Modesty

Proverbs 11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.

Modesty is one of the things least seen in our culture today. If you go to the mall or even out to eat you will hardly ever see a women who is dressed cutely but modestly. If you do see a modest women most usually think “Oh their weird Hyles Anderson people”. That isn’t how it should be. We need to dress modestly but still fashionably.

The people most affected by our dress are the men. Even our fellow Christian men struggle with this issue. We shouldn’t be stumbling blocks we should be leaders for Christ, but how can we be leaders for Christ if we dress like everyone else? Our clothes alter the way people look at us. I’m not saying we need to wear turtle necks or long skirts, I’m saying we need to cover up what shouldn’t be showing.

You might think “I’m going to wear this shirt because I want to attract a certain boys attention” Well I just want to tell you right now that certain boy isn’t the only male your attracting. You might be attracting a 15 year old boy or a 50 year old man. I am in no way downing men; I’m just saying that’s the way they were created. We should be sensitive to that fact.

You may be thinking “How do you dress modestly?” Well here is my answer:

1.     Wear a cami under your too low neckline.

2.     Pin the shirt together if it is too low.

3.     Wear shorts that are mid-thigh or Bermuda length.

4.     Don’t wear dresses above the knee.

5.     Don’t wear dresses that are too low and that you couldn’t put a cami under.

The Monster named Depression

Depression- A mental disorder characterized by extreme gloom, feelings of inadequacy, and inability to concentrate.


What Causes Depression?


Depression is caused by bullies at school. A few mean words over chat or texting. A secret told that was never meant to get out. Cruel jokes about someone’s weight or outside appearances. Parents downing their own children and siblings being mean. Parents never being home, or involved with their children. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness it is a serious condition that has to be treated by a doctor.

Who Gets Depression?

33 to 35 million people are likely to experience depression at some point in their lives. Depression affects men and women of all ages. Women have a greater risk than men to develop major depression.

The letter below was written shortly before the writer took an overdose of pills to kill herself. We have not changed incorrect spelling or punctuation. It is indicative of the state she was in and makes this note more valuable.

Why did he do this to me? He said he loved me and wanted to marry me. How could he spend so much time with her and not care how I feel. I can not handle this with classes and moms problem. The classes are getting to much for me to copy with. I wish I could just die, then I wouldn't be a problem to everyone. Moms drinking is getting worse and I can not handle it. She is showing Bob & Patty that it is okay to drink a lot but also to drink and drive. I'm so confused all we do is fight. Whenever I'm in the house it is always fighting. I want out of all of it. Please make it all stop. Take the confusion away.
I'm all a lone, nobody cares whether I live or die. All I ever do is cause problems for everyone. How can I get him back. That bastard doesn't know how much he means to me and my life. I don't have a life without him.
Mom and Patty have left me. Can't they see how bad I am. Don't they care. Please God do something for me and make this my time to go. I can not make the grades like Bob and I'm so ugly nobody wants to care for me. I'm so stupid to think that he could've cared for me.
I can't make it through school, I cause my family problems and I can't keep a man in my life. I'm a failure in everything that is important to me. The only way out of this is to die.
How can I trust anyone? I want to say goodbye to mom, Patty & Bob. You are my family and mean more to me than my life. I'm sorry I have caused you so many problems and fights.
Mom I wish I could've been the person you and Dad wanted me to be. But I'm not smart, pretty, athletic, or skinny. I know that you and Dad never wanted me when I was born and I wish like hell that I never was born. I can't do anything right and all I do is cause the rest of the family to fight.
Why can't I have a talk with anyone. You're all so busy and here I sit. Please someone do something so I can't feel the hurt anymore. I hurt so bad, what can I do?
I'm trying to watch TV but I don't know what I'm watching. It's so lonely here. I want to sleep but it just won't come. I'm so tired of hurting and being a lone. I keep thinking about the pills in the cabinet but I'm scared. My head hurts so much from crying but if I take anything for it I'm scared I won't stop and I would want to stop.
Nobody cares why should I? I cause problems for everyone I care about so why should I stay. Why am I such a terrible person. Nothing I do is right. I don't understand.
I don't have any choice in the matter. To make everything better I have to die. I can't make it right by living. I'm so scared I want out but oh I don't know.
I wish he would call to say everything is all right. I've lost the most important thing in my life. I'm so very tired of being alone, and making everyone miserable.
I'm so fat, ugly and stupid, how can I expect me to be able to do anything right? I've failed at everything. There is nothing for me here. I don't want to go on. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. Please believe me. I love you all so very much, and I don't want to hurt you anymore.
I'm so cold, please do something. I can't stand this empty feeling that I'm having. My head is horrible. Stop the pounding it hurts so much. I have no control over anything in my life. I'm breaking into pieces.
Somebody do something.

