Work At Home

Hi everyone! Over the past few weeks I have been researching and applying for legitimate work at home jobs. With these jobs you can make $13-$18 an hour. You act as an independent contractor and need a land line and high-speed internet. You make your own hours except for the training portion. So far I'll be working to at two agencies: LiveOps and Plieo. I have applied to others but these worked best for me and what I feel most comfortable with.  

Pleio GoodStart® is a practical adherence support system that helps patients improve their medication routine. Esstentially you will be making cold calls and reading from a script (somewhat). They require some medical and customer service experience. Each call made needs to last 5 minutes and you will earn 3 to 4 bucks a call. This company does have opportunities for advancement and you will continually be learning new information for a variety of contracts. Anytime you have the chance to learn about a new contract and take the class do so, that way you have the opportunity to extend your 12 week mark. 

LiveOps 
Basically liveops is a virtual call center that host a variety of contracts. Your customers see a product they would love to buy off TV, in a magazine, or a shopping network. You will guide them through the process and offer additional services for a great cost. Customer service is vital for this company. You will feel comfortable once you understand your customers needs. You will get .20 to .25 per call. That comes to $13-$15 an hour. The most agents have made with this company averages to 1,500-2000 a month. 

Another interesting company to work for is Lionbridge they are an ad accessor company. You would make 13.50 an hour. They would like you to work at little as 10 hours and a much a 20 hours per week. 

The last one I would like to mention is Virtual Bee, you have to pass their typing assessment and mark in the 100th percentile. It's a data entry position and you get paid for every piece you do. 

If your interested in other job opportunities checkout the website www.workersonboard.com, she will also let you know who has legitimate work and who does not pay. The only downside of being an independent contractor would be paying for your own background check, also you get taxed at 33% and have to do your own taxes.  I will keep you updated on my experience with this company. I should start taking calls after the new year due to the holidays and such.

Four Keys of Wisdom: Part 4

Sorry for the lack of post, the past week has been difficult at best with illness and a family emergency. Although God provided and covered us with His healing strength and power. I can only be humbled by His timing and how He works in our lives. Today I wanted to finish up my Four Keys of Wisdom series. This devotional came at the right time and could not be more true. Enjoy!

Proverbs 30:24-28 "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

"Conies are rock dwelling rabbits. They are only mentioned two other times in the Bible. Leviticus 11:5 marks them as unclean animals under the Old Law. Psalms 104:18 simply states that they take refuge in the rocks. Going back to Proverbs 30:26, we also learn that conies are feeble creatures.

The conies are considered wise because they take refuge in the rocks. A refuge is a safe place. The conies use the rocks as a fortress to protect themselves from predators. The rocks give these feeble animals strength and utilizing that strength is their wisdom.

We, being feeble creatures, must also be weary of predators. In 1 Peter 5:8 Satan is likened to a roaring lion searching for someone to devour. That text also identifies him as our enemy. We must be watching for our enemy's advances. Matthew 26:41 says to watch and pray so not to enter into temptation. If we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7).

We, being feeble, need the strength of the Rock to protect us from Satan. Christ is that Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4). Christ is also referred to as a Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20), the base for which all other stones are laid. Jesus likens those that follow him to a man that builds his house on a rock foundation. Those that do not follow are likened to a man building his house on sand. The solid rock foundation supports the house as Christ supports us. The other house, however, collapses onto the sand when the storm of temptation comes (Matthew 7:24-27). If we build our lives on and take refuge in Christ, the solid Rock and Foundation, we will stand strong when the storms of temptation come. We will still, however, face temptations and have the choice to fall or to stand firm. Christ is our Rock, our Foundation, our Refuge and our Strength." - http://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2005/jun/page3.htm

Christmas Treat Extravaganza

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making homemade sweets and treats for my family. There are some recipes I mix up every year that surprise and delight their taste-buds . While others steal the show and are expected. Honestly these recipes are gathered from online using All Recipes and Pinterest but I think you will enjoy. This year will be a little different because I'll have some gluten free recipes, diabetic friendly recipes, and sweet and savory recipes.

