Choosing Wisely: Lessons from Filling Out an NCAA Bracket

March 21, 2025March 20, 2025 RefreshHer2 Comments

I did something today I’ve never done before. I filled out a bracket for the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Our family created a group where we each filled out brackets to see who will be the “winner.”

I enjoy basketball when “my team” is playing, but I’m not by any means an avid fan. When I was asked to join the family group I was told I needed to create a user name. I decided on, Lucky Guess. You can probably figure out why! I have no idea:

How well all the teams play.

Who the best players are.

Who is most likely to win!

I was even told that some girls pick winning teams simply by the color of the team they like best! That sounded good, so I did a little of that when making my choices. If the color didn’t influence me, I looked at home of the teams and picked the “place” I liked, or from which I had memories! Crazy, right?

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Creating a Loving Atmosphere at Home

March 19, 2025March 21, 2025 RefreshHerLeave a comment

This is the conclusion of our discussion about managing our homes in a series I’ve called, Maytag, messes and meals. You can listen to this post here on Refresh Her podcast.

In the previous posts we’ve dealt with the laundry, the housekeeping and the meals. Let’s wrap up with some thoughts that will encourage you in your day to day management.

Prepare your heart for the day. Talk to the Lord about your day and your work. Give it to Him.

Ps. 90:17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

So often, the things I worried about and wondered how I’d get done never happened! Giving it to the Lord keeps you from worrying before it takes place, then allows you to see a gracious God moving things out of the way and/or giving you strength to get it done.
But it starts with preparing your heart.

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dinner in 30 minutes · Fast meal · Uncategorized

Delicious Veggie Stromboli Recipe for Busy Nights

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Last week I shared a few new recipes I was anxious to try. I have an update about one that was super easy and also delicious! I made the Veggie Stromboli from Skinny Taste and we really enjoyed it. A stromboli is kind of like a rolled up pizza. Sometimes homemade stromboli’s and pizzas are labor intensive, but a packaged pizza crust made this come together quickly.

I found a package of pizza dough at Aldi – not in a can, but a plastic bag. It was on sale last week for .99! I’m so glad I found this for nights when I don’t want to make my own crust. This is great for a busy night! You won’t be skimping on flavor, just time!

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Home decor · spring

Spring Kitchen Refresh: Easy Decor Ideas

March 14, 2025March 13, 2025 RefreshHer6 Comments

It’s almost officially spring and I couldn’t be happier! I’ve been going around the house lightening up the colors, removing heavy blankets from the sofas, and adding a few touches of decor. I took my battery operated candles from the windows when daylight Savings Time arrived, too.

I’m going to give you a little peek into my kitchen to show you how I’ve implemented the spring season there.

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Family life · Meal planning · Uncategorized

Easy Ways to Create Memorable Family Meals

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025 RefreshHerLeave a comment

This is part of the series, Maytag, Messes and Meals. You can listen to this post here on Refresh Her podcast.

I have a love for anything to do with the kitchen. I love to cook and bake. I love to try new recipes. However, I know not everyone is that way. It’s a struggle to:

Cook a meal that everyone will eat.
To find the time to prepare.
To clean up the mess afterwards.
To get inspired to invite people over.

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