PUMPKIN for SMOOTHIES & TREATS

Fall is just around the corner, the Autumn winds are near and leaves starting to fall!  School just started back and even though I'm ready for the cooler temperatures it will be a while longer. Texas heat always lasts longer than most as we hit 97 degrees today, swim daily and our AC runs like crazy! That makes no difference to me as I along with the stores are starting to decorate for fall now so I have time to enjoy.  

Pumpkin smoothies are so delicious and easy to make and sometimes I don't have enough ice for a smoothie or don't want the water effect of it so I bought the cutest little Pumpkin Silicone Ice Tray at the $ Tree and with that said I was thinking pumpkin ice cubes how cute!  Yes, they are!  So I opened a can of plain Pumpkin and filled the little tray up and then just pop out Pumpkin Cubes for smoothies and our puppies love them as their special treats!  

When we are outside they get something cool and good for them.  Pumpkin is good for our pets digestion and they love it! Simple easy, fun things for fall.   

Hope you enjoy and have fun with fall too :)
May your days be filled with Sunshine Joy & Smiles

TROPICAL CHICKEN SALAD ;)

Hey~
It's been way to long since my last post and for that I am sorry!  We moved in December and it has taken a while to get settled but I'm hoping to get back to doing 1 a week if not more starting with one of my very favorite ways to use Bananas in a healthy recipe! So here we go!

My Tropical Chicken Salad Recipe as promised.... it's mine and if you know me I only measure things when baking so I'll do my best to share what I do!

3 cups cooked chicken - I shred ours because it tastes better and we don't like cubed chicken....to us it's weird.
4 celery stalks - rinsed and sliced
1 cup Low Fat Hellman's Mayonnaise
1 tsp Curry powder
1 can 11 oz. of Mandarin Oranges - no sugar added, drained
1 can 20 oz. chunk pineapple ( I use fresh most and about 2 cups )
2 Large Bananas sliced
Cashews and or Flaked Un-sweetened Coconut for stir in's  

In large bowl like the one I used, mix mayo and curry, then add chicken & celery and stir well until coated... you may need to add more of the mayo and curry... stir in bananas and pineapple still coated then gently fold in the mandarin oranges and enjoy!  This is also when you would add the Cashews or Peanuts.  I use which ever we have on hand.  We serve on lettuce.   It is refreshing and healthy!  Hope you all enjoy!  Feel free to share!   I would love to hear your comments!

Till next time, may your day be filled with sunshine, joy and smiles :)

sunshinejoyandsmiles.blogspot.com

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Hey! We moved in December and this is my 1st post of the year!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost Nipp'n at your nose..... This is how the magic of Christmas goes. Every since I was a little girl I've dreamed of living out this song.   It's so wonderful, makes you feel all warm inside.  However, like so many things when you finally get them, do them or both they leave you quite stunned! 

So, with Christmas finally over, Valentine's less than a week away......Jack Frost is more than nipping at your nose, your toes and Mother Nature taking a dump on all my little spring baby budding bulbs peeking up with snow, snow and yes, more snow! 

So being more or less stuck inside cause it's too cold out and the cold/flu season is in full swing we are entertaining ourselves with things inside.   We had a fire, I thought whoopee I can finally roast my chestnuts on an open fire! All 6 of them! I wasn't sure we'd like them and those little suckers are expensive .  So 3 of us 2 nuts each.  

They started to smell and we decided to take them off.  I was telling my husband this was so exciting it's just like my favorite movie with Ben Affleck called Surviving Christmas where he's got the pan of chestnuts and he's roasting them on an open fire.   We get the nut cracker and crack them open, I'm so excited I can't hardly wait! The shell is almost like paper thin and coming off so easy! The nut is almost as big as the shell and looks like a little brain, I go to take a bite and it is like a rock! Seriously, what? I must be missing something!  I'm now going to research out about them as I was disappointed but thought it was so funny I just had to share.   

In life so many things are just wonderful, part of a magical childhood fantasy or memory only to discover it was not at all what you had hoped for.  I thank God everyday for everything and for tonight's laugh about something I've wanted to do my whole life!   I just had to share.   May your day be filled with Sunshine Joy and Smiles.        

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