Annie Hopkins was an individual that would not accept that she had physical limitations. She demanded on living a full, exciting, independent life. She only lived 25 years but in those years she was an advocate, entrepreneur, artist, student, activist and always a lover of life. She stood out to the entire world as a story to acceptance.
She had a dream, a dream to change the world and how they saw people with disabilities. Annie created the wheelchair heart symbol to unify people of all abilities. Together Annie and her brother Steve launched 3ELove. The group 3ELove was put together to offer social ambition of education, embrace and empower all.
Annie left this world on January 20th 2009. The mission to help the world see her message was left with all that care. As a remembrance of all that Annie did and to celebrate social acceptance year your heart on your sleeve. Let others know that you love who you are and that you are a person with social rights. Share it on all social media sites. We can all make a difference for others in this world. We can have a voice as a parent, sibling, relative, spouse, children, lover, co-worker, teacher, friend or anyone that just wants others to know we "accept" them.
Winter time is a great time to use up root veggies. As I have said before root veggies are very versatile and can help save the food budget. This turnip and leek soup was created but if you would rather have potato instead of turnip simply substitute. If you enjoy a vegan diet, dairy free or gluten free this soup may be perfect for you.
3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
3 medium leeks, washed and sliced thin (using just the white and light green parts)
3 lbs 24 ounces turnips, peeled and cubed
water
salt and pepper to taste, 1.5-2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cut off the dark green parts of the leeks then slice the leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse the layers under cold water to remove any dirt. Slice thin and set aside about 1/4 cup (for a topping)
Heat a stock pot over medium high heat and add the butter or oil. Add the sliced leeks and sauté for 5-8 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add in the turnips and cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes. Add enough water to cover over all of the turnips. Cook for 25 minutes or until turnips are soft. Season with salt and pepper. Puree using an immersion blender or let cool then puree in a standing blender. Taste and add additional seasoning to your preference.
Serve warm with toasted bread, herb oil, chives, or crispy fried leeks.
parsnips or yukon gold potatoes may be used instead of turnips.
4 slices bacon, diced
3 cups corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced, optional
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons milk, or more, to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar, or more, to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess fat, reserving 1 tablespoon.
Add corn, onion, bell pepper and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese and milk until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in green onions and sugar; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with bacon.*
*To reheat, bake for 15-20 minutes at 325 degrees F, or until completely heated through.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3
My grandmother used to always tell me that when life gives you lemons make lemonade. I know this sounds quite common but the truth is she lived her life like that. My grandmother was on her deathbed but held out to find out that all of her children and grand-children were contacted. Yes, that is right she continued to ask until we finally had to tell her that they all had been contacted and we would make sure all were o.k. Perseverance that James speaks of is something that is hard to have but a trait that many good men do have. Many accomplishments have happened in life because of perseverance. Take a look at Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King. Luck only exist when perseverance has continued long enough that a "magical moment" is predictable. When nothing seems to be going right hang in there just a bit longer persevere God's love will prove true and others will see this through you.
Tonight I am thankful for the love that our God allows us. For his son that through unchangeable, unshakable love suffered, bled and died on that cross. I pray that through me, my friends may see a person who loves Christ and trust that all our needs will be met. It is through his provision that all around has happened, the friends in our lives, the job we work, the love of our family and simply everything. I ask the Holy Spirit to stay by my side as tough times occur. That I am able to stand up when battles come so that I can prove that my life is an open book. I pray that I am allowed the courage to trust and endure so that others can see my life as it should be.
1 pound of fresh or frozen speckled butter beans or baby limas (about 4 cups)
1/4 cup of minced, smoked ham
2 tablespoons of bacon drippings
1 tablespoon of half and half, optional
2 teaspoons of kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon of Creole or Cajun seasoning, or to taste, optional
Slash ham hock with a knife and place in a pot; add water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Rinse fresh beans and sort through for any stems or other debris. Add the beans, bring back up to a boil, stir, reduce heat to a very low simmer, cover and cook for 40 minutes.
