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
Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
Mothers have long tried to motivate their children to pick up their toys and make their beds by telling them that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” We know that this adage isn’t found in the Bible, so it’s not true…or is it? Can outward displays, including the cleanliness of our homes, tell us something about the Godliness of our … [Read more...] about Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
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
Making Pregnancy Special for Expectant Dads
Pregnancy is an incredibly special time for moms-to-be: feeling the baby move, getting showered with attention from loved ones and strangers alike, being invited to participate in expectant mom programs offered by hospitals and retailers, etc. Though pregnancy is special for dads-to-be, too, they rarely receive the support and attention … [Read more...] about Making Pregnancy Special for Expectant Dads
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
When I plan menus I always try to include at least one meatless entrée each week. Meat is so expensive, so this saves us a bit of money. It can also increase the variety on our menus! One of the meatless entrées on our summer menu is this tasty, easy-to-prepare Creamy Mushroom Pasta. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 16 ounces … [Read more...] about Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Using To-Do Lists Effectively
If you’ve read many of my posts, you may have realized that I enjoy making lists. When I have a lot to get done, to-do lists are one of my favorite ways to tackle the tasks before me. I wasn’t very productive during the early months of my pregnancy, so now I have quite a bit to get done. As I’ve been making to-do lists, I’ve realized … [Read more...] about Using To-Do Lists Effectively
Summer Home Maintenance
It’s been about 8 months since my husband and I began taking an orderly approach to maintaining our home. We’ve caught a few problems early and hopefully we’ve preempted a few others! Links to our fall, winter, and spring home maintenance checklists are below: Fall Home Maintenance Winter Home Maintenance Spring Home Maintenance The … [Read more...] about Summer Home Maintenance