The obvious hopelessness and pain reach out to us. It is reprinted here to give you a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of any individual who has reached the end of hope.
The writer of this note survived the attempt and has moved forward with her life. She now views suicide with a different outlook. She realizes it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. She realizes also that she may feel that way again. And she lives on--a testament to courage and to life.
We thank her for sharing this very private pain with us, knowing that she did so hoping that it would help us to help others.Depression is diagnosed when five or more of the following symptoms of depression are present for most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
Symptoms of Depression:

·         Constant sadness

·         Irritability

·         Hopelessness

·         Trouble Sleeping

·         Low energy or fatigue

·         Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason

·         Significant weight change

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Loss of interest in favorite activities

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Treatments for Depression: Prescription medications Psychotherapy- Also known as “talk therapy” which can be very helpful to be people with some forms of depression. Healthy Living- 1.  Maintain proper sleep hygein as advised by your health care professional. 2. Eat a well-balanced diet 3. Manage anxiety as advised by your health care professional. 4. Participate in a structured and supervised excersice program as advised by your health care professional. 5. Set realistic goals for yourself. 6. Create small and mangeable tasks for yourself. 7. Let your family and friends help you! I hope this post has been informational and helpful if you are going through depression, know someone who is going through depression, or if you aren't sure if you have depression.

The 5 Most Important Traits in a Boyfriend or Husband

Spiritual Status

The number one thing I would look for in a husband is what their spiritual status is. I want someone who goes to church regularly and has a close relationship with God. The men in my family go to church and live for God and I see a huge difference in the way they act and the way non- believers act.

The second important thing to me is a hard worker. I want someone who is going to get the harder work done around the house and even if they don’t like doing it they will do the work because it needs to be done or because I ask him to. My dad is a hard worker and our house and outside area is in such great condition because he does fixes what needs to be fixed or cleaned up.

The third most important thing to me is someone who enjoys children. I don’t want to have a lot of kids but I want someone who is going to be patient and loving. I want someone who won’t mind playing with them if I’m busy or watching them if I have something I need to get done.

The fourth most important thing to me is someone who is good with money. I’m not very good with money and I would rather trust in someone else to take care of it. I want someone who is good at balancing a checkbook and doing the taxes.

The fourth most important thing is someone who doesn’t like to grocery shop and will let me get whatever I need to. I have a blast grocery shopping and I always look for the best prices. I want someone who is going to trust me to get the best prices and not buy too much. I also want someone who doesn’t like to cook that much but won’t mind helping if I need help.

Honesty and Trust

The fifth most important thing to me is someone who is honest and trusting. I want someone who will tell me if they don’t like something. I also want someone who trusts me to make the right decisions and trusts me to not be with other guys! Which I would never do, because if I marry someone I’m going to love them and why would I want to be with anyone else?!

I hope all of my most important things in a guy help you think through what is most important to you. I have never thought about any of this and it was very interesting to think through what I think are some of the most important characteristics in a husband, or even just a boyfriend.          

Two Simple Ways to Save and Make Money

Make some Money!

How many of you like money?! I love money and always need more of it. Here is a way you can make some money. Sign up for Google’s AdSense and you get a commission if someone clicks on your AdSense ad. HINT HINT!

When you sign up for Google AdSense, Google assesses your site and decides which ads would match the content on your blog. Then it feeds ads to your site that would be of interest to your readers. Here are the 5 easiest steps to make a Google AdSense account.

Step 1- Click the Monetize link on the Dashboard, or the Monetize tab within your blog.

Step 2- Choose whichever one of the four options.

Step 3- Click the Create a new AdSense account button.

Step 4- Then click next.

Step 5- Fill out all of the electronic paperwork until you see that AdSence has been enabled for your blog. It usually takes 48 hours.

