Summer Escape at the Homemaking-Cottage

Friday, June 11, 2010


“Life is a glorious banquet, a limitless and delicious buffet.” – Maya Angelou
Summer is here and we are feeling the heat. The Homemaking Cottage & Co. has ideas for your children to stay busy from summer boredom and you can all beat the heat by making your own Italian ice! We have so much to offer this month, we’ll just begin to list them:

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In the free magazine edition of the Homemaking-Cottage we’re featuring:

Dad
Supporting Dad Creates Harmony in the Home
By Kristy Powers

There's a scenario that plays itself out too often in my home: I feel overworked and then mentally gripe at my husband when he comes home from work and sits on the couch with his computer, while I'm still cleaning up after everyone. Later, in a calmer moment, I am so glad I didn't gripe out loud, though I am still ashamed for my attitude as I did my work....

Read the rest of this article here...

shaving dad

For my Dad: Father's Day Surprises Kids can Handle

By Kristy Powers

Does Dad get a new tie every Father's Day? Are the children's gifts to him similar from year to year? Try some new surprises this year that put the kids in charge of Dad's day.

Pick and choose from the list or, in a large family, have each child do one of these jobs that usually belong to their father. Giggles are a nice accompaniment to each "gift".....

Read the rest of this article here...

key lime pie
Key Lime Pie
By Shiloah Baker

Easy to make and delicious. It’s the perfect pie to make for the summer.

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For all the fitness buffs and hot mamas working on weight loss, we have articles for you too:

Life is Better When you Exercise
By Shiloah Baker

...or at least it FEELS better!

I hit 37 weeks yesterday. After fruitless contractions last night, I woke up this morning feeling like I'm going to be pregnant forever. Then I started looking pictures of me last June and got depressed- just wanting my life back and feeling so ready to hold this little one....

Read the rest of this article here...

Tips for Starting a Running Fitness Program
Tips for Starting a Running Fitness Program

If you’re looking to get in shape, there’s little that beats running for fitness. Running offers a number of health benefits, weight loss benefits and it offers fast results. If you’re looking to start running for fitness, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

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Deals that are Nifty

In the Deals that are Nifty Column we're featuring the following articles:

summer is here
School's Out, Now What?
By Trina Boice

Yay! School is out! Now what? You’ll have a house full of kids who are looking for something good to do. Not to worry! Sister Thrifty has some inexpensive and FREE ideas for you:

Read the rest of this article here... For the Feature length Deluxe version click here, or join today!

Graduate
Celebrating the Graduate
By Trina Boice

It’s that time of year again….time to bid farewell to teachers, textbooks, campus, homework and school chums. It’s always a little bitter-sweet saying goodbye, but that full summer ahead sure takes the sting out fast!

Read the rest of this article here...For the Feature length Deluxe version click here, or join today!

Deluxe Edition Magazine

The Deluxe Edition is our Premier Online Home and Garden magazine.

Our writers are hard at work to share original and creative ideas:

Letterboxing
Letterboxing: A Treasure Hunt in Your Own Town
By Jen Voight

This is just like a treasure hunt in your own town! It’s a easy, fun, and cheap way to make summer an adventure and help your kids learn navigational skills.

All over the world, hidden in public, outdoor locations, are thousands of boxes containing...

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Family man
Swing the Pendulum Back: Encouraging Men to be Men and Loving, Faithful Husbands and Fathers
By Shiloah Baker

Media influence is as powerful as ever today, and not for the good. Sadly, when was the last time you saw a strong father figure on television or a movie that was respected and not mocked by his wife, children, or peers for who he is and what he stands for? Society is losing the ideal man- the godly man who is stable, wise, a faithful husband, and a loving and involved father.

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Birthday Box
The Birthday Box
By Shiloah Baker

Have you ever forgotten someone’s birthday because you have a difficult time finding a system of tracking birthdays that works for you? Are you a visual person and need to see a reminder?

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Flower barrette
Fabric Flower Hair Clips
By Raejean Roberts

Girls wearing silk flowers in their hair has been a trend around here for over a year, and now there’s a new twist. I love these fabric flowers! They are so cute and easy to make.

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Fairy Party
Fairy Magic Birthday
By Shiloah Baker

Birthdays are magical for children. What can be better than combining a fairy them with the magic of a birthday party? Treat your little birthday princess to a fairy birthday party that will make her dreams come true. From fairy wands to winged cups and other “tiny” details in between, this is a fun birthday- fairy style!

