Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want.
by Joseph Wood Krutch

Maybe humans should operate on this principle too...................

Mar. 28-An apple a day

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the Light.

Mar. 27-An apple a day

See each person you meet as one who knows your Lord or is seeking your Lord.

Mar. 26-An apple a day

The only wise speed at which to live is .....Godspeed.

Feng Shui for Cats: For Cats only

When peace and tranquility are achieved...purring may commence.

Recipe: Chocolate Cobbler

What woman doesn't love chocolate?  Here is a yummy recipe for the chocolate lover!  So easy to make and only minimal indredients needed.

Chocolate Cobbler

Ingredients needed:
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp + 1/4 cup cocoa, divided
1/2 cup milk
3 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cup hot water
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and 2 tbsp. cocoa.  Stir in milk, vanilla, and applesauce until smooth.  Pour into an 8 inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. 

Combine the brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle over batter.  Pour hot water over the top.
DO NOT STIR. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched.  The cobbler will have a liquid chocolate layer under the cake.  Top with fat free whipped topping or ice cream if desired.  Yields: 8 servings

Enjoy.....

Mar. 25-An apple a day

We cannot do everything at once; but we can do something at once.

Easter Egg Hunts in Spartanburg, SC

Michelle McGee, Jesse James and Sandra Bullock

Easy Tips to Prevent Falls in the Elderly

10 Great Educational Software Programs for Toddlers & Babies

Mar. 24-An apple a day

  Sympathy is never wasted except when you give it to yourself.

Mar. 23-An apple a day

No man ever injured his eyesight by looking on the bright side of things...think about it.

Heart healthy Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey Meatloaf  (serves 5)

Ingredients:

1lb lean turkey, ground
1/2 cup regular oats, dry
1 large egg
1 Tbsp onion, dehydrated
1/4 cup catsup

To prepare:
1. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
2. Bake in a  loaf pan at 350F for 25 minutes or to an internal temp. of 165F.
3. Cut into 5 slices and serve.

Few ingredients, easy and quick, this recipe is great if you're in a hurry. 

Nutritional info: 192 calories per slice, 7g fat, 2g saturated fat, 23g carbs, 214 mg sodium, 21g protein, 1g fiber

I like to make meatloaf sandwiches!  Have you tried this?

Mar. 22-An apple a day

A candle-glow can pierce the darkest night.

For Cats Only

Feng Shui for Felines:

Napping in the correct place is important for tranquility. 

       Always choose freshly washed, neatly folded
                      laundrey to nap on.

I visited Biltmore House on Saturday, the first day of Spring!  It was a beautiful sunny and warm day, (although somewhat windy). That's pretty normal for the mountains though.  I went with friends, Karen, Chimey, Carolyn, Monique and Matt.  We did the audio tour of the Biltmore House.  It took about 2 hours.  The house has a total of 250 rooms and 43 bathrooms (none of which are for visitors, by the way).  During the tour visitors get to see 55 rooms and they are magnificent.  We were a little early for the gardens, they were not in bloom yet. There is a total of 8000 acres on the estate.  Biltmore estate was first opened to the public to visit in 1930.  The French chateau was built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt who died at the young age of 51 from complications from an appendectemy.  Only married for 14 years at the time of his death, his wife Edith was left with an 11 year old daughter Cornelia.  It was up to Edith to keep the huge estate running.  After the crash of the stock market in 1929, Edith made the decision to open the house and  grounds to visitors which would bring in needed revenue to maintain it.  Today, admission to the estate still contributes to the preservation of the property, as it is not privately funded nor is it funded by grants.  It is 100% self supporting from revenue produced from it's many lines of items for purchase and the hundred of thousands of visitors each year.  I think we are really fortunate to have this legacy so close to us in SC.  If possible, visit the Biltmore Estate. It is a magnificent place and you come away learning a great deal. 

We ate lunch at the Stable Cafe and it was very good.  I plan to post a slideshow of pictures on this blog as soon as I get them developed later this next week.  Be sure to look for it!

Until next time have a great day............!

Mar. 21-An apple a day

  Better to light one candle than to curse the darknesss.

Mar. 20-An apple a day

   Winter on her head---eternal spring in her heart.

Where to Attend A New Moon DVD Release Party in Spartanburg or Boiling Springs, SC

These parties are tonight Friday Mar. 19th!  So read article to find out where they are so you don't miss out.

