Monthly Menu December 2021

 

My menus are going to be looking a little different these days. My doctor has suggested a low carb diet and as difficult as this transition has been, I have also lost weight just by cutting back (I am not yet at the place I should be - have a lot of foods to use up first). If this will be what finally gets my weight off and cuts my sugar addiction, then hallelujah! So, these menus will reflect my trying to adjust to the right amount of carbs, fats, and protein.

01 Wed Meatloaf (freezer), leftover potatoes, broccoli
02 Thu Chickpea pasta with vegetable sauce, garlic chicken (freezer)

03 Fri Tacos (missionary dinner)

04 Sat Vegetable soup

05 Sun Pulled pork (freezer), baked potato, green beans

06 Mon Chicken soup

07 Tue Husband's retirement/son comes home/prepare for trip

08 Wed 

09 Thu

10 Fri

11 Sat 

12 Sun 

13 Mon 

14 Tue 

15 Wed 

16 Thu 

17 Fri 

18 Sat

19 Sun left for trip to California

20 Mon 

21 Tue 

22 Wed 

23 Thu

24 Fri 

25 CHRISTMAS 

26 Sun 

27 Mon 

28 Tue 

29 Wed 

30 Thu home from trip to California

31 NEW YEAR'S EVE Grilled salmon & filet mignon, (baked potato), broccoli, salad, shrimp cocktail

Monthly Menu November 2021

 

01 Mon Chicken Pot Pie, zucchini
02 Tue Pantry Taco Soup, chips
03 Pasta w/ vegetable sauce (freezer), garlic toast
04 Thu Pork Tenderloin (freezer), baby potatoes, Brussel sprouts

05 Fri Chicken Soup, corn bread (from mix)

06 Sat Pork tenderloin (freezer), baby potatoes, Brussel sprouts

07 Sun Vegetable Soup

08 Mon Mississippi pork roast (freezer), rice, peas (zucchini for me)

09 Tue take out

10 Wed Chick Fil-A

11 Thu Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Cabbage, rye bread

12 Fri leftovers

13 Sat Pantry Taco Soup w/ ground beef, tortilla chips

14 Sun Prime rib and grilled chicken (freezer), baked potato, broccoli, salad

15 Mon Chili beans (freezer), quinoa (cauliflower rice), Brussel sprouts

16 Tue Chicken tacos (freezer), yellow rice, peppers & onions

17 Wed takeout

18 Thu dine out for anniversary?

19 Fri Takeout

20 Sat Sheet pan chicken, rice, green beans

21 Sun Minestrone Soup, rolls

22 Mon Meatloaf, baked potato, cauliflower

23 Tue Fish, sweet potato, matchstick veggies

24 Wed takeout/leftovers

25 Thu THANKSGIVING turkey breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, matchstick veggies, salad, rolls, pumpkin pie, apple pie

26 Fri eat out

27 Sat eat out

28 Sun Leftovers, potatoes, green beans

29 Mon Taco soup (freezer)

30 Tue Take out (temple trip)

Lentil Soup

 This recipe comes from Recipe Tin Eats and it's amazing. I didn't make it exactly the same but close.

• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (1 tsp minced garlic)
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
• 14 oz can crushed tomatoes (I used fire roasted)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (I used 6 cups water and 2 Tbs vegetable Better than Bouillon)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander (I didn't have this so left it out)
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Sautee onion, carrot, and celery in oil for ten minutes, adding garlic for last minute

add remaining ingredients

simmer for 40 minutes

use immersion blender to blend part of the soup to thicken (I did this but it was pretty thick and probably would have been fine without this. I also used the whole bag of lentils which was a bit more than 2 cups).

We had it with Pepperidge Farm's whole grain dinner rolls (found in the freezer section) and some apple cider to drink. It was a perfect dinner for our first crisp fall day.

