Linda @ Linda’s Lunacy

In the Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

March 1, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

I haven’t shared what I’ve been up to in the kitchen in quite a while. But I’m still here. In the kitchen. Making dinner. lol I still make a weekly menu. It’s a sanity saver, for sure. If you don’t make a dinner menu, I encourage you to try it. It saves me from the what’s for dinner stress.

On Friday, we were given a lot of broccoli and cucumbers. And when I say a lot, I mean a LOT.

That’s like only half of what we had. I blanched and froze all of it. So expect to see broccoli on my dinner menu a lot. lol

I love how bright the green is after blanching.

Now that’s a LOT of broccoli! I forgot to count the packages before I put them in the freezer. I did some bags sized for a side dish, and some bags sized for casseroles, or when I will be serving more people.

I vacuumed seal most of the bags. I ran out, so had to finish 4 or 5 bags in regular freezer bags. I need a new vacuum sealer, I’ve worn mine out. It didn’t do as good a job vacuuming on some of the bags. Let me know what your favorite vacuum sealer is in the comments so I can start shopping.

We had 6 bags of cucumbers. We can eat a lot of cucumbers, since we like them for snacks, too, but can’t eat that many! So I started researching if I could freeze cucumbers. I found out you can! I made a batch of frozen cucumber salad to try. It tasted good before it went in the freezer, so we’ll see if we like it later this week. If so, I’ll make more!

I saw that you can freeze plain sliced cucumbers for putting in drinks, and for making dips. So I flash froze a large tray. Then repackaged in a bag when frozen. I froze the cucumber salad in bags, too, as they take up less room in the freezer than containers.

I read that the best way to store cucumbers is to wrap them in paper towels, and place them in the fridge in bags. so my husband helped me roll the cucumbers in paper towels and bag them. I left one bag alone, so I can compare them to see if the paper towel covered ones really last longer.

What have you been up to in the kitchen?

In The Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

Now…. to answer the question that I get asked about a hundred times a day……….What’s For Dinner?

Monday – chicken or turkey – Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Tuesday – pizza/pasta – Spaghetti with meat sauce, zucchini

Wednesday – Taco Night- Venison – not sure if it will be tacos yet though lol

Thursday – pork or chicken – Baked chicken, rice, beets

Friday – Quick & Easy – Venison roast in slow cooker, with potatoes, carrots, and onions

Saturday – Quick & Easy or Husbands Choice – Cheeseburgers on the grill with all the fixin’s, frozen cucumber salad, onion rings

Sunday – soup & sandwich day – Potato soup with cheese and bacon, garlic bread

For more ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday

Ice Storm aka Ice Age 2021

February 22, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

I disappeared last week. Not of my own choosing, though. We had an ice storm, then snow on top of that. Twice. Yes, ice, snow, then a day or so later, more ice and more snow.

The first round was about a half an inch of ice, followed by about 4 inches of snow. Then about a quarter of an inch of ice, followed by an inch or two of snow. I did not go outside and measure, lol, I looked out the window. But my husband went out. The outside pictures below are ones that he took, except for one that I took hanging out the door. lol

We used a lot of humor to keep us entertained. lol We starting calling it the ice age while were were without electric. That’s what it felt like to us, surrounded by ice!

Ice Storm aka Ice Age 2021

Our electric went out on Monday night at 9:30. Tuesday morning, the electric company said that it would be an extended outage. I had my son, who has a Jeep, take my mother out to stay at a family members house that still had electric.

I am so thankful that I did! Our electric didn’t come back on until Saturday night at 5. Almost 5 full days without electric! That’s the longest we have ever gone. And the temperatures were colder this time. Down to 11 one night. Our pastor loaned us a heater that attached to the propane tank from our grill. We were thankful for that.

**This heater is NOT recommended to use indoors. So DON’T do it! We took a chance….. I do NOT recommend doing that!! Be Safe!**

The heater kept the living area in the mid 50’s tolerable with wearing layers, and using lots of blankets and hats. My 84 year old mother wouldn’t have tolerated it, though. As the week went on, I was so glad I got her out!

