Scrambled Recipes ~ Peanut Butter or Mint Mocha Soy Mousse

One of my favorite coffee drinks is a blended peanut butter mocha. Sounds weird and it is. But if it sounds good, at all, here is a mousse recipe that is almost easy and tastes just as good as the drink.

You may find this to be a very bizarre recipe. But it is so good.

Peanut Butter Mocha Mousse

1 - 12 ounce Pkge tofu (I used soft) 12 ounces. (You can use more but the flavor will be stronger soy)
3/4 cup of melted chocolate chips (I use the tollhouse because the main ingred is chocolate many of the others start with sugar)
1/2 cup of peanut butter
2 TBSP strong brewed coffee or espresso.

Blend this all together, toss in a small handful (1/8 to 1/4 cup) of chocolate chips and let the chips break up into tiny pieces.

You may put this directly into bowls and chill until firm, or make a chocolate wafer crust or buy a prepared one and dump the mousse in and chill and serve it as a pie. Or you may melt more chocolate chips and coat the inside of silicone cupcake holders and chill until firm, then add the mousse and chill. The texture is amazing and the taste is terrific. If you hate the taste of soy, at all, you may not like the hint....but really it's so easy and delicious. Let me know you're coming and I'll whip some up for you.



And it's delicious fraternal twin. Mint Mocha Mousse

Mint Mocha Mousse

1 - 12 ounce Pkge tofu (I used soft) 12 ounces. (You can use more but the flavor will be stronger soy)
3/4 cup of melted chocolate chips (I use the tollhouse because the main ingred is chocolate many of the others start with sugar)
1/2 to 1 tsp of mint extract (1 tsp is heavily mint....try 1/2 tsp first unless you LOVE mint).
2 TBSP strong brewed coffee or espresso.

Blend this all together, toss in a small handful (1/8 to 1/4 cup) of chocolate chips and let the chips break up into tiny pieces.

You may put this directly into bowls and chill until firm, or make a chocolate wafer crust or buy a prepared one and dump the mousse in and chill and serve it as a pie. Or you may melt more chocolate chips and coat the inside of silicone cupcake holders, chill until firm, then add the mousse and finish chilling.

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Creative Carving

23, and a couple of friends, had to "carve" a pumpkin for the coffee shop which employs her when she is not selling soap/lotion.

Pretty fun idea.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Leash Lessons ~ Shuffling Off...

After rereading Beth Moore's When Godly People Do Ungodly Things over the past several weeks I took the dogs for a walk. You'd think a heavy, thought-provoking book about restoration, healing and spiritual warfare wouldn't have anything to do with walking Lily and Lola.

Not so much.

We did an up and down circuit today, a route we've done partially before but never like today. Armed with my camera, three large plastic bags and two leashes we began our journey.

As our entourage moved forward at an erratic and frequently screeching-to-a-halt pace, I begin to see some spiritual applications.

Lily waltzed from side to side, mostly off-path, in the fascinating grass, rarely on the sidewalk. As she bounced, boinged, jumped and double-backed she managed to hobble herself at least a dozen times. Her steps became mincing, tiny shuffles because the leash wrapped around her legs and hindered her from enjoying her frequent attempts to romp along the edge of the path.

Me being the kind person that I am, had to bring the walk to a halt, stop her, and unwrap the leash so that her legs were able to take her where she wanted to go. Did she thank me? Not so much. Did she even recognize that she was free? Her mobility implied that was so, but, within minutes she was hobbled again.

Because I spent so much time huddled over an impatient dog I wondered if there were any times I got myself all twisted up spiritually and became unable to go where I needed and wanted to and I decided that I have indeed done this. Pretty much as often as Lily.

So, thank You, Lord for the times you have and will force me to stop so You can untie, untangle, unleash and settle me on my journey. Sorry about that...I am a creature of very little brain and focus.

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Carving Fun

This is fun/cool...

Carve a Pumpkin

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Sigh. God is Such an Awesome Artist.

This is the sunset from my side yard taken 15 minutes ago. (Disclaimer for the literalists... taken 15 minutes before posting.) I love God art and really dig my new camera.

Scribble and Scrambles ~Random Fun Blog ~

Have you visited this blog?


Cake Wrecks


K. So it's maybe a little mean-spirited to mock the labor of others....but...should you be in a mood to laugh at a few questionable designs and outright mess-ups complete with snarky comments. Well, there you go.

The link to a post with cakes in the theme of feet is uh...very appetizing.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Photos from My New Camera

My family got me a sweet new camera.

While I was hiking, freezing and whining I did take some time to play around with the settings and snap a few shots.

