life – Page 4 – Remaking Homemaking

Top 10 Dried Spices to Own for your Home Kitchen

November 9, 2019November 9, 2019 by krichards2012, posted in life, recipes

When starting out the adventure of home-cooking, you may wonder what kitchen basics you need to own in terms of spices. The following list is what I think is a great place to start in what dried spices your kitchen needs!

So when I first started home cooking, there were a lot of recipes that had spices I didn’t own yet. Because some spices can be expensive, I questioned which spices were actually worth buying and owning in my home.

I took many risks and bought spices that I never used and bought some that I use constantly! One thing this home will never produce is a tasteless, spiceless meal. So I use dried spices very often, and pretty much have to buy new ones every other week (I cook at home a lot).

So this list of dried spices is what I use almost on a daily, if not weekly basis when I cook at home. They are what I consider a great starting place for your kitchen spices and then you can get more adventurous from there!

1. Garlic Powder: This is my favorite and literally can be used with any type of cuisine that you are cooking! Whether it is Asian, Mexican, or Italian, garlic powder adds another layer of flavor that makes your home cooking that much better! This is a must have for your kitchen and totally worth spending money on!

2. Onion Powder: This goes along with garlic powder for almost every meal! The only time I would not use this is if I was making a dish that already has tons of onion or dried minced onion in it (you don’t want to over do it with the onion flavor). But this is definitely a necessity for your kitchen.

3. Paprika: There are tons of different paprika out there to buy; sweet, smoked, spicy… there is also just a basic paprika for your kitchen and that is what I usually buy. I use paprika alongside garlic and onion powder for just another layer of flavor and it usually adds such a pretty color to your meals! Definitely a must have.

4. Celery Powder/Celery Salt: Okay so this is one of my favorite spices I have recently found! It gives your food a deep, savory flavor of celery that adds celery to dishes you haven’t put it in or strengthens the celery flavor in dishes where there already is celery. It is a robust flavor that just makes your meals feel rich and delicious. I love this in pot roasts, soups, and pretty much everything!

5. Cumin: Okay so have you ever tasted taco meat and wondered what that major flavor is? That’s cumin! This smoky spice is perfect for Mexican style dishes, chilis, and smoky dishes like bbq. I love to even sprinkle a little of this over some fried eggs and breakfast goes up lik 10 more levels! This is a staple because many recipes call for this spice and it’s delicious! So I definitely recommend buying this one!

6. Chili Powder: This is a robust, and deep flavor necessary for many dishes! I use chili powder alongside cumin many times in my chilis or Mexican inspired dishes! I also use it when I want a hint of smoky spice without going as far as adding red pepper flakes or cayenne. I have a maple smoked bacon recipe where I use chili powder, ground pepper and maple syrup and bake THE most delicious bacon ever! This spice is a staple because it adds a great flavor to many dishes, and you’ll find many recipes call for chili powder! I definitely recommend!

7. Italian Seasoning: I love Italian Seasoning! It’s a mix of some delicious flavors like basil, oregano, and thyme. It’s perfect to add to grilled chicken, soups, spaghettis, and on top of pizzas to take them to the next level! It’s a great place to start in buying seasonings that take your food to the next level!

8. Dill Weed: THIS is my favorite! I was introduced to dill when I was introduced to Russian cuisine (my best friend’s mama is the best cook btw). Dill is what you think, the flavor in pickles, that is just so unique but so tasty! I love to put dill in chicken soups, on top of fish, and in sauces! A little goes a long way that’s for sure! One of my favorite stuffed bell pepper recipes calls for tons of dill and it is so delicious! This is a definitely a kitchen staple for me!

9. Dried Basil: Fresh basil is delicious! However, dried basil also brings a depth of flavor to your meals! I love to use basil in my tomato soups, Italian cooking, and spaghetti! When I am feeling fancy, I sometimes sprinkle some basil over my cold cut sandwiches, just to add some delicious flavor! This is used in many dishes and definitely worth having in your kitchen.

10. Cayenne Pepper/Red Pepper: So if you love a little kick to your meals, this is the spice for you. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY! Funny story, I bought “red pepper” which is another name for cayenne and I didn’t know it. Put a ton of it in a recipe and had no clue as to why my tongue was burning; the culprit? Cayenne. So definitely use with care but cayenne adds a smoky, rich spice to your dishes and is great for the adventurous palette that loves spice! I use it in my chilis, soups, meats, and pretty much anything I want to add a little heat to! Definitely a must have in your kitchen.

