tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53418806478158057252012-02-14T14:59:55.959-08:00Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.comBlogger2571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-54181827849099403472012-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:002012-02-14T14:59:55.981-08:00

May all our lives be blessed with godly passion and puritythroughout the year!Cynthia

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-24543924499234038522012-02-04T15:04:00.000-08:002012-02-04T15:10:37.418-08:00

Repeating a favorite post from last Fall as part of a link up...As longtime readers of my blog may remember, I love to bake artisan breads of all shapes and sizes. With the changes in my life in the last year, however, I found myself with less time to bake than in years' past. I happened upon the idea of no-knead bread and tried baking a few boules, like the one pictured to the left.

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-31489242573929444132012-02-03T10:01:00.000-08:002012-02-04T00:05:11.647-08:00

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days of the year. My parents married on Valentine's Day and it was almost always one of the happiest days of the year at our home. The word "valentine" comes to us from the Latin valens, which means strong and virtuous. I love the holy story of St. Valentine, a martyred Bishop, for the combination of passion and purity his life serves to teach. A married

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-7562569714231686532012-02-02T00:06:00.000-08:002012-02-02T00:27:17.060-08:00

"I Am Christmas"Friar James Ryman of EnglandCirca 1492Now have good day, now have good day!I am Cristmas, and now I go by way. Here have I dwelled with more or lassFrom Halowtide till Candelmas,And now must I from you hens pass;Now have good day. I take my leave of king and knight,And earl, baron, and lady bright;To wilderness I must me light;Now have good day! And at the good lord of this hallI

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-79986932688756600852012-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:002012-01-28T00:58:02.625-08:00

I have been reading a great deal of poetry this month. These past two weeks have been revelatory in their own way. We have weathered another crisis; we have learned that trusting others will lead to pain but that not trusting others leads to the greater heartache of isolation. I love the painting that I have chosen to share today: The Favorite Poet by Lawrence Alma-Tadema (in the public

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-36398288285377316722012-01-24T21:44:00.001-08:002012-01-25T11:45:04.706-08:00

In June 2009, Blogger started tracking the visitors to this humble little work of mine. Today marked the visit of the 50,000th reader. I don't know the rubric that Blogger uses to track visits or whether this number reflects repeat or unique visits, but still, I'm simply awed that such a thing occurred in my life.A friend of my mother's--one of the real league of their own ladies--used to say, "

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-16614157055185787292012-01-23T13:58:00.000-08:002012-01-24T01:41:27.674-08:00

Deo Gratias (and thanks to my grandmother's example), my monthly food budget is $300.00, which is less than the USDA estimates as a "thrifty food plan" for a family our size. Our meals are filling and nutritious but not at all fancy. I make our bread and tortillas. We all take a multi-vitamin; I take a calcium-magnesium supplement.We used to eat out once a week (Chick-Fil-A or In-n-Out), but I

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-32502354125578115142012-01-23T12:37:00.000-08:002012-01-23T13:00:00.814-08:00

Dear Ladies,Just to remind everyone that the February Basic Fascinating Womanhood class (now fourteen lessons) commences on January 31, 2012, and costs $35.00, which includes an electronic copy of Mrs. Andelin's workbook. The topics covered in the fourteen lessons include the following: ❧ The ideal woman from a man’s perspective❧ Recognizing and achieving Celestial Love❧ Awakening love,

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-31814740650560810632012-01-20T16:59:00.000-08:002012-01-20T20:05:14.053-08:00

Dear Gentlelady Readers,After prayerful consideration, I have decided to sweeten the opportunity to donate that is available on the blog by offering a premium with donation. Perhaps think of it as a PBS pledge week without the septuagenarians singing "Puff, the Magic Dragon." (There. I have proof that I have not yet lost my sense of humor.) Family Favorites CookbookPlease let me tell you more

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-29918280752338568852012-01-13T00:42:00.000-08:002012-01-13T19:55:53.250-08:00

Life is full of stress. Just yesterday, one of my family members had to attend eight hours of meetings related to her work. While we are grateful to God for her job, I don't know how she managed it; if I had to sit through eight hours of meetings in one day, meetings during which almost nothing was accomplished, I might run amok--in a feminine and girlish way, of course. While having a

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-39573863751753618202012-01-12T11:56:00.001-08:002012-01-13T19:58:32.168-08:00

Dear Ladies,As many will already know, I have been an authorized Fascinating Womanhood teacher, teaching online and in person, since 2004. Since 2008, I have offered an Advanced Class online that included thirteen lessons. All during this time, the price has run right around $70.00 - $80.00, even though my expenses have increased each year. A local Christian businessman has graciously given me

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-59518330542526295432012-01-11T23:50:00.000-08:002012-01-13T12:39:25.676-08:00

Given my relatively recent, relatively young widowhood, I read this article from Yahoo! News--"You Can Really Die from a Broken Heart"--with interest. In my own family, my father died shortly after my mother; in Braveheart's family, his mother experienced a heart attack soon after his father's death and died within half a year. I'm guessing that most of the people who read my blog know of at

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-37619077758704800582012-01-06T18:04:00.001-08:002012-01-06T18:55:07.459-08:00

