Friday, May 8, 2009



HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

I have a special dessert for you, if you will go to the next post.

Monday, May 4, 2009

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU ALL!


For my fellow mothers, you know that being a Mother is the most wonderful gift that GOD has given us. Treasure your child and cherish them, but above all LOVE THEM WITH ALL YOUR HEART!

For anyone viewing that does not have children yet, be patient. God will bless your life as he has mine, whether with your own child or with the privilege of raising a child for another.






Look at this deliciously, simple creation. Just in time for Mother's Day!


Tortilla Fruit Pizza


Ingredients:

* 4 to 6 Azteca® Flour Tortillas (7 to 10 inches)

* 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar, divided

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1 container (12 ounces) whipped cream cheese, softened

* 1/4 cup sour cream

* Assorted fresh fruit (sliced strawberries, peaches, kiwi, pineapple, berries, etc.)

Directions:

Remove tortillas from refrigerator. Pierce tortillas several times with fork. Spray each tortilla with cooking spray. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over tortillas. Place single layer of tortillas on baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown around the edges. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and remaining sugar. Spread half the cheese mixture on top of two cooled tortillas; place another tortilla on top of cheese mixture so there are two tortillas per pizza. Spread remaining cheese mixture on top of the stacked tortillas. Top with fruit.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each pizza into wedges. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Friday, May 1, 2009

I am reposting this recipe, now that nice weather is here. It is one of my favorite recipes and, SHHHH, it's pretty good for you!

This recipe is perfect for spring and summer days. Serve it up cold, just make sure you mix it real well before dishing it up because the dressing will settle. It makes a large bowl full and is perfect at picnics or gatherings.

GREEK SALAD

Ingredients:

12 oz. angel hair pasta
1 can sliced black olives
1 can diced tomatoes (recipe called for pimento but I prefer tomatoes; drained)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
4 1/2 Tbs. Cavenders greek seasoning
3/4 cup olive oil
4 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice
1 bunch green onions sliced w/tops (optional)

Instructions:

Cook pasta, drain and rinse.

Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, greek seasoning and lemon juice. Pour over pasta.

Add onions, black olives and tomatoes.

Mix well.

Chill.

Mix really well before serving to redistribute the salad dressing.

Recipe Notes:
You can add Feta cheese, if desired.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009




Ham Broccoli Braid

INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups cooked ham, chopped
* 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 1 tablespoon dried parsley
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
* 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ham, broccoli, onion, parsley, mustard and cheese. Stir well.
3. Unroll crescent roll dough, and arrange flat on a medium baking sheet. Pinch together perforations to form a single sheet of dough. Using a knife or scissors, cut 1 inch wide strips in towards the center, starting on the long sides. There should be a solid strip about 3 inches wide down the center, with the cut strips forming a fringe down each side. Spread the filling along the center strip. Fold the side strips over filling, alternating strips from each side. Pinch or twist to seal.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until deep golden brown.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Happy VGNO!

Lest we forget: The Greatest ever Disco movie/album!!! Tried to grab you a video but I seem to be malfunctioning today! HeeHee!


Happy VGNO Everybody!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I HAVE A DREAM...

You know, I always wanted to have my own business. If nothing else, I wanted to make extra money to keep from always living check to check.
I looked over several businesses.
The real challenge was finding a legitimate company that I could actually sell for and make a little money.
You don't realize how many SCAMS are out there until you get to looking for one that isn't.
If you want to give your money away on some get-rich-quick scheme or some company that takes your money and runs, you can find plenty of them online.
As you read the following story, you will see what led me to starting my candle biz and why it has become so important to me, my sanity and my life.

Living my dream.......

I spent several years working as a police officer. I was a Criminal Investigator. I loved my job and I was really good at it.
Helping people has always been a passion for me. As a police officer, I was able to fulfill that dream.
I was probably one of the few officers that could arrest people without becoming their target or automatic enemy. Criminals respected me because I treated them fairly and honestly. No matter how many times I may have arrested them, that next time, to them, they had a clean slate.
To make myself an even better police officer, I continuously sought more training and education. I carry many certificates and police academy degree levels. I also decided to cross train. I received my certification as an EMT, Emergency Medical Technician, and as a Volunteer Firefighter.
To me, NO ONE was going to suffer or die because of my lack of knowledge and training.
I ended up leaving law enforcement to relocate and could not find an open position. I took a job with a pharmaceutical warehouse until I could find another law enforcement job.

Little did I know.....

