A Perfect Pairing

Do you remember the scene from the movie Ratatouille where the mouse reluctantly eats a strawberry and a piece of cheese together and doesnt know what to expect but then when the two flavors marry something incredible happens? WATCH IT. Its cute but it reminded me of something important in life.

Things like Macaroni and cheese cannot live without each other SUCCESS-FULLY, much like Milk and cereal would be harsh, abrasive (to my gums, especially apple jacks)a little too dry for everyday. Something great happens when milk n cereal are consumned together. The cereal is still crispy yet pleasant to eat, while the milk is softly perfumed by the flavor and sweetness of the cereal. How about garlic to italian food. Any one can slap some noodles and tomato sauce together, but its the unique and fragrant oils of the sauteed garlic that truly make for a bold, and authentic dish.

I know all this sounds like cheesy analogys but it reminds me of people a little.
We can sometimes pair the most opposite foods/ people together and we get the most unlikely creative, fun loving, flavorful fusion of a pairing that maybe some people will NEVER understand. (Bacon wine. LOL) We either bring the BEST out of each other, or the WORST. Some foods are bland, and best paired with something SPICY, or tangy, or fruity like oatmeal and berries, or nuts no pun. haha. I think about Rob n Big on so many levels this relationship makes me smile, or a more modern age married couple like Khloe and Lamar Odom who are so affectionate its sickening but I love it!

I also wanted to say that ive heard of some foods when cooked together can draw out unique flavors, and can make you experience/ do things you would never think possible.
Like yeast n bread. If we didnt have yeast the bread wouldnt rise??? We would only know one type of bread, FLAT bread, or unleaven bread. Certain people draw out amazing characteristics and gifts from you that maybe you never thought possible becuase you lacked courage, and its through their encouragement or yeast that made you RISE.

Im just gonna say, thank GOD breathing life into the person who thought up HOT Cheetos!


I know its rare but ive met about 4 people im thinking of right now that from the moment I met them its like I could almost swear ive known them for years. It takes virtually no effort to make conversation, or pick up right where we left off. These pairings are so easy to get along with its almost like DUH! These relationships remind me of pizza n ranch. Some people get it some people dont but if you taste it....it JUST WORKS what can I say? I mean pizza can stand without ranch easy, but the COOL ranch that adds another dimension. There are also foods that we know arent good for us like deep fried twinkies or deep fried cool aid, its like whats the point? Its ok once a year to bump into these foods at a State fair and have a sample, say hello and share the love and appreciation for these crazy concoctions but not best for the every day diet for more reason than one.

What we put into our bodies is extremily important, especialy because we should want to eat to live, not the other way around. God is the bread of life, and what we need (nuitrients to survive) comes from Him today and everyday. He is the cup that wont run dry, our modern day Manna. Mac n cheese and pizza are great (I LOVE thin crust, shout out to the current holder of the holy grail pizza in my EYES so far : Rosatis pizza) but honestly we wont die if Rosati's closes for business.

Thanks for reading.
You get the idea :)

Grandma's Mexican Champurrado

Happy Holiday season friends!
The time is here. My mom and Grandma were visiting this weekend and I decided to ask for an authentic recipe. Grandma decided it would be best to make a full batch to kick off the Holiday season, and she would show me hands on.
Chapurrado is a hot drink made mentirely of Mexican ingredients.

Heres what you will need.

2 whole cinnamon sticks (Broken in half)
1 can evaporated milk
Whole Milk
1 bar of Chocolate Abuelita
2 whole cones of Pilonsillo (Mexican cane sugar)
2 cups of Maseca or FRESH PLAIN MASA! Warning,(NOT Tamale Masa)
ABOUT 4 cups of lukewarm water
1 Strainer


Here we go. Start by filling a large soup pot with water half way up. Toss in your chocolate, pilonsillo, and cinnamon sticks cracked in half. Let it come to a boil. All the ingredientes will slowly melt as the water comes up to temperature.

Stir once slowly to incorporate everything. (No stirring, or the cinnamon sticks get grainy). Once all the ingredients have been melted, here is how it will look.