Monthly Menu October 2021

 

01 Fri Grilled turkey sausage, store bought salads, baked beans
02 Sat Beef Stew, rye bread
03 Sun Leftover stew

04 Mon Hoppin John, sweet potatoes, green beans

05 Tue Family Visit

06 Wed Family Visit

07 Thu Family Visit

08 Fri  Family Visit

09 Sat Family Visit

10 Sun Family Visit

11 Mon Family Visit

12 Tue Family Visit

13 Wed Family Visit

14 Thu Family Visit

15 Fri Chili (freezer), rice, steamed broccoli

16 Sat Pork roast (freezer), boiled baby potatoes, green beans

17 Sun Turkey Soup, rolls

18 Mon Chicken (freezer), quinoa, Brussel Sprouts

19 Tue Ravioli alfredo w/ spinach, cucumbers/tomato salad

20 Wed takeout

21 Thu Bbq chicken (freezer), baked beans, collard greens

22 Fri dinner out

23 Sat pizza

24 Sun leftovers

25 Mon Applesauce pork chops, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables

26 Tue Lentil soup, rolls

27 Wed Pasta with meat sauce from freezer, cucumbers & tomatoes

28  Thu Prime rib from freezer, baked potatoes, broccoli

29 Fri Missionary dinner, pizza or barbecue takeout

30 Sat Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli

31 Sun Bbq chicken from freezer, store made salads, baked beans

Coleslaw 2.0

 I came across this recipe and love it more than the Helmann's recipe. This is from Creme de la Crumb.

3 Cups shredded cabbage & 1/2 C shredded carrots (I use a 16 oz bag of coleslaw mix)

Dressing: 

1/2 C mayo
1 T honey
2 tsp dijon mustard
1 T rice vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Mix dressing ingredients and toss into shredded cabbage

Monthly Menu September 2021

 

Happy Fall Y'all!

01 Wed Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy, boiled baby potatoes, Brussel Sprouts
02 Thu traveling
03 Fri traveling

04 Sat Engagement party

05 Sun Pizza w/ family

06 Mon Birthday lunch with family

07 Tue Family birthday dinner out

08 Wed Traveling

09 Thu Bbq chicken from freezer, boiled potatoes, green beans from freezer

10 Fri Chili, salad (add leftover chicken to chili)

11 Sat Garlic lemon Tilapia, quinoa, Brussel sprouts

12 Sun Pasta with Vegetable Sauce, garlic bread

13 Mon Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, sweet potatoes, cauliflower

14 Tue Pork Tenderloin from freezer, mashed potatoes, zucchini

15 Wed Grilled sausage, bean salad, potato salad (from store)

16 Thu Takeout/leftovers

17 Fri Eat out

18 Sat leftovers/cereal

19 Sun Ground beef skillet (with mushroom gravy), mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, cucumber and tomato salad

20 Mon Minestrone soup, rye bread

21 Tue Mississippi Pork Roast, baby potatoes, zucchini, coleslaw

22 Wed Chicken Salad, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob

23 Thu Leftovers

24 Fri eat/take out    

25 Sat Honey Grilled Chicken, couscous, green beans

26 Sun Dump and Go Meatball Lasagna, broccoli salad

27 Mon Bean Soup (add some kale), rolls

28 Tue Chicken tacos, Spanish rice, corn

29 Wed Pork Tenderloin, baby potatoes, coleslaw

30 Thu Chili beans from freezer, rice, collard greens

Monthly Menu August 2021

 

