Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/23/2016

Good afternoon friends.  I am so very sorry this is going up so late today, but I've had a bit of a hard weekend and am just trying to get caught up with housework and other things around here.

Lola had a tough weekend, she had multiple seizures which left her utterly physically drained, and Curt and I emotionally drained and exhausted.  We practically got about 3 hours sleep on Saturday night and another 3 on Sunday.   I'm not going to go into much detail, I just don't want to talk about it at the moment, and I'm sure you all understand that.

Anyway, with that said, I'm going to jump right into this week's HHM.

The weather outside is::::
Had severe storms around 2am this morning.  We actually had quite a few weather watches and warnings going, tornado, severe thunderstorms, hail etc.  It stopped around 6:30 am and the skies cleared up, though the wind was very strong.  Now it's getting overcast again and we have more severe storms on the way.  One thing I don't like about Texas weather, is the humidity, I hate feeling sticky and clammy.  Yuck!!!   


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Since it's already after noon, I am currently having lunch which is just a cup of coffee, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich and a small slice of cake from hubby's birthday yesterday.  For breakfast I had my usual yogurt, granola and berries.  ot.


As I look outside my window:::
Literally my view at the moment.  I'll never tire of it. 

Right now I am::::
At the dining table in the green living room, typing up this post, finishing my lunch and taking a break before I have to move on with cleaning and getting ready for the reunion.  I have so much to do before Friday.


As I look around the house::::

This is my view to the right.....

And right in front of me.....

On today's to do list::::
Laundry....Laundry is all done, folded and just have to put away.
Cleaning....In the kitchen, Unloaded the dishwasher and already loaded the breakfast dishes and the odds and ends stuff laying around from last night.  Kitchen is all clean and swept as well. 
In the living room.... Already vacuumed both living rooms and dusted and tidied up. 
In the bedrooms....beds have been made, windows open. 
In the bathrooms....Cleaned the bathrooms yesterday so no need to do anything today.


Currently reading::::
Almost finished with my first review book.  Actually as I'm sitting here, another one just came in.  Disappearance at Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay.


On the TV today::::
General Hospital
My Portuguese soaps
Vlogs


On the menu this week::::
Family reunion is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and everyone is pitching in.  I will share with you what we're having though, so you get an idea.  Anything with a star is what I'll be making.


Monday - Chicken Rice, Salad
Tuesday - Ham and Cheese Tortellini, Garlic Bread
Wednesday - Mother in law is bringing a Ham for dinner.
Thursday -Mother in law is ordering pizza
Friday - Reunion Day 1....Pasta night
Cindy's Slumgullian
Mom's Chicken Spaghetti
Salad
Garlic Cheesy Bread *
Aunt Carol's Olive Bread
Cindy's Layered Pudding Dessert
Lunch Lady Brownies *
Saturday - Reunion Day 2.....Barbecue
Chicken, Burgers, Hotdogs * (Burgers and Dogs)
Aunt Carol's Potato Salad
Aunt Carol Baked Beans
Hayley's Trifle
Smores
Ice Cream
Sunday -Reunion Day 3.....Sandwich and Sliders
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders *
Pulled Pork Sandwiches *
Veggie Tray
Banana Pudding
Butter Brickle *
Monday - Reunion Day 4.....
Indian Tacos
Grape Dumplings
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle


What I am creating at the moment::::
Working on Lucy's Cupcakes and Stripes blanket. 


New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::
The Butter Brickle is a new recipe and it looks amazing, so I'll definitely get pics of that and share the recipe with you all.

Favorite photo from the camera::::

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

PLEASE, don't add links to this list that are not part of the Happy Homemaker Monday. I've asked numerous times, and I'm frankly quite tired of having to remove links to other posts that shouldn't be in this list. Please be respectful of my request!

Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/16/2016

Morning everyone, I am sorry this is going up later than usual, but I'm just now getting a chance to sit down and type it up real quick.

We had a good weekend, but I feel it went by way too quick, I would have been happy with at least one more day of sleeping in, taking it easy and watching movies etc.

School is done on Wednesday, so we have a bit of a busy week getting it all finished and heading into Summer break, which by the way, I am totally looking forward to.

Anyway, let's see what is happening in our HHM. 

The weather outside is::::
Cloudy and dreary this morning with a 60% chance of rain.  The temperatures have been quite nice though, in the upper 70s and 80s and we even hit 100's last week. 


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Had a cup of coffee early this morning, as always, and now I'm eating a ham sandwich on some Portuguese rolls that I made last week.  I like to toast them, slather on some Irish butter and then either enjoy them plain like that with my coffee, or with a slice of ham or cheese.  It definitely hits the spot.


