{ 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.  

 

{ 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.   

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/13/2026 }

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back.  How was your weekend?  

 

I hope it was a good one.  I for one had a quiet weekend with not going out and not having tons to do.  It's been months since I have had a proper relaxing weekend so it felt wonderful to be able to do that.

 

I am going to quickly put this post up because I need to head out the door, in about 20 minutes, with my husband, for his VA dental appointment in Oklahoma.  

 

I wish you all a very blessed week ahead, and thank you again for always stopping by even if I don't always have the time to return the favor.  I need to remedy that, truly, I do.   

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

  

Monday - Thunderstorms, 91 

Tuesday - Thunderstorms, 93  

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 92

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 89 

Friday - Partly Sunny, 92 

Saturday - Sunny, 96 

Sunday - Sunny, 100

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just made my breakfast quickly and brought it to my desk so that I can eat and post at the same time.  I'm already dressed and hair done, makeup done everything, just have to put on some sandals and head out the door.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

My stepmom will be visiting us in September and I can't wait for it.  So I'm already thinking and planning everything ahead.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

A bit crampy this morning as it is the beginning of that week, you know.  But I keep telling myself, I'm turning 52 next month so this won't be for much longer, and I bet you by the time I'm through menopause, I will actually have days where I miss this.        

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Two pieces of wholewheat toast and two scrambled eggs with a cup of coffee.  However, I've had just half of it, and I think I'm done.  With the eggs and toast that is, the coffee will never stay just half, that has to go completely.  Hahah

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure, I don't know how long Curt's appointment will be so we may just have lunch in Oklahoma.    

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Ajo Chicken, Basmati Rice, Brussel Sprouts. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will start working on the new meal plan today.

 

Monday - Ajo Chicken, Basmati Rice, Brussel Sprouts  

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Garlic Lemon Tilapia, Roasted Veggies 

 

 

 

Wednesday -Beef Burrito Casserole, Salad

 

 

 

Thursday -  

 

Friday - 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

Sunday -  Islak Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries (This one will stay as I didn't get around to making it last week)

 

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Black midi dress, black sandals. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Still reading through Judges in the Bible. 

Read and finished Heart of Stone ( Irish Angel series book 1) by Jill Marie Landis.  It was a quick and sweet read.  

 

I have now started a huge collection of Christian fiction stories that I got a while back.  The first one is The New England Romance Collection with five inspiring love stories set in the historic North East.

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

We have only two games this week before the final on Sunday.  I can't believe it's already at the end, I don't know what to do with myself after this  Hahahah

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

Older series that I have not watched yet

 

Netflix:

Worst Roommate Ever

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to give it the usual Monday clean but that will have to wait until later this afternoon, or tomorrow morning. 

 

 

*** 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  

 

This week: 

Curt decided to go ahead and just paint the paneled dining room, the same color as the green in the living room.  I did one wall and need to do the rest this week.

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

 Still working on the crochet blanket.  Will take another picture and show the progress soon. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I love regrowing vegetables.  

 

 

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

At church we have started a new series, and yesterday's sermon was about The Pain of Betrayal.  Very good!  

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/06/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends, welcome back.  

 

I hope you are all doing well after this beautiful birthday weekend.  Did you do anything fun?

 

My family and I actually went to Dallas for a Portugal fan meet up, it was so much fun.  It took place at a local sports bar, we took over the rooftop and just had an amazing time with all the Portuguese fans.  Makes me think that we need to do more fun things like this in the future. 

 

However, I am not used to drinking anymore, not since I went healthy two years ago, and after just one beer and one cocktail, I am sorely paying for it today.  Oh well.

 

I hope you all have a blessed week, try to stay cool if you are in an area much like mine that is already into the triple digits and high humidity.

 

Sandra

xoxoxoxo 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

Hot, already very hot and humid.  

  

Monday - Mostly sunny, 97 

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 99  

Wednesday - Sunny, 102

Thursday - Mosty sunny, 103 

Friday - Sunny, 101 

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 98 

Sunday - Thunderstorms, 96

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Just had two pieces of toast to calm my stomach.  I am now trying to get this post up as quick as I can because I feel so nauseous.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

On how we take life for granted, we can often go years where all we do is work, work and work without doing anything fun.  Yesterday reminded me that we need to take more time to spend with family, to have fun, to go do unplanned things.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Sick, have spent all night in the bathroom.  The alcohol just destroyed my stomach.  Lesson learned.      

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just two pieces of toast.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate ***

Not sure I'll be able to eat anything, but I do want to boil some chicken to make some chicken soup for me, so may have that for lunch.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

We had a barbecue on Saturday and have a ton of leftovers, so that's what we will have today.  I will probably make some sort of side, but there are plenty of hamburgers and hotdogs, bratwurst and even some pork chops. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Leftover barbecue  

 

 

 

Tuesday -  Creamy Oregano Chicken, Egg Noodles, Salad

 

 

 

Wednesday - Hot Sesame Pork, Rice, Egg Rolls

 

 

 

Thursday -  Turkey Meatballs, Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad

 

Friday - Homemade Pizza

 

 

 

Saturday - Fend for yourself

 

Sunday -  Islak Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries

 

 

 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Grey summer nightie, will pop on a summer dress later. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am now in Judges in the Bible. 

 

I'm a mood reader so sometimes I will pick a book that I think I want to read and then set it aside, that is what happened with Kristin Lavransdatter by Singrid Undset.   It is a mammoth of a book and I really don't want to get into it right now.  It's too hot for that.  Does that even make sense?

 

Anyway, I ended up reading The hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham and loved it.  Read it in a day.  I love her easy writing style and the story was so sweet.  I need to get more by this author. 

 

Next I will be starting Heart of Stone ( Irish Angel series book 1) by Jill Marie Landis.   

 

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

YouTube:

Homemaking 

Christian book vloggers 

Quiet and simple living 

Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  

 

World Cup:

Portugal play today against Spain, if they lose the go home, so it's a big match for us.  USA also play today against Belgium and the same thing for them, if they lose they are out of the World Cup.  However if both USA and Portugal win their matches, they will be facing off against each other.  Oh boy, that's going to be hard for me to watch LOL 

 

Turkish series:

Doganin Kanunu 

Muhtemel Ask

Older series that I have not watched yet

 

Netflix:

Homicide Squad New Orleans

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I do need to give it the usual Monday morning clean, but with the way I am feeling today, I am not sure how much I'll get to.  I may just do the absolute minimum necessary, or I may do what I need to but do it slowly.  

 

I have zero patience for being sick of any kind, it frustrates me so much. 

 

 

*** 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  

 

This week: 

Gave the entryway a first coat, but need to do the second coat this week. 

Paint hallway 

 

 

*** What I am creating ***

Finished all the flowers and am now starting the lacey part of the pattern.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Had to snap a picture with Ronaldo.  By the way, these cutouts are their actual size, he is quite tall.   

 

 

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

My prayers are going up for all the victims in the Venezuela Earthquakes.  I am in awe of God's miracles as we continue to see people being pulled alive from the rubble.