We’ve had a number of super cold days recently. We want to keep our home warm so we’re comfortable and the pipes are protected, but we don’t want to break the bank doing so. I’ve looked into it and found several affordable approaches to keeping our home warm. Perhaps some of these will work for you, too. How to save money when heating … [Read more...] about Frugal Approaches to Heating Your Home
Make Your Own Breastfeeding Necklace
Like many infants her age, my daughter has begun wiggling, poking, tugging at my hair, and pinching while she nurses. Though these behaviors can be a bit frustrating, they’re a good sign—they’re completely appropriate for her age and show that she’s on track developmentally. Be that as it may, how can I get her to settle down and eat? I’ve … [Read more...] about Make Your Own Breastfeeding Necklace
Curry Tortellini Soup
I made this recipe for the first time back when my husband and I were dating. We both loved it, so I’ve made it frequently since then. It’s easy to prepare, so I often make it on nights when we’re short on time. Ingredients (Adapted from the Mushroom Tortellini in Curry Cream recipe in the Easy Soups & Stews cookbook.) 1 onion, … [Read more...] about Curry Tortellini Soup
Natural Ways to Avoid the Flu and Colds
My husband and I both recently had bouts with colds. Even though we were able to get over our symptoms pretty quickly, I don’t want to repeat the experience soon and I want to make sure our infant daughter remains healthy. What things can we do to stay healthy? I did a little research and found numerous safe, natural ways for warding … [Read more...] about Natural Ways to Avoid the Flu and Colds
Bacon Mushroom Swiss Macaroni and Cheese
It had been a while since we tried a new macaroni and cheese recipe, so for this menu I came up with a truly unique variety: Bacon Mushroom Swiss. These flavors go so well together! Ingredients 3 cups macaroni (uncooked measure) 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups homemade cream of mushroom soup or 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom … [Read more...] about Bacon Mushroom Swiss Macaroni and Cheese
What To Do With Baby: A Guide to Developmentally Appropriate Play
Once Amaris, my infant daughter, stopped sleeping for most of the day, I found myself staring into her beautiful eyes and wondering what exactly I should do with her. I would hold her, talk to her, and sing to her, but given that children learn through play, I wondered if I should be doing more. I looked into developmentally appropriate … [Read more...] about What To Do With Baby: A Guide to Developmentally Appropriate Play
Making Lessons Stick
The last two years I've written year-end posts about the lessons I’ve learned in the preceding 12 months. I could do this again because I’ve learned a number of lessons this past year, but I’m suffering from recency effect—I’m having trouble remembering all but the most recent lessons (this is no doubt due to the demands of caring for my … [Read more...] about Making Lessons Stick
The Miraculous in the Mundane
To the casual observer, the events that surrounded Jesus’ birth seemed pretty unremarkable—a man traveling with his betrothed, a full inn, and a babe lying in a manger. While I’m sure it was not routine for babies to be born in the stable of the inn every day, there was no impressive caravan or pageantry to accompany Jesus as He arrived. These … [Read more...] about The Miraculous in the Mundane