You will notice the cocoa has melted and will form a light foam. we are ready for the next step. In a separate bowl, take your maseca, or fresh masa, slowly pour in your warm water. WASH your hands up to your elbows, and NO manicures says grandma.
This is her method and im not getting in the way of this step, but you can use a wire whisk. Mix, mix, mix, and mash all the clumps into a smooth consistency.

Once your masa is a creamy smooth consistency, its time to add it in. Hook your strainer to the pot and slowly pour a portion using a a spoon to mill it through. with your other hand also quickly stirr to prevent clumps from forming.

Once you have strained in all your masa stirr away. The corn masa has a tendancy to stick because it becomes thick and creamy so one must stay at the stove and stirr constantly. After a few minutes of stirring dunk in your strainer to catch any lumps of masa and an bits of cinnamon that can be removed.

Now this mixture has to come to a bubbling boil for a good 5 minutes so the masa cooks, and theres no raw flavor.

Now its time to add the milk, slowly pour in your evaporated milk, and finally your whole milk.

stirr once more and remove from the heat. Its ready!
Time to enjoy a nice hot mug of this mexican yumminess.

You will notice that when it cools, it tends to thicken, but when its time to reheat again, have some hot boiling water handy to think out the consistency, and its perfect once again.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers, and friends who take the time to read my blogs, I had no idea how many of you read and share with others until you told me!
I am personally thankful for everyone in my life, and all who have encouraged me, and lifted me up and never gave up on me. My heart is filled with gratitude, and words cannot express how much joy there is in my heart today.

Have a blessed Monday!

Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte

So Fall is here, although in Arizona it still feels like summer.
To help get us in the mood here at home ive been making Pumpkin Spice Latte's to satisfy our fall craving for pumpkin. My version is semi healthy and figure friendly but doesnt dissapoint on the flavor. Heres what you'll need.

1 Shot of Espreso or STRONG double strength coffee

1 tablespoon of canned 100% pumpkin Puree (Not pumpkin pie mix)

1 table spoon of Brown sugar (I also use agave nectar, regular sugar, or even raw sugar)mainly whatever you like to sweeten your coffee with.

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

3/4 cup of milk of your choice (half and half or heavy cream is good too) whatever you like in your coffee.

And last but certainly not least: Pumpkin Pie spice


Start off by brewing your coffee extra strong. In a separate cup , mix all of the other ingredients together.

Microwave for about 1 minute watching carefully in case it bubbles over. Once your pumpkin milk has been steamed, I like to froth the milk, hence Latte. To froth your milk you dont need a fancy schmancy milk frother like this, you can do it with a jar that has a tight lid on it. Ive even used a french press, all you do is plunge like 20 times and you have capuccino style froth.

Then you pour in your coffee carefully on one side to preserve the foam. and dash a little more spice over top and enjoy!

Save your self a bazillion calories, and 10 bucks in stead of going to you know where for a pumpkin spice Latte.

Happy Fall! Let me know what you think!

A Tale of San Francisco, & the Rhinesone Ballet Slippers

Ive always wanted to blog about this story becuase I remember it quite often, It really is a great little story I know i'll carry with me, and hopefully pass on to my children and grandchildren. Well, its not that serious, but ok.

Back in 2008, my sister Crystal was stationed in California, on Travis AFB. We were so lucky we all got to be together for a nice long 10 days... we decided to take a cruise down to Frisco since it was only about an hour drive. I was in awe of how our car was making it up the steep hills for streets in that city! It was like taking a roller coatser ride!

Check out the major slants the San Franciscans have to deal with! Even the houses look like a caricature, or like you may be in a fun house and had one too many to margaritas.

Then we visited "The Painted Ladies" a few Edwardian, or victorian style houses that are painted in 3 or four different colors to enhance the architechtural details. Do any of these houses look familiar?

yep, its the full house "House" !

we mosied on down to little italy for some great italian food, and then made our way to some other great Frisco sights, like Pier 39, a great view of Alcatraz, the crazy lookin Lombard street.

We decided to go to China Town just for some window shopping and people watching. The streets were filled with chinese Gamblers gathered around smoking cigarets, and playing for money. We passed so many tea shops, and stores filled with chotchskies, and a plethera of chinese goods. Not to mention the wierd markets with wierd meats hanging like skinned frogs, ducks, and other exotic meats hanging like chandeliers, and my dad actually went all the way to the back of one to investigate and see what else they were plucking and skinning back there, and was shooed out by a flock of chinese ladies. Ill spare those photos.

