Arise and remove the sleep from your eyes......

The Lord is telling us to arise and remove the sleep from our eyes that hinders our vision, 

for the alarm has sounded. We must arise and remove the lust of the eyes, 

the lust of the flesh and the pride of life and not look back... let the dead bury the dead. 

We must forsake all that hinders us! 

The Father is visiting His people; decreeing His purposes for them in this hour. 

He has plans for us to share in this great awakening; the rising up of His church. 

We will rise up and take our rightful place in the world, shining like the Son ~ 

His glory is risen upon us for this purpose and time.

Repent and shake off those things that are millstones around your neck for they are not worth holding on to. It may seem painful when the hidden places of your heart that cause you to slumber are revealed, but during this time of preparation things are only manifest so they might be destroyed. 

The Father's only desire is to bring you into the glorious purpose 

He has planned for you before the foundations of the world. 

Be confident of this that joy comes in the morning. 

Your awakening produces someone else’s awakening. 

Fill your lamps and trim your wicks and forsake all pursuits that God has not called you to. 

Draw near to Him and let go of all that robs the precious fuel of His tangible presence. 

Close your eyes and thoughts to the enemy. 

Concentrate and focus on Abba ~ it pleases Him to awaken your love (Song of Sol. 2:6-8.)

Free Printable - Daily Housekeeping Schedule

For those of you who follow daily housekeeping schedule, here is a free printable for your fridge or home-maintenance binder. This one is created at 200 dpi so that the image will be a clear and crisp print. 

There isn't enough space on one page to put as detailed a schedule as the original schedule, but this one is good for those who want a quick reference.

Click the image below to view or print the high resolution image and you will be taken to the larger version of the PDF file. This is my gift to you. Enjoy!

(Below the image is also a link to a grayscale version of the image for those without color printers).

P.S. If you like this printable, please share the link with your friends. Thanks! 

Click here for a grayscale version of the schedule

This letter came in as I was posting the schedule. Awesome!...

Homemade Almond Joy.....Yummy!

Homemade almond joy cups...

This is a really casual recipe, so use whatever amounts of ingredients you have.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dried flaked coconut (unsweetened, if you can find it. If not, use the regular shredded coconut. I used the regular shredded in the picture—that’s why it’s so white.)
• 3-4 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 bag of milk chocolate chips (Ghiardelli or Guittard brands)
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds

How to:

1. Mix the coconut with the condensed milk and the vanilla in the food processor (for best results), or by hand. It should be thick and sticky. Add more milk or coconut as necessary, to achieve Almond Joy center consistency.

2. Line a mini muffin tin with about ten to twelve paper liners. Melt about half of the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each. Pour about a teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Shake the tray back and forth to distribute the chocolate. Put in about a teaspoon and a half of the coconut mixture into each, and top with an almond. Pour chocolate over the top of each. Shake the tray to distribute the chocolate evenly. Melt more chocolate as necessary. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

Little Girls White fishnet dress...

WHITE DRESS fishnet

Size: At 5 years

You will need: 

Soso yarn (100% cotton, 240 m/50 g) - 250 g of white, pink residues, hook number 2, 3 buttons.

The dress is knitted from the top down. Dial 105 temperature. n + 3 temperature. § lifting Knit pattern on Figure 1 .

Then divide the work as follows: for 6 repeats for each arm, 6 repeats on the back and on the front seven repeats. Knit 1 row of Art. w / o doing an additional three temperature. sts for armhole each side. Further work even skirt round pattern of Scheme 2 to the desired length.

Assembly: tie neckline, sleeves and skirt pink thread columns w / o the "pico". Sew buttons on the back, on the other hand do the hanging loop.

Schemes

Each Spring...

Each Spring is a brand new beginning

with so much to see and to do,

With new opportunities waiting

to make all our wishes come true.. 

It's such a good time to plan changes,

to make the fresh start we might need,

To try something different and daring,

to reach for the stars and succeed. 

Each Spring is a brand new beginning,

a precious new chance sent our way.

To follow our dreams and fulfil them

with joy in our hearts every day. 

If a Dog were your Teacher

If a Dog were your Teacher

You would learn stuff like.....

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.


Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest-practice obedience..


Take naps and stretch before rising.

Thrive on attention and let others touch you.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.


When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

On hot days, lay down and rest.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

When someone is having a bad day just jump in their arms and bring a happy smile.