So there’s my list of 10 Dried Spices to have in Your Home Cooking Kitchen! I own so many more of course, but these will get you started and make your meals THAT much better!

I hope this helps any new starting home cookers or even those starting out in a new home wondering what spices to buy! Let me know what you think, and as always, Happy Homemaking!

Top 10 Gluten Free Products to Buy at Costco

November 7, 2019November 7, 2019 by krichards2012, posted in life, recipes

When going gluten free, whether for health reasons or by choice, one of the hardest things is risking expensive purchases and not knowing if you will like it or not! So I am sharing some of my favorite Costco gluten free products that are so worth the money.

If you have eaten the gluten free diet, whether by choice or by diagnosis, you have probably realized two things: 1. You pretty much have to cook everything, or 2. Buy pre-made gluten free products that are incredibly expensive.

For me I have a slight gluten intolerance that has led me to the gluten free diet. And though I make ALOT of things from home, there are certain things that I would rather just purchase. However, when making a purchase of gluten free items, it’s always a shot in the dark whether it will be good or not. Sometimes gluten free products lack taste, texture, and the “I want more” aspect. You feel as though you are being punished rather than enjoying something to eat.

So I have decided to share with you some of my favorite gluten free products you can buy at Costco! And if you don’t have a Costco membership, then you can order online I am sure!

1. autumn’s gold grain free granola bars

So these gluten free granola bars are absolutely freaking delicious!! Sometimes with gluten free granola bars you feel as though you are eating dried dirt; no flavor, the texture leaves you needing a gallon of water, and they are freaking expensive.

My husband and I were walking around Costco and thank God they were giving out free samples of this bar because I never would have spent the money on it. Mainly because I have tried gluten free granola bars before and been pretty disappointed. BUT THESE. Autumn’s Gold Grain Free Granola Bars are literally the tastiest granola bars I have ever had, gluten free or not!

They taste sort of like a cinnamon roll. YES. And their texture is heaven on Earth. I literally threatened my husband telling him not to eat all of them.

So go try these out! Even if you don’t eat gluten free they are worth the buy!

Autumns’s Gold Grain Free Cinnamon Almond (16Count/1.24 oz), 19.84 oz

2. Milton’s cauliflower crust pizza

Okay so listen. If you know me you know that I LOATHE cauliflower. It has a lot to do with a personal experience of seeing someone with “cauliflower ear” in middle school. But also the taste. I can’t help it.

HOWEVER. Once again, free samples at Costco saved my life. I love frozen pizza. It saves us on busy days when we don’t have time or really don’t feel like cooking dinner. Often gluten free frozen pizzas are lacking in taste and texture. No one likes a soggy pizza.

Milton’s Cauliflower Crust Pizza is to die for! I bought the kind that has veggie based sausage on it and it is so delicious you can’t even tell you’re not eating regular pizza OR regular meat. I believe there is also a roasted veggie and regular cheese version too! Get it, it’s delicious.

3. harvest snaps green pea snack crisps

Healthy. Delicious. SO FREAKING TASTY. I love these things. Honestly I bought these prior to eating gluten free and danced when I realized they were gluten free approved! They are so yummy and healthy and you can eat them without feeling like crap (like when you scarf down a whole bag of flaming hot Cheetos…).

These are perfect for snack time, your kiddos, and even to blitz up and coat some chicken in! I love them so much. There are also tons of variety of flavors from wasabi ranch, sweet chili, and black pepper. I love them all. Just get them!

Harvest Snaps Organic Calbee Lightly Salted Snapeas, 20 Ounce

4. organic aussie bites

Okay so disclaimer on these! They contain whole grain oats which is debatable on the gluten free issue. They ARE gluten free but you have to make sure with celiac disease whether or not the grains are processed in a facility that has also processed wheat products.

Aussie bites do not claim to be gluten free for this purpose only. SO. If you are choosing gluten free for personal choice and not for celiac purposes then these are okay for you. If you have celiac disease then I would pass on these depending on your sensitivity!

Okay so these babies are freaking yummy! They are healthy, have tons of delicious ingredients, and they are so easy to grab on the go for a snack or quick breakfast. Full of flavor, they have things like coconut, dried apricots, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and honey!