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Play Date

I should have blogged yesterday.

But I played with round-headed kids. Then I needed to recover.

I'm practicing being around little kids because some day, it's inevitable, I'll be a grandma. Right? So my niece drops her little ones off for 23 to bond with and on those days I come home early so I can play. Turns out that X-ta suggesting I needed to get busy on procuring grandkids is on the right track. The dogs just don't cut it. Cute. But it's pretty hard to out cute a toddler wearing a crap-eating grin. (Not literally...because that would clearly take all the fun out of the experience for me.)

These are things I may have know about little kids but have forgotten since it's been awhile.

They are very literal. Do you know that sarcasm goes right over their heads?

Laughing can be hysterical. So can eye-gouging and head-butting.

Crying is something that sometimes happens for no reason.

A good burp is a thing to be celebrated. As is a good poop.

Kids have awesome core muscles.

From asleep to awake to asleep can takes just seconds and involve lots of vocalization.

They smell good...when cleaned up.

If you push on the bag of formula to get rid of air bubbles and you don't have the nipple on tight you get wet and the dogs find you fascinating.

Things I have discovered that I never even considered twenty years ago.

Cup holders on car seats. SERIOUSLY.

DVD players in the backseat.

Toys have gone way high tech. Banging on something with a hammer now may give all sorts of feedback and instructions in electronic voice. (Or it may get the adult in the room to jump up and redirect, but that's a different story.)

Pictured...round-headed kids from twenty plus years ago.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Uber-Wife Finishes the Whining.

Today was beautiful and nearly 70. Vivid blue skies with a hint of crisp tingeing the warm, welcome sunshine. Bright yellow leaves dotted the landscape of brilliant green and the occasional explosion of red. Now this is the October I've come to love in Iowa.

Rewind to a week ago. When the Iowa ground boasted five inches of snow and the Nebraska park I'd camped in was flash-frozen and dreary.

This is my final whining installment patting myself on the back for being a great wife. My arm is getting tired.

So. Saturday morning of the camping trip dawned with the awareness that my bladder had not frozen in my sleep and that I either had to knock on the tent of my neighbor and beg for a ride down to the outhouse, make do in the woods, or walk. I eased out of my very cozy nest and started to hoof it down the road. The temperature, even though there was a tiny dusting of snow on our stuff, wasn't awful. "I can do this. The threat of frostbite is over." I said to meself and a few startled squirrels.

After a smoky breakfast wherein the temperature continued to drop back into the very, very brisk zone, I excused myself and removed a layer up top and slid on my flannel pajama top and then quickly redressed. Yes. It was that cold. We loaded, packed and headed to the vehicles to drive to the other side of the park. Soon we would hit civilization. Soon, if I survived the "easy" hike.

Our ringleader is a big hiker. My husband is one, too, as was the lone ranger along with us. They hike mountains. I began to see that their definition and mine of an easy hike were entirely different.

Ringleader: "Okay. A longer hike takes us around and a little more slowly to the top. There is a direct route that involves a little intense going up front. Which road you wanna take, ladies?"

So, the easier hike would have lasted twice as long and we had time issues and I decided to suck it up and get it over with as soon as possible. "The shorter, uglier one."

"Alrighty then. Follow me."

Now. I need to warn you that I will begin to whine a lot here. If that annoys you just finish this post right now. It only goes down hill.

It's true. What goes up, must come down. And boy, did I go up and down on my hike. See the beautiful, vast, impressive view. See how far away the landscape seems? It seems far, far away because it is. I climbed away from that up-close-and-personal landscape so I might see it from a different perspective.

I am thrilled that I've spent a year working out and getting my muscles into something closer to in shape. Had I not spent time doing Pilates and walking and wiing, I would have been in big trouble. Seriously. At more than one point, when I grabbed a little sapling to avoid falling down the hill and losing the ground I'd gained, I looked at my husband and said. "You do this type of climbing for six hours a day when you back pack?" He'd nod and say something like. "You're doing great, Honey, keep up the good work, Little Trooper." Then I'd whimper and ask. "Why?" He'd smile and nod and remind me to take little steps and it wouldn't hurt quite so bad yada, yada, yada.

I didn't puke. I didn't fall off the hill and plunge to my death. I didn't wet my pants or cry like a little baby. A third of a mile with 90% straight up and a third of the mile attempting to undo the climb left me panting a few times, whiny, and very windblown. But I survived to tell about it. And I don't plan to do it again real soon, but....

Scribbles and Scrambles - National Healthcare...

A politician for the people? The middle-class ones.

