beauty-health-fitness

For a woman, for help in working toward beauty, health and fitness

Beauty comes from within the soul, and from within the spirit.  It is a thing of the mind, as much as it is of the body itself.  If the mind and soul and spirit are set on beauty, its physical manifestation will follow.  The following spells create a template of beauty for the mind and spirit.  A special glamour will result, reshaping the physical appearance as well as creating a radiance which will make the subject more beautiful to the eyes of the beholders. 

If you wish to use accessories for this spell, you may use white candles, flowers, crystals and gemstones, and cloth to emphasize the purification and perfection of body which you will strive for.  Gold or silver artifacts could also be used for charisma and radiance.  Gold represents the radiance of the Sun, silver the Moon; which one you choose depends on which heavenly body you have a greater affinity for.  If you want your health and fitness program to emphasize the exercise part, you may use red accessories, as red stands for energy and activity.  Incense, perfumes or scented potpouris are also appropriate, as they suggest pride in physical beauty and sensuousness.

You may also want to include in the arrangement of accessories, images of the ideal you would like to achieve, in photos of yourself at a lighter weight if you are trying to lose weight gained, a simple list of goals to achieve and so on.  Set up mirrors around the edges of your layout so that they will reflect multiple images of the ideal images you have chosen.

The ritual for this spell can be performed at any time.  You may want to perform it at special times - perhaps before beginning a program of diet and exercise, or before or after your daily exercise session.  To enhance this rite and put yourself in the right frame of mind, it is a good idea to take a lustral bath first.  Be sure to dress yourself in clothing that you feel is especially flattering.  Other accessories, such as jewelry or fragrance will also help set the mood.  To perform this spell, you may use the ritual provided in my original posting, improvise a ritual of your own, or just proceed by doing the meditation, visualization and affirmation.  In some of the old folklore, such as the legend of the Lorelei, hair brushing was a means by which a beautiful sorceress could raise power.  If you prefer, you could brush your hair while making the following visualizations.

Make yourself aware of your body as it is now.  Consider your general condition, your weight, and so on.  Now, visualize your most idealized image of you - how you would look in your fantasies.  Think about how you plan to change things for the better.   Visualize yourself drawing in energy with every breath you take, as well as drawing from your own inner power.  Gently run your fingertips over your face, arms and upper body.  Feel this power stimulating and energizing every cell in your body.  Consider that within you, you have the power to transform yourself.  Feel that power that is within you has built up, making you glow with a radiant inner light.  Know that others will be able to see this light and will find you compellingly beautiful.  Finally, visualize yourself as you will look after you have achieved your ideal.  Visualize yourself enjoying well-being, health, popularity and success as the result.  Know that even while you visualize these things, these transformations are taking place.  After you have finished meditating and visualizing, recite the following affirmation with as much feeling as you can:

I call upon the strength within me!

I call upon the powers around me!

Beauty is in me.

Beauty is with me.

Beauty shines through me.

I commit myself

to molding and shaping myself

to achieve my ideal of beauty!

I visualize my ideal image of beauty,

and this image is a template,

which my physical form now follows.

I work hard to achive this goal!

I enjoy full health.

I radiate charm.

I am seen by all to be beautiful.

Toward this end, I am prepared to_________

(here insert whatever it is you need to do: diet, exercise, etc.)

So it is and so shall it be!

You may consider the spell closed at this point.  As a follow-up, memorize the first five lines of the affirmation and recite them upon getting up in the morning, before exercising, and generally anytime that you feel it's important to look your best.

