1/4 cup kalamata olives, halved {you will want to use pitted olives-you can use any olive of your choice}
1/3 cup roasted red peppers, drained, chopped {try fire roasted for nice flavor}
1/2 of a small red onion, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced {or color of your choice}
1/2 of an english cucumber, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {optional or try goat cheese}
Handful of fresh mint, chopped
Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 lemon, juiced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional spices: 1 to 2 teaspoons of any spice you like {try sumac, za'atar or oregano}
Add crushed red pepper for extra spice
Instructions
Cook the lentils according to the package. Drain and set aside to cool.
In
a large bowl mix together the lentils, olives, roasted red peppers, red
onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, feta cheese, mint,
parsley and green onions.
In
a large mason jar or salad dressing container add the olive oil, red
wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and whisk together. Add salt and
pepper to taste and 1 teaspoon of an additional spice if you like {try
sumac, za'atar, oregano}. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss
gently to coat with the dressing.
Serve with hummus and pita bread or use this salad as a topping for pita wraps, hummus plates or falafel.
:::: A hot cup of coffee to start the day, in this gorgeous mug I found at the Thrift Store. I was standing in front of the mugs and saying to my husband "well I definitely don't need any more coffee mugs", and as I said that my eyes shifted over to the right and I see this beauty standing there. I immediately followed up with "but this one is coming home with me". To say my husband laughed would be an understatement 🤣
:::: The dreaded laundry that never ends. But I have a tip for you, I used to pour the detergent from the cup provided and then wash it out, or pour some water and swish it around and do it at least 2 or 3 times to clean it because I didn't like placing it back with detergent on it.
Then one day I decided to just take one of the pieces of clothing I was washing and use it to clean up the remaining detergent in the cup. It worked, cup came out clean and I didn't waste any detergent either. Saves me the back and forth with water.
:::: Dishes are a constant, morning, afternoon and night. Then you wake up in the morning and magically dishes have appeared in the sink again.
:::: My home is my pride and joy, and no matter how mundane the chores may be from day to day, I love cleaning, setting things right, tidying and creating a safe haven for my family.
:::: It's been horribly hot and some of the plants have been struggling, but many are just blooming and glowing. My Turk's caps come back every year, more glorious and beautiful than ever.
:::: My daily reading is always my Bible and a book. In the Bible, as I wait for my new Revelation Bible Study, I am re-reading 1 Samuel. Such a wonderful book. Also finishing up What the River knows by Isabel Ibanez.
Some days I am all full steam ahead, and then some days I crash, and need to take a step back and regroup so to speak. I call it my replenishing the soul days.
"But you're a stay at home mom, why would you need that?", well I guess in a way that may sound true, but we often have such a busy schedule too, and I don't know about anyone else as I can only speak for myself, but homemaking is tiring at times, and there is always something to do. Always!
If you're anything like me though, taking that step back feels like I'm cheating or a guilty in some way. It's very hard for me to sit still without starting to feel like I need to be doing something. There's a fight that ensues inside me, one side says to be still because the work will still be there tomorrow, and the other says I need to not be lazy and I should be busy not sitting. I guess it's true that we can be our biggest critics right?
Anyway, today has been a slow day. I'm dealing with a banger of a hormonal headache and slight cramping, so whether I wanted to or not, I was forced to take it slow and do the absolute needed only. That meant mostly computer work, so I went and visited everyone on the Happy Homemaker Monday post, and also those who joined in as old fashioned bloggers.
Then I paid some bills, and worked on the new meal plan and budget.
I'm having Curt pick up the groceries from Walmart today, because my cars' battery has decided it's time to die. I would have put off grocery shopping until the weekend but we need food now, so hubby just told me to do the pickup and he would go straight after work. God bless this wonderful husband of mine.
So basically I have sat around doing computer stuff, I read my Bible, finished the book of Revelation and started 1 Samuel, and put some new books on the shelf.
Oh and just realized I never showed you these, I got them at an antique store this weekend. We were just walking around not really planning on getting anything but I had to bring these two, especially one of them and you'll see why.
Have you heard of the Companion Reader books? They are vintage books that have two stories, one on each side of the book. Classics that we all remember reading as children. The first Companion Reader book I got was at a thrift store, and I grabbed it because it was Little Women, without even realizing that it also included Little Men on the other side.
This time, I grabbed it for Heidi. Who remembers Heidi? One of my most memorable stories I remember reading as a child, and even watching a children's series on it too. I loved it so much, the whole story was just the sweetest.
And again, I completely forgot that it came with a second story. Didn't even notice until I got home and was taking the book out of the bag. The story on the other said is that of Hans Hinkler, another favorite from my childhood.
These are great books to have for your kids to read. I've been on the lookout for more of these Companion Readers at my local thrift stores and antique stores. They are super cheap, I paid $2 for this one, so they're a great buy and I think these older classics are better for our kids and grand kids to read, than the nonsense I see in the bookstores for children, nowadays.
I was all happy with that find, and as we came around one of the many booths......ok, wait. Maybe I should quickly explain how our biggest antique store is set up.