Remove the ham hock and pull any meat off; return meat to pot and discard bone. Add in minced, smoked ham. Stir in the bacon fat or butter, half and half, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to medium, and continue cooking, uncovered, about 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until beans reach the texture desired. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cover and let rest 10 minutes in the juices. Even better the next day.
The dish above shows beans with polish sausage. Oh so yummy I hope you enjoy shared this food post at welcome to weekend
With so much snow and ice and illness traveling around I thought it was time to make up some chicken noodle soup. They say it can make all days brighter and a home made touch can put a smile on any face. Enjoy!!!
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 boneless skinless chicken breast cut half
1 cup baby carrots diced
2 celery ribs diced
1 and 1/2 cup wide noddles
3 cups chicken stock or broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
Heat up olive oil in a stock pot. Add chicken breast and brown on both sides, 2 minutes or so.
Remove the chicken onto a plate and set aside. Add diced veggies to the pot. Add more oil if needed.
Saute for about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken back. Add stock or broth, Italian seasoning and oregano.
Bring to boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add noodles and cook until done. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To speed up cooking time cut the chicken breast in half or dice the chicken.
baby carrots are sweeter and have no need to peel. Simply dice
you can add 1/2 cup of diced onion if you choose, simply add to veggie mix.
Make the recipe yours
National Popcorn day is hosted annually January 19th. Popcorn can be sweet or savory. being made in a variety of ways. Whether you enjoy popcorn plain, with a bit of butter or even caramelized you are not alone.
Popcorn comes from Old English with corn meaning grain. Maize was grown in America and the English simply applied the term "corn". Popcorn was used in a great variety of ways through out time. In the 16th century you could find popcorn used in Aztec headdresses in ceremonies that honored the god of maize Tlaloc.
Spanish explorers found the corn like grains unusual as they had white like flowers that would pop out of them when heated. The popcorn was a beloved treat and through time it became the popcorn that is known today. Two types of popcorn exist with one being white and the other yellow. It is the yellow that is prepared in movie theaters and more familiar.
In the mid 1800s popcorn was tops in America. Charles Cretors owned a candy store where he made pop corn using steam. This would lead to horse drawn popcorn wagons traveling through streets of Chicago. Another tasty treat was created by Louise Ruckheim. Peanuts and molasses was added to popcorn and the treat of Cracker Jack was created. It may surprise you but popcorn was not always welcomed at the movies. Selling popcorn at the theater was a bit expensive until the invention of Glen Dickson. It was Dickson who would make it possible for popcorn to be inside. Now days, we pop our popcorn in the microwave and enjoy our movies on the T.V. at home. Popcorn has made it many years and the love of it will be here for many more.
The theme for the celebrated "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" is "Your Right Hand, O Lord, Glorious in Power" The scripture used will be Exodus 15:6.
The bible shares time and time again the story of salvation. The Lord desires to change hearts so that He could call them His own. Our Lord offers his people justice, compassion and mercy. It is up to us to reconcile that love via repentance. It is the hopes and prayer that Christians will unite in order to glorify the name of Jesus.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began as an eight day period of prayer. It was known as the Church Unity Octave and was established by founders of the Society of Atonement. It is meant to bring Christians together to work and pray. In our world today there are many activities, plans, and outside sources pulling us away from the Christian world by coming together Christians will be able to know they are not alone and the strength to continue the battle.
Growing up in the '70s was a bit different than this day and age but the fig newton was just as loved then as it is now.
Whether you loved 'em or you hated 'em you most likely remember 'em. The newton was a pretty popular cookie when I was a kid and has been for over a century. It was during the 19th century that physicians began to promote increase in biscuits and fruit in the diet to help remedy digestive problems. Fig rolls hit the scene in 1891 Charles Roser would invent an easier way to place fig paste into dough. Nabisco would gain control of the fig roll and the name would change to "Fig Newton".
