Coming to an end

As I mentioned previously, I created this blog as a part of a semester assignment for the writing class I'm in.  I didn't know the first thing about blogging, formatting, SEO, monetizing, back linking, etc. before this class.  I learned so many useful skills I know I will keep with me for the rest of my life, as well as had a lot of fun applying it and using my creativity in the process :)

The Internet opens up a whole new window of opportunity for our generation that we need to take advantage of.  Blogging is just one great way that we can use our skills and talents for God's glory and use this gift of writing to help others and hopefully, impact lives.  People all over the world are struggling with depression, thoughts of suicide, severe health conditions, and are at the end of their rope.  I think its SO exciting to think what I have to share might be just the thing to brighten someones day or even just provide helpful information about something they never understood.  Who could have guessed technology would come so far in the past several years??

 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. -1 Timothy 4:12

My biggest goal in life is to ultimately obey my Lord and follow the plan he has already mapped out for me.  I want to truly make a difference in the lives of the people I'm surrounded with and use my talents to further His kingdom and do His will.  I love this verse and believe God has endless possibilities for the young people in the world if we would only submit our lives fully to Him and let him have full control. I want to go out there and in everything I do be an example of what Christians really should look like  <3



I definitely want to continue blogging this summer and try to update this blog whenever I'm able to! It's such a great outlet for sharing thoughts, articles, and recipes.  I love to bake just for fun and love having a place to keep track of my favorite recipes and share them with the rest of the world.  

So, here is a delicious Turtle Cheesecake recipe that is to die for! It's super rich but totally worth all the calories :)

Layered Turtle Cheesecake

Layered Turtle Cheesecake
Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
6 T. cold butter
Filling:
4 packages (8-oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 1 T. all-purpose flour, divided
2 T. heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Ganache:
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 T. chopped pecans
Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and pecans; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Beat in 1/4 cup flour, cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Remove 1 cup batter to a small bowl; stir in melted chocolate until blended. Spread over crust.
Combine caramel topping and remaining flour; stir in pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls over chocolate batter. Top with remaining batter. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from waterbath.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.Place chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chips; whisk until smooth. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Spread over cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate until set. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with pecan halves and additional caramel topping if desired. Yield: 12 servings

Depression: The Nation-Wide Epidemic

 Depression affects more than 21 million adults and children across America.  It is a scary, chronic illness that has drastically increased in popularity in the past 10 years.  We hear about teens conflicting with this deadly disorder, being bullied or mocked and driven to commit suicide. Pretty much all of us can count off numerous people we know battling depression for one reason or another, and taking anti-depressants to try and fight it. I can think of at least 4 teen suicides; friends of my friends from nearby high schools that have taken place in the past two years.  It's obviously a growing issue. We see the articles, we watch the news and think "oh how sad,  that poor family..."  but what do we really do to make a difference?

  The Symptoms

• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• fatigue and decreased energy
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• feelings of hopelessness
• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• irritability, restlessness
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• overeating or appetite loss
• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

 Now some of these aren't surprising at all, and I'm sure we all possess at least a few of these symptoms at one time or another.  The real issue is in overlooking the signs in our own friends and family.  We need to recognize the symptoms and educate ourselves.  Depression is nothing to mess around with!

Personally, I have many relatives that struggle with chronic depression and are taking medication to help.  Sometimes it is very apparent when someone is depressed, and sometimes it is nearly impossible to tell.  In today's society depression medication is among the top 10 best-selling prescription drugs.  I believe it truly
does help because a big part of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication can definitely help regulate those hormones and release serotonin to lessen the feelings of depression.

The only true answer to depression is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the only thing that can fulfill you and give you purpose and hope.   His love and his peace has gotten me through even the seemingly impossible situations in my life, and I know he always will. I also am sure that if the world knew there was a God who loved them and longed for them to turn to him, there wouldn't be nearly as many suicides and much lower rates of depression. I want to be someone's hope.  I want to show them that they do have a purpose on this earth and that there is a God who loves them more than they can understand. I want to share that I've found the only source of true Joy that exists.  <3

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose
hope is in his unfailing love,"
Psalm 33:18  

What can you do? 

Here is a list of suicidal symptoms a person might show when they are considering taking their own life:

Warning signs

• a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• always talking or thinking about death
• clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
• having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
• losing interest in things one used to care about
• making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• talking about suicide
• visiting or calling people one cares about

We all have the ability to help stop teen suicides from becoming an every day occurrence.  We can be someone's answer, someones ray of hope in such a dark, evil world.  The biggest way you can impact someone's life is giving them your time.  Show them that you care by listening, and getting to know them and what's going on in their lives.  When someone shows me love in any sort of way, the last thing I feel is hopeless!

5 qualities to look for in a guy

So this week, I was assigned to write a post on the 5 most attractive qualities-- or at least the ones I look for-- in a guy.  Well I do have a boyfriend who I've been dating for a year and a half whom I care about so very much and hopefully will marry someday, but only God knows really! So here are the 5 qualities I find most important, from my own personal experiences...

1. A Godly Man

So this one is pretty much a given.  As a Christian I will never even consider marrying a man that isn't in love with God fully and completely.  He also needs to show me that he will be the spiritual leader of our family and show me that he is wise in his decisions as well as responsible!  No one is perfect, but I want to make sure the man that I choose to marry walks with God in all aspects of his life. 

