Don't be so surprised when haters take shots at you when God is doing something big through you that is changing lives. Keep shining. Push out the negative and bring in the positive. Remember, you cannot save everyone. Some people are going to destroy themselves no matter how much you try to help them. Grind - to perform repetitive actions over and over in order to attain a goal.
You are INTENSE
You are OBSESSED
You are NOT NORMAL
You say YES when others say NO
You RISE while others sleep
You DO what others will not
You CONTROL your destiny
You are on a quest
NEVER STOP
Don't expect people to understand your grind when God didn't give them your vision. Don't worry about those who talk behind your back, they're behind you for a reason.
The cost of AMBITION:
* Late nights, early mornings
* Lots of associates, few friends
* You will be misunderstood
* You will be single unless you find someone who understands your lifestyle
* People will want you to do good but never better than them
And for those reasons you will do many things alone.
GRIND!!!
Folks who never do anymore than they get paid for, never get paid for any more than they do! While you are still waiting to find an easy way (or a perfect time), someone else is already getting results because they decided making progress is more important than making excuses. In this dog eat dog world, success is granted to those who are told they can't do something and they refuse to believe it. Where a dream is no longer a dream, its a burning desire for self fulfillment. This isn't a story of how bad you want it, its a reality of how far you are willing to push yourself and take it.
I am not going to reach my goals by sleeping in. In the morning I rise & grind because my WHY wakes me up every morning. I will NOT climb the ladder of success by being lazy or letting my hears get in the way. I will face my fears and rise above. I want to be successful as bad as I want to breathe. I will NOT give up, I will NOT let anyone stop me from reaching my dreams and achieving my goals. In order to conquer your fears you must face them. You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets. Don't ever let anyone point a finger in your face and say you can't do it. Its not about how hard you get hit, its about how hard you get hit and keep moving forward. I'm going to show you how great I am. You will see one day. No one can break me cos I'm down Christ. And with God, all things are possible.
I don't know how my story will end, but no where in my text will it ever read...."I gave up". Actions always prove why words mean nothing. Very true. No obstacle is too big, no goal is unattainable, nothing else matters. I CAN...I WILL...I MUST...SURVIVE....You can not afford to live in potential for the rest of your life. Unleash it all today and make your move towards greatness NOW. What do you want out of life? If you don't know what you want then you will eat anything, you don't have drive, you wake up when you want. You know, I just want to inspire people and be inspired. I will follow my dreams and work as hard as I can to reach my goals, blood sweat & tears. Just because I have a dream and goals and you don't doesn't mean you have to knock me for trying to reach mine. Everyday you say no to your dreams, you push back your dreams 6 months, maybe even longer. So you need to know your WHY, and my WHY wakes me up every single morning. Remember, there is an expiration date on your dreams and they're about to expire. So how hard are you going to work to reach your goals and achieve your dreams?
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Recovery
I'm proud of what I have overcome. I needed a change, I couldn't keep going in the direction I was going. With God's help and my determination to not let this be how my story ended I gave up drugs & have been clean 4 years. Don't waste your life away. Seize the opportunities, live each day like there is no tomorrow.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Lecrae - Tell The World
[Hook (Mali Music):]
Now, I’mma tell the world, tell ‘em
I’mma tell it everywhere I go
Tell the world, tell ‘em
Yeah, I’m a billboard
Tell the world, tell ‘em
And I’m broadcastin’ like a radio
Tell the world
You ought to know, I’m brand new
[Verse 1 (Lecrae):]
I know one thing’s true: I don't even really deserve to know you
But, I-I’m a witness that you did this, and I'm brand new
So, I-I'm read’ to go, and I’mma tell the world what they need to know
A slave to myself, but you let me go, I tried getting high but it left me low
You did what they could never do
You cleaned up my soul and
Gave me new life - I'm so brand new
And that’s all that matters
I-I ain’t love you first, but you first loved me
In my heart I cursed you, but you set me free
I gave you no reason to give me new seasons, to give new life, new breathing
But you hung there bleedin’, and ya’ died for my lies and my cheatin’, my lust and my greed, (and Lord!)
What is a man that you mindful of him?
And what do I have to deserve this lovin’?
[Hook (Mali Music):]
Tryna make the moments last
Holdin’ on to the past
But, like a hero in a dream
Christ came, and he rescued me
Now, I’mma tell the world,
Tell the world, tell ‘em
I’mma tell it everywhere I go
Tell the world, tell ‘em
Yeah, I’m a billboard
Tell the world, tell ‘em
And I’m broadcastin’ like a radio
Tell the world
You ought to know, I’m brand new
[Verse 2 (Lecrae):]
I can't offer you nothin’, but your care & kindness keeps comin’
And your love is so unconditional, I get butterflies in my stomach
I got the old me in the rearview, now the new me got a clear view
And I was so dead, I couldn't hear you, too deep in sin to come near you
But you drew me in, you cleaned me up, so take me home, beam me up
Before you do, just let me tell the truth, and let these folks know that I done seen ya’ love
And it's everlasting, infinite, it goes on and on, you can’t measure it
Can’t quench ya’ love, they can’t separate us from the love of God, there’s no estimate
My face look the same, my frame ain’t rearranged, but I’m changed; I promise I ain’t the same
Your love’s so deep you suffered and took pain, you died on the cross to give me a new name
Ain’t nothing like I've seen before, I got a beaming glow
I was low, down, and dirty, but you cleaned me, Lord
You adopted me, you keep rocking me
I'mma tell the world, and ain’t nobody stopping me!
