When I wrote about inessential baby items a few weeks ago, I intentionally limited the number of items I mentioned. The main reason for this is that the post would have been really, really long if I would have been inclusive. Another reason is that there are a number of inessential baby items that I think are worth the splurge. Though I … [Read more...] about Inessential Baby Items That Are Worth The Splurge
organized living
Baby “Essentials” You May Want to Skip
When you look at baby supply checklists, it is easy to see why people say that babies are so expensive. You’re sure to break the bank if you purchase all of these purported essentials! The good news is that not all of these must-haves are essential. Many are convenient to have, but you’ll do just fine without them. Others are just plain … [Read more...] about Baby “Essentials” You May Want to Skip
Building a Functional Command Center
Until recently, my husband and I had a chronic problem with clutter on our dining table. Mail, pens, coupons, coins, grocery lists, etc. were always scattered on the tabletop. Our solution to this problem was to create a command center, which is an area in the home designed to keep the family organized. Let me describe the components we … [Read more...] about Building a Functional Command Center
How to Keep Internet Technologies from Becoming Time-Wasters
Email, social media, and blogs are useful for staying in contact with loved ones and for entertainment, but they can easily become significant time-wasters. Thankfully, by being judicious in our use of these technologies, we can reap their benefits without being distracted from the many important tasks before us. What does it look like … [Read more...] about How to Keep Internet Technologies from Becoming Time-Wasters
Revisions and Customizations to My Cleaning Schedule
After sharing back in October of 2013 about my inability to find an effective cleaning schedule, I quickly learned that many of you shared the same struggle! My solution was to develop a cleaning schedule that was unique to my needs. My biggest quibble with the cleaning schedules I had seen previously was that they had various cleaning … [Read more...] about Revisions and Customizations to My Cleaning Schedule
Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
You, the readers who comprise the community here at Of The Hearth, often ask thought-provoking questions in your comments and emails. It’s likely that these questions are shared by many readers, so I’ve decided to answer some in posts. I hope you will contribute by adding your input in the comments! Leslie in Florida asked the … [Read more...] about Healthy, Easy-to-Prepare Breakfast Options
Routines Can Make or Break Your Day
As my family’s typical routine has been disrupted for many weeks because of moving and visiting with loved ones for the holidays, I’ve become increasingly convinced that routines are critical for having a peaceful, productive home. When I talk about routines, I’m not talking about schedules (rigid agendas where specific activities occur … [Read more...] about Routines Can Make or Break Your Day
A Basic Tool Primer
Though a toolbox is sometimes viewed as a grown man’s toy box, the reality is that women also need to be able to identify and use basic tools. I was blessed with a father who imparted much of this knowledge to me as I was growing up, but I know many women who didn’t have this experience. They sometimes feel tentative when sorting through … [Read more...] about A Basic Tool Primer