2. #1 in his eyes 

I want to be absolutely sure that the man I end up marrying loves me with his whole heart and every little quirky, insanely annoying thing about me.  As selfish as that sounds, I know that is how it has to be for a marriage to work the way God intended it to.  If he doesn't show you that he cares about you and that you are absolutely the most beautiful, precious thing he's ever known, he's not treating you the way you deserve, ladies!

3. My best friend

The person I want to someday marry needs to be someone I enjoy being around no matter what.  The one I'm excited to tell everything to, good and bad. Someone who builds me up and makes me just an all-around better person.  Someone who truly is my best friend.  

 

4. Smart and driven

I know that seems too simple but for me, I know that I want to marry someone who is intelligent; someone who really thinks things through. He must be able to support our family someday, and if he has already worked hard for a degree and pursued a career, that shows me he would be able to.  I don't care how much money we have or how big our house is, but I want to marry a man that will  work hard to provide no matter what that might mean.

5.  Someone who shares my dreams and ambitions

I've been told many, many times that dreaming is never a bad thing.  If you don't dream big, you have no standards to meet, and you will end up achieving very little in your life.  I already have a few dreams of my own and I'm sure those will change as I get older, but I want a guy who admires that and wants to help me follow them someday.  

So, these are just a few of the many, many necessary qualities I look for in a guy.  I think too many girls settle when it comes to finding a boyfriend or a husband even, and I think that is such a huge mistake.  You are worth so much in God's eyes, and take it from me: if the man you're with doesn't treat you with respect or make you feel loved and cherished the way you should, he is NOT the man God has waiting for you.  So never ever tell yourself you're being too picky; chances are you won't have any doubts when you've actually found The Perfect Man!

Wanna make some money!? Google makes it easy

This has been a crazy week so far! I've had hardly any free time, and haven't really even thought about writing.  But this week, I'm  going to walk you step by step through the process of monetizing your blog! As scary and intimidating as it sounds, the research I've done proves it to be so much easier than I expected.  And any little money that can be made off something as fun as blogging is always a good thing, right!?

Just in case you're wondering what the word "monetize" means, it's only a fancy term for making money through your blog.  Google has come a long way in the last few years and they have made it SOO easy to set up accounts and manage your settings. 

Using Google AdSense!

1. On your blogger homepage, there is a tab that says "monetize." Click on that.

2. Next, you will create your own AdSense account through Google by clicking create AdSense account.

3. Next, complete all the necessary information and have an adult help you if you aren't 18.  Its pretty simple and Google keeps all information secure.

4. There are many ways to put ads into your blogger blog, but some are easier than others.  This way is the simplest.  Click on the Design tab on bloggers dashboard.

5. . Click "Add a Gadget."

6. Click on the Add a Gadget button. Find the AdSense gadget and save all changes. 

Its really just that simple! You've just created your own AdSense account in just 6 simple steps; not so bad, huh?

Using Amazon Associates

The next thing I want to walk you through is making your own Amazon Associates account. I have heard from several people that they prefer Amazon Associates to Google Adsense, and found they made more money off it too.  It can take a little more getting used to, and there are a lot more options, but I definitely think you'll find it's worth it!

1.  Go Click on the Monetize tab to start.

2.  An Amazon Associates link will be right under the word monetize.  Click on that.

3.  Click on "I Want to Create a new Associates ID" and then on Setup Amazon Associates.

4. To create your own Amazon Account, you must make your own ID at Amazon's homepage,  and click sign up, then fill out all the information needed.   If you already have your own account with Amazon, that makes your job even easier; all you have to do is enter your ID and password. 

5. Next, you must fill out the information as directed. 

6.  Then you enter the necessary information regarding your website.   The final step in creating your Amazon Associates account is simply to choose the settings you prefer under "configure settings."

7. The final step in creating your Amazon Associates account is simply to choose the settings you prefer under "configure settings."  

And you're done! You have just learned how to create both a Google AdSense and an Amazon Associates account in a matter of just a few minutes :)

Highschool, College, and Life's Uncertainties

Like many high school juniors out there like myself,  I'm approaching that all-important decision making time in my life where I'm starting to think about where I want to go to school and what I want to do with my life.  Let me tell you, the best word I have for you is overwhelming.  I went on a tour of Purdue University yesterday, and just like the last college visit I went on, I came home feeling loaded down with questions, concerns, and stress about all the choices I will soon have to make.  (And of course, how the heck am I going to afford it!?)

Life, is stuffed choc-full of questions and tough decisions.  As a Christian I've often wondered if it's okay to have all these questions, and mostly if it's wrong to question God.  That may seem like a terrible thing to do, and at first, that was my reaction.  Of course it's not okay to question God, hes GOD. But the further I looked into the subject, the more fascinated I became with the truth that God made us knowing we would have questions.

I recently listened to a sermon on this particular subject that really got me thinking.  The Bible  has a lot to say about trusting in the Lord, and God proves to us many, many times that He will guide us down the right path if we follow him with everything we are. I just get SOOO excited when I think about the fact that God has an amazing, wonderfully fulfilling plan for my life that is so far beyond my expectations.   All that He requires is that I give my life over to Him and let him have full control :) (Jeremiah 29:11)

I'm reading a book right now that I absolutely love called Radical by David Platt. 