As I look outside my window:::
We've had really strong winds around here and one of the big branches in my tree, in the back yard, has come down.  I need to get it picked up, just not sure I will do it today with the threat of rain incoming.  The yards are freshly mowed so it looks nice and tidy out there.


Right now I am::::
On my bed working on this post.  Just finished my breakfast and need to get my workout in for today, I'm not doing Zumba every day, I've decided to continue with it twice a week, but incorporate other exercise routines in between.  Been doing the Lucy Windham-Read Hiit workouts and boy do they hurt. 


As I look around the house::::
My kitchen needs cleaning, my living rooms need tidying up etc.  It looks quite dreary in here because of the weather. 


On today's to do list::::
Laundry....Have a load of towels and Bella's bed stuff to do, other than that, all laundry is done.
Cleaning....In the kitchen, Unload the dishwasher and reload with breakfast dishes, sweep and mop.   
In the living room....Vacuum.  Tidy up the couches, dust, open curtains. 
In the bedrooms....change the bed linens, vacuum, dust.  Open blinds and windows. 
In the bathrooms....Toilets, sinks and mirrors.  Sweep and mop.
Homeschooling....Nick only has his skills for success and his Scantron tests to do.  ( I really despise these tests they give them).  Jasmine has about 10 lessons to finish before Wednesday, plus her Scantron tests, but we'll get it done.


Currently reading::::
Started one of the review books and am enjoying it.


On the TV today::::
I've started watching Texas Rising and I'm loving it, it's just my kind of show, so I'm hoping to watch a few more episodes throughout the day.
Speaking of TV, be sure to check out yesterday's post where I give you a few more Period Era series to watch.


On the menu this week::::
I have to make a new menu plan today, so I really only have until Thursday planned.


Monday - Teriyaki Steak, Rice
Tuesday - Pepperoni Calzones
Wednesday - Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta, Homemade Breadsticks
Thursday -
Friday - Out to dinner with family
Saturday -
Sunday -


What I am creating at the moment::::
Working on Lucy's Cupcakes and Stripes blanket. 


New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::
Still haven't made the Tart so hoping later this week I can.  I did make the Portuguese Rolls and will share the recipe on the food blog either later today (if I have time) or tomorrow morning.



Favorite photo from the camera::::

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

PLEASE, don't add links to this list that are not part of the Happy Homemaker Monday. I've asked numerous times, and I'm frankly quite tired of having to remove links to other posts that shouldn't be in this list. Please be respectful of my request!

Newest Period Dramas

Hello friends, it's been a while since I've done one of these posts, but there has been such an influx of new, great, period dramas on TV lately, that I thought it was time to come in and share some with you.

If you're new to my blog, or if you've yet to see my humungous list of Period Dramas to watch, you can find them on the sidebar.

I have included links to Period Movies, Period TV Series, Period Documentaries and even some Books.  Be sure to start there if you're looking for something to watch on this Sunday.

Now, for the newest ones, and can I just say quickly, how happy I am to see some US period series popping up on screen?  I've always said that there are so many UK ones but the US was lacking sorely in this area, and it's been really nice to see a couple of great period series and movies showing up.

Right, well enough talking let's get right to it.

Hetty Feather

Hetty Feather is a book by best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson. It is about a young girl who is abandoned by her mother at the Foundling Hospital as a baby and follows her story as she lives in a foster home before returning to the Foundling Hospital as a curious 5-year-old.

I found this one purely by accident, while I was scrolling through one of the sites I use to watch shows online.  This is the frustrating part for me, that I feel that sometimes I miss out on good shows because I don't even realize that they are out, luckily for me, I'm always on the lookout so I can catch some.

Season 2 of this series has just started, but if you, like me, just happened upon it now, you can catch up on the first Season right here.   I've noticed though that the first episode doesn't seem to be anywhere online to watch, but it's a two part and the second is online.  It also gives you a quick rundown of the first episode so you won't feel like you're missing it all.

Second part of Episode 1
Season 1 Episodes
Season 2

Underground

Underground centers on a group of slaves planning a daring 600-mile escape from a Georgia plantation. Along the way, they are aided by a secret abolitionist couple running a station on the Underground Railroad as they attempt to evade the people charged with bringing them back, dead or alive.

One of the US series that I am so happy to see on screen.  This show is so good, I'm honestly enjoying it, there are some scenes that are difficult to watch but I think it's imperative that we see certain things to full understand the seriousness and what really happened.  The show just got picked up for Season 2, so that's a good thing.

Underground Season 1

Indian Summers

Set in a subtropical paradise during the twilight era of the British Empire, Indian Summers explores the collision of the ruling class English with their Indian subjects, and the intricate game of power, politics, and passion that ensues.

