Commit to God; Book Review 1

This is my first review post of one of the many books to be finished this summer on my list (as posted in my previous blog). So far I have finished 3 wonderful books since school has ended (all were about half way read though, I don’t read quite that fast!) Nonetheless it feels nice to have a lighter load.
The first book I will write to you about it Elizabeth George’s “Beautiful in God’s Eyes; The Treasures of the Proverb’s 31 Woman”. If there are any guys reading this, don’t tune out because the title says “woman”. I have something to say to you too!!

As I have read the book, “Beautiful in God’s Eyes; the Proverbs 31 Woman”, by Elizabeth George, I have learned so many gems of truth. I encourage every young lady (and woman) to read this book to prepare themselves as Godly women, whether they live single or marry. And what’s more, I see so much information that a man should know too, about what to look for in a Godly wife. I believe young men should read Proverbs 31 and study it, learning what it means to seek out a woman of true beauty.
Not this fake stuff the media calls beauty, but the character, morals, and strength that God calls beauty.
I want to note that many young men see young women searching for the perfect guy. This results in their thinking that they might not be “good enough”. But I would like to tell young men that a perfect man doesn’t exist. And even if you truly don’t deserve a girl right now, I would encourage you to let that be an initiative for you to become a Proverbs 31 man- a man in right standing with God.
You see, every woman wants the best for herself, and every man wants to be the best and have the best for himself. But in this sinful world there are many that feel inadequate or undeserving. If you will but surrender your heart to God and commit your ways to become Godly ways, you become the man or woman the other deserves. Do not settle for because you feel lesser. Only God can change a heart, but once He does, it changes character in return. If you are willing to Him and submit your ways for His ways, you can be ready for the spouse God has picked for you. No one is deserving, but everyone has received grace. Whether or not we accept that grace and let it change us is our decision.
God loves you, beautiful women and strong men. God wants what is best for you. Obviously it is a matter between you and Him whether or not you get married. He has someone picked out especially for you, but until you turn all your focus to Him, and live your life Him, you cannot receive that blessing. You can rush into a relationship, but if God is not first in your life now, He certainly won’t be once you are with someone else. Distraction is all too easy in earthly relationships. But once we commit our affection to Him, and pray for the mate God has for you, He will bring you together in His beautiful timing.
And for those who feel called to be single, or don’t but God calls you to be single, all of Proverbs 31 and this book still apply. Put God first in all of your relationships, love Him and be His “bride”, and you will succeed. It is easy to become distracted too and feel as if you’re missing out on a special relationship. But what can be more special than an intimate relationship with the One who created you?
In today’s society women and men are led to believe that if you are not in a love relationship that something is wrong with you. Even more, you may be taught that your life goal is to find that “perfect someone” and have a nice little family. The reality is though (and I think the wonderful thing!) is that God has created diversity. Single, married, with children, etc. no one person is called to the same life as the next. The key to a fulfilled life is being attuned to God at all times and following His will for your life. Notice I didn’t say know His will for your life, because we will not always know. Sometimes we will have to follow blindly until He reveals His purpose. But that is more than okay, because only the One who created you knows what is best for you and for your life.

One thing leads to another and Cap'n Crunch

I've been glued to this months edition of WIRED magazine all day- geeky I know. But I made the commitment to read the mag cover to cover this time, instead of skimming over and reading only the articles with the cool pictures. Good idea! Especially considering I ran across the inspiration for this post.

I know school is over for the semester, so I can now analyze all of my problems clearly without that looming fog over my head. Yes, this article "Chaos Theory", encompasses all of my supposed ADD, rabbit trail, never-ending, thought-provoking, mind-bending, headaching study habits; and I thought it was just me!

Turns out, research has been conducted since 2007, by UCLA professor Gary Small, on the topic of how the internet "rewires" our brains. In a nutshell, let me explain:

Do you ever get that feeling that you're no longer productive when studying online? You know how you are reading an online article, and you see every other line has a hyperlink, and you can either not click the link and keep reading (already distracted though), or click the link, read another article, click on another link, and so on.... sigh. This is me.

Back in the 80's when online study techniques were in the future- things looked bright. But almost as soon as they entered this digital learning age, they realized that students would be getting Cognitive Overload.
This results when your brain becomes more stimulated by the constant web-surfing, but not necessarily better stimulated. You are overloaded with information. The analogy given is this: transmitting information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory is like trying to fill a bathtub with a thimble. When you're reading a book, the flow of information is like a steady drip, but all flowing earnestly into the memory. But, when reading online articles, you face many faucets, going different directions, full blast!
The internet interrupts your train of thought and distracts you to click around. One section of the article even says that 90% of those who work a desk job click their email inbox 30-40 times an hour! Addicted?

