Weekly Wednesday Paydays

Michelle McNiel feeling blessed

I'm so excited! I just realized today is Wednesday before a holiday and #BAMM...... my bank account got #happy happy happy.... it's my weekly payday.... woo hoo! Shazaam!

Day 27: I am thankful that I took the wonderful opportunity to join #Nerium. It has changed our lives! The financial plan is unmatched like no other.... 13 ways to get paid and even though I don't know them all I am thankful I get paid every week on top of my monthly! I am thankful that this is the beginning, that David & Kendall get to be a part of everything I do and that we have met some of the most incredible people we now call friends. Thankful beyond measure and wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I absolutely had to share this on my blog because truly I have wanted a job that paid me every week.

I have not worked since God blessed me with my baby girl Kendall.  Kendall is now 12 years old.  

During this time we have been blessed to make it through but we have struggled beyond measure.  I will not go into details but I will say that we have pawned things to buy groceries and or pay bills.  We have struggled, but managed.  My precious husband has worked 2 jobs most of this time and never complained.  I have tried everything from making "Pampered Pet Perfections" Dog Treats for a rented booth, to selling and doing shows for Pampered Chef.  I also tried my best to sell and make income with and not limited to:  Melalucca, Avon, Pampered Chef, #Mary-Kay not once but 3 times....not a charm.... to #Scentsy twice, which I just love, still love, but had to sell a certain amount in a certain amount of time and pay for my website; which no-one ever visited, to Arbonne, which I never made 1$ off of but used it all for my skin because I have always taken care of my skin and have done anything to keep it healthy and beautiful..... not for anyone but for .... me.

With this said; my dear, precious friend that in past had joined some other businesses that did not help my family in anyway... cost me money to join.. to have the websites and been required to sell..never blessed me like this last one.  When I heard from her my husband was totally against it as I have done everything out there and only ended up stressing and costing us time and money that we did not have.  Nerium has a video called The Last Run Club and there is a reason because it is The Last Run.

Nerium is the last company that I will have to join, it has the financial game plan to bless my family beyond measure, to make friendships to last a lifetime, to having the chance to dream again because I truly had forgotten how. I will retire my husband, I will earn a Lexus before that and all by just sharing something I believe in and because the company believes in everyone like me.  

There was a video that my friend Steve Kelller made me do when I first signed on with Nerium and he posted it to you-tube, and honestly, it freaked me out but I can look back at it and tear up, because I had a dream.  My dream then in May was to be able to have gasoline to go see my mom, whenever I wanted.  My mother is in a nursing home 18 miles away.  That was my reality... until now, until Nerium.    This little skincare, that has changed the way I see myself, feel about myself, to what is being broadcast in #CBS #News in California.... Nerium is #REAL people Real Results....  

My wish is for everyone to know about this opportunity to truly change your lives, not carry product, not have to meet a quota, to truly be your own boss.  You are not alone, you have the expert Lexus earners and above guiding you...to a state of the art, hands down "the Tiffany" of websites at your disposal for a minimal investment in the fastest anti-aging industry around!  We grew 3,900% last year in our 1st full year of business!  Nerium is being noticed and on #TheView for a reason.  

Thankful.... I am because... this isn't all over my blog, nor all over my FB but I will and do share when I feel I need to and with Thanksgiving tomorrow ( now today ) to Christmas Holiday's it is a financial blessing to get paid weekly when it is needed the most and doing nothing more that what you see on this post.  I simply share, FB or this blog when I feel it is needed and I have to much to post on FB and need to get it out!   

God bless you as you read this and if I can help you in anyway, answer any ?'s please let me know because my job is to help you get your money back to you and beyond as soon as possible.  There is a 30 day money back guarantee for a reason!  This is the time to make your financial future yours... your dream...wonderful... that you may enjoy everyday to bless others to have this opportunity.   

mcniel.nerium.com

Happy Thanksgiving and may your day be blessed beyond measure!

EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST

Eggnog love to say it................. love to drink it............to bake it, make it, share it~

Holidays bring Eggnog into the store's dairy section and as soon as I spy it, I buy it!  
We love the creamy taste of it and it's a family favorite to all top with fresh grated nutmeg right on top of our glass~

Eggnog is such a versatile, holiday flavor that can be used in so many things.  If you can use milk, why not try eggnog?  So as soon as we have a couple of glasses I realize time to get creative and use it up.

1st up:  Eggnog French Toast  

4 slices of bread
3 eggs
3/4 cup eggnog
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix the eggs, eggnog and nutmeg together, while your griddle gets heated or pan is melting butter.
I like them best on the griddle because the butter in the pan takes away the flavor of the eggnog and they taste like an egg in a frame to us.

Cook till golden brown on each side and then enjoy with your favorite syrup...

May your Holidays be filled with Sunshine Joy and Smiles,
Michelle

Christmas Sugar

Happy Holidays & yes, they are!


As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas my mind is filled with excitement and joy!  I think of all the ways I can make each day during the holidays just a little more festive and special.  

Today, simplicity at it's best but will make you smile and feel special every time you see and use it!

Christmas Sugar
Sugar + Green and Red Colored Sugar
Mix together and enjoy!

