I can’t remember a single Easter in my life that didn’t include attending church. For many of us, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Easter will include a number of “firsts” in regards to how we celebrate. Thankfully, even for folks under the most stringent stay-at-home orders, there are ways to celebrate. Here are 8 ways to make … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Coconut Cornmeal Muffins
Some of you have read the title of this post and are thinking that coconut and cornmeal are two things that don’t go together. Believe it or not, when in a cake or in muffins, they actually taste quite delicious together! About 14 years ago I spent a good portion of the summer in Brazil. I was there doing health promotion work. Brazil … [Read more...] about Coconut Cornmeal Muffins
April 2020 Dinner Menu (AKA Meal Planning During a Pandemic)
This is the time of the month when I usually sit down and plan my dinners for the coming month. However, because we are in the midst of a global pandemic (COVID-19), this month has been anything but typical and it is likely the coming month will also be atypical. Under normal circumstances, I plan an entire month’s worth of dinners … [Read more...] about April 2020 Dinner Menu (AKA Meal Planning During a Pandemic)
Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake
I had Sloppy Joe Pasta on our menu for this month, but I decided to make a pasta bake instead. My thought was that, because the bake contains cheese, it might be easier for me to add a vegetable (bell pepper) and still get my family to eat it. It worked! My family enjoyed this simple Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake. What leftovers we had were … [Read more...] about Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake
The Most Wonderful Things About Spring
We’ve had such a mild winter around here that I’m not particularly eager for spring’s arrival. Nevertheless, it’s about to begin. Like each of the other seasons, there are a number of unique things about spring that make it special. I’m going to enjoy these things, even if I feel unprepared for the warmer weather. The best things about … [Read more...] about The Most Wonderful Things About Spring
Key Things to Understand When Facing a Pandemic
When you turn on the news today, chances are the first thing you will hear is about the coronavirus pandemic. As a former public health professional, I’m fascinated by what’s happening. However, as a mom, family member, and friend, I’m a bit on edge. As many of you know, I take time each September (which is National Preparedness Month) … [Read more...] about Key Things to Understand When Facing a Pandemic
How to Stop Misplacing Remote Controls in Your Home
Today we are going to look at a challenge that troubles countless households: Keeping track of remote controls. Missing remote controls account for hours of lost productivity and families sometimes end up arguing as they attempt to find the missing devices. What are some effective ways to stop misplacing these? I’m obviously … [Read more...] about How to Stop Misplacing Remote Controls in Your Home
Should I Renovate My Home or Buy a New One?
My husband and I purchased our current home about five years ago. Though the house isn’t exceptionally old (it was built in the 1980s), it was built of builder-grade materials and the previous owners didn’t do a good job maintaining it. Though we’ve done a lot of work on the house (new roof, new electrical panel, new carpet, new AC unit, … [Read more...] about Should I Renovate My Home or Buy a New One?