Lesson Of The Day: Silence Is Golden....

Keeping It Real: Sometimes you have to be silent and smile for the sake of others happiness. They can't read your thoughts and can't touch your emotions. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Me, Myself And I....

Keeping It Real: I might not be the most beautiful or the sexiest! Nor have the perfect body..I might not be anyone's 1st choice..BUT I am a GREAT choice! I don't pretend to be someone else..too original, NEVER a copy plus I'm too good at being me! I may not be rich but I am valuable. I may not be perfect, HA!, I don't need to be! I might not be proud of some of the things I have done during the course of my life BUT I am proud of who I am today! Take me as I am or KICK BRICKS and watch me as I sashay away! Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: *Happy Thanksgiving To You And Yours....

Keeping It Real: Each and every day I am Thankful for my family, friends, health, home, job and waking up each and every day! I am MOST appreciative and I thank God and realize I am lucky to be alive!

Wishing you all a very pleasant, safe, family filled, full of love, plentiful and safe Thanksgiving! Enjoy your holiday! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: To Thine Own Self, Be True...

Keeping It Real: Some hate me. Some like me! Some love me and some could care less! I'm still me, though!!! 

I would rather be hated for who I am, than to be loved for somebody I am not!!! Being a pretender comes with too much extra work and being yourself is smooth sailing!!!!! So DO YOU!! Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Caramel White Velvet Butter Cake...

Keeping It Real:

 

4 oz egg whites--room temperature

1 cup whole milk--divided--room temperature

2 1/4 tsp vanilla

3 cups sifted cake flour

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbs + 1 tsp baking powder

12 Tbs unsalted butter-room temperature

1/4 tsp kosher salt 

 

In a mixer combine all the dry ingredients, and mix for about 30 seconds. Add the butter and mix until the flour gets crumbly. Stir in 1/4 cup of the milk and bring the speed to medium high and beat for about 30 seconds.  In a bowl, stir together the egg whites, milk and vanilla.  Add to the dry ingredients in 3 additions, scraping down the sides and beating for about 5-10 seconds after each addition. Do not over mix, but make sure it is all incorporated.  Pour into 2-7" cake tins, which you have parchment lined and greased.   smooth the batter and bake in a preheated 350 oven for approximately 35 minutes.  Bake until a tester comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn over onto cooling rack and allow to cool completely.  Slice each round into two horizontally to make 4 layers total.

Caramel Icing

2 cups light brown sugar

1 stick unsalted butter

1/3 cup whole milk

2 Tbs real maple syrup

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups confectioner's sugar

1 cup chopped toasted pecans

 

Bring brown sugar, butter, milk, maple syrup and salt to a simmer.  Simmer just until the sugar is no longer grainy, don't let it boil.  Remove from heat and add vanilla, stirring constantly.  Allow to cool just slightly...so that it isn't scorching hot, but nicely warm.  Whisk in powdered sugar.  You have to work fast, this will set up rather quickly.  Pour icing on each layer as you stack it, you don't want it to completely pour over the sides, but it can drip over without issue.  once all the layers are set, pour the remaining icing over the top using a ladle.  use the bottom of the ladle to coax the icing over the sides to cover completely.

sprinkle pecans on top! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Don't Worry Be Happy...

Keeping It Real:  Ya Dig?...

Happy 6th Birthday Ashyla....

♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•*

♪ღ♪░H░A░P░P░Y░ B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░░♪ღ♪
      *•♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•«

Happy Birthday Stink, Nano Loves you!!!! Enjoy your day

 

Lesson Of The Day: God Is More Than Able....

Keeping It Real: My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your parents. Be Blessed in all that you do, God is more than able! Ya Dig?...

 

 

Lesson Of The Day: Upside Down Pineapple Cupcakes....

