Happy Birthday Mom!

Tommorrow is my mother's birthday and me and the kids get to bake her a special cake. Her favorite is Confetti Cake with vanilla icecream. Although she will not be celebrating her special day at home, we will bring her goodies to the skilled nursing facility where she is recuperating from surgery... not exactly her favorite place to be on her birthday tomorrow. We will do our best to cheer her up with what we have planned. My daughter suggested that we should order her favorite dinner as well, but since homemade is better, I'll make a small pan of "Pizza Lasagna" and salad. She has already complained that the food at the facility wasn't good, so adding this dinner will definitely put her in better spirits. Let's not forget the balloons to add a festive touch don't you think? Well, I had get things moving so everything will be ready after the kids get out of school. Again, Happy Birthday Mom! You're the best!

Almost time for a mini weekend vacation!!

A few more weeks to go and class is out of session for a bit. During this term, I felt like I have accomplished alot in all my courses. Through it all, I'm ready for a brief breather from coursework, personal obligations, and the frenzy of school morning rush hour. Illinois sounds good to my ears. It's 20 minutes away from me and who wouldn't like to take in the farmland, animals,stopping by fruitstands sitting on the side of the road with it's welcoming bounty of seasonal vegetables, fruits,jugs of apple cider, and homebaked goods. It feels great to leave behind the redundancy of a familiar schedule. Although I dedicated my summer to my coursework I know that the hardwork will pay off in the end and this schedule will not be like this forever. Sacrifice, hardwork, and dedication are the words I live by to succeed.

I can't believe the term is almost up!

The weeks have gone by so quickly in my courses at Kaplan. It's hard to believe there are two weeks left. I must admit that the going was not easy for me in the middle weeks of my courses but I persevered through them. Juggling a family, and aging parent, and a courseload can be a daunting task. With committment and perseverance anything can be achieved. I am still putting the finishing touches on my research paper as well as complete other course assignments. I have learned so much in all my classes and have met some awesome people. I hope that my next term is as fulfilling regardless of the ups and downs that go with the territory.

I Smell Autumn...

Our summer has passed so quickly! I cannot believe school has started, the leaves are falling, and Halloween candy is seen everywhere in stores. Honestly, I am excited that this Fall is in progression. I enjoy looking at the beautiful leaves turn to brilliant golds, orange, red, and brown. The weather eases from blustery to a satisfying cool. I can turn the air conditioner off, open the windows and let clean fresh air permeate the house.Summer weather can leave the house with a stale, unpleasant odors from having the windows shut all the time. I have also decided to change the decor of the house from summery to fall. I think the seasons can automatically have us programmed to do this. It also has me to downsize and give away items that I no longer need. With this economy, I always think about the less fortunate and extend a hand to those in need. My thoughts also turn to delicious foods that are associated with fall as well. My favorites would have to be apple pie, apple cake, apple cider, pumpkin bars, fruit cobblers,stews and any veggie soups that come from the bounty of the fall harvest. With this in mind I'll give out a few recipes that may get you in the mood to prepare something special for your family this week to set the mood for autumn.

~Apple Orchard Snack Cake~
1c.granulated sugar
3 eggs
2 apples, peeled/diced(golden delicious)
1/2c. butter or margarine, melted
2c, graham cracker crumbs
3/4c. chopped pecans or walnuts(optional)
powdered sugar for topping

Blend sugar, margarine, and eggs in bowl with a spoon. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, apples, and nuts until blended. Spread batter into greased 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until firm to the touch. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Cool then slice.
*This recipe is from one of my favorite bloggers Tina from Texas, www.mommyskitchen.net I just made this a few days ago and found that graham crackers were used as the base of the cake! It was sooo yummy and simple to make. Actually, there were no leftovers.=)

For the frugal ladies who are adventurous like myself, this recipe is for laundry detergent. This recipe is also from Tina from Mommy'sKitchen.net She stated that the results from washing her clothes were great and they weren't stiff. I haven't tried the recipe, but I thought it was very interesting. In this economy, I'm game for any ideas that will keep money in my wallet.

~Homemade Laundry Detergent~
(Large Batch Recipe)
4 Bars Fels Naptha Laundry Soap
6c. Mule Team Borax
6c. Arm&Hammer Washing Soda
Grate soap using a cheese grater. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Place in a sealed container and measure out two tblsps. or (1/8c.) for each load.

(Smaller Batch)
2 cups laundry shavings
1c.Mule Team Borax
1c. Arm&Hammer Washing Soda
Follow instructions for above recipe.

