Few Quick Ways To Simplify Your Life

When the world gets to busy for me and it makes me desire an easier life. There are a few things that I do and some that you can do as well. They include:

Donating any shoes or outfits that you have not wore in a year
take a break and listen to soft music play as you relax
Take out and donate any kitchen glass, dish, silverware, serving dish or cooking utensil not used in 6 months.
Using a bag or box clean out car throw trash away and take out everything that does not belong in car
clear off counter tops making sure to put items where they belong

Jamaican Meat Patties

A Jamaican Patty is a pastry that contains various fillings and spicees baked inside a flaky shell. The shell has normally been tinted yellow via egg yolk or turmeric. The Jamaican Patty is made like a turnover but is more savoury. 

Jamaiacan Pattiees havee a long history tracing back to indentured servants from Africa. In th 1960s and 1970s the recipes for these delicous patties were brought to the United States. Soon restaurants in New York and areas of West Indian populations would be introducing the delicious treats. 

Dough:
2 cups Unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
1 large Egg
3 tablespoons Unsalted butter; - at room temperature
2/3 cup Water

Filling:
4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
2 medium White onions; (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon Garlic; - minced
1/2 medium Scotch bonnet pepper
1 pound Ground beef; preferably round or sirloin
1 tablespoon Curry powder; preferably Madras (hot) style
1 tablespoon Fresh thyme; - chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper; - fresh ground
1 teaspoon Sugar
2/3 cup Beef broth; homemade or store bought
1/2 cup Dried bread crumbs

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Park Visit ::: Tunnel Hill Trail and Park

If you find yourself in Southern Illinois one great spot to visit would be tunnel hill bike route. I have rode this route myself. It is a rather peaceful route and there are a few different starting points. The tunnel trail was created years ago when freight cars would rumble along the given route. Wooden trestles, bluffs and creeks would all be crossed by trains as they traveled through scenic southern Illinois. Now the railroad is gone and the Tunnel Hill State Trail remains. The trail stretches 44.5 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak.

Let me take you on the trail as we start out in Harrisburg Illinois. The flat farm country along this part of the route makes for easy riding. At new Castle, the old railroad bed winds into the Shawnee National Forest. This will offer a beauty in a ride as well. New Burnside and the bluffs on this part of the ride just south of Vienna offers a ride through lush wetland.

Along the ride you will see lots of beautiful land and a habitat for wildlife. Birds entertain with their songs as they fly from tree to tree. Animals such as deers, wild turkey, squirrels and the list goes on ar present in the area as well. If you look closely you may even find a red fox, rabbits, coons or opossums.


If you find yourself looking for something to do perhaps its time to get back to nature.




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ham and potato waffles

1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated hash brown potatoes
8 ounces black forest ham, diced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat a waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the top and bottom of the waffle iron or coat with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine hash brown potatoes, ham, cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, thyme and paprika; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Pour a scant 1/2 cup of the potato mixture into the waffle iron, close gently and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Serve immediately.

recipe source here

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a type of severe skin reaction. The skin will blister and peel forming painful raw areas. The syndrome may also bring dehydration, sepsis, pneumonia and multiple organ failure

The cause of this syndrome most often is linked to medications. Allopurinol, sulfonamide antibiotics and others are found on top of the list. It may also be caused by infections such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or the cause may remain unknown.

Treatment typically takes place in hospital such as in a burn unit or intensive care unit. They may first top the cause if possible followed by pain medication, antihistaines, antibiotics, and other medications. The Steveens Johnson Syndrome only affects 1 to 2 people per million per year. I have personally known one individual with the syndrome. The syndrome is found twice as common in males as in females. The syndrome normally starts in an individuals life under age of 30. In cases where th skin does peel off it normally regrows over two to three weeks but complete recovery takes months.

Online Grocery Shopping

It seems that the craze around here is online grocery shopping. But just like shopping in the store we all have to be smart when shopping. If you are wanting to try or have all ready tried online grocery shopping here are some tips to keep in mind.

