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Happy Homemaker Monday, Blue Monday

HappyHomemakerMonday 8 Comments

Or rather a green Monday. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles fans! Your team outplayed the Chiefs big time.

Still love my Chiefs though. Can’t knock a team too much that’s made it to the Super Bowl 3 years in a row. Who knows maybe it’ll be a re-match (hopefully, with a different outcome!) next year.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday. She’s changed up the categories so I’m trying to play along a bit.

*Headings in Green in honor of the Eagles* Just for today.

The Weather

Sunday’s sunrise

A bit gloomy. Cold. Supposed to snow tomorrow night into Wednesday–winter’s back! Along with a winter storm warning, just snow. And again on Saturday though that might be rain or snow.

As I Look Outside My Window

Clouds, a few random birds at the bird feeders. In the front, a truck doing some sort of serious looking plumbing work at the house on the corner.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, trying to decide where to start on cleaning the house, status: post-birthday and Super bowl nightmare level & we didn’t even host anything here.

Thinking And Pondering

Trying to not feel guilty for saying no to work today. If I’d been called early, I’d have probably went but I got the text while in the grocery store. By the time I got there, it’d been a 2 hour day of lunch and naptime. Need to focus on my own family today (housecleaning, groceries, errands, etc)

On My Bedside Table

Just a lamp, phone charger, and the book G gave me at Christmas (my e-books from a long library waiting list keep popping up so I keep putting it down). Sometimes the cat if she’s decided I’ve slept too long and decides to sit there meowing until her lazy employee gets out of bed, I mean really the nerve of her employee to sleep past 5:30 in the morning!

On My TV

We watched last season’s Super Bowl yesterday afternoon. It was much better than the one last night 😉 Other than that, random westerns (My husband tends to turn that channel on and leave, then here I am all interested in movies like Red Headed Stranger with Willie Nelson from 1986.). Also, still watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine

On My Reading Pile

One of my long-wait list books, Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Eleven people waiting on me, kind of wish the library wouldn’t show me that. A little slow to start but really intriguing. I also have Paula Hawkins latest novel to read waiting as well.

Listening To

A bit of sports talk radio last night/this morning before I turned on the regular Pop music station.

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: Sad Superbowl Leftovers (smorgasbord of leftover Chinese (G & J), salad, maybe shrimp cocktail, strawberries, cookies, and I don’t know what else)

TUESDAY: Chicken and Noodles/mashed potatoes *I hopefully have plans OUT for Galentine’s Day*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock Pot *I work(?) 8-4*

THURSDAY: Korean Meatballs, rice *I work 11-2*

FRIDAY: Waffles, Bacon *Valentine’s Day* *I work 10:30-4*

On My To Do List

grocery store, clean the house (cat box, blah!), laundry, check in with work over Wednesday, order prints for part of a Galentine’s Day gift, call brother to see if family still coming in for other brother’s birthday, probably other stuff I can’t remember. Adding in have J look at the computer and see why it’s going so slow again.

Happening This Week

  • I work Wednesday (maybe, teacher wanted off for the Chiefs parade, yes, that’s how spoiled our Chiefs had us), Thursday, and Friday
  • Galentine’s Day dinner out with friends on Tuesday night (hoping it’s not cancelled due to weather)
  • Might have family in town for brother’s birthday on Thursday, need to check on it
  • Valentine’s Day on Friday, no plans at the moment

What I Am Creating

I have a few artichoke seedlings!

My Simple Pleasure

Spending time with friends

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Trust that I raised my kids to do the right thing.

Looking Around The House

I need to quit looking and start cleaning, it’s bad!

From The Camera

Didn’t pick up the camera this week but here’s a phone pic of the cat giving G a very mean look because he was out of town over the weekend. She was mad at him but has since forgiven her favorite person.

Prayer List

Friend who recently lost her father, everyone to stay healthy (so much ickiness floating around), friends, family, strangers

Quote For The Week

 

Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. (William A. Watkinson)

 

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Ice, Ice, Baby

Winter Wednesday 4 Comments

It’s an ice day around here (well, for me). Husband went to work and G had a late start. It’s not a pretty ice storm either. It’s the kind where the roads/sidewalks look fine but then you step outside and it’s slick! Lots of wrecks and highway shutdowns this morning.