Saving Money

I know we all like to make money but what about saving money? If you like to save money but have a hard time finding low prices check out amazon.com! Amazon.com is an online site where you can find some of the lowest prices and it’s easy and convenient. I have an Amazon account and so does everyone in my family and it is one of our favorite sites. One of the coolest things about Amazon is they have a lot of things for Free Super Saver Shipping. Here is how to set up an account so YOU can save money just like I do!

1.        Go to amazon.com, you will then arrive at Amazon’s homepage. Look to the right of the top of the screen and click on the new customers “start here” button.

2.       You will then be asked to enter your email address, make sure you check off that you are a new customer and you do not already have a password. Use your primary email address so that you can receive shipping updates and notifications!

3.       Once you have entered, you will be brought to a page to enter in your email address twice to confirm, fill out your date of birth, and choose a password. Enter your email address, fill out your date of birth, and then choose your password. When you pick a password pick something that no one would guess, NOT your child’s name, your pets name, your favorite food… I always try to put some numbers in it. Write down your password and put it in a secure place so you won’t lose it. Then click the yellow continue button.

4.       YOU ARE FINISHED!! Good job:D I hope it wasn’t too hard to do and now you can take a deep breath and relax. You have just saved a lot of money by choosing to buy from Amazon!

“If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting.”

-          Benjamin Franklin            

The Real History of Pizza

History of Pizza

Most people think that Pizza is an Italian creation, but that’s not true. The foundations for pizza were laid by the early Greeks who first baked large, round and flat breads which they spruced up with oil, herbs, spices, and dates. Tomatoes weren’t discovered then or I’m sure they would have used them.

In the 18^th century the idea of the flat bread found its way to Italy, where they were called “Pizzas” and sold on the streets on in the markets. They weren’t topped with anything but people liked to eat them plain. In 1889, Queen Margherita took an inspection tour of her Italian Kingdom. During her outings she saw many people eating large, flat, loafs of bread. Curious, the queen ordered her guards to bring her one of the Pizza breads.

The Queen loved the bread and summoned Chef Rafaelle Esposito from his pizzeria to the Royal Palace to bake a selection of pizzas for her pleasure. To honor Queen Margherita, Rafael decided tomake a special Pizza just for her. He baked a Pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil (to represent the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green).

This became Queen Margherita’s favorite Pizza. After that variations began to be made in different parts of the country. In Bologna, meat began to be added into the topping mix. Neapolitan Pizza became popular and it brought garlic and crumbly Neapolitan cheeses into the mixture as well as herbs, fresh vegetables, and other spices and flavorings.

About this time the idea of baking in special brick ovens came into existence and the bread, like it is today was a simple combination of flour, oil, salt and yeast. Pizza spread to America, France, England, and Spain, were it wasn’t really known about until after World War 2. While occupying Italian territories many American and European soldiers tasted Pizza for the first time and LOVED it!

Italian immigrants had been selling Pizza in their American stores for a while but it was the returning soldiers who loved the saucy pizza that drew pizza into city life all over the continent.

Different Pizzas

Pizzas can be either healthy or fatty; it just depends on what you put on it. They come in many forms such as Calzones (a large half moon Pizza Pocket which is then baked). Pizza also comes in various forms like breads, rolls, pan pizza, stuffed crust pizza, thin crust pizza and thick crust pizza, whole-wheat crust, and bagel crust.

The concept of Pizza has taken on many forms such as Mexican Pizza (a pizza topped with chili or taco filling, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped onions, tomatoes, and Jalapeno peppers), Ice Cream Pizza, Candy Pizza, and even Pizza Cake as well as pizza flavored items.

   

Neapolitan Pizza

The authentic way to make a Neapolitan pizza is in a special brick oven. The pizza produced in a brick oven is crisp, not oily and soggy. Neapolitans don't overload pizza with oil, and they don't use mozzarella when it is very liquid.If you get good mozzarella, wait a day or two before using it on pizza.  If you love pizza, invest in a pizza stone and a peel- they are inexpensive and will reward you with use.

• prepared pizza dough
• 1 (14 ounce) can Italian peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1/2 cup grated parmigiano or roman cheese (or combination of both)
• 1/ 1/2 cups sliced mozzarella cheese

 

METHOD

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Spread dough in pizza pans.

