Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/30/2025

 

 

Good morning everyone.  Well, it is the last Happy Homemaker Monday of June.  This month blurred right on by, didn't it?  It arrived and left immediately, guess it didn't like the state of the world at the moment.  Hahahah  

 

It is a beautiful albeit hot morning here in Texas, as we head into July.  I don't want it, I don't want the heat and the triple digits.  I used to love summer and the older I get the more I detest it, and want to just stay indoors like a hermit.  Anyone else feel this way?

 

Anyway, I hope you're all doing well.  If you've noticed I switched the template again, some of you were having a hard time commenting, not sure what was happening, but I think it's fixed now.  Hopefully!

 

I wish you all a blessed and productive week ahead.  Now, let's get on with our post for today and see what is happening around our homes.  

  

 

The weather:::

Humid and stuffy and sticky, the worst combination.  We seem to be staying in the 80s and 90s, and even have a little rain this week.  I'm glad, it will help cool things down.  

As I look outside my window:::
We have a cloudy morning with the sun trying to peek through, here and there.  You can tell that rain is on the way.   

 

Right now I am:::
Just saw Curt off to work, and now I'm back in bed with my laptop working on this post.  I'm also watching a video on YouTube.     

 

Something fun to share (a blog, a video, a tip):::

I was asked what UK homemaking channels I have been watching, so here are some for you all, if you're interested.   

Mrs Pinky - Crazy Bag Lady

Lady Mawa

Mrs Meldrum

Hawthorn Cottage Craft

Elegantly Knackered Style

Life with Lisa

Suzy Darling

Tayler Fraser 

Kerry Villers

 

 

Thinking and pondering:::
About my July TBR.  This month I am doing the Jane Austen reading inspired TBR, and I can't wait.  If you're interested in what I'll be reading, I did a post in the beginning of the month.  

July Jane Austen Reading

 
On my bedside table:::
Empty cup of coffee, tv remotes, water bottle. 

 

 

What I'm currently reading:::

Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati 

 

     

On my tv:::
Usual YouTube homemaking videos

Book hauls, book reviews, book TBR lists 

Starting tomorrow, Jane Austen movies

 

Listening to:::

Nothing at the moment, the video I was watching just ended, so all I hear now is the turtle tank in the office, the 3 roosters outside randomly crowing here and there, and the fan above my bed.        

 
On the menu for this week:::

It's already time to plan a new meal plan, and also plan our 4th of July Barbecue, so I'll be working on that this week.

Monday - Pastitsada (Greek beef with pasta), Salad 
Tuesday - Chicken Paprikash, Egg Noodles, Green Beans        

Wednesday - Beef stew, Steamed broccoli, fresh bread

Thursday -  

Friday -  

Saturday - 4th July Barbecue

Sunday - 

On my to do list:::
Change Bed linens

Water plants

Daily Bible reading and daily decree

Daily 10k steps 

Pay bills

Meal plan

 

 
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Juicy Fruits and Whipped Creme crochet throw from Yarnspirations.   

 

My simple pleasure::: 

Collecting classic books that have been remade with either illustrations, or sprayed edges, just love it.  My newest is the Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice.  I will be showing you a closer look tomorrow, but that will actually be my first read for this month, so I'm really looking forward to it.  

 

Looking around the house:::
I really enjoy doing a Sunday reset, so I've started giving the house a good clean on a Sunday.  Yesterday I also moved some things around, changed out curtains, redid the laundry area and so on.  The house is waking up all clean and tidy and ready to take on the week ahead.

 
From the camera:::
Loving these 3D flower puzzles.  This pink carnation is stunning.  If you're interested in trying them yourself, check out the Robotime website where you can find tons of them.  However, you can also purchase them on Amazon or Booksamillion which is where I got mine.  The individual flower like mine below, was only $10, so not expensive at all.  But I have noticed that if you get it on Amazon or online at Booksamillion they range between $12 and $18.   

 

 

Bible verse, prayer, devotional::: 

This morning I want to ask you all to please pray for the firefighters and police in Idaho.  If you didn't see the news, a shooter set a fire and lured them to a hill in Coeur d' Alene, then opened fire immediately.  So far, there have been 2 confirmed firemen who passed away and at least 11 others shot, including 2 policemen.

