I absolutely love wrapping gifts! There’s something about lovely wrapping paper and shiny bows that sparks creativity in me. I’ve become increasingly aware that wrapping gifts in traditional gift wrap and using disposable bows isn’t particularly beneficial to the environment. Fortunately, I’ve discovered several creative, eco-friendly … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Frugal, Practical Stocking Stuffers for Adults
Stocking stuffers are one of life’s little pleasures. There is something delightful about pulling gifts from a bulging stocking, especially when you discover that the meaningfulness of a gift is masked by its small size. As I’ve noted before, I want to give my loved ones meaningful gifts, not “junk” that I resort to because I don’t know … [Read more...] about Frugal, Practical Stocking Stuffers for Adults
Maple-Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake
I don’t know why I’d not previously considered combining pears, maple syrup, and spice cake, but I’m sure glad I thought of it last week! In order to make my idea come to life, I augmented a spice cake recipe that I found on allrecipes.com (you can see the original, pear- and maple-free recipe here). Ingredients 2 pears (firm enough that … [Read more...] about Maple-Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake
Winter 2013 Menu
Brrrrrr! Cold temperatures have set in and Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time to start using this year’s winter menu. As you may recall, I periodically develop monthly menus. We use each for 3 consecutive months before moving on to a new one (read more on why I plan monthly menus here). We only include dinner selections … [Read more...] about Winter 2013 Menu
Cultivating Thankfulness
Even when we have many blessings in our lives, it’s sometimes hard to give thanks. Difficult situations can sit before our eyes like the lenses in glasses, influencing how we see everything in our lives. The Bible teaches that we should give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This means we should be thankful even in the … [Read more...] about Cultivating Thankfulness
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Fruits and Vegetables?
It’s clear that fruits and vegetables are key components of a nutritious diet. What’s not so clear is what impact various forms of preservation have on the nutrients in these foods. Are there significant differences in the nutritional content of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables? If the answer to this question is yes, then … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Fruits and Vegetables?
Why and How to Take a Goal Planning Retreat with Your Spouse
Throughout the year my husband and I look forward to the winter weekend when we will get away and set goals for the coming year. While goal setting might not be at the top of most couples’ lists of activities to do while on a getaway, we find it to be incredibly meaningful. Last week I explained why we find it beneficial to set goals as … [Read more...] about Why and How to Take a Goal Planning Retreat with Your Spouse
Do We Really Bear One Another’s Burdens?
I’ve been thinking about the concept of bearing one another’s burdens since I cited this as a benefit of putting down the masks we wear. It’s a somewhat cliché phrase that we throw around in Christian circles, but is it something we put into practice? What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens? When I think of burdens I tend to … [Read more...] about Do We Really Bear One Another’s Burdens?
