Awesome FAT FLUSH Water...

by Raw for Beauty 

This water was featured on the “Biggest Loser”. There are many variations of it all simple, all delicious.

• Grapefruit has tons of vitamin C to help your body turn fat into fuel.

• Tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar, and stimulates genes to burn fat.

• Cucumber helps you feel full and acts as a natural diuretic, which means less bloating and water retention.

• Peppermint promotes better digestion and stomach calm. Make a big pitcher (64oz) of Fat Flush Water at night, and drink the next day, throughout the day.

You will need the following:

• 64 oz. purified Water
• 1/2 grapefruit sliced
• 1 tangerine
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 4 peppermint leaves
• Ice (made from purified water)

How to:

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Make sure you are using organic so you can keep the skins on. The skins have super valuable nutrients and you do NOT want pesticides soaking in your water. Scrubbing does NOT remove pesticides which infiltrate the skins. It is important to clean your organic fruits and vegetables, to remove organic matter.

I Wish You Enough!

by Bob Perks ©2001

www.iwishyouenough.com

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

When you're at the end of your rope......

“When you get to the end of your rope. Tie a knot and hang on.” 

― Franklin D. Roosevelt 

• "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

• "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 

• "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 

• "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 

• "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. 

• "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 

• "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 

• "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 

• "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.  You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. 

• "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 

• "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.   If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand.  Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Millionaires Shortbread

This divine recipe will be used over and over again in your household - enjoy it!

Ingredients
Shortbread:

• 85g Stork Bake
• 175g flour
• 60g sugar

Topping Ingredients:

• 120g Stork Bake
• 2 tbsp golden syrup
• 85g sugar
• 1/2 tin condensed milk
• Albany chocolate

How to:
Rub Stork Bake into the flour, add the sugar and mix to a shortbread consistency and press into a greased pan.
Bake at 300ºF / 150ºC for 30 minutes.

Topping:Melt Stork Bake with golden syrup, sugar and condensed milk. Simmer for 7 minutes. Pour over the shortbread. When cool, melt Albany chocolate and spread over the top. Keep in the fridge.

Let's Run Through The Rain

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6-years-old, this beautiful red-haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. 
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in: "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. 

"What?" Mom asked.

"Let's run through the rain!" she repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain."

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!" The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.

Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and, yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. 

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. 

Written by Bob Perks

Yummy Creamy Baked Corn

Creamy Baked Corn

Author: Pinch of Yum, recipe from the Berrys

Ingredients:  (Serves 10)

• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix
• 1 can regular corn
• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 beaten egg

toppings: bacon, scallions, and/or French fried onions

Instructions:
Blend together melted butter, sour cream, and egg.
Stir in corn bread mix and both corns. Mix well and pour into greased 2 quart casserole.
Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Sprinkle on toppings and continue baking for 10 more minutes (unless using scallions – sprinkle those after removing from oven). Corn is done when the middle is set.

Good Morning!

...smile at a stranger

...listen to someone's heart

...drop a coin where a child can find it 

...learn something new, then teach it to someone

...tell someone you're thinking of them

...hug a loved one

...don't hold a grudge

...don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"

...look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are 

...don't kill that spider in your house, he's just lost so show him the way out

...look beyond the face of a person into their heart

...make a promise, and keep it

...call someone, for no other reason than to just say "hi" 

...show kindness to an animal

...stand up for what you believe in

...smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind

...use all your senses to their fullest

...cherish all of your TODAYS and

Remember Angels are Always

Good Nite....enjoy this Unwinding Experiences!

by: Deanna Durbin
Sometimes, the easiest way to release your stress is to have a soothing spa and pampering day. Whether you have minimal time to pamper or a whole day to yourself, there may be all sorts of treatments that you may need. 

 

Like most of us, busy work weeks and the stress of everyday life can take a toll on our bodies and minds.

 

Chocolate is fantastic, and is personally one of my ultimate sinful indulgences. However, have you ever experienced warm chocolate poured over your body? This treatment is beyond rejuvenating and your skin will not be able to thank you enough.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes!

Health Benefits of Tomatoes!

- Helps prevent several kinds of cancer

- Good for your kidneys

- Helps repair damage caused by smoking.

- Good for your skin.

- Good for your vision

- Full of anti-oxidants

- Helps maintain strong bones

- Good for your hair.

Crochet Baby Blanket and Booties Set

By: Bernat

This baby crochet pattern from Bernat Yarns creates a lacy matching set of blanket and booties. This sweet set would make a great gift for a baby shower. You only need three balls of white yarn to create both.

 

Materials:
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby (140 g/5 oz) 3 balls
Crochet Hook: Sizes 3.75 mm (U.S. F or 5) and 4 mm (U.S. G or 6) or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge:
Booties: 18 dc and 8 rows = 4 ins 10 cm with smaller hook.
Blanket: 2½ reps and 8 rows = 4 ins 10 cm with larger hook in pat.

Measurements:
Booties: To fit 6-12 months.
Blanket: Approx 32½ x 40 ins 82.5 x 101.5 cm.

Instructions:BOOTIES
With smaller hook, ch 14.
Sole: 1st rnd: (RS). 1 dc in 4th ch from hook. 1 dc in each of next 9 ch. 5 dc in last ch. Working into rem loop on opposite side of ch, 1 dc in each of next 9 ch. 3 dc in last ch. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.
2nd rnd: Ch 3. 1 dc in same sp as last sl st. 2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in each of next 9 dc. 2 dc in each of next 5 dc. 1 dc in each of next 9 dc. 2 dc in each of last 3 dc. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.

