Some of our FavoritesBooks Money, Master the Game by Tony RobinsThe Daily Bible by Harvest House The Truth About Beauty by Kat JamesLiving an Inspired Life by Jim RohnYour Money Counts by Howard Dayton AudioEat Clean Diet by Tosca Reno The Art of Exceptional Living CD by Jim RohnThe Compound Effect by Darren Hardy The Solomon Secrets by Dr. Robert JeffressWake Up Successful by S.J. Scott The Day that Turns Your Life Around by JimHis Needs, Her Needs by Willard Harley, Jr. RohnYour Best Body Now by Tosca Reno Great Day Every Day - Max LucadoEat This and Live by Don Colbert See You at the Top - Zig Ziglar 51www.youreinvitedmag.com
ConfettiA New Year, A New You By Sheri LamasIt’s a New Year and you’ve just been Start each day with an attitude of Your body was designed to move! Findgiven 365 new days! Just what will you gratitude. Look for the good in your something you enjoy doing, such asdo with them? Here are a few things life and be thankful for it. Even when walking, hiking, running, bike riding,you might consider doing in the New life beats you up, look for the silver weight training, etc. and just do it.Year to bring about a NEW YOU! lining in the situation and grow from And do it consistently! Your body will it. The key is to focus your mind on thank you.Would you be willing to invest $20 into that which is good and positive, so ityour future knowing full well that it takes your mind off of that which is Never stop learning! If the thought ofwill change your life forever? I was negative or adverse. going back to school sounds dreadful,asked that question years ago and said don’t worry. Just enroll in theyes. I was encouraged to purchase The Schedule an appointment with your University of Fun, where you get toDaily Bible – the bible arranged doctor to have a physical exam. After pick the classes. Many cities offerchronologically into 365 daily the appropriate blood work is drawn cooking classes, photography classes,readings. However, to purchase a and tested, you’ll see where your craft classes, etc. Find one you wouldbible and let it sit on a bookshelf is not numbers (e.g., cholesterol, blood enjoy learning and sign up.an investment – it’s a waste of money! pressure, glucose, etc.) line up. IfJust like writing a big fat check to a necessary, make any dietary/lifestyle Would you like to learn a foreignuniversity doesn’t give you an changes required to bring your language? Check out your localeducation. One must set aside the numbers into the normal range. Also, community college to see if they offertime and effort to complete the task at check with your doctor to see if you’re any classes. If not, considerhand. So make an investment in your due for any of your annual exams and purchasing a software such as Rosettafuture and purchase The Daily Bible by schedule them right away. Stone® and you’ll be speaking GreekHarvest House and read it daily. (or Italian, or French, or Spanish, If you haven’t scheduled your dental or…) in no time.Take seven index cards, which cleaning, call your dentist and get it onrepresents the seven days of the week, the calendar. You’ll be smiling in no Find a book, seminar, or motivationaland write one of these categories on time. tape and listen to it while getting readyeach one – family, friends, work, for work or on your way to work. Onehealth, country, world, and future. Purchase an over-the-counter cleanse of my all-time favorite CDs is The Art or search online for a juice cleanse to of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn. It eel free to choose your own categories. rid your body of all the toxins that have never gets old…even though I do!Then on a specific day of the week, pray built up. While you’re at it, clean outfor those who fall under that particular your refrigerator and cupboards of allcategory. For example, on Mondays, the unhealthy foods lying around.you would pray for your familymembers, Tuesdays, you’d pray foryour friends and so on.52 Winter 2015
The area of money can be a huge Joe, then find ways to save in other areas and effort and the results are not exactlystruggle for many. The key is to live of your life. Pack your lunch instead of precise. Once the instrument iswithin your means. Don’t buy into the spending money eating out. Research sharpened, it cuts with ease. In manytrap that you’ve got to have more. Set a shows that packing a lunch is not only ways, a person can work themselvesbudget and stick to it. Control your healthy on your wallet, it can be healthy continuously and become like a dullmoney, instead of it controlling you. on your waistline, too. instrument. Many spend countless hours working and don’t take theThere are some wonderful financial If you’ve got kids, plan a “play” day with necessary time off to restore andclasses that can teach you how to them. Ditch the backyard and go revitalize themselves. So plan somemanage your money. A few I would somewhere fun like a bowling alley, a time off and get energized. Don’t forgetsuggest are Crown Financial Ministries miniature golf course, or batting cages. to take time off from technology gadgetsand Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace If you live in colder weather, grab your as well.University. If you can’t find a class in coat and head to the nearest ice skatingyour area, consider purchasing a book rink or play in the snow. The key is to Have you ever boarded a plane withouton the subject and start putting its do something fun, interactive, and knowing where you’re going? My guesssuggestions