Keeping It Real: 

 

1 box Pillsbury Moist Supreme Classic Yellow Cake Mix with pudding in the mix

1 (3.4 ounce) Vanilla Instant Pudding

3 eggs

1/3 cup oil

2/3 cup pineapple juice

1/3 cup milk

1 (8 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained (save juice)

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained (save juice)

 

Topping

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar

maraschino cherries

 

Spray muffin tins well with cooking spray.  Melt butter and sugar together on top of the stove. Add 1 tablespoon sugar mixture to each muffin cup. Next, put in 1 tablespoon crushed, drained pineapple or 1 pineapple slice in bottom of each cup. In a large bowl mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, juice and milk with mixer.  Fill cups 1/2 to 3/4 full with cake mix.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove and let cool at least 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen muffins from cups before removing.  Turn cupcakes upside down on a platter and add cherries.  Note:  I used one regular 12 cup muffin tin and one large 6 cup tin to make these.  This way the recipe made 18 cupcakes.. If just using regular 12 cup tins, it should make about 24 cupcakes. You could use all crushed pineapple or all pineapple rings as well. I wanted to try them both ways to see how they turned out. I think the pineapple rings work better in the larger cup muffin tins.) These would be good topped with whipped cream and you could add nuts to the mix.  Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: The Knockout Game/Crime...

Keeping It Real: Some people seem to think this is racially motivated BUT, I beg to differ! True, the *bulk* of victims have been white BUT there have been attacks on Blacks, Asians & Hispanics!

So it is NOT racially motivated, it is happening to all races! and that payback statement DOES NOT fit in with what is happening and a dumb ass statement at that BUT when they are saying payback, y'all KNOW exactly what it means, not saying it is right what they are doing and I truly do not condone racism or violence but the knockout game has been around for years!

It's been termed under different guises and names! Hitler, Skinheads, Aryan Nation, Crips, Bloods, any race/person/group of people that intentionally hurts a PERSON regardless of what race is doing the knockout game/crime!! 

People saying check youtube and worldstar, don't just check your youtube, worldstar, CHECK YOUR HISTORY books as well, this shit has been going on for many, many years!!, it is only being talked about now, because it is happening to the MASSES!!! 

If it would have stayed Black on Black attacks, we wouldn't have HEARD A DAMN word about it other than the whispers of let them kill each other but now that it has escalated to other races, it is a CRIME now and becoming an epidemic! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!!! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Short & Sweet....

Keeping It Real: Want something? Work for it! Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: For What They're Worth.....

Keeping It Real: Each of us have our own cracks & flaws, but it's the cracks & flaws we each have that make our lives on this earth so very interesting & rewarding.  You have to take a person for what they are, their worth & look for the good! All Birds That Flock Together, Ain't True. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Father, God, I Come Before You...

Keeping It Real: Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me. I believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from me fear, anxiety, anger, hurt, hatred and distress. Help me to face and endure my difficulties with faith, courage and wisdom. Grant that this trial may bring me closer to You for You are my rock and refuge, my comfort and hope, my delight and joy. I trust in Your love and compassion. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: I Get The Last Laugh....

Keeping It Real: The people that HURT you , BETRAYED you or CRUSHED you are the same ones whom later on, wished they had APPRECIATED YOU. DON'T be spiteful, get revenge or cave their face in. They are the reason you are better today. They made you stronger. wiser and happier. Because of their mistakes another is reaping the rewards. Forgive those who've done you wrong and thank them for making a better you today. While they are snickering, laughing and doing you wrong behind your back, God keeps on Blessing you in their face! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: He Who Is Without Sin....

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7).

 

Sin - something we are all to familiar with.  No it is not anything we should be proud of or boast about, yet we all fall short of His glory and are guilty of sin (Romans 3:23). 

 

In this verse, there was a woman found guilty of adultery which was then punishable by stoning her to death.  What a horrible way to die.  If we all had to stand before God this day, and answer for what we have done to others whether it be by action, word, and/or thoughts, where would we stand?    I raise this question because lately I have heard over and over again that Church Folks can be some of the most critical people you will find. 

 

I don't know about you, but I surely do not accept that label and we need to change that mind set!  I am not going to stand here and say that I have not been guilty of some shape or form of this, but I am praying that myself and others take responsibility and start acting in a more Christian manner.  Jesus Christ himself stood before this crowd and guarded this woman from her punishment. 

 

He stand before you, He stands before I, and He is standing before each and everyone around us guarding us from the punishment we rightfully deserve. 

 

So please,  my Sisters, my Brothers lets start acting like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He came to give us life - it is your Christian responsibility to bring folks to Christ and not throw stones. 

 

Have a blessed and glorious day. Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Cayenne Pepper Therapy...