Oddly, Monday was so warm that I went to the grocery store with no coat and we grilled pork chops for dinner. Yesterday, the temperature took a dive and by the late afternoon, the bitter wind arrived.

Anyway, here’s the hot chocolate report for this week.

Iced Hot Chocolate

A few weeks back I tried a vanilla hot chocolate packet which I did not like at all. And to my dismay, I’d accidentally purchased 2 of them! I noticed on the back of the packet directions for making iced-hot chocolate. Interesting. Since it was so warm on Monday, I gave it a try. Definitely better this way. Probably not going to be a go-to for me but way better than the hot version. However, I’m going to stick with iced-coffee (or blended–a better value at the fancy coffee shops) and iced-tea when the weather is warm.

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

I think I’ve perhaps learned my lesson with these particular packets of hot chocolate:

The Hazelnut chocolate cocoa mix is missing hazelnuts from the ingredients! Geez. Since I had time this morning I opted to go in search of an actual hazelnut hot chocolate recipe instead. Maybe I’ll try the iced version of the packet another time.

I found a recipe for Nutella hot chocolate here.

And since we always have some of this in our pantry:

Yes, it’s off brand Nutella, don’t judge.

I decided to give it a try.

Cut the recipe in half as I was the only one interested in it. Final product:

Looked pretty. Apparently, I’ve become a pretty big hot chocolate critic. This was only okay to me. Not something I’m going to make again. And I do love Nutella! Maybe it needed more, it reminded me more of a hot Nesquik than hot chocolate. I guess is it even technically a hot chocolate?

Going to stick with having my Nutella the proper way, just having it straight off a spoon. Or heated over a bit of ice cream. (G likes peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches but I’ve never tried those).

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I’ll end this post properly with this fun throwback (we actually heard it on the radio this weekend!):

And a couple questions: Have you ever had an iced-hot chocolate? Do you think Nutella hot chocolate counts a genuine hot chocolate?

*Full Disclosure: I had to pay a cat tax collector in a bit of whipped cream while trying to judge my Nutella hot chocolate. She refused to be photographed.

Happy Homemaker Monday, February

HappyHomemakerMonday 14 Comments

A new month! January wasn’t bad for us (though I know it was rough for many) but I’m still happy to welcome a new month.

Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for another Happy Homemaker Monday.

The Weather

Ready to be jealous? It was 60 degrees here yesterday! Yep, Six OH beautiful degrees Fahrenheit. And partly sunny. It’s nice again today, ran to the store this morning without needing a coat. (J wore shorts to his band practice last night). Tomorrow, I think we turn back to normal, and then a good chance of a rain/snow mix for Wednesday. Nothing too scary though. And for anyone who might need it, I even saw a bit of green on my walk yesterday!

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies, a few (not many) birds at the feeders, and hardly any snow left, just the base of a neighbor’s snowman that likely won’t last the afternoon.

Right Now I Am

Just back from the grocery store and finished up with lunch.

Thinking And Pondering

Downy woodpecker

If I can squeeze in a walk today, lots on the *have to* list but it’s so pretty outside! (At least, I got to go yesterday)

On My Bedside Table

Lamp, phone charger, a book (need to move it though as I prefer the table to be empty)

On My TV

Brooklyn Nine-Nine and of course on Sunday,….The Super Bowl. GO CHIEFS! Come On, 3-Peat!

Listening To

Washing machine at the moment.

On The Menu 

MONDAY: Grilled pork chops, potatoes (maybe), corn on the cob, rolls, salad

TUESDAY: White Chicken Chili

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti

THURSDAY: Taco soup

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza *I work 8-4:30*

Decided to keep things pretty simple and basic this week since the weekend’s going to be exciting.

On My To Do List

Grocery store (DONE), laundry, need to do some other shopping errands (husband’s birthday is Saturday), send a few cards, cleaning chores

Happening This Week

My happenings are usually subject to change based on whether or not I get called into work.

Tuesday: We’re attending a funeral for a friend who lost their father

Thursday: G is going out of town

Friday: I work all day

Saturday: Husband’s birthday

Sunday: Superbowl Party to attend. GO CHIEFS!

