Hello there,

Merry Christmas to all! Sorry I haven’t written in a while, but these
holidays are tough for me since my mother died last year. But I’m getting
through it. Thank God!

I wanted to write today to ask you a question: If someone said to you, “Go
and get anything that you want free of charge!”, what would it be?

Well, listen to this: Every year I do a lot of Christmas giving to
battered women shelters, feed the hungry organizations, homeless shelters
and so on. Well, this year, Cassi Davis, who runs my foundation, found an
orphanage. I didn’t even know they had orphanages in the US. Anyway, this
place is amazing and these kids’ stories really show you how strong the
human spirit is. They are from the ages of 14 to 18. It is unfortunate,
but as kids get between these ages the probability of them being adopted
is highly unlikely. Hence this great orphanage that houses them until
they’re adults. This place has so much history it should be a movie.

Anyway, I took all of these children to a Target. I gave each one a
shopping cart and told them to go and fill it with whatever they “WANTED”.
Now I thought this would be easy. I had no idea that these kids had a
different idea of wants and needs than most kids in this country. I’m
thinking they are going to go for the video games, toys, make-up and
things that teenagers are into. Well, they didn’t!!

I was shocked because most of them went for cases of water and juice. I
thought, “Water and juice?” Then they went on to undershirts, underwear,
deodorant, soap, etc. You get my point. All the things we take for granted
were huge for them. HUGE!

As they shopped, my staff from the studio escorted them through the store.
A lot of us were tearful watching these kids. They were happy, but so
confused. They couldn’t wrap their brains around being able to have
anything they wanted. How sad is that? They didn’t know that they could
have it all. One child sat in front of two shirts for a long time. One was
10 dollars the other was 30. He was wondering which one to get. It took
one of my folks a long time to explain to him that he can have them both.
After a lot of cajoling and pushing, he finally got it and so did the
other 23 kids. To see their little minds start to believe was a powerful
thing. To go from one level of belief to believing you can have it all in
moments was something to see.

They came to the checkout with their red Target baskets looking like
overloaded Santa sleighs. Boy that did my heart good! I could see my
mother smiling in my mind about this. They were so happy. I wish you could
have seen the joy on these kids faces. It was contagious. I caught it, and
it helped brighten up these rough days for me. It was just wonderful. I
left them on a high BIG TIME! It made me remember to be thankful for the
little things. I hope it does the same for you…

You, too can have it all…

LATER THAT NIGHT!

When I built my house three years ago, I remember having an argument with
my security team because I thought what they were doing was overkill.
After listening to their side, I gave in and let them do what they wanted.
So, on my property there are cameras everywhere, night vision cameras,
sensor lighting, laser sensors, underground laser sensors, a guard dog,
24-hour armed bodyguards and a few other things that I can’t mention. When
it was done, I was thinking, “This is ridiculous, I don’t need all of this
crap!” That was until tonight. Last night I was home in bed on a high from
these kids. At about 3am my phone rings. This special line never rings in
my house, so I knew something was wrong. I answered and I hear this voice
say, “Sir, I need you to be alert. There are three intruders on the
property.” It was my security. I sat straight up thinking, “You have got
to be kidding me!”

The phone rings again a short time later and it was my security team
saying that they had apprehended the intruder and the police were talking
to the person now. When the police asked the person what they were doing,
the answer was they were looking for money. He also recognized this person
from another attempted home invasion down the street from me. CAN YOU
BELIEVE THAT? I was so mad! I have worked my entire life being homeless,
broke, struggling and hungry, but I would never rob anybody. What happened
to making your own way? What happened to honesty and integrity? What
happened to doing the right thing so that God can bless you? Man oh man,
this made me upset!

I will be on the phone with the D.A.’s office and the Chief of Police in a
little bit to make sure that these other people are caught and that all of
them are prosecuted to the fullest. I will give ’till I can’t give
anymore. That’s my heart, but to try and rob, or steal from me! If all
three of them were looking for trouble they found it!

