Mix all ingredients well, stirring until the sweetener dissolves. Serve over ice. Garnish with lemon or lime slices, if desired. Makes 2 servings.
This tastes good & is nice to have anytime. It is a great alternative to calorie-laden sodas!
“Mr. and Mrs.”
“Happily, ever after…”
“I do. Me too!”
“All because two people fell in love….”
Love is in the air! Or at least it is in my neck of the woods where Wedding Season is in full swing. I don’t remember so many weddings taking place in the past as they have this year. Showers of many kinds, along with weddings, are coming fast and furious. For the first time ever, I even reviewed a book for newlyweds:
http://bookreadingtic.com/2018/07/11/our-newlywed-kitchen-by-laura-schupp/.
I have always been the official gift wrapper in the house. While I get gifts ready, I busily pull wrapping paper off rolls and make ribbon into bows. Despite still recovering and working to stand again, my family has discovered I can still wrap gifts, even in bed.
Lest you think I am being put upon to do this, I am not. It is great for me to do something normal. And have I ever been doing something normal! So far, fourteen gifts have been wrapped and taken to happy occasions. As you can see, there are a few more waiting for their soon-to-come celebrations, and additional weddings are on the way.
If you are getting married, congratulations! If you are a parent of a child that isn’t married, consider praying for your child’s future spouse. It is never too early or late to start. Ask The Good Lord to guide someone very special into your child’s life. There are lots of places on-line to help get you started. This is one I like and it can be modified for daughters.
It goes without saying you will always pray for your children. Asking The Lord to send a future spouse that loves your child deeply, is kind, considerate, and a true believer in God will be a blessing that doesn’t end. Think about what other requests can be added to the list. Picking a mate is a life-changing decision, so ask the creator of love for help. Love is so important to God that the 13th chapter in 1st Corinthians is devoted to it, where in part it says:
I wish all newlyweds the Lord’s blessings on their lives together. If you are in a different stage of life, I ask God to bless you as well.
What do I hear, few notes of The Wedding March, or perhaps the tolling of Wedding Bells? They are calling me to wrap some more…
Watch out when rice, bird seed or bubbles are sent in your direction!
You’re Getting Married, What’s Next?
Are you getting married soon, perhaps you are a newlywed? How exciting! This book has a lot to offer a couple just starting out. Ever think you would need a warning about well-wisher’s behavior? You might, and this book will tell you why. Good ideas range from being on a registry, to food–and the best way to get it, fix it, and save money along with time. Read about joining a registry, along with good ideas and suggestions that are picked according to your current lifestyle, as well as, your future one.
A look between the covers will help with the nitty-gritty of setting up a kitchen along with advice that makes a home meaningful. Personal anecdotes from author pepper the pages of this volume and tie in to situations a young couple face. Ms. Schupp shares how traditions can be begun now, and the fun that can be. Childhood 
traditions that the your family forced you to join in, may take on a different light after being married. Don’t be surprised if they become associated with warm memories and are tweaked to fit into the new relationship. The ways relatives, past and present, added their own twist to the family such as cooking style, the ways they celebrated, and so on, are presents that can enrich the couple’s life. As the book says, “not all gifts come from a store…”
This beautiful over-sized book contains pretty fonts and appealing pictures. But it is more than just a coffee table decoration. Often, not much thought is put into life after the honeymoon. When the thrill of the wedding fades, day-to-day life can leave the newly married overwhelmed.
That is where this lovely book can help. It suggests ways two people can unite separate lives and start a new one together. It has lots of ideas for fun and excitement that a new couple can try together, as well as, ways to enjoy day-to-day living. Despite there being a small number of recipes, this is not a cookbook or a book just for the kitchen. The recommendations inside help today’s couples establish a wonderful lifestyle together. Best of all, it is written from a Christian viewpoint. 
I wish I would have had a book like this when I got married, it is a joy to view. This would make a lovely present for any up-coming brides, or a nice present to give to yourself. It is sure to be a valued gift. I highly recommend this 5-star book.
