November is national Diabetes Awareness Month

 

 

 

 

November is National diabetes awareness month. Diabetes is a fairly common but also death warranting disease. I myself live with diabetes and battle with it daily. While it affects masses of individuals it is one that can be controlled by living conditions, diet and exercise. The American Diabetic Foundation estimates that 30 million adults and children have been diagnosed with diabetes and even more have pre-diabetic symptoms for type two diabetes.

 

 

 

The American diabetes Association dreams of a life free of diabetes and all of its burdens. It all starts with raising awareness. There are lots of ways you help draw awareness some of them include

 

wear blue on Fridays in support of diabetes awareness

participate in fundraiser walk

write hope on your hand and share on social network statuses

 

 

 

To find more ways to help advocate for diabetes awareness you can check out the link here or here

Blogger Opp --- the Christmas Decor and Coffee Giveaway

Blogger Opp ~ The Christmas Decor and Coffee Giveaway (Free & Paid Options Available)

Deliciously Savvy is Hosting a Giveaway for 1 Lucky Winner to Receive several Holiday Decor Items (listed below) from Ohuhu PLUS a 72 Pack of KCups from Workaholics Coffee / Two Rivers Coffee. Total Prize Package is worth $130! The Coffee is Perfect For Surviving The Holidays and The Decor is Simply Adorable! There are Free and Paid Options available and I Can Use Everyone's Help To Make It Huge! Thanks for all you do!

Ohuhu® 18-inch Christmas Stocking Felt Applique Kit, Snowman, Red ($15RV)

Ohuhu® 17-inch Mini Christmas Tree with Plastic Tree Base ($20 RV)

Ohuhu Christmas Santa Toilet Seat Cover, Toilet Paper Box Cover and Rug Set ($25 RV)

Ohuhu Solar String Lights/ Christmas Lights /Fairy Lights – 21 Feet, 50 LED, Multi-color ($30 RV)

Workaholics Coffee Sampler Pack Single-Cup Coffee for Keurig K-Cup Brewers 72-Count ($40RV) Two Rivers Coffee

That is 6 ~ 12 Count Boxes! Yumm!!!

 

Sponsored BY ~ Ohuhu & Two Rivers Coffee

Hosted By ~ Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By ~ ???

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in 1983. At the time, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer's; today, the number of people with the disease has soared to nearly 5.4 million.

I work daily with individuals who each and everyone of them played a role in some ones life. All to often the families struggle to deal with the new disease and step away. Please remember these individuals all still love you, they may not remember who you are but talk to them each of them can tell you stories of the past and some stories you may or may not know listen for a while. I have carried for a lady that can not remember 5 minutes of her present situation but talk to her about her husband , her grand-sons, her daughters, her church and she will tell you all that she remembers. They are still there just playing a different role.

I support all those who are caregivers, suffers, families, and anyone who's life has been touched by Alzheimer's disease.

Drowsy Driving Awareness

The first week of November helps draw awareness to one of the many problems on the highway. The problem of drowsy driving affects every age group over the legal driving age. Whether its school, work, late nights or long drives the reason can be many the problem all the same driving while drowsy. We often lie to our selves and believe we can keep our mind alert even when we are tired and our brain and body is drained. Sleep is a powerful biological force that can overtake and trick even the most experienced driver. You may have thought to roll down the window and turn up the radio but when those tricks don't work its time to pull over for the safety of those in your vehicle as well as all on the road.

Signs that it is time to stop driving due to being drowsy

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
• Feeling restless and irritable

If you plan to be driving a lot be sure to get a good nights sleep the night before. Other great ideas include:

• The pre-drive nap: taking a short nap before a road trip can help make up for a short night's sleep.
• The mid-drive nap: if you find yourself drowsy while driving, pull over to take a short nap of 20 minutes. Make sure you are in a safe location and remember you'll be groggy for 15 minutes or so after waking up.
• The Buddy system: It's safest to drive with a partner on long trips. Pull over every two hours and switch drivers, while the other takes a nap if possible.
• Don't rush. Better to arrive at your destination safe than on time.
• Do not drink alcohol. Even very small amounts of alcohol will enhance drowsiness.
• Don't drive between midnight and 6 a.m. Because of your body's biological rhythm, this is a time when sleepiness is most intense.
• Drink caffeine: caffeine improves alertness, although be aware that the effects of caffeine will wear off after several hours.

