Friday, December 2, 2011

Leila PINK - For Pink Saturday!

Leila is my PINK girl. She is usually dressed in pink or purple.

She and her sister love to play with my makeup. 
Her sister told her that she needs to add more blue
eye shadow to show off her big brown eyes.
It looks like I need to get her a lip pencil so that she
can stay within the lines. LOL.

Leila has a funny side, too! And look, even her choice 
of  popcycles makes her tongue turn pink.

The little card that she made me is PINK!
The stick figures are me (BB), her sister, and herself.
I'm glad we all have more hair than that...lol.
She loves to pose for her pictures. Her little leg
always seems to comes up. She's so adorable.

 Leila's outfit for Halloween was....you guessed it; PINK!

For sure, Leila is my PINK girl and the LIGHT of my life!


Matthew 19:14 NIV
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Mary Did You Know

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to the blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh, Mary did you know---

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great--I--AM---.

Lyrics and song by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green
If you want to hear the song, click the link Lyrics and song.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Happy Tea Time!

I found the cutest thing during my visit in New Orleans over Thanksgiving holiday.
My father-in-law loves to go to yard/garage sales and this is one of things I found.

A lovely little creamer! I love the color and the design.

The handle makes it very easy to pick up and pour...

The pitcher is called "Calico," made by the Crownford China Co., Inc.
in Staffordshire, England.
I just might have to start me a collection of these!! 

Another great and unusual find was the Crawfish Jelly. The Hot Jalapeno Jelly was very delicious. We put that on our toast one morning. The Crawfish Jelly was a little different and certainly NOT for breakfast! LOL! I could see using it on your cornbread with some red beans and rice.

Some wonderful teas I used while in New Orleans were the Pumpkin Spice (delightful for the holiday), the Mint Medley (quite an eye-opener in the mornings), and my favorite, Earl Grey, decaffeinated. And, of course, after opening each one, I breathed in the aromas from the packages.

Pumpkin has many healthful benefits. Pumpkin has the power to alter disease processes in the body. The bright color shows the wealth of beta-carotene which help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer. It promotes eye health and guards against macular degeneration. It has lots of vitamin A and C as well as alpha-hydroxy acids, which reduce the signs of aging in skin.
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and protein.

I am joining Sandi for Tea Time.

Here's to your health!

The Lord heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children,, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are a few helpful suggestions from Dr. Leigh Connealy for this Holiday Season!!

   1. Digestion begins in the mouth. Chew your food at least 20 to 30 times. Saliva contains digestie enzymes that start breaking down food so our bodies can access nutrients.
   2. Hold the beverages. Only sip room-temperature, clean, filtered water, but forget about guzzling ice cold drinks. Drinking while eating dilutes digestive acids.
   3. Eat less more often. Big meals that force too much food into the stomach challenge our digestive systems. It also overwhelms your body with sharp increases in blood sugar, requiring the pancreas to produce more insulin. So eat a little now and a little later.
   4. Don't sleep on it. Eating too much close to bedtime is a big no-no, especially those with digestive problems. Lying down makes it easy for stomach secretions to travel up into the esophagus, where they can damage tissue.
   5. Avoid food triggers. Most people know their "trigger" foods. Be careful of rich, fatty foods and chocolate (sorry ladies). Most spicy dishes, citrus fruits and juices, and caffeine. Dr. Connealy says, "If you got a painful shock every time you opened a particular door, would you keep opening it?" Something to think about.
   6. Power up digestion with probiotics. Digestive disorders respond fairly quickly to the appropriate supplements. Dr. Connealy recommends a probiotic supplement containing at least 10 billion live organisms. But talk to your doctor and see what they suggest.
   7. Meet MELATONIN: Digestive Superstar! I had no idea!! Melatonin is not only good for jet-lag and insomnia, it is also good for the digestion. Research shows that melatonin protects against indigestion, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, lesions in the esophagus and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Connealy suggests 1mg for women and 3mg for men. Best taken at night. You'll find you sleep better, too.
   8. Supportive supplements: digestive enzymes are excellent to ease gastrointestinal symptoms. These enzymes are helpful for treating lactose intolerance to pancreatic insufficiency. Find one that targets your specific digestive issue and follow the dosage instructions. Others to consider with this are aloe vera, licorice root, mastic gum, slippery elm, okra leaf, and fenugreek. All sold in health food stores.

