I love telling stories about when my husband and I first met. One of the best stories is how he, during our very first interaction, asked me how many children I wanted. His question didn’t bother me and it set the tone for open, honest communication in our relationship. Given this initial discussion, it likely won’t surprise you that we … [Read more...] about Affording Stay-At-Home Motherhood
Keeping the Home
Spring 2015 Menu
Spring? Though the cold and snow we have around here belie the fact that spring is near, it truly is. I’m excited for it and for our new menu. As I’ve described previously, I periodically develop monthly menus. We use each for 3 consecutive months before beginning a new one (read about why and how I plan monthly menus here). I only plan … [Read more...] about Spring 2015 Menu
Oat Outburst! (Oat Information and Recipe Roundup)
Given that oats are nutritious, affordable, and versatile, it’s no wonder that a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal can help me have a great start to the day. Unfortunately, at first glance, oats can seem kind of boring. They’re not, though! There are so many delicious was to prepare them. Need some ideas? See below for dozens of … [Read more...] about Oat Outburst! (Oat Information and Recipe Roundup)
Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
When I have guests over, I typically try to make things nice. I do my best to get the house in tip-top shape, I cook my best meals, I use formal serving dishes, and I smile and act cheerfully (even if I’m having a rough day). I’m beginning to realize that this nice façade may not be beneficial when practicing hospitality. Instead, my … [Read more...] about Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
Homemade Breakfast Sausage
My husband is dissatisfied with the breakfast sausage available where we shop for groceries. We’ve tried every brand they sell, but he’s always been disappointed. While he was searching for breakfast ideas a couple of weeks ago, he came across a recipe that he asked me to try. I was more than happy to do so and I’m so glad I did! The … [Read more...] about Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Ways to Increase the Humidity in Your Home Without a Humidifier
When I lived in Texas, we welcomed the dry air of winter as a break from very humid summers. Now that I’m living in the north, the dry winter air is problematic. We’re suffering from dry skin, irritated nasal passages (this increases the likelihood we’ll come down with a cold or flu), and frequent static shocks. We looked into … [Read more...] about Ways to Increase the Humidity in Your Home Without a Humidifier
Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Not long after I got married I realized that the work of a homemaker is never complete. There is no 9-to-5 work schedule. There are no days off for the weekends or holidays. There aren’t even meal breaks. Instead, the sink fills with dishes every day—especially on weekends and holidays. The clothes hamper refills with dirty clothes as … [Read more...] about Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Easy Cheesy Beef Stroganoff
Whenever I ask my husband if he’d like me to place anything in particular on our menu, he always responds that he’d like this dish. If he likes it that much, then it must be good! It’s super easy to prepare (it’s made in one pot), so I’m a huge fan, too. Ingredients (Significantly adapted from this recipe.) 1 lb. ground beef ½ cup … [Read more...] about Easy Cheesy Beef Stroganoff