 Each time I pick up this book I feel like I gain so much more understanding for God's intent for my life and what Christianity today should (but doesn't) look like.  The author references The American Dream multiple times and compares it to Christianity. "While the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God."
He identifies clearly how we can honor God: "we were created by God to enjoy his grace . . . but also to extend his glory to the ends of the earth."  We have a command in the gospel directly from the mouth of Jesus to go to the ends of the earth carrying the message of his gospel. "Anything less than radical devotion to this purpose is unbiblical Christianity."
 
So the conclusion I've come to is that questioning God isn't a bad thing at all; we simply need to do it in the right way, with the right attitude. Saying, "God, I know you're in control and that you have a plan for what I'm going through, but please show me what you want me to do and why you are putting me through this,"  Our God is mysterious, awe-inspiring, and all-powerful.  We can never fully understand his love or know his reasons, but he intends for us to turn to Him in our times of doubt.  Wondering, questioning, and pondering what God has in store can be a good thing, because it allows God's glory and power to shine through the situation.   I've been told more times than I can possibly count that the Christian life was never promised to be the "easy choice".  We were made with a purpose, and that purpose is to bring glory to our creator and be a light to this dark, hopeless world. Knowing it's going to be tough, yet knowing we have Jesus, the only answer to life's toughest question sure makes me feel a whole lot better! :)

Bloody Wes Teague/Tie-Dyed Cupcakes!

This week, I was assigned to write a review on a book I've recently read called Bloody Wes Teague.  I must say, I was impressed with this book! I tend to stick to my tight genre of modern-day teen romantic comedies, christian literature, and otherwise only read the required books for school.  I have learned a valuable lesson: It pays to read outside the box!

It only makes you a better writer and helps you in all other aspects of your education to be able to read and comprehend all different aspects of literature. If you never expand your horizons, you'll never know what you're missing out on! So moral of the story, put down those video games, shut off your television set, and read, read, read!

Now, back to that book..

Bloody Wes Teague

Bloody Wes Teague is a western fiction novel with a romantic twist, perfect for action lovers and hopeless romantics of all ages!
Wes Teague is a tough, rough cowboy from the west, with his sights set on a prim 'n proper southern belle.  Determined to capture the love of his life and sweep her back to his Wyoming ranch, he sets off to Colorado to win her heart.   Encountering a few unexpected problems along the way, Wes Teague proves himself to truly be the baddest cowboy in all the Wild West!

I would highly recommend this book for basically anyone.  It was an easy read, held my attention, and kept me wanting to read on the way any good book should.  Besides the mild violence, this book would be great for anyone from 12-95 :)  I've never read any western fiction before reading this book and I definitely think I'm going to have to start! My grandmother was always watching old western shows or reading books about cowboys, and I never quite understood her fascination.  It's been a few years since then and I'm beginning to realize, cowboys are quite a fun subject to write about :)

So take it from me, and start reading books you normally wouldn't even think to pick up; I have a feeling you will be pleasantly surprised by all the benefits!

Now, of course for a recipe :)

I brought snacks for the Cubbies class at my church this past Tuesday night, and decided to try these colorful cupcakes.  The recipe was super easy and actually really fun to make! The different colored batter/icing can be a little time consuming, but is definitely well-worth the effort!

                                  Tie-Dyed Cupcakes

 

 

Ingredients:                                                                          325 F.
1 box white cake mix
water,oil,eggs called for on cake mix box
1 box white chocolate instant pudding
food coloring of choice (at least 5 colors)

For frosting: 1/2 lb. powdered sugar
                   1 stick butter
                   1/4 c. shortening
                   1 T. vanilla
                   4-8 T. milk
                   food coloring

 Directions:
Make cake mix according to box, adding 1/4 cup extra water after pudding.  Split batter up into seperate bowls, adding several drops of food coloring to each.  Drop a teaspoon of each color of batter into lined cupcake pans and twirl a toothpick through each one. bake for 14-16 minutes.  Cool completely. 

For frosting:
Mix all ingredients aside from food coloring on low speed for 2 minutes or until well-combined.  Split up icing into seperate cups and add food coloring to each, same as above.  (I used red, purple, blue, green, and yellow but any colors you want work!) drop a tablespoon of each color frosting in tip of icing bag, and pipe onto cupcakes.  Do not mix icing once in bag or make too thin, or the colors will run together! Store in refrigerator for up to one week :)

Homemade Ravioli/ Tiramisu Cheesecake Bars

I decided it's way past time for another food post,  considering this was originally my theme for this blog.  I want to include all aspects of my life and my interests, but I do spend a large portion of my spare time in the kitchen....  I don't see myself pursuing a career in the food industry at this point, but I sure do enjoy cooking.

At my youth group last night we were talking about finding our passion.  God has blessed us each with our own set of gifts and talents, and  expects us to use those for His Kingdom.  It really got me thinking about what my gifts are.  I may not be an athlete, a musician, a dancer or a public speaker, but I am certain that God has given us all special, unique talents.  I love to help others and talk to people.  I love working with children.  But most of all, I love using food to show others that I care about and love them.  I bake for my friends and cook dinners for my family, and these things really do give me a true sense of joy.

  Now the hard part comes when I consider what I could do to take that to the next level! How can I use my God-given abilities in ministry, to turn the wandering hearts in this world towards God?
I am definitely going to be looking for opportunities around me :)

 Here are a few recipes I have tried out this past week when trying to decide what kind of foods to make for my class to represent Italy.  I don't really know anyone who doesn't like good Italian food, so this wasn't very hard!

