Music Speaks When I Can't Find Words + My Favorite Christmas Music CD

Source: allwomenstalk.com via Tran on Pinterest

Music is a powerful thing.  The music I am playing is stirring my heart and creating a longing that I can feel physically in the depths of my being, which made me just stop for a bit and listen.  I feel a almost a physical ache, a desire strong to speak praise to my Father God for sparring my life.

 The song took me back to Christmas and New Years 2010.  I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction the week after Christmas.  I got home from the hospital on New Years Eve.

My dear friend Sharon came from Chicago to care for me and my family while I healed.  What a gift that was! A gift that brings a lump in my throat whenever I think about it.  It was a hard and painful, but oh- so- beautiful week!  She is friend of my heart, and her care for me and my family was just such beautiful love.  She loved all over my girls during such a scary time in their lives.  All three girls said the hardest part of my cancer journey for them was that surgery weekend, knowing their Mommy was getting cut on, seeing me in the hospital and in pain, and watching me move slowly.  Sharon came and comforted them, and helped take the sting that cancer brought into our lives.  She was a soothing salve.

She calmed my heart when waiting for a key phone call that told us what they found during surgery.  She took me to the Word of God and read His promises to me, promises I still cling to.  She prayed with me, served me tea, played games with my girls, did my dishes, packed their school lunches,helped change my bandages, endured looking at my wounds and stitches and drains.   She held my hand when the news of that phone call was not what we wanted to hear.  She watched me break down and mourn that I might be facing even more chemo. She was just there.  Love tangible.

Andrew Peterson Behold the Lamb of God
{Gather Round--the opening song}

We played this particular CD quite a bit that week and the following weeks, even though Christmas was over.  The songs just brought comfort. This CD is one of my most favorite Christmas albums. It takes one through the Old Testament up to the birth of Christ.  It is really neat to hear the story in the form of song, prophecy come to life.  The songs brought up wonderful discussion between my girls and I, and expanded our understanding of the Christmas story, that it did not just begin and end in that manger.   I especially love the words of the one below, which is called "So Long, Moses." The song start with saying goodbye to Moses, and hello to the promise land.  It talks about the 12 tribes.  It touches on Saul & King David.   It talks of the prophets and speaks these comforting words of the Isaiah, prophet of Judah:

{So Long Moses}

{3:00}

So speak, Isaiah
Prophet of Judah
Can you tell of the One
This king who's going to come
{3:20}Will he be a king on a throne
Full of power with a sword in his fist?
Prophet, tell us will there be another king like this?
Full of wisdom, full of strength,
The hearts of the people are his
Prophet, tell us will there be
another king like this?

{3:40--My FAV!}
"He'll bear no beauty or glory
Rejected, despised
A man of such sorrow
We'll cover our eyes

He'll take up our sickness
Carry our tears
For his people
He will be pierced

He'll be crushed for our evils
Our punishment feel
By his wounds
We will be healed."


Gives me chills.  He knew sorrow.  He carries our tears.  He was pierced & crushed for us & by His wounds the healing comes.  

And this song, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night:

{0:26}
"Fear not!" said he; for mighty dread 
Had seized their troubled minds 
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring 
To you and all mankind 

To you in David's house this day 
Is born of David's line 

Mighty dread and fear HAD seized my troubled mind back in 2010.  But the birth of this tiny baby, this God-man, brings a life joy that even cancer cannot take away.  By His wounds on the cross I am made whole and healed.  Even if God chooses not to heal me physically, completely, here on earth, I know I have an ultimate healing in heaven. Oh death, where is thy sting?  Jesus takes it, and through him life on this earth is not all there is.  There is final healing and eternal life with HIM!  This joy, a joy-peace, is what I am experiencing and growing in, & my heart overflows with thankfulness for every minute of this life I get to live!  What more can I say?  My heart bursts forth in song, agreeing with the words of the Shepherds song chorus above; "Hallelujah, Christ is Born!  Oh Glory be to God On High and To The Earth Be Peace. Goodwill Henceforth From God to Man, Begin & Never Cease!!"