Here's a healthy Tender Tummy Smoothie shared by Dr. Connealy:

Ingredients:
2-to-3 chamomile tea bags
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup low-fat milk (may substitute almond or rice milk)
1 ripe organic banana
1 cup cubed papaya
1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Directions:
Pour boiling water over chamomile tea bags and allow to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags and let tea cool a bit. Blend milk or milk substitute, banana, papaya, ginger, and tea until thoroughly mixed. ENJOY!

There you have it!! Here's to your health!!

The Lord heals your diseases,, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

TEA TIME! Tuesday is the Best!

Here is a lovely music box that I would love to share with you today.

It is a Kerrie Reynolds original.

My wonderful husband gave me this a long time ago.
I love the beautiful flowers and birds that decorate it.

The little box plays "Love Me Tender," and my husband does
a wonderful impression of Elvis!

A long time ago, my youngest son found this cross in the
middle of a parking lot somewhere and brought it to me.
I placed it inside the music box.

This is my Betty Boop lip gloss.
I just didn't have the heart to destroy her!

I was looking for Christmas gifts the other day for my two granddaughters
and look what I found; TEACUP PIGGIES!
They were sooooo cute I couldn't pass them up.

Their little feet were also stamped Teacup Piggies.

We will surely have to have a tea party!!

Now I would like to introduce you to another favorite tea of mine;
Cinnamon Spice.  Cinnamon supports healthy blood sugar levels,
which may be helpful for type 2 diabetes sufferers.
The connection between cinnamon and heart health is that diabetes 
and cholesterol are risk factors of heart disease.
Cinnamon is good for the heart.

In December 2003, a study was published in Diabetes Care who states:
"In conclusion, cinnamon reduced serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels n people with type 2 diabetes. Because cinnamon would not contribute to caloric intake, those who have type 2 diabetes or those who have elevated glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, or total cholesterol levels may benefit from the regular inclusion of cinnamon in their daily diet. In addition, cinnamon may be beneficial for the remainder of the population to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels."
Please know that in this study the amounts of cinnamon were much 
larger than what is typically used in cooking and seasoning.

People taking diabetes medicines or any medications that affect glucose or insulin levels shouldn't take therapeutic doses of cinnamon unless they are under the direction of a doctor.

I love the flavor of this tea and the aroma is delightful.
This particular blend has cinnamon, rose hips, hibiscus
flowers, apples, orange peel, lemon grass, spice, peppermint leaves,
chamomile, carob, licorice root, barley malt, and natural flavors.
WOW! This tea it packed with good benefits!!

My other most favorite thing to do is after opening
and removing the teabag, place your nose
over the open bag and inhale real deep...
Ahhh, the smell is fabulous. If you like it, take another deep breath!
It will sooth your soul...

I am very thankful for freedom, for my country,
for my children, grandchildren
and great grandchild. I am thankful for all
my friends; those that I do know and
also those that I have become to know
through blogging. All of you are
a true blessing to me.

Here's to your health!

Artful Affirmations is hosting this weeks Tea Time Tuesday.

The Lord heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14

Monday, November 21, 2011

Rock Star Mosaics

I would like to introduce you to my wonderful Rock Star husband, Michael.
He has a very funny disposition and I have learned a lot from him through the years, 
like having patience, understanding, and love.
(The t-shirt he is wearing was designed by our granddaughter Victoria.)
It doesn't matter the situation, my wonderful husband will always find humor in it.
He makes me laugh more than anyone I know. 
I fell in love with him because he makes me laugh.

Michael has played guitar since he was a child. He loves 
the old classic rock and roll, but plays a variety of music. 
He is also a song writer and loves to perform.
He was also listed in the very FIRST issue of Guitar Magazine.

It's not always easy living with a Rock Star. I'm day, he's night.
But when the love is there, it forges through...
I believe it is true that is said,
LOVE conquers all things.

I am linking with  Little Red House and Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday.

Photos by Brenda Stevens
Flyer created by Brenda Stevens

Friday, November 18, 2011

My First PINK Saturday

Some are just beginning while others are coming to an end.

Take a look inside. Some don't like what they see; others have good seeds to share.

Reflect the purpose of what life has to offer.

Grow to strengths immeasurable.

Quench your thirst with the Living Water.

Let your Little Light shine!!

Surround yourself with beauty. Be joyful in the day.

Open up to the sunshine and breathe in the wind.

I give thanks for the little things that are enormous in His sight.

I am linking with Leisure Lane during this Pink Saturday.

All photos by Brenda Stevens.