Happy Homemaker 2026-07-13

Goodmorning - was another too hot week.

Regular telework week with Tuesday in town and picnic with cw's.

Friday went to Xavier's baseball game.  Afterwards Anne-E decided whe wanted to sleep at grandma's so she came home with us.  She wanted to see some Michael Jackson videos on youtube.. how does she even know him, she is 5!

Saturday was a slow day,  DS, ddil and Xavier arrived in the afternoon.  DDIL washed her car while the kids played with neighbor's grandkids that were there also.  The left after supper.  Sunday was some housechore but just too hot to do alot.  DH has started painting LR wall (in staircase so a bit complicated), he said it will need 3 coats.  Had to change the color so the big frame sil gave me will come out good.  So instead of olive green it is now beige.  Supper was at restaurant with sil, bil and neighbors.

Other sil (youngest) had some bad news about her health but treatments will start soon.

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Weather this week

Finally a little less hot by the end of the week

Looking around the house

With LR wall being painted it is not cozy... but it will be when the frame is up.  I'll post pictures, it is really nice.

Thinking and pondering

Youngest sil (55) and upcoming months with her health.

TV this week

• Vivre en forêt
• Construire demain
• Christmas movies
• 2 Tapons au Japon
• Marécages - Chasse à l'homme
• Big brother

Interesting blog I saw this week

Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 1 - Lucinda Riley

On my to-do list

Over the weekend

• Vaccum main floor
• Dust main floor
• Wash main bathroom
• Laundry

Monday

• Post here - DONE
• Get ready for in-town work tomorrow
• Make a potage
• Fold towels - DONE
• Wash fridge
• 
  

Decluttering

• 1 bra
• 1 set car mats
• 1 sweater + 1 jogging pants new given to ds
• 1 bag sealing machine (from mom's), not working so got rid of it.

Simple pleasure

Having a comfy interior, just being home.

Upcoming this week

Tuesday - work in-town

From the camera

Nothing - have 2 videos but can't seem to downlaod

Web picture of the week

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 13

 

WEEK 3 — Handmade & Thoughtful Preparation

Christmas in July day 13 — Starting Handmade Projects Early

If you enjoy handmade gifts or decorations, July is actually the perfect time to start.

There’s no rush yet, which makes everything more enjoyable.

Even simple projects feel more relaxing when they’re done slowly.

Sometimes the problem I have is finding the craft products I need that aren't all available yet. I have already started my handmade Christmas ornaments for this year.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 12

 

Christmas in July day 12 — Creating a Holiday Budget Early

This isn’t the most exciting part of Christmas planning, but it probably helps the most.

Even a very simple holiday budget can reduce a lot of stress later on.

You don’t need exact numbers yet. Just categories like:

• gifts

• food

• décor

• entertaining

Starting now gives you time.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 11

 

Christmas in July day 11 — Collecting Simple Hosting Ideas

If you host during the holidays, starting early can make a huge difference.

Today could simply be about collecting ideas you like:

• table settings

• easy appetizers

• simple desserts

• decorating inspiration

No pressure to decide yet.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 10

 

Christmas in July day 10 — Movie Night #2

The Noel Diary - 2022

This movie feels quieter and more reflective.

It’s about going home, dealing with memories, and reconnecting with parts of the past.

It’s slower-paced and works well for a calm evening.

Appetizer idea: Whipped ricotta with honey and toast.

Mocktail: Peach iced tea with sparkling water is light and easy.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 9

 

Christmas in July day 9 — Planning Simple Holiday Meals

Christmas meals don’t have to be complicated to feel special.

Today could just be about thinking realistically about what meals you actually enjoy making.

Simple food usually creates a calmer atmosphere anyway.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 8

 

Christmas in July day 8 — Building a Christmas Pantry Slowly

Buying everything for Christmas all at once can get expensive quickly.

Starting a small pantry now helps spread things out (remember to check expiration dates).

You can slowly pick up:

• baking ingredients

• hot chocolate

• spices

• napkins

• candles

Small purchases over time feel much easier.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 7

 

Christmas in July day 7 — Simple Freezer Baking Ideas

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress at Christmas is freezer baking.

Even if you only make one or two things ahead later on, it still helps.

Today could just be about researching recipes that freeze well.

Things like:

• cookie dough

• squares

• muffins

• pie crusts