I like real books. I like holding them in my hand and turning pages. I like hauling them around in a canvas bag (A-B-A-B).So, I also like using several books as part of my daily devotional routine. My routine changes from time to time, and a conversation with a dear friend inspired the following choices (links to book versions are provided first). I've returned to an old … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Pie and Potato Preparation Primer
Well, I'm pretty late posting my Wednesday, pre-Thanksgiving helps.But just in case someone needs a last-minute mashed potato preparation or pumpkin pie tip, let me share with you a brief story.This took place before the days of Martha Stewart's TV show or Internet search capabilities.One time, shortly after I was married, The Belgian Wonder and I visited his family in … [Read more...]
WFMW: A Word about Hand Blenders
Until recently, it seemed that few people around these parts had even heard of a hand blender, let alone seen one in action.So permit me to introduce you to mine.This handy little gadget is ubiquitous in Belgian kitchens -- they're used every day in food preparation; most often, I suspect, to blend delicious soups.Small, easy to store, easy to clean, the Kroeker hand … [Read more...]
Feeling Nifty being Thrifty – iPod Case Made from a Soccer Sock and Pom-Pom
Well, there's nothing like a national financial crisis to inspire people to greater frugality. These days I prefer using the happier term, thriftiness. For years, I've thought of myself as "cheap." I love that I can now refer to myself as "thrifty." It's trendy, these days, to be thrifty. Plus, who can resist using a word that rhymes with "nifty"? Well, speaking of … [Read more...]
Bonus Bathroom Storage that Works for Me
Before I was married, I lived in a simple, inexpensive apartment with a couple of roommates. We all shared one full bathroom.Several other friends had newer, nicer apartments, and I coveted their master baths and walk-in closets. I told myself that if at all possible, someday, I wanted to own a house with a master bath and walk-in closet.That "someday" arrived nine years … [Read more...]
Baking Soda Soak for Stink-Removal
I have discovered that athletic tops made from manmade fabrics (the kind that "wick away moisture") can get extremely stinky after a workout.I have also, thankfully, discovered that the stinkiness can be eliminated by soaking the tops in water with baking soda.No specific measurements are needed. Just shake a pile of soda in a bucket (how big of a pile? Shrug), stick in … [Read more...]
15 Everyday Ideas to Borrow from the French (and Belgians)
While in Europe, I informally interviewed some relatives about differences between American and French (and Belgian) women. The conversation was intriguing, and we ended up generating clothing styles and eating habits that I can share with you here. By incorporating these simple, practical ideas into our lives, we may end up feeling just a little more … [Read more...]
Corrie Ten Boom Online Treasures
Check it out! I can write a short post!I thought I'd prove it to you...in contrast to yesterday's incredibly long post about touring the ten Boom museum. Online I found some Ten Boom treasures to share with you: A youthful Pat Robertson interviews Corrie in 1974 (interspersed with a few short clips from "The Hiding Place" movie). It's so neat to see and hear … [Read more...]
Travel Tips
I'm home. Finally.Two loads of laundry out of the way. Most bags unpacked. Travel successes and failures still fresh in my mind.Here's are several things that worked for me on this vacation:Nylon sports bag.I threw this in my suitcase at the last minute, not knowing how much I'd use it.It became the ideal daypack, very flexible. For example, it stays inconspicuous as it … [Read more...]
Leftover Spaghetti? Try a Spaghetti Pancake!
Sometimes the kids slurp up great gobs of spaghetti; other times, they nibble one small bowl and announce that they're finished. Because I never know which response is coming, I make enough for a "great gobs" night. Last week's spaghetti night, however, was a "nibble" night. I had a lot of leftover noodles. We don't mind leftovers for lunch or dinner, so heating … [Read more...]
Several Summer Solutions to "Mom, I’m Bored!"
To avoid hearing kids exclaim "I'm bored!" in the summer months, it's tempting to fill the weeks ahead with camps and clubs and outings and activities, isn't it? Maybe we think, Keeping them busy keeps them out of trouble. Or, They gain skills they wouldn't have time to develop during the school year. And although not everyone will admit to it, there's the argument, … [Read more...]
Crockpot Broth
** Excuse me...this should be titled Crockpot Stock **Turkey breasts were on sale last week at Kroger, so I bought one and cooked it all day in the crockpot.We enjoyed it as our main course this evening. After dinner, The Belgian Wonder cut every morsel of meat from the carcass. We'll use the leftovers in sandwiches.Then super-frugal, domestic Ann put the carcass … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Bring Balance to Your Face
My face can't be symmetrical. In fact, I don't even want it to be. But am I inadvertently creating imbalance to some features through activities that could easily be adjusted? Are there ways to bring a little more balance to the teeth, eyebrows and smile? Imbalanced vs Balanced Teeth One time I was looking at a picture of Katie Couric. Here's one that will suffice to … [Read more...]
Multi-tasking Doesn’t Work for Me
Multi-tasking has never really worked for me. I've tried. Over the years, I've felt like there are many times when I've had no choice but to do a dozen things at once. But when I do that regularly—when multi-tasking is my mode of operation, nonstop, every day, from sun-up to sundown, I get agitated. I feel all frenzied and harried. I leave one of the two or seven … [Read more...]
WFMW Containerize Kids Laundry
Shannon is suggesting a "Greatest Hits" edition of Works For Me Wednesday. While last week's overnight crockpot steel-cut oatmeal instructions were wildly popular, this post was a big hit in its day. It first appeared in February 2007.I’ve never liked doing the laundry–especially for six people–but what aggravated me the most were two particular steps in the process: … [Read more...]
