Welcome to the Senior Salon Pit Stop #373

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in the line up. Along with thrifting treasures and great family friendly articles also being shared today. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share!

 

Making a Cold Storage Pot, for Homestead Sunday #11

Welcome to Homestead Sunday, where we share what we have learned, what we do on a regular basis, and what projects we are building, rebuilding or working on. Who are we? We are a three generation family living on six acres in South Eastern Texas. 

And while we have only been in Texas a short time, we have had the homestead mentality and lifestyle for quite a few years. Starting out with our time living in Montana. And, although we are not experts in any way, I hope that what we share with you with this series is helpful, as well as inspirational for you and your own homestead journey. Or even with your own home and yard in the suburbs. Because to homestead is an much an action as it is a lifestyle.

Build your immunity, and build your strength!

How is your immunity? The mother in me, still wants to make sure everyone is healthy, happy and well fed...that will probably never change. 

Pickled Green Tomatoes, easy tutorial

The first time I made Pickled Green Tomatoes it was purely a frugal action on my part to avoid waste! But I will tell you right now, these little jewels are the perfect pickle in potato salad and just about every other place you find yourself adding diced pickles...so come and take a look!

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot August 8, 2025

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for August 1, 2025. 

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Grandma Jean's Baked Fudge Pudding

We have many recipes here on the blog from other family members. They were (and continue to be) a part of our food journey as a family. Cooking for those you love is a gift, and how nice to look back on those gifts from time to time. Plus we still enjoy the recipes these cooks offered, just like this crazy good chocolate dessert from our very own Grandma Jean!

The More With Less Cookbook and Book Review Linky #4!

Welcome to the Book Review Linky Party, a sharing link-up for books! We are so happy that books are once again, back in fashion! And a great way to keep them front and center is to share a review of what you have read, if and how you enjoyed it and if you would recommend the book to a friend! Oh and a story or two of how you came to own the book would also be fun...

Fresh Fruit Platter with Lemon Creme Syrup, fruit so delicious we call it dessert!

Warmer weather calls for lighter meals with fresh flavors. This Fresh Fruit Platter with Lemon Creme Syrup is a perfect example! It is beautiful to look at, with tons of flavor, and is essentially fresh fruit in a dessert disguise...the best part is this fruit platter can be made with what you already have on hand! 

Savory Rice Stew, frugal and delicious!

Savory Rice Stew, just might be what your food budget needs! A little meat, some vegetables and rice, come and take a look...

Baked Polenta with Parmesan.

When it comes to a delicious, yet frugal side dish, don't forget about polenta! This easy and delicious Baked Polenta with Parmesan will be on your table often... Which is a good thing indeed. 

Welcome to the Senior Salon Pit Stop #372

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in the line up. Along with thrifting treasures and great family friendly articles also being shared today. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share!

 

In my Kitchen August, looking back on July 2025

Oh July where did you go? Like a little sports car, and zoom zoom, you are done and over! Again we are joining Sherry for In My Kitchen to share a kitchen story or two, document what we accomplished, purchased and or actually cooked in July! 

Our Favorite Non-lettuce Salads to Serve and Enjoy!

Salads! Everyone eats them. But maybe, just maybe you could get more fruits and vegetables in your meal plans by serving them more often. And we're not just talking about tossed greens here! 

We are talking about delicious non-lettuce salads the whole family will love. And double bonus, you will automatically be getting more of all the good stuff you want your family to eat (vegetables!), on the table, for your family to enjoy...

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot August 1, 2025

 Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for August 1, 2025. 

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

My Grandmother's Cookbook and the Book Review Linky Party #3!

Welcome to the Book Review Linky Party, a sharing link-up for books! We are so happy that books are once again, back in fashion! And a great way to keep them front and center is to share a review of what you have read, if and how you enjoyed it and if you would recommend the book to a friend! Oh and a story or two of how you came to own the book would also be fun...

Theo's Submarine Sandwich Pizza

Theo's Submarine Sandwich Pizza from Theo's a little hometown place. Also one of our favorite places to go where we would enjoy a quick meal out, until that day when Theo retired...

Red Beans with Garlic and Red Wine, another easy slow cooker recipe!

A few simple pantry ingredients combine quickly to make Red Beans with Garlic and Red Wine. Which is perfect with brown rice as the main course, or you can serve these red wine-infused beans as a side dish that everyone will love!

Shoo Fly Cake, a cake built of crumbs and molasses.

Shoo fly Cake, is a riff off of the more traditional Shoo Fly Pie. But don't for a moment think this is not a top notch choice. This cake is built on crumbly butter streusel and molasses. And you will love it!

Welcome to the Senior Salon Pit Stop #371

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in the line up. Along with thrifting treasures and great family friendly articles also being shared today. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share!

