Graduations and weddings are just around the corner. As these special ocassions approach, remember to order your invitations with plenty of time.
The Ocassions Group is one of our favorites. They offer a wide variety of invitation styles and even have designs and cards that go with your “Go Green” attitude. 
Start your celebration with The Ocassion Group!
Filed under: Going Green on March 25th, 2009 | No Comments »
Presidents Day was originally created to celebrate the birth of George Washington, our first president but it has become a day to commemorate more than one president. This Presidents Day we can take time to teach our children about your favorite president and even celebrate it with a variety of activities. Some of which can be found on Kaboose.com.
One of my favorites is the little log cabin. Simple supplies you have around the house go into making this lovely little cabin: pretzels, crackers, and one of my favorites, Rolos chocolate.
We hope you take a moment to visit Kaboose.com for the complete instructions and enjoy making one with your kids and have a Happy Presidents Day.
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Inspiration: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Filed under: Inspirational Parenting, Marvelous Monday on February 16th, 2009 | No Comments »
Sharing of valentine cards is a yearly tradition. In school we trade cards and candy, even at work we share cupcakes and anecdotes. And in our families, we share words of love, beautiful meals and maybe a poem or two?
Several years ago we shared the story of St. Valentine and how Valentine began and today, I’d love to share it with you.
The story of Valentine’s Day begins in the third century with an
oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The
emperor was Claudius II Gothicus. The Christian was Valentinus.Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship the state religion’s
idols, and he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate
with Christians.But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ, and not even
the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.During the last weeks of Valentinus’s life a remarkable thing
happened. One day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome knocked at
Valentinus’s door clutching his blind daughter in his arms. He had
learned of Valentinus’s medical and spiritual healing abilities, and
appealed to Valentinus to treat his daughter’s blindness. She had
been blind since birth.Valentinus knew her condition would be difficult to treat but he gave
the man his word he would do his best. The little girl was examined,
given an ointment for her eyes and a series of re-visits were scheduled.Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his
daughter, Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons.
Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read
stories of Rome’s history to her. He described the world of nature
to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw
the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found
comfort in his quiet strength.‘Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?’ Julia said one day.
‘Yes, my child, He hears each one, ‘he replied.
‘Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night?
I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you’ve
told me about!’‘God does what is best for us if we will believe in Him,’ Valentinus
said.‘Oh, Valentinus, I do believe,’ Julia said intensely. ‘I do.’ She
knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying.Several weeks passed and the girl’s sight was not restored. Yet the
man and his daughter never wavered in their faith and returned each
week.Then one day, Valentinus received a visit from Roman soldiers who
arrested him, destroyed his medicines and admonished him for his
religious beliefs. When the little girl’s father learned of his arrest
and
imprisonment, he wanted to intervene but there was nothing he could do.On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia -
knowing his execution was imminent. Valentinus asked the jailer
for a paper, pen and ink. He quickly jotted a farewell note and
handed it to the jailer to give to his blind daughter. He urged her
to stay close to God, and he signed it ‘From Your Valentine.’ His
sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 AD, near
a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.When the jailer went home, he was greeted by his little girl. The
little girl opened the note and discovered a yellow crocus inside.
The message said, ‘From your Valentine.’ As the little girl looked
down upon the crocus that spilled into her palm she saw brilliant
colors for the first time in her life! The girl’s eyesight was restored!
A miracle!He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It
is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near
his grave.Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and
friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint
Valentine’s Day. On each Valentine’s Day, messages of affection,
love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.
May you share this beautiful story of Valentine with your loved ones. It brings a new appreciation to an already beautiful day!
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Inspiration: “Giving love to all, feeling the love of God, seeing His presence in everyone… that is the way to live in this world.” ~Paramahansa Yogananda
Filed under: Inspirational Parenting, Promoting Peace on February 14th, 2009 | No Comments »
One of my favorite inspirational people is Abraham Lincoln. It’s hard to pick just one quote from a man who changed the course of American history, but I will give it my best. He was the embodiment of someone who promoted peace.
“The way for a young man to rise is to improve himself in every way he can, never suspecting that anybody wishes to hinder him.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Have a beautiful day!