Filling:
1 C dried Figs coarsely chopped (UPDATE: If you are a vegan who does not eat figs, try this recipe with dates, apricots or other dried fruits of your choice. Most will work very well!)
1-1/2 C Water
1 C Orange Juice apple will work here as well
1/4 C Sugar
1/8 tsp Orange Zest
Cookie Dough:
1/2 C vegan Margarine such as Earth Balance
1/2 C Sugar
FLAX EGG - 1 Tbl ground Flax Seed plus 3 Tbl water simmered for 5 minutes & cooled
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1-1/2 C All-Purpose Flour
Make the fig filling:
Coarsely chop the dried figs.
In a medium saucepan, add the chopped figs, water, orange juice and sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The mixture should reduce considerably (see how it goes from this to very little liquid left in photos below) and once pureed, be spreadable like jam. Keep a close eye on this towards the end, it goes fast. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth. Refrigerate overnight
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the margarine and sugar for 2 minutes.
We are using what's known as a "flax egg" here to simulate one egg white. To make the flax egg, combine 1 Tbl of ground flax seeds and 3 Tbl of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring until it becomes thick and gelatinous. Cool completely.
Add the flax egg to the butter/sugar mixture along with the vanilla. Mix to combine, scraping the sides of the bowl.
Add the flour and mix until the dough starts to form a ball. It will be very sticky at this point. Wrap in plastic wrap forming into a disc and refrigerate overnight.
This will make handling much easier.
The following day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment. I normally use a Silpat, but parchment seems to work much better in this application.
Divide the dough and filling into four equal portions keeping the rest refrigerated while working with one at a time.
Shape one piece of dough on the parchment into a rectangle about 12" long and 4" wide. Trim if needed.
Spoon a line of filling down the center of each rectangle.
Fold one half of the dough over the filling, using an offset spatula or knife to assist you if needed. Repeat with the other side and then use the parchment to help shape and roll it seam side down.
Refrigerate each completed log as you work with the next.
Using a sharp, or serrated knife, before baking cut into 5 or 6 evenly sized cookies.
At this point, if the oven is not yet preheated, place the cut cookies into the refrigerator so they remain chilled.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. I always rotate the cookie sheets as I bake to ensure they bake evenly.
Allow to cool on a rack and then store in an airtight container.
They are best the next day as they have time to soften into the Newton's you know and love
Each year in the United States an average of 7 million individuals will be stalked. Both men and women have experienced stalking. It is a very fearful time where many believe that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed. My own sister experienced time where she was stalked by an ex-boyfriend.
Most stalking victims are stalked by someone they know. More than 1/2 the women and almost 1/2 of all men are stalked by an ex-partner. Another 25% report that it was an acquaintance that they were stalked by. Over half of all stalking incidents happen prior to victim turning 25 years old, with a few happening during teen years.
Stalkers will show up in places their victim did not want them to be, make unwanted phone calls, leave the victim unwanted messages and / or use other devices to spy on their victim. The actions leave those being stalked in fear of not knowing what will happen next. Victims often begin to fear that the stalking will never end and in a few cases the stalker has continued for years. Many victims lose time at work, have to move or change jobs, or develop anxiety, insomnia, or severe depressions.
In all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and federal government stalking is a crime. More than 1/2 states classify stalking as a felony upon second offense or when there are aggravating factors. Less than 1/3 states classify stalking as a felony upon first offense. For a compilation of state, tribal, and federal laws visit
www.victimsofcrime.org/src.
The blood orange is a variety of orange that has crimson almost blood colored flesh. The color is de to presence of anthocyanins. The antioxidant pigments are common in flowers and fruit but not so common in citrus fruits. At times the dark coloring shows up on the rind as well. Another difference is the skin can be tougher and harder to peel than that of other oranges.
