love ya.lyn

Then and Now

2012-01-27T00:03:00.001-07:00

Worth Waiting For

2012-01-26T00:06:00.000-07:00

Wordy Wednesday

2012-01-25T00:01:00.005-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #8

2012-01-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

Water

Daily gargling with plain tap water can help cut the number of colds and respiratory infections you get, as well as relieve symptoms if you're already sick. Those who gargle three times a day with tap water had nearly 50 percent fewer respiratory infections during cold and flu season. When people are already sick, gargling reduced bronchial irritation.

Gargling with salt water or water with lemon and honey are also safe and effective way to soothe and cleanse a sore throat. Salt in the water also draws out excess fluid from the throat's inflamed tissues, and warm water may help cleanse them a bit better.

The Handwriting's on the Wall

2012-01-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

It's National Handwriting Day!!

January 23 marks National Handwriting Day, an annual celebration commemorating the birthday of John Hancock. National Handwriting Day was created in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) to publicly acknowledge the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, "National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting."

What Does Your Handwriting Say?

Did you know your handwriting may be saying as much about your character as the words you write? Here are some hints to what you may be saying when you dot your I's and cross your T’s:

Are you’re A’s and O’s tightly closed?
There may be a secret you’re trying to keep.

Do your letters slant in chaotic directions?
You’re in strange company. Where only 10 percent of the general public has a wobbly slant, 70 to 80 percent of convicted felons do.

Do you carefully line up the dots above your I’s?
You have excellent concentration; you are one who doesn’t shun the drudgery of detail while working hard.

Are your letters strictly vertical?
This communicates your desire to appear detached and impersonal. It shows independence and restraint, but also self-centeredness and rigidity.

Are the letters of each word slightly connected?
This reflects your single-mindedness and consistency of thought. You tackle problems with practicality, not sentimentality.

Choir Notes

2012-01-22T00:01:00.034-07:00

I Have a Dream

From Music and The Spoken Word

Delivered By Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4296

On a blustery winter evening in 1956, Martin Luther King attended a church meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, leaving his wife and baby at home. Near the close of the meeting, a man burst into the room and announced that King’s house had been bombed.

King rushed home to find his wife and baby safe; the bomb had exploded on the front porch. But throngs began gathering, and trouble was brewing. Some in the crowd had guns in their hands and thoughts of retaliation in their minds. The police arrived to a situation quickly getting out of control. Then King stepped in front of the angry swarm and said, "I want you to go home and put down your weapons.

A hush fell over the group as he continued, "We must meet hate with love.” The mood changed. One man shouted, "Amen,” and another added, "God bless you,” and eventually the crowd dispersed.1

In the years to come, Martin Luther King led boycotts to desegregate buses; he marched to desegregate housing and schools, and he marched on Washington to press for civil rights legislation. His speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial still stirs us today. "I have a dream,” he said, "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”2

That dream helped change the hearts and minds of millions. And his vision continues to change things. Today, years after his death, Martin Luther King’s words still mark the cadence of the "march to the realization of the American dream.”3

1 See Martin Luther King Jr., Stride toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story (1958), 125–28.

2 "I Have a Dream,” in Lewis Copeland and others, eds., The World’s Great Speeches, 4th ed. (1999), 753.

3 "Our God Is Marching On,” in James M. Washington, ed., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. (1986), 229.

What Were They Thinking...

2012-01-21T00:02:00.002-07:00

Enjoying Nature

2012-01-20T00:00:00.003-07:00

CrossFit

2012-01-19T00:03:00.006-07:00

82 years young, Jean nails a new deadlift 1RM PR at 153 lbs...

Wordy Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:03:00.002-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #7

2012-01-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Ginger

Ginger can help reduce nausea and relieve motion sickness. Taking one gram of ginger an hour before surgery can reduce nausea and vomiting during the first 24 hours after surgery. People undergoing chemotherapy who take as little as one quarter of a teaspoon of ginger daily for three days before chemo cut their nausea by 10 percent. A small amount of fresh or powdered ginger works better than a larger dose, and ginger taken with anti-vomiting drugs wors better to control nausea than drugs alone.

Older adults prone to motion sickness should eat one or two pieces of crystallized ginger, available in most supermarkets, before traveling. Ginger extract capsules are much stronger and may actually cause stomach upset. Don't go above two grams of ginger.

Planting Tomatoes

2012-01-16T00:01:00.001-07:00

An old Italian gentleman lived alone in New Jersey . He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard.

His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament: Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days. Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son. Dear Papa, Don’t dig up that garden. That’ s where the bodies are buried. Love, Vinnie

At 4 a.m. The next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son. Dear Papa, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That’s the best I could do under the circumstances. Love you, Vinnie

Choir Notes

2012-01-15T00:03:00.025-07:00

Come Depressed and Leave Refreshed

From Music and The Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4295

Very often, the surest way to make an adversity or heartache a little more bearable is to think a little more about the adversities and heartaches of others. It’s truly remarkable how such a simple shift in focus can change everything.

Devin was one of those who faced serious hardships in life and yet found a way to endure the pain and find joy. During his short 15 years of life, he fought a valiant battle against cancer. Devin’s secret was his deep faith in God, along with deep love for his family and friends. Despite his own trials, Devin always left others feeling a little better than he found them. He loved people—loved to listen to them, laugh with them, and talk with them. People who visited Devin with the idea of comforting him always seemed to leave with the feeling that, somehow, they were the ones comforted.

For his 15th birthday, Devin asked for a small refrigerator so he could have cold soft drinks available for anyone who came to visit. He put a slogan on the door of the fridge: "The Soda Factory—come depressed and leave refreshed.” Up until the day he passed away, Devin simply loved people and found that as he thought of others instead of himself, he felt a little better, happier, stronger.

This simple but profound truth applies not only to those with serious illnesses but to all of us, whatever our trials. When we are disheartened and face an unknown future, think of others; when we feel depleted by life’s challenges and overwhelmed with worries, think of others. It doesn’t need to be much, it just needs to come from the heart: a listening ear, a welcoming smile, a warm embrace—or even a can of soda pop! As we demonstrate genuine, heartfelt interest in others, we—and they—will be refreshed.

7 Foods You Should Never Eat

2012-01-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Food scientists are shedding light on items loaded with toxins and chemicals--and simple swaps for a cleaner diet and supersized health.

Clean eating means choosing fruits, vegetables, and meats that are raised, grown, and sold with minimal processing. Often they're organic, and rarely (if ever) should they contain additives. But in some cases, the methods of today's food producers are neither clean nor sustainable. The result is damage to our health, the environment, or both. So, take a fresh look at food through the eyes of the people who spend their lives uncovering what's safe,or not, to eat. They were asked a simple question: "What foods do you avoid?" Their answers don't necessarily make up a "banned foods" list. But reaching for the suggested alternatives might bring you better health and peace of mind.

1. The Endocrinologist Won't Eat: Canned Tomatoes
Fredrick Vom Saal, is an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies bisphenol-A.

The problem: The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Unfortunately, acidity (a prominent characteristic of tomatoes) causes BPA to leach into your food. Studies show that the BPA in most people's body exceeds the amount that suppresses sperm production or causes chromosomal damage to the eggs of animals. "You can get 50 mcg of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that's a level that is going to impact people, particularly the young," says vom Saal. "I won't go near canned tomatoes."

The solution: Choose tomatoes in glass bottles (which do not need resin linings), such as the brands Bionaturae and Coluccio. You can also get several types in Tetra Pak boxes, like Trader Joe's and Pomi.

Budget tip: If your recipe allows, substitute bottled pasta sauce for canned tomatoes. Look for pasta sauces with low sodium and few added ingredients, or you may have to adjust the recipe.

2. The Farmer Won't Eat: Corn-Fed Beef
Joel Salatin is co-owner of Polyface Farms and author of half a dozen books on sustainable farming.

The problem: Cattle evolved to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feed their animals corn and soybeans, which fatten up the animals faster for slaughter. But more money for cattle farmers (and lower prices at the grocery store) means a lot less nutrition for us. A recent comprehensive study conducted by the USDA and researchers from Clemson University found that compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitaman E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), calcium, magnesium, and potassium; lower in inflammatory omega-6s; and lower in saturated fats that have been linked to heart disease. "We need to respect the fact that cows are herbivores, and that does not mean feeding them corn and chicken manure," says Salatin.

The solution: Buy grass-fed beef, which can be found at specialty grocers, farmers' markets, and nationally at Whole Foods. It's usually labeled because it demands a premium, but if you don't see it, ask your butcher.

Budget tip: Cuts on the bone are cheaper because processors charge extra for deboning. You can also buy direct from a local farmer, which can be as cheap as $5 per pound. To find a farmer near you, search eatwild.com.

3. The Toxicologist Won't Eat: Microwave Popcorn
Olga Naidenko, is a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group.

The problem: Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, according to a recent study from UCLA. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize--and migrate into your popcorn. "They stay in your body for years and accumulate there," says Naidenko, which is why researchers worry that levels in humans could approach the amounts causing cancers in laboratory animals. DuPont and other manufacturers have promised to phase out PFOA by 2015 under a voluntary EPA plan, but millions of bags of popcorn will be sold between now and then.

The solution: Pop natural kernels the old-fashioned way: in a skillet. For flavorings, you can add real butter or dried seasonings, such as dillweed, vegetable flakes, or soup mix.

Budget tip: Popping your own popcorn is dirt cheap

4. The Farm Director Won't Eat: Nonorganic Potatoes
Jeffrey Moyer is the chair of the National Organic Standards Board.

The problem: Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. In the case of potatoes, the nation's most popular vegetable, they're treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they're dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting. "Try this experiment: Buy a conventional potato in a store, and try to get it to sprout. It won't," says Moyer, who is also farm director of the Rodale Institute (also owned by Rodale Inc., the publisher of Prevention). "I've talked with potato growers who say point-blank they would never eat the potatoes they sell. They have separate plots where they grow potatoes for themselves without all the chemicals."

The solution: Buy organic potatoes. Washing isn't good enough if you're trying to remove chemicals that have been absorbed into the flesh.

Budget tip: Organic potatoes are only $1 to $2 a pound, slightly more expensive than conventional spuds.

5. The Fisheries Expert Won't Eat: Farmed Salmon
Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany, published a major study in the journal Science on contamination in fish.

The problem: Nature didn't intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT. According to Carpenter, the most contaminated fish come from Northern Europe, which can be found on American menus. "You could eat one of these salmon dinners every 5 months without increasing your risk of cancer," says Carpenter, whose 2004 fish contamination study got broad media attention. "It's that bad." Preliminary science has also linked DDT to diabetes and obesity, but some nutritionists believe the benefits of omega-3s outweigh the risks. There is also concern about the high level of antibiotics and pesticides used to treat these fish. When you eat farmed salmon, you get dosed with the same drugs and chemicals.

The solution: Switch to wild-caught Alaska salmon. If the package says fresh Atlantic, it's farmed. There are no commercial fisheries left for wild Atlantic salmon.

Budget tip: Canned salmon, almost exclusively from wild catch, can be found for as little as $3 a can.

6. The Cancer Researcher Won't Drink: Milk Produced With Artificial Hormones
Rick North is project director of the Campaign for Safe Food at the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and former CEO of the Oregon division of the American Cancer Society.

The problem: Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers. "When the government approved rBGH, it was thought that IGF-1 from milk would be broken down in the human digestive tract," says North. As it turns out, the casein in milk protects most of it, according to several independent studies. "There's not 100 percent proof that this is increasing cancer in humans," admits North. "However, it's banned in most industrialized countries."

The solution: Check labels for rBGH-free, rBST-free, produced without artificial hormones, or organic milk. These phrases indicate rBGH-free products.

Budget tip: Try Wal-Mart's Great Value label, which does not use rBGH.

