I’m motivated to maintain my house and keep it clean for a number of reasons: stewardship, comfort and safety, the look and feel of clean surfaces, creating a warm environment for guests, etc. Now I can add physical fitness to the list. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, many housekeeping activities constitute … [Read more...] about Housework as Exercise
Keeping the Home
Germ Hot Spots in the Home
Which surface in your home has the highest concentration of germs? A toilet seat? A trashcan? What researchers found from swabs of common household surfaces may surprise you. The 10 germiest places in the home In 2011, researchers at NSF International conducted a study to identify the top 10 germ-laden surfaces in the home. Here’s what … [Read more...] about Germ Hot Spots in the Home
Italian Sausage Stew
This stew is another dish on my household’s menu this spring. The recipe for it is an amalgamation of recipes I’ve come across for similar dishes. I love that it can be prepared using only one pot and that it contains numerous vegetables. Don’t let the vegetables fool you, though—it is very filling and the taste of savory Italian sausage … [Read more...] about Italian Sausage Stew
Rampant Reusing: Prescription Bottles
If you or anyone in your household routinely takes prescription medications, then dozens of prescription bottles likely pass through your house each year. I’ve long wondered if there wasn’t some constructive way to reuse the bottles. I think I’ve finally identified a few ways that just might work. If you want to try any of these ideas, be … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Prescription Bottles
Italian Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
I like having homemade macaroni and cheese on the menu each month because it is a meatless entrée that is still hearty. For our most recent menu, I reviewed several recipes in an attempt to find a way to put a spin on the way I traditionally prepare macaroni and cheese. I pulled elements from a couple of different recipes and merged them with … [Read more...] about Italian Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Onion-Induced Tears
Sometimes my husband comes home to find me weeping as I prepare dinner. He was concerned the first time it happened; now he knows it only means there’s onion in our dinner. There’s no lack of ideas regarding how to prevent this problem. In fact, it seems like every chef, homemaker, and student completing a science fair experiment has a … [Read more...] about Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Onion-Induced Tears
Burrito Bowls
I gladly have burrito bowls as an item on my menu this spring. In addition to being one of my husband’s absolute favorites (because they’re so tasty!), they are relatively affordable and healthy. Ingredients 1 ½ cups long grain rice (brown or white) 2 tablespoons lime juice Dash of salt ½ cup chopped cilantro 1 can (15 oz.) … [Read more...] about Burrito Bowls
Spring 2013 Menu
My husband and I have found it beneficial to have a monthly dinner menu. Each time I develop one we’ll use it for 3 consecutive months. There’s plenty of variety on the menu, so we don’t tire of the meals (plus we leave 3 days open to allow us to have guests over or to prepare something spontaneously). After 3 months we’re ready for a change, … [Read more...] about Spring 2013 Menu
