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
Promoting Healthful Living
Healthier Crispy Treats
As far as snacks go, traditional Rice Krispies Treats® aren’t that terrible for you, but they’re not exactly good for you, either! I was looking for something to snack on a few days ago and improvised to create a slightly more nutritious version. After making (and falling in love with) these, I did some searching and found that a number … [Read more...] about Healthier Crispy Treats
6 Things Children Can Learn From Gardening
We finally have a yard large enough to accommodate several raised garden beds. With the clumsy help of my toddler, I recently moved my plants from their starter pots into two large beds. I’m thrilled to be introducing my daughter to gardening because there are so many lessons—truly crucial lessons—that our children can learn from … [Read more...] about 6 Things Children Can Learn From Gardening
Is Rinse Aid in Your Dishwasher Really Beneficial?
Dishwasher rinse aid is a relatively new concept to me. I don’t recall seeing or hearing about rinse aid products when I was a child, nor do I recall there being a special spot in the dishwasher where you were supposed to deposit one of these products. I’ve ignored the rinse aid reservoirs in the dishwashers I’ve had access to during my … [Read more...] about Is Rinse Aid in Your Dishwasher Really Beneficial?
6 Easy Ways to Refresh Yourself Midday
I’m always excited to get some things done and to have a little “me time” when I put my daughter down for nap in the afternoon. Unfortunately, on many days I don’t get anything accomplished during her nap because I find myself feeling tired and having trouble focusing. Thankfully, there are a number of easy things we can do to … [Read more...] about 6 Easy Ways to Refresh Yourself Midday
Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
You, the readers who comprise the community here at Of The Hearth, often ask thought-provoking questions in your comments and emails. It’s likely that these questions are shared by many readers, so I’ve decided to answer some in posts. I hope you will contribute by adding your input in the comments! Leslie in Florida asked the … [Read more...] about Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
How to Get Toddlers to Enjoy Vegetables
By the time most children enter toddlerhood, they’ve tasted enough flavors to realize that some foods taste a lot better than others! This, combined with their inability to sit still for long periods of time, often turns toddlers into picky eaters. Vegetables are frequently the first foods toddlers reject. These are so important for … [Read more...] about How to Get Toddlers to Enjoy Vegetables
Why and What to Read to Babies
It felt very natural to read to my daughter throughout her first year. Though she didn’t understand many of the words in the books, I figured that reading provided an opportunity to cuddle, to instill in her a love for reading, and to foster her intellectual development. It turns out that I figured correctly. The American Academy of … [Read more...] about Why and What to Read to Babies
