Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/27/2023

 

Good morning ladies, from a very cold Texas.  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, ate all the yummy food, and are now ready for Christmas just around the corner.

 

I must say, I can't believe how quickly this Thanksgiving came and went.  In previous years I felt like I prepared and looked forward to it, for much longer, this year however, it was upon us before I could even say Hello November.

 

I'm sure you also noticed that my posts slowed down again, we just had a lot of family and visits the past two weeks, which kept me busy and off the computer.  This time of year is always like this though.

 

Right, without further ado, let's get going.  Since we've done with Thanksgiving, our holiday category will be switching to Christmas inspired tips.  

 

Have a blessed weekend my friends!

♥♥♥♥♥♥ 

 

 

 

*** The Weather ***

Cold, like 20 degree cold.  We went from 80s to 20s overnight.  Texas is just crazy, that's all I can deduce of this. However, this week, it seems we'll be staying in the 60s.

 

Monday - Sunny to partly cloudy, 54

Tuesday - Sunny, 62

Wednesday - Mostly cloudy, 63

Thursday - Scattered Thunderstorms, 66

Friday - Partly cloudy, 54

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 62

Sunday - Sunny, 65

*** Right now I am ***

Watching a vlog on the TV and working on this post.    

 

*** Thinking and pondering ***

About what I need to do this week.  I actually need to make my yearly appointment, because I was due to go in October, but we had not OB/GYN on base, they were waiting for a new doctor to arrive.        

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Cold right now and sleepy.  Curt has a bit of cold, so he spent all night snoring more than usual, which kept me awake, but nothing some extra coffee won't cure.   

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate ***

I've had a huge cup of coffee, will have another later and some toast, with eggs.     

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

No clue, maybe leftover spaghettiI have no idea, not sure what I'll feel like and I don't have leftovers either.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Stuffed Sausages, Buttered Rice and Steamed Broccoli    

 

*** On the menu ***

 

Monday - Stuffed Sausages, Buttered Rice and Steamed Broccoli   

Tuesday - Beef Casserole with Potatoes, Salad

Wednesday - Torta de Galinha (Chicken Pie), Sweet and Spicy Greens

Thursday - Butter Chili Crisp Garlic Pasta, Garlic bread, Salad

Friday - Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers, Fries

Saturday - Leftovers or sandwiches

Sunday - Beef Curry and Rice

 

 

*** What I am wearing ***

Winter pajamas       

 

 

*** On my reading pile ***

Starting the book of Ezra today.

Jonathan Cahn's The Return of the Gods. 

Francine River's, A Lineage of Grace.

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian Homemaking Vlogs

Turkish shows - Bambaska Biri, Dizik Talesi, Hudutsuz Sevda

 

*** Looking around the house ***

I'm pulling down the Fall decorations and starting to put up Christmas decor.  There are a few boxes that I pulled from storage waiting to be emptied.    

 

*** To do list ***

Christmas decorations

Call base to make appointment

Iron a pile of clean laundry

Usual homemaking

 

*** From the camera ***

Got a few books from Thrift Book, last week.  It's some that were on my wish list and had good prices.  If you haven't yet checked out Thrift Book, you should, you can get second hand books at really good quality, for a fraction of the retail price.  

 

I picked up Spindle's End, Marilla of Green Gables and The Autobiography of Henry VIII.

 

 

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley

Much like in the original story, the infant princess, here named Rosie, is cursed by an evil fairy to die on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spindle. That same day, Rosie is whisked away into hiding by a peasant fairy who raises her and conceals her royal identity.     

Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy

An opinionated spinster, Aunt Izzy's talent as a seamstress has allowed her to build a thriving business and make her own way in the world. Emboldened by her aunt, Marilla dares to venture beyond the safety of Green Gables and discovers new friends and new opportunities.

 

 

The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George

The Autobiography of Henry VIII is the magnificent historical novel that established Margaret George's career. Evocatively written in the first person as Henry VIII's private journals, the novel was the product of fifteen years of meticulous research and five handwritten drafts.

*** Something to share ***

Today I'm bringing you 4 hours of the best old Christmas songs.  Just pop it on, and get going with your Christmas decorations. 