Use Up the Candy Brownies

 

 

Did you know that November 4th is National Candy Day? Well, I know what you are thinking. Yes, I know as well as you do that we just got over the big candy day where we took our children to trick or trunks or if you were brave enough (and I must say that we were) you went the old fashioned route as well and went trick or treating door to door. Got lots of candy?? Then the stores that had the giant get rid of Halloween and move onto Christmas all ready sale where lots of candy was sold at discounted prices. So now you may find your self with lots of candy so why not make up some delicious brownies where you can throw in anything you want and all will be enjoyed and the more taste the better. Here is the perfect recipe for candy day as well as after Halloween or any holiday as far as that goes.

 

 

Brownies

Chopped and mini candies, such as peanut butter cups, malted milk balls, and chocolate-covered caramels

Pretzel pieces

 

Bake your favorite brownies; top immediately with chopped and mini candies. Add some pretzel pieces--you'll love the salty-sweet touch. Bake 5 more minutes or just until candy melts a bit.

 

recipe source here

King Tut Day

King Tut Day which is celebrated on the date that King Tutankhamen's Tomb was discovered happens on the 4th of November every year. Over 3,000 years ago, King Tutankhamen became the King of Egypt, he was the mere age of 9. His life was short lived when he died at the young age of 19. King Tut's tomb was discovered on November 4, 1922 in the Egypt's Valley of Kings.


Want to learn more about King Tut? Check out these great resources

books:

National Geographic Kids Everything Ancient Egypt

Tut's Mummy Lost....and Found

Who Was King Tut?

also check out a great homeschool blog page here

Celebrate Sandwich Day with the Ultimate grilled Cheese

Ultimate Grilled Cheese

bacon
tomato
cheese
artisanal crusty bread

 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a large heavy pan, cook the bacon, one or two  stripes per person, turning frequently, until golden-brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Brush the bread slices on both sides with olive oil.
Slice the tomato into ¼ inch thick slices and place on ½ of the bread slices. Sprinkle a little bit of salt.
Place all the bread slices (both those that bear tomatoes and those that don’t) on a cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, until the bread is golden and the tomatoes heated through.
Carefully  remove the pan from the oven and place slices of cheese on the tomato-free slices of bread.  Top the cheese with the cooked bacon.
Return the bread to the oven and continue cooking until  the cheese melts.
Carefully, using clean kitchen towels or mittens to protect you hands, combine the tomato slices and cheeses slices into sandwiches. Press them together to create a grilled-cheese effect and serve immediately.

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Football Shaped Deviled Eggs

Today, November 2nd is National Deviled Egg day. I for one love deviled eggs. I chose this recipe to share in honor of all the football playoffs. The hopes and dreams of our local football teams was dashed when they fell to other high school football teams. There are a few other towns not so far away that will be doing battle this coming weekend. Maybe there will be some tables set that will share these delicious football shaped deviled eggs.

 

 

Shelly's Deviled Eggface Footballs
5 Hard-cooked Eggs
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise (or 1 Tablespoon Mayo and 1 Tablespoon Fage Greek Yogurt)
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 Green Onion, diced fine
1 stalk Celery, diced fine
1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
a few twists of Black Pepper
additional Green Onion for laces

Hard cook eggs. Cool. Remove yolks and mash with above ingredients. Spoon back. Add green onion football laces. Refrigerate up to one day ahead

recipe source here

Parental Seperation Anxiety

Today was a hard day for my son and his girlfriend. Sending their young son to school was hard to let go. Just a few hours a day is all it is and yet the separation anxiety was worst on the parents than with my grandson. Do you remember sending your child to school for the first time?