Leafy greens, avocado, and blackened chicken salad

Ingredients:

• 10 cups organic leafy greens, rinsed and dried
• two large avocados, sliced and scooped out with a spoon
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• blackened chicken (recipe follows)
• balsamic vinaigrette (recipe follows)
• Toss in a large bowl, or arrange salad components in individual bowls, and drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette.
• blackened chicken
• 1 tablespoon ground dill
• 1 tablespoon ground thyme
• 2 tablespoons ground paprika
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon finely ground pepper
• 2 chicken breasts (preferably cage free and organic)
• olive oil

How to:

1. In a small bowl, combine spices, salt, and pepper. Rub onto the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet set over medium high heat. Place the chicken in the oil, and sear, about two minutes on each side. Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow to cook for about five minutes more, until fully cooked, and internal temperature is 162˚.
2. Take off heat, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Cut in slices.

Balsamic vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• large pinch salt
• large pinch pepper

In a small jar, such as a cleaned out jam jar, place all ingredients, screw on the lid, and shake until emulsified. Or just whisk them all together in a small bowl.

Enjoy!

No Bake Cake Batter Oatmeal Fudge Blondies

by:  Katie

                                             

                                        

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cake mix of choice (I used Funfetti, duh.) 
• 6 blocks of vanilla almond bark 
• 1 1/2 cups oats 
• 1/2 cup butter, melted 

Directions:
Melt butter in a medium sized microwave safe bowl with white chocolate, about 1-2 minutes.
Mix in cake mix and oats.
Press mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Chill until hardened.
Cut and eat. Yum.

Grace - Lacy Tunic and Purse (crochet)

A delicate granny motif lines this stylish v-neck tunic and matching purse. Shown in Patons Grace.

SIZES
Bust measurement
Extra-Small 32 ins [81.5 cm]
Small 34" [86.5"]
Medium 36" [91.5"]
Large 38" [96.5"]
Extra-Large 40" [101.5"]

Finished bust measurement
Extra-Small 34 ins [86.5 cm]
Small 36" [91.5"]
Medium 38" [96.5"]
Large 40" [101.5"]
Extra-Large 42" [106.5"]
Purse: Approx 7 x 10½ ins [18 x 26.5 cm].

MATERIALS
Patons® Grace (50 g)
Sizes XS (S-M-L-XL)
Tunic (Blue)
11 (12-14-15-16) balls
Purse
(Blue) 3 balls

Size 3.25 mm (U.S. D or 3) crochet hook or size needed to obtain tension. 1 zipper 10 ins [25 cm] long, 2 pipe-cleaners and ¼ yrd [0.3 m] of lining fabric for Purse.

TENSION
8½ V-sts and 12 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] 1 Motif = 3½ ins [9 cm] square.

ABBREVIATIONS
Sc2tog = Draw up a loop in each of next 2 sc. Yoh and draw through all 3 loops on hook - Sc2tog made.

INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written thus ( ).
MOTIF [make 10 (10-11-11-12)]
Ch 8. Join in ring.
1st rnd: Ch 1. 15 sc in rnd. Join with sl st in first sc.
2nd rnd: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3). *Miss next sc. 1 dc in next sc. Ch 3. Rep from * 6 times more. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of ch 6.
3rd rnd: Ch 1. *(1 sc. 1 hdc. 1 dc. 1 hdc. 1 sc) all in next ch-3 sp. Rep from * around. Join with sl st in first sc.
4th rnd: *Ch 5. (Miss next sc, hdc, dc, hdc). 1 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join with sl st in first ch of ch 5.
5th rnd: Ch 1. *(1 sc. 1 hdc. 3 dc. 1 hdc. 1 sc) all in next ch-5 sp. Rep from * around. Join with sl st in first sc.
6th rnd: Sl st in next hdc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Ch 4. * Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in next dc. Ch 4. (Miss next hdc, 2 sc). 1 sc in next hdc. Ch 4. Miss next 2 dc. 1 sc in next dc**. Ch 7. (Miss next hdc, 2 sc). 1 sc in next hdc. Ch 4. Rep from * twice more, then from * to ** once. Ch 7. Sl st in first sc.
7th rnd: Ch 1. (4 sc in next ch-4 sp) 3 times. *(3 sc. Ch 2. 3 sc) in next corner ch-7 sp. (4 sc in next ch-4 sp) 3 times. Rep from * twice more. (3 sc. Ch 2. 3 sc) in next corner ch-7 sp. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Joining Motifs:
Sizes XS, M and XL only: Place 2 motifs with RS facing tog. Working through both thicknessess, proceed as follows: Join yarn with sl st to any corner ch. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. (Ch 1. Miss next sc. 1 sc in next sc) 10 times. Fasten off.

