Candle Facts

Here are some interesting facts about candles. Candles can be the perfect gift for anyone you know. Contact me to find out how to enjoy the fantastic candles that Gold Canyon offers. Once you try them you'll never want to use anything else!!

U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually, excluding sales of candle accessories.

Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.

Candles generally can be categorized into 11 basic types: tapers, votives, pillars, container (or jar) candles, tea lights, liturgical candles, outdoor candles, floating candles, novelty candles, utility candles, and birthday candles.

Manufacturer surveys show that 90% of all candles are purchased by women.

Votives, container candles and pillars are currently the most popular types of candles with American consumers.

Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.

The retail price of a candle generally ranges from approximately 50? for a votive to $30 for a large pillar or jar candle. Highly unusual or embellished artisan candles can be $200 or more

Approximately 35% of candle sales occur during the Christmas/Holiday season. Non-seasonal business accounts for approximately 65% of candle sales.

Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home decor, and for aromatherapy- like relaxation and stress reduction.

Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle.

The majority of U.S. consumers use their candles within a week of purchase.

Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.

Approximately three-fourths of candle users say they typically burn candles for 4 hours or less per sitting.

Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%) and the bedroom (13%).

Approximately one in five women say they use candles to decorate the yard, patio or other exterior areas, as well as the interior of their home.

Both men and women consider candles to be an always-acceptable and highly appreciated gift for a wide variety of occasions.

Candle purchasers say they view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).

Quote of the Day

"It has been my philosophy of life that
difficulties vanish when faced boldly."
- Isaac Asimov

Maxine On Border Patrol

Maxine on Border Problems
Courtesy of MckLinky Stuff - FREE!

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately; illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida.

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.

1. Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.



2. Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.



3. Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.



Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ?

Courtesy of MckLinky Stuff - FREE!

Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cold milk
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 Fuji apples, cored and sliced
3/4 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. To Make Crust: In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, oil, milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and salt until evenly blended. Pat mixture into a 9 inch pie pan, spreading the dough evenly over the bottom and up sides. Crimp edges of the dough around the perimeter.
3. To Make Filling: Mix together 3/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Spread evenly in unbaked pie shell.
4. To Make Topping: Using a pastry cutter, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar and butter until evenly distributed and crumbly in texture. Sprinkle over apples.
5. Put pie in the oven on a cookie sheet to catch the juices that may spill over. Bake 45 minutes.

Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground sage pork sausage
4 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups crumbled cornbread
6 cups cubed soft white bread
1 cup chicken broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon steak sauce
1 tablespoon salt

Directions

1. Place the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking sausage apart with a fork, until evenly brown. Set aside, reserving pan drippings.
2. Mix onions and celery into skillet, and cook in the pan drippings until browned. Drain remaining drippings.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the sausage, onions and celery, cornbread, white bread, broth, and eggs. Mix in poultry seasoning, steak sauce, and salt. Stuff turkey just before roasting.

Enter for Your Chance to Win $10,000!!

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At the end of the sweepstakes, there will be a grand prize drawing for $10,000!

How To Enter:

Go to http://HostTheMost.GoldCanyon.com to register for the sweepstakes and get your first entry.

Schedule to host your party as soon as possible.

Every host will get 5 additional entries into the $10,000 sweepstakes and weekly cash drawings for parties submitted before December 31!

Everyone could use extra cash around the holidays! Don?t miss this chance win $10,000!!! Just imagine the shopping you can do with that!!

Going back to school

After a lot of thought, debates and discussions with my husband, I have decided it?s time to go back to college. It?s been just a little over 10 years since I took any classes so I?m kinda nervous about starting over again.

