Disclaimer: I am not a dietitian and my recipes have not been certified by a nutritionist. My recipes are not totally carb-free. However, I am blessed to report we have begun to lose weight since we've reduced our carb intake. I'm not trying to diet as much as I am trying to change the way I eat. My hubby and I are low carbing it by removing a carb at each meal. For example, no toast at breakfast and no rice or potatos at dinner. Whenever we do eat them (carbs), they are low in portion amounts. Once again, along with exercise, this is working for us. It might not work for you. So you decide what's best.
I must say, these stuffed peppers are low in carbs and are slap yo momma good!
Ingredients
4 Bell Peppers (washed with tops and seeds removed)
1 lb Jimmy Dean Maple Sausage
1cup (divided into two equal parts) Shredded Cheese (we used velveeta queso blanco)
1/4 tsp Chili powder
1/4 cup Bacon Bits
1/4 cup Fried Onions (optional)
1/3 cup Sun dried tomato
Parsley
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
On medium heat, crumble and cook sausage until done. In a separate bowl combine chili powder, 1/2 cup cheese, bacon bits, parsley and sun dried tomato. Mix well.
Spoon mixture in pepper halves.
Top with fried onions and remaining cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes and Serve!
My goal is to get my cheese a little more bubbly the next time I make these;)
My husband decided to do something a little different with our grits one morning while cooking breakfast. It's become the only way we eat them now! His original recipe called for tomato instead of bell pepper but I wanted to do something a little different. I decided to call these "Bello" grits because of the bell pepper and onion topping:)
Prepare sausage as directed on package. Prepare grits as directed.
Add olive oil to skillet on low to medium heat. Add bouillon, bell peppers and onion. Saute for approximately 6 to 10 minutes. While cooking the veggies, flip them with a wooden spoon often to evenly heat them until softened. Then top onto grits.
I made this Beef Stew for Sunday dinner. I was surprised at the number of requests for the recipe after I posted a pic on Facebook. I found myself having a "uh-oh" moment because I didn't measure a single ingredient. This warm and tasty crock pot meal was made based on love and not measurements. So here is what I can do, I am posting the ingredients and cooking method I used. I suggest you measure the ingredients based on your tastes and amount of servings needed. The full effect of the flavor is in the gravy made from the stock.
Prep Time for this meal is about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Stew Meat
Red Potatoes (in medium sized cubes)
Carrots (chopped)
Large Onion
Chicken Bouillon Cubes (Yes I said Chicken)
Meat Tenderizer
Black Pepper
WorcestershireSauce
Dale Seasoning Sauce
Flour
Turn crock pot on to low or high heat (Consider how long it will be before you serve dinner when deciding)Wash meat and add to crock pot filled with two thirds water. Although, some people choose not to, I prefer to change water before adding the other ingredients. I do this by boiling the stew meat for about thirty minutes to allow the fat to surface in the water. Then I carefully pour out the water and refill the crock pot three quarters full with hot water (again the water needed is based on your serving amount).
Add bouillon cubes, meat tenderizer, black pepper, potatoes, carrots and onion. Cook until meat and veggies are tender.
Pour stock from meat and veggies into a sauce pan on medium heat. Season to taste with Worcestershire and Dale seasoning sauce. In a separate bowl and with a fork, mix one cup water and 1/2 cup flour. Blend until consistency is smooth (you don't want flour clumps in your gravy). Slowly add flour mixture into sauce pan. Remember to continue to stir as you add flour mixture. Cook gravy on low heat until thickened. Slowly pour gravy back into crock pot and slow cook for additional five minutes. Your measurements for the ingredients may be more of less so experiment and let me know how it turns out. The response to this recipe has become a solid reminder me to always measure for the readers of my blog!
You can serve this on a bed of rice, with cornbread or as a hearty soup with crackers. See below for a coupon on one of the ingredients. Enjoy!!!
I discovered this recipe on Pinterest and I received rave reviews from my family and church. These cookies are simple to make and have an addicting flavor that your loved ones will be sure to love. The first time I made them I accidently used self rising flour instead of the all purpose flour as listed in the recipe. This time I made them with all purpose flour. I realized that the cookies taste the same but puff differently while baking. I am posting pics of both options. You decided which one you like best. Now for the recipe...
