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
Winter 2014 Menu
With a newborn baby in the house, we’ve been consuming many meals that we’ve assembled hastily. Now that our little one is two months old, we’re ready to get back on track with a menu. As I’ve shared in previous posts, I periodically develop monthly menus. We use each for 3 consecutive months before moving on to a new one (read more on … [Read more...] about Winter 2014 Menu
A Giveaway to Celebrate 2 Years of Blogging at Of The Hearth!
On December 9th, 2012, I published my first post on OF THE HEARTH. Two years and 260 posts later, I’m celebrating the wonderful things that have happened here! One way I’m celebrating is by giving YOU an opportunity to win an amazon.com gift card (see below for details). We’ve explored some interesting topics and engaged in some … [Read more...] about A Giveaway to Celebrate 2 Years of Blogging at Of The Hearth!
Gift Ideas for Teens
My husband and I have a couple of teenagers on our Christmas gift list. The more I try to brainstorm gifts for them, the more I realize how little I remember about being a teenager! After thinking on it for some time, I’ve come up with a number of fun and/or beneficial gifts for the teens in our lives. Perhaps they’ll be useful for … [Read more...] about Gift Ideas for Teens
Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
With Thanksgiving over, many of us are searching for the perfect gifts to exchange with loved ones. If the increase in views of my Christmas in July: Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas post is any indication, then many of you are also looking for gift exchange ideas. That post is pretty brief, but I’ve identified several additional ideas … [Read more...] about Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
Be Grateful Throughout the Year
When I saw this meme on Facebook last November I was struck by its accuracy: I initially felt a little self-righteous as I read it. After all, I don’t complain on Facebook. In taking a good, honest look at myself, though, I see that my complaining occurs in person or via phone. What about you? Do you give thanks around the … [Read more...] about Be Grateful Throughout the Year
Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
We have several family members coming to spend the week of Thanksgiving with us. As much as I love cooking, I’d rather spend time visiting with my loved ones than in the kitchen preparing meals. We’re also on a tight budget, so I don’t want to break the bank when purchasing foods for us to eat. I’ve been brainstorming and have come up … [Read more...] about Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