 

Orzo Pasta With Caramelized Fall Vegetables & Ginger

This pasta was so very comforting and hit the spot!  The orzo pasta is chewy, and the caramelized vegetables add layers of flavor to the pasta.  The garlic, ginger and sage add wonderful flavor, just enough; not overpowering.  I love a pasta that is so flavorful that it does not need any type of sauce, and this is exactly that!

It is a very simple dish to put together.  After boiling the orzo pasta, you only need to use one skillet for this dish.  Have everything chopped up and ready to go before you start to cook, ready to go in and caramelize in steps.  This is important.  It is not complicated, but you need to follow the instructions below.  You put the sweet potatoes in first, cook until they start to brown a bit, then push them to the side and throw in the onions.  Once the onions start to caramelized, you push those over and add garlic.  Do the same with ginger and mushrooms. Use one large skillet over fairly high heat, add the ingredients in order according to instructions, pushing them to the side of the pan as they cook. Easy!

My favorite part was deglazing the pan with a mixture of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.  I am a huge balsamic vinegar fan, so I loved that this recipe utilizes this ingredient.

You serve this hot, but I liked it cold the next day eaten as a pasta salad, too.

It is hearty and filling, and it is vegan if you leave the Parmesan cheese off.

My girls loved it and were bummed the next day when I ate the leftovers for lunch and there was not any left for them.  They wanted it as an afternoon snack!  I wondered if the green kale would throw them but it is chopped so finely that it looks like an herb and they didn't even notice it.

It makes a lot and would make a great main dish for vegetarians or a great side dish for meat eaters!
Enjoy!

Orzo Caramelized with Fall Vegetables & Ginger
{originally posted at the Kitchn.  She has amazing step by step photos so click on through if interested!}

serves 4 as a main dish and 6 as a side dish

Salt
1/2 pound orzo pasta
Grapeseed, peanut, or vegetable oil
1 large sweet potato (about 3/4 pound)
2 medium onions (about 1 pound), finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3-inch piece fresh ginger — peeled and grated, about 1 tablespoon
6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps diced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 big leaves chard or kale, stalks removed and leaves finely chopped — about 2 cups
Freshly ground black pepper
Parmesan, optional

Heat a large pot of water to boiling and salt it generously. Cook the orzo until barely al dente — about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and toss with a generous drizzle of oil so that the grains of orzo are lightly coated with oil. Set aside.

Peel the sweet potato and dice it finely into cubes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch to a side. Heat a large sauté or frying pan (the largest you have — you want plenty of room and hot surface) over high heat. Drizzle in a little grapeseed or vegetable oil (not olive oil — you want an oil with a high smoke point) and heat until very hot. Add the sweet potatoes and arrange them in one layer. Cook them over high heat until they are beginning to caramelize and turn brown — about 4 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes or so.

Turn the heat down to medium and push the sweet potatoes up in a pile against one side of the pan. Add the diced onions to the center of the pan and sprinkle them lightly with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are beginning to turn brown. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir them into the onions. Push the onions off to the side of the pan, next to the sweet potatoes, where they will continue to caramelize.

Add the diced shiitake mushrooms to the hot center of the pan and cook them for 4 minutes without turning them. Then flip and stir them and cook for another 4 minutes.

At this point everything should be getting well-cooked; the onions should be quite dark brown and the garlic should be golden and soft. The potatoes should be softening.

Whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Pour this into the pan with the vegetables and mix everything together, scraping the bottom as you go. Cook all the elements together for about 3 minutes on medium heat. Then turn the heat up to high, as high as it will go.

Add the orzo gradually, shaking in a cup at a time, and stirring and scraping constantly. Cook the orzo over high heat with the rest of the vegetables for about 5 minutes, letting the orzo get browned on the bottom of the pan, then scraping it up. You are developing a little more color and flavor on the pasta, and helping all the flavors combine.

Finally, toss the chopped greens into the mix and cook for 1 more minute or until the greens are barely wilted. Turn off the heat and taste. Add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, with shavings of Parmesan if desired.

Do You Love Style Magazines? Then You Will Love This Deal!

Target is one of my favorite stores, so I was excited when I got the opportunity to share with you an awesome deal that they are offering right now.  

