Journey in Faith

 Started 10-day spiritual action plan for "Faith That Can Move Mountains" by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland a few days ago. This is day 3 of my journey in Faith and I have to say it has begun to stir and build already. Hubby and I have set aside time to do this TOGETHER...yes together and that makes this process even more exciting. New revelation is being birthed through us both. PTL Father God, guide me into YOUR truth and make me (US) aware of it when not responding in faith.

 Here are some of the things that I have read that has been important to me:

Day 2 (taken from the book):  "The definition of reasoning outside The WORD is worry. When you begin to reason outside God's WORD, you automatically begin to worry. 'What if that happens?' 'What are we going to do if the Holy Ghost does break out in our denomination and people start talking in tongues right in the middle of church?' 'What am I going to do?' The big I - that is selfishness. The roof of selfishness is fear, NOT faith."

Day 3: " The power used to overcome the world is faith. Think of it! There is enough of God's very own faith residing on the inside of you right now to overcome anything the world can throw at you! God is a faith being. You are born of Him, so you are a faith being. God doesn not do anything outside of faith. With His faith living in you, you are to operate the same way."

Wow, just wow. If Jesus is inside of me - which HE is then I have HIS KIND of faith. I believe it is time for me to take a step forward and utilize what HE has given me.

Wishing for a Whiter Smile

I was super excited when I opened my Sugar n' Spice VoxBox I received from Influenster. Especially when I opened it up and found the Cologate Optic White Regimen: toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush. I couldn't wait to write my first review on my first use. This is what I wrote at that time: "The toothpaste was extremely minty with a slight burning sensation in my mouth. Talking about burning...that would be the mouthwash. I had to spit it out quickly because it shocked me so bad. I'm sure I will get accustomed to it and will love it. The mouthwash claims to be alcohol free and to use the same whitening ingredients as strips. All in all it was a great product for my first try and it left my mouth/teeth feeling clean." After using these products now for a month I now have to say that I never got accustomed to the mouthwash. I stopped using it after 3 tries because the burning was way more than I could handle. I continued using the toothpaste for the rest of the month. At this time, I started receiving red splotches on my throat followed by bump looking things on the tongue. Not really thinking anything about it because I thought I was just fighting a cold or something. Then I started loosing my voice and being a singer that is just a no no. So I started to examine what could be going on. Then it hit me - STOP using the toothpaste!!! So I did and sure enough my throat and tongue started recovering. I knew going into this testing that I was sensitive to things in my mouth....going to the dentist has never been easy for me. This has showed me just how sensitive I am. I was truly looking forward to have whiter teeth and fresher breath but I just can't handle how strong these products are. I do have to say tho - I LOVE THE TOOTHBRUSH and hubby is enjoying the toothpaste. I just wish I would have taken before photos of his teeth for my review but he wouldn't let me. I don't feel it would be right for me to give my normal Shmoo ratings because of my obvious sensitivity. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

A Cleaner Way to Cleanse

I would like to introduce Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - an American tradition since 1866. Upon receiving this complimentary product from Influenster I recognized the name right off the bat even tho I have never had the privileged of using this product. So first I had to read up and I learned that this products gently removes oils and impurities leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and balanced. I have to say they are right on with that statement. It has been roughly about two hour since using the towelettes and my skin still feels as smooth as when I first used it. It refreshed my skin and reading that it fights blemishes is just an added bonus. I am excited that they have 20 individually wrapped wet towelettes for "on the go" people like myself. They are so easy to use and they will find themselves at home in my purse for those multiple church services when I just want to freshen up. The only negative I have is the smell - I find it to be strange. Luckily the smell does fade rather quickly! Awesome product even with the smell, I give this product 5 out of 5 Shmoos!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

 

Sugar 'N Spice and Everything Nice

I was excited when I found this VoxBox sitting on my front porch. This is only my second box from Influenster that I received and I can't wait to give it all a try. I have to say, they made it with love just for me - it says so right on the card. Over the next few weeks I will be trying these products and giving you my thoughts/reviews. So keep your yes opened for more info on the following products. 

  

Vaseline Brand Spray & go Moisturizer Total Moisture

NECTRESSE sweetener

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

Colgate Optic White Regimen: toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush

belVita Breakfast Biscuits

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Pumpkin Dessert Bread

   

Oh I just love this dessert bread. It is one of my absolutely favorite desserts. I have it every Thanksgiving but I am beginning to think that might have to change. It states to use 2 loaf pans but as you will see this year we made it in a different pan than normal. Check out the picture below.

Oh btw, my Macaw just loves this little treat as well. That is a plus to us bird lovers.

Ingredients:  

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups sugar

2 cups pumpkin (we use can pumpkin)

4 eggs - beaten

1 1/4 cup of melted shortening

Place all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and with a spoon make a deep well in the center of the ingredients. In this well, add all the other ingredients, stir carefully, just enough to dampen all the dry ingredients. Do not over mix! Pour into loaf pans, makes 2. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. 