Sweetbox ft Christopher Taylor "Shout"
* Shout shout let it all out
These are the things I can't do without
Come on
I'm talking to you come on
Let me hear you shout it out
Let me tell you all the things that I can't do without
I jump for joy you get me led
So let me shout about
No doubt I found out
What makes the world go round
And by the times the world is foul
We seem to 'cause
The reason why the world is lost
We believe the world we live in peace
This days some say
One track minds would leave the way
Shout it out something for the world to say
*Rep.
They gave you life
In return you gave them live your hell
Cold as ice
Three wishes like a wishing well
If I could tell change your mind
And turn the time
Dark as night fighting
With the shadow lights
Is everything alright?
Can we do it one time?
We'll shout it out
Until the rise of light
I know you know
We shouldn't have to sell our souls
I shout it out
Just to let the world know
*Rep.
In violent times
we shouldn't have to sell your souls
in black and white
they really really ought to know
you shouldn't have to shout
*Rep.2x
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
No more drama
Love this song, love it
So tired, tired of this dram
No more, no more
I wanna be free
I'm so tired, so tired
Broken heart again
Another lesson learn
Better know your friends
Or else you will get burned
Gotta count on me
Cause I can guarantee
That I'll be fine
No more pain (no more pain)
No more pain (no more pain)
No drama (no more drama in my life)
No one's gonna make me hurt again
Why'd I play the fool
Go through ups and downs
Knowing all the time
You wouldn't be around
Or maybe I like the stress
Cause I was young and restless
But that was long ago
I don't wanna cry no more
No more pain (no more pain)
No drama (no more drama in my life)
Noooooone's gonna make me hurt again
No more tears (no more tears, I'm tired of cryin everynight)
No more fears (no more fears, I really don't wanna cry)
No drama (no more drama in my life)
I don't ever wanna hurt again
Wanna speak my mind, wanna speak my mind
Uh,, it feel so good
When you let go
Of all the drama in your life
Now you're free from all the pain
Free from all the game
Free from all the stress
So find your hapiness
I don't know
Only God knows where the story ends for me
But I know where the story begins
It's up to us to choose
Whether we win or lose
And I choose to win
No more pain (no more pain)
No more game (tired of your playin' game with my mind)
No drama (no more drama in my life)
No more, no more, No more, no more
No more tears (no more tears, no more cryin every night)
No more fears (no more waking me up in the morning)
No drama, no more in my life
No more drama, no more drama
No more drama, no more drama
NO MORE DRAMA
NO MORE DRAMA
NO MORE DRAMA
NO MORE DRAMA
No more drama in my life
No more drama in my life
So tired, tired of this drama
yep
Today is going to be a great day. Doing laundry and jammin out to some old school music. The spirit of God is with me today. I will not let the devil in today!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
How To Be A Successful Leader With Avon
You now have your first recruit and you've joined the ranks of many Avon Reps. You are well on your way to residual income! Congrats!!!
We want to keep your momentum going. There are many strategies you can use to remain successful and earn a hefty residual income.
We want to keep your momentum going. There are many strategies you can use to remain successful and earn a hefty residual income.
- You should be ordering a minimum of 100 brochures every campaign
- Make sure every brochure you give away has a recruiting flyer on it or the address to your recruiting link with your reference code on it.
- Your goal should be to sign up two new reps per week or every two weeks. If you are consistent with 4 weeks to Unit Leader, than you will definitely achieve this goal.
- Call your downline at least once per campaign to check on them. See if they are needing help with building their sales or getting new customers.
- Email any of my blog posts to your downline.
- Complete Leadership Online Training. You can find these at youravon.com. This will give them a good foundation to grow their business on.
- Familiarize yourself with Downline Manager at youravon.com under the Sales Leadership tab. This system will help you manage your downline and review their progress. Check your reports and numbers daily.
- Partner with your upline or District Manager. They can help you grow your downline bu inviting you to recruiting events in your district.
- Most importantly....Create a schedule! You must have a schedule for every assignment you will do that will help you grow your business. Whether it is labeling brochures or prospecting, you need to have these evens on your calendar and STICK TO IT!!!
- Remember, slow and steady wins the race. We all want our business to explode over night. It normally takes time, diligence and consistency to grow a successful business.
One extra point I believe all business owners need to know. This is your business. You must learn how to grow YOUR business for YOURSELF! Your upline and District Manager is available to help you grow your business. But, it is all up to you. You plan opportunities to grow your business. You stikc with the pan. Plan to succeed and don't give up!
20 Tips For A Successful Avon Business
Not all of us come from a business background, but that is the great thing about Avon. All you have to do is become knowledgeable about the basics and continue to educate yourself to be the best Avon Rep you can be. Remember, what you put into your Avon Business is what you will get out of it. So here is a guideline of steps to help you be as successful as you can be and teach your team to do the same. Believe it and you can achieve it, set a plan of action!!
- Basic - Always submit an order. Being a part of the team there is no such thing as a no order. You all should be ordering at least your brochures or you have no business to work from.
- Basic - Always pay your bill before your next order is due. If this is a problem, collect the money first. Do not use Avon $ to pay for personal bulls until Avon bill has been paid. With Avon, your credit is a privilege and not paying is stealing. You may use a debit or credit card by going to www.youravon.com or 513-551-2866
- Basic - If you fall behind in any fashion, call your upline, manager or myself and let us know so we can help you get back on track! We care! Let's take care of things before they get worse.