To me they taste similar to like an oatmeal raisin cookie! I definitely recommend you try these!

Universal Bakery Expect More Organic Aussie Bites, 32 count

5. moon cheese

If you love snacks like cheez-its or any kind of cheese type cracker that is not out-of-bounds, these are perfect for you.

They are literally made with cheese. That’s it.

Super cheesy. Super tasty. Highly recommended!

Even if you’re not gluten free these are just a healthier option over some of the other processed choices. PLUS your kids will love them.

Moon Cheese – 100% Natural Cheese Snack – Cheddar – 10 oz – 2 Pack

6. Birch benders gluten free pancake & Waffle mix

Oh delicious warm, fluffy, steaming, pancakes. They are so warming and comforting. When I went gluten free I was very sad over losing my relationship with pancakes.

Birch Benders has stepped in to save the day. Their gluten free pancake and waffle mix is perfection. AND you only have to add water (not 15 eggs, you first born son, and a mortgage). Sometimes gluten free mixes need everything but your kitchen sink which can get expensive and tiring.

For the gluten free, keto, or paleo dieter, I highly recommend this brand!

Paleo Pancake & Waffle Mix by Birch Benders, Low-Carb, High Protein, High Fiber, Gluten-free, Low Glycemic, Prebiotic, Keto-Friendly, Made with Cassava, Coconut & Almond Flour, 12 oz

7. Kirkland brands maple syrup

To go with your Birch Bender’s pancakes, Kirkland’s maple syrup is sooooo good. One thing many don’t know when starting the gluten free diet is that most maple syrups are a no-go.

Brands like Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth, and so many others often have hidden gluten ingredients (make sure to check all of your labels).

So you have to buy organic, 100% pure maple syrups (which I have found are expensive and in very small bottles *rolls eyes*).

Costco’s Kirkland Brand of Maple Syrup is organic and gluten free and not too expensive. You get tons of product and it’s so delicious!

Kirkland Signature 100% Maple Syrup, Dark Amber, 33.8 fl. oz.

8. Kirkland’s chicken stock

Another shocker for the new gluten free eater is that MOST chicken, beef, veggie broths have hidden gluten in them as a thickener! With the upcoming holiday seasons, most recipes need some form of broth!

Costco’s Chicken stock is certified gluten free AND you get sick of them! This is one of my favorite finds recently that has me so excited! I can get tons of product for a great price and not have to worry about hidden ingredients!

Definitely recommend!

Kirkland Signature Organic Gluten-Free Chicken Stock Reasealable Cartons: 6-Count (32 fl oz.)

9. Udi’s gluten free bread

If you’re gluten free then you know Udi’s brand I am sure! I have found for ANY gluten free bread, a tip is to always toast! It makes it soooo much better and feels like you are eating fancy bread rather than wheatless bread.

I love Udi’s brand and found out that you can get a two-pack of the multigrain type at Costco! This is so awesome because gluten free breads don’t have as much of the product as it’s counterpart so you often have to buy more than one. I buy a two-pack and then put one in my freezer and I am good for a couple of weeks!

I am so happy to see more gluten free products making the shelves and this is one of my favorites.

Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, Whole Grain Bread, 12 Ounce

10. Tipiaks 36-count French macarons

Saved desert for last. Oh my goodness. When I found out macarons are gluten free naturally, I was so excited. However, these babies are expensive! But Costco has a 36-count French macaron set that are so delicious and run about $15.00.

They are all delicious but my favorites were the pistachio and milk chocolate ones. These are perfect for a sweet snack at the end of your day, to put out at a baby shower or party, or to even gift to the person you know eating gluten free!

I love them so much! Y’all definitely need to give them a try.

French Macarons Mixed 36 pcs

SO that is my list of TOP 10 GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS at Costco! Everyone I would personally recommend and have in my kitchen right now! Let me know if you have any more you have found so I can get in on that too!

The Power of a Lie: Being Free of Mom Guilt

November 6, 2019November 22, 2019 by krichards2012, posted in life

God doesn’t bless perfect parenting, it does not exist. He blesses humble parenting, a recognition that without Him, it cannot be done.

