That person is a "PERSON" too

We are all a mixture of good & bad, right & wrong, strength & weakness, love & even bitterness. To say your only one thing is to not only lie to others but to lie to yourself. When we are faced with those moments when its easy to judge or condemn we have to realize that person is a "  PERSON"  too. Just like you & I. We are all walking through this journey together. We ALL have burdens & troubles to ...carry. No mater how great you think someone has it EVERYONE has problems. Try to take it easy on each other & yourself. Help people when you get a chance. Let people help you. I've had a very tough few months & when I got sick again & faced with other life issues I pulled away from the ones that loved me the most, the ones who are always there. Not because I didn't want them around but because I didn't want to burden them with my problems. I not only hurt myself but I hurt them too. Remember people are in your life & love you because they want to. If they didn't want to they could walk away at any moment. Try to never take those people or their love for granted. And those people that test you remember they are there for a reason too. Appreciate all those around you even the ones that test you. They all help make us stronger.

trophies & crowns

 I LOVE looking like a real woman & having curves. Im not perfect way far from it in fact. I don't have time to judge others. And I'll never look down anyone unless I'm helping them up. No I don't look like I should be on the cover of muscle & fitness everyday (well hell any day) but I'm totally okay with that. I love the body God gave me but I also love living & enjoying life. And I know living in the gym with a six pack didn't make ME happy. I love being a woman & looking like a woman. I love being soft, soft skin, soft heart & soft feet, lol. I'm not trying to be anyone else or top anyone else. I'm just being me. The only race I'm running is my own. I have plenty of trophies & crowns in my attic the only trophy I want now is one of true happiness.

Happy Sunday my friends, love you guys ♥

We must cultivate our hearts & lives with love & rid ourselves of things that hinder us from being a blessing to ourselves & others. When we find anger & fault with others we are only showing a piece of ourselves. We all have burdens to carry & troubles to bare. On the surface anyone's life can seem perfect but its below the surface that maters. Not only the surface of public perception but the su...rface of ourselves & the surface of our hearts. Its important to dig deep inside yourself to find those places that hinder us. To acknowledge them & figure out why they are there. Only when those places are filled with love will we be free of the anger & hurt they create. What places can you work on that are holding you back? Where can you let love in?

♥

♥ We all have dreams and wishes. Unless we do something about them, that is exactly what they remain. It is action that brings our dreams and wishes to life. Never be daunted by those who would discourage you. Listen to and act on your inner voice, let your life be an adventure...Mistakes and all! After all, it is your life! ♥

learn how to be happy with what God has given

Shoulda & S'posta have taken a leave of absence so we've got Did instead. Shoulda & S'posta are gonna be pretty darn busy for a while. So, let's go ahead & accept Did & learn how to be happy with what God has given us. Otherwise, we never deserved Did, & certainly will never deserve Shoulda or S'posta.……

Reality Check

Sometimes reality smacks you right in the face! And when it does it freaking hurts...... You can always see the truth if you just look for it. Some people we just care about too much to even want to see..... That's when good ol reality steps in.......

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/Mytaege

Things that have happened

Sometimes we have to face our past to move toward our future. Sometimes it sucks to even think about let alone deal with. Somethings are just so unimaginable you have to just sit them down & walk away. As I think of some of my life's challenges I just want to say. Please always remember things that have happened to you in your life are exactly that "Things that have happened"! They are not who you are or who you will become. You can not control the world or the things that happen to you but you can control you. You can control if you allow them to destroy you or change you for the worse. Bad things will happen but don't allow them to be more than they already are. You alone have the power to take the bad & make the world see good. You alone control your future. You alone decide who you will be. Don't take the easy way out because life hasn't been perfect. Learn how to live, love &become the person you are meant to be!

Be thankful

If someone does something nice trying to be nice or help you out don't complain! Yes even if they do it wrong. Just be happy & thankful they tried. Who cares if its not done perfectly it really should be the thought that counts. You don't have to get caught up in perfection just be happy they attempted.