Well, we've all heard the pros and cons of the internet, and the media overload of today's generation, but this article brought to light all of the frustration that you might not think about while studying.

Crunch-itize me Cap'n!
I read another article about the brains behind Pixar and Toy Story 3. Did you know that when they are in the 1,084 daylong creation process, they sit in their "thinking room" and drink coffee while eating Cap'n Crunch? And when they arein crunch time they stay up all night in their personalized offices, designed however they like. Tiki Paradise? You got it. 1970's Groovy Lounge? yeah man. All I have to say is work may be long, hard, and intense, but if you get to eat Cap'n crunch in a mod room of your taste to work in PIXAR, consider me jealous.

Lighter Fare

As much as I love the sunny weather and outdoor activities, a light rain like today's is refreshing. It reminds me of all the things I have neglected inside, while frolicking outside, like sewing, cleaning, and cooking dinner.


So tonight's dinner comes courtesy of the rain :)

White Wine Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Snap Peas, and Warm White Bean Salad 

Most likely the light afternoon rain will turn into a thunderstorm :) I do like thunder and lightning- I think I will open all the shades and watch the storm while I cook....

White Wine Chicken

 4 (1/4 lb) thin sliced chicken breast cutlets

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper

2 tsp olive oil

1 medium diced onion

1/4 c white wine vinegar

2 tbsp coriander spice

1.  Sprinkle chicken with salt & pepper

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken and cook through, about 3 minutes per side. 

Sprinkle on both sides with coriander.

3. Add onions and white wine vinegar to skillet and simmer until browned. (about 3 minutes)

Roasted Potatoes

 1 lb. small red potatoes

olive oil

1 medium onion

sea salt

ground pepper

thyme

crushed basil

parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Slice potatoes into quarters, they will look like wedges. 

2. Toss in olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and spices.

3. Bake in oven at 400 for 25 minutes. (If they are still hard in the middle, put under broil for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely. 

4. Place in a dish and sprinkle with Parmesan (optional)

Snap Peas

 No real directions for this one! Just snap some fresh snap peas by hand and boil on medium heat about 30 minutes. Season to taste.

Warm White Bean Salad  

 4 tsp olive oil

1 jar roasted red peppers

1 onion, mincedr

2 tbsp fresh (or 1 tsp dried) sage

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 can (16oz) cannellini beans (white), rinsed and drained

1. Heat oil in medium skillet. Add the onion, red peppers, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens; about 5 minutes.

2. Take off heat and stir in beans.

3. Serve in a pretty dish and garnish with fresh sage if you wish :)

 

NOW is the time

Well, I could sit here and tell you how many times I have thought the title of this blog, "Now is the time". "Now is the time to (fill in the blank). I have a huge list of things that I want to do in my lifetime; some are not feasible at this time, but there are SO many that are!

So, hopefully for real this time I can say Now is the time. Because starting now, this summer, I will be starting to narrow down that list of things to learn. I just love learning new things, as is evident by the different things I have tried throughout my life, but there are too many more I have interest in. for example:

This summer I will:

1. Put a dent in that reading list. I commit right now to at least finish the books I have already started. Hey, I finished one yesterday!

2. Practice my flute, until I can play like I used to. And maybe even get better than ever! I played for 6 years, but there's many things I have yet to learn about this instrument.

3. Learn to play acoustic guitar. Since we're on the topic of music, my uncle gave me an old guitar last year and I really want t learn it! It seems to be the most popular instrument, which is why I originally didn't like it, but now I say, why not!

4. Get Active and Get Outside! I spend so much time indoors with school, and when I'm not doing that I'm being a computer geek! I absolutely love the outdoors, and while Ive always been fond of running through the grass, I don't get much more athletic than that. So, I shall learn some sports!

5. Get some good Tee Time- As referenced afore, I am not athletic. But two years ago I decided golf was my game, and it originated in Scotland- even better, right?! Well, I never got past the driving range, so my goal is to actually play a game of golf this summer

Well these are just my top five, but there are certainly more on this girl's list. And last but not least, I have been saving some of my favorite skirts over the years to someday make aprons out of them. I keep meaning to do so, but havent yet. Now is the time for that! Especially since I ran across this blog.

Now i have a challenge- make a pinafore apron like that of Alice in Wonderland

I'll post pictures when I'm finished!

What are 5 things you want to do this summer? Now is the time!