What I Am Creating

Um, I started some artichoke seeds. (I’m attempting more to grow them for the flowers)

Simple Pleasure

Reading before bed

From The Camera

(All photos in post from the “real” camera!)

What’s that blue?

It’s an Eastern Bluebird! (And I’m out of practice with the “real” camera)

Quote For The Week

We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. (unknown)

 

Local Fun, Flavor, and Random Bits

Five on Friday Week in Review 10 Comments

We’ve made it to Friday! It’s a rainy dreary day here and I’m still a bit shocked to find myself with an unscheduled day. No complaints about it though. G’s under the weather and working from home so I’ve enjoyed a few “water cooler” chats with him and J. Ha, they probably wouldn’t even know what I meant by that. Going to have to ask in a bit.

Time for another Five on Friday. Don’t forget to go check it out over at My Creative Life!

After a few days of working (actually, I think I worked Tuesday, Wednesday, and yesterday), I really only have my Monday photos of the Fan Zone at Union Station to share so sorry (not really) to all the non-Chiefs fans out there. Don’t run away though, Union Station in Kansas City is a beautiful historical building (you can probably see it beyond the Chiefs pictures).

Here’s the backside of Union Station as viewed from the parking garage (they usually only show the front with the lights and flags on TV):

ONE: Fan Zone at Union Station

I mentioned in my Happy Homemaker Monday post how I talked my husband into going to the Fan Zone at Union Station with me. This is just inside the station entry where they put Chiefs signs and such for fan photo ops. It’s fun and free (not counting parking fees).

TWO: Photos My Husband Took

My husband took better photos really than I did of the Fan Zone. Also, you can see on the left edge there, the shirts hanging, a store inside the station where you bet I bought an AFC West Championship tee-shirt. And yes, that’s me on the right there. And sitting in the chair in the next photo. 

THREE: Union Station Architecture

Here’s some for the non-sports fans (note: some Chiefs stuff may still show in these photos)

photo credit to my husband on this one as well

 

FOUR: Local Flavor

Our city goes all out for the Chiefs right down to the ice cream flavors!

This is from a local ice cream shop but they were selling it in the grocery store. A little (Okay, a lot) expensive but they’d marked it down so I picked it up to try. Wow, it was so good.

FIVE: Random Bits from the Week

A picture of “Taylor’s boyfriend” that has nothing to do with the rest of the text under this heading.

As I said, I worked on Tuesday, Wednesday, and yesterday this week. And if you don’t believe it, let me tell you preschooler conversations are the best for making you have hope for humanity (much needed lately!), laugh, and shake your head. Sometimes all at once!

Overheard lunchtime conversation:  First kid:  They had to slice my mom open and pull me out of her tummy!  Second kid: WELL, my mom had to poop me out her *correct word that starts with V*

And then, they were on to a new topic, probably about the actual lunch or Bluey or who knows what.

My co-teacher and I looked at each other trying so hard not to give into fits of laughter!

A hopeful conversation: Little boy told me, did you know they used to not let people who looked different go to school?! That’s just not right. Cause we’re all the same on the inside.

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There’s happiness, laughter, and hope for the future out there. Hope you see a glimpse of it this weekend!

Oh, and one last thing: GO CHIEFS! COME ON 3-PEAT!

 

Hot Chocolate and Hot Weather

Winter Wednesday 4 Comments

Okay, maybe hot weather is relative. Snow melting, no coat in January weather? The first super early round of mud season is upon us weather? Hello, potholes weather (actually, that weather’s been here for a bit!). A fool’s spring definitely.

Quick post as it was a long day, I make my own schedule so why would I agree to close one day and open the next? Ugh. Not bad days but I’m tired.

Hot Chocolate of the Week:

Not a hit with me even with marshmallows added. And I typically do like Dove chocolates (though to be fair, I’m a dark chocolate fan much more than milk chocolate). I think this came from my work Christmas gift. Hoping I’ve not ruined quick hot chocolate for myself by making those homemade versions! I made this Sunday when it was cooler out.

Hot Weather (for January)

It’s beautiful and sunny outside except it’s also oh so muddy! Lots of snow from a blizzard makes lots of mud when it melts. Just a reminder that this was our weather just last week on Tuesday:

So between the two, I’ll take the warmer weather. That said I’ve seen this meme numerous places to the point I’m not sure how to credit the original author but it’s extremely accurate:

What season is it where you are?

