Get Help Keeping your New Years Resolutions!!

New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make our top ten list?

1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

2) Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

3) Tame the Bulge
Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

4) Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

5) Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!

6) Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

7) Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

8) Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand.

9) Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.

10) Get Organized
On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

If you need some help with your resolutions, try looking at our New Years Shop at Christianbooks.com. They have lots of books on sale on lots of different subjects to help you keep your 2007 resolution! Happy New Years and Good Luck!!!

www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/home?event=AFF&p=1029719

NEED TO PAY OFF SOME HOLIDAYS BILLS? MAKE MONEY DOING WHAT YOU LOVE!

Looking for a way to pay off those extra bills from the holidays or just to have some extra cash through the year?

Try owning your own online Candy and Gift basket store. We have great tasting candies and treats and beautiful gift baskets for any occasions! Great commissions - even on items you buy for yourself - and you will want to- they taste great!!

www.cajuncountrygifts.com/go.cgi?free=5172

Now is the perfect time of year for candles and it is a perfect time to become a rep for Fairy Garden Creations! We offer great candles, all types of shapes and sizes in lots of wonderful scents. We also offer bath and beauty products. Lots of fun to sell and lots of ways to make money!!

http://fairygardencreations.com/store/aGo.asp?aff=166

I hope that 2007 is a wonderful and prosperous New Year for you!

ENJOY YOUR FAMILY DURING THE HOLIDAYS!

Only 5 days left until Christmas! Whether you are spending this time baking, shopping, or wrapping presents, don't forget to spend some time with your family and friends! They are what make the holidays great! Sit back and enjoy a glass of egg nog with your family and enjoy the time together!

Happy Holidays!!

ELEGANT COOKIES MADE EASY FOR YOUR FAMILY!!

Cherry-Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep Time: 50 min ; Start to Finish: 1 hr 10 min
Makes: 32 cookies

Easy meets elegant! Create 'n Bake™ chocolate chip cookies give you a head start.

1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create 'n Bake™ refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8 oz chocolate-flavored candy coating, chopped
1 aerosol can (6.4 oz) white decorating icing
2 jars (10 oz each) maraschino cherries with stems, drained on paper towels

1 . Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir or knead in flour until well blended. Work with half of dough at a time; refrigerate remaining dough until needed.
2 . Shape dough into 16 (1-inch) balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
3 . Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
4 . Meanwhile, in small microwavable bowl, microwave candy coating on High 30 seconds. Stir; microwave in 15-second increments until melted and smooth. Set aside.
5 . With can of decorating icing fitted with star tip, pipe 1-inch star of icing (about 1 teaspoon) on center of each cookie. Dip cherries into melted chocolate; place on white icing on cookies. Let stand until icing is set and chocolate is firm, about 20 minutes. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):Bake 9 to 13 minutes.

Maraschino cherries without stems can be used in place of the cherries with stems.

COMFORT KIT RECIPE

This is not your ordinary recipe! This is a recipe for a Comfort Kit that was suggested by Operation Military Pride (www.operationmilitarypride.org/), which also will put you in touch with service members. You can simply print out this list of ingredients with their meaning and send it in an envelope. Or put together a little care package, including the items.

Lifesavers —- To remind you that that's what you are.

A match —- To light your fire when you're feeling burned out.
Mounds candy bar —- To remind you of the mounds of love & support you have from back home.

Tape —- To fix things that will not work.

Confetti —- To remind you to have fun.
Starburst candy —- To give you a burst of energy on days when you don't have any.
Pack of gum —- To help your unit stick together.
Cotton ball —- To cushion the rough roads.
A rubber band —- To stretch yourself beyond the limits.
A string —- To tie things together when everything falls apart.
A penny —- We all need a little luck.
A marble —- For when you lose yours.
A battery —- To give you that extra charge to keep you going ... and going.
Piece of rope —- When you reach the end of yours, this will keep you going a bit longer.
Sample pack of Excedrin —- Thank you, I know this job can be a headache.
Paper clip —- To hold it all together.
A Hershey's kiss or hug —- To let you know there's always someone on your side.
Mint —- Because you are worth a mint.
Phone cards —- Reminder to call home when you can.
Candle —- To light up the darkness.
Tootsie Roll —- To help you roll with the punches.
Laffy Taffy —- To remind you to laugh.
Jolly Rancher —- To remind you how sweet things can be.
Map of U.S.A. —- So you will never be far from home.
Yellow ribbon —- So you will know you will always be supported till you come home!

This recipe will "taste" better than any other recipe you will make this holiday season!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!!

Are you looking for some wonderful stocking stuffers for your children? Splish Splash Bath and Body has wonderful character soaps for your kids such as Bob the Builder, Little Kitty, My Princess, Barney, crayon soaps and lots more - that will have them begging to take their baths! And they come in great scents they will love - cotton candy, monkey farts, raspberry, bubblegum, and lots more!!

Or do you need to relax after a stressful day of work? Try our wonderful bubblebaths that come in lots of relaxing and sensuous scents! Plus we have lotions, gels, shampoos, air fresheners, and more!

Everything on the site is Buy One, Get One Free until 12/9. And Christmas delivery is guaranteed!

