Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/15/2024

 

Good morning ladies, and a very happy Monday to you all.  

 

It is a cloudy, dreary morning, and even though I love Spring and Summer weather, I really enjoy a dark rainy day too.  

 

I have a lot of cleaning to do today, as is always the case after the weekend.  I know some people don't like Mondays but I am one of the few that actually loves them.  The start to a new week, the chance to start fresh, renew, change our attitude and perspectives.  I always see it as a reset.  

 

So I'm going to get this post up, and move on with my day, so that I may get everything done that I need to, and still enjoy some time to relax and do the things I enjoy, such as crocheting, reading, or watching a tv show.

 

I hope you all have a blessed week friends.

 

 

 

*** The Weather *** 

We are definitely in the season for thunderstorms and sometimes severe weather.  I don't enjoy this time of year, but I've learned to move through it with prayer, and not let it scare me.  We have quite a few storms in the coming weeks. 

 

Monday - Scattered thunderstorms, 80

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 87

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 86

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 91

Friday- Cloudy, 65

Saturday - Thunderstorms, 59

Sunday - Mostly cloudy, 63

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sat in bed, typing up this post while listening to Julie Green on TV.           

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

My Nick turned 21 last Thursday, the 11th, and my Jasmine turns 25 in two weeks, on the 25th.  I definitely feel old, goodness.       

 

Other thought....yesterday I decided to have a cheat day, which I haven't done in 3 months.  I ate carbs, which was one hot cross bun with a little butter, and I had some cake.  It was a pound cake, so I guess slightly better than a cake full of frosting......but.....I have now confirmed that I am pretty much done with carbs, or at least, lots of carbs like I used to eat in one day.  

 

Within a few hours of eating those, I was exhausted, and that is exactly how I used to feel before this change in diet, constantly exhausted, run out, and just wanted to lay around and nap.  It's crazy how food affects your body.       

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Much better this morning, and ready to get cracking on with a good week ahead of healthy, clean eating and hopefully getting rid of the nasty carbs I ingested yesterday.  

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had a cup of coffee with almond milk.  For breakfast I will have a Keto Waffle Sandwich with just ham. 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Tuna Salad with Chickpeas and boiled egg.      

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Pita bowl, steamed broccoli. 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday

Pita bowl, steamed broccoli

Tuesday 

Turkey Meatballs, Brown Rice (Cauliflower rice for me), Salad   

Wednesday 

Butter chili crisp pasta, Garlic Bread (I will have a small serving of the pasta and will make myself keto garlic bread) 

Thursday

Chicken Florentine, Polenta (leftover pasta for my son who hates anything corn or polenta), Garlic Spinach

Friday

Cauliflower Veggie Pizza, and Cauliflower Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday

Slow Cooker Thai Veggie Curry, Brown Rice

Sunday

Moroccan Fish, Quinoa and Salad

*** What I am wearing *** 

Summer nightgown, it's been really hot here lately.  Will put on a dress for the day.    

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Book of Exodus in the Bible 

Finishing The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs, Slow Living and Quiet Vlogs 

Turkish shows - Ruzgarli Tepe, Gelin, Kara Agac Destani

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It needs a good clean and tidy up.  Weekends are usually spent doing yard work which means people are in and out constantly, bringing in dust.  Then you mix in some rainy weather and a puppy and you have muddy paws.  Ugh!!!!

 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Usual homemaking - dishes, carpet cleaning, laundry

Bible and Devotional time

Reading time

Crochet time

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I took some pictures during the solar eclipse.  I set my camera to a delayed shutter and then shot off a few pics at a time, during the different phases.  I then decided to create a composite showing the eclipse from start to finish.

 

What a gorgeous creation God has done for us.  Just look at this amazing sight below.  Truly magnificent to see. 

 

 

*** What I am crocheting or sewing ***

Am now finishing off the last 2 rows of Part 4, finalllyyyyyy.  Will start on Part 5 tomorrow.  Yes I know I haven't shown you the progress, but I promise I will take a picture later after I finish the fourth part so you can see.   If you follow me on Instagram, I did share a quick snap of it on my stories, so you will have seen it there.

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Since my word for spiritual help is so great, the Bible teaches that I need the daily intervention of the body of Christ. - New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/08/2024

 

Good morning ladies, welcome.  Come on in out of the cold and sit with me a little, let's share what is happening in our households this week, over a cup of hot coffee.  