7. The Organic-Foods Expert Won't Eat: Conventional Apples
Mark Kastel, a former executive for agribusiness, is codirector of the Cornucopia Institute, a farm-policy research group that supports organic foods.

The problem: If fall fruits held a "most doused in pesticides contest," apples would win. Why? They are individually grafted (descended from a single tree) so that each variety maintains its distinctive flavor. As such, apples don't develop resistance to pests and are sprayed frequently. The industry maintains that these residues are not harmful. But Kastel counters that it's just common sense to minimize exposure by avoiding the most doused produce, like apples. "Farm workers have higher rates of many cancers," he says. And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides (from all sources) with Parkinson's disease.

The solution: Buy organic apples.

Budget tip: If you can't afford organic, be sure to wash and peel them. But Kastel personally refuses to compromise. "I would rather see the trade-off being that I don't buy that expensive electronic gadget," he says. "Just a few of these decisions will accommodate an organic diet for a family."

Food scientists are shedding light on items loaded with toxins and chemicals--and simple swaps for a cleaner diet and supersized health.

Almond Flour Deal

2012-01-13T00:04:00.004-07:00

In most grocery stores, almond flour costs about $10.00 per pound. At Honeyville, you can buy 5 lbs. for $30.00 + $5.00 shipping. Until Tuesday, January 17, 2012, you can use the coupon code 2012 and get 20% of your purchase... good opportunity to stock up on almond flour at a reasonable price!!

Chocolate Dipped Cherries with Nuts

2012-01-12T00:01:00.002-07:00

1/2 cup hazelnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts, shelled, skinned, and chopped
4 oz. Ghirardelli 100% Cacao unsweetened chocolate bar
4 oz. coconut milk
1 lb. (about 50) sweet cherries with stems intact, pitted

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat and set aside. Place the nuts in a shallow bowl and set aside. Place chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside.

Bring coconut milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Pour hot milk over chocolate and let sit for about 30 seconds; stir until the chocolate melts completely.

Holding by the stem, dip the bottom of a cherry in the chocolate mixture, lightly shake off excess chocolate, and dip the cherry in the chopped nuts.

Transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Repeat with remaining cherries, refrigerate for 10 minutes, and store in a cool, dry place. Cherries will keep for several hours. Enjoy!

Wordy Wednesday

2012-01-11T00:02:00.004-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #6

2012-01-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is derived from the leaves and twigs of a flowering shrub. For more than century, the clear, refined extract has been used as an astringent to help tighten the skin and relieve inflammation. It is the main ingredient in commercial hemorrhoid pads, used to relieve mild itching and irritation, but you can do the same at home with pads you moisten with witch hazel. for even more relief, used chilled witch hazel.

Roasted Shrimp & Broccoli

2012-01-09T00:07:00.019-07:00

2 lbs. broccoli florets with some stem
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. whole coriander seeds (or 1/2 tsp. ground)
1 tsp. whole cumin seeds (or 1/2 tsp. ground)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. chili powder (mild or hot to taste)

1 lbs. large shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Heat the oven to 425˚F.

On a large cookie sheet, toss together the broccoli florets, olive oil, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Spread into a single layer and pop into the oven for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss together shrimp, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper in a bowl. When the broccoli’s been in the oven 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the broccoli and toss (carefully.)

Roast another 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the broccoli is “tender and golden around the edges.”

Serve over a bowl of cauliflower rice and squeeze some lemon on top.

via Amateur Gourmet

Cauliflower Rice

2012-01-09T00:06:00.004-07:00

Trim and discard the leaves from the cauliflower, and wash the white part. Put a steamer pot on to boil.
Grate the cauliflower with a fine cheese grater or (preferably) shred it in a food processor (fine shredding disc). This can be messy, so work on an oilcloth or a baking sheet to contain the shreds.

Next, wrap the shredded cauliflower for steaming. The best way to do this is to place your cauliflower into a 1 gallon paint strainer bag (available for about $1 at a hardware store). Another, less optimal way is to bundle it up in fine cheesecloth or a cloth nutmilk bag.

Put the cauliflower bag into a steamer pot and steam for 10-15 min., or until soft. Remove from heat.
Rinse the bag under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the cauliflower. Wring the bag firmly 3-4 times to remove all liquid.

Inside the bag is a firm, fine, rice-like ball of cauliflower ready for serving. If you used a strainer bag, removing it is very easy and clean — just reach in and pull it out. If you used cloth, you might find find that more of the cauliflower rice sticks to the bag and requires some scraping.

Enjoy cauliflower rice as a side dish, or use it as a platform for saucy dishes like curries and stews, or saute it with veggies and meat for a biryani or fried rice style dish. Experiment with adding spices like cumin, garlic, curry or coriander during steaming for added flavor.

via FastPaleo

Choir Notes

2012-01-08T00:03:00.001-07:00

The Promise of Hope

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4294

The beginning of a new year is a good time to remember that most darkness is temporary. No matter how bleak or dark things may seem at times, the long nights of winter gradually grow shorter, a new day eventually dawns, and with it comes a new beginning and new confidence. Hope is the flame that brightens the darkest nights.

During the dark days of World War II, a Jewish inmate in a Nazi concentration camp found a way to rekindle hope. It was the first night of Hanukkah (which, in most parts of the world, falls at the darkest time of the year). On this night, Jews traditionally light the first candle in their Menorah. Not having any provisions for such a celebration, the prisoner saved a scrap of bread from his meager meal and dipped it in grease from his dinner dish. After saying the appropriate prayer, he lit his makeshift candle.

His son said to him, "Father, that was food you burned. We have so little of it. Wouldn’t we have been better off eating it?” The father replied, "My son, people can live for a week without food, but they cannot live for one day without hope.”1

Hope is so much more than positive thinking. It’s deeper than smiley faces and lofty words, although a sincere smile or an expression of faith can be a good start. But true hope is found deep in the hearts of those who love. It is expressed through meaningful work and worthwhile activity. It is manifested in service, sacrifice, and selflessness. It leads us to see ourselves—and others—as children of a loving Heavenly Father who, as the Psalmist said, can be to us a light that casts away fear.2

Each new year, and each new day, can be filled with hope and possibility. When the night seems particularly dark, let us light a candle, even if only in our hearts, to the promise of hope.

1 Harold Kushner, Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World (2009), 93-944

2 See Psalm 27:1

Deconstruted Guacamole Salad

2012-01-07T00:08:00.001-07:00

Salad
2 ripe avocados, in thick slices
1 red onion, sliced in half moons
A generous handful of coriander
Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Salt and pepper to season

Dressing
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

The Method

Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and set aside.

Assemble the ingredients for the salad on a serving platter, start with the slices of avocado then top with the red onion slices and then the cherry tomatoes. Pick off little leaves of coriander and sprinkle all over the top of the salad.

Drizzle over the dressing and then season with sea salt and a good grinding of black pepper.

Serve straight away. Makes 4 salads

Lemon Garlic Chicken Kabobs

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Chicken
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more, to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more, to taste
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
Optional Vegetables
Juice of 1 lemon lemon
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks

Directions:
1) To prepare chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Add chicken and stir to combine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
2) To prepare grill, plank and skewers: Soak a cedar plank in water according to package instructions. Prepare a medium fire in a grill and heat plank. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to cover for at least 20 minutes.
3) To prepare vegetables: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set aside. Thread onion and bell pepper onto skewers, alternating pieces and dividing them equally. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Thread chicken onto separate skewers, taking care not to pack pieces too tightly.
4) To grill: Lay skewers on warm plank. Brush vegetables with olive oil-lemon juice mixture. Close lid and cook until chicken is opaque throughout and the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer skewers to a warmed platter and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

Via One Perfect Bite

Did You Know?

2012-01-05T00:07:00.005-07:00

Century Gothic font uses the least amount of ink when printing!!

Just a little tidbit of info from Clark Howard’s book

Living Large in Lean Times.

This book could make us all Millionaires.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T00:05:00.001-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #5

2012-01-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

Menthol Rub

Applying mentholated ointments such as strong-smelling Vicks VapoRub has been shown to be a safe, cost-effective treatment for toenail fungus, often more effective than over-the counter products. Applying vicks to the affedted nails once daily helped either cure or partially clear up the fungus.

Vicks is easy to apply and worth trying before turning to more costly alternatives. Be sure to first wipe the affected nail s with a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar, then apply the VapoRub.

Lesson

2012-01-02T00:06:00.001-07:00

A meteorology professor stood before his Meteorology 101 class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty glass mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a jar of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open spaces between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar and of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous yes. The professor then produced two cans of Coke from under the table and then proceeded to pour the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the grains of sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your partner, your health, your children, your friends, your favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. "The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. Play another 18. "There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Coke represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Cokes."

PicNYC Table

2012-01-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

click on picture for more information...

Choir Notes

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-07:00

New Beginnings

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 3672

Every time the sun sets, it rises in the morning and sheds new light on yesterday’s shadows. Whether a new century or a new day, life presents countless opportunities to begin anew. No matter our age or circumstance, today is a new day, and so is tomorrow. Think how wonderful that is!

While yesterday—and all of history—are valuable for the lessons learned, the experience gained, the memories made, each new day contains the promise of a fresh start. We take hold of this promise by learning from the past and living in the present—with bright hope for the future.

A young woman devotes many hours to researching family history, because she believes that only by understanding the past can we really improve upon it. She gains appreciation and is better able to face the problems of the present by taking time to look back. Such reflection gives her the courage and insight to set goals and persist in achieving them.

If we are to begin anew, we can neither ignore the past nor abide in it. We move forward by remembering yesterday with its triumphs and tragedies, and by living today to the fullest. Richard L. Evans offered some timely advice: “Go ahead with your life, your plans, your preparation, as fully as you can. Don’t waste time stopping before the interruptions have started. Keep going forward, and keep your heart comforted, with courage and faith in the future. The wise keep learning, keep preparing for life, and don’t let uncertainties dissuade [them] from moving forward."1

Life gives us abundant opportunities for a fresh start. In a sense, each beginning is no different from any other. A new school year, a new job, a new city, friendship, or phase of life—all take some getting used to. But when we embrace the change and welcome the opportunity for growth, we live more fully and discover interests and talents that might otherwise have gone undeveloped. Yesterday’s stumbling blocks can become today’s stepping-stones. And little by little, as we go forward with purpose and hope, our new beginning will become a new way of life.

1 Richard L. Evans, An Open Door (Salt Lake City, Utah: Publishers Press, 1967), 123.

Resolutions

2011-12-31T00:01:00.010-07:00

The History of New Year’s Resolutions

The celebration of the New Year was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. Around B.C. 2000, Babylonians celebrated the beginning of a new year on what is now March 23.

January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in B.C. 46, when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had. The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, a mythical king of early Rome. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for changes, transitions, and resolutions; Romans sought forgiveness from their enemies and exchanged gifts before the beginning of each new year.

The practice of observing New Years on January 1 fell out of favor in the middle ages and wasn’t revived until the Renaissance.

The Photographer

2011-12-30T00:03:00.003-07:00

How people think photographers spend their time:

How photographers actually spend their time:

Carmelized Cauliflower Soup

2011-12-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the crusty edges and nutty taste of a roasted cauliflower floret. The high heat of the oven brings out the natural sugars in the vegetable.

INGREDIENTS: Serves 4
1 Head Cauliflower (about 3 lbs.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. Fresh Grated Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper
2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Large Shallot, chopped
1 Clove Garlic, chopped
3 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
1 tsp. Dried Thyme
1 Tbsp. White Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Cup Toasted Hazelnuts, Chopped
Fresh Thyme Leaves

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 450ºF.

Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in a large bowl, Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the fresh nutmeg and a hefty pinch of salt and pepper, and toss everything to coat. Next, spread the cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and bake on the middle rack for about 35-45 minutes, or until they are fully roasted and you see a good amount of brown edges. Toss the cauliflower halfway through, There is a pretty wide grace period here. Remove to cool.

