This is a cake recipe that was in my Sunday newspaper LIfe section. The article and recipe is by Allson Ladman of the Associated Press. I have modified the sugar and flour and replaced with Stevia and Whole Wheat Flour. For the most part, the healthier alternatives do not make a big difference in how the cake tastes. You can find the alternatives to Eggs and Butter at your health food store.

Start to finish: 1 hour ( plus cooling )
Servings: 16

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 Cup ( 2 sticks ) unsalted butter, room temperature * See butter alternative at bottom of post
1 Teaspoon Stevia sweetener ( taste the frosting to see if you need to add another 1/2 teaspoon of Stevia )
Zest of 1 Orange
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon dry ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Eight ounce packages cream cheese
-Strips of orange zest ( optional )
-Dried Cranberries, to decorate ( optional )

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with olive oil spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper ( wax paper ).
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the Stevia, butter, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and vanilla until creamy smooth. Add the egg replacer and continue to blend.
3. Add the pears and flour and mix until combined. Stir in the cranberries. Divide the batter between the 2 prepared cake pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted at the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
4. When the cake is completely cooled, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter, stevia, orange zest, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon until creamy smooth. Add the cream cheese and mix until completely incorporated.
5. To assemble the cake, place 1 cake on a serving plate, spread about 3/4 cup of the frosting evenly over the top of it. Place the second cake over it. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, swirling the frosting. Decorate with strips of orange zest and dried cranberries, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Hang Upside Down

I finish my morning exercises with 10 minutes on my inversion table. The spine is so important for good health. I bought this table after suffering a serious back injury while employed at Alaska Airlines. The inversion helps line up the discs in your back as well as position organs in the correct place. Check with your medical provider before attempting any new exercise programs to make sure you are capable of the exercise.

People with circulation problems or detached retinas should consult their medical provider before inversion therapy. If you have medical problems, don't let that prevent you from starting an exercise program that you can do. Some people can only start walking for 5 minutes a day. By all means, start there and work your way up to more movement and your body will love you for the effort. Get Moving !!!!! You can do it !!!!!

This is a recipe for a fish broth to make your fish meals taste delicious. This recipe was in my Sunday newspaper and was written by Jane Taschereau. I have modified the recipe by cutting the ingredients in half.

Broth Ingredients:

1 twenty-eight ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon each: salt, pepper
1/4 teaspoon stevia
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Directions:

1. In a large kettle, saute onion and red bell pepper in olive oil for about 10 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook another 3 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings, and cook gently for about 20 minutes.
4. Add your fish and return to simmer for 10 minutes.

Note: Broth can be made ahead and reheated when needed. Add fish and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with hot whole wheat bread.

Training

I was on Jack Canfield’s call today and want to share some of his wisdom with you my valued reader.

1. Did you achieve your goals for 2011? If you failed, did you make progress on some of them?

Instead of feeling defeated on any goals that you did not complete, write on a sheet of paper three horizontal lines with about one inch separating each line. Put 2011 on the bottom line by the margin where the edge of the paper is. List things that you were able to either accomplish or get started on in 2011.

Now put 2012 on the middle line by the margin. Set down a few simple statements on that line. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to help others in your chosen ministry? Do you want to increase your income from $40,000 a year to $50,000 a year? These are just ideas. Take some time on a weeknight or when you decide to focus on this training and get 2012 goals on paper.

The last line will be 2013. I am writing this message in December 2011 so planning for 2013 is only one year away. Do you have some goals in mind that you want to see accomplished by January 2013? Do you want to have more time for travel? Do you want to be able to help family with your time, talent, or money? Only you know where you want to be at the end of 2012 and in the future.

2. Set up a time each workday to check in with an accountability partner. This could be a business associate, your minister, a close friend or a family member. Spend 5 minutes talking with each other at 07:30 or another agreed upon time that is convenient for both of you. List 5 action steps that you will engage in to move you towards those 2 horizontal lines that are time line maps of your goals.

3. If you fail to engage in any activity or are feeling down about not achieving a goal, use tapping therapy. Do a search on Ask.com and you can learn about releasing negative emotions using this therapy.

