February 14, 2012

MEN... TODAY is Valentine's Day










MEN... TODAY is Valentine's Day - you do NOT need to spend hundreds of dollars on us! That is a waste of hard-earned money, trust me... just use your imagination... let me tell you how cool a HOMEMADE card is along with a homemade dinner or dessert... VERY! You know why? You had to put your feelings into it. Yes, we like chocolate, we like flowers, but most of all, we like YOU as a person, otherwise we wouldn't be with you. Do not waste a load of money on something that lasts one day.








I love you THIS MUCH

 







If you want to see this in person, which I will one day do, it is Rio deJanerio Brazil


February 13, 2012

Possible meteorite wakes many in SC

Possible meteorite wakes many in SC 


Posted: Feb 13, 2012 8:36 AM EST

GREENVILLE, SC (WYFF) - Emergency dispatchers from across the Upstate and The National Weather Service office say they got numerous calls overnight from people who heard a loud explosion followed by lights streaking across the sky.
The National Weather Service said it got a call from Greenville police around 2 a.m.
Police said they had been getting calls about lights in the sky and a loud boom. They said after they started getting calls they checked the security camera at the National Weather Service and saw a flash of light at 1:42 a.m.
A National Weather Service representative said it could have been a meteorite.
The National Weather Service say they also got calls from Cherokee County. One of these callers said they saw an object breaking apart in the sky.
 In Spartanburg County alone, dispatchers took approximately 75 calls, and reports are coming in from as far away as Lexington, NC and Carrollton, Ga.
Firefighters with the Reidville fire department in Spartanburg County witnessed the light show first hand. They tell us it happened at approximately 1:55 a.m.
The National Weather Service is also taking reports and gathering information on the event.

Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.

I'll update when I find out more! ~PAS
(As of 8:54 am Tuesday, there are no updates.)

February 11, 2012

Pop singer Whitney Houston dead at 48


Pop singer Whitney Houston dead at 48
Cause and location of singer's death unclear
The Associated Press Posted: Feb 11, 2012 8:09 PM ET

Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, has died. She was 48. Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unclear. At her peak in the 1980s and `90s, Houston the golden girl of the music industry and one of the world's best-selling artists. Among her hits were How Will I Know, Saving All My Love for You and I Will Always Love You. She won multiple Grammys including album and record of the year. Her success carried her beyond music to movies like The Bodyguard. But by the end of her career, drug use took its toll as her record sales plummeted and her voice became raspy and hoarse.

AP Photo



February 10, 2012

Need a gift for a new bride/groom, new homeowner, house cleaner?

Looking for a unique gift for your friend the bride, her bridesmaids or flower girl? The groom or his groom's men? For a new homeowner? Someone who cleans homes for a living?


Check out Thirty-One's completely customizable line of products!! Our cosmetic bags (#3071) or our Jewelry Roll with Pouches (#3163) make a perfect bridesmaids gift or even simple purses!


Our Expand-A-Tote Day extender (#3612) makes a perfect overnight bag for girls night out, bachelorette parties, or wedding day esstentials. Or luggage items for the bride and groom! (including the City Weekender Tote #3336, and the XXXI Professional Tote #3583). 


Flower girls love the Lil Expressions line, you can get her a tote (#3416) with a little girl that looks just like her!! We have a small selection of flower clips (#3821 or #3353) that may add the finishing touches to your bridesmaids hair or dresses!! 


The Picnic Thermal Tote (#3034) is a great bridal shower gift, you can have it personalized with the Brides new name and encourage the newlyweds to enjoy picnic together!


The Organizing Utility Tote (#3105), the All-In-One Organizer (#3258) or the Tote-ally Awesome Tote (#3509) make great carrying totes from cleaning products, or holding gifts for new homeowners! Many colors and patterns to choose from!


To see many more products, please visit http://www.MyThirtyOne.com/PAS





For the gals (who are still dealing with cramps...)