If you purchase both InStyle and People Style Watch Magazines from TARGET during the week of 11/25/12-12/7/12, you will receive a $5.00 Target Gift Card!  

Even if there is not signage on display promoting this deal, it IS going on.  I just took my two magazines to the checkout counter, and asked if they were giving away $5.00 gift cards with the purchase of the magazines.  The Target associate was super nice and said "Let me check." She then scanned both magazines and said.."Why yes, we are!" 

My Teagan and I had much fun finding the magazines and looking at things to spend the $5.00 gift card on.  She has become one of my most favorite shopping buddies! Isn't she cute?

Once I got home with my magazines, I couldn't wait to put the kids to bed, sit with a cup of tea, and browse through them.  

I used to work as a stylist at a hair salon, and they always had InStyle magazines.  In between clients I would browse through them and always get inspired by what I saw.  Sitting here tonight with my magazines took me back to those salon days, and made me remember why I love fashion and all things beauty!  I love being a girl, just look at the fun we get to have!!

 {InStyle Makeover}

This article on bright eye shadows just made me happy.  How fun is it that all this color is coming back into style?  I love it.  This article takes you through the steps of applying it, which is super important when working with such bold colors.

 {InStyle Makeover}

Ahh...nail polish.  I only wear it on special occasions, and I have found myself reaching for greys and dark colors this fall.  I think these colors look great on shorter, manicured nails, which is what I have right now.

 {InStyle Makeover}

Being a hairstylist, I really appreciated this article on Haircuts of the year.  I love that long pixie cut on Carey Mulligan.  So cute!

 {InStyle Makeover}

Love this tip on belts.  The magazine is full of small fashion tips that make a world of difference.

 {InStyle Makeover}

Ok, how fun would a Swap Party be?  These step- by- step instructions make planning a breeze.

 {InStyle Makeover}

I just painted my bathroom a light grey last week, and added some white towels.  It does feel very spa-like, this article made me feel like I am on the right track with my decorating.

 {People Style Watch}

One of my most favorite things about reading a magazine is the perfume ads.  This one smelled SO good.  This is something I miss when reading from my Nook!

 {People Style Watch}

I've always wanted to try false eyelashes.  There is something so pretty and dramatic about them.  I would need the right event to wear them to, but after reading this in People Style Watch, I am more confident in my ability to put them on!

{People Style Watch} 

I loved this collection of 50 Hot Holiday Hairstyles.  They have ideas for all lengths and types of hair. Now I just want to get my eyelashes on, use one of these festive hairstyles, and go out on the town with my hot man!

//

This is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all opinions are my own. http://cmp.ly/3/KqtZiE”

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday

Goals Accomplished Last Week:
Bathroom painted

Goals This Week:

Upstairs bathroom painted
Hooks on wall
Bathroom new decor hung up
 Kitchen wall painted
Christmas Tree up
Christmas decor out & up

_______________

Since I have numerous bloggers coming to link up today, I wanted to tell you all about Social Spark. I've been making money blogging about interesting products and services via Social Spark. You do not need to be a large size blog to make money. They pay on a sliding scale according to traffic, as your traffic grows, so does your earnings. It is super user friendly and you can decided which offers to accept. I only chose things I would write about here at New Nostalgia anyway.

Here is an example of a post I wrote for them--How To Make A Envelope Note Out of One Sheet of Paper. Social Spark is my biggest money maker on this blog, it has been a huge blessing for our family, and all I have had to do is write an occasional sponsored post! Let me know if you are interested, or click on the link above to sign up.

_______________ 

Last Weeks Most Clicked On Links:

 Fall Pictures @ Creatively Living Blog

 Sharon Osborne's Regrets @ Always Learning

 Unschooling Life @ A Life Unprocessed

My Faves:

Paper Tree Ornaments @ Alderberry Hill

Healthy Homemade Deoderant @ Organized Living Solutions

Vegan Green Tea Hot Chocolate @ Good Girl Gone Green

Souped Up @ My Sister's Pantry

Soft Pretzels @ Cath's Cookery Creations

____________________

Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Get Something Done!