Getting better

I am so happy to finally know what is wrong with me....... well at least my abdomen, lol. Now a plan is soon to follow & I can be all healthy & me again. As crazy as it sounds the hospital was a very good & now happy thing. I'm grateful that I went & more grateful that they did all the tests & found out what was wrong. It's crazy the ride life takes us on but sometimes we just need to let go & enjoy the ride ♥

Love works

Sometimes in life all you can do is decide your walking in love no matter what. You decide your going to be the friend you want to have. The child you'd be proud of. The parent you'd always hoped to be. You look for the beauty in others. You find everything to love. Don't worry about your anger or pride. When you walk in love all the things people do that would push you away or cause hatred seem to just roll off. Walking in love is the only way I've gotten through so many things in my life. When you don't know what else to try, try love there is nothing else like it

Join me in the fight against breast cancer

 http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/DallasFortWorthEvent2011?px=4828229&pg=personal&fr_id=1622

My walk is not going to be just about me & those I love it's also about generations to come.  There is no guarantee that the money I raise will prevent anyone from getting breast cancer, however, I feel compelled to do everything I can to support the fight. The Susan G. Komen Foundation has funded grants that have discovered many of the major breakthroughs in breast cancer research in the last decade. I truly believe that by walking I'm contributing to one of the most important causes in our world today. Training for and walking 60 miles in 3 days is nothing compared to the challenges that lie ahead for the thousands of women  & men diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Please help me raise funds to make this challenge a smaller one for those diagnosed with this disease. 

Leap For Life 2011

 

Join us this September as we take to the skies for the 2011 Global Leap for Life to raise money for two important cancer charities. We’re leaping this year for Alex’s Lemonade Stand – the national not-for-profit founded by four year old cancer patient Alex Scott! ~Greatness is not found in possessions power position or prestige. It is discovered in goodness humility service & character ✌ღ☺

My personal battle with cancer began in 2004, with a second round in 2005. Being cleared in 2006, as of my last check-up I remain cancer free. Throughout my life many people have fought this battle. Some of the people have lost their battles and some continue to fight. That is why when I saw Leap for Life I knew I had to participate. What could be a better way to bring awareness to such personal battle than to jump out of a perfectly good airplane?! 

Most likely u know someone who has been a victim of cancer. If not, you probably will in your lifetime. Together, we can make a difference. We always want to know what "we can do" do to help after the fact. Let's do something proactive. Won't you please help me reach my goal ♥ 
http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/74855 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

QuotationsThose are a success who have lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who have gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children, who have filled their niche and accomplished their task, who leave the world a better place than they found it, whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of the earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best they had.

HUGS LOVE & HAPPY WEDNESDAY ✌ღ☺

The universal Law of Attraction states that we draw to us those people, events, & circumstances that match our inner state of being. In other words, we attract experiences that are consistent with our beliefs. If we believe that there is plenty of love in the world and we are worthy of giving and receiving that love, we will attract a different quality of relationships than someone who believes in scarcity or feels unworthy of happiness. If we believe the world is a loving and friendly place, then most of the time that will be our experience. If we believe the world is a chaotic, stressful, and fearful place, then eventually that will become our reality!! Life will pay whatever you ask of it, don't sell yourself short!!!

Strong Is The New Skinny!

5 miles a day will defiantly help anyone get " skinny " but honestly skinny isn't always good. I'd rather healthy & strong than " skinny " so to keep balanced I do some Squats, Lunges, Hip Extension, Deadlifts, Leg Press and a lil Plyometrics. I always change things up. Belly dancing, kick boxing, salsa, yoga anything to get in cardio besides a bike or treadmill. Consistency paired with nutrient packed eating with adequate amounts of protein will be your keys to bringing out the best glutes you have to offer! Remember Strong Is The New Skinny!