Candles add extra heat, as well as giving us enough light to eat, and play games by. Putting the mirror under the candles magnified the light.

We were able to cook a little, and boil water for hot chocolate, on the heater. Canned ravioli, hash, leftover pizza lol. My husband took some of his frozen breakfast sandwiches, wrapped them in foil and heated them. He even made toast on it one day. Our son, with the Jeep, picked up pizza for us one night, as our road was still solid ice and we couldn’t get our cars out. It was a nice change from sandwiches and canned food!

The pic I took of the pine tree while hanging out the door lol

Pic at the neighbors that my husband took.

At the time of this writing, a week after the storm, there are still almost 600 households without electric. This was a very severe storm in Kentucky. Workers came from several different states to help with the clean up and power restoration. As if losing power isn’t bad enough, a good portion of our county lost water too, as pumping stations lost electric. It was very bad in our part of the state. We are not alone, though, I know that others around the country suffered greatly from ice storms as well.

I have already ordered an indoor safe propane heater and a portable butane burner so we are better prepared if this happens again. We had plenty of food, and flashlights, but were not as prepared for a heat source as we thought we were. That won’t happen again! Oh, and cooking outside on the grill in cold weather is fine. When you choose to, And when you can go inside and get warm. Cooking outside in the cold, then going in to a cold house, is not fun! Hence buying a portable burner!

We were so thankful when our electric came back on.

My thoughts and prayers are with those still suffering from ice storm damage.

Healthy Eating for Older Adults

February 3, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains an affiliate link

Like me, you may be faced with being a caregiver for your parents, or other older relative. One of the things that requires a lot of attention is making sure that they are eating healthy. Healthy eating for older adults is possible!

Healthy Eating for Older Adults

Older adults still have virtually the same nutritional requirements as all adults. However, since they most likely aren’t as active, they won’t need as many calories. They also may have trouble eating.

Our elders very well may not tell us why they are having trouble eating. They may not even realize it or know why themselves. They may have trouble eating due to dental problems, loss of taste or smell, loss of appetite from age or medicine side effects, or the inability to prepare their own meals. We have to pay attention to their eating habits and do some sleuthing to identify why they aren’t eating, and make changes for them so that they can get the nutrition that they need.

The first step would be a visit to the doctor and/or a nutritionist. They, and you, need to find out what the recommend daily calorie intake is for them. Caloric needs do change. The doctor or nutritionist will also let you know any special needs they may have. A low sodium diet, limits on fluids, or certain vitamins, to name a few. This would be a great time to ask if they recommend any vitamins or supplements for them.

If they are not eating enough due to dental problems, a visit to the dentist is in order. If they have dentures, they may need to change the food they are eating, or change the form that they are eating them in. For example, a lot of older adults have trouble chewing raw vegetables. So they need to eat cooked veggies instead.

The foods that need to be eaten for good health are the same for everyone regardless of age.

Healthy carbohydrates: Brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole grains – bread, crackers, or pasta

Proteins from meat, fish, eggs, and beans

Dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter

And five servings of fruits and vegetables a day

Healthy eating for older adults means that substitutions may need to be made. Here are a few suggestions

You will need to make sure that carbohydrates are cooked to the correct consistency for them. Whole grains will often have to be something that does not have visible grains and seeds in it. Those can be hard to digest, as well as getting stuck in or under dentures. If eating that whole grain bread causes them pain, they won’t eat it. There are now white whole wheat breads on the market that they may be willing to eat.

The protein may have to change forms as well. Trouble chewing meat may mean eating more ground meats instead of having a steak. Chicken and fish are easier to chew than beef. Beans can be a good choice. Unless they have trouble with them being gas producing. That can make older adults very uncomfortable. If they like eating beans, there are ways to make them less gas producing, such as soaking over night.

Digestion slows down as we age, and a lot of older adults have trouble digesting raw vegetables, so fruits and vegetables may need to be eaten cooked. Make sure that they are getting a variety of vegetables to get enough nutrition. This may mean making extra vegetables. Some for the family and some for the them. Usually the darker the vegetable, the more nutrition it contains. Broccoli, cauliflower, and onions may need to be avoided as they are gas producing. You may have a hard time getting them to eat the full 5 servings every day. I know I do! Try to get as many in as you can. Hiding them in other foods if you have to. For example banana or zucchini bread. Adding bananas to pancakes and french toast. Adding finely chopped vegetables to meatloaf.

