RECIPE FOR SANCOCHOS - PUERTO RICAN BEEF STEW

Ingredients:

Olive oil for sauteeing
5 cloves of garlic
1 1/2 lbs top round beef, cubed
1/3 c chopped yellow onions
1/3 c. chopped green pepper
1/3 c. chopped celery
1 red bell pepper
5 sprigs cilantro, chopped
salt
black pepper
4 medium tomatoes, cored and cubed
4 quarts beef stock
2 green saba bananas, peeled and cut into 1 in slices
1 yellow plaintain (I didn't add this but it doesn't mean you can't)
1 medium sweet potato cubed
1/2 lb butternut squash, cubed
3 medium new potato (red) cubed
1 large chayote squash peeled, cored and diced into 1 in. pieces
2 ears of white corn cut in 4 parts each

Directions:

In a preheated kettle, low to medium heat, sautee garlic, onions and beef.  Brown beef an all sides. When onion is caramelized, add peppers, celery, cilantro, salt, black pepper, and tomatoes.  Stir to mix and then add one quart beef stock.  Cook down until stock is reduced in half.

Stir beef, add remaining veggies, bananas and remaining beef stock.  Continue to cook until meat is tender and veggies are soft.

Being Filipina, I added 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 bay leaves in the first mix.  :)

Enjoy!  You can either serve with rice or toasted french bread.  Hmmmm!

GREEK YOGURT MAPLE VANILLA PANCAKE

So I've been on a diet going on my third week.  This is a serious diet.  After my surgery in September of 2011, the weight did not want to come off.  Apparently, per my doctor, the fibroid in my uterus acted like I was pregnant.  Plus I was watching most of what I ate but didn't really record it and limit myself to the number of calorie intake per day.  Until May 15th.  I've lost 9 lbs. since and it took about a day or two to get used to my caloric limit.  I was also motivated by the change in my scale each day to continue to work out at least 40 minutes to an hour everyday.

However, I am simply getting tired of salads and fruit.  Every once in a while I'd like to have some carbs, ha!  So I made this yummy greek yogurt pancake but tweaked the recipe a little so as not to sacrifice flavor.

Really easy with only a few ingredients.  It looks brown because of the Canadian maple oil and vanilla I added.  Also, I used all purpose gluten free flour by Red Mill. Of course, if you add butter (which I'm not really fond of) and depending on how much syrup you use, the calories will pile on.  I'm not a big fan of sugar free syrup but that's why I tweaked the recipe so I can have the regular syrup.  Enjoy!

1/2 cup Red Mill All purpose gluten free flour
1 container of Oikos Greek Yogurt Plain
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp Canadian Maple oil (I ordered mine online.  You can use anything you want though, or just skip it.)
1/8 c. of water (or less if you want a thicker result)


Combine flour and baking soda and mix together.  Crack the egg in the yogurt container and mix to incorporate.  Add this mixture into the flour mixture with a whisk.  Add the vanilla and the flavoring you wish.  Add some water according to the consistency desired.  Fry with olive oil in medium heat.

Yields 8 medium sized pancakes about 6 in. in diameter.

TITHING WITH AN OBEDIENT AND JOYFUL HEART

Tithing is a really touchy subject.  It is something that most people shut their minds out to especially in our slow economic times.  Tithing is simply this.  Give 10% of your monthly earnings, not to charity, but to whatever organization feeds your spirit with the teachings about God.  Once you get to that place where you understand that funds are needed to spread the word of God to others who may not know Him, you will reap the benefits that come along with tithing.  I’ve heard people say that it is enough that they know God, that they have a good heart, that they help charities etc.  All those may be true, I am not here to judge anyone, my goal is simply to give information about tithing as an obedient child of God.

So let’s start from the basics.  Everything on this earth was created by God.  Everything that is readily available for you and is from God’s hands.  God doesn’t need your money, dollars and euros don’t work in heaven, but He didn’t stutter when he said 10% of all your proceeds go back to spread His word, and if you are obedient about it, He will pour out His grace to you that is beyond your expectations or what you can even imagine.  That doesn’t only apply here on earth, but also in heaven. 

Ok, it is not true that just because you don’t tithe, you don’t go to heaven.  The bible is clear when it stated that Jesus said as long as you know me as your Lord and Savior, you have a place in my home with me.  God wants you to be a cheerful giver.  Even though you know that 10% will break you every month, if you cheerfully give back your tithe, you will find that the blessings will pour out to you from God because you were an obedient and joyful giver.  Not one person in THIS WORLD knows what He has prepared for us in heaven, He just says it will be more than what you expected or imagine.  Eye has NOT seen, EAR has not heard what those things are (I’m sorry, I can’t tell you the verse in the bible, I’m just not one of those people that memorize them.  I just soak the word up, so I apologize in advance.  Maybe a reader can quote it for us.  But it is in there.)  So with that truth in mind, you make your decision.