Tyndale House Publishing along with Focus on the Family has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Our Newlywed Kitchen, The Art of Cooking, Gathering, and Creating Traditions, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Author’s Website: https://ournewlywedkitchen.com
The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurNewlywedKitchen/
Preheat oven to 350° degrees.
In a saucepan, add chicken broth, butter and salt, and bring to a boil. Stir in Jasmine rice. Reduce heat to low and cover. Continue cooking for 10 minutes. After that, remove from heat, still covered and let sit for 10 minutes.
At the same time, put cauliflower rice into a microwave safe container and cook until done. Taste one and see if it is soft like rice, if it is still hard, cook a bit longer until it reaches that stage. It will be about 5 to 10 minutes based on your microwave. Ours takes about 10 minutes.
For the spinach, we get the microwaveable, steam cooking bags that can be cooked, bag and all in the microwave. Follow the bag instructions. If this kind is used, there will not be excess liquid to squeeze out. If you frozen spinach in a regular container, cook according to the package directions, and then squeeze excess water out.
While spinach is cooking, sauté the chopped onion in chicken broth in a skillet. Add just enough chicken broth to cover the onion, and cook on medium heat until softened. Stir so it doesn’t scorch, and add more chicken broth a spoonful at a time if the onion starts to go dry. Set aside.
Using hands or kitchen scissors, remove leaves from the stalks of Italian parsley. Using a knife or scissors, chop parsley into small pieces.
Put ½ can of the evaporated milk into a small bowl. Add corn starch to the milk and using a fork, mix it like you would an egg, keep doing this until it dissolves.
In a large bowl, add all ingredients except the Provel Cheese, and mix gently. Grease a 9” by 13” baking pan. Fold in the ingredients from the bowl into baking pan. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350° oven for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and lightly cover the top with Provel Cheese. Return to oven for 5 more minutes, or until cheese melts. Serve and enjoy.
*We use Planters of Kansas City’s blend of Old Bay Seasoning.
A Western SuperheroYoung sisters Deb and Gwen, along with two small charges, wander in the wilderness as the only survivors after a wagon train attack. Mountain Man Trace Riley takes pity on them since he was orphaned, and left to fend for himself as a teenager, after a similar attack. Because they are still in danger, he takes them to his ramshackle home to protect them. The reader will laugh at the uncomfortable situations Trace and his ranch hands face having women and children suddenly intrude into their lives.
Trace is also in the midst of a dangerous cat and mouse game with murderous desperadoes and a mysterious person called The Guardian. Some say he can appear and disappear at will, but he always swoops down and helps wagon trains in distress.
With Deb’s prickly distrust of men, a legendary hero, and killer thugs this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. Add to the mix a sprinkle of romance, the Old West along with a dash of comedy–and you have a clean 5-star read from a Christian perspective that I highly recommend.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Accidental Guardian, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Author’s Website: http://maryconnealy.com/
Author’s Website: http://petticoatsandpistols.com/
Author’s Blog: http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryConnealy
True Love?With rising water all around her, Jacey makes it to a rooftop and is helped on by others also caught in the flood. Her roof-mates consist of Colin, a young man close to her age, along with the Jackson family—mom Lilian, and her three children. Over the next few days Jacey builds strong ties with all of them. Colin and she connect so strongly that Jacey truly believes he is the one!
At long last rescue comes, however, Colin’s contact information is somehow lost. After a year of searching without results, Jacey doesn’t think she will see Colin again. But suddenly, the couple is reunited in a very surprising way. Even more shocking is Collin’s occupation. Despite the deep connection the two shared during the flood, things are not as easy now.
At the same time, Jacey is distressed to discover that Lilian and her youngest son died 
during the rescue. Desperate to find the other two children, Jacey is heart-broken to find the situation they are now in.