 

 

 

*** Christmas Tips, DIY, Ideas or recipes ***

With things so expensive as they are at the moment, our family has decided to do a White Elephant exchange, and only purchase gifts for the littles in the family, which is my niece's kids.  Eva is 5 and Dalton will be 2 on the 31st of December.  

 

We used to buy for everyone, but when you have a family of 10 and constantly expanding with boyfriends and girlfriends etc., it can start adding up quickly.   So, this is how our family has decided to do Christmas this year, we will each by a gift with a total of $20, and do a White Elephant exchange instead.

*** Devotional, Bible Verses ***

This year, I'll be doing an Advent Devotional, starting on the 1st of December.  I'm using Kate Bowler's Advent, which is free for everyone, so if you want to join in, go on over to her website.   You can sign up to either read it online, or download it as a .PDF file and go at your own pace.  

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/20/2023

 

 

Good morning ladies, welcome to another Happy Homemaker Monday.  

 

Last week was a bit of a busy one for me, I didn't get much of a chance to come in and post anything other than Monday's Happy Homemaker Monday.  I did take photos, did manage to edit them, but never got around to posting.  Oh well!

 

I am hoping to get some posts up this week, at least until Thursday, because starting today, it's my annual crazy run getting ready for Thanksgiving.  Speaking of which, don't forget to take your Turkeys out of the freezer.

 

Anyway, I have another busy day, so I better get going.  Have a wonderful week, and good luck to all the ladies working hard getting their homes ready, and cooking all the delicious food. 

 

 

 

*** The Weather ***

Temperatures are continuing to drop, so I think it's safe to assume that the heat is gone for good.   

 

Monday - Rainy and windy, 67

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 59

Wednesday - Sunny, 58

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 64

Friday - Partly cloudy, 58

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 48

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 48

*** Right now I am ***

Listening to the news on the Portuguese TV channel, while typing up this post.   

 

*** Thinking and pondering ***

Trying to not forget what is currently in my mind, before I put it down on paper.  It's all Thanksgiving related, things to do, when to cook what, and what is missing that needs to be bought still.      

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I'm ok for the first time in 3 days.  I haven't gotten much sleep, but finally last night I was able to sleep well, and not be woken up at 3am either by Kaia or Henry crowing outside.    

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate ***

I've had one cup of coffee, will have another later and probably some toast.    

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

I have no idea, not sure what I'll feel like and I don't have leftovers either.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Chipotle Style Burrito Bowls    

 

*** On the menu ***

 

Monday - Chipotle Style Burrito Bowls   

Tuesday - Shepherd's Pie, Salad

Wednesday - Chili Dog Casserole, Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Thursday - Thanksgiving - 

Deviled Eggs

Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Dinner Rolls

Cranberry Sauce

Roast Turkey

Fried Turkey

Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole 

Crockpot Cornbread Dressing

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Milk Tart

Butter Crumble Apple Pie

Friday -

Saturday -

Sunday -

 

 

*** What I am wearing ***

Still in my pajamas, but will throw on some leggings and a long sleeved top later.       

 

 

*** On my reading pile ***

Starting the book of Ezra today.

Jonathan Cahn's The Return of the Gods. 

Francine River's, A Lineage of Grace.

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian Homemaking Vlogs

Turkish shows - Bambaska Biri, Dizik Talesi, Hudutsuz Sevda

 

*** Looking around the house ***

I need to carpet clean the living room AGAIN.  I swear when it rains, it's just a constant cleaning of muddy paws.  I can't wait to pull all the carpet out.   

 

*** To do list ***

Take turkeys out of freezer

Make list of what needs to be cooked on which day (I don't want to leave everything for Thursday)

Laundry

Start new meal plan

Start grocery list

 

*** From the camera ***

Last week, my husband's squadron had a Thanksgiving dinner for the students.  We sent in a fried Turkey, and I also made two pies.  One is a chocolate pecan pie and the other a sweet potato pie.  They were both so good, so I'll be making them for our Thanksgiving as well.     

*** Something to share ***

Gonna have to try this again.  I am so sorry about last week's video, I guess the youtube channel blocked the playback outside of Youtube.  But here's another, this time a wonderful Thanksgiving Ambience for us to enjoy while we get ready for family, in a few days.

