Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift ideas. Show all posts

26 January 2024

Foodie Friday : Tip of the Week : How to Use Garlic from Kevin Ashton

Do you know how black garlic is made?



In one of my previous posts, garlic was listed among the "sexy spices". That's why it's a pleasure to share this Tip of the Week: How to Use Garlic by Kevin Ashton, who recently started following my foodie business page on Google Plus. He does business under the name "wannabetvchef" and publishes several food and food-related blogs.  His post is very informative.  



05 December 2023

The Genealogy of Jesus: Women Named in the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke Supply Information About the Ancestors of Jesus of Nazareth. One striking dissimilarity between the genealogies of Jesus, recorded in the Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew, is the mention of five women in the Gospel according to Matthew.

The alleged differences in the genealogy of Jesus in the gospels of Matthew versus Luke are often disputed. But no one denies that Matthew mentions the names of five women.




The accounts of Matthew and Luke are the only two of the four Gospels that include a genealogy of Jesus. The majority of Bible scholars agree that Matthew was a Jew who wrote primarily for a Jewish audience; and that Luke was a Gentile who wrote for a Gentile (i.e. non-Jewish) readership. The New Testament scriptures do not reveal much biographical data about Luke, and it is not clearly stated whether he was a Gentile or Jew. The genealogy recorded in Luke traces the lineage of Jesus through Joseph, his earthly father, backtracking from Joseph to Adam, the first man. Whereas Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus, beginning with Abraham, the patriarch or father of the Jewish nation, moving forward in history to Joseph.


Over the years, there has been much dispute about the alleged differences between the genealogies and over how to reconcile or rather, harmonize these two Gospels. This article does not address these disagreements because it was written with another purpose in mind. That purpose being: to call attention to the fact that there is one striking dissimilarity that no scholar tries to reconcile or explain away. The Gospel according to Matthew includes the mention of five women.
  1. Tamar, a dutiful widow who played the harlot
  2. Rahab, a woman who was a harlot
  3. Ruth, a dutiful widow who was destitute
  4. Bathsheba, the wife of a murdered husband
  5. Mary, a young girl who married a man named Joseph
(Note: Bathsheba is not mentioned by name. She is referred to indirectly as, her that had been the wife of Uriah. The other four women are named. )


Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute, at peril to her life, in an effort to shame her father-in-law into admitting publicly that he had wronged her and that he would honor his word and obey the law.

Rahab was a prostitute. It was not uncommon for men to frequent her residence. Yet, when certain men were seen entering her place of business, she risked her life to save theirs, not really knowing if they would, in turn, spare her life. 

Bathsheba, the wife of a valiant warrior, at home alone, summoned to a king's bed-chamber to satisfy his unlawful lusts and desires. Wasn't it enough that she had been violated and that she was with child because of it? Did her husband have to be murdered to cover up the act? But it was likely reported to her that her husband, Uriah, had been killed in battle. After all, he was a soldier. Nathan, the prophet, later compared Bathsheba to a little ewe lamb, the only precious possession of a poor man and that poor man had been robbed of everything he had! But who would commit such an act of cruelty? 

Ruth was a destitute widow with an uncertain future. Yet she chose to make a dangerous journey with her mother-in-law and travel to a land away from the home she had known all her life, with nothing. Would the remaining days of her life be bitter? Or would the people she had chosen to accept be willing to accept her and show her mercy and kindness? 

Mary, an innocent young girl, greeted by an angel with these words: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. What must she have thought? But my cousin Elisabeth is the wife of a priest and prophet. She and her husband have always been righteous before God, walking in all of His commandments and ordinances. (Luke 1:6) Who am I? What great thing have I done? Why is the Lord with me? Me?
 

These brief summaries provide a glimpse into the lives of these five women. Using the various scriptural references below, one can piece together their real-life stories.
  • TAMAR - GEN 38: 6, 24; RUTH 4: 12; 1 CHRON 2: 4; MATT 1: 3
  • RAHAB - JOSH 2: 1; 6:17, 25; MATT 1: 5; HEB 11: 31; JMS 2: 25
  • RUTH - RUTH 1: 1 4: 22; MATT 1: 5
  • BATHSHEBA - 2 SAM 11: 3; 12: 24; 1 KINGS 1:15, 28, 31; 2:13
  • MARY - MATT 1: 16, 18, 20; 2: 11; 13: 55; MK 6: 3; LK 1: 27, 30, 41, 56; 2: 5, 16, 19
While it is true that some parts of the biblical accounts are quite scandalous, the biographies of these women can also serve as inspiring accounts of hope, courage, faith, loyalty, love, obedience, and a woman's internal beauty and quiet inner strength.