Most likely you will need a bit of time to accompalish a task like online shopping. Grocery shopping in your regular store takes around 2 hours a week and maybe a bit more if you enjoy shopping around and wandering through the aisles. The online grocery store is a great way to stay on task

Just like when you prepare to go to the grocery store create a list of items you need.

If you are a smart shopper then you most likely know where the better price can be found on items you normally use. Shopping online is no different. When you first start shopping online take a look around compare prices with those prices you know from the grocery store. Which is the better buy?? Stick to your list and continue shopping.

Online grocery stores are ablee to offer you a wide range of products. Perhaps more than the store you regularly shop at. Make suree what you are purchasing as many online stores do not offer good return policies. Many online websites will offer products at discounted rates. This again is the time to know online and in store prices of products.

I hope you find these tips useful. Happy Shopping

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Make up these super yummy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. There are two great ways to make the recipe use the one that is perfect for you or double the recipe and try both.

2 cups all-purpose flour (255 grams)
½ teaspoon baking soda (3 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (7 grams)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (114 grams)
½ cup white granulated sugar (105 grams)
¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
½ cup mashed very ripe banana (125 grams / 1 large banana)
1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4 grams)
1 ½ cups diced walnuts (180 grams)
1 ¾ cups chocolate chips (289 grams)

Preheat oven to 350F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Lightly whisk to combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
If mixing by hand: microwave the butter in a medium glass bowl until completely melted.
If mixing with a stand mixer: on medium speed with a flat beater, beat the butter until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and then dark brown sugar. Mix until well combined
Add mashed banana, mix until well incorporated.
Add whole egg and egg yolk one at a time and continue to mix until well blended.
Add the combined dry ingredients all at once. Mix until well incorporated, and then add and mix vanilla extract.
Stir in diced walnuts mixing well, and then add chocolate chips. Beat until evenly distributed all throughout the cookie dough.
Scoop Method: if using the scoop method, use a 1 ½-inch cookie scoop to drop the cookie dough onto the cookie sheets. Leave enough space between the cookies for the cookies to expand.
Freeze and Slice Method: If using the freeze and slice method, make 4 logs, each about 8 inches long, 1 ½ inches in diameter, by patting the dough in a sheet of plastic wrap to form each log. Tightly wrap each log separately, store in a covered container and freeze. When ready to bake, slice the cookie logs to about ½-inch thickness for each cookie.
Bake cookies one sheet at a time for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in cookie sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer cookies with a spatula onto a cooking rack to cool completely. Wait for cookie sheet to cool completely before baking next batch of cookie dough.

Notes
The scoop method will yield about 3 dozen 2-inch cookies.
The freeze and slice method will yield about 4 dozen 2-inch cookies

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United States Coast Guard

Do you know what branch of the United States Armed Forcees is a maritimee, military, multi mission service that follows maritime law enforcement and a fedeeral regulatory agency mission as well??

It is the United States Coast Guard (USCG) The Coast Guard is under U.S. Deepartment of Homeland Security control during peacetime and if needed can become part of the Navy when ordered by the United States President at any time or by U.S. Congreess during time of war. In history the coast guard has became part of the navy in 1917 during world war I and in 1941 during world war II.

Alexander Hamilton requested that Congress create a marine service that remains on duty continous as service to the United States. August 4th 1790 Congress created the Coast Guard. The purpose of the coast guard was to collect custom duties in the nations seaports. Today's coast guard was formed by a merger of the Revenue Cutter Service it was created to be and the U.S. life saving service.

The coast guard is considered to be one of the five armed srvices and has played a role in every U.S. war from 1790 to the Iraq war and War in Apghanistan. There aree 36,000 men and women on active duty.

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Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is located in the foothills of the South Dakota Black Mountains. Near by your will find the famous Mount Rushmore. Sturgis Rally is one of thee biggest motorcycle rallies held each year. In 2017 the bike rally started July 31 and will run 2 weeks ending on July 13th. 

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been in existence for many years. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club started in 1936 and was charted in 1937. It was racing events at a rally in Sturgis on August 14, 1938 that would start the yearly bike rally. The weekend in August 1938 hosted only 9 racers and a small audience watching the races. 