I?ll be studying Internet Marketing through Rasmussen College?s online program. As long as everything goes ok with my financial aid I?ll be starting classes in January and I can?t wait!!! Being able to go to school online has to be one of the greatest innovations ever! It?s going to so convenient and I would never have been able to study this if I was restricted to going to a real ?brick and mortar? type school. I love the internet :)

Since I?ll be studying Internet Marketing I?m gonna make more of an effort with this blog and will definitely be posting as I move through this new adventure. I?m still searching for my ?niche? for this blog, who knows, this might be it :) I have decided to work more on learning about how to market and make money off this blog as I move through the course. It would be fabulous to make enough money off it in the next two years so that once I?m finished with school I can just write on big check to the loan company and be done with them forever!! I don?t see that happening, but it?s fun to dream.

Be warned though, I?m sure I won?t always be happy about this decision so I may make nasty, mean or down right evil posts occasionally. LOL

There is also the possibility that promotional opportunity may be coming open at work which I would have to go for. If I get that then I will officially be biting off more than I can chew. But that?s ok. I work best under pressure, so bring it on!!

Beef And Broccoli With Garlic Sauce Recipe

1/2 pound beef boneless sirloin or round steak
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash white pepper
1 pound broccoli -- cut into flowerets and 1-1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (6 cloves)
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger root
2 tablespoons brown bean paste
1 (8 ounce) can sliced bamboo shoots -- drained
2 cups hot cooked rice

Trim fat from beef. Cut beef lengthwise into 2inch strips. Cut strips crosswise into 1/8inch slices. Toss beef with salt and white pepper. Place broccoli in 1 inch boiling water; heat to boiling. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Immediately rinse with cold water; drain. Mix cornstarch and soy sauce; stir in sesame oil and broth. Spray nonstick wok or 12inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium high heat until cooking spray starts to bubble. Add beef; stir fry about 2 minutes or until brown. Remove beef from wok. Cool wok slightly. Wipe clean and respray. Add oil and rotate wok to coat sides. Heat over medium high heat. Add garlic, ginger root and bean paste; stir fry 30 seconds. Add bamboo shoots; stir fry 20 seconds. Stir in beef and broccoli. Stir in cornstarch mixture; cook and stir about 30 seconds or until thickened. Serve over rice.

Deep Fried Carp is Eaten Alive

This video shows one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen. Who really wants to eat anything alive? I'm really not into sushi, let alone a partly cooked, live fish. YUCK!!!

Easy Poached Egg

This is so easy I make it at work for breakfast! Everyone thought I was nuts until the tried it too :) Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 large egg
1/8 tsp. white vinegar
1/3 cup water
Salt and pepper

Directions

Add the water and white vinegar to a 6 oz. custard cup. Break egg into cup, pierce egg yolk with toothpick, and cover dish loosely with plastic wrap. Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute or until desired doneness. You may need to experiment with cooking times based on the wattage of your microwave and taste preference. Immediately remove egg from hot water with a slotted spoon as it will continue to cook. Serve with salt and pepper to taste.

Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Chocolate Mousse

* 400g strong dark eating chocolate

* 150g unsalted butter

* 6 eggs


* 6 tbs sugar

* pinch of salt

* Separate the eggs, placing the whites into a roomy bowl.

* Break the chocolate into small pieces and put them in another roomy bowl set over a pan with a centimeter of barely simmering water. Add the butter and allow both to gently melt. Stir occasionally.

* In the meantime, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and whisk to the soft peak (floppy) stage.

* In a separate bowl, break up the yolks with sugar.

* When the chocolate and butter have melted and have been allowed to cool for a couple of minutes stir in the yolks.

* Cut and fold in the whites in three batches until seamlessly combined. Pour into ramekins and refrigerate for a couple of hours to set.

* Serve with strawberries, raspberries or whipped cream.

Submitted to MckLinky by:
Ave Taar - Visit their blog ~

Get hundreds of recipes and free blog tools at MckLinky.com - Submit your recipe here and include your blog address so people can visit you!

Friday Funnies :)

Here's a little humor for everyone. Enjoy!!

A blonde was swimming. She swam deeper and deeper until she drowned. Her husband came home and found her dead in the bathtub.