 

Just a quick update, we have a baby chick that hatched last week, and unfortunately due to a series of unfortunate events, lost the other 3 that weren't ready to hatch yet.  Let's just say that having chickens is exciting but you do have to prepare for some traumatizing events.  

 

Baby chick is doing well though, it's with mama, the other hen and the rooster.  They share a coop and everyone is happy with the baby.  I think it's easier this way to, so that it gets integrated into the flock easier.  

 

Anyway, let's get on with our post.  Enjoy the solar eclipse folks, but remember to keep your eye on the Lord above, at all times.  We are in the path of totality here so will have complete darkness.  Should be interesting.

 

Have a blessed week friends.

 

 

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Looks like a week with quite a bit of rain, and some severe storms, which is normal for us here in Texas. 

 

Monday - Scattered thunderstorms, 81

Tuesday - Rain, 67

Wednesday - Thunder Showers, 64

Thursday - Sunny, 71

Friday- Mostly sunny, 79

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 82

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 86

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Working on this post, eating my oatmeal and listening to a video on the TV.         

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

On Friday I have to get another blood test done, to see if my Triglyceride levels have gone down.  I'm certain they have, but I'm also quite curious to see how my weight loss (22 pounds) and new healthier diet, has affected my health.            

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I'm feeling well.  A bit sad over losing our chicks, but it's all part of the process and we do the best we can, but nature takes it's course. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Coffee with almond milk and Instant Pot Oatmeal with coconut and walnuts.

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Lentil salad with tuna      

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Tuna meatballs, Roasted Broccoli, Brown Rice 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

It's time to start working on the new menu again, so I'll be doing that this week.  You know the drill, there will be meals listed below until Thursday, that's when I'll be grocery shopping, then the new menu kicks in.

 

Monday

Stuffed Green Peppers with Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice

Tuesday 

Shrimp and Sausage Bake with Curried Quinoa, Salad   

Wednesday 

Lentil Chili with Polenta, Sauteed Cabbage

*** What I am wearing *** 

Still in my nightgown.  Will either put on a dress later or some shorts.  

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Book of Exodus in the Bible 

The Wind in the Willows

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs, Slow Living and Quiet Vlogs 

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir, Gelin, Uc Kiz Kardes, Kara Agac Destani, Emanet 

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I have a drying rack with a sheet over it, that I placed yesterday afternoon.  Sheet is dry, so need to get that out of the way.  The house itself is clean and tidy so I don't have much to do in that sense.   

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Usual homemaking

Bible and Devotional time

Reading time

Crochet time

Meal plan and grocery list

Grocery Shopping on Thursday

Blood work on Friday

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

One of my favorites since starting this healthier diet, is Lentil Salad.  I'm following a Mediterranean Diet, Lower carb and lower sugar diet.  Loving it. 

 

 

*** What I am crocheting or sewing ***

Bit frustrated, was not able to pick up my crochet at all last week, what with the chicken hatching and then my hands hurting from yard work.  Really need to get this part finished on the blanket so I can move on.

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

God uses the picture of physical food to point to universal spiritual hunger.  Life is all about what we look to, to fill us.  - New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/01/2024

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my blog.  I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend with your families.

 

I had a pretty busy week last week, so the posts I wanted to get up, ended up not making it to the blog.  Hopefully this week is different.  

 

We are officially on baby chick watch.  Our beautiful girl Puffy, has been trying to hatch eggs for 20 days, tomorrow will be 21.  She has 4 eggs under her, we've been removing the others as our Penny lays them, and even had to mark the ones Puffy has been sitting on, so we don't get confused.

 

This is all very new to us, so we are just blindly following the progress, but it's such a wonderful blessing to witness creation at it's best.  I'll definitely keep you updated.

 

Now, let's get on with our post for today.

 

I wish you all a very blessed week!

 

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

It is cloudy and pretty dark today.  I think we're expecting some more rain later on.  It's definitely been a year of rain already, which is very much welcome after the drought we had 2 years ago, and the spotty rain the previous year. 

 

Monday - Scattered thunderstorms, 80

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 59

Wednesday - Sunny, 74

Thursday - Sunny, 73

Friday- Mostly sunny, 80

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 76

Sunday - Sunny, 75

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Working on this post and listening to a video on the TV.       

