Trust
Proverbs 3:2… Read More Trust
Author: bluewillowcottage
Welcome to the cottage. My name is Dawne, and I am a Christian mother, home-educator, nurse, freelancer, and self-taught herbalist. I believe in lifelong learning, creativity, and love… Oh, and oils!
My great passion is helping other families become healthier with herbs, oils, and good common sense. I share recipes and ideas which sometimes include my backyard-grown herbs, and/or oils. I love to teach my ideas about optimal family health in workshops online, in classes locally, and even by having learning parties for children. In addition, I love showing others how I make our tiny home into a beautiful, welcoming cottage.
Stretch Your Pantry: Budget Meal Ideas
We wanted to experience the challenge of making what we have “stretch” a bit more. We had loads of extra food in the pantry, and in the refrigerator, but by the end of the week, it was a challenge to put a balanced meal together. … Read More Stretch Your Pantry: Budget Meal Ideas
Hospitality: How to Cut the Costs of Entertaining
This past Sunday, my husband invited two new families from our church home with us for the afternoon. I rushed home, searching through the pantry… I had 3 cans of Tuna Fish on hand, and flour tortillas. With very basic ingredients, we were able to feed 3 families a delicious, casual meal of tuna roll ups, soup and salad, with Tasty Cakes for Dessert.… Read More Hospitality: How to Cut the Costs of Entertaining
Hospitality: Entertaining as Ministry
We can “flavor the community” with salt in this manner, by practicing sharing and giving. Hospitality does not mean always having parties, showers, and dinners. It is more than that.… Read More Hospitality: Entertaining as Ministry
Hospitality: Open Heart, Open Home
Whether it be drinking a cup of coffee together, or having an elaborate banquet, the object of hospitality is to give something of ourselves for the enjoyment of others.… Read More Hospitality: Open Heart, Open Home
The Only standard that Really Counts
This morning, I was reflecting on my role as a Mother. This wonderful job requires the skills of a teacher, counselor, maid, short-order cook, nurse, party planner, financial analyst, and chauffer! Unfortunately, the society we live in today has downplayed the importance of my role as a mom. I was reminded of this in church,… Read More The Only standard that Really Counts
Bring Your Own Sunshine
To bring a smile to my face, I chose the special apricot colored flip-flops with burlap bag and tiny purse for my summer pool days. … Read More Bring Your Own Sunshine
Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue
I love the Fourth of July. Our family celebrates it in much the same ways as any other family in the country: A picnic, a dip in the pool, a campfire with roasted (burnt)marshmallows, and finally, fireworks. But we also celebrate the MEANING of the day. … Read More Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue
A Touch of the Sea
I decorate in costal items in Summertime because they make a visual connection with our family’s favorite memories
… Read More A Touch of the Sea
“You take yourself where ever you go…”
Each of us is responsible for our own happiness. I remember meeting Martha one frigidly cold day in December, 8 years ago… the first day we moved into the Cottage. She brought muffins and an invitation to attend worship services with her the following Sunday morning. I always think of Martha when I make lemonade,… Read More “You take yourself where ever you go…”
Blue Willow 