You are here: Home / 2012 / Archives for January 2012

Cleaning and Organizing the Linen Closet

January 30, 2012
pic2

Written by one of our monthly Titus 2 contributors, Mrs. Faye Henry

I don't know about you, but I find that the Winter is the best time of the year to clean and organize my linen closet.

If you do not have a separate closet then perhaps you could use an old wardrobe, set of drawers, or even an old trunk to hold them.  My hubby painted over an old wardrobe and put in a few shelves which I use for my quilts.  It is just so nice to have a space for these necessities.

To get started, I completely empty the shelves and pick over the contents to see which I want to keep...

You can organize sheets and pillowcases according to size or type of fabric.  Some ladies store their sets of sheets in one of the pillowcases to the set.

With our Canadian Winters we use warmer sheets like flannel and then cooler cotton sheets for Summer.  Therefore, there is a shelf for each type of fabric.  Tablecloths and napkins are stored on a separate shelf.  I make homemade laundry soap and rinse for them, which is frugal and healthier for your family.

During our almost 42 years of marriage I have collected lots of old fashioned linens and lace...

A little tip for getting stains out of old linens that you may find at a thrift store or whatever is to hang them in the sunshine for a couple of days.

Also, hanging tablecloths on a pants hanger on the inside of your linen closet door will save you shelf space.

Just put a cup screw on the inside of your linen closet door...

Linen closets are a great place to store extra candles and soaps or even hotel toiletries for over night guests.

I remember my Grandmother's linen closet from when I was a child.  She stored her linens in an old bureau upstairs in the spare room.  The first thing you noticed when the drawer opened was the sweet smell of lavender... smile...

Today, when I open my linen closet door I smell sweet relaxing lavender.

Linen closets should smell nice... Don't you think so?

Did you know that the simple smell of linen is a memory maker?

Your children will remember and it will take them back to the happy days of childhood, perhaps of Mama tucking them into their beds and the quiet little prayers that you prayed together.

With that in mind, I am leaving you a recipe today:

LAVENDER LINEN SPRAY

  • In a 16 ounce spray bottle place 14 ounces of distilled water and 2 tsp. of lavender essential oil. If you prefer a different oil that is fine, too.
  • Be sure and shake well while using as the oil and water will separate.
  • Spritz your linens, sheets or towels to freshen.

Here is a link to my site for a LAVENDER POWDER RECIPE for your bedding as well.

Remember, dear ladies... It is the little things that make a house a home!

Won't you pop over and visit Mrs. Henry at The Blessed Hearth?

Pour yourself a nice hot cup of tea and stay for awhile. The fire is lit and burning brightly and the candles smell heavenly. Biscuits are in the oven...

 

:: also shared at little natural cottage, homestead revival , domestically divine, and making your home sing

Filed Under: Homekeeping, Hospitality, Simple Pleasures

Conversations With God

January 27, 2012

Today, I'm sharing some of my conversations with God with the Raising Homemakers ladies. It's an honor to be a new monthly contributor on their new Raising Sons corner!  Here's a sneak peek of my post:

My oldest son, about five years old at the time, ran towards me wild-eyed and screaming.

“Mommy! Mommy!!! Help me!"

Twenty yards or so spanned the distance between us, but it felt like two thousand yards. I stretched out my arms to him and he collapsed into them, sobbing.

Please join me there to read the rest --->

:: And, if you're visiting here from RH, welcome!  Grab a steaming cup of your favorite tea and make yourself at home.  I'm so glad you're here! ::

 

Inspired here?  I'd love for you to introduce yourself on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest.

Filed Under: Nurturing Family, Practicing Faith 1 Comment

Dinner on a Dime: Favorite Healthy & Frugal Dinners (and a link-up!)

January 26, 2012

We're all looking for dinner ideas that are simple, healthy, and inexpensive.

Here are a few of my favorites (and there's more listed in my recipe index):

 

Cheesy Chili Pie

Chicken Pot Pie (with a savory herb and cheddar crust!)