Glitter rose found at 
 glitter-graphics.com

Sources:

Similar or Related Article:





Christmas Nativity Star of Bethlehem
© Photographer: Christos Georghiou | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Similar content also appears at Blogjob.com

30 March 2023

Book Lovers – An Assortment of Books for Your Reading List or Personal Library

Once stayed in a temporary residence when my family was being relocated from one state to another.  We stayed in this house for a few months until we found our permanent home.  What a memory!

This house was right out a dream home magazine.  My favorite room in this house was the office/library.  Public libraries have always been one of my favorite places.  But I had never lived in a house that was big enough to have my own personal library where I could retreat to and shut off the rest of the world.  



If you had your personal library, what kinds of books would be on your bookshelves?  Here are some of the books you might find in my library.


♦ Picture Books for Children (or for grown-ups who never grow up)
  • "The Eagles Are Back" : Jean Craighead George tells the story of how the American bald eagle was saved from extinction.
  • "Annie and the Old One" : Written by Miska Miles.  It is an introduction to the customs and traditions of  the Navajo people and touches upon a very sensitive subject for children: explaining the death of a loved one.
  • "The Emperor and the Kite":  Jane Yolen tells the tale of a young child who saved a kingdom all because she knew how to fly a kite.  So the next time someone says to you "Go fly a kite!", just imagine yourself on a secret mission saving an empire.

♦ Hot and exciting reads. Suspense Thrillers or Romance.
  • FC Etier Writes Political Thrillers : "The Tourist Killer" was FC Etier's first novel; followed up by "The Presidents Club". Two novels written for those who enjoy a web of conspiracy and intrigue with lots of political overtones.
  • Two Thrillers and One Romance : Just the titles of these books should tempt you. "Power Of Persuasion"; "Trusting Evil"; and "All the Beautiful Sinners".  Which one do you think is the romance?  :)
  • Irresistible Historical Romance Novels : “A Rose in Winter” and “Shanna”  ~ Both books authored by the late Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, the lady who pioneered the historical romance genre and should be credited with it being one of the most popular book genres, based on book sales in the USA.

♦ History or Mystery.

♦ Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Inspiring Biographies.




♥ ♥ ♥ 
Now that you've picked your book (or books), 
settle down for some good reading!  :)

01 December 2020

Gift Giving? Need Ideas? Candles Are Gifts That Are Seldom RE-Gifted

Candles have always been a great gift idea. Right?


Candles are seldom refused and rarely, if ever, re-gifted.

  • Your child needs a gift for their teachers. Candle!
  • Can’t think of what to get your mom for Mother's Day or her birthday? Candle!
  • A boss needs to think of an inexpensive corporate gift for his or her employees – which, of course, he or she can write off as a business expense for tax purposes. Candles!

Image credit:  Amazon.com


(Pssst … Paperweights are also a good idea. If interested, click here. If not, let’s stay focused and stick with the candles.)


I have heard that the Yankee Candles have become an extremely popular gift item? No surprise. They are uber wonderful because they come in so many fragrances. Spiced pumpkin, cinnamon, roses, vanilla, jasmine, lilac blossoms, etc. They even come in votives.


Ask me which scent would be my favorite? Balsam & Cedar.


Why? A personal affinity towards anything that lends itself to biblical times.

Cedar trees were utilized by King Solomon in the building of the temple and are a symbol of strength and beauty.

As for balsam? Well! Balsam is for priests, kings, and … everyday people, like you and me.


Source: Webnuggetz.com





27 November 2020

Do You Know The Rules for the White Elephant Gift Exchange?

In the USA, typically, for the holidays, often at the office Christmas party, or other social gatherings we will have a white elephant gift exchange (also called Secret Santa.). Each person has to bring in one gift. They usually limit the price to $5 or $10. Nothing expensive. Something nice. Then we play the white elephant game where people exchange the gifts. It's pure wholesome happy holiday fun! (See link below.)