Well, I’m not going out without telling you my testimony, just so you know.  Like most people I thought as long as I don’t kill, steal and destroy other people, I should be good.  As long as I share my money to those in need, like charities, God will bless me.  Maybe He will, after all, I am generous, right?  But then I analyzed it, as I am very analytical.  I thought ok, pretend you were down and out on your luck, and I gave you $10 so you can eat today.  If you don’t really know who God is and what He is all about, while you’re eating that meal that is lining your tummy, who are you thanking? Me or God?

I was very reluctant to give to my church because I thought, well look at this church.  The seats are fancy, the building is huge, there’s a nice cafeteria, the bathrooms are really clean and nice.  Maybe the pastor is driving a Mercedes.  So I decided to check.  I see him get into an old Corolla.  But then I analyzed it, this time, I didn’t put my logic into it but my heart.  In reality, my tithe is between me and God.  I thought, God doesn’t want me to nit pick where my money would be going.  If the organization decides to do something evil with it, that’s between that culprit and God, not between me and God.  Oh and the amenities at my church?  They were all to benefit me, my comfort, the little things that make you feel at home while you’re there.

Seven years ago, God impressed it in my heart that it’s time for me to tithe.  So I did, obediently, and joyfully.  I was a single empty nester mother, who didn’t have help with the bills anymore.  No more child support and at the height of the housing boom, my salary only covered most of my mortgage for a little tiny townhouse in a bad part of the city.  I had to spend at least 20% of that for my 1.25 hour commute one way everyday to get to work.  So minus that 10%, I would’ve been so strapped.  You know what’s funny?  I wasn’t strapped at all.  For some odd and MIRACULOUS reason, my bank account was always on the black.  I’m not going to bog you down with the details, but within 2 years, I became self employed.  I’m not a millionaire by any stretch of the imagination, but I am happy with less stress.  God gave me a good man who stands by me.  I learn patience from him everyday.  Now at the time of doubt, I never even imagined I would ever be self-employed because all my life I’ve always thought I was not good at selling.  This business didn’t have anything to do with selling and I got to do it at home. 

Believe if you must… or not.  All I know is I am here now, with a blog, directed by my DAD to share my testimonies.  You can argue your position about tithing as well, and share it here.  However, this is my truth.

Until the next rant… Love one another!

BOHO CHIC LIVING ROOM REDECORATE FOR LESS THAN $100

So, the past three days I have been redecorating my blah living room, a much needed change.  It's been 4 years of neutral colors.  I decided to transform the room into a Boho Chic style.  It is not completely done as I decided to keep adding more colors and accessories.  I started with the old piano that is badly scuffed and brown.

I covered the keys to protect it from sanding dust and sanded the entire piano.  It wasn't too bad because the varnish was almost stripped from age anyway. 
I then chose a light blue green color and painted, sanded, buffed.  I was pretty pleased with the result.

I still have the bench to do, but for now I am burned out with the sanding.  I still have enough paint so I am reserving that project for another day.  Now I see the rest of my living room decor doesn't really match anymore.  So I figured I need to replace the curtains.

There is no color at all, so I need some punch.  I was up at 2am this morning so I decided to look online for the perfect reasonably priced curtains.  I found some and for the pair, it costs $110, which to me was pricey, I needed 2 pairs to cover 3 windows.  The total came up to $220 and here's the kicker, they want $60 to ship it.  Oh heck no!  I am not paying that much for curtains.  So I went to Burlington Coat Factory to check out their curtains.  Yeah I ended up buying sheer ones for $10/panel.  I figured if I got a contrasting color, I can still fork up, another $10 to double it.  I ended up buying 3 panels plus the aqua back panel.  I needed to tweak them to make it work because one was a pocket style and the other one was grommeted.   Anyhoo, I sewed, cut, pinned and it was finally time to put it up.  Well, it was still very sheer.  So I decided to use the old curtains, shown above as a blocker, so I made it the lining.  I now have three layers.  Lol!  It still worked and instead of spending an astronomical $300 on curtains alone, I spent $70, that is including the metal artwork above the piano.  I looked around the house for other accessories and found an aqua vase and then found glass roses, I don't even know I had.  The pillows were just waiting to go on the sofa to add that punch of color.  Next is a cover for my double sized papasan chair.  A boho style throw is on it right now just to gauge an idea of what it would look like later when I get the permanent cover for it.  I love the papasan chair, it's my fave!  So I hope you got some idea that redecorating does not have to cost you an arm and a leg.  Just some creativity that reflects your own personality.

