Happy Halloween!?!

Broken...by Seether ft. Amy Lee

I can't explain why
-but-
I love this video!?!
There is a message in it that speaks to me on many different levels!?!
I am sure A LOT of you are already familiar with the song
-but-
if not please take a quick listen!?!

Spider Cake

With Halloween right around the corner - there are parties going on everywhere!?!

Wouldn't you like to stand out at the party

-&-
be known as the person who brought the really cool
Spider Cake!?!

Well, you are in luck cuz I am going to share with you...
the easy - yet sweet -&- delicious cake
that will make your friends say wow!?!



Ingredients:
White Cake*
1 small box green gelatin
Black Frosting:
Blue food coloring
Chocolate frosting
Decorations:
Black licorice
2 large green gum balls
White Frosting

Directions:
*Enough to fit in two 9" round cake pans.

Prepare cake and gelatin according to package directions.

Cut a smaller circle out of one cake and use it for the spider’s head. Fill the hole left over with gelatin. Place the other layer on top and trim to shape.

To prepare Black Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, add blue food coloring to chocolate frosting until black in color.

Frost cake with the black frosting. Pipe a spider web on the body of the spider using white frosting. Cut the black licorice to the appropriate size and use as the spider’s 8 legs; use the gum balls as the eyes.

Caterpillar - Butterfly

It is amazing to me that a simple sentence

when put into a different perspective can say so much...

"What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, God calls a butterfly!?!"

...this was a status a friend posted on Facebook that was to be used in the Church Bulletin...

How appropriate in my opinion -because much like the caterpillar we have stages of life as well we all start out young not knowing much about life
-&-
although we may try not we fail at times, make mistakes purposely or not which are considered sins - we all do it:


Romans 3:23 (KJV)
23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

But if we are lucky -&- take the time to listen with our heart -&- minds there is someone who is willing to forgive that sin -wrap is in a cocoon of forgiveness -&- love -&- open a world to us we never knew existed...that someone is God...
.

John 3:16 (KJV)
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

But we have to admit we are sinner -&- repent:

Romans 6:23 (KJV)
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And, once we do we can become beautiful as well -&- much like the butterfly we will soar will an amazing grace!?!

Romans 10:9 (KJV)
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

So, if you like the caterpillar knew that there was some beautiful at the end of your life - then there wouldn't be any reason to fear death!?!

And, once you accept Jesus into your life you will ALWAYS have a place that when you do die you know will be waiting for you:



If you have any questions about this blog or want anymore information on how you can give your life to Jesus - please feel free to contact me @ michele_white@ymail.com so either I can help you or put you into contact with someone that can!?!

Have a blessed day!?!

Straight Talk

Being on the road my husband -&- I have tried many different cell companies to try -&- decide which one had the best coverage, options -&- plans!?!
And, Straight Talk is the best one ANYWHERE hands down!?!

Straight Talk is a NO CONTRACT prepaid service found only at Walmart -&- it is VERY affordable as well!?!

Here is a list of the Service Plans they have to offer:

We have chosen the $30 a month plan - since all my husband does is use it for business -&- I do all my "communicating" online - it works very well for us!?!


My husband has the LG228C phone which works great what he needs it for -&- is a great deal at only $29.99 - we have also have friends with the Samsung -&- the photo quality was amazing - it is also a great deal at only $99.99!?!

Straight Talk has a great selection of phones as well - although they may not all be available at Wal-Mart you can find many more to choose from online!?!

For more information about Straight Talk - click on the following link:

Welcome To Straight Talk

Dollar Tree

I love Dollar Tree -&- all of its affiliates...it is the best thing ever - in my opinion!?! Why do I love the Dollar Tree you may ask - because I can buy 2 sometimes 3 of an item (yes some of it is probably unnecessary) there for what I'd pay for 1 of the same item someplace else!?! I love the fact that I can get things that I have to have (cleaning products) -but- don't really like to spend the money on (or use for that matter) for as cheap as possible - yet it produces the same clean result!?! And, there are many other great deals to be had there...as you peruse the following - I will tell you my personal experience with them!?! And, also educate you on what Dollar Tree is...