My friend's mom made the most delicious tiramisu cheesecake bars when i was over there last.  If you love coffee and cheesecake, you really  won't find a better dessert out there! These bars are easy, BEYOND  delicious, and great for any occasion really. 

tiramisu cheesecake bars             

• 2  cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies (about 60 cookies) OR graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3  cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2  tablespoons whipping cream
• 2  tablespoon instant espresso coffee granules
• 3  packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4  cup sugar
• 3  eggs
• 1  oz bittersweet baking chocolate, grated
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans, if desired

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with foil; spray with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix crushed cookies and melted butter with fork. Press mixture in bottom of pan. Refrigerate while continuing with recipe.
2. In small bowl, mix whipping cream and coffee granules with fork until coffee is dissolved; set aside.
3. In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed 2 to 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth and creamy. On low speed, beat in sugar, eggs and coffee mixture, about 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed about 2 minutes longer or until ingredients are well blended. Using rubber spatula, spread cream cheese filling over crust. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until center is set.
4. Top with espresso beans or chocolate drizzle. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours

homemade spinach ravioli

Fresh Egg Pasta:

4 large eggs
1 T water
3 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1. Place eggs, water, flour, and salt in mixer bowl. (we use our Kitchenaid) Attach bowl and flat beater. Turn to Speed 2 and mix for 30 seconds.
2. Now use the dough hook. Turn to speed 2 and knead for two minutes. Remove dough from bowl and hand knead for 1-2 minutes. Let it rest for 20 minutes. Divide the dough into four pieces before processing with the pasta roller.
3. Roll out pasta according to your pasta maker’s instructions.
Spinach and Cheese Ravioli:
 frozen chopped spinach (10 oz.)
½ medium onion, minced
2 cloves garlic
1 T olive oil
¾ cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg yolk
Salt and pepper

1. Thaw frozen spinach and pat mosture out with clean towel.
Heat 1 T of olive oil in a small skillet. Add the onion and cook over medium heat, until translucent. Stir in the spinach and salt to taste. Cook for about one minute.
2. Transfer the spinach mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, and the egg yolk. Mix well and set aside. The filling can be refrigerated overnight.
3. Lay out your long sheets of pasta on a lightly floured table. Place small balls of filling, about 1 teaspoon, in a line about one inch from the bottom of the pasta sheet. Leave about 1 1/4 inches between each ball of filling. Fold over the top of the pasta sheet, lining it with the bottom edge. Seal the bottom and 2 open sides with your finger. Use a ravioli cutter to cut out the individual raviolis. Place the ravioli on a large plate.
4. Boil a huge pot of water with salt. Add in the ravioli and cook for about 5-6 minutes. Strain and serve with the sauce of your choice.

 

negative effects of sugar

This week I was asked to research the negative affects of sugar on the body.  Let me tell you...WOW.  What I found shocked and amazed me.  Sugar is a lot more harmful than I ever came close to realizing! It causes immediate AND long-term health problems, as well as many annoying symtoms! 

Health Problems Caused by Too Much Sugar:

•  Sudden sugar rushes cause dramatic increase and decrease of glucose levels.  This creates tiredness, mood swings, headaches, and the craving for even more sugar! It provides a temporary fix and before we realize it, we're hooked on that "sugar high."

•  Sugar causes rapid weight gain.  This  one is basically a given; You have probably heard that our body converts all foods to glucose once we eat it. Well, what you most likely don't know is that sugar also BLOCKS those good nutrients from reaching your body! Fruits, meats, vegetables, and most natural foods contain some sort of sugar.  They also contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes that help your body break down that sugar and use it to assist in digestion and absorption.  The problem is that the sugars we consume most of, refined, and all forms of processed sugar, contain NOTHING to help your body. It actually causes your immune system to weaken which increases your chances of getting sick! Scary, huh?

•  Sugar causes dental decay. Sugar makes your teeth weaker, yellow, and causes cavities. Drinking pop is especially bad for your teeth because not only does it harm them with sugar, but it also sucks the calcium right out with the caffeine! Experiment for yourself; put a tooth in a glass of coke or any other soft drink, and watch as the tooth yellows, weakens, and decays....YUCK.

• Sugar causes hyperactivity as well as weakens learning abilities in children.  If you are experiencing difficulties with hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and lack of concentration, your child may just have too much sugar in his/her diet. This article about the problems sugar causes in children gives great explanations for some common behavioral problems in children between the ages of 3 and 12.

•  Sugar largely increases your risk of getting type 2 Diabetes.  Studies clearly show that people who in-take mass amounts of sugar have increased their risk of getting diabetes more and more every day. 

So, as you can see, sugar has some pretty scary side-effects! It actually lowers your immune system and blocks the nutrients from being absorbed, making us more prone to sickness, and  creates all sorts of other issues.  Cutting soda and all forms of processed sugars completely out of our diets is the easiest, quickest fix.  I know after doing all this research for myself, I have decided to quit drinking pop myself!  It really doesn't taste all that good, and in my opinion is easily replaced with healthier options like fruit juices or tea. 

There are also some great sugar substitutes out there.  One of the newest on the market is called Stevia.  It is an all-natural sweetener from plant leaves, and has no bitter after-taste, like many sweeteners do. My mom loves to put it in her sweet tea but it can be used in basically anything you would use sugar.  Splenda is also a better option than all the aspartame- containing sweeteners out there, but is not all-natural and hasn't been thoroughly researched yet.  

