Home Is Where The Heart Is

Some days, I pinch myself because I think of how blessed I am.

These days are filled with lots of "busy work": cleaning, dusting, menu planning, cooking, running errands, homeschooling, chasing kids (or do they chase me? not sure), all the laundry, holiday planning, outfit coordinating, diaper changing, church activities. Good, wholesome, life giving things. And at the end of the day when I all I want is five minutes to clear my head and rest, I look over to see this. Worth it all.

And I get up and do it all over again, because, well, family and home are my sweetest treasures. Homemaking is such a gift. I hope I never take it for granted!

How To Make Money as A Stay At Home Mom

One of my favorite things about being a work at home mom is that I'm able to create a balanced schedule. I taught myself how to earn an income by working at home long before the kiddos came along.

My goal was a) I wanted to know how to generate income so that I COULD stay home, and b) I knew that my personality would need a creative outlet.

It has been a huge blessing to my family, and for that I am thankful.

How Do I Work From Home?

The first few years that I started working from home I focused on freelance writing. There were ample opportunities through various web sites and it gave me the most flexibility. 

What I Used: Freelancer.com & Textbroker

You can check out these web sites and see if it's a good fit! There are tons of options out there. Pinterest is also a great place to learn about other freelance writing gigs.

Other Ways to Earn Cash at Home

However, my favorite way to earn additional cash isn't so much a job as it is a hobby: consignment sales! I feel like this is such an untapped resource for moms...especially new moms! Very few of my friends take part in this, so I thought I would share a few of the benefits.

Every year, I participate in 2-3 consignment sales. I clean out kids clothes, shoes, toys, books, movies, games, outdoor items, etc. I price according to the sales guidelines. The money I make from each sale then can be used for the next season of clothes, date nights, etc. I earn money and clear out clutter: what's not to love?

I have also used sites like Ebay & ThredUp to earn extra money from time to time, too. 

Have you participated in any of these outlets? If so, I'd love to hear!

Blueberry Maple Scones

I love easy recipes that uses simple, yet fresh ingredients, and these scones were the perfect example of that.

We had a little tea party with a few friends last week, which prompted me to make a batch of scones served with real whipped cream. I've tried many scone recipes over the years, and I always prefer the more rustic variations. Slightly brown on the edges, soft and bursting with berries! I confess, this recipe uses both maple syrup and sugar...yet it doesn't taste overly sweet. The trick here is to make sure you cover them foil while baking so they don't get too brown. Maple syrup tends to do that in baked goods. 

Care for the recipe? Pour a cup of tea, a pot of cream, and enjoy!

Blueberry Maple Scones

3 Cups All-Purpose Flour

3/4 Cup Maple Syrup

3/4 Teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

1/2 Cup Cold Butter

1 Cup Fresh Berries

2 Large Eggs

2 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla

1/2 Cup Sour Cream

1 - 2 Tablespoons Milk

In a large bowl combine dry ingredients and butter. Cut the butter up and mix with dry ingredients until mixture becomes crumbly.

In a separate bowl, mix eggs, vanilla, maple syrup and sour cream. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well. Add 1 - 2 Tablespoons of Milk or until mixture becomes moist and sticky. Very gently add blueberries. 

Using a large ice scream scooper (or 1/4 cup scoop) gently plop onto baking pan.

Brush with a bit of milk and sprinkle course sugar on top.

Bake at 325 for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Be sure to pin the recipe!

Our January Home

In our January home, you'll find lots of Mrs. Meyer's Products. This scent is my favorite. It smells so fresh and so clean! I like to give our house a big scrub down during the month of January.

Also, this is such a yummy candle. It smells so good! I've already switched it out again, but I'll bring it back out when we get a snow. *crosses fingers* We haven't had any snow! Or sleet! Or anything! Just below average temps and very damp days.

Which means, it's been Crockpot meals kind of weather! I know the Instapot is all the rage, but I just can't part with my good 'ol friend Crockpot. I've had him for years, and he works like a champ. Plus, what's better than the smell of dinner cooking throughout the afternoon while you work? To me, it's the best part of homemaking.

We are also back into the swing of preschool at home. We are focusing on letter sounds and recognition, using colorful counters, learning through play, and lots of snuggle (reading) time together.

Girl Mom and Chocolate Stains

The other day, as I was getting the girls ready for the day, I realized how much fun we have together. Evie is at the stage where she loves pretty dresses, and Ella loves getting her hair brushed. I have to say, being a girl mom is so much fun, right down to washing all their hair bows.

As I washed each bow and set them down to dry, I thanked the Lord for letting me be their mother. It is exhausting, but it is so rewarding. I love it. I love being a mother. I also love that their bows are crisp and clean, ready for more dress up times with my girls. ;) Yes, I'm nerdy like that.

Another thing I love, is learning great homemaking tips. I am the kind of gal who will read Heloise books and Emilie Barnes books. I love anything to do with keeping home. Which brings me to my point: CHOCOLATE STAINS. Ahem. I certain little girl I know had M&M's for the first time. Which was cute, but left chocolate on her dress. Anything I had tried in the past left the fabric dulled and in some cases, completely washed out. So, I tried a new trick. I soaked the dress in baking soda for about half and hour. Then gently rubbed a couple of dabs of Dawn soap onto the spot. The chocolate stain came right out, and you would have never known. Yay!

Linking up with A Bowl Full of Lemons.