{ Wordless Wednesday }

{ Christmas books }

Well hello, hello, hello!

 

It has been a while since I've come in, sat down and actually talked to you about, well, anything at all.  My posts the past two months have been minimal if any, mainly just the Monday features.  I hate doing that, but sometimes that is what life throws our way.

 

We had a wonderful, blessed December with my family visiting from South Africa.  I thought at first that I would continue blogging or even doing Instagram stories, but decided against it.  I wanted to be in the moment, enjoying their time here and not holding onto my camera or phone.  We did take some pictures here and there for ourselves, but I didn't really share anything.

I am however back at it today, I am going to start sharing my days again on Instagram, so if you're interested come on over.  But don't fret if you don't, because I am planning on blogging as well, at least a few times a week.

 

So, I thought today I would start by sharing the books I got in December, some were gifts and some I purchased myself at our local antique store, and there is one from Thriftbooks as well.   

 

 

♥♥♥ Starting with Independence by Dana Fuller Ross.  This one caught my attention a few months ago, and I went ahead and added the whole collection to my Thriftbooks cart.  This is the first in a pretty big collection series that takes us through many States as men and women settled the West.

 

You know me, I love history and love anything to do with Pioneers and wagon trails, so this is going to be a wonderful series to read throughout the year.

 

 

Independence by Dana Fuller Ross 

When the Panic of 1837 creates hard times, a dauntless band of pioneering men and women journey from Long Island to Missouri with the hopes of eventually finding a better future in the rich Oregon Territory.

 

 

♥♥♥ The next two books I picked up at our local Antique store.  I absolutely love looking through the bookshelves and finding treasures.  As always the covers are what draw me in, the vintage looking homemaking life that is long gone by.  

 

 

The Trail of the Lonesome Pine by John Fox JR.

The novel's central love story, between a mountain girl and a flatland man, takes place in Big Stone Gap, a setting of lawless feuding and tensions resulting from the intense (and ultimately unsuccessful) outside investment in industry, of which Fox himself had been a part.

 

By the way, I didn't know but when looking up the book online, I found out that it was also a film so I may just watch it too.  I found a link to the movie online, here it is if anyone wants to give it a go as well.

 

 

 

The Corner Store by Albert Idell

The 1930s in Philadelphia on the corner of Camac and McClellan finds you at the corner store. It is a gathering place for the neighbors as well as the six Joneses, an institution—one like that found in many neighborhoods in the 1930s. Life is exciting, full of adventure, romance, crime, births, deaths, marriages, elopements—all told with humor and honesty of the problems and triumphs of ordinary people. 

 

 

♥♥♥ Megan Soja is an author that I have never read, but heard about through one of my favorite book YouTubers.  It is just the kind of series that I know I will enjoy, faith based, romance and historical.  

 

The Harbor of Spies is Megan's debut series, so I'm quite excited to read it.  I have chosen this series as my first read for 2026, with the first book being Spark of the Revolution.

 

 

Spark of the Revolution - Book 1 in the Harbor of Spies Series

Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties. 

 

Secrets of the Revolution - Book 2 in the Harbor of Spies Series

Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies...and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart. 

 

 

Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja

Libby Caldwell has been in love with Isaac Harrison for years, ever since her late father befriended him. While her head knows there is no hope of sharing her life with a British soldier, her heart is much more difficult to convince, especially now that he is quartering in her home. With Boston under siege and battle looming, each day together forces her to recognize how deep her feelings truly are…and how forbidden.

 

 

 

The Viking by Carrie Cotten - Book 2 in The Huntress Medieval Christian Fiction

I got book 2 but have since ordered the first and third in the series.  

 

As a girl, Astrid washed up on the shores of the Picts, haunting memories of her homeland locked deep inside. She began a new life serving Queen Cyrene, ultimately becoming her dearest friend and the captain of her army. But when Cyrene’s unexpected marriage unites her people with the enemy realm of Tràigh, only Astrid’s dedication to the crown can help her battle her mistrust of these rival forces, especially their maddening captain, Eowin.

  

 

Pride and Prejudice Safe Box

Technically it's not a book but when we saw it while out shopping one day, Curt immediately picked it up for me.  I love that it's safe with a combination lock where I can keep personal items.  

 

 

♥♥♥ The next two are my picks for this year's devotional and bible studies.   

