Mr. Lid

Being sick all day, we watched a bit of television and I just might order my first ever product from a TV ad!  It's from mrlid.com and it's food containers with lids that stay attached.  Genius!  I hate hunting for lids and losing them all the time.  It sounded like a good offer...so I'll let you know!

A Blessing

Some dear friends heard we were sick and brought us soup and shepherd's pie tonight.  That's my "pinch" today.  When you hear a friend is in need, and you hear a voice telling you to bless them, do it.  The soup was healing to our throats, and such a blessing.  And they didn't stay, they didn't impose, they only gave and blessed.  What great friends.

Umcka

My husband and I both ended the Christmas week with a bang - headache, fever, and cough - not fun.  My brother-in-law recommended a medicine I'd never heard of - Umcka.  I started taking it this afternoon and feel a speck better this evening.  The verdict is still out, but here it is in case you want to give this natural product a try:

Party Time!

Having a New Year's party, or just inviting a few guests over for appetizers and desserts?  Check out the clearance Christmas shelves at Target for fun foods and serving pieces.  Today we got cookies, coffee, cute trays, and even a very cute water pitcher that was just regularly $5.99.  Fill up your cart with these items that are good for the entire winter season of entertaining! 

Open-Faced Sandwiches

Vietnamese open-faced sandwiches.  It's what we had for dinner.  Never made them before, but they were delicious and healthy.  They take a bit of time to prepare, but can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving.  They're delicious and a great idea for your new year's party for your guests.  Serve them in baskets with chips, and winter fruit salad.

After Christmas

After Christmas sales - don't you love them?!  Yesterday we stopped at Walgreens and I purchased cookie tins and boxes half off.  My sister purchased Christmas lunch bags for wrapping stocking stuffers next year. I LOVE getting wrapping paper, tree trimming gifts, and decorations - then putting them away until next November and being so surprised when I pull them out - and excited! 

Go down every aisle, as there are always hidden goodies on shelves you'd never expect...I'll share what I find as I go....

Happy Hunting...

ASK

It's Christmas Eve - parents are tired - kids are not going to sleep late - and tomorrow tensions may run high - as well as excitement and fun.  Relatives you don't like will soon be gone, kids that are crying will soon hush, and the messes that are made can be cleaned and - all can be well again.

Give thanks for your family, your health, your blessings... and if all of those things are lacking...draw near to HIM and he promises to draw near to you.  Ask Him to let you marvel at the good things you do have, and at His love for you.  And most of all be filled with love, joy, and peace - those three things that are real and available for YOU. 

Ask and it shall be given unto you....and that includes joy.

Merry Christmas!

Crisp & Chewy & Crunchy!

I made chocolate chips cookies today and I didn't have quite enough chocolate chips, but I did have chocolate covered almonds.  So I cut the almonds in fourths and used them with the chips - delicious!  This recipe is awesome and makes huge cookies!

Sponges Supreme

These sponges are great, from Sur La Table. They come in a pack of 10 for $11.95.  They store nicely because they're flat until made wet, they puff up really thick, and they're so durable!  Another treat for yourself...as the holidays festivities come to a close...

Milkhouse Candles

My sister is visiting from California and introduced me to this candle - she says it smells up her house more than any other candle!  They are sold in Hallmark stores, or you can order them on line - click here. 

Try Citrus & Lavender or Pure Vanilla or Carrot Spice Cake.  They are also elegantly packaged in smooth, sleek milk jar containers or cheesecrocks!

Although it's too late for a Christmas gift, order one for yourself for all the hard work you've put in this season!

Texting Gloves

My husband just bought me some texting gloves.  Have you seen them?  There are several versions but the ones I got came from Urban Outfitters.  The tips have a different texture so that you can hit the buttons on your phone. They cost $14.00.  A cute idea for the techie girls on your list!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25436247&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS

Carpet Bag!

Love, love this - in fact I bought it for myself today.  It's at World Market (Cost Plus) - http://www.worldmarket.com/product/earthy-striped-carpet-backpack.do?&from=Search

Great gift for the girl on the go!

Panko Pork!

Great meal tonite with thin pork chops!  Beat two eggs with one teaspoon of milk in a bowl.  Salt and pepper pork chops, then dip in the egg mixture.  Coat with Panko breadcrumbs.  Repeat process.

Fry in 1 cup of oil about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve with baked potatoes and salad. 

A great, quick, easy dinner during this busy season!

Do It

My "bright" idea tonight is that when you're busy, you're tired from shopping, you've been working like a dog, and you have gifts to wrap and a house to clean - order pizza to be delivered to your door!  Don't beat yourself up for not cooking a healthy, wholesome meal once in a while - just order out - sit down and enjoy - and be done with it.  Enough said.

Stocking Hits

We had one of our Christmas events early today, which involved some stocking gifts.  You never know about little gifts you buy - w hich ones will be hits - and which ones will be misses.  Here were a few hits:

Static Guard - my daughter uses it on her brush to eliminate static electricity in her hair!