Jesse James, Michelle "Bombshell" McGee and Sandra Bullock?

   If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come........................

Mar. 18-An apple a day

        Cold and reserved natures should remember that, though not infrequently flowers may be found beneath the snow, it is chilly work to dig for them and few care to take the trouble.

Mar. 17-An apple a day

The kind word that falls today may bear its fruit tomorrow.

A brief look at Features and Apps of the New Apple iPad

Mar. 16- An apple a day

With God, nothing shall be impossible...so true!

Easter Egg Hunts in Spartanburg, SC

Got young kids?  Check this article out for details on Easter Egg Hunts coming up in the next 3 weeks...
Make plans now to attend...you and your kids will have tons of Easter fun!

Mar. 15-An apple a day

Do the very best you can ... and leave the outcome to God.

very sound advice....

Recipe: Lime-Scented Mango Strawberry Salad

This would be a delish low calorie dessert to have with your Easter brunch. 

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 3 min
Chill: 30 min.  Serves 8
cost per serving: $1.61

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. grated lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 cups trimmed, sliced strawberries (about 2lb)
3 cups peeled, diced mangoes (2 to 3 large mangoes)

1.) Combine sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in lime zest and juice; let cool to room temperature.
     Note: You can make the lime syrup up to a week ahead. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge.  Double the recipe, if you like, so you can brush the extra syrup on pound cake.

2.) Mix strawberries with mangoes in a large bowl.  Add syrup and gently stir until well mixed.  Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.


Tips:  This salad is best served well chilled.
          If mangoes aren't available or you don't care for them, use pineapple or bananas.  Or, for a more
          exotic flare, use kiwi or papaya.  For a different flavor, try a mixture of half lime zest and juice and
          half orange zest and juice.

from: March issue of All You Magazine

Easter Poem: Our Risen Savior!

Trust in the Lord

                                                             The way
                                                         each tiny flower
                                                     reaches up to heaven
                                                             with trust,
                                                      we, too, should lift
                                                       our hearts to God
                                                      and know HE cares
                                                                for us.

Mar. 14-An apple a day

So many Gods, so many creeds,
So many paths that wind and wind;
When just the art of being kind
Is all the sad world needs.

Mar. 13-An apple a day

Help me never to judge another until I have walked two weeks in his shoes.

15 minute Speed Cleaning Tips for Your Home

Spending just 15 minutes a day cleaning up a room will help keep your home clean enough until you have more time on another day.

Mar. 12-An apple a day

...When the archer misses the center of the target he seeks for the cause within himself.

Thoughts of Spring to Share with YOU!!

From: Mar 2010 issue -Mature Living Magazine

In calendar springtime
I long to breathe deeply
Of air warmed by sunshine,
Free of frost and fog and salt.


I search among the fallen leaves,
Not yet removed by winter squalls,
For emerald shoots---a pledge
Of pleasure yet to come.


I spirit myself to other lands,
Dreaming of what will soon be,
Basking on beaches, walking the shores,
Hiking through verdant woods.


Thank you, Lord, for what we know
Will surely dawn upon us as before,
The long-awaited, longed for day---
The inevitability of spring.


by Betty Rosian 

Mar. 11-An apple a day

...Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of your mind.

Corey Haim Dead at 38

Mar. 10-An apple a day

...Every time you give another a "piece of your mind" you add to your own vacuum...

Full Throttle Saloon Renewed for Fall 2010 Season

Tax Credits for 2009 Income Tax Filing

See if you qualify for these tax credits! They could net you a larger refund!

Mar. 9-An apple a day

***The only conquests which are permanent, and leave no regrets, are conquests over ourselves.......

Mar. 8-An apple a day

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on...

Pay attention to this Freida!

Reputable Wedding Caters in Sptbg/Greenville, SC

Avatar or Hurt Locker? Which will win for Best Picture?

Free event Wed. Mar. 10 @ Sptbg. Co. Library

Wed. Mar. 10 @ 6-8pm at the Sptbg. Headquarters Library plan to attend - EMBRACING LIFE WITH BRAVADO!

Learn how to deal with stress and take charge of your health with Hunter Mahon, the director of the Spartanburg Regional Center for Health and Healing. Later Jim Rogers, a SRMC security officer, will demonstrate self defense techniques and safety tips..

Monday- March 8 @ 12pm noon- Look Good...Feel Better

Today, Monday, Mar. 8th @ 12 noon, attend this free class for Cancer patients at the Gibbs Cancer Center Auditorium..