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Happy Day!

HappyHomemakerMonday 6 Comments

If you aren’t smiling in Kansas City today, you’re either a Bills fan or a sports hater. And let me tell you, around here, we’re smiling! So happy to see my team going for a chance to make Super Bowl history with a 3-peat!

We had sports talk radio on this morning and I think one of the hosts kind of summed things up:  You really do feel bad for Josh Allen because he seems like a nice guy and no denying he’s a great quarterback. But then, you go We’re going to the Super Bowl! AGAIN. Wheeee!

So much to do today after feeling under the weather pretty much all of last week. Still, I’m determined to post and join in with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.

Let’s get to it.

The Weather

Sunrise with the moon showing on Saturday or Sunday, can’t remember which

The sun is shining, it’s warming up, 43 degrees already. Did I mention it was a happy day?! Supposed to be in the 50’s tomorrow and Wednesday, then drop back to the 40’s and probably rain on Friday. I’ll be even happier if the rain washes away the ugly snow piles from the blizzard.

Things That Make Me Happy

How ‘Bout Those Chiefs?!!!!!?? (Sorry, I’ll *try* to be less obnoxious the rest of the week but this is super exciting!)

(I actually talked my husband into going to the fan zone at Union Station this morning to get some pictures! Sharing some here, more in later posts)

On the Breakfast Plate

French toast bagel and coffee, vitamins

On the Lunch Plate

Macaroni and Cheese from the blue box (G is home sick from work and requested it). I added leftover BBQ little smokies to mine, super yummy!

On The Dinner Plate

Trying a new one off the back of the carton of chicken stock: Asian Bow Tie Pasta (trying to get the elements of chicken soup into my son who doesn’t like soup)

On The Menu

The *three* rings off our dessert cupcakes from dinner last night. (Store-bought)

MONDAY: Asian Bow Tie Pasta

TUESDAY: Kielbasa on the grill, potatoes, cucumber salad *I work 2:30-6*

WEDNESDAY: Spicy Korean Chicken, homemade spring rolls, rice (seeing if my husband will grill it tomorrow) *I work 7:00-3:30*

THURSDAY: Korean meatballs/rice *I work 3-5*

FRIDAY: Cabbage Roll Casserole

 On My Reading Pile

Too many books I need to read, good problem. Right now I’m trying to finish up Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton and just started Mickey7 by Edward Ashton (G gave me this book for Christmas) plus have 2 ebooks that came off my hold list at the library (not sure I remember the titles at the moment).

On My TV This Week

Football! I’m kind of glad the Washington Commanders lost as I’d have felt bad cheering against them in the Super Bowl. I have no reservations about cheering against Philadelphia (again). I don’t think this is the last we’ve seen of the Commanders (or the Bills, of course).

In non-sports viewing, I watched the second season of Night Agent (really like that show) on Netflix. A movie that shouldn’t have been so good but was: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. And finally, I’ve been casually watching Brooklyn 99 at night, a funny, you don’t have to think very hard comedy.

On My To Do List

Mostly getting things back in order after being sick so all the usual: laundry, cleaning the house, grocery store, etc. Add in going to the bank and getting a new bankcard because my new one never arrived (DONE), double checking if I have any auto withdraws because the pin changed (I don’t think I do but sometimes I put Black Friday streaming deals on my card), car wash, double-checking work calendar, and I don’t even know what else.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try

The Asian Chicken Bow Tie pasta is new. So is the cabbage roll casserole.

From The Camera

Quote for the Week

 

Where there is love, there is joy. (Mother Teresa)

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Slow Week: Five on Friday

Five on Friday Week in Review 4 Comments

It’s been a slow January week. And I’ve been fighting off some sinus-type thing for most of it. Focusing on resting mostly. Good week for it with the super cold temperatures and not much going on really (other than the Chiefs, you bet I’m wearing my lucky red even if I’m home on red Friday. Go Chiefs!)

For right now, I’m hopping on here with a Five on Friday post with images from this week.

ONE: A Fun Surprise

My sister-in-law who moved to Florida a few years ago, sent us Christmas cookies (made after Christmas, it’s okay I wondered as well)! I don’t make these cookies (don’t even try) so we were all thrilled. Only one slight issue:

How many crumbs equal a cookie?  We figured it out and they were still super delicious!