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Chicken pasta
So Easy Even Dad Can Do It: Santa Fe Pasta Salad
By Brynn Dahlquist

This pasta salad is awesome paired with grilled hot dogs or hamburgers making it an ideal side dish for Dad to mix up with an evening of barbecue. It is also sensational potluck fair that is pretty and doesn't require much of anything which you wouldn't have in a pantry.

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Italian Herbs
Plant a Pizza Garden
By Jen Voight

Just about everyone loves good Italian food: pizza, lasagna, spaghetti…mmmm! We all love food with freshly grown ingredients, so what could be better than growing your own Italian herb and vegetable garden, sometimes called a pizza garden, with your children?

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Scavenger hunt
Fun Backyard Scavenger Hunts
By Jen Voight

Kids absolutely love a scavenger hunt. There’s an element of excitement and mystery when they are racing for the next clue, wondering what they will find at the end of the hunt. Best of all, this activity can occupy even the most easily bored child. Scavenger hunts are a great way to add an extra measure of fun to finding the Easter basket on Easter morning, or finding a special present on a birthday. It’s a great activity for a party or a rainy day and is suitable for the very young or even adults.

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helping mom
Perfection vs Reality
By Jen Voight

Picture two different scenarios: in the first, you walk into a new friend’s home and everything is perfect. The children are all clean, dressed in matching clothes, and well-behaved, every sofa cushion is in place, all the toys are put away, and the house looks like it should be featured in a magazine.

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Dad
A Date Night For Dad
By Brynn Dahlquist

For many dad's, life with family is a continually fulfilling and inspiring journey with their wives and children. However, by the time kids are around the carefree, whimsical days of courting Mom are well over. Now responsibility, disciplining kids, potty training, bad grades, mowing the lawn and paying bills all seem to creep into the personal time that Dad used to enjoy with his soon to be wife.

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Ice Cream
Snow Ice Cream
By Jo Lynn Francis

We made this during our snow falls last winter. In the summer, you can grind up your ice to slushy form and make it for an awesome summer treat.

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summer teen
Family History Summer Program
By Raejean Roberts

Family history brings families together when I share stories and information with other family members. I felt I had shared my hobby with my children until one of my children was filling out a four generation pedigree chart. I realized I haven’t done a very good job when half my children didn’t know Grandpa’s first name. The first thing I did to spark some interest in our family history was...

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Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits
Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits
By Shiloah Baker

Drop by heading tablespoonfuls onto a greased sheet or ungreased baking stone. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese...

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Helping dad
Giving Dad the Day Off
By Brynn Dahlquist

Many of the chores which Dad has around the house come second to the largest chore of all: working to earn a living. As a tribute to all Dad's hard work, have your kids give Dad the day off by doing his chores for him. There are many things kids can do to actually help out, rather than just cause more work for Dad.

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Italian Ice Cream
Italian Ice
By Jen Voight

Italian Ice is also known as granita in Italy and is a cool, refreshing summer treat that’s lighter than ice cream or sherbet, and more granular than French sorbet. Reminiscent of a snow cone, Italian ice is easy to make and fun to eat.

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We’re always updating the websites so don’t forget to join our ezines for updates and keep checking the blog! Thank you for visiting us at the Homemaking-Cottage.com.

Picnic

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Supporting Dad Creates Harmony in the Home

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Dad

There's a scenario that plays itself out too often in my home: I feel overworked and then mentally gripe at my husband when he comes home from work and sits on the couch with his computer, while I'm still cleaning up after everyone. Later, in a calmer moment, I am so glad I didn't gripe out loud, though I am still ashamed for my attitude as I did my work....

Read the rest of this article here...

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June's Favorite Things

{A Blog Post}

June's Favorite Things

We at the Homemaking Cottage have a deep sense of gratitude for all the blessings our Heavenly Father has given us. In the spirit of thankfulness each month my writers and I are presenting "Our Favorite Things" in a picture collage.

Here is the month of June's list of favorite things. Each photo is numbered with a brief explanation following the collage.

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For my Dad: Father's Day Surprises Kids can Handle



Does Dad get a new tie every Father's Day? Are the children's gifts to him similar from year to year? Try some new surprises this year that put the kids in charge of Dad's day.

Pick and choose from the list or, in a large family, have each child do one of these jobs that usually belong to their father. Giggles are a nice accompaniment to each "gift".....

Read the rest of this article here...

Read more...