 I found a shocking article stating the the normal yearly intake of sugar in the average person during the early 1900s. 5 lbs. of sugar was the norm.  I mean considering all the things that contain sugar, that's not too surprising, right? Oh boy....wait till you hear the normal in today's average american....dun dun dun...........
135 POUNDS OF SUGAR, PEOPLE!!!!  I found that to be so very shocking....that's more than my own body weight in just sugar!!  This is thought to be a main cause of cancer among various other critical health problems. Cancer and Diabetes were virtually unheard of back then...I find this all so very alarming!


 This is what your kids might start looking like if they  keep in-taking so much sugar:

Well you don't want that now, do you!? So, all that to say this: I strongly suggest you drastically cut sugar out of your diets in any way you can manage.  You will be saving yourself the risk of astronomical amounts of health problems later on in life, as well as improve your current lifestyle by making you happier, stronger, and more energized! :) 

How to write a successful blog (don't laugh!!)

My assignment this week was to write a blog post about "How to have a successful blog".  Yeah...that has yet to be accomplished. But I can tell you how I plan on doing that, and give you some helpful tips if you are thinking about joining the blogging world yourself. 

I started this blog as an assignment for the creative writing class I'm taking this year.  I was pretty excited, because who wouldn't want to have a place to vent your feelings and write whatever you want without worrying about who's listening? Writing really is a great outlet.
At first, I didn't really want anyone to read it, because I was worried about criticism and judgement.  But now, I've overcome that fear, and enjoy the feed-back from readers.  Blogging really has been a fun experient for me, and I definitely plan on keeping a blog when I have a family of my own someday. 

Monetizing your blog

Many people out there in cyberspace start a blog in hopes of one thing: Making some extra cash.  I am certainly not one of those people!  I enjoy creative writing, and I have learned so much through writing this blog.  I am not what you would consider "tech savy" so it is good to know some of this stuff!  Anyway,  If you decide you're interested in monetizing your own blog, here are a few ways you can do that.

1. https://www.google.com/adsense/www/en_US/tour/howitworks.html This link will take you to Google Adsense and walk you through the steps to signing up for yourself.  This is a great, easy way to start out.  If someone clicks on an ad displayed on your web page and buys something from that site, you get up to 8% of the profit.  I'd say that's a pretty good deal!

2. PPC programs- There are numerous programs out there known as "pay per click" sites, which tell you how to include ads in your blog that will give you money every time they are clicked on. The profit is pretty small but it's better than nothing!

3. An Amazon account- by creating your own account at: http://www.amazonservices.com/content/product-ads-on-amazon.htm?ld=AZPADSFooter you can start selling books and other things right on your blog.
With these ads, you can choose for yourself which products to display on your page.  If a purchase is made on that product through your site, you get a small portion of the profit. 

These are just a few ways to successfully monotize your blog.  There are obviously other ways out there, as some people make millions through there blogs. 

SEO

Search Engine Optimization- This is probably the KEY to having a successful blog.  You want to be recognized by Google.  It's as simple as that.  Labels, H1 tags, key words, relevant titles, and specific information are just a few of the ways to make your blog stand out from all of the rest, and hopefully make your way to the 1st page of Google someday!

Design

This is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your page.  Especially from a female's perspective, we all enjoy cute, tastefully decoration.  And the possibilities are endless! In the design section of your blog, you can customize almost all of the settings to change the appearance of your blog.  You can upload your own images from your computer, or take them from the internet.  Your blog should be eye-catching and easy to read if you want to lure readers to follow you.

I am no expert, but my teacher has definitely helped me along on this unfamilar adventure into the world of blogging.  It's easy to get overwhelmed at first, take it from me.  But if you stick with it and put in the time, effort, and research to making your blog work, you might just be making yourself some easy dough in the near future!

The 10 best jobs in America 2011/Cinnamon rolls

If you are around my age, (16),  parents, friends, teachers, and numerous others most likely bombard you with questions about your future.  "Where do you want to go to college? What kind of career interests you? Do you have any idea what field you want to go into?" And many of us, have absolutely no idea!

I feel fortunate to at least have a pretty good idea of what I want to do after I graduate.  I know I want to go into nursing, and hopefully specialize in pediatrics later.  I love being around children and I really feel like God has given me a gift for compassion and working with people, and I most definitely plan on using that for His glory!

In my opinion, the best job in the world is the one that God appoints you to do! There really is no BEST job, because if we all lived according to His will and plan, we would all be happy to do ANY job out there, knowing that God intended it especially for us! He created us each unique and special, with our own sets of gifts, talents, and abilities.  Unfortunately, most of the country doesn't see it that way, so there is constantly a debate over which jobs take the top spots.

There are many different factors that go into finding the BEST jobs in America.  We all have our own ideas of what makes a job better than the rest.  For many, their reasons are simply, salary; "What can I do with my life to get rich and make the most money?"  
For others, they may be interested in what is most beneficial to the world or the environment.  Well wherever you stand, there is a job out there for you!
 Here is a list of  The BEST Jobs of 2011, based on hours required, yearly salary, work environment, stress level, and job security. All of these are very important aspects to consider when looking for a job. 