Watch this if you are concerned about healthcare.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Uber-Wife Points Continued Again.

My honey cooked all the meals on our winter camp-out. This was great. And delicious. When dinner is at eight p.m. and out-of-doors, and breakfast takes an hour to prepare you get really hungry.

And believe it or not, the sleeping was cozy. Rob made a nice little nest in our two-person tent and with the zipper closed and the many layers of covers I slept great.

Except for the snow/sleet bouncing off the tent.

And the bladder issue.

I knew we were sleeping at a state park. But I didn't think ahead on the more delicate details that might be involved i.e. that we had two choices for potty breaks...the woods....or the outhouse that was a quarter mile down the road. The solo adventurer was kind enough to drive me down to the outhouse after dark, after I realized that I didn't recall seeing any facilities and the only thing available was the woods. (I did mention the werewolves and the utter and complete darkness, the creepy trees...etc.etc.)

Let me just say the woods and I don't get along very well on a warm July camping trip when I'm only wearing one layer. Coordination is not a strong area for me. And any potty attempts in near freezing weather with my lack of coordination was recipe for disaster and hypothermia.

Through whining for now. I'll share the highlights of the hike on Monday.

Serials and Scenarios ~ Getting in Shape God's Way

Discover the 4 Keys to Get Fit in Body, Mind & Spirit

- Key #1: Revelation—fitness beliefs—let go of the lies and invade your spirit with the real

· Key #2: Declaration—fitness words—speak the right words to influence your mind, volition, and emotions

· Key #3: Application—fitness function—infuse healthy activity for your whole person

· Key #4: Manifestation—fitness lifestyle—increase your quality of life: spirit, soul, and body

Discover ancient secrets that break the cycle of fitness failure

In his new book, Getting in Shape God’s Way: 4 Keys to Making Any Diet or Fitness Plan Work, author and fitness expert Ron Kardashian reveals the neglected, ancient secrets to making everything else—proper nutrition, exercise, and other healthy principles—work. Kardashian is a certified strength and conditioning coach and a fitness expert with over a decade of experience who has logged over 11,000 hours of one-on-one consulting in the realm of physical fitness and life development/coaching. The amazing results of his integrated, holistic approach have made him a powerful voice for worldwide change among people of every age, religion, and creed—professionals, CEOs of major companies, diplomatic leaders, clergy, and even royalty.

Getting in Shape God’s Way includes several resources designed to help readers maintain a fitness lifestyle. The fitness plan, complete with photos of Kardashian himself demonstrating proper form, is tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts. Kardashian also offers a companion workout DVD. The food plan features basic principles for healthy eating, suggested meal ideas, and convenient lists of the healthiest foods and the ingredients to be avoided at all costs. Because the words we speak and the things we put in our mouths determine the direction of our lives, Kardashian also includes a list of “mouth fitness Scriptures” that will keep readers focused.


My Review:


This is an overall great overview of fitness and health. Kardashian, with enthusiasm and passion, details that diet and exercise are a full body, soul, emotion and mind connection. Without a change in how we think, any changes made will be only temporary.

This book is not a detailed diet book. There are few if any recipes. A list of good foods and avoidance foods are included, as are suggestions on how to find them. But the diet portion is just a few pages. The majority of the book is focused on changing the mindset from "doomed-to-be" to "this is whom I'm becoming." This change in thinking is very Biblically based and there are lots of scriptures and God talk within. Kardashian spends quite a bit of time of negative vs positive self-talk and explores some fascinating self-fulfilling prophecy type thinking. There is a section with pictures of exercise which was helpful. The included DVD was even more helpful in that area. He has a few moves I haven't seen elsewhere. There is very little rigidity. Those who want a "do-this-now, do-this-right-before-dinner" type of diet/fitness plan probably won't find satisfaction. Self-starters and those ready to change will benefit the most.

Those who don't really want God involved in the process will likely be frustrated. But then again, those folks might not pick it up in the first place. If you are looking for a real change and are open to letting God in on the process you could invest your money in far worse ways. With the included DVD, the cost of this book could be the perfect investment into changing your life at a bargain basement cost. If you don't want to change or if it will eventually end on a garage sale table or collecting dust on a bookshelf, don't bother.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Uber-Wife Points Continued

So the "winter" camping outing was intended to be a fun get away with a hike. One wife listened to the weather forecast and decided that she did not need any uber-wife points (or frostbite, thank you very much) and stayed home. So then there were four (two couples) plus two (a wifeless adventurer and a grand kid).

To prepare I pulled out layer upon layer of clothing items and I whined a little, tried to come up with a good excuse for why it would be in Rob's best interest for me not to go.

