{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/24/2026 }

Good morning sweet friends, and welcome back to my blog and to the last Happy Homemaker Monday of August.  I am so happy to be saying those words, specifically the last one of August, because it means August is at an end and with it the unwanted and not needed ridiculous temperatures.  

 

We had a little bit of rain this weekend and it was glorious, but we need more as we've been in a horrible severe drought and 30 days of triple digit extreme heat.  I'm so done, I think today I may pull out Fall decorations and just say that's it, I've had it.  Hahaha  

 

Anyway, I have a very busy week ahead, I have new couches coming at the end of the week, long overdue because our current ones we've had since 2007, and they are old folks.  

 

I also have to get ready for my stepmom's arrival next week, from South Africa.  So lots to do and prepare for.

 

I hope you all have a fantastic blessed week ahead.  Now let's go see what is happening around our homes. 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥
Disgustingly hot.  I've been struggling to keep our chickens alive during the hot afternoons.  We have fans and misters and cold water but it's been tough for them.  I'm so done.  

Monday - Mostly sunny, 112
Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 109
Wednesday - Mostly cloudy, 99
Thursday - Partly cloudy, 99
Friday - Sunny, 101
Saturday - Sunny, 103
Sunday - Sunny, 105


♥♥ As I look outside my window ♥♥
it's a bit cloudy at the moment which makes me happy, but I know soon it will clear completely and we will have bright blue skies with not a cloudy in sight, and horrible high temps.  

♥♥ Right now I am ♥♥
At my desk, working on this post and writing a list of everything I need to do this week.  I am also listening to the news in Portugal on live tv. 

 

♥♥ Thinking and pondering ♥♥
On a lot of things, but mainly the visit next week, all I need to do, menu plan which I need to start today, grocery list, bills and getting ready for new couches etc. 


♥♥ How am I feeling ♥♥
I am doing well, I did over eat this weekend, as I've mentioned before I give my self free reign to eat whatever on the weekends but then pay for it on Monday.  I am back on the healthy train again, until next week weekend that is hahahah  

 

Also feeling very excited for my stepmom's visit. 


♥♥ On the breakfast plate ♥♥
I had a cup of coffee with cinnamon and 2% milk, and a bowl of oatmeal with two small chopped dates, some cinnamon and some shredded coconut.  


♥♥ On the lunch plate ♥♥
I'll be having some scrambled eggs with spinach and tomato, a slice of my homemade sourdough bread, toasted.  


♥♥ On the dinner plate ♥♥
Meatballs and Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad.  For me I'll be omitting the spaghetti and having the meatballs with sauteed kabocha squash and zucchini, will also omit the garlic bread and have just the salad. 


♥♥ What I'm wearing ♥♥
Still in my nightgown, it's only 745am.


♥♥ On my reading pile ♥♥
I am finishing off 1 Samuel in the Bible. 

 

Started Henrietta by Sophie Irwin and am really enjoying it so far.   I got it through Blackwells which is a UK book store that I love buying books through.  They have free shipping to the USA and you can find amazing books that may be hard to find here in the States.

 

 

Also have a few non fiction Christian books headed to me, from the publisher.  The first one has arrived and I am starting it today.  It is called A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of rejoicing in God's goodness by Wendy Speake. 

 

♥♥ On my TV this week ♥♥
Homemaking and book vlogs

The First 48 on Netflix

♥♥ On the menu ♥♥
Starting to work on the new menu today.

 

Monday - Meatballs and Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad 

Tuesday - Moussaka, Roast Veggies
Wednesday - Slow Cooker White Beans and Sausage, Salad
Thursday - 

Friday - 
Saturday - 
Sunday - 


♥♥ Looking around the house ♥♥
I need to do a bit more painting and decorating.  I'm basically just finishing off the living room and dining room.  I do plan to bring out my fall decorations and put them up, if summer is going to fight me on this, I am going to force it to leave, at least inside the house.  

 

I am loving my home lately, I've never been one to live in a museum like house.  My house needs to be lived in and look lived in, and that's what I am always striving for.  I want whoever walks in to feel like they can just nap on the couch with a comfy blanket, or read a book in a poofy chair.  


♥♥ To Do List for the week ♥♥
- Carpet Clean, dust, vacuum

- Wash and change out the shower curtains and mats (I do this every week)

- Change bedding

- Clean turtle tank

- Grocery shop on Wednesday 

♥♥ What I am creating ♥♥

Still working on the blanket.  Want to get done with Part 6 this week, if I have time.

