Down on the Farm

One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon

is down at my parent's farm.

It's always a nice time when we get together as a family.

My dad put in a waterwheel & little pond this year

and it is so relaxing to sit around underneath the pergola.

It's a great way to get refreshed before another crazy week begins.

How do you like to relax?

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



My Week In Review

What a week it has been

travelling to various doctor appointments

for family members.

Most appointments did bring good news however,

of healing and improved health.

Saturday I was finally able to spend a whole day at home

which I needed very much.

From the kitchen this week...

Various new recipes as we try to go

sugar-free, gluten free and lactose free.

~Chicken & Kale Soup~

~Thai Cucumber Salad~

~Beef Stir-Fry~

Around the home this week...

Not a lot of extra things as I was out so much,

just tried to keep up with the basics.

I did get the coffee maker cleaned

and worked on making a menu plan.

It was also nice enough to hang some laundry.

Our weather has been so cool lately.

Around the yard this week...

Hubby decided to clean out his garage!

He put together this bird bath that his mom

gave us for our wedding anniversary.

I got to the flowerpots and did some

deadheading of the flowers. 

I also trimmed up my herbs.

And have quite a few to dry.

And I even found time to start on a project

that got put on hold.

I hope you had a great week!

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



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