 

Recipe for Leftover Halloween Candy

Leftover Halloween Candy Bark

 

 

 

 

Serves: 2 pounds or 30 2-inch pieces

 

1 pound bittersweet chocolate chips

3 2.1-ounce Butterfinger candy bars, cut into irregular 1-inch pieces

3 1.4-ounce Skor or Heath toffee candy bars, cut into irregular ¾-inch pieces

8 0.55-ounce peanut butter cups, each cut into 8 wedges

¼ cup honey-roasted peanuts

3 ounces white chocolate, chopped

Reese's Pieces and/or yellow and orange peanut M&M's

 

Line baking sheet with foil. Stir chocolate chips in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted and warm (not hot) to touch. Pour chocolate onto foil; spread to ¼-inch thickness (about 12x10-inch rectangle). Sprinkle with Butterfinger candy, toffee, peanut butter cups, and nuts, making sure all pieces touch melted chocolate to adhere.

Put white chocolate in heavy small saucepan. Stir constantly over very low heat until chocolate is melted and warm (not hot) to touch. Remove from heat. Dip spoon into chocolate; wave from side to side over bark, creating zigzag lines. Scatter Reese's Pieces/M&M's over, making sure candy touches melted chocolate.

Chill bark until firm, 30 minutes. Slide foil with candy onto work surface; peel off foil. Cut bark into irregular pieces.

Pumpkin and Orange Witch Hat Ice Cream Treat

For the ice cream:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (I used canned puree)
• 2 cups thickened cream
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup Stevia (natural sweetener)
• 1 tsp gingerbread spice mix
• Zest of 1/2 an orange

For the shell:

• Ice magic or any other chocolate coating for ice cream that sets

Prepare your ice cream maker and bowl according to manufacturer’s instructions.
To make the ice cream: combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat off and allow to cool at room temperature before placing in the fridge for another couple of hours. Once chilled, pour the mixture into the ice cream mixing bowl and assemble your unit. Churn for 15 minutes of until the ice cream is frozen and ready.
Spoon ice cream into your cone moulds and place in the freezer to set, cover with plastic film to prevent freezer burn.
To assemble the hats: pour about 2 tablespoons of Ice Magic onto a sheet of grease proof paper and spread to make a circle. Repeat to make one more. Place in the freezer to set.
In the meantime, unmould pumpkin ice cream cones. Remove the chocolate discs from the freezer and turn the cones out onto the middle of the discs. Pour over extra Ice magic to cover the entire ice cream cone and allow to set. Serve immediately.

recipe source here

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds begins with the meticulously cleaning of the seeds. There should be no sign of pumpkin guts remaining on the seeds. An easy way to remove the guts from the seeds is to pull all out and place in a big bowl of water and using your hands break the seeds apart. The seeds will float to the top of the water.

After the seeds are clean they should be boile for 10 minutes in salt water. When the pot boils reduce heat to a simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes over low medium heat. This method produces a crispy outer shell during roasting however, this step is optional and the seeds will still turn out lovely.

Drain the seeds in a colander and towel dry lightly. The seeds may stick to the towel but simply easily knock these off  Just lightly dry they do not have to be thoroughly dried.

Spread seeds on a baking sheet drizzle about 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil on the seeds Rub oil into seeds and sprinkle with salt. Spread the seeds out as thin as possible and try not to overlap seeds.

Roast seeds at 325 for 10 minutes. Remove seeds from oven and stir. Roast another 10 minutes , during last 5 minutes of roasting, remove seeds and crack open to make sure the inner seeds are not burning. Cool take a taste test the seeds are ready when the shell is super crispy and easy to bite through The seeds should be golden but not brown.

Sprinkle some more salt on the seeds and time to enjoy and share with family and friends. Yummy!!

Pumpkin seeds are packed with iron, magnesium, fibre, zinc, potassium, healthy fats, and protein.

recipe source here

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happy halloween

Have  a safe and happy Halloween.