Another one that I happened upon yesterday, and actually found it through an Australian TV Channel.  Looks really good and I can't wait to start watching.

Indian Summers Season 1 and 2

The Last Kingdom

Set in the late ninth century AD, when what is known as England today was several separate kingdoms. The Anglo-Saxon lands are attacked and, in many instances, ruled by Danes. The Kingdom of Wessex has been left standing alone.

The protagonist Uhtred, the orphaned son of a Saxon nobleman, is captured by viking Danes and reared as one of them. Forced to choose between a kingdom that shares his ancestry and the people of his upbringing, his loyalties are constantly tested.

The first series' storyline roughly covers the plot of the original two novels, The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman although condensed for the purposes of television.

I have known about this one for a while, but have yet to watch it.  It's right up my alley though, I love period pieces that are centered around the Saxons, Vikings....Kings and Queens and all that fun stuff.  Another I can't wait to watch.  By the way, there will be a Season 2 later this year.

The Last Kingdom Season 1

Isabel

Immerse yourself in the royal court of 15th-century Spain, ruled by greed, lust, lies, and, above all, an insatiable hunger for power. When Seville is left without a direct heir to the throne, Princess Isabel (Michelle Jenner) and Prince Alfonso are cut off from their mother and forced to live in the royal court amongst strangers. With the end of her childhood, Isabel proves to be a formidable young woman as she takes charge in choosing her own husband and fends off conspiracies against her to become Queen of Castile.

Oh my goodness, you have no idea what a beautiful series this is.  Again, found completely by accident and it might be due to the fact that it is a Spanish series, with English subtitles, but oh my......brilliant period series, beautiful scenery and just a good historical show.

Isabel Season 1

The Durrells

Set in 1935 when the Englishwoman Louisa Durrell, whose life had fallen apart, decided to move from Bournemouth to the Greek island of Corfu.

I haven't watched this one yet, but it looks beautiful and I'm always up for anything taking place in one of the Greek Islands.

The Durrells Season 1

Rebellion

Rebellion is a five part serial drama about the birth of modern Ireland. The story is told from the perspectives of a group of fictional characters who live through the political events of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Another I have not yet watched but looks really good too.

Rebellion Season 1

Roots

An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", chronicling the history of an African slave sold to America and his descendants.

I can't even tell you how excited I am for this one.  It will premiere on Memorial Day and it is a new adaptation of the popular series from 1977. 

It will be a 4 night event, so a four part series and will feature big names like Forest Whitaker ("Fiddler") and Anna Paquin ("Nancy Holt"); Academy Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Laurence Fishburne ("Alex Haley"); Golden Globe Award® winning and Emmy Award® nominated actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("Tom Lea"); Tony Award® winner Anika Noni Rose ("Kizzy"); Grammy Award® winner Tip "T.I." Harris ("Cyrus"); Chad L. Coleman ("Mingo"); Emayatzy Corinealdi ("Belle"); Matthew Goode ("Dr. William Waller"); Derek Luke ("Silla Ba Dibba"); Mekhi Phifer ("Jerusalem"); James Purefoy ("John Waller"); Erica Tazel ("Matilda") and introduces Regé-Jean Page ("Chicken George") and Malachi Kirby ("Kunta Kinte").

I watched the first adaptation, as a little girl, and I absolutely loved it, I still remember the whole family gathering round the television to watch.  I'm counting down the days until this airs, truly.

I hope I've given you a few more to enjoy, I still have a lot of upcoming movies and series that I'm keeping an eye on and will of course share with you all.

Remember that most of these you can watch online, I've given you some sites where you can do that, but here are a few more just in case you need them :)

Rlseries.com
http://watchseries-online.li
http://putlocker.is/

Well friends, I am going to get my laundry started, and then I'm planning on sitting down and having a very easy Sunday, relaxing and watching some of these shows. 

Hope you all have a wonderful end of weekend.

Where have I been?

Good evening friends.

Well, it’s Thursday, or the end of Thursday. I always look forward to Friday's because I know I can stay up a little later and also don't have to worry about waking up super early the next day.

The day started out quite dreary and cloudy for us, matter of fact we had such a bad storm last night, that it woke me up around 2:30am. At one point I even wondered if there was a tornado around, that’s how loud and how strong the winds were, but thankfully it was just a thunderstorm.

So what have I been up to?

Life, just living life and trying to get through each day the best way I can.

Some days are easier than others, but overall, I try to stay positive and optimistic and keep my head up high. Motherhood is exhausting, it’s not just physically but mentally draining at times.

