Cleaning House and Adding On

A little spring cleaning going on this weekend.  I hired some help. . .
                                           
Cleaning always includes a little sweeping and a little dusting.  
And maybe some painting or wallpapering to spiffy things up.
Got a few ideas in mind like . . . 

                          Source

And this . . . 

Thinking I need a new header.  

Because I'm making some huge changes.  Did you notice yet?  
                               Check out my side bar.    
                     A few changes.  A few things gone.  

     The changes lead to a huge announcement
                         

                               Stay Tuned

Thrifty Thursday

Sharing today a little bit of my thrifty shopping, decorating and gardening.  

I've been trying for months to put together a gallery wall. 
It's not complete but I had to give you a peek . . . 
                                                       
I'm totally lovin' it!  I paid a whole $1.00 for each frame.  Two of them had prints the other was just the frame.  

My thriftiness this week included something yummy too . . . 
                                                       
This box of yumminess was meant for smoothies but it was still so fresh that The Cowboy and our grandson ate some with ranch. 
I cooked another batch on Sunday.  And then on Monday I cooked the rest.  My favorite way to cook fresh spinach is sauteed in a pan that I've cooked a few pieces of chopped bacon.  I take the bacon out add butter throw in my spinach and some salt and pepper.  Cover with a glass lid so I can see what's going on and just let it cook.  Yummy!

And, guess what I have in my garden!

My first tomato!

I did a little plant shopping to finish filling out the pots on the front porch.  

The pot beside Daisy has two sweet potato vines.  I was determinded this year to get some.  Last year I was too late and couldn't find green only the purple.  It is in a pot with a grass that bought last year for $2.50.  I bought two only 1 survived. My fault I never got them transplanted. 

Behind Daisy the pot with the white flowers.  Which I mistakenly thought were Lantana.  And actually it might be a kind of Lantana
but it's not what I remember as a kid . . . 

This week I added the 'real thing' the orange and yellow I remember.   The big green plant is actually 2 chrysanthemums that I bought in the fall for $2.50.  I think I probably should have cut them back.  They have teeny tiny blooms now but don't look like they are going to flower. 

This is the pot I that I showed earlier with Daisy.  You can see the grass in the middle better.  I added Vinca and Salvia.  I'm really happy now with the way it looks.  

I've been working hard on decorating, cooking and gardening on a budget and being thrifty.  

I can't wait for my next project.  We're looking for lamps to make into solar lights for the patio.    

              Thanks for stopping in.  Leave me a comment! 
                                                  

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Sharing a little fun.  Add a caption . . . 

                      

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Linking with Wordless Wednesday, Warm Heart Wednesday, Mosaic Monday

                         Have A Good Day

A Dream Of Miracles-- Book Review

                                                                

                                                          Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1S7DC2v

                                                                         
Much better than I expected.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I kind of had this idea this was book was going to be a typical sweet little Amish love story.  
This genre isn't really my favorite and I went into reading this book with a preconceived idea. 
I was totally wrong!  I couldn't put it down!  I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed.  I didn't work the next day so I finished very quickly . . . 

About the book: 

A Dream of Miracles (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.

Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son's mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.

Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won't rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo's worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.

When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible---not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo's dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

What I enjoyed about the book was the interesting storyline it indeed kept me on the edge of my seat.  It was fast paced and intriguing in a strange sort of way.  I don't want to reveal too much to take away from this great story!  

The characters were believable Mattie is sweet and innocent and Bo is honest and dependable.  Exactly the kind of person you hope is a CPS worker.    

The sub characters are believably as well some you end up liking.  Some you don't.  Some your really not sure about till the end.   

                  Overall I give this book 5 stars.  

                     would recommend this book

I was offered this book from Litfuse and received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

This review is also post at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book (dot)Com.  (click on the bold words for a direct link to purchase)

Happy Homemaker Monday-A Peek Into My Week

                                                               
Joining Sandra to share my week . . . (sorry this is late. I wrote 
last night intended to post so my early morning friends would have something to read.  Forgot to publish.)

On The Breakfast Plate . . . 
Well always a Dr. Pepper.  A light breakfast maybe yogurt.  
Going out to lunch. 

The weather . . . 
Gorgeous!  Spring in Texas is beautiful!

On Today's List . . . 

• Day off sleeping late.  HeHe
• Breakfast/Start Laundry
• Finish tidying kitchen
• Lunch with daughter and grandson
• Finish Laundry/plant some seeds
• Tidy house/read/post
• Cook Dinner
• Put Feet up!

Currently Reading . . . 

I have a few review books I need to get on.  Finishing up a devotional that I will post tomorrow.  

A couple of novels should be arriving soon!

T.V.

I recorded a Lifetime Movie over the weekend.   I'll watch it sometime maybe Wednesday.  I am off. 

On The Menu This Week . . . 

Monday--Fried Rice w/ Left over Seafood,Salad and Garlic Bread

Tuesday--Chicken Alfredo,Salad Garlic Bread

Wednesday--Link Sausage, Pintos, Hasbrown's and Corn Bread

Thursday--Cooking at my daughters keeping grandson till Monday

Friday--"  "

Saturday--Working stopping for Chicken Express after work

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself . . . 

