Having a clean house is refreshing and pleasant. Unfortunately, getting to a clean house can sometimes be taxing and unpleasant. Cleaning schedules can streamline housecleaning and help you keep up with various tasks. I absolutely love lists and schedules, so soon after I got married I began looking for a suitable cleaning schedule. … [Read more...] about Cleaning Schedule Architecture: Building One that Works for You
Chili Mac
We’ve enjoyed having chili mac on our menu this fall. This super affordable dish is easy to prepare, nutritious, and filling. Ingredients 3 cups macaroni pasta (uncooked measure) 1 lb. ground beef or turkey 1 medium onion, chopped 2 teaspoons chopped garlic 24 oz. strained tomatoes, tomato sauce, or finely diced tomatoes 1 … [Read more...] about Chili Mac
Frugal TIPbits: Avoid Frugal Strategies That Create Costs
There’s a fine line between frugality and foolishness. Not all frugal strategies result in real savings. To avoid crossing over into foolishness, we must closely examine seemingly frugal strategies because a number of them may actually generate significant expenses. When frugal is actually expensive DIY gone awry. Sometimes you can … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: Avoid Frugal Strategies That Create Costs
Putting Excuses in Their Place
Have you ever spent the afternoon searching for homemaking advice and then made the excuse that you didn’t get the laundry done because you were busy? Perhaps you’ve used your lengthy “to do” list as an excuse for skipping your daily Bible reading? Maybe you’ve blamed PMS for an incident where you were impatient with your husband? Though … [Read more...] about Putting Excuses in Their Place
Birthday Gift Idea: A Good Night for My Knight
My husband’s birthday was last week. As it approached, I brainstormed gift ideas and searched Pinterest for a handmade birthday card I thought I could mimic. The latter task was somewhat unfruitful—most of the cards I saw on Pinterest were far too elaborate for my rudimentary skills! My brainstorming was a bit more effective, though. My … [Read more...] about Birthday Gift Idea: A Good Night for My Knight
Dare to Prepare: Obtaining and Storing Disaster Preparedness Supplies
If you attempt to gather the disaster preparedness supplies we talked about two weeks ago, you’ll likely encounter some tricky issues related to procuring and storing the supplies. Let’s explore four of these. How to afford disaster preparedness supplies You may find yourself shelling out as much as several hundred dollars if you purchase … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Obtaining and Storing Disaster Preparedness Supplies
Revitalizing Mealtime Prayers
Does your family “say grace” or pray over your meals before you eat? In the past I’ve felt that this was a very meaningful expression of my faith. In recent weeks, though, I’ve begun wondering if it’s really that significant. The prayers my husband and I pray before meals are often redundant. We say the same words—nearly verbatim—almost … [Read more...] about Revitalizing Mealtime Prayers
It’s the Little Things About Fall
Fall 2013 officially begins this weekend! It’s the little things about fall that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Apples. Though apples are available year-round, they take center stage during fall. I'll soon have caramel apples, apple cider, apple crisp, baked apples, apple pie—they’re all delicious! Changing leaves. I … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Fall