The club is still running strong and so is the rally. The club owns all property where the activities take place (approximately 40 acres). A lighted short track, motocross track, field meet area, hillclimb area, clubhouse, office and state approved concession business are located on the grounds. Since its meager beginnings the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has grown in greatly in numbers and popularity

The bike club is a non profit organization donating to area charities, food banks, school and Christian motorcycle association. Find out more about the Jackpine Gypsies at www.JackpineGypsies.com

Boomers Making a differencee

August is the month that helps recognize one group that is making a difference. The group is the baby boomers of yesterday. Together they havee stepped up and are making contributions to the communities by helping others improve their lives. 

Sharing the stories of their yesterdays is how it all begins. Soon others are wanting to learn and boomers are ready to help learn. They are ready to offer praise to those who do their best to learn the old ways. Boomers play hard to join in so that young folks can recall the day that the seniors (senior citizens) defeated them in the game. But day by day and step by step they take life and life. After all, that is all that matters because when all is done and the day is gone it is what memories and actions are rembered that will tell the newer generations who you really were.

Aristotle --- "We are what we repeatedly do. Greatness then, is not an act but a habit". 

So what is the legacy you want to leave behind?? I have started to share the stories of my childhood with my children so they know what our lives were all about. Many consider me the fixer the one who takes care of all. It is a great time to thank those who have made a difference in your life. I have one wish that my family become my legacy and live to celebrate my life in the things that they do. I pour all I have into my family and I believe everyone knows that .


what do you want your legacy to be

Clown Week : Emmett Kelly

Emmett Kelly one of Americas most famous and recognizable clowns was born December 9, 1898. Kelly's family was a railroader who worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad. Kelly's mother ran a boarding house for the railroad. In 1905 Kelly's parents packed up and moved to a small farm in Missouri.

Emmett Kelly had a dream of becoming a professional cartoonist and once worked for a silent film company in kansas City Missouri. It was while working as a cartoonist that Kelly created the clown character of "Weary Willie". It would be the clown that would bring fame to Kelly after he could not find work as a cartoonist.

Emmett Kelly ran away and joined the circus. In reality he did join "Howe's Great London Circus" He was first put to work painting circus wagons but soon he would find other work. From the trapeze he found love in his first wife who was also a trapeze artist. The marriage would last 12 years and during this time they would perform as the "Aerial Kellys"

Emmett would work for a few different circus companies. In 1933 whilee working for the Hageenback Wallace Circus he would be introduced as "Weary Willie" The hobo clown would find a spot in the Ringling Brothrs and Barnum & Bailey Circus. From thee circus he would also find fame in moviees, children books and commercialism.

Emmett Kelly would move on and find love again. He would never retire finding new routines til his death. On March 28, 1979 Emmett Kelly would die of a heart attack at his home in Sarasota Florida. Red Skelton a lifetime friend of Kelly's would comment " I guess those in Heaven needed a laugh"

Be Cool Go To School

Playing Hooke from school is not a new scenario. In fact it has been around for quite some time. Way back before there were laws that ensured kids went to school they were trying to skip out. I am not ashamed nor proud of the fact that I have skipped school before . In return karma came back and I had a child that did not want to get up for school and often tried to skip out as well. There are a few things as parents we can do to help our child want to go to school. 

First, let your child(ren) know that their education is very important to the family. They should want to go to make sure that they will go far in life. Often Children desire to please their parents whether they admit it or not and by letting them know its important you may just implore their sense to go to school. 

Second, make sure your child has a regular bedtime. Sleep is important to a young growing body and at least 8 hours of sleep every night is needed. While sleep is important wakening up in time for school is important as well. Be sure to set the alarm to go off at the correct time and that it is turned on. With young children having the extra help of mom or dad is important as well. I was blessed to have a parent send me to school through out my young years. 

Let your child know that unexcused abscences will not be tolerated Talk to them about why they are not attending school properly. Be sure to listen to the answer as well. Praise your child each time they attend school and complete their assignments. Something that helped my kids was that I got involved with the school. 

