The Chaplain Who Walked Into My Hospital Room

By now, you know I had kidney surgery less than a week ago. If you did not know, I had five percent of my right kidney cut off to remove a lesion. It was tough, scary and a real lesson in life. I can't explain the pain and the helplessness I felt lying in the hospital room. I know, 49 years old, male, we should be able to handle everything. This is an experience I am recovering from and one I will never forget. I am still in pain, weak, but I am recovering.

On Sunday, a man walked into my room. He looked like any man, but he was a Chaplain. He said hello and asked me if I wanted to take the Lord's Supper. I readily accepted. We recited The Lord's Prayer together. He prayed for me, wished me well and served me The Lord's Supper. He was only there for a few minutes. He was soft spoken, very sincere and humble. I felt like an angel walked into my room to lift me up. I will never forget the Chaplain who walked into my hospital room. In a few moments, he changed my life.

Blendtec Recipe-Spiced Creme Brulee

Spiced Crème Brulee

A little holiday twist on a traditional custard dessert, the spices make this treat extra special.

Ingredients

3   c

whipping cream

11⁄2   tsp

vanilla extract

3⁄4   c

granulated sugar, divided

10  

egg yolks

1⁄3   c

pumpkin puree

1   tsp

pumpkin pie spice

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325˚F degrees. Scald cream to 140˚F degrees with vanilla. While cream is scalding, add ½ c sugar, pumpkin puree and egg yolks to the Fourside or WildSide Jar and secure lid. Pulse 3 times. Temper the egg yolks and sugar mixture by adding 2-3 tbsp of scalded cream to egg yolk mixture and pulse 2-3 times. Add remaining cream and pulse 4-6 times until well mixed. Pour cream through a sieve slowly to remove bubbles. Pour strained mixture into 8 ramekins. Place ramekins in a pan with approximately 1 inch of boiling water. Carefully place pan with ramekins in oven for 30-35 minutes.

When the cream is finished baking, transfer the ramekins to a new pan and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. After the cream is sufficiently chilled, combine remaining ¼ c sugar and pumpkin pie spice and sprinkle on top of cream.  Use a blow torch to caramelize the sugar and spices on top. 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Servings 8.0
 
• Sodium 45 mg
• Serving Size 1/2 c (1 ramekin)
 
• Carbohydrates 23 g
• Calories 457
 
• Fiber 1 g
• Fat 39 g
 
• Sugar 19.5 g
• Saturated Fat 23 g
 
• Protein 5.5 g
• Cholesterol 385 mg

Black Friday At Red Lobster, Free Maine Lobster Tail

FREE Maine Lobster Tail  w/ purchase of any Adult  Dinner Entrée.      Offer only available on 11/29. Offer not available in Times Square and Hawaii.

Receive a $25 OFF coupon* for every $100 spent on the online purchase of eGift cards. eGift Card offer only available on 12/2. *Coupon for $25 off two adult dinner entrees valid from 1/1/14 – 2/9/14. Conditions apply.

Celebrity Birthdays On November 27

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1955 Bill Nye (The science guy), American engineer and broadcaster

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 27

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 "Baby Face" Nelson, [Lester Gillis], gangster, shot by FBI at 26, famous bank robber and murderer, he was public enemy number one, member of the John Dillinger gang, he died on this day in 1934

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Wantable Makeup box blogger review

My wife got the chance to receive a Wantable Makeup Box through the mail. I told her about her and she was excited to go through the process. You go to their site, you tell them about yourself, your skin and set up your account. They send you a box of products in the mail. You can either get a box once or you can get their monthly program. My wife's box came in the mail in a few days.

My wife is Filipino, with black hair and a slightly oily skin. This is what the company sent her.

Michael Marcus lip liner
Brazen Blush
Japonesque angled foundation professional quality angled foundation brush
Cailyn Grand Volume and Curl Mascara
Rainbow Honey custom blended nail lacquer
also Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Supreme Sample
$86.50 in retail make-up

We did not have to pay because we are reviewing this company, but they have a monthly charge of $36 or a one time (try it out fee) of $40.