Menstrual Cramp Tea

Make this when you are feeling crampy, it will magically make you feel better. Daikon helps to relax the liver, and in Chinese medicine, the liver is the organ that governs female reproduction. So when the liver relaxes, our female discomforts, quiet down. This drink will also help reduce swelling of the ankles.

Serves 1

½ cup Daikon (grated into a pulp) (Oriental/Japanese Radish)
½ c Spring Water
1-2 drops Shoyu (a Soy Sauce)

Combine the ingredients in a glass, mix well, and drink.
It is important to eat lighter, fresher dishes right before your period. Skip bread and go easy on the salt. Eat more veggies, especially lightly cooked green ones. It is not unusual to crave sugar or chocolate before menstruating, so let yourself have some good quality sweets. You might even want an organic beer or sake to help you relax. If you don’t drink alcohol, try a glass of warm apple juice or even warm carrot juice. Sounds weird but tastes great. ~ Alicia Silverstone. The Kind Diet/The Kind Life

February 09, 2012

Tonight's dinner - Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa


Shrimp in olive oil, fresh crushed garlic, sea-salt, black pepper.
Regular Quinoa prepared in chicken broth, then added oregano, parsley, sea-salt, black pepper.
And a side of apricots.

I'll be happy when I get to go shopping for my veggie supplies tomorrow!  : )








February 08, 2012

Gluten-Free Protein Powder by The Celiac Diva

Gluten Free Protein Powder by The Celiac Diva


FEBRUARY 7, 2012
True Athlete: The true athlete natural whey protein powder is not only gluten free, but free of artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners.

Body Tech: This line is gluten free and comes in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.

Muscle Milk: Muscle Milk is gluten free. Just an FYI- it’s made in a facility with gluten, thus subject to cross-contamination.

Met-RX: Met-RX is gluten free. :)

Nectar: Nectar is a low carb gluten free protein powder that’s lactose free as well as gluten free.

Nutribiotic: This is a vegan, gluten free, soy free, rice based line of protein powder.

Rainbow Light: This gluten free protein powder is also free of soy, dairy and sugar.  It offeres 15 grams of rice protein and 5grams of fiber.

Navitas Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder: This powder is made with pure hemp seed, raw kosher, organic, vegan, and free of additives or fillers.

Life’s Basics Plant Protein: This powder is made us of pea, hemp, rice and chia seeds. Chocolate flavor looks yum.

Peaceful Planet- This protein powder is free of gluten, soy and dairy. Plus it’s organic and only 90 calories a scoop. Nice.


If you have a favorite powder that you’d recommend, please dish it! Thanks everyone for stopping by! ;)
Lauren-Lucille Vasser
AKA- The Celiac Diva

Quinoa-Stuffed Red Peppers (Eden brand)



Quinoa Stuffed Red Peppers



Serves 4 | Prep Time 0:10 | Cook Time 0:40

Ingredients

4 medium red bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
4 cups water, for blanching peppers
1 cup any Eden Organic Quinoa, washed and drained
1 1/4 cups water, for boiling quinoa
1 pinch Eden Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red onion, minced
1/4 cup organic golden seedless raisins
or coarsely chopped Turkish apricots
1/4 cup unsulphured apricots, coarsely chopped
15 ounces Eden Organic Garbanzo Beans, drained
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoons Eden Shoyu Soy Sauce, optional
1/4 cup organic parmesan cheese, grated, optional
2 Tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish
or green onions

Directions

Place the quinoa, 1 1/4 cups water and sea salt in a sauce pan, cover and bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 20 minutes. Remove and place in a mixing bowl. Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Blanch the pepper halves for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove, drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°. Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté the garlic and onions for 1 minute. Add the raisins, apricots, beans, cinnamon, cumin and shoyu. Sauté another 2 minutes. Combine with the quinoa and mix thoroughly. Stuff each pepper half. Place in an oiled baking dish with a little water. Bake for 20 minutes or until peppers are tender. Sprinkle parmesan on top of each pepper halve and bake another 5 minutes. Remove and garnish with chives.