 

About those bananas...no more over ripe bananas! A two year update...

Got bananas? Tired of overripe bananas taking over your fruit bowl? Not sure if you can eat another loaf of banana bread? Well, then I have a kitchen tip for you! But fair warning, some of these bananas are not the prettiest, that you will see below...

Creamy Banana and Kiwi Parfaits

At our house, fruit is also dessert, especially when it is this pretty. But this is not just another pretty face, with no food value. No this is made from healthy, and delicious ingredients. Plus so easy to make, be sure to let the littles in your family help...come and take a look at Creamy Banana and Kiwi Parfaits.

Onion Gratin, sweet tender onion slices under a Parmesan crust!

Do you ever find yourself with a sparse variety of fresh vegetables before the next grocery trip? That was the inspiration for this Onion Grain. And as it turned out, we absolutely loved it! So much so, that even when our larder is full, we still make this delicious vegetable side dish...plus, onions are a very nutritious vegetable. 

Easy and Delicious Pea Salad Plate with Tomatoes and Cashews

Easy and Delicious Pea Salad Plate with Tomatoes and Cashews is a fresh breath of air, for salads any time of the year! This delicious salad calls for frozen peas, which is perfect, because good quality frozen peas are available year-round.

How to make Homemade Soft Butter Spread.

How to make Homemade Soft Butter Spread. Yes, real food turned into a convenient soft butter spread! No more ripped holes in your bread or toast! Yep real butter, that is soft, made from real food, and nothing artificial...

 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 07.25.2025

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 25, 2025. 

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

Sweet and Salty Cashew Blondies, only 3 ingredients for delicious bar cookies!

These easy to make Sweet and Salty Cashew Blondies are exactly what you need, when looking for a cookie that is not too sweet. Plus they couldn't be any easier to make.  Also so convenient because made with Whole Wheat Self-Rising Flour, meaning you can have these in the oven in about five minutes... 

staffmeals, from Chantrelle Restaurant & Book Review Linky!

What are your guidelines for buying used books? Do you have deal breakers regarding used books? I think I do, but when I was presented with an opportunity to be kind always, I took it! Come and learn about staffmeals, one of the most delicious group of "elbows on the table" food you will ever make for friends and family! 

Nem Nuong Vietnamese Pork Loaf, perfect for Bahn Mi and Pho.

Nem Nuong...The perfect Vietnamese Pork Loaf to make for bowls of Pho or a Bahn Mi sandwich! Mix and bake it ahead and then you are ready for a quick and delicious dinner in no time.

Chicken Baked with Peaches Thyme and Dijon.

Are you looking for a new, delicious oven meal that everyone will like? If so Chicken Baked with Peaches Thyme and Dijon is calling your name! Quick to assemble, easy hands-off baking, and the family will love it!

Restaurant Style Enchilada Sauce, easy and so delicious!

Do you love the enchilada sauce at your local neighborhood cantina? Well from here on out, you can make it yourself! Yes, because a delicious restaurant-style enchilada sauce is now at your fingertips...

Marcella Hazen's Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

Have you made this sauce yet? Marcella Hazen's Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter? Easy, quick, delicious, and only four ingredients. Who needs jarred sauce when you can make a sauce this easy and this delicious? 

Welcome to the Senior Salon Pit Stop #370

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in the line up. Along with thrifting treasures and great family friendly articles also being shared today. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share!

 

Resourcing for free! For Homestead Sunday #10

Welcome to Homestead Sunday, where we share what we have learned, what we do on a regular basis, and what projects we are building, rebuilding or working on. Who are we? We are a three generation family living on six acres in South Eastern Texas. 

And while we have only been in Texas a short time, we have had the homestead mentality and lifestyle for quite a few years. Starting out with our time living in Montana. And, although we are not experts in any way, I hope that what we share with you with this series is helpful, as well as inspirational for you and your own homestead journey. Or even with your own home and yard in the suburbs. Because to homestead is an much an action as it is a lifestyle.

Cucumbers, from the garden. growing cycles and recipes.

Cucumbers have never really been my favorite food, until now! I don't remember them being served too often when I was a kid either. More like an after thought. When something more was needed on the table for dinner, so, how about a bowl of sliced cucumbers? As a kid, I actually thought they were, well, boring. But then again...

Jessica's Homestead Pesto.

My daughter Jessica is a gifted crafter, artist, and a wonderful mother, along with being a fine cook! Largely because she is always willing to try something new both, in and out of the kitchen. And always, without fail, it turns our wonderful. Just like this pesto! Come and take a look at Jessica's Homestead Pesto, because this is what we made today. 

How to Make Sugar-Free Snipped Dates. Naturally sweet and delicious!