I have been promising you all to talk about what has been going on, and I really do need to sit down a compile a post. I just want to be able to do it properly and to really jot down all the emotions I’m feeling at the moment. Thing is, school is finishing up next week Wednesday and so we’re working extra hard to get things done, and truth be told, my focus and attention is on that obstacle and getting past it before I can concentrate on anything else.

I’m so looking forward to Summer break though, I think at this time of the year, kids and parents and especially teachers are just trying to get through the last few days so that they can breathe a sigh of relief for at least 3 months.

These beautiful roses above, were given to me by my daughter.  She went to the store, and when she returned she came with these 3 for me, and all she said was "I love you mamma".  It touched my heart that she would do something like this, out of her own accord.

She's been going through such a hard time, as I'll explain in another post, so for her to do this simple gesture, meant so much to me.

The wild flowers I planted about a month ago, are now starting to show up.  I can't wait to see them all blooming, it's going to make the front of my house look so much better.

My blueberries and blackberries are also doing really well.

I've been trying to keep my hand on my homemaking, gardening and hopefully blogging too.  It takes my mind off some things, and it helps keep me centered and calm, which is something I think I really need right now.

With that said, one of the things I'm trying to bring back, are the book reviews which I've always enjoyed doing.  I'm a huge book reader, I actually got rid of a lot of my books when I moved here from Idaho and now that I look back, I feel sad, because I wish I didn't have to get rid of so many.

The first 3 books for review came in this week, you can see them above;

Follow the River Home by Corran Harrington
The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler
Forever Beach by Shelley Noble

The first one I'll be reading is The Secrets of Flight which will be reviewed in the coming weeks.  It looks like my kind of book so I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

Just going to have to make time to get all my reading in, because we'll be having another family reunion at the end of May, for Memorial Weekend, and there is so much to do

This time though, I have lists and lists, and designated meals for certain family members and who is bringing what etc.  Otherwise, I would be going insane right about now.

So yes, school is all but done, and I'm looking forward to 3 months of summer to do what I want.  To relax, to try and visit some attractions and museums around Texas and Oklahoma, to get back to daily blogging, to cooking, to photography, crocheting and all sorts of fun things.

I'm feeling very positive about it, it's just a matter of sticking to it.

Right, well it's already after 9pm and I need to get to sleep.  I'm going to finish watching my show and then try and get some rest.

Hope you all have a restful Thursday night and a wonderful Friday.

Blessings,
Sandra

Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/09/2016

Good morning everyone, how are you all doing on this Monday morning?

It's cloudy and rainy here, which makes it look so dreary and dark, but I do enjoy rain so I'm not going to complain too much :)

I've been quite busy, and I need to do a quick catch up post today, just letting you know what I've been up to, so I'm hoping I get a few minutes later.  Right, for now, let's get on with our usual Monday morning feature, shall we?

The weather outside is::::
Rainy and dark. It does look like we have a very wet and dreary week ahead albeit with pretty high temperatures.

On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Just had a cup of coffee with the hubby before he left for work.  I am actually working on my meal plan for this week, not the actual menu for us all, but breakfast and lunch for myself.  I haven't done my Zumba classes in a year and though I haven't put the weight back on, the clothes are feeling tighter on me and I've been abusing junk food lately.  It's easier if I know what I will eat, so that I don't just grab the first thing I do.  Breakfast today will be a smoothie. 


As I look outside my window:::
Rain drops are starting to fall again and I just saw a flash of lightning. 


Right now I am::::
On my bed working on this post.  I'm still in my pjs and was actually thinking that I wish I could stay like this, for the whole day.  Unfortunately, I have way too much going on and too much too do to be lazy.  

As I look around the house::::
Monday morning......that should tell you all you need to know.  Things need to be put back in place, house needs to be cleaned, and so forth. 


On today's to do list::::
Laundry....All the clothes are done, though Jasmine has her washing to get to.  All I'm washing laundry wise are our bed linens. 
Cleaning....In the kitchen, Unload the dishwasher and reload with breakfast dishes, sweep and mop.   
In the living room....Vacuum.  Tidy up the couches, dust, open curtains. 
In the bedrooms....change the bed linens, vacuum, dust.  Open blinds and windows. 
In the bathrooms....Toilets, sinks and mirrors.  Sweep and mop.
Homeschooling....school is over in a little over a week so we have a lot to get done. 



Currently reading::::
Still waiting for my review books to come in, and there are quite a few so I'm excited. 



On the TV today::::
I've been trying to catch up on Wolf Hall.
I haven't really watching anything Period related and have been wanting to.  There are quite a few shows on that have caught my eye, like Underground and Roots coming up on Memorial Weekend. 


