Happy Homemaker Monday...

The weather in my neck of the woods: Do I need to say it? Hot and sunny. Actually it is cooling down some - 'only' supposed to be 105 today!

One of my simple pleasures: Reading the Sunday paper in one sitting (doesn't happen much anymore).

On my bedside table: Still reading 'Twilight' - hope to finish it this week.

On the menu for tonight: Quesadillas, salad

On my to do list: clean up after the weekend, run to the bank, work a bit, maybe read a bit

New recipe I tried last week: nothing

In the craft basket: nothing right now but it will soon be time to start Christmas things so I am not overwhelmed in November!

Looking forward to: Seeing David Cook this week in concert.

Homemaking tip for this week: Keep a running list of groceries, toiletries & cleaning supplies you need when you go to the store. This helps you not forget to put it on your shopping list. I keep a list on the fridge - I have a magnetic notepad and I list things as I run out. If your kids are old enough they can also add to it when they use the last of something. Same for husbands (they, of course, are old enough!) I also use Cozi, an online family organizer. You can actually have your grocery list sent to your cell phone via text message. I am slowly getting into using this - I am so used to the paper list but I love this idea. Old habits are hard to break but I am working on it.

Favorite Blog post of the week (mine or other): This was a great week for fun & informative posts. On the informative side, I loved this one about Going Organic - it was short, to the point with some informative links. On the fun side this one about Fashion faux pas had me laughing so hard. It is funny, but it also makes a point about how our society has become lazy and careless about how we look - not about looking like Christy Turlington or anything but about pride and just looking presentable when we (& our kids) go out. Things like not wearing pajamas when we drop our kids off at school - or sending the kids to school in pjs. This happens where I live and I am sure you've seen it to.

Favorite photo of the week:


Little Miss leading the pack on the 'banana' being pulled by the boat. She had five little riders behind her. Looks like she is having FUN.

Lesson learned the last few days: Even a good dog will do some 'bad' things.

On my prayer list: Friends and family.

Devotional, Scripture reading, key verse:

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.

~Pierre Cornielle

Visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM for more Happy Homemaker Monday.