Taking the pharmaceutical job, I thought, was a good idea. I actually liked the job and the people I worked with. The pay, benefits and bonuses were really nice.
Then, February, 2008, I go in as I always did and began my shift.
Something snapped, literally. At the time, I thought I was having a "Charlie Horse" or cramp of some kind. I was wrong.
That night was the beginning of a long road full of doctors, test, surgery, medications, and, the best part, the whole time DEALING WITH WORKERS' COMP.
It took doctors 6 months to diagnose my injury. Lucky me, it was a very rare injury. A labral tear in the right hip joint. WHAT? The tear was to the labrum which, in English, is the "stuff that connects the hip joint to the femur". Even rarer were the amount of doctors that could diagnose, treat and perform the surgery for the injury. That stands at, maybe, a couple dozen doctors in the United States.
I was so relieved that, after 6 months, someone finally knew what was wrong with me.
After undergoing surgery to fix the tear, I was sent to physical therapy.

Now what......

I started physical therapy, EXCITED. Finally, after months of pain and little to no mobility, I was in the final stretch.
As physical therapy started, within a matter of a few days, I started experiencing increased pain.
Doctor puts lots of restrictions in place, in addition to, the one's from my surgery.
Still the pain intensified. It began traveling from the hip, down the leg, into my foot. It then took on a life of its own as it moved into my back and "tail bone".

OH, NO!.....

My doctor stopped physical therapy to try to pinpoint the cause of my pain.
That was October, 2008.
Here I am, many doctors and tests later, and no idea what is wrong with me. They continue feeding me pain medications that don't work. I hurt BAD and all the time. It never stops and nothing relieves it. My mobility has gotten to the point where it is barely existent. Depression is beyond belief.
The Workers Comp insurace carrier, of course, has been a thorn in my side from day one. Always dragging their feet. Taking weeks, a month or more...just to approve tests and procedures.
I ended up hiring an attorney in March, 2009 because of their "antics".
Workers Comp insurance carrier has decided to force me to file suit.
As I type this, they have stopped sending my checks, stopped medical treatment and, basically, have said "SUE ME".
I am awaiting a decision from the workers comp commission to see if I will be allowed a one-time change of physicians, which will enable me to still get medical attention and medication, without going through the workers comp insurance carrier. No money, though.
I never would have dreamed that I would be faced with the possibility of being DISABLED. Even more so, to be allowed to suffer at the hands of an insurance company that just doesn't want to pay anymore.
But, even beyond that, I am faced with the reality that I will lose all I have because of this.
My life, as I knew it, is gone. Nothing will ever be the same.

This is REALITY.

This was not MY DREAM.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Hello, all!

I always appreciate your patience with me. Today, I am once again "over stepping" into my business. I am excited and want to share it with you!

As we speak, I am being featured and interviewed on the House of Raquel blog: houseofraquel.blogspot.com

Raquel has a wonderful blog full of beautiful JEWELRY that she designs and makes. That is what drew me to her blog. Raquel and I have be speaking for a few weeks and I had entered a contest on her blog to win one of her bracelets. I WON!!! Through that, we have developed a friendship and mutual respect for one another. She recently asked if I would allow her to interview me for her blog. I did not hesitate in saying "YES".

Now, I ask that my followers not only visit and see my interview, but that you "browse around" and look at my friends' wonderful creations.

Also, make sure you leave a comment about the interview, Good or Bad. One comment will be chosen at random and that person will win a Cinnamon Bun Candle courtesy of my biz, SERENE MOMENTS

Again, House of Raquel : houseofraquel.blogspot.com

Thursday, April 9, 2009

My booth at the Taste of Home Cooking School.


I want to take the time to thank everyone for "CHEERING ME ON" while I embarked on my first booth with my candle business during the Taste of Home Cooking School.

I am happy report that the show went well and I have finally got a "kick start" for my business.

I was pleased to find that my candles were loved by all. I love that confirmation and the look on people's faces that first time they smell these wonderful candles. In our business, we playfully call it the "Smell and Sell".

Please, take the time to visit my business site and sign up for the free weekly drawing. Each Monday we choose a winner of a 16 oz. jar candle and a Bella Bar (soap).

www.serenemoments.scent-team.com

I would also love to send you a scent sample so you can see what I'm talking about.
Mmmmm.....try this special treat for your Easter celebration!



Easter Meringue Cups

These crunchy meringue shells with a lemon curd filling will make guests stop to ooh and ahh at your dessert table. Topped with fresh fruit, they’re especially pretty when served with a spring meal.