Is it Real or is it Reality

I don't see the world the way everyone else does, the fool's heart never does. I see colors and sounds and dreams and hopes and fears and whispers in the dark and words that don't need spoken and moments that last a lifetime and eternities that scamper fleetly by. You might not see what I see but my world is as real and true and happy and sad and joyful and painful as any part of the world you choose to accept as your reality. No I'm not lost in my own little world, I just choose to share the way I see things with those I love, these are not lies nor am I blind. I choose to see the REAL over the reality. I can see more in your eyes and your smile than a worldly man can see in your lifetime. I am nothing more nor nothing less than  me.

Step into your greatness

"If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it, to work day and night for it, to give up your time, your peace and your sleep for it; if all that you dream and scheme is about it and life seems useless with out it and if you gladly sweat for it and fret for it and plan for it and lose all your terror of the opposition for it and if you simply go after that thing that you want with all of your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith, hope and confidence and stern pertinacity; if neither co-poverty, famish or cold, sickness or pain or body and brain can keep you away from the thing that you want; if dogged and grim you besiege and beset it, with god’s help you will get it." ~ Les Brown

First Lady Michelle Obama does the "DOUGIE" with D.C. students

Day 6

I would trade places with anyone for a day. It doesn't matter if it is a celebrity, a convict on death row, a child, a professional or someone who is terminally ill and in pain. Since its only one day, I would trade places with them for the experience & hopefully come back & become a better me. I'm very fortunate and blessed. I truly have had so many challenges in my life and I know I would only grow as a person to see life through the eyes of another.

Muscle Talk 101 Leaps for Life with Mytaege Anderson by Claudias Muscle Talk

Listen to internet radio with Claudias Muscle Talk on Blog Talk Radio

"WWF Beauty Pageant"

One of my first commercials. I haven't seen it in years. A friend found it & sent it to me so cool :)

Discontent

If you blame your discontent on others, that will just make it

grow bigger and more burdensome. Choose instead to embrace and to own

that discontent fully, and you can make it go away.

There can be all sorts of reasons why you’re unhappy with life. Yet it

is not those reasons that matter, but rather what you’re willing to

think, to feel and to do.

When you accept that your discontent is yours and yours alone, you can

quickly get beyond it. And though you may not be able to immediately

change the outer conditions, you can instantly change your inner

perspective.

What can weigh you down is not what has happened, but how you have

chosen to respond. Choose to let go of the discontent, and free yourself

to grab hold of the most positive possibilities.

Whether the situation is your fault or not, doesn’t really matter now.

Your best strategy is to be sincerely thankful for where you are, and to

move quickly in the direction of where you wish to be.

Life can be tough on you, but you don’t have to be so tough on yourself.

Let go of your discontent, and let yourself soar to new, fulfilling

heights.

Silly Wake Awake good mood stuff

Life is precious and short.

Surround yourself with people that keep feeding your hunger for success around. Don't allow people around you that will sabotage your dreams & goals or desire to reach them. People that soak up your energy can be close to you. Makes sure those people are positive and feeding your positivity & desires as much as your feeding theirs.You decide who is privileged enough to be in your life and YOU decide who to keep around.

Starting today live the right way

I am my own woman. I am not what I was born into nor what I have lived through. I am the woman I am choosing to grow into. I live by very simple rules. I love unconditionally. I do not lie, cheat or steal. I stand firm when I believe something & I don't change as the wind blows with popularity. I forgive those that wrong me & just know some people will never change. When I make mistakes as I do often I own them & apologize. I love the family God has born me into & cherish the ones I have found. I can not comprehend the actions of some & for that I'm grateful. I don't think I would want my mind to be able to reach that level of deception, fear or anger.  Life is so very short & such a blessing & all the drama some people consume their lives with is truly saddening. I was given a gift when I was diagnosed with cancer. I learned all those small things that anger you, they really don't mater. That mistake someone made, you will make it in your own time as well. Never be hard on others or yourself. Every day is a gift!  Always live with purpose & passion always & never will I live any other way!

A couple of quotations I find interesting & useful from one of my favorite books

There are five dangerous faults

• Recklessness, which leads to destruction; 
• Cowardice, which leads to capture; 
• A hasty temper that can be provoked by insults; 
• A delicacy of honor that is sensitive to shame; 
• Over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble... 