 

My mind can't comprehend the sheer evil it takes to do something like this.  I'm praying for the victims, their families and the Law Enforcement in Idaho.  

 

Wordless Wednesday

Juicy Fruits and Whipped Creme Crochet Throw

My first Booknook

I first heard of a Booknook, last year while watching a book video on YouTube.  It caught my eye because I love puzzles, and putting things together, and I couldn't believe just how beautiful these 3D puzzles were.  

 

Suddenly, I was seeing these pop up everywhere.  Seemed that every book tuber had one, and each more beautiful than the other.   I knew I wanted one, but just kept putting it off as long as I could, knowing that the day I had one I would be obsessed.  Last week, while downtown, we popped into Booksamillion and of course, they were everywhere.  I ooohhh'd and aaaahhhh'd over them all, and Curt decided it was time I had one.  So he picked one out for me.

 

I brought it home and could not wait to get started.  My honest opinion, it was a lot of fun, it was calming and relaxing and I loved the whole process, but I will say, it is very fragile, some parts especially with the LED lights were a bit confusing for me, so I ended up asking Curt to help me.  But overall, I loved putting it together and the end result, is stunning.

 

Mine is the Garden House, but my word it was so hard to pick one because they're all beautiful.  I will say they are a bit pricey, which means I won't be getting another for a while, but I think they would make wonderful gifts.  Just check out the Rolife website, the actual creator of the Book Nook to see all the different ones available.  

 

You can also find them at the bigger bookstores like Booksamillion, Barnes and Noble etc., and of course Amazon.

  

It took me a few hours to get it finished, and here's the final result.  Well worth the time.  

 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/23/2025

 

 

 

Good morning everyone.  How was your weekend?  

 

For the first time in months, we actually had a very laid back, relaxed weekend, which is just what the doctor ordered.  I hope yours was just as calm and relaxed as mine.

 

I have been busy organizing the past week, just tidying up the bedroom, shelves, living room and dining room and so on.  Slowly, methodically, not rushing and not causing a huge mess that no doubt will overwhelm me and make me want to leave it all as is.  Been there, done that, and it's never a good way to go about it.  Hoping to do a little more sorting this week, but Curt has a few medical appointments with the VA and he wants me to go with him, so I'll be driving around for most of the week.

 

Anyway, I hope you have a blessed week, thank you again for joining in with our Happy Homemaker Monday, and let's get right on with it. 

  

 

The weather:::

We are in summer, and that means the humidity is raging along with temps in the high 90s, and I am already over it all.  I used to love summer when I was young, but now, I detest it and just want to get through it as quick as possible so Fall comes around with the cooler temps.   

As I look outside my window:::
The sun is shining through the clouds, and there is a slight breeze which is making the tree branches look like they're dancing.  

 

Right now I am:::
Sitting in bed.  I am listening to a book tuber on YouTube and also talking to my husband who is getting ready to go to an appointment for his hearing.    

 

Something fun to share (a blog, a video, a tip):::

Here's another graphic with another 3 simple recipes for you.  I love having these on hand.  

 

Thinking and pondering:::
Oh boy, so much on my mind.  There's a lot going on for us at the moment, so my mind has been concentrating on all of that.  

 

But on the fun side, I am once again getting books to review here on the blog, so have been trying to sort that out, along with some personal reading challenges I am wanting to do for July and August.   

 
On my bedside table:::
At the moment, my water bottle, my current book and my phone.

     

On my tv:::
A lot of UK Homemaking vlogs

A lot of Book vlogs

 

Listening to:::

A book tuber doing her TBR for the month of July.  I always enjoy watching these, I sometimes find really good books to read.  I do tend to follow only channels that align with the books I love to read myself, it's pointless for me to follow certain so called big accounts, when all they read is the genres that I do not enjoy.      