To anyone who may be thinking about doing the wrong thing. To anyone who
may have been in crime, but is trying to go straight–doing the wrong
thing is easy and for cowards! To walk upright when everything is going
wrong is the only true way to success. That takes a real man or woman.
There were many times I could have done the wrong thing–gotten easy
money. But because I chose to do the right thing, God honored that and
blessed me. Choose the blessing and not the curse. It’s for your own good.

Merry Christmas,

Tyler

Did You Know Certain Foods Ignite Your Love Life?

Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering & Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Invites You to an Exclusive Exciting Evening for Women ONLY

Tuesday August 24, 2010, 7:00 PM

Location: Evedar’s Bistro, 2829 Peatt Rd, Langford

Special Guest: Kim Switnicki, Sex Educator and Sex & Intimacy Coach for Women, Presents The Top 5 Ways to Improve Intimacy

Lingerie Fashion Show Presented by Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Aphrodisiac Specialty Hors d’oeuvres (Sensuous Seductive Cuisine) provided by Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering

Specialty Aphrodisiac Cocktails created by Marc of Evedar’s Bistro (Cash Bar)

$30.00 Advanced Ticket Price (Visa & MasterCard Accepted) $40.00 Cash At the Door              Contact Shirley Lang to purchase your ticket 250-858-7777

Buy Your Ticket Now as Space is Limited Silent Auction!! Door Prizes!!                                                         All Proceeds Towards                             Local Charities

Spice Up Your Love Life!!

Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering &  Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Invites You to an Exclusive Exciting Evening for Singles ONLY

Tuesday August 17, 2010, 7:00 PM

Location: Evedar’s Bistro, 2829 Peatt Rd, Langford

Special Guest: Tamara Hide from Island Introductions Match Making Services

Lingerie Fashion Show Presented by Recipe For Romance Intimacy Boutique

Aphrodisiac Specialty Hors d’oeuvres (Sensuous Seductive Cuisine) provided by Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering

Specialty Aphrodisiac Cocktails created by Marc of Evedar’s Bistro (Cash Bar)

$30.00 Advanced Ticket Price (Visa & MasterCard Accepted) $40.00 Cash At the Door

Contact Shirley Lang to purchase your ticket 250-858-7777

Buy Your Ticket Now as Space is Limited

Silent Auction!! Door Prizes!!                                                         All Proceeds Towards                             Local Charities

4 cups Flour
3 tbl spoons baking powder (I usually use 2-3 tsp per cup of flour)
1/4 cup sugar (less if you’d like)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Approx. 1 3/4 cups of milk
1/4 cup of either oil, butter, margarine, or lard..Your choice..

preheat oven at 370 degrees

add dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together

make a hollow so you can pour the liquids into it, If you scald the milk it makes it so much better, lol..

mix slowly by hand with a fork until no clumps and mixture is more solid

then knead thoroughly but not roughly or for too long..dough will get too tough
dough should resemble a soft pillow

get a baking pan (could be a cake or cookie sheet)

spread out onto a greased pan 1-1/2 inch thick

place in oven for 30-40 minutes

bannock should be a golden brown

be patient and let cool for about 5 minutes
Try cooking it in a frypan on top of a grate on an outdoor fire fire.
Or with a stick over the fire..note..do not use dry wood and do not tear the wood off a tree..It’s still alive..
You can use this as frybread too..
You can add so many things to bannock if you don’t want it plain..Example..fruit,,vegetables, nuts.
I use this as frybread and add sugar and cinnamon to it after it’s fried. Sort of like a Beavertail.
I know I don’t have to tell anyone how to eat bannock once it’s done, lol..I can smell it now..

Taken from Strong Native Women’s Voices Facebook Page

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and Voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for a massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean. Not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life’s everyday problems.

Submitted by a local Kitchens of Distinction fan.

If it says ‘SUGAR FREE’ on the label;   DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

I have spent several days lecturing at the WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE on ‘ASPARTAME,’ marketed as ‘NutraSweet,’  ’Equal,’ and  ’Spoonful.’