I did score a few of the most beautiful scarves, and Chinese Pashmena's which I love and cherish and remember my visit by. It was at china town after much walking and browsing so many interesting stores that me and hubby came across the most GORGEOUS ballerina flats. For all my lady readers, back in 2008 ballet flats were ALL the rage, and every one had a pair. I laid my eyes across a pair of black laceflats, the front of the toe was closed, round and had a dusty rose satin ribbon delicatly coiled into neat cute bow. The best part of these babies was that the toe part was capped into a half circle encrusted in pearlescent rhinestone crystals. My eyeballs almost popped out of my head! These were so beautiful not to mention they were ballet flats which were so IN, and were so versatile to any ladies wardrobe. I created a soul tie right there and then with these shoes. I tried them on and I was on cloud 9. I felt like I was floating. I fell in love, so i checked the price tag. I didnt like. Andrew said they looked great on me and they were really nice shoes, and if I liked them that much I should get them. I really think he was itching to get out of the store and away from all the sparkly things. He found something else across the store and I tried them on again.

I had never owned anything in that price range, and be being the frugalista that I am deep down I just couldnt justify it. Plus we hadnt stopped at the legendary 3 story Forever 21 in Downtown San Francisco just yet? Was I willing to blow it all on a pair of shoes? Or was I going to hold out for a great haul of clothes and accessories for the upcoming holidays? what was a girl to do?

After much debate I decided they were out of my pricerange, and thought maybe i'd find a better deal with another store in frisco. We left, and I already had separation anxiety. I was having second thoughts and I wanted to go back. I didnt and after a honey dew Bubble tea i felt much better, and I forgot about it. We ended up finishing our visit to San Francisco, and went back home. We flew back to phoenix, but somehow I always remembered the flats. I did numerous google searches, checked Zappos, Nordtsom, Macey's T.j maxx marshalls, to no avail. I even resorted to Juicy Coture,nothing like the one pair of Capped toe ballet flats. I resented myself.

I should have bought them! To this day I still try to look for
them, and although the trend may have died down a bit since them, there hasnt been anything like them, or even remotely close to them.
Andrew remembers too. Now evertime Im not sure about my fashion purchases for my wardobe he always reminds me about the One pair of Rhinestone slippers I left in San Francisco. Oh how I wish I could go back. I still day dream that somehow they might still be there for me. I tried searching for a photo that might resemble them, but this is the best could do. Its all wrong, and not even close to what I have in my mind. It might help if you had a visual.

These dont do the originals justice.

I wanted to write this story because fashion fads come and go, some im thankful they go, but a classic pair of classy shoes never go out of style.
The moral of this story is " only get it if you LOVE it. Somethings just need to be chosen for quality not quantity ".

I wonder do any of you have a similar "remorse story"?

Thanks for reading :)

Healthy Pancakes ???

Ok so when I first saw this recipe, I thought the same thing, how can pancakes be healthy? Flour, tons of sugar, CARBS CARBS CARBS! It came from mens health.
Im usually pretty good about memorizing ingredients for a recipe, but then I usually take my own twist on it, either because I dont have all the ingredients or because I just want to get creative.

I had to try this. what drew me in was the photo. The pancakes looked really fluffy and I already knew they had added baking powder. Im not a baker so I dont have this powder. Betty crocker all the way. The recipe only called for 5 ingredients and none of those were baking powder. After weeks of trying to get the exact recipe right without false advertisement (LOL) I got it right. Its pretty close to the original recipe, and photo, but most importantly they really ARE healthy.


Here's what you will need.

Oatmeal 1 cup
Egg whites 1/2 cup
Low-fat Cottage Cheese two heaping spoonfuls
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Butter

your choice:
Acave nectar vs Maple Syrup
blueberries or your choice of fruit.


In your blender, grind your oats until it turns into a fine powder.

Then incorporate all your wet ingredients.

Blend into a smooth batter. Let the batter sit for about 3 minutes to thicken. IMPORTANT TIP. Your batter should be quite thick.If its not thick after 3 minutes, add in a handful more oats and blend again for a few seconds.
put some butter in the griddle or non-stick pan and pour in some batter.

