Hello Dear Reader....

Hello Dear Reader! 

It doesn't happen often, but currently we are not at home. The entire family made the decision to get away on a last minute vacay! Our last time off the property was two years ago, so it really was time. I have gone ahead and prepared a few ideas and recipes for you to visit. Along with a bit of about me thrown in for good measure! For instance...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #430

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

Surprising Uses for Steel Wool, for Homestead Sunday #17

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 three years, we have had the homestead mentality while living the lifestyle for quite a few more. 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.

Surprising Uses for Steel Wool...for Homestead Sunday. 

Chicken Baked with Peaches Thyme and Dijon.

Are you looking for a new, delicious oven meal that everyone will enjoy? 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! Another great recipe that you can get on the table quick with your well stocked pantry. 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 09.25.2026

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 September 25, 2026!

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.

Browned Butter Zucchini Bread.

Don't let zucchini season get away without putting a few loaves of this delicious Browned Butter Zucchini Bread in the freezer! Delicious as written, yet included are three flavor variations...because variety is after all, the spice of life!

Easy Baked Mushrooms with Thyme and Garlic

Is your family a mushroom loving family? If so, you will enjoy love this easy to prepare side-dish of Easy Baked Mushrooms with Thyme and Garlic it is one you will want to serve again and again...it's that good. Plus so far I have not noticed a main dish that would disagree to be served with mushrooms on the side...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #429

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

The Perfect Cheesecake, two baking styles for two different cheesecakes!

This recipe for The Perfect Cheesecake offers a traditional style baked cheesecake and a softer, creamier version as well. It's the same recipe by the way! Which one will your family prefer? Or do what I do, bake both and please everyone at the table.

The Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household Catalog of tips, tricks & recipes!

Welcome to The Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household's (free) Catalog of Tips, Tricks and Recipes! 

Are you looking for easy ways to run your home with ease? Maybe a few frugal DIY work-a-bouts to use what you already have? Instead of buying more supplies? How about actual working recipes to make more of the foods you want to eat, right there in your own kitchen? With less premade food purchased from the grocery store? 

Or how about some great kitchen tips and tricks that will make your life easier, and help keep you on your household budget? I have no doubt you will find something right here, to help out in all the areas you need, to keep your own home humming along smoothly...

Weekend Traffic Jam Weekend 09.18.2026

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 September 18, 2026!

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.

Celery Root Carrot and Apple Slaw

Celery Root Carrot and Apple Slaw is easy and delicious! We love this salad because it is delicious, but also, putting more vegetables on the table is always a good thing. This just might become a new family favorite. And trust me you will love celery root prepared this way!

Dusty Potatoes

Are you looking for a simple to prepare potato dish for dinner or your next potluck gathering? Good, because I have the perfect one right here! Dusty Potatoes! Simple ingredients, very little hands-on time, and they taste great...plus is you have the oven on anyway, you might as well add a pan of these delicious potatoes!

Baked Orange Chicken, a Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat

We love this recipe for Baked Orange Chicken, a Panda Express Orange Chicken copycat! Who doesn't love Panda Express Orange Chicken? And now, you can make this delicious favorite at home. Plus this version is baked, with no deep-fryer needed...

No Waste No Worry Oat Cakes, muffins you will love!

Do you often have a bit of oatmeal leftover in the pan after everyone has had their breakfast? So did we! And while it makes a great snack, later in the day, yes, I have done just that! It makes a better pan of No Waste No Worry Oat Cakes! These tender muffins are not only delicious, but also very frugal...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #428

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 09.11.2026

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 September 11, 2026!

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.

Applesauce and Spice Chocolate Chip Cake, whole grain delicious!

You will definitely want to make this moist, delicious, spicy Applesauce and Spice Chocolate Chip Cake! It is perfect to share with family and friends, for holidays or absolutely any other day of the week! Oh and did I mention it is made with whole wheat flour? But no worries it is still tender and delicious. Come on, what are you waiting for? Come and take a look...

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

Do you ever find yourself with a limited 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. And one you might want to eat more often!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #427

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 09.04.2026

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 September 4, 2026!

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.

Creamy Paprika Salad Dressing.

Creamy Paprika Salad Dressing seems a bit simple or possibly a little too plain. But don't let looks fool you. It is so, so good! I am sure it is the lime juice. Lime juice makes everything just a little bit better! Break some lettuce into your favorite salad bowl, slice some tomatoes, and drizzle on this Creamy Paprika Salad Dressing for a quick, enjoyable salad, that everyone and I mean everyone, will love. 

The NEW Carry-Out Cuisine for What Did You Read This Month? Book Review Link-y

Welcome to the What Did You Read This Month? Book Review Link-y, a monthly sharing link-up for books! Books of all kinds, romance, suspense, DIY, and my personal favorite, cookbooks! Personally I couldn't be happier 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 that book to a friend! Oh and a story or two of how you came to own or stumbled upon the book would also be fun...because the human connection to a book is just as important! Since books are for everyone, let's all enjoy them, once again!