There are five essentials for victory

• He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
• He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
• He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all ranks.
• He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
• He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

* If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself, but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

                  

Quotes from The Art of War (Sun Tzu)

       

Peace, Love, Cure

We need your help so that no one else that you love or care about has to say the words,

I have cancer...

Imagine a world without cancer!!

http://www.the3day.org/goto/Mytaege

www.theredshirt.com

 I got in my first few shirts from The Red Shirt & wore one out tonight & everyone loved it. They are so cute & comfy. The pricing is amazing seriously check em' out. 

 http://www.theredshirt.com/

Waiting time is very much wasted time when your hearts not 100% in

Never take what you have for granted. Things are never as they seem. If you can't know & trust in your heart to follow what you think is right you have serious problems. Life is to short & precious to waste a moment in misery. Sometimes things have to come to an end for life to truly begin. Sometimes it hurts like hell but your better off because of it. If your not laughing & enjoying life now, will you ever? So why keep waiting.....

My Lil Baby

He's growing up so fast at least I don't have to put him through college, lol. He never lets me down. Never lies, gets mad at me or makes me feel bad. He just always loves me.

My Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

☆ Lots O Love ☆

Let go of what the world thinks, look inside yourself to the person you want to become. Start now!!! Set achievable goals and create a plan that will take you down a pathway of success. Trust yourself enough to embrace your dreams and turn them into reality. You are the only person who has the power to do so! 

Best friend or a Real friend ?

-A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
-A best friend always gets in your way

-A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked.
-A best friend is one who will try to fix the cracks.
...
-A true friend is a friend who will let us go in accordance with our dreams and will remain faithful to wait until we return home.
-A best friend is a friend who was always there beside us wherever we go.

-A true friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
-A best friend is the one who comes in before the whole world has gone out.

which one you prefer to choose, a Best friend or a Real friend ?

good stuff

"No matter how many times you get knocked down, keep getting back up. God sees your resolve. He sees your determination. And when you do everything you can do, that’s when God will step in and do what you can’t do."~Joel Osteen

Happy Day Everyday :)

Here is a little tip to become more positive... When someone asks you "How are you today?" Say "Super Fantastic!". What a way to start an encounter with a friend or stranger... You may not feel that way or believe it to start but eventually you will. May you all continue to be blessed :)

Run baby RUN

The most powerful & true hearts are those which can create from their pain & suffering success. It is from those depths you reach down deep & pull the life dreams hope & passion burning within. Its in that pain you find yourself & in that pain you come to understand your true desires. What pain has been tossed into your lap that could lead you to success? Will you catch it & fall or will you catch it & run?!?!?

 

 

Peace

[Peace] is the highest and most strenuous act of the soul, but an entirely harmonious act, in which all our powers and affections are blending in a beautiful proportion, and sustain and perfect one another. It is more than the silence after storms. It is as the concord of all melodious sounds ... an alliance of love with all beings, ...a sympathy with all that is pure and happy, a surrender of every separate will and interest, a participation of the spirit and life of the universe.... This is peace, and the true happiness of [humanity]
~ William Ellery Channing

LEADERS

Some people never see it (They are wanderers)..Some people see it but never pursue it on their own (They are followers)...Some people see it and pursue it (They are achievers)...Some people see it, pursue it, and help others see it (They are LEADERS)

Best Motivational Quotes prt1

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Everything Changes

It's so difficult to understand the depth of change. Everything in life changes. We as people naturally change, it's just part of life. The world changes by the second. Nothing will EVER stay exactly the same. Things just change. The years go by and we grow stronger & wiser. We learn more of who we are & who we want to be. We learn how to fine tune & realize our true goals. We learn and grow into the people we are mean to be and in doing so we more often than not without conscious knowledge change. It's hard when you love someone to convey that you've changed. That your wants & even possibly needs have changed. It's not that you've "grow apart" or stopped loving as the cliche often goes it's simply that you've changed. As time goes by  those "changes" become more and more apparent. Maybe at one time you thought life was perfect & then you learned what living truly was.  It's not that you don't love but you now know what it is to be in love. It's not that anyone has done anything wrong its just longing for something to be done perfectly right. There is a difference in being contently happy & in being intoxicatedly captivated by love.