1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed blood orange juice about 5 oranges
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice
1/4 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
1 tsp cayenne pepper powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp corn starch
2 tbsp cold water
2 14.4 oz. packages Hillshire Farm® Beef Lit'l Smokies® sausages
Chopped chives or scallions for garnish
Add freshly squeezed blood orange juice, onions, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, whisk together corn starch and cold water, then stir into the sauce. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, add Lit'l Smokies® sausages to a crockpot set of high heat, when the sauce is ready, pour it over the Lit'l Smokies® sausages and cook on high until the sausages register a temperature of 170 degrees F. About 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Serve straight out of the crockpot or transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chives or scallions, and serve with forks or toothpicks.
Reduce crockpot to warm if any sausages are left in it.
if you can not find blood oranges then ruby red grapefruits substitute well.
International Child Centered Divorce month is a great way to alert divorced parents the needs of their children. Ways to prevent emotional and psychological damage to children during and after divorce are available.
ICCD month is a great time for professionals to help parents, children and families with ways to make sure children are cared for. January is chosen as the month of awareness as more divorces begin in January. It is a time to alert parents about the harm to their children when divorce is not handled correctly. It is not the divorce but the matters that come before, during and after divorce.
Respectful co-parenting is among the many items of discussion. Mediation is the choice of discussion rather than litigation that can be damaging. Communication skills that can help guide parents away from what may end up costly mistakes that scar all involved in the divorce including the children, teens and adults.
Divorce attorneys, mediators, therapists, financial planners, coaches, educators and other professionals may be involved. With the same goal in mind is to promote peaceful divorce, cooperative co-parenting and educating parents about how to prevent negative consequences for children who are affected by separation or divorce.
Our Story::
My daughter was a beautiful bride when she was 20 years old. Her new husband and her together tried to make a successful union. Purchasing a home, having a child and the dream began to grow. Unfortunately, there were some circumstances that happened and they lost the home and had to move. In attempts to bring the family together again they had a second child and for a while all seemed fine. Then one day, the dream was over, feelings had changed and the two decided they could not stay together. They both wanted out but what about the kids. The good thing is that the children were taken care of in the divorce as well allowing for them to have a life, a time with both parents and a chance to do their own thing.
If you find yourself with a dream ending then take a moment and remember the children as well as your happiness and do the right thing.
Thirty-one years ago I found myself a teenage bride. Not having much money and still in high-school my dad tried to take care of his "little girl" I can recall the time he showed up with a 20 lb bucket of black eyed peas. He knew I could do something with them and I did. I would love to say I knew how to cook back even in those days but that has taken time to reach where it is today. In those days I took the bucket and traded it to a friend with a large family in return for a T.V.. I found more use in the later as we normally enjoyed meals at my husbands parents, the place I also learned where to cook and some of those delicious recipes. I found this recipe for Louisiana style black eyed peas and thought it was a great place to share a story about me and a new recipe as well. Enjoy!!!
1 large onion chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 rib celery chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 cups dried black-eyed peas picked over and rinsed
5 cups water
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/8 teaspoon cayenne or more to taste
1 tablespoon hot sauce or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke flavoring
Heat a large pressure cooker over high heat (use the Sauté button on the Instant Pot). Add the onion and sauté until it begins to brown; add the bell pepper, celery, and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, adding a tablespoon or two of water if needed to prevent sticking. Add the black-eyed peas and water, seal the cooker, and bring to high pressure. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. (Use the Manual button on the IP and set to 10 minutes.) Remove from heat and allow pressure to come down naturally.
Once the pressure is down, open the cooker and add all remaining ingredients except Liquid Smoke. Return to the heat and simmer for 15-30 minutes, until peas are completely soft and thickened. (Use Sauté on IP and adjust to low.) Add the Liquid Smoke and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve hot over rice with more hot sauce on the table.
