When I have guests over, I typically try to make things nice. I do my best to get the house in tip-top shape, I cook my best meals, I use formal serving dishes, and I smile and act cheerfully (even if I’m having a rough day). I’m beginning to realize that this nice façade may not be beneficial when practicing hospitality. Instead, my … [Read more...] about Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
Homemade Breakfast Sausage
My husband is dissatisfied with the breakfast sausage available where we shop for groceries. We’ve tried every brand they sell, but he’s always been disappointed. While he was searching for breakfast ideas a couple of weeks ago, he came across a recipe that he asked me to try. I was more than happy to do so and I’m so glad I did! The … [Read more...] about Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Ways to Increase the Humidity in Your Home Without a Humidifier
When I lived in Texas, we welcomed the dry air of winter as a break from very humid summers. Now that I’m living in the north, the dry winter air is problematic. We’re suffering from dry skin, irritated nasal passages (this increases the likelihood we’ll come down with a cold or flu), and frequent static shocks. We looked into … [Read more...] about Ways to Increase the Humidity in Your Home Without a Humidifier
Maintaining Friendships Across Life Stages
Years ago, when I was still single, I noticed that something weird happened as my friends got married: An invisible wedge developed between us and our friendships were tested. The same thing happened when they began having children and I remained childless. I’ve heard other women share about similar experiences, so this seems to be … [Read more...] about Maintaining Friendships Across Life Stages
Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Not long after I got married I realized that the work of a homemaker is never complete. There is no 9-to-5 work schedule. There are no days off for the weekends or holidays. There aren’t even meal breaks. Instead, the sink fills with dishes every day—especially on weekends and holidays. The clothes hamper refills with dirty clothes as … [Read more...] about Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
10 Easy Ways to Go Green
Sometimes “going green” gets a bad rap—the term conjures up images of hugging trees or major lifestyle changes. I’m not up for either of these, but I do want to be a good steward of the beautiful world God has given us. Fortunately, there are many simple, painless ways to engage in green (or environmentally-friendly) living. Easy ways … [Read more...] about 10 Easy Ways to Go Green
Easy Cheesy Beef Stroganoff
Whenever I ask my husband if he’d like me to place anything in particular on our menu, he always responds that he’d like this dish. If he likes it that much, then it must be good! It’s super easy to prepare (it’s made in one pot), so I’m a huge fan, too. Ingredients (Significantly adapted from this recipe.) 1 lb. ground beef ½ cup … [Read more...] about Easy Cheesy Beef Stroganoff
Marriage Check-In Questions
As changes occur in your life, there is often a decrease in the amount of time and energy you have to invest in your marriage. My husband and I are seeing this firsthand as we adjust to parenthood. We’ve decided to be intentional about remaining connected during this busy season of our life. While on our annual goal planning retreat, we … [Read more...] about Marriage Check-In Questions