Ingredients Needed
3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter
3 Oz Cream Cheese
2/3 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 Cups All Purpose or Self-Rising Flour
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans (Roasted for about five minutes in oven)
Graham Cracker Crumbs
Preheat heat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and sugar. Mix in Vanilla extract.
Stir in flour until well combined.
Add Pecans
Scoop dough and form one inch balls.
Roll in Graham Cracker Crumbs.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden and tops are slightly puffed.
Baked with Self Rising Flour
Baked with All Purpose Flour
ENJOY :)
If you decide to try this recipe, let me know how it turns out!
I am no stranger to the Dreamers in Doers network. As a matter of fact, it was because of the Dreamers Network that I was able to attend a luncheon with my fellow Dreamers in New York back in 2010. I was also blessed with the life changing opportunity to recite one of my poems at the charity luncheon for the ladies of Safe Horizon Shelter. I came back from New York motivated more than ever to pursue my goals and dreams.
Then on Feb 5, 2011, my little sister Lastohia died suddenly leaving behind a husband and two little ones. My world crashed. Her cause of death is still unknown.
For the past two years, I have been struggling to get back on track. I poured myself into charity work. I figured if I could help someone else who was in pain, I could forget my own. So, my husband and I started a job training program for low income women. It was during this program that I saw first hand the need to not only provide job training but also to teach young women how to be positive productive women in the community. They didn't know how to make a house a home, parent or prepare healthy meals. They struggled with self esteem, trust and forgiveness. We were given one year to work with 27 young women in the community and it proved to be a wonderful success.
This job training program inspired me to continue my services through my blogs and online webisodes. In a world where reality TV has totally tarnished what it truly means to be a woman, wife, mom and family I have decided to dedicate my career to restablishing the standard and principles of life through my business Elite Living.
My mission is to provide others with the tools they need to achieve Elite Living even while on a tight budget. Subscribers can visit my blog and online webisodes of Elite Living to gain access to the resources they need to grow in the areas of:
Home and Health
Education and Career Goals
Parenting
Marriage
Healthy Friendships
Social Skills
People don't know how to make the best of what they have until they can achieve better. My job is to show them "how to make do with what they got until they get better." So join me and subscribe to my blog today! Just enter your email into the "Follow Me by Email" at the top right hand corner of this page. (Don't forget to confirm your email)
These simple yet elegant Christmas ornaments were a hit with my children's teachers and church youth leaders. They are inexpensive to make and were personalized with the first letter of their last names.
Listed below is my list of supplies I purchased from Michaels.
Remove the silver cap from the ornament.
Cut about 12 inches of garland and gently stuff into ornmant
You will need to gently fold the leaves and insert into ornament.
Place the first letter of your recipients last name on the front of the ornament in the center of the flower and Viola!!!
This
is year two since my little sister passed away and it seems to be harder than
the first. By now, Toshia would have already called me and everyone else a
million times to make sure that we all knew what to bring for Christmas dinner.
She would have told me that I better not cook those nasty fried collard greens
that I brought three Christmas' ago (they
were horrible). She would have already proclaimed herself to be the winner
of this year’s cooking contest (she
thought that she was Paul Deen) AND with she would had said "Gul, you
know I'm bringing my (with a scruff in
her voice) "negro piiiiesss." She was famous for her Butterfinger
and Oreo ice cream pies. Don't ask me why she called them that. The child was
crazy..lol. She was the heartbeat behind our laughter. As a family, we’ve have
to readjust and learn how to enjoy Christmas without Toshia but with her
memory.
Wednesday
of this week was especially hard for me. I found myself getting angry. I didn't
want to be around people. I just wanted my Toshia. I was tired of trying to
keep busy so that I couldn't feel. I went the whole day without crying but that
night I couldn’t hold back anymore. I thank God for my husband and children. My
daughters cooked dinner. My husband rented a movie and before I knew it, we
were all eating and laughing together. I look at my family and friends and God
reminds me that I have a lot of living to do. I have memories to make, a ministry
to fulfill and a calling to walk in.
It's
not fair to our families when we stop, drop and quit. As a matter of fact, it's
selfish on our part. I encourage those of you who mourn to keep moving through
the hurt. Yes, you will have your good days and your not so good days but God
has your back and so does your loved ones who are here with you.