It was Grandpa Jones' 100th birthday and he was still in perfect health. At his birthday party he was asked how he managed to live so long and stay so fit. He explained "I put my long life down to spending so much time out of doors. I've been in the open air, day after day, rain or shine, for the last 75th years." "How do you manage to keep up such a rigorous fitness regime?" we asked. "It's simple" he said. "When I married my wife 75 years ago, we both made solemn pledge on our wedding night. We agreed that whenever we ever had a fight, whoever was proved wrong would go outside and take long walk."

Clash of the Titans Trailer

I am a huge fan of Clash of the Titans. The original might be a big dorky, but hey I'm sucker for all the Greek tragedies. The trailer for this new version looks awesome!! Check it out here

Blackwater Used Child Prostitutes

Even if there weren't already a hundred reason why this company should be dismantled here's another one. MSNBC's has reported that members of the company used child prostitutes while serving Iraq. These men need to be locked up and the keys thrown away. How can the US be the beacon of freedom for the world when we allow bastards like this to get away with such hideous crimes.

Jarlsberg Potato Dippers

Jarlsberg Potato Dippers

1 cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
1 cup instant potato flakes
1/2 teaspoon EACH black pepper and garlic powder
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Preheat oven to 375o. Mix cheese with potato and
seasonings; add broth and mix.
For lacy, crispy dippers, sprinkle mixture evenly on parchment-lined or (oil-sprayed) foil lining a 10x10-inch baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until brown around the edges. Break into free-form pieces.
For a more solid, flexible dipper, spread mixture on parchment or foil, patting down for an even layer. Bake 35 minutes or until beginning to brown. Invert on wire rack, peel off parchment and return to pan to bake 10 minutes more. Cut into 2-inch squares. Serve with your favorite salsa. Makes 25 pieces.

Shrimp Scampi recipe by Chef Bruno

This might be what we're having for supper tonight :)

Ingredients:
8 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, minced
32 pcs. large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
4 tbsp. parsley, fi nely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish
New York?s Finest Chef Bruno


Directions:
Rinse shrimp and set aside. Heat and melt the butter and olive
oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter
foams, stir in the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the
garlic is lightly golden (about 8 minutes). Do not let the garlic
brown. Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the shrimp
and salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning the shrimp once, until
they are pink. Add parsley and lemon juice; cook 1 minute more
(avoid overcooking). Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley
sprigs. Serves 4.

Mexican Meatballs

I came across this recipe while surfing around the web. It looks delicious and I can't wait to try it :)

Mexican Meatballs

Makes 20 appetizer servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs extra-lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/2 cup plain, dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup water
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes
1 chipotle chili in adobo
2 tsp canola oil
1 small onion, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

In large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, wheat germ, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, one third of minced garlic and water until blended. With hands, shape meat mixture into 3/4-inch meatballs.
In blender at low speed, blend tomatoes with their juice and chipotle chili until smooth.

In 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring often. Stir in cumin and remaining minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato mixture, chicken broth and 1/4 teaspoon salt; heat to boiling over high heat.

Add raw meatballs; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Place mixture in chafing dish and serve with cocktail picks. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Mechanical Turk

Recently I signed up to work at the Amazon site Mechanical Turk. The site provides a way for various people/companies to get small tasks done that computers just can't do. The premise is simple, to begin work you find a HIT: that fit your unique qualifications. (HITS are Human Intelligence Tasks, and for the purpose of the Amazon Mechanical Turk, these are tasks that other people are willing to pay you to do.) Complete the assigned task and then wait for the work to be approved. Once the work is approved you get paid. Simple enough :)

At any given time there are thousands of assignments available. These can range from looking up information, answering questions, rewriting articles or sentences, transcribing and more. Some of the HITs require qualifications. These qualifications can be gained either through taking different tests or simply requesting the qualification. Many of the HITs do require that you have a certain job acceptance percentage.