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Nothing in particular, aside from the fact that I did have some cake yesterday and a hot cross bun, and feel absolutely cruddy today.  I think I'm definitely over the bad stuff, haven't had it for 3 months and this one time just reiterated the fact that I don't need it or want it.          

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Like I said above, a bit cruddy.  But I'm back on track today so I know I'll feel much better. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Coffee and some Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Chickpea Salad      

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Tuna meatballs, Roasted Broccoli, Brown Rice 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday

Tuna meatballs, Roasted Broccoli, Brown Rice

Tuesday 

Italian Baked Chicken, Olive oil pasta   

Wednesday 

Lemon Pepper Tilapia, Tomato Rice, Salad

Thursday 

Stuffed Peppers, Lentil Salad

Friday

Lavash Bread pizza 

Saturday

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Sunday

BBQ Burgers and Hotdogs, Oven Fries

*** What I am wearing *** 

In my nightgown still, it's been pretty hot around here.  I'll probably change into a summer dress later.   

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Book of Exodus in the Bible 

The Wind in the Willows

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs, Slow Living and Quiet Vlogs 

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir, Gelin, Uc Kiz Kardes, Kara Agac Destani 

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

We had family over yesterday for Easter, so I need to tidy up and clean up after that. 

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Usual homemaking

Bible and Devotional time

Reading time

Crochet time

Dropping my car off at dealership, it's been giving me some issues

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Books and more books.  I love baskets of books in different corners of the house.

 

 

*** What I am crocheting or sewing ***

Still slowly getting through the last few rows of Part 4.  

 

Today, I am hoping to finally sew up some chickens and birds, and also since I'll have the sewing machine out, make some book sleeves as well.

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

Worshiping with other believers helps you view all of life from the vantage point of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. - New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/25/2024

 

Good morning ladies, and a very happy Monday to you all!

 

I wish you a blessed week ahead, may it be filled with love and blessings.  

 

It is a dark, cloudy and rainy morning here in Texas.  We actually had funnel clouds over our area yesterday afternoon, Wichita Falls was even on the news due to the weather we experienced.  We are used to Tornado season but it usually doesn't start for a few more weeks, then again the weather has been completely bonkers all over, so I can't say I am surprised.

 

Anyway, it is time to see what we are all doing in our homes this week.  Are you all spring cleaning already or have you not started yet?  I'm a little late starting this year, mainly because I've been dealing with the pain in my hands which makes it difficult to get anything done.  But I will push through that and get going.

 

Now, let's see what our Happy Homemaker Monday brings us for today.

 

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Rainy weekend, and our first severe storms hit us as well.  It doesn't really look like we'll have much rain after this morning, and our temperatures are going to be just wonderful.  

 

Monday - Rain in the morning and sun after, 62

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 58

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 64

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 70

Friday- Partly cloudy, 79

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 83

Sunday - Cloudy, 83

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting on my bed while I work on this post.  I'm watching a homemaking vlog on the tv and as always, my furry babies are sleeping next to me.     

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

About spring cleaning, but mostly about Easter this coming weekend.         

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Headache and cramps....that should tell you all you need to know.  *wink*

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I had my coffee, but will have some oats here in a bit.            

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Tuna and chickpea salad.      

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Chicken Kebabs, Brussel Sprouts Salad 

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be working on the new menu, so as always, will have meals until Thursday

 

Monday

Chicken Kebabs, Brussel Sprouts Salad

Tuesday 

Keto Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Salad   

Wednesday 

Fish Tacos, Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice

Thursday 

Lentil Chili with Polenta

*** What I am wearing *** 

In my comfy pajamas still, once I'm done with this post, I'll get changed into some sweats and a tank top.   

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Book of Exodus in the Bible 

The Wind in the Willows

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs, Slow Living and Quiet Vlogs 

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir, Gelin, Uc Kiz Kardes 

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

It is quiet and dark.  Usually by now we have beautiful golden sun coming in through the windows, but with this rainy weather, there's none of that.   