- Try as hard as possible to get a separate checking account. No professional business runs on cash only, and this really helps when you need to pay Avon ASAP. Unfortunately, Avon cannot take your money, and pay your account for you. All cards, checks need to be in your name.
- Don't have internet connection? Go to the library, internet cafe or family member to do your orders and get the latest information. The information available via internet is invaluable.
- To follow that, on youravon.com there are online trainings that teach you all about the basics of running your Avon business! If you complete these training sessions you can print out your own completion certificate! This is essential, do it today! Training Tab than Pathways. Be sure to attend the FREE WEBINARS and register for them at the Pathways tab.
- There is also the new Personal Beauty Profiles, which is a software program in which you can customize your customer's skin care, just by asking them questions! It's very impressive, and a must so check it out!
- Respond to emails so we know you got it. Give your upline your feedback. Express your opinion and share your ideas! You are all very bright and creative, so please share!
- Communication is vital. Whether it is you trying to reach your upline or your upline trying to make contact with you, please return calls as soon as possible, this suggestion goes for calling your customers too!
- Stick to your commitments. If you have to change your schedule, give enough notice for your upline, downline, or customer. This is common courtesy.
- Leave fear at the door! Walk out there confident in yourself and your business! You can do it!
- Don't wait for your upline to ask you to do a party, tailgate, beauty bash etc. Take initiative and take the lead! There is a leader inside all of you!
- Attend meetings and any event that your manager or upline throws. This is important as we try to discuss what is new, what's changing and give you all training. It's all for you! Avon's Online Virtual Webinars are only once a month. Other meeting etc are offered on monthly basis - locally and virtually.
- Discouraged? Don't give up! Quitters don't win. Do your part to motivate yourself and read motivational materials, view your trainings at youravon.com, visit my blog at http://avonrepaiden.blogspot.com attend Avon's conference calls/webinars and get inspired! Exercise, do the power of 3, take a walk, organize your workspace. Do something! Doing nothing will keep things the same.
- Time Management. This one is huge. Got kids? Involved in clubs? Coach your child's team? Work a full time job? Did you know that the most successful Avon reps do all the above and/or more? Always be ready to share the opportunity at all times, and the more you are involved, the more people you meet! Let Avon become a natural extension of yourself. Give your testimony, be confident, and be excited! It's the easiest way!
- Use your tools! View online training videos & take courses on Avon Pathways. Also if you have the rich and famous or any other training DVDs don't let them sit there and gather dust. Share with your team. Share with a prospective representative. If you have the Rich & Famous DVD you have, put your name on it, share it and follow up with the next 2 days! Watch it speak volumes for you.
- Know what being a part of our team means. You come from a line of top motivators and recruiters when it comes to Avon Leadership!
- Work your business as if you spent $50,000 to start your business and not less than $20 on your appointment kit! If you take this seriously, you will work hard, and stay focused! If you spent 5-k you wouldn't let any of the little things get to you, because you have invested time and lots of money. Stay focused on the bigger picture!! Nobody who is rich said it was easy.
- Take control and responsibility for your success. Success, money, fame, all of that is not going to fall into your lap. I can't force you to do anything, I can only advise you. Take control of your time. Don't let life/circumstance tell you what you do with your time. You take control of your time. All of us have the same amount of time in the day. it is what you decide to do with it.
- Stay focused, work hard, take it day by day, and watch the time flu and than you will see your dreams come true and you will say it was all worth it!!
Unit Leader+ Here I Come
So I am excited about making Unit Leader. I have really grown my team and I am still growing my team. I now have as of yesterday, 16 people I believe it is, on my team. That is people in my 1st generation and 2nd generation downline. Woohoo. I am so excited about Avon, I absolutely love this company and am doing so well with it. Now I just need to build my customer base and get more orders. The higher sales I have that means I can make it closer to getting in the President's Club. That is one of my goals. Yep yep.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Dinner Time
Cooking Porkchops for me and the babies. They always love this time of the evening because they know that the yummy food I am cooking they will get to have some of. Lol. They are spoiled. I always give them meat nothing else. I need to make some more German food for dinner here in the next few days. Going to have to look me up a recipe and decide what I want to cook.
A Positive Mind Leads To A Positive Life
Toady is Milo's birthday. He turns 1 year old today. I miss him. Haven't seen him in awhile because Jen works so much. I hope he's having a good birthday and getting bones lol.
I woke up in a good mood and with a positive attitude. I made a New Year''s resolution to be more positive and put all negativity out of my life. Today I've been writing positive, uplifting stuff on Facebook. I however have noticed I have a few negative friends on Facebook. So instead of unfriending these negative people I decided to unfollow them on Facebook. Had I unfriended them I am sure that may have caused some drama which I also do not like. That was another one of my New Year's Resolutions, to stay away from drama out to stay out of drama. I guess that's the same thing though.
I talked to Cousin Sandy on Facetime for a little bit. And we are going to Facetime again tomorrow and I am going to make a Raw Smoothie, she is going to help me with it. After I Facetimed with her I went and picked up a German Stein for $10 from a guy on my Yard Sale group. Also my Ulm stickers came in the mail, yay. I put one on my laptop and I am going to put another one on my truck and I am going to give one to dad. I got 4 in the pack.
Deep inside of you is more strength than you've ever known. So believe in yourself and all that you are, know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. And remember, being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. Life is too short to argue and fight with your past. Count your blessing, value your loved ones, and move on with your head high. Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. To keep your positive thinking you must stay away from negative people who are toxic because you too become what you hang out with so surround yourself with positive like-minded people who lift you up and not bring you down. Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream that no one can see.