♥♥ Something fun to share ♥♥
Here is a fun website for background noise.  Sometimes I want to work on the computer but have just relaxing sounds.  This website lets you choose from a bunch of different sounds to listen to.

 

A Soft Murmur

 

♥♥ From the camera ♥♥

Pumpkin Spice Apple Butter. I had apples to use up, so made another batch of the apple butter, it gave me 2 jars, and a little bit left that I have in the fridge. 

 

♥♥ Devotional ♥♥ 

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. — Galatians 6:7

 

{ New bible studies from Dailygrace }

As a Christian, I have to be brutally honest, and admit that sometimes I don't feel like reading my Bible, or doing any Bible studies.  I hate even admitting this to myself, but it's the truth.  I don't think God gets upset with these kind of things, He better than anyone knows our hearts and who and what we are. 

 

He doesn't take these things as an insult, obviously I am sure He may feel disappointed, especially considering that we spend so much time on other things in life, and when it comes to the spiritual journey we often fall short.  I've often wondered why, it's not that I don't like it, or find it interesting, but for some reason reading and studying the Bible takes a lot out of me mentally.

 

I've also realized that it depends on the time of year, and summer, more specifically July and August are so off.  The heat takes all my energy and motivation, it sucks it right out of me and I am often left feeling like these two months are wasted.  

 

As the month starts winding down, the yearning for more time with God kicks in.  That's when I usually begin to look for more Christian content, more non fiction, more Bible reading and more studies.

 

One of my favorite resources for devotionals and bible studies, is The Daily Grace. I love all of their studies, I love the way they are set up, easy to understand and they keep me interested.

 

I don't know about you guys, but I've had it happen many times with other studies, where I go in and find them confusing, the questions stump me at times and frustrate me and I often end up just walking away.   I haven't had that issue with the ones from The Daily Grace.

 

Here are the three I picked up, and one was free, don't remember why, but I know I paid nothing for it. 

 

Abide -  

Discover the secret to a joyful, sustaining daily intimacy with Jesus.

Do you have a deep desire for a daily, intimate connection with Jesus? 

It’s possible. The way is summed up in one powerful word: Abide.

Abide | Growing Closer to Christ Every Day reveals that abiding in Christ is simple: enjoy, rely, and obey. However, getting there is not without opposition. Discover over the course of 4 weeks the beauty of Jesus and the profound mystery of deep intimacy that he has revealed and made available to you.

This powerful study unpacks John 15 and 1 John, gently guiding you to understand the joyful, intimate relationship that results when Christ abides in you, and you abide in Him.

When Fear Meets Faith -   Are you afraid of what others might think of you? Is it difficult for you to trust others? Do you find yourself crippled by the idea of being harmed? Life in a sinful world provides many reasons to feel afraid. From fearing the approval of man to fearing physical harm, we all experience fear in some way. Fear reminds us of our limitations and illuminates our desire for protection. But how are Christians called to deal with the reality of their fears? 

 

Stand Firm -  Have you ever wondered what it means that Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle? Do you wonder how you are supposed to fight against sin and spiritual darkness in your everyday life? 

 

I will be starting the Abide one next week, and the others probably in September depending on how long I take to get through the first one.

 

If you've done any of these or are currently working on one of them, I would love to hear from you. 

Blessings,
♥ Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

{ Cooking Thursday - Turkish Pasta }

The recipe I'm sharing today, is for a Turkish pasta that my family and I have been loving.  It is simple to make but tastes so good, and it's a nice twist on the usual Pasta dishes we're used to.

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Turkish Pasta 

Source: This Healthy Table 

Ingredients

• 1 pound Farfalle pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• Optional - 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package directions. 
2. While the pasta is cooking, add the ground beef to a hot pan over medium-high heat. Break the meat up with the back of a spoon. Then, add the onion powder, paprika, black pepper, curry powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Then add the onion and stir again. Cook for 10 minutes or until the meat has browned and crispy. 
3. Add the yogurt, salt, and garlic in a bowl. Stir till fully combined.
4. Add the butter to a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the paprika and if using, the Aleppo pepper and cumin. Whisk to combine and remove from the heat.
5. To assemble the dish, add some pasta to a bowl or plate, then top with some cooked meat, yogurt sauce, butter sauce, and sprinkle on parsley and tomatoes. 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ Tuesday - a day of crocheting and reading }

I like to take a day a week, where I set aside the usual day to day hum drums, and concentrate on the hobbies that I love.  Today, it was reading and crocheting.