Sizes S and L only:With RS of 2 motifs facing, proceed as follows: join yarn with sl st to any corner ch of First motif. Ch 1. Sl st to corner ch of second motif. *Ch 2. Miss next sc of first motif. Sl st in next sc. Ch 2. Miss next sc of second motif. Sl st in next sc. Rep from * to corner sc of both motifs. Fasten off.

Foundation rnd for Body: Size XS only: With RS of work facing, join yarn with sl st to any motif corner sc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. *Work 21 sc across top of motif. 1 sc in joining sp between motifs. Rep from * around. Join with sl st to first sc. 220 sc.

Sizes M and XL only:With RS of work facing, join yarn with sl st to any motif corner sc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Work 20 sc across top of first motif. [(1 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 21 sc across top of next motif ) (4-1) time(s). 2 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 21 sc across top of next motif ] (2-4) times. (1 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 21 sc across top of next motif ) (0-3) times. 1 sc in joining sp between motifs. Join with sl st to first sc. (244-268) sc.

Sizes S and L only: With RS of work facing, join yarn with sl st to any corner sc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Work 20 sc across top of first motif. [2 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 21 sc across top of next motif ) (4-2) time(s). 3 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 21 sc across top of next motif ] (1-3) time(s). (2 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 21 sc across top of next motif ) (4-1) time(s). (3-2) sc in joining sp between motifs. Join with sl st to first sc. (232-256) sc.

FRONT
All Sizes: **1st row: (RS). Ch 3 (counts as dc). Miss next sc. [(1 dc. Ch 1. 1 dc) all in next sc - V-st made. Miss next 2 sc] 35 (37-39-41-43) times. V-st in next sc. Miss next sc. 1 dc in next sc. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked. 36 (38-40- 42-44) V-sts.
2nd row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). V-st in each V-st to end of row. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Last row forms pat.
Cont in pat until work from foundation rnd measures 13 ins [33 cm], ending with RS facing for next row.
Armhole shaping: 1st row: Sl st in first dc. (Sl st in next dc, ch 1 sp, dc) 3 times. Sl st in next dc. Ch 3 (counts as dc). Miss next ch 1 sp and dc. V-st in each V-st to last 4 V-sts. 1 dc in next dc of next V-st. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
2nd row: Ch 3. 1 dc in ch-1 sp of next V-st. V-st in each V-st to last V-st. 1 dc in ch-1 sp of last V-st. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 3. Miss first 2 dc. V st in each V-st to last dc. Miss last dc. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn. 26 (28-30-32-34) V-sts.** Work 3 (3-3-5-5) rows even in pat.
V-neck shaping: ***1st row: Ch 3. V-st in each of next 12 (13-14-14-15) V-sts. 1 dc in ch-1 sp of next V-st. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
2nd row: Ch 3. 1 dc in ch-1 sp of next V-st. V- st in each V-st to end of row. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 3. V-st in each V-st to last dc. Miss last dc. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Rep 2nd and 3rd rows until there are 6 (7-8-9- 10) V-sts.
Cont even in pat until armhole measures 7½ (7½-8-8½-8½) ins [19 (19-20.5-20.5-21.5) cm], ending with RS facing for next row. Fasten off.***
With WS of work facing, join yarn to top of turning ch and work from *** to *** as given above for Right Front, noting RS rows become WS.

BACK
Work from ** to ** as given for Front omitting references to leave rem sts unworked.
Cont even in pat until armhole measures 2 rows less than Front, ending with RS facing for next row.
Back neck shaping: Next row: Ch 3. V-st in each of next 6 (7-8-9-10) V-sts. 1 dc in next dc of next V-st. Turn.
Leave rem sts unworked.
Next row: Ch 3. V-st in each V-st to end of row. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Fasten off.
With WS of work facing, join yarn with sl st to top of turning ch. Ch 3. V-st in each of next 6 (7-8-9-10) V-sts. 1 dc in first dc of next V-st. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
Next row: Ch 3. V-st in each V-st to end of row. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Fasten off.

SLEEVES
Make 3 Motifs.
Join Motifs in a row as given for Size S of Front.
Foundation row:With RS of work facing, join yarn with sl st to right corner sc. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. Work 25 sc across top of first motif. (4 sc in joining sp between motifs. Work 23 sc across top of next motif ) twice. Turn. 80 sc.
Next row: (WS). Ch 3 (counts as dc). (Miss next sc. V-st in next sc. Miss next sc) 26 times. 1 dc in last sc. Turn. 26 V-sts.
2nd row: Ch 3 (counts as dc). V-st in each V-st to end of row. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Last row forms pat.
Rep last row 13 (3-3-3-3) times more.
Proceed as follows:
1st row: (RS). Ch 3. 1 dc in first dc. V-st in each V-st to end of row. 2 dc in top of ch 3. Turn.
2nd row: Ch 3. Miss first dc. 1 dc in next dc. V-st in each V-st to last dc. 1 dc in last dc. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 3. Miss first dc. V-st in next dc. V-st in each V-st to last dc. V-st in last dc. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
4th row: Ch 3. V-st in each V-st to end of row. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn. 30 sts V-st. Rep last row 10 (8-4-2-2) times more.