I smile, every time I use it, for my coffee, tea and sprinkled on buttered bread for Kendall.  Just think you can do this for all Holidays and always have a sweet reason to smile!   :)

May your day be filled with SunShine Joy and Smiles,
Michelle

Chipotle-Garlic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

PUMPKIN              pumpkin                 Pumpkin     Garlic    Chipotle       #Yummy-licious!

After having the pumpkin around for a while it was time for a decision and so instead of wasting it this year we decided to carve the pumpkin & then sliced it to fit onto baking sheets and baked 350 for about an hour till the skin could be punctured by a fork and then scraped it out to freeze and use as needed instead of canned!
 I'm so excited as there always seems to be some grit in the canned pumpkin, no matter what brand, no matter what I make especially pumpkin pies...I'm very picky about textures and for the life of me can't figure out what the grit is and everyone I ask says they realize that too so from now on this is how we roll~

The exciting thing for me was to just make Pumpkin Seeds like I wanted, no recipe and hands down the best I've ever had!

The seeds from 1 large pumpkin.  

Olive oil

Mrs Dash Southwest Chipotle 

Granulated Garlic

Put seeds in a bowl fill with water, whisk away the pulp and it's amazingly fast.  

Next drain seeds, I used a paper towel to get excess moisture off.  

In the bowl of seeds, I poured about 2 tbs Olive Oil, and then covered the top of them liberally with the Chipoltle and Garlic.  Baked at 350 for about 15 or so minutes ( I checked when I started smelling them)  and totally amazed how nutty ad good they came out! 

Hope I've inspired you to Save A Pumpkin and use it all up! 

Happy Fall & May your lives be filed with Sunshine Joy and Smiles.  

Oh my goodness.....  happy happy happy    :)

Eggnog Christmas Tea Bread

The Holidays are upon us!  I love Christmas and my gosh anything that has Eggnog I must try!  Me & my family love everything with that special treat we get only once a year and so I start making it as soon as I see Eggnog on the shelves the store!

It's the most special flavor, the creaminess, the sweetness and the nutmeg just make me smile thinking about it!  I have several recipes that I make every year that use Eggnog and even a special after dinner drink with a very special Eggnog Treat.... that will come...later in the season... so if you love the holidays, recipes, crafts follow my blog and let me share my passion, joy and love of the season with you!   Okay, enough said about that.

This is one of the 1st recipes I make every year for the past 12 now.  The 1st time I made this recipe my baby (Kendall) was only 6 months old, my precious Grandmother was having a visitor over and wanted us to come share a day with her and her special childhood friend.  She was at the time 85!  So I baked this special holiday bread and it was the delight of all of us and has been ever since.  We enjoy it now with coffee just as I did with my Grandmother 12 years ago.   As I prepare to make it, I smile, and remember.
I remember that day and it is such a wonderful memory it makes this recipe extra special for me and my family.

I hope it is as special to you and your family as it is to ours.  Quick enough to prepare and oh so divine.
Here we go, the ingredients:

Eggnog Christmas Tea Bread

2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg * ( I grate over the finest grater a nutmeg whole spice for fresh, and I store them in the freezer; ziploc bag to keep for all nutmeg recipes and to put on a glass of the special holiday concoction)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened ( 1 1/2 sticks )
3 eggs
1 cup Eggnog

* optional 10 oz. jar of maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.       Grease bottom and sides of loaf pan.  ( I use Crisco and a silicone brush to spread it, I got tired of buying the expensive sprays, and the loaf pops right out with this method!)

Chop the cherries, place on paper towel, pat dry

In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt; set aside.

In Mixer or Large Bowl, beat sugar and butter on high speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy :)

On medium speed, add 1 egg at a time until blended.  Add 1/3 of flour mixture, beating on low speed just till combined.  Beat in 1/2 of eggnog, then add another 1/3 of flour mix, the remaining 1/2 of eggnog, then remaining flour....beat after each ingredient just until combined.  ( this is when you gently fold in cherries if you choose)  Pour into greased loaf pan.

Bake 1 hour, 15 to 20 minutes.... till knife inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.  ( it smells so festive )
Cool in pan.  Loosen sides of loaf; remove and serve on festive platter, store under cake dome, or just slice away in the loaf pan.  Most of all......think of Christmas, remember the people you love, sit back and enjoy for a festive brunch, afternoon tea or holiday dessert.  

From my house to yours; may your holidays be filled with sunshine, joy and smiles,
from our house to yours :)

I'd love to hear your Christmas memory, and if you enjoy this recipe :)

We love the cherries and even sneak a few to see if we can tie the stems, apparently the 3 of us like to compete!  With that said, yes, more holiday fun.... who can tie the knot in the cherry stem fastest gets the 1st slice!

Happy Holidays and come back soon for more Eggnog recipes!

Nerium Biotechnology Research and It's Accidental Discovery ... and .....so Much More

When you know your a part of something so much bigger than you ever imagined... for everyone I know...all my FB friends I hope you choose to read about the #CANCER #research that #Nerium #Biotechnology is doing. NeriumAD which has been only night cream to replace every other product used, now has a day cream.

