When prepared as follows, the classic comfort dishes of Smothered Steaks and Slow Cooker Beef Tips are delicious and very easy to make. Ingredients For the smothered steaks: 4 steaks (hamburger steaks, cube steaks, eye of round steaks, etc.) 2 tablespoons butter 1 package (16 oz.) mushrooms, sliced 1 large onion, chopped 2 … [Read more...] about Cook Once, Eat Twice: Smothered Steaks and Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Gravy
Book Review: Love at First Fight
I feel that my husband and I handle conflict in our marriage relatively well, so I’ve never sought out a book that specifically addresses how to handle conflict in marriage. However, when I received an email about an opportunity to review a copy of Love at First Fight, a humor-laced book about conflict by Carey and Dena Dyer, I figured I might … [Read more...] about Book Review: Love at First Fight
Easy Fall Ribbon Wreath
When I was a kid, I always thought I would highlight the seasons and major holidays by changing up the décor in my home to reflect them. Due to tight budgets, busy days, and severely limited craft skills, this has never become a reality. I’m slowly working to change this. One baby step is the creation of this fall wreath. I’ve seen a … [Read more...] about Easy Fall Ribbon Wreath
Dare to Prepare: What to Do in An Active Shooter Situation
It seems that every time you turn on the news you are met with word of a violent attack that resulted in multiple casualties. These attacks take many forms, but frequently they are mass shootings. When I think about disasters, this isn’t what initially comes to mind. I typically think of hurricanes, earthquakes, and even industrial … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: What to Do in An Active Shooter Situation
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Creamy Beefy Noodles and Cheesy Beefy Noodle Bake
I have loved having a stash of freezer meals available during the last couple of months as I’ve adjusted to life with a newborn and a toddler. Because of this, on my most recent menu I included a number of “cook once, eat twice” items that would yield freezer meals. Using affordable ingredients, this easy-to-follow recipe yields two … [Read more...] about Cook Once, Eat Twice: Creamy Beefy Noodles and Cheesy Beefy Noodle Bake
I’m Done Pretending I Have It All Together
I had some friends over a couple of weeks ago and, much to my embarrassment, I noticed halfway through our lunch that I had not served them anything to drink. I had a drink in front of me and my oldest daughter had one in front of her (I’d poured both earlier in the day), but I simply forgot to serve drinks to our guests. I felt … [Read more...] about I’m Done Pretending I Have It All Together
Instilling Good Dental Health Habits in Toddlers
My toddler has a bit of a love-hate relationship with her toothbrush. She enjoys chewing on it and sucking training toothpaste off of it, but she’s generally displeased with it when I use it to scrub her teeth. Though brushing her teeth can be an ordeal, I do it twice each day because I want her to have healthy teeth. What must we do … [Read more...] about Instilling Good Dental Health Habits in Toddlers
Starter Kitchen Essentials
Have you ever come across a gadget or dish in your kitchen that you’re pretty certain you’ve never used? I recently heard from a reader who would like to avoid this. Elizabeth asked the following: “My fiancé and I both grew up in homes with single parents who cooked using mostly frozen and canned foods. We’re both now learning how to … [Read more...] about Starter Kitchen Essentials