 
On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Honey Garlic Ground Beef with Broccoli, Rice 
Tuesday - Mediterranean Chicken with Veggies, Black eyed pea salad        

Wednesday - Cottage Pie, Couscous Salad

Thursday -  Chicken Paprikash, Egg Noodles, Green Beans

Friday -  Pizza

Saturday - Italian Sausage and peppers, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli

Sunday - Portuguese Chicken and rice, salad

On my to do list:::
Change Bed linens

Water plants

Daily Bible reading and daily decree

Daily 10k steps 

Pay bills

 

 
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Juicy Fruits and Whipped Creme crochet throw from Yarnspirations.  

My simple pleasure::: 

I have become completely obsessed with 3D puzzles.  I find them so relaxing, and love getting lost in the process.  Curt recently bought me some stunning ones, and I have already put 3 together, 2 flowers and a Booknook Garden House, which I am in love with.  (I will come back and add the photos shortly)

Looking around the house:::
I gave it a good cleaning yesterday so everything is clean, neat and tidy.  Love starting the week with a clean home. 

 

 
From the camera:::
My peppers are coming in strong and I'm here for it.  I eat so many peppers, they're one of my favorite vegetables, so to be able to grow them myself is amazing. 

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional::: 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3

Meal planning

I am a huge advocate of meal plans, and have been pretty much my entire life.  I grew up with a stepmother that meal planned and I quickly learned the importance of doing so.  I don't do very well flying by the seat of my pants, and I can't stand the feeling of standing in front of a refrigerator at meal time, trying to figure out what I'm going to make.

 

 

I like a plan, I like a structured meal list and I think, actually no, I KNOW, that it saves me that headache and money on groceries too.

 

There are quite a few posts on my blog about meal planning, why I love it, and how I do it. 

 

 

I want to menu plan but I don't know how 

Menu planning on a budget 

Recipes and grocery lists 

Let's Meal plan for the next two weeks

Day 1 of Quarantine -  Let's make a meal plan

Menu plan and grocery notebook

Meal plan with me - old recipe collection

Blog 365 #61 - A day of meal planning

Time to meal plan for the next two weeks

Cooking from the freezer and pantry

 

There are plenty more on the blog, but that should give you a good idea or some motivation, at the very least.

 

I don't really have anything to add, other than what I already said in those posts, and I don't want to repeat myself because that would be boring, wouldn't it?

 

I recently received a cookbook I ordered on Amazon, and am using it for some inspiration.  I ended up not writing down any recipes from it, because I had a bunch bookmarked that I want to get off my computer.  

 

But, I will say, I love The Slimming Foodie in one, it is filled with amazing recipes.  The whole book, not just a recipe here and there, I think every recipe is one I would love to try.  

 

I have many cookbooks that I thought I would love, and end up with a handful if that, of recipes that I actually want to try out, the rest of the book seems filled with others I would enjoy, or I know my family wouldn't enjoy.

 

Also, I grabbed one of the latest Taste of Home magazines which is all about Mediterranean cooking and since that is mainly our diet, I needed to have it.  There are quite a few in there that I want to add to my meal plan as well.  I'm thinking next meal plan will be entirely from the cookbook and the magazine.

 

I also have a huge collection of bookmarks.  Any time I come upon a recipe I want to try, I save it.  I have them all labeled under one main folder called Recipes to Try.  Then other folders for other categories, for example, Portuguese, Greek, Mediterranean, Desserts, Bread and so forth.

 

Do you meal plan or do you prefer to just figure out what to eat that very night? 

Tackle it Tuesday - Cleaning and tidying up my desk

Why does it feel that no matter how hard you try to keep things neat and organized, they always end up looking a royal mess?

 

My desk is a space I try very hard to keep tidy, simple, clean.  However, as the days go by, a random paper, a dropped pencil, some bills, some random items that don't even belong in the bedroom, tend to show up there.  Sometimes as I walk by with clean folded kitchen towels, I will set them down on the desk for what I tell myself is just a few minutes, while I finish something else in the room.

 

 

My perimenopausal brain will then completely forget about them, and for a few days there they sit.  I will tell you right now, that the brain fog and forgetfulness is one of the most annoying sides of the whole pre menopause journey.  My word.  My brain is just a total mess at times.