To make without a pressure cooker, soak the peas overnight in cold water. Drain. Follow the directions for sautéing the vegetables. Then add all ingredients except liquid smoke to the pot, along with enough additional water to cover the peas by one inch. Cook until peas are completely tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, adding more water as necessary. When they’re tender, add the Liquid Smoke, cook for 5 more minutes, and serve over rice.
Perhaps you have heard of them, they are Alpha Kappa Alpha. They are a college sorority that had its beginnings January 15, 1908. The sorority is now a globally impactful organization of nearly 300,000 college trained members. It is a sisterhood that is empowered by a commitment to serve both domestic and international individuals.
Th goal of Alpha Kappa Alpha is to grow in a lifelong personal and professional way. The second goal is for members to be respectful and influential. They are in search of equality for all citizens of the world.
Congrats and thank-you to the fine ladies at Alpha Kappa Alpha
A challenge has been issued. A challenge to eliminate table sugar from your diet for 5 days to see how and if you feel different. You may find out that by avoiding high table sugar levels you feel more energized and healthier.
The World Sugar Research Organization classify sugar as a class of food energy called carbohydrates. Carbs can be divided into different groups and classes. Some are found naturally in fruits, veggies, milk and grains. Sugars are naturally a part of the diet. Another type of sugars those that belong to the sucrose or table sugar can be harmful when consumed in excess. The obesity rate is very high because of this type of sugar.
Table sugar can be highly addictive. When consumption of table sugar is increased obesity becomes a possibility. Obesity in turn can lead to a number of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers. Eating sweet foods with high levels of sucrose such as candy can also be harmful to teeth. The trick to enjoying sugars with sucrose is to limit everything to moderation. Find out more about sugar at Sugar Awareness website
1 package sugar-free flavored gelatin, flavor of your choice
½ c. cold water
6 packages unflavored gelatin
2-3 candy molds, dependin on size of mold
Mix the unflavored gelatin, flavored gelatin, and cold water in a saucepan. Place saucepan on stove and cook over a medium heat. Continue to stir until the mixture heats up and becomes liquid. Remove the mixture from the stove.
Spray the gummi candy molds with nonstick cooking spray and the pour gelatin mixture into the molds. Leave them out until they have cooled and then place in the freezer for about 10-12 minutes to solidify.
Once sugar free gummi shapes are solid, remove from molds and enjoy!
Most likely all of us have in some how been bullied. We may also be able to say that we have bullied others as well. It is a sad story that at times will go round and round. Bullying is defined as the repetitive unwanted intimidation or aggressive behavior towards others in order to gain control. In life this could be anyone. My daughter was bullied by one of her bosses at work at a job she no longer has, my son was bullied by a co-worker that he finally had to report and sadly my grand-son in the first grade was bullied by another young man who had been bullied himself. When the issue was approached these two found out that they actually liked each other and are now friends.
Statistics show that more than 20% of all children have bullied another child. Many children miss school every day because of fear of being bullied. Of those being bullied more than 2/3 of the bullying is both physically and mentally. While girls can be mean it is boys that by statistics have experienced more physical bullying.
Stopping bullying is an ongoing battle but if we all fight together we can get closer to riding bullying. Here are some things we can all do:
One of most obvious things to do is to teach our children to not bullying. We need to teach our children empathy, patience and understanding for each other. These are skills that can help kids stay away from bullying and qualities that we all need.
Teach our children that if they see someone being bullied to not join in or stand by silently. Words can hurt and they have the opportunity to help someone if they see someone being bullied.
Teach our child to have self-respect. Stand up for what is right and to stand up to those who try to hurt others. Respect among our children can help kids to treat each other how they want to be treated. Being bully proof is a challenge and one that can not be completely done. Teaching our children to "shake it off" or "laugh it off" teaches our children not to give the bully what they want.
Teaching our children to go to an adult in charge can help keep our kids safe. Let them know that "telling" is ok.
