Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/14/2013

Head hurts, and I would much rather be in bed.  But, another week is at our feet and we have a lot to do, so it's up and at 'em. 

The Weather:::
32 degrees this morning.  We've actually been getting down to the 20's and having some freezing overnight, so it feels like winter in Arizona.  Maybe it's getting me prepared for Idaho in a few months lol 

Right now I am:
In my pj's with warm fuzzy socks on, sitting on the couch with my laptop on my lap and Miss Lola right up against me keeping me warm.  

Thinking:
It's too early, it's too too early to be up.  Why can't it be the weekend?  What do I have to get done today?        

On my reading pile:::
Still reading Follow the River by James Alexander Thom.  Also have a book in for review.  

On my tv:::
Ripper Street Episode 2.....you can watch online here
Mr Selfridge Episode 2

Been watching Emily of New Moon which I really enjoy, it's very reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables and Road to Avonlea

Lots of our favorite shows returning tonight and the rest of this week, and some new ones we are interested in:

Being Human

Continuum

Supernatural

Ghost Hunters

Ghost Mine

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::
Winter; life inside  by Welsh Hills Again 

Something fun to share:::
While doing my usual look around the internet, searching articles and know how's on homesteading, I came across this great site called GRIT Magazine.  For my friends who are into homesteading as well, it's a wonderful website filled with information, know how's, blogs, recipes etc.  

On the menu for this week:::
Have to make the new menu plan today, so I only have meals for today and tomorrow.  Will once again be using my Amish Cookbooks as there are many recipes on there that I still want to try. 

Monday - Oven Fried Buttermilk Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Biscuits
Tuesday - Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed potatoes, green beans
Wednesday -
Thursday -  
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -

On my to do list:::
Laundry - Ironing, folding, putting away
Homeschooling
Changing out bed linens
Menu planning and grocery list

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Started my first crochet blanket of 2013, going with a simple granny stripe and just using up yarn scraps that I have laying around, so it's going to be filled with different colors all separated by a simple white row.  I'm loving it already :)

Homemaking Tips:::
I can't tell you enough just how wonderful vinegar is for cleaning.  I use it a lot, thankfully it's so cheap that I can afford buying the huge bottles because I go through it quite quickly.
I've already told you how I use it with infused lemon or orange peels, and even lavender for general cleaning.
I also mix it with Dawn dishwashing soap for tougher jobs.  It's great in my toilet bowls, and it's great for showers and tubs.
I use it for mopping my wood floors, just add a drop or two of your favorite essential oils.  I mop, and then I take a towel and dry as I go, it leaves the floors looking great.


Looking around the house:::
It needs help this morning LOL   After a weekend of relaxing and just hanging around, every Monday morning is met with a *trashed house* for lack of a better term.  Nothing is broken, but you know what I mean......dishes and glasses the kids left laying around, toys thrown around the living room, laptops left on couches, dog toys all over the place, dishes in the sink etc.   Oh boy.....I'll be busy today. 

From the camera:::
We love walks, and so do the girls, so every weekend, and sometimes during the week after dinner (if time permits and hubby doesn't have classes), we all head out for a short walk around the neighborhood.

On my prayer list:::
My Lola
My husband and I, for the upcoming retirement and this crazy journey we're about to embark on.
Many friends and their friends who are needing prayers at the moment.

Bible verse, Devotional:::
Whenever the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. - Joyce Meyer