Do you dream of your living space whether a dorm room or a large home being a clutter-free, pleasant environment but simply do not know where to begin? If so, then The Hints for the Everyday Homemaker Blog Posts are just what you need to move the dream from fantasy to reality!

The Posts are written in a dictionary format so that you can locate helpful information quickly. I have attempted to alphabetize the content according to the words you would first think of when looking them up. Simple hints, short articles, check lists, and meditation thoughts will be posted monthly on The Everyday Homemaker’s Blog, the new title for The Art of Homemaking Blog. At the end of each post a meditation word or term provides you with a spiritual hint that helps you keep your mind focused on things that are true, noble, just, and pure (Philippians 4:8-9) while you work. You may wish to create a notebook of the Posts for easy reference.

Most importantly, God’s special instructions to a Christian woman about the care and nurturing of her home are infused throughout the Homemaking Hints. When the “Everyday Homemaker” focuses on the life-changing application of God’s Word to her life she is able to approach the most routine tasks with enthusiasm and zest because she is seeking to please her heavenly Father rather than simply checking an item off of her “to do” list (Colossians 3:17).

It is my prayer that the Hints for the Everyday Homemaker will assist you in turning your fantasy dream into reality so that your home is a prepared place for those who reside in it and an oasis of refreshment for those who visit (Proverbs 31:27). Please e-mail me your topic ideas for the Posts.

BREAKFAST

After a night without food your body needs the energy that even a small breakfast provides. Missing breakfast can trigger a slow start and potentially a less productive morning.It also increases your chances of consuming high calorie snacks mid-morning or overeating at lunchtime. Even if you are trying to lose weight, find a nutritiously balanced breakfast that suits you and cultivate the habit of eating breakfast daily. Remember, the “Everyday Homemaker” “rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household.” (Proverbs 31:15).

BAKING TIPS

The quality of a baked product is only as good as the techniques used to prepare it. Consider the following baking tips before you embark upon your next baking adventure.

Flour, even bags labeled "presifted," should be sifted once prior to measuring.
Measure dry ingredients in the nested dry measuring cups. Level the heaped-up cup with a metal spatula or table knife.
Measure liquids in clear measuring cups. Place on a level surface to ensure an accurate measurement.
Sift flour and other dry ingredients such as baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, etc. together three times prior to adding to the remaining ingredients.
Never wash the flour sifter.Clean it out by wiping it with a clean, dry paper towel.
Make certain that the oven has reached its designated temperature before putting in the product to be baked. Preheating to 350 degrees usually takes about 10 minutes.
Purchase an oven thermometer.They are inexpensive and will provide a close reading of the actual oven temperature.If the temperature does not align with the thermostat, the local utility company will usually adjust it free of charge.
Keep the oven door closed as much as possible.Opening the door repeatedly to peek can ruin the product.he top oven rack browns the product's top.
The bottom oven rack browns the product's bottom. It is better to begin baking a product on the bottom rack. Move it to the top rack approximately two-thirds of the way through the baking time.
Two pans of cookies can be baked at one time. Begin one pan on the top rack and the other pan on the bottom. Halfway through the cooking time switch the two pans.

THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER'S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT

God has said, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4).

Therefore I may boldly say, "The closer I draw to God, the more my desires will reflect His.”

Visit The Everyday Homemaker next week as we examine the Seasons of Mentoring.

Blessings on your week as you focus on making your house a home!