01 Sun Pasta with lentil sauce from freezer, broccoli salad
02 Mon Leftover Sloppy Joe mix over rice, broccoli

03 Tue Chunky Vegetable Soup, rolls

04 Wed Pork tenderloin from freezer, gravy, baby potatoes, green beans

05 Thu Grilled or oven roasted kielbasa, pasta salad, baked beans

06 Fri Takeout

07 Sat Tilapia, zucchini, quinoa

08 Sun Chicken and pasta alfredo, salad

09 Mon Cilantro, Chicken, Black Bean salad, corn on the cob, slaw salad

10 Tue Steak from freezer, chopped salad, baked potatoes

11 Wed Honey grilled chicken, couscous, Brussel sprouts

12 Thu BBQ chicken from freezer, beans, coleslaw

13 Fri Takeout

14 Sat Tacos, Spanish rice, salad

15 Sun Tomato baked chicken & pasta, broccoli salad

16 Mon Leftovers/takeout

17 Tue Chicken tacos, yellow rice, refried beans

18 Wed Takeout

19 Thu Peach Barbecue Chicken (shredded, not grilled), Creamy BLT Pasta Salad, coleslaw, beans

20 Fri Dine out

21 Sat Pizza

22 Sun Pork Tenderloin, sweet potatoes, collard greens

23 Mon Fish patties, mashed potatoes, green beans

24 Tue Tacos, rice, zucchini

25 Wed Hoppin John over rice, sweet potatoes

26 Thu Creamy Chicken Soup, rolls

27 Fri Takeout

28 Sat Leftovers

29 Sun Takeout

30 Mon Minestrone Soup, rye bread

31 Tue Pasta w/ Meat Sauce, salad (making lots to bring to family)

Cornbread

 This recipe comes from Sally's Baking Addiction and it is my favorite so far. The only thing I have changed is the amounts of corn meal and flour.

1 1/4 C cornmeal
3/4 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/5 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 C (one stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled

1/3 C brown sugar

2 Tbs honey

1 egg, a little warmer than refrigerator temp

1 C buttermilk or whole mile, a little warmer than refrigerator temp

Preheat oven to 400

Grease square or round baking pan

Whisk dry ingredients

In separate bowl, whisk butter, brown sugar, and honey together until smooth, then egg, then milk

Combine wet and dry ingredients and whisk until smooth, do not overmix

Pour batter into pan and bake about 20 minutes

Monthly Menu July 2021

 

01 Thu Make Dinner for another: bbq chicken, cornbread, veggie sticks, potato salad (from BJ's), watermelon

02 Fri Minestrone Soup, rolls

03 Sat Grilled salmon, brown rice with mixed veggies, cucumber salad

04 Sun Hot dogs, potato salad (from BJ's), beans, coleslaw (from store)

05 Mon Birthday! Get takeout

06 Tue Bbq chicken, leftover salads

07 Wed Takeout

08 Thu Hoppin John, broccoli, cornbread

09 Fri Tilapia, quinoa, zucchini

10 Sat Roasted Sausage & potatoes, green beans

11 Sun Slow Cooker ranch pork chops, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies

12 Mon takeout

13 Tue Grilled burgers, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, canned greens

14 Wed Salmon from freezer, quinoa, peas, cucumber salad

15 Thu Leftovers

16 Fri Barbecue takeout

17 Sat Pizza with the missionaries

18 Sun Chili from freezer over rice, zucchini

19 Mon Sausage & peppers w/ pasta, garlic bread, broccoli salad

20 Tue London Broil, roasted potatoes & Brussel sprouts, sliced cucumbers

21 Wed Turkey burgers, doctored baked beans, corn on the cob, slice tomatoes

22 Thu Lemon herb grilled chicken, cowboy caviar, green beans

23 Fri Takeout

24 Sat Pork tenderloin from freezer, sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower

25 Sun Chicken divan over rice, cornbread

26 Mon Leftovers

27 Tue Grilled zucchini hummus wraps, chick pea salad, corn salad

28 Wed Salmon, quinoa, asparagus

29 Thu Sloppy Joes from freezer, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, tomatoes

30 Fri Takeout

31 Sat Barbecue chicken from freezer, doctored baked beans, corn on the cob, cucumber & tomatoes

Monthly Menu June 2021

 

