Wordless Wednesday

Today's Quote

Happiness is not so much in giving or sharing.
We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.
~ Norman MacWean

Chocolate Crumb Cake

This cake is delicious and even better when served warm.

Chocolate Crumb Cake
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup of Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

Mix flour and suger and reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for "crumbs" and set aside.  Add salt, baking powder and baking soda to remaining flour misture.  Blend in butter, egg, milk and chocolate syrup.  Beat well, pour into a greased square baking pan.  Scatter reserved crumbs over top and bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes.

The Language of a Smile

There's a special language spoken
By everyone on earth
No matter what their country,

No matter what their birth;

It transcends all time and space.

It's known alike by old and young

And found in every place.
Those who speak it often

Always find that it's worthwhile

Everybody understants it-
It's the language of a smile!
~ Author Unknown

Alfredo Noodles

1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 3/4 cups wide noodles (uncooked)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

In a large skillet, stir together chicken broth, milk, butter and salt; heat to boiling. Add uncooked noodles and simmer about 8 minutes until noodles are tender (still frequently) and about 3 tablespoons of liquid remains. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Makes 4 servings.

Wordless Wednesday

The Time Out Chair

Oh my goodness, I felt so bad, what’s a grandma to do?  The little guy needed to spend time in the Time Out chair.  Yes it happened for the very first time… my grandson did something he wasn’t supposed to do and needed to be disciplined while in my care.

My little man was not a happy camper that I made him sit for the age appropriate three minutes.  As the crocodile tears flowed, he was truly upset at me and even turned his chair around to face the wall.  At that moment, he didn’t want to have anything to do with his grandma.

All was well a short time later and we are friends again.  You know, I don’t know who felt worse… my grandson or me.  Grandparents are supposed to love them and spoil them rotten, right?  I honestly feel it’s much harder to discipline a grandchild than my own children.

Hoagie Salad

I was introduced to Hoagie Salad by my Daughter-in-law's grandmother; it's so delicious, I just had to have the recipe!  This mouth-watering salad is perfect for summertime picnics or anytime you have a gathering. 

Hoagie Salad

½ cup oil
¼ cup vinegar
Dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste
16 oz. Elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 Tomatoes, chopped
1 Green pepper, chopped
1 Onion, chopped
½ # Cooked ham, chopped
½ # Genoa salami, chopped
¼ # Provolone cheese, cubed
½ # Mozzarella cheese, cubed

Whisk oil and vinegar together, add seasonings and set aside. Rinse macaroni in cold water; drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add remaining ingredients; pour oil & vinegar mixture on top. Toss gently, cover and refrigerate until serving. Serves 10-12.

My Copaxone Experience

I was actually reluctant to post about my experience in fear of persuading anyone not to try Copaxone as a treatment to slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

Since this blog is about my life with MS, I will share my personal experience. This is not the first time that I’ve been on Copaxone, in fact throughout the years, I have taken all 4 of the disease modifying injectable meds for MS with unfavorable results. My body tends to react unfavorably to certain medications.  I am still confident that a cure will be found for MS, or at least a medication that will work for me.

I was on Copaxone (daily injections) for only two days this time around; it all began March 8th when I took the first injection around 2pm.  Within an hour of taking the medication, I began to get a headache and then pain spread throughout the rest of my body. If you can only imagine, I was in total body pain, I hurt all over and just wanted to lie in bed and cry.

By the next morning, I was starting to feel a little better, so I went ahead and took the injection later in the day.  And, the same thing happened.  About an hour after taking the Copaxone injection, the overwhelming pain was back with a vengeance.

After two days of dealing with these "completely unheard of before" side effects, I had had it and immediately stopped giving myself shots.  After contacting my Neurologist’s office, they also agreed to stop the shot. I didn’t care if they agreed or not, I had no intentions of ever taking this medication again.

Along with MS, I have also been blessed with Fibromyalgia, which makes it difficult finding medications for one condition that doesn’t increase symptoms or cause a flare with the other.  I am still dealing with the pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia & MS together, although it isn't quite as severe as the last two weeks have been.