 



Phone amplifier - in the gift section for men at  Target - it really works and they liked it!

Movies - There is a great selection of movies under $5 at Target - Ghostbusters, Green Hornet, to name a few!

Cash - A $5 bill in the bottom of the stocking is a great find!

Soap - At Marshalls as you check out, awesome scented soaps are in cloth bags decorated for Christmas! (Gingerbread, Frosted Snow & Cinnamon Spice)

Happy Shopping!

Comfortable & Cute!

This sweater is just $14.95 at H&M!  It looks great with leggings and boots, and is just right for a winter, comfy top - and great for a gift - or for yourself! http://www.hm.com/us/product/06372?article=06372-A

Cheese Crisps

This appetizer is great for taking to your holiday party.  I saw it made on the cooking show The Chew and tried it today.  Follow this recipe and enjoy! I placed them on a round plate for serving, with a bow in the middle!

Cheese Crisps

• 1 10-ounce block of Gruyere
• Caraway Seeds
• Black Pepper
• Chopped Almonds
• Sesame Seeds

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Shave long strips of cheese with a peeler, approximately 1 1/2-inch by 3 inches.           
• Lay the cheese on a baking sheet lined with a silicone non-stick baking mat. Sprinkle with your choice of caraway seeds, black pepper, almonds or sesame seeds. Or, combine the ingredients to make your own unique cheese stick creations.     
• Bake for about 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cheese sticks cool until ready to handle.

  

Necklace

Did you know that Pier One has jewelry? And most of the time there are a few pieces on clearance. In fact, I found an awesome necklace today for a stocking present!  And right now, there are shelves and shelves of small items for stockings!

http://www.pier1.com/

Dinner for Winter

Great meal - fast and easy - delicious:  Steam white rice in your cooker or on the stove.  While it's cooking, chop a link of sausage and stir fry with onions in a large pan, add a can of black eyed peas and a can of fire roasted diced tomatoes - season with s and p to taste.  Serve over the rice, along with cornbread - a great winter meal! 

No Gift Tags

We have LOTS of gifts under the tree when our extended family gets together, and it takes too much time to write names on gift tags.  So we just purchase sticker sheets and assign a sticker to each person.  For example, I may have snowmen on my packages, my husband may have a reindeer, my son a package, etc.  No names at all.  Then when we open our gifts it's fun to "hunt" for our sticker under the tree.  It makes opening gifts a challenge and a game! (Let the kids make a poster to hang so each person knows their sticker)

THYMES Essentials

A friend of mine gave me this today!  Look at the name of the company!  I Googled it and found the website - where you can purchase all sorts of great products.  Check them out:

http://www.thymes.com/Products/Hand-and-Foot-Cleansers/Thymes-Essentials-Hand-Wash/

Boots for Winter

Cold weather is here (in some parts of the country) and it's coming in other parts (like where I live!).  Boots look great with skirts above the knee and tights, or with skinny jeans tucked inside.  My daughter recently got a great pair at JCP.  That's JC Penneys. The heal is just right - not too high - but just high enough.   Check them out  here:

http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/handbags-accessories/shops/new-arrivals/yuu%25e2%2584%25a2-charyl-slouch-boots/prod.jump?ppId=pp5001790061&searchTerm=yuu+boots&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null&catId=SearchResults

Voluspa

Voluspa candles.  Have you smelled them?  Have you seen them?  They make great Christmas gifts because they come in delicious fragrances (yes - you almost taste them!) and they are very pretty. They come in cut glass jars or tins. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/search/690204.jsp?cm_vc=SEARCH_RESULTS

Tomato Basil

I ate lunch with some friends at La Madeleine today and had their tomato basil soup - it's THE best!  They sell it in jar, along with bagged croutons to go with, but in case you're not in an area where you can stop by...here's the online recipe I found for the soup!

http://www.food.com/recipe/la-madeleines-tomato-basil-soup-5368

Can You Hear It?

December 7, 2012

Psalm 51 speaks of “hearing” joy and gladness.

We just discussed what “wearing” joy looks like.  But what about hearing it?  

The Bible says faith comes through hearing the Word. We hear truth over and over again until we believe it.  That’s faith.

I think in order to hear joy we must surround ourselves with joyful noises.  Friends who complain and gossip are not joyful noises.  Shows and news programs that we listen to that slander, profane, and promote things like infidelity and violence are not joyful noises.  The sound of our own voices echoing the “poor me” sentiment found among many is not a joyful noise.

So what are joyful noises?  They sound like celebrations of the goodness of God in the lives of those who love Him.  We need to be surrounded by others who believe in God’s goodness and faithfulness and who speak of it all day long to their children, and to you.  

Don’t know any people like that?  You need to change groups…and find the sounds of joy.

Life of Pi

Saw the movie Life of Pi tonight.  I had read the book back when my son was in middle school and it was required reading.  I didn't care for the book, but the movie is a visually stunning adventure - worth seeing on the big screen!