While there are some HITs that pay more than $1.00 each, the majority of them pay just a few pennies. However, with the easier ones that only pay a penny or two you can do a lot of them in a short amount of time. Generally, if a HIT is only paying a few cents and takes more than a few minutes to complete I just avoid them. I understand they are looking for cheap labor, but I do have a few standards. :)

This site is good for people looking for something to do in their spare time that will generate them a little extra cash. It's not a way to get rich! They have a $10 minimum earned level before you can cash out and if all you're doing is penny HITs then you have to do 10,000 before you can get some money out of it. Once you do reach a point where you want to cash out Amazon makes it very easy. They have various payment options including direct deposit to your bank account or even getting an Amazon gift certificate.

So far I've made a little money from this site, but nothing to write home about. I'm sure a person could make it a decent little side job if they were willing to put in the time and take the qualification tests that lead to higher paying tasks. Overall it's not that bad and I will keep going back. With the holidays approaching I need all the extra money I can get :)

Christopher Walken performs Lady Gaga's Poker Face

Donating to Kiva?

Many people donate to the organization Kiva in hopes of helping people get loans directly and not through some sort of bank or other micro-finance organization. However, that doesn't appear to be the case. Read this article from the NY Times for more information: Confusion Over Where Money Lent on Kiva Goes

Learn more about Kiva here: kiva.org

The History of Chain Letters

Here's a great little article I found about the history of chain letters. Click here to read it. You'll be surprised at how long these things have been around.

Rupert Murdoch says he will remove stories from Google as a way to encourage people to pay for content online.

Pumpkin Face Mask

Here's a great natural face mask. Give it a try and enjoy the nice clean feeling it brings. Plus, if you enjoy the smell of pumpkin you'll love this!!

Mix up a mask of your own by combining:
? Two tablespoons cooked (or canned) pumpkin
? One-half teaspoon organic honey
? A dash of organic milk or soy milk
? Optional: one-half teaspoon of brown sugar for extra exfoliation

Slather it on and allow to dry completely before rinsing off. Clean, open pores will put a smile on your face and allow you to follow up with your favorite natural moisturizer, promising ultra hydration that?s perfect for fall?s blustery winds.

Pres. Obama On Sesame Street

Pres. Obama opened the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. People might not agree on him or his performance, but as president I think it's fantastic that he took a few minutes for this wonderful show. Anything that teaches children about the little life lessons as well as the basics is worth supporting in my opinion.

Sesame Street!!

Congrats to Sesame Street turning 40! I remember watching this when I was a little kid. I use to have the coolest stuffed Cookie Monster! He was such a good friend :) Course, I did love Oscar the crouch too. As a grown up I really appreciate his unique look at life LOL Here are a few videos about this landmark program.

Dr. Oz's Children Won't Recieve the H1N1 Vaccine

Forklift Driver Causes Liquor Collapse

Educate a girl and change the world.

Supports Girl's Scholarship program

Gay marriage rebuttal stickers

I found this list of possible rebuttal stickers for the gay marriage opponents. It's a really great list of some of the most prominent people from the Bible and I love it :)

A theological poke at the bumper stickers that read "Marriage = 1 Man + 1 Woman".

Rebuttal stickers:

"Moses = 1 Man + 2 Women"

"Abraham = 1 Man + 3 Women"

"Esau = 1 Man + 4 Women"

"David = 1 Man + 7 Women"
(The number just keeps going people)

"Rehoboam = 1 Man + 18 Women"
(Holy crap! Now that's a playah)

"Ruth = 1 Woman + 1 Woman"

"Lot = 1 Man + 2 Daughters"
(WTF?)

"Marriage = Rape + 50 shekels"
(You better believe it bro)

What Are Some Of The Projects From The $787 Billion Stimulus Bill

The $787 billion stimulus bill was passed in February and was promised as a job saver and economy booster. Not sure if all of these will create new jobs. I know they could've sent me a bit of that and I would've done my part to stimulate the economy LOL

- $300,000 for a GPS-equipped helicopter to hunt for radioactive rabbit droppings at the Hanford nuclear reservation in Washington state.