Release the goddess that is within you xo

magic spells

There are many definitions of what magic is and how it works.  That which we call magic can be divided into two categories: high magic which is worked to bring about spiritual and metaphysical transformations within the individual, and the more familiar sort of magic which is used to achieve certain desires and goals.  There are many spells for working toward personal betterment and rich symbolism which will have an uplifting effect. Magic is using the power of the mind to nudge probabilities.  By influencing probabilities, you can encourage circumstances to develop in your favor.  There are numerous factors which influence probabilities for the directions which our lives, as well as circumstances in general, can take.  Among the things which can influence the shaping of events are conscious and unconscious thoughts.  Some believe in the existence of an ethereal plane of thought where ideas can take on a type of reality which serves as a template for actions and occurences on the physical plan (real world).  It is also believed that our unconscious minds can communicate directly to the unconscious minds of other persons, thus influencing their thoughts and actions.  A skilled magic user is sensitive to the natural flow of events and the forces which affect circumstances, and is thus able to determine how to most easily influence these events by utilizing the best possiblities for changing them.  Thoughts have vibrations, and so your mental state influences the energy field around you.  If you use negative, harmful spells, you are necessarily projecting negative emotions.  These emotions will cling to you and act in a magnetic way to attract  bad luck.  The opposite principle works when you use spells to do good.  Please do not confuse this posting with promoting the dark, black magic.  White magic is only about positive, affirming, loving energies.  Practitioners will confirm that if you have ill intentions for another, karma dictates that will come back to you tenfold.  Bless all to their higher good and hold everyone in light with love.  Offer, give and you will receive.

Some spells ask you to perform certain actions.  For example, you may write things on paper, inscribe names on candles, pour water in and out of goblets, bury or hide things at the four corners of your property, or seal things in jars.  None of the actions will be difficult or preposterous.  Each spell has a meditation/visualization that is done; most are built around your personal situation.  Concentrate on visualizing images or sensing feelings, as if the events detailed were unfolding in front of you.  This is affirmation.  Each spell provides affirmations which are highly positive and phrased in the present tense.  Typical affirmations read I have...I will have... I am...because one of the secrets of magic is that if you say a thing is true, it is true.  Many of these affirmations can be used to enhance daily positive thinking, even when you aren't performing spells.  You can light incense and candles to enhance the ritual.  Magic works best when it is entirely given over to the unconscious mind and the spiritual powers.  Arrange some time to be alone and undisturbed.  Play calm, serene and meditative music.  Take a relaxing bath, imagining strongly that you are cleansing not only your body, but your soul and spirit as well.  Dress in costume, or wear jewelry that has a particularly magical feel for you. When all is in readiness, pause for a silent meditation, placing your mind in a serene, receptive state.  Hold this quiet, contemplative state for as long as seems appropriate.  Light the candles and incense.  Hold your hands in front of you in an attitude of invocation or blessing and say in these or similar words:

I call now upon the Earth,

Far plains and lofty mountains,

For power and strength to my spell,

As I light this candle in summoning.

I call now upon the waters,

Broad lakes, ever-moving streams,

And the boundless oceans,

For power and strength to my spell,

As I light this candle in summoning.

I call now upon the skies,

The far reaches of infinite spaces,

And the far Wheel of Eternity,

For power and strength to my spell,

As I light this candle in summoning.

I call now upon the deep fires

That burn in the core of the Earth,

At one with the energies of Life itself,

For power and strength to my spell

As I light this candle in summoning.

Pause for the length of five heartbeats, then say the following:

I place my petition before you,

Oh Earth, giver of all ife,

And Sky, thou who art infinite and eternal. 

May you lend strength and power to this, my spell.

So shall it be!

Remain in your space for at least 25 heartbeats, contemplating and visualizing your spell as being accomplished.  Put out all the candles. Then kiss your hand in salute to the Powers, and depart.

Saturday will be a full moon which offers enhanced energies from the universe.  This is when I perform my affirmations.  There is nothing negative about this ritualistic offering.  It is merely a form of prayer to the universe for strength and a request for gentle nudges.  Actually, it is a perfect opportunity for us to help heal ourselves and become aware of how to improve.  Our thoughts create our reality.  I have numerous affirmations, or spells, for various life situations which I will share in increments.  Spells are similar to meditation exercises and although these have unique traits, the fundamental goals can be seen as very similar.  The concepts of harmony and tranquility are key to the spiritual goals in many different religions  The idea of enlightenment, oneness with the world, is generally a Zen Buddhist idea, but is not at all dissimilar to upper level spells.

So it is, and so it shall be!

my thanks to Janina Renee for your book of creative and enjoyable rites xo

clotheslines

What a perfect day for hanging clothes and sheets out to dry.  This is how we did it back in the day.  We rarely used a dryer appliance, for Mother Nature provided us the best method of drying all our items with her fresh breeze that left her crisp, clean smell on anything we left outside.They just blow in the breeze as if dancing on the line.

