Hi, I'm Beth Hanson. Welcome to Housewife Harmony.
Housewife Harmony is set up to encourage christain wives and young ladies,(wives to be) to love their husbands and be the keeper of the home that God wants us to be.
I hope you find these ideas and personal challenges helpful and encouraging.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Daily reminders from Paul (Gods Word)

1 Thessalonians 5 16-22

16. Rejoice evermore.
17. Pray without ceasing.
18. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19. Quench not the spirit.
20. Despise not prophesyings.
21. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Getting rid of the green

Getting rid of the green was on my spring cleaning list and I finally got to it last week!  Warm soapy water and an old toothbrush did the trick. You can also use a bleach and water solution.I'm really pleased with the way the green lifted right off the white but I'll probably have to do it again in the mid summer and once again before the snow fly's. I let it go too long last year and it grossed me out all winter long. The picture up top shows you how bad it was and what a difference a little soap, water and elbow grease can do. 

Saturday, March 24, 2012

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Think of your husband and read the following. Do you respect him? How about unconditionally? We are commanded to by God. And believe me, when you do unconditionally respect him, life is better....a lot better!
Definition:
Respect: 1. to feel or show honor for; think highly of; look up to 2. to be thoughtful about; have regard for 3. concern; consideration.

An Acronym for respect in reference to your husband:

R -Reverence him
E -Entertain only good thoughts of him, not his short comings
S -Submit to his authority
P -Put his needs before your own
E -Edify him with your words and actions
C -Chose to love him, even when its hard
T -Treat him the way you want to be treated

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

gadgets and gizmose: Salad Shooter

 This PRESTO Salad Shooter puts out a lot of food in a short amount of time! It's the best way to cut, slice, shred and Julian your starches and vegetables. Its fast, easy and clean up is a breeze because it's parts are all dish washer safe.
Four pounds of carrots took me less then tree minuets to ripple slice with my salad shooter. I cooked up a couple servings for lunch and put the rest of the carrots in plastic bags and put them in the freezer for future soups or honey glazed carrots.
Ebay/Amazon this or look for it at yard sales. Its a great tool to have in the kitchen, especially if you like your veggies! (It also shreds cheese....Yummm)!

The light "bulb" finally turned on

 What began as an experiment............
Turned out to be a cheap way to beautify the breakfast room. I love when my experiments actually work!
You may recall from an older post that I bought tulip bulbs for less half the price in November. Well here is the results! I have two pots full of tulips that I will plant outside when they are done blooming. I'm never going buy bulbs in season and  pay full price again.


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Breaking out the china

Want a fancy dinner for two at less than two dollars a plate? Brake out the china! I love the deign if the blue willow china that was handed down to us from Erik's Parents. While it looks stunning placed in the china cabinet, I still wanted to use it and enjoy it all the more.This year for Valentines Day, instead of going out,  I thought it would be nice to stay home and cook up a simple soup and bread dinner. I made the simple food fancy by spicing  up the atmosphere with my china, table cloth, runner, candles, and cloth napkins. Try it for a date night! Talk about a fun way to save money! Erik and I had a blast are looking forward to doing it again.

L'EQUIP Nutrimill for a modern "Henny Penny"

Making your own whole wheat flour is really  quick and easy  with this Nutrimill. The flour is fresh tasting and also easy on the pocket book. In the span of five minuets you can have five pounds of flour ready for use. Wheat berries can be baught in bulk and kept in sealed buckets to last a long time and help save a lot of money. If you often bake with whole wheat flour I recommend the L'EQUIP Nutrimill Multi-grain Milling.

Features:
  •  Over 20 cup bowl capacity (largest available)
  • Easy grip bowl, hopper, lid and control knobs
  • Worlds first variable, high speed, mill motor
  • 3xAirFlow for improved motor cooling and longer mill life
  • Stores easily
  • convenient cord storage
  • And much more
 You can find it at www.lequip.com
(If you wish to perches be sure to check with ebay and amazon to compare prices and get the best deal available).

Thursday, March 8, 2012

A spring cleaning check list

Everyone's spring cleaning list is going to look a little different. some long, some short, probably depending on how big your house, garage, yard is, etc. What I wanted to accomplish today was to give you a list of some things you may not have thought about but really should be done. If your list ends up being too long break it up and do one or two things a day or half the list and do another extensive cleaning in the fall as well.

  • Get rid of the junk! (As you go through the rooms make a pile of unwanted,old and unused items. Plan a yard sale or donate to a charity).
  • Vacuum and wash floor behind refrigerator and oven.
  • Wipe down cabiatry with a Murfy oil and water solution.
  • Wash the tops of fan blades, take down glass light shades and wash in hot soapy water.
  • Unscrew the vent in your dryer and vacuum out gobs of wayward lint. (not getting it out is a fire hazard.)!
  • Wash all plates and crystal in the china cabinet.
  • Brush away cob webs in corners. ( Wrap a cloth around a broom).
  • Wash the inside of the vanity mirror. ( toothpaste grime is not attractive).
  • Take down all curtins, wash, dry, and iron. (It's a pain but you will be so glad you did)!
  • Vacuum underneath the beds. (I'm always so amazed how dirty it gets under there and I always find about a dozen bobby pins).
  • Clean out toaster. (This should be done every month).
  • Scrub deck and/or porch. (Get the green off). ( also wash and wipe down all outside furniture).
I hope I gave you at least one new idea for your list. Be sure to set a goal....a realistic goal. Don't try to get everything done in less then a week. Pace yourself. Meals still have to me made, family time needs to be in the mix and most impotent of all, spending time alone with God has to be a priority. 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Boxwood wreath

Looking through the latest catalogs, an attractive boxwood wreath kept showing up. Boxwood wreaths can be very expensive even if their made of fake materials. Before Christmas I was given some boxwood sprigs and instantly I new what I would like to attempt to make with them. A simple nine inch wire wreath backing from AC Moore cost about $3.00. The cream ribbon cost $2.00. I had floral wire. This little project took me about an hour. I made two and still have them both up on display. Their good for all seasons. Had I purchased a single boxwood wreath, of the same size, including shipping,  It would have cost me close to $25.00. With the left over sprigs of boxwood I placed them in an ordinary vase then insurted the vase in an opaque gift bag. I use it in the bathroom to add color and interest to the vanity. 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

In sickness and in health

We all know how the familiar wedding vow's go. However, it's easier to say then it is to do. Take the part when it says...in sickness and in health. It sounds simple....but dose that include mental illness, paralysis, cancer, memory loss, and addictions? Yes.  Don't let circumstances cloud your view and leave you thinking that this statement is more complicated then it really is. In sickness and in health means exactly what it says no matter how hard it becomes. God gives grace, strength, compassion and understanding to those who ask for it. Love and honor your spouse today in sickness and in health.