Halloween Craft / Easy / Big Black Spider

4 Black pipe cleaners for Legs
Black tape or piece of pipe cleaner
Large Black Pompom for Body
Tacky glue
2 Wiggly eyes

 Holding four pipe cleaners, fold in half and then secure center with either black tape or another section of pipe cleaner. An inch from center, bend each leg down and then position legs as need to make spider-like, bending as desired. Glue pompom onto center and when dry, attach wiggly eyes. These can also be made in various sizes by just altering the lengths of the pipe cleaners ... so you have a little army of spiders for your Halloween table.

craft source : ziggity zoom

Remember Safety this Halloween

 Costumes: choose facepaint rather than a mask as it will be better for the child to breathe and see. I also know from experience that the mask never stays on long and come off often and just adds something else for the parent to carry

 

 

 

homemade face paint recipe

Baby lotion

Baby powder or corn starch

Tempera powder, various colors

Cups or bowls

Paintbrushes

A spoon

Optional:

• Cotton swabs
• Mirror
• Paper towels or tissue

Squeeze some baby lotion into a cup. We used about 1 Tablespoon per cup. Add tempera powder to the baby lotion. We used about 1/2 teaspoon per cup. Mix together until blended. Add baby powder or corn starch to thicken paint and help it dry faster. We used about 1-2 teaspoons per cup. Mix well.
source here

 

 Carry a flashlight and if possible some glow in dark jewelry, bracelet or a glow stick will help others to see child better as well as offer a bit of light so child can see path better

 

 

 

 Check to see what preset hours are for trick or treating and try to abide by them. Having a pre-planned route helps as well

 

 Do not eat candy along the route wait til get home to inspect. Toss any treats that are unwrapped or damaged. If homemade treats are from some where that you do not know they should be tossed as well

 

 

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Pastor Appreciation Month

 

Being the leader of any thing is not an easy job. Being the leader of a church better known as the pastor, preacher, reverend and so many other titles. October is set aside as the month as pastor appreciation month.

 

Ideas to help show your appreciation:

 

personal notes of encouragement go a long way. Let the pastor know that you do appreciate him and pray for him and his family. 

 

Have the children in the church present a collage of their art created for the pastor. It may also be a good idea to have the students sign the piece of art work. The gift will keep giving watch the young children grow up in the church

 

Present a picture of the church or church congregation to the pastor. The framed picture would be even better if the members were able to somehow sign their name or family name

 

Get the pastors wife in on the gift. Using her input make offer the pastors office or buy needed materials that the pastor needs for his job. A coat of fresh paint, updated décor, new furniture, new commentaries, or computer upgrade would all make nice gifts.

 

Send a gift basket of the pastors favorite snacks. Host a church dinner in the pastors honor. 

 

The pastor is God's servant and as the flock we should respect and appreciate His servant. Do something whether small or big to show how much you appreciate your pastor.

 

find more great ideas here

 

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Frankenstein Friday

The last Friday in October has long been known as Frankenstein Friday. This is the day to celebrate the birth of Frankenstein and Mary Wollenstone Shelley (the author of Frankenstein). Frankenstein was created in 1818 when Marry Shelley was the mere age of 21. Celebrate the day by reading the novel Frankenstein or watching the movie. You could also create a tasty dessert like these Frankenstein pudding cups

 

 

These are super easy to make by tinting vanilla pudding with a bit of green food coloring. The face is drawn onto the cup itself and the topping is crushed oreos.

Do the urkle Shuffle

These two young men belong to a co-worker of mine. She always has great fun with them. At their school this week they are celebrating spirit week. Today was salute to steve urkle. Do you all remember the urkle shuffle??



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Orange It a Great Idea -- Orange Halloween Treats

Here is an idea for an alternative to all the sugary sweets that are given out. The color of the fruit is perfect and with a marker it is so easy to draw jack-o lantern faces. Now give as treats to whomever you have in mind. Enjoy!!!

Do you have any other creative ideas for Halloween??