This darling apron can be purchased at Stitch Thru Time (not one of our sponsors, simply something I like).Over the years, I have found it helpful to make an annual slogan for my homekeeping efforts. In 2010 my slogan was "Serving God and Family Again in 2010," in 2011, "Making My Home a Slice of Heaven in 2011."Homekeeping nerd status confirmed, yes?I had a problem with 2012. Let's face it,

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-79754247570956637082012-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-06T19:10:57.580-08:00

Adoration of the MagiSt. Columba AltarpieceRogier van der WeydenCirca 1455I always think of the epiphany as the first sign that the Gospel was and is for everyone.We commemorate on Epiphany the visit of the wise men that Matthew writes in his second chapter:"When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-17641225278426917812012-01-05T13:41:00.000-08:002012-01-05T14:22:35.156-08:00

One of our sponsors, ACT, offers small group classes in a live online learning environment. In addition, ACT offers self-paced classes that may be started at any time. Nearly all of the classes may be taken on a self-paced basis; please do not hesitate to inquire if you see a class that is of interest. Books are included for all the classes, with the exception of a few reference books.All of

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-28713151758790234692012-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-05T12:14:37.169-08:00

On Twelfth Night, we do many of the activities that most people do on December 25: attend Church, receive a few thoughtful gifts, prepare an especially nice dinner, and enjoy a few amusements. The difference with us is that all of the activities are centered on the children. The children select the menu (uh-oh); the activities are games we believe the children would enjoy. In some ways, our

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-27146781909282410202012-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-04T00:01:01.865-08:00

On this, the penultimate day of Christmas, I think of the virtue of accepting God's will. We have Christmas because Mary accepted God's will, after all. In addition, I think of Elizabeth Ann Seton, revered as a woman of exceptional holiness by Catholics, who accepted God's will in her widowhood and in her conversion and who rendered service to God in her teaching vocation. Accepting God's will

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-109432413141521252012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-03T23:13:53.747-08:00

I love living a simple life, content in whatever circumstances I find myself, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. When I feel that way, I find that my entire family is happier, too. Somehow, daily life is easier for every in my sphere of influence when I enjoy a simple life, rather than overly seeking after material goods. Although I don't take her as a moral model, I do enjoy the saying

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-54145220849594860832012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-02T00:01:00.062-08:00

Whatsoever thy hand is able to do, do it earnestly.~Ecclesiastes 9:10(a)Excepting our twelfth night family party on the fifth and opening presents (such as they are) on the Feast of the Epiphany (the sixth), holiday times are over for us and we return to our work today. My homemaking, in many ways, never stops completely although activity slows down a bit during the week between Christmas and

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-15089879174582349242012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:002012-01-01T09:32:35.370-08:00

The mercies of the Lord that we are not consumed:because his commiserations have not failed.They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.The Lord is my portion, said my soul:therefore will I wait for him.The Lord is good to them that hope in him, to the soul that seeketh him.~Lamentations 3:22-25New Year, New Dawn, New You, New MeAgape always,Cynthia(The above copyrighted photograph of

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-66432968501687070242011-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-31T00:01:00.930-08:00

This joyous day of celebrating another year's passing gives me a time to pause and to reflect: What could I have done differently? During this year of adjustment, I have made several mistakes, decisions which I wish I could have a "do over." Here follow a few just to give some examples:I made a mistake regarding a vehicle. I went for economy, gas mileage, and ease of driving, but I should

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-27469417830460653052011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:45:44.160-08:00

On the sixth day of Christmas, we remember the martyrdom of Anysia of Thessalonica. Anysia was martyred when she refused to worship the sun as was required by the pagan cult in her locale. Anysia, revered by most Christians as a woman of exceptional holiness, was the daughter of wealthy parents, and after their deaths, she took a private vow of chastity and proceeded to live a life of good

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-64187889114061700942011-12-29T00:35:00.000-08:002011-12-29T01:32:32.218-08:00

The Fifth Day of Christmas memorializes the martyrdom of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and helps to emphasize the virtue of Moral Courage. Thomas Becket, revered by most Christians as a man of extraordinary holiness, was martyred by the knights of Henry II of England, in sum, because Thomas refused to go along with the with king's ideas of how the Church should be run, rather

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-59241583047416581112011-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-28T00:01:01.835-08:00

The Fourth Day of Christmas falls on the day we commemorate the Massacre of the Holy Innocents. We honor the memories of these little ones who died for Christ and in place of Christ by celebrating life. These little ones never had their chance, much like all of the innocent children who are killed through elective abortion. On this day we talk about the cute things everyone did as babies and

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-31056959239537901892011-12-27T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-27T00:01:00.430-08:00

Today we think about the gift of writing. God gave almost all His created beings some way to communicate, but only to humans did He give writing. St John the Evangelist was, arguably, the most prolific of the earliest Christian writers, giving us his Gospel, three Epistles (some would say), and the Revelation (some would say). The painting is St John on Patmos by Hieronymus Bosch, thought to

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-37594218154339138112011-12-26T20:21:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:00:40.362-08:00