 

 

It's All About "The Taste"

 (Tuesday at 8|7c on ABC)

  The "blind audition" isn't just for the singing shows anymore. The Taste, ABC's new competitive cooking show hosted by Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludovic Lefebyer and Brian Malarkey has taken the "blind audition" to a new level. Each celebrity chef pushes their button for or against being on their team without ever seeing the person who cooked the food or knowing what ingredients were used. The judges banter among themself to try to determine if the cook is a home or a professional chief. I actually think that part is quite interesting because from what I have see these celebrity chefs can always pick who has had training. However, these judges still maynot pick the trained over the self taught because rememeber, they have already chosen by The Taste. These four judges will also double as mentors to their team just like that singing show. That is about where the similarities end for me because just because you are on a particular judges team doesn't mean you are safe from elimination. They have actually unknowingly sent one of their own home in an episode. This actually makes for an exciting twist to the typical reality show.

 

Now with all of that being said, I did find it interesting that the judges seem to compliment some of the dishes, tell the cook that they did great and yet they say NO!  Kinda found this frustrating and I was not alone. Several contestants said as much. Also, although the palates of these judges were able to distinguished between most of the professional cooks, to me it seemed that they chose mostly home cooks. Just seems like the judges second guessed themselves far too much and turned away some incredible contestants. Not sure if this is some strategy playing there or what. Time will tell I guess. 

 

So far I like the show despite the points I made above and I am actually looking forward to more episodes. The judges personalities are just warming up and could we actually see a food fight in our future. Probably not but they do speak their minds which lends itself to good tv. Above it all, let's try to remember that one spoon can determine "The Taste." 

 

Check out http://abc.tv/Z3jimp to enjoy an episode.

 

 

From what I have seen so far I am going to get "The Taste" 4 out of 5 Shmoos!

 

Brush vs Towel

Check out my review on this product for more info:  Goody Quikstyle Brush Review
 

 I hate blow drying my long, thick hair because it takes so long. This brush really sops up the water and helps to cut the drying time down. I love the vents on this side of the brush that helps to keep air flowing. The paddle styler has microfiber bristles, which remove 30% of water as you style. YES!!! This means less damage from heat! It left my hair smooth and shiny!

 The only problem I found with it is that after a few brushes the microfibers seem to be pushed down. I will then have to dry them and push them back up to continue to use. I'm not sure if this is just bc my hair is so long and thick that it can't handle it or just what. However, if I towel dry some before using this brush it doesn't seem to happen.

         This is a pic of the brush with the microfibers pushed down after use.

With this all being said, I really do enjoy this brush and I give it 4 out of 5 Shmoos (still an A in my book).

Shining in Nude York City

I received my Nude York City NYC Liquid Lipshine a few weeks back and I have fallen in love with the new gloss in town! As I opened this tube up a most amazing smell filled the air. This is probably the best smelling lip gloss I’ve had - normally I just tolerate the smell. Tons of hot new shades, from preppy nudes to bold statement hues. I received a beautiful glossy nude that looks great alone or on top of my favorite lip color. I love that this lip gloss is non-sticky. Give it a try and you will fall in love as well! 

Once again I am giving a product 5 out of 5 Shmoos =)

Nail Fashion

  I received this Kiss Nail Dress in my box from Influenster Holiday VoxBox on Christmas Eve. Well, I had wanted to try this myself but on Christmas Day as I headed out the door to my parents for some reason I put these in my purse. See everyone was gathering at my parents home for the Holiday festivities and what we thought would be a normal Christmas Day turned out to be much more than we expected.

Everyone was there: mom and dad, my sister and her two children, hubby and myself. The table was full of good food and gifts were under the tree. Everything started out normal and just after we had finished eating and opening gifts we hear sirens going off in the distance. We all rushed outside and noticed the sky had turned dark...eerie dark. We turned on the tv to see what was going on. Right then the tv station was showing a live shot of our county of the dark sky when they noticed the clouds starting to rotate. As we sat there watching a tornado formed. We continued to watch as it started hitting transformers and power-lines. Although it was off in the distance we could see the sky turn green.

It wasn't an invited guest to anyone's home but it showed up none-the-less. It dissipated just shy of my parents city. PTL but with this being said, I decided to let my teenage niece try these out so the day would not be all about the tornado.

She sat there on the couch and got lost in applying this nail fashion to her toes. She spoke of how easy it was to apply.  She stated that she had used other brands before and that these went on with ease. We spoke as she shared her newly manicured toes with everyone in the room about how she would rate them. With what she said and since I am all about Shmoo, we give this product.....