He didn't budge and so finally I marinated the chicken he would cook for me over a campfire and packed my stuff.


We arrived at our campsite right about twilight. The state park offered haunted hay rides so I was able to listen to the howling of werewolves while I glanced around at the dark foreboding trees that surrounded our campsite.

Rob, on the other hand, was having a blast. Exhibit C and Exhibit D showing the putting up of the two man tent and the sweet little forehead light. His enthusiasm is pretty cute. But that kind of trashes his whole Mano a Mano image so I retract that statement.

Oh, there's still more...to be continued.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Uber-Wife Gathers Points

Rob is kind of an outdoor Mano a Mano. Right now, as we speak -- figuratively because you may read this at an odd time of day and what I'm sharing wouldn't be true at that particular moment -- but I digress -- he is bow-hunting in 40 degrees and rain. Maybe it's warmer than 40, I'm only guessing but it isn't snow. Trust me, I know what snow looks like.

Exhibit A:

This weekend we got snow. In October. It only snows when the temp reaches freezing.

This weekend. I went tent camping with my husband.

Yes. On the same weekend it snowed I went tent camping. And hiking. Did I mention hiking?

A few of his backpacking buddies wanted to get together for a fun overnight mini-adventure and decided to ask the wives to come along. In their defense October is usually a very mild and perfect month to enjoy the slow ease into winter. But not this October. Winter happened with a vengeance.

We were an hour south of town and we didn't get the four inches of snow like we got at home. We got a smattering of flurries. But Exhibit B shows my insulated cup that held water the night before now holding ice.

to be continued......

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Hmmm Gene Pool?

This odd weekend coincidence totally cracked me up.

We have Pat and 23. Grandfather and grand-daughter. Do you see the resemblance?

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Aw Cheek Pinching Cute, Eh?

Do I have great lookin kids or what?

From left to right. 18. 22 (soon to be 23). Toad-Boy and his lovely wife who has no specific blog-nickname. Hmmm. I will call her Wife of Toad-Boy...or WT-B. (Which is equal to an unpronounceable symbol.)

Serials and Scenarios ~ Extraordinary ~ John Bevere

Summary:

There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life--didn’t Jesus promise that?”

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children.

Here is a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”


About the author:

John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit his ministry website at www.messengerinternational.org.

My Review:

Extraordinary is a book that could revolutionize the way you think or leave you cold. It depends on how new John Bevere's information is for you. Many Bible teachers are sharing the same few key spiritual messages. This one is about living life abundantly and fully trusting God in the details. All the details including the willingness to be transformed. The message isn't a new one but Bevere shares unique insight and thoughts worthy of a few hours of time investment.

If you are struggling in your spiritual walk and wondering how you've gotten so dry or empty, Bevere's words might help you find the path to vibrancy. Many of us within the church read book after book, watch broadcast after broadcast and still refuse to do what God wants us to do... love Him with our entire hearts, souls, minds and strength. If this is your situation and you are not willing to believe God and trust Him with your obedience and yourself this book won't help.

Though not all folks from all denominations are going to be able to swallow all Bevere preaches, I believe the mature will be able to grab the value out of what is relevant and "right" with their particular party line without getting horribly twisted over details that they might not agree with.

Scribbles and Scrambles ~ Sound Bites.

Well. It's been a busy couple of days.

Birthday.

Drama.

Swine flu exposure.

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Rulings.



In a nutshell birthday menu...mango/raspberries/nectarines. Yum. Eggplant (from our garden) Parmesan. Yum. Cucumbers (last ones fresh from the vine)/tomato/mozzarella salad. Yum. All made by 22 who may be the Martha Stewart of her generation. A delightful family gathering, great presents, lovely sentiments and lots of laughter. Sigh. It was the best.

Drama does not need further explanation. Reality television visited 22's coffee shop, though.

Swine flu. 22 again. Worked on Saturday with someone diagnosed on Monday. But, looks like she missed it this time.

FTC ruling has nothing to do with 22. Ha.


Watch for the fancy disclaimer coming soon to this book/movie review site.
: )

(Temporarily let me just clearly state that I don't think I'm making a living via blogging...or walking around moulah, either.

But, I did get a free coffee the other day.

But, once again, that was a 22 connection. Maybe I should come up with a 22 disclaimer, too.

Serials and Scenarios ~Though Waters Roar ~ Lynn Austin

I haven't received a copy of this novel yet. But I'll be sure to check it out when it arrives.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Though Waters Roar
· Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
by
Lynn Austin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction.

Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."

