Meatless Monday: Creamy Pumpkin Penne

Today brings my very first Meatless Monday recipe. I have several friends in my life who inspire me with the understanding that health and fitness are not to be a temporary fix, but a way of life. So during this season of thanks, I offer up gratitude and thanks to Lori, Amy and Kyndra. Several among them have incorporated this type of Monday menu for their household meals as a way of going meatless one day a week. These ladies have each been inspirations to me along the way and tonight for dinner, I have incorporated Meatless Monday into our dinner menu using a favorite of the season for a creamy pumpkin penne dish.

   Creamy Pumpkin Penne

Serves 4

1 (12 oz.) package penne rigate pasta 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped oregano

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin, pureed OR 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree 
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 
• Optional garnish: chopped oregano 

In pasta-size cooking pot, add water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring salted water to a boil and add pasta, cooking pasta according to directions on package. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water; drain pasta and set aside. In same pasta pot, add olive oil and oregano. Cook on medium heat for 1 minute. Carefully watching pot to avoid hot oil spattering, add pumpkin puree, minced garlic, half-and-half, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese,  vinegar and 1 cup reserved pasta water to pot. Stir until well-blended and heated on medium heat for through 2- 3 minutes, stirring after each minute.  If sauce is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of remaining reserved pasta water until sauce reaches desired consistency. When ready to serve pasta in individual dishes, pour 1/2 cup of sauce over pasta. Garnish each before serving by sprinkling, if desired, with 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Corner: Book Review and Giveaway- The NIV Bible for Teen Girls

I enjoyed the opportunity to review "The NIV Bible for Teen Girls". 

This is a Study Bible is designed specifically for girls ages 13 to 18  to help them grow in faith, hope, and love. I was immediately drawn to the front cover's beautiful and eye-catching feminine design in this sturdy, hardcover edition. 

I feel this is an invaluable resource for teen girls in the best-selling New International Version of the Bible.  It includes several wonderful features just for teen girls:

*Daily devotional readings by popular Christian female authors including Bethany Hamilton (the Soul Surfer), Annie Downs, Christine Caine, Nicole Weider, Bekah Hamrick Martin and Denise Van Eck 

* A concordance section for help in finding verses.

 * Highlighted Promises of God as verses worth remembering

My favorite among the special features is the section for character profiles of women in the Bible. Many of the character profiles I learned as a teen girl myself are included in this Study Bible. It was through learning about these women that I began as a young woman to look to so many of these women as role models as I laid out plans for my future as an adult woman. I feel in this day and age we are living in, that this kind of guidance through example is needed more than it has ever been, and this Study Bible has it all located in one place.

 Another of my favorite features of this Study Bible is that it offers teen girls smart advice, challenging insights and open discussions about the realities of life.

For more information on "The NIV Bible for Teen Girls", you can visit the Official Website here.

Giveaway:
One of you will win "The NIV Bible for Teen Girls", valued at $29.99. To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know if there is a teenage young woman in your life that who you would like to share this Study Bible with if you win. Giveaway closes Sunday, November 1 at 8:00 pm EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Holiday Corner: Family-Friendly DVD Review & Giveaway- Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9

I am reviewing a DVD that I am excited as an aunt to share with my young nieces and nephews along with other beloved young children in my life, from the creator of the "VeggieTales" series, Phil Vischer. 

"Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9" is 40 minutes in length and shares a powerful message for viewers young and old. I think it makes a great gift for children this holiday season.

Here is the official trailer that gives both a fun and  powerful glimpse into this wonderful DVD: 

I love the lesson it teaches about faith and that "doing big things for God" is not necessarily what God wants for all of us.  Buck wants to do "big things" for God because he believes he needs to do something big so his “life will matter". Instead, he learns that God wants us to follow His will, whatever that may be and whether it is seen as something big or small in the world's eyes, it is following His will. 

I think the space theme is fun and appealing for kids and I love the fun "space humor" for grown-ups, with fun nods to "Star Wars" and "Star Trek". 

You can find out more information about this DVD by going to the website here. 

Giveaway:

One of you will win your own "Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9" DVD (ARV $14.99).  To enter, leave a comment below and let me know you would like to win this DVD. Giveaway closes Friday, October 23 at noon EST. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

It's Fall Y'all! Caramel Apple Cake

It's Fall, Y'all! I'm enjoying lots of fall baking and new this year to my recipe box is a caramel apple cake topped with caramel drizzle. I use my homemade sea salt caramel  sauce in this recipe. 
  