Curried Chicken Fried Rice

 

Now, I'd like you to share your favorites!  There are just a few rules.

Please...

  • Dinner ideas only. We'll look at other meals in other upcoming link-ups.
  • Try to keep them both frugal (less than $2 or so per person) and reasonably healthy (no processed foods, boxed meals, etc).
  • Share this post with your friends after linking up. They need dinner ideas, too! :)

Are you ready?  I can't wait to read through your delicious recipes and ideas!  I just know I'm going to be inspired!

 

 

 

*You might also enjoy the ideas and recipes in The America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook: A New, Healthier Way to Cook Everything from America's Most Trusted Test Kitchen

Join our conversations on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

 

:: also shared at better mom mondays , titus(2)sdays, teach me tuesdays, and welcome home

Filed Under: Budgeting & Frugal Living, Eating Real Foods, Homekeeping, Recipes 8 Comments

A Fresh Start

January 25, 2012

Jaime's note:  Precious ladies, this post is written by Mrs. Wanda Fielder, one of our new monthly contributors for 2012.  It's an honor to have her join us!  She has been my own pastor's wife and mentor for nearly twenty years, and although God has moved us to pastor in another state, she will always be my pastor's wife.  I know she will be a blessing to you, too, and will be an excellent Titus 2 lady to share at Like a Bubbling Brook!

Featured post by Mrs. Wanda Fielder

Did you as a child ever have one of the dime store magic slates? Literally, they used to cost only a dime!  I’m talking about the cardboard with a sheet of cellophane over it and a plastic stylus to write or draw.

Even with all the new electronic toys these simple slates are still available.  Never being very artistic I can remember trying to draw a picture on the slate and happily lifting the cellophane to erase the childish drawing and attempt something new.

January of a new year reminds me of the magic slate. This is a time to make a new start on your clean slate.  You can begin your year with a clean slate that has not been cluttered with unfulfilled promises and neglected ideas of good intentions that have never materialized.  Your board has just been wiped clean, and you can start anew.

Make a fresh start!

Perhaps you have been slack in church attendance or slothful in witnessing and Christian living.  This is the time to use the clean slate and draw a brand new picture.  You might be a young mother challenged with diapers, nursing babies, clutter, or sibling rivalry that steals away your time of devotions.  Lift that slate cover and start fresh again!

New Year’s Resolutions?

Sometimes we scoff at New Year’s resolutions that are often soon forgotten; however, it is a wonderful time to make spiritual resolutions. If you have been less than diligent in your walk with God, please let me encourage you to make a new commitment.

For a start on your magic board of life, let your first resolution be faithfulness to God’s house.  You are the one who will reap great benefits and rewards from this commitment.  Not only will you be blessed, but your church family will also be blessed as we do need each other.

Swoosh!

So quickly lift the cellophane off your board of life and start anew.  It’s looking lovely already!

 

Mrs. Wanda Fielder is a pastor's wife, published author, and conference speaker.  She shares inspirational articles, recipes, ministry ideas and more at her site, Tea-Lightful Inspirations.

Be sure to stop by and say hello!

 

Join our conversations on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

photo credit

Filed Under: Practicing Faith 4 Comments

Natural Skin Care Tips For Winter

January 23, 2012
61760va9oudxvh0

Jaime's note: Today, Kristy from Little Natural Cottage is sharing her natural skin tips for winter.  If you haven't heard, she has written a very helpful ebook, "The Cottage Mama's DIY Guide," which features nourishing, healthy tips, tricks, and recipes.  She covers natural skin care, toxin-free cleaners, and more!  You can read more about her book here.  AND --- drumroll, please --- not only is it on sale today for just $3, but she's also given LABB readers an extra-special discount code for an additional 25% off!   The code is WINTERBROOK and is good until Thursday.  Enjoy!

Even in the "warm" state of Texas, delicate skin endures mistreatment during winter time. If you've ever suffered with eczema, chronic dryness, dandruff, or other winter-related skin maladies, then I'm sure you can relate!