Sizes S, M, L and XL only: Rep last (12-8-6- 6) rows (1-2-3-3) time(s) more. (30-32-34-34) V-sts.

All Sizes: Shape Top: 1st row: Sl st in first dc. (Sl st in next dc, ch 1 sp, dc) twice. Sl st in next dc. Ch 3 (counts as dc). Miss next ch 1 sp and dc. V-st in each V-st to last 3 V-sts. Miss next dc and ch-1 sp of next V-st. 1 dc in next dc of same V-st. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked.
2nd row: Ch 3. 1 dc in ch-1 sp of next V-st. Vst in each V-st to last V-st. 1 dc in ch-1 sp of last V-st. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 3. Miss first 2 dc. V-st in each V-st to last dc. Miss last dc. 1 dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Rep 2nd and 3rd rows until there are 6 V-sts.
Fasten off.

FINISHING
V-Neck Edging: Sew right shoulder seam. With RS of work facing, join yarn with sl st to corner of left front neck edge. Ch 1. Work 34 (34-37-37-40) sc down left front V-neck edge. Work Sc2tog at bottom point of V-neck. Work 34 (34-37-37-40) sc up right front V-neck edge and 4 sc down right back neck edge, 38 sc across back neck edge and 4 sc up left back neck edge. Fasten off.
Sew left shoulder seam. Sew in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams.
Body Edging: With RS of work facing, join yarn to any corner sc of Motif.
Work as given for Foundation rnd for Body for appropriate size, to last 2 sts. (2 sc in next sc) twice. Join with sl st in first sc. 220 (232-244- 256-268) sc.
Next rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. *Miss next 2 sc. (2 dc. Ch 3. Sl st in top of dc - Picot made. 3 dc) all in next sc. Miss next 2 sc. 1 sc in next sc. Rep from * around, ending with 1 sc in last sc. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Sleeve Edging: With RS of work facing, join yarn to corner sc of first Motif.
Work as given for Foundation row for Sleeve, working (sc2tog) twice evenly across. Join with sl st in first sc. 66 sc.
Next rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. *Miss next 2 sc. (2 dc. Picot. 3 dc) in next sc. Miss next 2 sc. 1 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

PURSE
Make 12 motifs.
Join 3 motifs in row as follows: Place 2 motifs with RS facing tog. Join yarn with sl st to any corner ch sp. Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp as last sl st. (Ch 1. Miss next sc. 1 sc in next sc) 11 times. Fasten off.
Join 2 rows for Front or Back in same manner as given for joining Motifs.
Note: Ch 2 does not count as st.
Gusset and bottom: (worked in one piece). Ch 4.
1st row: (RS). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. 1 hdc in next ch. Ch 2. Turn.
2nd row: 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Ch 2. Turn.
3rd row: 2 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. Ch 2. Turn.
4th to 6th rows: 1 hdc in each hdc to end of row. Ch 2. Turn.
7th row: 2 hdc in first hdc. 1 hdc in each hdc to last hdc. 2 hdc in last hdc. Ch 2. Turn.
8th to 11th rows: As 4th to 7th rows.
12th row: 1 hdc in each hdc to end of row. Ch 2. Turn.
Rep last row until work from beg measures 20 ins [51 cm], ending with RS facing for next row.
Next row: (Yoh and draw up a loop in next st) twice. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook - Hdc2tog made. 1 hdc in each hdc to last 2 hdc. Hdc2tog over last 2 hdc. Ch 2. Turn.
Next and alt WS rows: 1 hdc in each st to end of row. Ch 2. Turn. Rep last 2 rows to 2 hdc.
Fasten off at end of last row.
Lining: Before joining Front, Back and sides tog, mark WS of lining according to the shape of each piece with ¾ ins [1.5 cm] seam allowance on side and bottom edges and ½ ins [1 cm] seam allowance to top edges. Cut out lining pieces. Sew bottom seam of Front, Back and sides tog using french seam (see diagram).
Sew sides using french seam. Stitch along top of Front, Back and sides lining ½ ins [1 cm] from edge. Press lining to WS along this stitching line.
Joining Front, Back and Gusset: With WS of Front and Gusset tog, join yarn with sl st to top left corner of Front. Ch 1. Working through both thicknessess, work 1 row of sc down left side of Front, across bottom and up right side of Front. Do not turn.
Next row:Working from left to right instead of from right to left as usual, work 1 reverse sc in each sc to end of row. Fasten off.
Repeat for Back.

