Over the last few weeks I’ve been having some experiences that are literally shocking. I'll walk across the room and flip a light switch or give my husband a welcome home hug and experience an electrostatic shock. I’ve looked into the causes of this phenomenon and, more relevant to me at the moment, some ways to prevent it. What is … [Read more...] about Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Static Electricity
Multitasking: Time Saver or Time Waster? (Part 2)
Multitasking, a term frequently used to denote the process of serial tasking, is often employed to increase productivity. However, as I indicated in my previous post on the topic, recent research indicates that productivity can actually be blunted by multitasking. If this is the case, then what strategies can boost … [Read more...] about Multitasking: Time Saver or Time Waster? (Part 2)
Popcorn: A Healthy and Affordable Snack
Popcorn is often overlooked as a relatively healthy snack option. This may be because it is often prepared or served in unhealthy manners, such as butter-drenched “movie theater” varieties or those popped in pre-sealed microwave popcorn bags that generally contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, numerous chemicals and artificial flavors, and … [Read more...] about Popcorn: A Healthy and Affordable Snack
Multitasking: Time Saver or Time Waster? (Part 1)
Do you unload the dishwasher as dinner cooks on the stove…while you talk on the phone, compile a grocery list, and have a load of laundry going? Engaging in all of these activities at once is an example of what is commonly referred to as “multitasking.” I’ve done this a multitude of times and I often think I’m more productive and efficient … [Read more...] about Multitasking: Time Saver or Time Waster? (Part 1)
Healthy Game Day Snacks
The biggest football game of the year is just over a week away. Traditional game day snack menus feature everything from fried chicken and bacon-wrapped cocktail weenies to loaded nachos and pizza. While some of these options are tempting, I’m considering some healthier alternatives. I will not pretend the selections featured below are as … [Read more...] about Healthy Game Day Snacks
Studying Your Husband
How well do you know your husband? I’m not talking about knowing his favorite ice cream flavor, the name of his best friend, or the make and model of his dream car. Do you know what makes him feel loved? What does he do to unwind when he feels stressed out? What encourages him the most? A few days ago I came across some materials … [Read more...] about Studying Your Husband
Should I Purchase an Extra Freezer?
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?
The Modern Significance of Racial Slurs in Classic Literature
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am featuring a guest post that addresses the modern significance of racial slurs in classic literature. The post was written by my husband, Preston, and published on his personal blog in January 2011. So I came across this news story on CNN. I occasionally browse the headlines for something … [Read more...] about The Modern Significance of Racial Slurs in Classic Literature