Here are a few of my favorite tips for nourishing our family's skin during the cold weather season:

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Dry bodies mean dry skin. We simply cannot expect the largest organ of our bodies (our skin!) to compete with an insufficient supply of water. Health experts recommend drinking at least two quarts of filtered water per day; I personally believe this is a minimal amount. My goal is to encourage my children to drink two quarts of water a day; I strive to drink about twice that much.

If you're not accustomed to drinking a lot of water throughout the day, fill a pitcher with water in the morning and see how much of it you can drink by supper time. Make it your goal to empty that container before the evening meal! Even children can develop healthy habits in this area. It's vitally important for our overall health, and the health of our skin.

Eliminate skin allergens in the home.

Several of our children suffered with eczema as infants. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that "going green" with our household and body products basically eliminated this issue for our family. Detergents, soaps, lotions, and just about any product that comes into contact with our skin has the ability to create irritation; this is especially true for those with sensitive skin. Switching to "green" products, or using quality homemade products, can help skin endure winter dryness free of rashes and itching.

There are many wonderful "green" brands to choose from; our family's favorite is Melaleuca. We also love using the moisturizing handmade soaps from Simply Cleansing and Vintage Handmade Soaps.

Whole foods can help!

Not only will a diet of whole foods nourish your body (and thus your skin) with proper nutrients, but whole foods are also a great option for treating your skin topically.

  • Extra virgin coconut oil is a superb choice for moisturizing your face and hair (a little goes a long way!).
  • Warm olive oil treatments can help keep your hands, hair, and even your scalp from becoming too dry (use sparingly if you have oily skin).
  • A simple face mask made from oats, bananas, and yogurt will exfoliate and cleanse your face. (You can find this recipe in The Cottage Mama's DIY Guide.)

Resist the urge to spend a fortune on skin products... take a peek inside your kitchen pantry instead!

Humidify your home.

Our family spent seven winters in west Texas during the years my husband served as pastor to an area church. West Texas has cold, severely DRY winters.

During the cold weather months, I found it extremely helpful to keep a humidifier going nearly around the clock in our home. I used a steam vaporizer in our bedrooms at night, and a cool mist humidifier during the day, to keep a level of moisture in the air.

We are no longer in dry, west Texas, but I learned a few tricks that still work when we need them!

How do you nourish your skin during winter time?


Kristy Howard is a believer in Jesus Christ, a pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother of four.  She is passionate about living simply, naturally, and Biblically for the glory of God.  She is also the editor and owner of LittleNaturalCottage.com, where she furiously writes about her loves during nap time.  Be sure to check out her book, The Cottage Mama's DIY Guide.


Join our conversations on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

 

:: also shared on simple lives thursdays

Filed Under: Cleansing & Fasting, Eating Real Foods, Modesty & Femininity 6 Comments

We’re Hosting a Virtual Party with LOTS of Great Prizes!

January 23, 2012

 

That's right, there's going to be a HUGE party, and we'd love for you to join us!

On Tuesday, February 7th, from 8-10 p.m. EST, join myself and five other bloggers as we give away hundreds of dollars in exciting products and services, share about God's love, answer your questions, and encourage your faith.

Your hosts for the party:

The party will take place on our Facebook pages and you'll be spending twenty minutes with each blogger as they talk about different aspects of love and give away great prizes.

The LABB segment of the party will be on our Facebook page from 8:40 - 9:00 p.m. EST.  During that time, you'll have an opportunity to enter to win these prizes from my generous sponsors:

I hope you'll join us for the party!  We're going to have an amazing time together!

For all the party details, to find each blogger's Facebook page, and to RSVP, visit our Love Around The Block event page.

 

 

 

Join our conversations on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Budgeting & Frugal Living, Deal Alerts, Giveaways/Reviews, Home Education, Links, Nurturing Family, Practicing Faith 1 Comment