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
Fall 2016 Menu
Our summer has flown by so quickly! I can hardly believe it’s time to begin using a new menu. I’ve detailed the whys and hows of my menu planning previously (read about it here). In summary, I create a new monthly menu at the beginning of each season (fall, winter, spring, and summer). We use each menu for the three months of that … [Read more...] about Fall 2016 Menu
Dare to Prepare: Items to Use for First Aid When in a Pinch
We’re once again in the midst of National Preparedness Month. As I’ve done in the past years, I’m going to take advantage of this by taking a straightforward look at disaster preparedness. (Click here for links to the previous Dare to Prepare posts.) Today’s topic is both practical and fun. A good first aid kit should be part of your … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Items to Use for First Aid When in a Pinch
Garden Fresh Freezer Spaghetti Sauce
Earlier this summer I had an abundance of Roma tomatoes from my vegetable garden. I decided to make spaghetti sauce with them. I don’t have the equipment to can spaghetti sauce, so I found a simple recipe for freezer spaghetti sauce. I will forever remember making this sauce for two reasons. First, my husband was somewhat doubtful it … [Read more...] about Garden Fresh Freezer Spaghetti Sauce