Love, Peace, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Filed under: Promoting Peace, Thoughtful Thursday on February 12th, 2009 | No Comments »
So you’re trying to find a little inspiration to start (or keep) you on your exercise program? Here are a few things to contemplate to get you moving and help you giggle
1. Late one night I found myself saying, “I’m not tired, I think I’ll workout?” Seriously. I can honestly say that after a video workout for an hour, I WAS tired!
2. I noticed on one of my videos, the instructor seemed to make poutty faces at herself in the mirror (a friend pointed this out to me). I told her it was to burn more calories, so now when we work out, we pout when she pouts.
3. One of the best ways to get nice abs…laughter. Ok, maybe not, but did you know that volunteers who were tested for calorie burn during laughter versus a time when they were not laughing actually burned 20% more calories when they were? That’s no laughing matter! Ok, maybe it is.
It doesn’t really matter what your reason is to get you moving, the thing is to get moving!
This Friday is National Wear Red Day and I’m planning on wearing red AND my little Red Dress Pin. But more than that, I’m planning on working out!
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Inspiration: “Everyone can support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing read. It’s a simple, powerful way to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.” American Heart Association
Filed under: Fitness, Wacky Wednesday on February 4th, 2009 | No Comments »
I came across this recipe on Vegetarian Times and the title alone captured my attention!
The article spoke of quiche and how this tasty dish can be prepared 24-48 hours prior to serving. This too caught my attention because many times I like to cook on Sunday and we have the left overs on Monday or Tuesday. It’s a real treat to get home and know all you have to do is warm something up and you have a delicious meal.
Vegetarian Times Mushroom and Spinach Quiche recipe combined two ingredients I already loved. A feature that you will find on the recipe link is the nutritional content of the quiche. This comes in handy if you are following a nutrition plan.
Here in LA the forecast is for cloudy skies and showers. So I’m going to take the time to make a few for us to enjoy on these cold wet days ahead.
Enjoy!
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Quote: “Remember even though the outside world might be raining, if you keep on smiling the sun will soon show its face and smile back at you.” ~Anna Lee
Filed under: Tasty Tuesday on February 3rd, 2009 | No Comments »
I remember when I saw this photo of the “Little Ghost” and I feel it fits perfectly with the thought of creativity.
Have a great Monday!
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Inspiration: “Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.” ~Bo Bennett
Filed under: Marvelous Monday on February 2nd, 2009 | No Comments »
Can only mean one thing! Crepes!
I was on a roll recently cooking and baking and finally got to try out a NEW crepe recipe. This one was a little different than the other one I had used. It was very simple with only 4 ingredients and they really were delicious!
Ingredients: 3 eggs, 1.5 C flour, 1.5 C Milk, pinch of salt.
I mixed the ingredients together and set aside. In a nonstick skillet melt some butter over medium heat. Pour batter into skillet and ‘twirl’ it all around the bottom of the pan to cover and create a large, thin circle. Let cook for a minute or so and flip. Stack on a plate as you finish cooking the rest of the batter.
With this recipe I didn’t set it aside to let the bubbles settle and the crepes did not tear when they were ready. I liked that I didn’t have to wait for that additional step.
Now that your crepes are ready, what do we put inside? Some things that come to mind are: Nutella (this is a must ), ripe strawberries, bananas, peaches, any fruit really. Top by drizzling Nutella and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Hope you are able to try and enjoy this simpler recipe!
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Inspiration: “We wanted to do something unique. And crepes go so well with good coffee.” ~Gus Gonzalez (Owner of Cafe and Crepes)
Filed under: Tasty Tuesday on January 27th, 2009 | No Comments »
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited was Lake Tahoe. Fannette Island sits peacefully in Emerald Bay and is breathtaking from the roads above.
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Today’s Inspiration: “We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power.. the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.” ~Patrick Henry
Filed under: Marvelous Monday on January 26th, 2009 | No Comments »
Kids say the dardest things, here’s a cute anecdote sure to bring you a smile.
My mother taught for 11 years at a day-care center. One winter afternoon she was trying to show a young boy how to zip up his coat. “The secret,” Mom said, “is to get this piece of the zipper to fit in the other side before you try to zip it up.”
After struggling with the zipper for several minutes, the boy sighed and said, “Why does it have to be a secret?”
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Peace, Love, Joy,
Crystal Peace
Filed under: Wacky Wednesday on January 21st, 2009 | No Comments »