Sometimes I drape my comforters outside just to refresh and let the air kiss them for that unique smell.  I had a clothesline all my life until a few years ago.  Now I just throw them over our fence but there is nothing like hanging them on a clothesline for the full effect of freshness.  They try to make detergent to recapture that fresh feeling, but it is not the same.

The almighty clothespin.  We found at least half a dozen unopened packages at the Sawyer home.  I still have a bowlful on hand but when we dismantled the pool, we lost our posting.  Boo hoo.

When items are hung on a line, you never have to iron, the wind takes care of things.  Back to basics, I say.  When we considered moving to Lakelands, this cute neighborhood in Plainfield, one of the covenants was that no one was allowed to post a clothesline, nor keep their garage doors open, as if that's a ghetto thing or something.  Needless to say, we did not move there.  I miss my clothesline. 

there is nothing like a breath of fresh air xo

slug club

Members of the slug club.  Requirements to join:  settle down and relax anywhere it strikes your fancy.  Rugs are fine.

Snapple fun facts: brain food...

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

The dots on a domino are called pips.

A duck has three eyelids. Yikes!

Fresh apples float because 25% of their volume is air.

A polar bear cannot be seen by an infrared camera due to its transparent fur.

The muzzle of a lion is like a fingerprint - no two lions have the same pattern of whiskers.

The infinity sign is called a lemniscate.

One lump of sugar is equivalent to three feet of sugar cane.

Broadway is one of the longest streets in the world.  It is 150 miles long.

You transfer more germs shaking hands than kissing.

The scientific term for a sneezing is sternutation.

Spiny lobsters migrate in groups of 50 or more, forming a conga line on the ocean floor.

Flying fish can leap out of the water at 20 mph or more, and can glide for over 500 feet.

At room temperature, the average air molecule travels at the speed of a rifle bullet.

Hybrid cars produce up to 75% less pollution than other vehicles.

George Washington was the only unanimously elected president.

Can you believe April is almost over?  This spring is simply lovely. Enjoy the blossoms. Smile. Be happy. Make a wish during the full moon and affirm how beautiful you are. xo

tacos today

When we lived at the back of the yards on 48th and Wolcott, our neighbors, the Lalos, were Mexican, and cooked these foreign foods, one dish was tacos.  They invited me over to sample their meal and I dashed home to give my mom the recipe and we indulged in this simple yet delicious dish since then.  Later it proved to be a huge hit in our country, but I make them at home since it is so easy and tasty.  I hope you like it. We call them whammies.

Brown, then drain, 3 lbs. ground beef.  Add 2 packages of McCormick hot taco mix with 1 1/2 cups water and simmer for 15 minutes, while stirring.  I enhance this with Adobe seasoning and garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.  Let sit in skillet and on the stove burner, place your taco shells, whether it be corn, large, flour, small, whatever you like, and heat directly on the grill turning over very quickly (10 seconds max each side).  I used to heat the shells in a pan with oil, but an hombre told me about this method and it works better.  Top the tacos with your favorites, such as shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, salsa, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapenos, carrots, lettuce and enjoy.  This is a very sloppy dish, so have plenty of napkins handy. 

I discovered Dahlias last year and must add them to my garden again.  They grow so big and plentiful with little care. 