It is an old historic building downtown, 3 floors high. The bottom floor is a huge open area, with amazing antique finds in every nook and cranny. The next two floors up are split into booths by different sellers, also with crazy amazing items.
As always I am immediately drawn to the bookshelves. Hubby knows, he will walk around to other areas because I get stuck going through the books. It was at one of these many shelves filled with hundreds of books, that I saw this next one and I couldn't contain my excitement. It was $4. That's it.....but oh my word.
Beatrix Potter - The Artist and her world. There is a copy of this book on Amazon for $31. Yeah, thirty one dollars. There are also a few copies on Thriftbooks, the cheapest being $5. So I got it for much cheaper and though it's not in perfect condition, that doesn't matter to me. I actually love old books, books that show they've been read many times and carried around and loved by their previous owners.
I honestly can't wait to read this one, to learn more about Beatrix Potter and her life. What a great find, isn't it?
Well friends, that is it for today, I leave you with my two babies. I love them so much, these little faces are my shadow during the day. Even if they're napping, the minute I start to move out of sight, they're up and at my feet. Unconditional love for sure.
Anyway, I hope you have a blessed Tuesday, I'll see you back here tomorrow.
Come in friends, sit down, let's chat. It is a hot morning here in Texas, just after 7 in the morning and already 85 degrees. That's my cue to stay indoors and rather get busy with inside work.
I've really enjoyed chatting with you all in the last few posts I've made. It feels like we're getting back to good ol' blogging, and that makes me so happy. It's good to see many of you also returning to your blogs, posting more and engaging with other homemakers.
It's going to be a bit of a slow one for me, I had a busy weekend and really need a day of slow mindful homemaking. It's good to take one sometimes.
Anyway, let's get going with our Happy Homemaker Monday, I wish you all a blessed week ahead. Stay safe my friends, draw closer to God, we really need to in this day and age.
Before we start though, take a look at my last post. If you are one of the old bloggers and want to reconnect again, give it a read and maybe join in? Let's lift each other up and interact more, I am guilty of not doing it, life gets in the way and yeah......
*** The Weather ***
Had a bit of a reprieve last week with nicer temperatures but we are right back at it. Today's high? 103, tomorrow's? 104. Just UGH, BLECH!!! Thankfully the rest of the week cools a bit and there looks like we even have some rain on the way.
*** Right now I am ***
Still sitting in my warm bed. I'm moving slow today folks LOL Working on this post and have the TV in the background just for sound.
*** Thinking and pondering ***
About my blog and posts and photos and all that stuff. I sat down and just messed around with the template a bit, over the weekend. I didn't change anything, yet, but it felt so good to be back on here looking, browsing, planning posts and interacting with you all.
*** How I am feeling ***
The allergies are off the chart. I think the hay fever is the worst, and then Elliott is also shedding. I've spent the weekend blowing my nose, completely congested to the point of not even being able to breathe properly, swollen eyes and so itchy. Allergy meds are not even helping. Just praying for this to go away soon.
*** On the breakfast plate ***
My usual cup of coffee with 2% milk, oatmeal with shredded coconut and cinnamon.
*** On the lunch plate ***
Salad with a little tuna and a boiled egg.
*** On the dinner plate ***
Oven baked Tilapia, boiled potatoes with escabeche sauce, mixed vegetables. (Escabeche is a Portuguese sauce we use for fish, it is made with wine, vinegar, garlic, paprika, olive oil and sliced onions).
*** On the menu ***
Will start working on the new meal plan today, the new menu will start Thursday after I grocery shop.
Monday
Oven baked Tilapia, boiled potatoes with Escabeche sauce, mixed vegetables
Period Dramas - Been missing watching these, so going to take a look around and see what is new, if anything fun, I will definitely share later.
*** Looking around the house ***
It is a beautiful, albeit hot morning. The sun is shining through the windows and bringing that gorgeous golden tone we love. I have a comforter spread on the couch right now, it was washed yesterday and I always throw it in the dryer for a bit, then let it finish air drying over one of the couches. I need to fold it and put it away.
I have dishes in the sink from dinner last night. *hides shamefully*
I don't do this very often, but I had an awful hormonal headache yesterday and cramping. Jasmine and her boyfriend were over for dinner, but after they left, I couldn't handle being up any longer, so rinsed everything, put them in the sink with hot water and soap and will tackle them this morning.
Ask me if I am in the mood for it now? Hahaha No, no and definitely not. I always regret it the next day, but it will be done.
*** To do list ***
Housework
Need to harvest some of my oregano to make oregano oil.
Bible and Devotional time
Workout
*** From the camera ***
I shared this photo a few days ago, but I have to share it again. There is something so calming about it, it also seems to perfectly depict homemaking and a comfy, cozy home. I love it ♥
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses ***
When Goliath faced David, he cursed him for being young and coming at him with just a simple stone, and no big formidable weapons. But David said to him "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
I just love that. We often forget the authority we have been given by Christ. No matter what the enemy brings against us, we have God on our side, that is how we fight, that is how we defeat.
Read the book of 1 Samuel, more specifically 1 Samuel 17.