This was an accidental discovery from Nerium Biotechnology when patients coming in from melanoma cancers were excited about their skin looking younger, texture, tones, and discoloration so they developed our flagship NeriumAD which is truly SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN FOR REAL RESULTS. 
After losing my father to #brain tumors, finding out after my Grandmother died she had uterine cancer and everything else out there, the business that I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of now totally funds Nerium Biotechnology! This is huge. Privately funded CANCER RESEARCH.....

When I think it can't get any better by everything Nerium offers such as our  NeriumAD product for FREEif you refer 3 friends to now after 3 months giving you the Day Cream FREE 4 Life!! I just can't share it enough, or feel anymore passionate and I have now learned even more. My business partner and friend Randy Greene just shared the following:

"Just found out that the biotech company that accidentally discovered NeriumAD is researching how to end strokes, tumors, MS (multiple sclerosis) and AIDS, to name a few, using the Nerium plant. So proud that 30% of our company's profits go to fund this vital and necessary research. Glad to be a part of a company that cares!!"

Researching HOW TO #END: #strokes, #tumors, #MS Multiple Sclerosis and #AIDS to just name a few. This is my company, this is what I do it means more to me than words can convey. How many people are going to be healed by our privately funded research all while blessing us with better lives inside and out?
 That is my job and if you are looking for a way to change your life inside and out this could be it.  

michelle.mcniel@nerium.com     

     

Plus we have a 30 DAY $$ BACK GUARANTEE  

Nerium story, Michelle McNiel (+playlist)

Kleenex Trash Pack

Fall....Winter.....allergies....colds.....watery eyes......   whatever the reason may be Kleenex are always needed for something and they always have such cute boxes I hate to just throw them away when I'm
done with a box.

One thing I've noticed is that when Kendall has a cold or any of us there's always an ugly plastic bag to hold all those "used" tissues!  Yuck!  Well here ya go.... up-cycled tissue box....... make - a - me .... happy!

So I didn't have a rubber band big enough to wrap around the both of them but wanted something quick so grabbed some tape and put tape all on one side of the green box....you can kinda see where it is and made circles and flattened them out so they were stick on both sides and stuck them together... less than 3 minutes and got a neat little system sitting on the coffee table.

Here's to a healthy happy fall and winter........ but just in case there are sniffles.... this is a sure fire way to keep the "used" ones from being something to deal with....  :)

May your day be filled with Sunshine Joy and Smiles

Pumpkin Energy Balls

Well Happy Tuesday! 
This has got to be the best fall weather we have had in years!
We are actually getting fall! 

 I can smell leaves burning in the distance, hear the wind in the trees, our doors have been open for 3 days in a row allowing our home to be cooled off with God's free air-conditioning.  It has been cool enough at night that we are able to sleep in our fun fall pajama's and under blankets without turning on the heater!

Yes, my friends, this is going to be the best electric bill ever and in the process it has inspired me to craft, organize, clean and bake!  So with that said I'm so far behind on blogging I wanted to start with a quick one that I made the other day and well suffice to say .... it's pumpkin so has been a hit!

These are not only healthy, super easy and no bake!    All is good!

Here are the ingredients:

• 1 box 8 oz - Chopped Dates
• 1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1 TBS Flax seeds 
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tsp Ginger
• 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg ( I use whole nutmegs and grate them into recipe )
• pinch of salt 
• 1 Cup Dry Oats ( I used instant because it's what I have )
• 1 Cup Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)

So put the dates, pumpkin puree, honey, flax seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in food processor and pulse until smooth and mixed.

Transfer into large bowl, stir in the oats and pumpkin seeds (pepitas) until evenly combined.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer so that when you get ready to roll into balls it is easier to work with.  

Scoop out with small scoop 1'' or  a spoon, your desired size and roll away.  Kids can have fun helping too.  They are a little messy and want to almost fall apart but manage to stay together.

Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.   

I doubt they will last that long and what a healthy little snack.  

HAPPY FALL AND LOVE ME SOME PUMPKINS

MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH

SunShine Joy and Smiles  :)

Yummy Mummy's

October 4th 2013

With fall finally approaching us here in Texas tomorrow it is going to be a high 65 degrees and we are so excited!  I love to surprise my family with fun, quick, easy meals.  Fall just helps me create things more than once a week and so after David and Kendall loved the Monstober Taco Salad I wanted to do something else fun as we start our fabulous fall weekend.

So tonight we enjoyed:   Yummy Mummy's  and french fries.... another night that David and Kendall popped their phones out for pictures!  Guess you could say I'm one happy mummy ..... lol!  So here's to you having fun with your family spooky fun meal.

1 package of Franks/Hot Dogs  ( your choice )
1 package Pillsbury Refrigerated Bread Sticks

Unroll the bread-sticks then stretch 8 of them long....about 20 inches
Wrap the bread-stick dough around the hot dog and leave a little gap somewhere for the eyes
This makes 8 little mummy's.  
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes and get ready for smiles and no left overs  :)

I emptied the frozen fries onto a baking sheet, sprinkled granulated garlic and a little salt and pepper, dried parsley just for look and had them cooking while I wrapped the hot dogs in their mummy outfits and about the time they were finished the french fries were done and then bake the mummy's.  