Delighting in Mothers: Ribbon Crafts, Remembering You and More

Thursday, May 20, 2010

As mothers we carry a child, or several children, one at a time, of course, for approximately nine months, go through labor {otherwise known as hard work} to have this child. To some mothering comes naturally, and other women struggle with certain aspects of motherhood. While going through your everyday life of wiping bottoms and noses and cleaning fingerprints off the wall, it is easy to forget what the big picture is-or is there a big picture? We think there is. Read the rest of this article here...

Mother's Day is in the month of May so we are featuring some articles that encourage and inspire mothers. Be inspired by the Deluxe Edition- the Homemaking Cottage's online Home and Garden magazine.

Le Laundress: Taking some Tips from the French
Le Laundress: Taking some Tips from the French
By Shiloah Baker

For French women, taking care of their bodies and skin is top priority. Since clothing is so close to the skin, it is imperative that there be a delicate and natural balance. Most American women douse our clothes in unnatural scented detergents, many of which are hard on the skin and can cause skin rashes. The detergents and “fabric softeners” we use on a daily basis are hard on the machines we use and hard on clothes causing them to wear out quickly. When we lived in Europe we were not able to use American fabric softeners at all or it would ruin the European machines.

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15 Minute Escapes
15 Minute Escapes
by Kristy Powers

Do your own mini-manicure or pedicure without the nail polish. I find that doing a quick routine like the one below on my toenails can actually make them look much better even when I don’t have time to let polish dry.
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Ribbon Flower: Ribbon Spool Redux
by Shiloah Baker

Home decorating items can be pricey when you shop at a craft store. Making your own is inexpensive and you can control the colors and finished outcome of each item. This ribbon flower was incredibly easy and fast to make. It will make a lovely addition on a peg, door knob or simply hanging on the wall.

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Mini Pedestals
Mini Cake Pedestals: Ribbon Spool Redux
by Shiloah Baker

Having your own mini cake pedestals is perfect for stacking or adding small decorative items to. As a crafter I use a lot of ribbon and often have piles of spools left over. I just can’t stand seeing those ribbon spools go to waste.

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Make a New Shirt by Dismantling an Old One: DLX
Make a New Shirt by Dismantling an Old One
by Valerie Steadman

What's a girl to do when an old t-shirt doesn't quite measure up? Take her scissors to it, of course! A few modifications can bring new life to your old shirt, without costing a penny!

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Ribbon Cards
Organizing Ideas for Ribbons and More
by Shiloah Baker

If you are a crafty chick chances are you have many spools or tangled piles of ribbons. The good news is, there are remedies for this crafting malady.

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Cold Summer Soups
Refreshing Summer Soups
by Jen Voight

As the summer heats up, cold soups are the way to enjoy a lighter meal. Pair these soups with a light entrée, sandwich, or salad and crusty bread for a refreshing summer meal.

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Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas
by Raejean Roberts

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, make this simple and delicious meal for your family!

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mother
Art of Mothering
by Shiloah Baker

As mothers we carry a child, or several children, one at a time, of course, for approximately nine months, go through labor {otherwise known as hard work} to have this child. To some mothering comes naturally, and other women struggle with certain aspects of motherhood. While going through your everyday life of wiping bottoms and noses and cleaning fingerprints off the wall, it is easy to forget what the big picture is-or is there a big picture?

Click to finish reading... If you are not a Deluxe Edition member join today!

Get in the Habit of Stopping Clutter in its Tracks: DLX
Get in the Habit of Stopping Clutter in its Tracks
by Jamie Turner

Clutter can be found everywhere. In today’s modern world we are overloaded with gizmos and gadgets. The “information age” has introduced us to time saving technology however we still have piles of paper. Get in the habit of stopping clutter in its tracks.

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A Simple and Festive Baby Shower: DLX
A Simple and Festive Baby Shower
By Jo Lynn Francis

The baby shower was months in planning. Our food choices were simple as I scheduled the shower for a Sunday afternoon after lunch and church. Using our guest of honor's favorites made by her friends. Our menu consisted of a sweet half chocolate/half white, spinach dip with rye bread, a long time favorite pineapple salsa and lime tortilla chips, and the cutest decorated sugar cookies.

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Family Reunions
Family Reunion Starters
by Raejean Roberts

One recurring question when getting acquainted at a family reunion is figuring out where everyone fits in on the family tree. I made a descendant chart on poster board starting with my in-laws then their children and grandchildren.

