November 09, 2010
Black Friday Avon specials!!
Only a couple more weeks until Black Friday! Check out the home page on my Avon site and see what kinds of savings you can get by shopping with me on Black Friday 7am to 9pm! The earlier you shop the more you save!
BE A PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN
BE A PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this;To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James 1:27
What is "real" Christianity? Think of it as an on going relationship- an all encompassing relationship with God and His Son Jesus. It is inevitable that your life must be lived in relationship to God. The question is not if you would have a relationship with Him; the burning question is whether that relationship will be the one that seeks to honor Him or the one that seeks to ignore Him.
We live in a world that discourages heartfelt devotion and obedience to God. Everywhere we turn, or so it seems we are confronted by a mind- numbing assortment of distractions, temptations, obligations, and frustrations. Yet even on our busiest days, God beckons us to slow down and consult Him. When we do, we avail ourselves of the peace and abundance that only He can give.
AMEN
NEW Spiritual DVDs on sale now!
Amish Grace
Based on an incredible true story. In 2006, the peaceful community of Nickel Mines was changed forever. A gunman senselessly took the lives of five girls in a schoolhouse shooting before taking his own life. As the public watched in disbelief, Amish leaders forgave the shooter and reached out to his widow. Discover the faith behind the forgiveness—and the extraordinary courage of one grieving mother to find healing and restoration. Stars Kimberly Williams-Paisley
The Way Home
Torn between the demands of work and family, Randy Simpkins finds his faith and family severely tested when his two-year-old son disappears. In his darkest hour, the community responds, uniting behind Randy and his wife in a spiritual journey that will change them forever. Based on a true story. Stars Dean Cain
To Save A Life
This film will convict your teen to go deeper to reach his or her friends. Addressing the real-life challenges of teens and the choices they face, To Save A Life dares to ask, “What’s your life going to be about?” Its powerful message speaks to those who desire to develop a life lived deliberately for Christ. A great resource for youth groups.
WWJD: What Would Jesus Do?
The town of Raymond has fallen on hard times. When an ambitious politician starts talk of a casino, a drifter arrives and encourages the pastor and his flock to live life according to the precepts of Christ. Can the town resist the temptation of money? Based on the book, In His Steps.
Letters to God
Experience the inspirational story of an 8-year-old boy who finds strength and hope by writing letters to God as he faces his battle with cancer. This redemptive story speaks to the universal search for meaning and away your faith can help you face adversity in your everyday life.
Rust
Rocked by a crisis of faith, former minister Jimmy returns to his hometown and finds it reeling from a recent tragedy. Jimmy finds he must uncover the mystery behind an unexplained fi re and clear a dear friend. A story of grace, sacrifice and hope starring Corbin Bernsen.
The Love Comes Softly Boxed Set (**I love these!)
Get the entire Love Comes Softly DVD series together in one package. The heart of a young widow softens to experience love again, and an endearing family story continues through the children and grandchildren. This series can be enjoyed in or out of sequence.
Can ya tell I'm trying to catch up? LOL
I sure did miss coming in here! Off and on with no internet over the year, or problems with the site. Shew, I am glad to be back!
More from Michelle (A Year of Slow Cooking) Fall Recipes
While I take a much-needed break from the computer, please enjoy this post from the archives! oxox steph
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I just got back from a pumpkin patch field trip with sixty kindergarteners. In the rain. I wish I could say that I planned ahead and plugged something in so I could happily (and maybe a bit smugly?) report that, "we came home to a hearty bowl full of wholesome goodness that warmed us right up."
oh how I wish I could say that.
But I can't. We came home instead to soggy tuna and rice cakes.
But you? You can totally plan ahead. These are fantastic fall slow cooker recipes that will keep your tummies full, your house warm and cozy, your family happy, and your budget in check.
Beverages
Holiday (non-alcoholic) Punch (although "Holiday" is in the title, I've been making this a lot. Wednesdays can totally be the new Holiday.)
Pumpkin Spice Latte (yummers)
Chai Tea Latte (I don't actually like this so much, but my mother-in-law loves it, and so do her friends.)
Appetizers
Brie with Balsamic Apricot Topping (just made this again on Saturday, and have been requested to make it on Thursday for my friend Jennifer's jewelry party. Oh! anyone want to buy jewelry? I think there might be an online form.)
Sundried Tomato Dip (one of the very first things I made during my challenge)
Cream Cheese, Sausage, and Rotel Dip (AKA Mommy Crack)
Pizza Fondue (liquid pizza)
Fancy Cheese Fondue
Main Courses
Apricot Chicken (the kids LOVE this)
Pomegranate Beef (from Karina's Kitchen, the Gluten Free Goddess. She is wonderful.)
Pizza Soup (because you need more liquid pizza)
Cowboy Stew (from Headless Mom)
Pasta Fagioli (copy cat(ish) from the Olive Garden. We eat this monthly.)
Coq au Vin (red wine for purple, white wine for not-purple)
Azorean Stew (from Sean at Hedonia)
Salsa Chicken and Black Bean Soup (I get the nicest thank you notes about this one)
Java Roast (doesn't taste like coffee. I promise.)
Chile Verde (I make this for guests. Often.)
Margarita Chicken (from Alanna, of Kitchen Parade)
Mongolian Beef (lots of ingredients, but totally worth it)
Korean Ribs (from Stefania, of City Mama)
Orange Apricot Pork Chops (a favorite with kids)
Cranberry Pork Tenderloin (my little buddy Austin's review is priceless on this one)
Asian Peanut Butter Pork (mmm. peanut butter.)
Sausage Vegetable Medley (we eat this an awful lot. super easy.)