There
are so many things you can do to defeat the Holiday Blues. First, pray and
trust in God's strength. Secondly, you could make or buy a Christmas ornament
to hang in your loved one's memory. Last year, I gave my mom and dad a memory
candle to light during special occasions. We launch balloons into the heavens
on her and her children's birthday. We place a Christmas wreath on her grave
and flowers on Mother's Day. You can make a donation in memory of your loved
one to a church or organization. You could send a card of encouragement to
another grieving family who might be struggling this holiday season. You could
also bless them with a Christmas centerpiece to let them know that you are
thinking of them or invite them to dinner. Get creative and let God be your
guide. We are all to be helpers one to another in this walk of faith.
Just
remember, you are not alone. Grief is a process that has no time limit. It's
different for each person but I've learned it's all about reconditioning your
mind. I don't think you ever get over losing someone; you learn how to live through
it. As much as I would love to have my sister back here on earth, if I had the
choice I wouldn't dare ask God for that. Latoshia is now living in total peace
free from the pains and disappointments of this world. I know that she would
want us to be happy, take care of her children and live life sold out to Christ
knowing that we will see each other again. It’s okay to remember but let us not
forget, we live for God and not for man even when our loved ones pass on, we
must continue to live.
A few weeks ago, Jamie Foxx caused quite a stir when acknowledged President Obama as God, our Lord and Savior.
Various churches, religious organizations and Christian bloggers
immediately voiced their disdain at Jamie's comment. Some of the comments that
followed included rebuke from Foxx's supporters citing "Christians were
too religious and didn't know how to take a joke."
It's amazing how people are so quick to defend man but show so
little reverence to God. The people who supported Foxx's actions only exposed
their ignorance and lack of respect for the word of God. Even as a joke,
calling someone else God, your Savior or your idol insinuates an attempt to
support the Antichrist’s agenda; to try and steal God's identity.
In the United States, identity theft is no laughing matter. It can
cause significant financial, mental and physical ruin. There are agencies who now
offer additional protection from identity theft. When asked about the backlash
regarding his comment Foxx replied "I'm a comic,” [and] sometimes
I think people get a little too tight. And, it's getting a little tougher for
us comedians [because] some people take it and want to make a huge story out of
it, but it's a joke."
Really Jamie?
I couldn't help but wonder how Foxx and his supporters would
feel if another person tried to steal their identity. How would he feel if
someone else took credit for the work he's done as a comedian, singer and
actor. What if I took over his bank account, claiming his money to be mine?
Everyone knows that an actor's name alone in Hollywood is money in the bank.
What if I just took his name? That wouldn't go over so well now would it?
I would be arrested, face charges, serve time and be ordered to pay
restitution. On earth and in most states, identity theft constitutes a
third-degree felony for a first offense. In Heaven, claiming to be God or
acknowledging someone else as God, without repentance, is an eternal sentence to
Hell. At this point all Jamie would have to do is repent. There would be no
need to serve time or pay restitution.
You can't steal God's identity. He's untouchable. Still, there are some things
you just don't say (joking or not). This is my response to those of you who
think we (believers in Christ) are being tight, overly, religious people who no
sense of humor...”
Disrespecting our Lord
and Savior is a no no. We will fight for the Kingdom of God and you will NOT
disrespect our Heavenly Father. Don’t start none won't be none."
Who is a liar
but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the
Father and the Son.
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of
antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is
it in the world.
2 John 1:7 For many
deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come
in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Watch the video below to see how I used an empty Velveeta box to create a Christmas
centerpiece. Also
learn how I made my candy cane centerpiece and ornament vase for under $10.
Recently, I was grocery shopping in Wal-Mart when I looked up to see a silver haired elderly woman looking in my direction. She was sporting a big ole koolaid smile. I didn't think she was smiling at me so I looked behind me to see what had her beaming from ear to ear. That's when I saw an older gentleman wearing khaki pants, a blue work coat and cap waiting patiently at the end of the aisle. When I turned back around, she looked at me and said "He's all mine" and gently patted my arm as she sashayed pass me. I was like "I ain't mad at cha. I love it!"
Many of us consider the older generation to be too strict and old fashioned; when in fact their marriages lasted longer and their family unit was much stronger than what you see today. Today's mindset for married life and parenting is simply not up to snuff.
My view???
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Maybe we should give old school a try.