I am in hopes that your child will love starting school and that the excitement continues to build through out the year. 

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World Breast Feeding Week

I am proud to say that I was able to breast feed my baby. I had six babies and it did not work out for all of them but for a few I was able to do just that. The bonding experience was like no other the reasons I could not breast feed varried from my milk not coming in right to the baby being sick at birth or me being very ill. I still stand firm on the idea that breast feeding is best for the baby.

I am thankful to work for a business that believes this as well. They also believe that it is the mothers choice to do so. If the mother does choose to do so and work they have provided a place for mothers to feed their babies

As co-workers we have supported and understood that they may need extra time. Many of us have been mothers for a bit of time and are there to help if needed. If you find yourself in such a place I hope that you can do this as well

Get Ready for Kindergarten

One thing that your child should know when starting kindergarten is the alphabet. One easy way to learn the alphabet is to sing the ABC song together.

Your child should also know how to recognize their first and last name. Being able to spell it is even better.

Another way to give your child a headstart in kindergarten is to teach them their letters. If they can recognize the complete set of letters both lowercase and capital this will help them greatly. A fun way to teach them how to write their letters is by drawing the letters on traceable paper and let them trace them. There are also printable worksheets you can find on the internet.

Pre-kindergarted students should know how to count from 1 to 20. This takes some time so be patient. If you practice counting several times a day your child will have lots of practice and again you will have offered a chance for a headstart. Again tracing the numbers is a great way to know the numbers

American Indian Heritage Month : Native American Taco Recipe

The state of New York hosted the first "American Indian Day" in 1916. It was not until the 1990's that a whole month was declared. George Bush declared the first National American Indian Heritage Month on August 3rd. Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii and Congressional Delegates Eni Faleomavaega of american Samoa introduced the bill to make the holiday a month rather than a day.

During the month of August we should take note of injustices that the American Indian people have suffered. There are many that still do not enjoy all that America has to offer. In the future Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives will face challenges in the coming years. We are all a union of people and must make sure all are cared for. Tribal America must be included in our future but the past should never be forgotten.

Try a great Native American Indian inspired recipe:

Native American Indian Tacos

2pkgs Active Dry Yeast
6 cup Warm Water
½ cup Dry or Liquid Milk
½ cup Sugar
1 cup Cooking Oil
1 tsp Salt
5lbs Flour
Shortening, for frying
Makes Bread, for a crowd (12-15pieces depending on the size you make the bread

Taco Topping
5lbs Ground Drained Hamburger
4 Packets Taco Seasoning
2 cans Cooked Pinto Beans
Chopped Tomatoes
Shredded Lettuce
Grated Cheddar Cheese
Salsa
Sour Cream

FOR BREAD:

Add yeast and warm water, mix until yeast is dissolved, add sugar, milk, and salt, mix well until dissolved, add oil. Add flour 2 or 3 cups at a time mix until you can’t mix with spoon any longer, turn out onto counter and knead the remaining flour into the dough. Dough will be sticky but manageable, you may not need all of the flour it just depends on the weather and your location, please adjust as needed.

Let dough rest about 20 minutes before frying. Heat oil to about °350 and precede to fry your bread. Grease your hands with shortening when handling the dough, use a handful of dough and pat out plate sized. While frying poke a few airholes into the bread and pour hot oil over the top while frying. Fry both sides of the bread for 1-2 minutes on each side or until you are sure the bread is not doughy on the inside. Cool Bread on oil absorbent paper towels and keep covered until ready to use.

TACO TOPPING:

Combined cooked hamburger and taco seasoning according to directions on seasoning packet. Keep beans separate for the guests who don’t like beans. Prepare your taco just as you would a regular taco except build it on the bread, serve warm and top with salsa and sour cream, enjoy!

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Bouquet of Talent

American Artist Jackson Pollock

The great American Artist Paul Jackson Pollock was born January 28, 1912. He would become known simply as Jackson Pollock. He was a major player in the artistic  world of abstract expressionist. His style of drip painting is what helped make him famous.