Hmmm...want to start working on a scripture illustrating in my past 
prayer journals.

New Recipe . . . 

I want to try a tortilla soup recipe from pinterest.  Did I say this last week?  

I am trying a new Fried Rice recipe tonight.  We'll see how it goes.

In The Garden . . .  

Oh I'm so excited everything is sprouting.  I can't wait for the harvest.  I plan to start another round of zinnia and marigolds today

and some more carrots and green beans.

I'll write a photo post Wednesday. 

Favorite Photo From The Camera . . . 

The front porch of the cottage.  It's getting harder and harder to 
photo's of Daisy.  She doesn't hear anymore and I can't seem to get her to 'sit'.  She will 'stay' but sit isn't registering!  I wanted to show the plants.  I'll write about them in my Garden Journal post on Wednesday.  

Praying For . . . 

I met a couple at church tonight ( I was working daycare in infants)

they are trying to adopt a baby.  They have had her 3 months.  The mom hasn't signed over rights yet.  They had another baby for 4 days and had to give it up.  It broke my heart!  

Bible Verse, Devotional . . . 

Sharing Sandra's verse today for the couple mentioned above. 

Praying you have a blessed week!  Thanks for stopping by.  

Linking with Happy Homemaker Monday.  

Best Wishes On Sunday

               


                              

                                                    Have A Blessed Day

Thrifty Thursday Sharing A Few Bargain Finds

Hello I hope your week has gone as planned!  I've had a fun interesting week. 


Today I wanted to share a few bargains I/we found recently.
                                    
I started a full time job again this week.  These were a bargain I couldn't pass up!  I love the quiches.  They are so quick to microwave.  And I feel like with  the spinach I'm eating fairly healthy.

We love avocado's!  These were .99 for the bag.  I also love yellow squash.  
I tried for the first time to freeze the avocado's.  Just cut in half peeled and seeded and popped into freezer.  

Getting ready to freeze.
They ok after freezing.  Rather bland tasting for just eating.  But fine for guacamole.


One of our fun and thrifty things to do is work puzzles.  The Cowboy picked up a box of 3 puzzles unopened for $2.00

Everything was half price.  So $1.00 for three puzzles. 

                                                            
A sweet little hinged wooden box for all of $1.50.  We'll save and put something inside probably a piece of jewelry for our daughter for Christmas.  

I love thrifty finds.  We're always on the search.  And I love re-purposing.   Here is what I hope to do soon . . . 

I've put The Cowboy on task to find some cheap old ugly lamps!


         So do you like Thrifty finds?   Leave me a comment and share yours!  

                          Have a Happy Friday
                          
                                           

Back In The Saddle-Book Review

                                                            
The cover got my attention!  I totally enjoyed this book!

What it's about . . . 
The Prodigal Is Coming Home 

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.
 
He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why. 
 
Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

Check it out.  Click here to visit the publishers website and download a chapter.

What I thought . . .
I was drawn in from the first few pages.  I couldn't put it down.  This was a very well written great story of romance family and faith.  The story line was great. The author did a wonderful job of weaving together a romance along with a little real life struggles all interwoven into a story full of grace and forgiveness. 
I enjoyed the characters.  I felt like they were all fully developed.  
 I look forward to the next installment in the series.  I always look forward to reading the stories of a sub-character in a book. 
The main characters Colt and Angelina are both well developed.  Colt a is strong and dependable.  Angelina is 
'spit fire'.  Her character is cute, strong and opinionated. 
Angelina doesn't mind telling everyone what she is thinking and manages to help not only Colt but his father as well come to a closer relationship with God.  

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was difficult to 'put down'  I would recommend it.  

My rating is 5 stars . . . 


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review.

For more information, more reviews or to purchase you can visit any of the following retailers.
Click on the bold letters for a direct link . . .
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book (dot) Com

This post is linked with
The Art of Homemaking, Create with Joy, Teach Me Tuesday, Share My Cup

Wordless Wednesday/Sunlit Sunday/Critters

                           
                                                                        And a Caption  ________________
                                           
                                            Happy Trails 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                     Source

Linking with Wordless Wednesday, Sunlit Sunday, Camera Critters and Eileen's Critters

Book Review

                                                            

An essential relocation guide refreshed and updated for today’s movers.
More than 34 million Americans move each year, and studies show it can be one of the heaviest strains on a marriage. For women especially, relocating can be a traumatic event. With true stories, ingenious insights, and helpful hints, this great book makes transitioning smoother so women can get on with their lives. Those who are moving will find this valuable book as important as packing tape. Divided into three sections,After the Boxes are Unpacked helps recent movers focus on letting go of their past, starting over, and moving ahead. Topics include the following:

• How to manage the emotional stress of leaving family and friends
• How to support your spouse through a relocation
• How to build new relationships in a new city
• How to help children adjust to new surroundings and make friends
• How to find a new church home
• How to navigate financial challenges related to moving
• How to discover God’s will for you and your family in a new city

From the back cover . . . 

