September 22, 2015

Baked Chicken Fajitas

A dear friend posted about these awesome baked fajitas on Facebook the other day and when she shared the recipe I knew I had to try them out on the guinea pigs. Er, I mean, the family.  Ha! These are super simple and very tasty!  They had enough of a kick, but not too much that the littler kids wouldn't eat them. This recipe fed our large crew with some leftovers for the men for tomorrow's work lunch!


Baked Chicken Fajitas
 4 lbs. chicken breast cut into strips
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tsp. chili powder
1 T. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt 
1- 28 oz can Rotel tomatoes with chilis 
1 med onion, sliced 
1 cup assorted colors of bell peppers, cut in strips

Preheat oven to 400*. Place chicken strips in 2 - 9 x13 pans. In small bowl, combine oil thru salt ingredients. Drizzle spice mixture over chicken and stir to coat. Next, add tomatoes, peppers and onions; stir to combine. Bake uncovered for 20-25 min until chicken is cooked thru and veggies tender.  (Internal chicken temperature is 165 degrees if you want to check it with a meat thermometer -- I highly recommend!  That way your chicken isn't dry and overcooked!) Serve on flour tortillas with taco fixins like corn, black beans, cheese, lettuce, black olives, salsa, and sour cream!

Enjoy!

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http://oldhousemercantile.etsy.com

Don't forget!
Now until the end of September we are having a sale at the shop!  
Use coupon code CELEBRATE2015  to get 25% off orders over $100

September 4, 2015

We Have a Winner!

Thanks so much to all who entered the giveaway!  I loved hearing all your favorite desserts!  I'm hungry for some shooguh now! 

Before I reveal the winner I wanted to take a moment to remind y'all of our sale at the shop!  Use Coupon Code CELEBRATE2015 to save 25% off all orders over $100! 




And now...the winner!

With the help of Random.org....

Robin C. I am sending you an email shortly!  
Reply with your address so I can send your cookbook off to you!   
Thanks to all who entered!  
We'll have another fun giveaway soon! 



Have a wonderful weekend!
Don't forget to check us out at:

September 3, 2015

Raspberry Pound Cake

Here's another Gooseberry Patch 101 Blue Ribbon Dessert Recipes gem!  Go HERE to enter the giveaway for the cookbook! ** Today is the last day to enter!! **

The recipe is for Blueberry Poundcake but since we used the blueberries on the Pudding Cake recipe we had to use some frozen raspberries and I have to say it was so yummy we had several sad kiddos when there wasn't anymore to be had!  It's super moist, has just the right amount of sweetness to it.  It just melts in your mouth!  This is the perfect breakfast or even after school treat for the kiddos as they start school again! 

  
Raspberry Pound Cake
2 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 tsp. vanilla extract
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
2 c. fresh raspberries (we used frozen and thawed them)
3 c. all-purpose flour, divided
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
8-oz. container lemon yogurt

Beat sugar, butter, vanilla and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended.  Beat in eggs, one at a time. Toss blueberries with 2 tablespoons flour; set aside.  Combine remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add flour mixture to sugar mixtrue alternately with yogurt. Fold in blueberries; pour into a greased loaf pan (they suggested tube, but we had loaf on hand). Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until a toothpick tests clean.  Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes; turn out. Drizzle with icing while still warm. Serves 16. 

Icing (if you like...we opted for less sugar)
1/2 c. powdered sugar
 4 tsp. lemon juice




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Here's another lovely that would be perfect in your classroom, living room, or just a wonderuful reminder over your doorway as you leave your home that whatever heads your way you can do it!  It's my reminder that God's got this!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/204696112/we-can-do-hard-things-painted-wooden?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=we%20can%20do%20hard%20things&ref=sr_gallery_2

Click on the picture for the shop link!

And... Now until the end of September we are having a sale!  
Use coupon code CELEBRATE2015  to get 25% off orders over $100

*I have been compensated by Gooseberry Patch with a free copy of the cookbook to giveaway and a free copy to keep when sharing reviews of recipes.  All opinions are my own.

