Thursday, June 29

What's for Dinner at Your House?


Tonight I'm serving: Dijon Crusted Chicken Breasts, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Steamed Spinach! 
What's on your menu?

(originally posted on my blog, Dairy of a Young Wife) 

Tuesday, June 27

Hospitality...

With the addition of a baby into our household, we have had more visitors come to our little abode than ever before! I am ashamed to say it, but I have often found myself in a bit of a pickle when a well-meaning friend or relative calls and asks if they can pop in for a minute. Up until very recently, the apartment was messy and there wasn't much to offer our guests in the way of refreshment. Fortunately, I have begun doing my little tidying up ritual every morning which takes care of the mess and eliminates the need for scurrying around with the dust buster while trying to simultaneously soothe the baby and toss clutter into the hall closet.

Having a tidy house doesn't mean that I have refreshments for my guests though. I have been giving a lot of thought to stocking my pantry with quick and easy things to serve in a snap. Here are some of the ideas that I have come up with:


Beverages
Coffee
Tea
Frozen juices (add water and frozen juice concentrate to a pitcher and voila!)

Snacks
Hummus and mini pita bread
Vegetables and dip platter
fruit (to eat whole or as a fruit salad)
Crackers and Cheese
Baked goods (homemade banana bread, muffins, etc.)
Cookies

I am sure that many of you even better ideas! Please write them in:) I would love to compile a list to keep in my recipe box to refer to. 


(originally posted on my blog, Dairy of a Young Wife) 

Monday, June 26

Emma's Morning Routine...

Now that I have gotten used to going through our apartment every morning and tidying up (see Emma's Daily Cleaning Routine), I have decided to add another schedule to my day: Emma's Morning Routine. I had this down pat (except for the Tidy House bit) while I was working, but have gotten off track since having been in the hospital for so long and then having a new baby to care for. I am ashamed to say it, but there are days when I am still in my pajamas at noon and haven't done anything but feed and change the baby and stumble around the apartment in a fog. This was perfectly acceptable while I was getting used to mothering, but now that I feel better and things are going a bit more smoothly, I think that it is time to get into something of a routine. Please don't laugh at how simplistic it is. I am honestly at the point where I need to remind myself to do these simple little tasks. Here it is:

Emma's Morning Routine
  • Rise and Shine (freshen up, dress femininely, make-up, hair, scent)
  • Morning Prayers
  • Breakfast, vitamin, and water
  • Tidy House
  • Write out the day’s “to do” list
*With the exception of tidying the house (which is pretty involved and takes a bit of time), all of the above must be completed before noon each day!*

(originally posted on my blog, Dairy of a Young Wife) 

Sunday, June 25

My Head to Toe Beauty Routine...

Every week or so, I get the urge to do a little bit of pampering and matenence. Though I suppose this could be construed as vanity, I feel that it is important to have a neat and pretty countenance. This was good to do when I was a working woman, but it seems to be nearly necessary now that I am home full time. I have already found that it is quite easy to fall into a more slovenly manner of appearance and dress when I am not going anywhere and am operating on less sleep than I am accustomed to.

Here is what I do to help myself feel a bit more human:

First, if time allows, I draw myself a bath. I add bubbles or bath salts to make the water fragrant. I have also been known to light candles and put on some soothing music. I bring in a freshly laundered towel and a book or favorite magazine and then I soak. I soak for as long as I can!

Since I no longer have the luxury of time, I take a bit of a short cut by taking a shower instead. Once I am feeling relaxed by the nice hot water, I take care of my body from head to toe. I wash my hair carefully and condition it well. I wash my body with a bath scrub and a sweet smelling body wash. Next, I carefully shave my underarms and legs. When I am finished washing and drying, I continue my Head to Toe Beauty Routine at the sink.

The next part of my routine is to pluck my eyebrows. I have found that the best time to do this is right after bathing because it hurts less. After plucking, I put a Biore Pore Peeler onto my nose and clean my jewelry while it is working. Next, I carefully moisturize my face and body. Finally, I do a manicure and pedicure (sometimes I get these done at a nail salon... usually for special occasions).

I have found that going through this routine about once a week helps me feel better about putting my "best foot forward." I wonder if other women have beauty nights like this. If you do, I would love to read about what yours consists of!


(originally posted on my blog, Dairy of a Young Wife) 

Monday, June 19

Emma's Daily Cleaning Routine...

Now that I am an official homemaker and have recovered from giving birth (i.e. my forty days are nearly over and my home is in disarray), I have devised a daily cleaning schedule to follow.  I am hoping to incorporate this into our day before my return to civilization. What sort of daily cleaning schedule do you follow?
Emma's Daily Cleaning Routine
Master BathroomWipe mirror
Wipe sink and faucet
Wipe toilet and swish bowl
Spray shower, tub, and curtain
Empty garbage can
Bedroom 
 Make bed
Straighten surfaces
Feather dust furniture
Restock changing table
Empty diaper pail
Put away clothing
Guest Bathroom
Wipe mirror
Wipe sink and faucet
Wipe toilet and swish bowl
Wash, dry, and put away a load of laundry
Empty garbage can
Living Room
Tidy couch cushions and throw blanket
Straighten surfaces
Feather dust furniture
Run hand-held vacuum cleaner
Kitchen and Entranceway
Empty and load dishwasher
Wipe down counter tops, stove, and sink
Sweep floor
Empty garbage can 


(originally posted on my blog, Dairy of a Young Wife) 
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