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?
Clarifying Credit (Part 2)
Last week we looked at the definition of credit and at reasons to have credit (even for individuals who strive to live debt free). Today we’ll continue our look at the finer details of credit. Requesting a credit report The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act is a federal law that entitles each consumer to one copy of his or her … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 2)
Battling Laziness
Do you ever struggle to get things done because you just don’t want to work on them? I’ve recently been struggling with this in a few areas of my life. There’s the stack of assorted documents on the corner of my desk that I need to go through. There’s the basket of pants and shirts that need mended. What is it for you? Maybe the overstuffed, … [Read more...] about Battling Laziness
Easy Handmade Birthday Cards
Though I really enjoy being creative, I’m not all that skilled when it comes to most crafts. I always picture great results in my mind, but I can only execute my ideas successfully about half of the time! In order to save a few dollars, I try to make greeting cards whenever my husband and I need them. Despite my history of inconsistent … [Read more...] about Easy Handmade Birthday Cards
Housework as Exercise
I’m motivated to maintain my house and keep it clean for a number of reasons: stewardship, comfort and safety, the look and feel of clean surfaces, creating a warm environment for guests, etc. Now I can add physical fitness to the list. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, many housekeeping activities constitute … [Read more...] about Housework as Exercise
Clarifying Credit (Part 1)
Many of you know that my husband and I strive toward debt-free living. We avoid taking on new debt and we work hard to pay off our existing debt, which includes student loans, our mortgage, and a small amount we owe on my husband’s car. Though we’ve gleaned a lot of information about credit throughout our adult years, in examining our finances … [Read more...] about Clarifying Credit (Part 1)
Ridiculous Lawn & Garden Gadgets
My husband and I spent last Saturday morning working in the yard. It could really use some improvements, so we’ve been contemplating various options and pricing the materials we would need. In the process, I’ve come across some outrageous gadgets for the lawn and garden. Hose Clothes – Do you have an unsightly garden hose? Camouflage it … [Read more...] about Ridiculous Lawn & Garden Gadgets
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: BPA
The Navigating the Nutrition Maze series is an ongoing exploration of nutrition-related issues to help navigate the turns, dead ends, and intricate passages to healthy eating. BPA is an abbreviation for an industrial chemical (bisphenol A) that is used to make certain plastics and resins. Several years ago the public was virtually unaware … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: BPA