In the keynote address by the EPA, it was announced that in the United States in 2001 there is an epidemic of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus.  It was difficult to determine exactly what toxin was causing this to be rampant.   I stood up and said that I was there to lecture on exactly that subject.

I will explain why Aspartame is so dangerous:   When the temperature of this sweetener exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in ASPARTAME converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. Formic acid is the poison found in the sting of fire ants.   The methanol toxicity mimics, among other conditions, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus.

Many people were being diagnosed in error.   Although multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, Methanol toxicity is!

Systemic lupus has become almost as rampant as multiple sclerosis, especially with Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers.

The victim usually does not know that the Aspartame is the culprit.   He or she continues its use; irritating the lupus to such a degree that it may become a life-threatening condition.   We have seen patients with systemic lupus become asymptotic, once taken off diet sodas.

In cases of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, most of the symptoms disappear. We’ve seen many cases where vision loss re turned and hearing loss improved markedly.

This also applies to cases of tinnitus and fibromyalgia.   During a lecture, I said,  ’If you are using ASPARTAME (Nutriara Sweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting, pains, numbness in your legs,
Cramps,
Vertigo,
Dizziness,
Headaches,
Tinnitus,
Joint pain,
Unexplainable depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss you probably have ASPARTAME poisoning!’   People were jumping up during the lecture saying, ‘I have some of these symptoms.  Is it reversible?’

Yes!
Yes!
Yes!
STOP drinking diet sodas and be alert for Aspartame on food labels!   Many products are fortified with it!   This is a serious problem.   Dr. Espart (one of my speakers) remarked that so many people seem to be symptomatic for MS and during his recent visit to a hospice; a nurse stated that six of her friends, who were heavy Diet Coke addicts, had all been diagnosed with MS. This is beyond coincidence!

Diet soda is NOT a diet product! It is a chemically altered, multiple SODIUM (salt) and ASPARTAME containing product that actually makes you crave carbohydrates.

It is far more likely to make you GAIN weight!

These products also contain formaldehyde, which stores in the fat cells, particularly in the hips and thighs.   Formaldehyde is an absolute toxin and is used primarily to preserve ’tissue specimens.’

Many products we use every day contain this chemical but we SHOULD NOT store it IN our body!

Dr. H. J. Roberts stated in his lectures that once free of the’ diet products’ and with no significant increase in exercise; his patients lost an average of 19 pounds over a trial period.

Aspartame is especially dangerous for diabetics.   We found that some physicians, who believed that they had a patient with retinopathy, in fact, had symptoms caused by Aspartame.   The Aspartame drives the blood sugar out of control.   Thus diabetics may suffer acute memory loss due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are NEURO TOXIC when taken without the other amino acids necessary for a good balance.

Treating diabetes is all about BALANCE.   Especially with diabetics, the Aspartame passes the blood/brain barrier and it then deteriorates the neurons of the brain; causing various levels of brain damage,  Seizures, Depression, Manic depression, Panic attacks, Uncontrollable anger and rage.

Consumption of Aspartame causes these same symptoms in non-diabetics as well. Documentation and observation also reveal that thousands of children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD have had complete turnarounds in their behavior when these chemicals have been removed from their diet.

So called ‘behavior modification prescription drugs’ (Ritalin and others) are no longer needed.   Truth be told, they were never NEEDED in the first place!

Most of these children were being ‘poisoned’ on a daily basis with the very foods that were ‘better for them than sugar.’

It is also suspected that the Aspartame in thousands of pallets of diet Coke and diet Pepsi consumed by men and women fighting in the Gulf War, may be partially to blame for the well-known Gulf War Syndrome.

Dr. Roberts warns that it can cause birth defects, i.e. mental retardation, if taken at the time of conception and during early pregnancy.   Children are especially at risk for neurological disorders and should NEVER be given artificial sweeteners.

There are many different case histories to relate of children suffering grand mal seizures and other neurological disturbances talking about a plague of neurological diseases directly caused by the use of this deadly poison.’