Never underestimate the power of a woman with German blood.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better. Which one are you? I am definitely a giver. I always have been. I have never been much of a taker. Givers have better hearts than takers do. And remember, when you help others, you help yourself.
Surround yourself with people who make you a better person. Stay away from negative people, they are toxic and they will make you become negative and toxic as well. There's a saying that you become what you hang out with. If you hang out with negative people you too will become negative. But if you hang out with positive people you will be positive too.
A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have. Be grateful for what you have, God has blessed you. Dream big and don't let others crush your dreams.
Beautiful things happen in your life when you distance yourself from all the negative things. I have learned this because I made a New Year's Resolution to be more positive and to surround myself with only positive people. And since then my life has gotten better now that I have gotten rid of all the negative people.
How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great. I have always been the type to help those in need and I still am to this day. A friend of mine and I are making backpacks for the homeless. So far we've given out one which had dry foods in it, canned foods, a coat, shirts, a blanket and other things he could use. I gave it to a homeless Marine Veteran that used to come in my store. He was very grateful for it. And it put a smile on his face and he was shocked that someone would be and could be so nice to him. And that makes me happy, it makes me happy to see him happy and grateful. If you give to others it will make you feel good about yourself.
If you want to see your God given potential developed to its fullest, don't wait until everything is perfect...DO SOMETHING NOW!!!!
Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable. Excuses will get you no where in life. People who make excuses aren't successful. People who are successful don't make excuses.
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
The future depends on what we do in the present.
The phrase, "Do not be afraid" is written in the bible 365 times. That's a daily reminder from God to live every day fearless.
What I am looking for is not out there it is in me
It's really nice to wake up in the morning realizing that GOD has given me another day to live...
You know, one of the best therapists has fur and four legs. That's my babies, my fur babies. Cinder and Rocky. They listen to me all the time.
I'm not yelling, I'm GERMAN. Lol. Mom would always get on me and dad and say we were yelling. NO were NOT, we are GERMAN and we just talk loud.
You know there is nothing better than a hot shower to wake you up and to start your day.
You are never too lose to be saved. Things may be going bad for you and not the way you want them too but just remember you can weather the storm.
Always love your mother because you will never get another. I absolutely love my mom. I don't know what I would do without her.
I woke up in a good mood and with a positive attitude. I made a New Year''s resolution to be more positive and put all negativity out of my life. Today I've been writing positive, uplifting stuff on Facebook. I however have noticed I have a few negative friends on Facebook. So instead of unfriending these negative people I decided to unfollow them on Facebook. Had I unfriended them I am sure that may have caused some drama which I also do not like. That was another one of my New Year's Resolutions, to stay away from drama out to stay out of drama. I guess that's the same thing though.
I talked to Cousin Sandy on Facetime for a little bit. And we are going to Facetime again tomorrow and I am going to make a Raw Smoothie, she is going to help me with it. After I Facetimed with her I went and picked up a German Stein for $10 from a guy on my Yard Sale group. Also my Ulm stickers came in the mail, yay. I put one on my laptop and I am going to put another one on my truck and I am going to give one to dad. I got 4 in the pack.
Deep inside of you is more strength than you've ever known. So believe in yourself and all that you are, know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. And remember, being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. Life is too short to argue and fight with your past. Count your blessing, value your loved ones, and move on with your head high. Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. To keep your positive thinking you must stay away from negative people who are toxic because you too become what you hang out with so surround yourself with positive like-minded people who lift you up and not bring you down. Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream that no one can see.
Never underestimate the power of a woman with German blood.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better. Which one are you? I am definitely a giver. I always have been. I have never been much of a taker. Givers have better hearts than takers do. And remember, when you help others, you help yourself.
Surround yourself with people who make you a better person. Stay away from negative people, they are toxic and they will make you become negative and toxic as well. There's a saying that you become what you hang out with. If you hang out with negative people you too will become negative. But if you hang out with positive people you will be positive too.
A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have. Be grateful for what you have, God has blessed you. Dream big and don't let others crush your dreams.
Beautiful things happen in your life when you distance yourself from all the negative things. I have learned this because I made a New Year's Resolution to be more positive and to surround myself with only positive people. And since then my life has gotten better now that I have gotten rid of all the negative people.
How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great. I have always been the type to help those in need and I still am to this day. A friend of mine and I are making backpacks for the homeless. So far we've given out one which had dry foods in it, canned foods, a coat, shirts, a blanket and other things he could use. I gave it to a homeless Marine Veteran that used to come in my store. He was very grateful for it. And it put a smile on his face and he was shocked that someone would be and could be so nice to him. And that makes me happy, it makes me happy to see him happy and grateful. If you give to others it will make you feel good about yourself.
If you want to see your God given potential developed to its fullest, don't wait until everything is perfect...DO SOMETHING NOW!!!!
Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable. Excuses will get you no where in life. People who make excuses aren't successful. People who are successful don't make excuses.
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
The future depends on what we do in the present.
The phrase, "Do not be afraid" is written in the bible 365 times. That's a daily reminder from God to live every day fearless.
What I am looking for is not out there it is in me
It's really nice to wake up in the morning realizing that GOD has given me another day to live...
You know, one of the best therapists has fur and four legs. That's my babies, my fur babies. Cinder and Rocky. They listen to me all the time.
I'm not yelling, I'm GERMAN. Lol. Mom would always get on me and dad and say we were yelling. NO were NOT, we are GERMAN and we just talk loud.