Dairy products are important for their calcium and vitamin D that help bones stay strong. Yogurt, with active cultures is important for gut health.

As the sense of taste and smell fade as we get older, we may need to add more spices and seasonings to increase the flavors to entice them to eat.

With a few adjustments, older adults can still eat their favorite foods and get the nutrition they need to be, and stay, healthy.

You may find these posts helpful. The Sandwich Generation, Making Decisions, and When Is It Too Much.

The Sandwich Generation When Is It Too Much

Here are a few books that you might find helpful.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In the Kitchen with Linda

January 11, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains an affiliate link.

It was a busy week in my kitchen last week. Our daughter gaves us this big bottle of maple syrup that is made in the town where she lives. So pancakes were in order. The syrup is so good! If you find it at a store near you, I highly recommend it!

We had venison steak one night from a deer that my husband got. It’s always a popular dinner here.

I made quinoa pilaf one night as a side. I cooked some onion in some butter then added some bouillon, the water and quinoa according to the package directions. When done, I stirred in some peas and carrots. It was really good. And a different way to eat quinoa.

I had looked at the weather when I was planning the menu and picked a day when it was supposed to be a little a warm. If you count 40’s as warm. Except it didn’t work out the way I planned it ended up only being in the 30’s that day. I grilled hamburgers for dinner anyway. Because it was on the menu. lol

Photographic evidence. lol

It’s always worth cooking burgers on the grill. They taste so much better than cooking on the stove. And no mess in the kitchen!

I made a pork tenderloin that I had gotten on sale. I used a dry rub on it and it was so good!

And since I had to go out on Friday I planned ahead and put a venison roast in the slow cooker. Along with carrots, onions, and potatoes. It came out great as always.

I haven’t made any desserts since Christmas. Guess I was having a nice break from baking. lol I have making brownies on my to do list this week, though.

What have you been up to in the kitchen?

In The Kitchen with Linda & Dinner Menu

Now…. to answer the question that I get asked about a hundred times a day……….What’s For Dinner?

Monday – chicken or turkey – leftovers!

Tuesday – pizza/pasta – OYO – I have all day appointments, so everyone is on their own!

Wednesday – Taco Night- Venison – not sure if it will be tacos yet though lol

Thursday – pork or chicken – Jag – a rice dish that is a family favorite

Friday – Quick & Easy – Venison roast in slow cooker, with potatoes, carrots, and onions

Saturday – Quick & Easy or Husbands Choice – We’re moving cabinets in the kitchen today, so probably take out!

Sunday – soup & sandwich day – Potato soup with cheese and bacon, garlic bread

For more ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

FREE Book! No Longer a Slumdog

January 6, 2021 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

Some books are entertaining. Some are informative. Some books inspire hope. Some books are heartbreaking.

This book, No Longer a Slumdog, is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Book Description:

Let God stir your heart for some who are truly in need—thousands of children living in slum conditions in Asia. In this book, real children share their real stories of need and how our loving God intervened to redeem them with His love.

You will be astonished as you read how God is powerfully moving in hearts right now. Read about an abandoned girl who found hope at the end of the railroad tracks, a young boy who escaped after years of forced servitude, and many others whose lives have been redeemed. You’ll be captivated by this powerful move of God as K.P. Yohannan leads you on a journey through the slums and villages of South Asia into the hearts and lives of these precious children.

It is literally heartbreaking to read about what some kids have to go through in life. Some parts of this book are hard to read.

The book isn’t just about the heartbreaking parts of kids lives in India, though. The emphasis is more on the hope that Gospel for Asia is bringing to these kids. This book is written by a ministry leader who leads Gospel For Asia. It is an amazing ministry. For more information visit the Gospel for Asia website.

We can help, too!