Adult Treats:
Buckeyes (A peanutbutter truffle dipped in chocolate)
Oatmeal Cookies w/ Cranraisens and White Chocolate (I use cranraisins instead of raisins and add white chocolate. You can add anything to oatmeal cookies. It's just like Christmas bark have fun!)
Christmas Crack
Sweetened Pecans

Children:
Rice Krispies dipped in icing I use the original recipe and melt white chocolates. Once chocolate is melted I make two smaller balls and mix in red and green food coloring. I sprinkle the red and green over the white. 
Buckeyes
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Crack

Diabetic Friendly:
Oatmeal Cookies
I use Splenda as a substitute and leave out the white chocolate 
Sweetened Pecans
Chocolate Candy Clusters 
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free:
When buying all the ingredients for Christmas this year I made sure to pick up Gluten Free cereals, peanut butter, marshmellows, and chocolate. Kellog's has a variety of cereals that are gluten free. Just make sure you pick up the right box. Always read the labels. Food Lion also specializes in Gluten Free with condiments (extra side note). Make sure to check your seasoning, salt, and every item you use. I typically bake everything separate or only the gluten free items first so not to contaminate their food with gluten by accident. I also do this for the diabetic treats. 
Hersheys Chocolate 

Buck Eyes
Candy Clusters (marshmallows, pecans, chocolate)
Gluten Free Brownies 
Sweetened Pecans.

Wedding Vendor Showcase

Hi everyone! Sorry for the evening post,  usually I like to have them ready first thing in the morning but I digress. Today I wanted to showcase my all time favorite companies I worked with throughout the wedding. Also I do apologize for the fonts and the style of the post today I was having trouble with coding and getting stuff transferred. Just click on the name of the vendor and everything will pop up regarding their business.

PaulaJeansGarden

Paula Jean is a lavender farmer and artist. Her  farm is located in a pretty river valley near the small town of Paradise, Montana. She specializes in  dried flowers arrangements, crowns, and anything concerning your wedding that needs a floral arrangement. Not only are her arrangements beautiful but they smell amazing. Furthermore you can send her a picture of how you want your bouquet arranged and she will make your dreams come true.  I was able to get 7 bridesmaids bouquets, bridal bouquet, flower crown, and 600 stems of lavender for around $300. Compared to local vendors that wanted to charge me over $1000.

                                                                                                        

Woman Land

Michelle Saimui is based out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When my bridesmaids ordered from her store I was worried that it would take a month before they would receive their dress. To my surprise I received text after text about the girls getting their dresses in as little as 2 weeks. Her dresses are simple yet elegant with a variety of colors to choose from. Also the style she specializes in are the infinity dresses where your bridesmaids have the same essential style but their tops can go a variety of ways. Now you are paying around $88-$100 per dress but the convenience is definitely worth it. My issue was I had bridesmaids that lived in different states and no where near me. So I needed something easy and efficient. I contacted Michelle and she created a page so my wedding party could request a dress and send their measurements in. Also her dresses look amazing on any figure. I  

wanted my girls to feel beautiful and look 

beautiful on my special day.

.

Morris Productions

Morris Productions is ran by an amazing duo, Josh Morris and Amber Tyson.  I’ve had the pleasure of watching Josh grow in his craft as he falls more in love with the work he does. So far I’ve had a few pictures released from their company and I’m more than satisfied with their work.  I’m still waiting on the remainder of my pictures which I will post as soon as I get them.  I would like to say they are a perfect team.  I told them exactly how I wanted my pictures, and what images and styles I loved best.  They were affordable but you will need to message them concerning pricing information. I’m sure if you live out of state they would be interested in assisting with any of your photography needs.  I plan on using them in the future for holiday and family photos.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonalizedGiftsbyJ

For amazing embroidered items check out Personalized gifts by J.  I ordered totes for my bridesmaids at the last minute and was worried about getting them on time. To my surprise I received beautiful embroidered totes in as little as 2 week. This vendor is quick, talented, and able to get what you need at no extra charge.

Dress Baby Beautiful
I had the hardest time trying to find the same dress to fit both of my flower girls. I looked in stores, over the internet, and nothing. I decided to go with Dress Baby Beautiful because I was able to give her my flower girl's measurements and she created a beautiful dress that looked amazing on each flower girl. I did accessorize with shawls, cowgirl boots, and a lilac ribbon to give it some umph. When ordering, make sure you give her at least a month to get everything ready and delivered to your home. (Better pics coming soon!)

Andrea Sauls
Word's can't express how much I loved my cake, the cake stand, and how the cake table was decorated. Andrea not only makes your wedding cake but she has a gift for decorating and organizing weddings.She teamed up with my maid of honor when it came to decorating the church and reception hall. All I have to say is, I was blown away at how naturally wedding inspiration comes to her.

