I’m often asked about why and how I plan monthly menus for my household. Usually these questions are accompanied by an exasperated statement such as “I could never be that organized.” Believe it or not, it’s pretty easy to plan monthly menus. Additionally, it has saved my family so much time and money that I haven’t considered reverting … [Read more...] about Why and How I Plan Monthly Menus
Keeping the Home
How to Afford Healthy Eating
Last week I shared some price comparisons that debunked the myth that healthy foods cost more than unhealthy foods. Of course, if you shop carelessly then it is unlikely you’ll be able to purchase nutritious foods for the same price as junk foods. However, by judiciously enlisting some simple strategies, you can eat healthily and stay … [Read more...] about How to Afford Healthy Eating
The Sights in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
We’ve already discussed how the sounds and scents in a home contribute to its aura—the overall quality or feeling it emits. Today let’s consider how the sights in a home, especially the way in which it is decorated, can positively influence its aura. Though I don’t believe there is one “right” way to decorate a home, I’ve always felt … [Read more...] about The Sights in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
25 Homemaking Tasks That Burn 100 Calories
A recent study confirmed that everyday homemaking activities (e.g., laundry, housecleaning, cooking) play an important role in helping women maintain healthy weights. As you’re likely aware, maintaining a healthy weight is about much more than being able to fit into your favorite skirt. It’s about reducing your risk of developing coronary … [Read more...] about 25 Homemaking Tasks That Burn 100 Calories
The Scents in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
We’ve already looked at how the sounds in a home impact its aura (read about this here and here). Today let’s consider the influence of scents. While the scents in a home do not by themselves make its aura, they certainly do impact it. Many of us would be frustrated, agitated, and less productive if surrounded by unpleasant odors. You … [Read more...] about The Scents in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
Supporting Our Husbands as They Practice Hospitality
Though I tend to think of hospitality as “women’s work,” I realized a few weeks ago that in my household it is actually my husband who tends to realize when it’s been a while since we’ve had guests over. I’ve also noticed that in the Bible, men played prominent roles in hospitality (e.g., Genesis 18:1-7, Ruth 2:14, Romans 16:23). After … [Read more...] about Supporting Our Husbands as They Practice Hospitality
Cauliflower Crust for Quiche
The first time I heard "cauliflower" and "crust" in the same sentence I cringed. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, so it tends to have a pungent aroma and somewhat bitter flavor. However, it’s also rich in nutrients. After seeing several recipes for cauliflower pizza crusts, I decided to try to make one for quiche. (I just can’t bring … [Read more...] about Cauliflower Crust for Quiche
The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 2)
Televisions, DVD players, and stereos are fixtures in the vast majority of American homes. In fact, their presence and use are so commonplace that it is easy to overlook their impact on the environments in our homes. Last week we examined how communication can influence the aura—the overall quality or environment—in a home. Today let’s … [Read more...] about The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 2)