Handles (make 2).
Ch 80.
1st row: (RS). 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook.
1 hdc in each ch to end of ch. Turn.
Next 3 rows: Ch 2. 1 hdc in each hdc to end of row. Turn.
Fold Handle lengthwise and insert pipecleaner, working through both thicknessess, work 1 sc in each hdc and foundation ch to end of row.
Fasten off.
Sew handles to Front and Back as illustrated.
Sew in zipper.

"Why God Created Little Girls"

God made the world with towering trees, Majestic mountains and restless seas.

Then paused and said, “It needs one more thing…

Someone to laugh and dance and sing.

To walk in the wood and gather flowers…

To commune with nature in quiet hours.”

So God made little girls

With laughing eyes and bouncing curls,

With joyful hearts and infectious smiles,

Enchanting ways and feminine wiles.

And when He’d completed the task He’d begun.

He was pleased and proud of the job He’d done.

For the world, when seen through little girl’s eyes

Greatly resembled Paradise.

"Why God Created Little Boys"

God made a world out of His dreams

of majestic mountains, oceans and streams,

prairies and plains and wooded land, 

then paused and thought...

"I need someone to stand 

on top of the mountains, to conquer the seas,

explore the plains and climb the trees.

Someone to start out small

and grow sturdy and strong like a tree,"

and so...

He created boys, full of spirit and fun,

to explore and conquer, to romp and run,

with dirty faces and banged up chins,

with courteous hearts and boyish grins.

When He had completed the task He'd begun,

He surely said, "That's a job well done."

How to Wake-Up 45 Minutes Earlier

by: Arthur Sarnoff

It is important to change your body’s rhythms – that will take at least one week. The KEY is that you are changing your NIGHT rhythm while actively changing your MORNING wake-up rhythm. 

If you go to bed at midnight or later, your body gets less deep rest. Every hour you are in bed before midnight is like TWO hours after midnight to your body. 

In order to change your rhythm you must know your natural rhythm – how many hours does your body WANT each night – without using an alarm clock to get up, and without forcing yourself to bed at a certain hour? Mine is 9 hours. When I worked, I never got 9 hours, so I always had to make up for it on the weekends, which totally ruined most weekends. My husband also needs 9 hours. Many people only need 8, or even 7. Some need 10 or even 11! You must know this before you can correctly and successfully set your internal alarm clock.

You know you have successfully changed your clock when, after even a bad night’s sleep, you wake up at the correct time (before the alarm), and WANT to go to bed at the correct new time.

It doesn’t work to say, “I think I’ll get up at 7:30 and bed at 10:30” and just begin doing it. Your body revolts…it won’t let you fall asleep early, and you’ll be cranky upon arising.

Here’s how you can change your life 5 minutes at a time.

Day 1: Set alarm 15 minutes earlier. This gives you the jump-start you want.

Day 2-7: Set alarm only 5 minutes earlier each day.

I know it's not really what you want to hear, but this way works. If you do the full 45 minutes, or even 10 minutes, your body will lapse back to your original time on weekends, which will then keep you up later at night, and then Monday morning you will be LATE! 

Five minute increments work like a charm because it is gradual and your body wants to beat the alarm clock up by 1 minute or so.

Think back to how difficult it is to change your (and your children’s) internal clocks to adjust to Daylight Savings Time. You grouch for at least a week - until you have reset. Reset gradually one week before DST and you and your little ones won't grouch. Promise!

45 minutes is a reasonable change. The best scenario, if you need to wake up even earlier than 45 minutes, is to keep this new time for several weeks. You know you are successful when you are yawning at your new bed time, and are awakening before your alarm clock. Then you begin the process again.

If you are the exception then you don't need to be reading about how to wake up 45 minutes earlier - you just magically jump out of bed, happy and smiling, and can change your schedule on a whim. But that isn't MOST of us!

Good luck and be patient as you change your life 5 minutes at a time!