When you have a family you don't usually do a gift exchange. However, if you have a large family, buying gifts for everyone can be quite expensive. Imagine me. I had a family of 7 brothers and 1 sister. Some of my brothers were married with kids. I also was married with kids. Shopping for that many people without breaking your bank was a real challenge. I managed somehow. But it wasn't easy!

But then I thought of the idea of doing a white elephant gift exchange for the family when we got together to enjoy the holiday meal. I figured it would cut down on the expense of having to buy several gifts. I tried to sell this idea to family members but they wouldn't buy it.


  • Do you participate in the gift exchange at social gatherings?
  • What do you think of the idea of a gift exchange for the extended family?  Sometimes it's very expensive buying for lots of family members.  But perhaps if you did the white elephant exchange for the family get-together, it would be less expensive and probably more fun!
P.S.  Sometimes the White Elephant gift exchange is called Secret Santa.
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23 November 2020

“Mary, Did you Know?” - incredible acappella version by the Pentatonix

Diary Note: Today is November 21, 2014. Woke up this morning, charged up and ready to face the day. Checked my eMail and my husband's aunt had sent me this. Gotta admit it made me slow down, take a deep breath, and START MY DAY ALL OVER AGAIN!!!  Ever heard of this website. GodVine? I never heard of it. Know it now! :)

Blessings to all!!
Here Is One A Cappella Song That'll Give You Chills. THIS Is What CHRISTmas Is All About!

17 November 2020

Loner Games ~ When You Want To Be Alone (Reblog)

Everybody has those moments when they want to be along or they find themselves alone and need some fun to occupy their minds and ... ??? ... and they don't have Internet access! What to do? What to do? Do what we all used to do. Play solitaire!

Loner Games ~ When You Want To Be Alone (or You Find Yourself All Alone)



In case you don't know how I looked up the rules. Enjoy!
How to Play Marble Solitaire





28 October 2020

Imagine Yourself an Exotic Belly Dancer (For Halloween or Whenever!)

Suggested for "intimate" Halloween celebrations. Imagine Yourself as an Egyptian belly dancer.

Just for Halloween? 
Or … maybe all year long. Why not??



Shopping for a belly dancer outfit? 

More designs and colors available, but these are my personal preferences.


Egyptian Bellydancer Set
Egyptian Bellydancer Set


A complete set comprising of an egyptian bra & matching harem pants. Both the top & pants are decorated with coins,beads & crocheted threads.The pants have a typical bellydancer side slit with a triangular coin design in center.   Oooh-la-la!

Turkish Chiffon 3 Parallel Row Hip Scarf


Beautiful chiffon hip scarf with 3 lines of coins.With crocheted thread & beadwork adding to the beauty, the scarf would go well with any bellydancer outfit.


♥ ♥ ♥





10 Hackers Who Drastically Changed the World (Reblog)

#1 is Julian Assange ... #10 is Anonymous

"Yes, literally. While hacking is as amoral as science or mathematics, and therefore couldn't possibly be morally wrong, it is indeed literally wrong. Hacking, in the broadest sense of the word, is to attempt to interact with a system (any system) in a clever, innovative, and challenging way that the system was not intended to be interacted with, or the wrong way."

10 "Hackers" who Drastically Changed the World: for Better or Worse?


10 Hackers who Drastically Changed the World: for Better or Worse?


08 October 2020

Idiot’s Guide to Power Tools (Great Gift Idea!)

Thinking of buying a power tool as a gift?  Only … can’t tell a jigsaw from a drill, can you?  If you picked up a grinder you’d probably saw your own arm off.  Right?  But you know a “Bob Vila wanna be” and want to get the perfect gift for them.  This guide for the absolute beginner outlines the various tools available, their capabilities and what to buy.

 

An Idiot’s Guide to Buying Power Tools






24 July 2020

White Elephant Gift Shopping : Pomander, Potpourri, and Paperweights

Holiday gift shopping?  Looking for white elephant gift ideas that don't come across as cheap and tacky?

Pomander comes from the French word "pomamber" and from Old French, "pomme d'embre" (apple of amber). Pomanders started out as small cloth bags that people either wore to hide body odor, or hung in a room to mask unpleasant smells. ...

The cloth bags are still around, though people generally don’t wear them any more. ( – Too obvious?) ...



