With Thanksgiving over, many of us are searching for the perfect gifts to exchange with loved ones. If the increase in views of my Christmas in July: Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas post is any indication, then many of you are also looking for gift exchange ideas. That post is pretty brief, but I’ve identified several additional ideas … [Read more...] about Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
just for fun
She’s Here!
It’s been pretty quiet at OF THE HEARTH over the last couple of weeks. Why? I’ve been occupied with this blessing: My husband, Preston, and I welcomed our daughter, Amaris Gail, on October 7th. Amaris means “promised by God” and Gail means “my father rejoices.” She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 19 in long. She arrived a little … [Read more...] about She’s Here!
Going Without Makeup: Normal or Newsworthy?
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were somewhat speechless at an article we read on the news: Would You Go One Year Without Makeup? In short, the article is an account of a 20-year-old university student who is going a year without wearing makeup. She has undertaken this “experiment” to help women become more confident and feel … [Read more...] about Going Without Makeup: Normal or Newsworthy?
19 Zero-Technology Road Trip Games
Zero-technology road trip games used to be the only entertainment during long family road trips. In many families, these games have taken a backseat to onboard DVD players and handheld electronic devices like tablets and portable video game players. Classic road trip games offer some benefits over these new technologies. The games … [Read more...] about 19 Zero-Technology Road Trip Games
Celebrating New Life This Easter
On Wednesday I shared about what it means to wait on the Lord. I alluded to the difficulty my husband and I have had trying to conceive. After trying to get pregnant for longer than we ever thought we’d have to try, we received some devastating news from my doctor in January. However, our God—our loving and faithful God—surprised us in … [Read more...] about Celebrating New Life This Easter
25 Homemaking Tasks That Burn 100 Calories
A recent study confirmed that everyday homemaking activities (e.g., laundry, housecleaning, cooking) play an important role in helping women maintain healthy weights. As you’re likely aware, maintaining a healthy weight is about much more than being able to fit into your favorite skirt. It’s about reducing your risk of developing coronary … [Read more...] about 25 Homemaking Tasks That Burn 100 Calories
Lessons Learned in 2013
Last year presented many opportunities to learn and grow. As I complete my goal setting and prepare for 2014, several of the lessons I’ve learned stand out. The perfect is the enemy of the good I’ve become familiar with the veracity of this aphorism courtesy of my tendency to be a perfectionist. I’ll often tinker with work that is … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned in 2013
It’s the Little Things About Winter
Winter 2013 officially begins this weekend! It’s the little things about winter that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Christmas. An opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior is reason enough to get excited. However, I can hardly contain my excitement when time with family, cookies, Christmas carols, candy, lights, and … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Winter