Keeping It Real: On a FULL stomach only,  mix 1/8-1 tsp of cayenne pepper in 1/2 cup cold fruit juice and chug it. Follow with a slice of bread to push it all down and drink as much water as you want..1-3 times daily....it's not as spicy on the stomach as you think; the more pepper the better but start off slow if you're not used to hot stuff...it does thin the blood so be careful and start at the lowest dose if you are on blood thinners or high blood pressure meds...some people prefer to put the cayenne in warm water and drink as a tea so its up to you but to me the cold cuts the burn the best...if you have external pain you can also mix some cayenne into lotion and use it on top of the skin...wash your hands A LOT so you don't get it in your eyes!!! I hope this helps!! I've known many who have cured chronic pain with this and even migraines!! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Color On The Bottom Of Toothpaste Tube....

Keeping It Real: Have you ever noticed that there is a distinct color at the bottom of each toothpaste pack? Do you know the meaning of the colors?

Green : Natural.
Blue : Natural + Medicine.
Red : Natural + Chemical composition.
Black : Pure Chemical.
BE AWARE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT YOU USE DAILY! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: What You Put Out, You Get Back...

Keeping It Real: God covers all the bases!! He gives us the free will to choose. We can be consumed by the very action we do to others. Sow love reap love, sow drama reap drama! So easy to do but feelings get in the way which blurs the situation. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Red Velvet Brownies W/ White Chocolate Icing...

Keeping It Real:

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 ounces white chocolate
1 -2 tablespoon milk
Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350. Spray 8 x 8 pan with Baker's Joy or lightly grease and flour it.
2.In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder, food coloring and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla to form a paste. Set aside.
3.With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, then add second teaspoon of vanilla. With mixer on medium, beat in cocoa paste. Add flour and salt, and mix just until combined.
4.Spread in pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool before frosting..

Frosting:.
Melt the white chocolate according to the instructions on your package and set it aside. Cream butter with mixer till fluffy. Add vanilla. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, then white chocolate. Add enough milk to reach desired consistency. Frost the top of the brownies and then hide them from everyone! They're so good you won't want to share them. I keep these in the frig because I think they taste best cold. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Good, Better, Best...

Keeping It Real: Good, better, best....never let it rest...until your good is better and your better is best! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Happy Veteran's Day....

Keeping It Real: Happy Veteran's Day to all who have served and serving. Thank you for fighting for my freedom to live my life as I choose to! May God Bless you all and your families and thanks again for protecting me and mine! Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: God & Circumstances...

Keeping It Real: Sometimes circumstances in life distract us from God. We focus on what’s around us instead of who’s in us, and who’s for us. We look at what we lack instead of Whom we have. Sometimes when reading about the unbelief of the Israelis in scripture, I shake my head at their doubt. But I realize I’m the same way. I complain. I whine. I think God lost track of me.

 

But just when I get tired — not physically tired, but mentally tired, emotionally tired, and spiritually tired — God does something. He doesn’t intervene in a huge, miraculous, sea-splitting, water-walking, five-loaves-multiplying kind of way. But He’ll encourage me with subtle words and actions. He’ll remind me, in unique ways, He’s here, He knows what’s going on, and He’s in control.

 

God knows how to push our buttons — in good ways. He knows what will bring us peace, individually and specifically. I can be mired in simple stint of loneliness, yet the God who controls the universe, watches over the billions of residents of Earth, and reigns over the creatures of Heaven, finds it vital to remind me I’m not alone. He’ll use phone calls, texts, Facebook messages from friends to reveal the loving fellowship in my life. It reminds me of a quote from author Mark Batterson:

 

“God is great not just because nothing is too big for Him; God is also great because nothing is too small.”

 

So, if you’re like me, and you’ve been distracted by the issues of life lately. Or, if you’ve grown tired within, stop tripping. He’s come through for you before, He’ll come through again. He’s never left your side, even if it feels that way.

 

Encouragement is on its way. Relief is on its way. As the rest of the scripture in Isaiah 40 says, “Those who wait upon God get fresh strength.” Ya Dig?..

Lesson of The Day: Time After Time...

Keeping It Real: Sometimes giving chance after chance doesn't work. One day you'll wake up and realize the chance you wasted on someone could have been a chance to meet someone new. Time to quit giving chance after chance!!! Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Sure Can....