The day after the joyous commemoration of the birth of Christ, we commemorate His first martyr, Stephen, revered as a man of special holiness by Christians the world over. St. Stephen's martyrdom, recounted by St. Luke in The Acts of the Apostles Chapters Six and Seven, was witnessed by a man named Saul, who later became the greatest missionary the Church has ever known before, himself, becoming

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-75941940498086564632011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-25T00:01:00.737-08:00

And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled.This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-64455831218319966862011-12-23T16:57:00.001-08:002011-12-23T18:45:07.305-08:00

Sharing a recipe is about all I am up to tonight. It's been a rough week, so please keep us in your prayers and good thoughts. Enjoy!Cynthia's Butterscotch BitesTwelve ounces butterscotch chipsSix to eight ounces rice cereal (varies a bit)Four ounces chopped nuts of your choiceOne teaspoon vanillaIn a double-boiler, melt the butterscotch chips. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-36841935476240550492011-12-16T14:06:00.000-08:002011-12-18T01:32:05.135-08:00

The one author who has consistently brought me edification and amusement is Jane Austen. Although I was educated, in part, in England, I did not read Austen until I was in college--and then, only by necessity. I needed one more credit to finish a minor in English and my advisor suggested an independent study course on an author. A semester previously, I had learned that one of my grandmother's

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-53304646728108043202011-12-16T00:41:00.001-08:002011-12-18T01:28:05.261-08:00

From today through December 31, 2011, I am offering a $5.00 reduction in the cost of my FW classes. You can read more about the classes here. The reduction means that the Basic FW Class is $30.00, the Advanced FW Class is $70.00, and the Basic Homemaking and Organization Class is just $20.00.If you'd like to join us, please complete the registration form on my website and e-mail it to me (my

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-40878775177838294032011-12-13T13:49:00.000-08:002011-12-13T14:17:53.531-08:00

The attitude illustrated by the first song is the primary cultural attitude, at least here in the US, that women can do anything that men can do and do so better. Women don't need men for anything except fathering children. The song is "Anything You Can Do" from the charming musical Annie Get Your Gun. In this version, the very pretty actress Betty Hutton is fighting with Howard Keel in a

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-35307112200739137632011-12-09T11:32:00.000-08:002011-12-10T00:16:22.391-08:00

Someone I love saw the clip art to the left on the Microsoft Clip Art site and said, "That lady looks like you!" I couldn't resist using it as today's blog deco although we won't put up the tree until the 24th. We "do" Christmas a little differently Chez Berenger. Our pre-Christmas decorations are very simple: a wreath with purple and rose candles, a nativity setting that remains largely

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-36446302523477089332011-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:002011-12-04T01:18:14.926-08:00

We will say this simple prayer fifteen times a day from today until Christmas:"Hail, and blessed be, the hour and moment at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold."At that hour, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to hear our prayers and grant our desires."Through Jesus Christ, Amen."Won't you join with us? If you like, you can leave

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-33273367310820145252011-11-29T20:47:00.000-08:002011-11-29T21:06:21.279-08:00

We have a new Basic Fascinating Womanhood class commencing in just a week. The class lasts for thirteen weeks and covers almost all Mrs. Andelin's book and includes an electronic copy of the workbook. The course fee is $35.00.We will meet live online from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesdays from December 6, 2011, through February 28, 2012. I record the classes and students can listen to

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-23496748921589998562011-11-25T18:15:00.000-08:002011-11-25T22:00:31.732-08:00

Nobody who has ever seen a Bloodhound in action would be surprised to learn that every human being possesses a unique odor. In the United States, at least, the custom is to cleanse away and to deodorize the unique smell as much as possible. Today's Femininity Friday addresses the somewhat indelicate, but common, issue of the malodorous male. The issue of a male loved one's excessive body

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-11790312266129234642011-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:002011-11-24T00:01:00.810-08:00

Today is the day. My two weeks' preparation flies or fails today. I have made the following schedule for later today.6:00--Arise, prayer and reading of Te Deum, grooming. I always take care of myself first because it's going to be a long day.7:00--Assemble dressing. 7:30--Eat breakfast and clean up. Assemble lunch.8:15--Leave.Noon--Arrive home from running and church. We will be famished,

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-287833090513170352011-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:05:59.999-08:00

I finished my shopping, slept a solid eight hours, ate a full breakfast, laundered my table linens, and settled the young'uns with some fun things to do. Today is a cooking day, making those dishes that either taste better after "making friends" for a day in the refrigerator or those dishes that can be made a day ahead for convenience's sake.Today's MakingsCranberry Sauce (takes a day to gel

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-12187730618484691012011-11-22T09:50:00.001-08:002011-11-22T10:09:02.934-08:00

A dear lady wrote via the comments to ask if permission is required to print items off my blog for home management binders. I am so glad that you wrote, Mrs. O. The answer is please do write to ask for permission before reproducing in any way any of my blog posts. My reasons are twofold. First, I would be interested to know which posts are the most interesting. I know which are read most

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-68317204892267845312011-11-22T09:02:00.000-08:002011-11-22T09:49:09.213-08:00