 

My morning started very early, and with a cup of coffee in hand, I settled in bed with my current read.  There is something about early morning reading, while the world is still asleep, and the only noise in the background is that of birds chirping outside. 

After reading for about an hour, I moved to the living room and worked on my crochet blanket.  The dreaded blanket that has had me stumped, has had me frogging and ripping and remaking the same row after row.

 

I wanted to give it up, set it aside and forget about it, and I even debated just leaving it as is, a small round lap blanket, but I was determined that I wouldn't let a crochet project defeat me.

 

After much frustration I got past the lace part of the project and finally moved onto the next.  I would love to tell you that the next few rows were so simple and it flowed right on, but alas, I guess I have a love hate with this blanket, because I ended up having to pull apart another 2 rows and make them again.  This blanket and I are at a love hate point, it's a fight for control, and we have yet to see who the winner will be. 

After ripping two rows, I had to take a step back, and some early morning air is the best thing for clearing the head.  

So let me show you this brat of a blanket.  The Universe in Bloom by Dedri Huys at Look At What I Made.  I absolutely adore all her projects but boy does Dedri push me as a crocheter.  I guess I actually admire that in her, because I don't ever want to stall or become stagnant when it comes to crocheting.  

 

I want to learn new stitches and new ways of crocheting and she definitely brings that forth for us. 

She is beautiful and I'm quite enjoying the new color palette I have going.  Not my usual colors at all, as you may know if you've followed me for a while.  However, I wanted to try something new and step out a little.

And below the dratted lace part of the pattern that had me losing my mind.  It's not that it's difficult, but I just didn't realize that one misplaced stitch or miscounted stitch would cause so many issues.  I tried so hard to stay on track, but my brain was just not wanting to cooperate.

What matters is that after a month apart, we came together and worked it out.  So far, at least for now, we will see how the rest goes.  I am now at the stage where I'll be making some flowers, wish me luck.

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/17/2026 }

Good morning.  Hello everyone, welcome back to my little blog.  I hope this Monday morning finds you all well.  

 

It is another scorcher here in Texas.  I am actually going to stop talking about it, because there is nothing I can do to change it and constantly complaining is not exactly making me feel any better.  It just is what it is.

 

I had a good weekend, usual gym, church, having our girl over for dinner and family games.  Although, I always feel like when Monday morning rolls around, I haven't quite had enough weekend, if you know what I mean.

 

Right, let's get on with our post for today, let's see what is happening around our homes. 

 

God Bless,

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Here, I'll just leave it and walk away defeated LOL 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just finished the row I was on in my crochet blanket, and have started the new row.  I have set it aside now so that I can sit at my desk and get this post up for you all.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

All the home projects that I still have to finish before my stepmom arrives in two weeks, yes, just two weeks time, I can't believe how fast the days have flown by.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I am feeling good, although quite sore from the gym.  I have started doing deadlift weights and those have really upped my workout but also have left me hurting, which is a good thing.  I've been on this health journey for two years and need to change it up a bit, so this is perfect.  

 

Also feeling hot, already, at 7 in the morning. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I just had a cup of coffee at 4:30am when we got up, with 2% milk and a tiny splash of chobani hazelnut creamer.  I like using the creamers as just a tiny flavor enhancer, so I do milk and then literally a little splash of whatever creamer just for the taste.  Doing it this way helps curb that craving for a flavored coffee, but also keeps the fat and calories under control.  I often see people making coffee with just creamer and I don't know how they handle it, it's far too much cream and sweetness for me, but to each their own.  

 

I also had a bowl of oatmeal with some shredded coconut.

*** On the lunch plate ***

I'll be having a Tuna Tzatziki Cucumber Salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Beef Curry, Rice, Garlic Naan   

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday -   Beef Curry, Rice, Garlic Naan 

 

Tuesday -  Baked Fish in tomato and onion sauce, Garlic Parsley Potatoes, Sauteed Kobucha Squash 

 

Wednesday -  Greek chicken and lemon rice, Roasted Brussels Sprouts

 

Thursday - Turkish Pasta, Salad

 

Friday - Turkish Gozleme

 

Saturday - Turkish Kofte with Potatoes, Chickpea Salad

 

Sunday - Slow Cooker White Beans and Sausage, Roast Veggies   

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown, and since today is my rest day from working out, I will throw on a cool summer dress. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still reading in 1 Samuel in the Bible.  

