My little update Spring 2026

Feeling SPRING’

 

It's never too late

I would like to share a little story with you today. While I was making a return at HomeGoods early this morning i witnessed joy and hope.

In front of me was a couple mid 70s to late 70s. He was using a walker and she was standing next to him. Minding my own business but I did overhear the clerk talking to the couple before me. The clerk clearly said to them; "are you still moving in together"? They had like a few items in their cart and they said yes.

The clerk wished them the very best of luck and it was so nice to see happiness on their faces.

With so much sadness going on in the world I wanted to share this story.

It certainly brought a wide smile to my face, and I hope it does to yours.

Where there is life there is hope.

Fondly,

Sweet and salty Chex mix

• CHOCOLATE CHEX MIX

I thought I’d try my hand at making a Chex mix using Aldi’s brand Chex mix and cocoa powder cause I love chocolate.

• 
  
  
  
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• pinch of kosher salt 
• *****4 1/2 cups corn Chex cereal
• 4 tbsp. Cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup salted cashew halves(optional)
• 1 cup salted peanuts(optional)
• 2 cups tiny pretzels( optional)
• ***Add any add in as you enjoy! Chocolate or white chocolate chips, dried cranberries and so on.(chocolate chips should be added after all is baked and cooled).

1. In a large mixing bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder and pinch of salt until it’s dissolved.
2. Add cereal, cashews, pretzels to bowl and toss to combine.

Add all ingredients to a baking sheet and bake at 250 degree's for approximately 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes until golden brownStore in an airtight container.

Fall decor through the years plus a fall recipe

 

 

Stew recipe

https://iliketobakeandcook.blogspot.com/2019/04/homestyle-stew-recipe-and-easy-biscuits.html

 

 

Lots of Fall decor

 

A healthy reminder plus a recipe

As 2025 is winding down. I have a difficult time believing these spring and summer months have gone so quickly.

Here are a few Fall reminders I hope you find to be useful.

Positive thoughts, positive actions= positive reactions.

This week since summer is wrapping up and there won’t be as many fresh fruit and vegetables to select I have decided to work at eating healthy meals.

I use these for a healthy snack.

I’ will try posting one healthy meal

as often as I can.

It’s just a suggestion to help anyone who wants to work on their health and lose a few unwanted pounds.

Porcupine meatballs

https://iliketobakeandcook.blogspot.com/2019/12/porcupine-meatballs.html

I don’t plan on being strict. I’m going to count calories. I did it before and I CAN do it again. I’m not giving up going out to eat either.

I occasionally like to do that but will avoid fast food restaurants if possible unless I can see something worthwhile and tasty.

I will continue to focus on portion control and no eating in between meals.

***This is tough one for me because I’m not a big meal eater and I snack in between. Of course my snacking is not healthy snacks so that has to change. No snacks at all is my goal. To eat More protein to fill me is.

By no means am I suggesting you join me but I welcome everyone. It’s about me and it can be about YOU.

I recently had my second knee replaced and am starting to feel better.

I belong to Silver sneakers and do my workout at home. It’s about 1/2 hour 5 days a week.

I also walk most days (weather permitting).

I will still post all of my YUMMY RECIPES because I intend on still making them but I will DEFINITELY be exercising portion control. I think most know what an average size meal should look like.

Note: ON TO EXERCISE. No pricey gyms are in my plan. Simple at home exercises(even chair exercise) will work. If you try to do too much you’ll get frustrated and lose interest. A good paced walk is a start. Weather permitting. A mall too is a good place to walk! (No shopping allowed) lol. Leave the shopping until you lose a few pounds.😃

****Also most IMPORTANT tell your DOCTOR/physician you are planning on doing the above and for obvious health reasons make sure he or she is ok with it.

PLEASE NOTE!!!! This is not a diet! THIS IS A LIFESTYLE CHANGE. Rome wasn’t built in a day to coin a phrase so take it slow. Inch by inch you and I will do it.

I know the first week will be the most difficult so allow for slip ups and look to me or anyone that will encourage and inspire you to reach your goal. Nay sayers are everywhere... avoid them!!! I have had people I am with say to my face when they see me eating healthy “what diet are you on”? It annoys me but I respond “I am not on a diet”! I’m Just trying to eat healthy .

If you have suggestions please comment . I appreciate a good piece of advice or suggestions and PLEASE post your pictures and or recipes.

Support is important so let’s support each other with this hopefully fun and not too serious getting “back on track “with good food choices.

Good luck and positive vibes being sent to you.

Sunday Night Social: Saturday night gitters

Memories of Great wine and cheese socials from

Years gone by.

 

 

 

Cobblestone village wine and cheese social.  Great memories!

 

I know I have mentioned this before but I must say it again" I am a reluctant hostess" .  

 

I WAS the  person who had to have everything perfect....Perfect menu, perfect beverage selection, perfectly cleaned house.  Whew!!!

  A few months ago my hubby and I were  asked to host a wine and cheese social at our clubhouse the later part of August.  My husband said yes right away and I thought "that's months away" so why not?  See I'm thinking positive! Well it's tomorrow!...

We sent out the flyer about a month ago..That was easy..I decided along with my best guy that we were making this a stress free event for us..(especially me).  He says "don't sweat the small stuff" and I say "but I do stress the small stuff"...but NOT this time.  This time we decided to make a short list of items to serve..No fussy stuff!   

Let's see, plates,check, glass wear ,check, napkins, check, toothpicks, check, tablecloths,check, cheese tray ordered, (pick up tomorrow) check, grapes(10 lb. picked up this a.m.) dipping oils, (pick up a.m tomorrow) check..Italian Bread (ordered and pick up tomorrow), check..Come back and CHECK me out!  Pictures to follow, check! Oh I forgot to tell you there are 50 people signed up!!!! Yikes!!!

  

Yikes!!!