                                           Help and Hope to Make It Through Your Move

Discover the encouragement and practical advice you need to survive your move and 

even thrive!  Susan has helped thousands of women just like you, ans she shares the essential tools you need for a smoother transition.  

• life-giving biblical principles and ideas for coping with change
• ideas for building relationships in a new community
• true stories and powerful inspiration
• empathy and insights for the hard times
• survival boxed full of helpful hunts

What I thought . . . 

I was thrilled for opportunity to read this book.  The author states she moved 14 times.  I was interested and intrigued because I/we  have moved almost that many times!  

I so needed this book back in the day when our children were home and I navigated through the near trauma of moving out of state.  

I wish I had this resource.  I would have been much more prepared for certain things.  I'm a list maker and 

very organized when it comes to packing and moving and experienced. 

But the topics that are covered in this book are ones that I needed help with.  Leaving friends and finding new ones.    

Susan does an excellent job of sharing helps and hints.    And she provides godly counsel.  This book is easy to read and is an excellent book to share with friends that might need an introduction to God and his faithfulness. 

Susan is dedicated to helping other women navigate the process of moving and has founded a 

non-profit called Just Moved.  She provides a large number of resources here.

This book is a great resource for women.  I highly recommend it. 

Rating . . . 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

This post is linked to:
The Art of Homemaking, Titus Tuesday, Warm Heart Wednesday, Share Your Cup,  Home and Garden Party, Classical Homemaking, Book Nook At Create-With-Joy

This review is posted the following retailers.  Amazon, Christian Book (dot)com and Barnes and Noble.  Click on the links to purchase or read more reviews. 

How My Garden Grows

I'm so excited to share with you how my patio garden is growing. 
My little helper hasn't been able to help in a couple of weeks but his carrots are growing . . . 

This is the first planting. I've planted carrots weekly.  
This week I added radish's between the rows because I read that was a good thing to do.  Seems the radish's grow faster and break up the dirt to give the carrots better area to grow in.  We'll see. 

My first planting of Zinnia's is sprouting nicely. 

 
The zucchini has lots of blooms. 

I took this photo a few days ago.  The tomato is now covered in blooms.

My first try with the cucumbers failed miserably.  I bought a plant.
It died.  I tried again and I have some teeny tiny plants sprouting.
I've read they do well in the upside down planters so we're planning on transplanting this week.  

I still need to get some green beans to sprout.  Have not had any success.   The last time I had a 'real' garden I had green beans like crazy!  

I'll take more pictures in a few days.  And share how things are going.  

I'm just so happy to have sprouts!  

               Thanks for coming over.  Enjoy your Tuesday! 
                                      Happy Trails
                          
                                              

Happy Homemaker Monday

                                                 
Joining Sandra and sharing a few plans for the week . . .

On The Breakfast Plate . . .
Starting work today.  Grabbing a bowl of bran flakes.  Milk was on sale for $1.88 a gallon!

On Today's To Do List . . .

• Starting work finally.  Was supposed to start last Monday but it got delayed!  I am so happy to start!
• Finishing up a quilt that I started on Friday
• A little reading and putting my feet up! 

Currently Reading . . .

Song of Silence by Cynthia Rutchi  a book to review 

On the t.v. today . . . 

Probably nothing.  I was disappointed last week that Scandal was pre-empted.  Tomorrow I'll watch 

the Duggars show.  Don't even know the name of it. 

The Weather Outside . . . 

Rain predicted for the week.  Cool temps.  It's nice spring weather.

On The Menu This Week . . .

Monday--The Cowboy is putting a roast in the oven with potatoes and carrots.  We're not sure what time I'll be home.

Tuesday--Pork Tenderloin (which I planned last week and didn't get it done.) stuffing and peas

Wednesday-- Alfredo Chicken, Salad and Garlic Bread

Thursday --Homemade Pizza just plain 'ole pepperoni and cheese

Friday--I think I should have a date night! HeHe

If I Have a Few Minutes To Myself . . . 

Gosh...I'd probably just close my eyes and thank Jesus

New Recipe I've Tried Or Want To Try This Week . . . 

I want to try a recipe for Tortilla Soup.  I'll try on the weekend so I'll have some for leftovers for work.

In The Garden . . . 

We have a patio garden growing.  I planted cucumber seeds and they are sprouting like crazy.

Zinnia's and Chives and Basil are growing.  But my Parsley hasn't sprouted. 

I added radish's to my carrots they are already sprouting too.  

Favorite Photo From The Camera . . . 

Post is here.

Homemaking Tip . . . 

7 year old Grandsons will do a lot of simple cleaning  chores.  They might charge you an extra 

$1.00 for photo's.

Praying For . . . 

My new job.  Praying God will use me.  And praying for extra house cleaning jobs between working days.

Bible Verse/ Devotional . . . 

5 Minutes With Jesus by Sheila Walsh great devotional book.

 May your week be filled with Blessings.  Thanks for stopping by!

                              

                                                          Happy Trails

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                               Source