You know there is nothing better than a hot shower to wake you up and to start your day.
You are never too lose to be saved. Things may be going bad for you and not the way you want them too but just remember you can weather the storm.
Always love your mother because you will never get another. I absolutely love my mom. I don't know what I would do without her.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
German Traditions
Christmas Time & Traditions in Germany
During the four weeks before Christmas, Germans celebrate Advent, a romantic and delightful time of the year, which is strongly linked to traditional Christmas markets in wonderful settings You'll find plenty of hand-crafted Christmas decorations, cute little incense burners, wooden-carved toys and nativity scenes to place at the heart of your Christmas display. Germany's first Christmas market was recorded in 1393, and today there are thousands of them all over the country.
Karneval: Mardi Gras' German Cousin
Many of Germany's visitors remember this event. It happens about six weeks before Easter, or one week to 10 days leading up to the beginning of Lent. It starts with Cologne's two-and-half hour Rose Monday parade and includes huge "Karneval" floats bearing dozens of citizens dressed up in costumes. They toss fistfuls of candies to the noisy crowds on the sidewalks, exactly the way New Orlean's Mardi Gras crews toss plastic-beaded necklaces and coins.
Oktoberfest - the world's favorite German fest
Oktoberfest is unmistakably a German tradition. This 16-day festial in Munich attracts over six million visitors per year who consume about 1,320,860 gallons of beer, 400,000 pork sausages and 480,000 roasted chickens. It started 12 October 1810, at the wedding of Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Against tradition, the couple invited Munich's locals. The events were held over five days on the fields that today are named Theresienwiese after the bride.
The Easter Bunny & the Tale of the Eggs
From the name to the bunny, its all German. The name Easter was first appropriated by the Christian calendar. First it was the pagan festival Ostrara, celebrated on the vernal equinox, around 21 March in the Northern hemisphere. Ostrara was named for the pagan goddess of spring, Eostre. According to legend, she once saved a bird whose wings had frozen during the winter by turning it into a rabbit. because the rabbit had once been a bird, it could lay eggs. And so it became the Easter Bunny.
During the four weeks before Christmas, Germans celebrate Advent, a romantic and delightful time of the year, which is strongly linked to traditional Christmas markets in wonderful settings You'll find plenty of hand-crafted Christmas decorations, cute little incense burners, wooden-carved toys and nativity scenes to place at the heart of your Christmas display. Germany's first Christmas market was recorded in 1393, and today there are thousands of them all over the country.
Karneval: Mardi Gras' German Cousin
Many of Germany's visitors remember this event. It happens about six weeks before Easter, or one week to 10 days leading up to the beginning of Lent. It starts with Cologne's two-and-half hour Rose Monday parade and includes huge "Karneval" floats bearing dozens of citizens dressed up in costumes. They toss fistfuls of candies to the noisy crowds on the sidewalks, exactly the way New Orlean's Mardi Gras crews toss plastic-beaded necklaces and coins.
Oktoberfest - the world's favorite German fest
Oktoberfest is unmistakably a German tradition. This 16-day festial in Munich attracts over six million visitors per year who consume about 1,320,860 gallons of beer, 400,000 pork sausages and 480,000 roasted chickens. It started 12 October 1810, at the wedding of Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Against tradition, the couple invited Munich's locals. The events were held over five days on the fields that today are named Theresienwiese after the bride.
The Easter Bunny & the Tale of the Eggs
From the name to the bunny, its all German. The name Easter was first appropriated by the Christian calendar. First it was the pagan festival Ostrara, celebrated on the vernal equinox, around 21 March in the Northern hemisphere. Ostrara was named for the pagan goddess of spring, Eostre. According to legend, she once saved a bird whose wings had frozen during the winter by turning it into a rabbit. because the rabbit had once been a bird, it could lay eggs. And so it became the Easter Bunny.
No Room For Negative People Or Thinking
Negative attitudes can quickly creep into your life. You probably know someone who is very negative. You may wonder why they are so unhappy. Maybe they don't know how to stop being that way, or maybe they appear more negative than they are. When you look at the list that follows, see if you are guilty of any of those attitudes.
Here is a list of words that describe negative attitudes:
aggression, anger, betrayal, bigotry, blame, cowardice, critical, cynical, depression, dishonesty, envy, greed, guarded, hatred, indifference, intolerance, irresponsibility, jealousy, pessimism, prejudice, pride, resentment, revenge, sadness, selfishness, skeptical, suspicious, thoughtlessness, unemotional and untrusting.
Now that you have a list of words that describe negative attitudes, maybe you would like to know what they do to you.
A negative attitude really does affect your quality of life. Sometimes it takes control of your life and you see everything in the worst possible way. You are not happy and the people around you are not happy either. Let's look at the crippling effects of negativity. For example:
* Negativity can change the way you look at everything and keep you from enjoying many things that can bring you joy
* It keeps you from trying new things that may be wonderful
* It can also keep you from maturing and learning how to cope with the challenges of life
* Negativity can lead to sadness, depression, stress, and giving up on life
* It can take away your energy and motivation. Instead of a go-getter, you become a hopeless case who cannot help themselves
So you want to stop being negative? Try these action steps to recharge your attitude into being more positive.
* Make a list of the things for which you are thankful. You should do this at least once a day. It will help you focus on things to be appreciated and, with practice, you will find many things to be thankful for.
* Try to find something positive in every situation. Even a bad situation can be positive if you learned something from it. And yes, going through difficult times does build character.