These would make great gifts for your family or your friends! Check them out!!

http://www.splishsplashbb.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=113


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

GREAT SEAFOOD GUMBO RECIPE DIRECT FROM CAJUN COUNTRY!!

Louisiana, the "Bayou" State is home to Cajun Cooking and Great Traditions. Cajuns extend heartfelt hospitality to all who visit, through their special way of life and good food.

This recipe is an all time favorite. You will find many different varieties of this popular dish. Feel free to experiment by using your favorite seafood. No matter what you use, we are sure you will find this classic Gumbo a delicious and hearty meal. Enjoy!

Seafood Gumbo
1 cup of chopped onion
½ cup of chopped bell pepper
½ cup chopped celery
2 gallons of shrimp stock
1½ cups of roux (recipe for Roux below)
Salt, cayenne pepper and garlic, to taste
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled
1 pound of claw crab meat
1 pint of oysters with juice

1. Combine all ingredients, except seafood, in a large pot; boil on medium heat until roux is dissolved.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for an additional hour and a half with the pot covered, allowing some steam to escape.
3. For the final minutes of cooking, bring the mixture to a heavy boil, add the seafood ingredients and cook for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink.

Roux
4 tablespoons of oil
6 tablespoons of flour

1. Heat oil in pot; add flour, stirring constantly on medium-high heat until brown.
2. Lower heat and continue cooking and stirring until dark brown (coffee colored).

Ca C'est Bon "That's Good!"

For more wonderful cajun gourmet candies and treats, try Cajun Country Candies and Gift Baskets!!

http://www.cajuncountrygifts.com/go.cgi?shop=5172

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS BUT FOLLOW THESE SAFETY TIPS!!

Trees, lights and candles - this wonderful time of year brings out these beautiful decorations. However, as much as we love them, they bring out their own special dangers to our home. Help keep your family safe by following a few simple tips.

LIVE TREES: Before you buy that beautiful new tree, make sure that it is fresh. Shake off any dead needles before bringing it into the house. Cut one inch off the bottom of the tree and mount it in a tree stand that holds water. Keep the stand full of water. Place the tree in an area away from fireplaces, heating vents, heating appliances, or anything that will dry out the tree.

LIGHTS: Always use lights that have been tested for safety by looking for the U.L. label. Check for wear and tear on the lights, and do not use any lights that have frayed cords, frayed wires, or loose connections. Do not use any more than 3 cords per extension cord. Never place cords under rugs or in the path of traffic.

CANDLES: Never use lighted candles on the tree or near other evergreens. Keep lit candles away from children. Never leave burning candles unattended. Make sure candles are at least a few feet away from items that can burn such as curtains or upholstery.

FIREPLACES: Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace; a flash fire could result as wrapping paper can ignite quickly and burn intensely. Excessive heat can damage your chimney and cause a fire in the wall.

BE PREPARED: Make sure all fire detectors are in working order and that a fire extinguisher is available.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!

Shopping Made Easy!!

Less than 30 Days ‘til Christmas!!

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone, it’s time to focus on getting things ready for Christmas. With all the family gatherings and office Christmas parties scheduled, when will we find the time to shop for everyone on our holiday gift list this season? I have the perfect answer to all your Christmas and holiday gift giving needs. Try Cajun Country Candies and Gift Baskets!! They can help you to send beautiful corporate gift baskets to all your most important Clients, Customers and Colleagues. They also have beautiful gift baskets that are perfect for anyone on your list! Plus, Cajun Country Candies has lots of gourmet candies and snacks - perfect to give as gifts or to serve at your holiday gatherings!!

Happy Holidays!!

http://www.cajuncountrygifts.com/go.cgi?shop=5172

ONE STOP SHOPPING ON CYBER MONDAY!

Today has been labeled Cyber Monday and you can get alot of your shopping done from one site! Try http://www.freewebs.com/debsdelites for gourmet candies and treats, beautiful gift baskets, bath and body items, candles and accessories, party supplies, and christian and inspirational gifts!!

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!!

CORN BREAD SALAD RECIPE - GREAT WAY TO USE LEFTOVER CORN BREAD

Do you have leftover cornbread from Thanksgiving dinner? Here is a great recipe to use that cornbread! This recipe is easily doubled for a crowd —- but you'll need a full recipe (a 9-inch square pan) of corn bread.

Corn Bread Salad
8 servings
Hands on: 30 minutes (including cooking bacon)
Total time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

8 ounces sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 (0.4-ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups cubed or crumbled corn bread (about a 6-inch square)
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 1/2 chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onion

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, cheese and bacon. Crumble half the corn bread in the bottom of a salad bowl or 2-quart serving dish. Top with half the beans, half the corn, half the tomatoes, half the bell pepper and half the green onion. Spread half the sour cream mixture evenly over the top. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Toss well before serving.

Enjoy!!

(This recipe was taken from AJC on 11/20/06, Deborah Geering)

THE SHOPPING MADNESS HAS BEGUN!!

