Welcome to the weekend, my friends! It’s snowing again as I write this and I’m grinning to see it. We enjoyed a couple days of gloriously blue skies this week with wonderful sunshine too! So, my winter loving and sunshine loving self is quite happy today.
Before we moved to Ohio (almost two years ago now!) I never understood some people’s fascination with the weather. When you live in “The Valley of the Sun” and that sun shines warm and bright almost every day of the year, it’s just not something that you think about all that much.
Now? The gift of changing seasons is not something I’m likely to take for granted anytime soon. I love the chilly mornings, the gray skies, the rain, the snow, the sunshine, all of it.
ON THE BLOG this week: Tender and moist Peanut Butter Muffins are possible with just a scoop of sour cream and a couple of bananas. These muffins are moist and sweet and absolutely perfect for a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even for dessert.
This Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice has been declared by my family as the best “unplanned and amazingly delicious” meal to come out of 2020. Initially made on a whim one night when I had leftover rice in the fridge, I’ve been making it on repeat for months now.
Monster Cookie Bars are a new twist on the old favorite. Monster Cookies have been my family’s favorite cookie ever since I was a child. I adjusted the recipe slightly and pressed the cookie dough into the bottom of a large baking sheet. In less time than it would have taken to bake a single tray of cookies, you can have these bars cooling on the counter.
What I’m CRAVING: This “Not Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon” that my friend Karen shared this week looks and sounds amazing. I can’t wait to try it!
My FAVORITE THINGS this week are these ear muffs. They aren’t anything fancy, (they’re actually pretty inexpensive) but they’re keeping my ears warm and I really love that the band goes behind your head and under your hair, making them a simpler option for my morning walks than wearing a hat and dealing with static or smushed hair as a result.
What I’m READING: Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery. If you missed it last week, the Kindle version of THE ENTIRE SERIES is still only $.49 (less than one dollar!) on Amazon. I have no idea why it’s so inexpensive, but I’m thrilled and fully immersed in Green Gables once again.
It’s probably been at least 15-20 years since I read these books. It feels like I’m catching up with old friends each evening as I read before bed and I’m enjoying it ever so much.
“Live today the way you want to be remembered tomorrow.” – Dillon Burroughs
Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!
Mary
connie dunfield says
Hi, I made your Poppyseed Chicken Salad, very good! I like the hint of the Dijon mustard in the dressing. I was lucky in January (Santa Cruz, CA..area) to find firm Green Grapes, which added a lot of nice texture.
Connie Dunfield
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled to hear that, Connie!
Cherylynn says
Love the ear muffs. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Younkin says
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!