Remove whole tomatoes from can, and place in bowl. Mash lightly with a potato masher. Reserve liquid from tomatoes for another use.

 Using a pastry brush, lightly oil top of pizza dough.

Press garlic into dough in pizza pan or pans. Spoon mashed tomatoes over oiled dough.

Sprinkle dough lightly with oregano and grated cheese. Place mozzarella around the dough.

If baking on a pizza stone, be sure oven has preheated for 30 minutes. If not using a stone, place pan on oven floor for direct heat for 7 - 10 minutes. Check bottom of pizza for coloring. When it has darkened, move to upper shelf of oven to cook the top. When top is bubbling, pizza is done (about 10 - 15minutes),

Yield: One large or two medium pizzas

The tools:  The pizza stone approximates the radiant heat of the brick-lined ovens in professional bakeries.  It is preheated so that the pizza is immediately cooking without rising.  The peel is that long-handled spatula (a very large one!) that professionals use to slide the unbaked dough onto the preheated pizza stone.  Both a pizza peel and the stone are excellent tools.

My Mom’s AMAZING Homemade Pizza Recipe

Cheesy Crust- Makes two 12 inch pizzas or 1 full sheet pizza

2 ¼ to 2 ½ cups all- purpose flour

1 package Red Star Active Dry Yeast or Quick Rise yeast

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 cup water

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

In medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, yeast, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; mix well. Add very warm water (120-130 degrees) to flour mixture. Mix by hand until almost smooth. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead on floured surface, 2 to 3 minutes. Cover dough, let rest 5 to 10 min.

Divide dough into 2 parts. With well-floured or greased fingers, press each half into greased 12in. pizza pan, forming a rim around edge. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 min. until edge is crisp and golden brown.

 Mom’s Yummy Pizza Sauce

1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce

2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves

1 ¼ teaspoon salt

1/8^th teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove of garlic

1/8^th teaspoon pepper

1/4^th cup grated parmesan cheese

Mix tomato sauce, oregano, salt, garlic and pepper. Spread sauce over 12in. pans of Pizza dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stick in the oven for 425 degrees for 20 to 25 min.

Millennium Soldier: Wearer of Gold

I have always thought that science fiction is weird and hard to understand.  Until now science fiction would have been the last thing I would pick up to read.  Voyle Glover’s book Millennium Warrior: Wearer of Gold is what I would call a breakthrough in Christian science fiction.  His book is easy to understand, entertaining, and interesting.  I think the thing that is most interesting about Glover’s book is how he came up with the idea.  He got the idea for his book from the Bible verse Obadiah 1:4- “Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.

About the book

This futuristic sci-fi book is about a warrior named Cubal.  He was created for the sole purpose to fight. Cubal is trained in the ways of D’vru and doesn’t believe in gods or devils, nor does he bow down to anyone.  He wanders around earth waiting to fight, but there aren’t any wars… until now.  He is about to be a part of a war for his very soul.  It is a war between God and Lucian (also known as Satan) for all the heavens and the earth.

Cubal lives after the Millennium, after Messiah had ruled the Earth in peace and perfection.  He lives after humanity made great advances in the scientific and technological fields.  Now there is space travel and other cool devices.  He is recruited by the Ancient Ones and Lucian to help fight in the war for the heavens and the earth, but God is also working to recruit him.

Key characters

I thought that the main characters were very descriptive.  I hate it when I’m reading a book and I can’t picture what a character looks like.  That is not how it is with Glover’s characters.  You get an incredibly descriptive yet simple picture of what they look like.  Here is a little bit about each key character.  

Cubal- A designed human-a creation of DNA genetic manipulation.  He was created for the sole purpose to fight in wars.  He has no fear, he bows to no one, and he is deadly.

Jules- The best hunter of his village, and well respected.  He becomes a friend of Cubal.

Antal- Known for his strength and endurance, also respected in their village.  He becomes a friend of Cubal also.

Blythe the Seeker- A Christian whom you will find out more about when you read the book.  He is also a friend of Cubal.

Nathan- Father of Blythe.  Also a Christian.

Michael- The chief angel in charge of the spiritual wars.

Lucian (also known as Satan)-  A great pretender, liar, and charmer.  He wages war against God for all humanity and the heavens.