The big C is one of the worst things anyone can hear. To know that you, your loved one or even someone you have never met but are told that they have cancer is awful. January helps bring awareness to cervical cancer. As this blog is a place where I share news as well as many helpful tricks for home and always lots of recipes I thought it would be a great time to look at what food may help protect one from cervical cancer.
Fruits and vegetables can help protect one from developing cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with HPV a.k.a the Human Papillomavirus. Diets high in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate can help the body fight HPV infection and prevent the infection from turning cells of the cervix into cancerous lesions. All of the powerful fighters are found in fruits and veggies. Research has shown ladies who participate in a diet rich in fruit and veggies have blood tests showed high levels of certain chemical compounds. These ladies were able to fight the HPV infection faster than those who do not eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies.
Flavonoids are chemical compounds found in fruits and veggies. They are thought to be leading source protection against cancer. Some of my personal favorites that have flavonoids are:
Apples
Asparagus
Black beans
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cranberries
Garlic
Lettuce
Lima beans
Onions
Soy
Spinach
I recently shared a post about folate and folic acid, how our body uses and needs it and a great recipe that is a great resource for folic acid.
In addition to a good diet a healthy lifestyle can help reduce cancer risk as well. An annual pap smears can help to screen for early cell changes. The earlier found the better as treatment if needed can start at once. There is a vaccination against HPV check into it. Smoking is never good for the health so stop if you can and never start if you have not. The risk for HPV increases with more than one sex partner being monogamous can help you protect your self.
Follow a healthy diet + a healthy lifestyle can help prevent against cervical cancer.
Winter is a harsh season on the human body. Skin, joints and eyes are all acceptable to winter weather. Our eyes deal with an ever presence to the cold weather in the season of Winter. The season affects our eyes and vision in many ways but there are a few things we can do to protect them.
We all know that summer sun is hard on our eyes but do you realize that the sun and its reflection off of snow and ice are even more dangerous?? Our eyes in the winter deal with ultraviolet rays from above and below via the reflection. Wearing protective sunglasses can help guard against ultraviolet rays that can damage the retina and eye lens. Damage to the eye can lead to cataracts and age related macular degeneration.
Driving is another area that we need to be extra aware of our eyes. The glare of low lying sun on icy roads can make driving difficult. Make sure the windshield is clean on the inside and out to help guard against glare. Make sure to have your eyes checked regularly as well. Having a pair of sunglasses in the car can help guard against the glare of the sun.
It seems as if everything dries out in the winter. Just like our skin our eyes can be damaged by dryness as well. If your eyes feel dry it is time to visit your eye doctor. Some simple things you can do in the meanwhile are:
if possible lower temps in home
if reading or using a computer dries out your eyes then try to blink more.
use humidifier at work and at home. Open windows for a few minutes on cold days can also help
In the winter time when the outdoors is cold and for many unpleasant people spend more time inside watching T.V. and using computers. Breaks should be taken about every 20 minutes. Winter also provides us with fewer hours of daylight making it harder to see in areas. Older individuals and those with vision issues may find using extra light help with indoor activities.
Winter time often makes my daughters eyes water nearly continuously. The cold and wind leaves many complaining about the same issue of their eyes watering more than normal. There is eye ware that can be used to protect against the wind.
Take Care of Your Eyes start by visiting your local eye doctor.
1 1/4 cups sugar; (i used half sugar half splenda)
1/2 cup butter or margarine; softened
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 Eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas; (3 to 4 medium)
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups Gold Medal? all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup peanut butter chocolate chips and chocolate chips
Mix all ingredients together the way your bread machine says to and make sure that your bread machine has a batter bread selection to put it on that cycle. set your machine to Batter bread cycle and push start. When it beeps to put in nuts, put your chocolate chips in and take out the paddle, this way it wont over mix. I usually just stir the chocolate chips in with a spoon. Then just close the top it will start up again and then bake,
Dried Plums are good source of dietary fiber. They contain a considerable amount of insoluble fiber and are often used as a home remedy for prevention and constipation of constipation. Plums contain an assortment of healthy components of vitamins and minerals An excellent source of vitamins A,(ascorbic acid) folate and vitamin , vitamin B1 (thiamine) B2 (riboflain) B3 (niacin) B6 and vitaminE
Plums can be dehydrated whole. If you pit the fruit and cut it in half or into quarters the results will be better. Wash the plum, slice in half, remove the pit and pop back to expose more surface to air. Slicing into quarters can be done as well if desired. Place the fruit on food dehydrator trays with cut side up.
