Yahtzee

I love this game! I have refound it after all these years and I am loving me some Yahtzee!

I don't know if it is the game as much as it is the memories that I get while playing it! My grandma Mildred Knight, my dad's mom, loved her some Yahtzee as well. And, from the time that I could sit at the table and roll the dice I was her little Yahtzee playing buddy!

Grandma also had a life long friend named Gladys Ripley whom us kids affectionately called Aunt Gladys (I am sure you all have a few family friends who are Aunt this or Uncle that) and  when her and her husband, Uncle Lloyd, were there for a visit...we had Yahtzee Tournaments while the men fished!

I am not talking a game or two...I am talking all day and night...just breaking for cooking, eating meals, dishes and the occasional snacks! Other than that it was play, baby, play! And, now that I think back on it Yahtzee was more than a game...it was actually a learning experience because Grandma told me when I was about 4 that I had to learn to count for myself if I wanted to continue to play! Which I learned and quite quickly. Thanks for the push Grandma. I think I'll go a play a game now. 

Comfort

📍Everybody faces situations in life where they need to turn to others for comfort. God is always there to comfort you but also allows
our struggles to not only give us an opportunity to experience His comfort, but they also open the door for us to share that comfort with others in their struggles.📍

📖Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted
of God.📖

~2 Corinthians 1:3-4~

2 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Quick, easy, healthy and only 2 ingredient "pancakes" sign me up.

2 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 Banana
2 Eggs

Instructions:
Just mix ingredients together, be sure the banana is completely mashed. Then spray a pan with some non stick cooking spray. Place on burner on medium heat.
Scoop in some batter. Give it about 30 secs. Flip. Cook 30 more seconds. Then serve.

Children's Task Clock

Any easy way to teach your children time and help them learn how to delegate their evening time.

Children's Task Clock

Materials:
Poster Board
Clock
Sharpies
Highlighters
Ruler

Directions:
Mark areas on the clock to correspond with chart below to show your children what time certain nightly task are expected to be accomplished.

Crock Pot Beer Chicken

A wonderfully, delicious easy crock pot chicken recipe with a taste you find yourself craving often.

Crock Pot Beer Chicken 

Ingredients:
2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
12 oz Beer
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper 
1 Tsp Garlic Powder 
1 Tsp Italian Seasoning

Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in the crock pot and cook for on high 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

This is a very basic recipe which allows you the option to add other components or flavor combinations to really make it yours.

Parmesan Baked Pork Chops

These delicious and juicy chops make a great meal any day of the week.

Parmesan Baked Pork Chops

4 Boneless Pork Chops
1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Cup Parmesan cheese
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder

On a plate combine the cheese and seasonings. Rub the chops with oil and coat each in the mixture. Press the pork chops to make sure they are well covered. Line a pan with tin foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the pork chops in the pan and bake @ 350° for 30-45 minutes.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

I love meatballs. I love meatballs. I love meatballs. And, these are out of this world. They are spectacular for a plate of spaghetti or delicious when used for a meatball sub.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 Lb Ground Beef
1 Lb Italian Sausage 
1 Cup Bread Crumbs 
1 Tbsp Italian Seasonings
3 Eggs
3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1/2 Lb Mozzarella, cubed
1 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Pepper 
Olive Oil
Marinara Sauce

Directions:
In a large bowl combine meat, garlic, eggs, bread crumbs and seasonings. Form into 2" balls.
Press a cheese cube into center of it and seal the meat around it.
Place olive oil in large skillet and turn on medium heat. Brown the meatballs. Remove.
Place in a large pot with Marinara Sauce and cook another 30 to 45 minutes.

*These freeze well. Just brown, cool and freeze. Finish cooking in sauce when needed.

Healing Herbs Found in your Kitchen

Struggling

⚠Struggling with something?
Need someone to talk to? Just remember no matter where you or what the situation is...the Father is ALWAYS ready to listen.⚠

📖"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
- Matthew 28:20📖

"Homemade" Chicken Noodle Soup

Need a quick yet delicious Chicken Noodle Soup. Well, here's are quick cheaters version. Delicious and simple.

"Homemade" Chicken Noodle Soup 

Ingredients:
1/2 Onion, chopped
1 Bag of Egg Noodles
2 Cans of Chunked Chicken 
1 Can of Sliced Carrots 
3 - 4 Chicken Bullion Cubes
Water
Parsley Flakes
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
In a large sauce pot saute onions in a little olive oil until they turn translucent.
Fill pot 2/3 full with hot water and add 3 to 4 bullion cubes.
Bring to a boil. Add egg noodles.
Boil till egg noodles are tender (12 - 15 minutes) stirring occasionally.
Add chicken and carrots, reduce heat to low. Simmer 10 minutes.
Add salt, pepper and parsley to taste.