Monstober Taco Salad :)

Fall Weather is my favorite.... Tomorrow is October 1st 2013........   :)

So to kick off the fall pumpkin fun festive season I decided to start off with a fun special dinner for my husband and daughter.  This quick and easy dinner was loved and so here it is.  

My husband and 12 year old daughter thought it was the coolest thing and both took pictures and enjoyed every bite.  My husband didn't even get up to get hot sauce!  So simple I'm going to list all the ingredients and then tell how I make my own taco seasoning which saves money and I always have on hand!

1  lb ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 slicing tomatoes, sliced then cut in 1/2

1 can black olives 

Lettuce

Cheddar Cheese shredded

Sour Cream

Chips for underneath ( we used the little bags because all wanted different chips )

Taco Seasoning per lb of meat.....I don't buy it mixed any more due to the sodium and things I can't even pronounce so why do I want them?  Plus I always have the following on hand.  

3 TBS Chili Powder

2 TBS Cumin

2 TBS dried minced onion ( optional )

1 TBS granulated garlic

1 Tsp Salt

1 Cup Water

In large skillet brown ground beef and onions till no longer pink, then....

Add Taco Seasoning and 1 Cup water; simmer until meat is juicy and seasonings blended about 30 minutes.   

Now put the chips on plate, top with as much cheese as you want then spoon meat over cheese so it melts a little....then take lettuce place 2 pieces at top, then take tomatoes place 1 1/2 slice over lettuce, then a dollop of sour cream on top of each one...then slice the black olives in halve and the ends off so you can see through them and add to sour cream for the eyes and get ready to get some big smiles for something that takes 30 minutes start to finish it that!  

Happy Fall       Happy 1st day of October    Enjoy your Monstober Taco Salad  :)

Pumpkin Muffins

Fall is such a wonderful time of year, we just love it.  The cool weather is so greatly anticipated, with football, baking is the highlight of many days and today marks the 1st of many to come this festive fall season.

Here is one of the simplest easy recipes that anyone can follow.  Enjoy and let me know how you like them.

Here are the ingredients.  1 box yellow cake mix, 1 can of Pumpkin.  I add extra spice because we love pumpkin pie and all the flavors but that is totally up to you. 

Next empty the cake mix into the bowl.  

Add spices here if you like.

Then fold in pumpkin and mix. 

Fill muffin cups and bake 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes and then let them cool and enjoy! 

These keep my little family happy happy happy :)

WHEN 911 FAILS...........AND......PUTS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN DANGER

First let me say:  911 is available to help when there is an emergency except in my case I was lead into danger.

When coming home North on 287 traveling from Waxahachie, Texas back home to North West of Fort Worth when the speed limit is 60 mph my cruise control set just talking with my daughter and all of the sudden saw what looked like an accident in front of us and cars in both lanes stopping.

We continued to the cars that by the time we came upon them were going 30 mph and trying to see what was happening I was in the left lane, scooted onto the shoulder and realized it was a car 2 cars in front of me causing the issue.  There was no hazard lights but what didn't make sense was the car in the right lane not wanting to pass the Red car which was causing the issue.  After a mile of this I passed the red car on the shoulder to continue my route.

Then the other cars speed up and started to pass the red car and go in both lanes, when within just a few seconds the Red car then blew by me on the right lane going at least in the 80's or 90's because I was back up to 60 and almost clipped the right front finder of my vehicle to get in front of me, slam on his brakes and then get into the right lane and stop!  All cars now again stopped on the road and the man waving his large arms out the window motioning for me to come beside him!  At that time I am scared beyond belief and my 12 year old daughter starting to really get scared as she was in the passenger seat and he was on her side.  

She said call 911 and I was already on the phone dialing them.  After a couple minutes the man began traveling again, I was on the phone with 911 a total of 22 minutes giving location, and exits he was passing all while telling them the car was Red, weaving and everything that had happened  when they transferred me to Arlington dispatch.  I was instructed that officers were in route, to follow him and to put on my flashers.  I explained that I had my daughter in the car and she was frightened and crying.  I was assured over and over, giving them every exit and following this Red car that weaved in an out of lanes, and would slow down to 30 or 40 then speed back up.  

I was instructed to continue following at 75 miles and hour to see if I could see his license plate and neither I nor my daughter could read it, I told the person on the other end that his plate light was dingy and license looked yellowish,  all while following him and then they asked if I could continue and I said only if he keeps going my way!  I continued following and telling them what he was doing all the way from Middleothian all the way to West Forth Worth when he almost hit an 18 wheeler that had to swerve to not be hit and the Red car got off at exit 440B.   I repeated where he got off several times and they assured me the officers would find him.

My daughter was now crying on the phone with her Daddy my husband and I then called him from my phone to begin telling him as we were both shaking what had just happened when a call came in and my husband says maybe it's the police so I answered and it was.

The lady on the phone stated that the officers wanted to talk to me that they wanted my statement.

