What I've Been Reading

I can happily say that I've enjoyed reading quite a bit in August.  It's been a hot summer so sitting in the air, in a comfy chair, enjoying a good book was high on my list of things to do!

This is the Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund.  I picked up book one on a deal for less then a $1.00 and it was fabulous.  I really loved the story and the history.  Jody Hedlund was a new author to me and I'd rank her along side Tracie Peterson.  The books took me away and I didn't want to put them down.  Book 4 release tomorrow and I actually pre-ordered it so it will show up on my Kindle automatically. 

This is another one I picked up for less then $1.00 . . .. but it was not my favorite.  I found it hard to read and I struggled to follow the story line at times.  I did finish it but I won't be picking up the other books in the series.

Ok, these two books by Charles Martin rank up as two of the best books I've read in a long time.  The stories are real, heartfelt, and really, kind of raw - full of emotion.  I found myself fighting for the main characters throughout both stories.  I want to read more by Charles Martin because his writing style is so different than anyone else I read.

This book is what I'm currently reading as I'm writing this post.  This his historical fiction that takes place during the time the Nazi's are gathering the jew's from Amsterdam/Netherlands.  It is well written and I really hate putting it down.  One thing that usually annoys me in a book is that each chapter is telling the story of different people (about 4-5 people) and it goes back and forth from present day to the 1940's to tell the story.  It took me a bit to piece it together but as I gathered more information throughout the book, it made it easier to keep the characters and connections straight. If you enjoy history as well as story that follow real life, this is a good one to pick up and read.

Recipe Organization (And some Thirty-One too!)

Over the years I've had various recipe organization ideas and all have worked well but my current format has worked the best!

First, I used a Rolodex.  Yes, you read that right.  It was pretty cool, really, but I had to type and print all of the recipes on those little cards.  It took a lot of work.

Next, I used 3 ring binders.  This was great because I could just print recipes, hole punch them and put them in the binder.  This was great except I took the weekly recipes out and wouldn't put them back until I had almost all the recipes out and had to reorganize them . .. .again.

Now, I use this file system.

This is a file box from Thirty-One that I picked up several years ago.  I created a file for each of my recipe categories (Beef, Pork, Soups, Slow Cooker, etc.) and now, I just pull out what I need and refile it when I'm done - easy peasy!  I keep the blue file in the front so, if I'm in a rush, I can put recipes in there that need to be filed so that they don't get lost. I'm considering purchasing another one of the files to use with organizing my scrapbooking things.

My friend, Cindy, sells Thirty-One products so if you are looking for something new, check out her site HERE.

I recently picked up a couple new items that I just love.

This is the Round Utility Tote and it is just amazing.  I love that it actually sits on my shoulder and the straps make it just long enough to carry on your shoulder.  It opens wide and holds alot - it is currently holding all of our beach snacks :-) 

 I also picked up this cute little bag as a special - I love it because it has a clip to hook it inside another bag, it has a zipper pouch that is perfect for holding my little camera, money, and my phone when we go to the beach and it has the zippered outside pocket that is great for things like chap-stick.  I searched the site and couldn't find it but maybe I was missing it! 

I also picked up a Fresh Market Thermal and the Small Utility Tote in the same pattern as the small pouch above.  They are both perfect for hauling to the beach. 

And, no, this is not a sales pitch.  I personally like to see what other people are using for organizing so I thought I'd share what I'm using too! 

Weekly Worship - Come Thou Fount (Above All Else) - by Shane & Shane

This is one of my favorite Hymns and I really like arrangements by Shane and Shane.  This one doesn't disappoint.

2020 Weekly Photos #32

We had some fun things planned this week as our extra kids were at their grandparents all week. 

Saturday - I had hoped to show photos of our magnificent fridge.  Nope!  Instead we hung out at home and just enjoyed being together.

Sunday - A no photo day but we did lots!  I had to go to the grocery store since I had put it off waiting for the fridge.  Darryl and the boys did some cleaning for me while I was gone.  I had to get stuff ready for our beach day/picnic on Monday.  I cleaned out my truck to get beach stuff ready.  Finally, we made a 9:30 "run" to Wendy's for a Frosty Treat since we have no ice cream in the house right now.

Monday - Our day trip to New Buffalo! I shared alot of photos in my post the other day - here are a few more!

Tuesday - Today was a recovery day!  We were all tired from our adventures.  We did end the day with going to get a Hot Fudge Sundae from McDonald's as a treat (Plus I needed to pick up ice for the cooler!)