Four Keys of Wisdom: Part 3

Proverbs 30:24-28 "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

 Solomon begins by stating that ants are "not strong." In comparative terms this is true. After all, I can simply step on an ant and crush him! Although the ants have amazing strength. Have you ever watched an ant carrying food? I remember in Environmental Biology having to collect these tireless creatures and watch as they gathered copious amounts of food for their colony. Their tireless and strong. In fact, ants can carry ten to fifty times their own weight! More importantly Solomon want’s us to see how ants are constantly making preparation for the future. They never rest and our in constant motion. In Proverbs 6:6-8, the "sluggard" is warned to pattern himself after the ant:

 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

 Furthermore ants are armored by a thick outer shell called the “chitin” which protects them from their surroundings and is a contributor to their overall strength.Similarly, as Christians we are told to “take unto the whole armour of God” in Ephesians 6:13.

 "...take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" Ephesians 6:13.

 Like the ant, we must constantly prepare. We must tirelessly go about the work of the Lord. "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" John 9:4.

Four Keys of Wisdom Series
Part 1
Part 2

My Favorite Chili Recipe

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed your travels. Matthew and I had a small Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday and hit the open road to visit loved ones on Thursday. I'm thankful for these moments especially snuggling up with my nieces and nephews whenever the opportunity allows. On another note this weekend was the beginning of Advent. I love our church and the congregation, they take so much effort in helping the community and enjoyed celebrating Christ birth and presenting the "Hanging of the Greens." I wish I could load all the pictures from our visit to our first Christmas tree but I wanted to share a few. Enjoy the pictures and the recipe it's a go to when we want comfort on a cold and relaxed day

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef, turkey, or chicken

1/2 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5) can of diced tomatoes

1 can of diced green chilies

1 Large can of kidney beans (optional if you're on a low carb diet)

1 14 1/2 ounce can beef broth (or half a 32-ounce box)

2 tablespoons of sugar

1/2 cup chili powder

3 tablespoons of minced garlic

2 Tablespoons cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional

1/2 tsp black pepper

Saute onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Once onions are translucent add ground beef. Drain and rinse once meat is browned, and return meat to stock pot Add remaining ingredients and simmer at least 2 hours on stove top.

I typically have hash-browns or a pot of rice cooking. I love pouring the chili over-top and adding cheese with sour cream. Matthew and I love this recipe because it’s even better served as leftovers. I would definitely suggest making this on a cold day when you can stay inside and watch Netflix.

The Full Figured and Fabulous Black Friday Blowout

I was a wee bit excited to share this post and could not wait!!! Here is a selection of all plus-size designers and stores that will be offering amazing Black Friday deals. Enjoy! 

Addition Elle: Up to 50% off select items

Ashley Stewart: 35% off entire online store through Thanksgiving, check site for Black Friday deals.

ASOS: 25% off party wear

Avenue: 50% off select coats and 40% off storewide

Bare Necessities: Buy one get one free 50% off plus take additional 20% off with code BPP20

BedHead Pajamas:Black Friday $69 or less

Big Girls Bras:  $20 off use coupon code 20black100

City Chic: currently all clearance buy one get one free  

Dorothy Perkins: Free standard shipping when you spend $50 with code DPSHIP50 Also having a mid season sale 50% off select items.

Eddy and Bri: taking around 33% off select items

eDressMe: designer dresses up to 80% off

Eloquii: sale up to 70%

Evans: Up to 40% off everything

Fashion To Figure: 7 days of black friday!

Forever 21+: 7 days of black friday then check their site on black friday for major deals!

Full Beauty: customer favorite bras up to 25% off

Hips and Curves: 50% off select items

Jessica London: 40% off your entire order use promo code JLCYBERTREAT

Jibri

Jill Alexander Designs check shop for details

Kiyonna: 30% orders $150 or more use promo code GOBBLE30

Kmart: 30% off womens attire

Lane Bryant: buy one get one 50% off almost everything.

Macy’s: extra 20-40% off clearance, 15-50% off womens plus size attire.

Modcloth: Everyday till black friday a batch of new items goes on sale!

Penningtons: Check daily for details 15-50%

Qristyl Frazier Designs: Black Friday starts now! Use code BF20 to get everything 20% off site wide.

Rachel Pally: check daily for deals

Rafaella: take an additional 40% off your entire purchase

Sears: 50% off plus size clothing

Spanx Free Shipping and Returns with code: FSFR14 check daily for specials!

Sydneys Closet: check daily for deals from black friday to cyber monday

Torrid: check for updated sales from now till cyber monday

Woman Within: 40% off almost everything

Four Keys To Wisdom Part 2

Today we continue our study on “Solomon's Four Keys of Wisdom.” Last week I talked about the perseverance of the spider and how she would do anything to stay in the kings palace. This week we’ll look at the locusts ever changing personality and how they join together as a unity of one. While I was  researching today's bible verse I found a great sermon/devotional that I wanted to share from “Let God Be True.”