4. Give yourself a pat on the back. By reading these messages and taking action on these ideas to grow your business, you are rising above the crowd. Sadly, many people opt for a door greeter job at Kmart and sit in front of a television at night instead of learning how to create a powerful business in a field that inspires them. Learning how to create as an entrepreneur is an awesome journey.

Daniel Parsons

Grandpa’s Hands

I’ll never look at my hands the same!   
  Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn’t move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.
  When I sat down beside him he didn’t acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK.  
 
  Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.
He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for asking,” he said in a clear strong voice.
  “I didn’t mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,” I explained to him.   
 
  “Have you ever looked at your hands,” he asked. “I mean really looked at your hands?”
  I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.   
 
  Grandpa smiled and related this story: “Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
 
   • They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.
   • As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
   • They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.
   • They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.
   • They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
   • Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
   • They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.
   • They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
   • They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.
   • And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
   • These hands are the mark of where I’ve been and the ruggedness of my life.
   • But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.
   • And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.”
 
  I will never look at my hands the same again. I remember God reached out and took my grandpa’s hands and led him home.
 
When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
 
  When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you and watch God’s answer to prayer work in your life.
  Let’s continue praying for one another .
 
  Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.   
  Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would have done.

Author unknown. Came as an email from a close friend.
 

Get Healthy in the New Year

The new year is rapidly approaching us. Do you want to get healthier? Do you want to be well? Do you want to have a healthy retirement? I know I do. Whole Wellness Club is offering a package of wellness that is now on sale until midnight Pacific time on 31. December 2011. You can now order Item: PKG #626 and save $43 off the members price for products that help combat the overindulgence of the holidays! Here is what is included in  the New Years Resolution Package:

Control Blood Sugar Level with Cinnamon Six

Detox the Body with VelociTea

Re-Mineralize the Body with Coral Complex 3 ( Compete Whole Foods Mineral Product )

Restore Digestive Health with Peak Enzymes Digestive Enzymes

You also receive a copy of Dr. Chappell’s book: Miracle Elements

You also receive a copy of Dr. Bob Owens’ book: How to Maintain Your Health

You also receive a CD recording of the Importance of Detoxing the Body by Dr. James Chappell

You can join the Whole Wellness Club for free by clicking my website below:

Join Whole Wellness Club Now !

Daniel Parsons

Save $44 Off Members Price

Whole Wellness Club is the world’s leading provider of high quality health food supplements to promote wellness. People can order Item: PKG #625 and save $44 off the regular price that club members pay. All of our products are made in America. Help put Americans back to work by purchasing the best from American suppliers! The products help restore your basic foundations for good health:

One Canister of Caldera Greens Veggie Capsules for Super Nutrition

One Month Supply of VelociTea Detox Tea

One Month Supply of Complete Minerals with Coral Complex 3

One Month Supply of Perfect Grape that Is Loaded with Antioxidants to Help Your Body Fight Disease

You also receive a copy of Dr. Chappell’s book: Miracle Elements

You also receive a copy of Dr. Bob Owens’ book: How to Maintain Your Health

You also receive a CD recording of the Importance of Detoxing the Body by Dr. James Chappell

You can join the Whole Wellness Club for free by clicking my website below:

Join Whole Wellness Club Now !

Daniel Parsons

Whole Grains Breakfast

Recipe makes either Pancakes or Waffles

Healthy Breakfast

Oats are an excellent breakfast food because oats contain no cholesterol. Try this easy recipe and enjoy with some fresh fruit or pure maple syrup. It does cost a little more for pure syrup so I just cut down on the amount of food I eat and eliminated all animal products so I can afford to have the best pure Vermont maple syrup on a healthy waffle or pancake.

Ingredients

Lightly spray waffle iron with vegetable oil. Read the instructions that came with your waffle iron as mine says do not use spray oils on the iron.

Pour in enough batter to reach edges and cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes without lifting lid.

Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D. found in Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.

Healthy Breakfast

Oats are an excellent breakfast food because oats contain no cholesterol. Try this easy recipe and enjoy with some fresh fruit or pure maple syrup. It does cost a little more for pure syrup so I just cut down on the amount of food I eat and eliminated all animal products so I can afford to have the best pure Vermont maple syrup on a healthy waffle or pancake.