into practice. unusual, so you and your kids cherish is probably not. However, many go the time together. Sorry, but going to through life without any clear directionSmall purchases seem small, but over the movies doesn’t count for this one. of their future. They just take life as ittime they can add up. Take a cup of comes. Goals are like setting acoffee for instance. A daily $3 latte can If you’ve ever tried to cut something with destination for where you want your lifeadd up to $3,285 a year. So save those a dull instrument, you know how to be in a particular timeframe. So grabpennies – dollars actually. If you can’t frustrating it can be. It takes more time a pen and paper and set some goals.function without your morning cup of Then every day work toward accomplishing those goals. Just imagine where you’ll be in five years from now!¨© Can Stock Photo Inc. / donskarpo 53www.youreinvitedmag.com
Parties and Celebrations Photography by Gruen Photography54 Winter 2015
When there’s snowon the ground, Ilike to pretend I’mwalking on clouds. Takayuki Ikkaku 55www.youreinvitedmag.com
Blizzard Coffee Makes 1 serving Ingredients 1 1/2 ounce Irish whiskey 1/2 ounce hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico 1/2 ounce Irish cream liqueur, such as Bailey’s Hot Coffee Whipped Cream In coffee mug, stir together whiskey, hazelnut liqueur, and Irish cream. Add hot coffee and top with whipped cream and serve immediately. Chili Con Carne Makes 4 servings Ingredients 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 large chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped56 Winter 2015
1 can (4 ounce) diced green chilies1 tablespoon ground cumin1 tablespoon oregano2 tablespoons chili powderSalt and pepper to taste1 can (28 ounce) tomato puree1 can (14 ounce) diced tomatoes1 can (14 ounce) beef broth1 tablespoon molasses1 can (14 ounce) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained1 can (14 ounce) chili beans, rinsed and drainedSmall sourdough bread bowlsSour creamGrated sharp cheddar cheeseIn large pot medium-high heat, sauté ground beef, onion,and garlic until the meat is cooked thoroughly; drain off fat.Add cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomatopuree, tomatoes, beef broth and molasses. Reduce heat tolow and simmer, covered, approximately 2 to 3 hours, stiroften. Add beans and simmer for 30 more minutes. Cut topoff of bread and scoop out inside. Serve chili in bread bowl,top with sour cream and cheddar cheese. 57www.youreinvitedmag.com
Around the WorldThe Nutcracker Suite By Sheri Lamas© Mengtianhan | Dreamstime.comChristmas is a magical time in the life of and fantasize with no boundaries. After all, they believe ina child. They wait with much anticipation to see what fairy tales. One particular toy opened up a whole new world for a little girl. Given to her on Christmas Eve, the toy was atoys they might receive. With the help of mom or dad, they wooden nutcracker and it has a magical story.put out milk and cookies along with a handwritten note forSanta. They know he’ll see it when he visits their home and The Nutcracker first came to life in E.T.A. Hoffman’s bookleaves toys for them by the Christmas tree. After all, they’ve “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King” which was publishedbeen good this year. They see the wrapped gifts under the in 1816. The original story was much darker than the nowbeautifully decorated tree and they know which gifts bare beloved fairy tale, which is based on Alexandre Dumas’their name. After all, they’ve searched and wondered what lighter version. It is this reworking that encompasses muchmight be underneath all the wrappings. No, they’re not of what we know as The Nutcracker today.wishing for gingerbread pajamas. Their imaginations aremuch more ingenious. They want toys! Why? Because toys The Nutcracker first debuted on December 18, 1892 in St.allow them to play and have fun. Toys allow them to dream Petersburg, Russia. The ballet showcased as a dual performance along with Pyotr (Peter) Tchaikovsky’s opera58 Winter 2015
Prior to the original premiere, Tchaikovsky chose eight musical arrangements for a concert performance in March of 1892. This composi-tion is known as The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, which became incredibly popular. The songs include: One of the most recognized songs, The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, uses thecelstra, an instrument Tchaikovsky came across while traveling to Paris. at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre. The reviews notable differences, such as the setting is in the iconic citywere disappointing, as the story line did not stay true to the of Moscow, the lead character’s name has been changed tooriginal version and the choreography was considered Masha, and the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plumconfusing. Fairies live is now the Land of Peace and Harmony where all creatures live in one accord. Exclusive to the GreatThe original choreographer, Frenchmen Marius Petipa Russian Nutcracker is the Dove of Peace, which isdeveloped an illness and was replaced by his assistant, Lev performed by two dancers dressed in white who beautifullyIvanov prior to the debut. In 1919, Russian choreographer, create stunning images of the winged bird through theirAlexander Gorsky made changes to the dance routines and choreographed movement.cast a teenage girl as the lead, Clara (called Marie inHoffman’s original tale and Masha in the Great Russian Whether the Nutcracker or the Great Russian Nutcracker,Nutcracker) instead of a young child. This adjustment this must see holiday tradition is a crowd pleaser for youngmade the story more realistic considering Clara falls in love and old and one you won’t want to miss. Perhaps you’ll findwith the Nutcracker who comes alive and becomes a prince. tickets to the ballet, instead of pajamas, wrapped under your own Christmas tree this season.