 

The 5 Minute Bible Study for Women:  Morning and Evening Edition

Do you find it hard to make time for Bible study? You intend to do it, but before you know it, another week has passed and you haven't picked up God's Word. This book provides simple tools for you to open the Bible twice a day and dig into God's Word--even if you only have five minutes!

• Minutes 1-2: Read a few verses pulled from a lengthier passage. If time allows, read the full passage listed for you in each Bible study.
• Minute 3: Understand. Consider thoughtful questions designed to help you apply the Bible verses to your own life.
• Minute 4: Apply. Read a brief devotional based on the scripture you read.
• Minute 5: Pray. A prayer starter will help you to begin a time of conversation with God.

The 5-Minute Bible Study for Women: Morning and Evening Edition will help you establish the discipline of consistent study of God's Word. You will find that even five minutes focused on scripture and prayer has the power to make a huge difference in your daily life. Soon you will be making time for more!  

 

The Bible in 52 Weeks by Dr. Kimberly D. Moore

When you need to lift your spirits or tackle life's challenges, the Bible is always there to offer guidance. This inspiring Bible study for women combines a daily reading plan with weekly opportunities to reflect, discuss, and explore how God's wisdom can be applied to your daily life.  

 

 

And there you have it, my Christmas book stash.  I can't wait to get into the first of the year, which as I mentioned above, will be Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja.

 

I want to read more Christian fiction this year and hope to focus mainly on that genre, not to say I won't read others but that will be my main focus.

 

What are you reading this year?  Did you get any good books for Christmas? 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/12/2026 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back.

 

It is Monday morning, my family left yesterday afternoon and so this for me, marks the official kickoff of my new year, homemaking and getting back to business.  I have absolutely loved the month I had my brother, sister in a law and niece here, but as much as we love it, we also love routine and getting back to work.

 

I have a lot to do today, like a lot.  I have homemaking to catch up on, my groceries arriving this morning, need to reorganize my living room, make some appointments, plan my budget and all the fun stuff.

 

It may seem like a lot but I'm actually really looking forward to it, as well as getting back on track with my eating.  I went completely off my diet, and decided to just go with it and I did, but boy do I regret it now.  I put on 2 pounds which is not bad at all for a full month of eating everything and anything, but my stomach is not happy, so starting today, I am back on a low sugar and low carb diet, and can't wait.  

 

I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday season with your family, thank you for sticking around, but now, let's get back to business.  

 

Have a blessed week friends! 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Unusually hot for this time of year, although we are finally getting some cold weather, and there's even the mention of some snow this coming weekend, though I don't see it at all reflected in the forecast, so I guess we will see!    

 

Monday - Partly cloudy, 65 

Tuesday - Sunny, 68 

Wednesday - Partly Cloudy, 62

Thursday - Sunny, 65

Friday - Sunny, 60

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 52 

Sunday - Sunny, 62

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting in my bed.  We always give up our room to guests visiting, so the past month Curt and I have been sleeping on a blow up mattress in the living room.  It's a really nice mattress and quite comfortable, but after a month, I will be honest and say that I missed my bed and my bedroom.  So taking full advantage of it this morning, as I sit here in the warmth, with my babies sleeping next to me and a YouTube video.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Trying to keep a running list of everything I need to do today, I may need to actually put it on paper even though I'm not a huge list fan. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Exhausted but excited to get back on my workout routine and eating healthy.  I am also really sad and missing my brother and family, just wish we didn't live thousands of miles away, across an ocean.    

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I've had my first cup of coffee, just instant coffee with milk.  I will have my Nespresso coffee in about an hour, along with a yummy bowl of oatmeal.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Salad and Wingstop tenders which are leftover in the fridge. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Beer Battered Fish Fillets with homemade tartar sauce, tomato rice and zucchini in tomato sauce.  I will have all of that but will substitute cauliflower rice for the basmati rice.

  

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Beer Battered Fish Fillets, homemade tartar sauce, roast potato wedges, zucchini in tomato sauce 

Tuesday -  Chicken Strogonoff, Rice, Beans, salad

Wednesday - Islak Burgers and Curly Fries (no fries for me)

Thursday - Roast Chicken, Garlic Spaghetti, Brussels sprouts 

Friday - Chili Dogs (I will probably have leftover chicken and Brussels sprouts

Saturday - BBQ Ribs, Baked Potatoes, Veggies

Sunday -  Chicken Parmesan, Egg Noodles, Garlic Bread and Salad 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Winter pajamas, will switch to comfy leggings and a tank top, with a cardigan over.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I am so ready to get back to my daily Bible reading.  I will start that today, along with my new Devotional/bible study.