Dollar Tree Inc is an AMERICAN chain of discount variety stores selling every item for $1.00 or less. A Fortune 500 company, Dollar Tree is h
eadquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia and operates more than 3,925 stores throughout the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Its stores are supported by a nationwide logistics network of nine Distribution Centers. The Company operates one dollar stores under the names of Dollar Tree and Dollar Bills. The Company also operates a multiprice-point variety chain under the name Deal$

Each Dollar Tree stocks a wide variety of products including national, regional, and private-label brands. Some of the product departments found in a Dollar Tree store include health and beauty, food and snacks, party, seasonal décor, housewares, glassware, dinnerware, household cleaning supplies, candy, toys, gifts, gift bags and wrap, stationery, craft supplies, teaching supplies, books, and more. Many Dollar Tree stores also sell frozen foods and dairy items such as milk, eggs, pizza, ice cream, frozen dinners, and pre-made baked goods.

Party Decorations -&- Gift Wrap -
Who cares where it comes from as
long as it get the job done - right?!?

School Supplies -&-Stationary
they may have many things you already use -
a lot cheaper than what you are paying for it!?!


Sunglasses
I don't know about you
-but-
I am ALWAYS loosing or breaking them!?!
Now these may not be designer -but- they still block the sun!?!
Health -&- Beauty
I don't care
WHERE
you buy it at - as long
as you USE it!?!



They even sell some pretty good food items -&- lots of candy there as well!?!
History

Dollar Tree traces its origins to 1953 when company founder K.R. Perry opened a Ben Franklin store in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, which he later renamed K&K 5&10. Over the years, the business evolved and grew to a multi-state chain of toy stores, eventually called K&K Toys. In the early 1980s, management had an idea for a new type of variety store that focused on selling items for only $1.00, thus giving birth to the Dollar Tree concept.

In 1986, the first Dollar Tree store (then called Only $1.00) opened in Dalton, Georgia. By the end of that year, the Company had opened five Dollar Tree stores. In 1991, the Company decided to focus exclusively on the growth of the dollar store concept after selling K&K stores to KB Toys, a Melville Corp. The Company came to be known as Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (today known as Dollar Tree, Inc.) and became a public company in 1995, trading its stock on NASDAQ.

Since that time, the Company has focused on expanding its presence nationwide. In 1996, Dollar Tree acquired Dollar Bill$, Inc., a Chicago-based chain. In 1997, the Company broke ground on its first Distribution Center and its new Store Support Center, both located in Chesapeake, Virginia. In 1999, Dollar Tree acquired 98-Cent Clearance Centers in California and Only $One stores based in New York state. This same year, the Company opened its second Distribution Center in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

In 2000, Dollar Tree acquired Dollar Express, a Philadelphia-based company, and also built a new Distribution Center in Stockton, California. In 2001, the Company opened two additional Distribution Centers in Savannah, Georgia and Briar Creek, Pennsylvania. In 2003, Dollar Tree acquired Salt Lake City, Utah-based Greenbacks, Inc. and opened a new Distribution Center in Marietta, Oklahoma.

In 2004, Dollar Tree opened its first store in North Dakota which marked its operation of stores in all 48 contiguous states. The Company also opened two new Distribution Centers in Joliet, Illinois and Ridgefiled, Washington. In 2006, Dollar Tree marked its 20th year anniversary, opened its 3,000th store, and purchased DEAL$ stores (previously owned by Save-A-Lot).

In 2008, Dollar Tree earned a place in the Fortune 500. By the close of 2009, the Company opened a store in Washington, D.C. and purchased a new Distribution Center in San Bernardino, California.

Back From Vacation!?!

