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?
Frugal TIPbits: Make Clothes Last Longer
Taking care of clothes in a manner that extends their life expectancy is one of the easiest ways to keep clothing expenses from getting out of hand. I combed the internet for suggestions because I want to be sure I’m making every reasonable effort to make my household’s clothes last longer. I found a number of common sense approaches … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: Make Clothes Last Longer
Setting Goals as a Couple
As the New Year approaches each winter, my husband and I set aside a weekend to focus on setting goals for the upcoming year. This is one of the most beneficial activities we complete together. Let’s consider why it's beneficial to set goals in general and why it’s especially beneficial to set them together. I’ll also share a copy of … [Read more...] about Setting Goals as a Couple
