While the origins of the term are debated, “spring cleaning” is generally used to describe episodes of intense and thorough cleaning, traditionally completed as the bright warmth of spring illuminates and generates life out of quiescent winter. Just as dust gathers on drapes and grime accumulates on windows, sin can collect in our hearts … [Read more...] about Spring Cleaning the Heart
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
My Food Philosophy
After publishing a post one week ago about embracing a food philosophy without judging others, I’m featuring a snapshot of my food philosophy. I do not assert that my philosophy is “correct” or “the best.” In fact, issues such as food allergies, diseases that are influenced by diet, and nutrient deficiencies mean that there is no philosophy … [Read more...] about My Food Philosophy
Hospitality in a Less-Than-Perfect House
I am so grateful for the house my husband and I own. We are blessed to have a home we can afford that is cozy and has every feature we need. Though we are quite pleased with it, you’ll never see it grace the cover of a home decorating magazine. Why? There is nothing remarkable about the architecture of the house, certain features disclose the … [Read more...] about Hospitality in a Less-Than-Perfect House
Benefits of Walking for Exercise
It may not be as suave as Zumba or as exhilarating as kickboxing, but walking is an effective form of exercise. In fact, experts say that it can achieve benefits similar to those achieved by running if it is performed frequently and for long enough periods (at least 30 minutes on five days each week). As long as you have sturdy shoes and an … [Read more...] about Benefits of Walking for Exercise
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Embracing a Food Philosophy Without Judging Others
Our culture is rife with various food philosophies, which are the beliefs, attitudes, and values a person holds regarding food selection, cooking, and eating. The philosophies seem innumerable—real food, traditional food, organic, fair trade, free range, unpasteurized, locavore, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, etc. While the health and environmental … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Embracing a Food Philosophy Without Judging Others
Making Unpleasant Housecleaning Tasks More Enjoyable
There are women who claim they love all aspects of keeping their homes. I’m not sure if I should admire them or suspect them to be liars. Either way, I’m simply not a fan of all housecleaning tasks. Most tasks are things I don’t mind and a few I actually enjoy. Sweeping and mopping, though, are tasks I just don’t like. I never feel like I can … [Read more...] about Making Unpleasant Housecleaning Tasks More Enjoyable
Ridiculous Kitchen Gadgets
For a while now I have had somewhat of a prejudice against single-purpose kitchen gadgets. I tend to be focused on utility, so I prefer gadgets that have numerous functions. There are a few exceptions, of course. One example is a coffee maker. Besides heating water or making tea, there’s not much beyond making coffee to do with the appliance. … [Read more...] about Ridiculous Kitchen Gadgets