buenos dias, mi amigas xo

infertility

Wayne and I will celebrate our 30 year anniversary very shortly.  We dated for 7 years before tying the knot and cherished the day we would spend our time as a couple.  Being the eldest of 8, I deferred having my own family until I experienced life on my own a bit.  This included pursuing a career, owning a home, travelling, playing groupie to Wayne's band and completing a college education.  We were busy living life when all of a sudden I was lambasted with maternal instincts.  My world was filled to the hilt and every spare moment was spent studying and remaining on the dean's list at Northwestern.  Honestly, I fought these feelings, but eventually found myself reading How to Get Pregnant books instead of mastering my Logic and Statistics classes.  It began to consume me.  Wayne was clearly not at all ready to settle down and we casually let nature take its course; and if we were to be blessed, we would embrace our fate.  After over a year, I started to panic and since my Ob-Gyn was already a fertility specialist, we began treatments.  Anyone who has ever undergone fertility regiments will agree this is not a pleasure cruise at all.  You have to make love when cycles dictate, take temperatures to see when ovulation occurs, run to the clinic with sperm in a cup, get probed with god-awful needles for biopsies that made me faint from the pain, try invitro insemination and pray Aunt Flo doesn't come for a visit every month.  I spent loads of time in St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral downtown offering masses and novenas to St. Anthony, St. Francis and St. Jude.  St. Gerard is the patron saint of mothers, so I kept him in my prayers daily.  St. Therese is my patron saint so she was honored. St. Anne is Mary's mom, so I prayed to her as well.  Heck, I prayed to everyone.  Still, no conception after 3 years.  We argued the fact to God that we would be great parents who would love our children and take good care of them.  Financially we were in a good position to raise them in a healthy environment. We were so often surrounded by people who were having babies all the time and some didn't even want them.  This just broke my heart. 

I vividly remember my sister Marilyn phoned me one morning and offered the suggestion that it will happen when God wants it to, not on my timeline.  Huh.  That day I literally burned my How to Get Pregnant book and just accepted my life with Wayne and enjoy being together, come what may.  Shortly thereafter, I was visited by St. Jude, who told me to build our home in Darien where we often visited model homes.  This was such a jolting revelation, and things were extremely stressful with other family members at the time, that we did not hesitate, but went ahead and began the move to the suburbs.  We settled in on August 17, 1984 and Aunt Flo did not visit the very first month we arrived in our new dwellings.  We let go and let God take over.  Mike was born and I got pregnant with Dan immediately afterward; and after a break, Steve was born.  Three sons.

I often pondered why we had to endure this painful experience.  I came to the conclusion that I may not have appreciated my children so much had I not ached for them the way I did.  Being a parent is the most difficult thing in life.  Being a parent is the most rewarding thing in life.  Once we became parents, we never let go of that privilege.  As a team we did our best to raise them in a loving, nurturing home.  We did our best, made mistakes, but gave them the foundation to become the magnificent men they are today.

Because of my experiences, I was able to share it with 3 other couples who were infertile.  I described what we had to go through and strongly urged the guys to see a urologist  because most times when a couple is infertile, it is not only the female who has issues, but many times the male has something going on as well.  There is this thing called a varicocele vein that 35% of men have that inhibits their sperm's motility.  They could have plenty of little guys at the ready, but this vein inhibits them from moving fast enough.  These 3 couples had exactly the same thing Wayne and I had - the girls had endometriosis and the guys the vein.  After treating the women's condition via laparoscopy and the men having the vein snipped, all 3 of my friends conceived and all 3 couples had 3 boys.  Notice a pattern here?  I really believe I was supposed to help them with their journey by encouraging them to do what we had to do.  So many people take conception for granted.  It is painstaking for an infertile couple to be around families with lots of babies, until you accept fate and realize what is meant to be will happen. We attended support groups to withstand the emotional aspect of infertility.  I was lucky to have two nieces born while my maternal inklings needed release and doused them with all the love I could when they arrived. They don't remember, but I do. It is amazing how babies can be so healing in the world.  I will always remember those days.  I carry the thoughts that I may never have had the joys of my own sons and we were blessed with three.  I never take for granted their existence and have counted my blessings and offered my gratitude more often than not.  There is always this extra ounce of appreciation when it comes to them, and for my husband for enduring the initial ordeal. It takes courage and persistance to overcome infertility.  Those feelings of being infertile never go away, they just remind me to rejoice in overcoming the hurdle. 

This was taken less than a year ago and very soon we will capture more memories together when we take our celebratory vacation in Punta Cana.  xo

One joy scatters a hundred griefs.  Chinese proverb

brighton park and proud

I grew up in Brighton Park.  This area is on the southwest side of Chicago, between Western and Pulaski, 38th and 63rd, give or take a few blocks.  We moved from the Back of the Yards when I was 8 and settled into a little 2 flat near the famous intersection of Archer and Kedzie.  This picture is of Crane Company which was a huge industrial plant just across the street from our house.