I told her that I was getting closer to home and that my husband wanted me not to go but she said, "Mam, it's just down the road, the officers are at the gas station waiting for you."   She said it was just a few miles down the road and well it was way more, like 8 or more exits before I found it all while talking to her and asking her to stay on the phone with me as I didn't know why I had to go all the way back, why couldn't the officer just call me?   

So, as I pull off I-20 to Forest Hill exit as instructed she's asking "do you see an officer at a gas station?"  I told her No, and listed what I was seeing.  Finally, there's a burnt out Shell station sign and we pull in.  My daughter says Mommy I really need to go to the bathroom, and as we pull in I know that it is dangerous and she cannot go here.  From that point the sweet lady in dispatch who will remain nameless tells me it's okay, I'm here with you, the officers are trying to find you.  I said how can you help me on the phone, as we stick out like a sore thumb in this area.  I then see the car in front of me with 2 men and there are lots of cars and loitering at this Shell/7-11 off Forest Hill.  

I keep asking her "where are they" she repeats" they are as lost as me and cannot find me!"  the men in front of me then threw their beers out the passenger window into a pile of drank beer cans and then looked at us a drove off.  I am in the process telling her everything that is happening and we were starting to be noticed and she then told me to leave!   Are you freaking kidding me?

"What happened" I asked.   She said for my safety to then go home!  I was told they did find the Red car and that the man would be off the streets tonight and that she and the entire city apologized to me and she was sorry........

My adrenalin was off the charts and all I wanted to do was to get home, safely.   We started back home when I realized just how far back I had traveled to have my daughter and I put in danger to sit there like sitting ducks just asking for trouble.  

Not only did the police NEVER find me, with my hazards lights on, on the phone with dispatch giving play by play description and exits and mile markers but then had me go to a very bad part of town and sit alone and they never showed!

I am following up with the department and will do again on Tuesday when the regular work shift is there because this was the scariest, extremely dangerous situation that I was in because I tried to help get this insane Red car off the road.  The police never came to help and directed us to danger.  We today, Saturday are extremely tired and feel off and can't shake what happened last night.  

We have thanked God for our protection and his grace keeping us safe.  From this incident I have to say I will report things like this in the future but will NEVER AGAIN follow instructions to put me and my family in danger again.  In the moment, I was just following what the police asked me to do.  

My wish is for this post to make everyone aware to make the call, but realize it is not my job nor yours to do what I was asked to do by any means.  May the Lord protect everyone from what could be an extremely dangerous situation that we were blessed to be protected from.   

Please share this! 

  

My new skincare Nerium has changed my life

They say beauty is only skin deep or in the eyes of the beholder and with all this said what truly matters is how you feel about yourself, at least that's how I feel on the subject.

I do care about my face and my skin.  I have noticed over the past couple of years, a few lines here and there, texture differences like little circle patches that aren't that obvious but I sure noticed, uneven skin tone and enlarged pores.  My face had picked up a little red tinge and the big concern for me was and I mean was the spot in-between my eyes above my nose.  It had a patch of one of those skin textured circle areas, and always looked like I was scowling or like I was thinking hard.  Whatever the look that spot was getting worse and upsetting me like no ones business.

I've used Clinique, Arbonne and Mary Kay for all my life and nothing, I mean nothing, gave me results like Nerium.  I had a 3 UR Free party yesterday and when talking with my business partner who was answering ?'s I thanked her and told her how much I loved my Nerium and what it has done for me in just the 11 days since I started using it.  In the process, I told her how my husband told me how beautiful I was and he didn't see why I was concerned with my skin.  He asked me to show him the spots that bother me.  I didn't want him to see what I was looking at until I could see it helping.  14 years of marriage I didn't want him to then focus on what I myself was embarrassed about until I could see a difference.

With this said:  I closed my eyes and snapped a shot.  It looks like I'm thinking hard and I was relaxed and my face was a little red.  ( Understand, I didn't really notice that until my skin started looking better and you'll see in the photo)

I was getting happier and happier every morning when I looked in the mirror and on day 11 I decided to take another shot of my trouble spot.

When I put them side by side the joy I felt was over whelming!  This simple, easy to use, single product has done something that everything else not only allowed to happen but could not fix!  This is me, this is my story and it's not over by any means!  This product is meant to take photo as 30 days and again at 90!!!
Can you even imagine the difference I'm going to see?  I am so excited I want everyone to have this feeling.
I'm happy to see myself in the mirror in the morning, I got carded at Walmart yesterday buying wine for my Wine and No Wrinkly Party!  The cashier seriously did not believe me and that made my day.  She was probably in her mid to late 20's.

So I'm going to give you the link to my website and you can too experience this!  There is a 30 day $$ back guarantee!  Contact me directly if you want I would love to share with you and help encourage you in any way I possibly can.

The hardest part of Nerium for me is having to wait till bed time to put it on!

p.s.  My husband loves it because I'm actually going to bed on time instead of hanging on Pintrest all night!

http://mcniel.nerium.com


My before and after 11 day spot!

Mmm Turkey Chili

Well yesterday we were at the park, wearing shorts and today it's cold windy and 40 degrees cooler!

Laugh out loud! That's Texas for ya!
To go along with this cold and not have to leave I used stuff I had on hand. We had gone camping this past weekend and I had bell pepper and onions that needed to be used when it occurred to me chili!

