{ Blog 365 #64 - Busy Sunday }

 

 

Just checking in, have been really busy all weekend and have not had a chance to sit.  Will be back in the morning with the Happy Homemaker Monday!

 

{ Blog 365 #63 - Busy day outside }

 

My word, what a busy Saturday we had.

I didn't get a chance to stop, until 8pm.

We started the day with a trip to Lowes to pick up wood and other materials needed, to build another coop.  We got one a few weeks back, but we wanted a slightly bigger one so they have more room.  Then we came home and immediately got to work.

Between building the coop, cleaning the yard, and mowing, I am beat.  My hands especially are killing me today.  But it feels good to get work done.  I am happy to see Spring popping up and can't wait to be out there, barbecuing, swimming, and hanging with our chickens.

I will take some pictures of the cook today, and will share with you all.

{ Blog 365 #62 - New chicks }

We are finally and officially a chicken family!

 

I have dreamed about saying this for so many years, it feels weird actually typing it or saying it out loud.

 

I will share more in the coming days, weeks, and months of course.  I can't wait to see them grow up, see them in their coop, and take lots of cute pictures of our babies.

 

We have 4 for now.  This is our first time keeping chickens, and so we want to be sure that we start small, and eventually we will build our flock.

 

But for now, here are our four babies.

 

 

{ Blog 365 #61 - A day of meal planning }

 

When my kids were younger, I used to manage to get my meal plan and grocery list done, in about an hour.  I don't know how, or what magic tricks I had up my sleeve, because nowadays, it takes me at least a full day with multiple interruptions.

 

 

 

I feel like I sit down, and within 5 minutes I need to get up again, take care of something, then sit back down, get interrupted yet again and so forth.

So today, I worked on the meal plan and grocery list.  I would love to say that as of this moment, at 10 minutes to 7pm, I am done.....but I am not, I have the meals planned but I'm not finished with the grocery list.

 

 

 

Today was the perfect day for this kind of task.  It's been raining non stop, thunder roaring and even quite a bit of lightning, but it hasn't been cold, so I've had the back patio door open with just the screen door open, and it's been absolutely blissful.

I grabbed some cookbooks, and between my usual daily homemaking chores, and switching between the living room, the dining room and even my bedroom, I managed to look through the books, and jot down our meals for the next two weeks.  

I'm not going to talk about how I meal plan, again, because there's a few posts already here on the blog about it.  But basically and very quickly, I have a notebook, and on the left page I write the meal plan, and on the right page I work on the grocery list.  Just find that it makes it easier for me, and when I go to the store, I take the book with me not just for the list, but if for some reason I can't find something I need for a recipe, I can quickly change the meal for that day.

Also, if I write down a certain meal for a day, but find a cheaper cut of meat or something on sale, I can then also quickly change it on the menu side of the page.

 

 

Over the past almost 25 years of marriage, I tried different ways, but this method seems to work best for me.    

I think homemaking is all about trying and changing, and adapting.  If only I could tell you that the way I started doing things, when I first got married, are the exact same way I do them now.  But that would be a lie.  I'm still changing and adapting after all these years.  Isn't that something?

Guess it keeps things interesting and fun.

 

 

So, the next two weeks are all planned out, and the grocery list is all but finished, although I do need to add a few more things, which I'll do in the morning.  

 

I need to run some errands, as well as go grocery shopping tomorrow, so I'm going to need to head out pretty early, which I don't mind, I am a morning person and also the type who likes to get everything done early in the day, then come home and relax.

 

I'm going to end this post, so that I can publish it, and watch a little tv before bed.  

 

Oh and be sure to come back tomorrow, because I have to show you our new baby chicks, that we just got yesterday afternoon.  I am in love!!!

 

Have a wonderful night sweet friends.

{ Blog 365 #60 - Welcome March and a little haul }

 

Welcome March!!!

 

You know what this means.....Spring is but a few days away and I'm here for it.  Oh I am so excited, just thinking of warmer weather, gardening, new blooms, my flowers all coming back to life, and this year....chickens!!!

Yes, finally getting our chickens.

But, today I just wanted to quickly show you a small haul from the Brazilian store Favi Foods.

I usually order from there, the items are pretty inexpensive and the shipping is quite quick as well, plus I can get some of our favorite Brazilian and Portuguese treats.

 

 

The first thing is Pao de Queijo, or Cheesy Bread.  This is great for a snack, breakfast and so on.  You can make as many as you need, or make a huge batch and freeze to pull out when needed.

I also got some Marmelada which is my Quince paste.  It's a Portuguese thing, we eat it on bread with a slice of cheese.  It's soooo good.

 

Got some more Colorifico, which is like paprika, it gives the food a nice color.  I use it in all my cooking.

 

Also got a box of various chocolate.  If you've never tried Brazilian chocolate, you have no idea what ou're missing.  It's really good.

 

And finally, I got some of my seasoned salt.  I also use it in everything I cook.  It's delicious.

 

So yes, a very small haul but just thought I would share.  I love seeing other people's hauls, especially with food from other countries, it's so interesting.

 

Yes I mentioned above, I buy from, Favi Foods.  

 

My next order will probably be in a few weeks, and for my birthday this year, in August, I really, REALLY want to buy myself a clay water filter.  They're a bit pricey at around $150 but well worth the investment.

I hope you're all having a blessed Wednesday.  We are halfway through the week, and heading into a whole new month.  My word!!!