{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ A homey day }

The heat is blistering outside, and inside the air conditioning is struggling to keep up.   It is a daily fight between the two extremes and we are in the middle of this battle, just hoping it lets up.  Honestly, I am hoping the heat is the one to let go and leave.

 

Mornings are bearable, afternoons are horrid, making me stay indoors as much as possible.  I remember when I was younger, the minute the summer would come around I wanted to be outdoors in the sun, having fun, playing, enjoying life and soaking up the warmth.  I always had a nice tan going.  This year, and actually the past few years?  I don't really care about any of that.

 

The heat comes up and this lady hides indoors, forget about tanning, being outside, nope, none of that.  Maybe I really am getting old!  

 

I spent a homey day, meaning, just pottering around.  It's actually funny that anytime family comes by, they tend to say the same thing "Oh....you've changed things.  AGAIN!".  LOL

 

Yes, I have and next time they come by it will probably be different once again.  I don't know about you, but I love changing rooms, moving things from room to room and trying to decorate here and there.

 

I am no expert, my home is kind of a mix of what I love and what I feel represents me and my feelings.  Funny enough though, anytime my family or even AI describes my home, the same terms come up "cozy, country, lodge, farmhouse".  I didn't even know I was achieving all that without even thinking, I guess our way of being really does project itself in our homes.  

I worked on my dining room.  it is a work in progress, and never seems to be finished or to my liking, so I'm constantly moving and shifting things around.  I had a huge bookshelf in my hallway that I moved into the dining area, and it fit perfectly between the two black bookshelves.

 

You know one thing I have realized over the years?  I am not into minimalism.  It was all the rage, people getting rid of things, de cluttering,  living in spaces that had bare essentials.  I thought at first that it might be a good idea, but the more I looked into it and the more I debated hopping on that train, the more I realized that I much prefer rooms that hold all sorts of treasures and knick knacks.

 

I want to walk into a room and feel at home, feel like I'm being hugged, like I want to sit with a cup of tea or coffee and just relax.  Maybe it's just me and my constant need to go against the grain.  I'm the girl that if everyone is into something, I immediately hate it.  If the whole world says yellow is the new color, I will hate yellow and go for a different color altogether.  If everyone is doing viral food or drinks, I want nothing to do with it.

 

I don't know why I am like this, but I tend to march to the beat of my own drums.  Hence why my home is lived in, filled with coziness and warmth and lived in spaces. 

After tackling those rooms, I sat down to start working on the new meal plan.  I have so many wonderful cookbooks that often sit collecting dust because I don't even touch them.  I stopped using most of them when I switched to healthy eating, though truth be told, I have not been very good at healthy eating the past two months.  

 

The carbs I was avoiding, have been consumed.  The sweets?  Have been consumed.  I need to get a hold of my nutrition again and get back on track, but that doesn't mean that I can't still use my cookbooks.  It's just a matter of adapting certain recipes to my needs.  Just because I make carbs for my boys doesn't mean I have to eat them, right?

 

So at the moment I am juggling going back to healthy, but also going back to making use of all my wonderful cookbooks. 

Definitely a work in progress. We will get there though.  My mind is also starting to shift to Fall and I am fighting myself not to grab any decorations yet.  It's a battle I tell you.  We're still in the throes of summer yet my brain is saying "let's fight the heat with some Fall decorations, just a little pumpkin here and there."

 

So far, I have managed to keep these thoughts at bay, though I am very very tempted.

 

And so life goes on.  The usual hum drums of homemaking, sprinkled in with some decorating and painting here and there, lots of book reading, copious amounts of coffee, a cheeky naughty chocolate thrown here and there, and some enjoyable television watching.

 

Oh and for some reason I have had this idea going on around my mind, about having an old fashioned 80's kind of Christmas this year.  I want to go back to the basics, to the best years for the holidays.  Again I think that combative go against the grain girl, is rearing her head.