Paperweights used to be kept in kings’ treasure vaults. They are hardly ever returned or re-gifted. Some are even valuable collectibles. They make the perfect gift for a loyal employee or favorite teacher, etc.



Link to the original blog post:  



Fun Fact:
white elephant is a possession which its owner cannot dispose of and whose cost, particularly that of maintenance, is out of proportion to its usefulness. The term derives from the story that the kings of Siam, now Thailand, were accustomed to make a present of one of these animals to courtiers who had rendered themselves obnoxious, in order to ruin the recipient by the cost of its maintenance. In modern usage, it is an object, building project, scheme, business venture, facility, etc., considered expensive but without use or value.[Wikipedia Note 1]


Here's a thought. Why not buy a white elephant as a white elephant gift Nobody has ever given me a white elephant. :)


23 July 2020

Book Review: The Signature of God (and Other Book Reviews)

Wrote some book reviews a few years back. 

Sharing the links.  The first is actually my favorite; published 2013.  

How do we know that God wrote the Bible? Simple! He signed it!

Book Review: The Signature of God by Grant R. Jeffrey


The Handwriting on the Wall - St Benedicts Catholic Church | Source: Wikimedia Commons


● ● ● ● Other Book Reviews:

  • A wonderful book for children written by Miska Miles, which was published in 1971: Annie and the Old One.




  • If you like true stories, mysteries that are finally solved, and ever wondered about ships that set sale and then disappeared - here are four books about Ships Lost at Sea that tell the tales.





The Seven Kings of Rome

The Seven Kings of Rome

There was once a group of villages on seven hills which grew into an empire. But how did it happen?
If your curiosity is peaked by this brief presentation of the history of ancient Rome and wants to learn more, you will find two book recommendations at the end of the article.




23 January 2020

Famous Authors: J. R. R. Tolkien (1892 – 1973), Lord of the Rings Trilogy

A brief bio-snapshot of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. (1892 - 1973), the architect of Middle Earth, and gift ideas for the Tolkien enthusiast, like the artwork of The Brothers Hildebrandt.


"The One Ring" Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas by The Brothers Hildebrandt! Numbered and Hand Signed by Greg Hildebrandt! Includes Certificate of Authenticity!



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08 February 2019

Matcha Tea is Body Fuel - Food Ways

"Are you of Japanese heritage? The people of Japan have been enjoying this green tea since the 12 century. It was served as part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Not sure if they knew it was a super-food. If they did, they were way ahead of us." 

Source: Matcha Tea is Body Fuel - Food Ways



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Ceremonial Grade Matcha 20g

**Limited supplies available**Distinguished by its superior aroma, full body, and malty finish, this ceremonial matcha is sourced from Ippodo, one of the most prestigious sources for Japanese green teas. This matcha exhibits excellent flavor and color and is a breeze to whisk. Caffeine Content: MediumTasting Notes: Grassy, Rich, Balanced





Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set

This attractively packaged gift set has all the components necessary for your matcha making needs!  Included: 
  • Ceremonial Matcha Bowl, 
  • 100 Tine Matcha Whisk, and 
  • Bamboo Matcha Scoop.


20 September 2018

For Book Lovers : The Jefferson Key: A Novel by Steve Berry

Internationally known, Steve Berry, is a New York Times bestselling author who has published numerous novels and short stories. His works have been translated into 40 different languages and are circulated in 50+ countries. His writings are available in all formats: Kindle Edition, Paperback, Hardcover, Audible Audio Edition, audio CD and audio cassette. They make for good reading or good listening!  "The Jefferson Key" debuted on the Indiebound’s Indie Bestseller List for the week ending May 29, 2011.



The Jefferson Key: A Novel

EXCERPT from Publisher's Summary: “Four United States presidents have been assassinated - in 1865, 1881, 1901, and 1963 - each murder seemingly unrelated and separated by time.


But what if those presidents were all killed for the same reason: a clause in the United States Constitution - contained within Article 1, Section 8 -that would shock Americans? …”



Presidents of the United States of America | Lists of Rulers | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

"A complete list of all United States presidents in chronological order, with birth and death dates and links to related content."

24 January 2018

Chocolate of the Month Club (Make Every Month February)

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14th, in the USA and in many other countries.  Traditionally many people receive chocolate as a gift. It's a wonderful custom. No reason to discontinue it.  In fact, why not enjoy chocolates every month of the year?