Cont as follows:
Upper: 1st rnd: Ch 1, working in back loop only of each st, 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. 1 sc in each of next 12 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sts. 1 dc in each of next 4 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 3 sts. 1 sc in each of next 15 sts. Join with sl st to first sc.
2nd rnd: Ch 3. 1 dc in same sp as last sl st. 1 dc in each of next 16 sts. (Yoh and draw up a loop in next st. Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook – dc2tog made. Dc2tog over next 2 sts. 1 dc in each of next 15 sts. 2 dc in next st. 1 dc in last st. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.
3rd rnd: Ch 3. 1 dc in each of next 16 sts. (Dc2tog) twice. 1 dc in each of last 17 sts. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.
4th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. 1 sc in each of next 11 sts. 1 hdc in each of next 2 sts. (Dc2tog) 4 times. 1 hdc in each of next 2 sts. 1 sc in each of next 12 sts. Join with sl st to first sc. 32 sts.
5th rnd (eyelets): Ch 4. Miss first 2 sts. 1 dc in next st. Ch 1. Miss next st. Rep from around. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch 4.
6th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Ch 2. Miss next ch-1 sp. (Yoh and draw up a loop. Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times in next dc. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook – cluster made. Ch 2. Miss next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from around ending with ch 2. Miss last ch-1 sp. Sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Ties: (make 2). With larger hook and 2 strands of yarn, make a chain 12 ins 30.5 cm long. Fasten off. Weave ties through eyelet rnd. Tie and trim as desired.

BLANKET
With larger hook, ch 138.
1st row: (WS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Ch 5. Miss next 3 ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from across. Turn.
2nd row: Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 2. Cluster in next sc. (see 6th rnd of Booties). Ch 2. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 5. Rep from across, ending with 1 sc in last ch-5 sp. Ch 2. 1 dc in last sc. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first dc. Ch 5. 1 sc in next cluster. Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Rep from across, ending with 1 sc in last turning ch-5 sp. Turn.
4th row: Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 2. Cluster in next sc. Ch 2. Rep from across ending with 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 2. 1 dc in last sc. Turn.
5th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first dc. Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 5. 1 sc in next cluster. Rep from across, ending with Ch 5. 1 sc in next ch-5 sp. Ch 5. 1 sc in last turning ch-5 sp. Turn.
Rep 2nd to 5th rows for pat until work from beg measures approx 37 ins 94 cm ending on a WS row.

Cont as follows:
Edging: 1st rnd: Ch 3. 4 dc in first sc. 3 dc in next ch-5 sp. 1 dc in next sc. Rep from across working 5 dc in last sc. Work 3 dc in sides of each turning ch and 1 dc in side of each sc along side. 5 dc in corner. 3 dc in next ch-3 sp on foundation ch. 1 dc in rem loop below sc on foundation ch. Rep from across working 5 dc in last sc. Work 3 dc in sides of each turning ch and 1 dc in side of each sc along side. Join with sl st to top of ch 3.
2nd rnd: Ch 4. 1 dc in next dc. (Ch 1. 1 dc in next dc) twice. Ch 1. Miss next dc. 1 dc in next dc. Rep from to next corner 5 dc. (Ch 1. 1 dc in next dc) 4 times. Rep from to twice more. Ch 1. Miss next dc. 1 dc in next dc. Rep from to end of rnd, ending with ch 1. Miss last dc. Join with sl st to 3rd ch of ch 4.
3rd rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Ch 2. Miss next ch-1 sp. Cluster in next dc. Ch 2. Miss next ch-1 sp. 1 sc in next dc. Rep from around, ending with ch 2. Miss last ch-1 sp. Sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Crochet-Baby-Blanket-and-Booties-Pattern/ct/1#7LkKzpGIkICjQ1Gy.99

Refreshing Dole Whip...

DOLE WHIP
Ingredients;

• 2 cans (20 oz. each) DOLE crushed pineapple
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

How to make it:

1. Drain pineapple: reserve 2 tbsp. juice.  Set aside.
2. Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender.
3. Cover and blend until smooth.
4. Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags.
5. Store bags flat in freezer.
6. Freeze 1 1/2 hours or until slushy.
7. Stir pineapple slush gently into whipped cream until slightly blended in large bowl. Return to freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour and serve.

Enjoy!

God's Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite telling them to help themselves to the coffee. 

When everyone had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: 

If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. 

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups...And, then you began eyeing each others cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.

God brews the coffee, not the cups...

So, Enjoy your coffee!

Live simply. 

Love generously. 

Care deeply. 

Speak kindly. 

Leave the rest to God.

Good Morning Pebbles for your thoughts.......

Pebble For Your Thoughts enables you to carve a message in a stone and throw it into the river, where it will live on. The message can be one of hope and inspiration, a daily affirmation, a prayer for a loved one, or kind wishes for a friend. Click the link below, Enter your message in the text box on the stone. Click the Print button if you would like to collect your messages and create a record of your journey, or to share with your loved ones. Click the Accept button to throw it into the river, where only you will know what was written. Come as often as you wish to write something new.

Thoughts, wishes and prayers menue_pebble_for_your_thoughts

Gooey Snickers Fudge...

