Nature’s Appetite Suppressant?

Last week my cousin told me that Grapefruit is a natural appetite suppressant!  Where did she get that info?  I don’t know, but tell me, o ye of the blogosphere–do you think this is true?
She said that even the smell of grapefruit can stave off hunger, so I have already ordered me some grapefruit-scented Scentsy bars.
Ever heard of [...]

The Dilemma of “Too Much Stuff” part 2

The best advice on de-cluttering and organizing one’s home can be found in Confessions of an Organized Homemaker: The Secrets of Uncluttering Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life.  I want to quote an excerpt here, to prepare our minds for Christmas, which always brings an explosion of “Stuff” into our homes:

Organize with the zeal of [...]

A Tip for Overworked Homemakers

I know too many homemakers who struggle with feelings of inadequacy, depression, or anxiety in contemplating the monumental tasks they are trying to accomplish in their homes.  Homemakers are the busiest people I know: they do the daily duties of housekeeper, laundress, childcare worker, chef, secretary, gardener, nurse, chauffeur, and more. 
Those of you who know me personally know that I [...]

Thrifty Thursday is Here!

I used to look over my finances every Monday as a good way to start the week.  This didn’t work because by the time Friday–date night!–came along, I couldn’t remember how much “fun money” I was allowed!  Now I do all financial planning, budgeting, and statement-checking on Thursday so I will have a clear picture of my [...]

A Secret to Happier Children

  I say “A” secret because there are actually several secrets to happier children.  Today I am mentioning only one: reading.
According to best-selling reading specialist/scholar/textbook-writer Jim Trelease, “every time we read to a child, we’re sending a ‘pleasure’ message to the child’s brain.”  Contrast this with electronic media (television, video games, computer) which trigger adrenaline rushes instead, [...]

When a Man Tries to Clean

Check out these photos of my husband’s cleaning job!  I am NOT complaining; I am grateful to have a husband who helps me clean the house!  But his way of cleaning is so different from mine that I just had to post these photos!
Here is my husband’s idea of a clean kitchen:

 In other words, when [...]

Mommy Time

Here is a bit of inspiration to all you mothers out there!  Special thanks to the Siler family for making and sharing this video:

How I stay organized . . .

When I was a young mother, my girlfriends introduced me to “Fly Lady.”  Fly lady is some sort of home-management advice giver who has a huge following; indeed, many of my girlfriends talk about “FLYing” on a regular basis.  While I believe that ANY attempt to assist mothers in caring for their homes is good [...]