* Work hard on not complaining. Try to say something positive and see the good in people and situations.
* Try to let troubles roll off of you like water off a duck's back. Visualize your troubles just rolling off of you and focus on the positive.
* Realize than only you can change your attitude. Your attitude is no one's fault but yours.
As your attitude changes from negative to positive, you will notice that people respond to you in a different way.
Many people think you can change your reality simply with thought. They say that if you think it, it can happen.
Those who wish to sing, always find a song. If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. You must start with a positive attitude or you will surely end without one. Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. You can change your life by changing your attitude.
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives. Similarly be that kind of a friend for your friends.
Ignore negative people. They feed on your reaction and if they see you being affected by what they do or say, they'll keep doing it.
Here is a list of words that describe negative attitudes:
aggression, anger, betrayal, bigotry, blame, cowardice, critical, cynical, depression, dishonesty, envy, greed, guarded, hatred, indifference, intolerance, irresponsibility, jealousy, pessimism, prejudice, pride, resentment, revenge, sadness, selfishness, skeptical, suspicious, thoughtlessness, unemotional and untrusting.
Now that you have a list of words that describe negative attitudes, maybe you would like to know what they do to you.
A negative attitude really does affect your quality of life. Sometimes it takes control of your life and you see everything in the worst possible way. You are not happy and the people around you are not happy either. Let's look at the crippling effects of negativity. For example:
* Negativity can change the way you look at everything and keep you from enjoying many things that can bring you joy
* It keeps you from trying new things that may be wonderful
* It can also keep you from maturing and learning how to cope with the challenges of life
* Negativity can lead to sadness, depression, stress, and giving up on life
* It can take away your energy and motivation. Instead of a go-getter, you become a hopeless case who cannot help themselves
So you want to stop being negative? Try these action steps to recharge your attitude into being more positive.
* Make a list of the things for which you are thankful. You should do this at least once a day. It will help you focus on things to be appreciated and, with practice, you will find many things to be thankful for.
* Try to find something positive in every situation. Even a bad situation can be positive if you learned something from it. And yes, going through difficult times does build character.
* Work hard on not complaining. Try to say something positive and see the good in people and situations.
* Try to let troubles roll off of you like water off a duck's back. Visualize your troubles just rolling off of you and focus on the positive.
* Realize than only you can change your attitude. Your attitude is no one's fault but yours.
As your attitude changes from negative to positive, you will notice that people respond to you in a different way.
Many people think you can change your reality simply with thought. They say that if you think it, it can happen.
Those who wish to sing, always find a song. If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. You must start with a positive attitude or you will surely end without one. Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. You can change your life by changing your attitude.
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose-filled lives. Similarly be that kind of a friend for your friends.
Ignore negative people. They feed on your reaction and if they see you being affected by what they do or say, they'll keep doing it.
Friends For Life
Everyone has a friend at each stage of life. But it's a blessing to have the same friend during all stages of life. And that friend for me is my best friend Karen whom has been my best friend since we were in middle school. And to this day we are still friends.
Raw Smoothie Recipes
So my Cousin Sandy is all into the Raw Food Revolution. She swears by it and so she has it has made her feel a whole lot better. She used to be sick a lot before she started the Raw Food Diet. And she is always happy and bubbly and so positive and outgoing so I thought hey I want to feel like that too. I have been on the Visalus Body By Vi 90 Day Challenge. I admit at first yeah I lost 10 pounds and I thought hey this does work. BUT, I have been on it since April of 2014 and I only lost 10 pounds in the beginning. You ask then why have you kept on drinking the shakes? Well, they taste good, Peanut Butter Cup is my favorite shake recipe and it tastes so good. So yeah I like the taste even though it hasn't helped me lose weight. HOWEVER, my doctor just took me off of Risperdol which apparently is known to cause weight gain sooo I blame it on the Risperdol as to the fact that I wasn't losing weight not the Visalus Shakes because they really do work. But even though I am now off of the Risperdol I have decided to give this whole Raw Food Diet a try. I mean hey I have nothing to lose but weight. And I am hoping that it will make me healthier and feel better and have more energy. Ha I am ADHD as if I need more energy right Lol. Anyways here are some Raw Smoothie Recipes that I came across on Pinterest. You may or may not want to try these I say hey what do you gotta lose may as well at least try it once and if you don't like it then you don't ever have to try it again. I don't know I am thinking its going to taste yucky but hey I will try anything at least once so I am going to give it a try. Any ingredients that are in these recipes that you cannot find at your local grocery store you can probably most likely find them at your local health food store. So here are the recipes.
German Christmas Tradition - The Pickle
On Christmas Eve, you lay out the pickle ornament in front of the tree with the milk and cookies for Santa. Then, Santa hides the pickle ornament. In the morning, the first person to find the pickle ornament receives an extra present from Santa. This is a German Christmas Tradition. While my family is Jehovah's Witnesses we never got to celebrate any German Traditions however but as I am an adult now I have been celebrating my German Heritage and German Traditions and Customs. This is a fun German Christmas Tradition for the kids especially but anyone can participate in this German Tradition.
My Oktoberfest Dishes
Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair, with more than 6 million people around the world attending annually in Munich Germany. About 7 million liters of beer at last estimate are served during the 16-day celebration, while visitors enjoy a wide variety of tradition German delicacies. I always look forward to October so I can celebrate my German heritage and celebrate Oktoberfest. So here are Oktoberfest dishes that I make every year. I hope you enjoy them!