If the picture doesn't make you drool, I don't know what will. :) Gooey caramel, peanuts, chocolate . . . what more do you need in life?

Snickers Fudge
Ingredients:
FIRST LAYER 

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips 
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter 

SECOND LAYER

• 4 tablespoons butter 
• 1 cup sugar 
• ¼ cup evaporated milk 
• 1 ½ cups marshmallow crème 
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1 cup salted peanuts, chopped

THIRD LAYER

• 14-oz. bag caramels, unwrapped 
• ¼ cup evaporated milk 

FOURTH LAYER

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips 
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

Directions:
Spray a 9x13" glass pan with cooking spray and set aside.

FIRST LAYER: In a small bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in the
microwave in 30 seconds and stir. Microwave again for 30 seconds and stir until creamy (you may need to repeat microwaving one more time). Pour in an even layer into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place pan in freezer.
SECOND LAYER: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the
sugar and evaporated milk and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in marshmallow crème, peanut butter and vanilla.
Add peanuts and stir until incorporated. Pour mixture over the chocolate layer from the
freezer and spread evenly. Place back in freezer.
THIRD LAYER: Add the caramels and evaporated milk to a small saucepan. Cook over
medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until caramel is melted and smooth (I have heard that you can also do this in the microwave, but I have never tried it). Remove pan from freezer and pour caramel over the second layer. Place back in freezer.
FOURTH LAYER: In a small bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Repeat microwaving intervals used for the first layer. Stir until creamy and pour in an even layer onto the top.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and cut into squares when ready to serve (they are super rich, so cut them small! I cut about 24 pieces and they were a good size!). Keep refrigerated.

Makes about 24 servings (but it really depends on how big/small you cut your pieces).

Recipe source: Pip and Ebby

The Greatest Work In the World

My Work

I have the greatest work in the world;

The job of rocking a baby to sleep,

That of guiding his tottering feet,

A baby's clothes to launder and fold,

A precious life to shape and mold,

A drink to give from a little cup,

At night his toys to gather up,

Hurts to heal and fears to quell,

A baby to keep clean and well,

A stack of diapers to put,

Oh, what a happy worthwhile day!

I am a "Mother."

I have the greatest work in to world;

A husband to encourage when things go wrong,

When he comes from work to greet with a song,

Denims and shirts to wash and mend,

A helping hand, when needed, to lend,

Three times a day is meals to cook,

To strive to be my best to look,

His back to rub at the close of the day,

For his faithfulness to God I pray,

When hubby's in the field I take lemonade,

for all these tasks his love has Paid.

I am a " Wife."

I have the greatest work in the world;

A home to keep happy, clean and bright,

Make things go smooth and strive for the right,

Jams to cook and jellies to make,

Cookies and pies and bread to bake,

Washing, ironing, and sewing to do,

So many tasks, will I ever get though?

Lettuce to wash and peas to pick,

floors to scrub, lost items to seek,

Dishes to wash and windows to shine,

These and many more tasks are mine.

I am a "Homemaker."

Help me, Father, to faithfully work,

Forgive if I unconsciously shirk,

give me the patience and love I pray,

To keep myself in duties way;

With all the hustle that each day brings

May I not neglect the needing things;

Each day to spend time alone with Thee

That Jesus Christ be seen in me.

Thank you for husband, our home, our girls and boys;

Thank you for love which brings me much joy.

Thank you , Lord.

----Mary Lou Burkholder

I found this poem at Happy to Be Home.

Good Morning to You!

12 Motivational Quotes to Get You Through The DayBy Karen Saunders

1. Happiness is a direction, not a destination.   -Unknown
2. Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it. -Bill Cosby
3. Love yourself.
4. Where there is love, there is life.  -Gandhi
5. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt
6. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.  -Jimmy Johnson
7. An eye for an eye only makes the world blind.  -Gandhi
8. Bring deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.  -Lao Tzu
9. Happiness depends upon ourselves.  -Aristole
10. If you're doing your best, you won't have time to worry about failure.  -H. Jackson Brown Jr
11. The purpose of life is a life of purpose.  -Robert Byrne
12. We can't solve problems by using the same thinking we used to create them.  -Albert Einstein

Let this set of famous quotes be your encouragement and motivation for work today or whatever it is you may be doing in life! I truly love these inspiring quotes and want to give a very special thanks to lovelydreamms of tumblr for creating this magnificent collage of amazing quotes to live by. 

Evening Prayer!

Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God, 

I pray YOU open doors for the person who Read this now,

Only YOU can open doors no man can close and for that we honour YOU. ...

Thank You for the open doors of life, health, strength, prosperity, wealth, and most importantly LOVE.

Also, Thank You for closing the doors of death, sickness, weakness, despair, poverty, and bitterness.

We LOVE YOU LORD, and give YOU all the Glory and all the Praise.

I seal this prayer in JESUS NAME,

Amen

If you need God to open a door, pray this prayer,

Believe in your heart and you shall receive what God has for you according to HIS riches and will.

I NEED A DOOR TO OPEN..........

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED EVENING, AND A PEACEFUL SLEEP, GOD'S ANGELS WILL WATCH OVER YOU!!

JESUS LOVES YOU, AND SO DO I

SWEET DREAMS

12 Benefits of Olive Oil

Many people are aware of the need to include olive oil in the diet for health reasons, as it has high level of antioxidants and is known for being a ‘healthy’ fat.