I storm the citadel today! Just kidding (sort of). I hate crowds, so I will enjoy a good, protein-based breakfast and head out soon in order to avoid the major crowds of later today and tomorrow. Be sure to check your grocer's weekly ad as many include special prices or coupons for holiday items. Today's Shopping ListProduceApples (4)Pears (4)Cranberries (2 bags)Oranges (12)White Potatoes (8)

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-68967716342961513972011-11-21T14:08:00.000-08:002011-11-21T15:03:03.511-08:00

Tomorrow, I finish my shopping, purchasing all those fresh ingredients that make this holiday meal so special. Today, then, I'm finalizing my guest list and my menu plan.My vegetarian guest decided to attend a retreat over Thanksgiving weekend, so we are down to eight, which is just fine. We'll miss her smiling presence, though, and hope that she can join us next year, God willing.I decided

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-36659312765491804852011-11-20T00:01:00.000-08:002011-11-20T00:01:00.614-08:00

While our pre-dinner atmosphere can be quite noisy, what with cheering on the Cowboys and crafting fun, our dinnertime includes no television. I like to have a pleasant selection of CDs playing during dinner itself. The stereo can be turned down during the blessing and while anyone makes any toasts he or she might feel inspired to share.My favorite Thanksgiving music is pretty traditional. I

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-35104696461490227562011-11-19T13:04:00.000-08:002011-11-19T16:25:30.779-08:00

One of the real time savers (and stress savers) that I learned to do years ago is premixing the dry ingredients needed for my Thanksgiving Day dishes. I take small plastic food storage bags, label with the destined dish (i.e., pumpkin pie or gravy), prefill them, and seal them carefully. Then I store them in a cool cupboard for the few days until needed on Thursday. What could be easier the

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-59520679618386227872011-11-18T11:47:00.000-08:002011-11-19T01:08:44.735-08:00

A dear student recently asked the question "Is Masculine Pride sinful?", and with her permission, I am replying here. To give some context, the term "Masculine Pride" comes from chapter twelve of Fascinating Womanhood. Mrs. Andelin defines Masculine Pride as "an inborn pride in his strong, muscular body, his manly skills, abilities, and achievements" (169). At this point, I think it's

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-60754280589908922752011-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:002011-11-19T01:09:37.234-08:00

I remember the Thanksgiving Days of my youth as major yawns! We sat around in our Sunday best--bored nearly to tears--drooling in anticipation of the savory-smelling food but not being allowed to eat a morsel after 11:00 am. My aunt put out a relish plate on her lovely Lazy Susan to the delight of the adults, but gerkins and what not didn't go over too well with the children. I try to have

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-52709923833698836682011-11-17T21:27:00.000-08:002011-11-17T23:22:43.245-08:00

I remember the time my turkey roaster went missing. This occurred back in the day, over twenty years ago, when I regularly prepared Thanksgiving for more twenty-five folks every year and needed a turkey that was too big for the oven. I awakened on Thanksgiving morning, ready for the twelve hours' work ahead of me, and no roaster! My grandmother, God bless, remember that I'd loaned it to the

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-84396109700498621002011-11-16T00:07:00.000-08:002011-11-16T00:50:14.079-08:00

I have made my preliminary meal plan and know how many people will share our hospitality. I have cleaned out the refrigerator and pantry to make sure that my cooking supplies are all fresh and that I have sufficient room to store my extra feast purchases.I made a survey of coupons, but since I don't use a great deal of processed food, I didn't find much in the way of help. I did, however, find

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-78412427161382325192011-11-15T10:18:00.000-08:002011-11-16T00:06:59.282-08:00

Thanksgiving is just over a week away now! Can you not smell the aroma of cranberries?It's not too early, therefore, to clear out the refrigerator and pantry to make room for the turkey and extra foods that will form our feast. When I cleared the fridge today, I found enough little dibs and dabs to make a leftover buffet lunch for us. Now I have plenty of room forI will put off buying the

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-77754178133522562352011-11-14T12:26:00.001-08:002011-11-14T12:49:20.976-08:00

Dear Gentlelady Readers,As part of my Fascinating Womanhood classes, I ask my students who work outside the home to complete an exercise called "How Much Do I Really Earn?" I gleaned the idea for this exercise from my Preparation for Marriage class at BYU, taught by Dr. Shirley Klein (who appears to be retired now); the exercise itself is my own making, however.Imagine my surprise when there

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-13513491882511675382011-11-14T00:38:00.000-08:002011-11-14T01:04:34.797-08:00

Due to the downsizing that my household has undergone since April 2010, I no longer have a big, warm, welcoming, lovely dining room table at which all my guests could feast together. I must say that I miss using such a creation. I do, however, have the small square table at which we take our family meals and I have a small, but stable, round table that is suitable for dining. Bearing this

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-46769013556368917562011-11-14T00:21:00.000-08:002011-11-14T00:31:42.371-08:00

In the interest of economy and our waistlines, we combined our two family birthdays over the past weekend (but we did have both desserts). That gives me ten days of no celebrations, gatherings, etc., before the Thanksgiving fete. Monday - Tomato Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken, Potato CakesTuesday - Veggies with Dip, Chili, Cornbread (we'll be tired of chili eventually, but for now, I've had a

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-76350284549494044782011-11-13T00:01:00.000-08:002011-11-13T00:01:01.383-08:00

I am reading a selection of poetry--some straightforward, some enigmatic--to burst the myth of the boring housewife and to avoid having a time of gratitude descend into a time when I mostly think about food prep. I hope that you enjoy my selections and, perhaps, add a few of your own to the repertoire."Thanksgiving"Emily DickinsonOne Day is there of the Series Termed Thanksgiving Day.