God- The great I AM.  King over all.  Ruler of the heavens and the earth.  The Messiah.

Justin- A Christian and a teacher of God’s word.

I think that the most interesting thing about Cubal is the fact that he won’t believe in God.  He won’t believe in God yet he fights for good causes.  He doesn’t believe in God yet during God’s reign everything was peaceful and perfect.  Then when it’s time for Lucian to reign on earth there is war, destruction, and pain.  The good thing about Cubal is that he starts to rethink his unbelief after he is saved by Michael the archangel.

I can’t wait for the second book in the series to come out!  I think you will like Voyle Glover’s amazing book as much as I do.  Millennium Warrior: Wearer of Gold is truly a Christian science fiction book worth reading.   

Traditionaly Mistaken

The Definition of Corned Beef

Did you ever wonder why it’s called “corned beef”? The term corned comes from putting meat in a crock  and covering it with large rock-salt kernels that were referred to as “corns of salt”

The Irish were the first exporters of corned beef. It was first exported mostly in cans, then packages.

Corned Beef was first heard about in the “Vision of MacConglinne” a 12^th century poem. Back then corned beef was a delicacy only eaten by Kings and those who were rich.

Corned Beef is not a Traditional Irish dinner. Irishmen used to eat boiled bacon and cabbage. For many Irish people corned beef is too plain to eat on a holiday.

Here is a poem that I found, which is quite funny!

 GOOD GRIEF - NOT BEEF!
I just want to put something straight
About what should be on your plate,
If it's corned beef you're makin'
You're sadly mistaken,
That isn't what Irishmen ate.

If you ever go over the pond
You'll find it's of bacon they're fond,
All crispy and fried,
With some cabbage beside,
And a big scoop of praties beyond.

Your average Pat was a peasant
Who could not afford beef or pheasant.
On the end of his fork
Was a bit of salt pork,
As a change from potatoes 'twas pleasant.

This custom the Yanks have invented,
Is an error they've never repented,
But bacon's the stuff
That all Irishmen scoff,
With fried cabbage it is supplemented.

So please get it right this St. Paddy's.
Don't feed this old beef to your daddies.
It may be much flasher,
But a simple old rasher,
Is what you should eat with your tatties.

©Frances Shilliday 2004

Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe

Ingredients:
4-pound corned beef brisket - 'silverside' if you can get it; many butchers are familiar with the term and can prepare your cut of brisket in this special way. But, do allow them several days to prepare it properly.
3 large carrots, cut into large chunks
6 to 8 small onions, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon powdered English mustard
1 large spring of fresh thyme and several parsley stalks tied together
1 cabbage
Salt and pepper to taste

Method
1. Put the corned beef into a large pot with the carrots, onions, mustard powder and herbs.
2. Cover with cold water; bring to a boil and then lower heat and simmer for 1 hour. From time to time, skim fat from top as it rises.
3. Discard the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut into quarters, Add to the pot. * Cook for another one to two hours or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve the corned beef cut into slices and surrounded by the vegetables. Serve with a generous amount of potatoes, boiled in their jackets and freshly made mustard. (We use Colman's which is readily available).

Traditional Boiled Bacon and Cabbage recipe

Ingredients:
3 pounds Irish boiling bacon (shoulder or collar)*
1 small head cabbage, cored and quartered
Parsley Sauce Boiled potatoes for serving

Parsley Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup bacon cooking liquid
1 1/4 cups hot milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter
1 Small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Teaspoons whole-grain mustard
2/3 cup dry white wine
1 1/4 cups bacon cooking liquid, plus more as needed
1 1/4 cups half-and-half, plus more as needed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method:
1. Put the bacon in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water slowly to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, skimming the water occasionally to remove the foam, for 1 1/2 hours (about 30 minutes per pound), or until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork.
2. About 20 minutes before the bacon is cooked, add the cabbage. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, but not soggy. Transfer the bacon to a serving dish, and let cool for so minutes before slicing. Drain the cabbage, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid for the Parsley Sauce or 1/2 cups for the Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce, and transfer to a serving dish.
3. To serve, slice the meat and serve it with the cabbage, potatoes, and sauce.
SERVES 4 TO 6
To make parsley sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually stir in the flour. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until blended. Slowly stir in the cooking liquid, then the milk. Bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Add the salt, pepper, and parsley and cook, whisking constantly, for 3 to minutes more, or until the sauce is smooth. Serve warm.
To make whole grain mustard sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for minutes, or until soft. Stir in the mustard and wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cooking liquid and half-and-half and cook, whisking constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until reduced by half. Add the salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes, or until the mixture has a creamy consistency. Add more boiling liquid or half-and-half, if needed, to make a smooth sauce. Serve warm.