I recently had
the honor of interviewing Ms. Alicia Scott, author of Acts of Harlotry, Withing
the Body of Christ. This book is absolute must read for every believer. Alisha's
book " examines the lewd, harlotrous acts committed by the children of Israel
and compares them with the modern spiritual harlotry taking place in the body of
Christ".
Please click below to watch my interview with Alisha and buy the
book!!!
You would be surprised at the vast difference of opinion in today's society regarding the meaning of dignity and class. Over the years, this mindset of living has been re categorized as a "boojie mentality.
Some races feel they will lose touch with their ethnicity if they begin to use proper grammar, etiquette, poise and dress professionally. Reality TV has provided a false sense of what it means to be successful, stylish and elegant focusing more on sexuality rather than standard.
Most people believe there is a fine line between the two words. I respectfully disagree. When my daughter was two years old, she was scolded by a family member because she said "dog" instead of "dawg". I quickly reminded the family that in our house there is no black or white way of talking only a right way. Later in life, an associate of mine admitted to not liking me when she first saw me because of the way I walked. I asked her in what way was I walking to which she replied "You had your shoulders and back straight."I was so flabbergasted, it took me a moment to respond. My mom taught me not to slouch when sitting or walking. Not only is it good for your back but shows confidence.
Merriam Webster dictionary defines the term classy as being a person having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior. This person is also deemed to be skillful, graceful and refined. According to the Rice University Neologism Database, "the term boojie is derived from the french word word bourgeois, which refers to a member of the middle class. In this derogatory tone, the word boojie is used to characterize one who is attempting to mislead others into thinking they hold a higher position then the one they truly possess." Street slang defines boojie as being a stuck up or snobbish individuals who thinks they are better than the next person. Whatis a Boojie mentality? It may sound harsh when I say this but, a boojie person lacks humility and compassion. Achieving what you feel to be ultimate success and downgrading others who have yet to accomplish their own goals is a boojie mentality.Treating people based on how much you think they have is a boojie mentality. What is Class?
Class is making the most out of what you have now while trusting in God for prosperity and growth. Class is education. Class is wisdom. Class is an humble spirit. Class is the ability to maintain a cool head in a heated situation.Class is not afraid of hard work and willing to get a little dirty in the process. Class is about being quick to roll out the red carpet for the less fortunate.
As woman of God, you know I have to turn to the bible. Biblically speaking, a boojie person shows favoritism and is a respecter of persons. It says in Acts 10:3, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive
that God is no respecter of persons:" God is not a respecter of person. He does not show
favoritism and neither should we." Don't judge a person because they seek to improve their quality of living. But then again don't look down on person who have yet to learn proper etiquette. Never think that you are too high in life to learn from the "little man": both sides can learn from each other. After all, there is book smart, there is street smart but most importantly there is God smart...Now that's class!
Watch Bridgett discuss this topic in her video blog series of Elite Living.
I am so proud of our nonprofit, GO Ministries and the Family Empowerment Project. Please read below.
$1000 Donation to Salvation Army
We are blessed to announce: GO Ministries and the Family Empowerment Project was able to gather and donate $1000 in furniture and clothing items to the Salvation Army through our Blessing Box Program! All items were in new to gently used condition!
Special thanks to our donors, volunteers and former trainees who helped to make this donation possible!!!
Elite
Living is my online webisode created to bless viewers with budget friendly home
improvement ideas and tips. Who says upgraded living is only for the rich?
Anyone can live a life of luxury even on a penny pincher's budget!
Watch
the video to see how I was able to save $800 by revamping two pieces of
furniture we already owned. If you believe it. You can achieve it! All it takes
is a little creativity!
It is unreal how much my life has changed over the past two years. While I have would preferred for some things to be different, I give God praise for helping me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am finally learning that it's okay to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams while working in ministry. I'm learning my balance. YAY!!!
And sooooo...with much excitement, I am blessed to announce the opening of Lady Elite Consultants. As a motivational speaker and lead consultant, my business will provide etiquette, coaching and consulting services to individuals, businesses, churches and organizations who desire to improve their work performance and visibility.Click Here to The View Lady Elite Informational Booklet.
I am also returning to my love of video blogging. Be sure to click below and watch the promo for Elite Living, my online vlog. If you would like more information about Lady Elite Consultanting and the services we provide please email me at bmackwrites@gmail.com or call 229-942-5125.
Bake for 30 minutes and Serve!