 

I have a few Christian non fiction review books from Thomas Nelson, arriving over the next few weeks and the first just arrived this weekend.  It is called A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving by Wendy Speake.  I am planning on starting this 30 day Devotional on September 1st.

 

Finished Summerhaven by Tiffany Odekirk and absolutely loved it, it is one of my favorites that I have read this year.  I am now in book one of Liz Curtis Higgs Lowlands of Scotland Trilogy.  It is a biblical retelling of Jacob and Esau.  I will say it is really slow right now and I have debated setting it aside until I am more in the mood for it.  I have a lot of new books in that I would rather be reading right now, so I may go ahead and do that.   

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemaking  

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu - just as I got into it, it has been cancelled.  Bummer.

Muhtemel Ask - loving this one right now

 

 

Netflix:

Still watching The First 48 Hours.

 

Apple TV:

For all Mankind

 

Paramount Plus:

Star Trek Strange New Worlds 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to do the usual carpet cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and so forth.  

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Today:

Water inside plants

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio

Daily bible reading 

 

This week: 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores

Pay bills

Pain the hallway

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

I picked up the crochet blanket again and finally got past the difficult Part 5.  I have now started Part 6 and I'm finding it a little frustrating as well.  This isn't my first blanket by Dedri, but it's my first blanket by her that is pushing me to my limits and testing my patience, for sure.  Hahahah

 

Anyway, we will get it done eventually.   I will get a picture of the progress this morning and come back and add it here, for you all to see.

 

*** From the camera *** 

I just love this book read counter.  I want to climb right in there and become that girl, sitting at that gorgeous window reading.   ♥   

 

 

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

At church our message was about our role as Christians, and the role of the church as well.  It was quite interesting and one thing our Pastor said, which I have always agreed upon and believed myself, is that we need to be sharing the gospel, sharing God with everyone around us, but it is not up to us to save anyone, that is God's job and responsibility.  It is not on us. 

 

{ Wordless Wednesday - Happy Anniversary }

 

 Wedding day - August 12, 1998

 

 

Today we are celebrating 28 years of marriage.    

 

We have been married for exactly 10,227 days.  A lifetime together, and it doesn't even seem like it's been that long.

 

I know this is a Wordless Wednesday, but it IS our anniversary so I can't let it go without wishing my amazing husband a happy anniversary and letting him know just how much I love him and adore him and am thrilled that we have been on this rollercoaster of life together.

 

There have been hard times, times of grief, times of loss, times of difficulty, but the good times far outweigh those.  One thing I am extremely thankful for, is that I have a husband who loves God just as much as I do, a husband who goes to church with me, who prays with me.

 

If I could give one piece of advice to newlyweds, it would be this exactly.....talk, don't hold things in even if it causes a disagreement or a little fight at the time, get it out of your system and don't ever hold it in.  Also, God.  Make Him the center of your marriage!

 

Happy Anniversary Curtis, here is to another 28 at least.  I love you ♥ 

 

 

 

{ Birthday gifts }

I am extremely blessed in that my family knows exactly what I love, and also know exactly what kind of phase I am in my life.  Some years I am into my crochet phase and everything around me involves yarn and hooks and patterns.

 

Then some years I am into baking, or photography and so forth.

 

This year I am clearly in my book phase, I'm inhaling books, grabbing books, sharing books, looking for books, watching book videos, and you know, all things books.  So, for my birthday most of the gifts were book related, except for my husband who knew that the rest of the family had the books covered and he wanted to spoil me with two big items that I have had my eye on for some time.   

 

When I was blogging more intently, back in the day, I always shared my birthday and Christmas gifts and then like so many other things that fell to the side, this was one of the things I stopped blogging about.  I don't know why, but I love looking back on these kind of posts, so here we go: 

 

 

 

A beautiful bed set from Laura Ashley, actually I got two, this blue and white floral and the green and white floral.  Love it so much ♥

One of the biggest gifts was this Shark Beauty CryoGlow Mask.  I've had my eye on it for a long time, and honestly did not think I would get it anytime soon, but my wonderful husband got it for me and I am loving it already.  