New Use for Old Drawers Dress Them Up For the Holidays

Dress up those old drawers for the holidays. With a little chalkboard paint you could easily create a few knobs that will attractively share the name of the dish that you are serving the guest. Yes, there is new use for those old misplaced odd sized drawers. They can easily be purchased at flea markets, yard sales, thrift shops or many other second hand stores.

what do you think??

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Halloween Cookies

When I was a kid my favorite great aunt would make goodies for us kids each holiday. Now as a nana I do the same for my little ones. Memories as sweet as I have kept for years is what I want our little ones to have as well. With these goodies I am hoping my goal is one that will be met. Make up some for your special little goblin and enjoy

Cookie

1 cup Butter Flavored Crisco

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon almond extract

3 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

1-2 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Food coloring of your choice

Cookies

In a large bowl sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and set aside. In a large mixing bowl cream together Butter Flavored Crisco with sugar, eggs and almond extract until light and fluffy. Gradually stir in flour mixture into to creamed butter until well blended. Separate dough into to small balls and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill for two hours. Set oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface roll each dough ball out until 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on lined cookie sheets.  Bake 5 - 7 minutes or until edges start to turn a light brown. Remove cookies and cool on wire rack.

Frosting

In a small bowl combine confectioners' sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. You may need to add more milk until it is at a spreading consistency. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until frosting is smooth and glossy. If the frosting is to thick add a little bit more corn syrup until it is a spreading consistency. Divide frosting into separate bowl and color as desired. Spread frosting on cooled cookies and let set until frosting is hard.

Fall Reading for Children

When the weather outside is not fit to ride your bike or head outside and play it becomes the perfect time to stay inside and read a book. The pages of a book can take you somewhere, teach you something or make you wonder what it was like to live so long ago or what the future may be. Here are some great books to share with your child this fall

Have you ever wondered why leaves change colors?? Now while I would love to believe they change colors for my entertainment there truly is a better answer. This Harper Collins Book takes a look at leaves in different sizes, shapes and seasons.

 

This is a great book for early readers and the pre-schooler. It tells the story of a young fox who is not sure what to do when fall comes and the tree begins to have its leaves turn brown and fall off. Discover what happens and what the little fox will do

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf walks through the different aspects in a trees life. It allows the young reader to see the world differently. Have you ever imagined the life of a tree and the different seasons it travels through??

This amusing book about the squirrel and his first fall. Oh my the cover shows just a glimpse into the book where the school experiences the new season and all that comes with it

Proofreading has never been more fun than in this fun fall mix up book. So many things are going on the only problem is all has been messed up. Help your child find the fun mistakes and correct them


No matter what it is you choose to read to your child this fall the thing is choose to read something. The world grows for the child that reads. Leaning to read is to me one of the most important lessons of all times.

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Goblin Cheese Ball

 

Easy, Cheesy Halloween Goblin Cheese Ball

 

2 packages cream cheese

8 oz shredded white sharp cheddar cheese

1 packet dry Ranch Mix

3-4 green onions, sliced thin

dash of hot sauce

8 green olives with pimentos

9 toothpicks

6 small broccoli crown spears

2 tortilla chips

1 pepperonchini

2 mini carrot sticks

Combine and mix with electric mixer first five ingredients to create cheese ball. Cover and set for one hour. Assemble feet by taking a toothpick through 6 olive and pimentos and insert to bottom of cheese ball. Insert a tortilla chip on each side of cheese ball to create ears. Slice thin mini carrots and cut into jagged pieces to create mouth. Using a toothpick, insert pepperoncini to create nose. Using tooth picks, insert olives for mouth. Use the broccoli spears to create hair. Serve with crackers or vegetables

The Sky In Wonderful Color

 

The skies over southern Illinois is full of brilliant colors tonight. This picture taken by a friend of mine does not even do it justice. The brilliant colors of purple and pink in a motion that only monet or one of the great artist would have known. Painted so elegantly in God's coloring book so that we can all enjoy.