Lists are one of my favorite tools for planning in advance. In today’s installment of Christmas in July 2014, I’m sharing some planning worksheets that I created that are even more useful than lists! If you’ve missed the previous installments in this year’s Christmas in July, you can read them here and here. One list I usually start … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Planning Printables
Keeping the Home
Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Cake
I’m not a huge fan of cake, but when I saw this recipe in a cookbook I desperately wanted to try it. Perhaps it was just because I was hungry. After all, I was thumbing through the cookbook while sitting in a lab waiting room during a 3 hour glucose tolerance test for which I’d been fasting! Regardless of why it sounded good, I’m glad I tried … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Cake
Line Drying Clothes Indoors
When we first got married, my husband was surprised to find that I hang some of my clothes on racks to dry them instead of using the dryer. Though he encouraged me to toss them in the dryer for convenience, I've continued line drying a significant amount of my clothing. Of course, it would be easier to line dry clothes on an outdoor … [Read more...] about Line Drying Clothes Indoors
Christmas in July 2014
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. It is only July, but I am already thinking of Christmas. As I explained in last year’s introduction to Christmas in July, I am not attempting to minimize the celebrations that occur between now and Christmas, nor am I promoting “Christmas creep” (the phenomenon of retailers exploiting the … [Read more...] about Christmas in July 2014
Growing to Love My Mismatched Furniture
My husband and I are experiencing some challenges as we rearrange to make room for the baby we will welcome this fall. Though it is sufficient, our townhome will never be described as spacious. When its small size is coupled with our motley assortment of furniture, it becomes challenging to find room for our possessions. When we first … [Read more...] about Growing to Love My Mismatched Furniture
Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies
Every now and then my husband asks me to pick up some vanilla wafer cookies from the grocery store. I’m always hesitant to purchase a product I can make myself, but I’ve never thought I could recreate the texture and flavor of vanilla wafer cookies at home. Despite my doubts, I gave it a try this past weekend. The result was surprisingly … [Read more...] about Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies
Simplify Vacation Preparation with a Packing List
Vacations are supposed to provide an opportunity to relax and be refreshed. Unfortunately, they’re often somewhat stressful. For me, the stress can begin when it’s time to pack. How many shirts will I need? Will I need a bathing suit or sunscreen? I don’t want to forget my toothbrush or any other critical toiletry items. Years ago my … [Read more...] about Simplify Vacation Preparation with a Packing List
Frugal Approaches to Cooling Your Home
I’m so glad that the cold winter has passed and we’re finally getting sunshine and warm temperatures! Unfortunately, this means our electric bill is about to rise sharply. In my never-ceasing endeavor to save money, I’m investigating ways to minimize how much we spend on cooling our home. How to save money when cooling your … [Read more...] about Frugal Approaches to Cooling Your Home