People who live in parts of the world where olive oil is a regular part of their diet, for example in the Mediterranean, can often enjoy better health compared to those who live in areas where olive oil is only used occasionally.

Our Infographic “12 Benefits of Olive Oil” explains in great detail how vital olive oil should be in your daily diet.

(Feel free to embed the infographic and display in on your website or blog, by using the embed code at the bottom of the infographic).

Step-by-step Chicken Pot Pie/Pies with a Cream Cheese Crust...

One of my favorite Comfort Foods is Chicken Pot Pie. There is just something about it, the aroma and the feeling of satisfaction that it gives you in every bite.

Three things about this recipe caught my eye. One, the crust was made from scratch with cream cheese added oh my goodness!! Two, the filling and sauce looked so smooth and flavorful just like what I have been searching for. And three, Tanya stated that the recipe was adapted from Taste of Home! I love Taste of Home recipes, so you see I just knew this recipe had to be great.

My husband loves Chicken Pot Pie, so I knew he would be in for a treat. I was so excited to make this recipe and get his thoughts. Off I went making the crust and filling. The crust was so easy to prepare and smelled wonderful. Now onto the filling and the sauce, It was DIVINE!!! I was in heaven!!!!!!!!!! I could of sat and ate that filling right out of the pot LOL. This pot pie baked up so beautifully and my husband loved it.
I am so excited that I have found in my opinion to be the perfect Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. The crust turned out so flaky and the addition of the cream cheese was very tasty. If you want to save time you can purchase or roast you own chicken for this recipe. Just have the roasted chicken for one meal and save the leftovers to make this wonderful pot pie. You wont be disappointed, I promise.

The only thing I did differently in this recipe was, I made one large pot pie instead of individual ones. I had a hard time locating the individual pie pans. I finally did at my local Kroger so I will use them next time. I also left out the celery seeds in the crust. If my kids saw those theywouldn't eat it! They would of said whats all those little spots in the pie? yuck!! I would rather just leave it out so I know they will eat it.

For the crust shell: 

combine the flour, cream cheese, butter, and if using celery seed add to the bowl. Cut in the cold cream cheese and butter until you have a crumbly mixture.

   

While I am preparing the pie crust, I start cooking my chicken. If you have some leftover roasted chicken you can use that. I did not, so I just add some olive oil to my stove top grill and brown some seasoned chicken breasts. Then cut into bite size pieces.

   

Now back to the dough, start working it with your hands, kneading until you have a ball of dough:

   

Roll out your pie crust. If using individual pans then roll out the crust and trace and cut a overlapped piece of dough for each individual pie tray. I made one large pot pie so this crust is enough to make a regular size pot pie as well. If making individual servings, you will get three servings out of this recipe. Roll out a total of 6 squares for 3 bottom crust and 3 top crusts. I roll my dough onto the roller to make it easier to transfer to my greased pie plate.

   

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, garlic, and spices till blended.

   

Slowly stir in the warm water,

    

milk and

    

bouillon cubes.

   

Slowly bring a soft boil and stir constantly for about 2 minutes or until thickened. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.

  

Remove from heat and add the frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, celery, whichever you prefer!), then add the chunked chicken.

  

Fill your pie plate or individual pie pans.

  

Just like this.

  

Put the tops of the crusts over this and seal the edges. You can use a fork to make a fluted edge. Make a criss cross slit in the center

  

Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. If making one large pot pie you will have to cook it longer. Just watch the pie so it doesn't brown to quickly. Serve the individual pot pies over mashed potatoes or right out of their bowls. If the pie tins came with covers you can also cover and refrigerate the baked pies or freeze your pot pies before baking whenever you need a quick meal.

*If freezing, wrap the uncooked pot pies with foil and then place in freezer bags. To bake just remove from the freezer thaw a bit and bake. Or to save cooked individual pot pies let cool and cover with each individual cover the tins came with. Store in the refrigerator and then just pop them in the oven to warm up for a quick meal.

I have included some pictures of the little individual chicken pot pies. Just in case you choose to make little ones instead of one big pot pie.

Before Baking

All done!!! Perfect little pies for each person.  Chicken Pot Pie or Pies

Shell crust:

• 1-2/3 c. flour 
• 2 t. celery seed (optional) 
• 1- 8 oz. cream cheese, cold 
• 1/3 c. butter, cold 
• 1/4 t. salt 

Filling:

• 1 whole chicken, pulled from bone and chunked 
• 1/3 cup - real butter 
• 1/3 cup - flour 
• 2 t. minced garlic 
• 1/2 t. salt 
• dash of pepper 
• 1-1/2 cup - warm water 
• 2/3 cup- milk 
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes 
• 1 cup- frozen mixed veggies 
• 3 - individual sized tin pie bowls 

How to:
For the crust combine the flour, cream cheese, and butter in a bowl. Cut in the cold cream cheese and butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Then starting working it with your hands, kneading until you have a ball of dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough in to a flat square. Take one of your tin bowls and trace and cut an overlapped piece of dough. Place it into the bowl and softly press it into the corners: You will get three servings out of this recipe. roll out a total of 6 squares for 3 bottom crust and 3 top crusts. Or you will get one large pot pie like mine.

