transfer it to a large sheet pan. Repeat the same process for the remaining pieces. 

 

Transfer it to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. When done, unfold the rolled meat and tear it into large pieces. 

 

Add a handful of meat on top of a pita or lavash bread, top with sliced tomatoes, cucumber slices and red onion slices.  I made a garlic yogurt sauce to drizzle on.  Basically just a cup of plain Greek yogurt, some fresh minced parsley and a little salt.  

 

{ A homemaking day }

When some people need quiet and rest for their soul, they seek out a place to go or something to do outside of the chaos around them.

 

When I need that same quiet and rest, I turn to my homemaking and tackle it with a deeper focus and gratitude.  Doing the usual daily chores is nothing new, but going into them with a quiet submissive spirit, clicks something inside me that renews my soul and gives me the peace and rest I need.

 

Such was this day for me.   

 

 

 

Mornings for me are therapeutic.  There's nothing exciting about them, I will be the first to admit it, I mean how many times can we load and unload the dishwasher, pack away things, clean the counters without getting bored of the same thing?  And I don't always look at these tasks with kind eyes, I'm not going to lie to you or pretend something that I am not.

 

But I will say, the days that I do try to look them as something positive in my life, like the fact that if I'm doing dishes it means there is food to be eaten, if I'm packing away items in the cupboards or pantry, it also means I have a supply of food for my family.

 

If you ever feel like you can't stand to pick up another plate, just try to shift your mind into that kind of thinking, I'm telling you it helps. 

 

 

 

This particular day I wanted to do a deeper cleaning, so I got dinner in the crockpot and went about my day, knowing that in a few hours, I would have a good home cooked meal ready to eat.  

 



 

In the living room, I pulled all the furniture away from the walls, vacuumed and dusted and gave everything a good cleaning.  It's a lot of work, and I am so thankful for being fit now and able to do it, because I tell you 2 years ago, I would not have been able to do this.  Well, I would but it would have been extremely difficult, I wouldn't have had the physical strength, I had so much joint pain as well, it was not a pretty thing.

 

Thankful to God's blessings in disguise.  A health scare became my saving grace, and my husband's as well, because through my journey, he decided to join in and he is now in the same place I am, fit, healthy weight and happier.

 



 

I've been working on my den/dining room area.  We love Medieval anything and going to Renaissance Faires, as you know.  I have done quite a few posts here of our days out at the Ren Faires.  It used to be a yearly thing for us in Arizona, we had possibly the best Faire in the country and it was such a joy to go and spend the day.

 

We accumulated quite a few items from these trips, and since this den is paneled, we have grown into it, and have decided to go with a Medieval/Lodge/Cabin kind of feel.  We are slowly incorporating items in and seeing what works best, but for now, I am already really loving the cozy feel it gives.

 





 

There is something also, about homemaking on a rainy day.  The candles, the soft light throughout the house, the grey clouds and the feel of wanting to be inside in the warmth, while watching the rain falling outside.

 



 

After all my chores were done, I tackled my bookshelves.  Got some of the books that I have already read out, and have packed them in a box, to move to the other bookshelves in the living room, and some will be put on the Paperbackswap website.

 

 

I love books so much, but in reality I can't keep them all, unless I plan to have bookshelves lining every wall in this house, which I would have no problem with, but I have to remember that I don't live alone, and the rest of the family would probably have an issue with that.  Hahaha

 

I do sometimes wish I had a library room, filled with bookshelves and big comfy chairs, where I could go and sit for hours with a book in hand.  Maybe one day. 

 

For now, I will be selective, keep those that I absolutely can not imagine being without, give some to the thrift stores and post some on the book swap site.  It's the sensible thing to do right?

 

My friends, I do hope you are all doing well, having blessed weeks and staying healthy and safe.  I do apologize again for not being as constant on the blog as I want to, but I haven't been able to and I also think you probably will get tired of me constantly going on and on about the same thing.  

 

I have tried this week to be more present and post more, and do hope you're enjoying that.

 

With that said, I need to get going.  I have a grocery delivery coming in a few hours, so I need to go give the fridge a good clean in preparation for that.  We also have rainy weather again with some strong storms possible this afternoon, so I best be prepared for that too.