Are Jacey and Colin ever going to have a relationship, or was their interest in each other artificially heightened because of the danger they were in? Will Jacey be able to make sure the Jackson children have the “happily ever after” life she would love for them to have? Has Colin been stringing Jacey along while he has another girl on the side?
This tale will take your emotions on a ride, sometimes you will laugh and other times you might cry. This 4-star book is told from a Christian viewpoint and recommend it to lovers of stories set in the south or works of fiction.
Thomas Nelson Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FletcherMcHale/
The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchermchale?lang=en
Betrayal!
After a long ocean voyage, Kiera Young realized as soon as she stepped on the Natchez, Mississippi, dock that she had been deceived. Duped into believing Natchez offered them a good future, Kiera and her younger sisters willingly left Ireland. Alone in the new world without a soul to turn to for support, Kiera found a nightmare lurked for the three of them. Worse yet, legally the horror might have to be undergone.
Amazingly, Kiera and her sisters got unexpected help and were secreted away to the O’Shea plantation, located many horseback hours from Natchez. To express gratitude to the O’Shea’s for giving the girls shelter, Kiera undertook any work she could find there.
But all is not rosy at this location, because Kiera lived in fear. Recognition of the girls could come at any time since the plantation is next to a well-traveled route. If discovered, the Youngs could be forced back to the nightmare they barely escaped in Natchez. 
Additionally, Quinn O’Shea who had been their protector, constantly had been talking of leaving to go see the world. Connor O’Shea, the head of the family, was mistreated by another member of the Young family. Because of that he is not very happy to have them there. Kiera fears that once Quinn leaves, the three girls will be thrown out. They could not survive in the Mississippi wilderness if that would happen.
Life on a 1790’s plantation along with close calls, and ingenuity pepper the pages of this volume. Action and romance made an appearance as well. The Road to Magnolia Glen is book two in the Natchez Trace Series but stands on its own. I liked that the faith of the characters was a natural part of the tale. This clean 5-star story is recommended for any who like romance, historical books or well-written fiction.
Tyndale House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Road to Magnolia Glen, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Author’s Website: www.pamhillman.com
The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamHillman
2 pounds fresh, not frozen, Chicken Wings
1 Cup Potato Starch
1 Tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning*
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Pepper
3 – 4 Tablespoons TABASCO Sauce**
Olive Oil Spray***
Put chicken wings on a plate and pat them dry with paper towels. Dispose of the towels. In a large mixing bowl, add potato starch, salt, pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix completely. Next add the chicken wings, tossing to coat them evenly. Lightly coat the bottom of air fryer with an Olive Oil sprayer. Add chicken wings in a single layer. Lightly spray the wings, passing over them only once, with the olive oil spray. 
Set air fryer at 360° and cook for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. It is very important that wings are turned every 10 minutes so all the sides get crispy. Check with meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is done. Take wings out of the air fryer, and put in a different, clean mixing bowl. We set aside a few to keep them without sauce because we like a few “naked”. Sprinkle the Tabasco sauce over the top and use tongs to mix the wings so they are coated evenly. A little sauce goes a long way, so start out with a small amount and work up to the level of heat you like.
Serve and enjoy this very easy alternate to take-out.
*We use the mixture blended by our local store, Planters Seed & Spice Co.
**We use McIlhenny Co. TABASCO Brand Buffalo Style Hot Sauce.
***We use a sprayer we fill ourselves with Olive Oil.
When working with raw chicken, always keep everything very clean, washing plates, hands, counter-tops and all utensils in hot soapy water.
About the Book:
Title: The Corandria Station
Author: Carol E. Keen
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: November 22, 2016
**First Place Winner from CWW and CIAN in the 5000 words Contest; Speculative Fiction Division.**
First Officer Mimsy B’Groves never expected her life to be anything but ordinary. Waking up in the wake of a major disaster aboard The Corandria Station, Mimsy must solve the mystery surrounding the place she once called home. The planet below her now holds her only chance for answers – if she can survive without revealing her deepest secret. Can a lone, witty, sentient feline overcome the obstacles placed before her?