- $30 million for a spring training baseball complex for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

- $11 million for Microsoft to build a bridge connecting its two headquarter campuses in Redmond, Wash., which are separated by a highway.

- $430,000 to repair a bridge in Iowa County, Wis., that carries 10 or fewer cars per day.

- $800,000 for the John Murtha Airport in Johnstown, Pa., serving about 20 passengers per day, to build a backup runway.

- $219,000 for Syracuse University to study the sex lives of freshmen women.

- $2.3 million for the U.S. Forest Service to rear large numbers of arthropods, including the Asian longhorned beetle, the nun moth and the woolly adelgid.

- $3.4 million for a 13-foot tunnel for turtles and other wildlife attempting to cross U.S. 27 in Lake Jackson, Fla.

- $1.15 million to install a guardrail for a persistently dry lake bed in Guymon, Okla.

- $9.38 million to renovate a century-old train depot in Lancaster County, Pa., that has not been used for three decades.

- $2.5 million in stimulus checks sent to the deceased.

- $6 million for a snow-making facility in Duluth, Minn.

- $173,834 to weatherize eight pickup trucks in Madison County, Ill.

- $20,000 for a fish sperm freezer at the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery in South Dakota.

- $380,000 to spay and neuter pets in Wichita, Kan.

- $300 apiece for thousands of signs at road construction sites across the country announcing that the projects are funded by stimulus money.

- $1.5 million for a fence to block would-be jumpers from leaping off the All-American Bridge in Akron, Ohio.

- $1 million to study the health effects of environmentally friendly public housing on 300 people in Chicago.

- $356,000 for Indiana University to study childhood comprehension of foreign accents compared with native speech.

- $983,952 for street beautification in Ann Arbor, Mich., including decorative lighting, trees, benches and bike paths.

- $148,438 for Washington State University to analyze the use of marijuana in conjunction with medications like morphine.

- $462,000 to purchase 22 concrete toilets for use in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri

- $3.1 million to transform a canal barge into a floating museum that will travel the Erie Canal in New York state.

- $1.3 million on government arts jobs in Maine, including $30,000 for basket makers, $20,000 for storytelling and $12,500 for a music festival.

- $71,000 for a hybrid car to be used by student drivers in Colchester, Vt., as well as a plug-in hybrid for town workers decked out with a sign touting the vehicle's energy efficiency.

- $1 million for Portland, Ore., to replace 100 aging bike lockers and build a garage that would house 250 bicycles.

Source: Washington Examiner

William Kamkwamba and Library Book on Windmills

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
William Kamkwamba
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

In The Know: Has Halloween Become Over Commercialized?

Here's a great video about Halloween from the Onion. They're take on the news is always great for a laugh :)

Meatless Mondays

The yummy pumpkin recipes below are all courtesy of Meatless Monday.com. It's a great site with tons of delicious recipes! Be sure to check it out :)

Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

Serves 1

* 1 6oz container Greek vanilla yogurt
* 1/4 cup canned pumpkin or roasted pumpkin pulp*
* ? teaspoon sugar
* 1 honey graham cracker, crumbled
* 2 teaspoons chocolate chips
* 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds

*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin pulp, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork.

Fill a small bowl with yogurt and sprinkle with 3/4 of the graham cracker.

Mix pumpkin with sugar and add to yogurt.

Garnish with remaining 1/4 crushed graham cracker, chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds.

Ravioli with Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Serves 8

For the pumpkin-sweet potato ravioli

* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
* pinch nutmeg
* dash of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 72 wonton wrappers**

*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.

**available in the refrigerated food or specialty food sections of most grocery stores.

For the pumpkin seed pesto

* 1/2 cup hulled green pumpkin seeds
* 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley
* 1 small clove garlic
* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* salt, to taste

To assemble the ravioli:

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Place about 6 wonton wrappers on your lightly floured work surface. Mound 1 tablespoon filling in the center and wet the edges of the wrappers with a little water. Place a second wrapper over the first, pressing down around the filling to expel any air. Seal the edges and trim the excess dough around the filling with a sharp knife or a decorative cookie cutter. Transfer the ravioli to a dry towel.

