Halloween

Happy Halloween!

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Anna asked how to make chicken tenders, so I thought I would share how I make them.

Start out with chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts that you can cut into strips.

Dip the strips into raw eggs mixed with whatever seasoning you prefer.

Dip into flour and coat well.

Then place them in a skillet of hot cooking oil and turn them every so often.

Cook until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Life In the Kitchen

My days are now mostly spent in the kitchen preparing food from scratch for my family. Yesterday I made pancakes for breakfast, soup for lunch, fried chicken tenders, macaroni & cheese, and green beans for dinner. I also baked a chocolate cake (from a mix that I already had) and whipped up homemade chocolate frosting. My, was it good!

Chocolate Frosting

Melt 1 stick of butter in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup Hershey's cocoa, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 5 Tbsp. milk. Beat together until smooth. Add  4 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth. There will be plenty left over. I saved mine in the fridge to use later on other goodies.

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I had a sense of peace as I went about my kitchen work. I am so thankful that I now have the skills to provide good food for my family using basic ingredients. Thank you, Connie, for your encouragement and example! And my family loves my cooking and thinks it is much better than pre-packaged foods.

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With limited funds, I am forced to be creative with my meals and homemaking - but I also find it quite satisfying. I love creating something out of seemingly nothing!

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As I go about my tasks I listen to beautiful music on my playlist and sing along - offering up my praise to the One who gives me comfort and strength. I must not rely on myself, but on Him and Him alone.

Inspiration: Living Rooms

{All photos by Country Living}

From My Country Kitchen

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

This was my first attempt at making chicken pot pie. It turned out good and tasty though!

Here's what you need:

1 package of 2 premade pie crusts

dried minced onion

1 lb. mixed veggies or canned Veg-All

salt & pepper to taste

4 Tbsp. water to steam veggies

1 can cream of chicken soup

store-prepared rotisserie chicken (or use leftover chicken or boil chicken & shred)

Choose diced veggies for even cooking. Peas, carrots & potatoes make good additions. In a pinch, canned Veg-All may be substituted.

Bake one of the pie crusts according to package directions. shred chicken with fork & remove skin and bones. Set aside.

Pour the veggies, water, salt & pepper, and dried minced onions in a microwace-safe bowl.

Put the bowl in microwave until veggies are tender. Once done, combine shredded chicken, veggies, and can of cream of chicken soup in a large bowl. Pour mixture into the cooked pie crust.

Place the uncooked pie crust on top of pie and cook on 420 degrees for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 375 degrees and continue to bake until lightly golden (about 20-30 more minutes).

A perfect Autumn dish!

Inspiration: Bedrooms

{All photos by Country Living}

From My Kitchen

Yesterday I could be found in the kitchen, making pancakes for breakfast.

I also mixed up a bath of Homemade Cocoa Mix that I stored in an old coffee container. Recycle and reuse makes for creative containers and pink ones at that!

7.5 cups of Instant Dry Milk

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of cocoa

1/4 tsp. salt

Mix well.

Add 1/3 cup of cocoa mix to a mug of hot/boiling water.

When I decided to prepare pancakes for breakfast, I decided I may as well make a triple batch for us to enjoy the next few days. Ummm, ummm good!

What's been cooking in your kitchen lately?

From My Country Kitchen

Preacher's Cookies

4 T. Cocoa

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 stick butter

~

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 cups oatmeal

In saucepan heat together to boiling first 4 ingredients. Boil 1 minute and remove from heat. Add peanut butter and oatmeal (have these already measured out). Stir well. Drop on waxed paper.

Enjoy!

October 26th Daybook

FOR TODAY...October 26th from Tracy's Daybook

~ @ ~

Outside my window... Blue-gray skies while we wait for the sun to shine. It's cool out but not too cold. It will warm up to 76 degrees today.

I am thinking... a nap is needful today.

I am thankful for... My sister, Laura, who took in sweet Bella, a lab mix puppy on our street who's owners up & moved out leaving her behind.

I am wearing...pajamas still.

I am remembering...less is more.

I am going...to make my husband breakfast every day before work. He truly enjoyed it last week and was so surprised! :)

I am reading...The Bible

I am hoping...that work picks up for Alfred.

On my mind...breakfast. I am starving! ;)

From the learning rooms...lots of reading from good books, spelling, math, writing, science experiments, music appreciation, art, nature journals, and more...

Noticing that...the older I get, the faster time flies!

Pondering these words..."And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.' Phil. 4:19 (AMP)

From the kitchen...Preacher's Cookies and Chocolate/Peanut Butter Chip cookies.