Super quick, easy, healthy and delicious!

1lb ground turkey
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 cup chicken broth or 14 oz can
1 large can tomato sauce
2 tsp chili powder or more ;)
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp paprika
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tsp cider vinegar

Put a little oil into skillet, brown turkey with onion and bell peppers, break up and cook until no longer pink.

Combine all ingredients into slow cooker or just add to skillet for super quick dinner.
Simmer till done 4-5 hours on low or
Cover skillet let cook 30 to 45 minutes.
The longer the better for the flavors to really infuse. Enjoy!

May this dish bring SunShineSmilesamdJoy to you and your family :)

Non-GMO, Organic, Toaster Pastries

I was so excited to find these at Walmart today I just had to share! Both of these products are Organic & Non-GMO!!! The best part is they are delicious and I didn't have to make them! Woo hoo I felt like I hit the jackpot and wanted to share!

Who hasn't bought Pop Tarts? Every once in a while I do & then remember why we don't ( unless it's their Gingerbread or Hot Chocolate )

2.98 for each and my daughter and I both like them. :)

May they bring you SunShineJoyandSmiles :)

Pizza Cheese Toast

We all love pizza but don't like the frozen ones and it occurred to me I needed to use some bread before our camping trip this weekend and pizza toast just popped into my mind.

I had everything to make it so I did and my 11 year old daughter said "it's the best!" So easy here it is:

Bread
Pepperoni
Pepper Jack Cheese or Mozzarella, shredded
Tomato paste
Itialian Seasoning
Granulated Garlic

Put some tomato paste on your bread
Sprinkle with spices
Top with pepperoni
Then shredded cheese

I put my toaster oven on medium and just perfect timing, just till cheese melts!

Pizza Toast = quick, delicious lunch

A Meal in One - Favorite Pepperoni Pasta Salad

I always love pasta salads and they are sometimes so expensive. I have discovered instead of paying 4$ for a small container I can make enough for a party but t feed my family two times, understanding that we all have 2nd and 3rds! Super quick, easy and a family favorite!

1pkg Pepperoni, I use 1/2 a pack and slice in 1/2 (so I can make again or use for pizza cheese toast )
1 box or pkg Veggie Pasta
1 or 2 cans black olives, drained
1 pkg grape tomatoes, rinsed
1 pkg Feta cheese, crumbled
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 bottle Italian Dressing

I use extra spices and we like a lot I don't measure it's for your taste of:

Granulated Garlic
Italian Seasoning

Boil the pasta, while its cooking according to package directions grab a colander and rinse your tomatoes, dump in your black olives ( I do not rinse these just put right into colander ) chop your bell pepper & slice the pepperoni and separate after.

Transfer Pepperoni, Tomatoes, black olives and bell pepper in a large serving dish or container and add your Feta cheese.

Use the colander again to strain pasta, rinse with cold water and add to container.

Add your Italian Dressing and spices if you choose, chill and enjoy!

That simple and delicious :)

Mini Greenhouses up-cycling

I believe last week was our last freeze and even though I'm a little late our weather in Texas will still cooperate for my vegetable/fruit garden.

I purchased the clear lid box at the $tree and cut TP rolls in 1/2 filled with potting soil, tucked some seeds in and watered and put into a sunny windowsill! So easy and excited about all our free organic veggies!

The up-cycled egg crate I placed a wet paper towel down and then seeds on top just 2 days ago and the okra is already starting to sprout!!

It is so easy and affordable to start this way as I have in the past paid and bought mini green houses and peat pots but discovered this is somewhat free and can be used again and again.

May all your garden wishes come true what you plant and take care of will come to you!

$$ Saving Laundry Color Catchers and Up-Cycled Container

Hey just a fun thing that I did the other day to help save $$.....

We have lots of reds, oranges and bright colors and always hearing about the color catchers from friends but  I just can't see spending the extra $$ to keep my colors from bleeding and luckily they don't that much, at least I don't think so but I'm going to find out after I give these a try!

I bought some Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and cut up some white felt squares I had into 4 pieces
and so out of 3 felt white felt sheets I have 12 squares!  Awesome to see if they work well will be a test and
I'm already to do that!

I will let you know how that goes and link up to the blog I got the recipe from if it in fact does a good job later.   For now, I wanted to show you the container that I made out of a cute little wooden bucket I received several years ago from my sweet sister in law on my husbands side.  I've had it as a decoration in our utility/laundry room for at least 5 years but with no purpose; until now.  So here it was:

So it was a nice afternoon, I saw my paint from Kendall's $$ earning Chore Chart and light bulb moment; this would be perfect color for my laundry room.  I love the Ocean Blue/Turquoise color!  I'm finding I use it more and more.  So before the sun went down I untied the rope that you can hang it by and removed the twine band that was glued from the pot and painted it.

I didn't sand it or prep it other than removing the cord and ring decor.
It took about 3 to 4 coats and:

When it was dry, I put the decor back on up to the original glue mark and next got out my hot glue gun and glued it back.

All glued on, gotta love hot glue it dries so fast you can do tons of crafts in a short time frame!  I love the quickness!