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-24402992556686713212011-11-12T15:47:00.000-08:002011-11-12T16:32:25.952-08:00

Now that I have settled on my guest list--and everyone accepted!--I can make a preliminary menu plan. One of my guests eats a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet and another guest eats a gluten-free diet, so I will plan with the special needs of my guests in mind. Cynthia's Preliminary Menu for ThanksgivingI decided to go with a fairly traditional menu with the idea that my local grocers would feature

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-81502948869395562932011-11-11T15:05:00.000-08:002011-11-11T16:00:21.305-08:00

Martin of Tours, a man revered by Christians for many centuries, served as a soldier and, later, as a bishop and was a special friend of the poor. He was born in what we now know as Hungary and died in France. Interested readers may learn more about Martin's life by reading The Life of St. Martin.Since today is not only a special day of remembrance for Martin of Tours but Veterans' Day in the

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-63674817228377385362011-11-11T13:21:00.001-08:002011-11-11T14:41:25.452-08:00

Now that we have formed an idea of the "what?" of Thanksgiving this year, we can move onto the "who?" My Thanksgiving for nine (the number of people I can accommodate and afford to feed) includes the people who live in my home as well as a few guests. I carefully considered the different possible combinations among my friends and have decided to ask a small family and two single friends whom I

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-10873054084917411112011-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:002011-11-10T22:23:02.619-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I treasure family and friends gathering to share a mid-week time of fellowship and love. What "fellowship and love" means varies from family to family, and for us, that includes participating in charity and attending church, watching football, recounting our blessings over a scrumpty dinner, and napping as a community amid an after-dinner screening

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-75571515089455001092011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:002011-11-11T13:21:08.701-08:00

This week features two family birthdays as well as the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans' Day, so we are in for tightly packed schedule. Somehow, though, I know that a Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake will be involved. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Monday Vegetable Soup, Easiest Barbecue Chicken in the Universe, Roasted Potatoes Tuesday Green Salad, Easiest Chili in the Universe,

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-21430035912517508402011-11-04T00:00:00.000-07:002011-11-04T00:26:45.694-07:00

November SonnetYet one smile more, departing, distant sun, One mellow smile through the soft vapory air, Ere, o'er the frozen earth, the loud winds run, Or snows are sifted o'er the meadow bare. One smile on the brown hills and naked trees And the dark rocks whose summer wreaths are cast, And the blue Gentian flower, that, in the breeze, Nods lonely, of her

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-81423061990626402982011-10-31T11:16:00.000-07:002011-10-31T11:48:22.392-07:00

Monday: Veggies with Dip, Coq au Vin over Brown RiceTuesday: Green Salad, Beef Stew, CornbreadWednesday: Tomato Soup, Game Hens, Corn Bread Dressing, Broccoli SauteThursday: Green Salad, Bison Burgers with Sweet Potato FriesFriday: Green Salad, Clam Chowder in Bread BowlsSaturday: Bean Dip and Chips, Red Enchiladas, Red RiceSunday: Chef's ChoiceI have been ill for the past several days and

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-23933612895370456402011-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:002011-10-28T14:56:43.830-07:00

This past month has been--among other things--Breast Cancer Awareness month. While being aware of breast cancer is certainly important, women have other health concerns. A woman's health issues remain central to a family's functioning in addition to the woman herself. On an economic level alone, a family would have to spend many thousands of dollars a year to replace the work that the wife

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-38643017180128584612011-10-26T23:51:00.001-07:002011-10-26T23:53:53.178-07:00

Deo Gratias! We are all shaken but not stirred.Agape always,Cynthia

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-69822460464203635862011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:002011-10-24T11:53:46.994-07:00

Our last full week of October promises mild days (in the 70s) and cool nights (in the low 50s and high 40s), so I'm pulling out my cool weather recipes and my pumpkin recipes. MondayGreen Salad, Chicken Curry, Ginger CarrotsTuesdayVeggies with Dip, Easiest Chili in the Universe, Almost No-Knead BreadWednesdayVeggies with Dip, Cynthia's Turkey Dinner in a PumpkinThursdayGreen Salad, Spaghetti

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-53123146563716513292011-10-23T22:48:00.001-07:002011-10-23T22:56:55.361-07:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-12618517614301696222011-10-21T22:24:00.000-07:002011-10-22T01:42:11.615-07:00

This past week, I found an old post about myself on the website of Mrs. Andelin, of blessed memory, in November 2005 (so long ago!). She, very kindly, wrote,"I am sorry to report that Cynthia Berenger will be unable to serve as an online Fascinating Womanhood teacher at this time. She is scheduled for surgery in December, which will limit her time spent outside her home. In addition, her