The Negatives of Sugar

Cons of Sugar

If you are trying to lose weight don’t eat a lot of sugar. Sugar causes our bodies to stock up on fat. Diabetes is a result of eating too much sugar, so if you don’t want to get diabetes stay away from sugar. Eating too much sugar is also bad for your oral health.

Honey is a good substitute instead of sugar. It is easy to digest and it is a good source of carbohydrates. Honey has important vitamins and minerals. Honey is one of the best substitutes for sugar because can make your blood’s glucose levels go up. Honey may have more calories than sugar but it is sweeter than sugar, allowing you to use less.

Sugar reduces the ability of white blood cells to fight bacteria. Fewer white blood cells mean that your immune system and its ability to fight infection, is impaired. White sugar is bleached with Chlorine Bleach, a liquid many people are allergic to. When Chlorine combines with organic compounds it converts to Dioxin, a lethal chemical.

High Fructose Corn Syrup sweetens pop and is used in almost every processed food out there. Corn syrup is a liver toxin, it is metabolized in the body the same way alcohol is. Alcohol is metabolized by the brain so you can see the effects it has. High Fructose Corn syrup is not metabolized by the brain so you don’t realize the effects it has on your body. Drinking a can of pop does the same thing to your stomach that a can of beer does. High Fructose Corn Syrup causes liver disease which raises your cholesterol and deactivates a substance in your body. This substance prevents high blood pressure. When deactivated it causes high blood pressure and you become insulin resistant and develop diabetes.

Sugar can be healthily replaced by an herb called stevia. This herb is two-hundred times sweeter than sugar, but it doesn’t have calories or raise your blood sugar.

       

My Hope

I hope after reading all of that you will make the important decision to cut out sugar! When I did the research for this post I was surprised at everything I found. So I hope you are surprised too and decide to change your diet.

Don't Sweat It!

Top Ten Jobs

     
1. Software Engineer

This is the number one job because it’s not stressful, there are few physical demands, and a lot of people get hired. Software Engineers design and develop computer games, business applications, operating systems, and network control systems. Their average salary is over $65,000.

2.      Mathematician

Mathematicians use math theories, computer techniques, and algorithms to solve economic, scientific, engineering, and business problems. Employment of mathematicians is expected to grow much faster than other jobs but there will be a lot of people wanting the job. Their average salary is over $68,000.

3.      Actuary

They access the risk of events and create policies that lower the cost of that risk. They are very important to the insurance industry. Employment is growing faster than the norm. There is a lot of competition for these job openings since there are more qualified people than the number of job openings. Their average salary is over $79,000.   

4.      Statistician

Statisticians use mathematics and statistics to design surveys and experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret experiment and survey results. They are very important in business and industry. Their average salary is over $71,000.

5.       Computer Systems Analyst

They develop and design new computer systems. They also apply existing systems’ resources to help businesses operate more efficiently. Their average salary is over $56,000.

6.      Meteorologist

Meteorologists study and forecast weather patterns. They use atmospheric satellite monitoring equipment and ground based radar systems. If you have a graduate degree you are more likely to get a job than if you have only a bachelors’ degree. Their average salary is over $51,000.

7.      Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. Most biologists specialize in either zoology or microbiology. Their average salary is over $50,000.

8.      Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. Most of them work as high school history teachers. The number of teachers usually outnumbers the number of positions available. Their average salary is over $47,000.

9.      Audiologist

They asses and treat people with hearing, and related disorders. They fit hearing aids; provide auditory training, research things about hearing problems. There are few job openings for an Audiologist. Their average salary is over $63,000.

 

Clean Teeth

10. Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists clean teeth and help people have good, healthy teeth. They have VERY flexible scheduling. Dental hygienists rank among the fastest growing occupations. Their average hourly rate is $32.14.