 I use my homemade sea salt caramel  sauce in this recipe. You can find  the recipe here.

I wish you and yours a Happy Fall season full of love and warm memories.

 Caramel Apple Cake  

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 
1/2 cup sea salt caramel sauce (homemade or jarred)

1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 small apple OR 1/2 medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped

3/4 cup buttermilk

Optional drizzle: 2 tbsp. sea salt caramel sauce

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray and flour an 8 x 8 square cake pans and set aside. In large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In second large bowl, beat brown sugar and oil together with electric mixer until well combined. Add applesauce, caramel sauce and vanilla, beating for 30 seconds between each addition. Add eggs, beating well after each addition. Add chopped apples, and beat until slightly combined. Add flour mixture in three parts, beating after each addition. Add buttermilk and beat until well combined. Pour batter into cake pan and bake 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in the middle of cake comes out clean. Set aside to let cool for 10 minutes, then gently loosen cakes and turn out onto a cooking rack; set aside to let cool completely. If                                         desired, drizzle top of cake with caramel sauce. Enjoy!

Fearless at 40 with Poise Impressa

This past year, I celebrated my 40th birthday milestone and reaching this milestone has brought me to a new chapter in adulthood: mid-life, and the age-related issues that come with reaching this milestone.

Having been diagnosed with a bladder-related condition when I was 5 years old, urinary tract health is something I have been concerned with literally most of my life. With this age 40 milestone comes the reality is that age can bring on stress urinary incontinence issues. The worry that comes with thinking about these sudden and unexpected leaking accidents happening during activities such as exercise, heavy lifting, sneezing, coughing, or even laughing.  

Before, the two most common options for women with bladder leaks were absorbing leaks with bulky pads/liners or resorting to invasive surgery. This has been the reality for my grandmother's generation, for my mother's generation. Now, Poise Impressa has a product that helps me to be fearless at 40.  There it was on the shelf and there was the end to my worries about SUI accidents ruining precious family time moments.  I came home with a sizing kit that allowed me to find just the right fit for my body.

Poise Impressa Bladder Supports adapt to the unique internal shape of each woman’s body, and that is one of the things I like most about this product. 

One of the activities I most enjoy this time of year is outdoor fitness activities with my husband, especially our daily walks together, but one of the activities where SUI accidents most happen to me is exercise activities. Our annual beach vacation ritual is a long afternoon stroll on the beach. Poise Impressa helps me be worry-free about having to cut short our quality time due to a stress urinary incontinence emergency and helps us to have our treasured time together.

Designed for the temporary management of Stress Urinary Incontinence, Poise* Impressa*Bladder Supports do not absorb leaks — they help prevent them.

Stopping leaks starts with the Impressa Sizing Kit. Impressa comes in three different sizes, and the Sizing Kit helps you find your most effective and comfortable internal fit. Each kit includes six bladder supports (two of each size), along with a $4 coupon toward a 10-count Single-Size Pack of Impressa.

After you've found your perfect fit with the Impressa Sizing Kit, it's time to purchase a Single-Size Pack. Each includes 10 bladder supports in your size — and you can use Impressa for up to 8 hours every day to help stop leaks before they happen.

You can find a Poise Impressa $2.00 off Coupon here, which I think is a great way to help you #TryImpressa.

Movie and Book Review with a Giveaway: "90 Minutes in Heaven"

I have reviewed a substantial number of books and critiqued a number of movies since making this part of my college field of study 20 years ago. Rarely am I ever completely blown away by one or the other. In the case of this movie and the book it is based on, I have been personally impacted in a way that truly is beyond description. This is a faith-based movie and book that so many in the world needs to experience.

The book, which has become a New York Times Bestseller, is 245 pages in length and takes the reader on a journey through one family's amazing miracle so vividly that you can't help but feel this miracle deep down in your soul.

The movie opens in theaters this Friday, September 11. I was given an opportunity to view the opening scene of this movie, which stars Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith), Kate Bosworth (Remember The Titans, Blue Crush) Michael W. Smith, Fred Thompson, Dwight Yoakam, and Jason Kennedy. I was moved to tears viewing the first few minutes of a movie I cannot wait to go see in the movie theater this weekend with my husband. 