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Usual homemaking

Bible and Devotional time

Reading time

Crochet time

Meal planning

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Last week I shared some dried flowers and many of you wanted to know what I planned to do with them.  One of the things I'm doing, is using them to decorate my white candles.  I feel that as Spring comes around, there would be nothing sweeter than having some floral candles lit.   ♥

 

 

*** What I am crocheting or sewing ***

I had to slow down a little on the crocheting because of the pain in my hand.  But, I'm only 4 rows away from finishing Part 4.  

 

It's frustrating to want to do more but being limited by my hand pain.  With that in mind, I've been looking at crochet hooks that help with arthritis, and will be getting some this week.  

 

I am also going to be doing some sewing this week.  I have some chickens and some birds to make for decorations, but also want to make some fabric book covers again, I don't know what I ever did to the ones I made years ago.  Anyway, I'll share those with you this week.

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

I have felt led to read the book of Exodus, and I have read it before, but I think God is really trying to highlight the world that we are currently living in, with the Exodus of the Old Testament.  It is crazy just how similar the circumstances are between then and now.  Do yourself a favor, read the book of Exodus. 

 

Spring Time - Movies to get you in the mood

 

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"... 

 "It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...”

 ___Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

 

We have looked at Spring books and we have also taken a peek at some Spring time TV shows, to get you in the mood for the season.  Now, we turn our attention to movies, which put a huge smile on my face, because together with books I think, we have the best selection to really make you look forward to Spring time. 

 

Some of these are just plain classics that you for sure will already have watched, and didn't even realize just how Springy, they truly were. 

 

So without further ado, let's grab our cups of tea, a pencil and notebook, and make a list of the movies that will not only make us smile big, but make us want to run outside barefoot through tall green grass. 

 

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Not just because it's Jane Austen, or because the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is my favorite, but also because this movie, thisssss movie, just embodies Spring to me.  

The landscapes, the gorgeous costumes and the cinematography, sprawling fields and flowers, beautiful lakes and of course the most wonderful romance between Elizabeth and Darcy.  

You can watch on Peacock, or rent on Amazon Prime, YouTube and Apple TV.  

Tuck Everlasting

We're going back in time.  It's been so long, since I first watched Tuck Everlasting, but it needs to be added to this list.  The movie is about Winnie who lives a very controlled life, where she feels stifled by her mother and her controlling ways.  She dreams of freedom and being able to do what she wants, and that is exactly what happens, when one day she goes running through the woods behind her house.

She meets Tuck, who takes her back to meet his family who live a life very different to what Winnie is used to.  It's just such a sweet movie, and is filled with gorgeous scenery and beautiful moments of the two running through fields of flowers, and sitting by a river.  Just watch it, if you haven't.

Watch on Disney+ or rent from Amazon Prime.

 

 

 

This Beautiful Fantastic 

Here's a movie you may not have even heard about, and probably haven't seen.  It stars one of my favorite actresses who actually played Sybil in Downton Abbey, Jessica Brown Findley.

This movie follows Bella who again lives a life with some pretty rigid routines and schedules, she is lonely, reclusive and her only dreams are to write children's books.  She lives alone in an apartment in London and doesn't get out much.  The story kicks off when Bella meets a widower, who lives next door.  He is cranky and annoying but he is amazing with plants and flowers and gardens.  

Bella is facing eviction because her garden is completely neglected, so she hires him to help her.  I'm sure you know where this is headed.  But yes, just watch, you will love this fairy tale with a beautiful garden and stunning flowers.

Watch on Starz for free, or rent from Amazon.

Miss Potter

Ahhhhh what to even say about Miss Potter?  Who doesn't know about Beatrix Potter?  If there was to be a picture on the word Spring in the dictionary, it would have to be Beatrix Potter and her sweet critters.

 

This movie takes us on the journey of Beatrix and how she became the well known author we've all grown to love.  I actually just watched this one a few days ago.  Her parents want her to get married and they even have someone in mind already, but she is not having it.  All Beatrix wants to do is continue to draw the animals that she loves.  In the movie we follow her journey, as she tries to get someone to publish her work but she is met with resistance, over and over again.  Until she finally has an offer from a small publishing firm.

 

And the rest as they say is history, because she became one of the biggest names around.  I mean, Peter Rabbit anyone?

 

You can watch for free on Amazon Prime.

 

 

 

The Secret World of Arrietty

I am not sure if many of you are familiar with the Studio Ghibli movies, who is a Japanese animation studio most famous for Spirited Away.  I will say I don't usually watch anime of any kind, it's just not my cup of tea, but I loved Spirited Away and this one I'm about to tell you about, is absolutely beautiful and just perfect for Spring.