 

In closing, I just wanted to say that I sometimes get asked about the things I use, the items I have in my home etc.  I thought it would be a good idea to start giving you links to those at the end of my posts.  As I have said before, I don't make any money at all from sharing these and I am not an influencer or in any way even interested in influencing anyone to get anything.  It just makes it easier instead of having to reply to a ton of messages and emails.

 

Alright, have a blessed day and I'll see you all tomorrow for Cooking Thursday.

 

Mythologie Candles 

6 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker 

Candle Warmer Lamp

 

{ All I read in February }

I do believe February was the month I have read the most books, ever.  I try to read, but I do go through some phases where I don't pick up a book, or I struggle to get through a single one in months.  Then there are times when I can't seem to get enough of reading, and I zip through the books as quick as I can read them.

 

February was such a month for me. 

 

I stepped away from social media, and just focused on living my life in the reality around me, which is something I do most of the time anyway, but even I get sucked into the doom scrolling on Instagram and other social media outlets.  It's never a good thing, and when I step away from it, I feel so much better.

 

So that's what I did, and I ended up reading 7 books.  I don't think there was a single book on that pile that I didn't enjoy or struggled getting through.  They were all Christian fiction which means very minimal nonsense and when I say nonsense I mean things that I don't want to read anymore.

 

As I have progressed in my Christian journey and have gotten closer to God, there are a lot of things that he convicts me to do, and things to avoid.  I used to love romance books, books with spice and smut and all that other stuff.  Now, I can't read them at all, they make me very uncomfortable and quite honestly, I don't think they add anything to the story itself.  But that is my personal opinion.  Instead, I have been nudged to read more Christian fiction, and I am loving it.

 

If that's a genre you are looking into reading, then here are some books that I think you will enjoy.

 

 

The Huntress by Carrie Cotten - #1 in the Medieval Christian Fiction

 

 Betrayed by their allies, the last of the Picts have escaped to the innermost part of an endless, dark forest, content to remain hidden there forever. Made queen at just a child, Cyrene has given all of her life and heart to the task of making sure her people are never terrorized again.

When a handsome stranger from the kingdom that betrayed them falls injured at the boundary of her village, she’s forced to choose between mercy and duty.

The second son of a ruling monarch, Duncan would never be considered for the throne, neither did he wish to be. But when a plague sweeps through the land, he is the only one of royal blood left standing. Returning to the tower that holds too many dark memories, the truth of his father’s tangled reign begins to unravel and Duncan is once again forced into a role he never wanted.

 

 

The Viking by Carrie Cotten - #2 in the Medieval Christian Fiction

 

Will the loyalty that saved their kingdom destroy their hearts?

As a girl, Astrid washed up on the shores of the Picts, haunting memories of her homeland locked deep inside. She began a new life serving Queen Cyrene, ultimately becoming her dearest friend and the captain of her army. But when Cyrene’s unexpected marriage unites her people with the enemy realm of Tràigh, only Astrid’s dedication to the crown can help her battle her mistrust of these rival forces, especially their maddening captain, Eowin.

Trusted as a brother, Eowin can imagine no life other than serving his king. As Tràigh struggles to hold its place amid tumult, a mysterious Viking warrior and his men sail in with a claim that will change everything. Sent to far lands on an impossible mission, Eowin finds his courage, integrity, and wisdom stretched to the limits.

Will he sacrifice everything for this warrior maiden he can never have? 

 

 

The Raven by Carrie Cotten - #3 in the Medieval Christian Fiction 

 

Will the darkness that hides her finally destroy her?

Revna has spent her whole life thirsting for justice. When the chance to avenge her murdered mother and enslaved sister is denied her, she finds an even greater cause in gathering her people from their Norse captors and sending them home. Using threats and violence as her shield, she has built a seemingly invincible and invisible persona of terror. Then the drunken son of a chieftain discovers that the much-feared “Raven” is really just a slight teenage girl.

Unable to please his angry father or protect his villagers from extortion and need, Aksel turns to endless mugs of mead to drown his despair. But a fierce little bird turns all that upside down. With her unequivocal purpose and unparalleled bravery, Revna rescues him from his meaningless existence but at a staggering cost neither of them expects.