Nutritional Info
Per serving: 405 Calories, 10g Fat (20% calories from fat), 17g Protein, 68g Carbohydrate, 19g Fiber, 0mg Cholesterol, 235mg Sodium






Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers (Jillian Michaels)


Quinoa may not have reached household name-status quite yet, but it's definitely getting there. And why shouldn't it? Considered a "super grain" (it's actually not a grain at all), this seed is super high in protein, gluten free (a.k.a., easy to digest), and rich in some serious power nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin, and folate. If you haven't explored the world of quinoa yet, this recipe makes for a quick, easy, and delicious introduction.

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
  • 4 large red or yellow bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tsp dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, for serving
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Stir the quinoa into the boiling water, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Meanwhile, use a sharp paring knife to cut out the core from the peppers. Pull out any seeds and rinse the peppers inside and out. Place them cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high power until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, garlic, and crushed red pepper, if using. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the zucchini, tomatoes, oregano, and salt and pepper and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the quinoa and remove the pan from the heat.
Place the peppers cut side up in a medium roasting pan. Spoon the filling into the peppers and fill the pan with water 1/2 inch deep. Bake until the peppers are tender and the top of the filling is lightly browned and crunchy, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the marinara over low heat. When the peppers are cooked, place one on each of four plates. Spoon the sauce alongside or on top and serve.

Makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total time: 1 hr 5 mins

Nutrition Facts
Number of Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 297.9
Total Fat: 7.9 g
Sodium: 563.9 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 49.1 g
Protein: 9.7 g

February 07, 2012

Dulce de Leche Banana Bars from www.bakersroyale.com


Dulce de Leche Banana Bars

February 5th, 2012

Yes, it’s as much of a mouthful as it reads. The bars are somewhat a result of indecision with what to make – seems to be the theme lately. I couldn’t decide whether or not to make Banana Cream Bars or a Dulce de Leche Bar. So in keeping with the theme I just went for it and threw it all together. (recipe at bottom of post)
Dulce de Leche Banana Cookies and Cream Bars   Bakers Royale Dulce de Leche Banana Bars
Dulce de Leche Banana Bars

The result is a deliciously sweet bar with nice crisp graham cracker crust that is layered with Vanilla Oreos, mini marshmallows, fresh banana slices and some salted pecans to even out the sweetness. Melting its way in between all that is a creamy dulce de leche binder. As for the finishing top, I couldn’t help add a layer of roasted marshmallows on the top for a little smoky flavor. 

Dulce de Leche Banana Cookies and Cream Bars   Bakers Royale 2 Dulce de Leche Banana Bars 
These are a mouthful, but trust me when I say they are really good. I was skeptical at first that they would be too sweet. As it turned out, the first run was too sweet. I added too much dulce de leche, not enough bananas, and making it even worse, I threw in toffee bits. But I corrected the imbalance in the second run by removing the toffee bits, decreasing the dulce de leche and increasing the bananas. The adjustments worked. 
Dulce de Leche Banana Cookies and Cream Bars   Bakers Royale 3 Dulce de Leche Banana Bars 
A few notes: 
  • For this recipe I used store bought dulce de leche. I was lazy, but when I’m not lazy I make my own. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial to making homemade dulce de leche.
  • Use ripe but firm bananas.
  • Keep a careful eye when roasting the marshmallows in the broiler as they go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. The time listed in the recipe is a guide, so make sure to open the broiler door and check marshmallows every thirty seconds.
  • For easy cutting, refrigerate the bars first so they are nice and firm prior to slicing. For a little added help, lightly cover the knife with bake spray.

Dulce de Leche Banana Bars

Makes one 8×8 pan | Create a foil sling and cover it with bake spray. 
Ingredients: 
  • 18 whole graham crackers, processed to a fine crumb, about 2 ½ cups
  • 12 tablespoons of butter, melted
  • 1 cup salted pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 20 Vanilla Oreos, coarsely chopped
  • 3 bananas, sliced
  • 21 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 ½ cans)
  • 13.4 oz dulce de leche (1 can)
Instructions: 
  • Place graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and mix to combine. Transfer crumbs to foil lined pan and firmly press into bottom. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
  • Layer chopped Vanilla Oreos, salted pecans and sliced bananas on graham cracker crumb.
  • Place sweetened condensed milk and dulce de leche in a heatproof bowl and microwave until mixture is warm enough to fully combine with a whisk. Pour dulce de leche mixture over layers and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
  • Sprinkle marshmallows on top and place pan under the broiler. Remove from broiler and let cool completely then refrigerate for 30-45 minutes before cutting to serve.