If there were a person you knew, who could only tell lies, how often would you listen to what they had to say? What we believe in our minds, regardless or not if they are true, become our reality. Scripture tells us that Satan is the father of all lies (John 8:44). Yet, we continue to allow him to have territory in our minds, which if you are saved, belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

An elephant who is being trained in a circus, can be held down by a tiny nail in the ground, because it believes the lie that it cannot break free. There are many lies that we believe that the enemy tells us. And I feel a certain need to expose these lies, especially the lies we women and mothers hear, so that we can begin to walk in the freedom that God intended us to.

So I am beginning a small series (of which I do not know the length) talking about the power of a lie. Each post will be another lie exposed so that freedom can be had!

Today’s post is on a lie that I have been personally battling this week in particular; mom guilt. This lie often shows it’s ugly head in phrases such as: “If you rest or take time to yourself, you’re a bad mom; good moms don’t need a break”, “You’re not doing good enough, your baby should be doing what the others are doing right now”, “If you go to work your baby will miss you and will grow up with issues”, “If you don’t work you won’t be able to provide everything that your baby needs so you’re a bad mom”, “You shouldn’t be taking time to start a blog, you need to be taking care of your baby”, “Your husband is going to resent you if he has to help out more than usual”…. and the lies go on and on.

No one prepared me for mom guilt. I had heard about it prior to becoming a mom but I didn’t think I would have an issue with it. What was so crazy about it is mom guilt started before John even was born! I remember working (before I knew I would get to stay home with him) and feeling guilty that John would be at his grandmother’s homes all day. I remember pre-counting the amount of time I would have with him and even crying about it to my husband (who probably thought I was crazy).

“Raising him is my job, I should be the one seeing his first crawl, first steps, first laugh…” Even before I held him in my arms, I believed the lie regarding mom guilt, which is essentially this: the responsibility of your child is yours alone so you better be perfect or else.

Now this isn’t to disregard the common sense notion that parents are responsible for raising their children. This is a deeper thought that puts an unbearable amount of pressure and weariness on the mother’s shoulders to be everything and do everything all the time for everybody.

The reality of this lie this week has shown itself in when I have spent time to write a blog or prepare for an activity. I look in the other room where my husband is feeding and playing with John and I am doing something for myself and then BAM… guilt hits. You are selfish, you are wasting precious time, you shouldn’t be doing this, he needs you… it bombarded my mind this week, almost to the point of leading me to stop doing something I feel like God called me to.

Finally, I chose to be still. To listen to what God had to say. And this is what He said.

“Katie, you are not enough. You in yourself will never be enough. Not for Tyler, not for John, not even for yourself. But in Me, you are enough. I called you and created you to be John’s mama. I called you and created you to do the things I am calling you to do for Me. And in Me, you CAN do both. Trust Me with your marriage. Trust Me with your children. Trust Me with your ministry. Stop allowing guilt to take away the joy of the present moment. Release your husband, children, and ministry to Me, and let Me bear your burdens. If you mess up, then you don’t have to worry, because you have given them into My hands.”

And I finally felt peace because I realized up to this point I had been trying to carry the burdens of things that He had called me to release back to Him. If I try to carry the pressure of making sure all things are perfect, or taking care of, by ME in my home, then I have set myself up for a load that will crush me. I set my mind up for guilt, fear, anxiety, shame, depression.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest {renewal and blessed quiet] for your souls. My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

The lie essentially is this: you are not enough of a mother for them. The truth is this: in Him, you are enough because HE is enough.

As we break down some of these lies in our lives, which will break down the false power they have on us, we will come to know an essential truth. This truth is that not every thought that comes into your mind is yours; which means you don’t have to keep it.

Let us renew our minds daily, cast every thought that comes against Christ down, and make every thought obedient to Christ. (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Today let us focus on releasing mom guilt to God. Release that pressure you have put on yourself to be perfect. And trust that God can guide you every day to raise those babies right. And when you have a bad day (which you will), trust that God has your family in His hands and enjoy the abundant blessing of family that He has given you.

So I don’t know about you, but I am tired of carrying guilt that isn’t mine to carry. I want to boldly walk before my children, showing them a woman of God who will do what He says regardless of comfort or attack, and serve Him mightily with boldness and authority.

So join me in releasing the power of the lie of mom guilt and be free!

Happy Homemaking and may God bless you and your families abundantly with grace, mercy, and love!

Crockpot vs Instant Pot: What’s the Deal?