For the Stroller

We stopped at a store on our way out of town and actually found these little books for $1.00!  However, this one on Amazon is not a buck...but it's a great idea for the little one on your list!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/toys-games-haba-my-farm-animals-baby-stroller-book/19947519

For Kids

If you have kids to buy for, I've always liked the books and stuffed animals that go with the stories - $5 each!  Check them out...they constantly change...
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-c29336/kohls-cares-l-frank-baum-the-wizard-of-oz-collection.jsp

Five Bucks!

 

http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-juniors-fashion-tights-assorted-colors/-/A-13929809#prodSlot=medium_1_53&term=tights

These tights are only $5.00 and they come in a multitude of colors!  They are at Target.  Great stocking stuffers, or buy some for yourself and be bold with a new color other than black or brown!

Mini Me

http://shop.pinchprovisions.com/minimergency-kit-for-her-p1.aspx

This is a REAL pinch!  You can order this online or find them at Whole Earth.  It has about 16 essentials tucked inside this tiny pouch for purses - awesome stocking stuffer!

Family Dinner

Maybe...if we have something to talk about...we will have family dinners around the table more!  Sound like a plan?  This little box would be a great stocking stuffer for families!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Family-Dinner-Box-Questions/dp/B0026IOG7M  

The Lord is My Shepherd

I posted this song on FB today too, because it's sooo good. It's a great song to listen to in the morning before you start your day.  It's a great song to dance to, before you leave the house.  It's a great song to worship to, throughout the day!

Enjoy...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO3dxZ46WkQ

Breakfast Deluxe

DELICIOUS - We made this recipe for a work party - as a compote to serve over Belgian Waffles.  It was scrumptiously good and would be great for your family on a holiday morning! 

Click here for Cider-Glazed Christmas Fruit!

Leftovers!

Still have leftover ham from Thanksgiving?  And dinner rolls?  Why not make your own breakfast treats, by frying an egg, then the ham, then toasting the rolls and adding a bit of cheese for tomorrow morning?  Easy and quick - and quite tasty! And if you don't like eggs (like me) then just omit it!

Cake Carrier

This is only in the store at WorldMarket, not online,  but sooo cute - a retro cake carrier!  What a great hostess gift (with cake inside) or just a cool surprise to a food lover in your family! It's $24.99 and comes apart so that the cake can be presented, as well as carried!

Hopla!

Tree Trimming Parties - do you have them?  We have them with our kids each year the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We decorate the tree, eat fun foods, play a new game, watch a corny Christmas movie, and ask questions of each other and answer.  We especially enjoyed a retro game we played tonight called Hopla! We got it at World Market!

So Cute!

Why not try your dinner in individual serving pots for each person attending your dinner table?  It makes for a personal meal, elegant presentation, and it’s so fun to eat from these cute dishes found at my local grocery store.  Pictured here is an expensive version, but they are available at HEB for $3.00 each! (and in other colors!) The recipe I'm trying is chicken and broccoli casserole from the Southern Living 2011 Christmas Cookbook.

Retro Christmas

World Market has the cutest retro toys...who knew!  We scored big with these on our Black Friday shopping excursion today! Check these out and get several for your kids...young and old!  Click here to view.

Lie Back

November 24, 2012

Just before Jesus was taken to the cross, he fell into the hands of ruthless men bent on crucifying him.  He willingly chose to lay down his life, but these men grabbed him and took him, not realizing they really had no power at all to kill him.  Jesus could have stopped the process at any time. Nevertheless, Jesus fell into their hands…and wound up on the cross…dying.

Just as Jesus was about to die, he said this to his Father, “…into your hands I commit my spirit.” At this point, Jesus was falling into altogether different hands.  The hands he was now falling into were safe hands, hands that would in three days restore new life to this son, and in fact give eternal life to all who believe in Him.  

Sometimes we fall into the hands of others, and we’re not treated very nicely.  We’re shuffled around, ridiculed, taunted, teased, judged, etc. and we feel as though we’re dumped on the side of the road, bruised and angry.  It’s at these very times that we need to lie back and fall into HIS hands.

People can and will hurt us with words and deeds.  There’s no denying the scars from that.  But God’s hands, when we commit our spirit into them, have resurrection power that sends us forth completely restored in body, soul, and mind.  It’s a process for sure, but it’s a sure one!  And His hands will never hurt…only heal.

Father, we fall into your hands today.

Black Friday

Black Friday is tomorrow, and I go every year with my mom to shop for about 20 people, buying them multiple gifts each.  We have it down to a science...almost . Here are my top three hints:

1.  Have a budget and stick to it.
2.  Wear comfortable shoes.
3.  Don't forget your coupons from the newspaper and online!

Have fun shopping!

Family Fun!

Today is  Thanksgiving Day.  We are eating lots of good food, but we're also doing two things as a family for fun, that I found on the internet.  We are going to say "Thank you" in several different languages and pray for those countries...and we're going to tear a shape of a turkey out of construction paper behind our backs to see who can make the best one!