 

I just don't want to have a modern holiday like we do each year.  I find that the meaning of Christmas, and the spirit, and the whole vibe is so different nowadays.  So yes, that is going around in my mind and I'm already collecting ideas to see how I can recreate it.  Wish me luck!

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/03/2026 }

Good morning, happy Monday!

 

I have had a week of just stress and frustration and really wish my weekend had been longer, but alas, here we are.  Monday!!!  A start of a new week and hopefully a better week for us all.

 

Let's see what is happening around our homes.

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

It's been disgusting, and I was all excited because on my phone it showed this coming week we would be in the 90s.  That happiness was short lived because it's now showing triple digits again.  Lord help us!    

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

At my desk working on this post, also talking through Whatsapp with my stepmom and my niece.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Just things that I want to get done this week, blog posts, sewing and crafting and getting ready for Fall.  I am just going to remove all thoughts of heat and summer and pretend it's cooler temperatures.  Fool that I am!  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired.  Last week as I said, was a bit stressful for Jasmine.  She had a few things going on, it feels like the enemy is directing an onslaught against her and as parents, it's sad to see and know that we can't do anything.

 

She had a situation on Tuesday, and then Friday morning woke up with ear pain in her left ear, and a horrible vertigo attack that came and went for hours.  I ended up taking her to urgent care, and it turns out she has fluid in that ear.  She was prescribed some medication and is starting to feel better, the spinning and vertigo has stopped but she still feels a bit light headed and dizzy.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I just had a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal.  

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure yet, but will probably be a tuna salad.     

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, Salad  

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday -   Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, Okra and Tomatoes 

 

Tuesday -  Cowboy Lasagna, Salad 

 

Wednesday - Shrimp Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Beans  

 

Thursday - Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

 

Friday - Homemade Pizza

 

Saturday - Baked Ziti with Sausage, Garlic Bread, Salad

 

Sunday -  Turkey Burgers, Potato Wedges, Sauteed Cabbage  

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown and will change into a dress later.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am reading in 1 samuel in the Bible.   

Finished Rachel Fordham's A Life Once Dreamed, last night.  I really enjoy Rachel Fordham.  

 

My next read will be All the Forgiveness by Elizabeth Hardinger. 

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

Turkish series:

None at the moment

 

Netflix:

I watched the new Idaho Four Documentary.  I wasn't going to because I've seen so many already but decided to go ahead and it was quite good.  Lots of videos and interviews and bodycams that we hadn't seen before.  

 

Apple TV:

For all Manking

 

Paramount Plus:

Star Trek Strange New Worlds 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I have to do the usual Monday cleaning.  I would love to have my windows and patio door open but this heat does not allow that.  I just feel that the house is stuffy and needs some fresh air, so I'm going to open everything up this morning for at least 30 minutes.  

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores

Pay bills

Make bread for the week

Carpet clean  

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

I have been looking up some crochet fall potholders that I want to make.  Will start looking through my yarn and seeing if I have the colors I need.  Something like this below, and if you have any patterns or ideas for Fall inspired potholders please send them my way.  

 

*** From the camera *** 

Home ♥   

 

 

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

Isaiah 40:31: "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/27/2026 }

Good morning ladies, come on in.

 

It's another hot day here in Texas, but hopefully the last week of real hot weather.  *fingers crossed*  

 

Come on in everyone, have a cup of coffee with me and let's talk about our homes and everything that is happening this week.  Last week I was thrilled to have been able to post practically every day, I think the only day I missed was Sunday and that's because it was so busy, by the time I sat down at 7pm, I was dead on my feet and so tired.  But that's ok, the fact that I was able to get daily posts up made me extremely happy and gave me the motivation to continue on for as long as I can, or as time permits.

 

I was also quite thrilled to see some familiar faces popping back up in my comments, I've missed you ladies and it was nice seeing you here again.  I will be coming by to visit everyone later today.  So welcome back Jo, Carol, Katerina, Latane, Great-granny grandma.   

