This last summer, when I was 36 weeks pregnant, our AC stopped working. It was June and we live in southeast Texas, so you can imagine how hot it was in our house! I’ll never forget how two gracious friends invited us to stay with them until technicians were able to fix our AC. They had no warning, but these friends welcomed us into their … [Read more...] about How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Home
Keeping the Home
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Spinach Soup
One really interesting thing that has been happening since my husband started pinning meal ideas on Pinterest is that he’ll select some options that include ingredients he doesn’t usually eat. This recipe is an example. My husband hates spinach, but he saw this recipe and it looked good to him (plus he knows I love slow cooker recipes) … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Spinach Soup
Spring 2017 Menu
The warm spring weather is on its way in, so we’re starting a new menu! I won’t delve into the details of my menu planning process here because I’ve described these in a previous post. In summary, I plan a new menu that contains a month’s worth of meals at the beginning of each season (spring, summer, fall, and winter). We use each of … [Read more...] about Spring 2017 Menu
Sausage and Tortellini in Cheesy Tomato Sauce
I think this may be my favorite of the new dishes on our winter menu. It’s one that my husband found on Pinterest! Conveniently prepared in one pot, this savory and warm dish is a perfect winter dinner. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced 1 medium onion, chopped ½ tablespoon olive oil 1 … [Read more...] about Sausage and Tortellini in Cheesy Tomato Sauce
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Taco Soup and Queso Dip with Chips
Preparing "cook once, eat twice" meals has been one approach that has really expedited my meal preparations recently. Taco soup and queso dip with chips, which I’ve included on our winter menu, is a pair that my whole family loves! Ingredients For the soup: 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground meat 1 large onion, chopped 32 oz. chicken broth … [Read more...] about Cook Once, Eat Twice: Taco Soup and Queso Dip with Chips
How to Choose the Right Furnace Filter
Every time I purchase furnace filters, I stare at the wide variety available and wonder which to purchase. Should I just get the most affordable? Is there really any benefit to the pricy ones that filter micro-allergens and have odor reduction? If you’ve ever wondered the same things, then you’ll appreciate this post. Here is what I’ve … [Read more...] about How to Choose the Right Furnace Filter
How Pinterest Got My Husband Interested in Menu Planning
In my household, I’ve always done the menu planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. This has worked for us because, as a stay-at-home mom, I have time to do these things. I also have more knowledge of nutrition and a wider variety of cooking skills than my husband. You can imagine my surprise when I stepped into the living room a couple … [Read more...] about How Pinterest Got My Husband Interested in Menu Planning
Maple-Glazed Sausage Loaf
Several weeks ago I grew curious about how a meatloaf made of sausage would taste. Maple syrup complements many varieties of sausage, so I wanted to integrate it into the meatloaf somehow. The dish that resulted was fabulous! In fact, it was so good that it has found its way onto our winter menu. Ingredients 1 lb. breakfast … [Read more...] about Maple-Glazed Sausage Loaf