Cocoa Nib & Almond Toffee.....Yummy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground almonds or almond flour
• 2 sticks (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated cane sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to:
1. In the bottom of a small quarter sheet baking pan or a 13 x 9 inch pan, spread almond flour in an even layer. Set a small bucket of ice water on the counter next to the stove within easy reach of where you’re stirring. This is in case any of the hot butter or candy splashes out of the pan and you get a tiny burn (if it’s a big burn, please turn off the stove and get the proper medical attention). In a heavy bottomed saucepan with high sides, melt butter and stir in sugar and salt. When this mixture starts to bubble around the edges, use a long handled wooden spoon, and start stirring . . .
 
2. . . .and stirring. Keep stirring. After you’ve stirred about 10 minutes, the mixture should start breaking up and looking like crystalized sugar in a sea of melted butter. That’s exactly what it is, and perfectly fine. Just keep stirring. But be extra careful though, because this is when the butter like to start splashing up along the sides of the saucepan. After awhile, the sugar will start to melt back into the butter and the candy will start to come together. If you want to switch to a good quality whisk at this time, that would be great. Keep stirring, and just as the mixture starts to turn beige, clip the candy thermometer to the saucepan, and keep stirring, but being careful now not to knock the thermometer out of the pan. When the candy comes to 310 degrees, remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and pour mixture over the almond flour in the pan. Allow to come to room temperature. While it’s cooling, sprinkle on about 1/4 cup of cacao nibs. When the toffee is cooled completely, break up into smaller pieces. Place in the freezer for twenty minutes if you want the texture of the toffee to be crumbly.

Enjoy!!!

KFC Creamy Coleslaw Recipe...

Top Secret Recipes version of KFC Cole Slaw

KFC's Creamy Coleslaw

We all have our favorite sides at KFC. Some KFC recipes are healthier than others, and KFC's Creamy Coleslaw is one of the healthiest. KFC's coleslaw is unlike any other restaurant's coleslaw. Make some for yourself today!

Ingredients:  (Serves 8, Preparation Time: 10 min, Refrigerate: 8hr)

• 8 1/8 cups cabbage
• 1/3 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 teaspoon onion, chopped fine
• 3/4 cup buttermilk or yogurt
• 1/2 cup low fat mayonaise
• 1/8 cup low fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Core the cabbage, then shred using the fine disk for the shredder attachment to the food processor. 
2. Shred the carrot the same way. 
3. Mix together cabbage, carrot and onion.
4. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, milk, and lemon juice with a whisk until well combined. 
5. Add the salt and pepper. 
6. Add the sugar to the sauce until well mixed in. 
7. Add the sauce to the cabbage and carrot mixture and mix well and allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight. 

Baby Boy V-neck garter.

 

" - Soft garments make children happy!" 

Knitted DROPS vest with V-neck and textured pattern in “Baby Merino”.
DROPS design: Pattern no BM-036-by
Yarn group A
Size: 1/3 - 6/9 - 12/18 months (2 - 3/4) years

Finished measurements:
Chest: 44-50-56 (62-68) cm / 17 1/4"-19 3/4"-22" (24½"-26 3/4")
Full length: 26-28-31 (33-36) cm / 10 1/4"-11"-12 1/4" (13"-14 1/4")
Materials: 

• DROPS BABY MERINO from Garnstudio
• 100-100-100 (100-150) colour no 19, gray 
• DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE size 3 mm / US 2or3 (60 or 80 cm / 24'' or 32'') - or size needed to get 24 sts x 32 rows in stockinette st = 10 x 10 cm / 4'' x 4''.
• DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE size 2.5 mm / US 1or2 (60 or 80 cm / 24'' or 32'') - for rib.
• DROPS MOTHER-OF-PEARL BUTTONS NO 521: 4 pieces

GARTER ST (back and forth on needle): K all rows.

DOUBLE SEED ST:
Row 1: * K 2, P 2 *, repeat from *-*.
Row 2: K over K and P over P.
Row 3: P over K and K over P.
Row 4: As row 2.
Repeat row 1 to 4.

BUTTON HOLES:
Bind off for button holes on right band. 1 button hole = K tog 2nd and 3rd st from edge and make 1 YO. Bind off for button holes when piece measures:
SIZE 1/3 MONTHS: 2, 6, 10 and 14 cm / 3/4", 2 3/8", 4" and 5½''.
SIZE 6/9 MONTHS: 2, 7, 11 and 16 cm / 3/4", 2 3/4", 4 3/8" and 6 1/4".
SIZE 12/18 MONTHS: 2, 7, 12 and 17 cm / 3/4", 2 3/4", 4 3/4" and 6 3/4".
SIZE 2 YEARS: 2, 8, 13 and 19 cm / 3/4", 3 1/8", 5 1/8" and 7½".
SIZE 3/4 YEARS: 2, 8, 14 and 20 cm / 3/4", 3 1/8", 5½" and 8".