Even though it was only a 3 day vacation
-&-
I still had my laptop with me the whole entire...
why is it when we are not in our
-"normal"-
environment or on our regular
-"schedule"-
do we find it so hard to complete simple tasks that we otherwise
to daily without haste?!?

My case: I didn't blog daily as was my intent, I didn't keep
up with my otherwise important games on Facebook, I forgot about
the diet I have been so tirelessly working at
all because I slept someplace different at night...
...I guess there is really something
to be said about having a schedule...
HUH?!?

On Vacation...

Low Carb Peanut Butter Pie

Low Carb Peanut Butter Pie!?!


Oh my goodness - this recipe is soooooooo good!?!
You could actually make it - serve it too a sugar fene
-&-
I doubt they could tell the difference!?!

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. cocoa
8 packs of Equal (or sweetener of choice)
6 Tbsp. butter
4 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
5 Tbsp. Simply Jiff peanut butter
6 Tbsp. spoonable Splenda (if you don't have this, it measures like sugar so use your favorite sweetener)
2 cups crushed pecans
16 Tbsp. Cool Whip
1 square of unsweetened chocolate Crust:
Mix pecans & 4 Tbsp. melted butter.
Pour in pie plate, spread out to cover bottom of plate.
Put in freezer.
Chocolate Layer: Melt 2 Tbsp. butter and unsweetened chocolate in microwave on low setting for approximately 2 min.
Mix in 2 Tbsp. cream and 1 tsp. vanilla.
Stir well.
Add in 8 packs of Equal. Pour over frozen pie crust.
Put back in refrigerator.
Peanut Butter Layer:
Mix together:
Peanut Butter
4 oz. cream cheese,
1/3 cup Splenda. Mix with blender.
Spread over frozen pie.
Chocolate Whipped Topping:
Mix 1 cup of Cool Whip, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1 Tbsp. cocoa with spoon. Spread on top of pie.
Sprinkle with remaining cup of Pecans.
Refrigerate.
Cut pie into 12ths.

Each piece has 5.3 carb. This pie is delicious!
It's very rich so 1/12 is more than you think.

I ♥ Dragonflies!?!

I ♥ Dragonflies...

I ♥ Dragonflies... I don't care where they come from or what they eat or anything like that... I just ♥ the beauty that they behold!?!
And, every time I look at the colorful creation that God made so skillfully flying around as He intended - I am in awe!?!
I actually ♥ Dragonflies so much that I used them when I chose my tattoos...
My first tattoo pictured here was in honor on my Dad - Rev. Larry P. Knight who passed away in 01' - I wanted something to memorialize him
-&-
something that I could carry with me - everywhere that I went - so this is what I came up with...I had this tattoo placed on my right ankle
-&-
though it is hard to see in this picture - if you look close enough you can see my Dad's initials "LPK" in the bodice of it!?!


My second tattoo which you can take a gander of over on the right here was done in the Summer of 05'
I knew that I wanted another "tat" but wasn't sure what to get - so I decided on another Dragonfly on my left ankle
-&-
this time had my husbands initials "DSW" placed with this one!?!
So, I guess all there is left to say is...

I ♥ Dragonflies...!?!

Friends...

I believe that God puts most if not all people into your life for a reason -&- even if we are unsure of the reason or the person in the beginning we need to take the time to see where there friendship/relationship leads us!?!
Just because it isn't crystal clear in the beginning why someone is in your life - you may find out when you least expect it...!?!

A friend is someone you can be alone with -&- have nothing to do -&- not be able to think of anything to say -&- be comfortable in the silence!?!





24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 (King James Version)

Frustrated!?!

Frustrated

Frustrated:

1. Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance, esp. because of inability to change or achieve something.

Pumpkins

Being a good person is like being a pumpkin!?!
God lifts you up, takes you in, -&- washes all the dirt off of you!?!
He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all of the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc!?!
Then He carves you a bright new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see!?!