Our childhood captures the memories that will remain with us throughout our lifetime.  Brighton Theatre was a favorite hangout - we saw Sonny and Cher perform live there.  A bunch of us would get a milkshake at Gertie's after the movie.  We cruised down Archer Avenue, browsing the stores and as a teen, hung out at Open Hearth, our big stomping ground.  We must have drank gallons of coffee there.  Breakfasts after a long night out were divine.

Huck Finn had the best donuts.  This intersection is the heart of Brighton Park.  We walked everywhere and when I secured a job, took the bus downtown from this corner.  We still have a home in the area that we are renovating.  It is a nice home in a perfect location for transportation purposes.  As kids, we just sat on the front porch listening to music and conversing.  Then we'd walk around and meet up with others.  Life was simple.  I encourage you to visit the site Brighton Park and proud, to get a flashback rush of all the iconic places.  I only posted a couple, but there are many others that are sure to trigger a ton of thoughts.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that this reverses someday.  The surrounding neighborhoods are improving tremendously, but it will be many years before this pocket of land reverses.  That's the circle of life.  This weekend we will plant flowers and utilize the healthy soil at the home in this area.  The soil is perfect for gardening.  Good old Brighton Park.  My roots.  I'm very proud.

This is the Bayou Record store, featuring our buddy, Joe Antczak.  We still keep in touch, as do many people from the past.  Needless to say, being a music lover, this was my pitstop repeatedly.

To fond memories...xo

thanks, Danny, for sending this to me xo

today's menu

Today I spent time baking and cooking.  I found a great recipe for Lemon Cranberry Buttermilk Biscuits that I thought to share.  They are light and delicious and I hope you like them.  Recipe follows:

Biscuits

3 cups flour

3 tbsp. sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 stick butter

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 cup dried cranberries

Lemon Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/1/2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Use middle oven rack.  Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Cut the butter into the sifted flour mixture.  Add buttermilk and vanilla and blend until it forms wet dough.  Add the dried cranberries.  Cut the dough into equal-sized portions and drop onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.  While the biscuits are baking, make the lemon glaze by mixing the sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl.  Wait a minute and drizzle with a small amount of lemon glaze.  Serve immediately.

My boys must have their meatloaf once a week.  Mix 3 lbs. ground round with 2 eggs, bread crumbs, Jack Daniel's steak sauce, salt and pepper.  Mix together and bake at 350 for 2 hours.  Today he turned out heartshaped.  Filled with love.

Corn.

Aunt Diane's red potatoes with ham, onion, and I added cheese.  See her blog for the recipe.  Yummy.

I just had to make Susan's cracker snack.  It is still baking, but promises to be delightful.  I deviated by adding Salad Supreme spices as well.

I took a break from gardening to prepare the above-mentioned foods.  My sacral area needs a rest.  Age surely takes a toll, but will not stop me.  Now I can watch last night's episode of Lost.  Only a handful of shows left forever.  It finally gets good at the end.  Go figure...

Be happy. xo

for Lady Di

I stopped at the Home Depot on Butterfield and found these lovely flowers - my very favorite are the cyclamen and they had this new variety of hydrangea called Strawberries and Creme.  I thought of my Aunt Diane for her hydrangeas are beautiful and these would enhance her garden.

These gorgeous flowers are Senetti and Candituft.

Another of my favs is the Calla Lily.  They depict femininity and this little Orange Star matches beautifully.

A friend of ours brought by this absolutely delicious snack.  The bowl was filled a few days ago, and I made chili and this was a great topper, but mostly we munched on it by the handfuls.  Thanks, Susan. Recipe follows:

2 12 oz. bags oyster crackers

2 cups olive oil

1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing powder

1 tsp. dill weed

1 tsp. lemon pepper

 1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Combine ingredients and put in baking dish.  Bake at 250 degrees for 90 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  Indulge!

Today I made soup with anything I had left over, including sausage, zucchini, celery, carrots, corn, potatoes and cheddar cheese.  I used the chicken and broccoli broth from yesterday.  Something to consider: when your bag of nachos is almost empty, save for a few little chips, save them and put in your soup for a different, tortilla flavor. Waste not, want not. xo

men and their grills

Men like to grill.  I don't know what it is about that thing, but even when it's cold outside, if I need something with a seared taste, my boys are at the ready to prepare it on their mighty grill.  It could be breakfast links or sausage for spaghetti, but they have the most fun grilling steaks and burgers.  Think of all the tailgaters before ballgames.  It must be a macho thing.  Now that Mike has a grill for his deck, he cooks all the time.  Who knew?