TWO: Cold Sunlight

The cold didn’t stop the sunlight from streaming in the windows. I found myself a bit captivated with the way it hit this hibiscus bloom. Why is my hibiscus blooming indoors in January? I have no idea.

It also hit upon the bromeliad plant. I picked up two of these around Christmas as bedroom decor plants.

THREE: Bird-watching

Of course, I immediately went to bird-watching upon picking up the “real” camera again. I’ll be excited to get images from outside and not through the backdoor when the weather warms up again. Here’s an interesting bird:

(Remember these images are through the glass of the backdoor)

My goal is to get a good image of this bird but it won’t cooperate!  Did you figure out what it was yet?

Believe it or not, it’s a Northern Cardinal! It’s either molting or has severe leucism or both.

And since those pictures were awful, here’s an actual in focus one of the Flicker woodpecker visiting the suet feeder:

Such amazing looking birds!

FOUR: Frugal Menus

I didn’t even have a menu prepared on Monday so here’s what we ended up eating this week:

  • Monday: Roast in the crock pot
  • Tuesday: Chicken Tingas, from freezer, plus I used some corn tortillas to make homemade chips
  • Wednesday: Beef vegetable stew using leftover roast meat and dinner rolls
  • Thursday: Fried pork chops, baked potatoes, and dinner rolls again
  • Friday: Tonight I’m either making turkey sausages and peppers or we’ll have waffles/bacon
  • Sat/Sun: Not sure yet but I know we have chili in the freezer so maybe that during the game

FIVE: Reading and Watching

Here’s what I’ve been reading and watching (besides the birds!)

Reading:

I finished up all the Jessica Dodge books that were available on Kindle Unlimited. Not high brow literature but I did enjoy the somewhat spooky stories set mainly in Wales and Scotland. They weren’t exactly a series but I’d suggest reading them in this order: The Forgotten Witch, The Book of Lost Enchantments, and then, Misplaced Magic. I did find the last one a bit spookier than the first two and not ideal for before bed reading.

Now, I’m reading Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton. Yes, it’s a Christmas cozy murder mystery.

Watching:

Something about being under the weather with me and I watch old action movies I’ve somehow never seen. This week’s been all about the Rush Hour movies with Jackie Chan. I only have the third left to watch.They are goofy but enjoyable. Also on my list of viewing from this week, Brooklyn 99, it’s nice and light, not much thinking required. Perfect if your before bed book is a bit too scary. And finally, I started watching season 2 of The Night Agent yesterday as I really enjoyed the first season. Of course, football this weekend. Did I already say Go Chiefs!?

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Not much going on today, just laundry and probably a bit more watching (of birds and tv). I really need to run to Target but haven’t felt like it. If I feel decent at all tomorrow or Sunday, I plan to spend some much needed time outside (it’s supposed to be in the high 30’s or maybe 40’s finally). No big plans just going to let the weekend unfold.

Do you have exciting weekend plans?

*Also, planning to link up to My Creative Life for this Five on Friday when she posts. Go check out her blog!

 

 

 

 

25 List Redo and a Word

25in2025 Notice2025 4 Comments

I finally settled on a word for 2025 and it’s none of the ones I considered. How it goes sometimes, right?  The closest I came to the words I considered was savor.

However, I felt it came with a bit of pressure. And did I want to feel that I must savor the moments of unhappiness that creep into the years along with the wonders. Still, I wanted to notice the moments of happiness and unhappiness and every moment in between. Not just go through the year in a daze (I feel like slept walk through 2024 somehow) but actually pay attention and notice the things happening around me. So my word for 2025 is:

NOTICE

 

I think I could go a bit further with it and use a phrase: notice the moment. Mostly that’s how I plan to engage my word but I’m keeping things simple and just having a word for the year. I’m hoping by noticing the world around me and not spending quite so much time distracting myself (with say my phone), that I can arrive at the end of 2025 and not wonder what happened and where it all went.

What do you think? If you already picked a word for 2025, what is it and how is it going for you so far?

 

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Adding a picture here just to break up topics a bit.