¨The ballet’s popularity began to grow and in 1934 it wasperformed in England. A condensed version was presented © Can Stock Photo Inc. / popovaphotoin New York City in 1940, with the full ballet performed bythe San Francisco Ballet four years later. In the U.S., it wasWillam Christensen who first introduced the production,however, choreographer, George Balanchine popularized itmaking it a holiday classic. Since the story takes placeduring Christmastime, ballet companies around the globeperform The Nutcracker during the holiday season.The Great Russian Nutcracker, which is Moscow’s versionand set in the famous city first toured the states for sixweeks in 1993 and was a huge success. It now toursannually throughout the U.S. However, there are some 59www.youreinvitedmag.com
Christmas Card Wreath By Krafty Lizard Creations I love Christmas decorations. I love using unconventional materials to create them, as well as using unusual materials that one might not use in a wreath, like clothespins. I love hanging wreaths all around my home during the holidays. I have four for Christmas alone, and at least one for each of the other holidays. My mom used to decorate every room in the house, and as much as I loved walking around her home during the holidays and seeing the décor everywhere, I just can’t put that much stuff out. So instead, I put a wreath on every door to achieve that same feeling. What I love about this wreath is that it serves dual purposes. One as décor and the other to hold the many Christmas cards I receive during the holidays. I always wanted something other than the ribbon I hang up to put them on. Another love of mine is scrapbooking, so I’ve incorporated my favorite papers. I hope you love this issue’s crafty project. MATERIALS LIST: Embroidery hoop (1 piece, 12”) Scrapbook paper Wood clothespins Glitter (assorted colors) Glue gun & glue Mod Podge® Assorted ribbons Beads Acrylic paint INSTRUCTIONS: Step 1 Prepare your wreath base – the embroidery hoop. I painted mine, so you don’t see the bare wood.60 Winter 2015
Step 2Paint your clothespins. Once your paint has dried, spread Mod Podge® or white glue on the top of the clothespins and sprinkle glitter. Once the glitter has dried go over with the glue again to secure the glitter in place.Step 3Cut scrapbook paper into 2 inch strips (I used 12x12 paper). Step 4 Take strips and wrap them around the wreath. Secure them to the wreath with hot glue and fold over. Do this all away around (leave about a 3” 4” space at the top for the ribbon holder and bow. I used 18 strips of paper on a 12” round hoop. When dry, cut the ends of the paper to finish.Step 5Next apply the clothespins to each piece of paper,alternating the clothespins in different directions. Letthis dry overnight so they stay secureStep 6Now to hang the wreath. If you want a large bow use morelayers, for a smaller bow use less layers. Keep at least 12”at the beginning, Layer the ribbon and save 12” at the endfor the hanger. Now cut a 6” piece to wrap the ribbon,wrap around the layers and tie into knot. Fluff out theribbon to make your ribbon fluffy. Use the ends of a 6”piece to attach to your wreath at the top. Tie the ends ofthe 12” pieces at each end into a knot to use as the hangerfor your wreath. Personalize your wreath by hanging something from the top of the wreath that will dangle such as a snowman, Christmas tree or a special ornament Email: [email protected]; Facebook: facebook.com/kraftylizardcreations Instagram: KraftyLizard 61www.youreinvitedmag.com
Resources Straws – Party City Bowls – Dollar StoreA Nutcracker Sweet Breakfast Sign – Hobby Lobby Nutcrackers – Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Yoga Mats – Walmart Placemats – owners Weights – Walmart Red Stitch Plates – Home Goods Gloves – Walmart Nutcracker Plates – Cost Plus World Market Books – Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Family Christian Glasses – Walmart Napkins – owners Bookstore Silverware – Walmart Cake Stand – owners Let’s Go Skating Pitcher – Michael’sHoliday Par-Tee on the 19th Flowers in Pitcher – Michael’s Sign – Hobby Lobby Small Flowers – Michael’s Bench – Hobby Lobby Tablecloth – Walmart Elf – Hobby Lobby Plates – Target Can – Hobby Lobby Small Plates – Target Plates – Ross Glass Mugs – Princess House Napkins – Party City Silverware – Pier 1 Silver Golf Tray – Goodwill Napkins – Bed, Bath and Beyond Platters – owners Pinecones – nature Shot Glasses – owners Cinnamon Sticks – Hobby Lobby Flags – Hobby Lobby Snow – WalmartJump Start the New Year Ice Skates – Big Five Tablecloth – Party City Mittens – JoAnn (sewn by Krafty Lizard) Floral Centerpiece – owners Tags – Beverly’s Plates – online Napkins – Party CityNever worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. Larry Wilde, the Merry Book of Christmas62 Winter 2015
Capturing Memories© Can Stock Photo Inc. / BarbaraNeveu 63www.youreinvitedmag.com
Thank you for coming.You’re always welcomed back.64 Winter 2015 © Dpproductions - Dreamstime.com
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