Plums can be dried in a 250 degree oven as well. Cut plums in half lengthwise and remove pits. Halves should be cut into 2 inch wedges. Plums should be arranged on parchment lined baking sheet, cut side up. an inch apart. Sprinkle with thyme and leave in oven 3 hours.
Cooking with dried plums
2 roasting chicken, cut into pieces
12 oz jar apricot preserves
15 medium dried plum, pitted
1⁄3 cup olive oil
1 tbsp white vinegar
3 pinch salt
20 grinds black pepper
10 clove garlic, peeled
20 to 30 sage leaf
Prep 10 min Cook 40 min Ready 50 min
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Trim any extra fat from the chicken pieces and transfer them to a large roasting pan or broiler pan. If you don't have a roasting pan that's large enough, use 2 identical 13 by 9-inch baking pans.
Toss all of the ingredients together with the chicken until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up in the pan, spaced evenly apart.
If you're looking to prepare in advance, you can do everything up to this point and cover the roasting dishes and refrigerate until you're ready to roast the chicken.
Roast, uncovered, until the tops of the chicken pieces are browned and the chicken is cooked through, and the juices run clear, about 35 to 40 minutes.
One of the largest New Year resolutions or goals is to loose weight. There is a good way to do that and then there are other ways that are not so good. There are many fad diets out there that promise fast results. These diets are not always the best as they limit your nutritional intake, may be unhealthy and in the end tend to fail.
To achieve and maintain a healthy weight is more than short term diet changes. Gaining a healthy weight is a lifestyle. A life of healthy eating, regular physical activity and balancing the number of calories consumed with number of calories body uses. Reaching and maintaining a controlled weight can help lead to good health.
One way to get healthy and gain the weight you desire is to put more fruit and veggies in your diet. A list of good fruit and veggies for weight loss include:
Berries
Apples
Pears
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Spinach
Kale
Radishes
Swiss chard
Collard greens
Rutabaga
Turnips
Folate and folic acid are known as vitamin B9. All forms of B vitamins are water soluble. B vitamins help convert carbs into fuel. B vitamins also help body use fats and proteins. They are needed for healthy liver, skin hair and eyes. B vitamins also help nervous system. . Folate can be found naturally in food. The synthetic form of vitamin B can be found in folic acid. Folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, bread, pasta, bakery items, cookies and crackers since 1998. Federal law requires these foods to have folic acid. Folate foods include leafy veggies of spinach, broccoli and lettuce as well as okra , asparagus, fruits like banana, melons, and lemons. In addition beans, yeast, mushrooms, meats of beef liver and kidney and juices of orange and tomato are good sources.
Folic acid helps raise folate deficiencies and complications. Complications can include anemia as well as inability of the bowls to absorb nutrients. Folic acid is also used with ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism and kidney dialysis. Folic acid is thought to be able to help prevent colon cancer or cervical cancer as well as heart disease and stroke. Folic acid is thought to reduce blood levels of chemical homocysteine which when high levels are found can lead to risk of heart disease.
Folic acid is also suggested to pregnant women to help prevent miscarriage and birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is being used to help with memory loss, age related hearing loss, eye diseases such as macular degeneration, reducing signs of osteoporosis, restless leg syndrome, sleep problems, depression, nerve pain, muscle pain, AIDS, and Fragile X syndrome.