All Day Apple Butter

Have you ever had Apple Butter?!?

Even though it is not "butter"it is absolutely divine!?!
It seems to be more of a southern treat
-but-
it is something that is becoming a fast favorite of mine!?!
So, I decided to include some great recipes so you could try it for yourself!?!
One is regular -&- the other is Sugar Free!?!


All Day Apple Butter

This tasty apple butter is a real slow cooker, but well worth the wait!?! Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, the amount of sugar may be adjusted to taste!?!

Ingredients:
* 5 1/2 pounds apples - peeled, cored and finely chopped
* 4 cups white sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Place the apples in a slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well.
2. Cover and cook on high 1 hour.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.
4. Uncover and continue cooking on low 1 hour. Stir with a whisk, if desired, to increase smoothness.
5. Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and refrigerate or freeze.


SUGAR-FREE APPLE BUTTER

1 jar (23 oz.) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c. thawed frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/8 tsp. ground allspice

Combine all ingredients in heavy medium saucepan.
Cook over medium heat 50 minutes or until very thick, stirring occasionally.
Store in sealed container in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
Spread on toast or muffins.

Crosswords...

Life is similar to a crossword puzzle...
it has its ups -&- downs...
-&-
...once ya finally get it all figured out
...it is all done!?!

TGIF

Homecoming

This is the time of the year when most schools have their Homecoming...

I remember some of those days with extremely fond memories!?!

Here is the history of Homecoming:

Homecoming is an annual tradition of the United States. People, towns, high schools and colleges come together, usually in late September or early October, to welcome back former residents and alumni. It is built around a central event, such as a banquet and, most often, a game of American football, or, on occasion, basketball, ice hockey or soccer. When celebrated by schools, the activities vary widely. However, they usually consist of a football game played on a school's home football field, activities for students and alumni, a parade featuring the school's marching band and sports teams, and the coronation of a Homecoming Queen (and at many schools, a Homecoming King). A dance commonly follows the game.

~GO WILDCATS~

Pumpkin Seeds

It is about that time - have you got your pumpkins ready to carve yet...?!?

And, when you clean them out what do you do with all those seeds?!?
Well, let me tell you what we do with our seeds...!?!
We make them into D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S snacks!?!
And, since you already have to clean them out of the pumpkin...
...the hard part is over!?!

I also decided since every ones taste are not the same I'd include 3 different
recipes to choose from...

Here we go:

Regular Pumpkin Seeds


Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
* 2 teaspoons butter, melted
* 1 pinch salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt.
3. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.


Spiced Pumpkin Seeds


Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 tablespoons margarine, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
2. Combine the margarine, salt, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce and pumpkin seeds.
Mix thoroughly and place in shallow baking dish.
3. Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.


Sweet -&- Spicy Pumpkin Seeds


Ingredients:
* 1 cup raw cleaned whole pumpkin seeds
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon white sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
2. Place the pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet, and spread them out into a single layer.
Roast until brown and crisp, about 45 minutes. Set the seeds aside in a large bowl.
3. Place the cinnamon, chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl, and set aside.
4. Place olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, and heat and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar turns a light golden brown color.
Watch it carefully to avoid burning.
5. Pour the caramelized sugar mixture over the roasted pumpkin seeds, and stir to coat.
Pour the cinnamon-chili powder mixture over the seeds, and toss to coat the seeds with the spices.

Lambert's Cafe

Last night we stopped at one of my husband David's favorite places in the world to eat!?!

David said he has been eating there since he has been about 10 or 11 years old
-&-
has a lot of great memories!?!
And, he has said "In all these years the locations may change but the food
-&-
the friendly atmosphere never does"!?!

Here is a little background how Lambert's got the name "Home of the Throwed Rolls"

"The first roll was thrown in 1976 by Norman Lambert. At the original location, he would walk around and hand out the rolls.. One day it was really busy when Norman couldn't get through the crowd....one of the customers yelled to him " Throw the D*** thing!". And with that The ONLY HOME OF THROWED ROLLS was born."

