Top Amish Restaurants Near Champaign, IL

In the heart of Illinois, one popular type of food is home-cooked Amish food. There's nothing more comforting than country-fried chicken, a bowl of mashed potatoes with homemade noodles drenched over it or a pan of home-baked dressing. There are a few restaurants in the central Illinois area that feature this type of cooking and is popular spots for tourists who come to visit.

Click here to read about Amish restaurants in central Illinois...

It's all about the food on Super Bowl day

I have never been much a sports fan. In previous years, I couldn't even tell you who won the Super Bowl. But, there is one thing that I do like about the Super Bowl: the food. Who doesn't enjoy gathering together with their friends and family to eat and share some fun lively conversation and competition?

You don't have to be in love with football to enjoy the food. Just allow the "foodies" to gather together while the ones who are into the game, yell it out in the other room. Super Bowl snacks and appetizers are a popular hit on game day. There's the BBQ wings, salsa, chips and dip, mini tacos and anything else that you favor on one of the biggest sports days in history.

There are a variety of places to find inspiration and Super Bowl recipes on the Internet. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING....

The Green Onion in Champaign, Illinois

I've been a sucker for Chinese food for some time now. I enjoy visiting all kinds of Chinese restaurants and trying out the buffets-sushi included! For awhile, I wanted to try to copy some of the same recipes to make in my own kitchen-especially the sushi! That way I can have it anytime that I want.

Just as you area heading into Champaign,Illinois, you will find a unique little market located at 2020 South Neil Street. It's also across from the turn-off to drive into the movie theater too. While you are waiting for your movie time-why not stop in at the market!...or go in afterward, and pick up the ingredients for a Chinese dinner at home.

t the Green Onion, you will find seaweed wrap to make sushi, a variety of rice, Chinese noodles, vegetables, fish, chicken, sauces-about everything you need to make anything off the menu at your favorite Chinese restaurant... CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

POEM: "The Lonely One" (Bullying Ends Now)

My daughter told me how their school was having an assembly on bullying. 

So many schools need to do this-at least twice a year. Sometimes children are so afraid to speak out when kids are making fun of them. 

I was a target of bullying when I was in school. Kids used to make fun and tease me almost every day-it got worse when I got into junior high and high school. There were a some days I felt alone, but the few friends that I did have-stood by me....along with a few teachers too....



I wrote a small poem about conquering bullying and thought I would share it.......





The Lonely One (Bullying Ends Now)

So you thought I was the odd one?..
I was the one that you didn't think fit in...
I stood in the corner all alone
while you laughed.
You thought you were strong...

Well friend, today, let me tell you-
You were wrong.

You might have gotten me down,
or thought it was funny
when I would frown.
Because of something mean
that you said.

Maybe back then,
I didn't have the strength,
So I just let you win.

I didn't have the heart
to tell you,
how you tore mine apart.

Well friend, today,
Let me make up
for what I didn't say.

I don't care what you say,
Because it doesn't matter today.
I've moved on,
and I don't even care where you have gone.

Never again, will I let someone back me into a corner
and pretend that I was nothing.
Never again will anybody laugh at me
Because they thought I looked funny.

I'll never be the lonely one.
Because you know what?
I'm done...

with you.
Now I'm stronger.

How to Keep Your Children Busy During Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation

Thanksgiving begins to roll around again, and it's time to make the big family dinner. Some may decide to prepare a day or two before the big holiday, and others may prepare even a week before! Although, sometimes life just gets in the way, and it can be difficult trying to find the time to prepare ahead of time.

Not only are you anxious and excited about the big Thanksgiving dinner, but so are your children. It can be hard to keep them entertained while you are busy in the kitchen preparing the main course and side dishes. Although, if you don't want the added stress of spending extra time in the kitchen, you can always ask your guests to bring their favorite side dishes as well.

As your family comes "home" for the holidays, usually, that means cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. The kitchen can become quite crowded with little ones running around. Small children all have a general curiosity and really just want to know what is going on in the kitchen...and the big question: "When is it going to be finished?" Children are also the ones who like to touch and taste all of the food cooking too, so it's hard to keep a watchful eye on them and the dishes that are cooking.

How does the Thanksgiving chef keep the children busy and entertained while the dinner is being prepared in the kitchen?...Click here to find out how!

Tips for Buying a Thanksgiving Turkey

Tips for Buying a Thanksgiving Turkey

"All of the tricks have been played
And the treats have been tasted.

Soon, November will roll in,
and all of those October Autumn moments
will be memories that we have painted...
to keep in our hearts forever...

In no time, we will share a Thanksgiving table
with friends and family whom we adore
Savoring the tastes of love and good food
with a priceless flavor..."

-Ariana R. Cherry

It seems that as soon as Halloween is over, and we've put away our costumes, we are putting the turkey in the oven. Time flies by so fast. Although, in October, in our minds, we just might be planning that Thanksgiving dinner and what we will be cooking. For some, it's a matter of just fixing a few side dishes and heading over to our parents, in-laws, grandparents or even friends. Others like to fix a nice dinner right at home, with all of the amenities and comfort not too far out of reach.

For those who enjoy the traditional turkey, we must start checking out prices in our nearby grocery stores and finding the best sale. If you buy it too early, you risk spending too much, but if you wait too long-you also could risk not getting the brand or size you had in mind either. Usually about the first week or two in November is sometimes the best time to buy the bird. Click here to continue reading this article.

Handcrafted Beaded Bracelets for Sale

In my free time, I also create handmade jewelry sometimes. I have a couple of cute handmade beaded bracelets for sale. Recently I have created an Etsy store-although I still have some products to list. Currently, there are two products that are listed for sale. I have posted them below if you would like to see them. Thanks for looking! ( I also accept Paypal for payment too). 

_____________

Blue and White Polka-Dot Bead & Button Bracelet

**ONE SIZE FITS ALL***

A unique hand-strung beaded bracelet.

A unique and pretty handcrafted bracelet with a polka-dotted blue button,turquoise chips, swarvoski crystals, cat-eye beads and pearls. 

This bracelet stretches, so you don't have to worry about hooking it with a pesky clasp. 

***********************************

This is a unique hand-crafted bracelet and there aren't any other ones like it. 

It is stretchable so there is no fuss with extra clasps. It is very easy to just slip on and go ! :) 

Stretch bracelets are great for those with arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome or other hand pains. They are also ideal for those mornings that you are in a hurry and you don't have time to mess with a clasp!

______________________________


                                                         The Christine Bracelet

This is a unique type of handcrafted bracelet. It comes with a character ACEO card. "Christine" is fun, stylish and also sweet. Her bracelet has been strung with designer glass beads, flower buttons, and polka-dot buttons. The bracelet has been designed to stretch, which makes it easy to slip on and go. 

This is the FIRST bracelet of the "character bracelets" line from Sentimental Jewelry... Let your personality shine through with the "Christine" bracelet. 

***********************************

This is a unique hand-crafted bracelet and there aren't any other ones like it. 

It is stretchable so there is no fuss with extra clasps. It is very easy to just slip on and go ! :) 

Stretch bracelets are great for those with arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome or other hand pains. They are also ideal for those mornings that you are in a hurry and you don't have time to mess with a clasp!