Keeping It Simple. Keeping It Natural.

Life is busy!

School...Work...Ailing parents...Adult children moving home...

Planning a move....

It is a time in my life when I need to simplify

and one of the areas I decided to do that in

was in the decorating.

As much as I do enjoy seasonal decorating it does take time.

So for now I decided to go for an all season look.

It feels so simple and fresh.

Just what I was looking for.

After a long day the combination of fresh plants

and glowing candles helps me to relax.

So for now I'm keeping it simple, keeping it natural,

allowing me to focus my time where needed

during this season of life.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



Joining...

White Spray Paint for Thoughts of Home

Almond Mocha Cake

If you are looking for a dense, moist, chocolate cake

full of flavor then this is the cake for you.

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1-1/2 cups strong coffee

1/2 cup margarine

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup sugar

2 tsp almond extract

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

Icing sugar

Heat oven to 325F.

Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan.

Gently press almonds in bottom and half way up

sides of greased pan.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat

combine coffee, margarine and chocolate chips

until mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in sugar & almond flavoring.

Place in large bowl and cool for 5 minutes.

At low speed, gradually blend flour and baking soda

into chocolate mixture until moistened.

Add vanilla and eggs;

beat at medium speed until just blended.

Pour into greased and nut-lined pan.

Bake at 325F for 60-70 minutes

or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Cool upright in plan 25 minutes;

Invert onto serving plate.

Cool completely.

Sprinkle with Icing sugar & enjoy!

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...  Monday, February 8, 2016

Outside my window...

 I am thinking...  Of how quickly 10-months of school went by and what my practicum will be like.

I am thankful for... Such a supportive family.

From the kitchen... 

~Monday~
Parmesan & Herbed Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Garlic Green Beans, Mashed Turnip

~Tuesday~

Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Rice, Cheesy Cauliflower, Tossed Salad

~Wednesday~
Leftovers

~Thursday~
Garden Chicken Saute, Oven Baked Zucchini

~Friday~
Supper at Parents

~Saturday~
Fish 'n Chips, Glazed Carrots, Tossed Salad

~Sunday~

Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccoli, Corn, Tossed Salad

Pink Swirl Cake

I am wearing... Dark-wash jeans & a jade green blouse with gold buttons.

I am creating...

~Garden Plans~

I am reading... People of the Flood (Ark Chronicles #2) by Vaughn Heppner.

I am praying for... Family & friends.

Pondering these words... "There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day." ~Alexander Woollcott~

I am hoping...  To finish painting the trim in the stairwell this week.

I am hearing... Coda barking.

One of my favorite things... The feeling of accomplishment when you finally tackle & complete a project.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday:  School, Hair Appointment, Luvin' My Home
~Tuesday:  School, Taking my mom to a specialist appointment, Work
~Wednesday: School, Painting the hallway trim, Work
~Thursday:  School, Dentist Appointment, Grocery Shoppoing
~Friday:  Last Day of School! Bathing Coda, Luvin' My Home, More trim painting, Family celebration supper at my parents.
~Saturday:  Morning date w/hubby, Luvin' My Home, Work
~Sunday: Greeters at church, Work

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Have you tried Adult Coloring?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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

Berry Crisp

Isn't it funny how you can start thinking about one thing

and it leads you to something completely different?

For me it started with my slight case of spring fever.

Hubby & I were discussing garden plans

and changes we want to make this year.

Next thing I knew I had a craving for a

Berry Crisp.

The tartness of the berries, the crunch of the top,

mixed with the sweetness of the ice cream.

It's like a spring sensation for your taste buds.

So, I scrounged around and this is what I came up with.

Berry Crisp

4 cups frozen mixed berries

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour + 3 Tbsp.

3/4 cup quick cooking oats

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

Toss the mixed berries with 1/3 cup sugar and 3 Tbsp. flour.

Place in a greased 9-inch baking pan.

Combine the cooking oats, brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour.

Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle over the berries.

Bake at 350F for 30-40 minutes

or until golden brown.

Top with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

(I topped with Vanilla Fudge Crackle to add a chocolate crunch)

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



Overnight Breakfast Bake

My hubby loves a hearty breakfast before he heads to work in the morning,

and although I tend to be a morning person,

I am not that much of a morning person - lol.

So, I found a solution that works for both of us,

the Overnight Breakfast Bake.

I quickly mix it up Friday evening and we enjoy it Saturday morning,

and then during the week it is a quick reheat in the microwave

for a nice, hot breakfast for hubby before he heads out the door.

Overnight Breakfast Bake

6 - 75g pork sausage patties

3 cups diced hashbrowns

1 1/2 cups grated cheese (we use marble)

6 large eggs

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 can evaporated milk

Crumble sausage into a large skillet.

Cook over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.

Transfer to a greased 13x9-inch dish.

Sprinkle with the hashbrowns & cheese.

In a large bowl mix together the eggs, mushroom soup & evaporated milk.

Pour over the hashbrowns.

Cover & refrigerate over night.

Remove 30 minutes before baking.

Bake, uncovered, at 350F for 45-50 minutes.

Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Enjoy!

~ We have also made this in the morning & baked without refrigerating -

it turns out just as good :) ~

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...  Monday, February 1, 2016

Outside my window...

 I am thinking...  Of spring, the garden & how we want to make some changes, and seeds - I need to start some planting soon!

I am thankful for... I was accepted to do my practicum at a clinic only 5 blocks from home.

From the kitchen... 

~Monday~

Simple Chicken Bake, Glazed Carrots, Tossed Salad

~Tuesday~

Sweet & Sour Chicken Stir-fry, Rice, Oven Baked Zucchini

~Wednesday~
Mushroom Meatballs, Perogies, Garlic Green Beans, Turnip

~Thursday~
Hubby Cooks

~Friday~
Oven Fried Chicken, Garlic Bread, Cesar Salad

~Saturday~
Beef & Broccoli Stir-fry, Rice, Asian Salad

~Sunday~
Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes,
 Broccoli w/Cheese Sauce, Carrots & Turnip, Salad,
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

I am wearing... Scrubs - blue top, black pants as I am off to work today.

I am creating... Renovation projects in my mind.

I am reading... People of the Ark by Vaughn Heppner

I am praying for... Family & friends.

Pondering these words... "Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?" ~Dennis & Wendy Mannering~

I am hoping...  To start painting in the stairwell this week.

I am hearing... Silence.

One of my favorite things... Spring! Actually, this is something new. Spring is normally my least favorite time of year but this year I can't wait for it!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday:  School & Work
~Tuesday:  School, Luvin' My Home, Small Group Night
~Wednesday: School, Shopping & Errands, Hair Appointment
~Thursday:  School & Work
~Friday:  School & Work
~Saturday:  Morning date w/hubby, Luvin' My Home, & starting on the stairwell painting.
~Sunday: Church & Family Time

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~My hubby's hot pepper plants are still producing peppers

and they have completely taken over my kitchen window sill!

He loves being able to pick a fresh, hot pepper

to go with his meals.~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

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