On the menu this week::::


Monday - Chicken a la King with Mash
Tuesday - Feijoada (Portuguese Bean Stew)
Wednesday - Pork Egg Rolls, Steamed Rice
Thursday - Fricasse Chicken, Spaghetti
Friday -Pork Roast, Potatoes and Carrots
Saturday - Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta, Salad
Sunday - Teriyaki Steak, Rice


What I am creating at the moment::::
Have the measurements for the bird cage cover and am hoping to get on with it later today. 
Crochet blanket.


New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::
The only new recipe I have planned to try, is for a Coconut and Condensed Milk Tart.  It looks so good.  I'll be sure to share the recipe when I've made it.



Favorite photo from the camera::::

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

PLEASE, don't add links to this list that are not part of the Happy Homemaker Monday. I've asked numerous times, and I'm frankly quite tired of having to remove links to other posts that shouldn't be in this list. Please be respectful of my request!

Happy Homemaker Monday - 05/02/2016

May, I can't even believe we are already in the month of May, this year is flying by.

So, happy May everyone and welcome to another Happy Homemaker Monday.  I was just thinking that this is pretty much the only feature on my blog that I've religiously kept since the beginning.  That's something to be proud of I must say, because with my hectic life I tend to start things and then forget them or not have time or whatever.  Thank you to all of you who continue to come by and post on a Monday, I wish I had more time to go visit you and see your posts too, but please know that I so appreciate it :)

I don't have anything important going on this week, other than some grocery shopping.  Do you guys have anything fun happening?

The weather outside is::::
Cloud at the moment.  We had some rain last night but it looks to be clear the rest of the week. The temperatures however don't seem to be as hot as last week. 


On the breakfast plate this morning::::
Just had a cup of coffee, haven't yet eaten anything and I'm not sure what I'll have anyway.  I've overdone it a bit the past few days and I am feeling like I need a bit of a break from the over eating. 


As I look outside my window:::
Sun is trying to peek from behind the clouds.  My trees in the backyard are all green, the grass is really green too and it looks so peaceful and pretty out there. 


Right now I am::::
Sitting in bed, as is typical for this time of the morning.  I was just sitting here looking at the dreadful state of my nails.  I painted them yesterday afternoon but for some reason I woke up this morning and they look horrid, full of lines and marks and whatnot.  Ugh!!!  


As I look around the house::::
It needs it's usual Monday cleanup after the weekend.  I also need to get my carpet cleaned.  Last week my washer hose broke and it flooded the kitchen and into the living room.  It didn't go too far into the carpet but the bit that did was soaked so bad that no matter how much I've tried to get it clean, it still looks bad.  I'm worried that a bit of mold may be forming and so I'm going to attack it with vinegar and see what I can do about it. 


On today's to do list::::
Laundry....Already have another 2 loads to wash.  Seriously???  Come on, I need a break from laundry. 
Cleaning....In the kitchen, Unload the dishwasher and reload with breakfast dishes, clean the chalkboard wall, water the plants. 
In the living room....Vacuum.  Tidy up the couches, pick up all the Nerf darts and guns.  Open blinds and windows to let in some cool air.
In the bedrooms....change the bed linens, vacuum, dust.  Open blinds and windows. 
In the bathrooms....Toilets, sinks and mirrors.  Sweep and mop.
Homeschooling....working on finishing up school for the year.   
Cooking.....Making some Portuguese Meat Pastries for dinner.  .


Currently reading::::
I put the book aside and am no currently reading anything.  I do have quite a few review books incoming so I'm looking forward to those.


On the TV today::::
Ghost Asylum tonight
I'm trying to catch up on Game of Thrones, can you believe I only watched the first season?  I'm terrible.
Also want to catch up on Wolf Hall and the Hollow Crown series before the new one comes out.


On the menu this week::::
Working on the new menu today so I only have meals until Wednesday night.

Monday - Portuguese Meat Pastries, Potatoes, Veggies
Tuesday - Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken, Rice
Wednesday - Homemade Pizza
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -


What I am creating at the moment::::
Haven't yet started the bird cage cover, but really need to get on with it, it's just hard to get things done when I have so much going on around here.
Started a new crochet blanket this morning, I'm really missing my crochet.


New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::
I got two new recipes up on my food blog.  I know, shocking.  But go on over and check out the recipes for Belgian Waffles and Pepperoni Rolls.


Favorite photo from the camera::::

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

PLEASE, don't add links to this list that are not part of the Happy Homemaker Monday. I've asked numerous times, and I'm frankly quite tired of having to remove links to other posts that shouldn't be in this list. Please be respectful of my request!