After sharing back in October of 2013 about my inability to find an effective cleaning schedule, I quickly learned that many of you shared the same struggle! My solution was to develop a cleaning schedule that was unique to my needs. My biggest quibble with the cleaning schedules I had seen previously was that they had various cleaning … [Read more...] about Revisions and Customizations to My Cleaning Schedule
Keeping the Home
Nacho Soup
Traditional favorites like chicken noodle soup will always be popular in my house. On occasion we like eating soups that are a little less predictable, though, including this zesty Nacho Soup. Ingredients 1 pound lean ground meat (I use turkey) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 tablespoons spicy taco seasoning mix 2 cups cheese sauce or 1 … [Read more...] about Nacho Soup
Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
You, the readers who comprise the community here at Of The Hearth, often ask thought-provoking questions in your comments and emails. It’s likely that these questions are shared by many readers, so I’ve decided to answer some in posts. I hope you will contribute by adding your input in the comments! Leslie in Florida asked the … [Read more...] about Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
Routines Can Make or Break Your Day
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
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