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16

Healthy recipes for the body during colder months

Hello everyone! I'm mixin' and a fixin' again this week..well, not too much mixin' because this is a fairly easy beverage to concoct in the kitchen. Since flu season will be right around the corner, I'm giving heads up on a very simple beverage to have on hand during that time. It isn't a recipe of my own, but a recipe from my friend's blog happyhomemaker88.wordpress.com Before I go any further, I'd like to say how much I admire her knowledge of medicinal recipes to cure common ailments. With saying this,please use precaution if you are attempting to try any of the recipes. Check with your doctor before trying them, especially if you are on medications.

~Five Flower Tea~ (Ng Far Char)
1. Bring to boil the herbs in 3 liters of water, lower heat to simmer for 2 hours.
2.Remove herbs with a slotted spoon and add in red, brown, or white sugar to taste.
3.Drink one cup two cups per day.
Keep any leftovers refrigerated.
*Most of these ingredients can be found in your local asian foodstores.For health sake I replace the sugars with honey or agave nectar. Also, when shopping at the asian stores, english may not be present on the packages so, if you are searching for this product be sure to write down the Chinese pronunciation as well. For this tea, it is Ng Far Char.

My second favorite recipe during the colder months during cold and flu season is "Lung Cleansing Soup." I would say this one is a necessity, because it keeps the lungs and respiratory cleaned from congestion which is so common when we are sick. If we would just do a bit more searching and apply what we know, our wallets would be alot fuller. I always believed that nourishing foods can be so beneficial to our systems than spending tons of money on temporary fixes with "chemicalized" cough medicines. It appears that we have lost touch with what God has given to us in the foods He's provided for us. The media has brainwashed us into believing that synthetic medications are the answer. I'm not by any means saying to stop taking your current medications, but if we only would pursue the knowledge out there about healthy foods, we would be in better shape all around. Again, this recipe is from my blog buddy happyhomemaker88.wordpress.com

~Lung Cleansing Soup~
Ingredients:
1 lb. watercress, use stem and leaves
1 lb. pork ribs, or lean pork, or skinless chicken breasts(chicken is my preference)
1c. dried honey dates or 1 1/2c. dried red dates
4. liters of water
Salt to taste( I use a very small amount)
Method:
Place all ingredients in a pot or slow cooker, bring to a boil, remove any scum may be floating at the top. Turn the heat down and simmer for 4 hours.
*Note: for a vegan moit meat/salt. Double the amount of dried honey dates.
*Watercress is good for anemia and has loads of iron.
*This soup can be served with white rice or brown for a healthier choice.

I hope everyone will give these recipes a try during the colder months.I know chicken soup is a favorite soup of ours during times of convalescence...try stepping outside the box and try a few of these. I know I will never give up chicken soup either, but I love trying new takes on nourishing soups for my family..maybe it will even become a family fave, who knows?

Some of my favorite smoothies..

I am back at it again in the kitchen. I thought I would take the time to post a few of my all time favorites. Since, it's been so hot lately I haven't really been in the mood for a hot breakfast, but something cool and fruity. Taking advantage of all the season's bounty with fruits and vegetables who would not want to incorporate beautiful strawberries, bananas, nectarines, plums, watermelon, berries, and kiwi into a delicious concoction? Getting your fruits in a smoothie or shake is ideal especially if you're not a fan of just eating whole fruits. Also, since I'm in the process of reducing, I am also cutting calories as well and getting plenty of much needed vitamins and nutrients. I hope some of you will try these recipes and maybe even add some of your personal touches to them. Enjoy!

~Banana Starter~
Blend 2 bananas
(3 1/2oz) frozen blueberries
1 cored unpeeled red apple
1 1/4 c. apple juice
2 icecubes in a blender until smooth.
Makes 4(7 fl. oz) glasses

Nutrition per serving:
Fat 0 grams
Protein: 1.1g
Carbs: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Calories: 100

~Kiwi Delight~
Blend 3 sliced kiwi fruit
3 1/4 oz peeled and cored pineapple chunks
1 banana
1 c. tropical fruit juice
2 ice cubes
Blenderize until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.
Makes 4 (7fl oz)glasses
Nutrition Per Serving
Fat:0.5g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrate:18g
Dietary Fiber:3g
Cholesterol:0mg
Calories:80

Source
Carter,R.(2003). Healthy eating. Sydney, Australia:Bay Books

And God said,"Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. Genesis 1:29

Body Under Construction

As I work on other areas of myself, I would be foolish not to work on my body as well. Recently, I have decided to incorporate weight training into my regimen. It is not that I'm unhappy with my body, but I choose to enhance what I already have. Being a nutrition student, I want to be well- rounded in all areas of health... mind, body, and soul. Anyone can agree that when you look good, you feel good. It's all about self-esteem as well. Beginning weight training is a daunting task, it's very challenging and hard work. The first day I started I was very zealous. I did more repetitions than I should have and the next day I felt it all over. There is nothing that a hot bath and epsom salt won't cure. My muscles responded delightfully to the soak. The next day, I went in a bit slower into the session and things went alot smoother. Patience is key with anything and I know I'll reach my goals one step at a time.