 

 

 

 

 

*** Thanksgiving Tips, DIY, Ideas or recipes ***

Set the table the night before.  I know this may be a no brainer, but I swear, until a few years ago, I forgot about this detail until an hour before the family was due to arrive.  It sent me into a frenzy, and stressed me out so much.  Now I do it all the night before, right after our dinner is done, I set the table for Thanksgiving. 

 

*** Devotional, Bible Verses ***

I thought today I would do something a little different.  With Thanksgiving approaching, and the current state of the world, I think it's very important to count our blessings, and to focus on those instead of everything that is going wrong.

 

This song has been on repeat for me lately, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.  Hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to count your blessings.

 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/13/2023

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my blog and another Happy Homemaker Monday.  

 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was good, had a quiet Saturday and then church on Sunday, which is always wonderful.  We have finally found a church we really love and look forward to going to, every week.  There's nothing better than that.  

I pray that this coming week is a blessed one for everyone. 

 

 

 

*** The Weather ***

We have a week of pretty good temps, before dipping down to cold weather. 

 

Monday - Sunny, 71

Tuesday - Sunny, 71

Wednesday - Sunny, 72

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 75

Friday - Partly cloudy, 71

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 71

Sunday - AM showers, 74

*** Right now I am ***

Working on this post and listening to a video on Youtube.   

 

*** Thinking and pondering ***

Our Pastor is doing a series called The Crucible, in which is talks about the pressure we feel as Christians.  How to have faith during the toughest of seasons, and why God uses certain situations to mold us and shape us.  It's an amazing series, and I've learned a lot.     

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

A bit tired, I'm still struggling with the time change.  I don't know why this year has been so hard to settle into it.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate ***

Just a cup of coffee so far.  Will either have some toast or Weetabix later.   

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure, I have leftover Swedish Meatballs from dinner, but don't really feel like it. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Costeletas de Cebolada (Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce), Mashed Potatoes, Cucumber, tomato and chickpea salad.   

 

*** On the menu ***

 

Monday - Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Cucumber, tomato and chickpea salad.   

Tuesday - Kielbasa with Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower

Wednesday - Tomatillo and Cilantro Chicken Enchiladas, Cilantro Lime Rice, Beans

Thursday - Creamy Taco Pasta, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday - Sheet Pan Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday - *Fend for yourself*

Sunday - Chipotle Style Burrito Bowls

 

 

*** What I am wearing ***

In my pajamas, long pajama pants and a tank top.  Will probably throw on some baggy cotton overalls.     

 

 

*** On my reading pile ***

Bible, will be finishing Acts.

Jonathan Cahn's The Return of the Gods. 

Francine River's, A Lineage of Grace.

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian Homemaking Vlogs

Turkish shows - Bambaska Biri, Dizik Talesi, Hudutsuz Sevda

 

*** Looking around the house ***

I love my home all year long, but Autumn and Winter have a special place in my heart.  I feel like the house looks homier, cozier, more inviting.  

 

*** To do list ***

Dishes

Iron a pile of clean clothes

Take out meat for dinner

 

*** From the camera ***

I love looking out my bedroom window, and seeing the changing trees.  I'm always amazed at the beautiful colors, how a tree goes from bright green to all hues of yellows and oranges.  🍂    

*** Something to share ***

You know how much I love the ambience videos on Youtube.  I just put one on the telly and get on with my day.  Thought I would share another for you, a cozy fireplace for Autumn.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

*** Thanksgiving Tips, DIY, Ideas or recipes ***

Every year, I put up a Thanksgiving/Autumn tree.  This year I am going to have a basket with some printed leaves, that everyone can write something they're thankful for, and hang on the tree.

*** Devotional, Bible Verses ***

There were so many wonderful scriptures and quotes from our Pastor about Faith in the Furnace.  One that stuck out to me, was 1 Corinthians 11:32.   It says "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."

 

We often think that God would never allow us to go through a trial, that He just loves us too much to ever allow that.  The truth is that He does let us go through some pressure at times, because it's through that squeezing and pressure, that He is able to make us more like Jesus.

