American Flag Egg Carton

Want to add a little patriotic pizzazz  to your next BBQ. Here's a cute craft the kids will truly enjoy.

American Flag Egg Carton

Materials Needed:
18 count egg carton
Red, white, and blue paint
White paper
Scissors/ Paintbrush

Instructions:
Start by painting the 4 egg carton cups in the left corner blue. Then  paint red stripes in all the “crevasses.” After the red paint dries, grab some white paint and cover the tops.  Free-draw 4 stars and cut them out (just flip them over to cover the pencil marks). Glue them to the blue part of the flag and you’re done! Add some ribbon on top to hang it up if you want.

Firecracker Cake

Want to steal the show this Fourth of July, but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen? This is the recipe you’re looking for. Guests will marvel at how you layered the inside of this pretty cake with red, white and blue, but only you’ll know how easy it really is! Here’s how to make it.

Firecracker Cake

Ingredients:
1 Box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ white cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box
Red and Blue food color
1 Container (12 oz) Betty Crocker™ Whipped fluffy white frosting

Directions:
Heat oven to 325°F. Generously grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. Make cake batter as directed on box, using water, oil and egg whites. Pour 1 cup of the batter into small bowl; stir in red food color until well mixed. Pour another cup of the batter into separate bowl; stir in blue food color until well mixed.
Pour red cake batter into bottom of pan. Carefully pour remaining white batter over red batter in pan. Carefully pour blue batter over white batter. (Blue batter does not need to cover white batter completely; it looks better if it just forms a ring in the center of the white batter.)
Bake as directed on box or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake 5 minutes. Meanwhile, place cooling rack over cookie sheet. Turn pan upside down onto cooling rack. Cool cake completely, about 30 minutes.
When cake is cool, divide frosting evenly into 3 microwavable bowls. Microwave 1 bowl of frosting uncovered on High a few seconds until smooth enough to drizzle over cake. With spoon, drizzle all of white frosting back and forth around cake in a striping pattern. Repeat microwaving second bowl of frosting until smooth. Stir in a few drops blue food color until well blended. Drizzle over cake, scattering frosting back and forth. Repeat with remaining bowl of frosting and red food color, making sure red, white and blue frostings can be seen on cake.
Let cake stand at room temperature until frosting is set before serving.

The Whole Armour of God

Being a Christian is harder more today than ever. We are being in tested in new and confusing ways every day. The devil is really on his game. We need to be prepared more now than ever.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

- Ephesians 6:11-18

The Best of Me (Movie)

Based on one of many Nicholas Sparks novels, "The best of me" is the story of two high school lovers Amanda and Dawson. They both are separated by life but after 20 years destiny brings them back together and gives them a chance to revive their feelings for each other.

*Be sure to stock up on Kleenex 

Starring:
James Marsden
Michelle Monaghan
Luke Bracey
Liana Liberato

Detox Your Body

Detox Your Body 

Skinny Pizza

Something I crave just about every week is Pizza. And, when I say Pizza I mean more than just cheese. I like a variety of toppings on mine. Which unfortunately adds up to a lot of calories.

So, I was recently elated that Pizza Hut had introduced a line of specialty "Skinny Flavor" pizzas at only 250 calories per slice.

They offer an amazing amount of taste, sure to satisfy that craving but at a reduced caloric  Win, win.

*You can always switch out or add items to personalize the pizza just for you.*

Philly Steak Pepper Boats

Love Philly Cheese Steak but trying to watch your carbs. I've found an amazingly delicious way to do just that.

Philly Steak Pepper Boats

Ingredients:
4 Bell Peppers 
10 oz  Thin Sliced Roast Beef
8 Slices Provolone Cheese 
1 lg Sweet Onion, sliced 
4 Tbs Butter 
4 Tbs Olive Oil
1 Tbs Minced Garlic
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
Slice peppers in half long ways, clean out seeds and cut off end parts.
In a large pan over medium heat add butter, olive oil, garlic, onions and salt and pepper. Saute until caramelized, about 30 mins.
Preheat over to 400°
Slice roast beef into thin strips and add it to onion mix. Cook 10 mins.
Take half the provolone cheese and lay it to fit in the bottom of the pepper. Fill each pepper with meat and onion mixture. Bake 15 mins. Take out of oven. Place rest on provolone cheese on top. Put back in oven 5 mins, until golden brown.

Homemade Kids Paint

Homemade Kids Paint

Does your kid like to paint but you'd like to make sure what their using is safe. How about you just make your own?

Materials:
1 Cup Salt
1 Cup Flour
1 Cup Water
Food Coloring

Directions:
Mix the first three items together until the consistency of pancake batter. Then add food coloring until desired color is achieved.

Tomato Steak Supreme

It's not even officially Summer and it was well over 100° in some places this past weekend. And, when it that's hot all I'm looking for is a light and satisfying meal.