Sinful. Decadent. Completely and totally irresistible. Every month, the Chocolate of the Month Club from Clubs of America delights your senses with luscious, handmade temptations that are impossible to refuse.

Dreamy truffles, silky-rich turtles, chilly mints, melts and more. Unlike candies sold by other chocolate clubs, our hand-dipped confections are among the finest and freshest in the world. They’re made to order with all-natural ingredients by experienced chocolatiers. Then they’re shipped directly to your door. A gift membership to our Chocolate of the Month Club is a virtual guarantee that sweet smiles will soon be coming your way.


Join the Chocolate of the Month Club!

Includes FREE SHIPPING!




Affiliate Advertisement

● Valentine's Day Around the World - Treathyl Fox - Medium

Giving chocolates or roses as gifts, along with cards, and/or going out with your "sweet heart" are common customs, traditions or practices in most countries. But here are some other ways to celebrate. Japan: There are two Valentine's Days: one in February and the other in March.


03 December 2017

Sous Vide Cooking Tips | Scoop.it

Credit is being given to the French for Sous Vide (pronounced soo-veed) Cooking, which is a method of preparing foods by vacuum sealing and cooking packed foods in controlled temperature water. 

I've seen Ming Tsai use this technique and he was trained as a chef in France. 

No matter. When it comes to cooking, if the French say we can do it, we can do it! 

Furthermore, according to my thinking, when Ming Tsai says two thumbs up and shows you how to, you've run out of excuses.  Because Mr. Tsai knows the best to cook anything! Hey! I'm a loyal fan! :) 




See on Scoop.it - My I Like Eating Channel
Sous Vide Cooking has become increasingly popular over the years. This is an easy, effective method of cooking that preserve nutrients and deliver on flavor ...

See on sealthatfood.com   


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Simply Ming One-Pot Meals: Quick, Healthy & Affordable Recipes

 




EES shares recipes, cooking tips and all things foodie!

Everyday Exotic Spices
Shop for gourmet spices and cooking ingredients.

Food Ways Presented by EES
Follow our foodie blog.


Beef, chicken and salmon in vacuum plastic bag for sous vide cooking
© Photographer: Oleksandra Naumenko | Agency: Dreamstime.com

24 November 2017

Bath Salts, Aromatherapy and More Gift Ideas for Holiday Shopping!

Four years ago, published this article sharing my gift ideas for relaxation products. It's the holiday season for 2016 and these health and beauty bath spa products are still immensely popular.  These natural skin care products are gluten-free, vegan, and Green-Certified. You can even get products for your pets!  🐱🐕😄





Do you plan to do your gift shopping online?  

If so, here are various places around the web where you can find all kinds of suggested gift ideas, products reviews, and recommendations, most wished for or wishlist items, etc.

Disclosure:  The sites and web pages are part of my home business projects.

My Shopping Channel for Home and Garden 
Find feng shui gifts for home or office.



TABLE TOP FENG SHUI

Legitmate work at home opportunities; affiliate advertisements for a wide variety of products: health and beauty, food, real estate, books, etc.



My Other Shopping Channel (Webnuggetz.com)
A popular affiliate marketing website which has been around for over 5 years.



Gifts for Tree Lovers : Give the Blessing of a Tree

When John the Apostle described his vision wherein he saw what heaven looked like, he wrote about seeing "the tree of life" and said that "the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Wouldn't it be wonderful if all tree leaves could be used for the healing of nations?



If you're signed into your social media account anyway, why not go shopping?

My Shopping Channel is on:




Finally ... this is a brand new online shopping site on BlogJob.  My Shopping Channel ~ "Mi Tienda es Su Tienda".  Happy One Year Anniversary!  Started November 2016.




Hope to make your online gift shopping experience easy and enjoyable.



10 November 2017

Need a Gift for Baby Shower? Organic Baby Gifts

Did you know that one study identified a total of 322 toxins in the blood of umbilical cord samples? Several companies who make baby products have responded to growing consumer concerns about exposing newborns, infants and toddlers to hazardous substances and chemicals in products used in the nursery.



Organic New Baby Basics Gift Baskets - Blue



More Shopping and Gift Ideas at hayneedle.com






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