DEC FOR V-NECK AND ARMHOLES IN DOUBLE SEED ST:
All dec are done from RS!

DEC AS FOLLOWS BEFORE BAND/SLEEVE EDGE:
When last st should be K: K 2 tog.
When last st should be P: P 2 tog.

DEC AS FOLLOWS AFTER BAND/SLEEVE EDGE:
When first st should be K: Slip 1 st as if to K, K 1, psso.
When first st should be P: P 2 twisted tog (i.e. work in back loop of st instead of front).

BODY:
Worked back and forth on circular needle from mid front.
Cast on 148-168-184 (204-224) sts on circular needle size 2.5 mm / US 1 with Baby Merino. Work first row as follows from RS: 5 sts in GARTER ST (= band) - see explanation above, * K 2, P 2 *, repeat from *-* until 7 sts remain, finish with K 2 and 5 sts in GARTER ST (= band). Continue rib like this with 5 sts in garter st in each side until piece measures 3-3-4 (4-5) cm / 1 1/8"-1 1/8"-1½" (1½"-2") - REMEMBER BUTTON HOLES on band - see explanation above. Switch to circular needle size 3 mm / US 2or3 and work in stockinette st but continue bands in garter st as before. AT THE SAME TIME on first row after rib, dec 32-36-40 (44-52) sts evenly (do not dec over bands) = 116-132-144 (160-172) sts. Insert a marker 31-35-39 (43-45) sts in from each side (= 54-62-66 (74-82) sts between markers on back piece). REMEMBER THE GAUGE! When piece measures 7-7½-8 (9-10) cm / 2 3/4"-2 7/8"-3 1/8" (3½"-4"), work next row as follows from RS: 5 sts in garter st, 21-21-27 (27-31) sts in stockinette st, slip the last 16-16-20 (20-24) sts that were worked on a stitch holder for pocket slit, work until 10-10-12 (12-12) sts remain on needle, slip the last 16-16-20 (20-24) sts that were worked on a stitch holder for pocket slit, work 5-5-7 (7-7) sts in stockinette st and finish with 5 sts in garter st. On next row cast on 16-16-20 (20-24) new sts over each of the 2 stitch holders with sts = 116-132-144 (160-172) sts. Continue in stockinette st and in garter st until piece measures 13-14-16 (16-18) cm / 5 1/8"-5½"-6 1/4" (6 1/4"-7"). Now K 4 rows over all sts (= 2 ridges). Then work DOUBLE SEED ST - see explanation above (continue bands in garter st as before). READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SECTION BEFORE CONTINUING! When piece measures 15-17-18 (20-21) cm / 6"-6 3/4"-7" (8"-8 1/4"), work 2 rows in garter st over the first 5 sts on needle (do not work the other sts on needle), then work 1 row over all sts before working 2 rows in garter st over the first 5 sts on needle in the other side of piece (this is done so that the V-neck looks nice). Then dec for V-neck - see explanation above: Dec 1 st every other row (i.e. every row from RS) a total of 12-13-16 (16-16) times. AT THE SAME TIME when piece measures 16-17-19 (20-22) cm / 6¼''-6¾''-7½'' (8''-8¾''), work 4 rows in garter st over the middle 18-20-20 (20-20) sts in each side (i.e. over 9-10-10 (10-10) sts on each side of both markers) – work the other sts as before. On next row, bind off the middle 8-10-10 (10-10) sts in each side for armhole and finish front and back piece separately.

BACK PIECE:
= 46-52-56 (64-72) sts. Work double seed st with 5 sts in garter st in each side (= sleeve edges). AT THE SAME TIME dec for armholes - see explanation above: Dec 1 st every other row (i.e. on every row from RS) a total of 5-6-6 (6-6) times = 36-40-44 (52-60) sts. Continue in double seed st and in garter st until piece measures 24-26-29 (31-34) cm / 9½"-10 1/4"-11 3/8" (12 1/4"-13 3/8"). Now work in garter st over all sts until finished measurements. AT THE SAME TIME when piece measures 25-27-30 (32-35) cm / 9 3/4"-10 5/8"-11 3/4" (12½"-13 3/4"), bind off the middle 16-18-20 (20-24) sts for neck = 10-11-12 (16-18) sts remain on each shoulder. Now finish each shoulder separately. Continue with garter st until piece measures 26-28-31 (33-36) cm / 10 1/4"-11"-12 1/4" (13"-14 1/4"), bind off.