Cosmetology professionals help women during cancer treatment with make-up, turbans, skin/nail care, scarves, wigs and hats. All women attending this group session will receive complimentary make-up kits. To Register for this free event cal 864-560-6747

Mar. 7-An apple a day

..Many of us spend half our time wishing for things we could have if we didn't spend half our time wishing.

March 6-An apple a day

He who loses money loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses faith loses all.

March 5-An apple a day

**First, do more than you are paid for before expecting to be paid for more you do.............

3 Top Wedding Caterers in Spartanburg/Greenville, SC

--- If you're going to be planning a wedding soon, check out these 3 Wedding Caterers!

March 4-An apple a day

Conscience is the still small voice that makes you feel still smaller...

March 3-An apple a day

***Do you see difficulties in every opportunity or opportunities in every difficulty?

March 2-An apple a day

The secret of patience is doing something else in the meanwhile..

March 1-An apple a day

Better to let 'em wonder why you didn't talk than why you did...

A poem: Twilight

Top 10 TV Shows for 2010

Click here to see a synopsis of new TV shows:

Bi-Lo Store Coupon Policies

1. Most Bi-Lo stores double coupons that are .60 or less.

2. You can 'stack' a store coupon with a manufacturer's coupon for the same item.

3. You do not have to buy 2 of the B1G1 free items to get the sale price.

4. Bi-Lo will accept competitor's coupons but require a manager override.

** Coupons are in BiLo's monthly bonus flyer saver. You can also print BiLo coupons from their website by creating a My Bi-Lo account.

from:couponing 101 class

The Basics - Saving 50% or more on Groceries

Here are some basic tips to always remember when shopping for groceries:

1. Know your prices and always buy at the lowest price.

Most stores fluctuate product prices on a 6-8 week cycle. Only once in that 6-8 week cycle will an item reach its lowest price. You always want to buy items at this lowest price!

2. Learn the "Stocking Up Approach"

When an item is at its lowest price during the 6-8 week cycle you will need to buy enough of that item to last until it comes back on sale.
This will eliminate the neeed for "quick trips" to the store to pick up items you "need". If you have to go to the store to get what you "need", chances are you are going to be paying full retail price. Chances are slim it will be on sale when you "need" it.

>>By practicing the "stocking up" approach, you will be saving on average 50-70 % off these items.

>>If you can cut down on buying items when you run out and buy them at their lowest possible price, the amount you can save will be considerable.

Where did February go? Tomorrow is March 1 and the First day of Spring is Mar. 20! I am so ready for Spring...

Poem by Freida: Homeless and Vulnerable

Pray for the homeless. This poem is for those who are experiencing it and for those of us who will in the future....

Share this link with others if you like it...........

Dinner for under $10- fix Porcupines (recipe in post)

Great recipe! Porcupines Healthy (low in fat)

Prep time 5 min. Cook: 1 hour
Serves 6
Cost per serving. $1.15

____________________________________________________________________
Ingredients:

1 1/4 lb. ground turkey
1 large carrot, shredded
2/3 cup uncooked brown rice
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3-14.5 oz cans low-sodium chicken broth
6 large flour tortillas

************************
1. Fill large pot with water and heat to boiling. Combine turkey, carrot, rice, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your fingers to mix gently but thoroughly; do not overmix. Form mixture into about 16 balls; do not compact them tightly.

2. Using a slotted spoon, carefully place balls in boiling water, making sure water covers them. Return water to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Drain water and return pot to stove. Pour broth into pot and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Spoon balls into bowls and serve with warm tortillas on the side.

per serving: 330 calories, 4g Fat, 29g protein, 2g fiber, 53g Chol., 42g carb.

How to tell if a coupon will double

..Save twice as much when you can by using coupons at stores that double coupons everyday...ex. BILO

To tell if you have a coupon that will double in value---look at the UPC code. If the first number is 5, the coupon will usually double, if it starts with a 9, it won't. Be sure that the store you're visiting does double before you try. Some do it as a rule...others double only on certain days.....

Feb. 28-An apple a day

....Dignity is the capacity to hold back on the tongue what never should have been in the mind in the first place....

Feb. 27-An apple a day

.....The difference between a prejudice and a conviction is that you can explain a conviction without getting mad!

Feb. 26-An apple a day

..Before you flare up at "anyone's" faults, take time to count ten--ten of your own.