You wont see bubbles rise to the top and pop like you would notice with redular pancake batter, but you will notice them rising a bit. Thats the egg whites in action!
For me, through all the testing, the first one is somewhat of a Dud. After that they all look great.

Get crazy with it. or not. You could add in choco chips, banannas, or serve with fresh fruit , even some pumpkin puree. I let hubby take the first taste just in case....
They turned out delicious, they all have a delicate oatmeal flavor, with the texture of homemade french toast. Its a great alternative for the usual pancakes without the gut busting calories. So whether you are on a diet, maybe you preffer french toast, or maybe you are just a guy and you dont know how to make pancakes from scratch. Make these for your girl, or yopur wife. Brownie points!

Have a blessed day! Thanks for reading!

My Salvation Story

Many of us who are now saved, and have turned our lives over to Christ have a salvation story. A tale of how it all came to be. Im always so intrigued to hear others share a little bit of how they met God, and up to the day they went to their watery grave. They all have a great smile on their face, and such a sense of pride in their voice. I love that about people, and I love that we all have a savior that loves us so much, and isn't partial to anyone. Each story is unique, so different, and needs to be heard. In essence, its the most important day in ones life. On that day we live and we die, and are raised with Christ.


Mine comes from a broken hearted place. I'm sure i'm not the only one who has had breakup. We all remember our first love, the person we gave our heart to completely at that time in our life. We give ourselves away , and pieces remain in each others hearts forever. We create soul ties, bonds if you will with people, so deep that our mind, will, and emotions connect and form roots deep withing our hearts. Years ago that was me. I gave my whole heart to a boy. We dated much longer than most puppy love couples date. A few years after high school, it seemed college life was quickly approaching. Like fork in the road, so our lives went. Its natural to have abitions for our future. To me, it seemed like overnight that relationship just didnt work out for us. There was no wrongs done, no hurts, no lies, no cheating, or anything devastating. It just was not the best thing for our ever expanding future. I didn't make this decision, nor did I fully understand why? I really did think we would end up together forever, and happily ever after like Cinderella and The handsome prince, like Jasmine and Aladdin, maybe even Donald and Daisy. I was wrong, very wrong, and I felt mis-led, confused, cheated, abandoned, tossed aside like a dirty sock. Unbeknownst to me at the time God had a better plan for me.

I was raised in a Catholic setting, and I can only ever remember going to church a few times a year. I had no clue of who Jesus really was, what he had done for me, or even how to pray. I was clueless. I thank God even today for my best friends in the world. As I was in devastation, tears, and vulnerability, they were there 24 hours a day for me. They were going through this with me. Praying for me, making me laugh again, and telling me about the Good news of the Cross. I stayed over at their house for a few weeks. Weeks turned into months at a time. My parents were concerened but because it was only down the street, they were somewhat ok with it. I still remember feeling that no one understood me. The next couple of years were very emotional, sad, spiraling downward into a severe depression. I felt like somone died, and forcefully took a piece of me with them. Friends tried to cheer me up, I was starting to frighten even myself with suicidal thoughts and battling alot of feelings of regret and unworthiness. Life was awful, mean, and unfair. I started pretending I was ok to keep from losing friends, and getting my parents off my back, and to prevent from losing my job where I had to smile alot .

One morning, over coffee my friend asked me if I was ready to leave the past to have a new life. I was at the point where I had finally acccepted what had happened would not be repaired. I said yes. She asked me a series of questions in which I gave very truthful answeres about repentance. I took about a week too think about it, and I was ready to make my decision to live for Christ public. I was ready to be baptized.
On a warm summer day, the Pastor came over to my friends house. He showed up lookin cool, on a mean Harley Davidson, he had awesome colorful tattoos, many of them with crosses and bible verses.

After praying together, I stepped into the swimming pool. I remembered feeling really guilty that my parents werent there. I told them what was happening that night but it was not something they approved of, but I continued on because I knew it was the best decision for me. It gave me hope, and hope was desperately needed in my life. Down the steps into the pool I felt like I had a ball and chain attatched to my feet. I could not help but feel like i was doing something wrong, like I was betraying my family's religion. We didnt do things like this, we didnt ever see a full grown person being baptized. It was all new to me, I felt held back, but I felt free. Its a fantastic feeling that I can remember, but I cant ever describe it properly into words, so you will just have to trust me on this.