Waterproof Child Information

Waterproof Child Information

When taking your children somewhere like the zoo, a theme Park or the beach. This quick and easy idea could be a life saver if they ever get lost.

Write your phone number on their wrist with a permanent marker and cover it with Liquid Bandaid. It is water and element proof so your child will know whom to call.

Purple Rain Drink

Stuffing Meatloaf

This is the easiest and most foolproof meatloaf you will ever make. It has an exceptional amount of flavor as well.

Stuffing Meatloaf

Ingredients:
1 Box of Stove Top Stuffing, dry
1 Cup Warm Water
1 1/2 lbs. Lean Ground Beef 
2 Eggs, slightly beaten 
1 Pkg Onion Soup Mix
BBQ Sauce

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Spray inside of loaf pan. Place warm water, soup mix and stuffing mix all into a large bowl. Mix well. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs and ground beef. Mix well. Place evenly into loaf pan.* Bake 1 hour or until no longer pink when checked. Cover with BBQ sauce (or ketchup) and bake another 5 to 7 minutes.

*You can also make this recipe in a   muffin pan to make individual servings.

Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Bites

Craving a candy bar but want something a little healthier. This delicious little bite of heaven is just what you need.

Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Bites

Ingredients:
Bananas, sliced
Peanut Butter 
Chocolate Chips, melted

Directions:
Take a banana slice, spread with peanut butter add top. Repeat until all are complete. Freeze for an hour. Dip into melted chocolate, refrigerated for another hour.

*You can freeze them solid after adding the chocolate. That way you can make a large batch and always have a few on hand. If you do completely freeze them, pull them out a couple hours ahead and let them thaw in the refrigerator.

Things Money Can't Buy

Our Lifeguard Walks on Water

⭐When you feel as though you are drowning in life. Don't worry. Our lifeguard walks on water.⭐

📖And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
                                         - Matthew 14:25📖

Luscious Garden Tip

Quick tip to make your garden a little more luscious and your plants thrive a little bit more.

Mix:
1 Tbsp Epson Salts
4 Cups of Water
Spray Bottle

Spray on plants every 10 days.
Produces more products due to increased magnesium especially in tomatoes, peppers and roses.

Hippie Juice

Some refreshing "juice" to keep you hydrated during these hot summer months.

Hippie Juice

Ingredients:
1 Cup Watermelon Vodka
1/3 Cup Triple Sec 
1/3 Cup Coconut Malibu Rum
4 Scoops Pink Lemonade Mix
Strawberry slices

Directions:
In a quart mason jar mix all the ingredients then add enough water to fill.
Shake, chill and serve.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan pie is always a favorite.  I mean, what is not to love, that deliciously sweet, caramel-y, nutty filling with a flaky pastry.

These are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. I used Pillsbury refrigerated crust in this recipe however, you can use whatever crust is your favorite. When making the filling, be sure to stir constantly over low heat or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs.  Low and slow is definitely the way to go on this recipe.

The pie filling will most likely very slightly overflow when baking, I very highly recommend baking these on parchment paper as the sugar caramelizes.  If you don’t use parchment, they will most likely will stick to your baking pan.

Ingredients:
1 prepared single pie crust
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup pecans, chopped
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup corn syrup
2 eggs
⅛ teaspoon salt

Optional:
¼ cup semi sweet or milk chocolate chip for decorating

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large non-stick pan, combine butter, pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt and eggs. Cook on the stove top over medium-low heat just until thickened. (You don't want it dry, just slightly thickened, about the consistency of pudding). Remove from heat and set aside.
Unroll dough and using a 3" cookie cutter, cut out circles. Gently fold about ⅛-1/4" up on the edges.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the pecan mixture into each circle.

Place on a parchment lined pan and bake 8 minutes or until filling is just set. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Place chocolate chips in a small sandwich bag. Microwave about 15 seconds or until mostly melted. Snip off a tiny corner of the baggie and drizzle chocolate over the cookies. Cool until set.

Zucchini Crisp

Delicious, easy and better than potato chips.

Zucchini Crisp 

Ingredients:
1 Lg Zucchini, thinly sliced
1 Tbs Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Paprika

Directions  :
Toss zucchini with olive oil and seasonings and back @ 225° for about 2 hrs.

Using Paprika not only adds flavors but it also boosts your metabolism and reduces your appetite.

*I've sprinkled mine with other different flavors like Garlic, Parmesan or Ranch seasoning for added taste.

Bacon and Cheese Bake

Delicious, easy breakfast you make ahead and eat on the go.