I added my white felt color catchers and loved it but still needed something and another; ah ha moment!
Yes, the same vinyl letters I had used for the Chore Chart and Laundry Loot would be perfect; if I had enough and well;

I did!!!  I did have to use the lower case in order to spell correctly but my laundry room is coming along nicely!  I look forward to sharing it's transformation after I'm through but sharing the crafts I do as I move along with inspiration to up-cycle things I already have to transform them to things that I didn't use; to things that make everything about doing laundry better!

May you have a day filled with SunShine, Joy and Smiles........share your crafts with me..... and I will link the color catchers in the next few days!  God Bless you!

Serving Others & My Freak Accident! God Has My Back

Friday, February 8, 2013
Today was a beautiful sunny, nice day.  I woke up to see Kendall in the kitchen with the special tray

making a breakfast and she said Mommy, I was making you breakfast in bed!  I asked her for what?  Why?

Because "I love you and just wanted to, I just felt I needed too, but why are you up?" Yes, I was a little taken by the "I needed too?" but we just enjoyed the start of our day.....then...

I asked her the same thing, why are you up?  She proceeded to tell me that Saji our 4 year old indoor outdoor kitty wanted outside.  He in himself is a cool cat to say the least.  He comes in at night, around her bed time and follows her to bed, where he proceeds to make biscuits/knead a certain pillow or stuffed animal on Kendall's bed until he's comfortable to settle in for a good nights sleep.  This day he decided he wanted to go out at a little early so she was up!

So my precious girl had not completed her special surprise but we enjoyed a perfect breakfast together and she completed all her school work and did her chores all before 11 am!  I love my sweet girl and her awesome spirit, full of wonder, delight, love and joy to share!  :)  ( also she is a tween and we do have our days, thanking God today was not one! )

Okay, so leading up to my accident was "Our day was all about serving" and I didn't get that until blogging our day!  Thank you God; He has my back!  Serving others; being a blessing, a light to others without realizing this is how our entire day went.  This is the prayer that I pray as we drive away from our home but we didn't this day because we had my best friend/sister Kendall's godmother with us.  She called and wanted to go see mom with us today and at the same time we could then take her to pick up her truck from being worked on.  We were ready to leave and was excited as we were eating to fix a little snack lunch for her as she rode with us on our journey into town.  

We all 3 went into to see Mom, who was not having a good day but did say upon my entering the room; she loved me.... :)   We spent a little over an hour with her.  We left and made a couple of stops and then took her to her truck.  

Kendall and I then headed down the road where we stopped at Walmart for the items to make the Black Bean Enchilada Casseroles 1 for our friend who lost a family member and have a funeral tomorrow and 1 for us.  Kendall and I came home, unloaded the groceries and I remembered I had a bowl of scrap bones and meat I'd had in the fridge to take down to the tank to feed the wild critters, since I don't do that from our back fence anymore.  

Our driveway is well, almost 1/4 mile long, curves in a couple of places and is a white, dusty, rocky road.  It is a white rock gravel that over the years only outlines the path we drive, and creates a dust cloud when we drive down it, much like the Road Runner chasing the Coyote in the cartoons, leaving our cars filthy no matter what we do.  Texas has been in drought for a couple of years and the tank only filled a little this last December/January from a couple of quick but drenching storms.

We drove down the drive 1/2 way to the tank, parked the car and walked around to see the tracks of each animal that visits.  We left the food, and I hopped back into the car, but Kendall wanted to walk the driveway.  I always follow behind her so you know it's slow.  I'm looking out the window, following and felt the back right of my slip and jolt me?  I felt something and before I knew it; I heard a loud noise, felt my steering wheel jerk, scrapping I can hear but can't see!!! The tree I used for guidance was now 4 feet off the road;  I could see Kendall turn around; she was about 20 feet in front of me to see her running back to me.  I was stunned.  I looked at Holly, my Pomeranian who was in the seat beside me and realized I had hit something.  

I was starting to get out of the car and my husband was calling, I answered and was telling him just what happened as I was getting out of the car and walking around to survey the damage.  I could not believe my eyes!!!  The 2 trees that line my drive have always had ample amount of brush surrounding them and I have backed up our driveway like " Lightning Steve McQueen from Cars" as I have done for over 10 years but this time was going extremely slow, and Kendall wasn't with me.  

I was so upset by this, how in the world could this happen?  Really?  This day all we had done is help a friend, spend time with Mom, talk about her treatment and make sure she's getting everything she needs, use our limited grocery budget to bless another family, then come home to relax, fix dinner then remember we need to feed the wild critters with the food I'd been saving for today's feed to only then have the back end of my car almost be wiped out!? The tail light is is the little tree and it shattered into many pieces!  I thank God we are okay but still very upset by what I see.

I tell Kendall to get in the car, finish explaining to David just what had happened.  He and my daughter both said,  "the enemy is trying to ruin your day!"  Kendall said it first, then David; almost word for word my precious family kept me from losing it and being so caught up in anger and emotions as they were all over me.  It took me about 20 minutes before my spirit heard what they were relaying to me.  God has my back!  No joke, He is always with me, protecting me, showing me grace, love and forgiveness.  I need Him to show me why am I so stubborn I jump to other emotions before realizing His undeniable compassion and mercy.