Autumn Sausage Casserole (C. Beth reminded me to add this!)
Jamaican Pumpkin Soup (amazingly delicious)
Desserts
Cheesecake (I was crazily ecstatic at how this turned out. I think the neighbors could hear my squealing)
Crustless Pumpkin Pie (exactly what it sounds like!)
Apple Crisp (the people in the audience at GMA liked this)
Peach (or whatever fruit you'd like) Pie (I had canned peaches in the house)
Pumpkin Pie Dip (fondue-y)
5 Layer Brownies (use a small slow cooker for this, or your middle won't set)
Pound Cake (I can't believe I ate the whole thing)
Rice Krispies Treats (the kids can do this alone. while I nap. It's a good thing.)
Caramel Apples (great surprise as an after school snack)
Brownie-in-a-Mug (So. Much. Fun.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just got back from a pumpkin patch field trip with sixty kindergarteners. In the rain. I wish I could say that I planned ahead and plugged something in so I could happily (and maybe a bit smugly?) report that, "we came home to a hearty bowl full of wholesome goodness that warmed us right up."
oh how I wish I could say that.
But I can't. We came home instead to soggy tuna and rice cakes.
But you? You can totally plan ahead. These are fantastic fall slow cooker recipes that will keep your tummies full, your house warm and cozy, your family happy, and your budget in check.
Beverages
Holiday (non-alcoholic) Punch (although "Holiday" is in the title, I've been making this a lot. Wednesdays can totally be the new Holiday.)
Pumpkin Spice Latte (yummers)
Chai Tea Latte (I don't actually like this so much, but my mother-in-law loves it, and so do her friends.)
Appetizers
Brie with Balsamic Apricot Topping (just made this again on Saturday, and have been requested to make it on Thursday for my friend Jennifer's jewelry party. Oh! anyone want to buy jewelry? I think there might be an online form.)
Sundried Tomato Dip (one of the very first things I made during my challenge)
Cream Cheese, Sausage, and Rotel Dip (AKA Mommy Crack)
Pizza Fondue (liquid pizza)
Fancy Cheese Fondue
Main Courses
Apricot Chicken (the kids LOVE this)
Pomegranate Beef (from Karina's Kitchen, the Gluten Free Goddess. She is wonderful.)
Pizza Soup (because you need more liquid pizza)
Cowboy Stew (from Headless Mom)
Pasta Fagioli (copy cat(ish) from the Olive Garden. We eat this monthly.)
Coq au Vin (red wine for purple, white wine for not-purple)
Azorean Stew (from Sean at Hedonia)
Salsa Chicken and Black Bean Soup (I get the nicest thank you notes about this one)
Java Roast (doesn't taste like coffee. I promise.)
Chile Verde (I make this for guests. Often.)
Margarita Chicken (from Alanna, of Kitchen Parade)
Mongolian Beef (lots of ingredients, but totally worth it)
Korean Ribs (from Stefania, of City Mama)
Orange Apricot Pork Chops (a favorite with kids)
Cranberry Pork Tenderloin (my little buddy Austin's review is priceless on this one)
Asian Peanut Butter Pork (mmm. peanut butter.)
Sausage Vegetable Medley (we eat this an awful lot. super easy.)
Autumn Sausage Casserole (C. Beth reminded me to add this!)
Jamaican Pumpkin Soup (amazingly delicious)
Desserts
Cheesecake (I was crazily ecstatic at how this turned out. I think the neighbors could hear my squealing)
Crustless Pumpkin Pie (exactly what it sounds like!)
Apple Crisp (the people in the audience at GMA liked this)
Peach (or whatever fruit you'd like) Pie (I had canned peaches in the house)
Pumpkin Pie Dip (fondue-y)
5 Layer Brownies (use a small slow cooker for this, or your middle won't set)
Pound Cake (I can't believe I ate the whole thing)
Rice Krispies Treats (the kids can do this alone. while I nap. It's a good thing.)
Caramel Apples (great surprise as an after school snack)
Brownie-in-a-Mug (So. Much. Fun.)
Tomorrow night's dinner, borrowed from http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/ (A Year of Slow Cooking)
(I have fallen in LOVE with her site!!)
Ethiopian Chicken Stew (Doro Wat) Slow Cooker Recipe
I really like introducing the kids to new flavors, and when I came across Mary Ostyn's Doro Wat recipe in her WONDERFUL book,Family Feasts for $75 a Week (and this is for a family of 12!) I knew I needed to try it.
This is a wonderfully spicy stew/soup, and I'm thrilled to use some of very-neglected spice bottles in the cupboard. I highly recommend giving this a go. Be adventurous! You've only got one Friday, October 22 2010 in your life. :-)
The Ingredients.
serves 8
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
3 large onions, diced (or 3 tablespoons dried minced onion flakes)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and more to taste if you'd like
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cups water
8 hard-boiled eggs (peeled, to add later)
The Directions.
Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Empty the tomato can into your cooker. Put in the chicken thighs, and add the lemon juice. Now add butter, onion, and ALL of the spices. Pour in the water. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5. Your soup is done when the onions are soft and translucent and the chicken is cooked through and begun to fall apart. Ladle into a wide-mouth bowl and place a whole hardboiled egg into each dish.
The Verdict.
What great soup. The depth of spices is really unique---you get a powerful punch of tomato and lemon at first, but then the warmth from the spices fills your whole belly. Mary says to make it authentic you should really use 1 TABLESPOON of cayenne instead of 1 teaspoon. Holy toledo, I'm too much of a wuss for that!
I'm sharing some of my favorite stock-the-freezer and meal planning ideas over at Smithfield.com. Chime in to share your favorites!
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