If you love cottages and sweet country homes, with gardens and flowers and cute little people living in the walls of houses.  Do you remember The Borrowers, or The Littles?  It's like that.

Arrietty lives with her parents inside the walls of a human family, and she has no contact with them at all because of course, she's been taught that they are dangerous.  But a chance encounter with the the human boy in the house, changes everything.

I can not tell you just how much I love this movie, I actually bought it on Amazon so I can watch it anytime I want.

Watch on Amazon Prime.

 

 

 

Peter Rabbit  

Just look at this picture and tell me this doesn't scream Spring?  How adorable is that?

Now Peter Rabbit and his family are living in the house that Mister McGregor used to own before passing away.  Unfortunately his nephew arrives to take the house, and claim the inheritance, something that Peter and his family are not happy about.  

What ensues is a funny and cute adventure as they do all sorts of things, a full out war with the nephew to see who wins the house.  Unfortunately things get out of hand, and they have to end up making peace and working together.

You can watch for free on Amazon prime.

Take Joy:  The Magical World of Tasha Tudor

Not a movie but a documentary that I think everyone who loves gardens, and loves Tasha Tudor in general, needs to watch.

Tasha Tudor is a name that is synonymous with homemaking and loving for and taking care of your home and gardens.  For the first time, Tasha allowed a crew to enter her home and follow her on a normal day.  It is a magnificent glimpse into her life, and the incredible woman that she was.  You have to watch it, it will definitely get you in the mood for the season.

You can watch it for free on Tubi.

There are so many others that I could sit here for days, just talking and sharing, but I think this list is enough to kick start you, or at the very least give you ideas of the kind of movies you could be watching at the moment.

 

A few others that I can think of right now:

 

The Secret Garden

Nanny McPhee

All of the Jane Austen Adaptations

Far from the Madding Crowd

Jane Eyre

Basically, anything with cottage vibes, picnics, beautiful country homes and luscious gardens.  

Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite movie that has all of those requirements.

Spring time - TV Shows to get you in the mood

Welcome back sweet friends, sit down and stay a bit.  Grab a piece of paper and maybe take some notes, because I have a list of the best Spring time TV shows, to get you in the mood for the season.

Some of these I watch every year, and some are new suggestions that I still need to catch up on myself.  I gave you the books yesterday, today we are focusing on TV and tomorrow I'll bring you some movies.

Are you ready?

 

The Great British Bake Off

 

I have to start with one of my absolute favorites and MUST watch, every year.  If you've never sat down and indulged in The Great British Bake Off, you really are missing out.  Aside from the amazing baking and the competition itself, I love the scenery, I love the tent and the springy feels that it brings to mine.  Everything is pretty and floral and pastel.  

It is available to watch on Netflix, there are quite a few seasons, and I do advise you to watch every single one.  You won't regret.

Now the original name IS Bake Off but here in the States they changed it to Baking Show.  I don't know why, I don't understand, but it's the same thing.  You can watch it on Netflix through this link.

All Creatures Great and Small

This is a classic and if you have PBS and enjoy Period Dramas like I do, I'm sure you've already watched at least one season.  It is set in the Yorkshire Dales and follows the life of a young veterinarian named James Herriot.  It is actually based on real life and his experiences from 1940 to 1992.  

I absolutely love watching this show, not just for the period drama aspect but the gorgeous Yorkshire scenery, the green hills, the little farm houses and all the sweet animals.  

You can watch every season on PBS Masterpiece.

Lark Rise to Candleford

Ohh my word.  This is such a gem and yet not very well known to many.  Aside from being one of the best period dramas you could watch, it just screams Spring to me, I don't know why.

In this adaptation of Flora Thompson's memoir of her childhood, Laura Timmins leaves the Oxfordshire hamlet of Lark Rise for a job in the market town of Candleford, where her mother's cousin, effervescent Dorcas Lane, is postmistress. Farm workers, craftsmen and gentry make up the community of families, rivals, friends and neighbours. Throughout the series, residents of both places interact at the best and the worst of times, including a measles epidemic that threatens the harvest and the arrival of new Post Office Inspector Mr. Rushton.