Here's a great and filling meal full of delicious vegetables, simple protein and a loving splash of acid.

Tomato Steak Supreme

Ingredients:
Beefsteak Tomatoes, sliced 
Mozarella Cheese, sliced
Asparagus 
Basil
Balsamic Vinaigrette

Directions:
Stack tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, asparagus and basil. Drizzle with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Serve and enjoy.

Black or White (Movie)

Black or White is the story of a grandfather (Kevin Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter. When her paternal grandmother (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother (Anthony Mackie), the little girl is torn between two families who love her deeply. With the best intentions at heart, both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding. Anchored by an all-star cast and based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.

Starring:
Kevin Costner
Octavia Spencer
Jillian Estell
Bill Burr
Jennifer Ehle
Andre Holland
Gillian Jacobs
Anthony Mackie

Music Lover Chair

Are you a lover of music or know someone that is?

This simple idea turns the ordinary into extraordinary. It could make a music lover a great gift. Or look awesome in your own home.

All you need is:
White Rocking Chair
Black Paint
Paint Brushes
Creativity

You can paint the slats in the seat to resemble piano keys🎹. Then add a few musical notes 🎶 here and there. Wahlah.

Funnel Cake

Ever crave a Funnel Cake in the middle of Winter? Ever wish the fair was in town so you could dive into that deep fried treat? Now you indulge into that amazingly delicious goodness anytime you want.

Funnel Cake

Ingredients:
3 Eggs
2 cups Milk
1/4 cup Sugar
3 1/2 cups Bisquick
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Baking Powder

Directions:
First you need preheat oil in a cast iron skillet on medium high heat (for an electric frying pan preheat to 375 degrees). Leave room between the oil and the top of the pan to allow room for batter to be added. Beat eggs, add milk and sugar. Beat well. In a separate bowl, sift flour, salt and baking powder. Add to egg and milk mixture. Beat until batter is smooth. Batter should be thin enough to flow through the opening of your bottle. If needed, add a little more milk.

Drizzle batter in hot oil making criss crosses and swirls. Let brown on bottom and then carefully flip it over with tongs to brown on the other side.

Place on a paper towel to drain for a minute or so and then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

How to Identify Poison Ivy

Summer is upon us, so before you take a walk in the woods you may want to refer to this handy guide.

Forgiving = Freedom

You may never forget but unless you forgive you will never be free.

Watermelon, Feta and Balsamic Pizza

These watermelon "pizzas" are such a fun way to put a different spin on a common summer salad, They are very simple to make and would go great as a side to anything you're grilling.

To make this in a perfect pizza shape, I bought a round watermelon, cut it in half, then laid the flat part on the cutting board and sliced a 1-inch slice from each half.

Ingredients:
1 Watermelon slice, cut 1" thick
    From center of the widest part
1 oz crumbled Feta cheese
5 to 6 Kalamata Olives, sliced
1 tsp mint leaves
1/2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Directions:
Slice the widest part of a round watermelon in half. Lay the flat side down on a cutting board and cut a 1-inch thick slice from each half. Cut each half into 4 wedges. Place them on a round dish in the shape of a pizza and top with cheese, olives, balsamic glaze and mint leaves.

Shelter in the Storm

⚡☁☔ Life can sometimes feel like a storm...tossing us around with winds of misfortune, grief or stress. Where can we turn? No matter the nature of the storm God is always there to protect us if we just put our trust in Him.☔☁⚡

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. - Psalms 91:2

Coincidence or Not

In This River - Black Label Society

My brother and I have always had what some would refer to as a tumultuous relationship. But we still love each other non the less. So, years after my Dad died he sent me a video that he said reminded him of Dad when he listened to it.
After I cried though it the first few times I really listened to it and it really did touch me.

"In This River"
- Black Label Society 

I've been around this world
Yet I see no end
All shall fade to black again and again
This storm that's broken me
My only friend

[Chorus:]
In this river all shall fade to black
In this river ain't no coming back
In this river all shall fade to black
Ain't no coming back

Withdrawn I step away
Just to find myself
The door is closed again
The only one left
This storm that's broken me
My only friend

[Chorus x2]
[Solo]
[Chorus x2]

Go watch the video HERE.

Our Daily Bread

Looking for a place to find a little daily inspiration from God. Our Daily Bread is an amazing way to get a little of that needed religious sustenance to get us through life's daily trials.

And for every person who opens its app, pages, or listens to it online one thing is always true: It points to the joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ and the timeless wisdom found in God’s holy Word.

You can find the app in the Play Store by searching Our Daily Bread or find them online here.

Lambert's

"Home of The Throwed Rolls"

Have you ever been to the "Home Of The Throwed Roll?"