In My Homestead Kitchen September, Looking Back on August 2026

September got here fast, and slow, if I am being honest. August was hot, hot, hot. And very dry! We had almost no rain with 100+ temps, day after day. July, August and the first part of September are not gardening months in East Texas due to the heat. And I am adjusting my gardening schedule, desires and workload to that fact. All of a sudden, here we are, September 1, 2026. A little side note, 52 years ago at this very time I am pecking out the words to this post, I was in active labor, getting ready to deliver my first born. Whew, so many memories! And now it is time to join Sherry for In My Kitchen!

Green Beans with Roasted Radishes and Garlic

Different and delicious, come and take a look at Green Beans with Roasted Radishes and Garlic. Your new favorite way to cook green beans that that does not call for ham, tomatoes or bacon. 

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #426

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

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

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

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 08.28.2026

 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 28, 2026!

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.

Jessica's Chocolate Date Cake.

This easy to make Chocolate Date Cake is the latest favorite of my chocolate loving husband! It is moist, rich and yes, as the name says, easy to make. Oh did I also mention it is whole grain and has no refined sugar? 

What's in your pantry? Let's talk Molasses!

Molasses is not the usual topic for a kitchen pantry discussion. But then again, maybe it should be. Because molasses is not only delicious, as well as nutritious, but probably used more often than, you might know...come and take a look!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #425

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

Low Histamine Recipes to Enjoy.

Like every family out there, we have a lot going on! In our case it is family and homesteading. With a garden, tending to the chickens and of course the land. Add in learning about our new home state of Texas, and exploring all that we can when we have open time. As well as time with family, and getting ready for the next celebration, because there will be one!  Here recently I have had to add one more thing, a Low Histamine eating plan. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Drop Cookies..

Easy does it for these cookies! Chocolate Peanut Butter Drop Cookies is just what you are looking for! They are easy to stir together, east to get into the oven, and even easier to enjoy!

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 08.21.2026

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 21, 2026!

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.

Grilled Cheese Pizza Bombs!

Grilled Cheese Pizza Bombs, really are the bomb! Fun to make, and delicious to eat. A fun meal to share at camp or the comfort of your own back yard. The bonus? Everyone can enjoy making their own pizza just the way they like. Come and take a look...

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #424

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

The Best Homemade Pizza Sauce. Pizza night just got better!

Do you want to make The Best Homemade Pizza Sauce?! This pizza sauce is so easy to make, with just one can of organic diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Plus you get to choose the style of sauce you prefer, chunky or smooth. But each one is perfect for pizza night...

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 08.14.2026

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 14, 2026!

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.

How I process potatoes to reduce waste!

How about you, do you live in a hot and humid climate? Do your potatoes sprout out in a week's time? Come and take a look at how I prep ahead the potatoes that come into this kitchen to reduce waste. While adding convenience at the same time. 

Apricot Chicken with Dijon and Truffle Oil Mustard

Apricot Chicken with Dijon and Truffle Oil Mustard may be one of the easiest fancy dinners, ever! And the best part, is, the delicious flavor belies how easy it is to make...come and take a look!

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #423

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

Weekend Traffic Jam Weekend 08.07.226

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 7, 2026!

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.

The Blue Zones of Happiness, for What Did You Read This Month?

Welcome to the What Did You Read This Month? Book Review Link-y, a monthly sharing link-up for books! Books of all kinds, romance, suspense, DIY, and my personal favorite, cookbooks! Personally I couldn't be happier 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 that book to a friend! Oh and a story or two of how you came to own or stumbled upon the book would also be fun...because the human connection to a book is just as important! Since books are for everyone, let's all enjoy them, once again!

How to Make Homemade Smoothie Packets!

Who knew that being so far away from a Costco would give the opportunity to make our own Homemade Smoothie Packets? Come and take a look, these are easy and if you have a berry patch, you have what you need!

Watermelon with Mint and Feta, one of the best tastes of summer!

Watermelon with Mint and Feta! Honestly I do not think this could be shared too much! Why? It is one of the best tasting, most refreshing bowls of fruit you will ever enjoy...Don't let the combination of ingredients concern you in any way, they go together as perfectly as the ocean and a sandy beach. 

Welcome to The Senior Salon Pit Stop #422

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 today's line up. Along with thrifting treasures, photography and a wonderful assortment of family friendly articles being shared. 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 with all of us as well!

 

In My Homestead Kitchen August, Looking Back on July 2026.

Each month the first IMK post I read is always Sherry's! She starts the group out, even though we need no invitation as we all know the month just turned. And I have to tell you, it wasn't just me that thinks that July could have been better...speaking for East Texas, I have definitely had better months! With that said, please join me and all the rest of the bloggers who visit for In My Kitchen. 

Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot 07.31.2026

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 31, 2026!

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.

One Bowl Banana Snack Cake

Who needs an easy-to-make, One Bowl Banana Snack Cake recipe that uses up the last two perfectly soft, speckled brown, sweet bananas in the fruit bowl? That have been left behind day after day? The answer is, we all do! Yep, and you will love this one...

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham.

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, the perfect meal to make when you are knee-deep in a house renovation, or getting the garden weeded and replanted. Or just busy with life in general...it is pretty much a "hands off" dinner that cooks it's self once you put the ingredients into the slow cooker...and don't we all need a recipe or two like that? See, I thought so too...