White Chocolate Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are wonderful but so are white chocolate strawberries.  These are actually dipped in vanilla flavored almond bark.  It melts nicely in the microwave.  Let the strawberries dry completely after washing so the coating will stick properly.


HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
 The test of love is that love never fails.
Love is kind and does not envy. Love does not parade itself and is not puffed up. Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil. Love rejoices in truth. Love endures all things.
Love never fails.
How wonderful to find that love that never fails in a human but it is a sure thing that the love of God never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

DECLUTTER

Spring cleaning is just around the corner. Something about warmer weather makes us want to get moving and brighten up our homes.
Don't be hesitant to get rid of things! You will feel so much better when there is less clutter around and if you can take it to a resale shop you might be able to make some extra money.
KIDS AND ADULT CLOTHES that are too small - sell, give to a charity or throw out. When you buy a new one get rid of an old one.
HOLIDAY ITEMS - try to avoid buying at holiday time until you check what you have from the past. It is easy to get wrapped up in the atmosphere but if you already have too much you need to use what you have or throw out. Keep it simple and don't waste a lot on decorations.
TOYS - if it is broken or you child is too old for it get rid of it. Keep an area near the back door with hooks, shelves and baskets for the kids to store their things. Make them responsible. Expect them to pick up and keep their things in a certain place.
BUYING BULK - Sam's and Costco's are great but if you don't have room don't buy too much bulk. Buy things that you use up quickly. Know what you have so you don't duplicate.
Set a a certain amount of time each day to tackle the cluttered areas started with the worst area. Put in a pile things that go in another room and then put it away or if it is something that isn't being used get rid of it.

SUPER BOWL DIP

6 LAYER APPETIZER
2-3 large, ripe avocados
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons mayonaise
8 ounces of sour cream
2 - 8 ounces jars picante sauce
3/4 cup chopped, ripe olives
3 cups (3 medium) chopped, peeled tomatoes
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Mash avocados. Stir in garlic powder, lemon juice and mayonaise.
Spread in 12"x8"x2" baking dish. Carefully spread the sour cream on top. Drain picante and spoon over sour cream. Add olives and tomatoes. Sprinkle cheese on top.
Serve with tortilla chips

STRESS, WORRY AND WHAT TO DO

Our lives are so full of activities, schedules, problems and running to and fro. Most of the time it is our ways and our plans. Many times they don't work or we make mistakes. The cycle starts over. Many plans are in a man's heart but the counsel of the Lord will stand.
How comforting. We make mistakes but if we truly seek God's counsel it will stand. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
I see God at work in my life daily but I don't always seek His counsel. I seek my own way. It may work or it may not but God's way will stand.
Keep a focus on Him and His word. Dwell on these things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute and worthy of praise.
May the Lord do what is good in His sight.
1 Chronicles 19:13; Proverbs 3:6, 19:21; Philippians 4:8

Hidden Dangers: Lead in Women's Handbags - The World Newser

Hidden Dangers: Lead in Women's Handbags - The World Newser

"Eat This, Not That"

"Eat This Not That" is a nice series of books that list name brands and which are healthier than others.
They include: "Restaurant Survival Guide", "Supermarket Survival Guide", " No Diet Weight Loss Solution", The Best and the Worst Foods in America", and "Eat This Not That for Kids".
You can get them from their website eatthis.com but they are $20 each. I found the supermarket one at Lakeside.com for $10 but I don't think they have them anymore.
You can find some information on the eatthis website.
This one about supermarket shopping has a lot of information on every section of the supermarket including a money saving section.

Some of their suggestions are:
EAT Breakstone or Organic Valley whipped butter
NOT I Can't Believe Its Not Butter
EAT Uncle Ben's Fast & Natural Whole Grain Instant Brown Rice
NOT Uncle Ben's original Converted Rice
EAT Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
NOT Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
EAT Natures Own Whitewheat Bread
NOT Wonder Classic or Arnolds, Double Fiber 100% Whole Wheat
EAT Krispy Cream Donut - original glaze
NOT Otis Spunkmeyer Banana Nut Muffins or Quakers Banana Oat Muffin Bars (Surprise)
EAT Apple Jacks, Froot Loops, Honey Comb, Honey Nut Cherrios
NOT Lucky Charms, Capn Crunch, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
EAT Better'n Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl
NOT Jif Crunchy Reduced Fat, Jif, Skippy or Peter Pan Creamy
EAT Oreo Fudgee's, Chips Ahoy, Nabisco Ginger Snaps
NOT Oreo Original, Nilla Wafers, ELFudge original

Very informative and easy to use book.

God is Near

When your world turns upside down and your soul is overwhelmed;
when all turn from your side, the Lord will accomplish what concerns you.
For the sovereign Lord helps me and I will not be disgraced.
In the day of adversity consider, God has made the one as well as the other.
God is near to all who call on Him in truth.
Blessed be the Lord my rock,
my stronghold and deliverer,
my shield and He in whom I take refuge.
How blessed is he whose hope is in the Lord.
Psalms 138:8; 141:1-2; 142:3; 145:4,18; 146:5; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Isaiah 50:7