Disclaimer: Copaxone is a disease modifying drug used to treat Multiple Sclerosis by slowing the progression of the disease.  Many MS patients have great results while using Copaxone.  My experience is not typical.

Signs of Spring

After a particularly harsh winter, I find myself looking everywhere for signs of spring.   This week we've been blessed with sunshine and warmer days with temperatures in the upper 50's (that's a heat wave to me)!  I was able to turn off the heat, open windows to freshen up the house and heard the sweet sound of birds chirping.  The daffodils are just starting to pop out of the ground and yesterday I saw the first yellow bloom of a crocus.   I know it won't be long now, spring is almost here!

Taco Bake

On a busy day a few years ago, I needed to come up with a quick dinner.  My family loves tacos, although I didn't have shells or taco seasoning in the pantry.  So with the indredients I had on hand , I created the following recipe, and it's been a family favorite ever since.

Taco Bake
1 lb. ground beef
1 16 oz. jar of chunky salsa
1 ½ cups shredded cheese
1 tube crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook beef and drain, add salsa and simmer on low. While meat is cooking, pat crescent rolls into an 11 x 7 baking pan. Cover bottom and about ½ inch up sides of pan, prick dough with fork and bake about 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven, top with cooked meat mixture and layer shredded cheese on top. Return to oven until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Serve with your favorite taco toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, onions, lettuce and sour cream.

Snowflakes

A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!  ~Anonymous

Optic Neuritis

Just as things are going well with my Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I get socked with another bout of Optic Neuritis (ON). Even though I've had ON a few times in my 13 years of being diagnosed with MS, I didn't suspect it right away. In the past, I've had moderate to extreme pain along with the blurry, distorted and sometimes double vision. Thankfully, I'm just experiencing the blurry vision in one eye with an odd feeling of eye strain, without the dreaded pain.

Definition from the Mayo Clinic, "Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers in your eye that transmits visual information to your brain. Pain and temporary vision loss are common symptoms of optic neuritis."

According to my Neuro-Opthamologist, if this current exacerbation of optic neuritis follows the same course as previous ones, it should be gone in a few weeks without too much permanent nerve damage.

A Whopper of a Snow Storm

As I'm sitting here in the comfort of my home, we are under another Blizzard Warning. The snow has been falling since last evening and the wind has picked up even more. I'm so thankful to be able to stay in my cozy environment and just watch Mother Nature at her finest. Today's blizzard comes just 4 days after last weekend's whopper of a storm. I'm too chicken to venture outside just yet, so thought I'd share a few pics from this past weekend.

Chili Cheese Dip

This dip is super easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next party!

Chili Cheese Dip
1 (15 oz.) can of chili with beans
8 oz. cream cheese

Cut cream cheese brick into chunks, place into a microwave safe bowl and pour chili on top. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute. Uncover and stir until cream cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

Candlelight

Overnight we were blessed with several inches of new fallen snow; which reminds me of one of my favorite things this time of year. It's the soft glow and true-to-life scent of burning a Mia Bella's gourmet candle. These cleaner-burning candles help to make my home feel warm and cozy, while winter beckons at the door. Check them out and enter to win a 16 oz. jar candle and soy bath bar at http://www.kimscandleshop.com.

Today's Quote

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~ Mark Twain

Copaxone and Me

After a recent visit to the Neurologist, it's been recommended that I start back up on one of the DMD's (disease modifying drugs) approved to fight MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Let me just say that I am not looking forward injecting myself once again on a daily basis with a host of foreign chemicals. DMD's are known to slow the progression and severity of the MS exacerbations; unfortunately for me, I have a history of not being able to tolerate the side affects of these medications. So as you can imagine, I am not thrilled about starting the medication again, although I know it's for the best. Follow along and see how Copaxone and I get along this time around.