So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.

So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning.

Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow in her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O'Reilly, to be the arresting officer.

Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family--and their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness--brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Though Waters Roar, go HERE

Serials and Scenarios~ Intervention ~ Terri Blackstock

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Intervention
Zondervan (September 22, 2009)
by
Terri Blackstock


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.

In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.

Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.

ABOUT THE BOOK


Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment—and her interventionist is found dead at the airport—Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all.

Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed. Fearing for Emily’s life, Barbara maintains her daughter’s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he’s wrong about Emily.

The panic level rises as the mysteries intensify: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Intervention, go HERE

Watch the book Trailer:



My Review:


Intervention is a raw, painful look inside teen drug addiction and the resulting trauma unleashed on all those involved with the addict.

I recommend this book to anyone who might be suffering through a similar situation if that reader is looking for a flicker of hope, or a sense of connectedness, even if it's connectedness to fictional characters. The characters are at their breaking points and the drama feels real and isn't at all pretty though the story ends with hope. Those struggling with faith issues might benefit, too, as a few characters wrestle out their feelings toward God and what He has allowed to happen in their lives.

I didn't connect with the characters. Reading about a highly intense situation containing two very broken women lashing and battling and hurting was a struggle.

As far as casual, escapist reading -- there is the mystery involved in solving the murder, and suspense as the pieces of the puzzle fall together. I did have a few questions regarding the details involved with police procedures and Barbara's hands-on help in several scenes.

Scribble and Scrambles ~ Recipe for Clean-Up

I've been cleaning out my recipe file. Maybe "file" is an incorrect term.

Instead think of the thickest three-ring binder you've ever seen...three,four inches at the spine. Now imagine that filled with hundreds of pages from the slide in photo album era. (The ones that you aren't supposed to store photos in because it sucks the life out of photos...yes, I recycled them and punched new holes into every stinking one of them because the current holes did not line up.) Imagine each of the double-sided, double-pocket pages holding two to three recipes. Now. You got the picture, right?

How many recipes do you think I actually use?

I'm guessing 10.

Most of my cooking is toss, whip and create on the spot. Do I actually need seventeen lasagna recipes? I know how to make lasagna with my hands tied behind my back and a blindfold on. I may tweak ingredients. Honestly, it's a little or a lot different every time I make it, but, I have yet to use any of those recipes I've amassed.

My file is so huge because I can't stand the clutter of lots of cookbooks (probably for the same reason above). So I save recipes from the cookbooks...just a few from each, and get rid of the book. I do have a few cookbooks but they are either nostalgic or unique and I rarely open those either.

Oy. But I'm telling you. It feels good to cull those pieces of paper that inspire guilt and tension.

Also this is another sign of fall. My crazy-meter is telling me to start cleaning crevices and crannies so I can be company ready for the holidays. Yes. I did go through my recipes last year, too. This year I'm being brutal though. BRUTAL!

Serials and Scenarios ~ It's Not About Him ~ Michelle Sutton

About the Book (and a peek at the first chapter):

Susie passed out while drinking at Jeff’s party and later discovered she’s pregnant. She has no idea who the father is and considers having an abortion, but instead decides to place her baby for adoption. Following through ends up being more wrenching than she imagined, but she’s determined to do the right thing for her baby.

Jeff feels guilty that Susie was taken advantage of at his party and offers to marry her so she won’t have to give up her baby, like his birth mother did with him. But Susie refuses, insisting he should he marry someone he loves. Can he convince her that his love is genuine before it’s too late? Can she make him understand that it’s not about him—it’s about what’s best for her child?

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of It's Not About Him, go HERE.

All about Michelle Sutton. Previous moments at the Dregs.


My Review:


In the second in the Second Glances series Michelle Sutton powers up the romance and the intense themes. With a solid Christian worldview that doesn't excuse poor choices nor pretend that they don't exist, Sutton tackles rape, pregnancy, sexuality, alcohol and the consequences of those choices/scenarios.

When the world feeds our kids and teens the fast food menu board of sex without disease, pregnancy, heartbreak and cynicism, we occasionally need a little help getting the truth across. Sutton does this with her drama-infused, angst-driven characters. Adults can talk all they want to about why teens might want to consider thinking and waiting before jumping into the deep end of the pool with everyone else, but sometimes teens need to be able to hear it from someone, even a fictional someone, who's been there.

I recommend this book with some reservation. Nothing in the book is heavier than what can be found on television, but if your teen is sheltered and used to reading gentler novels, you may want to read it first. However, if you want to fight back against the sex-saturated culture teens are immersed in, this is a great place to start.