I

Speaking of noticing, I noticed I didn’t care for the way I did my 25 for 2025 list. I can fix that though. A new off the cuff list. Some items might be the same and some may change. Anyway, here’s an updated straight up list of 25 things I want to do in 2025, no order, no categories, just a list.

  1. Try a different hot chocolate flavor every week during winter
  2. Get my ears pierced again
  3. Plant a garden again (we skipped last year other than in a few pots)
  4. Go on a walk at least once a week (giving myself grace for weeks when the temp is below zero!)
  5. Send someone a letter every week of 2025
  6. Buy 2 Christmas presents a month
  7. Lose 25 pounds (who knows maybe this is my year!)
  8. Say yes to invitations, maybes are yes. (I have permission to NOT go if I really don’t want to go)
  9. Host Easter brunch
  10. Go through an automatic car wash by myself
  11. Notice and embrace the pace of every season
  12. Clean out the computer desk (Note my computer desk is a big engineering type desk with lots of space in the drawers that I think contain papers dating back to the kids’ elementary school days)
  13. Blog at least 3 times a week
  14. Date night with my husband once a month (I should probably share this list item with him)
  15. Clean and organize basement
  16. Participate in the 52 Week Organized Home Challenge (just jumping in with it. Thank you Carol for mentioning it in your blog post on Monday!)
  17. Pick up the real camera at least once a week
  18. Take 4 trips, one in each season
  19. Act from a place of peace, love, and kindness. Take a pause if necessary (sports team cheering exempted, LOL)
  20. Clean up the back deck and backyard to make it a more peaceful place (this requires better weather and husband help…hmmm, a date night? Ha!)
  21. Clean corner in bedroom (clear out the clutter corner basically)
  22. Have spa day once a month
  23. Serious email clean out and unsubscribe from lists
  24. Give myself permission to rest on days I feel run down
  25. Refer back to the list near the end of each month (With a blog post? Maybe sometimes…)

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Will I still do some of the things dropped from my first 25 in 2025 list? Maybe or maybe not. Will I do everything on this list? Maybe or maybe not. I do feel better about this list though like I can stick to it better.

 

Hot Chocolates

Winter Wednesday 4 Comments

Nope, not a typo in my title. I tried two different types of hot chocolate this week. And yes, it is only Wednesday.  Take a look at what temperature we woke up to on Tuesday:

Yeah, just a little chilly out there. Still, I had a hair appointment and since I was out anyway, made a brief stop by the grocery store. Don’t worry it was up to 3 degrees by the time I made it to the store. So, you see the logic of trying two hot chocolates this week instead of only one.

Monday’s choice:

Monday wasn’t quite as cold. However, I thought it would be a good day to try out a new recipe since I had the day off work. Colonial Hot Chocolate seemed fitting somehow as it was also Inauguration Day.

Hmm…needs a little something. How about a bit of whipped cream topped with cinnamon-sugar?

My thoughts: While I enjoyed the flavor of it, I didn’t care for the grittiness of it. Not sure if I did something wrong or that was just how they had their hot chocolate in colonial times. I do think if you put the spices in a tea strainer or maybe strained the hot chocolate before pouring in the cup, it would improve the experience quite a bit.

Notes: I didn’t have any star anise so left it out, I think it would’ve enhanced the flavor but I didn’t miss it that much. Also didn’t have any orange rinds (I’d definitely add that if I make it again) and opted to leave out the red chili pepper.

Tuesday’s Choice:

Even without the bitter cold, this choice wins of all the hot chocolates I’ve tried so far! Italian Hot Chocolate is definitely to be savored and not slurped away.

I added a bit of whipped cream to this but it did not need it. At all.

Look how thick this is:

My thoughts: First, a disclaimer, Italian food is my absolute favorite so no surprise I loved this. It was so rich and thick, definitely more a dessert than a drink. I mostly drank it off the spoon. My family, who I made try this one, all said um, it’s pudding. And it does have that texture. G thought it was a bit bitter but he’s not a dark chocolate fan.

Notes: I did make a few mistakes while making this, accidentally mixing the sugar at the beginning with the cocoa/cornstarch mixture. Making this is definitely a process that requires patience. I didn’t add any extra flavors to it. If When I make it again, I might swirl in a bit of vanilla or a bit of amaretto but I don’t think it really needs anything at all. Did I make two cups (J changed his mind about wanting any) and have a second cup without the whipped cream for dessert after dinner? Yes, yes I did.