November 3, 2019November 22, 2019 by krichards2012, posted in life, recipes

Definitely a question I have been asked before: what’s better? The crockpot or the instant pot? Let’s talk about pros, cons, and truths!

Okay, so the picture may be having you question some things about me. But to help clear up any confusion, I have posed with my crockpot and instant pot for one reason: THEY ARE MY LIFE.

To compare the two would be akin to comparing your children: you love them both equally, for different reasons! So this post is not so much why you should purchase or own a crock pot versus an instant pot, but really my argument as to why BOTH are necessary for the modern homemaking mama!

Crock pot

Let’s start with O’ Faithful, the crock pot. So surely you have one of these in your home (whether it gets used or not). They are often a staple for the bridal shower or home warming part because so many have seen the benefits of having one. They are pretty affordable, even for the budgeter, which makes it definitely a must have kitchen tool. If you don’t have one, I am holding my Pioneer Woman crock pot which I LOVE because they have so many different prints to choose from. But all crockpots are awesome and totally worth investing in.

But let’s talk about practicality. The crockpot opens soooo many doors for your home-cooking and is perfect for the busy stay-at-home mama or working mama. Whether you stay home or are working, finding the time to get dinner planned and cooked is always tough on these hectic days of doing every day tasks and taking care of your family. With the crock pot you can make so many delicious recipes, from overnight breakfast oats, slow-cooked pot roasts, and even decadent deserts! The crockpot is ideal for the working mama who can put the meal in during the morning rush and come home to a hot, finished meal!

Some of my favorite crock pot meals are classic pot roast, chili, vegetable soup, and French dip sandwiches! I don’t know what it is, but there is just something so satisfying about a crock pot meal; they are so warm and cozy, it just makes you feel at home and comforted!

So, all of this to say. Get a crockpot or start putting the one hiding in your cabinet in the box to use! They make your life so much easier.

Hamilton Beach 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33480)

Instant pot

Here’s the thing. When I first heard of the instant pot, I rolled my eyes thinking, oh great another fad to spend money on that I will use once and then it will collect dust in the cabinet (like the air fryer for me). Everyone at my job was raving about it and honestly I was too timid to try it.

However, Pioneer Woman came out with an instant pot which peaked my curiosity (because I want to own everything she makes; I know I have a problem, pray for my husband). So I asked for one for Christmas and thus, my cooking truly life began.

After being afraid of using the instant pot (due to scary stories posted on social media) I finally took the step to try my first intant pot recipe! I tried an Instant Pot Cubed Steak recipe that was so quick and delicious it blew my mind and changed my life forever!

So the instant pot is pretty much a pressure cooking tool that also has soooo many different uses! There is actually a slow cooking mode on it that allows it to act like a crock pot if you need it to! But what would take the crock pot 8 hours to make, your instant pot can cook in 1 hour (yes you read that correctly).

It makes your meal taste as though it has been cooking all day, and yet some recipes take only around 10 minutes (like my gluten free tomato soup you can find in my recipes). Not only can it cook meals quickly, but you can make hard boiled eggs in 5 minutes, cook baked potatoes in 10 minutes, and even fully cook chicken and pork in 12 minutes!

I mean, it is definitely worth investing in (even though it can seem pricey to some). It made my life so much easier as a wife, mama, and full-time student when I was getting my master’s degree.

Get you an instant pot, I promise it is worth it!

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

crock pot vs. instant pot

My final statement is that there is no versus between the two there is only that the crock pot and the instant pot are necessary for the modern day homemaking mama.

I use my crockpot when I have a busy afternoon planned (because you still have kitchen prep with the instant pot) and I use my instant pot when I want a delicious meal cooked in such a little time (or I forgot to plan or start a dinner that takes too long to cook).

Stop letting busy days and no time lead you to fast food meals and spending way too much money on eating out (this was our life before), and start using tools that make your life easier and also makes your home feel a little more like home with delicious home-cooked meals and dinners around the table.

Let me know what you think, some of your favorite crock pot and instant pot meals, and most of all: Happy homemaking!

(Our Not so) Happy Halloween: Letting Go of Expectations

November 2, 2019November 22, 2019 by krichards2012, posted in life

So I promised to be real and share the good, the bad, and the ugly. So I will be sharing my Halloween story. This picture looks like a cute little family, in their cute little costumes, all happy and put together. What you don’t see is a mama on her brink of psychosis, a husband who has heard her griping all day being forced to wear blush, and a baby who is STILL teething and actually not crying for two seconds (or ripping off his hat).