___________________

No Spend Week Update + Black Friday Shopping

I contemplated not giving you all an update on No Spend Week {sheepish grin}.

Really, I didn't do to bad, and if No Spend Week was Sunday-Thursday, I would have a perfect report to give you.

Where I got in trouble was when I headed out to Black Friday shopping. I have never participated in Black Friday shopping, mostly because I was a bit scared of it!  It seems the only stories to hit the news are the ones of crazy shoppers hurting each other to get a good deal.  But, when my 13 year old Teagan asked (begged) to go, I thought it could be fun and maybe, just maybe I could get a chunk of my Christmas shopping done.  We also celebrated Thanksgiving on Wednesday evening, and had a ton of quality family time at home on Thanksgiving day, so getting out was appealing.

Back to the no spend week,  let me explain; if we have a budget set aside for a certain item, then spending money in that budget was ok during 'No Spend Week.'  For instance, we have a certain amount we budget and save for Christmas.  We know it is there and we know what we can spend. Same with groceries, we have a grocery budget and same with clothes, we have a clothes budget.  The key for me during 'No Spend Week' was to be extra thoughtful with each penny I spend, even in our set budgets that I could spend from.

I noticed where I saved the most money during 'No Spend Week' was going out to eat.  I meet a friend for lunch at least once a week, and I frequent coffee shops to work on New Nostalgia.  During 'No Spend Week' I had a friend come to my house for brunch. I made Coconut French Toast & Salad with Homemade Dressing.  We had talked about going out for sushi, but when I decided that this was the week for no spending, I asked her if she would like to come over for brunch instead.  We had an awesome time and it was a great way to save money.

I found myself really struggling with no spending on Wednesday of last week, because my older two girls had school, but my youngest one didn't.  Whenever I find myself alone with one girl, I like to find a way to spend some special time with them.  We call them "Mommy Dates."  I really wanted to take her out for a pastry or grab some lunch with her, but I fought the urge and stayed home!  We still had quality time together.  She helped me in the kitchen and we had lunch together, it was just in our own home at our own table.

Back to Black Friday shopping.  Here is the deal.  I LOVED IT.  My Teagan and I had so much fun, we created amazing memories together and I have 90% of my Christmas shopping done.  I was able to buy gifts for my family that I never would have been able to afford if they were not on sale.  I found I was able to buy gifts that were practical and will be used, but still very nice quality which makes a great gift.  I felt like I was supporting the economy while at the same time being wise and frugal with our money.

I did not experience rudeness.  I found the opposite to be true and I was quite surprised.  I met people in line who had holiday cheer and were friendly.  It was a super fun atmosphere.  People were polite.  If I dropped something, it was picked up for me before I had a chance to get it myself.  Christmas music was playing and we had a blast!  We created memories that I know my girl won't forget, like sharing spaghetti in the mall food court at 4 a.m.  She loved that.

So, Black Friday was a super positive experience for me and left me pleasantly surprised.  I stuck to the Christmas budget which was following my 'No Spend Week' rules, UNTIL I saw an outdoor fire pit for 60% off.  Ugh.  I have wanted one of these for years and have been watching for sales, but whenever I see one for sale the timing is not right with our budget.  Well, I couldn't resist and bought it.   We also couldn't resist eating spaghetti in the mall food court...we were STARVIN' by 4 a.m.

I admit, I am glad 'No Spend Week' is over.  I will have another, but not until January!

 It really did help save some money, and more importantly it changes my thinking to be more purposeful with my spending.

//

How about you?

Did you shop on Black Friday?
Was it a positive or negative experience?
Have you ever had a 'No Spend Week?'  Is it something you would consider doing?

Homemade Salad Dressing So Good You Will Want To Drink It Straight

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I am ready for some food on the lighter side!  Enter this amazing Homemade Salad Dressing.  It really IS SO GOOD that you will want to drink it, or at least eat more greens than usual, just so you can have it.  I made this a week ago, and I have wanted a salad every day since. 

 I make it a priority to eat leafy greens everyday no matter what, whether in the form of a smoothie or a salad.  The amount of nutrients you can get in leafy greens just can't be beat, & this dressing makes it super easy to actually want and look forward to a daily salad.