The movie and book tell the true story of Pastor Don and Eva Piper. Don died on January 18, 1989 when a semi-tractor truck crushed his car.  He was declared dead by the first rescue workers to arrive on the scene. For the next 90 minutes, Don's earthly body lay under a tarp, but Don's soul, meanwhile, was experiencing love, joy, and life like he'd never known before because he was in Heaven.  

Another pastor's prayers helped bring Don back to life and he became a living miracle. Heaven's bliss was soon replaced by excruciating pain and emotional turmoil. The Piper family's incredible true story of perseverance and overcoming the challenges of life - and death - and I believe the experiences of Don and Eva along with their three children and an army of prayer warriors will bring hope and encouragement to a world who dearly needs it.   

I also love that this movie company has a passion not only for sharing hope-filled movies, but they donate ALL of their profits to charities and ministries who serve those in need.  Beginning with their first film, 90 Minutes In Heaven, Giving Films is allowing all of us to be a part of making a difference, and I can't wait to share this with my readers as well as when I talk to my family and friends.  Anytime you go to see a Giving Films movie in theaters, you can visit their website here  and select which of the designated charities you want to receive the profits from your movie ticket.  Their charitable organizations are Christian Alliance for Orphans, Faith Bridge Foster Care, Hire Heroes USA, Hope International, LifeWater, Street Grace, and World Vision. 

Here is a powerful preview trailer of this film:

You can find out more information about the movie by going to the website here. 

Giveaway:
One of you will win your own copy of the book, "90 Minutes in Heaven",  ARV $14.99
To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know you would like to win. Giveaway closes Friday, September 11 at Noon EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 

If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Book Review and Giveaway- "The Bridge Builder: The Life And Continuing Legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein"

I enjoyed the opportunity to review, "The Bridge Builder: The Life And Continuing Legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein" by Zev Chafets.  I believe that in this day and time, the concept of bridge building for understanding between these two faiths is so important and Rabbi Eckstein has made this a foremost part of his life's work.

As the Founder and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Israel, Rabbi Eckstein has devoted more than 35 years to building bridges of understanding between Christians and Jews and broad support for the State of Israel.  He is recognized as the world's leading Jewish authority on evangelical Christians.  Rabbi Eckstein received Orthodox Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University in New York.  He holds master's degrees from Yeshiva University and Columbia University, where he also completed studies for his doctorate.  Rabbi Eckstein has served on the faculties of Columbia University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Seminary.  He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.  

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein to promote understanding between Jews and Christians and build broad support for Israel and other shared concerns.  Their ministry's vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, respect, and cooperation.  

One of the passages that stands out and personally impacted me is told in the book's beginning and shows that before the bridge building of understandng began, Rabbi Eckstein had a vision to accomplish this and in order to build this bridge, he had to step up and be the engineer. That depiction has impacted me personally, as I feel it will impact others who read this book, for your personal passions impacting the world we live in. To realize that any bridge for understanding these causes could use an engineer, and it could be me stepping up to do this. It could be another reader of this book who becomes inspired to step up and create an opportunity to make a difference in this world through action.

I also took great inspiration in the fact that he has from the beginning felt a personal relationship with God and felt at the time that it was a divine mission, what is known in Hebrew as "shlichut".  He received inspiration from the story of Abraham and Isaac told in the book of Genesis, where God gives a command to Abraham to take his son ‘to the land I will show you.’ God doesn’t tell Abraham where it is. He simply expects Abraham to obey. It was the spirit of the message found in this story that Rabbi Eckstein says has guided his work and his life. 

For more information on Rabbi Eckstein, you can visit his page on the ICFJ website here.

About the Author:
Zev Chafets is the bestselling author of fourteen books of fiction, media criticism, and social and political commentary.  He has been a frequent contributor to the New York Times Magazine and is a former columnist for the New York Daily News. 

Giveaway:
One of you will win "The Bridge Builder: The Life And Continuing Legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein", ARV $27.95. To enter, please leave a comment below to let me know you would like to win. Giveaway closes Thursday, September 3 at Noon EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. 


If you are not able to leave a comment on this blog post, please e-mail me at angelaskitchen@rocketmail.com with "Giveaway Entry" in the subject line and that will count as your entry.

 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”