Homemaking

I have a love-hate relationship with my stuff. Sometimes I get all gooey and sentimental, convinced that I need to keep everything and just figure out how to organize and store it. Most of the time, I'm ready to pick up the house and shake everything out. The first post is a light-hearted look at stuff that ought not be kept. The second is a message to those who foist their unwanted belongings on us, expecting us to keep them and maintain them and cherish them.

Ten Things to Get Rid of When You Clean Out

I Love You ~ Not Your Stuff

Of course, we still need to decorate!
Ten Must-Have Fall Decorations

I’m not a talented seamstress, but I do like the feeling of accomplishment, of having something physical in my hands that will last longer than a full stomach. These posts are easy projects only.

A One-Hour Maxi Dress {My favorite pattern!}

Girls' Flannel Ruffled Nightgown

How to make a tee-shirt dress

How to make a Build-a-Bear tee-shirt dress

Underwear for Bear Bottoms

Make a Plain Tee-Shirt Festive for Christmas {or any occasion!}

Fabric gift bag

Travel Toothbrush System

Preparing and serving a meal, a snack, or a special something can be a tremendous way to say I love you, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming or gourmet.

All that sounds nice, doesn’t it? And it is true. But now it’s confession time. My husband prepares at least fifty percent of our meals. It’s not that I don’t like to cook and bake. Some of our best family times are spent in the kitchen together. It’s just that other activities can be more interesting. That’s why it’s so amusing that I would have this section on recipes. You’ll quickly see how easy they are – and how often my daughters or husband are in the preparation photos. (Praise the Lord – I married a man who enjoys cooking!)


Here's a great tip for making cucumbers taste better ~
How to Remove the Bitter from Your Cucumbers


Did you know you can seal jars in the oven when you are canning? Here's how.
Forget the Boiling Water Bath ~ Can in the Oven

So now, what are you going to can? My family loves apple butter!
Apple Butter Recipe

My husband's best turkey tips ~
Carver Family Tried and True Turkey Tips

Four Reasons to Use Your Microwave for Cooking ~ And Four Ways to Be Careful

But then I re-thought it, based on some reader comments.

A Change of Mind ~ Perhaps You Should Stop using Your Microwave

Homemade Chocolate Pecan Caramels

Secret Ingredient Sugar Cookies

White Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Not-Really-Quiche Egg Quiche

English Muffin Pizzas