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-5903354675540717182011-10-20T19:12:00.000-07:002011-10-20T19:47:20.803-07:00

Every once in a while, a visitor's search terms inspire my blogging. Late yesterday, for example, someone arrived on this blog by searching for "Alternatives to Fascinating Womanhood." In response, please allow me to suggest a few to similar seekers.1. The Holy Bible. The entire New Testament teaches self-sacrificing, Christ-centered living, which is necessary to a happy life and a happy

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-46657242003482084512011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:002011-10-17T00:01:02.129-07:00

Gentle Readers,I am happy to announce that two additional live, online Fascinating Womanhood classes will commence later this year. The next class commences on November 1, 2011, and will end on January 24, 2012. I am also offering a class in December, starting on the 6th, which will end on February 28, 2012. These end dates represent a slight change in the schedule as I had planned to take off

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-43717550819088093362011-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:002011-10-14T00:23:09.035-07:00

A recent study from Brigham Young University, to be published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, suggest that materialistic folks have a harder time forming and maintaining happy marriages. According to an article in Time, when both members of a couple are materialistic, the "desire to have stuff may cause materialists to burn through their marital funds, thus causing tension in

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-43222734049990753742011-10-07T20:09:00.000-07:002011-10-07T20:13:34.622-07:00

As longtime readers of my blog may remember, I love to bake artisan breads of all shapes and sizes. With the changes in my life in the last year, however, I found myself with less time to bake than in years' past. I happened upon the idea of no-knead bread and tried baking a few boules, like the one pictured to the left. Almost No-Knead Bread in a Dutch: The Basic Recipe and Procedure3 cups

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-34001982361114965892011-10-03T12:02:00.000-07:002011-10-03T12:49:45.218-07:00

We've a lovely storm (not an oxymoron) bearing down upon us today, so it's finally hot stuff time! I know I will be tired of chilis, stews, and potages by springtime, but right now, I absolutely crave them. Menu Plan for the Week of October 3, 2011Monday Lunch: Chicken Noodle Vegetable Soup (made from yesterday's rotisserie chicken and vegetables)Monday Dinner: Sliced Tomatoes with

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-80910437642027075362011-10-03T11:45:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:56:58.139-07:00

Lulu.com offers many interesting books, including my own humble Family Favorites cookbook (just $1.99). Now through October 7, however, you can save 15% by using the code Tango305.In addition, several spaces remain in my October 4 Basic FW Class (I can take up to thirty students), and one space remains in my Advanced FW Class, which you may start at any time. Due to the quick pace of the Basic

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-75264782583715347962011-10-01T21:48:00.000-07:002011-10-01T22:24:37.573-07:00

Today is a special day for those of us of French ancestry: We commemorate the life of Marie Francoise-Therese Martin (Martin is the French equivalent of Smith as far as surnames go), known to the world as St. Therese of Lisieux, a woman of particular holiness. Therese's parents ran an home business as lace makers in Alencon, with her mother dying of breast cancer (by the by, October is Breast

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-72905554438133110952011-09-30T01:05:00.000-07:002011-09-30T17:18:25.366-07:00

Our month of Homemaking Challenges ends today. I hope that my little challenges helped to make home a prettier and happier place to be. A clean, organized, attractive home exists to serve God and His children: our families, our friends, and our friends-to-be. The Christian tradition overflows with instruction on the duty to offer hospitality. Jesus tells us, "And whosoever shall give to

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-36020531837698755082011-09-29T15:22:00.000-07:002011-09-29T23:19:39.460-07:00

An excerpt from my book, A Fascinating Companion--"Reaching Out: Ways to Burst the Myth of the 'Boring Homemaker'"It seems to be that one of the worst stereotypes of all time is that homemakers are boring or, worse, selfish. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, women who are blessed to be full-time homemakers have greater opportunity for self-directed personal development and

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-77103094961959955982011-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-28T01:36:51.069-07:00

Today's Challenge deals with breaking down the day to its barest necessities by making an Always List. An Always List, as its name suggests, consists of activities that I always complete unless I am ill. The Always List keeps me on track during those chaotic, out of control days that everyone has periodically.Cynthia's Always ListPray and read my Bible, if only for a few minutes;Exercise, if

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-71255204853503029112011-09-27T12:33:00.000-07:002011-09-27T14:02:06.914-07:00

Now that the home is reasonably clean and organized (or on the way to being so), its time to add what I call "homey touches." Homey touches are the objects of femininity that turn a generic dwelling into one woman's unique expression of feminine nesting. The clip art (from Microsoft) to the left illustrates an early American type of homey touches: the ladder back chair, the heart motif, and

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-87356052268512177682011-09-26T12:51:00.001-07:002011-09-26T13:41:46.597-07:00

Dear Gentlelady Readers, Have you been enjoying the Thirty-Day Homemaking Challenge? I have and I hope that the challenges that helped me are helping you. I would like to announce that a week from tomorrow, another live, online Basic Fascinating Womanhood class commences. I would love to have you join us to improve your knowledge of Fascinating Womanhood teachings. In addition to the Basic