 

Now, let's get on with our post for today.  Have a blessed week everyone!

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥♥♥

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Just ugh, ugh, and a big UGH!  

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just sat down at my desk to quickly get this post up.  I have my cup of coffee which is going cold but can't waste coffee so I will sip on that, even if I pull a face.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

My brother in law bought a house and is waiting to close on it, so by August he will be gone.  As much as we love him and have loved having him here, I am quite excited to have a guest room again.  I do plan on using it as a guest room/craft room for me, so I'm thinking about how to make that work, what to put in there, how to organize it and all that fun stuff. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

A bit tired, but I think that is my normal every day feeling, so not much to report there. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I am having my second cup of coffee with half and half (my favorite).  I also had a 90 minute keto bread toasted sandwich with ham, egg and cheese.  Didn't finish it all though as I'm not very hungry. 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Salad and Fish Sticks     

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Hot Sesame Pork, Rice, Veggies (this has been on the menu for weeks but keeps being pushed out) 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

I am starting to work on the new meal plan today, so as always only have meals until Wednesday.

 

Monday -   Hot Sesame Pork, Rice, Veggies 

 

 

Tuesday -  Brother in law's birthday, out to eat (got confused last week and thought it was his birthday but it's not until this Tuesday) 

 

 

Wednesday - Grocery shopping and new meal plan will kick in  

 

 

Thursday - 

 

 

Friday - 

  

 

Saturday - 

 

 

Sunday -    

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown, will change into shorts later. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Am now in Ruth in the Bible. 

Reading Rachel Fordham's A Life Once Dreamed.

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

Turkish series:

None at the moment

 

Netflix:

Crime Documentaries

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Need to do the usual Monday morning clean.  I also have my clothes drying rack in the living room with some tablecloths drying, so need to take those down, and iron them.   

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

The blanket has been so frustrating to me.  I have now had to rip and pull apart and redo row after row.  I'm thinking of setting it aside for a month or so and then coming back to it. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Was looking back at my old blog posts and had so many sweet pictures like this.  They brign such a smile to my face.   ♥   

 

 

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

I am a worry wart by nature, so when I saw this graphic, I knew I had to share it for all my fellow worry warts.  Hope it helps someone.  

 

{ Soft and Beautiful Saturday }

  

The week has come to an end, and Saturday greets us with an expectant smile.  It lures us into a sense of calmness and relaxation which no doubt, has been very much needed probably since Monday morning rolled around.

 

For the most part, Saturdays for us are still busy days, well, and Sundays too.  I don't really think we have slow, quiet, boring weekends anymore, so I try very hard to sneak some of these in whenever I get the chance.

 

Today for example, is one of these where I plan to make it a soft and beautiful Saturday.  So what exactly do I do on these days?

 

Let me give you some examples: 

 

 

♥ A quiet morning ♥

Start by opening the curtains and blinds to let in the morning light.  I will usually open the windows too to let in some fresh morning air before the heat of the day comes along.  Saturdays mean that I am the only one up from 4:30am to around 7am, and I love this time.  I make my coffee, sit on the couch, say my prayers and then scroll through the phone, answer voice messages from family and watch some YouTube.

 

 

 

♥ Time for one of my favorite hobbies ♥

Whether it is reading, crocheting, baking or trying a new recipe, I try to fit one of those in on a slow Saturday.  I don't usually bake during the week, and if it's a busy weekend I don't get to do it either, so on days like these, I love to make a special treat for the family.

 

 

 

♥ Disconnect from the phone ♥

I'm not one to be constantly attached to my phone, matter of fact, I am constantly leaving my phone and forgetting where it is because I just move on with my day.  I tend to get in trouble with family sometimes because I don't respond when I should, or they laugh and it's become a family joke that I am usually walking around muttering "where's my phone?".

 

But for weekends like this, I deliberately make it a point of leaving it alone, and staying in the moment.  I want to live my day away from the screen, social media, news or anything else that will distract me. 