While the cauliflower roasts, start the broth. Heat the oil in a saucepan and saute the shallots and garlic for about 5 minutes to soften. Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, and vinegar and warm through.

When the cauliflower is cool to touch, add it and the broth mixture to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Taste for salt and pepper. If you want more contrast, add a bit more vinegar. Add it back to the saucepan to keep warm.

Serve each portion of soup with chopped hazelnuts and a pinch of fresh thyme leaves.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #4

2011-12-27T00:03:00.002-07:00

Baby Shampoo

A half-and-half solution of baby shampoo and warm water is a simple, effective way to clean eyelids that are itchy, red, or crusty. The condition could be blepharitis, a common eye problem in older adults.. It can cause scaling and crustiness along the base of the eyelashes. Gently cleaning the eyelid with ababy shampoo wash helps get rid of oil and bacteria but won't sting your eyes.

Try diluting a little baby shampoo with an equal amounts of water twice a day, then gently rubbing the mixture with fingertips on the closed eyelid and along the eyelashes for one minute. rinse well with water. Make sure that you use the baby shampoo only on the lid, and not on the surface of the eye.

Two Recipes for Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-12-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

1. Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

3 eggs separated
5 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
4 Tablespoons Ghee, melted
1 Cup pure pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch salt
2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
2 cups almond flour
½-1 cup dark chocolate pieces

Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a muffin tin or use paper baking cups.

Cream the egg yolks and maple syrup in a large bowl. Add the ghee, pumpkin, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and almond flour until well combined. Stir in chocolate pieces.

In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until fluffy and stiff white peaks form. Fold egg whites into the pumpkin mixture carefully pulling it away from the sides before gradually folding the rest of the egg whites into the mixture.

Spoon the mix into each cup and bake for about 40 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.

2. Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 cup coconut flour
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
6 eggs, beaten
4 Tbps coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400º. Grease muffin papers, as they will stick if not greased.

Stir together all ingredients except chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon into muffin tin.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until light golden brown on top, and tooth pick comes out clean. Store in the fridge.

The Gospel Tree

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

There once was a shining Christmas tree

Standing out where all could see.

Its brilliance captured every eye

And seemed to cheer each passer-by.

"The lights are so bright", they would say

And hesitate to walk away.

The tree stood proud ablaze with light

For every light was burning bright.

Then one bulb was heard to say

"I'm tired of burning night and day;

I think I'll just go out and rest

For I'm too tired to do my best;

Besides, I am so very small

I doubt if I'd be missed at all."

Then a child lovingly touched the light

"Look Mother, this one shines so very bright.

I think of all the lights upon the tree

This one looks the best to me."

"Oh my goodness," said the light

"I almost dimmed right out of sight.

I thought perhaps no one would care

If I failed to shine my share."

With that a glorious brilliance came

For every light had felt-the same.

Our Gospel, like this Christmas tree

With little lights which are you and me

We each have a space that we must fill

With love, and lessons and good will.

Let's keep our tree ablaze with light

With testimonies burning bright.

For our Gospel is a living tree

That lights the way to eternity.

Merry Christmas

Choir Notes

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Earth Peace, Good Will Toward Men
From Music and the Spoken Word
Delivered By: Jane Seymour • Program 4292

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;…

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

[Luke 2:1, 3-14]

13th Day of Christmas Cookies (Baker's Dozen)

2011-12-24T00:13:00.028-07:00

Apple Cider Snickerdoodles

Recipe courtesy Food Network Kitchen

Prep Time: 20 min

Inactive Prep Time: 25 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Level: Easy

Serves: about 1 1/2 dozen

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups apple cider
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for rolling
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped red and green crispy apple chips, plus whole chips for garnish
2 teaspoons apple pie spice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat the cider in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Continue to cook until syrupy and reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 12 to 14 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Whisk the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Beat the butter with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar in a separate bowl on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the reduced cider and the egg (the mixture may look slightly curdled). Stir in the flour mixture and 1/4 cup of the chopped apple chips until combined.

Stir together the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of chopped apple chips and the apple pie spice in a small bowl. Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls, using lightly moistened hands if the dough is too sticky, and then roll in the spiced sugar mixture. Place the dough balls 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets and top with a few pieces of whole apple chips. Bake until the edges are just set but centers are still soft, 11 to 13 minutes, rotating pans halfway through the baking time. Cool 2 to 3 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

via foodnetwork.com

12th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-23T00:12:00.003-07:00

Blondie with Dark Roots

Recipe courtesy Guy Fieri

Prep Time: 30 min

Inactive Prep Time: --

Cook Time: 40 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 9 blondies

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 1/3 tablespoons (1/3 cup) unsalted butter , at room temperature
3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Mist an 8-inch-square glass baking dish with cooking spray .

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.

Beat the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy. Add the brown sugar and beat 3 to 4 more minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Fold in the hazelnuts, coconut and chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes in the pan before slicing.

via foodnetwork.com

11th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-22T00:11:00.003-07:00

Dark Chocolate Whoopie Pies with

Toasted Almond Cream

Recipe courtesy Alex Guarnaschelli

Prep Time: 15 min

Inactive Prep Time: --

Cook Time: 25 min

Level: --

Serves: 15 pies

I love these little sandwiches. They remind me of so many cakes I ate growing up. The texture is really great and the flavor of the almonds against the chocolate is delicious. We didn't have much chocolate over the holidays and so I always find a recipe like this refreshing during my holiday season. The little touches - the lemon zest and cinnamon-are holiday flavors to me.

Ingredients

The whoopee pies:

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 stick (or 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Zest from 1/2 lemon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

The filling:

1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/2 cup melted chocolate, for drizzling or dunking, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 375˚ F.

Make the pies: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the unsweetened chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Fill a pot (relatively the same size as the bowl) about 1/3 full with water and place it over medium heat. When the water simmers, place the bowl of chocolate and butter over the simmering water and lower the heat. You want to melt the chocolate and butter gently together, stirring and scraping the sides (to avoid scorching).

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and lemon zest. Set aside.

Separately, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

When the chocolate and butter is melted, remove the bowl from the heat; stir to assure it's completely mixed and transfer to another medium bowl. This will accelerate cooling. Allow the chocolate to cool a few minutes. Whisk in the egg mixture. Whisk in the flour mixture. Only whisk until blended, over-mixing can affect the texture of the pies.

Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray (alternatively, use a piece of fitted parchment sprayed with nonstick spray). Drop the batter in large spoonfuls (keeping the shapes as round as possible) on the baking sheet. You are aiming for rounds that are about 2 inches in diameter. Take care to leave some room (about 2 inches) between each one to allow for spreading that will occur as they bake.

Place the tray in the hot oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Check the pies. Leave in the oven an additional minute or two if they seem under baked. The dough will lose some of its shiney-ness and no longer look wet but will still feel soft. Remove the tray from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before gingerly lifting them off the baking sheet and onto a flat surface.

Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk to a simmer and add about 3/4 of the cup of the toasted almonds. Reserve the remaining almonds. Shut off the heat and allow the almonds to "steep" in the milk, for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the milk and pour it back into the same pan, discarding the almonds from the milk.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the sugar, flour, cornstarch and egg yolks until thick and smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.

Pour some of the hot milk mixture over the eggs and whisk to blend. Pour the egg mixture back into the milk; turn on a low to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the almond extract. Continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to make sure it doesn't cling to the bottom of the pan and burn, until very thick.

Pour the cream into a clean bowl. Stir in the remaining almonds. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic so the cream doesn't form a skin. Allow to cool.

Assemble: "Sandwich" some of the cream in between two of the chocolate rounds. Drizzle with melted chocolate, if desired.

via foodnetwork.com

10th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-21T00:10:00.002-07:00

Macadamia-Coconut Cookie

Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Prep Time: 15 min

Inactive Prep Time: 1 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Level: Easy

Serves: About 2 1/2 dozen

Ingredients

One 17.5-ounce package sugar cookie mix
1 egg
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup flaked sweetened coconut
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts (recommended: Mauna Loa)
1/2 cups white chocolate chips, for drizzle

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for cookies except the white chocolate chips. Stir until soft dough forms. Drop cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 1 minute. Melt white chocolate chips in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.

via foodnetwork.com

9th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-20T00:09:00.002-07:00

Throwdown Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Prep Time: 10 min

Inactive Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 3 dozen

Ingredients

2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup dark brown muscavado sugar
1/3 cup light brown muscavado sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
One 5-ounce block semisweet chocolate, chopped into chunks, such as Callebaut
One 5-ounce block milk chocolate, chopped into chunks, such as Callebaut

Directions

Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone pads.

Whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl. Place the butter in the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sugars and continue mixing, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes longer. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract. Add half of the flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Add the remaining flour mixture, again mixing until just combined. Remove the bowl from the stand and fold in the chocolate chunks.

Using a small ice cream scoop, spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie, and bake on the middle rack until the cookies are lightly golden brown and still soft in the middle, about 11 minutes. Let the cookies rest for 2 minutes on the baking sheets before removing them to a baking rack with a wide metal spatula. Let the cookies cool on the baking rack for a few minutes before eating. Repeat with the remaining dough.

via foodnetwork.com

8th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-19T00:08:00.006-07:00

Meringue Cookies

Recipe courtesy Anne Burrell

Prep Time: 10 min

Inactive Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 50 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 36 to 44 cookies

Ingredients

2 cups sliced blanched almonds
4 large egg whites
Pinch kosher salt
3/4 cups granulated sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325º F. Toast the almonds on a baking sheet in the oven until they are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Cool and then coarsely chop, either by hand or in a food processor.

Put the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and add the salt. On the second highest speed of the mixer, beat the egg whites until they come to medium peaks. With the mixer running, gently sprinkle in the sugar and cinnamon. Beat until stiff peaks form, then remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the chopped almonds in 3 additions.

Drop the batter in 1-inch balls, onto 2 parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake until light brown all over, firm to the touch, and they lift cleanly off the baking sheet, 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Cook's Note: Try to avoid baking these cookies on a wet and humid day as the crisp exterior of the cookie will slowly melt into something soft and sticky.

via foodnetwork.com

Choir Notes

2011-12-18T00:08:00.032-07:00

The Simple Story of Christmas

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4291

The first Christmas carol that many children learn invokes a tender scene:

"Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;

The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.”1

With words easy enough for a child to understand, this beloved carol reminds us that the story of Christmas is both spectacular and simple. It’s a story that continues to inspire the world and yet can be understood and even retold by children. In fact, it may be that children understand it best.

We who are older, more experienced and mature, may miss the essence of these special days in our rush to go, to purchase, to consume, to hurry. Listen to children, who even amid the excitement of the season somehow know that Christmas has to be about more than gifts and decorations. Watch the sparkle in their eyes as they reenact the Nativity, sing the songs, and share the stories of this sacred season.

Many years ago, at this same time of year, excited children went to an assisted-living home for seniors, many of whom sat alone, waiting for a visitor. The children’s performance of the Nativity was far from perfect—cues were missed, lyrics and lines forgotten, and some of the costumes didn’t fit very well. But from the story they told, the scriptures they recited, the songs they sang came a special feeling that touched their hearts as much as it touched the hearts of their audience. For a moment, young and old were united in a simple story that filled the room with joy and love and rejoicing.

Today, at this sacred season, take time away from the hustle and bustle to really ponder and feel the simple story of Christmas.

1 "Away in a Manger,” Children’s Songbook, 42–43

7th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-18T00:07:00.001-07:00

Cherry White Chocolate Almond Sandwich Cookies

Recipe courtesy Jeff Mauro

Prep Time: 20 min

Inactive Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 25 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 4 cookies, 12 medium sandwiches and 24 sandwich-halves.