There you have it; those are the top ten jobs. I would have to say most of those sound really boring but they all make good money :D          

The Wonderful World of Blogging

Seven tips to a successful blog

1. Connect with your readers.
People will remember you and keep on reading your posts if they can connect with you on a personal level. What better way for them to connect with you than if you make an ‘About page’ and add a welcoming message? On your ‘About’ page tell where you are from, what you like, what you dislike, you’re passions. I have found that I am more likely to read a blog if it has an ‘About’ page and a welcoming message than if a blog doesn’t have these posts. I feel more connected to the person.

2. Market your blog.
If you have a Myspace or Facebook, put a link on your profile. This will get the word out that you have a blog. Your friends and family will click on the link out of curiosity and hopefully LOVE what they find. :D Then they will spread the word that you have a blog and you will get more visitors. The day I posted my blog’s URL on facebook I got 140 visitors.



3. No fluffy stuff.
Give people your best work. Don’t just post information that has come off the top of your head. COME ON! Do some research; it’s not that hard. Google Alerts sends you information on the topic you are researching. I signed up for it and found it helpful. You will get more readers and followers if you give them quality information.

4. Be honest.
Don’t just tell people what they want to hear. Give your opinion, state why you think that way. People want to know YOUR opinion not someone else’s. Also, don’t go on and on about what you think. Give people a chance to digest your post.

5. First Impression.
I think that the most important part of your post is your headline. The second important part is your first few sentences. Ask a question that will make people curious and get them thinking. Use a famous person’s quote to prove your point. Give a shocking statistic, but make sure it’s relevant to your post. Visual appeal is also important. Someone might come to your blog to read an article of interest but leave right away if you blog isn’t colorful, or organized.

6. Proof Read.
Ask a family member’s opinion on your post. Have him look for grammar mistakes that you might have missed. You want people to be able to read what you write.

Complete Circle

7. Allow Feedback
Ask your readers to reply and give their opinions. This will show that you care what your readers think. This completes the circle of communication, first I connected with my readers, now their connecting with me.

Organically Inclined

Not sold on Organic Foods

I have always been VERY skeptical about organic foods.  I used to think that it was just another way to get more money out of us.  I also know a few people who buy organic food and spend more money than they would otherwise pay.  After doing the research for this article I am convinced that organic foods are the way to go.  I hope you will be convinced, too.  There are so many benefits to going organic!

1.      Organic foods are higher in nutrients

Conventional crops are grown by swelling the food with water.  Organic crops have more food to them.  American nutritionist Virginia Worthington has proven that organic foods can help you consume the recommended amount of nutrients that you otherwise may not get.

2.      Organic foods have lower pesticide residues

The mainstream food industry claims that the levels of pesticide residues in our non-organic food are very low and within acceptable safety limits.  Monitoring programs consistently shows that around one in three non-organic food samples tested contains a variety of pesticide residues, with less residues being found in organic food.  There are many symptoms that come from too much pesticide residue: headaches, tremor, depression, poor memory, convulsions, nausea, and many more.  

3.      Organic foods are healthier for children

Children are more susceptible to toxins because of their developing organs, brains, and immune systems, plus their larger intake of food.  A study was done between two villages, one in which pesticides were used in farming; the other village did not use pesticides.  Everything else was the same between the two villages: genes, diet, lifestyle, climate, culture, etc. The study found huge differences between the two groups in both mental and motor abilities. The children who were exposed to pesticides scored at a much lower level. They were also more aggressive in behavior than the children who were not exposed to pesticides. Is this what you want for your children?

4.      Organic foods help lower health problems

An observational study showed that boarding school students eating mostly organic foods for three years experienced a “very marked decline” in colds and influenza, more rapid convalescence, great health, fewer sports injuries, a greater resilience to fractures and sprains, clear and healthy skin, and improved dental health. I think those are ALL good enough reasons to eat organic foods.

5.     

Healthier for Everyone and Everything

Organic foods are better for the environment

Chemically dependent agriculture harms the environment and puts our health at risk. Pesticides and fertilizers are washed into our waterways, destroying animal habitats and contaminating our drinking water. Organic farming removes synthetic chemicals from the air, soil, and water.  

Pass the Breadbasket please!