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Make Your Own Compost Bin: DLX
Make Your Own Compost Bin
by Jen Voight

Having a compost bin is a great way to make your own nutritious compost to enrich the soil in your garden. Compost is a great alternative to using chemical-based fertilizers, especially when you are growing food for your family. Prices on compost bins can vary greatly, costing from $20 to hundreds of dollars. Here’s a way to make a compost bin cheaply.

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Making Habits Stick: DLX
Making Habits Stick
by Jen Voight

Look forward 6 months and imagine your life as it will be with your new habit. How are you different? Do people react to you differently? Are your surroundings different? Now look forward 6 months and imagine your life as it will be if you don’t practice your new habit. Do you like what you see?

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My Work is not a Waste
My Work is Not a Waste
by Jamie Turner

As a homemaker I am often asked when I will return to the workplace. Didn’t I want to go back to work? What about my career? Why was I "wasting" my education? According to society if my children were school aged then they no longer needed me to be at home.

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Messes that Kid’s Make and How to Clean Them: DLX
Messes that Kid’s Make and How to Clean Them
by Shiloah Baker

If there is one thing that all children are born with- it’s a natural talent for mess making. Children are learning all about life, the home, their place in the family, and how things work. Most parents wish they were a little neater in their approach to learning about life.

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Making Housework Fun: DLX
Making Housework Fun
by Jen Voight

One of the job hazards of being a homemaker is boredom and drudgery. In fact, many women shy away from housework because they cannot imagine it can be exciting. Being a homemaker can be like driving a car on a foggy night. Sometimes it’s hard to see the road ahead. Occasionally we make the wrong turns. Our eyes get tired of trying to see in the darkness. All the while, we know there is a beautiful, amazing destination ahead if only we can keep driving. If we don’t enjoy our work, how can we expect our children to develop a healthy work ethic?

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Laundry
Laundry: How I Keep It Going
by Jo Lynn Francis

When I first became a mommy 19 years ago, laundry was a hard one to keep up with. I have yet to figure out why. It would pile up in the bathroom and bedrooms. There were only three of us but man it felt like 15 of us living there. We would run out of clothes and rush off the laundromat because we needed to get them all washed and it would be easier to do it at one time.

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Slip is Showing
Your Slip is Showing
by Shiloah Baker

Another feminine trait going slowly away through the modern age of ever changing fashion is modesty. No matter what some may say modesty is still alluring and attractive. The woman’s slip is an undergarment designed with modesty in mind.

The main purpose of a slip is to keep your legs and undergarments covered, especially because the sunlight shining through your skirt or dress shows much more than most people want to see.

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Remembering to Take Care of You:
Remembering to Take Care of You
by Jamie Turner

Life can become a blur with the days spent taking care of loved ones and running a household. As wife and mothers it is important to never let our tank reach empty. Therefore we must take the time to nurture our own mind, body and soul.

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Keep Your Sanity by Taking Breaks Throughout the Day: DLX
Keep Your Sanity by Taking Breaks Throughout the Day
by Jamie Turner

Homemakers do not punch a time clock to begin our days but that also means we never punch off the clock either. Our days (and often nights) are filled with the busyness of taking care of hearth and home. How do you take a break when there is no one to relieve you? How do you keep your sanity when the years are short but the days are long?

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Add Fun and Adventure into Your Life:
Add Fun and Adventure into Your Life
by Jamie Turner

Challenge yourself to add fun and adventure into your daily life. Act silly and throw caution to the wind. Be spontaneous and break out of your rut. Listen to and indulge your inner child. Be daring and take a risk. Step out of your everyday life –that comfortable environment that you can walk with your eyes closed. Add a little spice and see where it takes you!

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There is Never Such a Thing as a
There is Never Such a Thing as a "Wasted" Day
By Shiloah Baker

How many times have you thought to yourself, “I haven’t accomplished a thing I set out to today! It is such a wasted day!” Let’s go over the reasons why no day is ever a wasted day.

We, as homemakers, would all love to be productive during the day and feel a sense of accomplishment every night when going to bed. Reality is, we are human beings and are imperfect.

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Breaking Through a Weight Loss Plateau: DLX
Breaking Through a Weight Loss Plateau
by Jen Voight

Most of us have been there: the first few weeks of a commitment to lose weight have been going great. You might have been careful with your eating habits and exercised faithfully and lost several pounds. Then the scale gets stuck and weight loss stalls. This is known as a weight loss plateau, and it is one of the biggest reasons dieters give up and return to their previous eating and exercise habits. After all, why put forth the effort if exercise isn’t going to work?

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