For the filling for our pie or pies. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, garlic, and spices till blended. Slowly stir in the warm water, bouillon cubes, and milk. Slowly bring a soft boil and stir constantly for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and add the frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, celery, whichever you prefer!) and chicken. Fill the shells: Put the tops of the crusts over this and seal the edges. You can use a fork to make a fluted edge. Make a criss cross slit in the center: Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Serve over mashed potatoes or right out of the bowl. If making one large pot pie bake about 30-40 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn't get to brown on top.

**NOTE: If not serving these over mashed potatoes, add cooked cubed potatoes to the filling.

How to Combat Comparison

by: Bailey is the writer at Anchored in Love Divine. She's a creative young lady with a love for travel, theatre and Jesus! Let's read her important words on how to combat comparison.

Comparison is the thief of joy. And comparison is one of the easiest traps to fall into. I do it all the time. Oh, I justify it and write it off and often sit in a heap of denial, but comparison has held too much control over my life and year. You beautiful ladies (and any gents out there) are people I want to trust with this fact and ask to be my accountability partners in my journey to freedom. Praise God there is freedom, am I right?

It can happen at any time and look many different ways. When reading your favorite blog your eyes might linger at the number of followers they have and mentally sigh at your own readership. Walking to class on the way to a final you spot the pretty blonde looking all spiffied up and fresh out of a magazine, not to mention three boys in tow. At your weekly Bible study you share your opinion but your neighbor voices a thought or insight that everyone swiftly writes in their journal. Your best friend gets the lead in the play you want when you auditioned at the same time. It can happen any time, anywhere.

Comparison is believing the lie that we are unequal and of different values to God. Comparison is ranking those made in God's image according to worldly standards. Comparison steals your joy and denies your identity. Comparison leads to no fruit.
This verse is one I am trying to memorize and one that has resonated in my heart these past few weeks. It is from The Message, which is a poetic paraphrasing, but it shares the heart of God so well.

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Do not be impressed with yourself or compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." 

Galatians 6:4-5

But how do we fight the lie and trap of comparison?

First, put the lie in the light. Problems continue to rule us when we pretend they do not exist. Satan only has power when we keep our struggles in the shadow and try to handle them on our own. We have a God who is already victorious! Let him equip us for battle and lead the way!
Second, combat the lie with truth. Memorize scripture. Print it out, write it on a sticky note, put it in your car or on your mirror. Wherever you find yourself struggling with it the most, put God's Word in arm's reach or have it ready in your heart and head. In the New Testament with Jesus was tempted in the desert, He refuted the devil with the Word of God.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well!"   Psalm 139:13-14

"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work. God's instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference He made for you- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted!" 

          1 Peter 2:10

Third, know your identity in Christ. Know it and believe it. He is the one who assigns your worth and value. And He calls us worthy and valuable. He paid any penalty and cost by sending His Son to the cross. Donald Miller tweeted this a few weeks ago and I suggest saving it to your phone for reference when you're feeling down, doubtful, or struggling with comparison.

[source]

Comparison truly is the thief of joy. Let's shine a light on this trap together and remind ourselves that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Uniquely made! We are to individually love Him and use the gifts He has given us to bring Him glory. Don't try to do it like someone else or compare yourself to someone else and their gifts. God created you in His image! And He does not make mistakes ;)

Communication: How to Love Him More Than Words Can Say...

Communication: how to love your Husband more than words can say.

His world is mostly made up of words.The man reads them, writes them, speaks them. Plenty of words.

As both writer and literary agent, my husband's days and many evenings are filled with information and conversation. And since he works out of our home, he has the convenient flexibility of no set office hours. This also means he’s veryinconveniently available to all who need, or want, his attention most any time.So perhaps it's not too hard to understand why we occasionally have the impulse to GO? To grab a mocha from Joe's Coffee Depot, turn the cell phone to silent, and simply get out of town...
This is the perfect date---he drives and I talk. Only him and me. I have his full attention and few interruptions. What could be better?

Except this one time I decided to do a little experiment. What if I didn't talk? What if I sat in the passenger seat and quietly looked out the window? How long would it be before he began speaking to me...?

Bad experiment.

If you've already guessed that it was way too many miles down the road, you've guessed correctly. Far, far too many miles. And it began to make me mad.

As his silence burned deeper and deeper into my soul, I suddenly did the Exploding Wife Thing, "WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!"He nearly swerved off the road. Completely baffled, “Doing what??"

"Well, why is it that you are not talking to me?"His astonishment was apparent and it was a minute or two before he replied. Then ever-so-slowly, "I don't know, Beautiful, I thought we were having a really nice time. Just being here together."

It was my turn to be astonished. How could we be having "a really nice time" and not have said two words to each other since we pulled out of Joe's?

Then aloud to him, “I thought we were supposed to be communicating.”
And his answer, “But, you see, I thought we were communicating.”

Pardon me?

“Yeah, when you’re sitting here close to me, you’re communicating that you’re content to be here by my side. And I’m telling you that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “There was more.
“When we’re holding hands and you’re leaning into me, you’re saying that you’re physically drawn to me. And I’m telling you that I like you, and that I want you too.”I swallowed.
“And when we’re sitting together softly in silence, you’re saying that I am all that you’ll ever need in a man. And I’m telling you that I love you more than words can say. “

Oh.

I’d not thought of it quite like that before. Because for me? Communication means discussion, and especially the kind of discussing which leads to better understanding. To be specific, him better understanding me. Like how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking.