“God made the desert locust a special creature with a changing personality. It teaches you a valuable lesson about success and happiness in life. Ordinarily very reclusive and solitary, this animal minds its own business, ventures about only at night, and meets other locusts only for brief mating encounters. However, when the situation calls for it, they change dramatically in color and even more drastically in social behavior, becoming very friendly and group oriented, creating huge swarms for their mutual benefit.

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He could talk in detail about things like trees and insects (I Kings 4:29-34). He knew all about the desert locust, and he used it to teach the value of joining together with others. God created you to be a social creature, and you will only maximize your potential by using the societies he created for you, which are family, school, marriage, church, friends, business, and nation. He also said, "Two are better than one … and a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccl 4:9-12). He gave four glorious advantages to using your societies to your advantage.

The wisdom to be learned is the advantage of numbers and unity. Society is better than individuality. Solomon taught, "Two are better than one … and a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccl 4:9-12). Every person with a decent spouse knows that marriage is certainly better than being single (Gen 2:18; Eccl 9:9). This fact is obvious to wise men, regardless of the modern babbling about the blessings and virtue of the single life.

There are four advantages to human society, or the gathering of individuals into a group (Eccl 4:9-12). First, they can share the rewards of labor and prosperity. Second, when one has difficulties, the others can help him. Third, their different abilities are synergistic and result in greater productivity. And fourth, they can defend against greater enemies.

Regardless of how you feel about others, you cannot do nearly as much or as well by yourself, as you can with the assistance of others. And you will be a whole lot happier in the exchange, for there is great pleasure in the group dynamics of saints, especially when assisted by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ps 133:1-3). Let God and the locusts be true!”

Thanksgiving Recipe Haul

Candied Yams 
I tried this recipe when I hosted my very first Thanksgiving dinner for twenty family members. Everyone was nervous they would not cook in time but I assure you they were quick and easy to make. Also very delicious. The only thing I added was a little nutmeg. I feel like cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg are staples during the Thanksgiving holiday. You can also cook sweet potatoes this way, drain and rinse then mash them or puree them for a sweet potato casserole. 

This is as close to my Grandmas recipe that I can get. For those of you that see the liver and are going "Ewwwww!" Let me tell you a little story. Often when making the plain and liver stuffing, I forget to label the pans. When it's time to eat, no one can tell the difference so they end up eating the liver stuffing. (When they had sworn never to eat liver.) The liver provides this wonderful rich smooth texture that blends nicely with the bread and vegetables. 

Homemade Stuffing
30 Slices White Bread, lightly toasted           2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter                                   2 teaspoons of sage
1 large onion, finely chopped                     1 teaspoon garlic or garlic powder
2 stalks celery, finely chopped 
1 pint chicken livers (optional) 
   salt and pepper to taste 
2 eggs, lightly beaten

1. Allow the toasted bread to sit approximately 24 hours, until hard. 

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

3. Crush the bread into crumbs with a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a large bowl. 

4. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat., Stir in the onion, garlic if fresh, celery and chicken livers slowly cook until soft and no pink in middle for livers.  Remove from heat and drain. Finely chop livers. 

5. Mix the eggs and chicken broth into the bread crumbs. The mixture should be moist, but not mushy. Use water, if necessary, to attain desired consistency. Mix in the onion, celery, sage, garlic, salt and pepper. 

6.  Press the mixture into the baking dish. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the top is brown and crisp. (This recipe freezes well so you can make it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.) 

Old Fashioned Collard Greens

This recipe is exactly how my grandparents cooked collard greens. Although my Grandma Charlie would cook with bacon grease instead. If your wanting to be super healthy during the holiday season just simmer the collards in some low fat chicken broth and oil. 

1 1/2 quarts water
1 1/2  pounds ham hocks (or add bacon grease) 
4 pounds collard greens, rinsed and trimmed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

1. Place the water and the ham hock in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to very low and simmer covered for 30 minutes. 

2. Add the collards then simmer covered for about 2 hours , stirring occasionally. 

3. Add the vegetable oil and simmer covered for 30 minutes. 

4. Drain collards and begin to chop within bowl till your desired consistency. 

Green Bean Casserole 

I found this recipe on All Recipes and served it for my family, they LOVED IT. I promise I will never post recipes I haven't tried or they aren't simply delicious. With that said this is one of my go to recipes so enjoy.

Dream Closet: Business Couture

Happy Friday Everyone! This weeks dream closet is dedicated to our 9-5 working woman. Who wants to add a little designing flare to her everyday business attire. Today I'm pulling from Jibri they bring the perfect physical report for the full figured and business savvy woman.