Ten Facts about Indiana

1. Indiana is a part of the “breadbasket of America.”
Sometimes called the “breadbasket of America” the Midwest serves as a center for grain production, mainly wheat, corn, and soybeans. It is a region of the country which includes the states of: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and INDIANA. The Midwest is called the breadbasket because of its richness of soil and its climate. Aren’t we glad that Indiana is a part of the “breadbasket of America”?!

2. Most of the present Indiana population is of English, Scottish, Irish, or German descent.
Irish people mainly ate stew, wheaten soda bread and would drink beer. A common dish is Irish stew. The English people would eat bread and cheese, roasted and stewed meats, and fish. They would drink wine, beer, or cider. A common English dish is pot roast. The Scottish mainly ate game, dairy, fish, fruit, and would drink beer, ale, or whisky. A common Scottish dish is Roast Beef. The Germans would eat pork, beef, poultry, fish, vegetables, and would drink beer, or ale. A common German dish is breakfast cereal.

3. Indiana is known for its corn production.
Indiana ranks fourth in the production of corn. Most corn is used for animal feed, though some is used for ethanol. Call me an animal, but when I hear the word ‘corn’ I think of cornbread. I LOVE cornbread and my family likes to eat it with a BIG pot of homemade soup!

4. Indiana is known for its soybean production.
Indiana is the third largest soybean producing state in the US. Almost a third of the Hoosier soybean crop is exported onto the world market. Tofu is made with soybeans, but it sounds nasty so I haven’t tried it nor will I ever try it.
5. Indiana is known for its pork production.
There are 3000 pork producer families in Indiana, down 87%, from 24,000 farms in 1980. The vast majority of all pork operations are still owned and operated by farm families passed down from generations. 13,000 Hoosiers have a job because of the State’s pork industry. I don’t know about you but I love pork sandwiches!
6. Brain sandwiches are traditional in old-fashioned Indiana restaurants.
A fried-brain sandwich is a sandwich with sliced calves’ brains on sliced bread. Increased incidents of mad cow disease will likely further diminish the appeal of this interesting dish. So if you would like to become a mad cow, have some. I haven’t ever tried it nor do I think I will ever try it.
7. Pizza is the favorite food of the people of Indiana.
Pizza is a word that makes so many people’s mouth water. There are a lot of different kinds of pizza. There are deep dish pizzas, thin crust pizzas, vegetarian pizzas, white pizza, deep fried, etc. I would have to say that I myself don’t really like any of these. I like my Mom’s homemade pizza, that is what makes MY mouth water.

8. Beef and Noodles is a homespun Hoosier dish
Beef and Noodles is a classic dish that can be dressed up for company or served more simply by using hamburger or leftover beef. It is traditionally made with stew beef. I like a more stroganof-style dish than a more beef flavored dish.
9. Sugar Cream Pie is a popular dish seen almost exclusively in Indiana
Sugar Cream Pie or also called Indiana Farm pie is a single-crust pie with a filling, made from flour, butter, salt, vanilla, and cream. This mixture makes a caramel like filling. The ideal sugar cream pie is supposed to be like Santa Claus because it shakes like a bowl full of jelly.
10. Persimmon pudding is also a favorite Indiana dessert very difficult to find outside of the Hoosier State.

Persimmon pudding

A persimmon is a fruit that is round or oval in shape and is generally an orange-yellow color. Persimmon pudding is generally either steamed or cooked in an oven with a bowl of water to keep it moist. It is served with ice cream, whipped cream, apple sauce, or brandy butter. It is said to be best served warm though some people eat it cold as well. I have never tasted it.

Home Schooling and Cooking

Home Schooling in the Kitchen

One of the advantages of home schooling is that it’s real life education, not just book learning in a classroom. I’m sure you are wondering what this has to do with cooking. I’m about to tell you.
I am home educated and math is not my strong suit. It takes me hours to do my math. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering the lesson I just learned the previous day. It’s hard for me to understand most math concepts.
Most students struggle with fractions, but I don’t. I credit it to all the time I spend in the kitchen actually doing the fractions as I cook. I have learned to double, and even triple recipes because I am good with fractions.

By the way you will never see a restaurant review for Hooters on this blog. :D

Integrating Subjects

It is easy to integrate subjects, when home schooling. This blog is a project for a creative writing class I’m taking. It combines my love of photography, my passion for food and cooking, my ability to write and my desire to improve all those skills.