                                         Yearly Income:

1. Software engineer-   $87,000
2. Mathematician-        $94,000
3. Actuary-                   $87,000
4. Statistician-               $73,000
5. Computer systems analyst-  $77,000
6. Meteorologist-           $85,000
7. Biologist-                   $74,000
8. Historian-                   $61,000
9. Audiologist-               $63,000
10. Dental hygienist-        $67,000

The computer industry has been BOOMING over the past decade, so it's no surprise that software engineering would take 2011's winning spot for best job of 2011. The emergence of specialized technologies is now creating new industries and more importantly, new jobs.  This job requires not only skill with numbers and problem-solving, but also a strong computer knowledge as well. 

This list is from this article about the best jobs of 2011:
   http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/10-best-jobs-2011

This guy sure knows what its like to do the WORST jobs in America! He started his own show doing just that.  In this clip, he's helping out at a wildlife facility bathing a liger:

So, as you see, there are so many jobs out there to choose from.  When it's time for you to make a decision as to what you want to do with the rest of your life, my advice? Make sure you enjoy doing it! If you don't, you wont strive to do that job to the best of your ability, and you won't be good at it.  Don't just base your career choice on income, because you will soon realize, money is definitely not everything! The highest     paying jobs are generally the most time-consuming and stressful!   There is no real "perfect" job, but some are much more ideal than others, as you can see.  So use those gifts and talents your God has given to you, and get out there and WORK!    =)                                                                                                       

                        
Of course, I will now include a standard recipe! Here is an easy, decicious recipe for ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls I found and slightly altered. It's sure to be your new favorite!

                                                          BEST Cinnamon Rolls

                           

Rolls:
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
5 1/2 cups flour (plus a little more for rolling)

Filing:
1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups brown sugar
4 Tablespoons cinnamon

Frosting:
5 ounces cream cheese
½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
3 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups confectioner’s sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl combine water, yeast and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside. In large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare according to package directions. Add butter, eggs and salt. Mix well. Then add yeast mixture. Blend. Gradually add flour; knead until smooth. Do not overflour the dough! It should be very soft but not sticky. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled. Then roll out on floured board to 34 X 21 inches in size. Take 1 cup soft butter and spread over surface. In bowl, mix 2 cups brown sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top. Roll up very tightly. With knife put a notch every 1 1/2 inches. Cut with thread or serrated knife. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise until double again. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Remove when they start to turn golden (don’t overbake). Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting (combine butter and cream cheese and mix well, then add vanilla and sugar and mix again, then add milk for desired consistency). Makes about 24 very large rolls.

Organic Foods and Shortbread Cookies

The Benefits of Organic Eating

I was pretty darn excited when I heard my teacher announce the topic we were to write about in our blogs  this week.  The benefits of organic eating is definitely something I'm fairly well-informed about!

My mom has  been into organic food the past several years and has tried dietsthat are completely organic, so I'm familiar with organic and health food stores.  I actually prefer a lot of the foods found there, because they're fresher and they just taste better all-around. 
Organic eating has definitely increased tremendously in popularity over the past few years.  Almost every isle of your local grocery store probably offers a vast quantity of pricey, organic options as opposed to your standard household pantry staples.  Well if you've ever thought to yourself, "is it REALLY worth it?" Now is a great time for you to decide for yourself!

The USDA and the FDA have done numerous studies on the beneficial aspects of eating an all organic diet, and have come up with some fairly suprising results.  After years of testing, these studies have not been able to confirm there are any major benefits to eating organically.  Now, many have argued with the fact that the effects of the pesticides may be simply long-term, so we won't know for years if there truly is a difference.  For now, tomatoes and milk are considered the best organic products out there, as far as taste and quality, and health benefits are concerned.   

Here is a great link to a webpage with a list of foods that are usually the most highly contaminated with pesticides vs. the least likely to be harmful:
http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/green_sustainable/organic_or_not_is_organic_produce_healthier_than_conventional

Pros to going Organic

*Pesticide free- Most of the time, you will find the organic foods in the produce section to be a little lacking as far as looks are concerned.  The carrots aren't as bright, the apples aren't shiny, and most of the time, you will spot plenty of dirt! Well that dirt may not be such a bad thing after all.  There are absolutely no "supposedly" harmful chemicals on all organic produce.  Many would save them self the possibility of increasing their chance of cancer, and several other severe health problems thought to be linked to pesticides. 

*Tastier- I think when it comes down to it, taste is the most important factor in the groceries we pick out! Organic foods are almost always better tasting due to the lack of preservatives and chemicals.  You get the full flavor- effect instead of the toned down, preserved and processed version were all accustomed to. 

*Hormone-free- Most of the Cows in our country are injected regularly with hormones to supply them with more milk, so as to make a greater profit.  The eggs, and  also the meat supplying animals we consume are generally injected with these hormones as well.  Organic, grass fed cows provide better-tasting, better for you meats.  The cage-free hens produce eggs far richer in omega 3 fatty acids, and of course taste much better. 

Higher nutrient levels-  These nutrients have been found in larger amounts in all organic produce:

Chromium is a micronutrient found to be drastically lower in Western diets. Its deficiency has been found to be connected with the onset of adult diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Chromium levels were found to be higher in organic foods by an average of 78%.

* Selenium is an antioxidant nutrient that protects against the damage by environmental chemicals. It is found to help fight cancers and heart disease. It was an average of 390% higher in organic foods.