 

 

♥ Go for walks outdoors ♥

I am surrounded by fields and horses, alpacas and so on.  Whenever I get the chance, I love to go for a walk with my husband and dog.  It feels good to go outside, get fresh air, move our body and just be in nature.

 

 

 

♥ Self care ♥

During the week I obviously shower every day and brush my hair and teeth and so on.  But I don't take the time to do anything extra for myself, so on these specific slow beautiful days, I take some time for self care.  

 

Taking a bubble bath, shaving my legs, putting on a face mask or hair mask, taking a nap, using my massagers, or just sitting in the dark with my eyes closed and resting my body and soul. 

 

 

♥ Perfect evening ♥

Sitting down with a good book and a cup of tea, or watching a sweet romance on television.  I will turn off all the lights and light a candle.  Sometimes I put on some music, often music that I haven't listened to in a long time.  

 

For example, you know how certain songs or music in general, have a way of reminding you of a specific time and place in your life?  Well I was reminiscing about my babies being little and us living on base in Mountain Home, Idaho.  I used to dance around with them in my arms to get them to sleep, while listening to the current country stations.  So, I looked for a playlist on Spotify that played Country music from 1999 which is when Jasmine was born, and I sat and listened to it.  It was such a wonderful trip down memory lane and it made me smile.

{ Right now }

 

 

Feeling -  Sore, my sciatica has been really good for years and now suddenly it is starting to act up.  The past two days I have been struggling.

Drinking - Water with ice, it's far too hot.

Writing -  This post, also starting the new meal plan and budget for the month of August.

Thinking - That I can't wait for summer to be over, I am already dreaming of cooler temperatures and pumpkins. 

 
Contemplating - Doing my 15 minute workout today or just skipping it because of the sciatica.  Thing is, the workout actually helps but I am just not feeling it today. 

Knowing - That this heat will come to an end, even if it feels like it's overwhelming right now.

Listening - to the window air conditioner working, and the roosters crowing outside. 

Jumping - for joy knowing that this September my stepmom will be visiting again.  I can't wait. 

Savoring - I just made two chicken strips for my lunch.  I don't eat much during the summer, just don't feel hungry and some days I will go with just breakfast and then dinner.  

Resisting - The temptation to have some Lindor truffles.  They are staring at me though so I may need to sneak in one or two. 

 
Eating - Nothing right now

Hiding - Nothing at the moment although later Curt will be bringing me some diet coke because I'm craving some, and Nick loves diet coke so I will have to hide a can from him or he will drink it all hahaha

Feeling - impatient for the fall weather to finally arrive. 

{ Slow Cooking Thursday - Let's look back }

September 14, 2006, the very first time I posted a Slow Cooking Thursday.  I had this idea flying around in my head, I was very big into slow cooking at the time, it was something new I guess, and everyone and their mother had a crockpot.

 

I was always on the hunt for slow cooking recipes, and I had a blog that I had just started a few months before (in February), and thought, this was a good idea.  A place to post a recipe but also gather a ton from others.

 

So the very first Slow Cooking Thursday was launched.

 

I shared a recipe for Chuck Wagon Chili, didn't even have a picture of it but just went for it.  Nine ladies joined in and the comments were numerous with everyone super excited.

 

It did well for a couple of years and then I fell off the wagon.  I tried changing it to Cooking Thursday just to open it up to all sorts of recipes and bring more participants in, but it kind of fizzled out and frankly I lost interest myself.

 

But as I was looking at my blog the other day, I realized I have so many recipes posted in the Slow Cooking Thursday and so many shared by so many of you, that I thought I would come in and re-share them in case you missed them back then.

 

Now, obviously I'm not going to share each recipe here one by one, we would be sitting here for years.  I am just going to give you the link to the list and you can browse through the posts.

 

The issues is that a lot of the blogs that used to participate or shared recipes are now gone.  Some have gone private, some have been deactivated, some completely deleted.  It makes me sad, feels like a part of my past has been erased, but it's life, it's been 20 years and people move on, things happen, life changes.