Oktoberfest Pork Shank Recipe
Ingredients
* 2-3 pounds of pork shank
Seasoning
* 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
* 1/2 head garlic (about six cloves)
* Salt and pepper, the same amount used to season soup
Directions:
1. Boil hind pork shank in a pot of water with caraway seeds, garlic, salt and pepper, covered for one hour. Use just enough water to submerge the shank in the pot you are using, and season water sufficiently so you don''t need to season the meat again after cooking. Keep this water for stock.
2. After one hour, let shank cool down to room temperature.
3. Cut skin horizontally, approimately 1/2 inch apart, and roast at 375 degrees for 90 minutes. Use some of the stock in the bottom of the pan. You can baste, but not too much to detract from the crispiness of skin in next step.
4. Raise temperature to 425 degrees and crisp skin approximately 20 minutes
5. Serve traditionally on a wooden platter, warm (not hot), with kraut salad, country bread, pickles, horseradish and Bavarian mustard.
Here is another one of my German Oktoberfest Recipes. What's the one thing more American than apple pie? Quiet, dude who knows apple pie is actually German. Fried Apple pie, thanks dude who has his priorities in order! Lol. Now fire up that deep-fryer and break out the ice cream machine. We're getting fancy.
Brick dough can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores (and it is definitely worth seeking out) but puff pastry or even phyllo will do in a pinch.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
For the apple pie
* 1 cup of butter
* 1/4 c all-purpose flour
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 3/4 c light brown sugar
* 2 tspn ground cinnamon
* 2 tspn salt
* 1/2 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
* 24 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cubed
* brick dough sheets
* oil, for deep frying
For the Graham Cracker Ice Cream
* 1 quart milk
* 3 cups heavy cream
* 1/4 cup glucose syrup
* 16 yolks
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 vanilla beans
* 2 tspn salt
* 1 1/2 cups toasted graham cracker crumbs
Directions:
1. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add all purpose flour and while stirring add cider.
2. Once mixture starts to thicken, add all your sugars, cinnamon, salt and bring to a boil. Once mix comes to a boil, add Jack Daniels and then add the apples.
3. Cook until apples are tender and then let it cool
4. Once cooled, wrap your apple mix with brick dough using a egg wash as a seal. Fry at 350*F until golden brown.
For the Graham cracker ice cream:
1. Add milk, cream, vanilla, sugar and glucose to a pot. Place yolks and salt in a container that is big enough to fit the whole recipe. Next, place a handheld blender in container.
2. Bring milk mixture to a raging boil, then pour right away into yolks while the handheld blender is on.
3. Pour mixture through a sieve, then add graham cracker crumbs, and cool overnight. Use manufacturer's guide to freeze mixture with ice cream.
Potato Salad preferences run deep and nobody ever makes it the same way, it always tastes different with each person that makes it. I am not even going to get into the whole no-mayonnaise debate. Or the hard-boiled egg thing. So here is my German Potato Salad Recipe.
Servings: 8 (I never seem to make enough)
Ingredients:
* 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
* 2/3 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup mixed herbs: parsley, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon cider viengar
* 1/2 small onion, chopped
Directions:
1. Put potatoes in a deep pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil
2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes
3. Immediately drain and let cool off for 10 minutes
4. Gently toss potatoes with mayonnaise, herbs, cider, vinegar, onion, and salt and pepper
5. Cover and chill before serving
Oktoberfest Pork Shank Recipe
Ingredients
* 2-3 pounds of pork shank
Seasoning
* 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
* 1/2 head garlic (about six cloves)
* Salt and pepper, the same amount used to season soup
Directions:
1. Boil hind pork shank in a pot of water with caraway seeds, garlic, salt and pepper, covered for one hour. Use just enough water to submerge the shank in the pot you are using, and season water sufficiently so you don''t need to season the meat again after cooking. Keep this water for stock.
2. After one hour, let shank cool down to room temperature.
3. Cut skin horizontally, approimately 1/2 inch apart, and roast at 375 degrees for 90 minutes. Use some of the stock in the bottom of the pan. You can baste, but not too much to detract from the crispiness of skin in next step.
4. Raise temperature to 425 degrees and crisp skin approximately 20 minutes
5. Serve traditionally on a wooden platter, warm (not hot), with kraut salad, country bread, pickles, horseradish and Bavarian mustard.
Here is another one of my German Oktoberfest Recipes. What's the one thing more American than apple pie? Quiet, dude who knows apple pie is actually German. Fried Apple pie, thanks dude who has his priorities in order! Lol. Now fire up that deep-fryer and break out the ice cream machine. We're getting fancy.
Brick dough can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores (and it is definitely worth seeking out) but puff pastry or even phyllo will do in a pinch.
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
For the apple pie
* 1 cup of butter
* 1/4 c all-purpose flour
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 3/4 c light brown sugar
* 2 tspn ground cinnamon
* 2 tspn salt
* 1/2 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
* 24 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cubed
* brick dough sheets
* oil, for deep frying
For the Graham Cracker Ice Cream
* 1 quart milk
* 3 cups heavy cream
* 1/4 cup glucose syrup
* 16 yolks
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 vanilla beans
* 2 tspn salt
* 1 1/2 cups toasted graham cracker crumbs
Directions:
1. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add all purpose flour and while stirring add cider.
2. Once mixture starts to thicken, add all your sugars, cinnamon, salt and bring to a boil. Once mix comes to a boil, add Jack Daniels and then add the apples.