Herein lies the problem:   There were Congressional Hearings when Aspartame was included in 100 different products and strong objection was made concerning its use. Since this initial hearing, there have been two subsequent hearings, and still nothing has been done.   The drug and chemical lobbies have very deep pockets.

Sadly, MONSANTO’S patent on Aspartame has EXPIRED!   There are now over 5,000 products on the market that contain this deadly chemical and there will be thousands more introduced.   Everybody wants a piece of the Aspartame pie.’

I assure you that MONSANTO, the creator of Aspartame, knows how deadly it is.

And isn’t it ironic that MONSANTO funds, among others, the American Diabetes Association, the American Dietetic Association and the Conference of the American College of Physicians?

This has been recently exposed in the New York Times.   These [organizations] cannot criticize any additives or convey their link to MONSANTO because they take money from the food industry and are required to endorse their products.

Senator Howard Metzenbaum wrote and presented a bill that would require label warnings on products containing Aspartame, especially regarding pregnant women, children and infants.

The bill would also institute independent studies on the known dangers and the problems existing in the general population regarding seizures, changes in brain chemistry, neurological changes and behavioral symptoms.

The bill was killed.

It is known that the powerful drug and chemical lobbies are responsible for this, letting loose the hounds of disease and death on an unsuspecting and uninformed public. Please print this out or e-mail  to your family  & friends.

Strong healthy relationships are fueled by an intense intimacy, both emotional and physical. There are times in some relationships when intimacy is far reaching. When a deep commitment is present, taking the time to learn ways of rekindling or rediscovering intimacy will reap awe-inspiring rewards.

For centuries and in many cultures around the world, many different foods, drinks, herbs and spices have been considered Aphrodisiacs with the sole purpose of increasing one’s sexual desire leading to heightened romantic intimacy.

The dictionary describes aphrodisiac (noun) as:

• a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire: the Romans worshiped the apple as an aphrodisiac with aphrodisiac powers;
• a thing that causes excitement: for a few seconds she’d fallen for the powerful aphrodisiac of music | power is an aphrodisiac.

Kitchens of Distinction Private Catering offers privately catered 6 to 10 course menus to suit couples that want to share with their partner a Romantic Aphrodisiac meal in the privacy of their own homes. We customize the menu to suit the couples tastes and desires. Foods that are healthy, with live nutrients, vitamins and minerals, are the most powerful Aphrodisiacs.

For instance we start the menu off slowly preparing for the next course.

First Course: Italian Sparkling Water or Champagne with Sweet Hibiscus Flower

Clean Italian sparkling water or champagne prepares the pallet for romantic foods. The Hibiscus flower is representative of delicate beauty…. the love one shares with another.

Second Course: Nutmeg Vanilla Cream Cheese filled Strawberries dipped in Dark Chocolate

Nutmeg has been well known for centuries because of its medicinal properties, the spice is embraced for its more sensual properties as a stimulant in raising body heat and sweetening breath. A perfect little red heart, the strawberry is an edible Valentine. Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus. Chocolate has been proven to increase energy levels and release ‘feel good’ endorphins. The Aztecs used vanilla mixed with chocolate which they gave credit to for enhancing their libidos.

Third Course: Caesar Salad with Herb Croutons & KOD Signature Garlic Dressing

Garlic has been proven to be immune boosting making those who eat it feel more energetic and healthy.

Fourth Course: Velvet Asparagus Soup

A Phallic symbol with aphrodisiac chemicals. Being rich in potassium, folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E, it amazingly stimulates sex hormones and glandular function. Asparagus, like an all-purpose medicine, can boost up your sex drive and enhance your general well being.

Fifth Course: Cayenne Pepper Chicken

Cayenne boosts your sexual drive. It can heat up your entire body, increase your blood circulation and make your erogenous zones become even more sensitive to sexual stimulation.