Ingredients

Makes 6 waffles

2 cups rolled oats
2 cups water
1 banana
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
vegetable oil spray
fresh fruit, spreadable fruit, or maple syrup for serving

Directions

Preheat waffle iron to medium-high.

Combine oats, water, banana, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla in a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. The batter should be pourable. If it becomes too thick as it stands, add a bit more water to achieve desired consistency.

Lightly spray waffle iron with vegetable oil. Read the instructions that came with your waffle iron as mine says do not use spray oils on the iron.

Pour in enough batter to reach edges and cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes without lifting lid.

Serve with fresh fruit, spreadable fruit, or maple syrup.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 waffle):

calories: 132; fat: 1.8 g; saturated fat: 0.3 g; calories from fat: 12.1%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 4.5 g; carbohydrates: 24.9 g; sugar: 4.9 g; fiber: 3.2 g; sodium: 104 mg; calcium: 22 mg; iron: 1.2 mg; vitamin C: 1.7 mg; beta-carotene: 5 mcg; vitamin E: 0.2 mg

Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D. found in Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.

Marketing Channels

Goods and services exchange hands every single day in the world economy. Companies use several channels to move their products and services. I am going to briefly cover the three channels that I use on a regular basis.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate Marketing is a channel that a company or individual uses to sell products and services. The affiliate advertises and promotes the product or service both online and offline in exchange for a percentage of the sale or commission. The amount of the commission is agreed upon when the Affiliate applies to the company or individual on a contractual basis. The affiliate is NOT an employee. Once the sale is made, the company will pay the commission either one time or on an ongoing basis depending on the agreement with the company. Some subscription services affiliate programs can pay residual income as long as the customer continues the subscription.

Direct Sales

Direct sales is the process where a company gets its product or service directly to the customer. There are direct sales reps that earn income by promotions that target consumers. Many companies use direct sales with home party plans. Tupperware has used home party sales to get its products directly to customers for decades.

Marketers like me also have products and services on websites where a customer can make a purchase via a payment processor. I use Pay Pal for my customers orders. The customer purchases the product off my site and pays through their Pay Pal account. I receive an email of the transaction and then either ship the product out of my inventory or drop ship it from my supplier to the customer directly. I strongly suggest being involved with companies that will allow you to drop ship and NOT be required to stock any inventory. I keep a certain amount of inventory on hand after analyzing the amount of demand from my customers.

Network Marketing or Multi Level Marketing

Depending on who you talk to, Network Marketing is a scam or the greatest distribution model ever invented. Thousands of companies are turning to Network Marketing because the company can grow rapidly without having to market or advertise their products or services. The company instead pays a distributor that builds a network of consumers. This frees up companies to concentrate on the core business of having the best product or service in its category and allows for the marketing discipline to be handled by eager distributors.

Robert Kiyosaki is a well known author of the book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He made a statement that most people go to work for employers every work day. Entrepreneurs build networks. Every person has a network. Networks include people you went to school with, friends, social contacts, community contacts, and business associates. It is common knowledge that a well connected person has at least 200 people show up at a memorial service when the person dies.

In the 1930's, Wachters introduced a sea vegetable to consumers via Network Marketing. This company began during the Depression and is still in business as of 2012. Wachters paid distributors commissions for the network of consumers that purchased Wachters products. Many other companies have successfully used the Network Marketing channel to get their products and services to the end consumer. Why is Network Marketing a smart business model?

Network Marketing pays residual income. When a person goes to work for an employer, they are trading time for an hourly salary or set amount of money. When you build a network of consumers you can earn monthly commissions over and over again as long as the customer continues to purchase the product or service. A good example of residual income is an insurance agent or the internet service provider you are using. These companies get paid over and over again as long as you continue to use their service or product.

Pumpkin is a wonderful source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, making it a tasty and healthy addition to your diet. With autumn in full swing and pumpkin in season, be sure to pick some up at your local grocery to make this delicious smoothie, reminiscent of homemade pumpkin pie!

Recipe by Mary Ohno