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Remember as part of my 25 for 2025 list, I’ve decided to try a new kind of hot chocolate every week this winter (and packets count if I don’t have time to make it from scratch!).

Have you ever tried Italian hot chocolate?

Do you have a favorite style of hot chocolate I should try?

Happy Homemaker Monday, A Cold One!

HappyHomemakerMonday 8 Comments

Happy Monday! Here in the U.S., it’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as well as Inauguration Day. And bitter cold, here in Kansas City. No work for me today (schools out because of MLK, Jr. Day) so a good day to putter around and maybe get a bit of indoor housekeeping done.

Joining in again with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, hoping 2025 is the year, I manage to post a Happy Homemaker Post every Monday.

The Weather

Come hang out by the Netflix fireplace with me:

Already mentioned it but again, it’s bitter cold out there! Right now it’s 7 degrees with a minus 4 degree windchill and supposed to get colder before warming up again. By Wednesday though we’re back to our normal mid 30’s and I even see some 40’s for the weekend. Slight (very slight) chance of a sprinkling of snow on Thursday.

Things That Make Me Happy

How About Those Chiefs????!!!!!  Two games away from a 3 peat win of the Super Bowl!

As I Look Outside My Window

Saturday sunrise out the front windows (I may have actually stepped out and froze for this photo)

This was from yesterday but the birds were busy at the birdfeeders! A few favorites. I took these through the backdoor so not super great quality!

white-throated sparrow
I had a flicker woodpecker at my suet feeder, that’s new one for around here!
Red-bellied woodpecker

And who’s this?

On the Breakfast Plate

Apple cinnamon oatmeal and coffee

On the Lunch Plate

I’m thawing out a frittata from the freezer that I made around New Year’s

On The Dinner Plate

Roast in the crock pot, dinner rolls

On The Menu

A work in progress. I’ve decided I need to spend today seeing what we have and making menus to clear out the fridge/freezer/pantry. Threw some produce away this morning that should have been used. UGH, I know we’ve all had it happen but it’s so frustrating especially with the price of groceries.

MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot

TUESDAY:  Maybe Chicken Tingas (already cooked in freezer) *Hair appointment for me at 10:00 a.m.*

WEDNESDAY: ???

THURSDAY: ???

FRIDAY: ???

On My Reading Pile

The Forgotten Witch by Jessica Dodge, I enjoyed The Book of Lost Enchantments enough to read another. Each book seems to be stand alone. They are cozy and kind of whimsical reads set in Scotland. Probably make great Fall reads but I’m reading them in winter.

On My TV This Week

Oh, can I say it again? How About Those Chiefs????!!!! Okay, I’ll stop. Obviously, football this weekend. And I’m so grateful that I won’t have to listen to Joe Buck/Troy Aikman again. UGH, they were annoying. For the record, I saw the same roughing the passer calls in a quite a few other non-Chiefs games earlier in the season where the announcers explained the rule instead of griping. I confess I spent many years hating on New England so I guess I get it, they hate us ’cause they ain’t us 😉

Okay, enough of that, time to start practicing my “Shut Up, Tony Romo!” yells. LOL. I actually don’t mind him as much.  Sorry about the tough loss for the Detroit fans out there.

Other than that, my husband and I have one episode of Resident Alien left to watch. Maybe I’ll finally get around to finishing Emily in Paris.

On My To Do List

What’s not on my to do list? Same old stuff really: laundry, clean the house, declutter a bit (I did *finally,* on a couple warm days last week, drop off some donation boxes that had been in the trunk way too long), grocery store and Target runs, make meal list from items in fridge/freezer/pantry, pay bills,etc.

What I’m Creating

I usually don’t have anything for this category but we had a work event on Friday and it was a painting party:

(I got a little carried away with my snow!)

I’m also planning to create a loaf of banana bread in bit to have the oven maybe heat the house up a bit more.

From The Camera

I picked my real camera up this week for the first time in such a long time! So the pictures in the post are a combo of phone/real camera pictures.

Think she’s dreaming of warm summer days? I think the hibiscus I moved in for the winter is sharing her dream as it bloomed over the weekend! 

Quote for the Week

My favorite quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. : 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

 

 

 

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