Under the Charleston Sun- the Tuscan Way

Today has been a gorgeous day; the weather was perfect and I celebrated my most wonderful mother. I am truly blessed to have her as my mentor and friend. I love her dearly!

After lunch we spent some time together in the back yard, reading and sipping tea in the backyard. It was hot but there was a slight breeze that shook off the heat right when you needed it.
As I lay on the grass, I picked up my book, "Under the Tuscan Sun". Not to be confused with the Diane Keaton movie this book, written by Frances Mays, is a personal account of one woman's journey (with her husband) to find a home in Tuscany. I read it partly in adventure and partly in jealousy of being able to pick up and move to Tuscany, in a 500 yr. old house on the hillside. Her descriptive language and mental illustrations make the scene come alive as you endure the process of renovating an old castle-like fortress and seeing the sights of Italy. Italian words are thrown in on every page to give you a taste of the language, and just all in all interesting. I suggest you read it.

By the time I decided it was too hot and it was about time to prepare dinner, I was entirely inspired to create a "Tuscan" style dinner. So for my mom (and dad) for mother's day, I set out to use our fresh veggies and meat to create a meal. I ended up with small stuffed bell peppers over risotto, salad, and baked squash.

Tuscan Inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. slice bell peppers in half, and ream out the seeds and pith.

 2. Boil 2 cups of water on the stove, and add 1 cup of risotto into the pot. Cook on medium heat about 7-9 minutes, or until cooked and fluffy.

3. Meanwhile, brown 1 lb of ground beef

and dice 2 fresh tomatoes

4. Drain meat, and place by spoonfuls into the hollow half peppers. Follow with a spoonful of diced tomatoes.
Add a few tablespoons of Ricotta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh basil, and end with diced prosciutto and Parmesan cheese. (this picture has the five stages of filling)

After sprinkling on the cheese, place in the oven to bake. I used the broiler, but this kept the bell peppers       al dente. To make them soft (suggested), cook on 350 for about 30 minutes (just watch it!)
Serve over risotto, or put risotto in the actual peppers.

I also prepared a fresh greens salad with Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, sliced apples, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette

Parmesan crusted squash. For the squash I sliced the squash horizontally in thin slices, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil. Bake under broiler until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes)

So much fun to be inspired from a book! Makes the reading that much more worthy of my time, even if it is pleasure reading :) My mantra for this meal comes from page 74 of the book:
"Pear cobbler, pear chutney, pear ice, green igs, fig fritters, and nocciolo tart. May summer last a hundred years"


Thanks to you Mommy for teaching me to cook and blessing me more than I deserve! I love you!

Elvis would've been so proud...

Yes, it's strange. I had this wonderful dish at a cute little burger place, Sesame. You can build your own burger, or choose from some special little combos they put together, one being The Memphis. Like it was built just for Elvis, this burger is topped with homemade peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. You can choose your meat too-chicken, beef, turkey or beans. I like bean burgers.

All this to say, I have a new favorite burger, what I like to call my  
Peanut Butter Banana Bacon Bean Burger.

A mouthful? Yes, in words and food. But it is SO delicious! You must try it. I even made it homemade for myself, today for the first time. If you are daring enough to try it, and love it, here is my recipe:

The Memphis

1 can of Black Beans

1 cup of bread crumbs

1 Banana

4 slices of Bacon

Peanut Butter (All Natural tastes best)

Choice of Bread (I used Pita)

1. Open the can of black beans and drain. 

2. Mash the black beans

3. Add about 1 cup of bread crumbs (this helps you mold the beans into a patty)

4. Mold into a patty and place in a frying pan, cooking on medium-high for about 2 minutes per side

5. Meanwhile, Spread bun with peanut butter and sliced bananas

Place Bacon on top of bean burger, and place on bun.

Remember, you can do this with regular beef, I just like the soft texture of the beans.

I ate this while watching Leap Year for the 3rd time; if you haven't seen it yet, you must! It is hilarious and romantic :)

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Pretty Little Things

Okay, another homemade recipe! Similiar to the last, I mixed the cake with the icing to form firm squares. I would have preferred to prepare the cakes like traditional petit fours, but the cake started to crumble on me, so I used the same method as I did for the German Chocolate cake squares. I just feel like mixing cake and icing is an informal or unprofessional way to do it, but no matter. I  made these little Spring-y cakes for my class party yesterday!