But on that drive, I learned something new about communication. I learned that we were both “saying” much more than I realized. Also, that he was “hearing” more than merely my words.Many books have been written on marriage and communication, but I’ll confess I’ve not read them. Nor am I an expert - I’m simply a woman and a wife. But I can offer a few brief communication principles I’ve found in Scripture and in my own experience.

Communicate with warmth. A gentle touch, admiring eyes---these go far in communicating love and affection. Try greeting him with a delighted look and lingering embrace. He’s usually far more ready to “hear” this than he is a shower of words. Then later, when I do need to talk, he’s more apt to listen because I’ve already “told” him that he’s the man I love.

Communicate that you’re listening. Not only to his words, but to his heart. For instance, I want him to know I care about the weight he carries to provide for our family. While he rarely wants to talk about it, I’m “listening” when I offer a kind word of appreciation for all his hard work. Or, by making his concern for tidiness my priority, I’m “hearing” what’s important to him.

Communicate without accusation. When I accuse, he shuts down. If I initiate a conversation with “YOU always...” then he’s out of there. It’s far more effective to ask, “Can I tell you how I feel about something?” I’m not informing him how things ARE---only how it makes me feel. Or “I might be mistaken here, but it seems....” and then give him a chance to explain himself. Decide you’re going to be his lover, not his judge.

Communicate at the right time. If we talk about something late at night, or when he’s worked up? When I’m emotionally strung-out? It’s almost guaranteed a disaster. If at all possible, avoid a conversation under these conditions. Wait until a better time and he (or you) is in a better place. It can make all the difference in the world.

And communicate with words. Yes, at some point it takes talking. Silence is not always golden and some things need to be said. Choose your words carefully, wisely, but most of all, lovingly. Remember not all communication leads to perfect understanding, but it should always end in good loving. Search the Scriptures for verses on loving speech – there are many (See Eph.4:29-32; Phil.2:2-4; Col.3:12-17 and Proverbs). Keep in mind they apply to how you talk to your husband in your home, not limited to people out there.

Today’s challenge: Seek the Lord for specific ways you can communicate love to your husband. Not only in words, but in touch, in looks, and by listening.

Obviously, communication is a two-way deal. But as we can only work on our part, that’s the one piece addressed here. Why wait until he gets his piece in place before we begin working on ours? Start by letting him know that you love him more than words can say.

Will you ask the Lord how to communicate the depth of your love to your husband?

In His grace,

Pain In Your Heart.

I said: what about my eyes?

God said: Keep them on the road.

I said: what about my passion?

God said: Keep it burning.

I said: what about my heart?

God said: Tell me what you hold inside it?

I said: pain and sorrow?

He said: ..stay with it.

The wound is the place where the Light enters you.

~ Rumi.

Easy Crumbed Mushroom Recipe....

This is a delicious starter ,can be made for parties,ideal with garlic dip.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Punnet mushrooms,cleaned 
• Splash of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper 
• Sprinkling of mixed herbs
• 1 beaten egg
• Bread crumbs

How to:

1. ·Marinate mushrooms with salt,pepper and herbs for about 5 min
2.  Dip in egg and bread crumbs
3.  Fry in medium hot oil till done
4.  Drain on paper towel

I have tried this yesterday , used garlic powder, oregano and a little bit of pepper and it was very tasty.  

Apologizing Doesn't Mean That You're Wrong...

By Karen Saunders

'' Apologizing doesn't always mean that you're wrong and the other person is right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego.''

We must remember an apology isn't an apology unless it's meaningful! If your apology isn't sincere and you're just apologizing to avoid an argument then that can just lead to more damage. Also you can't just apologize for everything, you have to know what you're apologizing for. You have to be able to admit you're in the wrong and mean it. Apologizing can be very relieving for all parties involved including yourself.

Handle With Prayer

Handle with Prayer by Dr. Charles Stanley

Cultivating a Prayer Life that Makes a Difference

Why do Christians so often fail to open the gift of prayer that God has given to them? God desires to communicate with His children. He desires to unveil the hidden. Yet many times we are satisfied not knowing. In this revised and refreshed edition of Dr. Charles Stanley’s Handle with Prayer, readers will be inspired to revive their time of prayer with God.

Prayer is essential to the life of every believer. It connects us with our heavenly Father and opens the door for Him to move in our lives, to impact our circumstances, and to help us make wise choices. Handle with Prayer is a definitive guide to the power and practice of prayer. This modern-day classic is a must-read for anyone craving a rich, intimate prayer life that produces results.

God wants to help us through difficulties and to reveal the unseen. Yet few of us would claim to have a satisfying prayer life. Dr. Stanley reveals that prayer is the ultimate resource for every believer. 

Inside he shares:

• How to pray with authority 
• How to receive answers to prayer 
• Why prayers can seem to go unanswered 
• How to pray in God’s will 
• How to pray for others 

Originally released in 2000, this book has already sold over 250,000 copies and now it features new artwork, an enhanced study guide, and updated content to connect with today’s readers. Using stories from his own life, Dr. Stanley engages readers with his insight and truthfulness.

According to Dr. Stanley, “Jesus encourages us to pray. He tells us to ask, seek, and knock. We ask for things, we seek understanding, and we knock on doors of opportunity that lie before us. The Lord is saying that in every area of life we can find what we are looking for by talking to the heavenly Father.”