Lemon Squares

1 Yellow cake mix (with pudding in the mix)
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg and the oil until mixture is crumbly. Remove 1 cup of the mixture and set asice. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and lemon juice until creamy and smooth. Spread over baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb misture and press down slighly. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

Quote of the Day

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."~ William James

Spinach Ziti

1 pkg. (16 oz.) ziti pasta
1 jar (14-16 oz.) chunky-style pasta sauce
16 oz. ricotta cheese
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded & divided
10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 tsp. black pepper (to taste)

Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain well. Preheat oven to 350. Spray 13"x9" pan with cooking spray. Combine cooked pasta, sauce, spinach, ricotta and 3/4 of the mozzarella cheese. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered 10 minutes or heated through.

The New Guy

Meet Freddie, my new roommate. He's quite entertaining to watch and enjoys being being talked to as well. Freddie has become a great little roomie, he doesn't complain and keeps his mess contained to one spot, lol.

Accept Change with a Smile

Sooner or later a crisis will enter your life, and how you meet it determines your future happiness and success.

Since the beginning of time, everyone has been called up onto meet such a crisis.

A closer look will show you that most "crisis situations" are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are.

Indeed, most changes in your life will take place out of either 'inspiration' or 'desperation.'

Whatever comes your way, give it meaning and transform it into something of value.

Your personal growth is the process of responding positively to change.

A precious stone cannot be polished without friction, nor humanity perfected without trials.

© Copyright 2008 http://www.yourdailymotivation.com

Skincare 101

Your skin is your body's largest organ; everything you put on it has the potential of being absorbed into your body. With all the chemicals, detergents and harsh ingredients found in most body care products, that is a pretty scary thought. Spagirl Gourmet offers natural, nutritious skincare solutions... targeted for all skin types! Keeping your skin beautiful and healthy does not just happen. Skin must be pampered, protected and preserved through a daily regimen of all-over body and facial skin care!

We as women need to take a little time for ourselves each day to relax, refresh and rejuvenate so we are better able to take care of those who depend on us!

http://www.SpaPartiesByKim.com

Spagirl Gourmet

I joined Spagirl Gourmet as an Independent Consultant after falling in love with the products this company offers. I do have to say that the Ultra Smooth Body Butter soothes dry skin like nothing I have ever tried before!

A little info about Spagirl Gourmet..."Spagirl Gourmet was created as the recipe for natural, nutritious, ageless skincare! Our gourmet, spa quality collection of body and skincare products are ideal for the busy, modern day mom and woman. Our aloe-based, antioxidant rich, paraben free products blend natural botanicals with fruit extracts to pamper and care for the skin naturally. Our feminine, soothing, colorful design and sensuous fine fragrances furthers our mission to turn the functional necessity of personal care into a deluxe sensorial experience... at an affordable price."

http://www.spapartiesbykim.com

Brrr...

It's a balmy 26 degrees outside and I'm certainly not rushing to get out of the house this morning. I have a nice warm cup of coffee, am snuggled under a blanket and warm slippers on my feet.... do I really need to go out in this weather to run errands? Maybe I could put them off for another day? Actually snow is in tomorrows forecast, so I'm slowly trying to motivate myself to get moving, bundle up and embrace this cold winter day!

Banana Pecan Muffins and Bread

My family loves these muffins... if you like bananas, you'll love them too!

1 egg
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup oil
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2-3 bananas, mashed
½ cup pecans (optional)

Beat egg, add buttermilk and oil. Mix in dry ingredients, add bananas and pecans. Fill greased muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

For Banana Bread – mix as above and pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.

Grandchildren

I have a grandson, who I affectionately call "Little Man" and a furr-grandbaby named Nekoda. Here they are enjoying a recent snowfall.

My Story

In my early thirties, I was a busy wife and mom working full-time while raising three young sons. Out of the clear blue sky, came along some unusual symptoms and a diagnose of Multiple Sclerosis. Then as if MS wasn't enough, after a few years of unexplained pain, I was blessed with a Fibromyalgia diagnose. Needless to say, over the years I experienced shock, denial and just about every other emotion possible.

Fast forward to thirteen years later... My children are grown, I no longer work outside the home and I'm still here. I may have MS, but it doesn't have me! I work at home, at my own pace as a Spagirl Gourmet Independent Consultant. I help women reduce stress in their lives with natural skincare products and private Spa Re-Treats.