LEFT FRONT PIECE:
Continue with double seed st and in garter st while AT THE SAME TIME dec for armhole in the side as on back piece and continue dec for V-neck as before. After last dec, 10-11-12 (16-18) sts remain on needle. Work garter st over all sts until piece measures 26-28-31 (33-36) cm / 10 1/4"-11"-12 1/4" (13"-14 1/4") and bind off.

RIGHT FRONT PIECE:
Work as left front piece but reversed.

POCKET FLAP:
Slip the 16-16-20 (20-24) sts from stitch holder on one front piece back on needle size 2.5 mm / US 1or2. Work rib K2/P2 with 1 st in garter st and K 2 in each side (seen from RS).
When pocket flap measures 2½-2½-3 (3-3) cm / 7/8"-7/8"-1 1/8" (1 1/8"-1 1/8"), loosely bind off with K over K and P over P.
Sew pocket flap to front piece with duplicate sts in each side. Sew pocket opening to bottom of pocket flap (where sts were put on a stitch holder) on the back of piece. Work another pocket flap the same way on the other front piece.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the shoulder seams. Sew on buttons.

Diagram for BabyDROPS 21-8


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A Child's Angel

A Child's Angel 

Once upon a time, there was a child ready to be born. 

He asked God:

"They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God: "Among the many angels, I chose one especially for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

Child: "But tell me, here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, and that's enough for me to be happy. Will I be happy there?"

God: "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. You will feel your angel's love and be happy."

Child: "How am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language that men talk?"

God: "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear. With much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

Child: "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God: "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

Child: "I've heard that on earth there are bad men. Who will protect me?"

God: "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking her own life."

Child: "But I will always be sad because I will not see you any more."

God: "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard. 

The child, in a hurry, asked softly:

"Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God: Your angel's name is of no importance. 

You will call your angel ... 

Mommy

Thinking of you,,,

When you read these words,

chances are that I'll be sitting here

thinking of you... as I so often do.

I'll probably be smiling 

one of the smiles that I always do

when thoughts of you come my way.

When you read these few words,

I hope you'll think, just for a moment,

how much you mean to me

and how much you always will.

And when you continue on with the things

you need to be doing in your day,

smile a smile for me, and remember

that I'll be thinking of you still.

Step-by-step How to make Candied Orange Peel...

This is the perfect gift to make for someone when you’re a little short on cash. Since it’s made from sugar, and something you would normally throw away, it’s the ultimate way to recycle. Although they’re delicious plain, I dipped some of them in chocolate, and chopped others to sprinkle on top of chocolate lollipops. I was surprised how much I liked the way the candied peels tasted when paired with white chocolate.

The key to getting these to taste perfect is the number and amount of time you simmer and drain the peels, and the amount of pith you successfully slice off. It’s quite easy, and though I made mine with orange peels, you can also make them with grapefruit peels, lemons, or even Meyer lemons.

Ingredients for candied orange peel:

• 5 oranges
• 4 cups sugar
• 3 cups water

How to:
1. Use a pairing knife to cut the skin off of either end of an orange. Carefully score the skin from end to end, cutting through the peel but not into the flesh of the fruit. Repeat the same lengthwise cut six or seven times around the orange, to create sections of peel. Repeat with remaining oranges. Save fruit in airtight containers in the refrigerator for another use.

 

2. Fill a pot with cool water. Add peels. Bring to a boil, and simmer for ten minutes. Drain the peel, and repeat the same process 5 times. Rinse peels with cool water and drain. Take each section of peel, and cut lengthwise into three strips. Use a sharp pairing knife to carefully slice as much of the white pith away as possible, leaving the orange skin.



3. Fill a pot with 3 cups of sugar and 3 cups of water. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the slices of orange peel, and let simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour. Turn off heat, cover, and let cool. (If syrup becomes too thick, or crystalized, add a tablespoon or two of water, and bring just to a simmer, and shut off heat.) When the peels are cool to the touch, drain briefly on a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper. Working in small batches, roll the peel in the remaining sugar. Place back on rack to allow to cool and dry. Peel will stay fresh in an airtight container for at least a week.

 
To make chocolate dipped candied orange peel:
Melt semi-sweet (Guittard semi-sweet chocolate chips) or white chocolate (Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares, chopped) in double boiler, or in a microwave (30 second intervals on high, stirring well after each). Dip orange peel in chocolate halfway, and allow to set on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and refrigerate until set.

To make chocolate pops with candied orange peel:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate in separate bowls according to the instructions above. With a spoon, place about a 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate on the parchment paper. Place a lollipop stick in the chocolate. Pour on white chocolate to cover the semi-sweet chocolate. Top with chopped candied orange peel. Refrigerate or freeze until set.