stocking stuffer suggestions

We spend these next few days hustling and bustling trying to get things organized for the big day.  The holidays can be an extremely stressful time, but if we just take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, we may find some time for peace and reflection.  Christ's birth is symbolic of new beginnings, or rebirths for many of us.  The Old Testament in the Bible is filled with stories about God prior to the birth of Christ, but the New Testament is just that - new.  God is forgiving in the New Testament and the messages are of hope and renewal.  If you are pondering the perfect present, I heartily suggest investing in this new Audio Bible entitled Truth and Life - The New Testament.  Numerous famous artists were involved providing their voices to the Scripture. The beauty of being able to listen to inspirational words of wisdom provides a means for us to comprehend the messages while driving, cooking, cleaning or just relaxing.  The audio bible can bring devotional practice to your life every day - anytime and anywhere.

For those who want a light-hearted adventure to escape to during the season, I strongly urge you to devour yourselves in this book through the words of the granddaughter of Santa.  It will bring laughter and tears and keeps the childlike spirit alive in each of us.  This is a must for all to read and pass along to those you love, for it refreshes the soul and rejuvenates the spirit.  Sometimes the holidays can trigger depression, but if we keep the faith and believe, we can overcome any obstacle this life presents to us.  The spirit of Santa is eternal.  Keep this as a momento of hope and love during the season. 

My sincere thanks to Donald J. Sliter and Donald C. Calarco for your strength and inspiration.  I am blessed to have known you and cherish our connection. xo



ice list

In Case of Emergency

Today seems like a good day to update my ICE list.  As the planet Mercury continues its tirade of glitches in the universe, I find it helpful to have a little peace of mind knowing emergency contacts are in place.  I am no stranger to situations where someone needed to reach a repairman in a pinch, hence I placed a list in bold letters with names and phone numbers of heat/air conditioning, gas, electric and COMCAST.  chuckles.  Keep a note with the date you replaced the sump pump to know when you need to replace it - they usually last two or three years.  A battery backup is extremely helpful if you are prone to floods.  Keep a wetvac nearby. We have another list of the doctor and family members to contact immediately. Keep these two lists separate but near each other so as not to bombard too much information on one sheet.  The simpler, the better.   Many times these occurrences happen when I am in a panic and don't think too clearly.  Everyone in the house knows where to look for this list, as well as other items for the dreaded situations. 

Most of us carry a cell phone everywhere and it is useful to place a couple of numbers under an ICE contact so if anyone finds you, they can search your phone and proceed to assist you.  I hope this never occurs, but preparation is integral.  Just type a name and save it as ICE.  This is becoming  universal.  I let all those who live with us know that there is a signed check in a certain spot if they need immediate cash, say, if they have to bail me out of jail.   :{

 Certain supplies should be handy in the house or car but I find those who dwell here MUST BE AWARE of where they are located.  I try to keep a functional flashlight on every level so anyone can find it.  I'm still working on making sure they put it back when they use it, but I won't mention anyone's name, Wayne-O.  Bandaids, peroxide, antibiotic, vasoline and duct tape should always be at the ready - might as well throw in scotch and electric tape.  Everyone in the house should know how to turn off the water and gas.  Speaking of water, try to keep a case of bottled handy and keep it in a cool place.  We place it in the garage so all can see.  We used to keep the beer out there, but for some reason, it seemed to vanish too quickly.  Hmmm...

lifehammer

Dr. Oz had a show last year about an amazing little tool everyone should have in their cars.   It can cut through a stuck seat belt or break the glass so it shatters outside, not inside, and costs about $20.  We provide AAA cards to all our family members for roadside emergencies and they have helped us too many times to mention.  Keep the card with your insurance card so it is always easy to find.  Be aware the tollways provide free roadside assistance through IDOT so if you get a flat tire at 8:00 in the morning and are still wearing your pajamas, trust me, they will not judge.  Just pull over and sit and wait. 

We are getting pounded today by a winter snowstorm.  Even if you are lucky enough to have a snowblower, it is important to have a good shovel at the ready.  I still don't know how to work the mighty bull, therefore, I depend on a shovel.  We take our equipment to a reliable and reasonable place called ESA in Westmont to make sure they are in working condition before and after each season. Keep a bag of salt handy to prevent slips when ice covers the walkways. 

