Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Rain, Books, Cows, Ducks and Baby Chicks...oh my!

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It has just gone past 10am, and I've come in to sit for just a few minutes to chat a little.  

I used to keep up with my blog and made sure to have daily updates, a record for myself and for my children one day, to be able to look back at where I've been, what we've done and what was happening around us.  We live in such a high paced technologically filled life, that it's often hard to take some moments to record our lives.

It sounds strange to say that, I mean everyone has a phone stuck to them at all times, and we have no shortage of videos and photographic evidence anytime anything happens.  But have you noticed that it is not really used for family time?

We are so eager to capture anything news worthy, but not our lives, and I find that quite sad and disheartening.  

And trust me, I say all this knowing that I am part of the problem too.  I may not be out there doing tik toks (can't stand that app), or filming world news, but I also get caught up in daily life and forget to see what is around me.

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It also doesn't help that my children are now grown and don't like being photographed, or talked about on my blog.  Hence no birthday pictures from Nick's birthday on the 11th and there will be none from Jasmine's either on the 25th.  It bums me out, but I have to respect their wishes.
 
But, I digress!
 
So let's rather talk about the things that I can talk about, or want to talk about, which is what I've been up to around here.
 
Tea.....lot's of cups of tea, some times milky tea, sometimes plain black tea.  The weather has been rainy and wet, which always puts me in the mood for a nice cuppa while I read a book.
 

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I've been using my free credits on Paperbackswap, to pick up some new reads, like this one from Lucy Maud Montgomery.  It is actually a compilation of 2 of her books, The Story Girl and The Golden Road.

I've also received Georgette Heyer's Venetia which I'm quite excited to get into.  Georgette Heyer is fantastic and I don't think there is a single book of hers that I didn't like.

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Last week we also had quite an interesting thing happen on our property.  Every evening, after dinner, our family plays games, whether a card game or a board game, even sometimes some tv games.  It's a way that we bond and spend time together.

It was during one of these evenings, that we looked out the big dining room window and noticed a huge cow, just casually walking across our yard.  It's nothing new, and it's certainly not the first and I'm sure the last time that a cow happens upon our property.  We live surrounded by land and there are about 5 or 6 homes in the area that own cows.

We put the game on hold and my husband headed outside, right as a truck pulled into our driveway.  The man was not the owner of the cow but he did know the owner.  

About 35 minutes went by, the cow just stayed behind my house, just hanging out doing nothing.

We had a neighbor from just up the street, come down to us, who also knew the owner of the cow, and said he would grab her and deliver her to the ranch.

Next thing we know, we have cowboys, cowboy hats, horses and a full on cow chase with lassos going on. 

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It was quite fascinating to watch, especially since on the 2 horses, were a father and son.  The young boy looked to be about 8 or 9.

They went around the back and chased the cow towards the front where a huge trailer with other men were waiting.  It was over pretty quickly once they got the horse to our property.

I swear, never a dull moment in my life.  

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Our duck friends have also returned, we get them every year.  There are about 8 or 9 them, they show up during the day for an hour or so, then they leave, and come back again.

One of these times, they decided to leave us an egg.  I chuckled so hard when my husband came inside with an egg in his hand and completely confused Hahahahah

We feed so many animals in our area, I wonder if this was their way of thanking us for food and water.

Whatever the case, I think it was sweet.

Last but not least, our little baby chick is doing amazing.  Puffy is such a good mama to this baby.  She brings the baby out every morning and then takes it back into the coop every night.  Until 2 days ago, we would have to go out every evening, and let puffy into the coop, then help the baby in because it was too small to climb the ramp.  Our ramp has a little space between it and the coop entrance, and the baby was just too small to make that jump.  Now it's big enough.  

I swear, we may have lost our other 3 chicks but it's been such a wonderful, fascinating and informative journey just watching all of this from start to finish.

How long have I been wanting chickens?  If you know me, you will surely know that it's been years if not a decade that I've been talking about this.  It seems surreal sometimes that we now have our own coop and flock and we've had the pleasure of seeing chicks hatch, from egg laying to brooding to hatching.  All of it.  So thankful to God for this blessing.

Anyway, you are now caught up on what has been happening around here.

I sure hope you all are doing well, and please friends remember to stay close to God, to stay in prayer and above all to cover yourselves and your families, homes, cars, finances and health, with the blood of Jesus.  It is so important to do that right now.

I love you all, stay blessed and until next time,
Sandra

Monday, April 15, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/15/2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

 
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


Monday, April 08, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/08/2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

 
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


Monday, April 01, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday - 04/01/2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

 
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
 


Monday, March 25, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/25/2024

Happy Homemaker Monday

 
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. 

 


Thursday, March 21, 2024

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.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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.