Revna and Aksel will sacrifice everything to free the slaves, but who will free them from the bondage of their pasts and the truth behind their disguises?

 

 

Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja - #1 in the Harbor of Spies Series

 

Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties.

Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him.

As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own?

  

 

Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja - #2 in the Harbor of Spies Series

 

Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies...and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.

William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.

As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come. 

 

 

Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja - #3 in the Harbor of Spies Series

 

Libby Caldwell has been in love with Isaac Harrison for years, ever since her late father befriended him. While her head knows there is no hope of sharing her life with a British soldier, her heart is much more difficult to convince, especially now that he is quartering in her home. With Boston under siege and battle looming, each day together forces her to recognize how deep her feelings truly are…and how forbidden.

Bound by duty to both his family and country, Isaac is determined to serve honorably in the King’s army, despite never wishing to be a soldier. But quartering with the widow and daughter of his old friend places another obligation on his shoulders—that of their well-being. The more time he spends with Miss Caldwell, the more that duty begins to feel like something personal, something he cannot allow.

As the siege of Boston tightens, Libby finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of espionage that could save the Patriot cause—and destroy any chance of a future with the man she’s growing to love. 

 

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

 

Before Christ called her daughter . . .

Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .

Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father's textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.

No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body . . . and soul?

 

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/09/2026 }

 

 

 

Good morning sweet ladies, welcome back.

 

First I need to apologize for putting this post up so late, but this time change is really confusing me.  I am so tired and so out of it.  I'm sure I'm not the only one, but anyway, let's just get going.

 

I hope you are all doing well, and I wish you a very blessed week ahead.

  

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Confusing.  90 degrees one day, and the next morning 30.  I gave up trying to understand it.  We have also headed straight into Tornado season and had some tornado watches over the weekend.  I'm praying for a calmer, warmer week. 

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 89

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 85

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 67

Thursday - Sunny, 69

Friday - Sunny, 85

Saturday - Sunny, 90

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 79

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Trying to get this post up as quick as I can, while listening to worship music.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Normal day to day stuff, meal planning and house cleaning, bills, but also really wanting to get this blog taken care of.  I am finally 100% better and feel like I can finally move on with my days. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Good physically, and blessed.  Listening to worship music always reminds just how blessed I am.  I will say, I am one of those people that just cries her eyes out while listening to worship, I just can't help it.   

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had a toasted ciabatta roll with some Irish butter, and two scrambled eggs.  I've also had my two cups of coffee already, seems to be a daily thing lately.   

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

I am not hungry at all, my breakfast filled me up, but if I get peckish I do have a vegetable tray in the fridge and will nibble on that.      

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Roast Pork with roast potatoes, salad.    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

It is again time to work on the new meal plan.  As always I will have meals just until Tuesday, then the new menu kicks in.

 

Monday - Roast Pork with roast potatoes, salad

Tuesday -  Panda Express Chow Mein with Pork (will use the leftover pork from the roast), Steamed Broccoli

Wednesday - Chicken Bake with peppers and olives, Quinoa, Chickpea salad

Thursday -  

Friday - 

Saturday -   

Sunday - 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

A summer dress, it will be quite hot today and it's my rest day from working out.    

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished the whole Medieval Christian Fiction trilogy by Carrie Cotten, and really, really enjoyed it.  Also finished a new book called Lisbon, and have started on Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor which is a biblical fiction. 

In the Bible I am reading through Genesis.  At church we are reading through Ecclesiastes for our sermon series called The World is Not Enough. 

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I gave the house a good clean yesterday, so aside from just the daily tasks of maintaining the home.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

New meal plan and grocery list 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Nothing, I still need to finish the Lego flower and haven't yet picked up my crochet blanket at all.  The past 2 months have been so crazy and have gone so quickly, I feel like I haven't had a chance to breathe.      

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I just adore books and when I see a stack like this, I can't help but smile. 

 

 

 

 

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

Still praying over so many things, my list is never ending.

 

I wanted to share a song with you today, it's my absolute favorite at the moment, and when we sing it at church it just penetrates my heart like nothing else.  

{ Big local book sale and what I got }

Once a year, our local town has a huge book sale, I mean thousands of books lined up across tables, the perfect place to get lost in and just browse.