 

The Pastor mentioned a quote from Joni Eareckson-Tada, if you don't know who she is, go look her up, it will uplift you like nothing else.  Where she said that she was once told 10 very important words.  And this was after she became paralyzed at 17 years old, due to a diving accident.

 

God permits what He hates, to accomplish what He loves.

 

I'll leave you with that, let it really sink in.  What a powerful statement!!! 

Grocery shopping Day

“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.”- Shira Tamir

We have reached that part of Autumn, where the trees are all but orange and yellow.  The most beautiful shades, intermingled throughout the leaves.  I love nothing more than looking outside my window, and seeing the changing trees on our property.

It's these little details that often go overlooked during our day.  We are busy, we have this and that to do, and not much time to actually look out the window, or to enjoy the displays nature puts out for us.  But I want to ask you to stop reading, right now, and just take a look out your window.

Let that visual sink in, absorb it, take into your soul.  I bet it will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face, all day long.

 

Just look at that!!!  How can that not make you smile?

It was just the uplifting I needed, before getting groceries.  Hahaha  If you know, you know!  

I mean, if not for the insane high prices themselves, but the fact that once we bring it all home, we have to put it away.  Is it just me or does it seem to take hours to get groceries put up?  It's not like we don't know where they go, but for some reason the action of taking it all out of the bags, and placing them where they belong, just drags.

 

My morning started pretty slowly.  While the fur babies slept on the bed, I sipped my coffee, finished my grocery and menu plan, and paid some bills.

 

The rain had started outside, and while I love rain, I don't care to drive in it, so I tried to be as quick as I could to get out the door, and back home.  Thankfully it didn't take me too long.  However, bringing in groceries in the rain, is not fun, I'll tell you that much. 

 

Hair flying all over the place, hands filled with bags, and the face of "let this end, please."

 

It did take me 2 hours to get it all sorted, I think also because I tend to clean as I go.  So I clean my fridge when I get groceries, which now come to think of it, is why it takes so long.  But, I don't like putting in fresh food in a fridge that needs some wiping down, maybe I'm just weird.

 

Can we talk about turkeys real quick?  Thankfully we had a turkey already in the freezer, but my hubby went to the commissary on Thursday, and they only had one turkey, for the wonderful price of $66.  No, you didn't read that wrong.  He sent me a picture of the price and I sarcastically replied with "Oh wow, that's a great price."  Hahahah

He told me after he thought I was being serious but couldn't bring himself to buy it, and I told him that's a good thing.  I don't think I could eat a $66 turkey.  Good grief!!!  

He did find one at Walmart for $11.  *whew*

 

The rest of the afternoon, I spent cleaning around the house, and in the kitchen.  My Nicholas loves these muffins and is always asking me to make them.  He actually told me a few days ago, that the reason he doesn't eat bananas when I buy them, is because he is waiting for them to become too ripe, because then I have to make the muffins.

Little bugger, or rather, BIG bugger at 6 foot 2.

 

 

I will have the recipe up on the blog, either this afternoon or tomorrow.  I did add two recipes yesterday, for the Oven Kibbeh (which is already here on the main blog), and the Chocolate Yogurt Cake.

I'm slowly getting the food blog updated, thankfully.  I have far too many handwritten recipes laying around, that need to be put in a safer place.

Today, I am dealing with the constant mountain of laundry, I also have a pile I need to iron so I might put on a movie and get that done.

I hope you're all having a fantastic Saturday, and thank you as always for stopping by. 

Cooking Thursday - Oven Kibbeh

Have you ever had Kibbeh?  

Do you know what Kibbeh even is?  I didn't for a long time, but a couple months ago, I started looking more into Mediterranean cooking, and found a whole new world of delicious recipes.  Kibbeh is one of them, and funny enough, it is quite popular in Brazil too.

The traditional Kibbeh is usually made into balls and fried.  I am all about the traditional most common way, but I also love trying the variations to the more popular recipes, from each country.

Ok so, first of all Kibbeh is considered to be a national dish from Lebanon.  It's basically a combination of ground meat, bulgur wheat and spices, and it is absolutely delicious and quite easy to make.  