Ingredients

Cookies:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons bleached all-purpose flour (about 10 1/2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (12 tablespoons)
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (7 ounces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup white chocolate chunks or chips
1/2 cup dried sour cherries

Filling:

3/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (4 tablespoons)
1/8 teaspoon fine salt

Directions

For the cookies: Heat the oven to 325 degrees F with racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix flour, salt and baking soda in a small bowl until combined. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and both sugars on medium speed until smooth and incorporated. Add the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Then add the flour mixture, white chocolate and sour cherries. Mix until incorporated.

For large cookies, scoop out 1/4 cup of dough, roll in a ball, and using fingertips, pull apart into two equal halves. Rotate 90 degrees and lightly smoosh back together, with the rough edges on top. Place formed dough balls on one of the prepared baking sheets, about 3 inches apart. For smaller cookies, follow the same technique using 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Bake until the edges are slightly golden and middles are still soft but not wet, 20 to 23 minutes for large cookies, 15 to 17 minutes for smaller cookies. Let the cookies cool for 20 to 30 minutes on the baking sheets.

For the filling: While the cookies are cooling, beat the almond butter, sugar, butter and salt with a handheld mixer until whipped and light, about 2 minutes. Chill the filling until ready to assemble the cookies.

To assemble the cookies: Schmear 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling for the large cookies and 1 to 2 tablespoons for the smaller cookies onto the bottom side of the cookie. Place another cookie bottom-side down onto the filling. Repeat with the remaining cookies, cut in half and serve.

6th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-17T00:06:00.021-07:00

Holiday Biscotti

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentis

Prep Time: 15 min

Inactive Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 55 min

Level: ~

Serves: Makes about 2 dozen

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries
12 ounces good-quality white chocolate, chopped
Red and green sugar crystals, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.

Form the dough into a 13-inch-long, 3-inch-wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.

Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the biscotti cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.

Stir the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Dip half of the biscotti into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off the excess chocolate. Place the biscotti on the baking sheet for the chocolate to set. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes.

As you dip the biscotti into the melted chocolate, you can also dip them into crushed pistachios if you like.

The biscotti can be made ahead. Store them in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in re-sealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks.

via foodnetwork.com

5th Day of Christmas Cookiees

2011-12-16T00:05:00.025-07:00

Spiced Gingerbread Piggies

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Prep Time: 30 min

Inactive Prep Time: 2 hr 0 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 12 to 16 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup mild molasses
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Royal Icing, recipe follows
Special equipment: 5-inch-long and 3-inch-wide copper piggy cookie cutter

Directions

Combine butter, sugar, and molasses in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in increments, and continue to beat until thoroughly mixed together.

Pour the dough out onto the countertop and divide into 3 pieces. Press each piece into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 3 days.

Adjust the racks to the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line sheet trays with parchment paper.

Spread 2 large pieces of parchment paper out and very lightly flour them. Place a disk of dough between the parchment sheets and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining disks of dough. Rework all the scraps into balls and re-chill before reusing. Repeat with all the dough.

Cut out cookies and place on the parchment-lined sheet trays with an offset spatula, leaving 1 inch between each cookie. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the sheet trays for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack to continue cooling to room temperature before decorating the cookies with Royal Icing.

Royal Icing:

2 egg whites
3 cups confectioners' sugar, whisked to remove lumps
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Food coloring, optional

Add the egg whites, sugar and lemon juice to a large bowl. Beat, using a hand mixer, until glossy and stiff, 5 to 6 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and mix well. Place in icing bags with fine tips to decorate cookies.

via foodnetwork.com

4th Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-15T00:04:00.035-07:00

Delicate Mint Sandwich Holiday Cookies

Recipe courtesy Melissa d'Arabian

Prep Time: 30 min

Inactive Prep Time: 50 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Level: Easy

Serves: 2 dozen cookies, 12 sandwiches and 12 mini cutout cookies

Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Colored sugars, such as green, blue, red, silver and white

Mint Filling:

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 or 2 drops mint extract
1 or 2 drops red or green food colorin
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting, optional

Directions

For the cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until smooth using a handheld mixer in a medium bowl. Add the flour slowly, mixing on low, until incorporated. Scoop the dough into a ball using your hands and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until the dough has firmed slightly, about 30 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll the dough about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out as many rounds as possible with a small cookie cutter and transfer to ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Re-roll the dough scraps and repeat until all the dough is used. Use a smaller cutter, about 3/4-inch, or cut freehand with a small sharp knife to punch a small window out of half of the cookies. Place the cutouts on the baking sheets and sprinkle all the cookies and cutouts with the colored sugars.

Bake until golden around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

For the filling: Place the sugar, butter, mint extract, food coloring and 1/2 teaspoon of water in a medium bowl and beat on medium speed until well combined and fluffy. Spread a thin layer of mint filling on the cookies without the windows and place the wafers with the windows on top. Sprinkle with the confectioners' sugar, if using, and serve the sandwich cookies with the cutout cookies on the side.

via foodnetwork.com

3rd Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-14T00:03:00.059-07:00

Snowflake Cookies

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Prep Time: 45 min

Inactive Prep Time: 2 hr 0 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Level: Intermediate

Serves: about 2 1/2 dozen

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Edible Paint Icing, recipe follows
Garnish: silver dragees, sugar pearls, sparkling sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extract until combined.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating until smooth. Wrap dough in heavy-duty plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with assorted snowflake cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Chill dough 15 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly browned. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Paint cookies with Edible Paint Icing. Garnish with silver dragees, sugar pearls and sparkling sugar, if desired.

Edible Paint Icing:

1/4 cup cold water
3 tablespoons meringue powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Food coloring, optional

In a medium bowl, combine water and meringue powder; whisk until foamy. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add food coloring, if desired. Use immediately. Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Paula's Loaded Oatmeal Cookies
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Prep Time: 15 min

Inactive Prep Time: --

Cook Time: 50 min

Level: Easy

Serves: about 3 1/2 dozen

Ingredients

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350˚F.

Grease one or more cookie sheets. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Add egg and beat until mixture is light in color.

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; stir into creamed mixture. Fold in oatmeal, raisins, walnuts, and vanilla, blending well. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Drizzle with Brown Butter Icing.

Brown Butter Icing:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan heat butter over medium heat until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in enough water (2 to 3 tablespoons) to make an icing of drizzling consistency. Drizzle on warm cookies.

via foodnetwork.com

2nd Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-13T00:02:00.024-07:00

Ginger Snaps

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

Prep Time: 30 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Level: Easy

Serves: about 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

9 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
7 ounces dark brown sugar
5 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 ounces molasses, by weight
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
4 ounces finely chopped candied ginger
Sanding sugar, for sprinkling, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350)º F.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cardamom, clove and salt.

Place the brown sugar and butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on low speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the molasses, egg and fresh ginger and beat on medium for 1 minute. Add the crystallized ginger and using a rubber spatula, stir to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until well combined.

With a 2-teaspoon-sized scoop, drop the dough onto a parchment-lined half sheet pan approximately 2 inches apart. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 12 minutes for slightly chewy cookies or 15 minutes for more crisp cookies. Rotate the pan halfway through cooking.

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sanding sugar, if desired, and allow the cookies to stay on the sheet pan for 30 seconds before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with all of the dough. Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days. If desired, you may scoop and freeze the cookie dough on a sheet pan and once frozen, place in a resealable bag to store. Bake directly from the freezer as above.

via foodnetwork.com

1st Day of Christmas Cookies

2011-12-12T00:01:00.024-07:00

Shortbread Cookies

Ina Garten, All Rights Reserve

Prep Time: 30 min

Inactive Prep Time: 1 hr 30 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Level: Intermediate

Serves: about 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

3/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 to 7 ounces very good semisweet chocolate, very finely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350º F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until they are just combined. Add the vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk, about 1-inch thick. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes, until firm but still pliable.

Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut with a 3-by-1-inch finger-shaped cutter. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Drizzle or dip 1/2 of each cookie with just enough chocolate to coat it. Place the cookie back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let stand at room temperature until the chocolate has firmed up, about 20 minutes.

Cook's Note: If a 3-by-1-inch cookie cutter is not available, you can cut the shortbread into rectangles using a fluted pastry wheel for decorative edges or simple cut with a butter knife.

via foodnetwork.com

Choir Notes

2011-12-11T00:03:00.006-07:00

No Ordinary Event

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4290

Sometimes the most extraordinary things happen in the most ordinary places. Two thousand years ago, in a very common setting, a shepherd’s field, angels proclaimed "good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10). That holy message of heavenly hosts was delivered not to the pompous or the powerful but to a group of lowly shepherds watching over their flocks by night. It would lead them not to a majestic hall but rather to a lowly manger. The events of that night, so unlike any night before or since, remind us to look for greatness in the commonplace.

Observe any family or neighborhood, and you will find that the most precious moments usually take place during day-to-day living: a sister helps her younger siblings with homework, a mother tenderly cares for a sick child, a father plays catch with his son, a widow invites friends to her home, a neighbor shovels the snow, a teacher explains a concept at a child’s desk. These events are not to be ignored or diminished just because they seem small or ordinary. They are meaningful in the most profound way, and yet they are cloaked in the commonplace, the everyday.

To see and appreciate these happenings, we need to open our eyes and hearts. We may not hear angels sing or see a new star in the heavens, but we can sense in our souls when something significant is happening. When we do, we will find that these are not ordinary events at all. They are the stuff of which miracles are made; they are heavenly proclamations of hope. We need only remember that a king can be born in a stable, shepherds can receive heavenly messengers, and a bright new star can shine on dark and lonely nights.

Santa and the Christmas Spirit

2011-12-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Stomach trembling, I looked up into my mom’s eyes as she tucked me into bed and arranged my menagerie of stuffed animals around me. Then I asked her the Santa question.

With her answer, the enchantment of Santa and his magic disappeared like a sandcastle gobbled up by the rising tide.

It's one of the painful parts of growing up - losing the Christmas magic for a time, until we realize that it can return again when we create it for others.

But learning the full story of Santa was difficult for me in other ways - it laid the seeds of doubt in my mind about my parents always being truthful with me; it shook my trust in them. I wondered how they could say that they always told me the truth and yet had encouraged me to believe something false. Of course, when I grew older, I realized that my parents hadn't tried to deceive me; they'd just wanted me to experience the excitement of Santa's magic like they had when they were children.

After I married and my husband and I had children of our own, we thought deeply about how we would celebrate Christmas. We agreed to keep Christmas centered on the Savior while also creating the excitement and magic of Santa. We kept our focus on the Savior by reading scriptures and inspirational stories, keeping our gift budget small, and ensuring that at least half of our holiday decorations were religious.

As our children grew, my husband and I discussed how we were going to handle the "Santa question." We were determined to find a way to have Santa without creating confusion about trust and honesty. I was surprised that many other mothers were experiencing the same dilemma - how to provide Christmas magic and also keep the confidence of their children when the secret was revealed - but they, too, hadn't come up with a satisfactory solution.

My answer finally came in 1996 during a First Presidency Christmas Devotional. In his talk, President James E. Faust encouraged us to show our love for the Savior by emulating Him. The true spirit of Christmas, he said, was about serving others just as Jesus did. He pointed out that the highest form of service was anonymous and mentioned that Santa symbolized the spirit of anonymous giving. The light bulb went on! I realized there was a way that my husband and I could dovetail our desire to keep the focus of Christmas on Christ and prepare our children for the "Santa talk."

The next day, I went to the local dollar store and purchased a small Nativity for each family member, including my husband and me. Every few days during the next two and a half weeks, these Nativity figures - beginning with the animals and ending with baby Jesus - mysteriously appeared on our kitchen table along with a note signed by the Christmas Spirit. The note said that he was presenting these Nativity pieces to our family to help us keep the true spirit of Christmas by reminding us of the real reason for Christmas - to celebrate our Savior.

The Christmas Spirit visited our house for a couple of years before our eldest child was old enough to learn about Santa. That year, just before the holiday season began, I visited with him in private. I told him that I was working on a very special Christmas surprise and needed his help. I revealed that I was the Christmas Spirit and that I'd like him to be my assistant. He literally lept with enthusiasm. I told him that he had to keep it a secret so that his sisters would not know where the presents came from.

