My frugal sensibilities find it difficult to spend a lot of money on clothes. It comes as no surprise that it’s especially difficult to purchase clothing items that are designed to be worn for the relatively short period of time that comprises pregnancy! Fortunately, I’m visiting a couple of retailers and using a few tricks to try to … [Read more...] about Affording Maternity Clothes
Summer 2014 Menu
Though it has been only two months since I posted my spring menu, we’re already moving on to our summer one. There were lots of tasty dishes on the spring menu, but morning sickness left me unable to consume many of them. Subsequently, I planned our summer menu and we’re enjoying it more successfully. As I’ve shared previously, I … [Read more...] about Summer 2014 Menu
Defining Simplicity
After writing about materialism earlier this week, I’ve been thinking about money and possessions. I’ve also been considering these things because my husband and I are reworking our budget in preparation for our baby that is due in October. When I consider money and possessions, my thoughts often turn to simplicity. Simple living has … [Read more...] about Defining Simplicity
Resisting Materialism
Having a baby is one experience that will open your eyes to how pervasive materialism is in our culture. My husband and I need things for the baby and I need new clothes to accommodate my growing belly. However, as we shop, I sometimes begin confusing my genuine needs with wants. Materialism is a way of thinking that emphasizes material … [Read more...] about Resisting Materialism
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Now that the weather is finally hinting that summer may indeed come this year, I’ve been craving many foods that I associate with summer: Baked beans, potato salad, watermelon, etc. Of course, there’s no need to wait for our first BBQ or picnic to eat these foods, so I made some slow cooker baked beans to accompany cheeseburgers for … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Welcoming New Neighbors
A “For Rent” sign recently went up in the window of a nearby house. This means we’ll likely have new neighbors moving in soon. I’ve noted previously that Americans have experienced a decline in their sense of connectedness with their neighbors. If we are to carry out the Biblical command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40), then we … [Read more...] about Welcoming New Neighbors
Why Proverbs 31 is Insufficient for Christian Women
I felt some frustration when I first studied the verses in Proverbs 31. Of course, I was a college student at the time. I wasn’t married and the idea of selecting wool and flax (verse 13) or making linen garments (verse 24) seemed completely irrelevant to me. As I’ve studied and matured over the years, I’ve developed a greater … [Read more...] about Why Proverbs 31 is Insufficient for Christian Women
Simplify Shopping List Creation with a Household Supply List
My approach to menu planning has minimized the amount of time it takes me to plan a grocery list. Though this process has been streamlined for some time, there were days when I found myself taking a lot of time to determine which non-food items I needed at the store. I finally sat down and compiled a Household Supply List that catalogs … [Read more...] about Simplify Shopping List Creation with a Household Supply List