You can purchase it here:
To start with, this is a Science Fiction book, but do not pass this by if you are not a fan. Usually I do not read Sci-Fi, however, this tale won me over, and it will you too. This story is geared towards young adults. The reader will find a lot to identify with, despite the fact the heroine, Mimsy, is a feline–and a large part of the story takes place on a surprisingly purple planet.
While Mimsy searches for her missing crewmates, she also goes on a journey of self-discovery. She finds beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. That is an eye-opening experience because Mimzy has spent her life trying to shape her body into something it is not.
Everyone wants to be accepted. Many young adults have deluded themselves into believing their appearance is the most important thing in life. They want to have the type of beauty their school mates and media say are attractive. Panic and low self-worth can result when one can’t achieve the highly prized “look” many of the kids admire. The large amount of money spent on makeup, cosmetics, and clothing testify to the lengths people go to.
Wrapped up in a story that contains mystery, adventure and unexpected friendship, the reader will find an important message: letting society tell you what you should look like can be a ticket to disappointment. What one culture calls ugly, another culture considers beautiful. The point is that no one should base their self-worth on what society considers attractive. The world’s opinion of beauty is fickle and can change overnight. I think this is a great message for all ages, but especially for the young.
Although ebooks are not my favorite, this story captured my attention. God is also a part of this story, although He is referred to by the name Mimsy calls Him. This is a clean story, and I think this 5-star tale that will be appreciated by all who enjoy young adult fiction.
Celebrate Lit has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Corandria Station, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Carol E. Keen enjoys fresh coffee, hot tea, and a good book. She was published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater and Marine Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on CD, called Simply Seahorses. She now resides in Alabama with her husband and family and spends her time writing, reading, working in photography, and being with her much-loved critters.
The Author’s Bookbub Link: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol-e-keen
The Author’s Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-E.-Keen/e/B011N0L4NM/
The Author’s Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/carolekeenauthor/
The Author’s Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/carolkeenauthor
Do Over!Want to start over? Grace does when she gets the chance to have a new career along with a place to live. She is stunned to find her aunt’s will gives Grace her home and floral business. This gives Grace the ability to change the course of her life.
Since Grace has never worked with flowers, she is fortunate to be able to find and hire the store’s former employees. Not only are they good to 
work with, they teach Grace how to arrange flowers. House ownership is also new to Grace, and she finds her new home has lots of serious problems.
Fortunately, Elliot, a former friend of her aunt steps in to help. He is stunned by the condition of the house’s structure. As the owner of a building company, the good-looking man knows problems when he sees them. Not only is he willing to help Grace, he lives in her same neighborhood. Although Elliot shows lots of interest in Grace, she doesn’t encourage him. Because of her past, she wants to keep their relationship on a friendship level.
Tragedy strikes Grace when she has a great material loss. This is accompanied by troubles she faces as a first-time business owner trying to make ends meet. Tragedy also strikes Elliot when he ends up in the hospital in serious condition.
Will Elliot recover and still be interested in Grace? Can Grace continue the hard job of being self-employed, while copping with all the difficulties of being a home owner? Or does she choose to leave it all and return to her hometown? Elliot’s strong Christian faith has carried him through many pitfalls in life, but will it scare Grace away?
Many can relate to this clean story told from a Christian point-of-view. It can be read as an electronic book or listened to audibly. I listened to the audio form, and the reader was British. Although she was understandable, I think an American would have added subtleties and nuances that would have enriched the story. Because of that, this audible book review had to go down to 4-stars. This tale is recommended to anyone who enjoys romances and objectionable-free books.
Pelican Book Group has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Carnations in January, for purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Author’s Blog: https://twitter.com/clarerevell?lang=en
The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ClareRevellAuthor/about/?ref=page_internal
The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarerevell?lang=en