You can't control the universe but you can control your Uni~verse.

Focus on the blessings in life! Learn to appreciate each day as it comes. Every breath you take is a gift. As long as you are breathing you have the ability to affect change & create the world you desire to live in. You may not be where you want to be now but you are here purposefully. Every step you take in life helps mold you into the person you are meant to become. Every victory and even more so every defeat. Victory is so wonderful. Everyone's cheering you own & your on top of the world. It easy to stand tall & hold your head high when you are winning. But when trials & tests come, when you stumble & fall, when you are at your weakest, who are you at that moment? It is that very moment that helps define you. Not the fall but the rise from the fall! Will YOU Rise?!? Will you pick yourself up & continue to fight? Will you continue to give life your all even when life seems to be saying your "ALL" is not enough? Determination, perseverance & faith will carry you to the dreams manifesting inside of you. You will face hardship & you will encounter defeat but life isn't about the cards you are dealt. It's what you do with those cards that mater. Things that happen in your life are simply things that happen to you. They are not who you are! They are only part of your journey.  You alone control your success in life. We are all given the exact same 24 hours in our day. What will you do with yours? You can't control the universe but you can control your Uni~verse.

What choices are you making?

I prayed for a good day & had a great day! A million things can go wrong daily 
but did one truly meaningful 
thing go right??? 
Everything in life is about 

perception & perspective. 

You choose your days! 

You choose to take the good 

or hold on to the bad. 

The choice is yours & yours alone!

Join me in the fight against breast cancer

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/DallasFortWorthEvent2011?px=4828229&pg=personal&fr_id=1622 
I’m taking an incredible journey to help end breast cancer forever. I’ll walk 60 miles in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® and raise funds for breast cancer research and community-based breast health and education programs.

So Much Happiness - Naomi Shihab Nye

It is difficult to know what to do with so much happiness.
With sadness there is something to rub against,
a wound to tend with lotion and cloth.
When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,
something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change.

But happiness floats.
It doesn’t need you to hold it down.
It doesn’t need anything.
Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,
and disappears when it wants to.
You are happy either way.
Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house
and now live over a quarry of noise and dust
cannot make you unhappy.
Everything has a life of its own,
it too could wake up filled with possibilities
of coffee cake and ripe peaches,
and love even the floor which needs to be swept,
the soiled linens and scratched records . . .

Since there is no place large enough
to contain so much happiness,
you shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you
into everything you touch. You are not responsible.
You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit
for the moon, but continues to hold it, and share it,
and in that way, be known.

Host a Party

Host a Party

Let’s get your Party started.

Celebrating Home is all about bringing families and friends together to celebrate life and the home. As a Celebrating Home Hostess you can decorate your home for FREE when you host a Celebrating Home Party with your family and friends!
Interested in a FREE shopping spree, more of your favorite merchandise at half off, plus signature gift items? Great! A Celebrating Home Designer is ready to help you with your Party, every step of the way. Ask her for details on our fun Party themes.
See the explanation of the generous Hostess Benefits Program for all you can receive!
It’s easy! Just invite some friends over and get ready to have a great time.

Keepin On Keepin On

Somehow today my work took me to a very sensitive place of my life. Not intentionally but I suppose purposefully.  It has me very much deep in thought. Compounded by the natural curiosities & worries of life today was at its best a day I learned patience, how to smile & just keep going no mater what.

COURAGE - Anne Sexton

It is in the small things we see it.
The child's first step,
as awesome as an earthquake.
The first time you rode a bike,
wallowing up the sidewalk.
The first spanking when your heart
went on a journey all alone.
When they called you crybaby
or poor or fatty or crazy
and made you into an alien,
you drank their acid
and concealed it.