01 Tue Steak, baby potatoes, zucchini, salad

02 Wed Tacos, refried beans, salad

03 Thu Tilapia in Lemon Butter Sauce, quinoa, Brussel sprouts

04 Fri Mexican out

05 Sat Pizza

06 Sun Hoppin John, broccoli

07 Mon Slow Cooker Brown Rice, Veggies, & Sausage

08 Tue Pasta with Vegetable Sauce

09 Wed Barbecue chicken, macaroni salad, beans, corn on the cob, corn bread

10 Thu Celebrate College Graduation: Eat Out

11 Fri Mexican out

12 Sat Burgers, Farm Stand Potato Salad, corn on the cob, watermelon

13 Sun Baked ziti, salad, bread

14 Mon Barbecue out

15 Tue Leftovers

16 Wed Grilled salmon, quinoa, sweet potatoes, collard greens

17 Thu Peach BBQ Chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad (store bought), green beans

18 Fri Sheet pan tilapia & Brussel sprouts, bean salad

19 Sat Grilled sausages, baked beans (canned), corn bread, leftover salads

20 Sun Chicken legs, mashed potatoes, zucchini

21 Mon Sausage and peppers with tortellini

22 Tue Chicken tacos, corn

23 Wed Mediterranean Bistro takeout 

24 Thu Center Street Tavern eat out

25 Fri Tilapia, quinoa, zucchini

26 Sat Burgers with sautéed mushrooms and onions, boiled baby potatoes, tomato and cucumber salad, Brussel sprouts 

27 Sun Grilled kielbasa & leftover sausage, bean salad, corn on the cob, green beans

28 Mon Leftovers

29 Tue Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, Farm Stand Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob

30 Wed Temple - eat out

Monthly Menu May 2021

 

01 Sat Dinner out for the first time in over a year!!!!! #vaccinated #hubbybirthday
02 Sun Peach Barbecue Chicken, , Coleslaw from scratch, baked beans

03 Mon Pork tenderloin from freezer, quinoa, Brussel sprouts

04 Tue Chick Fil-A takeout

05 Wed Hot dogs, leftover coleslaw, Baked Beans from scratch

06 Thu leftover pork tenderloin over egg noodles w/ gravy, broccoli or frozen peas

07 Fri Chicken tacos w/ peppers and onions, refried beans, corn

08 Sat Pizza takeout

09 Sun Grilled salmon, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, salad

10 Mon Pasta with meat sauce from freezer, salad, garlic bread

11 Tue Slow Cooker chicken and cabbage, leftover baked beans

12 Wed Burgers with mushroom gravy, baby potatoes, green beans

13 Thu takeout/leftovers

14 Fri takeout/emergency dinner

15 Sat Kielbasa, bean salad, corn bread

16 Sun Roasted chicken, couscous, Brussel sprouts

17 Mon takeout

18 Tue Hot dogs, bean salad, corn on the cob

19 Wed Burgers, Farm Stand Potato Salad, green beans

20 Thu Lemon garlic tilapia, sweet potatoes, asparagus

21 Fri Minestrone soup, rolls

22 Sat Lemon herb grilled chicken, quinoa, zucchini

23 Sun Sausage & peppers with raviolis, broccoli salad

24 Mon leftovers/takeout

25 Tue Maple Glazed Salmon and Brussel sprouts, quinoa

26 Wed Chili Beans with Rice, zucchini, Watermelon Salad

27 Thu Peach BBQ Chicken, couscous, collard greens, corn bread

28 Fri Grilled kielbasa, pasta salad, green beans

29 Sat takeout/eat out

30 Sun BBQ meatballs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, tomato cucumber salad

31 Mon takeout

Farm Stand Potato Salad

 We are trying to get away from mayonnaise based salads, and this potato salad, which comes from MyRecipes.com, is delicious. 

1 3/4 lb. fingerling (or small) potatoes, cut to bite size pieces

1 C sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 C broccoli florets

1/4 C diced red pepper 

1/4 C diced green pepper

1/4 C diced yellow pepper

1/4 C sliced scallions

Dressing:

3 T lemon juice

2 T olive oil

1 T Dijon mustard

1/4 t thyme

1/2 t salt

1/2 t celery seeds

Cook potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes.

