Saturday, December 30, 2006

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

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

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!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

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!!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

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.

Saturday, December 9, 2006

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!!

Thursday, December 7, 2006

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!!

Sunday, December 3, 2006

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

Friday, December 1, 2006

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!!!!