All posts by M. Terry

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican Hot Chocolate

  • 1/3 cup organic sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • a dash of salt
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 4 cups low-fat milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder, if desired
  • mini organic marshmallows or organic whipped cream, if desired

Place  sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, (cayenne, if adding), and salt in a saucepan and then stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk while  stirring constantly. Heat to desired temperature, making sure not to boil. Serve and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

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by M. Terry on January 3, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on January 3, 2012

https://wholetothecore.com/2012/01/03/mexican-hot-chocolate/

A Wintery Kids’ Cooking Class – Day 1

Today I hosted another Kids’ Cooking Class at my house. We made spaghetti and homemade turkey meatballs and cannoli cookies. Thank you to the girls that came and made lunchtime fun! We even had an opportunity to sneak in some time to make Valentine’s. (Once school starts, time flies by so I seized this chance to make sure some Valentine’s were made before the holiday passes!)

We are looking forward to tomorrow as we create our own enchiladas and drink some Mexican hot chocolate on the coldest day of the season thus far!

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by M. Terry on January 2, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on January 2, 2012

https://wholetothecore.com/2012/01/02/a-wintery-kids-cooking-class-day-1/

1 Route, 2 Views – A Look at the Year Ahead

While training for the marathon, my sister-in-law and I sometimes met at a park where we were able to vary our route in order to complete the scheduled long run for that week. For our 14-milers, we ran a 7-mile circle twice.  We would start at 5:30 or so in the morning, and the first part of our runs were done in the dark. You never knew if the dark spot you were stepping into was a pile of leaves, just some dirt, a muddy puddle, or something a little more messy! During the beginning of our second trip around one day, she commented on how it was like a whole new route since the sun had appeared and had begun to light our way.

This observation triggered a thought in my mind: We are all on this journey of life, but which route are you racing down- the Lighted path or the dark one? You are either running it with or without God. With purpose, or aimlessly. Knowing where you are heading, or wondering where you’ll wind up.

As 2012 begins, my prayer is that the steps of your life are illuminated by God’s Word (Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps. 119:105). While God does not reveal to us all that lay ahead in our path, we can trust that He will make our paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6) when we keep our focus on Him- the immovable focal point! May God’s love compel you in all that you do in this upcoming year, and may He receive all the glory for what will be accomplished in and through you! Happy New Year to you and your family!

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10

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by M. Terry on January 1, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on January 1, 2012

https://wholetothecore.com/2012/01/01/1-route-2-views-a-look-at-the-year-ahead/

DEALS on Fitness and Health Magazines

Looking for motivation, ideas, and information to start the year off on a healthy note? Here are some great magazine subscription deals for the new year from Discountmags.com:



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by M. Terry on December 31, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 31, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/31/deals-on-fitness-and-health-magazines/

FREE Week Gym Membership or Cheap Workout DVDs for Your Home

24 Hour Fitness – FREE 7-day Pass!

This nationwide gym is giving out this free week-long pass to help you on your New Year’s Resolution.

Go HERE to get the deal, and go HERE to see if there’s a location near you.

OR, workout in your own living room with 2, 4-pack of exercise DVDs for just $14 (shipping starts at $2).

Great motivators to BEAT the start of everyone else’s resolution date!

 

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by M. Terry on December 29, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 29, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/29/free-week-gym-membership-or-cheap-workout-dvds-for-your-home/

Garnet and Gold Roasted Vegetables

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Garnet and Gold Roasted Vegetables

This pan of sweetness is in honor of my Alma Mater- FSU- as they get ready to kick-off their bowl game against Notre Dame!

Rutabagas are my new favorite roasting vegetable as of last winter when my mom made them. I even specifically requested them for my birthday dinner just over a week ago. They are earthy and slightly sweet and are perfect paired up with these garden fresh beets. Just a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and a hot 400 degree oven for 30 minutes caramelizes these root veggies perfectly. I also love them with sweet potatoes and red onions. They can be a little more difficult to peel since they have a thick and waxy skin, so be careful when peeling! I promise that the little extra work is worth it though.  And rutabagas are definitely much tastier than some ‘ol Irish potato 🙂

Goooooooooo ‘Noles!!!

