We’d been having a bit of an issue with freezer space… …so my husband and I began considering the possibility of purchasing an extra freezer. Do the benefits of an extra freezer outweigh the costs of purchasing and providing power for one? Benefits of having an extra freezer You have room to store foods purchased in bulk. Several … [Read more...] about Should I Purchase an Extra Freezer?
Keeping the Home
Rampant Reusing: Wire Hangers
While wire hangers can always be employed for their intended use (you know…hanging clothes), I’m not pleased with their performance in this capacity. As a result, the wire hangers my husband and I have are currently taking up space without providing any benefit. Hopefully, with the help of the ideas listed below, this will change. 10 … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Wire Hangers
Cuban Ham and Bean Soup with Cilantro Lime Rice
Earlier this week I pulled from the freezer what remained of our leftover Christmas ham. The ensuing dish was amazing! Soup ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1/2 of a red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 cups cooked ham, chopped 2 cups cooked black beans or 1 (15 oz.) … [Read more...] about Cuban Ham and Bean Soup with Cilantro Lime Rice
Handling the Upfront Costs of Buying in Bulk
The judicious purchase of foods and household items in bulk can be a wonderful strategy for decreasing how much you spend on groceries. While bulk purchases often have lower per unit costs, they do cost more upfront because you are buying large quantities. A 16 oz. package of pasta costs $0.99. You can get the same pasta for only $0.83 … [Read more...] about Handling the Upfront Costs of Buying in Bulk
Setting Goals for the New Year
In just a few days I will begin my annual phase of faltering when writing the date. My brain will recognize the error a split second after my hand automatically writes “2012.” The New Year is often conceptualized as a fresh start or a blank slate. My husband and I have chosen to capitalize on this concept by setting goals for the coming … [Read more...] about Setting Goals for the New Year
Cookies ‘n’ Creme Dark Chocolate Brownies
Around here, baking is often like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. I try to fit together unique components that are of no use on their own, but together form a beautiful (or in this case, tasty) product. Today was no exception as I prepared some goodies for a dessert exchange that will occur during a Christmas party my husband and I will attend … [Read more...] about Cookies ‘n’ Creme Dark Chocolate Brownies
Welcome!
Welcome to Of The Hearth, a blog about faith, family, and forging a difference in our communities. While a hodgepodge of topics are addressed here, all are intended to facilitate growth into Christ’s likeness through the activities of daily life, support cultivation of family, and provide inspiration for making a positive difference in … [Read more...] about Welcome!
