Episode 4 - Simplified Homemaking, Minimalist Mindset & Infertility and Loss // Megan
- foodfamilyfellowsh
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Alright guys, this was a loooong one! But so so worth it, I promise! I had so much fun chatting with Megan deBoer, a fellow member of my church and my personal egg supplier ;). She is married to Pete and they have 3 beautiful daughters. Megan shared so many helpful tips, from simplified meals and cleaning systems, to minimalism and organising that works for you, and a unique washing system. She also was so gracious to share about her journey with infertility, stillbirth and miscarriage and the wisdom that God has taught her through all of it. Check out the summary below!
** As I mentioned in the episode, the next couple episodes may be a bit irregular as far as schedule goes - we are currently getting ready to move house! If you want updates on when episodes will release, sign up to my email list here: https://foodfamilyfellowship.com/#email-updates
Family activities:
Board games with the family - Harmonies (link)
Recipes & cooking:
Fettucine Alfredo (creamy pasta): https://www.recipetineats.com/fettuccine-alfredo/
Butter chicken (turns out Megan does use the same recipe I was talking about, not the skinny mixes one haha!): https://quirkycooking.com.au/2015/11/my-best-butter-chicken-ever/
Poached chicken: https://www.recipetineats.com/poached-chicken/
Use a rice cooker! https://www.kmart.com.au/product/7-cup-rice-cooker-white-43375509/
Click and collect! Avoid the grocery store and even do smaller orders bulked out with items you regularly buy anyways (eg. nappies, formula, coffee etc)
Bring budget down by bulking out with pasta and rice, use cheap veg and less meat.
Inspiration from Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/@FarmhouseonBoone
Cleaning:
Norwex products: enviro and window cloths, mop
Lots of 'in between' vacuums with a stick vacuum, use big vacuum cleaner for thorough cleans less frequently
'Touch something once' - put things away right away, avoid double handling
Make things as easy to put away as it is to put down
Never leave a room without something in your hand
Organisation:
Minimalism - the more you have, the more you need to look after. Saves mental space.
Get rid of things you haven't used in a year
Things need to work for you. Choose quality functional items, especially with tools you use frequently
Always have an op shop bag handy in the house to put anything that needs moving on.
Check out Clutterbug YouTube channel and find your organisation style https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ldgDzMaFzAEHEnIjSlWoA
Washing:
Fold as little as possible
Don't have to have organised drawers, just plonk them in unfolded, esp for baby clothes
Cube storage tubs handy for older girls
When hanging to dry, hang as much on hangers as possible - esp dresses and t shirts
Always keep a rack set up in your laundry during the week, holds 1 load and fold in little bits throughout the day when you have a spare moment. Put them away as you go. Keeps washing going throughout the day in the little bits of time you have spare
Iron as little as possible. The more you iron clothes, the more wrinkly they are and need ironing more.
Megan's washing rack, it's not the same as mine after all haha
Infertility encouragement:
Use it to bring you closer to God and not to bitterness and resentment. Decide to trust that God has your best interests in mind.
Hindsight is helpful to see God's hand in directing things
Don't feel like you have to keep it to yourself, talk if it helps
Deal with the grief, no matter if others think you should be over it already
Don't lose hope - God can work miracles!
Time for personal bible reading:
Read logos Bible app (whole bible in a year plan, roughly 3 chapters a day) on phone as the default instant click throughout the day
Difficult to find a consistent moment alone, so do it whenever works that day
Don't read other books/do hobbies at night until the bible reading is done.
William Cowper Poem I mentioned:
"God moves in a mysterious way,
    His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
    And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
    Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
    And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
    The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
    In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
    But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
    He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
    Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
    But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
    And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
    And he will make it plain"