I fell in love with this show back when we were stationed in Arizona, and since then I've always wanted to re watch it, but it's been hard to find a place to watch for free. Until now, because guess what?  It is available for free on the Roku Channel.  I am thrilled.

If you've never watched Lark Rise to Candleford, you're in for a treat.

Frog and Toad

I know, it's a children's animated series, but it is a definite must watch for spring time.   It is based on the very well known children's book written by Arnold Lobel, and no one says that just because we are adults, we can't enjoy these treasures, right?

Follows two amphibian friends striving to balance the great outdoors and home pleasure, as they are thrown from one optimistic adventure to another.

 

 You can watch the series on Apple TV.

Bridgerton

Of course, could not have a spring time list without mentioning Bridgerton.  It is set in the Regency era in England, and you can count on seeing lavish beautiful homes, gorgeous gardens, flowers and bees and Balls.  It is very much a period drama that many will enjoy.  There are currently 2 Seasons available to watch on Netflix, and the 3rd season is scheduled to be released in May.  

 

The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends

Yes another animated series, but there is such a peace and calming effect that these children's series, invoke in us.  Maybe it's a way to transport us back to our childhood, maybe it's a way to feel safe, to feel connected to a simpler and sweeter, more innocent time.  Whatever that feeling may be, I think that The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends is a must watch, especially during Spring.

Lucky for us, you can watch the entire series on YouTube.  I have the link for you below. 

 

And that is it my friends. There aren't too many tv shows but I'll be back tomorrow with some amazing, movie recommendations you surely will not want to miss. 

 

If you have any suggestions yourself, be sure to share them down below, so the rest of us can add them to our list.  

 

Have a blessed day friends, I hope you found something on this post that you can enjoy.

Spring Time - Books to get you in the mood

 

A lot of us are probably still dealing with cold weather, or random days of coldness.  I am, and although it disappoints me each time the thermometer drops back to the 30s, I don't let it get me down.  I am determined to enjoy the arrival of Spring, to prepare for the arrival of this beautiful season and to not let anything else get in the way of that joy.

 

With that said, I often do a few things to get me in the mood, so to speak.

 

If you've been on YouTube for a while, you may have seen some videos floating around about this very thing.  A lot of wonderful, visually stunning videos giving us recommendations of books to read, shows to watch or movies to enjoy during Spring, and the days leading up to it.

 

I thought, why not share what I will be reading or watching in the upcoming weeks.

 

Are you ready?

 

Spring for me, has always been a season of growing, of reemerging and renewing.  

 

After the long, cold, dark days of Winter, we see the first flash of green in the garden.  We hear the birds, we see the plants coming alive.  It's almost like getting a new chance at life, of redoing things and maybe fixing or making better something already in place.

 

 

First things first......Books!  

Nothing can quite get you in the mood for Spring, like a good book, the type that talks about Spring or cottages, little forest animals and beautiful gardens.  

One of the best authors that I have to start with, and just wouldn't do it justice if I didn't, is Louisa May Alcott.  Aside from Jane Austen, I will say she is one of my absolute favorites, along with L.M. Montgomery who penned Anne of Green Gables (yes, that's on the list too, just sit tight).

When you hear the name Louisa May Alcott, you no doubt immediately think of one of her most famous books, Little Women, which I have along with Little Men and Jo's Boys, both of which are on my bookshelf as well.  One that is not as well known, maybe because it's a children's story, is Under the Lilacs.

I received this beautiful copy, just last week, when I found it on Paperbackswap.  It is in perfect condition and just so absolutely beautiful.  The cover itself is gorgeous and then of course, you open the pages and are met not only with a delightful story but gorgeous illustrations.

I don't know about you all, but I still very much love illustrated children's books.

 

Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott

 

A delightful children’s story that revolves round the antics and exploits of Bab and Betty Moss, their neighbour Miss Celia, a circus runaway called Ben Brown, and his dog, Sancho. This heart-warming and timeless story is perfect for bedtime reading, and would make for a worthy addition to any family collection.

 

 

Anne of Green Gables.  We can't have a Spring reading list without including this classic.  I am going to assume that you've read the book and watched the series, but if you haven't, you are in for a treat.  I fell in love with Anne of Green Gables when we were stationed at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho.  My kids were little, like 7 and 3 years old.