Ingredients:
2 cans of Crescent rolls
Cheese
16oz package of bacon, cooked

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Lightly flour work surface. Unroll one can of crescent rolls on your work surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, press the seams together and lightly press and stretch a little into a nice rectangle. Add a layer of cheese and then add your layer of bacon. Unroll the remaining can of crescent rolls on top and press all the seems together both on top and all around. Using a pizza cutter or a knife, slice into squares. Place the entire thing on your baking sheet using a large spatula, working in batches if you need to. Lay all the squares right beside each other, just as they were before you sliced it. You want all the cut seams to be touching so that your cheese doesn't leak out.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top of the crescent rolls are lightly browned. Remove from the oven & cool on a wire rack for 3-5 minutes before digging in. The crescent squares will pull right apart.
Serve and enjoy.

*You can include some precooked eggs or vegetables to your liking.

Brown's Country Store and Restaurant

Today's blogs finds us in Benton, AR a relatively large town outside of Little Rock! And, why the stop in Benton you may ask? 

Catfish, Collard Greens and Hush-puppies oh my...

BROWN'S COUNTRY STORE &   RESTAURANT:

Opened in the summer of 1973 & has been going strong ever since! The buffet is over 100' long & offers a variety of down home southern treats! With all of their food being made homemade & expertly prepared nobody can ever complain about the excellent quality!They also have a desert bar which is to die for! If you leave Brown's hungry it is your own fault!

Brown's also has an amazing country store which host a variety of hand crafted items, homemade foods and candies!

It is a perfect place to shop for the person who thinks they have it all!

If you are interested in learning more about Brown's you can visit the following website:  Browns

Only Two Choices

↩Life has many choices but eternity only has two.↪

📖For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. - Galatians 6:8 📖

Peach Dump Cake

Looking for a quick and delicious foolproof desert. You've found it.

Peach Dump Cake

Ingredients:
2 (16oz) Cans Peaches in Heavy syrup
1 Pkg Yellow cake mix
1/2 Cup Butter
Cinnamon to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°
Spray bottom of 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Sprinkle a little dry cake mix on bottom of the pan.
Empty the peaches into the bottom of the pan then sprinkle with cinnamon.
Sprinkle rest of cake mix on top of peaches.
Melt butter and pour over top.
Bake @ 375° for 45 minutes.

If you're looking for something different you can do this with most any canned fruit or pie filling.

Apple Marshmellow Mouth

Looking for a creative and healthy snack your kids will love.

Ingredients:
Green Apples, cut into wedges
Peanut Butter
Marshmellows

Directions:
Spread peanut butter on one side of each wedge.  Then, arrange mini-marshmallows as teeth.  Sandwich the wedges together and you’re ready to stick your teeth into your teeth.

This would also be a great snack to get the kids into the kitchen and let them get involved.

The Penny Date

Homemade Mosquito Repellent

I really hate those chemical based Mosquito repellents that smell atrocious and make me feel all sticky. Luckily I've happened across a wonderful alternative that works just as well and smell absolutely amazing.

Homemade Mosquito Repellent

15 Drops Lavender oil
3-4 Tbsp Vanilla extract 
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
Water

Mix in a spray bottle and enjoy the Summer without being a sticky, smelly walking blood donor.

Avocado Compound Butter

I love Avocados and don't have a problem enjoying them every day.
And while I could eat guacamole forever, my favorite application is actually avocado butter.  It’s a compound butter that makes a fabulous finish for grilled meats, fish and especially corn on the cob.

Although it sounds complex and even has the word compound in its name it's quite a simple process.

It is also a healthy alternative in a lot of usable  ways.

Avocado Compound Butter

Ingredients:
6 oz ripe avocado meat, about 2 small
1 Tbs lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 Tbs unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbs fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tsp cumin, toasted and ground
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Peel and pit the avocados. Situate all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and process until well combined.
Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape into a log.
Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
Slice and serve with grilled fish, chicken or corn on the cob.
Store for up to three days in the refrigerator or a week in the freezer.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Looking for a great protein filled pick me up to get you through the rest of your day.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Ingredients:
2 Cups Crunchy Peanut Butter
2 Scoops Whey Powder
2 Ripe Bananas 
2 Tbsp Flax Seeds
1 Tsp Stevia
1 Tsp Pure Cocoa Powder

Directions:
In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place in a parchment lined container. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

Makes 8 balls

Never Lose God's Love

❤If you ever begin to question if God loves you or if there is some way you might lose his love. Just remember that NOTHING can separate you from the Love of God.  It is a gift with no end.❤

📖Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:39📖

Flat Tummy Water