 

Anyway, it was a quick job and the whole area feels much better, more spacious. I feel like I can sit down and work, light a candle or the oil diffuser and relax.  I don't know about you guys, but I can't work in a messy area, it makes me anxious.

  

I made this cute embroidered picture, a very very long time ago. I was a young, new wife and mother, and wanted to make something that represented our wedding date. It's not perfect, it's crooked and the stitches are not tight, but I look at it all the time and smile. It's something that I treasure with all my heart and will keep forever. 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/16/2025

 

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back.  I hope this post finds you all doing well.  

 

I've been a bit all over the place the past week, didn't even get to do many daily posts, shame on me Hahah  

 

I know I haven't been around to visit your entries in a few weeks, apologies for that, I will be visiting today and will be sure to leave a comment.  Thank you again to all of you who consistently join in, I do appreciate you and do read all the comments.

 

Anyway, let's get on with our post.  We are practically halfway through June already, how is that possible?  I feel like I haven't really been able to enjoy this month yet and it's already quickly heading to the end.  

 

Right, let's see what is happening around our homes.  Have a very blessed week, sweet ladies ♥ 

 

 

The weather:::

A bit hot for my liking and we're not even in July and August yet.  We've had some random storms here and there and the temps have been up and down, but the humidity is crazy and tends to make it all seem much hotter than it is.   

As I look outside my window:::
There are 2 squirrels that love messing with Elliott and Kaia.  They deliberately run around the roof above the bedroom, then jump down to the fence right by the bedroom windows, and run back and forth across the windowsills, or lay on top of the fence and just stare into the room, sending these two furry babies into a fit.  It's quite funny to see.  That's what is happening at the moment, and here is one of the culprits. 

 

Right now I am:::
Sitting in bed and working on this post.  I am also watching a crochet and knitting podcast on the TV.  Love seeing all the projects people are busy with.  

 

Something fun to share (a blog, a video, a tip):::

I make a lot of homemade pita and naan bread, and when I saw this handy graphic on Pinterest, I knew I had to share it with you all as well.  

 

Thinking and pondering:::
Curt is going through his VA Disability process at the moment, and if you know, you KNOW.  It's a lot of paperwork, appointments, exams and so forth.  So that has been on my mind.  He's had one medical appointment already, and has another today, plus two more next week.    

 
On my bedside table:::
AC control, water, tv remote, empty cup of coffee.      

     

On my tv:::
Homemaking vlogs

Book vlogs

 

This doesn't seem to change from week to week.  I debated removing this category, but there are times when something different pops up, so I'll keep it. 

 

Listening to:::

The Noble Character Crafts podcast, on YouTube.    

 
On the menu for this week:::

Already at the end of our two week meal plan, so I need to start planning again.  Here is what we have on the menu until Thursday morning, when I'll be grocery shopping again. 

Monday - Shrimp Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Zucchini in Tomato Sauce 
Tuesday - Homemade Turkey Burgers with Pasta Salad (Chickpea salad for me)        

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Bratwurst with beer, onions and mustard, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad

Thursday -  

Friday -  

Saturday - 

Sunday - 

On my to do list:::
Change Bed linens

Water plants

Daily Bible reading and daily decree

Daily 10k steps 

Carpet cleaning 

Dusting

Vacuuming

Meal plan and grocery list

Budget for month of July 

 

 
What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
As predicted, I got bored with the granny squares, so I'm taking the ones I already have, and will make them into a small table runner, or mat for the kitchen.  I will be taking the same yarn, and will be making instead a small throw. 

My simple pleasure::: 

Researching and learning history.  I love digging into different eras, learning everything about it from what the people dressed like, what they ate, where they were, how they lived and so on.  

Looking around the house:::
It is actually tidy and not needing any picking up today.  It's one of those Monday mornings where I won't need to do much home wise.  

 

 
From the camera:::
I have been reading a lot of books that are older, or have that old feeling to them.  As much as I love reading, I have quickly discovered that I really don't care for the newer authors and genres.  I am not interested in romantic fantasy, I am not interested in female main characters that are rude, stronger than the men and always made out to be smarter and better.  I don't like that at all.  