Add peas and broccoli, cook for one minute.

Drain and add other salad ingredients

Whisk dressing ingredients, pour on salad and toss

Monthly Menu April 2021

 

There are a few positive things in my life that have come from this Covid pandemic. Finally keeping a full monthly menu is one of them! Another is getting my former job back via telecommuting. If I had my ideal work situation (and when do we ever get any ideal situation?), I would work 4 hours a day, Mon-Thur, for 40 weeks out of the year. Doesn't that sound  nice? Twelve weeks of vacation, plenty of time to do other things during the day, a three day weekend. Yes, that would be nice. Oh, and working from home. Maybe if the government staggered due dates, like the way car registration is here in Georgia - our registrations renew on my husband's birthday, so we have anytime between Jan 1 and his birthday to renew. Oh well, I guess my current work situation is the next best thing.

As long as my life keeps looking similar to this, I am  going to keep working on these menus. My goal is to use a particular recipe only once a month. Hahaha, we will see.

01 Thu Things got a little crazy around here and I don't remember what I made

02 Fri Leftover pasta

03 Sat Barbecue takeout

04 Sun Easter Sunday! Vegetable Pot Pie, spinach and strawberry salad

05 Mon Chick Fil-A takeout

06 Tue Steak n Shake takeout 

07 Wed Taco Soup w/ tortilla chips

08 Thu Salmon from freezer, quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts

09 Fri Grilled (or baked if it rains) Italian chicken, rice, cauliflower and green beans

10 Sat Fasting

11 Sun Pork Tenderloin, sweet potatoes, zucchini

12 Mon Tuna Alfredo pasta, spinach strawberry salad

13 Tue Lentil pasta sauce over rice, broccoli

14 Wed takeout

15 Thu Grilled chicken, brown rice, green beans

16 Fri Sheet pan turkey sausage, potatoes, slow cooked cabbage

17 Sat Pizza

18 Sun Veggie & brown rice casserole

19 Mon baked fish filets, macaroni salad, baked beans

20 Tue Hamburgers, Farm Stand Potato Salad, Brussels sprouts

21 Wed Grilled Chicken, Barbecue Sticky Rice, Coleslaw

22 Thu Grilled kielbasa, Bean Salad

23 Fri Sheet pan tilapia & asparagus, couscous or quinoa

24 Sat Takeout

25 Sun Slow Cooked Sunday Chicken

26 Mon Leftovers/takeout 

27 Tue Summer Vegetable Soup, rolls

28 Wed Salmon, quinoa, chopped salad

29 Thu Sausage & peppers  with pasta

30 Fri Sloppy Joes from freezer, rice, Brussel sprouts

The Best Ever Meat Sauce

 This recipe comes from Belle of the Kitchen and it is so very good. The flavor is deliciously rich.

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic (1 tsp)
3 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
1 6 oz can tomato paste
2 tsp brown sugar
1.5 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
.5 tsp basil
.5 tsp thyme
bay leaf
2 cups beef broth

Brown ground beef, onion, and pepper

Add garlic, cook one minute

Add the rest of the ingredients

Bring to a boil, turn down and simmer uncovered 1.5-2 hours

Monthly Menu March 2021

 

01 Mon Leftovers or takeout
02 Tue Creamy Chicken Soup, rolls
03 Wed Raviolis with leftover veggie sauce
04 Thu Chicken tacos with peppers and onions, leftover rice and refried beans