Around the house...home-caring chores, laundry, cross-stitch, meal prep

One of my favorite things...homemade hot cocoa with marshmallows when it's cold out.

From my picture journal...

Please visit Peggy to read more Daybooks...

Home Ministry

Our finances look bleak at the moment. Unless God provides a miracle, we won;t be able to pay all of our bills this month. I know this is a spiritual attack and I'm not going to allow myself to get discouraged or to fall into fear any longer.

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Instead I will fight the good fight of faith by spending time with the Lord and will use my weapons of joy, peace, contentment and gratitude as I care for my family and home. I will invite the Homemaking Spirit into my home daily and prepare for her arrival.
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I will serve my family and minister to their needs. I will rejoice in the portion that the Lord has seen fit to give me - whether it be little or much. My home will become a home of comfort - a haven of rest and renewal for those who are broken-hearted and battle-weary from the storms of life.
~

Today I will don my apron and pull out my baking supplies to create a spirit of abundance by the works of my own two hands. I will provide nourishment for my family physically and spiritually. The Lord is on our side. All is well.

Gratitude List ~ Week 42

1. Lovely Indian Summer days.

2. Praises for the Preacher's Cookies I made.

3. Cozy sweaters to wrap up in when it's chilly indoors or out.

4. A stack of books borrowed from the library.

5. Waking up early before the sunrise slices through the night's darkened sky.

What are you grateful for today?

Thrift

By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest. ~Agesilaus

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I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living. ~John D. Rockefeller

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Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character. ~Calvin Coolidge

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A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need. ~Sidney Carroll

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Be thrifty, but not covetous. ~George Herbert

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Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the parent of Liberty. ~Samuel Johnson

Wishing you the loveliest of weekends!

Who is Rich?

Who is rich? He who rejoices in his portion. ~The Talmud

Who or what determines how rich we are? Is it the amount of money in our checking account or what society deems acceptable for living the "good" life? Is it fashionable clothes, restaurant meals, huge holiday celebrations?

I say not.

Each of us must decide for ourselves what our "rich" life consists of. We must, also, be true to ourselves. Here are some questions to consider:

~ Are we generous with our time, talents, money, and possessions?

~ Do we help those in need or turn away?

~ Are we choosing quality over quantity?

~ Are our homes havens of rest or has chaos and clutter taken over?

~ Are we trying to keep up with Joneses? Why?

~ What really matters to us in this life?

~ What are our priorities?

~ What legacy do we wish to leave behind?

Just some thoughts to ponder....

Blog Award

MountainMama  from Writing For Real Life has graciously awarded me with the "One Lovely Blog Award".

Thank you! It is always an honor to be presented with blog awards.

The rules for this award are as follows:

1. Copy and paste the picture to your blog, accepting the award, with a link back to the person who honoured you.

2. Send the award forth to other blogs that you have newly discovered. 

3. Leave a *note* for your recipients to come and collect their award.

Here are my picks:

Cultivating Home

Emmelines Blog

Enjoy! (For All is well!)

Living Happiness

Southern Rose Cottage

The Frugal Girl

Simple Living

We have debt. This is our reality. But I will no longer fret over that which can not be changed. Not that I will not work to become free from debt's evil clutches....I am and will continue to do so. But I intend to live my life on purpose, to live as generously as I am able, and to be content and thankful for all that we do have. Little by little the debt will be whittled away and our savings will grow.

The point I am trying to make is that we can not postpone living until we are debt-free.

I am already fairly frugal, but it's time to kick it up a notch. New skills will need to be learned - like making my own laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, fabric softener, and dryer sheets for starters. Learn to make even more foods and goodies from scratch. Whatever we need, I'll see if I can make it myself first. This will require creativity and ingenuity - forcing me to think outside of the box.

I'm not going to let these challenges discourage me!

For entertainment, there are free local activities to take advantage of (like the The Dog-Gone "Howl"-O-Ween Costume Contest our library is hosting this Saturday). We have parks and nature trails, tons of books plus the use of our library resources, board games, a deck of cards, internet, science experiments, art supplies, music, cooking and baking, cross-stitch projects, gardening and the like.

The possibilities are endless if we take the time to open our eyes to the world around us and the resources available.

I have my work cut out for me, but I am up for the challenge. Being an A+ frugalista has become my new hobby. I like learning more ways to stretch our income as far as possible, shopping at thrift shops, and doing things myself. I take great pride in living well despite the cards stacked against us and no longer relying on credit.

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~John Burroughs

Check out Leila's post on 5 Things Worse Than Being in Debt...an encouraging read!

On Oprah Today

Oprah Tours a Typical Danish Home - very interesting!