The included study guide offers key insights that can enhance your journey in prayer and help you apply principles that can revolutionize your time spent with God. So uncover God’s solution for whatever you may face and discover how life is best when handled with prayer.

About the Author:Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, demonstrates a keen awareness of people’s needs by providing practical Biblical truths for everyday life.

Dr. Stanley is also a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than 35 books, including: In Step with God, Landmines in the Path of the Believer, Living the Extraordinary Life, A Man’s Touch, Handle With Prayer, How to Listen to God, Eternal Security: Can You Be Sure?, The Gift of Forgiveness, How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team, The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life, The Source of My Strength, How to Handle Adversity, The Blessing of Brokenness, Success God’s Way, The Handbook for Christian Living, Into His Presence, and When Tragedy Strikes.

Read more at Handle With Prayer

Have a Beautiful Day !

Good Night, Sweet Dreams

Spare tire or stress bulge?

~ Hailey's Helpful Hints ~

Tame the Tum: Spare tire or stress bulge?

For many women, getting bikini ready means tackling one dreaded area in particular — our tummies.

Most of us still think the best way to achieve a washboard stomach is by doing hundreds of sit-ups. Not so, says A-list trainer and body guru James Duigan.

James, who sculpts supermodels Elle Macpherson and Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley among others, insists there is no ‘one size fits all’ method for getting a flat belly. Instead, he’s identified five key ‘tummy types,’ all of which require a different approach to achieve successful toning.

Once you figure out your tummy type (mine is the STRESS BELLY), you'll be on your way to getting the perfect midriff...

THE SPARE TIRE TUMMYThe spare tire: This is one of the easiest tummy troubles to eliminate because it's caused by eating the wrong foods and not exercising enough.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
These people are likely to lead sedentary lives, perhaps with jobs that keep them desk-bound. They may also have an emotional attachment to sugary foods.
Luckily, this ‘spare tyre’ is one of the easiest tummy troubles to eliminate as, according to James, it’s caused by eating the wrong foods and not exercising enough.
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
If you exercise very little, eat lots of sugar and refined carbohydrates in products like biscuits, cakes and white bread, or rely on starchy carbs like pasta and rice, you you probably have an overweight tummy with accompanying fat on your legs and hips,’ says James.

MIDRIFF MAKEOVER PLAN
Cut down on alcohol. ‘Alcohol is a fat bomb for the tummy — pure sugar which goes straight to your waist and stops you burning all other fat until the booze has been processed,’ says James. ‘Just a few glasses three to four times a week will lead to a “wine waist” — a thick midriff and pudgy tummy. ‘If you want to drink occasionally that’s fine, but the bottom line is that you have to cut back on booze to get a flat belly.’
Once you cut out alcohol for two weeks, it’s time to overhaul your diet. ‘In a nutshell, eat well and move more,’ says James. Avoid low-fat and so-called ‘diet’ snacks. ‘These pre-packaged products are often packed full of chemicals, refined sugar, salt and preservatives to give them flavor.
‘Ditch calorie counting in favor of a healthy diet full of unprocessed fresh foods such as fish, eggs, organic meat and vegetables. ‘Start the day with eggs and smoked salmon, or even grilled chicken and vegetables, and snack on sliced lean meats. ‘And don’t be afraid of eating good fats, such as avocados, nuts and oily fish. These encourage your body to burn midriff fat, giving you a flat tummy.’
‘Exercise is the key to helping this tummy type,’ says James. Simply going for a long walk, doing lunges, squats or dips at home or a yoga class will be beneficial. You don’t need a gym.

TOP TIP FOR THIS TUMMYIf you regularly reward yourself for a hard day with a piece of cake or deal with bad news with a biscuit, it’s important to remember that being beautiful is as much about how you feel as how you look. The starting point for any tummy transformation is feeling happy.
THE STRESS TUMMY
Stress tummy: These types are typically over-achievers with perfectionist personalities.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
Stressed-tummy types are typically over-achievers with perfectionist personalities. They are usually also susceptible to digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause bloating and make their tummies look far worse.

‘Stress tummies are easy to spot, as the weight is specific to the front of the midriff and the umbilical area,’ explains James. ‘When stressed, we produce cortisol, a hormone which encourages the body to cling on to fat around the stomach.’

Stressed tummies will also be fairly hard to the touch, rather than wobbly.
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
It’s likely you skip meals, abuse your adrenal system with too much caffeine and grab junk food for convenience.

MIDRIFF MAKEOVER PLAN 
Get an early night. ‘Stressed women nearly always sleep badly, which disrupts the production of leptin, the hormone which helps regulate appetite and metabolism,’ James explains. ‘This is why we eat more when we are tired and crave fat-depositing sugary snacks for an instant energy boost.’
Combat exhaustion with a relaxation strategy of deep-breathing, meditation and long baths before bed to encourage a good night’s sleep and limit coffee consumption to no more than two cups a day.
Don’t go for the burn when exercising. ‘Excessive cardio which increases cortisol levels isn’t the answer,’ says James. ‘Instead, yoga, long walks and resistance work with weights is perfect for sculpting and building up strength while calming the system.’
Magnesium is a calming mineral to help soothe a stressed belly. James advises eating lots of magnesium-rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds.

TOP TIP FOR THIS TUMMYStress-busting stretches and yoga poses at night time can help to lower cortisol levels, while chamomile teas or James’ own Bodyism Body Serenity supplement (bodyism.com) can also help the body unwind.