Easy Mexican Bean Salad
1 cup of frozen corn
1 can black beans
1/2 red onion
1 cup chopped sweet peppers
1/2 cup of cilantro chopped (can substitute parsley or basil)
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
dash of cayenne
Drain and rinse the black beans and add to a large bowl.
Add your corn, peppers, onions and cilantro and mix well.
In a separate bowl whisk the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic, salt and cayenne.
Add dressing to the salad and toss well.
Can be made the night before.
If you are not a fan of cilantro you can substitute parsley and/or basil.
The name Eagle is a common name for many large birds of prey from the family of Accipitridae. These birds may or may not be related to each other. With more than 60 species of eagles from Eurasia and Africa There are two species that can be found in North America, nine species in Central and South America and three more species in Australia.
Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey. Eagles are blessed with heavy heads and beaks. Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from some vultures. The South Nicobar serpent Eagle is the smallest known. All eagles have strong beaks, powerful eyes, powerful talons and muscular legs. Eagles will build their nests in tall trees or on high cliffs. Eagles lay at least 2 eggs with the older chic killing the other. Females are bigger than males and often the winner of the battle of siblings with parents doing nothing.
Eagles dine on smaller water birds, and snakes. Some eagles will dine on medium sized vertebrate. Eagles are among the largest birds of prey with only condors and a few other vultures larger. Forest eagles have shorter wing span so they can fly and dive through the tree filled forest. Other eagles such as the fish eagles, booted eagles, snake and harpy eagles all have their adaptions, diets and size to help them live longer and happier.
My Story:::
Our family was a large one and many thought that it may possibly had been a Catholic family. The truth was the my father was Catholic but my mother was Baptist. That had no real decision in how many children they had as they loved having a large family. Along the way they had some issues such as my oldest brother passing of SIDS and when I was a teen we lost one of my younger brothers. The love of these babies brought much sorrow but there were groups that would come to help.
I recall both the shiners and the march of dimes making plans to help the baby over com the issues he was plagued with. After the baby passed they were still there helping mom cope. March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. They believe that every baby deserves the best possible start and are trying to change the stories where that did not happen.
March of Dimes:
March of Dimes have helped millions of babies survive and thrive. It does not matter the age, socio-economic background, or demographics they all deserve help. March of Dimes legacy helps to bring hope to those families that think there is no where else to go. March of Dimes helps support moms through pregnancy by advocating for good health. They have helped make true improvements to care moms receive as well as research for solutions to help both mom and baby with some of the biggest health threats.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt struggled with polio latter led to the creation of National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis This was the start of March of Dimes and the cure for the disease. The fight for birth defects, premature birth and infant death with innovations like newborn screenings, education for medical professionals, and public about best practices as well as lifesaving research. Along with health issues March of Dimes does not forget about providing comfort and support to families in NICUs and advocated for those who needed us most, moms and babies.
March of Dimes is committed to guide moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey. The fight for the babies and to advocate for their health is the mission. March of Dimes uses the tools, technology and knowledge that is needed to build a bright future for all. March of Dimes has been helping individuals since the era of War War II
History of March of Dimes:
March of Dimes was born on the eve of World War II. The mission was known as National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. March of Dimes took on the act with enthusiasm and their popularity grew. .It was an era of hard struggles with the titanic, war and much else. March of Dimes was aided by radio, Hollywood and the personal appeal of the president. In the early years little was known about polio but through virus research the disease would be researched. The research would be followed up in North Africa. In 1949 a huge polio epidemic would occur and the March of Dimes would be up and running through volunteers and had on itself became a grass roots movement.
Through much research and great doctors and leaders a vaccine for polio would be found. This vaccine would be tested on American school children in 1954.More than a million school children would become known as "polio pioneers" Polio would decline after the introduction of the vaccine. July 22, 1958 birth defects would be announced as the new mission of the March of Dimes. A new strategy to cope with birth defects would be a swift change. Since that time the March of Dimes has helped babies, moms and families from these early days and continues to fight on.