 

From that moment, I became obsessed with anything to do with Anne, Prince Edward Island, and so on.  I read the books, I watched series, though I have to say, I did not enjoy the Anne with an E series on Netflix, it just wasn't for me.

 

Anyway, if you don't know about Anne here is a brief summary.  Oh and if you enjoy audio books, you can actually listen to the whole book on YouTube, just follow this link.

 

 

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

 

Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts—elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla—want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl. But before they can send her back, Anne—who simply must have more scope for her imagination and a real home—wins them over completely.  

 

Next on the list is another favorite and this one I think you all have heard about.  The Wind in the Willows.  Ahhhhh another gorgeous book with a sweet tale to tell.  Picnics, rivers, little sweet homes in the forest, flowers, it's just a compilation of everything that will get you in the mood for the season.

 

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Friendly Rat, mild-mannered Mole, wise Badger, and kind—but conceited—Toad all live on the banks of the Thames. While Mole and Rat are content to go out in a row boat or travel the roads in a caravan, Toad prefers the excitement of motor cars. He’s already wrecked seven! While his friends try to keep him out of trouble, his passion for cars eventually results in his being caught and kept prisoner in the remotest dungeon of the best-guarded castle in all the land. Somehow, he has to escape and get home but what will he find when he gets there?

 

The Secret Garden.....what to even say about this classic other than you have to read it.  Not just for Spring, anytime of the year, but especially during Spring time.  Luscious gardens, Yorkshire landscapes and of course a beautiful colonial house.

 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

On the grounds of Misselthwaite, her Uncle Archibalds estate near the Yorkshire moors, nine-year-old Mary Lennox finds a walled-in garden that has been locked securely for years. With the help of Dickon Sowerby, a young local boy who can charm animals, Mary cultivates the garden, an experiences that both improves her health and raises her spirits. Ultimately, the secret garden proves beneficial not only to to Mary, but to her sickly cousin Colin, whom her estranged uncle has locked away in solitude following the death of his beloved wife, Colins mother. Nurtured with love and tenderness, the secret garden proves it has the power to heal the heart.

 

We also can't think of Spring without immediately thinking of Beatrix Potter and her cute, quirky stories.  The Tale of Hill Top Farm is the first in the Susan Wittig Albert Series The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter.

If you love talking animals, woods, cute little critters scurrying about and even some mystery, then you need this series in your life.  I have started collecting, and only have 4 of the series, but I am always on the lookout for the remaining books.

 

The Tale of Hill Top Farm by Susan Wittig Albert

In this first Cottage Tale, Albert introduces Beatrix, an animal lover and Good Samaritan with a knack for solving mysteries. With help from her entourage of talking animal friends, Beatrix sets out to win over the human hearts of Sawrey, where she’s just bought an old farm–and plans to stay.

 

Now I wouldn't be me, if I didn't add in a Jane Austen book or two.  Not really actually written by Jane Austen this time, but about her per say.  The Man who loved Jane Austen, is not exactly spring related but I'm including it anyway.  

If you're a huge Jane Austen fan like I am, I think it's best not to go into this one thinking that it will do her writing justice, after all it is a fiction book written by someone else.  But if you enjoy a quick, funny, witty romance then this will be it.  

 

The Man who loved Jane Austen by Sally Smith O'Rourke

Aftering discovering a letter to Jane Austen from Fitzwilliam Darcy--a supposedly fictional character--in the back of her antique vanity's mirror, New York artist Eliza Knight, deciding to research this mystery from the past, searches for the only man who knows the truth.

 

 

And finally, Willoughby's Return, again not specifically Spring related, but it's one I've been waiting to read for a long time, and I think it deserves to be on my list for the next month.

 

Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe

In Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, when Marianne Dashwood marries Colonel Brandon, she puts her heartbreak over dashing scoundrel John Willoughby in the past.

 

Three years later, Willoughby's return throws Marianne into a tizzy of painful memories and exquisite feelings of uncertainty. Willoughby is as charming, as roguish, and as much in love with her as ever. And the timing couldn't be worse—with Colonel Brandon away and Willoughby determined to win her back, will Marianne find the strength to save her marriage, or will the temptation of a previous love be too powerful to resist?

I hope this list gave you some ideas, or maybe inspires you to gather your favorite Spring books and start reading.