September 1, 2015

Mini Pie Bites

Happy September y'all!  When I change the calendar over to September my heart melts!  I absolutely love fall!  And I love pie!  So ... what better way to celebrate the anticipation of all things fall-ish (I know, not a word.) than to talk about some yummy pie?!  This recipe is found on page 61 of Gooseberry Patch's 101 Blue Ribbon Dessert Recipes.  Don't forget to go HERE to enter the giveaway for this yummy cookbook! 



Mini Pie Bites

15-oz. pkg. frozen pie crusts, thawed and unbaked 
(We used our homemade pie crust recipe HERE)
1 c. favorite-flavor fruit pie filling 
(Use one of our homemade recipes HERE)
1 T. milk
1/2 c. powdered sugar

Unroll pie crusts; cut each crust into 12 equal squares.  Spoon one to two teaspoons pie filling into the center of each square. Bring the corners of each square together above filling; pinch together corners and seams to seal. Place each mini pie into an ungreased muffin cup.  Bake at 450 degrees for 11 to 14 minutes, until golden; cool. Meanwhile, in a bowl, slowly whisk milk into powdered sugar until a glaze consistency is reached. Using a fork, drizzle glaze over bites. Let stand for about 20 minutes before serving. 




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This sign is a wonderful way to welcome guests to your home in the fall!

Click on the picture to head over to the shop!

And... Now until the end of September we are having a sale!  
Use coupon code CELEBRATE2015  to get 25% off orders over $100

*I have been compensated by Gooseberry Patch with a free copy of the cookbook to giveaway and a free copy to keep when sharing reviews of recipes.  All opinions are my own.



August 27, 2015

Peach Cobbler Muffins

Ready for another Gooseberry Patch recipe!  These Peach Cobbler Muffins (found on page 21) are kind of desserty, but could be used for breakfast.  Hey it has the word "muffin" in it so it works for me. We tweaked the recipe a bit for a better flavor so what you see are our measurements. 

Don't forget to go HERE to enter the giveaway for  101 Blue Ribbon Dessert Recipes




Peach Cobbler Muffins

3 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 T. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
 3/4 c. butter, diced
1-3/4 c. milk
15-oz. can sliced peaches, drained and chopped

Topping:
2 T. butter, diced
2 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together in a small bowl until crumbly. 

Mix flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or a fork. Add milk and peaches; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into 18 greased muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.  Spoon topping onto muffins. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden. Turn out and cool slightly on a wire rack; serve warm or cooled. Makes 1-1/2 dozen. 


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https://www.etsy.com/listing/242877665/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread-extra?ref=shop_home_active_14

Add a little farmhouse touch to your kitchen or dining room!  
Try out our new vintage wash finish on a sign while you're at it!  
Click on the picture to visit our family's shop!  

And... Now until the end of September we are having a sale!  
Use coupon code CELEBRATE2015  to get 25% off orders over $100

*I have been compensated by Gooseberry Patch with a free copy of the cookbook to giveaway and a free copy to keep when sharing reviews of recipes.  All opinions are my own.

August 25, 2015

Grandma's Blueberry Pudding Cake

The kind folks at Gooseberry Patch have asked us to do a review of a yummy cookbook!  They also gave us a copy to giveaway to one of you!!!  (Scroll down for the details!)  You will love 101 Blue Ribbon Dessert Recipes!  I will be sharing four yummy recipes with you, but there are so many more we'd like to try you may just see them here in the future!

Today we'll share what is called Grandma's Cherry Pudding Cake (p. 26) but we were out of cherries and had blueberries on hand so it became a blueberry pudding cake.  Also we doubled the recipe and used a 9"x13" cake pan.



Grandma's Cherry (or Blueberry) Pudding Cake
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar, divided
2 c. all-purpose flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 c. milk
1 c. hot water
2 c. sour cherries, pitted (or 2 c. blueberries)
Optional: vanilla ice cream

In a bowl, blend butter and one cup sugar; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder.  Add flour mixture and milk alternately to butter mixture. Stir until smooth; turn into a greased 8"x8" baking pan.  In another bowl, mix remaining sugar, hot water and cherries.  Pour over batter in pan; do not stir.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Carefully remove pan from oven.  Dessert will be thin on the bottom, with cherries and cake on top.  As it cools bottom layer will thicken into a sauce.  Serve warm, scooping out cake and spooning some sauce over top.  Garnish with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.  Serves 9.  