 

Anyway, go on an take a look through those posts, but here are some of my favorite recipes:

 

Crockpot Grinders

 

 

 

 Honey Chipotle Slow Cooker Ribs

 

 

 

Brown Sugar Barbecue Sandwiches

 

 

  

Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops

 

 

 

In closing, I will leave you a post that I made, that I actually forgot I did and just realized it while typing this one up, where I list almost all the recipes shared, with links.  Enjoy!

 

Slow Cooking and Cooking Thursday - Thursday May 31, 2012 

 

{ Wordless Wednesday }

 

{ Talk to me Tuesday }

 

 

Question: What is your blogging routine?

 

I have none at the moment.  Terrible right?

 

I used to be very good at blogging and would set aside time every morning and evening to post.  I actually remember a time, not sure of the year, but we were still stationed in Arizona, where I often would post two blog posts a day.  WHAT?!?!?!?!?

 

I don't know how or why I did that, but my word, not sure how I had the energy or the patience or the content.  I do wish I still did that though because that was the peak of my blogging existence.

 

So what does blogging look like for me now?

 

The only time I have strictly set aside for blogging, is Monday mornings for the Happy Homemaker Monday.  Any other post I make, like this one for instance, just happens randomly if I have the time, or think about it, or feel like.  Not a very good blogging routine to have but it's what it is at the moment.

 

What is your blogging routine like? 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/20/2026 }

 

Good morning everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. 

 

I am so tired today, I don't even know why but I'm just ready to go back to bed.  hahaha  There are days like these right?  You wake up and feel like you haven't slept even though you have.  Nothing some more coffee won't fix.  

 

Anyway, welcome back.

 

Let's see what is happening around our home this week.

 

Have a blessed week friends, and stay cool.  We are heading for the hottest week here in Texas and I'm not looking forward to it at all.

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

I am not looking forward to this week at all.  Like AT.ALL. 

 

  

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting at my desk and working on this post.  Curt just left for work, and I've seen him off and now retired back to the bedroom with the fur babies, who are fast asleep on the bed. 

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Nothing particular in mind, just normal day to day thoughts and homemaking and bills etc. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired, just tired.  We had another busy weekend and I'm so tired, but today is my down day so I am hoping to get a bit of nap. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Haven't had breakfast yet, but will have another cup of coffee soon and a bowl of oatmeal. 

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Probably some tuna salad.     

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Islak Burgers, Rice, Salad 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Islak Burgers, Rice, Salad   

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Sausages in Tomato Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli 

 

 

 

Wednesday - Greek Chicken Bake, Couscous, Chickpea Salad 

 

 

Thursday - Brother in Law's birthday, out to dinner at an Indian Restaurant 

 

 

Friday - Hot Sesame Pork, Sesame Noodles, Roast Veggies

 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

 

Sunday -  Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole, Salad  

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown, will put on a dress later. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still reading through Judges in the Bible. 

Reading the second story in The New England Romance Collection. 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

Turkish series:

I'm a little bored at the moment because most series are on break during the summer.  Though I have these two currently going, I'm not enjoying them as much as I wish I did. 

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

 

Netflix:

Crime Documentaries

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Need to do carpet cleaning today so will be busy with that.   

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Water inside plants 

Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Daily 15k steps

Homemaking chores  

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

The blanket is still going but my word, this part I'm working on has confused me so much.  I have had to rip out and redo multiple rows because they're so similar and I keep messing up.  Honestly can't wait to see this part behind me.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Just love this bookmark my daughter got me.  She actually got me two like this, the other one is just as pretty but different fabric.  ♥   

 

 

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

Last week tested my faith and patience.  I need to constantly remind myself that when I give power or thought to things that worry me, I am actually taking God's love and practically throwing it back in His face and giving the enemy power.  It is so frustrating to me to keep doing this, but I am human and the flesh speaks louder at times.