As mamas, wives, humans in general, sometimes we have these expectations about the way things should go. Our marriages should be chalk full of romance all the time, our children should always be clean and happy, and most of all, our holidays should be smooth experiences full of laughter, smiles, and cute babies who willingly wear costumes and cooperate. Having these expectations isn’t necessarily a wrong thing, but what you will notice if you haven’t already, they lead to a big stumbling block: disappointment.

Yesterday was quite disappointing at first; I won’t lie. I had all of these dreams and visions about John’s first Halloween going so well and being full of the best memories. My Halloween can be summed up in the following ways: last minute wardrobe malfunctions (literally sewing a new costume for John because Amazon sent me a 2T), a crying baby who would NOT cooperate because of teething, my skirt tearing as I try to pick up the crying baby, and just a general sense of chaos to be honest.

For a moment I told Tyler, “You know what, let’s just stay home. I don’t want to do this anymore!” Luckily I have a husband who can keep his cool in the midst of chaos (thank God) who didn’t let my spoiled outburst ruin the day completely.

See I almost let expectations take a memory away from us. Whether the memory is perfect or perfectly messy, it is still a memory that is precious to our home! Without the chaos and crying baby (who cried the whole time in the car by the way), I wouldn’t have the perfect moment captured in my head when I glanced over at my gnome-dressed husband in the car, him looking back, and us simply smiling at each other at the humor of the moment.

I say all of this to say, once I let go of expectations I actually enjoyed the rest of the night. I got to enjoy popcorn, watch Hocus Pocus, and relax a little. It’s okay for us to begin letting go of expectations. Those we have of God, our spouses, our children, even of ourselves. It is okay to let life unfold the way it is and simply enjoy the moments we have! God is clear on what expectations we should have, which is expectations of His goodness to us (Philippians 1:20; Psalm 5:3).

Disappointment in collapsed expectations give us a false sense that our life is not good; and this is not true. If you have your family together, full bellies, and a roof over your head, your life is good! We have to take the pressure off of ourselves of life having to be so put together and perfect, and let life happen as humor-filled and unperfect as it wishes. So I leave you with two things: the Word of God and pictures of my Halloween reality to encourage you if your day didn’t go as planned. Happy Halloween and happy homemaking!

“We wait [expectantly] for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For in Him our heart rejoices, because we trust [lean on, rely on, and are confident] in His holy name. Let Your [steadfast] lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:20-22 AMP

Welcome Home!

Featured by krichards2012, posted in life

Hello and welcome home! My name is Katie and I am happily married to the man of my dreams, Tyler, we have one son, John, and I am beginning my journey as a homemaker! From working full time and being a full time student to now being a full time stay at home mama, life’s seasons definitely test us and show us what we are made of! However, during this new journey I have found a revamped passion for cooking and creating recipes, crafting, and homemaking in a way I had never got to fully enjoy before! My passion is to make homemaking “cool” again, in that the negative label that has been pushed on it vanishes and it can be seen for what it truly is, which is literally making your home! Whether you work full time or stay at home, everyday we are making our home into something! My goal is to make my home a place where God dwells, love covers sins, peace is the normal, bellies are full, and laughter is the language.

You’re probably thinking, “Oh great, another one of ‘those’ women who act like they have it all together and makes me feel less than for buying stuff she home makes”. Trust me, that is not me at all! That is why I want to start this blog, because although I would love to say homemaking is this wonderful serene task, it is the hardest thing I have done to date (and I finished a Master’s degree with a newborn). The purpose of this page is not to ever make you feel less than as a mama or wife, but to know that you have a fellow woman out there in the battle field with you, doing whatever we can to make a home worth living in for our families!

So I a making you a promise, to post real life here; to post the yummy recipes, and the disasters (so you can learn from my mistakes), to post the funny stories and the struggles, and to walk alongside you as you learn to make your homes too. So I pray that you can find encouragement, laughter, and also really yummy recipes here! Strength for your tough days, tips when you need them, and scripture at those perfect times where we need an on time Word from God! Everyone is welcome at my kitchen table, some come on home to Katie’s house and let’s start remaking homemaking as we journey together!