 

Also going to set aside A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin.  I will finish it another time.  I got some new books for Christmas and want to start one of those.  I will share all of the new books with you tomorrow, in a different post.  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Will be trying to catch up with all my YouTube homemaking vlogs, and then my Turkish series as well as my usual series.  

 

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Needs a lot of love right now.  I kept up with the daily chores but after a full house of family and get togethers and celebrations for a month, it is needing a lot of attention and I'm ready to get at it. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Putting away groceries

Making a budget for this month

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Daily 10k steps

Daily workout 

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

Getting back to my crochet blanket.  

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Nothing again, but I promise there will be pictures next week. 

 

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

As the new year begins, a lot of us feel a bit anxious not knowing what is to come, so I try very hard to focus on the good and speak life and blessings over myself and my family for the year ahead.  

 

Here's a scripture to start your year with and to hold on to.  

 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:26

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/05/2026 }

 

 

Good morning my friends, and welcome to the very first Happy Homemaker Monday of January2026.  Oh my, that sounds so strange to say.  I feel like 2025 was about 2 months long, that's how quick it feels to have gone.  

 

I hope you all had a wonderful start to the year, and I just want to wish you all a very blessed year ahead.  We don't know what the future holds, and that's always a bit scary for me, but I am praying and prophesying a good year, a blessed year and a year with miracles and wonders for all us.  

 

Right, now let's get on with our post, I have another busy week ahead.  My family will be leaving next Sunday so this week will be all about getting last minute trips done, last minute gifts shopped for, for the family back home and all that good stuff. 

 

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday and a blessed week ahead. 

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Confused would probably be the best way to describe our December and the beginning of January.  It's hot, then it's freezing and then it's hot again.  

 

Monday - Mostly Sunny, 79 

Tuesday - Mostly Sunny, 73 

Wednesday - Mostly Cloudy, 74

Thursday - AM showers, 72

Friday - Mostly Sunny, 65

Saturday - Sunny, 53 

Sunday - Sunny, 53

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting on the couch, everyone else is asleep.  I am typing up this post, drinking a coffee and watching a video on YouTube.      

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

That this month has gone so quick and the family is already preparing to leave in a few days.  

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Tired.  That's the overall feeling the past month, just exhausted, but it's ok, I will get rest and recover next week.   

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had a cup of coffee and will have some oatmeal later.  I have been eating awful, just awful, lots of junk food, take out, candy and cookies and chips.  All the things I don't eat normally and I'm over it.  hahah   

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Not sure, we have to run around today to get last minute things for family back home, so we may grab something.  Blech, I might just grab a salad while out.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

I am making roast chicken, rice and sauteed cabbage.     

  

 

*** On the menu *** 

Have meals planned for today but next week will be grocery shopping day again.  I'm all over the place, haven't done a proper shopping the last month, just been grabbing here and there and that is NOT the way to do it.  I am ready to get back to a routine.

 

Monday - Roast chicken, rice and sauteed cabbage 

Tuesday -  Chicken Spaghetti, Salad

Wednesday - Islak Burgers and Curly Fries 

Thursday - Steaks, Twice Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cauliflower

Friday - Out in Oklahoma for the day

Saturday - BBQ Ribs, Macaroni and Cheese, Salad

Sunday -  Family leaving so we won't be home for dinner

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my pajamas, will switch to jeans and a top later.   

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished the Bible Recap and will be restarting my Bible reading next week.  I also picked up a new Devotional/Bible Study that I am very excited to start as well. 

Still haven't finished A Falcon for a Queen by Catherine Gaskin, will be either finishing it next week, or I may set it aside and start fresh this year.  I got a few books for Christmas and am really excited to get into those, I will be sharing all that starting next week.  

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

 Trying to catch up on YouTube videos when I have a fee moment, which usually means very early morning while everyone is asleep.  Aside from that, lots of live Portuguese TV.  

 

We have also been watching some good movies.  We watched Eternity which was very sweet, and last night we watched Unsung Hero which tells the story of the Smallbone family who moved from Australia to the USA.  Their daughter Rebecca became a very well known singer and songwriter, and she goes by the name Rebecca St. James, if you are Christian you will no doubt know her music.  Her brothers Joel and Luke became the famous duo that is known as For King and Country, one of my favorite Christian bands.  