05 Fri Roasted salmon and asparagus, rice pilaf

06 Sat FASTING

07 Sun Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

08 Mon leftovers or takeout

09 Tue Hamburger Soup, rye bread

10 Wed Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies, rice

11 Thu Sheet Pan tilapia, asparagus, & tomatoes, couscous

12 Fri Sheet Pan sausage and peppers with pasta and marinara sauce

13 Sat Mediterranean food takout

14 Sun Veggie Soup, rolls

15 Mon leftovers/takeout

16 Tue Sheet pan salmon, asparagus, & cous cous

17 Wed Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, rye bread

18 Thu Raviolis with meatballs and marinara sauce, broccoli salad

19 Fri ???

20 Sat Pizza

21 Sun Sheet Pan Chicken and Zucchini & Brussels Sprouts, brown rice

22 Mon Chick Fil A

23 Tue Kielbasa and Cabbage, baked beans

24 Wed Minestrone Soup, rolls

25 Thu Sheet Pan Tilapia, Asparagus, & Cherry Tomatoes, brown rice or cous cous

26 Fri Burrito Bowls burritos, zucchini

27 Sat Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

28 Sun Stake Conference & dinner w/ friends (make potato salad, thaw out rolls)

29 Mon take out or leftovers

30 Tue Hot dogs. leftover potato salad, beans

31 Wed Pasta w/ meat sauce, rolls, broccoli salad

Monthly Menu February 2021

 

01 Mon Leftovers

02 Tue 15 Bean Soup per package directions, rye bread

03 Wed Veggie Soup with leftover brown rice, rolls

04 Thu Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies, couscous

05 Fri Hoppin John over white rice

06 Sat Beef tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans, corn

07 Sun Pasta with meat sauce from freezer, garlic bread, roasted broccoli

08 Mon Leftovers or takeout

09 Tue Veggie soup, rolls

10 Wed Sheet pan chicken and veggies, rice

11 Thu Chick Fil-A

12 Fri Hoppin John that we did not have last week

13 Sat O'Charley's take out

14 Sun Turkey from freezer, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts

15 Mon Leftover veggie soup, rolls

16 Tue Tacos, rice, corn

17 Wed Emergency food dinner rotation: pasta and veggies, garlic bread

18 Thu Chicken soup, biscuits

19 Fri Hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad

20 Sat pizza or southern takeout

21 Sun Chicken and rice, green beans

22 Mon Leftovers or takeout

23 Tue Minestrone soup, bread

24 Wed Kitchen Sink Quesadillas, Spanish rice

25 Thu Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts

26 Fri Pasta with Vegetable sauce, bread

27 Sat Kielbasa and Cabbage, baby potatoes

28 Sun Creamy Chicken Soup, cornbread

Monthly Menu January 2021

 

Who else is ready to eat healthy after the Christmas holidays? My body craves it, which makes it easy to make new year resolutions! Happy 2021! May we use what we have learned last year to make 2021 a year of growth.

01 Fri Chicken tacos, rice

02 Sat Hoppin' John, rice

03 Sun Leftovers

04 Mon Takeout

05 Tue Chicken soup, rolls

06 Wed Sheet Pan Tilapia and Veggies, rice

07 Thu Lasagna Soup, rolls

08 Fri Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cabbage, beans, cornbread

09 Sat leftovers

10 Sun Pot roast from freezer, egg noodles, gravy, Brussels sprouts

11 Mon Takeout

12 Tue Vegetable Soup, rolls

13 Wed chili, corn bread

14 Thu Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies, rice

15 Fri  Pork roast from freezer, sweet potatoes, sautéed veggies

16 Sat  Pizza

17 Sun Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy, baby potatoes, sautéed veggies

18 Mon leftovers/takeout

19 Tue Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, rolls

20 Wed Mushroom Stew, mashed potatoes from freezer, corn bread

21 Thu Takeout

22 Fri Vegetarian Fajitas, rice

23 Sat Leftovers

24 Sun Pasta with meatballs, broccoli salad

******************************************************************************

25 Mon Greek Lemon Chicken and Potato Bake

26 Tue Beans and Rice

27 Wed Sausage, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, bacon sheet pan dinner

28 Thu Minestrone soup, rolls

29 Fri Sausage & peppers ravioli, garlic bread

30 Sat Takeout pizza

31 Sun Marinated Pork Tenderloin, brown rice, carrots, salad

Happy Homemaker Monday January 4, 2021

 