During Pollocks short life during the early 1900's in America he would enjoy considerable fame and notoriety. He was rather reclusive as his volatile behavior and alcoholism kept him in the shadows while his art work shined. At the age of 44 Jackson died in a car accident while driving. Shortly after his death a retrospective exhebition of his artwork was placed on display as a memorial. In 1967 a larger exhibit was hosted in the Modern Art in New York City Jackson Pollock left a legend behind as his art technique and many pieces of art work, Enjoy a few:

Clown Week and My Favorite Clown

International clown week takes places the first week of August. August 1-7th can be one of the funnest times of the years but we know clowns are all different some where smiles and others wear frowns.

My favorite clowns of all times is Bozo the clown. As a Kid I loved watching the show and have to say I enjoyed watching it with my kids when they were younger as well.

Alan W. Livingston and Capitol Records introduced Bozo the Clown to the world in 1946 via a children's record. The title of the record Bozo at the Circus featured an illustrated read along book set. It was the first time that such a set had been sold. The record landed on Billboards Best Selling records lasted for 200 weeks on Billboads list of Children's records chart. Thus a clown star was born.

Bozo's circus first appeared on T.V. in Los Angeles KTTV in 1949. Pinto Colvig the voice of Bozo on the record starred in the t.v. show. Bozo had white face makeup, a red nose, tuffs of red hair and a blue one piece suit. The show was live and aired for 30 minutes each show. The show lasted a little over 1 year.

That would not be the end of Bozo as in 1956 Larry Harmon would bring Bozo to a tune of $20 million in sales. A daily half hour show with Bozo, a live audience of children, and 5 minute cartoon clips would air. There would not just be one Bozo but many in the U.S. with more in Germany, France and Japan. Bozo would coin phasees such as "what are you doodly do doing" and "wowie Kazowee"

During the 1960s Bozo would air on WGN and become the most successful bozo of all time. In 1986 the Bozo show celebrated The Bozo 25th Aniversary Special.
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Many men have wore the big shoes, rubber nose and bright red wig. One of the most famous was WIllard Scott from the Today show. But no matter what man wore the suit they were all "Bozos" for the moment.

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Ice Cream Sandwich Day

You scream , I scream We all scream for Ice Cream and when we scream on August 2nd we will be making up a few ice cream sandwiches. Like these great Smores Ice Cream Sandwiches

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup half and half
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 7 oz marshmallow fluff
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs.

Combine the butter, unsweetened chocolate and 1 ½ cups of semi sweet chocolate in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring until butter and chocolate have melted. Stir until smooth, remove from heat and let cool.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in the bowl of mixer. Carefully beat in flour mixture. Beat well. Add in cooled chocolate. Beat until well combined
Using a large cookie scoop, drop dough onto lined baking sheets.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 1 minute before removing to a cooling rack. You should get 24 large cookies.
For the ice cream: in a saucepan, stir together half and half and ½ cup sugar over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil. Whisk egg yolks and remaining sugar in a large heatproof bowl. Carefully whisk hot liquid into egg mixture until completely blended. Return everything to saucepan and stir over medium heat until mixture begins to thicken and start to resemble custard, this should take about 3 minutes. Strain custard and pour into a small bowl, which is set in a large bowl of ice. Let cool to room temperature. Remove and stir in yogurt, vanilla and salt. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
Pour custard into the bowl of an ice cream maker and proceed according to manufacturers directions. Transfer to a container and fold in marshmallow fluff until it is fully incorporated. Cover and freeze ice cream until firm.
To assemble. Top one cookie with a scoop of ice cream and top with a second cookie. Repeat until all the cookies have been used. Freeze for 30 minutes. Place graham cracker crumbs in a shallow bowl and dip sandwiches into crumbs, rolling to get all sides. Refreeze until ready to serve. Makes 12 sandwiches.

recipe resource here 

Coloring Book Day

As a young child I recall having a great time coloring. My own children had the same experience and I must also share that my grand-babies love to sit at their tables coloring. Coloring is something that we all love to do. Getting that new coloring book or coloring a page in our favorite coloring book makes us all smile. My oldest daughter has joined in the event of adult coloring as well after her dr recommended her to do such. Today, August 2nd is a great way to join in on the coloring bandwagon as it is coloring book day. So take a few minutes color with your friends, children or grand-babies or spend a few minutes coloring alone.