Preventive maintenance is the key to safety.  Try to stay indoors on days like today, but if you have to go out, at least you have peace of mind that you are prepared In Case of Emergency.  xo



prayers for healing

We are returning, as a collective awareness, to the understanding that the body is not separate from the mind.  As we relinquish our primitive perspective and appreciate again the influence of the soul, we embrace a different attitude toward our body.  The body is a reflection of thought.  God's thought is our salvation in all things.  His thought about the body is that it is here for one function: to experience love and to extend love, to help communicate to the children of God that true life is beyond the body. The body is a holy lesson in communion and should be seen and treated as a sacred trust.  Thoughts of aggression, unforgiveness, conflict and fear, tear down the body because they tear down the soul.  Healed thoughts produce healing, in body as well as mind.

Gratitude for the Body

Dear God,

As I rise up, I thank You for the opportunity to be on this earth. 

I thank You for my mind and body.

I thank you for my life.

Please bless my body and use it for Your purposes.

May I rise up strong today, and may my body and soul radiate Your love.

May all impurities be cast out of my mind, my heart, my body.

May every cell of my being be filled with Your light.

May my body and mind both be illumined for Your sake and for the sake of the world.  Amen.

Prayers for Healing

Dear God,

My body is sick and I am so scared, so weak, so sad.

Please heal me, Lord.

Whatever the words I am supposed to say, whatever the thoughts that would set me free, I am willing to have them shine into my mind. 

For I wish to be released.

Please give me a miracle.

Please give me hope.

Please give me peace.

Lift me up beyond the regions of my pain and despair.

Prepare each cell to be born anew into health and happiness, peace and love.

For You are the power, not this sickness.

You are the truth, not this illusion.

You are my salvation, not the doctor.

I am willing to rise, to let go all false thinking, to release this false condition.

For this is not freedom, and I wish to be free.

This is not peaceful, and I desire peace.

This is not your will for me, that I would suffer or feel pain.

I accept Your will for me.

I accept Your healing.

I accept Your love.

Please, dear God, help me.

Take me home.  Amen.

Endless Healing

Dear God,

Please awaken me from this dream.

I fear and I choose not to.

I suffer and I choose not to.

I claim for myself Your resurrection within me, my perfect health, my perfect healing, my perfect Self in whom there is no pain or fear.

Every cell of my being is radiant with my love for You.

May my earthly self align with this.

May I remember, dear God, that I live in Your mind and I belong in Your arms.

For there I am healed, and there I am whole.

You are my divine physician.

You know my terror, although it is not real.

You understand my pain, although it is not understandable.

You answer with Your spirit.

Dear Lord, please heal me.

I surrender this as I surrender all things.

I trust in You in this and all things.

I need You, Lord, in this and all things.

Please, dear God.  Amen.

Helpful prayers for loved ones. Thanks Marianne Williamson, for your continued illumination. xo



bonding

I wrapped a few presents so the tree doesn't look so naked underneath.  Wayne needs to display the train set today. Gentle nudge here. 

Mike and Margarita invited us for an impromtu gathering last night - and to see their tree all decorated.  My Mom made the tree skirt.  It was fun to get together and chat about everything at their place for a change of scenery.

Mike decorated his deck with pretty red lights which are adorable when driving on Plainfield.  Nice touch, my son. 

They recently remodeled one of their bathrooms and it is so quaint.  They have a knack for decorating.

Ozis was so happy to have visitors and he loves his Mama Too (that's me).   I'm glad I followed my intuition and prepared things early this year.  I had a feeling my time would be needed for other things and I was right on.  Bonding brings me joy during the holidays for it keeps me focused on the true spirit.  I won't be hustling and bustling but rather making memories with the ones I love.  Now that the snow has subsided, today I hope to finish my Christmas shopping with Darcy and hit the Oakbrook mall for some scent purchasing.  The stars dictate I complete this by today, so I take heed!

My oven is back in working order so next weekend will be spent baking kolackys.  We hope to visit our friends up North for a baking exchange day.  Please keep some of our family members in your prayers.  As joyful as the holidays can be, this is also a trying time for others.  Keep the faith.  Have fun and be happy. xo



candy cane cake

Debbie's Candy Cane Cake

Happy December!  Some of us are being dusted with the first snow in these parts.  The first snows are nice as well as those that fall around Christmastime, but after that - forget about it.  Since I have time to experiment these days, today I will share a recipe from my dear friend, Debbie.  The photo just caught my eye and depicts a festive feeling just looking at it.  I highlighted all the ingredients you will need.  As a novice baker, I will be taking a trip to Wilton's, down the street, for some of these baking supplies.

Cakes

This recipe calls for 1 red velvet cake mix and 1 white cake mix, made separately.  Prepare cake mixes according to box directions so you will need eggs, oil (or apple sauce) and water.  Add 1 tablespoon peppermint extract to the white cake mix.  Divide the two batters into 4 9-inch round pans.  When you assemble the cake together, alternate the layers with a cream cheese filling.  The outer cake is frosted with buttercream and sprinkled with crushed candy canes on top.