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by M. Terry on December 29, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 29, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/29/garnet-and-gold-roasted-vegetables/

A Little R&R for Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Scott and I just returned today from a 3-day mini vacation in Orlando WITHOUT the kids! It was a much needed respite after a long and busy fall. We try to get away as a couple at least once a year, and it is always worth the effort and money it takes to get out of town. This particular trip was a birthday present for me funded in part by my mom and in-laws. They also split the duty of caring for the three kids so, needless to say, we are thankful that God has blessed us with wonderful parents who are even more wonderful grandparents!

Another added bonus for us was the free meals that we had thanks to the generosity of restaurants that offer birthday greetings in the form of BOGO lunches and dinners! Here are the establishments that made our getaway delicious and inexpensive:

Sweet Tomatoes – I love making my own salad from their array of fresh vegetables and I had their tomato and spinach soup as well. Join “Club Veg” for their coupons.

Texas de Brazil – This was really one for my husband. I love their exotic salad bar, but I can only eat so much meat at this all-you-can-eat Brazilian-style steakhouse, so it is really a man’s place to go at that price. But with my free meal, it was worth the experience. The garlic-roasted sirloin was outstanding! (BTW- I just learned that sirloin is leaner than filet and has an extra 2 grams of protein per serving- a cheaper cut with better numbers!) Click on their site and join their “Rewards” program for the perks.

Maggiano’s Italian – This was our first time here, and is now one of my favorite spots. I had the Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad which I will be replicating here at home! Sign up to receive their e-mails and get $10 off a $30 purchase.

Benihana – Ahhhhh, sushi! I got the Spicy Tuna Roll, the Vegetable Roll, and the Rainbow Roll (all with brown rice) for FREE! I’m thinking this was my favorite meal… Click on “The Chef’s Table” to get the BOGO birthday deal.

First Watch – I love their Healthy Turkey Breakfast- an egg white omelet with turkey, feta, spinach, onions and tomatoes and served with fresh tomato slices and an english muffin. Order coffee, and they bring you a whole carafe 🙂 Join the Sun-e Club for discounts throughout the year.

While I enjoyed a brief getaway, I also enjoyed coming home to shouts of “Mommy!” and having the opportunity to tuck all three of my precious children into their beds on this cool night. These moments will be missed one day. I need to do a better job of relishing these times with the children that God has entrusted into our care.

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19

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by M. Terry on December 28, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Deals And Steals, Motivation
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Posted by M. Terry on December 28, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/28/a-little-rr-for-mr-and-mrs-claus/

Christmas Day – The Christ Candle

Today we celebrate God’s gift to us- Jesus Christ. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas Day, and may the love of Jesus fill your heart throughout the new year!

John 1:1-14
The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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by M. Terry on December 25, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 25, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/25/christmas-day-the-christ-candle/

Dark Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Graham Crackers

My kids have been a bit overloaded in the sweets department over the past 2 weeks. Tonight I am in charge of dessert at a family gathering, so the kids and I made dark chocolate dipped peanut butter graham crackers. These small, not-too-sweet-treats are perfect for little fingers. Remember that graham crackers and peanut butter often have hydrogenated/trans fat in them so opt for a brand that is free from this fat. Here are the brands I used:

Place about 1/2 -2/3 cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of oil into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted completely. Break about 6-8 full graham crackers into quarter sections. Spread one quarter section with peanut butter and top with another quarter. Dip one end into the melted chocolate and lay on wax paper. Top with sprinkles. Once all are completed, place in fridge until ready to serve and eat.

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by M. Terry on December 22, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 22, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/22/dark-chocolate-dipped-peanut-butter-graham-crackers/

A Merry Christmas Because of a Happy Easter!

As we come upon Christmas Day, it is important that we remember that we celebrate the birth of Jesus because we can celebrate His death and His resurrection. Without His death on the cross, we would still be dead in our sins, and without His resurrection, we would not have victory over the grave and the gift of eternal life in Heaven. Therefore, the celebration of Jesus’ birth is dependent upon His purpose for coming to the earth- to seek and save the lost.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very naturea God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

So as we wish one another “Merry Christmas”, let us remind ourselves of a “Happy Easter” to come!

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by M. Terry on December 22, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 22, 2011

https://wholetothecore.com/2011/12/22/a-merry-christmas-because-of-a-happy-easter/

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