Car Brake Safety Month

August is Brake Safety Awareness Month If you have been waiting for a better time to get your brakes checked on your car this is the time. Often there are some great deals on brake jobs at this time. Highly trained technicians can inspect your car or truck's brakes and ensure that you and the ones you love will be protected.

Did you know:
When a car is driving a mere 30 mph it still takes 80 feet for the brake system to stop the car.?? A bit scary to think about. Is your brakes working well in your car??

The brakes on a car helps to keep your car safe and running properly This is why it is important to keep the brakes on your vehicle in good working order. Staying up with your brakes can also prevent more costly repairs down the line. The braking system on all vehicles is complicated and contains many components. This is why you should have your braking system inspected at various times paying close attention to ensure they are working properly.

Warning signs brakes may need checked:
car brakes are not responsive as they normally are
the brake pedal is low, spongy or soft or if the brake pedal is too high or hard.
the brake pedal pulses or hops
wheels lock during braking
car pulls to one side when using brakes
brakes squeal or make grinding noise.
steering wheel vibrates, shimmies or pulses during braking
brake warning light is on alerting you that you have  a problem with your brakes.

simplify your life

If your life is anthing like mine there are times that everything seems out of controll. When this happens I try to return the simplier times. Many times we can not go back to where it was truly simple but there are things we can do:

As bloggers we spend time on the internet working. I consider this part of my job but if you are spending to much time on the great www. then you need to back off a bit and relax. Spending more time with my family makes me very happy. 

There are those individuals that do not make me happy. in fact they make my life very stressful. It is those individuals that I try to avoid. The goal is to make my life simplir and happier there are those times that due to drama life can become more complicated and very unhappy.

Is your cell phone driving you crazy?? Do people call you at all times of the day and night?? If you are not expecting an emergency phone call or have to keep your phone on due to work reasons then shut your phone off a bit before bedtime so you can rewind a bit. This may just help you have a better morning the next day. 

Help clear your mind by jotting down items that are on your mind. This way you have a list of them, you will not worry about having tto recall anything and be able to free your mind as well. Think about decluttering your home as well it may make you feel better and have less stress. 

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a bit of everything

Help Your Body By Eating

Our bodies have many issues that can bring it down. One of those is digestion, when our stomache hurts the whole world seems to be wrong. I mean look at the word stomache the word ache is very visual. The ingredients in this easy Indian dish will aid our digestion system

150ml bio-yogurt
1 tbsp finely grated ginger
½ tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
4 skinless chicken thighs fillets (about 250g), cut into big chunks
200g butternut squash, cut into bite-sized chunks (no need to peel)
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 red onions, halved and thickly sliced
1 garlic clove
4 sprigs mint
, leaves picked
25g coriander, chopped
300g can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
grated zest and juice ½ lime
1 head of chicory
, thickly sliced


Put 2 tbsp of the yogurt in a bowl with the spices, chicken and a really good grinding of black pepper, and set aside for 30 mins, or longer if you have time, to marinate.
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Arrange the squash on a large baking tray, crumble over the coconut oil (as it will be solid at this stage) and roast for 20 mins. Add the onions and chicken, spaced apart, and roast for 20 mins more until everything is cooked.
Meanwhile, put the rest of the yogurt in a bowl with the garlic, mint and two-thirds of the coriander, and blitz with a hand blender until smooth. Tip the beans and remaining coriander into a bowl, and add the lime zest and juice with a couple of tbsp of the yogurt dressing. Tip in the squash, onions and chicken, add the chicory and toss everything together. Pile onto plates and drizzle with the remaining dressing. (If eating cold as a packed lunch, take the dressing in a pot and dress the salad when ready to eat.)

recipe source here

Has Your Child Been Vaccinated

As parents we want to do all we can to ensure our children are happy, healthy and protected. This should include (my opinion may differ from others) making sure that they are vaccinated to protect them diseases. Vaccinations help protect our children from serious illness and omplications of vaccine preventable diseases that could cause our children to be ill and in pain.