 

One thing to keep in mind, there are different types of Bulgur Wheat, you want to use the fine, although I could only get some medium coarse which works well too, it just takes a bit longer to soak.

Let me show you....

 

Oven Kibbeh

Ingredients:

2 cups of bulgur cracked wheat 

2 cups of hot water

2 pounds ground beef

1 onion, finely diced

Parsley and Cilantro

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic to taste

Juice from 1 lemon

Sumac, to taste (Sumac has become one of my favorite spices)

Aleppo pepper, to taste (another new favorite)

Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Cream cheese

Olive oil

Directions:

In a big bowl add the bulgur wheat, pour over the hot water.  Cover with plastic wrap and let it soak for about an hour.  Should be long enough to hydrate the wheat. 

After the hour has passed, give the wheat a good stir to loosen it.  To the same bowl, add the meat, onion, parsley and cilantro to taste, butter, salt and pepper, garlic, lemon juice, sumac and aleppo pepper.  Mix well.

 

Drizzle a little olive oil in a baking dish, I used a 13x9 inch.  Take half of the kibbeh meat mixture and pat down into the dish.  Next, cover the mixture with some cream cheese, and then shredded mozzarella.  Take the remaining kibbeh and pat down on top of the cheese.   (I find it easier to grab handfuls of the meat mixture, at a time, and then pat it down on the palm of my hand, then place it on top of the cheese, that way it's not pulling off the cheese.)

Take a knife or dough scraper, and make a diamond pattern on top.  I just make diagonal lines one way, then come back the other way.  You don't have to go all the way down to the bottom of the dish, you basically just want a small dent to drizzle on more olive oil.

Once done, drizzle some olive oil across every line, then bake in a 375 F, for about 35 minutes.  Keep an eye on it, if you overcook it, the kibbeh will dry out.  I just check after 25 minutes, and if there's a lot of liquid in the pan, I pour it out and then pop it back in the oven for the last 5 minutes.  

Serve warm!

Reminiscing old times and prepping for Thanksgiving

 

Our daughter messaged me yesterday, asking if I could please send her some of dad's military photos, because her work is doing a presentation for Veteran's day, and she wanted to include her dad.

That sent me into the blog, into old posts, dating back between 2007 and 2012, when we were stationed at Luke AFB in Arizona.  I scrolled and scrolled, and found some for her, but after I did, I found myself still scrolling, still reading, still remembering, still feeling so blessed and thrilled, that I had made the effort to blog every day.

At the time, it was just blogging because I loved blogging, I wasn't thinking that future me, would one day be sitting in a completely different State, on an Autumn day, reminiscing.  It almost feels like those words on the pages, were written by someone different, and I guess in a way they were.

I was younger, I was in a very different place in life, still had both kids at home, being home schooled, was still an active duty military wife and so on.  

It's amazing how we change and adapt, as the years go by and life and circumstances change around us. 

 

 

If you look above his head, you will see TSGT Curtis.....he had his name on one of the F16's, as he was the Dedicated Crew Chief.  It means they are basically recognized by the Air Force as the primary keeper of that particular jet, it's like they own the jet, they're responsible for it as they know it inside and out.  

I still remember this day, and when I took these photos.  Curtis was working at the Air Show, and the kids and I only arrived in the afternoon.  They were so happy to see daddy, and clung to him the rest of the day.  I honestly miss the active duty military life, so much.

Anyway, back to reality and to now.

 

We've woken up a couple of days with some thick fog outside.  Are there any others out there who love a good fog?  Not to drive in, mind you, I don't like driving in fog at all, but I love fog.  I think it's so pretty.

Now let me show you what I've been up to these past few days.  As you know, I had family over on Sunday and then Monday I had to get the house back in order.  Usually I prefer to get it all cleaned up and tidied right after everyone leaves, but sometimes I am too tired to do it, and just leave it until the next morning.

The first thing I did was wash some chair covers, some kitchen linens and one of Kaia's blanket that was in the closet.  (I don't know why I do that, but if it's been in the linen closet for a few months, or from one winter to the next, I like to wash it before letting her use it.)

