Tuesday, September 29, 2015

One Pot Cooking: Ready Spaghetti


I enjoy cooking but I don't really enjoy the clean up afterwards.
This recipe is quick, delicious and even better,
there's only one pot to clean when your done!


Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
3-1/2 cups water
1-2/3 cups spaghetti sauce
1 pkg (16 oz.) spaghetti noodles
1 Tbsp. minced dried onion
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. garlic pepper


Brown the ground beef on the stove
in a large sauce pan or pot
until no pink remains.
Drain the fat.


Add the remaining ingredients except the spaghetti
and mix well. Bring to a boil.
Break the spaghetti noodles into small pieces
and add them into the pot.
Turn the heat to low, cover,
and stir approximately every 5 minutes
for about 20 minutes
or until the noodles are tender.
Enjoy!


If there are any leftovers they are excellent 
for reheating the next day!


Thanks so much for stopping by!
 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~


Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday

Monday, September 28, 2015

The Simple Woman's Daybook



For today...  Monday, September 27, 2015

Outside my window...


I am thinking...  Of how I am looking forward to some extra days off next week.

I am thankful for...  The beautiful days we have been having.

From the kitchen... 
~Monday~
Simple Chicken Bake, Glazed Carrots, Tossed Salad


~Tuesday~
Mushroom Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes,Garlic-Peppered Green Beans, Tossed Salad


~Wednesday~
Oven Baked Sausage & Veggies, Tossed Salad

~Thursday~
Homemade Shake 'n Bake Chicken, Italian Bubble Loaf, Caesar Salad


~Friday~
Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry, Rice, Asian Salad


~Saturday~
Fast Fish, Rice Pilaf, Peas, Tossed Salad

~Sunday~
Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, 
Broccoli w/Cheese Sauce, Corn, Tossed Salad, 
Dessert: Chocolate Roll



I am wearing... Grey dress pants, Purple & gray floral top with purple cardigan, grey boots

I am creating... Still working on a new office/crafting space.

I am reading... Paris by Edward Rutherford

I am praying for...  Family & Friends

Pondering these words... Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. ~Dennis P. Kimbro~

I am hoping...  To get the new office/crafting space done soon.

I am hearing... The computer running & the dog snoring.

One of my favorite things...  Watching the sunrise.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday:  School & Work
~Tuesday:  School & Luvin' My Home
~Wednesday: School & Work
~Thursday:  School & Work
~Friday:  School, Shopping & Errands, Visiting my Parents
~Saturday:  Morning date w/hubby & Luvin' my Home
~Sunday: Church & Relaxing

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~Decorative corn grown by my dad~

Thanks so much for stopping by!
 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Week In Review


~Sunday~
A wonderfully relaxing day!
We took our daughter out for lunch
and then relaxed and caught up
on some of our favorite TV shows.


~Monday~
The mornings are getting quite chilly.
I had to pull out my little gloves
to keep my hands warm on the drive in to school.


~Tuesday~
Things are a little crazy at work
as we are down to half the amount of staff
we normally have and then the elevators
aren't working so that means
hauling everything up and down the stairs :(
I took a little time to do some pumpkin decorating,
it helps me relax!




~Wednesday~
I don't particularly enjoy the fact 
that when I get up it is dark
and it's already quite dark
when I am finished work in the evening.
However, watching the morning
sunrise makes up for it.


~Thursday~
I did a little bit of extra cooking
so we would have things
in the fridge for the upcoming week
as hubby is going onto a set
of six 12-hour night shifts.


~Friday~
We got out of school early 
and the day was absolutely gorgeous!
Forget the housework, 
I spent the extra time outside
puttering around in yard :)


~Saturday~
I love Saturday mornings,
no alarms,
no getting up in the dark,
and hubby brings me coffee in bed.
It is definitely my favorite day of the week!
It was such a beautiful morning
we took a morning stroll
while our breakfast cooked in the oven
What is your favorite day of the week?.


Thanks so much for stopping by!
 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~


Friday, September 25, 2015

Back Door Pumpkins


My parents surprised me with some
pumpkins from their garden.


Since all the flowers at my back door
have finished for the season
I decided to make a
"Back Door Pumpkin Vignette".


I used the pumpkins from my parents garden
and added some caragana branches from our yard.


For a bit of color I trimmed off a few leaves
 from our Virginia Creeper


I felt it needed a little bit more
so I added some of the berries
from the Virginia Creeper as well.


I just love the combination of colors,
orange, green, yellow, red and deep purple.


The wire frame is an old gate
that has good memories for our family
and the old pump is from
my grandparents farm.


It certainly does add a touch of fall
to our back door.
Do you like to decorate with things from
around your yard?


 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



Life on Lakeshore Drive for Bouquet of Talent Party

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Unexpected Living Room Make Over - Before & After


A few years ago we did a living room make over
and I thought it would pretty much 
stay the same for awhile.

~Before~

~After~

However, in the decision to downsize
and a very quick sale of the piano
I found I was in the middle of an
unexpected living room make over.

~Before~

~After~

After the piano went out
I decided the fireplace needed to go as well
and I replaced it with a smaller, corner fireplace
which was half price.


I also wanted one more chair
and found this one on Kijiji
for only $40 in mint condition!
I don't think anyone ever sat on it.


~Before~

~After~

For now I have the couch cover off
but I can always put it back on
for a different look.


I fell in love with these cushions
that I found at JYSK
and even better, they were on clearance!

~Before~

~After~

We are enjoying the new look
and the feeling of space
in our living room make over.


 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



The Dedicated House for Before & After Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
Rooted in Thyme for Simple & Sweet Fridays
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday