As I noted when I wrote last summer about Christ-focused Advent traditions, the Jesse Tree is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. A Jesse Tree helps families reflect on the people, prophesies, and events that preceded Christ’s birth. There is one Jesse Tree reading for each day of Advent. These readings are from the Bible and each is … [Read more...] about DIY Jesse Tree Ornaments
Keeping the Home
Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
On Thanksgiving Day around here, no one wonders how many calories are in the sweet potato soufflé or if the rolls were prepared with whole wheat flour. What my family members want to know is what time dinner will be served and what flavors of pie were prepared for dessert. However, just because Thanksgiving is a day for feasting doesn’t … [Read more...] about Healthier Versions of Your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
A Skill You Must Master In Order to Get Things Done When You Have Young Kids
There are a lot of skills you must master when you become a parent. You eventually get comfortable and confident in your new role and are able to balance parenthood with all of the other tasks you face. I felt I arrived at this point about the time I found out I was expecting my second child. Learning how to mother two little blessings … [Read more...] about A Skill You Must Master In Order to Get Things Done When You Have Young Kids
Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
It doesn’t feel a whole lot like fall here on the Texas Gulf Coast, but that hasn’t stopped me from baking up some fall-themed treats. I wanted to bake some oatmeal cookies for my toddler because she absolutely loves oatmeal. She’ll ask for it for breakfast, snack, lunch, and pretty much any other time she’s hungry! I didn’t want … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Taco Pasta Pot and Taco Pasta Bake
This recipe shares some similarities to the cook once, eat twice recipe for Creamy Beefy Noodles and Cheesy Beefy Noodle Bake that I shared a couple of weeks ago. Like that recipe, this one is easy to prepare and uses affordable ingredients. However, due to taco seasoning, this dish has a zesty flair. Given its flavor and affordability, … [Read more...] about Cook Once, Eat Twice: Taco Pasta Pot and Taco Pasta Bake
22 Uses for Citrus Peels
Many of us toss the peels in the trash after eating an orange or squeezing juice from a lemon. This is a terrible habit because there are actually dozens of uses for these peels! Not only have these uses reduced the amount of trash I throw out, but I’m discovering that they can help me save money and make my home more pleasant. Ways to … [Read more...] about 22 Uses for Citrus Peels
5 Ways to Stop Procrastinating
I occasionally find myself putting off some task that I really need to accomplish. Often the task relates to housecleaning, though sometimes it relates to budgeting, yard work, or home maintenance. I’m a little embarrassed to say that sometimes days, weeks, or even months will pass before I finally buckle down and complete it. Does this ever … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Stop Procrastinating
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Smothered Steaks and Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Gravy
When prepared as follows, the classic comfort dishes of Smothered Steaks and Slow Cooker Beef Tips are delicious and very easy to make. Ingredients For the smothered steaks: 4 steaks (hamburger steaks, cube steaks, eye of round steaks, etc.) 2 tablespoons butter 1 package (16 oz.) mushrooms, sliced 1 large onion, chopped 2 … [Read more...] about Cook Once, Eat Twice: Smothered Steaks and Slow Cooker Beef Tips in Gravy