Later,
if you faced the death of bombs and bullets
you did not do it with a banner,
you did it with only a hat to
cover your heart.
You did not fondle the weakness inside you
though it was there.
Your courage was a small coal
that you kept swallowing.
If your buddy saved you
and died himself in so doing,
then his courage was not courage,
it was love, love as simple as shaving soap.

Later,
if you have endured a great despair,
then you did it alone,
getting a transfusion from the fire,
picking the scabs off your heart,
then wringing it out like a sock.
Next, my kinsman, you powdered your sorrow,
you gave it a back rub
and then you covered it with a blanket
and after it had slept a while
it woke to the wings of the roses
and was transformed.

Later,
when you face old age and its natural conclusion
your courage will still be shown in the little ways,
each spring will be a sword you'll sharpen,
those you love will live in a fever of love,
and you'll bargain with the calendar
and at the last moment
when death opens the back door
you'll put on you carpet slippers
and stride out.

Just Me

I live to love, laugh, and be with the ones who help me to do just that.

I think for myself, but am willing to listen. 

I am stronger than you know, 

more wise than you can imagine,

I give unconditionally.... 

I learn my lessons & grow 

never losing sight of exactly who I am

Corned Beef and Cabbage

 Ingredients

• 3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
• 10 small red potatoes
• 5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges

Directions

1. Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound or until tender.
2. Add whole potatoes and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.
3. Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain.

100% Real

Lying is for the weak! It's the "easy" way out of a situation. Your either ashamed of who you are, what you've done or what you want to do. Why be ashamed?!?! Just be authentically you & be proud of it! All for now peace out ✌ღ☺

Happy St Patrick's day (a look at the holiday for the patron saint of Ireland)

Did you know St Patrick was not Irish are shamrocks really lucky? The real history of this little green plant is steeped in religion, heritage and Irish national pride. How did corned beef and cabbage become a st. Patrick's day staple? It didn't start in Ireland.

http://link.history.com/services/link/bcpid12040009001/bclid1675979350/bctid14362290001

The St. Patrick's day parade on fifth avenue is a new york city tradition, but did you know the first one was held even before the declaration of independence was signed?
Green was not the first color associated with St. Patrick, so just how did green come to represent this holiday? What was the org color? BLUE.......
He converted the Irish to Christianity, but there's quite a bit most people don't know about Ireland's patron saint.

FRIENDS VS. ITALIAN FRIENDS

FRIENDS VS. ITALIAN FRIENDS

  FRIENDS: Never ask for food 
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Are the reason you have 
no food.
FRIENDS: Will say "hello". 
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug 
and a kiss.
FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.  ITALIAN FRIENDS: Call your parents 
mom and dad.
FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.  
 ITALIAN FRIENDS: Cry with you.
FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.  ITALIAN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing and just being together.
FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days 

then give it back. 

 ITALIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long
they forget it's yours.
FRIENDS: know a lot about you. 
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Could write a book
with direct quotes from you.
FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what
the crowd is doing.   
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole
crowds' ass that left you.
FRIENDS: Would knock on your door. 
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, 
"I'm home!"
FRIENDS: Are for a while. 
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

Lamb Folláin

 

Folláin Irish whiskey marmalade is one of the few Irish marmalades that are made in small batches from the finest natural ingredients-Seville and sweet oranges, lemons, and sugar-and is fortified with one of the finest local ingredients, Jameson Irish whiskey. Delicious on toast, biscuits, and scones and wonderful in combination with other ingredients in marinades and sauces, it's particularly tasty as a coating for leg of lamb. Folláin (from the Irish word meaning "wholesomeness") preserves, marmalades, jams, and chutneys are made by Peadar and Maureen Ó Lionáid in Cúil Aodha (Coolea), in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) of County Cork. Their products contain no artificial preservatives or colorings.

 

3 tablespoons Folláin orange-whiskey marmalade or
   orange marmalade mixed with 1 teaspoon Irish whiskey
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 leg of lamb, 5 to 7 pounds

 

In a saucepan, combine the marmalade, orange zest, garlic, olive oil, orange juice, chives, salt, and pepper and cook over low heat until the marmalade melts and the sauce is smooth, 5 to 8 minutes.