The doggies like when Wayne cooks outside, for their senses know something tasty is brewing.  Their snouts wriggle like a pig when the aroma whafts through the air.  Thumper waits patiently for the meal to finish so she can have her scrap bones.

Today I am preparing a chicken dish, in my oven.  I prepare the chicken breasts by parboiling them in my crock for a few hours.  This makes them tender.  After the chicken is soft, do not discard the broth, but freeze it to use for soup another day. Another option is to fry the breasts in a pan, but not today.  While they are soaking, I make a potato or rice dish.  This time it will be scallop potatoes and Spanish rice.  I know this is a lot of carbs, but so what.   I am adding fresh broccoli as my veggie.   Once everything is prepared, place the chicken, potatoes, rice and broccoli in a baking pan.  Season the chicken and broccoli with your favorite dressing.  Just pour it over everything. Today I am using Chipolte Cheddar Cheese.  Sometimes I use Robusto Italian or Ranch. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for at least an hour.  All the ingredients will blend and make for a great meal in one container.  The house smells so savory.

You learn through your creations.  Jane Roberts

With each new day I put away the past and discover new beginnings I have been given. Angela Wozniak

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.  Confucius

Happy days! xo

white tulip

Last night's episode of Fringe really moved me.  This show is about endless impossibilities and offers our imagination countless occurrences within the realm of physics.  Walter is the genius (bit of a mad scientist) with a humorous flair and he works together with his son, Peter, and the FBI agent, Olivia,  to solve cases behind the realm of reasonable explanations.  The storyline was about time travel and if you follow this show, Walter has a secret about his son that is causing him extreme angst.  As a scientist, he did not believe in God until something happened to his son and wants forgiveness for this.  He made a pact with God that if he could possibly be forgiven by God, and his son, he would be given a sign of a white tulip.  We all know that tulips only bloom for a short while during the spring, so he feels his chances are very slim.  The sign he coveted was delivered to Walter.  Endless possibilities.

We have new visitors for the last three days now.  They hover in front all day long.  Today I am preparing my chili and pizza for the boys and tomorrow we'll deliver them to my dad and brother.  They want to see The Blind Side so I'll bring this and a few other books and movies for their entertainment.  My garden is tilled and ready to rumble.  All the bothersome weeds and twigs are removed and everyday we search for signs of seeds planted beforehand. 

I couldn't contain myself, yet again, and bought a few more flowers. This is my very favorite thing to do.  If feels so lovely just browsing the isles of nurseries getting ideas for colors and planting arrangements.  This year I am going with lots of yellow and purple. I am also planting herbs and lettuce from seeds and put them in the tiny containers for now.  Until then, I am enjoying my array of tulips that just bloomed. They make me so happy.  Tomorrow I'll assess my dad's yard and clear things out so he can see what graces his garden.  Mom planted many beautiful perrennials so it should not be that difficult, just a little clean up will do for now. 

April showers bring May flowers.  xo

cheeseburger chili mac and cheese

One of my rotation dishes is Rachael Ray's cheeseburger chili mac and cheese.  I make it every few weeks and if I forget, Steve puts in a request.  It's very easy and delicious.  This is how it looks upon completion.  Yummy!

Brown 3 pounds ground sirloin, drain and add one chopped onion and saute in extra virgin olive oil.  Add 4 tablespoons chili powder, salt and pepper to taste and cook until the onion is tender.  Add 1/2 cup each ketchup and yellow mustard.  Mix well.  Add 1 cup beef broth and 1/2 cup hot ajvar (Indian vegetable spread) Bring to a bubble and simmer until thickened.

While the chili is working, salt and oil boiling water and drop 2 boxes of whole wheat elbow macaroni in the pot.  Cook al dente, drain and return to the pot.

Add the chili mix to the pot with the pasta and give everything a good toss.

Transfer to a casserole dish and top with 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.  I mix half of this in the brew and put the remainder on top.  Place the casserole under the broiler to melt and brown the cheese.  Serve with a simple salad.  Enjoy! xo