Know this about our cans of food...

Link to the Consumer Reports Page with info on BPA (Bisphenol A) found in foods due to the Epoxy lined cans we are purchasing. We need to seriously think about what we are using, and what we can do about it. If we can help change things, lets do it!

Bind Them On Your Wrist

I love this watch! Found it on Avon's site.

What an excellent idea, to wear the Commandments on the wrist. I looked up this instruction in the Holy Scriptures...Deuteronomy 11:18 "So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders." New Living Translation

This one is on my Christmas list, for certain!!!

I'm A Friend of Oakleaf Church

I've added a feed in my side list of the sermons from Oakleaf Church in Cartersville Georgia. I used to hang out with the folks there while I lived in Cartersville with my daughter. I miss the gals from my bible study group, so I am glad to keep up with the sermons. Oakleaf also streams their services live from the House of Rock ~~online.
Known for their generosity, intriguing sermons, and approachable (and enjoyable) services, they are making a positive footprint/leafprint in their community for Christ.

21 Day Daniel Fast

Yesterday the church I attend has announced a coorporate, 21 day Daniel Fast. I have decided to participate in this fast and will be posting recipes on Gypsy Pie's Kitchen for anyone who is interested in having a few ideas for Daniel Fast meals. I would appreciate any suggestions, as well. I have a few links for further information on this type of fast. Simply put by Pastor Eddie, "no sweets, no meats".
This is the only mention I will make of this fast time, other than including recipes and pictures of foods on my Kitchen blog.

God bless~ to all who are participating.

For Info:
http://www.thosewhohunger.blogspot.com/ ~for an extensive list of foods and recipes for this type of fasting.

http://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-fast.html

Would You Walk By?

I love this story, it is a true story. About a famous violinist playing his Stradivarius violin in a busy Washington DC subway station. The Washington Post won a Pulitzer Prize for it in 2007. It was an experiment and is facinating to read about and think about how you would react.
Here is the link to the article...Pearls Before Breakfast by Gene Weingarten.

G is visiting Washington. We miss him so much, our lil ball of fire.

They Went Home Barefoot!

A shout out to Oakleaf Church in Cartersville Georgia. I love this video of theirs. People of God, we should always be ready, we never know what might be asked of us, and bless God, may we be willing to do it!

Barefoot Weekend at Oak Leaf Church from Oak Leaf Church on Vimeo.

Mr Goodwrench's French Quarter, continued...

Love these porches!

And this one is especially funky, click on it to enlarge the picture.

A peek into a hidden courtyard...

Mr. and Mike standing at the door of St. Mary's

Art in Jackson Square.

I have information on the Artist of these very cool paintings if interested.

Garden Anywhere, Just Garden

I had to laugh, because my daughter pointed out my photos of the French Quarter houses had gardens or lots of container plants. That is true, and growing things do catch my eye. I am blessed to see lovely garden spaces, and try to have my own, even now in our tiny town home space...I have a garden growing. My "little piece of earth" from the Heavenly Father gives me peace of mind and blesses my heart. Here is a picture of my "little piece of earth."

French Quarter New Orleans

Spent a Saturday in August in the French Quarter with my hubby and son and his wife. We took a walking tour with my hubby who spent his youth in this part of town, and went to grammer school at the ancient St. Marys on Chartres Street. Sadly nostalgic for him, though, the changes abound, he would rather remember this neighborhood, as it was.

Summer Dresses in a Sweet lil Shop

Corner Sidewalk Garden

Turquois and Grey

I love this street, don't know the lady, in this pic.

I will add more pictures later!

Hair Color~ Dye or Not to Dye

I found a picture of myself at 16, when I lived in Frankfurt Germany, Military Housing, Hugel Strasse. I had forgotten what color my hair was...now, at 50-ish years, I am sticking to my decision to allow my hair to proceed on it's natural journey to grey because:

1. I do not want to be a slave to hiding grey roots

2. I don't want the chemicals soaking into my scalp pores.

Yes, I do miss my pretty color of reddish brown, I may change my mind someday and cover up the grey with a rinse. But probably not, I am at peace with aging naturally, wrinkles and all.

Pond Jumpers

I had to let my grandsons get into the rain and play. It really was a down pour yesterday. I remember when my boys would put particle boards into the rain filled ditches and try to float. I cringe to think of the dirt and grime in the water, but there is Hunk Finn and Tom Sawyer in every little boy at some time or other, and rain filled bogs bring it out in them.

Age Well with Whole Grains

My Gift to You!

I am altering the way I do a few things, due to recent health discoveries on our home front. Mainly, thankfully, diet will be our first and best line of defense. I have often included whole grains in my cooking, but I will be adding way more to our daily fare. My meals included something I grew up eating, from my Russian American mother, Kasha (whole toasted buckwheat groats), and my favorite, tabouli salad (bulghur wheat) and a few times a bulghur pilaf with ground meat. Brown rice, cous cous and barley have found their place in our meals, as well.

I do not grind my own flour at this time, but know a great place to visit for resources and recipes...Bread Beckers. I make a 100% whole wheat bread using molasses and honey. These two additives soften the bread making it a good sandwich slicing quality.

Here it is...

I tweeked my recipe for chocolate chip cookies, to add more whole grains and way less sugar. They taste great, here is the recipe... , over at my kitchen, and to your good health!

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!!!