Microwave Whole Wheat and Honey Berry Muffin

     A few days ago, my super awesome and thoughtful boyfriend sent me a webpage that had links to several different mug cakes. The one that caught my eye was the blueberry muffin recipe here. So tonight, with the Frozen soundtrack playing in the background, I decided to see if I could make my own version.

Ingredients

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/16 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. honey

3 tbsp milk

Berries

Kale Chips and Cherry Berry Pie

     I joked about starting a food blog once I had the time and money. Said blog would be dedicated to trying out food from other people's blogs. However, although I still do not have money, I am slightly bored. Instead of giving another hour of my life to Netflix, I decided to join the masses and write about food. Specifically, the food I made today.

     I have known for years that kale has been hailed (rhyme intended. Pretty good, huh?) as a superfood. Rich in all things good. Today was the first time I had tried it.

     My kale experience started when I decided to Google more healthful alternatives to potato chips. I can down a bag of Kettle Chips in one sitting. (Yes, I know. It's disgusting.) I was looking for something to satisfy the craving for salty, crunchy goodness. Kale chips was the main item appearing on every web page. I remember watching a Rachel Ray show years ago in which she makes kale chips. At the time, I was weirded out by the fact that a leafy veggie could become crispy. Aren't veggies supposed to wilt and shrivel when heated? It was time to find out.

     After a trip to the grocery store, I set to work. (Sorry, no pictures. I'm not a professional food blogger, after all!)

Dude, I Shop Like a Dude!

Clothes. Shoes. Jewelry. Make-up. 

     Women can never have enough of these things. They cannot wait until they have a moment to shop the latest styles from their favorite department store. Pawing through racks at Goodwill is exhilarating. Oh, and let’s not forget the euphoria that falls around them when they find those wonderful, impractical, painful shoes that they will never wear more than once a year, but simply must have.

Into the Valley and Back

     Two weeks ago, I shared a story of God's love and faithfulness overcoming my depression and turmoil. The response I received was overwhelming. In just a few days, I had over 300 views from ten different countries.

To put it in perspective, I only had 148 Facebook friends from three or four countries.

     I have received messages from several people telling me that they have similar stories. Some are people I've just met, others people I've known for years. My point here would be, if you are going through something similar, don't suffer in silence. It's hard to be honest about what you are going through, but you aren't the only one.

   

My Silent Pain

     If you have known me for long at all, than you know that I'm a pretty private person. Sure, I'll hang out, make jokes, laugh, and occasionally, have something serious to say. But I don't often let people know the real me--the emotions and feelings that are going through my head. It's hard for me to be transparent with people, but, in light of recent events, I feel the need to share a very personal story.
     Some details will be vague, but please understand that this is hard. In spite of that, I hope that my story will either help someone who reads it, or enable you to help someone else.

Will the Real Me Please Stand?

"I need to take some time to find myself."

"I don't know who I am."

"I need to find out who I am, myself, before thinking about involving myself in anything."

"Who is anyone, really?"

"What's really important is who I am on the inside."

"I just need to follow my heart."

     Sound familiar? I'm sure we've all heard some version of the above at one time or another. Thinking about it, I wonder, who is the real me? Upon reflection, I don't think that is the right question. A question like that would do nothing but confuse.

 

Synopsis of Out of Darkness

~ Please excuse the weak ending, I know it needs work. After all, I can only do so much in one day!~

            In Alaria, a person’s name defines who they are. Parents wait to name their children until they are at least a day old, thus ensuring that the proper name is given. When David and Kathleen Camari give birth to twin girls, they name the oldest Camelia. The youngest, they name Millennia. They see something special in this child. Some unknown but important destiny awaits her.

            The twins grow up in the company of the their older brother Jolyon and their younger brother Terrance. Millennia is bold, brilliant, and outgoing while Camelia is shy, quiet, and timid. Although children often found Camelia an easy target for their teasing, any child who dared would have to face the wrath of her twin. Millennia was very protective of her, often finding herself in fights in defense of her sister.