 

We don't go every year, but on Saturday, we did.  One thing Curt and I do, is that once a month, we go out with the kids, just the kids, not any boyfriends/girlfriends etc., just us and our children.  We go downtown, we go shopping, we have lunch and we spend the day together.  It's something we started doing this year, and it's been wonderful to have that time as a family. 

 

So off to the book sale we went.  When I tell you that there were thousands of books, in a myriad of genres, something for everyone, even homeschooling materials, which I would have loved back in the day when I was a homeschooling mama.  If you know me, you know I love books.

 

 

I did go through a phase where I wasn't reading, but the past year I have gotten back into devouring books and it's been wonderful.

 

I will show you tomorrow what I read in February, which was 6 or 7 books.  I am starting March with one of the books I picked up at this sale, and so far, I am really enjoying it.

 

But, let's stop talking and let's start seeing the haul. 

 

 

I have heard of Victoria Holt for a long time but didn't have any of her books, and hadn't ready any of her work, so when I spotted two books of hers, I immediately grabbed them.

 

Victoria Holt was born in 1906 and died in 1993 at 86 years old.  She wrote mainly historical fiction (one of favorite genres), gothic fiction and romantic fiction.

 

The two books I got were:

 

My Enemy the Queen - It was Lettice who married the Earl of Leicester, whom Elizabeth I loved. And it was Lettice who was the mother of the Queen's beloved Earl of Essex. That young earl would one day break the Queen's heart.

It was always Lettice, the constant spoiler in the triangle of love surrounding Elizabeth...

 

Secret for a Nightingale -  With the outbreak of the Crimean War, Susanna Pleydell journeys to the Middle East to work as a nurse with the legendary Florence Nightingale, but is haunted by a dark secret from her past.

 

I also have heard a lot about Mary Stewart, and also found two of her books.  She was a British writer who mainly wrote romantic mysteries.  I don't usually like mysteries but I'm trying to expand my reading genre a bit.

 

Thornyhold - The rambling house called Thornyhold is like something out of a fairy tale.

Left to Gilly Ramsey by the cousin whose occasional visits brightened her childhood, the cottage, set deep in a wild wood, has come just in time to save her from a bleak future.

With its reputation for magic and its resident black cat, Thornyhold offers Gilly more than just a new home. It offers her a chance to start over... 

 

The Hollow Hills - Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain.  

 

Hollow Hills is book #2 in the Arthurian Saga, and I won't read it until I get book #1 from Thriftbooks first, which is already on the way.  

 

Also got:

 

The Virgin's Daughter by Jeane Westin

Lisbon by Valerie Sherwood (this is the one I actually started today) 

Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith 

Prince of Time by Glenna McReynolds

 

 

Next, I got some good ones, Lynn Austin is a favorite, so is Catherine Cookson and Georgette Heyer, so I was thrilled to find some of theirs.  I also have always wanted to read a Daphne du Maurier book so grabbed one.

 

Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin

Once there was a Farm by Virginia Bell 

The Lady and Doc Holliday by Preston Lewis 

Miss Martha Mary Crawford by Catherine Marchant (Catherine Cookson)

April Lady by Georgette Heyer 

Sylvester or the Wicked Uncle by Georgette Heyer

The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier

The Scandalous Mrs. Blackford by Harnett Kane 

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor  

 

 

The last ones I got were:

 

Spoonhandle by Ruth Moore 

The Hollow Hills by Mary Steward (already mentioned above)

A Lady of Hidden Intent by Tracie Peterson (book #2 in the Ladies of Liberty series)

A Lady of Secret Devotion by Tracie Peterson (book #3 in the Ladies of Liberty series)

 

I do have the first book on the way from Thriftbooks as well.  I just love that I can find the missing books in my series, for super cheap on this website.  Thriftbooks is by far, my most used website on the internet. 

 

Have you read any of these books?  I would love to know if you did and what you thought. 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/02/2026 }

 

 

Good morning and welcome back to my blog :)

 

I am so glad to be coming to you this morning, feeling almost 100% better.  This cold that we got hit with has been ongoing for 2 weeks, but we are right at the end of it, just have a bit of a cough lingering and some congestion.  It's going around, everyone seems to be down with it and we just pray for healing for not only ourselves but everyone else.