If not you are really missing out.
Warning: this is not for those of you counting calories or watching carbs, this is for those of you who want to indulge and enjoy some down home cooking.

Not only do you get to immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of an awesome family restaurant, you can enjoy amazing customer service and delightful entertainment.

On top of the "delicious" Throwed Rolls - Lambert's also offers "Norm's Pass Arounds" with every meal: these include: Fried Potatoes & Onions, Macaroni & Tomatoes, Black-eyed Peas, Fried Okra and Hot Rolls with Sorghum or Apple Butter.

Lambert's is a southern tradition with the all the class of first class establishment. I can personally guarantee that you won't be disappointed!

And for more info:
http://www.throwedrolls.com/

15 Powerful Natural Painkillers Found In Your Kitchen

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

As a kid I hated Brussels Sprouts but as an adult I've found a great fondness for them. They may be a small in size but they definitely pack a punch of flavor. They are delicious no matter how they are made and delectable with even a minimal amount of seasoning. But like they say everything goes better with bacon and these little sprouts couldn't agree more.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients
3 bacon strips
1-1/4 pounds fresh or frozen Brussels                sprouts, thawed, quartered
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Crumble bacon and set aside.

2. In the same pan, saute Brussels sprouts and onion in reserved drippings until crisp-tender. Add the water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 4-5 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are tender. Stir in bacon and vinegar.

God is Certain

🌏A lot of things in the world seem to be a bit more perplexing lately. There seems to be more trouble and uncertainty but there is always one certain in my life and that is God.

God is the epitome of good; and to those who have faith in Him, He offers protection and help. No trouble is a match for our all-powerful God.🌏

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. -Nahum 1:7  

Remembering D Day

Remembering the 225,000+ causalities of soldiers, sailors and airmen of Operation Overload. They began crossing the English Channel on D Day, 71 years ago today.

Fried Pickles

When I first saw Fried Pickles on a menu I thought they sounded disgusting. But curiosity got the best me and I later finally decided to just try them.

WOW, was I glad that I did.

They are the most unusual things, but surprisingly very tasty. They are a bit addictive too. I'd find myself talking about going out just to get the pickles.
Finally I decided I better figure out a recipe so I could make them at home. They are not as good as what I got from the restaurant but they definitely satiate my craving.

Below is the recipe that I use:

Ingredients:
1 pint sliced dill pickles, undrained
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons ground red pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil

Directions:
Drain pickles, reserving 2/3-cup pickle juice.
Press pickles between paper towels.
Combine 2/3 cup pickle juice, egg, 1 tablespoon flour, and hot sauce.
Stir well and set aside.
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour with ground red pepper, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
Blend well.
Dip pickles in egg mixture, then dredge in flour mixture.
Fry coated pickles in 375-degree oil until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.

For dipping you can use anything that suits your fancy but a few of my favorite recommendations are Ranch, Honey Mustard or every Horsey Sauce.

Micheal Landon Biography

JI love to read and biographies are one of my favorite things to read. Maybe it is because like many others I have that curious nature that makes me want to know if the person that I saw for instance on TV was anything at all like that in their personal life.  Or maybe it is because I am just plain nosy. I guess will have to declare it is probably more the later of the two.

I recently read one of many biographies on Mr. Charles Ingles or Micheal Landon or should I say Eugene Maurice Orowitz.  This particular biography was not completely favorable of the man but it did share an abundance of his life's works and personal struggles. It covers a great amount of his 54 life span but was published 4 years prior to his untimely death in 1991.
All in all if you are interested in learning about Mr. (Orowitz) Landon than it is a pretty good read.

You can find it a the local library or you can purchase it here: Micheal Landon Biography 

A Baby's Foot

A Baby's Foot

I've seen a lot of birth announcements lately. So, I thought I'd share this great chart. It is divided into different areas on baby's foot that can be used sooth and comfort them.

Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies

Looking for a delicious guilt free and gluten free cookie? Love chocolate, peanut butter and bananas? I've found an amazingly delectable and extremely easy recipe.

Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies

Ingredients:
3 Ripe Bananas 
2 C Oats
1/4 C  Peanut Butter 
1/4 C Cocoa Powder 
1/3 C Unsweetened Apple Sauce 
1 Tsp. Vanilla 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° Mash bananas and then add the rest off the ingredients, stir and then let set for 20 minutes. Then drop by teaspoon full onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Remove, cool and enjoy.

Naming the Blog

Let me start off by giving you some insight into the naming of this blog.

I'm the type of person who tends to over think things and went through several different name before deciding on "The Endless Ladder".

Endless means seemingly without an end or limit. Ladder is a means of rising.

And, in life we have no idea when it will end and we are always striving to rise above whatever life throws at us and sometimes we need a ladder to achieve that goal.

And, there you have a look into how my thought process works.