How to Make Sugar-Free Snipped Dates, a naturally sweet and the perfect topping for oatmeal or even cold cereal in the morning. Easy and delicious, Sugar-Free Snipped Dates sweeten without adding refined sugar to your morning. Plus the nutrition of dates, can't be beat!

Our Favorite Dry Rub, perfect for pork, beef or chicken.

Are you looking forward to the upcoming BBQ/grilling season, or maybe your family is like our family. And you live where you can grill the year round? If so, you will want to make up a batch of Our Favorite Dry Rub, and from there all you need to do is to light up the grill, and cook your favorite cuts of meat!

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot July 18, 2025

Hello and welcome to another great weekend! 

And what better way to enjoy it, in full, than with a visit to Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! for July 18, 2025. 

What makes this link-up special is that we encourage you to link up not only your current posts and good ideas, but also the great stuff in your archives! Yes, let's all show some love for those great posts resting in the archives, until you share them again.

My Love for Laurie Colwin books....

This will NOT be my usual Monday morning post. There will not be a recipe or a quick antidote about how I came to find/enjoy/learn about the recipe being shared. Why? Because I lost a few books in the great broken pipe flood of 2022 in Wyoming. And one of the replacements is quite special. Come and read the rest of the story...

Mustard Oregano Chicken or Chops

Everyone needs a meal that is easy to put on the table because we all have a few busy days, most weeks! Mustard Oregano Chicken or Chops, is the perfect "freezer pantry" recipe. And your family will love it! Simply thaw, grill, or bake, and dinner is ready. Freezer pantry recipes are like money in the bank, and a great investment of your time... 

Cranberry with Thyme Vinaigrette

We love this Cranberry with Thyme Vinaigrette. It is fresh and delicious! Hands down, homemade salad dressings are fresher and more creative than store-bought. Plus you know exactly the ingredients used in your salad dressing...and none of them are artificial.  

Date and Walnut Bars, a 5 ingredient classic!

Date and Walnut Bars, are chewy and delicious! Plus they only call for 5 ingredients! These light and chewy cookie bars are a true classic. If you are a fan of dates and walnuts baked together, you will want to get a pan of these in the oven right away...

Anne's Perfect Piebook.

From time to time, one must dust, discuss, and donate when too many books are in the house. And that was my job today. But I could not help but, take this one home, especially when I opened the pages...which contained the promise of a bit about the previous owner.

Welcome to the Book Review Linky! Every Wednesday through Tuesday...

Welcome to the Book Review Linky, a sharing link-up for books! We are so happy that books are once again, back in fashion! And a great way to keep them front and center is to share a review of what you have read, if and how you enjoyed it and if you would recommend the book to a friend! 

Grilled Chicken Feta and Strawberry Salad with Lemon and Honey Vinaigrette.

How about a beautiful Grilled Chicken, Feta and Strawberry Salad with Lemon and Honey Vinaigrette for your dinner tonight? What would you think about a salad like this when camping? While it may seem difficult, it was easily prepared...but then again, if this can be made and served at camp, think how easy it will be to whip this up at home!

Quick Pickled Onions

If you are looking for a beautiful, deliciously fresh tasting condiment to add to your homemade pantry, there is no better recipe than this one for Quick Pickled Onions! Nothing is prettier than this jar of rose-colored bits of flavorful goodness looking back at you from a lighted refrigerator when you open the door! And you will enjoy them more than you ever thought you might...

Simple Carrot Salad.

This Simple Carrot Salad is not only easy to put together, but it calls for basic pantry ingredients. Carrots are tossed together with apple cider vinegar and a touch of lemon juice, is tangy and naturally sweetened. Come and take a look, this salad is an easy way to round out any meal.

Welcome to the Senior Salon Pit Stop #369

Welcome! The Senior Salon Pit Stop is now open! 

We invite you to come and take a look at all the wonderful recipes, craft and upcycling ideas in the line up. Along with thrifting treasures and great family friendly articles also being shared today. I can guarantee that, you will be pleasantly surprised, with all the good stuff you are about to find…so I invite you to come and take a look. And while you are here to visit, I hope you have brought along some ideas of your own to share!

 

Pete's One Pot Pizza Pasta.

This pasta dish is a made from memory recipe, and strictly by the seat of my pants! I have a deep fondness for the flavors of ground beef, sausage and black olives served together. And if it sounds like a pizza topping, well, that is exactly where this recipe began! But also perfect as a pasta dish...

Onion Island Salad Dressing

Onion Island Salad Dressing, my husband's new favorite 1000 Island style dressing that we make at home. Perfect for the salad days of spring and summer, and any time of year. Especially when you are a year round salad eating family!