While perusing through their online Etsy store I was reminded of  my favorite 80's TV show and movie; Designing Woman and 9-5 with an undertone of today's executive woman. I find their designs not only appealing but inspirational for the confidant fashionista.

Favorite Things: Secret Six

Today I have treat for you. While, most of you come here for the food, faith, and fashion; I am also a colossal nerd and love comic books. So in honor of my mini-honeymoon with my husband at NC Comic-con, I am going to write about my favorite comic book.  Just to make those of you who are not aware, I don't care much for those sissy heroes but am in love with the diabolical villains. Who so often steal the story out from under the feet of those heroes. More specifically I love stories of villains that come together to form a team for a common interest. The team I am talking about is the Secret Six. This is a team of a rotating  roster of villains that are highly trained mercenaries, with only one goal in mind, getting paid. This team began in 1968 and closed in 1969 after nearly every member died but was reestablished two more times in 2006 and 2008.  This motley crew of villains received their orders from a mysterious figured code name Mockingbird. Who is this Mockingbird? None of them know but all assume it is one of the other five members. All together this is one of my favorite teams and in total span three volumes and forty-nine issues.  Ranked 4th best comic of the decade and houses some of my favorite villains

Wedding: My Favorite Tips

Hi everyone, I wanted to apologize for my lack of post on Monday and Tuesday.  So much has occurred from getting married to my grandfather coming home from the nursing home. Today I wanted to share some pictures and my favorite tips. Over the next few Wednesdays I will cover all things wedding. Enjoy!

1. Write down your wedding budget and double that number. Honestly we had a $1000 budget at the beginning then we easily surpassed that after buying my dress, food, and  covering various expenses.
2. I had a lot of people willing to help make our wedding a success. I stuck to my guns because I wanted everyone to have an opportunity to help out. I focused on what their talents and skills were and from there I assigned task.
3. Going along with #2,when picking your bridal party make sure you pick folks that are going to be there for you when times get critical or hectic. During my rehearsal I had a panic attack (b/c I have social anxiety) and my bridesmaids with my parents and fiance’ worked together to get me back to the hotel room and relax. Also just keeping me focused.
4. A lot of people are going to want to put their input in regarding your day. Just know they love you and just want to help out. Know when to set healthy loving boundaries and that your wedding day is all about you and your husband.
   

   

   
   
5. Try and make your centerpieces from scratch as much as you can. If you're not that crafty have someone in your wedding party or family that is. My in-laws are very crafty along with a few of my bridesmaids.
6. Order your table clothes online it’s cheaper than having to rent them. Use placemats instead of overlays sometimes that comes out cheaper. I had burlap placemats that cost 100 bucks for 70.
7. Utilize Facebook's wedding yardsale groups for buying or selling.
8. If you are a plus-sized bride make sure you get a photographer that knows how to photograph you and you feel comfortable around. Shout out to Morris Productions they were amazing an amazing team and  fueled each others creativity.  
9. Buy your flowers online, I know your thinking how in the world but I ordered these amazing dried lavender and wheat flowers from Etsy. Instead of paying over a $1000 I paid $240 and received 600 stems of lavender, 7 bridesmaid bouquets and my bouquet. They smelled amazing and fit my vintage theme.  Also I got my babies breath from Lowes foods for $42. (12 bushels)
10. If you have no money for your honeymoon wait till after the reception and if need be book your honeymoon for a later date.
11. If you don't have a wedding planner delegate someone to be the official announcer to help guide wedding guest and plan your walk down the aisle. TRUST ME!!! Also let all parties know about this individual ahead of time. (Preacher, Wedding Party, Family..ect)
    

    

    
    
12. Be prepared for your timeline from engagement to wedding to be skewed. We had a had a lot of circumstances happen that were out of our control. From designing the engagement ring to engagement photos.
13. Engagement photos, we were supposed to have them professionally done then I got sick, Matthew could not get off work, then we had no more free time. So my bridesmaid took the photos and I used PicMonkey to photoshop and edit. It worked and I think they came out pretty good.
14. Be prepared for more guest to come. We sent our RSVP’s with stamps, yet over half of our guest list did not respond back. I thought maybe...40 would come if that and we ended up with 55-60 guest overall
15. If you have introverted family members on both sides of your family, do some assigned seating. I wanted our families to mingle and not just sit with folks they already knew. I'm happy they were able to get to know one another. Although be prepared for people not to follow assigned seating. At the end of the day you will be happy you're married and have the love of your life sitting next to you.
16. Find a church you really don't have to decorate to much.