Together, we went to the store and picked out three inexpensive Christmas ornaments for each family member that featured the religious symbols of Christmas - angels, stars, and so forth. Throughout the month, I did all I could to build on his excitement and help him feel the joy of anonymous giving.

Before setting out the ornaments at night, we would tiptoe through the house, trying not to giggle, and make sure everyone was asleep. When the gifts were discovered the next morning, he and I put on a big show of surprise, giving one another knowing grins.

A few days after Christmas, my husband and I met with our son to discuss his experience. First, we reminisced about everything we'd done that holiday season, then we asked, "What was your favorite thing?"

Without hesitation, he exclaimed, "Being the Christmas Spirit!"

"Why do you think that was the best part?" we asked.

"Because it was fun! No one knew it was me giving the presents!"

Together, we explored the reasons that anonymous giving brings such joy and satisfaction. We told our son that parents love to give anonymously to their kids at Christmastime, too. We said that we had a special secret about how we gave presents to him and his sisters without them knowing that they were from us. Then we asked him if he could guess who Santa Claus really was. He laughed as he connected the dots. He was so pleased to be grown up enough to share in our secret. We told him now that he was old enough to know about Santa, he could be Santa's helper and fill the Christmas stockings next Christmas Eve. We also asked him to promise us that he would not tell his sisters (or any other children) what he now knew about Santa so that we could remain anonymous. Our conversation ended with big hugs, excitement about Josh's growing up, and increased feelings of love and trust.

We followed this same pattern with each of our children as they became old enough to understand the role of Santa.

Our children are all teenagers now, and we still continue our tradition. Over the years, the Christmas Spirit has brought a variety of gifts - all focusing on the Savior. Some gifts are directly linked to Christmas; others are simply Christ-centered. We keep our gifts inexpensive and often purchase them at clearance sales, at dollar stores, or from the Church Distribution Center. Through this tradition, we have built up gospel libraries for our children and provided them with Christmas decorations they can use when they have homes of their own. Most importantly, we've kept the focus of Christmas on Christ and have built bonds of trust with our children.

If you ask our children about their cherished Christmas memories, they are sure to mention the year that they got to be the Christmas Spirit and learned about Santa.

by Janice Stringham LeFevre

Oh Fudge

2011-12-10T00:01:00.057-07:00

150 ml evaporated milk (use metric markings on measuring cup)

55 grams of butter (1/4 cup)

2 cups of sugar

200 g mini marshmallows (4 cups)

350 g white chocolate chips (about 1½ cups)

Line a loaf pan with foil and using a pastry brush, brush a flavorless oil (rice bran, grape seed or a mild olive oil) on the base and sides of the foil. In a large heavy based saucepan on low heat, dissolve sugar with milk and butter. Clip a candy thermometer to the pan and increase heat to just below medium.

While stirring wait until the mixture reaches 238ºF/118°C (soft ball stage. Be patient, it takes about 10 minutes and the thermometer will sit on 220-230 for what seems like forever. You may get little caramelized bits floating to the top. Reduce the heat a little if there are too many.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in chocolate chips and marshmallows. Stir with wooden spoon to smooth out mixture. Immediately place in prepared pan (it sets relatively quickly)

While still in pan but set, sprinkle some sugar on top and blowtorch. Cut into squares when completely set using a lightly oiled knife.

via Not Quite Nigella

Paper Evergreens from Martha

2011-12-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

This is an easy, but impressive craft
that even the kids could do...

Step 1: For large Christmas trees, use an adjustable circle cutter to make 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-inch-diameter circles from green card stock (for small trees, omit the 6-inch circle).

Step 2: Fold each circle in half 4 times with a bone finder (top). While circles are folded, snip of the tip of each piece, forming a very small hole in the center.

Step 3: Place smallest circle on the pointed end of a wooden skewer (we used 12-inch skewers), letting the tip poke through the hole in the circle. With a hot-glue gun, dab underside of the circle where paper and skewer meet. Hold for 10 seconds to secure.

Step 4: Work one at a time from smallest circle to largest, slide remaining circles onto skewer; secure with glue.

Step 5: Insert bottom of skewer into a spool; remove, and cut skewer to desired height, keeping in mind that only the spool should be visible beneath the standing tree (we cut ours to 6, 9, and 10 inches). Return skewer to spool; secure with glue. Add a dot of glue to top of skewer, and attach a gold bead.

Fa-La-La-La-La

2011-12-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

Christmas just wouldn’t be as magical without our favorite Christmas songs. Enjoy these little-known
facts about your favorite carols:

"Jingle Bells," originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh," was written as a Thanksgiving song.

Buck Ram wrote the lyrics to “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” when he was a sixteen-year-old, homesick college student, although his original song was different from the one we now know and love.

Some historians believe that "Twelve Days of Christmas" isn't the silly song we all think it is – it's actually filled with religious symbolism. some religious symbols in the song include the two turtle doves (The Old and New Testaments), the six geese a-laying (the six days of creation), and eight maids-a-milking (the eight beatitudes).

The most recorded Christmas song is "White Christmas." there are more than five hundred recordings, many performed in different languages.

Leroy Anderson, the composer of the popular song "Sleigh Ride," was inspired to write the song during a heat wave in July.

Wordy Wednesday

2011-12-07T00:08:00.000-07:00

Christmas Kisses

2011-12-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

Mistletoe

Hanging mistletoe under doorways has become a holiday tradition throughout the world. The origin of the mistletoe tradition is vague, though some suspect it first came from the Vikings or from European folklore. The Vikings associated mistletoe with Frigga, the goddess of love, and European folklore suggests that mistletoe is a symbol of love and fertility.

In history, the proper “mistletoe etiquette” was for a man to remove a berry from the plant each time he kissed a woman beneath it. When the berries were gone, the mistletoe could no longer be kissed under. Today the tradition is similar, in that kisses are frequently shared beneath the small green plant. However, most mistletoe today is found without berries and therefore the tradition of removing berries has been disregarded—kisses are given to friends and family all season long!

Did you know that mistletoe is poisonous for humans, but its berries and leaves serve as a high-protein food to many animals?

You're on Santa's Team Now

2011-12-05T00:08:00.001-07:00

My grandma taught me everything about Christmas. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me.

"No Santa Claus!" she snorted."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobbie Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobbie Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough; but all we kids knew that Bobbie Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat.

I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobbie Decker a coat. I settled on a blue one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. I didn't see a price tag, but ten dollars ought to buy anything. I put the coat and my ten-dollar bill on the counter and pushed them toward the lady behind it. She looked at the coat, the money, and me. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" she asked kindly. "Yes," I replied shyly. "It's... for Bobbie. He's in my class, and he doesn't have a coat." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons, and write, "To Bobbie, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobbie Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobbie's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Suddenly, Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell twice and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobbie. He looked down, looked around, picked up his present, took it inside and closed the door.

Forty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my grandma, in Bobbie Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: Ridiculous! Santa was alive and well... AND WE WERE ON HIS TEAM!

Choir Notes

2011-12-04T00:03:00.007-07:00

The Journey to Christmas

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4289

The month of December is a time of joyful anticipation. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season evoke feelings of excitement and wonder. For generations, children—and grown-ups—have used advent calendars and paper chains to count down the days. But does our focus ever become so fixed on the future that we forget to enjoy the journey to Christmas?

This year, instead of just looking forward, let’s also take pleasure in the preparations: in the little, less spectacular moments along the way, even in the spontaneous joys that may, at first, seem like interruptions to our bigger plans. In order to recognize those moments for what they could be, it sometimes helps to slow things down a bit. We may need to shop less and savor more. We might have to dim the bright lights in order to see the stars in the heavens, but if we look, we will find them.

Often it takes a child to redirect our focus. Think of how much children enjoy the present moments, the preparations, and not just the finished products. When helping to decorate the home, wrap presents, or bake Christmas treats, they usually make more of a mess than we would; they might not do it just right, but they also usually enjoy the moment more than we do! Their enthusiasm can be contagious.

A three-year-old girl, wholeheartedly living in the present, exclaimed: "It’s not tomorrow! It’s not today! It’s to-now!” When was the last time you felt "to-now”?

Yes, we are busy. But the days leading to Christmas are not just to be endured. In fact, perhaps they offer more of what the season is really about. The promise of Christmas is everywhere to behold. It’s not saved for Christmas morning. If we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to open, we truly can enjoy the journey to Christmas.

Paleo Ice Cream

2011-12-03T00:03:00.002-07:00

1 can of regular coconut milk
1 can of light coconut milk
4 cage free egg yolks (you can add more egg yolks to make the ice-cream a little creamier)
½ cup of coconut nectar/sap (you can also use agave if you don’t like the sap) I am going to try to make this again without the nectar, I would imagine it would still be pretty good with fruit or cocoa powder.
2 tsp of raw vanilla extract
This makes almost 2 quarts of ice-cream.

In a large bowl, whisk the yolks and sap together for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cans of coconut milk and whisk until everything is combined.

Pour the mixture into a medium size pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. It will be about 8 to 10 minutes or until the back of the spoon coats with the mixture. DO NOT let the mixture boil. Stir in the vanilla while it is cooking.

Put the contents into a bowl and put it in the refrigerator until chill. Process the ice-cream in an ice-cream maker. I left the mixture in my maker for about 20 minutes and then I put it in the freezer. It takes about 2 hours for the ice-cream to freeze.

I would recommend starting the ice-cream at least 12 hours before you need it to be ready.

10 Hot Chocolate Recipes

2011-12-02T00:02:00.004-07:00

Warm up this winter with a rich, steaming cup of holiday cheer. These delicious recipes will put smiles on the faces of everyone coming in from the cold.

Luscious Hot Chocolate

1 cup milk
1 cup half and half
1 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
8 tsp sugar
½ tsp vanilla

Heat milk, half and half, both chocolates, and sugar in a saucepan on medium-low heat until chocolates melt and sugar dissolves. Pour half of the mixture into a blender and mix until frothy. Return to the saucepan and add vanilla. Stir briefly and serve.

Aztec Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk
4 squares baker’s chocolate
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cardamom
½ tsp ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg

Break chocolate squares and melt in a saucepan with the milk. Do not boil. Whisk until foamy. Pour into mugs. In a separate bowl, combine all spices. Mix ½ tsp of blended spices in each mug, adding more as desired.

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

2 cups cream
1 cup milk
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp butter
1 cup raspberries
whipped cream

In saucepan combine cream, milk, and sugar until hot, but do not boil. Add chocolate and butter and reduce heat to simmer. Stir until chocolate is melted. Puree 1 cup raspberries and pour into the mixture, stirring until smooth. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

Brown Sugar Hot Cocoa

3 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup water
4 cups milk
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1/8 tsp salt

Melt chocolate and water together in a double boiler. Slowly stir in milk, sugar, and salt. Whisk until well blended.

Old-fashioned Hot Cocoa with Homemade Marshmallows

Old-fashioned Hot Cocoa

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup sugar
4 cups milk
¼ tsp vanilla

Combine sugar and cocoa powder in small bowl. Heat milk in saucepan to scalding. Stir 1/3 cup hot milk into cocoa-sugar mixture, and then pour back into the saucepan. Stir until blended, then add vanilla and garnish with homemade marshmallows.

Homemade Marshmallows

3 tbsp powdered gelatin
2 cups cold water
2 cups sugar
2 egg whites
2½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
butter

In a medium saucepan soak gelatin in the cold water for approximately 10 minutes. When gelatin has softened, add the regular sugar and gently dissolve over low heat. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and then fold in 2 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar. Put mixer on low speed and slowly add cooled gelatin mixture. Increase the speed and beat until white and thick, and the mixture is approximately double in size. Line a deep 8x8-inch baking dish with foil, grease slightly with butter, and coat with part of the remaining confectioners’ sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture in and top with more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Let sit for at least 3 hours. The marshmallow should be light and spongy when ready.
Loosen marshmallow from edges of tray and invert onto large cutting board. Slowly remove foil and use a large knife to cut the marshmallows into cubes. Dredge each piece in confectioners’ sugar.