Today is the first official day of the shopping season! Why not make it easier on yourself and find some wonderful gifts online - without the madness of the malls and the crowds? Check out the links on this page, or go to www.freewebs.com/debsdelites, and you will find some wonderful gifts - gourmet candies and gift baskets, candles and accessories, bath and body items, inspirational items such as books, jewelry, clothing, CDs and DVDs, party supplies, stocking stuffers, and more!!

Happy Shopping!!

CRAFTS - MAKE HOLIDAY PLACEMATS WITH YOUR CHILDREN!!

Kids' cherished creations

Every gift a family could possibly want is just a shopping mall away. But the most priceless item by far — the gift of time — can be found in your own home. Why not set aside a few hours to do a craft with the children that's fun, inexpensive and can be cherished for years?

Children can stretch their imaginations by creating holiday gifts for relatives to enjoy. All it takes is time, art supplies and some guidance. Decorative artist Kathie Davis has one to consider: stenciled place mats. Not only will they look festive on a table, but you can also use them as gifts for relatives after a holiday meal. "It gets you in the spirit," says Davis, who specializes in faux-finishing, murals, hand-painted tile and floor cloths. "It's a project that brings families together and makes the kids feel special."

Supplies:
All the supplies can be purchased at crafts stores. Families who frequently do art projects might already have some of the materials. Here's what you'll need:

FOR THE PLACE MATS:
Primed canvas (16-by-20-inch piece for each place mat)
Paint brushes
Tacky Glue
Painter's tape
Red paint
Metallic paints in red, gold
Small paint roller
Sea sponge
T-square or ruler
Box cutter or scissors
Stencil with a holiday message
Stenciling brush
Age level: Children 6 and older
Time required: Several hours, with frequent breaks

To create the place mats: On the back of canvas, measure 1 inch on each side. Iron or fold with scissors to make a crease. Spread Tacky Glue in folds and press into place until smooth. (Lay heavy books on edges of mat, if necessary.) With a small roller, spread red paint evenly on front side of canvas until fully coated. Let dry for about an hour, or use a blow dryer to speed up drying time.

Mix metallic red and gold paint on a paper plate. Using a sea sponge, lightly blot or feather paint on canvas. Let dry.

With a No. 2 pencil, measure 3 inches from the edges of canvas. Using T square or ruler, draw lines connecting 3-inch marks to create a box. Edge the box with painter's tape and cut with box cutter or scissors. Take gold metallic paint and blot around edges of border. Let dry. Remove tape. Put a stencil with a holiday theme on place mat. Using a stenciling brush, blot color onto the canvas through the design of the stencil. After paint dries thoroughly, remove stencil.

Candle Scents

Creating a Mood with Scents

Have you ever noticed how the warm scent of a candle wafting through the air can be uplifting, energizing, or make you cozy? Or maybe there's a certain body spray, soap, or perfume that just keeps you going through the day. Did you wonder why maybe that Key Lime candle smeeled yummy but also energized you or even motivated you to clean? Or why that Apple Pie scent really helped you appreciate fall? Wonder no longer, study after study has shown that scents do affect your mood! Take a look below of some scents that can really enhance your moods:

1. Citrus Scent - Energy
Need a pick-me-up? Grab a cup of java and light a citrus candle, citrus scents enhance energy and boost mood; so look for candles with lemon, lime, grapefruit, verbena, or orange scents.

2. Lavender Scent - Relaxation
When it's time to wind down try burning a lavender candle. In studies, lavender has been found to correlate with slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and lower arterial pressure. It has also been found to decrease muscle tension. Other scents that have been found to have relaxing effects are bergamot and sandalwood.

3. Citrus, Minty, and Pine Scents - Uplifting, Clean
If you want to create a cheerful, clean environment in your home, choose candles scented with citrus, mint, or pine. Often these scents can be not only uplifting and motivating, but just give that "clean" feel. When you or your guests walk in, these scents will be a fresh breeze to welcome anyone.

4. Jasmine, Gardenia, Sandalwood, and Rose Scents - Romantic
There's romance in the air if you're burning scents such as these. Floral and woody scents give that wistful, romantic feel to a room.

5. Season Enhancing Scents
Delve into the season with your favorite candles scents! Autumn's a great time for burning pumpkin spice candles, as well as other baked good candle scents, as is winter. To create that cozy winter environment, choose cinnamon, apple, berry, and pine candles. Fresh candle scents such as cucumber melon are great for spring, as well as fresh cut grass candles which carry into summer. Nothing says summer like a nice citrus, like a lemonade candle scent drifting through the air.

If you love a certain candle, soap, or body spray - whatever the scent may be - don't do what I too often do, which is save it until that scent runs out! Light it and enjoy, it's sure to affect you in a positive way!

If you are looking for the perfect candles, try Fairy Garden Creations! They have over 120 wonderful scents and lots of different shapes and sizes. Plus, bath and body items! You are sure to find something to help you relax and enjoy your home!

http://fairygardencreations.com/store/aGo.asp?aff=166

WELCOME!!

Welcome to Deb's Delites Shop & More! This blog will give you a one stop shop plus lots more - recipes, crafting ideas, inspirational articles, and much, much more! I am just getting started so please check back often! Hope you enjoy it!!