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-21126532878306319832011-09-26T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-26T13:43:10.205-07:00

The Apron: Uniform of the HomemakerMany vocations include a uniform of sorts. I think of how our beautiful nuns and sisters are (usually) instantly recognizable by their attire. For lady homemakers, the apron over a dress or skirt and top is the recognizable uniform. One of earliest memories is of my dear grandmother wearing a dress, an apron, and a pair of sensible shoes as she tended me

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-57422045985895648702011-09-25T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-24T23:52:49.058-07:00

I wrote earlier this month about being a compulsive reader and, therefore, having a great number of books and magazines to sort through each year. In addition to being compulsive about reading, I find it restful and inspiring. My quest to reinspire myself as a homemaker reminded me of the benefits of restful, inspiring reading. A few of the books that have helped me include Kimberly Hahn's

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-6688624047867646242011-09-24T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-24T21:55:13.672-07:00

Another Check Up:How is your homemaking? Is your home a little more organized and clean? Has your time management improved? Are you and your family smiling more and fuming less?I have made a great deal of improvement. I have restarted some formerly helpful activities that had been neglected, donated some useful items that we were not using, thrown away some "why do I have these?" items, and

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-12601913152518016412011-09-23T14:24:00.001-07:002011-09-23T17:46:18.061-07:00

Although the calendar reads 23 September, Autumnal Equinox, the air conditioner blows and the thermometer reads 96 (not to worry, I'm informed that it only feels like 94!). It's also one of our Ember Days, so we're on short rations as a spiritual discipline. We won't have actual fall here until late October or so, but I have seen a few autumny-looking leaves, brave things, daring to release

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-1310374178732293842011-09-22T15:36:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:39:18.669-07:00

One of the keys to efficient homemaking is making good use of time in the kitchen. As sectioning the home increases efficiency, so does sectioning the kitchen. Kitchens are sometimes thought of as showplaces, but they are, essentially, work rooms and the heart of the home. I have a friend who lived for many years in a home with a tiny kitchen. We called it the"alley galley" because it was so

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-72261709147547013212011-09-21T00:49:00.000-07:002011-09-22T15:37:48.406-07:00

Today's challenge is a tad anachronistic because several years have passed since our home was blessed with a newborn, but I still remember the excitement and wonder that engulfed our home when a new baby was born. Even the grumpiest of our relatives softened their harsh expressions when our newborn was placed in their arms. My family of generation was a bit superstitious and family members felt

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-9130593831142569532011-09-20T03:36:00.000-07:002011-09-20T05:38:14.912-07:00

Being a mom is the second-best thing that ever happened to me. I love motherhood, even the icky parts, and especially enjoy watching a child grow into his or her own personality and perspective. Part of being a responsible, caring mother is keeping the best home that one can, given circumstances and abilities, which includes helping the children to be organized.I assigned a color to each of my

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-85370921594407993212011-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-20T03:36:47.991-07:00

I love the little vintage kitchen in the new Menu Plan Monday logo to the left. I can just see a cute little homemaker in an apron going about her duties with a song in her heart. I wonder what her refrigerator would have looked like. Perhaps it would have been something like the vintage style refrigerators sold by the Victorian Trading Company (with which I have no financial relationship--I

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-20716296454890701942011-09-18T16:08:00.000-07:002011-09-18T17:39:04.240-07:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying a restful, re-creative Sunday afternoon. Today's challenge is almost purely spiritual: develop a philosophy of life. The importance of developing a philosophy of life dawned on me during the darkest part of mourning my beloved Braveheart. I wondered why I was still alive. Lest anyone wonder about my mental health, please know that I was in no way suicidal or

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-78988710000273750792011-09-17T08:02:00.000-07:002011-09-17T10:08:36.272-07:00

A Brief Check-Up FirstHow is your homemaking? Is your home a little cleaner and your life a tad better organized than it was a few weeks ago? I hope so; I know that I have made some needed improvements and re-established some habits that helped me in the past. I have found, however, over the time I have been teaching homemaking classes, that this "mid-term" time is when people can become the

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-88195680400681121432011-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-16T00:01:03.546-07:00

Second to my love of books is my love of clothing. Clothing helps people to show the world the persons they are. When people dress, they make an argument about themselves, and that argument develops the persona. When a woman dresses in a dowdy, frumpy way, she argues that she doesn't matter, that she can be easily dismissed. Modest clothing does not have to be unattractive or frumpy; rather,

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-75520821269071463102011-09-15T01:08:00.000-07:002011-09-15T02:24:54.361-07:00

What did we do before computers? I'm old enough to recall receiving a paper bill for every expense each month and a bank statement envelope bulging with cancelled paper cheques. Assuming that I couldn't locate a professor who would allow me to hand write my papers, I hired someone to type my papers because I couldn't (and still can't) type worth beans. Like their paper counterparts, computer

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-38191482136986227402011-09-14T00:56:00.000-07:002011-09-14T12:31:57.276-07:00

