Tummy time—time spent on their bellies instead of on their backs—can be a trial for many babies. When it’s tough on them, it’s also tough on their parents and other caregivers. My daughter, Amaris, used to cry during tummy time. I began experimenting with our approach and searching for ideas on how to make it more tolerable. … [Read more...] about Tips for Tear-Free Tummy Time
Oat Outburst! (Oat Information and Recipe Roundup)
Given that oats are nutritious, affordable, and versatile, it’s no wonder that a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal can help me have a great start to the day. Unfortunately, at first glance, oats can seem kind of boring. They’re not, though! There are so many delicious was to prepare them. Need some ideas? See below for dozens of … [Read more...] about Oat Outburst! (Oat Information and Recipe Roundup)
Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
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