This always becomes a fort for Elliott.  He loves hiding under it while stalking one of us, he also takes naps under there, and sometimes uses it to hide if family comes over.  He is not a friendly cat at all to anyone other than the humans that live in the house.  Wish he was nicer, but I think it's a pretty normal thing with cats in general.

 

 

I had the family over for on Sunday for coffee and some snacks.  I made a Chocolate Yogurt Cake and our Portuguese Bola de Carne (Bacon, Ham and Chourico Bread).  The recipe for the Bola de Carne is already on the blog.

The cake along with a few others that I've made lately, will be going up soon.  I need to get my butt in gear when it comes to the recipes, I have so many floating around, and it's hard for me to keep track of them too, which makes it a pain every time I want to make one of them again.  I can never remember where I wrote it down.  

Hopefully this afternoon, I can actually take some time, sit down and get those up for me and for you all, of course.

 

I've been taking such immense pleasure, in keeping my home cozy and tidy.  It's hard for me to fathom that just a few months ago, I had completely lost track, was just living day to day, moving through each hour, doing the basic needed for us to survive.

 

I wasn't paying attention to the details, wasn't really worried about putting anything in it's right place, or adjusting this, or adding a little homey touch here or there.  It's weird for me to imagine that, but I am human and sometimes life happens around us, in such a way or speed, that we struggle to keep up with the basic needs, not to mention the extras. 

However, I am getting much joy from being back in the game, so to speak.

 

Things like the tree in the corner of the dining room.  Last year, I didn't even put it up until almost Christmas, and then put on but a few ornaments and called it good.

This year, I am going back to my tradition of decorating it for Thanksgiving.  One year, I think it was the year before my mother in law Pat, passed away, I made brown paper Thanksgiving Placemats.  Everyone got to write down what they were thankful for, and was a great way to go around the table and hear everyone.

This year, I am doing it a little different, I will have a basket with some printed leaves, that everyone can write something they're thankful for, and then hang on the tree.  I think my niece's daughter Eva, and son Dalton, will enjoy hanging them up.

So I will get those printed out either today or tomorrow and start the process of cutting them out.  

 

Before I leave, I just wanted to show you what I made for dinner on Monday night.  It's Kibbeh.  If you've never had it, it's a Lebanese specialty, made with Bulgur Wheat.  Typically you make it into oval patties and then fry them, but you can also make it in the oven.

Usually I would have made it the most popular way, but I was not in the mood to fry anything.  We actually don't eat much fried food at all, it's very seldom that we do.  I opted for the oven version, which is equally delicious.

I will have that recipe up for you as well.

It does take a bit of prep, but only in the sense that you need to soak the Bulgur Wheat for at least 30 minutes, depending on how coarse it is.  The rest of the preparation is nothing more than if you were making a meatloaf.  So good!!!  I put a ton of cheese in the middle, which made it even better.

Right, I need to get off here, and go finish my meal plan, so that I can get my pickup order placed.  For some reason it's taking me a while to get this done, some meal plans just flow, others take me sometimes days, because I seem to draw a blank and can't think of anything to make.

Kinda funny, considering meal planning is all about making things easier and not getting stuck in front of the freezer, trying to figure out what to cook.  But I guess my brain gets stuck on the planning itself, and that's ok, at least I know it will save me when it's time to cook dinner.

Anyway, I hope you all have a blessed Wednesday, don't forget to check out my sidebar to pray along with me, for the hostages kidnapped from Israel.  You will find their names on the sidebar, every day there will be a new name to pray over.

I'll see you all soon.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/06/2023

 

 

Good morning sweet ladies, and a very Happy Monday to you all.

 

November 6th. How, how is it already November 6th and just a few days away from Thanksgiving? I won't say I'm not looking forward to all the yummy food, but it's too soon, is it not? 

 

Then again, the year we've had, and especially the month of October the world has seen, it may be best to go ahead and end this year, and try again.  Goodness!!!

 

We had freezing temperatures last week, and this week we are back to summer.  If I could roll my eyes any harder, they would probably get stuck in the back of my head. Ridiculous!!

 

Let's just look at this week as a blank new sheet, let's do good, let's smile more, let's spread happiness and goodness and make this week a positive one.

 

I am going to be blogging probably every day, I've been really enjoying take pictures again, sharing posts, and I am very much looking forward to continuing.