4 to 5 full-sized premium makeup products,
hand-picked to perfectly match your preferences.

Products will be determined based on results of your style quiz and could include, but are not necessarily limited to the items shown in our images-- you could get a box full of things that are not shown in the images.

What do you love? Answer a few short questions so we can match you with the perfect products.

Discover a new you. Each box is packed with full-size products hand-picked from unique, specialty, and premium brands just for you.


As a husband, this is what I think. First of all, my wife says she loves the products. I think she would really be interested in receiving more of these boxes. This is the same lady, who just went to the mall and spent over $300 on make-up. She is a senior accountant at a huge company and always likes to look her best.

I think if a woman spends as much money on make-up as my wife, this is a company that they could check out and receive good quality products every month. This was a fun review for my wife and when she smiles, her husband is happy too. Thank you Wantable Makeup Box, my wife really enjoyed receiving your products.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Celebrity Birthdays On November 26

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1983 Chris Hughes, American businessman, co-founder of Facebook

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 26

Check Out Those Dead On This Day November 26



Stan Berenstain, children's author who created the Berenstain Bears with his wife, he died on this day in 2005

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

WIN A $25 NAPA GIFT CARD 12/1/2013

NAPA KNOW HOW: HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW?

The Holiday season is rapidly approaching, and for a lot of us that means it’s ROAD TRIP time! Long trips can be taxing on your vehicle, which makes it even more important that it’s kept in tip top shape before you take-off.

The question is... do you know what it takes to keep up with your vehicles needs? How “car competent” are you?

Our friends at NAPA AutoCare Centers have created a quiz for you to test your Car Competency before you take the trip. Test your knowledge on basic auto care mainte-nance, and download some pro-tips along the way. We asked some of our ASE Certi-fied Technicians for 6 simple, and perhaps little known, pro-tips that will help you protect one of your biggest investments… your car!

To make this all even better, we are going to give you a $25 NAPA Cash card to givea-way to one of your followers! This card is good at any of your neighborhood NAPA AutoCare Centers. Get a taste of the premium, friendly, certified, and guaranteed work that NAPA AutoCare Centers provide.

Here’s what you can expect on your visit:

- NAPA AutoCare Centers use ASE Certified techs. This means that you can trust that your car is being serviced by knowledgeable professionals, specifically equipped to help with all your needs.

- Our AutoCare Centers offer The Peace of Mind Nationwide Warranty which includes a 24-month/24,000 mile warranty on qualifying repairs and services. This means you get to have all of the benefits that come with doing business with a locally-owned business, but still have your work certified and guaranteed nationwide!

- With more than 15,000 locations nationwide, there is a NAPA AutoCare Center that is close by and ready to take care of all your vehicles your family owns.

Here's Your Chance to Win a $25 NAPA GIFT CARD  Each household is only eligible to win ONE $25 Napa AutoCare Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Donate A Toy To The Bronx Zoo And Get A Free Ticket

Happy Holidays from the Bronx Zoo! The spirit of giving is upon us all, and the folks at the zoo are working hard to spread the word about their toy drive. Below, please find posts we’d love for you to generously share on your social channels, and if you’d like to take the time to share them on your blog, full details are below. Thanks so much your help in spreading the word, and have a lovely Thanksgiving!  



On behalf of The WCS



Facebook
Help the Bronx Zoo spread a little love this season! All five parks of the Wildlife Conservation Society are participating in a toy drive to help local families in need. For every new toy donated you can receive one free general admission ticket! Click here for more details: http://bronxzoo.com/toydrive/




Twitter 
Calling all animal lovers! @TheWCS is offering free tickets in exchange for toy donations! Details here: http://bit.ly/BZToyDr

Blog Post 
The WCS Toy Drive - Everyone can use some extra love this season! 
 
From November 16th through December 31st, join the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo in their efforts to spread a little love this holiday season.