My car was hurt, my daughter was not in it, she was fine.  My little Holly was fine and so was I.  

This day was about serving and Kendall started the day blessing me; as I moved through the day being a blessing to completing the final good deed of feeding wild life.  Thank You Father God for saving me, helping me realize You and only You can.  God has my back!

May your day be filled with SunShine, Joy and Smiles........ may God bless you and remember He has your back!

$$ Earning Chore Board for extra responsibility's

So we all know how money doesn't grow on trees!  Oh, how we all wish it did!

Our 11 year old daughter has an array of things/responsibility's that she has to do daily such as feeding the cat's that she willingly wanted the responsibility for along with keeping her room clean, making her bed, and replacing the trash bag in the kitchen if there is not one already there, on top of getting ready for the day.

Kendall has always dreamed of owning a Persian Kitty.  She has seen the pictures of the Persians that I had and of course has heard the stories.  She also loves Build A Bear and has quite the collection, along with loving and collecting Littlest Pet Shop everything...... along with her heart of gold and wanting to share everything with her friends we realized it is time that she do some extra things to help around the house to earn extra money to save for some of these things she loves so much.

This really hit home for us as a family when my precious husband brought it to our attention that we had spent almost 300$ last November at Build A Bear as we were on our 2nd visit around Christmas in December!  I am just as guilty of loving the little Holiday babies, and I know sometimes I tend to over compensate being that she is our only child.

I've been plagued with "how do I help her get the things she wants without caving in all the time and respecting our financial situation?"  With that in mind, regular allowance wasn't cutting the line, it flat out didn't work for us.  I have seen many Chore Charts in the store, on Pintrest and just couldn't find things that pertained to us.

Well, I did see a chart on Pintrest for Chores where the idea for using a cookie sheet and making holes in the top to hang with ribbon gave me the idea for how to make one for Kendall.

Here's my tutorial on how I did this and you can pick and choose to make it your own, any way, any chore but very excited about it and she is too!  There are a couple of chores that will teach her home skills, responsibility and even 2 that will take away $ for not completing/doing them.  Let's take a look!

Yes, I had a can of paint from what project, well, I can't actually remember :) and an old stained cheap jelly roll pan/cookie sheet!   So on a relatively warm afternoon I took this outside, lined some news paper onto the ground and sprayed the old cookie tray into a beautiful blue one!

I highly recommend putting the holes in the top to hang with a ribbon before painting!  You will see what happened to mine when I repainted from the dust in the later pictures but perfect.... doesn't matter, the goal is to get it up and working to move us along to financial gain/responsibility's nothing more!!!!
I had my husband drill holes in the top so there is no picture, use your imagination and or a hammer an nail, or super glue a picture hanger on the back or have the chart lay flat.... 

Next, you need to find some magnets that will hold your chores onto your board.  I got this pack at Hobby Lobby and they were for another project that I didn't do so I used them for this Chore Chart and for My Valentine Car Bingo, plus, I still have over 1/2 the pack for whatever else I can come up with!

I have vinyl letters from scrap booking that I also used in my Laundry Loot post and now for the $$ Earning Chore Chart.  I had my husband drill the holes into the top, picked a fun grosgrain ribbon I had and put it through the holes and tied a bow where it will actually hang.  ( this was done after I painted, I warned you before and you will see why in a minute or two!)

So, we have the holes drilled, ribbon in place, the old cookie sheet painted and another piece of scrap book stuff that I thought would be cute glued onto the magnets.  I don't have a machine to make all my perfect lettering, don't really have the ink to print everything so plain old hand writing on the ones I want to use for Kendall's board.

So I punched out the shapes I wanted.  ( I also had some really cool scrap book paper I thought about ) but went for these as they were a little more sturdy and carefully decided the things my husband and I discussed to put on them, what we wanted her to learn and do and wrote them onto the shapes.

Next, I used the glue gun and put a dot onto a magnet, attached a chore and moved onto the next one until they were all finished.  ( we have room for add more in the future also! )

Hung it to see needed a place to put them after they were completed and so with the same ribbon I glued
a completed line onto the board.

I use my Iphone for all my pictures; this is that cool blue even though it looks like yucky pea green!

See the difference?  Same one!  Anyway, there is the completed line....ribbon....glued down.....

You can see the handwriting, the magnets keep them raised off the board

2 carefully, selected things to do that IF not done will take $$ away!!!

What kid doesn't want to play outside on a good day?  That's an easy one!

Bible Scriptures should not be up for discussion and if not completed 1$ will be taken from

all the chores completed.

My husband and I love these as we know our daughter and it is important to understand give and take.  Completing a job = pay     Not completing a task = losing something

I will say this was her least favorite but is working perfectly.... doing both with a joyful heart!

I sure hope this is something that you want to do for your child or maybe we could even tailor them for ourselves?  Your imagination is a gift from God.....use it well and have fun!

Comments welcome; help me build my blog :)

May your day and project be filled with SunShine, Joy and Smiles ...... God bless you!