Till the next rant... Love one Another!

WATCH YOUR TONGUE!

I AM WHO I SAY I AM

Perspectively, the tongue is the smallest part of the body that is engaged in conversation.  It has the power to deliver words intended to create a reaction from the person those words are directed to.  It starts with a thought.  The thought transforms into words.  The words are then conveyed through the tongue.  It is like a rudder that stirs the ship.  It gives comfort to the broken-hearted, it encourages, or it… kills.

If a father or a mother spanks a child through discipline, the child will learn but heal.  If they are beaten down by hurtful and discouraging words, their spirits never recover and they go through life broken and insecure.  Consequently, they pass this on to their own children and the vicious cycle continues.  Dr. Phil likes to say, “it takes a thousand “atta-boys” to make up for one insult.”  At one juncture in my life, I had been on the receiving side of this.  All through life I told myself I would never do that to my own kids.  And I didn’t.  I encouraged them and became their biggest cheerleader.  I want to be my children’s confidante.  So far so good.

There comes a point in one’s life when one realizes that when the effects of a childhood such as this is stunting their personal growth, one has to rise above the way you were raised, something you have to do on your own.  The sad fact is that we have to give ourselves what we wished we could get from somebody else.  One may have assumed to be a failure and sit around saying, Whoa is me, and that my parents that could have picked me up and lifted me up didn’t, but you have to give yourself permission to be who you are because the more you know who you are, the less vulnerable you are to becoming what other people tell you who you are.

On the other side of the spectrum, if you are the deliverer of hurtful words (I think we all have been in that position before), watch your tongue.  You do not have the right to slice up the masterpiece that God has created because each of us is His masterpiece. 

You are SPECTACULAR!  Believe it, accept it and live it!

Love one another…

ECO PAPER BAG ART -- TUTORIAL

I have been trying to figure out what to do with paper grocery bags for the longest.  I just didn't want to toss them out because of course, it is paper, an opportunity to make art!

So, this is what I came up with.   I'm not sure what to do with it, perhaps make a cover for my art journal.

Start with a brown paper bag and undo the structure to make it a flat substrate.

Next, fold on one of the folds and cut the bottom flap.

Cut in three parts so that you end up with pretty flat parts with no folds.  You will only need one for now, so set the other two parts aside.

. 

I chose to cut the edges with decorative scissors just to make it interesting.

I then affixed the back of the paper to the table with two-sided tape so it is anchored while you work on it.

Choose coordinating decorative napkins.  Separate the backing and tear random sizes.

Mix decoupage medium with coordinating color paint and decoupage the pieces of napkins to cover the entire paper. 

I applied paint randomly to cover but not enough so that the napkin print cannot be seen through.  Let dry completely.

Now you are ready to doodle on your paper.  I use various sharpie markers, but you can use any brand you want, just make sure they are as opaque as you can get them.

Tada!!!! the finished product! 

I wanted to bling it out, so I applied glitter glue to random swirls!  Finally, spray fixative on it to make it permanent.


I hope you get inspired and make it yourself.  You can use it to wrap presents, art journal, background paper for scrapbooking, etc.  


If you make them, I would be interested to see them.  Please send your photos to me at myhappycocoon@gmail.com.


Good luck and LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!

THE POWER OF A SOUND MIND

Our future is determined by the seeds we sow and no one can stop the outcome of our life.  It cannot be controlled or be influenced by what other people do.  Whether it is the government, friends, family or enemies, we can’t allow them to control us or determine our future.   

To have Love in your heart is to have a sound mind.  What does it mean? A sound mind is a spiritual mind, Jesus said John 6:63, my words are spirit and life. 

To be spiritually minded, we have to be word minded.  When all hell breaks lose, the very thing that rises up inside of you is “it is written”.  It means that when all you hear is bad news, God’s promise is the good news, because God’s word lives inside of your mind and your heart.  Whatever you focus on the most is what will be manifested especially when dealing with life’s trials and tribulations.  The trials are always going to come, the tribulations will always be present, but to overcome them we have to realize that we will have to face our negative circumstances with the word's truth.  If we are spiritually-minded, we cannot be stolen from.  When the enemy comes to rob you, he doesn’t come after your money, your health, your marriage but instead he comes to steal the word.  When the word is stolen from you, you start to doubt all the other aspects of your life, like your health, marriage, money, etc. in one fell swoop.  If you hear the Word but do not understand it, you are wide open for the enemy to steal from.  Matthew Chap. 13 and they heard the word of the kingdom but because they did not understand it satan came and stole the word. 