White Peppermint Hot Chocolate

6 hard peppermint candies, finely crushed
2/3 cup whipping cream
3½ cups milk
8 oz. white chocolate, chopped
½ tsp peppermint extract

Beat whipping cream with crushed candies until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate for at least one hour. In the meantime, heat milk on medium-low heat. Mix in chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add peppermint extract and stir thoroughly. Pour into cups and top with peppermint whipped cream mixture.

Banana Hot Chocolate

2 cups cream
1 cup milk
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 ripe bananas
1½ tsp cinnamon
marshmallows

In saucepan combine cream, milk, and sugar until hot. Do not boil. Add chocolate and reduce heat to simmer. Stir until chocolate is melted. Puree bananas with cinnamon. Heat puree in microwave for 15 seconds and stir into hot chocolate mixture. Pour into mugs and garnish with marshmallows.

Milk Chocolate and Orange Cocoa

1/3 cup whipping cream, chilled
1 tsp brown sugar
4½ cups milk
zest from 4 large oranges
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
9 oz. milk chocolate, finely chopped

Whip cream with brown sugar until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate. Mix milk with zest from oranges in a saucepan, heating to a simmer. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain zest from the mixture and bring liquid to a simmer. Stir in cocoa powder and chocolate, whisking until smooth. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream mixture.

Cold Chocolate Eggnog

4 eggs, separated
½ cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1½ cup whipping cream, whipped to soft-peak stage
1/3 cup grated semisweet chocolate

This recipe is served cold. In a large bowl, beat together egg yolks, sugar, cocoa, and vanilla until thick and smooth. Slowly stir in milk, mixing well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Remove just before serving.
Beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture, then gently fold in egg whites. Serve immediately, garnished with grated chocolate.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

4 squares baker’s chocolate
2 cups milk
2 tbsp peanut butter
marshmallows

Break chocolate squares and melt in a saucepan with milk. Do not boil. Stir in peanut butter until mixture is smooth. Pour into mugs and garnish with marshmallows.

Dress up Your Drink

Here are a few tips for adding some extra pizzazz to your favorite hot chocolate or cocoa recipe.

Richer Flavor
For a richer, more decadent beverage, use whole milk instead of water—regardless of what the recipe calls for. If you want an extra-rich drink, add a teaspoon of sweet butter to the bottom of each cup before you pour in the drink.

Garnishes
Marshmallows are great, but why not use whipped cream as a blank canvas to create a truly whimsical drink. Try topping whipped cream with chocolate shavings from your favorite candy bar. Or use colored sprinkles to reflect the occasion—red and green for Christmas, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or rainbow sprinkles for birthdays. Or sprinkle chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter morsels on top. Also, consider candy stick stirrers such as peppermint, butterscotch, or raspberry, for a hint of extra flavor.

Cup Rimmers
Give a touch of sophistication to your hot chocolate by adding a rim of flavor to your cups. Try crushing peppermint candies in a food processor, or using colored sugars for a sparkling effect. You can also create your own custom-flavored chocolate powders. Just place the mixture in a large soup bowl. Moisten the cup rim with a wedge of orange and dip it in the mixture (about 3/8 inches deep) until it is evenly coated. Carefully pour the hot chocolate or cocoa so you don’t drip on the rim.

LDS Living, Nov/Dec 2008

Paleo Chicken (non) Parmesano

2011-12-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 1/4-1/12 inch)

1 C almond meal

1 T Italian seasoning

1 T garlic powder

pinch sea salt

1 tsp. black pepper

2 eggs

2 T olive oil

Sauce:

2 cans diced tomatoes

2 cans tomato paste

12 oz red wine

1/4 C water

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

a generous 2+ T fresh chopped rosemary

1 T Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

pinch sea salt

Make the sauce early in the day and let it simmer. As it thickens, add a bit more water if needed.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim and pound chicken breast to desired thickness. Whisk eggs together in a shallow bowl. Combine almond meal, Italian seasoning, pepper and salt in another shallow bowl (mix well). Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Dredge chicken in egg and lightly coat with almond meal seasoning. Immediately brown in olive oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove to baking dish. Repeat with all chicken pieces. Pour sauce (about a ladle full per chicken piece). Bake, uncovered for 10 minutes. Leftover sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for another meal.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T00:06:00.002-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #3

2011-11-29T00:06:00.040-07:00

Tart Cherry Juice

Drinking tart cherry juice can help prevent gout attacks, relieve muscle soreness after exercise, and possibly help with arthritis pain because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Gout expertd say the juice seems to reduce the joint inflammation that gout causes. People who took a tablespoon of tart cherry juice concentrate twice a day, for four months, cut the frequency of their gout attacks in half, and more than half of them remained gout-attack free.

Drinking tart cherry juice daily helps runners reduce muscle soreness and reduces inflammation in over-weight people. Unlike its sweeter cousins, the Big and black cherry, the tart cherry is bright red and higher in antioxidants.

Crispy Sweet Potato Hash Browns in the Waffle Iron

2011-11-28T00:05:00.002-07:00

Heat the waffle iron to its medium setting. Meanwhile, peel the uncooked sweet potatoes (or yams) and grate them on the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze the grated potatoes by the handful to release as much moisture as possible (I put it in a paper towel before I squeeze to eliminate a mess).

When the iron is hot, fill the bottom half with 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Brush it over the top and bottom irons. Squeeze the potatoes again to release any excess moisture. Season the sweet potatoes as desired by mixing spices into the grated potatoes.

Place about 1 cup of potato in the iron, spread it out, and close it. Cook until the hash browns are golden brown and crisp, about eight to ten minutes. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Variations: grate in an apple, throw an egg on top for a great breakfast, or serve as a side with lunch or dinner.

Choir Notes

2011-11-27T00:02:00.003-07:00

Thanks and Giving

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4288

True gratitude manifests itself in how we choose to give to others. When we truly feel grateful, we feel a compelling desire to help other people. Perhaps that’s why "thanks” and "giving” so often go together.

At least it did for two neighbors of over 50 years. Joy and Dixie lived across the street from each other ever since they were both first married. They developed a deep friendship over the decades. When they were young, they acted as second mothers to each other’s children. They helped each other through life’s ups and downs. When they grew older, they looked after each other. They were grateful for each other.

Perhaps the sweetest demonstration of gratitude came in the last months of Joy’s life. Joy was dying of cancer and could do little more than lift her head to look out the window. Dixie, who had health concerns of her own and a terminally ill husband to care for, determined that she would plant a beautiful flower garden in her front yard. That way, every time Joy looked out her window, she could enjoy the beauty of those flowers.

Not until Joy passed away did Joy’s adult children discover that Dixie had stopped planting flowers in her backyard. She only planted flowers in her front yard, so Joy could see them. Dixie wanted Joy to know how grateful she was for her, how much she loved her. And so even though it was difficult to tend a flower garden in her advanced age, she gave her friend something beautiful to look at during the last days of her life.

What a selfless gift of gratitude!

These dear friends lived the truth that real gratitude inspires us to think and do for others. Indeed, life is so much more meaningful when we choose to live in thanks—and giving—daily.

Braised Short Ribs in a Crock Pot

2011-11-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

Shorts ribs are tender and delicious, and they don't cost much.

Ingredients:
6 lbs boneless shortribs
2 tbs olive oil
1 medium onion
4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
4-5 strips of bacon cut into 1 inch pieces
1/8 cup of almond flour
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme
1 1/2 tsp dried rosemary

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325º. If boneless ribs are in a long strip, cut them into 3 inch long chunks. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat and sear the ribs on all sides to brown. Remove from pot. Dice onion. Add bacon, onion, and garlic to the pot and cook until onion gets soft. Add in almond flour. Put in crock pot with spices, tomatoes, and water. Put foil over crock pot and then the lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

via paleomama

Stuffing

2011-11-25T00:04:00.002-07:00

Now that you've stuffed the turkey and stuffed yourself,

it's time to think about stuffing those stockings...

Here are 100 stuffing ideas:

1. $5 gift cards

2. a favorite candy

3. CD of favorite music

4. a favorite magazine

5. nail polish

6. paperback book by favorite author

7. hand lotion

8. Tic Tacs or breath mints

9. pens/mechanical pencils

10. chapstick

11. pocket knife

12. (the dreaded) socks

13. mini flashlight

14. gloves

15. yoyo

16. small photo frame with picture

17. votive candle

18. personalized key ring

19. golf balls

20. golf tees

21. mini perfumes

22. Travel clock

23. letter opener

24. colored office/paper clips

25 white-out tape

26. card game

27. colored pencils

28. ruler

29. small measuring tape

30. rubber band ball

31. lipstick

32. eye shadow

33. makeup remover

34. nail polish removal

35. measuring spoons

36. wooden spoons

37. bendy straws

38. Tide-to-go

39. batteries

40. fingernail file

41. small coin purse

42. fishing lures

43. movie tickets

44. pocket calculator

45. Matchbox cars

46. TechDeck finger skateboard

47. bouncy ball

48. fashion color shoe lace

49. brainteaser mini wire puzzle

50. stopwatch

51. pedometer

52. vitamins

53. kitchen timer

54. cookie cutters

55. ice cream scoop

56. nice razor

57. stress ball

58. magnifying glass

59. USB flash drive

60. cuff links

61. iPod ear buds

62. iTunes gift card

63.toothbrush

64. Lifesavers

65. mini Kleenex packets

66. handkerchief

67. tire pressure gauge

68. eye glasses cleaner and cloth

69. pre-inked address stamp

70. earrings

71. hair clip

72. comb/brush

73. eyelash curler

74. bobble head

75. reusable shopping bag

76. shopping list pad

77. gas card

78. travel electrical adaptors

79. sleep mask

80. mini book light

81. luggage tags

82. purse hanger (to keep off of floor)

83) luggage scale

84. compass

85. portable mini speakers

86. Zhu Zhu pet

87. Cool, Decorated Erasers

88. pencil sharpeners

89. personalized pencils

90. digital golf scorecard

9. Money Clip

92. mini bubble bath

93. scented soaps

94. BBQ tank gauge

95. fingernail clippers

96. back scratcher

97. recipe cards

98. chopsticks

99. compact mirror

100. personalized Christmas ornament

The Power of Thank You

2011-11-24T00:08:00.065-07:00

Religion has long embraced the concept of gratitude, and the happiness and health that flourish as a result. But now science has accepted and proven gratitude to be a positive force. So when it gets down to it, the repetitive, time-consuming task of writing thank-you letters is actually good for you!

The Benefits of Expressing Gratitude

For example, people who are grateful have higher levels of positive emotions like love, optimism, joy, enthusiasm, and happiness. The practice of gratitude as a discipline protects a person from the destructive impulses of envy, resentment, greed, and bitterness. Those who are grateful are able to cope better with stress, sleep better, have more energy, and even have more resilience toward illness and have greater physical health.

Gratitude works because, as a way of perceiving and interpreting life, it recruits other positive emotions—like joy, contentment, and hope—that have direct physical benefits, most likely through the immune system or endocrine system. When people experience gratitude, they feel more loving, more forgiving, and closer to God.

On the flip side, ingratitude can have the opposite effect. Those who are ungrateful show signs of loneliness, increased depression, and lack of meaning in life. Like gratitude, it too has a direct effect on your body’s health.

If ingratitude is combined with hostility, resentment, or cynicism—as it often is—then the cardiovascular disease risk is increased. Ungrateful people may also be at greater risk from stress-related diseases because they handle stress more poorly than do the grateful people.

