Have you ever noticed that the prices on some products vary throughout the year? Sometimes this is due to tradition (e.g., January white sales) and sometimes it’s due to practical need (e.g., seasonal items being cleared out to make room for inventory for an upcoming holiday). I’ve checked with some consumer resources to see which items are … [Read more...] about Month-by-Month Buying Guide
Lessons Learned in 2013
Last year presented many opportunities to learn and grow. As I complete my goal setting and prepare for 2014, several of the lessons I’ve learned stand out. The perfect is the enemy of the good I’ve become familiar with the veracity of this aphorism courtesy of my tendency to be a perfectionist. I’ll often tinker with work that is … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned in 2013
Rampant Reusing: Greeting Cards
Do you love getting cards in the mail from loved ones? I certainly do. Though I loathe throwing the cards away, I don’t see any sense in stashing them away in a drawer where they contribute to clutter. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a number of awesome ways to reuse them. Ways to Reuse Greeting Cards A greeting card can be … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Greeting Cards
The Birth of Hope
Are you in a situation where you need hope? I won’t even speculate if your answer is affirmative because we’re all facing situations where we need it. Take heart! We’re about to celebrate the birth of hope personified. Hope is defined as “someone or something that may be able to provide help.” Early in Jesus’ ministry, long before his … [Read more...] about The Birth of Hope
It’s the Little Things About Winter
Winter 2013 officially begins this weekend! It’s the little things about winter that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Christmas. An opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior is reason enough to get excited. However, I can hardly contain my excitement when time with family, cookies, Christmas carols, candy, lights, and … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Winter
Cheeseburger Macaroni
This recipe for cheeseburger macaroni is the result of my efforts to make a healthier, homemade equivalent to the Hamburger Helper® variety that bears the same name (this was one of my husband’s favorite meals back before we got married). This homemade version is simple and calls for affordable ingredients. It’s also pretty … [Read more...] about Cheeseburger Macaroni
Convenient Freezer Labels
Have you ever pulled a dish or baggie from the freezer and been unable to determine what is frozen in it? You can eliminate this problem by diligently labeling foods before freezing them. This sounds straightforward, but I know I sometimes omit this step when I’m in a hurry. Hopefully these cute, convenient freezer labels will make it … [Read more...] about Convenient Freezer Labels
Essential Recipes: Cheese Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup
As I’ve adopted the habit of menu planning, I’ve realized that there are a number of basic recipes that are essential to preparing the meals on my menus. Paramount among these are cheese sauce and cream of mushroom soup. If I wanted to save a little time and effort, I could use a processed cheese product (e.g., Velveeta) instead of … [Read more...] about Essential Recipes: Cheese Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup
