Life in momma-tone

Beginners Guide to Solar Panels

2012-01-29T03:30:00.000-08:00

A single 130 watt 14 kg (about 30lb) panel does the job - and the same panel should continue to do so for at least the next 22 years. All this from a combination of silicon, glass, aluminium and wiring - no moving parts or heavy maintenance required.

Green Living Tips.
Check out his Site Here.

Seed Starter Pots

2012-01-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

Cut each roll in half and press it flat.
Make four, half-inch to three-quarter-inch slices on one end of the roll to create four equal-sized flaps.
Open up the roll and fold in the four little flaps like a box bottom. This is your seed pot.

Fill the “pot” with potting soil, plant your seeds and water gently. Put the seed pots under grow lights until they are ready to go outdoors. When you are ready to plant, you can either pull the cardboard away from the soil and put the plant in the ground, or simply unfold the bottom and plant the whole pot — the cardboard will slowly disintegrate.

Margaret Comstock

Peanut Butter Granola Mini Bars

2012-01-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup reduced-fat creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup peanut butter chips
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, honey, egg, oil and vanilla until blended. Combine the oats, brown sugar and salt; add to the peanut butter mixture and mix well. Stir in chips. (Batter will be sticky.)
Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3 dozen.

Help & Hope for Single Parents

2012-01-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

Held at Midpark Church, 260 Midpark Blvd SE and facilitating this "Single & Parenting" small group at Midpark Church starting in February is Andrea Elias.

If you’re a single parent, you’re probably tired, overwhelmed and feeling a bit underappreciated. That’s why we created Single & Parenting groups—to share tips and parenting wisdom that will help you find rest, hope and encouragement.
At a Single & Parenting group, you’ll participate in video seminars that explain how to:

Wisely encourage your kids to obey
Help your hurting child
Eliminate debt
Deal with verbal onslaughts
Figure out what your emotions are telling you

Single & Parenting: Single-parent support groups, ministry & parenting tips
www.singleandparenting.org

Knife Block Knock-off

2012-01-26T09:48:00.000-08:00

2x Pine shelves @ $4 ea. = $8
23 100 count bamboo skewers @ $1 ea. = $23

2300 bamboo skewers – 2 that I used to stir the varnish = 2298 skewers.
However, currently the skewers are not quite dense enough, so I plan on adding 300 more ($3) this week, bringing the total number of skewers in use to 2598.

If you’ve got tools and varnish, this is the total cost, $34. If you need tools or varnish, the cost goes up significantly. The varnish I used, I have forgotten the name, is water-based, and cost nearly $30 for the gallon.

See the tutorial here

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

2012-01-26T09:46:00.001-08:00

(Written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his house.)

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

The die has been cast. The decision has been made.

I have stepped over the line. I won’t look back,

Let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tame visions,

Mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need position, promotions, applauds, or popularity.

I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised,

Regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on YHVH’s presence,

Love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is YHVH,

My road is narrow, my way may be rough, my joy is secure,

My companions may be few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away,

Turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity,

Negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity,

Or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until

I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up,

Paid up and spoken up for the cause of Messiah.

I am a disciple of Yeshua Ha Mashiach.

I must go till He comes, give all I can,

Preach till all know, and work till He stops me.

And when He comes for His own, He will know me

My banner is clear: I AM A PART OF THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED. AMEIN!

Ruffled Streamers

2012-01-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

Standard streamers feel like the oldest party decor in the book. But Ruffled streamers?…in multiple colors?….that can be used over and over? (if you’re careful when you take them down). Fun, right?!

Check out Dana’s ruffled streamers tutorial.

How to PARTY ON a buck fortynine!

Beekeeper in your Future?

2012-01-26T07:44:00.001-08:00

Collaborative Purchase Bee Meeting: TONIGHT.

Ok! So, the 2012 Beekeeping season is a go! If you want le learn how you can get bees through The Community Hive this year, BE AT THIS MEETING!

Event: Community Hive Collaborative Purchase Bee Meeting

Details: Come to the meeting and learn how the Community Hive Collaborative Purchase is going to work: video introduction to Bill Stagg (the beekeeper we are getting our 75 colonies from), review of the NEW PURCHASING WEBSITE!, Online beekeeper examination, membership fees, and information about how the collaborative purchase of equipment is going to run this year (We have a goal of sourcing up to 80% of the equipment locally from local artisans!)

Where: Fairmont Palliser Hotel, Alberta Room on the mezzanine level

When: Wednesday, January 25th, 2012. 7pm-9pm

The Palliser Fairmont hotel is sponsoring this event, offering coffee, tea and cookies for all who attend! How great is that!?

The website, http://cp.thecommunityhive.org, will be launched by January 18th, 2012. There you will be able to register for a membership, review the Collaborative Purchase Agreement, take the beekeeping exam, and eventually order your equipment for the season. Remember that you can always go to the www.thecommunityhive.org to ask questions and share information amongst each other.

I hope to see you there! If you have any questions. please contact Connie or me at:

Connie: beebraver@gmail.com

Eliese Watson: eliese@backyardbees.ca

Boom Banana Cream Pie

2012-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 cup cold milk
1/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
1 small banana, sliced
4 individual graham cracker tart shells
1/2 cup whipped topping
2 tablespoons flaked coconut, toasted
Additional banana slices, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Arrange banana slices over tart shell bottoms; top with pudding.
Cover with whipped topping; sprinkle with coconut. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Garnish with additional banana slices if desired. Yield: 4 servings.

Veggie Wash

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
2 TBS baking soda
2 TBS lemon juice
Directions:

Mix ingredients then pour in clean spray bottle. Spray fresh produce generously. Sit for 5 minutes then rinse off well.
Note: Make sure to first mix ingredients in deep container since there will be some fizzing from the baking soda & vinegar.

Happy FEET

2012-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

TiredFeet? Whether on them all day at work or that hike gave your tootsies a beatingpamper your feet by applying a thick coat of chest rub and cover with a pair ofsocks before going to bed at night. When you wake up, your feet will bemoisturized and rejuvenated. Plus regular use will keep calluses at bay!

Make your own at home.

Ingredients:
2 parts coconut oil
1 part beeswax
eucalyptus essential oil (about 10 drops per ounce)
white camphor essential oil (about 5 drops per ounce)
Simply melt the oil and beeswax in a pan and then add the essential oils. Pour into your metal tin(s) or other container. And that's it!
The salve will harden within 10-15 minutes. If you find it is too soft, like the consistency of an ointment, you can scoop it back into the pan, remelt it and add more beeswax. If it is too hard, remelt and add more oil. I've also remelted to add more essential oil when I wasn't satisfied with the strength of the oils.

Items available at your local health store.

2012-01-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

The trumpets will announce the second coming of Jesus:
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1.Thess 4,16-17) see also 1. Corinthians 15,51-52

THE DAYS OF TESHUVAH (Return or Repentance): On Elul 1(August or September - 6 months after Passover, which is the first month of Abib). This starts 30 days before the Feast of Trumpets. Feast of Trumpets is Tshri 1 (7th Month - September or October - in the 7th month. Remember Passover is in Abib, or Nissan, the first month) The days of Teshuvah, or days of Repentance, ends Tshri 10 - on Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement, (total of 40 days). The 40 days of Teshuvah, is a time of returning and repenting before The LORD. During those 40 days, and especially the last 10, and most particularly the LAST day of Yom Kippur, we prepare our heart by seeking forgiveness, through repentance. The last 10 days - the 10 days starting wth the Feast of Trumpets and ending with the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, are known as the Days of Awe.
4. DAY OR FEAST OF TRUMPETS (Rosh HaShanah or Yom Teruach) Num 29:1; Lev 23:23-25: On Tishri 1. Rosh HaShanah means "head of the year." According to Jewish tradition, on this day the gates of heaven are opened, (Rev 3:7-11). Tradition has it as the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the Kingdom of HaShem (God), Adam and Eve were created, the flood waters dried up, Enoch was taken by the LORD; Sarah, Rachel, and Samuel were conceived, Joseph was freed from prison by Pharaoh, forced labor of Hebrews in Egypt ended, Job contracted leprosy, the start of sacrifices on the altar built by Ezra. According to Jewish tradition all of those events happened on Tishri 1. The Feast of Trumpets is celebrated by blowing trumpets (shofar) 100 times to announce the setting up of The LORD's eternal court.
The sounding of the shofar reminds us of the binding of Isaac by his father Abraham, and we too must be willing to make such sacrifices. On this day we reaffirm our acceptance of The LORD as our King, and He judges all of His human creatures on this day and decides on their fate in the coming year. It is the first month of the new civil year. These 10 days are called the Days of Awe or High Holy Days. This was also the time to bring all of your tithe (10th) for the poor, widows, orphans, and the Levite priest who have no inheritance. Over these 10 days the wheat will be brought in on the threshing floor and separated from the chaff. This 2-day feast comes AT A DAY AND HOUR NO MAN KNOWS and you are not required to go up to the temple on this day. a. This is the day set up to remember the blowing of trumpets when the great sign appeared in the heavens of the announcement of Yeshua’s birth (Lion of Judah), which the Chaldean astronomers had been watching, and waiting for, for over four hundred years, (Rev.12:1-2). b. Will be the announcement of Yeshua’s second coming and the Resurrection of the Saints, (IThess 4:16,17). c. Will be the end of Jacob’s trouble, (Jer 30:7). d. Will be the end of first Gog Magog War at the start of the millennial reign of King Yeshua.

Warm Chocolate Melting Cups

2012-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

These cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They're always so surprised that these little desserts are so light and healthy.” Kissa Vaughn

This recipe is:

Contest Winning

Healthy

Diabetic Friendly

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 egg white
10 fresh strawberry halves, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, cocoa, flour and salt. Gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in the chocolate chips, coffee and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl.
In another bowl, beat eggs and egg white until slightly thickened. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Fold into chocolate mixture.
Transfer to ten 4-oz. ramekins coated with cooking spray. Place ramekins in a baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or just until centers are set. Garnish with strawberry halves if desired. Serve immediately. Yield: 10 servings.

Root for Winter Vegetables

2012-01-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

“This medley is an updated version of a recipe my mom grew up with. It’s my favorite way to prepare veggies and is marvelous with a batch of hot rolls.”—Julie Butler

Ingredients

1 whole garlic bulb
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound fresh beets
3 medium parsnips
2 small rutabagas
2 medium turnips
4 medium carrots
2 large red onions, cut into wedges
1 teaspoon salt
15 whole peppercorns
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup white wine or vegetable broth
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves). Cut top off of garlic bulb. Brush with 1/2 teaspoon oil. Wrap bulb in heavy-duty foil.
Peel the beets, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips and carrots; cut into 2-in. pieces. Place in a large bowl; add the onions, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves and remaining oil. Toss to coat.
Transfer to three greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Place garlic on one of the pans.
Bake at 400° for 35 minutes or until garlic is softened, stirring once. Remove garlic; set aside to cool. Drizzle wine and broth over vegetables. Bake 20-30 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Squeeze softened garlic over vegetables; dot with butter. Transfer to a serving platter. Yield: 13 servings (3/4 cup each).

Fear NOT

2012-01-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

You will not be afraid of the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:5

Ephesians 6:1...6 says we have a "shield of faith" to extinguish ALL the flaming darts of the enemy.

PRAYER AGAINST FEAR

2012-01-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

O Abba...my Father in heaven, what time I am afraid I will trust in You. Father, forgive me for giving into the fear of this situation. Forgive me for focusing on the problem rather than on You, the Problem Solver. And especially, Abba, forgive me for forgetting that everything that happens in this life does so to bring us into a closer relationship with You.

Your Word in James 1:2 says we should "count it all joy when various trials and problems enter our lives, because they are for the testing of our faith." But Abba, that is so hard to do! Please help me to trust that You know what You are doing in allowing this trial to occur in my life.

I choose to turn this whole situation over to You. Your Word in Proverbs 21:1 says, 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; like the rivers of water He (that is You, Abba) turns it wherever He wishes." Father, I do trust You, and I know You will work everything to good in Your time.

By faith, Father, I push back the curtain of fear satan's evil hosts have enclosed me in and claim Your 'fear not' promises in Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

I praise You for Your love and mercy to me and my family. I praise You that satan and all his cohorts are dead meat because of Your grace. Thank You, Abba, for not giving up on us even when our faith falters and falls. I leave this situation in Your capable hands to do 'whatever...whatever You allow into my life or my family's lives, because I know You are powerful and strong enough to get us through it.' In JESUS' name, Amen.

Abraham the First Jew

2012-01-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

"This is my covenant with you and yourdescendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shallbe circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of thecovenant between me and you." — Genesis 17:10–11

Did you know that circumcision was the first commandment given by God toAbraham, the first Jew? In establishing the covenant with Abraham, God, for Hispart, promised to make Abraham into a “mighty nation.” Abraham notonly would be the father of one nation, but a “multitude of nations.”God would give Abraham millions of descendants. (See Genesis 17:1–6.)

For his part, Abraham was required to follow the terms of the covenant, whichincluded circumcision. So at age 99, Abraham was circumcised, and all males inhis household were circumcised as well. It is a sign of the covenan.

* You know what? I'm feeling better about my pains at child birth now!

Wool Socks Known to Solve Some Bedtime Battles

2012-01-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

Wool is the traditional gift for a seventhanniversary and a simple pair of wool socks can solve the too"little" blankets on the bed your share with your spouse problem tothe "oh man there are too many blankets" on our bed problem.

*The answer to this dilemma is that the one who’sbody temp is running on the cold side wear a pair of wool socks to bed – tada!Guaranteed a toasty night’s sleep and a happy answer to the blanket war.

If a woolgift doesn't appeal but you would still like to give a traditional 7thanniversary gift, copper is another traditional 7th anniversary present. Or,give a modern 7th anniversary gift; the updated 7th anniversary gift suggestionsare brass items and desk sets.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

2012-01-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

This tasty dish gets even better after it's been refrigerated a day or two, so the leftovers are always great. We eat it hot in the winter and cold in the summer. ~ Cheryl

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) egg noodles
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups half-and-half cream
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed
12 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
TOPPING:
1 cup finely crushed cornflakes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet, saute the red pepper, onion and celery in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add mushrooms; cook 2-3 minutes or until tender. Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon; set aside.
Add flour to the skillet; stir until blended. Gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Gradually stir in cream. Add the cream cheese; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, salt, noodles, vegetables and cheese sauce. Transfer to two ungreased shallow 3-qt. baking dishes.
Combine topping ingredients. Sprinkle over top. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until bubbly. Yield: 2 casseroles (8-10 servings each).

Myth About Cold Catching

2012-01-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Myth : You can "catch cold” from going outside in winter.

Nope. Viruses and bacteria make you sick, not being cold or wet. Colds, flus, and cases of pneumonia are most often spread indoors where people are in close proximity, which makes outside the most germ-free place to be in the winter!

* So HUG your Mailman today ~ Bless you for delivering my mail!!!

Contigo No-Leak Travel Mug

2012-01-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

Contigo Westloop Stainless Steel Double Walled No-Leak Travel Mug These great looking and amazing travel mugs defy logic with their ability to keep hot drinks steaming hot for up to 4 hours, and cold drinks cold for up to 12 hours. Beyond keeping your favorite drink appropriately temperature controlled, you will be hard pressed to have your beverage spill or leak on you. Although it is impossible to make this travel mug leak, it only requires a simple one handed push of the button to get access to the liquid goodness inside. No amount of knocking over or shaking will result in your beverage seeing the light of day.

Brian and I are over the moon about these no spill keep it HOT or keep it COLD travel mugs - we picked ours up through a Costco member :) should you be so lucky to pull that off the pair were just 19.99.
*BUS PEOPLE this baby YOU will love. Mom's I dare say your kids could go for a long bomb miss it and your coffee will still be safely in place in this amazing travel mug. Happy * happy * happy * dances * round * n * round!!

Slow Cooker Enchiladas

2012-01-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (16 ounces) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 flour tortillas (6 inches)

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and green pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are tender; drain. Add the next eight ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Combine cheeses.
In a 5-qt. slow cooker, layer about 3/4 cup beef mixture, one tortilla and about 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until heated through. Yield: 4 servings.

Temple Menorah Stamp Affirms Jewish Claim to Land

2012-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Like a historic seal of approval to Jews' claims to their Land, a stamp with Menorah is found in Akko.

By Gil Ronen

First Publish: 1/10/2012, 10:17 AM

Menorah stamp

Dr. Danny Syon, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Just two weeks after a Temple era seal was displayed to the public, archeologists continue to dig up breathtaking proofs of the ancient and never-severed connection between Jews and the Land of Israel. This time, the find is a 1,500 year old tiny stamp discovered near the city of Akko, bearing the image of the seven-branched Temple Menorah.

See other photos and the complete article HERE.

Discovered: Cancer-Killing Compound Produced Naturally in the Liver

2012-01-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Researchfinds first compound that kills cancer cells without harming other cells,extends lifespan, and it's naturally produced in the liver; could signal a hugeimprovement over the baby-with-the-bathwater drugs used in chemotherapy.

Read the full article HERE

Liver Skillet Supper

2012-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Whenever I serve this to people for the first time, someone exclaims, "I can't believe it's liver!" Around here, that's what we call this recipe, which I devised 12 years ago. Ever since, my family has loved liver. As veteran custom harvesters over the past 25 years ago, we've provided meals for many hungry "hands". This enabled me to develop my dual passions for creating new recipes and quantity cooking. ~ Barb

Ingredients

1/2 pound sliced bacon
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic salt, divided
1 teaspoon onion salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 pound beef liver
6 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large onions, thinly sliced
Green pepper rings, optional

Directions

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel to drain; reserve drippings in skillet. Combine flour and half of the garlic salt, onion salt and pepper. Cut liver into 2-in. x 1/2-in. strips; dredge in the flour mixture, coating well. Lightly brown liver in drippings. Add potatoes and onion. Sprinkle with remaining seasonings; cook until the potatoes are browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Crumble bacon over top. Garnish with green pepper rings if desired. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Touching Video - KLEENEX please!

2012-01-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Man Gives his Wife a Touching Birthday Gift Before Dying of Cancer

Kristian Anderson sadly died about 2 weeks ago, but this is the video birthday wish he left for his wife. It's very touching, and it even includes an intro by the New Zealand prime minister and Hugh Jackman. God bless him and keep his family in your prayers.

God bless him and keep him and the little ones. Prayers to all those fighting the fight right now.

Watch video HERE

Foil Ball - Eliminate Dyer Sheets

2012-01-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

*I've completely eliminated the need for dryer sheets. I was a firm lover of these until I found that I could take aluminum foil, ball it up, and toss it in the dryer with the wet laundry. It removes static and never has to be changed. I've been using the same aluminum foil ball for over 6 months.

Monday Morning Mugging!

2012-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here is our MMM today. *Dianne VanderWal Wycliffe Bible Translator

Wycliffe serves minority language groups worldwide by fostering an understanding of God's Word through Bible translation!

Bible Was 2011 Bestseller in Norway

2012-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

Itslaunch saw overnight queues with bookshops selling out on the first day.

Click on the link provided to read reasons why some feel the new Bible translation was such a huge success.

Read Full Story...

* Interesting article on What's happening in Norway. I myself wonder if people everywhere aren't feeling ENDTIME-ish. Sooner or later the pages of the bible will read like the headlines of a News Paper!

Heirloom Bible Pulled From Fire Unscathed

2012-01-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

DEARING, Ga. -- Bernice Hunt's Bible was pulled from the ashes without a charred edge or a burnt page. The only damage at all was a little moisture from the fire hoses.

But it certainly isn't the way she planned to start 2012.
Hunt told News 12, "I ran downstairs and went to get my son and tell him fire! Fire! Fire!"
The home she lived in for 20 years caught fire and destroyed most of her belongings.
"It's a miracle I didn't get hurt, and my son didn't get hurt," Hunt said.
And that isn't the only miracle.
A firefighter pulled her family Bible from the ashes unscathed.
Christopher Hinton, the firefighter from McDuffie County that discovered the Bible, told News 12, "Everything beside the Bible, and on the Bible was burnt, so I moved it. And the Bible was wet and cold."
It was sitting on Hunt's nightstand, which was in the corner of her bedroom. All that is left of that corner now is a pile of rubble.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I mean, it was a miracle," Hinton said.
And this Bible is something special to the family.
"It's a family heirloom," Hunt said.
Hunt's son Dellwyn, who also in the house when it caught fire, says the Bible belonged his father, who passed away in 1991.
Life hasn't been easy for Hunt. She lost her husband, she was diagnosed with cancer, survived open heart surgery, and now this.
But Hunt says she has always and will always keep the faith.
"We thankful and grateful. And everything else, it'll fall into place sooner or later," Hunt said.
Her son says there is only one explanation.
"Just the Lord. It's gotta be," he said.

Living Each Day to the Fullest

2012-01-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

(United Kingdom)—Mick Richardson and his fiancée Mandy had planned to get married once he'd recovered from the leukemia he was diagnosed with in 2010.
But the updated prognosis only gave him about three months to live, so the couple decided to marry right away.
That's when the staff at St. James Hospital snapped into action.
According to an exclusive report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, the staff pitched in and decorated, while a Marks and Spencer store donated all the food and a cake.
"The staff did all the ward up and the day room," remarked Mandy. "If it was not for them, we would've just [gotten] married by his bed. They made it special."
The day after Mick and Mandy were married, the couple went back home and had a week together before Mick passed away on December 29th.
Read the Full story HERE.

Tebow-mania

2012-01-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

Aimee Herd-Commentary : Jan 11, 2012 : Two Cents Worth-Blog

"Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great..."

EDITOR'S NOTE [UPDATE]: Due to the sheer volume of feedback received pointing out some other interesting, and quite symbolic stats—after the publishing of the story below—I felt it behooved me to include them: In addition to the fact that Tebow threw for a total of 316 yards (mentioned below), he also averaged 31.6 yards per completion. (Are the hairs on the back of your neck standing up yet?!) There are other rumors that contain 316 swirling around, however these were the ones that I was able to confirm. Because of the frequency of 316 appearing in the stats from Sunday's game, the Bible verse "John 3:16" was Googled over 90 million times, making it the "most searched Google term on Monday," according to the Washington Post. Who knows how many people may have been brought to the Lord by that one verse that spells out the message of the Gospel. No matter how you feel about "Tebow-mania," you cannot deny the impact this one life—surrendered to God—has made. This one person who almost wasn't born as the doctors advised Tim's mother to terminate her pregnancy. No wonder the enemy tried so hard to prevent his life! -Aimee Herd, BCN.

By now even those who disdain football have likely heard of Tim Tebow. They may have even been privy to the water cooler remarks regarding the stunning finish to the playoff game this past weekend between "Big Ben" Rothlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tebow's Denver Broncos.
Just when I think enough has been said and written about this talented-yet-humble son of missionary parents, something else incredible—or miraculous, and in this case, pretty symbolic—happens that just can't be ignored! (Not that I would want to anyway.)
In fact, no one has ignored this fact—the entire internet is buzzing with it! But just in case you missed the statistical excitement that has caused a frenzy on the web and over airwaves this week, I'll explain.
A person who has a relationship with the Lord (and sometimes even those who don't), or really anyone who reads the Bible cannot deny that God seems to enjoy using symbolism—ie: certain numbers that may correspond to Scriptures, or have a significant Biblical numerical meaning behind them—to get our attention (or 'blow us away' as some would say).
After losing three straight games with disappointing stats, suddenly rumors had begun to fly that Tim Tebow was all but finished as the Denver starting QB. But on Sunday, along with an excellent performance by the rest of the team, Tebow led the Denver Broncos to an astounding overtime finish. One that ended with some very interesting numbers that seemed, well, emblematic, if you will.
Skeptics might write it off as "coincidence." If, however, one considers that God is the Author of coincidence, and therefore there is none, since "in Him we live and move and have our being," and everything He does has meaning and purpose; then the following numbers put up by Tim Tebow in Sunday's victory will be a treat.
Tebow threw the football for a career high: 316 yards.
That's right; 316. (Or 3:16, if you will.)
If that number sounds familiar in regards to Tim Tebow, it should. (Photo: Lynn Sladky/AP)
When in college, playing for the Florida Gators, Tim often wore the Scripture reference for John 3:16 in his eye black. Now in the NFL, messages on a player's uniform are not allowed—funny though, how that number came right back up. (Looks like God got the last word after all!)
Criticism of Tebow had grown very ugly prior to Sunday's game, even someone as optimistic as Tim must have felt that pressure. (Although he never showed it)
But in the end, the final stat on Tebow spoke loud and clear.
The Scripture, for those not familiar with John 3:16, is Jesus speaking to Nicodemus (who had sought Him out for clarification). In it, Jesus explains God's plan in sending His Son in order to bring eternal salvation to every person who believes in Him.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
That's the message that Tim Tebow has always shared...from eye-black to after-game press conferences; he always gives the glory to and thanks his "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
He's just a regular guy—albeit gifted—who shines the most by virtue of his humility, and who lives to please God and to touch others with God's love. That truly is what astounds even his critics the most.
As I read journalists from all kinds of media outlets, and numerous announcers on TV, so many of them offer a disclaimer that they're not "religious," but then go on to list Tebow's humble demeanor as being heartening and even refreshing to them amid a world full of narcissism. (Photo: Ron Chenoy/US Presswire)
That's what's so inspiring to me and should be to every Believer. This attitude isn't exclusive to Tim Tebow; this is how we all are called to live: humble before God, caring for and encouraging others; joyful and walking in His purposes for our lives.
Just for fun I looked up 1 Timothy 3:16—since the athlete in focus is a "Tim" —and it starts out by saying: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great..." Boy, isn't THAT the truth! In case you're wondering, the rest of the verse goes on to proclaim Jesus, coming to the world for the world to believe. Sounds a bit like John 3:16, doesn't it?
"[Jesus] appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
Either way you look at it, the Gospel is preached.
When I first saw the connection between Tebow's passing stats and Scripture in that last Denver game for the regular season, I thought perhaps a few people (most likely Christians) here and there might also recognize and write about it.

But just the incredible speed at which this connection was made by such a vast array of media outlets and reporters—let alone social networking—is astounding.
This simple 3-digit number, the Gospel message it represents, and the way it's spread across the world in just a few days…
Definitely a God thing.
BCN (Breaking Christian News)

Sunday Chicken Stew

2012-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 pounds), cut up and skin removed
2 tablespoons canola oil
3 cups chicken broth
6 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1-1/2 cups frozen peas
DUMPLINGS:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup 2% milk

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper; add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. In a large skillet, brown chicken in oil; remove and keep warm. Gradually add broth to the skillet; bring to a boil.
In a 5-qt. slow cooker, layer the carrots, celery and onion; sprinkle with rosemary. Add the chicken and hot broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken juices run clear, vegetables are tender and stew is bubbling.
Remove chicken; when cool enough to handle, remove meat from the bones and discard bones. Cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to the slow cooker. Stir in peas.
For dumplings, in a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and rosemary. Combine the egg and milk; stir into dry ingredients. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto simmering chicken mixture. Cover and cook on high for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean (do not lift the cover while simmering). Yield: 6

2012-01-12T17:11:00.001-08:00

Marshmallows used to soothe sore throats.

2012-01-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Today a marshmallow is a spongy treat cooked over campfires. Up until the mid-1800s, marshmallow candy was used medicinally. Doctors extracted juice from the roots of the marsh-mallow plant and cooked it with egg whites and sugar, then whipped it into a foamy meringue. This hardened and the resulting candy soothed children's sore throats. Eventually, advanced manufacturing processes replaced the root juice with gelatin, which eliminated any healing properties.

Check out the article HERE

* Well let's go looking for the roots of the marsh-mallow plant!!! Sounds like a cough candy worth fussing over!

My 3 C's of SANITY NOW

2012-01-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Christ, a coffee and creating keep me sane even when the whole world seems to be falling apart!

What about you? :)

Dryer Sheets

2012-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

*Hmm I have tried 1,3,5,9,10,14,16,17 and you know what? Can't wait to try the others!!!

Here are 20 ways they can be put to good use, after they've taken a spin through your dryer cycle...
1. Use it to dust your television screen. The anti-static chemicals in a dryer sheet will help to repel dust and lint.
2. Use old dryer sheets to easily wipe up talcum powder, flour, and other messes of this type.
3. Used sheets usually have enough fragrance in them to freshen up other areas in your home. Stuff them in tennis shoes, place them in closets, in laundry hampers and in pieces of luggage -- anywhere your house needs a little "refreshment."
4. Run a sheet over a piece of thread when you're doing sewing tasks. The thread won't tangle up as easy.
5. Have pet hair on your clothing? Simply wipe it off with a used dryer sheet! Also works great on cloth furniture too!
6. Keep dust and other contaminants off your glass computer screen by carefully wiping it with an old sheet.
7. Did you purchase some old, musty books at a garage sale or thrift shop? Make them smell good again! Simply place the books in a sealed plastic bag with a used dryer sheet. Allow the bag to sit undisturbed for a day or two, then remove the contents. The musty smell will be gone!
8. Got a problem with mice? Find where they are entering your house and stuff the hole shut with a used sheet. Mice won't chew through the smelly material.
9. Place a used dryer sheet in the bag of your vacuum. Sweep your house, and, once you're done, the air will smell as fresh as your clothes do.
10. These wonders of the 70's are also said to repel mosquitoes as well as other annoying, flying insects. Don't rub it on you. Instead, stick a used sheet in your belt loop.
11. You can use dryer sheets to clean and polish the chrome on your vehicles.
12. Is there a build-up of soap scum on your glass shower door? Simply use an old dryer sheet to eliminate the mess.
13. Is the interior of your car or truck smelling a little stale? Forget the pine tree on a string! Place a few used dryer sheets under the seats of your vehicle instead!
14. Use sheets to clean and polish the glass lens of your eye glasses. They're not recommended for plastic lens, though!
15. Is your hair dry and full of static electricity? Gently wipe a used dryer sheet over your head to get rid of it.
16. Dryer sheets make great dusting cloths for your wooden furniture.
17. Help keep dust and other contaminants out of your house. Simply place a used sheet inside every furnace/AC register in your house. Make sure it covers the openings and replace once they are dirty.
18. Keep your window blinds clean longer by wiping them periodically with used dryer sheets. The anti-static properties of the product will actually help to repel dust and dirt.
19. Are your scissors not cutting as smooth as they should? Wipe the blades clean with a used dryer sheet to remedy this problem.
20. Used dryer sheets make great little cloths for quick shine ups in the bathroom and kitchen too. Just use one on each of your chrome faucets and see how brightly they shine!

From: apartmenttherapy.com

Baked Potato Slices

2012-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

2 medium russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Cut potatoes into 1/4-in. slices. Place in a large bowl; drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with seasoning blend and salt; toss to coat.
Arrange potatoes in a single layer in an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 450° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Yield: 2 servings.

Gatorade does have something to do with Gators

2012-01-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

Gatorade does have something to do with "Gators"

In 1965, a coach for the Florida Gators college football team and one of the university's kidney specialists came up with a concoction of water, salt, sugar, and lemon juice to keep the school's football players hydrated and energized while playing football under the hot Southern sun. Two years later, Gatorade was marketed nationally and has since netted the University of Florida more than $90 million in revenues.

Check out the article HERE

Beef Cottage Cheese Pie

2012-01-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

This recipe is one of my favorite comfort foods. My mom made it when I was little, and I don't even remember where she found it. It may sound strange to you, with the cottage cheese topping, but try this recipe - it's really delicious.

~ Linda Larsen

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 9" unbaked pie crust
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. mustard
2 Tbsp. flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup cottage cheese
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Brown together onion, garlic, and ground beef in a heavy skillet. Drain any excess fat. Add pepper, ketchup, mustard, and flour to skillet and cook and stir for 3 minutes. Turn this meat mixture into the pie crust lined pan. Beat eggs and add cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture over meat in the pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until filling is set, crust is golden, and topping is set and starting to brown in spots

IF YOU GIVE A MOM A MUFFIN

2012-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Written and posted on facebook by: WendyBriggeman-Birkett

Wendy Briggeman-Birkett

IF YOU GIVE A MOM AMUFFIN: "If you give a mom a muffin, she'll want a cup of coffee to gowith it. She'll pour herself some. Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.She'll wipe it up. Wiping the floor, she will find dirty socks. She'll remembershe has to do laundry. When she puts the laundry in the washer, she'll tripover boots and bump into the freezer. Bumping into the freezer will remindh...er that she has to plan supper. She will get out a pound of hamburger.She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With A Pound Of Hamburger.)The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail. She will see the phone bill,which is due tomorrow. She will look for her check book. The check book is inher purse that is being dumped out by her two-year-old. She'll smell somethingfunny. She'll change the two-year-old. While she is changing the two-year-oldthe phone will ring. Her five-year-old will answer and hang up. She'll rememberthat she wants to phone a friend to come for coffee. Thinking of coffee willremind her that she was going to have a cup. She will pour herself some. Andchances are, if she has a cup of coffee, her kids will have eaten the muffinthat went with it."

Wendy I had such a smile on my face while reading your post it waspriceless and you made my day!!! What a perfect snapshot of a morning at home with a little family, I roared! Hope you don't mind the Spot light!

– xo AJ

Compassion Canada Named a Best Christian Workplace for 2012

2012-01-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

Compassion Canada has once again madethe list of Best Christian Workplaces—the only Canadian organization to makethe list this year.
One of the things Compassion Canada’s 87 employees love most aboutCompassion is its mission: releasing children from poverty—in Jesus’ name.Compassion’s employees are passionate about heading to work each day, knowingthey are making a difference in the lives of thousands of children around theworld.

Compassion Canada Pre sident and CEO, Barry Slauenwhite, says, "I am soproud of our staff for the way they passionately serve the poor and for theirdedication to the pursuit of excellence. Our vision is to be the standard ofexcellence for child development globally."
The survey also helps organizations learn how they can continue to grow andimprove. As Compassion Canada’s Director of Operations, Jim Bartholomew says,"Each time we have participated with the Best Christian Workplace survey,we have learned ways for us to continue to grow and improve as a ministry. Wewant to combine the high calling of serving in Compassion’s ministry with awork environment that more and more allows us to contribute our verybest."
This is the fourth time Compassion Canada has made the list in the 10 yearsBCWI has conducted the survey in Canada.
About Compassion
Compassion International has partnered with the local church in the developingworld to bring an et ernal solution to poverty into the lives of children since1952. Today, Compassion Canada and its international partners work with over5,000 churches in 26 nations to bring care to more than one million childrenand families.

*Brian and I have been blessed to be able to visit 3 of our sponsored children while in El Salvador. We have others too in Peru and India. They are an incredible organization and God's continued Blessings on you!
~Annette

“MOSES” from a Hebrew root meaning “to draw out.”

2012-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

Blogging on the Book:

Grafted In the Jewish Olive Tree and the chapter: The Mosaic Covenant

Chapter 3

I love this story about Moses who as a baby not only escapes Pharaoh's decree to have all sons bornof Hebrew women killed but God makes it so the very man who decreed thekillings would inadvertently raise the one escapee baby, when Pharaoh’s owndaughter rescues the baby from the reeds and raises him. Get this – What doesPharaoh’s daughter name the boy? “MOSES” from a Hebrew root meaning “to drawout.”

This was the first I had heard of the meaning of the name Moses.

Later we see God’s victory and situation turn around on Pharaoh when Mosesfulfills his name “to draw out” when God has him do just that with all of God’speople right out from under Pharaoh. Who can out maneuver God? It makes me awefilled and respectfully fearful of him. His love is greater than we couldpossibly comprehend.
~ Annette

Face to Face

“Since then, no prophet hasrisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” —Deuteronomy 34:10

Moroccan Chicken

2012-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch.—Kathy Morgan

Ingredients

4 medium carrots, sliced
2 large onions, halved and sliced
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds), cut up, skin removed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon pepper
Hot cooked couscous

Directions

Place carrots and onions in a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle chicken with salt; add to slow cooker. Top with apricots and raisins. In a small bowl, combine flour and broth until smooth; whisk in the tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, cinnamon and pepper. Pour over chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or until chicken is tender. Serve with couscous. Yield: 4 servings.

What does the name Yeshua mean in Hebrew?

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

In Hebrew and in Aramaic, the word for "salvation" is "YESHUA." What is most interesting is that it is all over the Tenakh (OLD TESTAMENT). If you read the Hebrew translations, which is the original texts, you would be astonished by the fact that Jesus's true name, YESHUA, is found within the Jewish texts that proclaimed the coming of the Messiah.

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name YESHUA: for he shall save his people from their sins.

. Isn’t it amazing that his names means “Salvation.” Is it anywonder now that one needs to believe and accept “Salvation” (Yeshua/Jesus) tobe saved?! Doesn’t it make more sense now?

Learning about the roots of our faith is like learning moreabout your family!
~ Blessings

AJ

Casserole Size

2012-01-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Not sure how many cups your casserole dish holds? Take a one cup measuring cup and fill with water then pour into dish. Keep count how many cups it takes to fill the dish.

Spinach Cannelloni

2012-01-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
20-25 Lasagna leaves (1 pkg)

2 Tbsp margarine divided
1/2 pkg bacon, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
200g frozen, chopped spinach (thawed), drained lightly

300g Ricotta
1/2 C Parmesan, grated
2 egg yolks
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
ground pepper

Method:
Cook Lasagna according to package instructions. Place in cold water untilneeded.

Prepare filling: Melt 1 Tbsp margarine in frying pan, add bacon and fry for 2-3minutes, add onion and sauté. Add spinach and cook over low fire for 5 minutes.Let cool slightly.

Mix ricotta, parmesan, egg yolk and spices and add to the spinach mixture. Mixwell. Place Lasagna leaves on kitchen towel and spoon about 1-2 rounded Tbspsof filling on each leaf. Roll up and place in greased 9x13" baking dish.One layer only! Brush Cannellonis with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake 25-35 minutes at 395 F.