Cream Cheese Filling

You can purchase cream cheese frosting but here is a recipe for homemade.  Take 1 block of cream cheese (softened) and mix with 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon pepperment extract and a little bit of milk.  The mixture should be somewhat thick but still spreadable.  If it seems to be too thin, keep adding powdered sugar.

Tip:  When alternating the layers, use an icing bag and put a band of icing around the inside edge of the first layer, then fill in with the cream cheese filling.  The icing band prevents the filling from running out before you frost the cake.  Put the next layer on top with another edge of icing and filling, etc. Ration your filling out into thirds as you go.  One third for each layer.  

Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 stick softened margarine with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.  Add 1 tablespoon Crisco oil.  Mix until smooth and creamy.  Add in 2 cups of powdered sugar.  Mixture will be sort of crumbly.  Mix in the another 2 cups of powdered sugar along with a small amount of milk.  Mix until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a few more drops of milk. If too thin, keep adding powdered sugar until mixture is creamy.  You may also add flavorings or food coloring.  Just remember the more liquid you add, the more sugar you will need to add. 

Tip:  Before frosting the cake, it is best to refrigerate it for an hour after you put the layers together.  A cold cake is much easier to frost. 

To crush the candy canes, place them in a zip lock bag and wrap the bag in a kitchen towel and crush with a hammer.

Try not to be tempted to eat all the candy canes ahead of time, like my Aunt Diane. LOL. 

Have fun making this pretty dessert.  Methinks it would be a perfect project to prepare with a few friends.  Plan a get together and have each person make a separate portion (one prepares the cakes, another the filling and another the frosting), then combine all your creations together for the final layering and frosting.   Good times.  xo

stir fry

I finally bought my wok cashing in on the Jewel food store special.  I saved up my stickers each time I shopped and redeemed them for my new cooking utensil.  Previously I dabbled in a stir fry recipe using my dependable skillet but today I will attempt to use the official wok for this endeavor.  Here goes.

1 head cabbage

2 onions

1 lb. fresh shrimp

bean sprouts

carrots

broccoli

chick peas
water chestnuts

soy vay wasabi teriyaki

veri veri teriyaki

tuong ot sriracha hot chili sauce

various oriental noodles
(the one on the left is best)

Shred cabbage and chop onions, carrots and broccoli.  Saute in lots of butter and oil until tender.  Add cooked shrimp, water chestnuts and chick peas.   Prepare noodles then drain.  Mix together and season with teriyaki sauces.  Place all in a wok and blend together.  Add a little hot chili sauce as this is extremely potent and could potentially knock your socks off.   I always eat oriental foods with chop sticks.  For some reason it tastes better that way.

Please keep a few people in your prayers who are undergoing surgeries this month:  Brent, Aletha and Cindy.  They are connected to one family - things do happen in 3s.   xo



shortcuts

Dr. Oz

While relaxing in my simple abundance room, my remote happened upon some tips worth sharing by Dr. Oz.  I love this guy.  He is so genuine and down to earth - and brilliant, to boot! 

Shortcuts to Better Health

Eating an apple before lunch fills an empty stomach and deters us from eating more than we need to be satisfied.  This simple shortcut shaves off 5 pounds per year.

                                                                       

Replace oils with apple sauce by half when baking.  Those with a sweet tooth will not taste any difference and quite possibly it will taste better!  Plan to lose 6 pounds annually using this weight loss shortcut.

Refrigerate your cans.  Yep!  If you have any spare room, this will bring the oils and grease to the top and when you open the can, just scrape it off.  Shave 6 pounds each year with this tip.

Dilute juice with 1/2 cup seltzer water.  Juices contain sugar which can add up to 48 pounds of extra sugar that you can afford to stop putting in your body.  Simply diluting cranberry or orange juice, and any flavored drink for that matter, with seltzer, makes a huge difference.  Plan on losing 13 pounds per year. 

Fake carbohydrates by substituting a pasta for a veggie. Simply blend veggies of your choice (chives, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli) with potatoes or pasta.  This allows you to save 12 pounds each year!

The most significant shortcut shared by Dr. Oz was having a support system with endeavors to lose weight.  By swapping a gym bag with a friend or spouse, this encourages us to get to the gym more frequently so as not to disappoint our buddies.  It only takes 30 minutes 3 times a week to see results.  Plan on losing 13 pounds. 

The holidays are a time to share meals and baked goods.  Enjoy your creations with a little less guilt about gaining inches by taking shortcuts to a healthier you. 

Thanks, Dr. Oz.  xo