I also found a lot of great videos on you tube about this magical place - this one here shows you "Throwed Roll" magic in action:



There is so much to tell you about Lambert's
-but-
I thought maybe you'd like to explore on your own - so if you go to the following web page - you can learn all one needs to know...

http://www.throwedrolls.com/

Preston's Recipes

A wonderful Facebook friend of mine, Preston Montfort, kindly decided to

share his amazing Chili -&- Basque Sheepherder's Bread Recipes

today -&- they sounded so good
I thought I'd pass them along to you!?!

(Mr. Preston Montfort)

Preston's Chili Recipe
I prefer coarse ground chili meat. Hamburger can be used but, if it is lean you may want to add 1/2 cup vegetable oil.

I make a puree, using fresh, whole jalapenos. Canned jalapenos can be used.

PUREE : 6 jalapenos with stems and seeds removed.
Cover with water in small saucepan, boil for 30 minutes.
Drain and save water.
Rinse jalapenos with cold water.
Remove and discard skins.
Blend water and jalapenos until completely liquefied.
Set aside. If canned jalapenos are
used boiling is not necessary.

MEAT : 6 pounds chili or hamburger meat; sear in large pot stirring until browned.
Drain off grease (optional)
Add puree and additional water (or beer) to cover meat.
Bring to boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.

ADD : 1tbsp. Oregano
1 tbsp. Cumin
1 tbsp. Salt
1 tbsp. Minced Garlic
6 tbsps. Chili Powder
1 tbsp Crushed Red Peppers
1 tsp Cayenne
1 tsp Tabasco

Bring to boil and simmer 30 minutes.
Make a thick paste using corn starch or
2 tbsps. Masa Harina.
Add to chili.
Add 1 tbsp. vinegar Simmer another 15 minutes.

Can be served immediately but, I have found it best if refrigerated overnight and re-heated.



Basque Sheepherder's Bread


Best if cooked in cast iron ( 5qt) with a heavy lid.

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups very hot water
1/2 cup (1/4lb) butter or margarine
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 packages active dry yeast
9 to 9 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, unsifted
***********************************
Combine hot water, butter, sugar and salt. Stir until butter melts. Let cool to about 110 degrees. Stir in yeast and set in warm place until bubbly (about 15 minutes)

Beat in about 5 cups of the flour to make a thick batter. Stir in enough of the remaining flour (about 3 1/2 cups) to make a stiff dough.
Turn dough out onto a floured board. Knead until smooth and satiny. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking. Turn dough over in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 1/2 hours)

Punch dough down and knead on a floured board to form a smooth ball. Grease pot and underside of lid with shortening. Place dough in pot and cover with lid. Let rise in a warm place until dough pushes up lid about 1/2 inch.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake with lid on for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove lid and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and turn loaf out onto a rack to cool.

Quantities can be halved and cooked in a 2 1/2 qt pot.

SIgnal Hell

I am in "signal" hell at the moment...
so tune into tomorrow
for a real blog!?!

...PSA...

I know, I know...
Everyone is doing it!?!
But have you ever considered how dangerous it can be?!? There are numerous accidents that have been blamed on it -&- even some resulting in death!?! Just remember when driving you main focus should be on the road!?!


The following video gives you a good idea of what can happen - even if you think you are the best of drivers - you can never predict what is going to happen next...!?!

Jigsaw Puzzle

I am broke you cannot fix me...
Like a jigsaw puzzle in a million pieces...
I cannot be put back together until I want to be...
because there is always a missing piece!?!
Need you to know all about me -

Piece by Piece you can put me together...

One Piece Heart



One Piece Soul

Piece by Piece you will learn about me - all you need to know!?!

Put all the pieces together only after you have completed it will you win my heart!?!

Are you up for the challenge - are you ready to start!?!