 This dressing is a breeze to throw together.  It uses ingredients that most people have on hand.  The recipe calls for dijon mustard,  which I didn't have, so I used plain yellow mustard.  It was still drinkable & delicious!

 {it starts with a base of olive oil & red wine vinegar}

At our local farmers market, there is a booth that I always look forward to.  She has tiny sample cups of  salad dressing, and a chunk of bread to soak it up with.  We love her salad dressing, and I buy a bottle every time we go.  I have been missing her dressing now that it is fall, but I must tell you, this recipe tastes JUST LIKE hers.  Even my daughter noticed this when she tasted it.  Looks like we will be saving some money come Farmer's Market season--or not--now that I have this recipe I will probably need to buy more greens!

 {add seasonings & stir}

This would make a great dipping oil for bread when entertaining, and also a great marinade for chicken or fish.  It is so much better for you than the salad dressings on the market, most of those are full of preservatives and high fructose corn syrup.  Blech!

{pour into bottle & shake before using}

 This recipe will be one I use often.  It has been a week and I'm already out.  Time to make more!  Good thing it is an easy recipe.

Homemade Salad Dressing

{so good you will want to drink it straight}

from Cooking On Clover Lane

1 cup olive oil

1 cup red wine vinegar

2 1/2 tsps. garlic powder

2 1/2 tsps. dried oregano

2 1/2 tsps. dried basil

2 tsps. pepper

2 tsps. salt

2 tsps. onion powder

2 tsps. Dijon-style mustard (I used regular mustard)

Mix together and shake well. Store at room temperature tightly covered.

//

Have you ever made your own salad dressing?  Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

She Is Thankful For Cancer

Source: api.ning.com via myheartsfull on Pinterest

I have a friend who knows how to do exactly what that image above says.  I have never met her in person, but consider her a dear friend.  We 'met' through her brother, who introduced us via Facebook when I was going through treatment for cancer.  He knew I needed to know his sister, and he was so right.  She is a miracle survivor, living with stage 4 breast cancer. Her cancer metastasized to her bones & brain, but her tumors are staying stable and 'quiet.' She is truly a miracle, but she knows that her status could change at any time. She knows pain, both physical and emotional.  While her cancer stayed quiet, she watched her brother-in-law suffer with a reoccurrence of brain cancer, and was there for his family as he battled long & hard, and her faith never wavered.  I wrote a bit about his life here.

Michelle is one of the most courageous people I know. She lives her life in the moment & knows what it means to be thankful.  Her words encouraged me many times during my fight, and they continue to do so.  She updated her Caring Bridge site this week, and what she had to say just blew me away.  I knew I had to share it with you all, as it was such a tangible example of what Thanksgiving is all about.

{The Mellinger Family}

It is an honor to introduce you to my friend, Michelle Mellinger:

THANKSGIVING:

We are celebrating one of my favorite holidays of the whole year on Thursday.  It causes me to be sentimental, family-oriented, and most of all thankful.  I wanted to share why I am THANKFUL FOR CANCER.  Yes, that is hard to say, but so very true when I look back over the last three years.  

Cancer has given me HOPE:  Many people find that hope and cancer don't go hand in hand.  But without hope cancer is debilitating.  Without hope, you spend your days wallowing in the how and why's and spend little time enjoying the sights and sounds around you.  Hope does not mean that I am in denial about what is to come, hope is the empowerment to know that whatever is to come I can handle it.

Cancer has given me COMPASSION:  Before my diagnosis, I really didn't SEE those around me.  Cancer has given me the ability to look into someones eyes and feel their pain.  It is given me empathy and a desire to want to help and encourage people.

Cancer has given me a FUTURE:  most people immediately think that cancer takes away your future.  I used to believe that too.  I used to live in the moment, not worrying about what was ahead for my life.  I didn't use to dream about my future or what God had in store for me.  Now my future is tomorrow, next week, next month, next year.  I am investing in today so that my future will live on through my children. 