5 out of 5 Shmoos

Granny's Red Velvet Cake

Use 2 9” cake pans 350˚ - 25 to 35 minutes or until done

(Should come loose from sides…can cook on parchment paper)

PART 1 - CAKE

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp coco powder

¾ cups cooking oil

1 ½ cups sugar

2 eggs

½ of 1 ounce red food coloring

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vinegar

1 tsp vanilla

Sift dry ingredients into a bowl: flour, baking powder, salt and coco.

Next, cream sugar and oil together. Beat each egg 1 @ a time into sugar and oil mixture. Add food coloring and make fluffy and add dry ingredients slowly.

Combine buttermilk and baking soda together and mix well. Then add this to above mixture. Add vinegar and vanilla to mixture.

 

PART 2 – SUGAR MIXTURE (NOTE: I find this to be an important step)

½ cup milk and ½ cup sugar …. Cook a little until it thickens some

After cake has completely cooled, pour sugar mixture over each layer.

Let completely cool again

PART 3 - ICING

Mix: 1 Cream Cheese

1 stick of butter (room temperature)

1 tsp vanilla

1 pound of confectionery sugar

Influenster Holiday VoxBox '12 VoxBox has arrived

Influenster Holiday VoxBox '12 VoxBox has arrived

 Being my first Voxbox I was definitely excited when it came and as a matter of fact I received it on Christmas Eve. The card said "Tis the season, and we're celebrating" and indeed I was celebrating when I received it in the mail. It's like Christmas morning as my hubby walks towards me with this white box in his hands. The anticipation grew as I reached my hands out and actually began to open this box. "What could be inside it," I exclaimed. I'm telling you I heard Christmas Bells as my eyes beheld all the goodies this box would hold. Have I perked your interest yet...well here it is:

 The box included: Peach Almond Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal,   NYC Liquid Lipshine,  Kiss Nail Dress, Natural Pink Lemonade flavor EBOOST, Goody QuikStyle Brush, and Sole Society $25 off my first purchase!

 Over the next few days I will be giving updates on all these products and will be reviewing them all. So stay tuned because this is only the beginning......

Celebrating the Creator of the Earth on this Earth Day

What sparked my thoughts on this blog is when I read my husbands fb post which read, " I don't know how Earth Day is normally celebrated, but I think it's a good idea, and I would never celebrate Earth Day without celebrating the One who created it!"

Genesis the first book of the Bible begins with the creation of the universe:  "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Here we find out that this beautiful earth is HIS glorious creation. 

The Bible is crystal clear that the earth and everything in it was given by God to man to rule over and subdue. "And God blessed the, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth'" (Genesis 1:28) Therefore, we were created in His image - HE gave us (men and women) this privileged place among all creatures and commanded us to exercise stewardship over the earth. Stewardship expresses care-taking, not abusing. So when we live and act in a way that shows disregard to that which God has created, we aren't honoring him.

I feel that this is what today - Earth Day is about to me...Honoring and Celebrating our Heavenly Father.  Elohim wants us to enjoy this earth to the fullest and He wants us to have days of Heaven on Earth.  In honor of Earth Day - I honor my Lord!

Bride Awaits

This Friday my niece will be getting married and she is bursting with excitement. She has been making plans and preparing for weeks and the time is now upon her. This made me want to read up on the "Jewish Wedding" and how it paints a beautiful analogy of a bride and groom to the relationship of Jesus to the church. I will not go into the traditional "Jewish Wedding" ceremony but I would highly recommend studying it further.  A better understanding will not only deepen an appreciation of God's LOVE for us, but it will give us insights into prophetic events. 

As every groom pledges his love to his bride, so Jesus committed His LOVE to believers.  I understand that Christ has fallen head-over-heels in LOVE with me and I in Him.  We just finished celebrating His great LOVE for us the past weekend when He was willing to die for us.  It had to be LOVE to suffer all that He went through. The beatings, the crown of thorns, and the nails...all for His BRIDE. He could have stopped it all at any point, but He LOVED you and me so much he couldn't bear to spend eternity without us.  As I have seen it written so beautifully, "With His blood He paid the price for a royal wedding."

I'm in the process of helping my niece with a few of her preparations for this big day of hers. The last minute touches to the dress, the flowers and the music are important. It is just as important for us to spend our time preparing for His presence in our lives on a daily basis.  Being the Bride of Christ is more than standing in a white dress at the altar, it is having an intimate relationship with Him. As others stare at the Bride in her beautiful white dress, her eyes will be fixed upon her Groom that she has prepared for. All she will see is the LOVE He has for her. 

In that moment, all the preparations she went through will be worth it - they will be husband and wife.  As believers in Christ Jesus, we the Bride of Christ have waited with great anticipation as well for the day we will be united with our Bridegroom. Until that time comes, I will remain faithful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and will say "Come, Lord Jesus, your bride awaits!"

It's Friday...

=o)  This is my first blog post and how fitting it is to me that I am sharing this very powerful video.  I want to say thank you Lord Jesus for being willing to die me and for this Blood Covenant I now partake in.