The photograph to the side is a bill of sale for a donkey that was transcribed on a papyrus (public domain, Wikicommons). While I own no papyri, I do have a great number of important papers that I need to retain, at least for some time. I have a home filing system that I assembled when I was in college, almost twenty years ago now. The filing system is color-coordinated: green files for money

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-82935664240752069692011-09-13T01:10:00.000-07:002011-09-14T01:44:04.234-07:00

Ah! A house full of books and nothing to read! I am a compulsive reader. I have multiple books going in almost every room of the house. I was the girl reading cereal boxes, scout manuals, the TV Guide--anything I could get my hands on. In the main, my reading habits have benefited me: without being an excellent reader, I would not have my education, the results of which allow me to support

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-8599788527287555962011-09-12T00:05:00.000-07:002011-09-12T00:54:42.687-07:00

I think of my pantry as my own little food bank that I can turn to as needed. Usually, my needs are of the average homemaker, but every once in a while, I have some extraordinary need: guests arrive unexpectedly; my grocery shopping is delayed; I have a midnight yen for frozen cocoa. My pantry consists of cupboards, refrigerator (mostly the door), and the freezer, with the bulk of the items

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-9630725008665925632011-09-11T00:25:00.000-07:002011-09-11T01:07:59.516-07:00

Today's challenge seems oddly placed. After all, one of the major parts of homemaking is caring for material goods, and to be sure, possessing sufficient material goods is not wrongful. Problems occur when people become overly attached.My fellow followers of Christ and I are called especially to remember that the Holy Family--Jesus, Mary, and Joseph--lived very simply and in poverty. Most

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-674855089748366242011-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-11T01:07:02.010-07:00

The last of the "laying the groundwork" challenges consists of composing a sustainable daily schedule. No ideal daily schedule exists for every woman, nor is keeping one's kitchen sink in pristine condition the focus of "the ideal daily routine" (in answer to a reader's question). 1. Look back at the Basic Schedule created starting on Day Three. How could your daily schedule be formatted to

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-45275599649827448502011-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-09T00:45:44.187-07:00

We have assessed our priorities, surveyed our time and our homes, made a cleaning tasks list, sectioned our shelters, and assembled a basic monthly schedule. Next step: The Weekly and Daily Schedules.Let's look again at the time survey. Are there any changes to be made? Does anything seem out of balance? What changes could be made to make life flow better? Changes are more likely to stick

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-66071898611040366812011-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-08T00:01:00.560-07:00

First, if you have not done so already, please complete the Time Survey as described on Day Three of the Thirty-Day Homemaking Challenge. Completing the Time Survey, even if only for one day, is an important step in making a sustainable schedule.*~*~*~*~*~*What did you learn about yourself from the Time Survey? One homemaker learned that she seemed to have three big blocks of time on six of the

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-27780843296304806502011-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-07T00:01:01.494-07:00

Today's challenge is to create home-care sections in the home and to plan a general homekeeping schedule. This step, I believe, may be the most unique to each reader of this blog as our homes, time availability, and temperaments differ.Typical sections, or zones, of the home include the Kitchen; the Living Room & Dining Area; the Family Room; the Master Suite; the Children's Room(s); the Hallway

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-68223353117801996982011-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-06T00:01:01.659-07:00

All that is needed for today's challenge is a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Take a tour of your home and write down all the tasks needed to keep your home reasonably clean. The immaculate, germ-free home does not exist, so don't waste precious time and effort trying to make the home into something it never has been--perfect. The results of my home survey are listed on "Cynthia's Cleaning

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-89930094173228696712011-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-05T10:07:54.049-07:00

One particular activity helps my homemaking greatly, and it's simple: Menu Planning. Menu Planning, for me, includes a general menu plan for what type of food will feature prominently (usually as the main course) for each day's dinner as well as a weekly menu plan with specific dishes named. I plan for leftovers, and we eat those for lunch the next day. When we have hot weather (late June

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-19101139159480880122011-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-04T00:01:01.683-07:00

Today's challenge may sound a tad counter-intuitive; one of the pitfalls of striving for excellence in homemaking, however, is the temptation to overwork and to perfectionism. King Solomon tell us that "to everything there is a season" (Ecclesiastes 3) and those seasons certainly include time to rest. As a Christian, I observe a day of worship and recreation on Sunday, which most Christians

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-33643976595127765192011-09-03T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-05T12:37:02.115-07:00

We have our priorities and our mission statement, so we can move forward with making a reasonable schedule that we can sustain. The first step to making a sustainable schedule involves taking some time to examine the current "real" schedule--not the ideal schedule we might have in mind. It's best to take an entire week to see how the schedule flows, but even one twenty-four hour period can

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341880647815805725.post-55234904133640821542011-09-02T00:01:00.000-07:002011-09-02T00:01:02.620-07:00

Now that we know our priorities, we can begin to form an idea of what we want our homes to be. I have found that if I don't have some idea of what I hope to accomplish, I tend to meander, not knowing when I have achieved a satisfactory goal. Making a reasonable mission statement of sorts also helps to curb my perfectionist tendencies. Our homes don't need to be perfect (if such a thing exists)

Cynthia Berengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00279986220054651908noreply@blogger.com0