Being able to breastfeed my children is an incredible privilege. Breast milk is a very complex and beneficial substance that contains nutrients, growth factors, hormones, enzymes, and other substances that are immune-protective (source). Moreover, human breasts have the astounding ability to produce milk that dynamically responds to changing … [Read more...] about Why You Should Consider Donating Breast Milk
How Pinterest Got My Husband Interested in Menu Planning
In my household, I’ve always done the menu planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. This has worked for us because, as a stay-at-home mom, I have time to do these things. I also have more knowledge of nutrition and a wider variety of cooking skills than my husband. You can imagine my surprise when I stepped into the living room a couple … [Read more...] about How Pinterest Got My Husband Interested in Menu Planning
Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
Being a mother means facing one mess after another. There are poopy diapers, floors covered in toys, appliances covered in greasy handprints, backseats strewn with snack crumbs, and bedsheets soiled with vomit. When I work to get one of these messes cleaned up, you can be certain my kids are busy making the others! Literal messes are … [Read more...] about Thriving Amid the Messes of Motherhood
Maple-Glazed Sausage Loaf
Several weeks ago I grew curious about how a meatloaf made of sausage would taste. Maple syrup complements many varieties of sausage, so I wanted to integrate it into the meatloaf somehow. The dish that resulted was fabulous! In fact, it was so good that it has found its way onto our winter menu. Ingredients 1 lb. breakfast … [Read more...] about Maple-Glazed Sausage Loaf
Sacrificing at the Altar of Getting Things Done
If you’ve read a lot here on Of The Hearth, then you’re likely aware that I value hard work and productivity. Whether I'm battling laziness, identifying the reasons I struggle to get things done, or trying to overcome procrastination, it seems I'm always trying to get more done. Given I spend my days caring for two young children, I … [Read more...] about Sacrificing at the Altar of Getting Things Done
50 Things We Should Do More Often in the Coming Year
When I was writing a thank-you note a few days ago, it occurred to me that I should write notes of this nature more often. I’ve recently had similar thoughts about other actions. In fact, when I really think about it, there are scores of simple, but beneficial things I ought to do more frequently. Here, in no particular order, are 50 of … [Read more...] about 50 Things We Should Do More Often in the Coming Year
Why It’s Important to Make Time to Read
I’ve always enjoyed reading. During my teen years, I preferred reading over other pursuits that were common among my peers. As an adult, reading remains one of my favorite activities. What has changed is that these days I rarely feel like I have time to read. As a wife and mom of young children, my “free time” is almost nonexistent! I … [Read more...] about Why It’s Important to Make Time to Read
4 Ways to Cultivate Love for People
Sometimes I grow irritated with my fellow human beings after getting stuck in traffic or having to wait for a long time in a public place like the DMV or a doctor’s office. I see people acting rudely and without regard for others (e.g., cutting off other drivers when in a traffic jam, leaving trash strewn about a waiting area, playing music … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Cultivate Love for People