TIME: Prep: 25 min. + standing Bake: 45 min. + cooling
Ingredients:

* 3 egg whites
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
* 3/4 cup Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
* 1/2 cup lemon curd
* 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
* 2 medium kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
* 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
* 1/3 cup mandarin oranges
* 1/3 cup cubed fresh pineapple

Directions:
Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat the egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form.
Drop meringue into eight mounds on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Shape into 3-in. cups with the back of a spoon.
Bake at 275° for 45-50 minutes or until set and dry. Turn off oven and do not open door; leave meringues in oven for 1 hour. Spread cups with lemon curd and fill with fruit.
Yield: 8 servings.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Spring is here and Summer isn't far off! You have to add this to your list of recipes!

TWINKIE PIE

1 box of Twinkies (can use Light)
2 boxes of Vanilla Pudding
1 small container of Sour Cream (can use light)
1 container of Cool Whip (can use light or fat free)
Milk, as needed for pudding

Prepare pudding as instructed on box and let set.
Add in containers of Cool Whip and Sour Cream.
Mix together.
Line 9 x 13 dish with Twinkies. (I sometimes cut them in half)
Pour mixture over Twinkies and spread out!
Chill.

Can be topped with strawberries, cherries, whatever you like.
Is also really good frozen!

You are done! You will absolutely fall in love with this dessert. With it's simplicity and wonderful taste, it is sure to become a family favorite!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

I just have to share this with everyone!

My candle business is about to get EVEN BETTER! That's right! You heard it here first!

The company I work with has just announced that they are adding a line of ALL NATURAL, MINERAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS! How exciting is that?!

The products are expected to kick-off in MAY and here is what we will offer:

MINERAL FOUNDATION - 8 SHADES to start with; made with natural bismuth ingots

BRONZER

FINISHING POWDER

PRESSED POWDER - perfect for those who do not want the MINERAL FOUNDATION

BLUSH - 5 SHADES to start with

EYESHADOW - 16 SHADES to start with

SLIMLINE LIPSTICK - 10 SHADES to start with; made with Vegetable Oils/Natural Wax...

LIPGLOSS - 10 SHADES to start with; Sunflower Oils, Vitamin E...

MASCARA - BLACK and BROWN; purified water, moisturizing oils...

BRUSHES - a line of makeup brush applicators

So, there you have it!

I will keep you posted with more and will post photos/video when I get it!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Thought this was really cute, so I wanted to share it!



One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was

going on. So he called one of His angels and sent the angel to Earth for a time.

When he returned, he told God, 'Yes, it is bad on Earth;

95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not.

God thought for a moment and said, 'Maybe I had better

send down a second angel to get another opinion.'

So God called another angel and sent him to Earth for a time.

When the angel returned he went to God and said,

'Yes, it's true.The Earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving,

But 5% are being good.'

God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5%

that were good, because he wanted to encourage them,

and give them a little something to help them keep going.

Do you know what the e-mail said?


Okay, I was just wondering, because I didn't get one either.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Good news! Apparently, when you sign up for Redbox and enter your mobile phone and your e-mail, you get a FREE movie on Monday and Wednesday.

So, here is the code for this Monday's free rental:

HG7W56

It just keeps getting better!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

I am excited to say that I am embarking on my first show with my candle business!
I signed up for a booth with the Taste of Home Cooking School. They are doing a show on April 2nd at the Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. They are planning on an attendance of 2,000 people!
2,000 people. That's a lot of people and they all will get to look at my products!
I hope to be able to make some sales and get my name and company name noticed.
SERENE MOMENTS
I just got my business license this week, too.
I'm also wanting to add some members to my team and let them get a chance to make some money, as well as, pick up a few fundraisers.
I would love to talk to you, too.
If you need a business making money selling products that practically sell themselves, Scent-Sations, Inc. is the business for you!
If you need a Fundraiser for your club, group or organization, Scent-Sations, Inc. is for you.
Scent-Sations, Inc.is a highly profitable, fun, easy way to make some serious money. Anyone can do it!
If you just love candles, but don't want the hussle and bussle of a home business, that's great, too.
We have over 100 scents for you to choose from.
I will even send you a free sample! Just say the word!
Give us a look: www.serenemoments.scent-team.com

Free drawings EVERY MONDAY! No obligation. Just fill in the form and get a chance at a 16 oz. jar and a Bella Bar.
Or, e-mail me your information and I'll do the entry for you!