It was night, silent, the stars were glowing and the subtle glow of the pool waters illuminated the backyard of my friends home. With my closest friends sitting by us, and the Pastor and I in the pool we began. He held my hand and with the other he held a bible and read:

He told me my sins were forgiven, the ones from the past , present, and future. That my debt was paid. He told me that from the moment that I rise from the water, April has died, and passed into new life. That a new creature emerges from the watery grave.
He said I would be buried with Christ, and live eternally. He put the bible aside, and said "April, I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins."
I went down, and I heard the crash of water, and when I came up I gasped my first breath of air, and when I opened my eyes I saw my friends smiling and teary eyed, and clapping. I felt really happy. We had steaks, and celebrated the rest of the evening.

To be honest, I didnt feel different. Not one bit. I really did think I would be instantly changed for some reason. Life resumed, and I was still sad. I was gifted a bible, and I began picking it up when I needed encouragement like they had instructed me to. I didnt understand it, and it all was foreign to me. Fast forward 7 years, I am writing this blog with a big fat smile on my face. SO MUCH has happened in my life since. So many bad things, and lots of great things, trajedies, and lots of laughing.
Today is July 12th, 2012. I can honestly say, im transformed. From the inside out. I look back at the awesome day when my past was put to rest. The day I was redeemed, and I just see the transformation in action. Im not complete yet. He isn't done with me. So many chapters still to come! Im so thankful for my life, and thank God because He saved me. I dont want to think about my life had I not followed through and showed up that day.

Anyway, this is my story. I hope it encouraged you, and made you smile.
Thanks for reading.


Gods blessings to you

~April

Amazing Woman, doing Amazing Things

Meet Christina.

I've probably said this to alot of people in my life circle at some point or another, but only becasuse I believe it so deeply. I sincerely believe God allows people to come in your life in a season, through a season, for a season, and some remain in your heart for a lifetime. Some come in so meekly and gently you sometimes forget just how much they have impacted your life. Ive shared many secret things with Christina that I just cannot seem to share with other people becasue I overcomplicate the words. I know she was sent to my life because when I shared lots of these different things I just really and truthfully didnt know her. She was a listening ear, with a wide open heart showing true concern for my feelings with no hidden agenda. She didnt expect anything in return, she was intrigued by the things troubling me, and I was equally intrigued as to why she was so kind, and honestly giving me her undivided, complete attention to such small details in my life.

It was all God. I will never forget our poolside conversation. It has allowed a breakthrough in areas of my life that I thought were impossible, amazing Godly gifts have been the result of your attention to my heart, and Christina, if you are reading this, your willingness to befriend a person like me is just so unexpected to me. Its like Gods love poured out, I just don't understand, I just dont get it, im no special person? Im no celebrity? Its just ugly ole me inside, but you did more than you will ever realize.

She showed me how to love others, and how to do God's will and take advantage of a situation by just saying "Well? Lets pray, April , right here right now."

Christina continues to inspire me, and overwhelm me with love. Her courage, humility, and simple giving basics are that of a true servant and i know thats something that God just gushes over. This amazing woman of God has created a ministry that is so profound I could not help myself, I just had to share it.

~Rejeweled~ was birthed through Christinas courage, and faithfulness to taking old, unsused, and broken jewelry and making it into something, new and repurposed , for Jesus Christ and His cause. So often we think our lives are ugly, rusty, broken, and cant be used anymore, but God takes those pieces, oh how He loves those ugly ragged ole pieces, and He makes beautiful things out of us. Christina truly is doing Gods will, in that she makes one of a kind pieces for the beloved of Christ, whom has made us all one of a kind. So inspiring, so motivating, and this ministry just means so much to me because she goes up to random people, women in stores or wherever she is, and just surprises them with a unique piece that was crafted by her specifically for that special person.

If it's in your heart, and you have some old jewelry you would like her to use for this ministry contact me, and I will get these jewels straight to her.

Thanks for reading friends, and Christina, I love you, you have a special place in my heart forever.