About two weeks ago, we got a phone call from my husband’s cousin and his wife. They were letting us know that they were on their way to our house (they live in Louisiana and were evacuating because of Hurricane Ida). Once my kids went to bed, I jumped into action: I quickly wiped down the bathroom, I made sure clean towels were available, I … [Read more...] about Hospitality in an Imperfect Home
Keeping the Home
September 2021 Dinner Menu
We are in one of the most challenging times of the year for us in terms of weather. As I’m typing this, I’m watching coverage of damage left by Hurricane Ida. I was planning to post this menu yesterday, but I didn’t get it finished because we had family evacuate Louisiana and come here on Saturday. Spending time with them is more important … [Read more...] about September 2021 Dinner Menu
How to Make Healthier Pizza
When I think of healthy foods, pizza isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind. However, when I’m planning a menu and ask my kids what they’d like for me to put on it, pizza is pretty much always the first thing that comes to their minds! Thankfully, there are little things that we can do to prepare flavorful, nutrient-packed … [Read more...] about How to Make Healthier Pizza
Slow Cooker Meatball Tortellini
I have a love-hate relationship with slow cooker recipes. They are so convenient to prepare but I find that many taste somewhat bland and contain certain components that are mushy (it’s hard to cook veggies and meats well when they are all in one pot at one temperature). Nevertheless, I’ve been using my slow cooker at least once per week in … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Meatball Tortellini
August 2021 Dinner Menu
Summer is still very much underway, but I’d be lying if I denied that I’m looking ahead to the fall! Though this won’t happen for a bit, I’m ready to wear a sweater, eat soup for dinner, and put my fall wreath on the door. I’ll be patient, though, because I know fall will arrive in due time. In the meanwhile, here are the tasty dinners … [Read more...] about August 2021 Dinner Menu
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
I tried a new recipe earlier this month. Like the Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta I prepared for the first time last month, this recipe is one that my husband came across and thought sounded good. I’m so glad we gave it a try because it was delicious! It’s a one-skillet meal, so preparation and cleanup are super easy. If you like pasta … [Read more...] about Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Air Fryer Steak Bites
I tried a couple of new recipes during the month of June. Our favorite was this one. I’ve made steak bites before, but I had not previously prepared them in the air fryer. It turns out that this is a wonderful way to prepare them! In fact, it will be my default means of preparing them from now on. Check out these tasty, easy-to-prepare … [Read more...] about Air Fryer Steak Bites
July 2021 Dinner Menu
Summer has arrived and it is hot, hot, hot around here. We’re keeping cool by eating lots of popsicles! Like I did last month, I’ve planned meals that don’t require the oven to prepare. Everything on this menu can be prepared on the stove, in the air fryer, or in the slow cooker. As each new month begins, I take time to plan out our … [Read more...] about July 2021 Dinner Menu