Place the lamb in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over, reserving 1/4 cup for basting. Turn to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. Turn the lamb 2 to 3 times during marinating to coat evenly.

Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 4 hour. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Remove the lamb from the marinade and pat dry. Place the lamb in a shallow baking pan and roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lamb registers 170 degrees F. (medium rare), 175 degrees F. (medium), or 180 degrees F. (well done), 2-1/2 to 3 hours, basting 2 or 3 times with the reserved marinade. Transfer the lamb to a serving platter and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE RECIPE

Ingredients: For the chocolate sponge cake: 4 egg whites, 2 egg yolks, 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar, 1 pinch salt, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder. For the chocolate mousse follow my chocolate mousse recipe. For decorating the chocolate mousse cake: 5 cubes semi-sweet baker's chocolate (about 5 oz.), 75 ml. whipping cream, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, white chocolate shavings.

Recipe: Start with the chocolate sponge cake. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a bowl until foamy. Add the sugar slowly and continue beating until stiff peaks. Fold in egg yolks and vanilla and continue beating until thoroughly mixed. Combine flour and cocoa and add them slowly through a sieve in the mixture while mixing. Line a 20-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and pour the batter in on a thin layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 325 F for 20 minutes. Let the sponge cake cool down and refrigerate. Cut the cold cake with a 3-inch pastry ring. You should get at least 20 rounds. Wrap the walls of ten 3-inch pastry rings with plastic wrap and arrange them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Place one slice of sponge cake on the bottom of each ring. Top with chocolate mousse and repeat one more time. Refrigerate for 2 hours. In the meantime, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with the cream and vanilla over double boiler and cool it down to 45 C. Pour the chocolate topping over each mousse cake, sprinkle with white chocolate shavings and refrigerate for 1 hour more. Before serving pull up gently the pastry rings from around the chocolate mousse cakes.

Bailey's Chocolate Mousse (Perfect for St. Patrick's Day)

 

Ingredients:

• ready-made pie crust
• 1 (1/4 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup Bailey's irish cream
• 6 ounces chocolate chips (semisweet)
• 2 cups frozen whipped topping (thawed)

Directions:

Prep Time: 4 1/2 hrs
Total Time: 4 1/2 hrs

1. 1 Pour milk into a medium saucepan.
2. 2 Sprinkle gelatin over the milk and let it sit about 1 minute.
3. 3 Turn on low heat and stir until completely dissolved. About 5 minutes.
4. 4 Add chocolate chips and continue stirring until melted.
5. 5 Stir in vanilla.
6. 6 Remove from heat.
7. 7 Let sit about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. 8 Add Bailey's.
9. 9 Let cool until peaks form when mixture is dropped from a spoon.
10. 10 Fold in whipped topping.
11. 11 Turn into prepared crust or serving bowls.
12. 12 Chill at least 4 hours. I know it's hard to wait, but it's worth it!
13. 13 Garnish with fruit, chocolate, additional whipped topping. Enjoy!

St. Patrick's Day Roast Leg of Lamb

Ingredients:

• 3 -4 lbs leg of lamb
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 2 large yukon gold potatoes
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped
• 12 cherry tomatoes

Directions:

Prep Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs

1. 1 In a small bowl, mix Dijon, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Coat lamb evenly with this mixture. Roast in a 350F oven until an internal temperature is reached of 135°F.
2. 2 Boil potatoes until cooked. Let cool, then slice into coins. Sauté potatoes and onions until golden brown. Add salt and pepper.
3. 3 Melt butter add peas, mint, and tomatoes. Cook until heated through. Cut lamb into slices.
4. 4 Serve with peas tossed with fresh mint, blistered cherry tomatoes and Lyonnaise potatoes.