Repeat the process with the remaining wontons. Turn over the resting ravioli occasionally to let them dry slightly.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Do not let the water boil vigorously.

Cook the ravioli in batches of 8 to 12 for about 2 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are tender. Transfer the cooked ravioli to a dishcloth, cover and keep warm while you make the sauce.

To prepare the pesto:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven for 5 minutes. Let cool.

Combine seeds, parsley and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped.

With motor running, add oil in a steady stream and process until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.

Scrape mixture into a bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese, cayenne and cinnamon. Season with salt to taste.

To complete the dish:

Drizzle pumpkin-seed pesto on 3-5 raviolis per person. Finish the dish with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Curried Pumpkin Lentil Soup

Serves 3

* 1 small onion, sliced
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup red lentils
* 1 cup canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon garam masala**
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder, or to taste
* 1-2 apples, cubed or pureed
* salt/pepper to taste
* pomegranate molasses, for garnish***

*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.

**optional. Garam masala is a spice mix found in the Indian specialty shops or the ethnic food section of most grocery stores.

***optional. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup frequently used in Middle-Eastern cooking, which can be found in the specialty food or ethnic food sections of many grocery stores.

Line a medium pot with a thin layer of water.

Over medium-high heat, add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Add garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Add broth, lentils and apple pieces. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until lentils are orange and soft.

Add pumpkin, curry powder, cinnamon, garam masala, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.

Finish with a drizzle of pomegranate syrup and enjoy!

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins

Serves 18 (36 mini-muffins)

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin puree*
* 1/3 cup olive oil
* 2 large eggs
* 2 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice**
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
*please note that canned pumpkin is not the same as canned pumpkin pie filling, which should not be substituted. To make your own pumpkin puree, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and roast, cut side down, in a 400 degree oven for 50-60 minutes, or until pumpkin flesh is soft when poked as a fork. For the smoothest consistency, puree the roasted pumpkin pulp in a food processor or blender.

** if you can?t find pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon is a good substitute.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini-muffin pan with muffin cups.

Mix together pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin-pie spice, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until smooth.

Stir together the flours and baking powder.

Add dry ingredients the pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined.

Pour batter into each muffin cup, so that each cup is about 3/4 full.

Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until muffins are puffed and golden brown. When muffins are done, a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out clean.

20 Quotes from the Nonviolent Resistance

Mohandas Gandhi?s birthday is October 2nd. In honor of him, the United Nations in 2007 adopted this day to be International Day of Nonviolence. Here are some inspirational quotes to reflect on:

1. Nonviolence is an intensely active force when properly understood and used. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
2. If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
3. The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. ? Thich Nhat Hanh (1926- )
4. If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone, will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work. ? Thich Nhat Hanh (1926- )
5. I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving in. ? Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
6. As long as people use tactics to oppress or restrict other people from being free, there is work to be done. ? Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
7. To make peace with an enemy one must work with that enemy and that enemy becomes one?s partner. ? Nelson Mandela (1918- )
8. We fought injustice wherever we found it, no matter how large, or how small, and we fought injustice to preserve our own humanity. ? Nelson Mandela (1918- )
9. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. ? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
10. Today we struggle for the soul of our country. ? Charles Perkins (1936-2000)
11. If we?re full of hatred, we can?t really do our work. Hatred saps all that strength and energy we need to plan. ? Cesar Chavez (1927-1993)
12. I have nothing to lose by standing up and following my beliefs. So I?ll go to jail, so what? We?ve been in jail for 400 years. ? Muhammad Ali (1942- )
13. Our common humanity is more important than all the things that divide us. ? Mairead Corrigan (1944- )
14. Nonviolence is the weapon of the strong. ? Betty Williams (1943- )
15. You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right. ? Aung San Suu Kyi (1945- )
16. I believe history teaches us a categorical lesson: that once a people are determined to become free, then nothing in the world can stop them reaching their goal. ? Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931- )
17. We must not only speak about forgiveness and reconciliation ? we must act on these principles. ? Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931- )
18. I really do inhabit a system in which words are capable of shaking the entire structure of government, where words can prove mightier than ten military divisions. ? Vaclav Havel (1936- )
19. We are called to assist the earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own ? indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty, and wonder. ? Wangari Maathai (1940- )
20. We are constantly being astonished these days at the amazing discoveries in the field of violence. But I maintain that far more undreamt of and seemingly impossible discoveries will be made in the field of nonviolence. ? Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)