Cancer restored my RELATIONSHIP with my Savior:  I had a hard time BC (before cancer) wanting to spend time with Jesus.  I didn't have a passion to be in the Word or kneeling in prayer.  I had it under control.  My life was going exactly how I had planned.  I had a great job, awesome husband, and two beautiful children.  But it didn't go as planned, my life wasn't unfolding the way I had envisioned.  I have found that God had a new plan.  I don't always like the new plan, but I am trusting in Him to show me what it is that He wants me to do with my life.

Cancer has shown me that MIRACLES do exist:  I am a miracle!  It is not of my doing.  It is God's doing.  I used to think miracles only happened in Bible times, but they still happen today.  If you looked at my medical records they would show a woman that had six months to live.  They would cause some doctors to throw their hands up and say there is not much we can do.  My God has allowed the medical treatments at the hands of my doctors and nurses to do amazing things.  They have kept me alive for three years longer that most would have imagined.  I still don't know why God allows some people to do well and others he takes to his heavenly home way too quickly.  I just know that that there is something more I am to do before he takes me home, maybe it is to remind people that miracles do still exist.

Cancer has given me a THANKFUL heart.  I am so thankful for my family and friends who stand beside me everyday and encourage me to keep on plugging along and not give up.  I am thankful for my children who remind me how important hugs and kisses are and inspire me to be a better mother.  I am thankful for a husband who loves me when I am not lovable and gives me a reason to keep on fighting and living. 

I hope you all find hope, compassion, a future, Godly restoration, miracles, and a thankful heart.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all.                                                   

 Michelle

//

Amazing insight, isn't it?  It just touched my heart so much to read her words, and made me think of this song I've shared below.  She lives this song everyday.  I love how she said. "Hope does not mean that I am in denial about what is to come, hope is the empowerment to know that whatever is to come I can handle it." I know that she can say this because of her trust in God, and because of this trust, she can and does live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give Thanks In Everything."

To follow Michelle journey, see her Caring Bridge page.

 

Using Willow Tree Figurines For a Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape

My sister, Julie, has collected Willow Tree Figurines for years.  I have always drooled over her collection and found them so meaningful and beautiful.  When she posted a photo of her Thanksgiving tablescape on Instagram, I drooled even more, and was blown away with how simple and beautiful it was.  

If you are not familiar with Willow Tree Figurines, here is there website.  They make wonderful gifts to mark the most important and life-changing events in life.  I love that they address all areas of life, from the good (family) to the bad (illness) and create gifts that often times speak louder than words. 

Back to my sisters table, I am going to be sitting at that table later on this evening.  We are celebrating Thanksgiving a day early with my side of the family, and I CAN'T WAIT!  My sister has made it so easy on me this year.  While she has been cleaning, decorating, baking, cooking and planning fun family games, I have been relaxing and roasting a turkey.  Yep, that is all I have to do is show up with my turkey.

{My sisters pies ready to bake}

{um, YUM!}

Here is her menu. Oh, and that drooling issue I have? It is starting again as I type!

{Menu}

Turkey 

Stuffing

Sweet Potato Souffle

 Twice Baked Potatoes

 Crumb Topped Broccoli Casserole

Aunt Fannie's Squash Casserole

 Corn Casserole

Rolls

 Deviled Eggs

 Pecan Pie

 Pumpkin Pie

Triple Berry Pie

Country Cherry Pie

Chocolate Chip Cookies

{I'm making Turkey, Lil' Sis is making Deviled Eggs & Pumpkin Dessert, JULIE IS MAKING THE REST.} 

{Isn't she beautiful?  Stop drooling...}

She is amazing at many things, but when hostessing our family for holidays she shines and does it better than anyone I know.  I love her dearly, and I'm afraid I just don't tell her often enough what a gift she is in my life and how very, very thankful I am for her.  

She has always been there for me...ALWAYS...but when I went through treatment for cancer, she was by my side.  She lived an hour away, yet made that drive a bazillion times and was by my side through it all.  She saw me at my worst, my most sick.  I know it was hard for her to see, but she just kept showing up and caring for me.  I can't think of many times  in my life when I felt such love.

On top of it all, she is one of the funniest people I know.  Her texts make me belly laugh, and she is always the life of the party on our 'sister nights.' 

I love you Jules, and I'm more thankful for you than words can say.