All five parks will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for donation to help support local families in need. The Bronx Zoo will be participating in the Bronx Borough President’s annual toy drive in support of families of local veterans and active duty military members. Central Park Zoo will join the fun and donate to families of local veterans and active duty military members as well. In addition, The New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo will be collecting toys to donate to some of the communities hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy. For every new toy donated you can receive one free general admission ticket.* Toys can be dropped off at the gate; admission is not required. Your donation can make all the difference.

*Free ticket to the Bronx Zoo when donating at the Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, or Central Park Zoo. Free ticket to the New York Aquarium when donating at the New York Aquarium or the Prospect Park Zoo. 

For more details, please visit http://bronxzoo.com/toydrive/.

Spend Your Thanksgiving With Crayola

Color Your Thanksgiving with Crayola!

This Thanksgiving, get inspired and create new traditions and memories with a little creativity and a lot of color! Just in time for the holiday, Crayola is encouraging families to spend time together making festive decorations for the home and Thanksgiving table. From one-of-a-kind centerpieces to handmade turkeys, parents and children can select from a number of craft activities to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are some ideas to get you started: Use Crayola's proprietary Model Magic modeling compound to make festive Model Magic turkeys that will add originality to the Thanksgiving table.  Get nostalgic by creating a "talking turkey" centerpiece that includes each family member writing a message of gratitude on paper feathers. Check out these videos to get your creative juices flowing!    -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwmrT7uPC14      - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHxP2gZBJko For a complete listing of Crayola's Thanksgiving craft ideas, visitwww.crayola.com/colorfulthanks for inspiration or vote for your favorite crafts! Additionally, people are encouraged to share their festive creations with Crayola at #ColorfulThanks.

Have a colorful Thanksgiving!

Dead On This Day November 25

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Isaac Watts was a famous British hymn writer , wrote about 750 hymns including "Joy to the World", "Oh God our Help in Ages Past" , "This is the Day the Lord Has Made" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, he died on this day in 1748

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Celebrity Birthdays On November 25

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1971 Christina Applegate, American actress

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Celebrity Birthdays On November 24

Check Out Those Celebrity Birthdays On November 24



1941 Pete Best , British musician and original drummer for The Beatles

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration

Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 24

Check Out Those Dead On This Day November 24



Lee Harvey Oswald was the man who assassinated President John F Kennedy, was shot dead by Jack Ruby, he died on this day in 1963. The question we ask ourselves every year at this time, did he really do it?

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

My Kidney Operation On November 21st

I spent four days in Tampa General Hospital because they had to cut off five percent of my right kidney. I could not eat solid food for four days or take a shower for four days. The first day they had to put a tube into my stomach because my small intestines did not work right away. I was released yesterday and am improving at home. Kidney surgery is more serious than I thought. The surgery is more painful and you really have to push yourself to recover. They allowed me to leave the hospital because I decided to walk through the pain everyday. Today, at home, I actually walked two miles.

Hope the pictures do not gross you out too much. I cannot lift anything over eight pounds for six weeks and my kidney should work one hundred percent in around six months or so. The doctor said walking, walking and walking is the best medicine.

As you can see, I did not eat for four days, but gained 5-7 pounds in gas, yes GAS in my stomach which I will have to pass over the next few days or so.

The patch covers a small hole where a tube was placed in a hole in my kidney. The tube sucked blood out of my kidney and helped the healing process. Over time, the blood slows down until it finally stops bleeding. If you ever have to have kidney surgery, expect it is more than you could possibly imagine.

Buy Your Husband A Razor Strop For Christmas

A razor strop is an old-fashioned men's shaving accessory that still has a place in society today. Many men prefer the the close, meticulous shave that a straight-edged razor can provide, and part of that meticulous shave is dependent on having a smooth, sharp razor edge -- which is what the strop provides. Of course, if you're going to shave "the old-fashioned way", you'll want to make sure you have the right materials on hand: a straight-edged blade, shaving cream and a brush with which to apply it, and, of course, the shaving strop.