So how do you show gratitude? You can always “count your many blessings,” which has proven to be a great help. But, here’s where the thank-you letter comes into play. By sharing gratitude, all of the above benefits are amplified. So expressing thanks to someone else doubles your joy.

When people write a thank-you letter to someone they feel they have never properly thanked, deliver the letter and personally read it to the person, they were happier and more content, even over long periods of time.

The power of a thank-you note is incredible. There are three main benefits:

1. Expressing emotions magnifies the feeling, so expressing thanks makes our gratitude stronger.
2. Expressing thanks builds and strengthens relationships. Gratitude is the relationship-building emotion, so not only do we benefit on an individual level, but we create better bonds with others.
3. It humbles us. The natural man has a self-serving bias and the tendency to take sole credit for everything positive. Acknowledging that something good is a result of someone else provides us with a humbling experience.

Thank-You Note Basics

So how does one write a proper thank-you letter, making sure to express sincere gratitude for another person? A lot of people don’t write thank-you notes because they either don’t know what to say, feel like they can only write generic, impersonal things, or they’ve forgotten and it’s too late to send one now. Don’t let these stop you. Remember, silent gratitude benefits no one.

The key is to focus on the giver. What does the gift mean to you? How does it make you feel that the giver acknowledged you. Try to concentrate more on the person than the gift, although mentioning the specific gift is a must.

Here’s an outline for a typical thank-you letter:

1. Greeting: “Dear Johnny,” or more personal, “Hey Johnny!”
2. Thank them for the gift, and be specific: “Thank you so much for the lovely pearl bracelet.”
3. Mention something about the gift, like why you like the gift, and/or how you are planning to use it: “It is absolutely stunning, and I feel so beautiful when I wear it.”
4. Express gratitude for the time, effort, and thought the giver put into the gift: “It was so nice of you to think of me, and you knew exactly what I would love.”
5. Mention a brief personal comment about the giver, like the next time you plan to see them, mention their family, or express feelings about your relationship: “You are such an amazing person, and I feel so lucky to be your friend.”
6. Sign off with “Love,” “Sincerely,” “Thanks again,” etc., and sign your name.

It’s that simple! You can elaborate and, of course, add more than one sentence to any or all of these steps, making it as short or long as you feel appropriate. Writing an uncomplicated letter like this can mean the world to someone, and make a tremendous difference in your relationship with them.

An easy way to get your thank-you notes written quickly is to have envelopes already stamped and labeled with your return address, and to always have stationary on hand. Make it a goal to immediately sit down and write a quick note as soon as you receive a gift. Think of it as the quicker you write a thank-you, the more grateful you are.

Also, you should never feel indebted. There is a difference between indebtedness and gratitude, and the difference in crucial. If you feel like you have to repay the debt or have a sense of obligation to the person, no good will come of your thank-you. True gratitude is where we are glad to be indebted to the person, truly happy to give thanks.

Just remember in your thank-you writing endeavors, any letter is better than no letter, so despite tardiness or embarrassment of poor writing skills, or whatever is keeping you from the task. Just do it—your happiness depends on it!

Thank-you Note Etiquette

When writing a than-you note, make sure you don’t do one of the following:

1. Don’t talk about yourself—the point of the letter is the gift, not you.
2. When thanking someone for money, don’t mention the amount in the note.
3. Don’t print out a thank-you card. Take the time to write a hand-written letter. After all, they took the time (and money) to buy the gift.
4. Don’t include fewer than three sentences.
5. Don’t write a thank-you note for receiving a thank-you note. It gets too confusing and isn’t necessary.
6. Don’t wait more than two weeks to write a thank-you, and don’t wait a year to mail letters for wedding gifts.
7. Don’t get personal with a business letter. It’s best to just stick with thanking them.
8. Don’t email thank-you letters. Unless you know them really well and speak with them often, email is too impersonal.

Thank-you Writing for Kids

Getting your kids to be as enthusiastic about writing a thank-you letter as they were about receiving the gift can be a challenge. But it’s a good habit to develop early on and kids should know that gratitude is important. Here are some ways to get your kids excited about writing a thank-you note:

1. Make their own stationary: pull out the crafts and let them color, paint, sticker and design their own personal cards. They can even make a stockpile for the future.
2. Give them their own address book: help them fill out an address book of their own that they can take with them on vacations or to summer camp.
3. Take a picture thank-you card: if your child is too young to write a letter, take a picture of them with their gift and have them sign their name on it.
4. Create a drawing thank-you letter: again, if they’re too young to write, have your kids draw a picture of themselves with their gift.

Via Ashley Evanson, The Power of "Thank You," LDS Living, Nov/Dec 2008

Wordy Wednesday

2011-11-23T00:08:00.003-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #2

2011-11-22T00:03:00.006-07:00

Liquid Dish Soap

If you come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak, washing the affected area with liquid dish soap within two hours of contact may prevent you from getting an itching red rash. Liquid dish soap is formulated to remove oil, and is a cost-effective way to get rid of the plant oil on poison ivy leaves that causes a rash when it gets on your skin.

When volunteer students rubbed poison ivy leaves on their forearms and then washed with dish-washing soap for 25 seconds before rinsing, the soap prevented a reaction in almost half the volunteers and reduced the inflammation in the rest by 56 percent. The volunteers used Dial dish soap, but any brand will work.

Favorite Pies Coast to Coast

2011-11-21T00:04:00.002-07:00

Cherry Pie

We can thank Michigan for this tangy dessert. The state grows 75% of the nation's tart cherries. Traverse City, which holds an annual National Cherry Festival, is billed as the cherry capital of the world. The average tree yeields 7.000 cherries per year, enough for 28 pies.

Pumpkin Pie

Since its debut in the mid-1600s, pumpkin has become the second most popular pie filling in America (after apple), owing to its place on the Thanksgiving table. Illinois is the largest pumpkin producer–and processor.

Pecan Pie

Though this pie is popular in such states as Alabama and Georgia, the Oklahoma Panhandles is so nuts about it that it's been named the dessert in the "official state meal" (topping off the chicken fried steak, grits, and corn bread).

Chocolate Hazelnut Pie

Farmers in the northwest found that the hearty hazelnut mised well with other ingredients, like chocolate or maple. Oregon grows 99% of commercial hazelnuts in the U.S.: it's the state nut.

Key Lime Pie

Key limes may no longer be the key to this treat, but condensed milk remains so. Because the Florida Keys had no refrigeration until the Overseas Highway opened in 1938, bakers had to use canned milk, which became an essential element of Florida's state pie.

Macadamia Nut Pie

This confection is "practically a religion" in Hawaii. Mac pies have been around for more than 100 years and have a slew of variations. (Layering shredded coconut in the pie crust is one twist.)

Mississippi Mud Pie

It's believed this pie came about after World War II because it was mad from the ingredients chocolate, butter, sugar, and other pantry staples available at most local groceries. The name comes from the chocolate crust that reminded some of the muddy banks of the might Mississippi.

Derby Pie

This chocolate and walnut treat is traditionally eaten around the time of the Kentucky Derby. It was concocted about 50 years ago by the manager of a Kentucky inn. It's name has since been trademarked.

Olallieberry Pie

The "olallieberry" (a young-berry/logan-berry cross) was developed at Oregon State University in 1949; not long after, it was put in a pie. This red, knobby fruit, grown on the California coast, delivers a not-too-tart, not-too sweet flavor.

Sweet Potato Pie

In 1936, George Washington Carver tried to trace the origin of the sweet potato, but failed to find an answer. But, he did list all known uses of the crop, including his own pie recipes. North Carolina is the largest U.S. sweet potato producer.

Apple Pie

Pre-Revolutionary versions of apple pie featured unsweetened fruit in an inedible crust. Now, America's favorite (and Vermont's state) pie is made from hundreds of apple varieties. The best ones for bakers are the Mutsu, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, and (perhaps tops) A Spy.

Hoosier Pie

An early mention of this sugar cream pie dates from 1816, the year Indiana gained statehood. It's also known as "desperation pie" since it can be baked with ingredients found on any farm.

via Parade Magazin

Choir Notes

2011-11-20T00:03:00.002-07:00

Keep Calm and Carry On

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4287

On July 10, 1940, German bombers and fighter planes filled the skies above England, launching brutal air attacks that would last through October. The Netherlands, Belgium, and France had already fallen, and the German war machine now aimed at Britain, with the intent to cripple the country and break the spirit of the British people prior to German occupation. But while the Germans pummeled the land, destroying mercilessly, they never took control of the British Isles.

To allay fears of German invasion, the British government printed posters to serve as a rallying cry to bring out the best in its citizenry. One of them, written in white capital letters on a brilliant red background with King George’s crown at the top, read "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.” Since the invasion of England never occurred, the posters saw limited distribution.

But a few years ago one of the original posters was found in a Northumberland bookstore. Suddenly, the call to "keep calm and carry on” had new life. The message of resilience has since resounded in the hearts of British citizens and people everywhere. Whose life has not taken unexpected turns? Who hasn’t faced days of disappointment, discouragement, and loss? juggled a series of setbacks? or had to address seemingly insurmountable challenges?

Those five words are a quiet, calm, authoritative voice of reason, suggesting we downplay the drama, set hysteria aside, keep steady, exercise restraint, and rely on the strength within to keep going. "Never give in. Never, never, never, … never give in,” Winston Churchill admonished the British people.1

Though today’s wars may not be waged on our doorsteps, their effects are still real and often personal. And the sufferings and traumas of everyday life are real and never ending. We can be beaten or we can rise above with the resilience reflected in the stirring admonition to "keep calm and carry on.”

1 Churchill, ed. Richard Langworth (2008), 23.

Hospital Humor

2011-11-19T00:02:00.002-07:00

Curry Coconut Chicken

2011-11-18T00:06:00.005-07:00

INGREDIENTS:
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
1-2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon chili powder
1 medium red onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (by seeding the jalapeno you lose most of the spice/heat but retain great flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 14-ounce can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

DIRECTIONS:
Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place in medium bowl. Stir together curry, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and chili powder. Sprinkle over chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.

In a large nonstick frying pan, stir onion, basil, garlic and peppers in hot oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until onion is translucent. Add chicken and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.

Combine coconut milk and cornstarch and whisk well to combine. Carefully add to skillet, whisking vigorously. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in ginger. Cook and stir for another minute. Serve over hot cauliflower rice (see below). Serves 4.

CAULIFLOWER RICE
Trim and discard the leaves from the cauliflower, and wash the white part. Put a steamer pot on to boil.
Grate the cauliflower with a fine cheese grater or (preferably) shred it in a food processor (fine shredding disc). This can be messy, so work on an oilcloth or a baking sheet to contain the shreds.

Next, wrap the shredded cauliflower for steaming. The best way to do this is to place your cauliflower into a 1 gallon paint strainer bag (available for about $1 at a hardware store). Another, less optimal way is to bundle it up in fine cheesecloth or a cloth nutmilk bag.

Put the cauliflower bag into a steamer pot and steam for 10-15 mins or until soft. Remove from heat.
Rinse the bag under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the cauliflower. Wring the bag firmly 3-4 times to remove all liquid.

Inside the bag is a firm, fine, rice-like ball of cauliflower ready for serving. If you used a strainer bag, removing it is very easy and clean — just reach in and pull it out. If you used cloth, you might find find that more of the cauliflower rice sticks to the bag and requires some scraping.

Enjoy cauliflower rice as a side dish with clarified butter, or use it as a platform for saucy dishes like curries and stews, or saute it with veggies and meat for a biryani or fried rice style dish. Experiment with adding spices like cumin, garlic, curry or coriander during steaming for added flavor.