Ouch! This one stomped on my toes.........

Feb. 25-An apple a day

**Things are pretty well evened up in this world. Other people's troubles are not so bad as yours, but their children are a lot worse.

Feb. 24-An apple a day

To see God in everything makes life the greatest adventure there is......

Amen on this one!

Feb. 23-An apple a day

...Don't tell me that worry doesn't do any good. I know better. The things I worry about don't happen..

This is a good one!

Feb. 22-An apple a day

....I had no shoes and complained until I met a man who had no feet.

Feb. 21-An apple a day

......To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.

Feb. 20-An apple a day

***Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

What?

Feb. 19-An apple a day

....Try to fix the mistake____ never the blame.

Feb. 18-An apple a day

.....Faults are thick when love is thin...........

makes sense

Feb. 17-An apple a day

It also takes two to make up after a quarrel.

Reminder: Day of Dance is this Weekend!

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a week. I've been so busy, just can't seem to keep everything up..

Just wanted to remind you about The Day of Dance, this Sat. at Westgate Mall. (For details click on title of this post to get to the day of dance website). This is a fun event, with dance demonstrations, health screenings, goodies, and other stuff. This is sponsored by Spartanburg Regional this year. Please plan to attend if possible.

Feb 16-An apple a day

.....Love cannot be wasted. It makes no difference where it is bestowed, it always brings in big returns.

Michelle Obama Launches "Let's Move" Campaign to Fight Childhood Obesity

Did you know?
Approx. 1/3 of children in the US are obese.
It is a growing epidemic.

Foods for a Healthy Heart

Eat well and live long!

Put your Heart in the right place...

Matthew 6:21 NIV • Read this chapter
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Feb. 15-An apple a day

We like someone because.....we love someone 'although'.

Feb. 14-An apple a day

.....The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be
seen or touched, but are felt in the heart........

Happy Valentines Day

God loves you......make sure you have given him
your whole heart...HE will take care of it!

Feb. 13-An apple a day

The door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside.

Feb. 12-An apple a day

Love sees through a telescope, not a microscope........

Guard your Heart..............

Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Is it snowing in Spartanburg yet???????????

Friday afternoon, and waiting on the snow again............

Feb. 11- An apple a day

The best gifts are "tied with heartstrings".

Feb. 10-An apple a day

Sorry, I'm posting several 'apples' at a time, but next week is going to be very very busy at work, and I probably won't have time to post everyday.

******Character is property---it is the noblest of possessions.

Feb. 9- An apple a day

Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together...

Feb. 8-An apple a day

Anyone can carry his burden, however heavy, until nightfall; anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day.

I straddle the fence on this one........not convinced totally

Feb. 7-An apple a day

A friend is one whom you dare to be yourself...

Feb. 6-An apple a day

Every man's work is a portrait of himself....

uh oh, I might be in trouble

Feb. 5-An apple a day

***An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it.

Feb. 27, 2009-Free Event - Day of Dance @ Westgate Mall

Mark your calendars for Sat. Feb. 27, 2010 (11am-3pm) for Spartanburg's annual Day of Dance event. It's free, alot of fun, and is sponsored by Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. For all of the details click on the
title of this post. Hope to see you there! Freida

February is Heart Health Month

The rest of February will focus on Heart healthy tips, articles, bible verses,free local events and all things heart related. Let's get our heart in shape. We'll be better off for it!

Marc Kitchens: Sptbg. Co. Clerk of Court Arrested

This news was shocking and very disappointing to me yesterday.
to read the details of the arrest click on the link above.

Who can we trust in our local government? I still trust Sheriff Chuck Wright and I hope that will always be the case........

Feb. 4-Apple a day

Real friends are those who, when you've made a fool of yourself, don't feel that you've done a permanent job.....

Thank you all of my friends!

Feb. 3-An apple a day

****** Friendship is to be purchased only by friendship... true!

Feb. 2- An apple a day

^^^^^^^The only way on earth to multiply happiness is to divide it!

It is Groundhog Day!!

Happy Groundhog day! How are you going to celebrate? Work-yes, me too.
Did you know the first Groundhog day was in 1887? It was and the original groundhog is named Phil and is from PA! What do you think his prediction will be? I hope Spring is springing early! I'll post Phil's prediction as soon as I know it.

I know you can't wait..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow..........6 more weeks of winter weather.
oh well, we'll see you again next year.