THE LITTLE POOCHThe little pooch: These women are likely to be busy mums or have demanding careers - hey may even be a gym junkie.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPEThese women are likely to be busy moms or have demanding careers. ‘They may even be a gym junkie, but stuck in a workout-and-diet rut, perhaps always eating the same foods and doing the same routine at the gym, which keeps you slim but leaves you with a lower belly that spoils your silhouette,’ says James.

TYPICAL BAD HABITS‘Doing excessive crunches and using gimmicky gym items such as ab-rollers can place a strain on the hip flexors and the lower back, causing the tummy muscles to protrude so your belly sticks out,’ says James.

MIDRIFF MAKEOVER PLAN
Good nutrition and plenty of fiber are essential to improve digestive conditions such as inflammation, bloating and constipation, which can make a pooch tummy worse. Green leafy vegetables, oat bran and whole grains are good, natural sources of fiber.
Sit-ups done incorrectly increase your lower back curve and accentuate the ‘pouch’ effect. Swap sit-ups for planks. Do these by lying face down on a mat, resting on your forearms. Push off from the floor, rising onto your toes and elbows, so your body is parallel to the floor from your head to your heels. Start off doing ten seconds and build up to a whole minute.
It’s a common misconception that using weights bulks women up. In fact, the opposite is true. Using weights will burn serious amounts of fat in a short space of time, so try introducing circuits — repetitions of exercises like squats or lunges which work individual muscle sets.

TOP TIP FOR THIS TUMMYBe kind to your tummy, reduce inflammation by drinking lots of water and eating easy-to-digest foods such as green vegetables and lighter proteins such as fish and chicken.

THE MOMMY TUMMYThe Mommy tummy: Women with these bellies have usually given birth in the past few years, and, being a typical mum, have little time for themselves.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
Women with these tummies have usually given birth in the past few years, and, being a typical mum, have little time for themselves. ‘After giving birth, the uterus drops and is much heavier than it was pre-pregnancy,’ says James. ‘It takes at least six weeks to return to its usual size, so don’t even think about trying to get a flat stomach until after then.
‘You need to re-train your pelvic floor and lower abs to increase blood flow and strengthen loose muscles.’
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
Rushing back to exercise too quickly. ‘I would suggest waiting around two to three months,’ says James. ‘Being stressed about getting rid of your baby weight will only make you cling onto it more. Give yourself a break!’
MIDRIFF MAKEOVER PLAN 
‘Fish oil supplements turn on fat-burning hormones and turn off fat-storing hormones,’ says James. ‘Begin by taking three 1,000mg capsules a day with meals and build up to five. I’ve trained Elle Macpherson through two pregnancies and she takes these every day.’
Try to eat good fats — found in sources such as nuts, oils and olives — every day. ‘Not only do they help you burn fat and absorb vitamins from food effectively, they also help combat tiredness — a big help for tired moms,’ says James.
Gentle pelvic floor exercises (known as Kegels) act as a natural corset for the body to flatten your tummy from the inside out. Squeeze and clench your pelvic floor muscles 15-20 times, in five sessions a day.
Steer clear of sit-ups. ‘After giving birth, the linea alba muscles — which run down the mid-line of the abdomen — separate and you need to allow them to recover,’ says James. ‘Crunches are the worst thing you can do, as they will force these muscles farther apart. Instead, breathe deep into your tummy while on all fours, then slowly exhale while doing a pelvic floor exercise.’
TOP TIP FOR THIS TUMMY
Daytime naps (try putting up blackout blinds) and stretching before bed are important ways to restore sleep hormones and boost fat-burning.
THE BLOATED TUMMY
Bloated tummies: These are often flat in the morning, but swell throughout the day with gas or indigestion.
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
Bloated tummies are often flat in the morning, but swell throughout the day with gas or indigestion. Bloating affects both slim and overweight women. It is almost always caused by food intolerances and allergies, or sluggish bowels as a result of a poor diet.

TYPICAL BAD HABITSYou eat the same foods and may have done so for a lifetime without realising you’re intolerant to them.

MIDRIFF MAKEOVER PLAN
‘The most common intolerances I see are wheat and gluten (bread, pasta, pastries, pizza, cakes and cereals), alcohol, yeast (in muffins, beer and pastries) and processed dairy (cheese, milk, butter),’ says James. ‘Gluten in particular can inflame the bowel and make the stomach look bigger.
‘Experiment to work out what bothers your belly as you know your body better than anyone else. Try eliminating key culprits such as gluten for two weeks to see if your bloating reduces, or worsens when you reintroduce foods. Focus on a diet with lots of fresh veg, meat, chicken and fish.’
Sluggish bowels are often a result of eating the wrong foods in the wrong way. Make breakfast your biggest meal, as this is when digestion is at its peak, and avoid eating late at night which leads to bloating. Chew food properly and drink plenty of water to keep the digestive system moving.
Bloating can be a sign of imbalanced gut flora. So to get your tummy really flat you need to repopulate it with friendly bacteria. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements are the simplest way. Natural sources include miso soup, sour cream and some fruit and veg including kale, garlic and onions. A healthy gut means a flat stomach.
TOP TIP FOR THIS TUMMY
Believe it or not, breathing can be the best thing you can do for this kind of tummy. Try this each morning: lay on your back, completely relaxed, and breathe deep into your tummy ten times. After eating, a walk will help the digestive process, too.