Wednesday - We headed to my mother-in-laws for the day.  They live on a lake and the boys have a great time fishing, tubing and swimming in the summer.  They had great success catching fish!

 Josh and Nate fishing on the lake. 

 They caught a lot of fish! 

 Nate wanted to learn how to de-bone and filet a fish. 

 This was my view most of the afternoon - it is amazing! 

 We all went out on the boat while Josh and Nate road the raft. 

 My mother-in-law raises butterflies and lets them go. 

 She puts those little stickers on their wings and they get tracked all the way to South America.  It's crazy! 

She has this "house" built right into a wall in her house where she raises them all. 

 Thursday - Darryl and I had a date afternoon.  He had a doctor's appointment concerning his neck so I went with him and enjoyed some quiet time in the car reading :-)  After his appointment we went and got Taco's from our favorite place (The Adobe) and headed to a park to enjoy lunch.  Then, for dinner, we cooked up the fish that Josh and Nate caught on Wednesday.

Friday - Darryl took off on a road trip with is dad for the day while I conquered grocery shopping!

We really had a great week of an unexpected "staycation" with lots of fun things!

Weekly Menu

Yes, it is another week without a fridge.  Blah!  We are supposed to get our fridge a week from the date of this post but after it being delayed the first time, I don't have my hopes up.  We are entering week 5 without fridge and I must admit, I like having a fridge :-)  A few weeks ago we got tired of having luke warm drinks so we started buying ice to keep all of the drinks in the "ice" cooler and that has helped.  Nothing better then an ice cold bottle of water!  I am cooking more but I have to be creative - either cooking with no leftovers or enough leftovers to put in the chest freezer for a second meal down the road.  Leftovers don't keep well in the coolers.

So, here's the plan for the coming week

Friday - Darryl is hanging out with his dad so the boys and I will probably treat ourselves tonight.

Saturday - Most likely dinner at my mom's.  :-)

Sunday - Stuffed Shells, Green Beans, and Garlic Knots

Monday - Marinaded Chicken Legs, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, and green beans

Tuesday - Crock Pot Fajita's with chips and salsa (My mom will come over for dinner if she reads this HA!)  If there are leftover I can send them home with her!)

Wednesday - Pork Chops, Baked Beans, and mixed veggies

Thursday -  Chicken, Amish Noodles, and green beans

Not a super exciting menu week that's for sure!

Grove Cleaning Products

Recently my mom placed an order from a company called Grove mostly to get some free things but in the end, she found that she loved the products.  She shared some with me (and did some cleaning one day while I was gone) and I just loved the smell and how clean things were when she was done.  That inspired me to place my own order and try out more of their products. 

 This box showed up on my doorstep almost a whole week earlier then promised and there was a hand written note on top (Jacquelyn - Stay safe!) Even the box made me feel good about ordering! 

 The best part about this box?  Over half of it was free for being a first time order!  

 This was my complete order.  Again, over half of it was free. (My cat is SUPER curious!)  

 I was most excited about this - Room Freshener.  My mom had given a bottle of the multi-surface cleaner and I just loved the smell so I used it to spray around my house to freshen it up HA!  Well, now I have this!  Darryl loves it too and wants some for his cab.  

 Notice the photo bomber? HA! 

 This cleaner is awesome.  It cleans so well and leaves everything smelling great.  I have the honeysuckle and decided to try Apple Cider.  My one "complaint" is that there are some things, like the multi-purpose spray, that I couldn't order multiples of in the same smell - otherwise I would have ordered all honeysuckle. 

This wrinkle reducer spray was one of the free items so I decided to try it (instead of switching it out for something else).  I hate to iron and Darryl has a few shirts that need "just a little" ironing.  I'm hoping this helps me out! 

Who knew cleaning products could be so exciting? 

What We are Eating Wednesday

Still living without fridge means I'm not doing much creative cooking but I did try something new this week! 

On Tuesday I made a big ol' pot of chili for dinner.  I know, I know, that is not a summer food but I'm trying to make food that we either eat all of so there are no leftovers for the coolers OR that I can freeze enough of for another meal later, thus, I made chili.  I picked up this cornbread mix instead of the normal "Jiffy" mix and it was amazing!  It was sweet and crumbly and went perfect with dinner.

My first slice I just had butter on it and it was good . .. . the second slice I added a little honey and it was amazing.  It was the perfect side dish to my fabulous chili!