* Calcium,necessary for strong bones and teeth, averaged 63% higher in organics.
* Boron, which has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis (along with calcium), averaged 70% more.

* Lithium, which is used to treat certain types of depression, was 188% higher.

* Magnesium, which reduces mortality from heart attacks, and keeps muscles from spasming, averaged 138% more.


Feel better foods- The real proof of the organic food benefits is is in experimenting for yourself! Many studies have proven organic foods to boost energy, make you feel happier, and help maintain focus throughout the day. 

Downfalls of going organic

*Money, money,money- Organic foods are significantly more expensive than the regular foods found at the grocery store.  If you're on a tight budget, (which sums up a good percentage of the country) organic eating can take a big chunk out of your wallet. 

*Time!- The organic industry, growing as it may be, might limit your options as far as frozen or ready to eat foods are concerned. 

* Is it really worth it?- You may be thinking to yourself, "isn't that what vitamins are made for, to supplement for the nutrients that your food doesn't cover?"

The truth is, there is still a lot we DON'T know about the benefits to organic eating.  You will find many different opinions across the web and all over the media today.  In my opinion, I do think it is better to buy certain products organic if your family can afford it.  I think they taste better, and is there really any question as to whether or not foreign chemicals are good for your body? I think thats clearly a no. So if youre feeling up to it, try replacing a few items at a time with the organic substitute each time you go shopping.  Work your way up and see how it goes!

And now for a tasty, sweet valentines day treat my family loved! Heart shaped shortbread cookies with buttercream frosting   :o YUM.

Frosted Shortbread Heart Cookies

2 C. all-purpose flour
2 Sticks butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 C. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting: 2 C. powdered sugar
                1 tsp. vanilla
                 5-8 Tbs. milk
                non-perils, or any sprinkles you prefer

Smash butter, vanilla, and sugar together in medium bowl until well-blended. slowly add in dry ingredients, using a fork or your hands until a soft, crumbly dough forms.  Roll to 1/4 in. thickness and cut into hearts with cookie cutter.  Bake at 350 F. for 9-12 minutes or until edges are slightly browned and dough doesn't appear glossy. Cool completely.

For frosting: Mix all ingredients, adding milk until a smooth frosting forms, the consistency of a soft peanutbutter.  icy should not be too thick, or you won't get that glossy sheen on your cookies.  frost and immediately sprinkle. 

Makes around 15 Cookies

The Good Ol' State of Indiana

"Back Home Again, In Indiana!!!"

This Is the song I've grown so accostomed to my dad belting out as we cross  back over the Indiana border at the end of a LONG road trip.  Sounds fun, huh?

A Little Side Note on a Snowy, Snowy Day

Blizzard of 2/1/11





The view from my window

As many of you reading this might know, Indiana was recently pelted with 21 inches of snow, and 60 mile an hour winds, otherwise known as: The Biggest Blizzard of the Decade, The Snowpacalypse, The Worst Snowstorm of the Century, etc.

Personally, I am quite tired of hearing about the whole thing.  I mean, come on.  Its just snow. It was exciting at first; waking up to 4 foot snowdrifts against my window and spotting entire vehicles completely buried.  Yet after two days stuck in the house with my...wonderful family, watching every weather report, reading hundreds of identical facebook statuses, and not being able to go absolutely ANYWHERE, its safe to say I wish I lived in Hawaii.

 However, it has been a wonderful time to try out new recipes. When I'm bored, I cook. I've made breakfast lunch and dinner for the past two days, much to my family's enjoyment. Oh, and I tried making a delicious white chocolate creme brulee which I will soon give you the recipe for.  My mom stocked up on groceries, and I've had more than enough time, so why not?
 The biggest problem I've had during this snowstorm though is motivation.  I just can't seem to find the energy to buckle down and do my school work,even though I know I need to, I'm bored out of my mind, and I'm completely unable to leave the house. 

The benefits of homeschooling

The real problem is, while everyone else is out of school for a few days, us homeschoolers are expected to carry on with our day as if nothing is different. Let me tell you; MUCH harder than it sounds.  There are howevever, many benefits to being homeschooled. The world's idea of homeschooling may look a little something like this:

And in some cases, that may not be far from the truth! But I also think that homeschooling has come a long way in the last few years, and I find myself often thankful that I haven't gone to a public school all my life.

 I have been homeschooled ever since preschool.  My mom heard many complaints about the school system in my town from different parents, and decided to try homeschooling and see how it went.  I've met a lot of great people I wouldn't otherwise know, and I've also LOVED the freedom and flexibility of it.  I would miss being able to babysit during the day, or do my school at nighttime when I've got things going on.  Here is a short list of frequently asked questions I've become accustomed to:

*Do you get to do school in your pajamas?

* Do you have any friends?

* Do you actually DO school?

*Are you ever going to go to college?

*Don't you wish you could go to school?

* How do you meet people?

* Does your mom just always give you As?

*Can your mom homeschool me?  I hate school.

And the list could go on and on :)

 As annoying as it is to try to explain to everyone I first meet that no, I am not weird, yes, I have many friends, and yes, I actually DO school, most of my friends forget after awhile anyways. Well, once they realize  I'm not really much different at all, except maybe in a few positive ways. 

 I feel very strongly that the people you hang out with greatly influence who you are and how you act in a huge way. I know this first-hand.  Growing up, I've been blessed to have many great christian friends in my life, and that's helped me to stay strong in my faith.  Going to a public school, it can be much harder to find a good group of friends that won't bring you down, and influence you negatively. 