Keeping It Real: The same things that makes you laugh can surely make you cry! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Such Is Life...

Keeping It Real: Don't miss a chance to tell someone you love and care. Be Kind. We all laugh, we all hurt, we all cry, we all make mistakes, we all dream... that's life. It's a journey! Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: The Balloon Extraordinaire!!! For ANY Occasion....

Keeping It Real: My cousin Kathy Ashley Elam, owner of Sustaloons Balloons can make any balloon decoration for any occasion! She is remarkable and is open for business! Check her out!!! She is a certified balloon expert specializing in:  creative balloon art, balloon twisting, event planning & consultant services. She gives you  Balloons & More! Balloon-a-tivity that WOWS! Ya Dig?...

 P. O. Box 3943 Jackson, MS 39207 phone: (601) 454-7507

email: moneyroses@sustaloons.com website: http://sustaloons.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sustaloons

Lesson Of The Day: Holiday Mail For Heroes/Miltary Folks...

Keeping It Real: There are military people who say: You'll never know how it felt receiving letters and cards during the holidays when I was deployed. Some people even sent small Christmas ornaments and lights that we strung up.So send a token of gratitude and appreciation for the people who are serving OUR COUNTRY! Your gift could make that person feel so much better during the holidays! Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: Apple Pie Egg Roll

Keeping It Real:

Ingredients:
3 cups apples, peeled and diced (approx. 3 apples)
4 Tbsp sugar
4 Tbsp flour
3/4 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Lemon juice
12 Egg Roll Wrappers
Oil for frying

Instructions
1. Combine all filling ingredients and mix well
2. Place 2 hearing tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold in the sides and roll the wrapper tightly. Use a dab of water to secure the tip of the wrapper.
3. Preheat oil to 350 degrees. Fry each egg roll for about 4-5 minutes or until brown and crispy.
4. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.  Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: Change and Growth....

Keeping It Real: But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed" ( Genesis 32:26-28).

 

How important is your happiness?  How important is your future?  What are you willing to do to prevail?  The story of Jacob tells of a man who was sick and tired of doing the same thing day after day and getting the same results. He wanted and persuade change.  I can't speak for anyone but once you have experienced the presence of God in your life, there is no other place to be. 

 

Jacob recognized His dependency on God and refused to allow God not to bless Him - now that is determination.  Have you ever been so sick and tired that you just don't know where to turn.  God is there and He is always available.  He will change your life and give you comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. 

 

When God blesses you with change, there is no way to describe the conversion.  Your eyes are no longer blinded but open to the Love of God and all His manifold blessings.  God not only blessed Jacob but also changed Jacob's name, which meant swindler, to Israel, which meant prince with God or power with God.   Do you have some of those names that no longer describe you, and you are still answering to them?  God said no longer will you be called ?? but I will name you MY Child. 

 

You see, when we show our dependency, commitment and determination to be one of God's children, God will bless you just as He did Jacob.Ya Dig?...

Lesson of The Day: Everyday Life & Folks...

Keeping It Real: When people don't know what's going on in your life they (SPECULATE)...When they think they know...They ( FABRICATE)...And when they do know...They just (HATE)..Ya Dig?..

Lesson of The Day: German Chocolate Upside Down Cake

Keeping It Real:

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup margarine, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (18 ounce) box German chocolate cake mix (with pudding)
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup oil
3 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F Grease and flour 13x9 inch pan. Sprinkle coconut and pecans evenly over the bottom of the pan and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, mix cake mix, water, oil and eggs as directed on the box. Carefully pour batter over coconut and pecans in prepared pan.

Mix melted margarine, cream cheese and powdered sugar in large bowl on low speed for 30 seconds, or until well mixed. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat 30 seconds more, or until smooth.

Spoon cream cheese over batter, leaving a 1 inch border of batter around the sides of the pan, and smooth with spatula.

Bake for 43-48 minutes, or until the cream cheese mixture has turned golden brown and the cake springs back when touched lightly.

Remove from oven and set cool for 20 minutes. Run a sharp knife around the edge of the cake and invert it onto serving platter. Let rest for 20 minutes more, then slice and serve. Ya Dig?...