The Sparrow's Home: Life is hard. God is good. We need each other.

The honey bun cake that everyone will ask you the recipe for

July 4, 2022 by Susan 2 Comments

This honey bun cake is moist, sweet, and sticky… and incredibly simple. Prepare to be asked for the recipe every time you make it.

There are some recipes that every time you make it, someone asks you for the recipe and you think…why don’t I make this more often??

This is one of those recipes.

I found it a lot of years ago in a cookbook called The Cake Mix Doctor. (This recipe and one for a cream cheese pound cake were the real standouts in the book, most of the others I tried were kind of meh).

As you might guess from the title of the cookbook… this recipe uses a cake mix. If you’re a from scratch only kind of cook, feel free to pass on this recipe. If you, like me, are okay with the convenience of mixes now and then…keep reading.

Board games to check out if you’re looking for two player games

June 2, 2022 by Susan 6 Comments

A list of board games that are just as much fun with two players as they are with a larger group. Beautiful artwork and quick to learn!

Since becoming empty nesters, my game-loving husband has been on a little bit of a buying spree. He’s picked up several games that are just as fun with two players as they are with a larger group.

These are not the type of games that I affectionately call ‘dork games’. Those are the ones he plays with the fellas. The ones that have lots of mythical creatures, frequently involve an intricate storyline, and the occasional use of their best accent.

No thank you.

But I am happy to accept his invitation for a game night when it involves one of these winners.

A Hamilton Themed Bridal Shower. Awesome. Wow.

February 7, 2022 by Susan Leave a Comment

Fun and easy ideas for a Hamilton themed bridal shower. Plan a laid back, casual shower with an easy menu. Free printables too!

If you dig a party with a theme as much as I do, then you love it when you get the opportunity to celebrate AND be a little creative.

A friend and I had the opportunity this weekend to plan a bridal shower for a simply delightful young lady who:

#1 Happens to be a HUGE fan of the musical Hamilton and

#2 Was totally on board with the idea to give the shower a theme (in fact, I think she was a tiny bit heartbroken that her gal pals didn’t want to come in costume as the Schuyler sisters with her).

So let’s jump right in.

This custom art makes unique family portraits and beautifully personal gifts

November 15, 2021 by Susan Leave a Comment

Get custom art that is totally creative and unique to your family, or give a perfectly personal gift. And you’ll be supporting a gifted young artist, too!

A creative piece of art that makes you happy can be pricey. One that is unique to your family could be priceless.

These are such fun and different display pieces that I have already ordered them as gifts and for my own family. Besides that, it’s always a pleasure to support an artist who is such a delight.

I love pointing people in the direction of things that I love, and I am definitely pointing at this.

Oatmeal Bread: Two soft, easy to slice homemade loaves

October 11, 2021 by Susan 12 Comments

This simple homemade oatmeal sandwich bread smells amazing baking, is easy to slice, and soft and delicious to eat. You’ll be glad the recipe makes two loaves!

Sometimes you just want a good, sliceable, toastable, loaf of bread.

This is that loaf.

It’s perfect for slicing and serving fresh with just about any meal. We like it with butter, honey, or my dad’s homemade strawberry freezer jam. Mmmmmm…

It’s also totally delightful sliced and toasted with Nutella, or peanut butter, or lots of butter and cinnamon-sugar or more jam or honey.

I’m not particularly good at thinly slicing homemade loaves, but if you are…this would make fantastic saandwiches as well. Yum!

The 5 best and worst things you’ll face with your empty nest

August 2, 2021 by Susan 4 Comments

Beginning the empty nest season of life can bring a lot of different emotions. But you might find it is more sweet than bitter.

I expected to be the mother who wept uncontrollably when my children left home.

Turns out… not so much. In fact, kind of the opposite.

My eldest son got married last summer, and my youngest just tied the knot in June.

Don’t get me wrong–there have been moments of deeply missing my children’s presence in my home and of questioning my role as a mother now that they’re gone.

But honestly, overall, this empty nesting business has been more sweet than bitter.