*Affiliate link for the cookbook is listed.  If you click on the link and purchase from Amazon our family gets a bit of commission.  If you do so, thank you!



Here's the Giveaway Scoop!

Giveaway begins today and ends Thursday, September 3rd (midnight EST)

Comment below with your name,
email you can be reached at,
and tell us you favorite dessert of all time!
And...go!!


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Don't forget to check out our family's Etsy shop for some fun signs for your home and for gifts!  (Psst...only 122 days until Christmas!)


https://www.etsy.com/listing/230965329/every-child-is-an-artist-with-clips?ref=shop_home_feat_2

School has started around these parts! 
 Hang this lovely in your classroom or home 
to show off junior or juniorette's artwork!  
Click on the picture to go to the listing.

And... Now until the end of September we are having a sale!  
Use coupon code CELEBRATE2015  to get 25% off orders over $100

*I have been compensated by Gooseberry Patch with a free copy of the cookbook to giveaway and a free copy to keep when sharing reviews of recipes.  All opinions are my own.



August 22, 2015

It's a SALE!

Come join us over at the shop for an anniversary sale!  
Now thru the end of September 
every order over $100 receives 25% off 
with coupon code CELEBRATE2015

(must use code at checkout)


www.oldhousemercantile.etsy.com


April 27, 2015

Winding Down

As I mentioned on the Old House Homestead Facebook page ... yesterday I burned the pad of my index finger pretty badly. So I'm typing one handed and posts will be a little light and scarce this week.

Since school is winding down for us I'm sure it's winding down for you all as well and I thought some of you might be thinking ahead for end of year teacher gifts. Here are a few ideas for you. Click on the pictures for the links.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/230965329/every-child-is-an-artist-with-clips

https://www.etsy.com/listing/204696112/we-can-do-hard-things-painted-wooden?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=we+can+do+hard+things&ga_ref=auto3&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220305242/class-playroom-house-rules-painted?ref=shop_home_active_21

There are a lot of other great signs for end of year gifts as well!  Go take at peek!


April 24, 2015

DIY Soda Pop

We bought a SodaStream Home Soda Maker   last year and used the soda mixes that came with it, but wanted to make some of our own soda mixes.  After trying diy syrups from recipes found on Pinterest with no success we gave this a try and it was amazing!



DIY Soda Pop

2 bottles of carbonated water (use a SodaStream)
1 - 12 oz. can of juice concentrate thawed (we used Old Orchard Apple Raspberry)

Carbonate your water and pour in the thawed juice concentrate and gently stir together.  Pour over ice and enjoy!

Note:  Don't. I repeat, Don't!  As in Do Not! carbonate water that has juice or syrup in it.  It will practically explode!  Don't ask a certain son of mine how I know.  *wink*





April 23, 2015

Simple Country Wisdom Series - Part 2

In social media Thursdays are usually "Throwback Thursdays" where one posts a picture or a video of something that happened a long time ago.  Well for the coming weeks on Thursdays I'll be reposting my Simple Country Wisdom series from a few years ago.  If you missed last week you can find it HERE.  Enjoy!  

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Join me for our ten part series as we work along side Country Living's Simple Country Wisdom: 501 Old-Fashioned Ideas to Simplify Your Life by Susan Waggoner.  I touch base on a few points in each chapter and expound upon them and share some of my own tips.  Grab your favorite cuppa and join along!  



The Home That Welcomes
Clutter Control

The marketing industry wants us to believe that we need more things.  I agree that a buy one get one free sale is tempting but all those things can add up to one big cluttered mess!  That clutter can hinder us in many ways.  Clutter can get in our way not just physically but socially as well.  For me personally I get cranky when the house starts to clutter up.  When it's cluttered I don't want to entertain guests.  Who wants to see someone else's mess?