3. Cook until apples are tender and then let it cool
4. Once cooled, wrap your apple mix with brick dough using a egg wash as a seal. Fry at 350*F until golden brown.
For the Graham cracker ice cream:
1. Add milk, cream, vanilla, sugar and glucose to a pot. Place yolks and salt in a container that is big enough to fit the whole recipe. Next, place a handheld blender in container.
2. Bring milk mixture to a raging boil, then pour right away into yolks while the handheld blender is on.
3. Pour mixture through a sieve, then add graham cracker crumbs, and cool overnight. Use manufacturer's guide to freeze mixture with ice cream.
Potato Salad preferences run deep and nobody ever makes it the same way, it always tastes different with each person that makes it. I am not even going to get into the whole no-mayonnaise debate. Or the hard-boiled egg thing. So here is my German Potato Salad Recipe.
Servings: 8 (I never seem to make enough)
Ingredients:
* 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
* 2/3 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup mixed herbs: parsley, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon cider viengar
* 1/2 small onion, chopped
Directions:
1. Put potatoes in a deep pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil
2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes
3. Immediately drain and let cool off for 10 minutes
4. Gently toss potatoes with mayonnaise, herbs, cider, vinegar, onion, and salt and pepper
5. Cover and chill before serving
Oktoberfest Dinner Party Menu
Appetizers:
Obatzda Cheese Dip
German Soft Pretzel Sticks with Homemade Spicy Beer Mustard
Apple Oktoberfest Cheese Soup
Main Dishes:
Sauteed Bratwurst with Bacon and Apple Sauerkraut
Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)
Spaetzle with Gruyere and Caramelized Onions
Blaukraut (German Red Cabbage)
Desert:
Sachertorte
Apple Strudel
Beverages:
German Beer and Riesling
Obatzda Cheese Dip
German Soft Pretzel Sticks with Homemade Spicy Beer Mustard
Apple Oktoberfest Cheese Soup
Main Dishes:
Sauteed Bratwurst with Bacon and Apple Sauerkraut
Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast)
Spaetzle with Gruyere and Caramelized Onions
Blaukraut (German Red Cabbage)
Desert:
Sachertorte
Apple Strudel
Beverages:
German Beer and Riesling
My German Kreppel Recipe
German Kreppel is a German Yeast Doughnut made on fat tuesday. This is my German Kreppel Recipe for Fastnacht!
Kreppel are a German yeast doughnut made on Fastnacht also called Fat Tuesday. We know it as Mardi Gras. It's always celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
Aiden's German Kreppel Recipe
Ingredients:
* 4 1/2 C flour
* 1 pkg yeast
* 1 stick of butter
* 2 tbsp sugar
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp vanilla
* 2 eggs
* 3/4 cup of milk
Directions:
* In mixer, combine the flour, sugar and yeast
* In a saucepan or microwave, melt the butter
* Whisk the milk, salt, vanilla, and eggs.
* Let cool to lukewarm, then add to the mixer
* Mix on low speed until the flour is combined
* Turn the speed up to medium-high and beat well for about 5 minutes until smooth
* Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm area for 30 minutes or until doubled
* Remove the dough to a floured surface and knead briefly
* Roll out to about 3/4" thickness
* Cut into circles using a juice glass dipped in flour
* Place the cut Kreppel on a parchment paper lined or oiled cookie sheet to keep from sticking
* Cover again with a towel
* Let rise for another 30 minutes
* Ready to cook
To Cook:
*Heat 2" of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan. I use 1/2 Crisco and 1/2 oil
* Test the temperature of the oil with a small scrap of dough. It should sizzle
* Gently add the Kreppel to the hot oil without them touching each other
* Fry both sides about 1 minute until golden
* Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain
* Roll in a plate of sugar to coat
Best eaten while still warm. They make a great coffee break or breakfast treat.
Enjoy!
Just don't wait for Fastnacht to make them again!
German Cucumber Salad
Here is an easy German Cucumber Salad recipe. And boy does it taste good. I love cucumbers and if you do too than you will love this! German Cucumber Salad Recipe (Gurkensalad) is one of my favorite summer salad recipes, however you can make it whatever time of the year it is.
In fact, it's one that I just can't alter. I've tried, BUT, nothing beats the original recipe that I grew up with. It seems, that whenever I make it, I never make enough. I used to make this when I was in the Army and everyone seemed to love it.
I start out, always adding an extra cucumber to make sure there's enough. Somehow, it always disappears quickly. My plan is always to make more the next time, after all, it's a quick German recipe...so easy to make.
Adults and kids alike just love the taste and the creaminess. You'll find that when you serve this, everyone wants this German Cucumber Salad Recipe, so be prepared to give it out. Here is my recipe.
Aiden's German Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
* 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/2 tsp dill, preferably fresh (or more to taste)
* 1 1.2 tsp lemon juice
* 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
* salt and pepper
Instructions:
* Put thinly sliced cucumbers into serving bowl
* In separate bowl, mix sour cream, dill, lemon juice, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste
* Just before serving, pour dressing over cucumbers and mix
* Serves 4
Hints
* If you have time, you can pre-slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with a little salt and let them stand. Pour off the accumulated cucumber "water" BEFORE adding the dressing
* Use vinegar instead of lemon juice
* Use low fat sour cream or plain yogurt instead of the regular sour cream
German Christmas Tradition
A new tradition ~ instruct your children to place their empty boots or shoes by a door or windowsill on the night before St. Nicholas Day (December 5). While they are sleep, fill each with sweet treats and trinkets. When they awake the next morning, your kids will be amazed to find these special goodies.
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