I dislike religious jargon that has no meaning.  If you understand the word, the devil can’t steal the word from you, he can’t take anything that is promised by God in His word.  God’s word has prosperity in it, healing, power, wisdom, victory, and if you can’t have the word stolen from you, nothing else can be stolen.  The only way to protect the precious seed that is being planted in your heart is to understand what is being planted.  To be spiritually minded is a mind ruled by the word of God and controlled by the rule of patience.  Patience is defined as, no matter what I see (pain, suffering, etc.), I planted the seed of God’s word in my heart and I expect a harvest and I will wait patiently knowing that harvest is coming, and I will endure whatever garbage tries to come my way, any trials, any lies, I will endure it because I have the patience that the word that God has spoken, that I have been believing will come soon.  His word is etched in my mind, I will overcome them all because God is watching over His word to perform it, and I will use patience as a force for my good, and if I don’t see the promise coming to pass yet and I’m holding on, and endure this moment not even able to see the promise yet but I will endure it, and won’t give up because it didn’t happen right away.  I won’t throw out healing, because I didn’t get healed right away, or throw out victory, because I didn’t’ have victory right away.  Plant that seed of patience and believe that it will grow! 

To be spiritually minded is to be single-minded. No internal debate.  James 1:5-8 Asking God for wisdom.  God hates double-mindedness.  Being double-minded is to thank God and then complain.  Ask him to forgive you, and then later ask Him to forgive you again for the same sin.   Once God cleanses you from sin, he forgets it, therefore you have to forget it.  Single-mindedness is to pray and believe that He has already granted it, and not to keep praying about it again.  Get your mind renewed to the promise of God more, believe you have it.  Look expectantly for it to arrive.  Single-mindedness is sound mind, focused completely on what God says.  Be Single-minded when you pray.  Mark 11:24 believe you have received them and you shall have it.  Shut your mind out from your internal debate.  Tell the enemy to get behind you, and refuse to accept its lies. 

Be Single-minded about your past.  Old things have passed away if you are a new creature in Christ.  Stop going back to a double-minded attitude, be Single-minded and stay that way.  My past is over, Jesus wiped it out, and there is no enemy that will tell me otherwise and my future is not a by-product of my past, I’m not going to be the outcome of the DNA I was born with, I will be the outcome of the DNA of the bible, the seed of the bible because I am born again, a child of God, new creature.  You say you were abused, but if you think about it, who wasn’t?  We’ve all been abused in some way or another, by someone.  The past is over, Period.  End of story. 

Be Single-minded about other people’s past.  Theirs is wiped out too just as much as yours is, so stop bringing it up.  Let it go, and build new friendships.

To be Single-minded is to be heavenly minded. If you are heavenly-minded, the more earthly good you are and the more you would strive to help get more people to heaven, and help others learn more about Jesus.  If you are heavenly-minded, you would know the rewards that heaven has waiting for you so you will be compelled to live godly in this life for the rewards to come.  Being heavenly-minded is seeing things from God’s point of view, and I’m not going to look at life from my natural point of view, but from heaven’s point of view.  Think about the future of the people that are around us, our loved ones, our friends and be concerned about whether they are going to go to heaven or hell.  Not being concerned about if you get away with the decision that you are about to make, can I get away with the sin I’m about to make, but instead you’re thinking about heaven, there’s a reward for me if I honor God right now, yes I can get away with it right now here on earth because I’m saved by God’s grace, but I don’t want to get away with it, just in this earth, I want rewards waiting for me in heaven and the decision I make today is going to be stamped with eternity, stamped by heavenly thinking.  I know I’m going to get there but when I do, I want to make sure there is something waiting for me, because I chose to do God’s word, and it’s building up for me, the treasures in heaven.  Not seeing things from my horizontal view but my vertical vision.  I see from the top down rather than out. 

Single-mindedness is to be aware that Jesus lives inside of you.  When you wake up in the morning you pray, Praise Jesus because he is in me.  The anointing is in me to remove every burden to solve this problem and you have to start thinking like it.  That’s what wins grace, that’s what wins life.  That’s what you have, you may not have discovered or developed it but you have it inside you. 

Till my next rant… Love One Another!