 

I love books about simple beautiful love stories, older days, beautiful settings in England, Ireland or Scotland, books about the civil war, books taking place during the West Expansion, life on the Prairie, things like that.            

 

 

Bible verse, Devotional::: 

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12

July Jane Austen Reading

 Hello friends and welcome back to my blog.

 

Life has been a little hectic, as always, and as much as I want to continue daily posting, I am finding it a bit difficult the past two weeks, but hopeful that I can reign it all back in.  Or at least try to.

 

It is a beautiful Wednesday here in Texas, it's slightly warm but cloudy which I feel always helps cool things down slightly.  I know we have the insane high temperatures coming in a few weeks, so I'll take all the cool I can right now.

 

I am currently sitting at my desk, looking through my two piles of upcoming reading books, and I thought I would come in a record the first one for the month of July, which is the upcoming Jane Austen 250th year celebration.  In August, I will be reading everything on the Prairie, West Expansion, Wagon trails and all of those things I just love reading about.

 

And yes, I will show you that list, as I'm still compiling it.  I already have 4 books in mind, but do have a few coming in from Paperbackswap and Thrift Books, that will be added to the pile.  I'm quite excited about the August reading month.

 

Right, now for Jane Austen, as I've mentioned previously, I will be re watching her movies, and probably reading Pride and Prejudice again, not sure yet, and a couple of other fiction books related to Jane Austen or her book characters.

 

So, let me show you.  Oh and if you have a good suggestion for a book that would fit in this category, please leave it down below in the comments.  Would love to know.

 

 

 

The first one on the list is actually a non fiction.  Jane Austen's Table.  My husband found this one for me at a local book store.  I've browsed through and are there are some really yummy looking recipes which I'll be trying as well during the month of July.

 

 

Captain Wentworth's Diary by Amanda Grange

The retelling of Jane Austen's novel Persuasion from the point of view of Captain Frederick Wentworth by the author of Mr. Knightley's Diary.

During his shore leave from the Navy, Frederick Wentworth falls in love with the elegant and intelligent Miss Anne Elliot' only to see his hopes of marrying her dashed by her godmother.

Eight years later, Wentworth has realized his ambitions. A wealthy captain, he has pushed his memories of Anne to the furthest recesses of his mind, until he sees her again. And though Anne's bloom has faded, Wentworth is surprised to find that his regard for her wit and warmth has not.

Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange

Monday 9th September"I left London today and met Bingley at Netherfield Park. I had forgotten what good company he is; always ready to be pleased and always cheerful. After my difficult summer, it is good to be with him again. ..."The only place Darcy could share his innermost feelings was in the private pages of his diary... Torn between his sense of duty to his family name and his growing passion for Elizabeth Bennet, all he can do is struggle not to fall in love.Mr. Darcy's Diary presents the story of the unlikely courtship of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Darcy's point of view. This graceful imagining and sequel to Pride and Prejudice explains Darcy's moodiness and the difficulties of his reluctant relationship as he struggles to avoid falling in love with Miss Bennet. Though seemingly stiff and stubborn at times, Darcy's words prove him also to be quite devoted and endearing -- qualities that eventually win over Miss Bennet's heart.  

 

Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe

A lost love returns, rekindling forgotten passions... In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility , when Marianne Dashwood marries Colonel Brandon, she puts her heartbreak over dashing scoundrel John Willoughby in the past. Three years later, Willoughby's return throws Marianne into a tizzy of painful memories and exquisite feelings of uncertainty. Willoughby is as charming, as roguish, and as much in love with her as ever. And the timing couldn't be worse--with Colonel Brandon away and Willoughby determined to win her back, will Marianne find the strength to save her marriage, or will the temptation of a previous love be too powerful to resist? 

Jane Austen an Illustrated Treasury

JANE AUSTEN: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY takes you inside the author's world - the hardships she faced, the loves she lost, and the keen sense of irony that kept her going. In the minds of fans and scholars alike, Jane Austen has never grown old.