NOTE: MisterLinky is not loading for me this morning. I am using InLinkz instead, sorry about that friends.
After my recent blog posts, I have felt an overwhelming need to reconnect with bloggers of past times. That sounds so dramatic, maybe it's because I've been reading a lot lately, I don't know, but I think you understand what I mean.
That feeling that you want to go back in time and find all the old blogs you used to read, reconnect with the wonderful women (though luckily enough for me, many of them are still here following me).
I was thinking last night, how can we find these old fashioned blogs, who are they, what have they been up to, and how do we find a way to not only reconnect but maybe send some new followers around. There has to be a way to achieve this, and as with everything else in my life, when I come to a crossroads I turn to my best friend, God. I pray on it and then listen for His response.
And that response came shortly after "Why are you over complicating things? just do a post saying hi, who you are, and leave some questions for others to join in.". *light bulb moment right there*
So, this is it, this is the post, this is me saying hi, and inviting you all to join in, do a post on your own blog so that we can all go over and read, and let's continue to motivate each other to stick to our guns, to hold fast, to keep homemaking alive. Are you in?
1) How long have I been blogging and why did I start this blog?
I started blogging in 2006, and what initially drew me to it was the fun
and friendships that were forged through women of like minds.
Homemakers sharing their lives, showing us what they were crafting and
cooking and motivating others, offering kind words and laughs and
wisdom. Blogging has changed so much since I first started and I can't
say that I like the new blog world, I much prefer the old way.
2) How did I choose the name of my blog?
This was hard, I was stuck for the longest time, not knowing what to name the blog. After pondering back and forth, I thought to myself "just keep it simple, you're writing an online diary.". And so Diary of a Stay at Home Mom came forth.
3) What is my blog about?
A little of everything. Before my husband retired from the military I shared a lot about it, so my blog pre 2012 is very much focused on deployments, military base living, homeschooling and so on. But always the main focus has been family, recipes, gardening, crochet, period dramas, books and simple living.
Mostly, it's just a journal about my daily life as a Christian wife and mom.
4) Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
My husband is a retired Air Force Tech Sergeant, and is now an instructor on base. So we may be not active duty anymore, but definitely still connected to the United States Air Force. We have two children, Jasmine who is 25 and no longer lives at home, and Nicholas who is 21.
I am Portuguese and have been in the USA for 26 years and recently became a citizen, which was a dream of mine for a very long time.
5) A few of my favorite things (collections, things that make me happy, etc.).
Cookbooks. I collect them, I love them, I read them all the time and I
have learned so much from them. I also collect items from Cath Kidston,
her color combinations and the home items just make me smile. Oh and
yarn, you can never have too much yarn right? Or books? Or Candles? Or
OLD books? Come to think of it, I may collect a lot of things.
6) What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, crafts, etc..)?
Crochet is my love. If I'm not puttering around the house, I am usually
sitting with my crochet hooks and yarn and making things for my home.
Reading is another love of mine and sometimes I find time to sit and sew something too. My grandmother was a seamstress and she taught me so much, I am blessed for having learned that skill when I was a little girl.
7) What does your dream house look like? (Describe and/or include photo)
I've always wanted to live in an England Cottage. I know, it's kind of
silly since I have never even been to England, but I would like nothing
more than to live in a white cottage with a thatched roof, pink tulips
growing out of window planters and surrounded by green grass. Simple
white walls inside, quilts on the beds, a fireplace in the living room,
crochet blankets draped over comfy chairs...and a big kitchen with beams
on the ceiling and flowers on the window sill. A girl can dream.
8) If you could visit anywhere, anytime, where would it be and why?
England, Ireland, Scotland and Greece. Those have been my top destinations since I was a child. I also would love to visit Egypt but I fear going over there, so that one may just stay a dream.
9) Would you share with us a favorite homemaking/organizing tip or recipe, etc..?
I would love to share this chocolate cake recipe, Mix in a Pan Chocolate Cake.
I love it because you can make it in a small pan which is perfect for
our family of 4, and I don't have to worry about a lot of leftover cake.
10) Tell us something about yourself that we might not already know from reading your blog. (something unusual, etc..)
I think everyone knows me pretty well, but I'm not sure if many people
know that I can't swim. LOL And that I really don't like driving, if I
could get away with never doing it, I would be fine. I also hate speaking on the phone, I prefer text messages.
11) Tell us a way God has blessed you and/or your family.
Let me count the ways. We have definitely had our problems and have
faced some very hard times, through sickness and health, through wars
and family deaths and two miscarriages. God has continued to bless us
daily and we wouldn't be where we are today without Him in our lives.
We believe that God brought us together.
God has most definitely had His hand upon our lives, in many ways, too many to count.
12) Share any words of wisdom and/or a favorite quote you'd like to leave with us.
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. ~William Morris
My favorite verse is 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
I encourage you to join in, take these questions and do a post on your own blog, letting us know a little more about you and your blog, then come back here and add your post to the linky. I would love to see as many of you as possible, sharing and hopefully finding new like minded friends here in blogland.
