Have you ever noticed that craft stores often begin putting out Christmas stuff during the summer months? In this setting, this isn’t necessarily an example of “Christmas creep” or an attempt to boost early Christmas sales. It serves a practical function. If you’re going to complete crafts in time for Christmas, then you often have to begin … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
Keeping the Home
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
Mexican Rice Bake
This recipe caught my eye because it seemed easy to prepare and sounded tasty. I’m glad we tried it because it met my expectations! Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 1 lb. ground meat 1 ½ cups brown rice 2 cups water ½ of a red or green bell pepper, diced 1 medium onion, chopped 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1 carton … [Read more...] about Mexican Rice Bake
Flag Code Primer for U.S. Households
My daughter and I go for a walk through our neighborhood almost every day. There are many things I love about our neighborhood, including the way many of our neighbors show their pride in our country and their support of our troops by flying the U.S. flag. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that many of my neighbors fly their flags in manners that … [Read more...] about Flag Code Primer for U.S. Households
Summer 2016 Menu
As I did this spring, I’ve focused on easy-to-prepare meals while planning my family’s menu for this summer. We’ll probably stick with this menu until I give birth in July and then rely on freezer meals for a time. There are a lot of great meals here, so hopefully we’ll be ready to return to it by August! I’ve described my menu planning … [Read more...] about Summer 2016 Menu
The Best Freezer Meals
Today we are going to answer another question from a reader. It’s timely for me that we examine her question because I’m trying to prepare freezer meals to use after I give birth later this summer. Sharon asked the following: “Hi, I have some friends that are having some health issues and would like to do some cooking for them. I am … [Read more...] about The Best Freezer Meals
Tips for Preparing Great Burgers
Hamburgers are one of my absolute favorite foods. For the most part, I’ve been content eating a wide variety of burgers prepared at restaurants, barbecues, and here at home. I’ve been paying more attention recently and I’ve noticed that there is great variation in the quality of burgers I eat. Some are moist and flavorful, while others … [Read more...] about Tips for Preparing Great Burgers
5 Reasons We Should Listen to Music in Our Homes
A few days ago I began playing some music after my daughter got up from nap. When I did this, it really struck me that playing music has an impact on the aura or feeling in my home. In general, my home seems like a more pleasant, peaceful, and joy-filled place when we’re listening to music. I read up on the topic and learned that music … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons We Should Listen to Music in Our Homes