Serve with tomato sauce and salad.

I hope this works. My family likes this food a lot and my boys 4 + 10 don'tmind the spinach at all :-).

Beatrice

Monday Morning Mugging!

2012-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hereis today’s MMM

April Nicholson from Worth Resolving Family & Youth Services arranged to have Play Play Play Smoothies n Snacks Mugged!! Congrats April and Blessing!
403462- 7745 134-5403 Crowchild west N.W

Tortellini Soup

2012-01-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe for TortelliniSoup when I was in highschool home-ec and have been making it ever since! It's easy to make, super delicious and great to take or freeze leftovers forlunch!!

~Nicole Lindsey

Tortellini Soup

6 cups chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
5 carrots, diced
5 celery sticks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. basil
1 small package of tortellini (I used the cheese filled rainbow ones) -I usethe large package and adjust the amount of water
Parmesan cheese

-In a large soup pot bring broth, onion, carrot, celery, garlic and basil to aboil.
-Cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes or until vegetablestender.
-Add tortellini and cook till tender, about 5-8 minutes.
-Ladle into bowl and sprinkle with parmesan.
-Enjoy! Mmm

Gift Wrap Work Station

2012-01-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Keep gift wrap essentials organized and accessible with our Gift Wrap Work Station. It holds up to 12 rolls of wrap plus ribbons, bows, gift totes and wrapping accessories. The A-frame design stands on its own to keep everything within reach. Hang it with the incorporated hook on a closet rod when not in use.

2-sided frame is made from recycled cotton over a fiberboard frame
Specialized hooks hold a roll of gift wrap at table height for ease when wrapping

The Container Store
Priced at 49.00 but what a great house warming gift or wedding present!

Psalm 91 – God’s Umbrella of Protection

2012-01-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

by :Peggy Joyce Ruth
Peggy’s book “Psalm 91 – God’s Umbrella of Protection” is my favorite for 2011. And Psalm 91:1 is my theme verse for the 2011 year.

When you need to reset your default line to one that has you stand fearless and faith filled this is the book I pull from my library to do that job!

Sauerkraut and Vacuuming?

2012-01-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Spinach may be the broom of the stomach, but sauerkraut is the vacuum cleaner.

Pork Chops with Sauerkraut, with Apple Flourish
First, heat some olive oil and caramelize some chopped onion. Brown your seasoned (salt & pepper) pork chops in the same pan.
Pour in sauerkraut and all its juices in a slow cooker and place the browned pork chops on top. Turn on low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, until the meat is falling off the bone. Sometimes I like to grate in a little apple. If liquid gets low, add some apple juice or water.

Best to serve the meat and cabbage with a pile of mashed spuds.

Dutch Butter Cake

2012-01-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter

2 cups flour

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

1 egg, beaten

-cream butter and sugar

-add vanilla and 3/4 egg

-blend in flour andbaking powder but do not overmix

-press into 9x9 pan(ungreased)

-smooth 1/4 beaten eggover top with a spatula and make plaid pattern with a fork

-bake at 350 degrees for30 min

This is unbelievablyyummy. Cut small squares as it is so rich. Bet you can't eat justone.

~Melanie Lange

Brave Little Toaster

2012-01-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Visit her site: Grilled Cheese Social

Brave Little Toaster

I've always had big dreams for my toaster. Well sort of. I know it might sound strange, but ever since I saw The Brave Little Toaster when I was like five, I've had a soft spot for old appliances and a weird habit of calling my toaster slot-head. Remember the suicide-nightmare scene when Toaster is depressed because Master ditched him and dreams about falling into a bathtub to her (his? I could never tell) death? Horrifying, right?

Well yeah, I guess you can say it sort of stuck with me. Maybe that's why I can't seem to toss the jenky old toaster that was given to me when I moved to New York two years ago. I mean, it probably cost like ten bucks at CVS but I've put like thirty bucks into revamping it so it's not going anywhere. Yes, I've just announced that I've given my toaster a facelift a few times. Yes, I'm weird and spray paint my kitchen appliances so they look cute. Yes, you should too, it's so easy and Montana Gold spray paint works perfectly.

But I digress. This is about grilled cheese making! So let me tell you about this grilled cheese that's made with ~~my slot-head~~ a toaster.

Here's whatchaaaa need...

Ingredients:

- 2 slices of muenster cheese
- 2 slices of white bread
- four thinly shaved pieces of speck
- 1 tbsp of good and evil pickles
(or any sweet and spicy pickles)
- 1 toaster

Now before you begin - please take these necessary precautions and pay attention to these ~~slightly horrifying~~ important parts.

1. CLEAN OUT YOUR TOASTER.
2. FLIP YOUR TOASTER ON IT'S SIDE.
3. DO A TEST RUN.
4. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR TOASTER UNATTENDED WHILE YOU'RE MAKING THIS GC.

Basically just pop a piece of bread in there to see if you have any hotspots. These are areas that burn quicker than the rest of your bread. If you have a new toaster, you probably won't have this issue. But if you've got them you need to be aware and take extra steps before you start to toast the cheesed up pieces. Of course, my crappy old toaster had one really bad hotspot; in the back of the top slot which caused instant burnt toast once it was flipped on its side. I'll tell you how I remedied this later on in the post.

Another point that I need to mention is that when I was doing the research for this post, I found that quite a few people had toasters that had these metal gates that sort of gripped the bread while it was being toasted. My ~~hand-me-down~~ vintage toaster is probably about 8 years old, so it doesn't have any fancy metalwork. But some do, and if yours does, this method won't work for ya. SORRY! The heated metal prongs will press into the cheese and start a smoky mess and maybe even start a fire which is not a lawsuit I'd like to deal with. So yeah, give up now if that's what's going on in your kitchen. Come back next week and I'll have a new method just for you!

So when you use the whole "toaster technique" you're going to want to use a super flat slice of cheese. Using shredded cheese would be an absolute mess and would definitely fill your house with the smell of burnt cheese. No bueno.

So yeah, stick to the sliced stuff and lay one slice on each piece of bread.

Also, now that you're aware of your hot spots and are ready to start to melt some cheese, go ahead and gently press down your toasting lever and watch the magic unfold.

I let mine toast for about two and a half minutes on the "low" setting. And because of my toaster's hot spot, I made sure to rotate my bread half way through so the back wouldn't get all burnt up and cause my house to smell like death. Yes, death. It's awful, but not as awful as burnt hair. That's the worst.