St. Patrick's Day Crispy Treats

Ingredients:

Servings:
24 24

24

Servings Size

• 
  

• 6 cups Rice Krispies
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2-1 teaspoon green food coloring
• 1 (10 ounce) package mini marshmallows
• gold chocolate coins (wrapped in gold)
Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins

1. 1 Line a 13x9x2 baking pan with foil, lighty spray with Pam cooking spray or butter.
2. 2 Melt margarine in a large pot on low heat.
3. 3 Add marshmallows and stir constantly until melted.
4. 4 Remove from heat.
5. 5 Add vanilla extract and food coloring stir until smooth.
6. 6 Add cereal quickly to the melted marshmallow mixture, stir until well coated.
7. 7 Press into the ready greased baking pan with a buttered spatula. Set aside and cool.
8. 8 Cut into bars or you can use a shamrock cookie cutter.
9. 9 Garnish top with gold wrapped candy coins.

The Gentle Goat

The Goat is the most easygoing of all the signs ... sensitive to other people's needs, kindhearted, flexible and social. Goats love life, and all forms of art will help them express their active energy and joie de vivre. When stressed, they can be moody and appear weak, but will stubbornly resist the opinions of others if they disagree. They are devoted to their loved ones, outgoing and quite outspoken about the world they live in.
Goats are both free-spirited and honest -- whatever they say about something or someone will not be far off the truth. They are well connected and loved because of their kind nature. It's common for their mothers to be their best friends. Goats are assertive but not dominant ... and tend to complete what others leave undone. They make great coworkers and superior friends ... as long as you allow them space to be creative.

Soul Searching

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we don't know how to change. We get comfortable with the way things are & get scared to change even though in our heart we know change is needed. If our goal is success but we are settling for mediocrity then we really are not succeeding in life at all, are we? If we have a passion burning inside us but we are letting that fire slowly fade are we really living as we should?

Step into your greatness

"If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it, to work day and night for it, to give up your time, your peace and your sleep for it; if all that you dream and scheme is about it and life seems useless with out it and if you gladly sweat for it and fret for it and plan for it and lose all your terror of the opposition for it and if you simply go after that thing that you want with all of your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith, hope and confidence and stern pertinacity; if neither co-poverty, famish or cold, sickness or pain or body and brain can keep you away from the thing that you want; if dogged and grim you besiege and beset it, with god’s help you will get it."- Les Brown - Step into your greatness

?!?!

I hate when I have to admit being wrong. I hate even more when I'm proven wrong by someones actions. It sucks when you look back & realize you've turned your back on the wrong person. It's crazy how we can all hurt each other without even trying. We trust people we barley know & believe anything they tell us. Yet the ones we love & should trust beyond measure we are often the hardest on. Most people just want to be loved so how do we all get it so wrong so often?! I'm so lucky & thankful I have been blessed with people who truly love me even on my worst days. They may not like what I do but they always love me.

What you give is what you get

Be Kind, Be Loving; Receive Kindness, Receive Love. See A Pattern? Sorry Doesn't Always Work So Think About What You Have Before You Throw It Away.

Happy Friday everyone!

It's Friday YAAY! Happy Friday everyone! Dream big SUPER SIZED BIG then work to MAKE it happen. No one is going to hand you your dreams but they are there for the taking if you truly want them. Today is going to be a great day I just know it! We Gonna Make It Great Baby ♥

 

Real friend are priceless

You may not like me or what I have to say but you'll know where I stand. If I'm your friend I'll be your friend always. People in my heart will always be in my heart & no-one can or ever will change that ever! Day by day it gets clearer who those meant to be in my life truly are. The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. There are few people who will be there when everything goes wrong when they have nothing to gain. Those are the ones we should hold on to but sometimes can't see till the dust has settled. Those people are our angles sent to watch after us. A real friend is always a friend and doesn't ever walk out on you. Especially when you need them, that's not what real friends do. They are there good and bad and understand when things aren't perfect. We don't loose friends, we just learn who our real ones are. You Always Find Out Who Your Real Friends Are In Bad Situations! I'm so thankful for my real friends. Real friend are priceless, its the family we choose. ♥