As my family’s typical routine has been disrupted for many weeks because of moving and visiting with loved ones for the holidays, I’ve become increasingly convinced that routines are critical for having a peaceful, productive home. When I talk about routines, I’m not talking about schedules (rigid agendas where specific activities occur … [Read more...] about Routines Can Make or Break Your Day
Keeping the Home
A Basic Tool Primer
Though a toolbox is sometimes viewed as a grown man’s toy box, the reality is that women also need to be able to identify and use basic tools. I was blessed with a father who imparted much of this knowledge to me as I was growing up, but I know many women who didn’t have this experience. They sometimes feel tentative when sorting through … [Read more...] about A Basic Tool Primer
Chicken Noodle Casserole
I love serving warm casseroles for dinner on cold winter evenings. This hearty one is always a favorite in my house. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 14 ounces egg noodles 2 cups homemade cream of mushroom soup or 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 cup sour … [Read more...] about Chicken Noodle Casserole
What Makes a House a Home?
After a four-month stay in temporary housing after our move across the country last summer, my family has purchased a delightful house where we hope to reside for many years. Through all the house hunting, negotiating, inspecting, repairing, and moving, I’ve realized that many of us invest significant amounts of time and money to obtain … [Read more...] about What Makes a House a Home?
Winter 2015 Menu
I know that we’ve entered 2016, but I did not get a chance to share my family’s winter menu last month when we began using it. I’ve detailed my menu planning process previously. In short, at the start of each season I develop a menu that contains four weeks’ worth of meals. We use each of these menus for the three months of its … [Read more...] about Winter 2015 Menu
King Ranch Chicken
In honor of our move to Texas, we had to have King Ranch Chicken—a casserole that embodies the taste of south Texas—on our menu this fall. Though the origins of the dish are debated, most Texans love it. If you give it a try, you’ll understand why it is so popular. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 4 tablespoons butter 1 medium … [Read more...] about King Ranch Chicken
Christmas Cookie Bucket List
As far as I’m concerned, cookies are an appropriate accompaniment for any holiday. There’s something particularly special about cookies at Christmas, though. Somehow they’re a little sweeter than at other times of the year! When I was a child, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was baking and decorating sugar cookies. When my … [Read more...] about Christmas Cookie Bucket List
The Most Important Things to Consider When Buying a House
Though it is often fun and exciting, house hunting is a very serious endeavor. If you make a good choice, you’ll own a secure, comfortable home that meets the needs of your family. If you make a bad choice, you’ll own a hazardous, uncomfortable home that doesn’t meet the needs of your family. My husband and I have been house hunting … [Read more...] about The Most Important Things to Consider When Buying a House