Sarah's Strawberry Petit Fours 

1. Prepare a strawberry box cake mix as according to box.

2. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing (as listed below)

3. After cake cools, crumble into a large bowl and stir in the icing.

4. Mold the mix into small 1-inch squares.  Refrigerate (about 2 hrs.)

5. After the cakes cool, take out and drizzle with white chocolate. (melt according to pkg, about 45 seconds.)
Drizzle with a fork or spoon in a zigzag motion, creating a pattern.

6. Next, take the pink frosting (as below) and spoon into an icing bag. Using a flat tip, use small, sharp, sweeping motions to create a small flower on top of the hardened white chocolate. 

7. Refrigerate one more hour. 

Cream Cheese Frosting

 8oz. cream cheese
3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 butter (1 stick)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

1. In a mixer, beat butter and cream cheese (room temp). Add 1 tsp. of vanilla. 

2. Sift powdered sugar into a small bowl, and add to mixer slowly.

3. Set aside about 1 cup for pink flowers.

Pink Frosting

1. Take the one cup of frosting you set aside, and add 3 drops of red food coloring. (more or less depending on the desired depth of color)

 Place on a pretty platter and serve!

 

Simple & Delicious

As much as I love to cook, I am tired of it for today! I made desserts last night for my graphic design class today. After sleeping only from 5am to 8:30 am, I woke up and headed to the store to finish the rest of the desserts this morning (see below, I made 6 dozen of those!)

The batch I made last night turned out great, but unfortunately, I had quite a time working on this morning's batch. My chocolate just wouldn't melt! It hardened up into a clump. So lesson learned, when melting dark chocolate morsels, purchase Hershey's and not Ghiradelli (Hershey's is cheaper too!)

Sometimes I see recipes that I mostly like, but have something I would like to change about it. Call me a rebel, but I like to take simple recipes and change them around to make my own! So I did with the common recipe for cake balls. I decided that squares are a little more sophisticated and as I am not a huge fan of Red Velvet (which is the main cake ball flavor) I decided to revamp the recipe. The great thing is that you can use any flavor cake you like and experiment with mix-ins! And with squares you can decorate the tops like
petit fours. I decided to make mine German Chocolate with the coconut/nutty icing.

German Chocolate Cake Squares

Ingredients:
1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix ( I used Duncan Hines)
(eggs and oil, as according to the box)
1 can of the coconut walnut icing (I dont remember the name, but it's Betty Crocker)
1 bag of Hershey's dark chocolate morsels
shredded coconut (optional)

As you can see, there are few ingredients for this recipe!

1. Mix cake and bake as according to the box.
2. Let the cake cool, and crumble into a large bowl with your hands (Yes I washed mine well!)

3. Using a spoon, scoop the icing into the bowl with the crumbled cake

Using your hands mix the cake and icing thoroughly until mushy.

4. Mold into squares, about an 1 inch X 1 inch, and place on a lined cookie sheet

5. Refrigerate for about an hour or two.

6. While the squares are chilling, heat the morsels on medium heat in a double boiler. (if you don't have a double boiler, you can place them in a bowl over a pot of boiling water.

7. Once the morsels have melted, you must act quickly. Using a fork, dip each square into the chocolate, coating thoroughly and letting the excess drizzle off. Place onto another line cookie sheet.

8. Let cool (in the fridge if its a hot day, or they will melt!)
9.  I made some with cocount on top and some without, decorate how you wish and enjoy!

Blog Party Giveaway

Okay, I do not know much about these giveaways, but I do know that they are popping up everywhere, and many people I follow are doing this! If you post 4 random things about yourself you can be entered into a giveaway as linked


So, if you wish to know 4 random things about me, here goes!

1. I think many people know I like peanut butter, but do you really know how much I love it? Alot!
Im talking peanut butter with bananas, apples, rice cakes, jam, shakes, and best of all, straight from the jar!
I literally eat at least 1/4 a cup 3 times a week, I am so scared I will develop a peanut allergy :/

2. I love adventure. I may be quiet and shy but I am not timid. I love trying new things. Prime example: I went shooting today, with a .22 rifle and .32 glock pistol. What fun!

3. I LOVE all things Southern. Think it weird but I just long for spring and summertime when I can walk barefoot and feel the grass and hot pavement on my feet. I try grits at every southern restaurant I go to and I love dressing up in sundresses and pearls! Baking is a great hobby of mine and my favorite past time is spending hours at historical sites absorbing every fact I can about days of old.


4. Although I can't claim any rights of notoriety, I like everyone to know I am distantly related to William Wallace. I can't tell you much about him (just watch Braveheart) but I do know he was a patriotic protector of Scotland. And well, I have always loved everything Scottish and hope to travel there someday! Kilts, bagpipes, and shortbread- I love it all :)