Razor strops are typically made out of leather and fabric, and are designed to be hung from a stable purpose in order for the strop to be pulled taut so that the applied razor can be safely and efficiently stropped (sharpened and smoothed in preparation for shaving). Other types of strops can be handled and used with your hands, or may be attached to a special paddle or loom. Most razor strops are two or three inches in width, with varying lengths depending on where and how the strop will be mounted and kept still for blade stropping. The leather material is what provides optimal stropping (smoothing, sharpening, and edge alignment), whereas the fabric simply provides a comfortable surface for holding or gripping. The colors you choose for a razor strop are all about personal preference, but you'll want to opt for a three inch width strop for the easiest and most efficient surface for stropping your razor blade. There are many strop mounting options available, but the wall mount provides the most stability and the most easiest of use.

If you have never shaved with a plain razor blade before, you'll definitely want to have a razor strop on hand so that you can keep your blade in optimal condition. Whether you shave with a plain blade or a modernized men's razor, you're doubtless all too familiar with the poor quality shave and skin irritation that result from a dull or choppy blade. By using a razor strop on a regular basis (before every shave), you'll keep your razor blade in smooth, ultra-sharp condition that will last you through many shaves.

Celebrity Birthdays On November 23

Check Out Those Celebrity Birthdays On November 23



1992 Miley Cyrus, American actress and singer and the star of Hannah Montana, her father is the dude with the Achy Breaky Heart

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 23

Check Out Those Dead On This Day November 23



Hack Wilson was a famous Major League baseball player who hit 191 RBIS's in one season, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. He died on this day in 1948. This man did this in the time before steroids

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Celebrity Birthdays On November 22

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1984 Scarlett Johansson, American actress

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 22

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John F Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States (1961-63), assassinated in Dallas at 46, only Catholic President, only President to win the Pulitzer Prize. He died on this day in 1963

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Celebrity Birthdays On November 21

Check Out Those Celebrity Birthdays On November 21



1920 Stan Musial, American baseball player, Hall of Fame outfielder/first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 21

Check Out Those Dead On This Day November 21



Bill Bixby was a famous actor on My Favorite Martian and The Incredible Hulk, dies of prostate cancer at 59, one of my favorite actors who I did not know was dead. He died on this day in 1993

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Celebrity Birthdays On November 20

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1956 Bo Derek, American actress who was a beautiful model and sex symbol and she is a conservative Republican

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 20

Check Out Those Dead On This Day November 20



Leo Tolstoy, Russian author Anna Karenina and War and Peace, considered by many to be the greatest novelist of all time. He died on this day in 1910

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Dentist Tips on Preventing Tooth Decay

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is essential to follow the right oral health advice. How often do you visit your Genesis Dental dentist for regular check-ups and examinations? Without routine visits to the dentist, your oral health could be at risk for serious problems. Here are some of the things you need to get in a habit of doing if you want to prevent tooth decay and serious oral health problems.

Brushing

While this goes without saying for some people, you’d be surprised to learn how many people are not correctly brushing their teeth. It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing, as this will reduce problems with the gums receding as you brush. Gently brush each tooth with the toothbrush using a circular motion. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes to allow the toothpaste to properly cleanse the area. Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Change your toothbrush every other month to prevent bacterial growth from forming on the toothbrush.

Flossing

Flossing is a habit that few Americans actually practice. It is just as important as brushing the teeth. Flossing allows you to break up the bacteria that is found just below the gums and around the teeth. When you floss, gently rub the floss between each tooth and around the tooth to remove food particles and bacteria. Sometimes your gums will bleed when you floss, which usually indicates the first sign of gingivitis. Rinse the mouth with warm saltwater after flossing to stop the bleeding, and to help heal the gums.