Vaccines to protect our children from measles, mumps and whooping cough are all available and needed. Each of these illnesses are still a threat. Children contacting these illnessees often results in them being hospitalized or leads to deaths. Vaccinations has led to dramatic decline in number of U.S. cases of several infectious diseases which are still very popular in other countries. Children who are not vaccinated could easily get one disease from an international traveler or by traveling. Outbreaks of prevntable diseases occur when many parents decide not to vaccinate their childreen.

Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all strongly urge parents to vaccination their children. Vaccinations are safe and effective and have been tested by scientists, doctors and the federal government to make sure they are safe.

Vaccinations not only protect our children but other family members as well. Grandparents and others with poor immune systems that may not have been able to receive vaccinations can be affected by various illnesses that may have been stopped with propeer immunization. Children too young to be vaccinated are included in family members who may catch a disease from a child who could have been vaccinated.

Find out if your child has received the CDC recommended immunizations by going here 

Historical Pie Recipe

I love studying history. One time in history I admire is the civil war era. I truly believe that both sides gave all they had for they knew that life as they knew it would be changing. Many say state rights others say it was freeing the slaves, I say that there were many direct and indirect reasons. There were rich slave owners that wanted to maintain their way of life and fought for the south. There were many that fought for the North that had brothers and family in the south. All men that fought on both sides should be recognized and honored for they shed their blood for reasons that they believed in.

This recipe is a civil war recipe that was recorded in 1856 near philadelphia. I found it on the blog World Turned Upside Down It is a rather frugal recipe taking few ingredients.

Crust:
- 1/2 Pound Butter
- 2 1/2 cups Flour

Filling:
-Peaches, peeled, pitted and diced
-Sugar

Cut the cold  butter into cubes and add to the flour, rub the pieces of butter though your fingers until entirely flaky. Divide the dough in half.  Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface using a floured rolling pin. Place the dough in the pie tin. Fill the pie crust with the peaches and add sugar to taste. Roll out the second crust and cover the pie. Crimp the edges together and put some holes in the top crust. Bake for 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 450. Turn the temperature down to 350 and bake until golden brown, around 45 minutes.

How Successful Was It?: The crust was delicious. I definitely did not add enough sugar to the peaches. I was being conservative as I had never made it before.  I wish I had added some spices and more sugar to the filling and  a little sugar to the crust but was trying to keep as accurate as the recipe said.

Respect Your Child they WIll Respect You

When our children are young their parents are hero's to them. We are the ones that they look up to and they desire to be mom and dads just like us. Somewhere along the way a few stumbling blocks may get in the way. It seems that at times their is a barrier between parents and our children at times during the tween and teen years. I can remember what I was like at that age and now that I have raised my own children through those years I can see both sides. Today, August 1st is Respect for Parents Day This may be hard to see but it can be done Start with some easy steps:

Children no matter how old they are learn by example. Take a few moments examine your own way of living. Do you respect others?? Do you yell and curse?? Are your children doing the same?? They have simply adopted your way of living.

Respecting your child will offer them a reason to respect you. I can not tell you as a teenager and working with teens I heard "there is no respect". These words came from both sides of the aisle both parent and child. Remember that children will mimic our behavior, words we use, tone of voice and actions that we use .

There will never be a perfect person. There was only one individual that was perfect and he went to the cross many moons ago. Tweens and teens go through emotional moments due to hormones that are raging and there may be mood swings possible present as well. Small moments of disrespect are expected. Keep realistic expectations for children but understand they may error occasionally.

When you do observe respectful moments from your child let them know. Give them a bit of praise this lets them know that this is the behavior you appreciate. Rewards are not needed but occasionally are nice but offering a reward each time leaves them wanting one each time they act respectful.

Overreacting is something that comes natural to many parents. After all, we have dreams and goals for our children and when they are thrashed we may over react. Tweens and teens via hormones often make quick mood changes. When they do disrespect dont over react. Do let them know that what they did is not acceptable behavior and disrespectful. Use moments like this as teaching moments