Coconut Cardamom Rice & side of Gingered Carrots with Slivered Almonds

In the Caribbean, coconut has a reputation as a love enhancer. Coconut is loaded with compounds that boost the action of testosterone. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Almonds can help boost the sex drive. It is useful in the treatment of some forms of sexual inadequacies (premature ejaculation). Additionally, in Sicily, it is also used to make sweet liqueur and almond-flavored wines, thought to be an aphrodisiac. In some cultures also, they are associated with passion and fertility. Their aroma is alleged to excite women. Cardamom seed produces a good mood, along with a tonic stream that makes your whole body feel better.

Sixth Course: Cinnamon Panna Cotta drizzled with Sexona Spoon

Cinnamon is known for attracting and exciting men.

Seventh Course: Zallouh Root Tea served with Fine Belgian Dark Chocolate

Used in Arabian & Mediterranean countries to increase ones sex drive.

This is just a sample of some of the powers of foods and spices that will assist to bring romance and intimacy into your relationship. There are so many more that will contribute to enhanced health and well-being. Taking the time to research, explore and experience your passions will greatly improve your life in so many ways, benefiting your emotional and physical well-being.  Enjoy!!

9. Labels say “As advertised on the new Tele-vision!”

8. Whatever you eat, every meal grows back before the next one.

7. Your teens refuse to open the door.

6. You open the fridge door and SOMETHING pulls it shut.

5. The penicillin from the mold on some of the items can
cure diseases caused by other items.

4. Though the Jell-O still holds its shape, the bowl no longer does.

3. When you open the door, the whispering suddenly stops.

2. The door magnets are molding.

… and the #1 Sign It’s Time to Clean Out the Refrigerator …

1. When you can’t tell if it’s a really new kiwi fruit or a
really old peach.

From http://www.e-cookbooks.net

In my research I came across this very informative and helpful blog specific to Gluten Free diets. #mce_temp_url#

I wish you all the best and immense fun on your Culinary Journey! Shirley Lang, Culinary Explorer

Chocolate Puddle Cookies

I’ve used both 365 organic powdered sugar from Whole Foods, and Hain organic powdered sugar with success. I prefer to use non-alkalized cocoa powder (Scharrfen Berger or Dagoba) but also tested with Droste, which is a Dutch-process cocoa powder. All with success. On the nut front, be mindful of how you toast your walnuts – it’s the single factor that impacts the personality of these cookies most. Using deeply toasted walnuts makes for a much more intense, nutty cookie. Lightly toasted walnuts can sometimes be mistaken for chocolate chips, and make for a much more mild cookie. Both good! Also, cooking time – you don’t want to over or under bake here – over bake, and your cookies will cool too a crisp, under bake, and they are too floppy and crumbly. Also, under baking makes it more difficult to remove the cookies from the parchment paper after baking – you get the swing of it after a batch or two. Use large eggs, I suspect if you use extra-large, the batter will run, and you’ll have to compensate with more powdered sugar.

3 cups / 11 oz / 310 g walnut halves, toasted & cooled
4 cups / 1 lb / 453 g confectioner’s (powdered) sugar

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons / 2 oz / 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder

scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1 tablespoon real, good-quality vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 320F / 160C degrees and position racks in the top and bottom third. Line three (preferably rimmed) baking sheets with parchment paper. Or you can bake in batches with fewer pans.

Make sure your walnuts have cooled a bit, then chop coarsely and set aside. Sift together the confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir in the walnuts, then add the egg whites and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

Spoon the batter onto the prepared sheets in mounds of about 2 tablespoons each, allowing for PLENTY of room between cookies. These cookies are like reverse Shrinky Dinks – they really expand. Don’t try to get more than 6 cookies on each sheet, and try to avoid placing the batter too close to the edge of the pan.

Bake until they puff up. The tops should get glossy, and then crack a bit – about 12 -15 minutes. Have faith, they look sad at first, then really blossom. You may want to rotate the pans top/bottom/back/front.

Slide the cookies still on parchment onto a cooling rack, and let them cool completely. They will keep in an airtight for a couple days.

Makes 18 large cookies.

Recipe From 101 Cookbooks: Heidi Swanson

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