Nip the clutter in the bud!  Before it even finds a place to live and start to multiply!  (It seems to do that, doesn't it?!)  Since we are a big family we are often given hand-me-down clothes.  If I kept all of the clothes that everyone ever gave me I wouldn't be able to walk through my house!  Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for their generosity, but we really don't need to keep everything.  What I do to cut the clutter is set the bags on the bench by the door until I can get to them some time that day.  When I sort through them I take out what I want to keep (put it in the laundry so it gets washed and put away soon) then the bag of items we don't need is sent to the van to drop off at our donation destination on our next trip to town. When the kiddos choose something to keep from our "new" clothes, they pick something from their current stash to donate.  That way their closets don't get out of control.



Same goes for books.  We're given books a lot.  School books, theological books, cook books, magazines, etc.  I flip through the books/magazines and if there's enough to peak my interest they go to a proper home in the house.  If they're not interesting enough...to the donation bag they go. Besides, with the modern convenience of the internet we have so much information at our fingertips so I'm even more choosy when it comes to keeping something to read!



Our children are perpetual packrats.  I think they get that from my dad.  He kept my old swingset and stored it in the attic of their garage not getting rid of it until they sold their house to move about 14 years ago.  Yes, my dad kept my swingset almost two decades after I was done using it!  In order to keep that gene in check with our children we make it a point to deep clean their rooms regularly.  A story from a few years ago: The week before Christmas we had them sort through their belongings.  We made a deal with them that for every grocery store bag they filled with toys or stuffed animals we would give them one dollar.  We were paying them to get rid of stuff!  They were ecstatic!  We were $23 in the hole, but we were free from 23 bags of stuff they no longer played!  With their money one child put it towards her savings for a camera.  Another bought a new Webkinz.  Our oldest is into building with motors, batteries and techie things like that so he bought some parts and pieces with his money.  In our eyes it was a win-win situation!



It's nice to deep clean on occasion (like spring cleaning), but to keep the house in tiptop shape on a regular basis we have regular chores.  I have my regular chores and the kids have theirs. (And of course my poor hubby has his never ending honey-do list.) We've added to their lists that each kiddo has a room they need to tidy up before dinner.  It's supposed to be every night and it works best if it happens this way, but some days are very busy before dinner so it waits until after dinner or before bed.



Another thing that has helped me in my clutter maintenance was to toss the guilt!  You don't have to save everything!  I have a hard time letting go of something that was a gift that just isn't my size, style, or fits my needs.  Instead of it cluttering up my home and doing no one any good sitting on a shelf or hanging in a closet I have decided that it's o.k. to donate it or give it to a friend.  Lest you think I'm cold and heartless let me just say you should see my cedar chest, the top of my closet, and a few totes in the basement.  Moving right along...a-hem.



Speaking of closets...we all keep things that don't fit us hoping that they will some day.  Right?  For me I've started just in the last few months getting rid of skirts and dresses that I haven't worn since before baby number three over ten years ago!  Fashions have changed and I need to, too.  I made a big donation deposit that week and I suddenly have extra hangers!



Something that we do at the end of winter is account for all the winter gear.  Round up all the coats, scarves, mittens, and hats and decide which should be given away, thrown away, and kept.  (I think I have a few mittens out in the mudroom that are destined to an orphan's life!)  Wash and dry them. Pack them away in totes with cedar wood blocks to keep them fresh.  If the cedar scent has vanished do what the author does -- give them a light sanding with sandpaper and the scent will come back full strength.

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What tips helped you best?  What might you do this week to control your clutter?

Join me in the coming weeks as we unwrap the present that is our lives.  The next step in our series is making our home pleasing to our senses.  Please share this series by placing the button in the side bar of your blog or share on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button under this post.






* photos courtesy of Country Living

April 21, 2015

Garlic and Herb Seasoning Mix

I found a recipe online for garlic bread topping and (of course) I tweaked it.  Our family loves this as a topping on garlic bread, as a crust topper on our pizzas and as an extra way to make our grilled pizza sandwiches extra tasty (recipe coming).  Basically everything is better with this topping! We hope you like it as much as we do!


Garlic and Herb Seasoning Mix

1 c. Parmesan cheese (we use the shaker can kind)
2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 c. garlic powder
4 tsp. oregano
4 tsp. basil
5 tsp. parsley

Combine ingredients in a container. We use a pint canning jar and reuse a parmesan shaker can lid (the green ones) as a lid so we can shake it out. Be sure to store it in the refrigerator since the Parmesan cheese needs to be refrigerated. (Sometimes the ingredients clump together, but if you stir it up with a fork from time to time it will be fine.)