One-Minute Chocolate Cake

2011-11-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Cake
1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp cocoa powder
3 Tbsp spelt flour or almond flour, etc.
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 stevia packet,or 1 more Tbsp sugar)
1 Tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (some people sub applesauce or mashed banana.)
3 tablespoons nondairy milk of choice
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Combine dry ingredients and mix very, very well. Add liquid, stir, then transfer to a little dish, ramekin, or even a coffee mug. Microwave 30-40 seconds. If you don’t want to eat it straight out of the dish, be sure to spray your dish first (and then wait for it to cool before trying to remove it).

If desired, top with Chocolate-Fudge Frosting or fresh berries, jam, or coconut milk ice cream or whipped cream.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting
1/2 a medium, very ripe banana (80g)
4T Artisana coconut butter or Homemade Coconut Butter
2 Tbsp (or more!) cocoa powder (10g)
scant 1/16 tsp salt
optional: feel free to sweeten, if needed

Blend everything together in your blender, food processor, or Magic Bullet. (Taste before eating, in case you wish to add sweetener.)

Homemade Coconut Butter
1 bag shredded, unsweetened coconut

Simply blended the coconut in a Vita-Mix for about 2-3 minutes. (Note: If you use a food processor, blend for 10-ish minutes.) That’s all there is to it!

via Chocolate-Covered Katie

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:04:00.002-07:00

Home Remedies That Work #1

2011-11-15T00:09:00.038-07:00

Honey

Just one spoonful of honey can help quiet a nighttime cough, in children, better than over-the-counter cough syrups or suppressants. Honey can also help reduce coughs in older adults suffering from a cold.

Honey coats and soothes an irritated throat to help calm repeated coughing. It is generally safe and can be used repeatedly as needed; two teaspoons per dose. Older adults should make sure their cough is because of a cold and not a more serious condition that may not respond to honey. Also, honey does have a high sugar content, that may me inappropriate for older adults with diabetes.

My Go-To Cornbread and Honey Butter

2011-11-14T00:09:00.002-07:00

1/2 cup cornmeal
1-1/2 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup oil
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1-1/4 cups milk

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and add the oil, melted butter, beaten eggs, and milk in the center. Stir until just mixed (batter will be runny – don't be alarmed). Bake in an 8" square pan at 350º for 35 minutes. Can also be cooked as muffins for 25-30 minutes. This recipe also doubles perfectly for a 1x13 inch pan or 2 dozen muffins.

Honey Butter
2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup marshmallow fluff

Whip all the ingredients together with an electric mixer and serve at room temperate (can be refrigerated and softened)

Choir Notes

2011-11-13T00:01:00.004-07:00

Good Be with You

From Music and The Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4286

A young soldier, with tears in his eyes, hugs his wife and child and boards a transport plane, bound for foreign conflict. It is a scene we have witnessed many times through the years, as men and women of the military leave loved ones behind and bravely go to play their part in the fight for freedom. For all who make this sacrifice, it seems the hardest part of all is saying good-bye.

Whether for only a few hours or much longer, we must, on occasion, say farewell and place our lives and the lives of those we love in the hands of divine providence. Mothers know the feelings of joy mixed with worry as they send their little ones off to the first day of school. Children grow up and leave home, friends move away, jobs end, family members pass on, and each time we have to say good-bye.

And yet there is something particularly poignant about bidding farewell to a soldier—to a man or woman who, though reluctant to leave behind loved ones, is nevertheless emboldened by a sense of sacred duty to the cause of freedom and country. And while we may not be able to fully appreciate the sacrifice made by the families of these heroes, we all share a measure of pride in their service and prayers for their safe return.

Just as touching—and often just as tearful—as the soldier’s departure is the joy of his return and the rush to meet his embrace and welcome him home. Even if the reunion is postponed longer than we wish, we never need to let go of the assurance that someday it will come.

Life demands that all of us endure separation, but the pain of this separation can be greatly softened when, with trust in heaven’s help, we include with our good-bye the hopeful plea "God be with you till we meet again.” 1

1 "God Be with You Till We Meet Again,” Hymns, no. 152.

Almond Butter Cookie Dough Cookies

2011-11-12T00:07:00.002-07:00

1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup + 3 Tbsp. raisins
Salt to taste (1/8 -1/4 tsp.)
2 Tbsp, roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, etc.)
1/8 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Throw everything into your food processor, and combine until very smooth. Roll in balls, cookies, bars, or simply shovel the dough into your mouth, straight from the machine.

Dough can be stored on the counter, in the fridge, in the freezer, or in your belly.

Note: if you you salted nuts, reduce the amount of addition salt.

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

11-11-11

Shake It Off

2011-11-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hormuzd J Dadinath's Photos

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for ...hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Wordy Wednesday

2011-11-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

Guacamole Salsa

2011-11-08T00:08:00.036-07:00

1 lb. tomatillos (or more if you want it thinner)

1 jalapeno pepper (or more if you like it spicy)

1/3 bunch cilantro

1 thick slice of onion

1 garlic clove

1 avocado

1 tsp. salt

Peel and wash the tomatillos - in the store, they are usually found over by the cilantro & peppers, and they have a husk on them. Cut them into quarters and put in the blender. Follow with the jalapeno, cilantro, onion, garlic, avocado & salt. Be sure to put the tomatillos in the bottom of the blender and not the avocado so it doesn't stick to the blade. You might have to help it start by shaking or using a mixer at first. But, once it gets going the juice from the tomatillos will help move the other ingredients around.

That's it! It should last about a week in the fridge. I did notice that it thickens up in the fridge, so if you want it thinner grab a couple more tomatillos to mix in again. Super easy and so good - especially over pulled pork!!

Goals

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Choir Notes

2011-11-06T00:08:00.001-06:00

Overcoming Obstacles

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4285

A farmer’s son once watched with great compassion as a tiny chick stirred within its shell. Slowly the bird made a small crack in the egg, its tiny beak just poking through. And then, weary from its efforts, the bird paused to rest.

Thinking he would help, the young boy pried open the shell with his thumbs, pulling away fragments of the shell until the bird was free. But in his eagerness to make life easier for the young bird, he sealed its fate: Without strength built from pecking open its own shell, the bird could not survive.

Obstacles are a part of life, but most of us don’t realize what a vital part they are, building in us the traits we need to succeed in life. We often see difficulties and failures as doors that have slammed, opportunities we’ve lost, when in fact these trials can be gifts.

Look at the everyday heroes around us who overcome setbacks—a child without sight who learns to swim, a single mother who puts herself through nursing school and later helps all her children through college, a man who takes on an extra job to support his family during tough economic times. These are people who refuse to be beaten; they persevere through the storms and use challenges as a catapult.

Every bird in flight is an example to us of this same perseverance. Each one had to break through its shell, one chip at a time, determined to live, determined to fly. The shell was an obstacle but also the very tool that built strength and tenacity.

Those who understand this truth refuse to let bumps in the road define their entire journey. If we resolve never to give up, then our obstacles, instead of becoming final verdicts, can launch us to greater heights. Joni Hilton

Fall Back

2011-11-05T00:03:00.000-06:00

5 Simple Rules to Be Happy

2011-11-04T00:06:00.000-06:00

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means. There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you. All you can do is to be someone who can be loved.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his or her place. Friendship is like wine; it gets better as it grows older.

Punny

2011-11-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

Puns for Educated Minds:

1. The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'

13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

15. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

16. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

17. A backward poet writes inverse.

18. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

19. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

20. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris , you'd be in Seine .

21. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'

22. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says 'Dam!'

23. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

24. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.'

25. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication.

26. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did

Madsen Bike Giveaway

2011-11-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

Go here for information

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T00:05:00.002-06:00

Discussions

2011-11-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

Donald Episode 135/138-Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

I used to have a filmstrip and cassette of this Disney cartoon. I would show it to my school kids and trick-or-treaters every Halloween. Now we watch it on YouTube... LOL

Choir Notes

2011-10-30T00:07:00.003-06:00

Assume the Best

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4284

Things are not always as they appear. It’s easy to make assumptions, only to find out that our quick judgment is not at all accurate.

A grandmother experienced this recently when she took her two teenage granddaughters to a choir concert. She wanted so much for her granddaughters to feel the peace and joy of this kind of inspiring music and had planned well for this special event.

As they sat listening to the choir voices fill the magnificent hall, the grandmother was moved to tears. When she looked at her granddaughters to see if they were having a similarly moving experience, she was disappointed to find them writing notes. How could they not be touched by this glorious music? Why would they be writing notes to each other instead of reveling in the beauty of this sublime performance?

After the concert, to her surprise, she discovered that her granddaughters had been writing a letter to their brother back home, telling him of the amazing experience they were having at that very moment. They were enjoying the concert so much, they could not wait to express their feelings in writing. They were wishing their brother could have been there to feel what they were feeling.

How many times have we harshly judged someone’s actions without knowing the whole story? Since we can never know all the facts, we might as well assume the best. If we resist the tendency to make quick judgments and instead cut a little slack for all who may be behaving in ways we do not approve of or understand, then our lives and the lives of those around us can be more peaceful and our relationships more rewarding.

Assuming the best is an act of kindness we can all give to one another. As Rabbi Harold Kushner reminds us, "When you are kind to others, it not only changes you—it changes the world.”1 Joy Lundburg

1 Forward to Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Bring More Peace, Love, and Compassion into the World (2007), xvi.

Halloween Swamp Water

2011-10-29T00:05:00.084-06:00

First, get some Swamp Water bottles at Target in the form of Starbuck's Frappucino Drinks, or get them from your friends who drink it. Then remove the labels by soaking them in water and using a little Goo Gone for the tough parts. I've also heard that a blow dryer will do the trick.

Now make your labels. Tip Junkie has links to tons of free Halloween printables. The labels, here, were found Fantasy Jr.. They were reduced by 50% and printed on clear label paper. After printing them, just cut them to size, peel, and stick.

Swamp Water Recipe

1 - 46 oz. Dole Pineapple juice

1- 12 oz limeade concentrate, thawed

1 - 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk

(this makes the punch murky)

24 oz. water

24 oz. 7 Up or Sprite

Americolor's Electric Green Food color

Blue food color

Mix everything together, adding the food coloring

until you get the murky green you want.

Serve chilled or over ice.

Last of all, serve up your swamp water with with purple-striped paper straws that can be found at Pebbles In My Pocket (local scrapbooking store), or google them to find on line.

Enjoy!!

Via Purple Chocolat Home

Happy 125th Birthday

2011-10-28T00:02:00.003-06:00

Thank you, France...

6 Worst Halloween Candies on the Market

2011-10-27T00:06:00.002-06:00

Butterfinger Minis

4 pieces: 180 calories, 8 grams fat, 18 grams sugar

These sweets pack a serious amount of calories and 2 grams of fat. According to the calories burned calculator at Mayoclinic.com a 145-pound person would need to briskly walk for 30 minutes to burn off 4 piecs of Butterfinger.

Starburst Fruit Chews

8 pieces: 160 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 23 grams sugar

Most fruit candies contain very little or no fat. Starbursts are the exception. Each little piece contains 20 calories, which can add up pretty quickly.

Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkin

1 piece: 180 calories, 11 grams fat, 16 grams sugar

Although the combination of chocolate and peanut butter can be tempting, this pumpkin can seriously derail your healthiest eating intentions. Opt for chocolates without peanut butter for calorie savings.

Baby Ruth

1 "fun size" bar: 83 calories, 4 grams fat, 10 grams sugar

Again, the combination of chocolate and peanuts puts this treat on our worst offenders list. There's certainly nothing "fun" about crazy amounts of fat and calories.

Mounds

1 "fun size" bar: 250 calories, 13 grams fat, 21 grams sugar

Thanks to the high-fat coconut filling, these little chocolate nuggets boast big fat and calorie counts. Skip this treat all together and opt for a small piece of dark chocolate.

Twizzlers

4 pieces: 150 calories, 1 gram fat, 21 grams sugar

Although these carry very little fat, they are filled with sugar which can turn to fat. Opt for the sugar-free versions or dried fruit instead.

Via: Reader's Digest Editors

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T00:05:00.002-06:00