 

Anyway, enough blabbing, let's get going.

 

Have a blessed week friends! 

 

 

*** The Weather ***

It's a little confused.  I don't think it knows if it wants to be cold or hot.  We had ice on the grass one morning, then fog the next, and now we are heading into high 80s.  It's crazy!

 

Monday - Sunny, 86

Tuesday - Sunny, 90

Wednesday - Mostly Sunny, 86

Thursday - Rain and wind,58

Friday - Partly cloudy, 62

Saturday - Mostly sunny, 61

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 67

*** Right now I am ***

Sitting in bed, typing up this post and listening to a podcast. 

 

*** Thinking and pondering ***

About Thanksgiving.  I need to write up the menu and then send it to my sister in law, so we can figure out who is making what.   

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, the time change always makes me a bit cranky.  I was actually up at 4:20am yesterday, let the chickens out, thinking it was 5:20am.  hahahah

 

*** On the breakfast plate ***

Cup of coffee, for sure, then I think some Weetabix, that's what I'm craving. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

I made some Brazilian hotdogs for dinner last night, and there's still some leftovers, so I'll have that.  I need to take a picture as well so that I can share the recipe on the food blog.  

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Kibbeh, Mashed Potatoes, Salad. 

 

*** On the menu ***

Will start working on the new menu today, but this is what we'll be having over the next few days. 

 

Monday - Kibbeh, Mashed Potatoes Salad

Tuesday - Beer Battered Fish Fillets, Curried Rice, Mixed Veggies

Wednesday - Bacon and Broccoli Creamy Pasta, Garlic Bread

Thursday - Ikea Style Meatballs, Rice, Salad

Friday -

Saturday -

Sunday -

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing ***

Still in my nightgown.  I had to switch from winter pajamas to a nightgown last night, because it was so hot.  I'll throw on some drawstring casual pants later, and a tshirt.   

 

*** On my reading pile ***

Bible, will be finishing Acts.

Jonathan Cahn's The Return of the Gods. 

Francine River's, A Lineage of Grace.

 

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian Homemaking Vlogs, Expedition Bible

Turkish shows - Bambaska Biri, Dizik Talesi, Hudutsuz Sevda

Rumble - Christian podcasts

 

*** Looking around the house ***

We had family over for dinner last night, and after everyone left, I just picked up the bulk of things, but left the dishes in the sink and the table needing to be put back in order.   

 

*** To do list ***

Dishes

Clean and tidy dining room

Fold laundry in dryer and put away laundry in the basket

Take out meat for dinner

Start Thanksgiving Menu

Start menu plan and grocery list

 

*** From the camera ***

I'm loving my dining room, it is cozy and inviting and makes me want to just sit for hours, with a good book.    

*** Something to share ***

The Winter King Period series.  I have been waiting on this one for so long, and it's finally here.  I don't know if any of you are watching, but it's a good one.

 

It is based on Bernard Cornwell's book:

 

The tale begins in Dark Age Britain, a land where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, where a child-king sits unprotected on the throne, where religion vies with magic for the souls of the people. It is to this desperate land that Arthur returns, a man at once utterly human and truly heroic: a man of honor, loyalty, and amazing valor; a man who loves Guinevere more passionately than he should; a man whose life is at once tragic and triumphant. 

 

 You can watch the first and second episode, for free on Amazon Prime, then the rest on MGM+.  Here's the trailer if you're interested.

 

 

 

*** Thanksgiving Tips, DIY, Ideas or recipes ***

I thought I would add this category in for the month of November and up until Thanksgiving week.  Then will switch to a Christmas themed one.  We're all looking for cute ideas, tricks, yummy recipes and so on, to make our holidays that much more special.

And it gives us a new category to look forward to on our Happy Homemaker Monday.  I hope you enjoy it.

For mine today, I decided to share a fun recipe for an appetizer.  I will actually be making it myself this year.  A pumpkin shaped cheese ball.  Yum!!!  

The recipe is from A Country Cook, so head on over there to see how to make this yummy appetizer, that will definitely dazzle your guests.

*** Devotional, Bible Verses ***

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.  - Isaiah 44:3