 Another benefit to homeschooling is being able to move at your own pace.  Students learn at different rates and some are ready to move on while others still haven't grasped a  certain concept.  I like that I can move at my own pace and get my schoolwork done on my own time throughout the week.  I know of many successful homeschool students that have gone on to excel in college and in fact tend to do much better than average. 

The Next BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie

A chewy, chocolately cookie thats just about perfect

Chocolate chip cookies. These days, everyone with a blog seems to be on the endless search for  The Perfect Recipe. I know I have been anyways.

             Hundreds of great bakers, sites, and articles claim to have found "The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies."  Well I tend to dissagree with all the ones I've tried.  Everyone has their own idea of the perfect cookie. Some like them chewy, some like them soft and cakey, while others prefer the crisp, wafery-type cookies which I quite frankly, dont consider a cookie at all. However, after trying 4 different recipes yesterday and countless others over the last few years, I think I've found a winner.

            I've scoured different sites, books and reviews, as well as experimenting on my own quite a bit, trying every technique out there.  I prefer them chewy in the middle and crisp on the edges, which can be somewhat of a challenge to accomplish.  I've tried one recipe that claims scalding the butter is the secret to perfect cookies.  Another one calls for both cake flour and bread flour, and another incorporates vanilla puddding into the dough. None of these have really excited me in the least.  Most cookie recipes are delicious fresh from the oven, but lose their appeal 24 hours later.

             Another pet peeve of mine is the recipes that claim you MUST mix dry ingredients seperately.  From my experience, the cookies turn out no different if you add in the dry ingredients one at a time, ending with the flour.  So save yourself from washing yet another bowl!

White Cupcakes with PInk Buttercream Frosting

When I started considering a theme for my blog, I began thinking about my interests and hobbies. Where do I spend my time when I'm not studying, working, or doing something at my church, when I've got extra time during the day? The answer was fairly obvious. Baking, or cooking.  Most of the time though, baking.
Ever since I was 8 years old, making apple slices and pies with my grandma, I've loved to bake for my family and friends.
  These days, I've been on the search for the best dessert recipes I can find, and hey, my friends and boyfriend definitely don't seem to mind this hobby.  In fact, they tend to expect some kind of baked goodies every time they see me.  If I didn't know any better, I would question whether or not they really like me or just my food....  But, on the other hand, the feed-back is always nice!
 I love to try out different recipes that sound interesting once or twice a week usually, surfing the web or cookbooks (my mom collects thousands it seems like) for the best looking and sounding recipes I can find.  From cakes and breads to cookies and brownies, I've tried out a good portion of the recipes and sites available on the Internet. Hopefully, I'll be able to offer up a few helpful tips and recipes from my own personal baking experiments :)
 I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes baking so enjoyable for me.  It's partly the challenge of finding the BEST recipe.  There's so many out there these days; so many cookbooks and recipe sites.  But I'll never really know until I try them out, right?
            One thing I've found is that if it doesn't look good, it most likely won't taste good.  There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, it hasn't steered me wrong! I like to search recipe images first before reading through the actual ingredients and process.  I plan on taking pictures to accompany all the recipes I post.  Another problem is personal preference. We all have different ideas of the perfect chocolate chip cookie, apple pie, cinnamon roll, etc. Through pictures I post and descriptive writing, you will hopefully have a fairly good idea of what you're making before you make it!

So, for my first entry, I'll leave you with the cupcake recipe I made this morning for an event at church.  I searched and searched online and through cookbooks for a moist white cupcake recipe from scratch, and I'd say this one turned out pretty good. I like WHITE cake, not yellowish white-ish cake, I just think it tastes better.  This cake came out fluffy and light, almost like angel food cake, which isn't what I was aiming for but is still yummy.  I took a recipe I found and changed a few things, including adding more sugar, lots more vanilla ( it can never hurt) and less baking powder. I also piped some vanilla pudding into the centers of them. I've learned by mistake that people expect anything called a dessert to be plenty sweet, so never skimp on sugar, and never make a recipe that looks like its lacking it :)   Enjoy! 

     White Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream Frosting

                                                                     Makes 28 cupcakes

Ingredients for cake:

1 stick butter

1/2 cup oil

2 T. vanilla extract

1 c. milk, plus 1 3/4 cups (for pudding)

4 egg whites

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 c. sugar

3 c. cake flour

1/2 cup sour cream

1 box instant vanilla pudding

Ingredients for frosting:

3 c. powdered sugar

1 stick butter

1 T. vanilla

4-6 T. milk

5-6 drops red or pink food coloring

                 Directions:

           Preheat oven to 325 F.  Mix egg whites and butter on low speed for 1-2 minutes or until incorporated.  Add in other wet ingredients besides extra 2 cups of milk, and mix until blended.  Slowly add in sugar, beating well after each addition.  Mix in dry ingredients except pudding, one at a time. Should be about the consistency of pancake batter. pour batter into lined cupcake pans, and bake for 17-21 minutes.  Poke with tooth pick in center to check cupcakes.  They're best when they're just barely done, but not runny in the middle.  Cool completely.   

Mix remaining milk with pudding mix, beating for 4-5 minutes on medium speed. 

Poke holes in the center of the cooled cupcakes. Fill piping bag with pudding, and fill center of each cake with about 2 tsp. of pudding.