"Perseverence is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
~Walter Elliott~

My Love of Hair care

I have an unusual hobby to most people, but haircare and homemade recipes are my passion. This is where my true mixtress comes into play. About 10 years ago I started looking at the health of my hair which was not bad, but could've been better. Naturally, I have a head of full , thick, wavy hair that I always didn't pay attention too. Washing, conditioning, and pulling it back into a ponytail was it. This was okay haircare, but I was looking for optimum results. So, the research and time was spent to find natural haircare recipes. As I researched, there were other women blogging about the same desires that I had, so this was really getting interesting. I joined small communities on the internet and actually came into contact with some very knowlegeable ladies with gorgeous heads of hair. From them I learned that what we eat can also affect the condition of the hair. So, from there I started to incorporate more green vegetables, fish of all kinds,sprouts,eggs,yogurt,legumes, grains, poultry, and healthy smoothies in my diet. Experimenting with different recipes that were nutrient packed became like a game for me. Not only did I enjoy them but my family members loved them as well. Almost immediately I could see the difference in my hair in the course of a month. The texture, color, shine, and health were so apparent! Gone were the days of lifeless, dull, so-so hair. I was smitten by the hair bug and haven't stopped since. Of course, it also takes time and patience for the growth of your hair if you are looking for length. The secret to retaining the length I did have was plenty of moisture, care and bunning. Bunning is keeping your hair securely in a ball out of the air. I also use a silk scarf at night as well as a silk pillow case to avoid breakage. The boon to this method is that I don't have to do much with styling, because everything is already done.

One of my favorite hair treatments is Henna. The brand that I use most often is Karishma Herbal Henna. The henna is powdery green and has an earthy smell, somewhat like hay. After pouring the henna into a bowl I add some of my favorite ingredients tailored to my liking. I usually add coconut milk, jasmine oil,Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner( I know it's not natural, but it is such a heavy conditioner and gives me great moisture.)I then proceed to stir all the ingredients together until it is of a pudding consistency. I then apply this mixture all to my hair concentrating on the ends. After the application, I cover my hair with a plastic shower cap and go about my daily routine. You may leave this mixture on as long as you like. I usually opt for about 2-3 hours, then rinse and wash out. The washout is very important because this is a natural product. I use plenty of conditioner to do this. The results of henna is fabulous as it is a natural alternative to hair dyes as well.The henna will impart a red hue to your hair if your hair color is light. So,please be aware of this if any of you may want to try this. My hair is dk.brown, so the henna turned it to a reddish brown which I love. The extra benefits to henna is that it strengthens the hair,cools the scalp,prevents hair fall,promotes hair growth,and an alternative to hair dyes. I hope everyone enjoyed my ramblings on hair care.


But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 1Corinthians 11:15

An afternoon of cooking

This afternoon was quite hectic for me because my daughter and I prepared several meals all at once today. The reason being so, is that I actually enjoy it and she is learning with me to be a Proverbs 31 woman. That is to be efficient in all areas as a lady. Aside from this, the meals are being prepared in advance for the week for my mother because at the moment she cannot at this time do it herself. Last month, she had a very bad fall which has affected her balance and this has forced her to walk with a walker and cane. Standing for long periods of time only exacerbate the problem. So, to insure that she is having the proper nutrition, I usually take care of her meals for the week.The menu today consisted of stuffed chicken breasts filled with yellow saffron rice, feta, and spinach along with a caesar salad, and a fruit cup. Our second meal preparation was a dish of egg salad as this is one of her favorites as well as quick, easy, and simple. For variation and color we added chopped colorful peppers, black olives,mayonnnaise, relish, paprika to this easy dish. Who would not enjoy a light, delicious salad as this in the summer's heat. Paired with crackers or bread and chips, this is a delicious lunch! Let'a not forget the fresh strawberry iced tea as the capper. At the request of my daughter, we threw in a nice surprise, a pan of banana brownies another favorite! Don't you think we have spoiled her for the week? I think we have both done our jobs to do so, but what good daughter wouldn't?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13