Healthy Eating

The food you eat has a direct impact on your oral health. If you have a diet that is high in sugars, fats, and other processed foods, it can damage your tooth enamel and the structure of the gums. It is important to focus on healthier eating habits to reduce several oral health problems. A diet high in healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains, and fruits is less likely to struggle with tooth decay. Rinse your mouth with water after meals, and reduce snacking to prevent the teeth from having excessive  amounts of bacteria. Visit your Genesis Dental dentist today for additional tips on how to prevent tooth decay.
 

Celebrity Birthdays On November 19

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1986 Veronica Scott, American fashion designer, Fuchsia

Do you know who else was born on this day?

It is your birthday
time for a celebration
Another year comes

Dead On This Day November 19

Check Out Those Dead On This Day November 19


Kevin DuBrow was an American lead singer for the group Quiet Riot from a cocaine overdose, he died on this day in 2007

Death is Like Taxes
We all pay the price some day
Lest All Rest In Peace

Blendtec Recipe-Spiced Parsnip Muffins

Similar to carrots, parsnips have a great texture and flavor, and they pair perfectly with the spices in this recipe.

Ingredients

1⁄3   c

canola oil

3  

eggs

1   c

unsweetened applesauce

3⁄4   c

brown sugar

2   tsp

vanilla extract

1   large

parsnip, peeled and quartered

1⁄4   tsp

salt

11⁄2   tsp

baking soda

1⁄2   tsp

pumpkin pie spice

1⁄2   tsp

cardamom

11⁄2   c

wheat bran

2⁄3   c

whole wheat flour

1⁄4   c

coconut flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

Grease muffin tin; set aside.

Add oil, eggs, applesauce, sugar, vanilla, and parsnip to WildSide jar in order listed. Secure lid and press “Whole Juice.”

Add salt, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, wheat bran, flour, and coconut flakes to jar. Secure lid and press “Pulse” 3–5 times or until dry ingredients are barely incorporated; do not overblend. Allow batter to rest 5–10 minutes. 

Pour muffin batter into prepared muffin tin. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes or until toothpick entered into center comes out clean.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Servings 16.0
 
• Sodium 170 mg
• Serving Size 1 muffin
 
• Carbohydrates 18 g
• Calories 130
 
• Fiber 4 g
• Fat 6 g
 
• Sugar 9 g
• Saturated Fat 1 g
 
• Protein 3 g
• Cholesterol 40 mg

Filipino Food

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

My wife is from Cebu, her family made it through the disaster safely, but many people were affected by this tragedy. This is a picture of the type of food they eat in the Philippines. If you look down, you will find the recipe in another post

Blendtec-RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE MOCHA

Are you feeling the winter blues? Try this creamy, hot beverage as a pick-me-up to help you get through the day.

INGREDIENTS

FourSide Jar
or 
WildSide Jar

2/3 c	2% milk
2/3 c	white chocolate chips
1 c	brewed coffee
1/2 c	fresh raspberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt white chocolate chips in milk by placing bowl with ingredients in microwave for 30 seconds. Add all ingredients to FourSide or WildSide jar in order listed and secure lid. Select “Soups” cycle. 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Servings 3
Serving Size 6 fl oz
Calories 227
Fat 12.5 g 
Saturated Fat 7.5 g 
Cholesterol 6 mg 
Sodium 59 mg 
Carbohydrates 26 g 
Fiber 1.5 g 
Sugar 24 g 
Protein 4 g

Pancit Authentic Filipino Recipe

My brother's wife is Filipino and this is one of the recipes I love, there are many Filipino dishes I cannot eat, but I love Pancit. The pics do not have the shrimp, but you can use either option w/ or w/out shrimp.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package thin rice noodles
• 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken legs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 medium head cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 2 green onions, chopped into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

1. Place the rice noodles in a large bowl, and cover with warm water. When soft, cut into 4 inch lengths, drain, and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken and pork until no pink shows. Season with soy sauce and pepper. Remove from skillet and set aside. Saute the cabbage and carrots until tender. Stir in the noodles, green onions and shrimp. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stir in the chicken and pork, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Ellen And LeRoy Coffie...