For garlic bread mix 1 1/2 T. seasoning with 1/2 cup softened butter and spread on bread.  Bake at 375 until the butter's melted and the bread it toasty.  You can put it under the broiler for a bit if you like.  

Enjoy!


April 20, 2015

Menu Monday: One Dish Meals

This week is dance week for our girls.  Two of the younger ones are in a local dance ministry performance this week and have practices almost every evening.  Our two oldest daughters are helping in one of the classes so they will be gone, too, so this week will be a bit crazy in the menu planning department.  I thought I'd share some one dish meals that I shared with a friend a while back in another post.  Enjoy...again.  

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A while back a dear friend had just had her fourth baby and requested I share some one dish meals with her. I posted this then and thought it was appropriate for our family with the arrival of blessing number eight. I thought you all might be able to use the recommendations as well.  A lot of my meals can be made into one dish meals.  I'll list the link with the name so just click on the name of the dish to take you to the recipe.  I'll also share any ideas that I have to go with those recipes.



Simple Roast  To go along with this you can put some red potatoes and green beans in the crock pot with it.


Creamy Chicken and Stuffing  Add some raw green beans to the crock pot in with the chicken.  Make some of these (Smashed Potatoes) to go along with it.  Use this tip for the potatoes.

Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes  Like it says in the post, add chopped up ham or chicken to make it a main dish.  Steam some veggies and you have a meal!


Easy Cheesy Bean Dip  Stir in some ground beef and serve with Mexican rice, beans, sour cream and salsa (use some good veggie filled salsa!) and you have a meal!

Chicken Pot Pie is great all by itself!  It takes a bit of work, but if you make a few at one time, eat one and freeze the rest you are all set for a few more meals!

Easy Peasy Chops This dish is a another one where you can do the smashed potatoes (see above) and steam some veggies and you're all set.


Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole  Add some cooked mixed veggies to this and you have a one meal dish!  Serve with some yummy rolls!

Chicken Burritoes You can make a few batches of these, bake them and then freeze the leftovers for another meal!  Serve with rice, beans, salsa and sour cream.

Rigatoni Casserole This dish has meat, veggies (assuming you use a good sauce), carbs (*smile*)...the total package!  Pop some garlic bread in the oven and you're all set!

Chili Serve with crackers and corn bread!

Chicken Tetrazzini Again, like the chicken and noodles...add veggies!  Serve with bread!

Duggar's Taco Soup

Easy Beef and Noodles  Serve with rolls!

Pioneer Beef Stew  Serve with rolls!  (Do you see a bread trend here? LOL!)

I hope those help!  I'm searching for some more great crock-pot one dish meals for our family since we have a few more busy days this fall.  I have a Gooseberry Patch cookbook that I'm perusing now!


Like these one-dish ideas?  Click the "Like" button below to share them with friends on Facebook!

April 18, 2015

Field Trip!

Come visit me over at Raising Homemakers for a yummy recipe! 

www.raisinghomemakers.com

April 17, 2015

Indiana Sweet Tea

Lately our oldest and I have had a hankerin' for sweet tea.  No, we're not from the south, but I say y'all on occasion and we enjoy fried chicken, fried okra, country music, and a lot of other southern culture stereotypes sooo...  Also we try to steer clear of soda because of all the junk ingredients and the cost.  (I do have a great homemade soda recipe I'll be sharing soon!) Too many sweet tea recipes are too sweet for my northern pallet. I have tinkered with sweet tea recipes all over the blogosphere and have created my own.  We love it!  It's not too sweet and it really hits the spot!  Hope you like it as much as we do!



Indiana Sweet Tea

1 gallon water (16 cups) divided
4 family size tea bags
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/4 c. sugar

Bring 1/2 gallon water to a boil.  Remove from heat, stir in baking soda and steep 4 family size tea bags for 10-15 minutes. (The baking soda removes the tannins in the tea and makes it less bitter.) Remove tea bags.  Stir in the sugar until dissolved.  Pour remaining (cold) water into a 1 gallon pitcher, add the sweet tea mixture and serve over ice.  