February 06, 2012

Happy Birthday, Bob Marley!

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!

The legendary reggae singer was born on Feb. 6, 1945 and would have been 67 today. The hugely influential Jamaican musician was the frontman of Bob Marley and the Wailers for nearly two decades, and left a permanent mark on musical and political history. He is considered the first Jamaican "breakthrough" musical artist, having won audiences in the UK and North American for his politically-charged reggae music and open embrace of revolutionary ideals.

(Son, Ziggy)

Marley was only 36 years old when he died on May 11, 1981 of metastatic skin cancer. The malignancy was first discovered in 1977, after Marley became concerned about a football injury on his toe that was not healing. Because Marley's medical records were never published, intense speculation remains about the precise cause of his death and the devoted Rastafarian's religious conviction that may have allowed the cancer to spread to his brain and lungs.

A hospital official reportedly told the Daytona Beach Tribune that Marley underwent surgery to remove the malignancy on his foot in 1977, though Marley is widely believed to have refused doctor's orders to have his entire toe amputated in order to prevent the spread of the cancer. It seems that he permitted a surgical excision of the visibly cancerous part of his toe but would not submit to a full amputation, citing the dictate that Rastafarians shall not "make any cuttings in their flesh." Apparently believing the cancer to have been effectively treated, Marley continued to work and travel. Bob Marley and the Wailers released "Uprising" in 1980, which was the last studio album the band would release.

According to some, Marley appeared sick at a Madison Square Garden concert during the "Uprising" tour, and collapsed the next day while jogging in Central Park. Shortly afterwards, Marley traveled to West Germany to receive alternative treatment for his cancer, which had spread to his lungs and his brain. After several months of treatment, Marley boarded a plane to return to Jamaica. When his condition became critical during the trip, the plane landed in Miami, and he later died in a Miami hospital.

(Though some of us believe a different story~PAS)

Marley's last words are believed to be "Money can't buy life," spoken to his son Ziggy.
Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

God's Mighty Hands (I wanted to find something on this subject today to share with you that may need it)


Borrowed:

God’s mighty hand

Peter exhorts us as Christians to pray when we are full of anxiety, fear and worry. He counsels, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV).
We often detach verse 6 from verse 7. But before we can cast our anxiety upon him we have to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Are you aware of God’s mighty hand in the Bible?
“But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.” (Exodus 3:19-20, ESV).
” But the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”” (Exodus 6:1, ESV).
” Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.” (Exodus 13:3, ESV).
“And I prayed to the Lord, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy your people and your heritage, whom you have redeemed through your greatness, whom you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.” (Deuteronomy 9:26, ESV).
“For they are your people and your heritage, whom you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.’” (Deuteronomy 9:29, ESV).
“And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders.” (Deuteronomy 26:8, ESV).
“I myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath.” (Jeremiah 21:5, ESV).
” “As I live, declares the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out I will be king over you. I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out.” (Ezekiel 20:33-34, ESV).
“and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Luke 1:66, ESV).
“to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” (Acts 4:28, ESV).
“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21, ESV).
“And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.” (Acts 13:11, ESV).
Considering God’s mighty motivates us to cast our worries on Him. But too often we don’t. “They do not cry to me from the heart, but they wail upon their beds.” (Hosea 7:14, ESV).
God really does care for His own. So, if you are weak and heavy laden. . . or even if life seems to be “good” to you right now, remember that He cares for you, a sheep in his flock.
May you see God’s mighty hand in your life today. I pray . . .
“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:16-21, ESV).