 

Today, I want to start this post by praying for our military, for our fallen soldiers and their families.  As a former military wife, and the wife of a Veteran, my heart is always with our men and women and their safety.  I pray the Lord protect them, and keep them safe.

 

I hope you are all doing well, I thank you for the prayers and for the well wishes, and for always being here even if I step away for a little as has been the case the past two weeks.  I have more posts this week, and another recipe to share on the food blog, so I'm grateful to be able to get back to business, so to speak.

 

Now, enough rambling, I pray you all have a blessed week, and let's get on with our Happy Homemaker Monday post.  

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

It's been so beautiful and warm, although this morning we are sitting at 30 degrees and cold.  I really wish the weather would decide what it's doing, and get it done.  We have some rain this coming week, and the beginning of our Tornado season as well, with some severe weather on the horizon.  Welcome to Texas Spring. 

 

Monday - Mix of clouds and sun, 65

Tuesday - Partly Cloudy, 83 

Wednesday - Cloudy, 65

Thursday - AM showers, 77

Friday - Scattered thunderstorms, 84

Saturday - Thunderstorms, 64

Sunday - Mostly cloudy, 71

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Just got on my computer to work on this post.  My cough was bugging me a bit this morning, so I took some syrup and stupidly didn't realize that I had grabbed the NyQuil.  The bottle is very similar to my normal Equate Walmart cough syrup.  Hahahah

 

Needless to say, at around 7:30 AM, I conked out on the bed, and just woke up wondering what on earth was going on and why my neck hurt.  Oh Sandra!  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

On so much, just have a lot going on in my mind.  But I am choosing to be still, to lean into God and let the world deal with itself.  My prayers have been incessant the past 3 days, I feel like I can't think, breathe, or take a step without talking to God.  And if that is what needs to happen for the foreseeable future, then that is what I'll be doing.  Interceding!  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

As I said above, practically 100%, but the cough is still lingering, and we are at that stage where the body is trying to clear up all the mucus etc.  (I'm sorry that seems gross to talk about but you will know what I'm talking about). 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I had a cup of coffee with some Caramel Almond Creamer, and a bowl of Banana Nut Crunch cereal.  

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure, I haven't been very hungry lately.  I won't know what I feel like until I actually am staring at the fridge later.    

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Steaks with creamy oregano sauce, basmati rice (cauliflower rice for me), Green bean salad  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Steaks with creamy oregano sauce, basmati rice (cauliflower rice for me), Green bean salad

Tuesday -  Garlic Lemon Tilapia, Roast vegetables

Wednesday - Pork Roast with roast potatoes, Salad

Thursday -  Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry, Rice, Egg Rolls

Friday - BLT Sandwiches, Curly Fries

Saturday -  Renaissance Faire 

Sunday - Mediterranean Ground Beef Pita Pockets, Sweet Potato Fries, Chickpea Salad

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Wearing a summer night gown right now, it's been quite hot with temps in the high 80s.  Will put on a summer dress soon, I am not working out today, it is my rest day so a dress will do.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Trying to finish The Raven by Carrie Cotten.  I was hoping to have finished it before March, so that I could add it to my February books pile to share in a post tomorrow.  But that's ok, I'll finish it the next few days.

 

My next book will probably come from my new haul that I got on Saturday at our local book sale.  Can't wait to show you all.  

 

In the Bible I am reading through Genesis and doing a study as well.

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Some Turkish shows

YouTube homemaking and book videos

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

The sun is already up and shining brightly through the house.  I have been doing a lot of organizing, decluttering and so on, so I have a few boxes that need to go to the thrift store this week.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in 

Try to get my new birth control and calcium ordered.  My doctor didn't put them in until yesterday after my appointment on Friday. 

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I will be finishing my Lego Flower today and will show you.  I know one of you asked to see it, and I promise I will show you as soon as it's done, unfortunately being sick didn't give me the motivation or energy to do much of anything.    

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Absolutely loving my new Bible, it is wonderful.     

 

 

 

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

Praying for our country and for our troops.

Praying for these colds to go away, not just for us but for anyone who is sick with it right now.