Start by getting a FREE copy of the book No Longer a Slumdog. Go HERE to get it.

You’ll find out ways that you can help restore these children, their families, and their communities in this FREE book. Yes, everyone gets a free copy of this book!

I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to go get your own copy!

How to Buy the Best Hand Sanitizer

December 3, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This how to buy the best hand sanitizer post contains affiliate links

Now a days, we all need to keep sanitizer on hand all the time.

Hand Sanitizer can be expensive, and hard to find, so make sure you are buying the best one for you.

Here are some tips.

How to Buy the Best Hand Sanitizer

1. Be Sure About Alcohol Percentage

The amount of alcohol in the hand sanitizer is critically important and the most effective hand sanitizers consist of 60-85% alcohol by volume, so be sure to check the alcohol percentage before purchasing.

2. Check Alcohol Type

Ethanol is proven to be more effective than isopropyl alcohol on its own against viruses. Be sure to check the type of alcohol to make sure you are purchasing the most effective hand sanitizer.

3. Additional Ingredients

Check out the extra ingredients in the hand sanitizers as ingredients like Aloe, which is used in Smart Care hand sanitizers, help to smooth the skin upon application and reduce the dryness associated with alcohol.

4. Proper Application is Important

In advance of application, make sure to clean all dirt and grease from your hands. Apply a small dab of hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand, then rub your hands together. Make sure the sanitizer has dried before wiping your hands.

5. Select a Brand with A Proven Reputation

Lastly, with the increasing number of brands on the market make sure to select a brand that has an established reputation for delivering performance and efficacy.

I recently received these Smart Care sanitizer products. Smart Care has been a leader in hand sanitizing products since 2015. They also carry some paper products, and first aid supplies. I saw some really cute disposable masks for kids, too!

These little character bottles are the best smelling hand sanitizer I’ve ever tried. If your kids won’t use hand sanitizer because of the smell, try these! There are several different licensed characters to choose from for all ages.

The antibacterial wipes are for only ages 3 and up. They are convenient to carry in your bag or purse when you don’t want to worry about liquid spilling.

The giveaway below is now over. I hope you found these tips for buying hand sanitizer helpful!

Smart Care Hand Sanitizer Package Giveaway

Enter below to win the Smart Care Hand Sanitizer Package below. Hand soap, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, alcohol wipes….everything you need!

Be sure to read the terms and conditions on the form!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click the links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you

Christmas Under the Stars Featuring Lauren Daigle Review & Giveaway

December 2, 2020 by Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

*This post contains an affiliate link.

I was able to preview the new Christmas Under the Stars special featuring Lauren Daigle recently. I loved it!

Ok, I love Christmas music. And I love several of Lauren Daigle songs. So I was really looking forward to watching this special.

It did not disappoint!

Lauren Daigle is a two-time GRAMMY-Award winner and multi-platinum-selling artist. Her first full-length Christmas television special, “Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle,” airs Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. EST on BYUtv.

**Edited to add – If you missed this when it aired, you can still watch it on BYUtv!

Check out these videos!

Lauren sings several of the Christmas songs that everyone knows and loves. She did an amazing job singing them all. My favorite was her rendition of The Little Drummer Boy.

Interspersed among the Christmas songs, Lauren shares with us. She tells us why these are her favorite songs, little stories about her Christmas memories, and just little tid bits about her life. I enjoyed listening to her stories and getting to know her a little bit.

In addition to the Christmas songs, Lauren sings a couple of her songs. I Will Rescue You, and You Say. I love those songs, so I’m glad she included them in this special.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching, and singing along, with Christmas Under the Stars. I wouldn’t have minded in the least if it was longer!

Christmas Under The Stars with Lauren Daigle on Sunday, December 6 at 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT on BYUtv. You can also stream the program for free on the BYUtv app anytime after the premiere.

Lauren Daigle’s new CD Behold: A Christmas Collection is available here.

Christmas Under the Stars Featuring Lauren Daigle Giveaway

Enter below to win a Lauren Daigle CD: BEHOLD, A Christmas Collection! Be sure to read the terms and conditions on the form!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post contains an affiliate link. If you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.

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