Wow, I haven't participated in this in so long. Happy Homemaker Monday comes to you from Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and this post is coming to you from this empty nester mom. I was an avid follower of Sandra's blog, even going back and reading every single post from the beginning, and then I go a smart phone, and most of the people I whose blogs I followed stopped blogging, and I stopped following. I have been following her on Instagram though so I haven't lost touch. Today I am in a fresh start, homemaking mood and so I thought I would stop by and join in!

The weather outside is

Chilly! Since I've last participated my husband and I have moved from Connecticut to northwest Georgia, and I am getting used to the warmer temperatures. Today is 54 and sunny.

Monday 55

Tuesday 54

Wednesday 54

Thursday 46 brrr

Friday 46

Saturday 48

Sunday 52

As much as I love temps in at least the 60's, this is our winter and I am not complaining! It is only our second winter here, so if I remember correctly, we got our leaves back in March! I tell you, that is the BEST thing about moving south (the barbecue is a pretty good reason too), that we are without leaves for three months instead of six, and even though we have lost our leaves and our lawn is brown for the winter, I am looking out my window at a bush with beautiful red flowers on it right now. Another wonderful thing about being here that is weather related is our gas fireplace that turns on with a turn of a dial and heats up our house better than our furnace, as opposed to our wood burning fireplace that we bothered with maybe five times a year, made a mess, and didn't heat nearly as well. Moving on!

Breakfast this morning was

(I changed the heading a little since it is now 2 pm, lol) a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and fruity water. I throw frozen fruit in some water and drink. Sometimes I blend it and end up with a slushy of sorts, but it's too cold for a slushy now! I will just keep adding water to the same fruit throughout the day, and just keep drinking the water. If you have ever had Hint water, it tastes like that. And it makes me feel great! I don't know why, but it seems to flush out toxins for me better than just plain water. 

As I look out my window

I see sun, those bushes with the red flowers, and a quiet neighborhood.

As I look around my house

Most of Christmas is taken down, there are random items here and there that have to be put away. That is one thing on the agenda today. My bathrooms have to be cleaned, but it's cozy here. The fire is going, I have plush pillows and warm and fuzzy throws in the family room, and the house looks clean although there is dirt lingering and it needs a deep clean, which I will be tackling this week.

What I am wearing today

I have my bathroom cleaning garb on - an old pair of black workout pants and a t-shirt (and a blanket wrapped around me).

Currently reading

Scriptures, Clean Mama's Guide to a Peaceful Home, Abandoned Georgia, and The Paper Daughters of Chinatown.

On the TV for this week

I am currently watching New Tricks on Amazon Prime. I like crime shows and true crime podcasts. Yes, I am one of those, lol.

On the menu this week

I have a separate post with my menu, but I will give a quick recap:

Today: pot roast (from freezer) with egg noodles, gravy, and Brussels sprouts

Tuesday: chicken soup and rolls

Wednesday: pork roast, sweet potatoes, and veggies

Thursday: Lasagna soup, rolls

Friday: Slow cooker chicken breasts with gravy, baby potatoes, and veggies

Saturday: Vegetable soup, rolls

Sunday: Slow cooker kielbasa and cabbage, beans, corn bread

Monday: leftovers/takeout

Something fun to share

I am still mostly on Instagram, so one account I really like is handmade.farmhouse. She is super sweet and shares some yummy recipes. Her Garden Vegetable minestrone is fabulous and I make it regularly.

Favorite photo from the camera

Christmas is Georgia. My husband put lights on the rockers. Some days it's still actually warm enough to sit out there, but for the most part they will be empty until March.

Prayers and Inspiration

Would love prayers for my mother in-law who is in the hospital with Covid. She is 90 years old.