As I’ve looked at Mother’s Day items in the stores this spring, I’ve been struck by how impersonal the holiday has become. I’m bewildered by the mass-produced, impersonal gift baskets that appear to me to communicate one of three things: The purchaser (1) didn’t know what to get mom, (2) didn’t shop in time to get something personal, or (3) … [Read more...] about Beyond Infrequent, Impersonal Expressions of Gratitude to Mom
Frugal TIPbits: How to Use Fewer Paper Towels
I’m constantly searching for ways to save money. Given how frugally my husband and I already live, this is kind of like the proverbial trying to get blood from a turnip. Nonetheless, I’m driven to continue experimenting with new strategies because every penny counts. I think we can cut back on our paper towel use in my house. This … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: How to Use Fewer Paper Towels
Brainstorming About a Home Management Notebook
It’s time for a pop quiz! If your electricity goes out, what phone number should you use to contact your electricity provider? You likely don’t have it memorized (if you do, you’ve been losing power too often!), but where in your house can you find the number? What’s for dinner tonight? The trim on the front of your house needs to be … [Read more...] about Brainstorming About a Home Management Notebook
Rampant Reusing: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes
How many toilet paper and paper towel tubes do you throw away each year? Dozens? Scores? Do these tubes have to end up in the trash or is there some way to reuse them? I’ve been looking into some options. 10 Ways to Reuse Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes Add some scrapbooking paper and ribbon to make small gift boxes. Place tubes … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes
Building Friendships with People Whose Views Differ From Yours
I met some amazing friends during college. Regardless of passing years and increasing geographic distance, many of my friends and I have managed to maintain our relationships. I have no doubt this is partially due to the fact that we share very similar views. With these girls, it’s easy to talk about anything because I know they’ll understand … [Read more...] about Building Friendships with People Whose Views Differ From Yours
Clarifying Credit (Part 3)
Over the last two weeks we’ve looked at several basic credit-related topics. Today we’ll take a final look at the finer details of credit by examining what factors influence credit scores and how to build good credit. How different parts of your credit history impact your credit score As noted in a previous post, each of the credit … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 3)
Book Review: Not Your Parents’ Marriage
My husband and I attend a couples’ small group offered by our church. Our group recently read Not Your Parents' Marriage: Bold Partnership for a New Generation by Jerome and Kellie Daley. The basic idea presented by the authors is that you bring with you into marriage expectations based on your past experiences with marriage (especially your … [Read more...] about Book Review: Not Your Parents’ Marriage
Common Housekeeping Conundrums: How Should Toilet Paper Hang?
The Common Housekeeping Conundrums series is an ongoing exploration of perplexing issues of both serious and trivial varieties that are encountered while caring for the home. The debate has raged since the advent of modern toilet paper: Should the end hang away from the wall and over the top of the roll or should the end hang next to … [Read more...] about Common Housekeeping Conundrums: How Should Toilet Paper Hang?