*Notes:  I like to save my tea bags for another time, just steep them a little longer. Also I like to chill my sweet tea before I serve it so it doesn't water down with the ice too quickly.  

Enjoy!


Best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe HERE

Green vintage Ball canning jars HERE  
Ball straws and lids HERE  

(Disclaimer: The above mentioned are affiliate links...I get a little bit of kick back if you purchase on Amazon through my links)  

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The sign in the background of the above picture is our Porch Rules sign found HERE.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/150848882/porch-rules-painted-wooden-subway-art?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=porch
 





April 16, 2015

Simple Country Wisdom Series Revisted - Part 1

Spring is here and the plan to spruce up the home and get things simplified before Summer vacation is at the top of my list! So I thought we'd revisit the Simple Country Wisdom series I blogged many moons ago.  We'll work through the book Simple Country Wisdom in the coming weeks!  Here's the first post!

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 If you know me personally or have been a reader here for a while you've heard my catch phrase "It's good to have a goal!".  Well it is!  Zig Zigler says "If you aim at nothing you'll hit it every time."  I have a few goals for this spring.  One of them is to simplify my home.  I mean every part of it; menus, recipes, schedules, closets, cupboards, etc.  If you're looking to simplify a little bit of your life or achieve a major overhaul then join me for our ten part series as we work along side.



The Home That Welcomes
What Makes a Welcoming Home?

It's the place we all want to come home to.  There's no place like it according to Dorothy.  There are many elements that make a home.  Cleanliness, efficiency, self-reliance, and joy are just a few elements that are discussed in the book.

Your home need not be spotless and stark, but it should be a refuge from the busy world we live in.   It should be clean and uncluttered.  Do you have mail that's waiting to be sorted through?  Laundry that you meant to put away three days ago?  Is there a gooey, sticky mess waiting for you in the microwave?  "Learning how to keep a house clean and uncluttered is the groundwork for many loftier achievements -- happiness, thriving family relationships, intellectual pursuits, hobbies that nurture creativity, and renewed energy and enthusiasm for the life we live outside the home."  Again we don't want the stark and sterile look.  Think fluffed pillows, candles burning, some soft music playing.  Try one of those this week! 


Our homes should be efficient.  The rooms should accommodate the needs and activities of the people who live in them.  Efficiency means not being wasteful.  The furniture and possessions in our homes need to be well cared for and made to last.  Water and lights are turned off when not in use and left overs thrown away are a rarity. Try leaving post-it notes around your home as a reminder!


No one is truly self-reliant anymore, but it's good to try. (Good to have a goal, right?! *wink*)  My husband is the very model of self-reliance.  No matter what repair in our home needs to be accomplished he tackles it head on.  Plumbing, carpentry, yard work, planting, and animal care (we have goats and chickens that need special attention at times) just to name a few.  If he's not sure what he's doing he'll ask someone or read about it.  Try to fix something yourself instead of hire someone. That's a great goal to have this year!  I'm going to try to make more bread from scratch!  A simple step in self-reliance is to try making your own fun!  Instead of DVD's, computers, iPods, etc. cuddle up with a good book or read aloud as a family!  Try reading the Bible in a year together or at least the New Testament! Work a puzzle together. Even little ones can find the straight edges of the borders!  Find one way this week you can do something that's simple and fun!


Our homes experience the joys of the seasons right along with us.  They get decorated and spruced up, too!  Our homes help us develop traditions; turning on a lamp for a loved one on their way home, a summer garage sale, pancakes on a Saturday morning, etc.  The simple act of traditions, no matter how simple, give us joy.  Find a new tradition to try this week!

"They say that people fall in love with houses, but houses never love you back, and I suppose that's true.  But if you take time to manage your little part of the world, if you put energy and thought into the way things are done, you'll receive some things that are pretty valuable in return -- comfort and joy, time to relax and appreciate your life and the people in it, and rooms that welcome you each time you return.  All in all, pretty well worth the effort." -- Susan Waggoner

Join me in the coming weeks as we unwrap the present that is our lives.  The next step in our series is taming the clutter.  Please share this series by placing the button in the side bar of your blog or share on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button under this post.




* photos courtesy of Country Living
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