Women Around the World

One phrase stood out on the show:

Less space, less things.....more life.

Ain't that the truth?

I Must Be Rich...

...because everyone in my family seems to think so.

I don't understand it really. We have a lot of debt and a variable income (my husband works in the automotive industry as a diesel technician - and as we know business isn't exactly booming right now). Also we are a one-income family. Alfred goes out into the world to make the living and I make life worth living.

 My sister was visiting yesterday and mentioned she was struggling to make ends meet. When I mentioned the same she acted shocked and said we had money. Hardly so! I manage to make ends meet in spite of our challenges, but it's not easy. I shared with her the things I do to help reduce expenes and pinch my pennies.

I can not and will not complain though. I have a good man who loves me and works hard to support our family. I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, a reliable car to drive, food on the table, and we live in a free country.

 I am a blessed woman, no doubt about it.

Homemaking

I was up early this morning - at 4:40AM. I couldn't go back to sleep so I took the dogs out to potty, washed last night's dishes, and made Alfred coffee and a scambled egg sandwich on toasted bread with mayo, cheese, salt and pepper. His alarm clock went off at 5:30AM but he didn't get up, so I was able to surprise him with breakfast! He said he could get used to that. *smile* I've never been much of a morning person - but I am working on it.

~ @ ~

We enjoyed each other's company as we watched the morning news. Then he had to get ready for work and I packed his lunch (leftover chili topped with cheese and crackers) and I threw his uniforms in the washer to wash. I walked him out to the car and hosed it off with water so the windows would be frost free and clear for his drive to work.

~ @ ~

No school work for the kids today so I will clean house, figure out something tasty for dinner and will try to make Cowboy Cookies.

~ @ ~

What are you doing in your homemaking today?

Photos from Our Trip

Though I said we were going to Jacksonville - Hilliard, Florida is where Joel actually lives. It is a small town near J'ville.

We went to Fernandina Beach. I was shocked to see this Tsunami warning. We don't have these warning signs on our beaches.

Joel and the girls on the boardwalk.

Alfred and all the kids on the beach searching for shark teeth. This was the first time we have been to the Atlantic Ocean. It was so windy and cold!

There were horses on the beach!

I love these majestic creatures!

Shark teeth!

I love pretty houses, too.

This is The Mansion in Hilliard.

I liked this house, but Alfred was driving too fast for me to get a good picture. :(

Just a scenic shot as we traveled.

Hope you enjoyed the photo tour. :)

October 19th Daybook

FOR TODAY...October 19th from Tracy's Daybook

~ @ ~

Outside my window... there is frost on the cars and roof-tops. It is quite chilly.

I am thinking...I need to make up some hot chocolate mix.

I am thankful for... my family, our home, heat, hot water, and food on the table.

I am wearing... pajamas still, but it is early yet.

I am remembering...when Alfred and I first met and began dating.

I am going...grocery shopping today.

I am reading...The Message Bible and catching up on my magazines.

I am hoping... Alfred has a good day at work.

On my mind...thinking about all the animals out in the cold.

From the learning rooms... we have today & tomorrow off for Fall Break.

Noticing that...home-cooking is more filling and tastes better than pre-packaged foods.

Pondering these words...
May you always have walls for the winds,

a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,

laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,

and all your heart might desire.

~Irish Blessing

From the kitchen... good ole home-cooking.

Around the house... laundry and general home-caring.

One of my favorite things...my comfy bed!

From my picture journal...

 

 
 

Please visit Peggy to read more Daybooks...

Gratitude List ~ Week 41

1. A smooth problem-free trip.

2. Coming home to all our pets being so excited to see us.

3. I get to cozy up in my comfy bed tonight!

4. A Marilyn Monroe car tag to go on the front of my car.

5. Nutter Butter cookies! :)

Road Trip

Tomorrow morning we are leaving on a road trip...driving to Jacksonville, FL to spend the weekend with Alfred's son, Joel, and to watch one of his football games. There is lots to do today in preparation for the trip, in addition to the housework. I do not want to return home with a list of chores that need tending to! The kids are all psyched up and have been counting down the days until we leave. We are all looking forward to a change in scenery and spending time with Joel.

Alfred is taking diving classes in order to get certified. This is something he has always wanted to do, but I must admit I am not crazy about it. It seems so dangerous! Not only that, but all the kids want to do it, too! As for me, I'm having none of it. While I love the sea, I prefer to stay on land. But that's just me...

I stopped at a local teacher supply store yesterday and picked up a few books to use in our homeschool. There was all kinds of neat stuff there. I'll definitely be going back. :)

That is about all that's going on here. Hope all is well in your world and I will see you on Monday!