When I was writing a thank-you note a few days ago, it occurred to me that I should write notes of this nature more often. I’ve recently had similar thoughts about other actions. In fact, when I really think about it, there are scores of simple, but beneficial things I ought to do more frequently. Here, in no particular order, are 50 of … [Read more...] about 50 Things We Should Do More Often in the Coming Year
Archives for 2016
Why It’s Important to Make Time to Read
I’ve always enjoyed reading. During my teen years, I preferred reading over other pursuits that were common among my peers. As an adult, reading remains one of my favorite activities. What has changed is that these days I rarely feel like I have time to read. As a wife and mom of young children, my “free time” is almost nonexistent! I … [Read more...] about Why It’s Important to Make Time to Read
4 Ways to Cultivate Love for People
Sometimes I grow irritated with my fellow human beings after getting stuck in traffic or having to wait for a long time in a public place like the DMV or a doctor’s office. I see people acting rudely and without regard for others (e.g., cutting off other drivers when in a traffic jam, leaving trash strewn about a waiting area, playing music … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Cultivate Love for People
Winter 2016 Menu
Though we’re busy with Christmas festivities, I didn’t forget to plan my family’s winter menu. I won’t explain the whys and hows of my menu planning here because I’ve detailed these elsewhere (you can read all about it here). In short, I plan a new menu containing a month’s worth of meals at the beginning of each season (fall, winter, … [Read more...] about Winter 2016 Menu
8 Ways to Decorate Front Windows for Christmas
Though I love decorating for Christmas, I have no motivation to get up on a ladder and hang Christmas lights on the house. My husband lacks this motivation, as well, and we’re uninterested in having any bulky decorations out in our yard. As you might guess, this means that thus far our homes have lacked exterior Christmas decorations. I’d … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Decorate Front Windows for Christmas
Festive Christmas Cookie Bars
One by one I’m trying the cookies on my Christmas Cookie Bucket List. I tried the Neapolitan Bars last year, but I thought they took too much work for the flavor that resulted. I really like the appearance of a tricolored cookie bar, though, so I’ve made over the recipe so the bars are easy to make and have a tasty flavor. Ingredients 2 … [Read more...] about Festive Christmas Cookie Bars
Soup, Stew, Chowder, Bisque, or Chili?
I generally consider winter to be “soup season.” Subsequently, I’ve been looking over a lot of soup recipes as I plan my winter menu. In addition to soups, I’ve seen recipes for stews, chowders, bisques, and chilies. Many of these recipes look similar, so how can we tell these different varieties of “soup” apart? What makes them … [Read more...] about Soup, Stew, Chowder, Bisque, or Chili?
FUNtastic Tools for Teaching Toddlers About Shapes
When my oldest daughter was 18 months old, we gave her a puzzle that featured 8 common shapes. Within days she was able to identify a couple of them. However, it took her a little longer to learn the remaining shapes and to differentiate between similar ones (e.g., square and rectangle). Thankfully, we discovered many fun, useful … [Read more...] about FUNtastic Tools for Teaching Toddlers About Shapes