And here's another tricky part, if your toaster is anything like mine, it will projectile-launch your toast four feet across the room when it decides it's "done". This is a serious issue. Cheese burns are no fun and they seriously feel like molten lava if they just so happen to launch out and hit you in the stomach while you're wearing a bikini*.

Make sure to gently pop your toast out, and have a shirt on, please, please, please take my advice and have a shirt on.

*True story, lesson learned. Don't ever cook in a bikini.

Now this is the part when you need to work quickly. After the cheese has melted, take your toast out and start piling on the good stuff.

I threw on some speck, which is like a juniper flavored version of prosciutto. It's super yummy and salty and good, and I actually like it about 300 times more than regular ole' prosciutto.

Then I piled a couple of these delicious sweet and spicy pickles that my friend Bev mailed me from Florida. They're called good and evil pickles and they're made by the wonderful people at Mercier Orchards. Basically it's equal parts whole garlic cloves, sliced jalapenos, and cucumber rounds. They're super spicy but it's not overwhelming because the sweetness masks the burning which in turn, forces you to keep eating them so that you maintain this equilibrium of hot-to-not-so-hot balance.

Am i the only one that experiences this vicious and sometimes fattening cycle? I think that's why I always eat way too much chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants. Sorry, back to the point.

Once your fillings are all in, place the other piece of cheesy toast on top. If you're not afraid of a few hundred calories more, smear some butter all over the toast to make it more grilled cheese-ish. I felt really weird about not putting butter all over this sandwich but I'm going back to Florida for a visit next week and i might have to be in a bathing suit, so i figured I could go without it... even if i felt like a traitor.

Now slice it down the middle and serve immediately!

In conclusion, this is definitely a method that should be used only in desperate situations. To be honest, I'll probably never do the toaster technique again, but at least we all know that it can be done without the tricks of cable television! I mean, it's not that bad, just a little dry and anxiety provoking (totally didn't even think about cleaning out the crumbs before I did a test run which was a bad idea).

And of course, I'll be back next week with a new and exciting grilled cheese cooking method, so stay tuned!

xoxo,

GCS

Combat Ice and Boost Greenery Later

2012-01-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

There aretwo extremes right now in Calgary - Clear sidewalks or treacherous ice patches. Just a trek across the yard can be tricky. It seems that there is notreally SNOW left ...it is basically ICE that has us surrounded. Considersomething different to protect against slipping and at the same time provides apay off later in the year!

Spreadgritty alfalfa meal -- available from feed stores -- on slippery paths toprovide traction on ice and snow. In spring, the alfalfa serves as a nitrogenfertilizer for surrounding greenery. :)

Piggy Purse

2012-01-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

Awe I love it. How adorable is this little wallet!? Free download for the pattern. This is a definate i awigam that's short for "if and when I get a minute"
* Perfect for using left over wool!

Love of a Rubber Band

2012-01-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

No more worries of camisoles, sundresses, and other slippery garments slipping off hangers when you wrap the ends with rubber bands. ~ Real Simple
I also tried this with the heavy duty wood hangers I bought for the front room coat closet. I found some of the jackets slipped off alot and this solved the problem for me. What good was having something all matching and heavy duty enough to hold a winter coat if they fall off all the time anyway?!

Southwestern Goulash

2012-01-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! ~Vikki

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2/3 cup frozen corn
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, corn, tomato sauce, chilies, cumin, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
Drain macaroni; add to meat mixture. Stir in cilantro and heat through. Yield: 6 servings.

With the Lil Davinci® Art Gallery - Kid's Art Frame

2012-01-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

Your favourite little artist brings home wonderful drawings from School and you have the fridge to prove it! Encourage your child to draw because each frame lets you instantly change or add up to 50 works of art.

You will be ready to frame whatever the kids come up with next. It includes a Kid's Art Frame for 18x24, 12x18, 9x12, and 8.5x11 artwork. Each frame lets you instantly change or add up to 50 works of art. Secure wall mounting hardware and template included. Available in black or cherry finish.

Encourage creativity, self esteem and you can keep clutter down and organization to the MAX!

These are the most clever art cabinets!

Harvest Chicken

2012-01-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Our family loves this simple yet"gourmet" meal. It is the perfect dish to serve guests.

For a nine by thirteen pan

approx 6 chicken breasts cut up inserving size pieces

2 cans of Campbell's mushroom soup

milk - about 1 soup can to form asauce

2 cups of grated cheese

salt, pepper, garlic to taste

place chicken in bottom of dish

mix soup, milk and spices then pourover chicken

top with grated cheese

Place in oven @ 350 for 40 min

while cooking, make stuffing, Iusually just use a box of stovetop and mix it with extra bread pieces

when chicken has cooked for 40min remove from oven and top with stuffing. return chicken to oven for 20 more min

serve chicken with steamed carrotsand broccoli,( I steam mini carrots first because they take longer, andwhen they are soft I put the broccoli in with the carrots for a couple minlonger) also boiled mini red potatoes and don't forget the cranberry sauce.This meal has an outstanding presentation and serves up perfectly. When youdish up a serving of chicken the stuffing will stay on top and looks great.

Annette's Book Club - January We Have 2 Books!

2012-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Book of the Month for January

Do you ever sense that there’s far more to prayer, and to God’s vision for your life, than what you’re experiencing? It’s time you learned from the legend of Honi the Circle Maker—a man bold enough to draw a circle in the sand and not budge from inside it until God answered his prayers for his people.What impossibly big dream is God calling you to draw a prayer circle around? Sharing inspiring stories from his own experiences as a circle maker, Mark Batterson will help you uncover your heart’s deepest desires and God-given dreams and unleash them through the kind of audacious prayer that God delights to answer.

plus a BONUS BOOK for this Month!

Today's church is one that is largely impacted by the world rather than being the standard-setters of righteousness and justice. Using the Book of Acts as our model, it becomes quite clear that we have deviated from the effectiveness of the original body. A glance at the church's history reveals a pattern of polarization among Gentile Believers and Israel that has resulted in the power of the Holy Spirit, so mightily present upon the early church, withdrawing from the church. For those who long for the presence of God to return to His people in fullness, the matter of the Jewish people is vital. God made a covenant with Abraham that still maintains today, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). In order to find our way back to His presence and power, there must be restoration of the church's Jewish roots in God's purpose and mission for Israel.

25 Documents ou Need Before You Die

2011-12-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

It isn't enough simply to sign a bunch of papers establishing an estate plan and other end-of-life instructions. You also have to make your heirs aware of them and leave the documents where they can find them.

The 25 Documents You Need Before You Die