I found this list at Reach And Teach's Just Lists They've got tons of interesting facts and is definitely worth checking out.

Quote of the Day:

All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

Arthur Schopenhauer
German philosopher (1788 ? 1860)

Gold Canyon Scent Recipe

Here's a new scent recipe for everyone to try:

To maximize your fragrant experience, use the exact sizes and quantities noted in each recipe – a slight alteration can be like adding salt when you needed sugar.

FIRST: Arrange the candles on a heat-safe surface with the largest in the middle and smaller candles interspersed throughout. For votive and tealight candles, use a holder to protect the surface.

SECOND: Place each candle approximately two inches apart in your arrangement.

THIRD: Light each candle and let the aromas mingle for at least 30 minutes to create your new fragrance experience.

Featured Blend:
Cinna-Morning Blend

The wafting scent of a sweet breakfast will entice your senses every time. A combination of alluring aromas from the coffee house, freshly baked vanilla and spicy cinnamon creates the perfect Cinna-Morning blend. Sit back, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of a warm winter morning.

* Caramel Macchiato - 17 oz.
* Cinnamon votives - 3
* Birthday Cake – 16 oz. Bella
* Cinnamon Vanilla – 5 oz.

Quote of the Day:

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas Edison

How Smart is your right foot?

This is hysterical. You have to try this. It is absolutely true. I guess there are some things that the brain cannot handle.
I could not believe this! It is from an orthopaedic surgeon............. This will confuse your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It is pre-programmed in your brain!

1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so. :)

It's Monday again....

I really hate Monday's. It's always so dreary knowing I've got a full week of work ahead of me. Oh well, I'll make it :) Plus, it's the beginning of the month, so I have work that lets me spend a bit of time goofing off and blogging while the programs run!

Need a great fundraiser?

Gold Canyon has a great fund raising program and with free shipping it's even better!! For the first time ever, organizations that hold fundraisers of $2,500 or
more between November 1 and December 15 will receive FREE shipping on
their fund raising order with no limit to the number of orders they can
place! Check this out to see what Gold Canyon can do for you!! Contact me for more information :)

Looking for extra cash?

If you're looking for a little extra cash then Gold Canyon is the company for you! They have just announced the return of the stimulus starter package. With this package you can join for only $20!! You get everything you need to get started in this great opportunity! The package also includes a personal GC website and email free for 90-days! Once you have party sales of either $350 or $700 then you're automatically upgraded to the next starter package! You don't have to do anything, GC will just send it to :) The starter package is only available through November so don't miss out!! Sign up today!!

If you want to get all the great products immediately then you can go for either the full demonstrator or sampler kits. Contact me for more information or with any questions you may have.

1. FULL DEMONSTRATOR KIT
3 Easy Payments of $49.99* (or earn it FREE with $700* sales)
WAS $175, NOW $149.97
2. SAMPLER KIT
3 Easy Payments of $24.99* (or earn it FREE with $350* sales)
WAS $99, NOW $74.97

Quote of the day

I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog: "No good in a bed, but fine against a wall."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

What's Your Favorite Gold Canyon Scent?

Let me know what your favorite Gold Canyon candle scent is! Mine is clean sheets :) It just makes everything smell so nice and fresh.