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

The Christmas decorations are down, the only thing that is still up is my village above the fireplace, and that's because my niece loves it and has asked me to leave it up until they leave.  So that will come down next Monday.  Everything else is packed and the house seems to empty.  It always feels like this the beginning of January.  

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Daily homemaking chores

Water inside plants 

Last minute shopping for South Africa

 

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I guess memories with the family, but nothing else.  Can't wait to pick up my crochet again. 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Nothing, I haven't been taking any pictures, just have really soaked in all the moments with the family and lived in that moment. 

 

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

Our Pastor's message at church yesterday was so good.   He talked about how our sins have been bought and paid in full, and we should go into the new year with that thought on our minds.  

{ New Year Fun 2025 }

Good morning my sweet friends.  I miss you all so much.  It has been a while since I've been able to sit down and open up my blog, for an actual post.

 

So here I am, with my usual end of year post, bringing a roundup of the posts throughout the whole of 2025.  The beginning of the year went off great, I was posting practically daily and was loving it, then the end part of the year things started getting busy and it all went downhill from there.  If it weren't for my Happy Homemaker Monday posts, I would have had zero updates here on the blog, and that is quite sad to think of.

 

Anyway, new year, and hopefully I will get back on track with posting, but it will have to wait until next week, as my family is still here, so starting January 12 with my Happy Homemaker Monday, it should kick off my usual daily blogs from there.  Fingers crossed!

 

Right, let's get on with it.  I wish you all a very prosperous and blessed 2026.  Ours was a difficult one with family deaths and family situations that are still ongoing.  But also some blessings with my niece visiting in July and now the whole family being here for Christmas.

 

I don't know what the year ahead holds, but I pray it is a good one for all of us.

 

 

 

January 2025

Hello, hello, welcome to the second day of January 2025.

 

You may be shocked to see another post from me, the third in a row.  Yes it's me, I haven't been hacked by a good blogger who posts all the time (hahah).  It really is me.  

 

 

 

February 2025

 

 

We are a family that loves playing games.  We play a game every night after dinner, and anytime there is a big get together, you will find groups all over my house, in little corners, playing different games.

 

 

March 2025

 

 

The sun streams through the windows and the softest of breezes plays amongst the sheer curtains.

 

After a much needed cup of coffee, I get myself ready for the day and start tackling the homemaking chores that await me. 

 

 

April 2025

 

 

A total throwback to the 80s and my childhood. This used to be one of my favorites back in the day. Such a fun tune to dance to.  

 

 

May 2025

 

 

“If you’re always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? Slow down and enjoy the moment you’re in and live your life to the fullest.”

 

 

June 2025

 

  

I used to share a lot on Instagram stories, but lately I have chosen to really only take you with me, on the weekends.  I try to do a whole day with me, sharing little bits here and there, from the moment I wake up until nighttime.  

 

 

July 2025

 

  

It is officially July, and that means, Jane Austen and more Jane Austen.

 

I have been eagerly awaiting the start of this challenge, have gathered my books, have chosen my movies and have just sat not so patiently waiting for July 1st.

 

 

August 2025

 

 

 

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

We are already in the month of August, my birthday month, matter of fact, I'll be turning 51 on the 10th.  I feel like I just turned 18 and here I am, passing the 50 mark.  It's crazy to imagine but I am so blessed to be here, to be alive, to have been given this opportunity by God.  

 

 

September 2025

 

 

 

Good morning friends, guess what?  It is the first of September, the beginning of the BER months, and I couldn't be happier.  Looking forward to the cozy, warm season and very glad to see the heat behind us.  

 

 

October 2025

 

 

Welcome to the very first day of October, 2025.  

 

Ahhhh I have been anticipating saying that for so long.  Not that the weather is at all reflective of the month we are entering, but that's ok, one step at a time.

 

 

November 2025

 

I opened the blinds this morning, and was met by the welcoming sight of condensation on the window, creating a photo frame like appearance.  A random drop ran down leaving a crooked line that brought to life the trees outside while obscuring everything else around.

 

 

December 2025 

 

 

Good morning and a very happy December to you all.

 

Here we are, the beginning of the most glorious season, Christmas.  I am can't tell you how much I love this time of year, I look forward to it all year long, and when December arrives I am but bursting at the seams to get going with the festivities.