 

The second biggest gift from my husband was the Slush-Ease Max Slushy Machine.  This is going to be so handy especially for the holidays because it makes a lot of drink and keeps it cold for 12 hours.  I thought it was just slushies but it also makes shakes, juice, frappes, I mean, wow.  

From my beautiful daughter, I got a lot of things and I don't think I even took photos of everything, so I'll try to remember.

 

She gave me a gorgeous bouquet of pink roses because she knows I love fresh flowers.  She also got me a Blind date with a puzzle.  I should have taken a photo of it because it's so me, the puzzle features an old truck in a field of sunflowers.

 

She got me a beautiful necklace with the map of Portugal on it ♥ 

 

Then she got me another Blind date with a book, this time a cookbook.  And this is what was included in the package.....this sweet pouch with sardines, which I had a good laugh because as you know I'm Portuguese and we love our sardines. 

 

In this pouch were quite a few things, some crochet flower fridge magnets, some sprinkles, and a little pink sewing pouch.   

Also included were two butter bookmarks, a cute little pink pen, a peach notepad, an orange little notebook and some sweet clips holding the cutest stickers.

The cookbook that arrived in this package was Nigella Lawson which I was thrilled about.  I've always enjoyed her recipes but did not have any of her cookbooks yet.  I've already looked through it and there are quite a few recipes I want to make.

 

 

 

Also included in the box was the cutest strawberry dish sponge and this little drying rack with a lemon scented lemon to place on it.  I guess it's to give a nice smell to the sink area.  Just the cutest little things.  I love the whole Blind date with a book idea. 

 

Oh and before I forget she also got me the cutest sweatshirt with the words Book Lover on it.  I'll have to remember to get a photo of that when I wear it.

I absolutely adore book sleeves and yes, I can make them, I have the pattern for it and they are not hard to make, I just haven't gotten around to do it, but I am actually thinking of making them for Christmas gifts for my sister in law, niece and my nephew's girlfriend because they love books as well.

 

Anyway, my girl picked this one for me, and again, just the perfect one with florals like I love. 

 

 

It can fit books, Kindle or a tablet, so it's perfect. 

 

The last gift from Jasmine was so sweet and I was beside myself with happiness when I opened it.  My very own embossed stamp for my books.  The books that I am never parting with will get embossed with my very own stamp including my name.  How adorable is that? 

 

 

 

From the library of Sandra Bourland.  Oh my, how adorable! ♥

 

And lastly, from my brother and sister in law, who also know me too well.  Everything book related.  The first piece my brother picked himself and it's this beautiful puzzle piece that brought me to tears ♥

The cutest tote and this pouch, that both say There is no such thing as too many books.  I 1000% agree.  Love it!

 

I also got a tumbler that says Just one more Chapter!  And this cutest lavender scented candle "Smells like she's Reading".  Hahahah  I love that!

The last thing from them was something I have also had my eye on for a while and really wanted to get.  Again, they all know me so well.

 

I am in love with this cute stand.  They chose a girl that they say looks like me, she is sitting on a window seat with a beautiful window behind her, a little sign that says Just a girl who loves books ♥, a kitty cat nearby, a blanket on her lap, a beautiful plant to her side, a stack of books and a cup of coffee or tea.  Yeah I think that pretty much describes me to a tee. 

It sits on my bookshelf and it keeps track of how many books I have read this year, which as you can see, is sitting at 41 at the moment.  

 

Oh and also included in their gift was this adorable bookmark.  I love metal bookmarks and this one not only has a funny saying but on the end of the bookmark is an open book.   

Honestly, I could have just handpicked all these for myself.  I just realized I completely forgot to get the gifts from my brother in law.  Oh jeeze Sandra!

 

Anyway, he got me a Cristiano Ronaldo lego set, a big one which I plan on putting together and displaying on my living room shelf.  

 

 

He also got me something I have also been talking about getting.  As you know we are a big gaming family, every night after dinner we sit at the table and play some sort of game, a card game, a board game, whatever it may be.  I have seen these really cute Vintage Bookshelf Board Games and thought it would be perfect to collect them over time and have them on the shelf, ready to be played but also looking like they fit in with all my books.

 

He got me the Trivial Pursuit edition. ♥ 

 

So, I have been spoiled rotten this year and I'm so thankful for my entire family, for knowing me so well, for picking such thoughtful gifts and making my 52nd birthday so special.