Friday, October 30, 2009

Weekend Retreat



My kids will be gone this weekend. Yeah, finally some quiet time. My daughter Gigi just left on a weekend trip with Grandma. We all know that Grandma is going to spoil her rotten. My son Vince will be going out with friends and spending time with his dad. The kids live with me full-time, so I don't often get time off. I am going to call my dearest friend, Ms. Kay. She is my "Crafter in Crime". Her quilts and craft projects are adorable. I am so blessed because she is wisdom and fun all wrapped in a beautiful package.

I will make time to retreat in prayer and thanksgiving because I feel so blessed by all of you wonderful blogger friends. I am touched by your kindness and prayers.

Wish ya'll a blessed weekend, Yoli :)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Shopping for a Camera


Wish me blessing and good findings. I am in search of a new camera. I found this Kodak camera online. It has good specs and the cost is within my price range. I just want something that can be easy to work with and takes good pictures. I greatly admire the photos that you ladies take and post on your blogs. You're my motivation. I'm a beginner photographer so I am open to suggestions on taking good pictures....let me know.

It is supper time and my little chickie-dees are churping. Ya'll have a good evening. ~ Yoli :)

Angels



I'm owning up to my age. I am 44 years old. I heard on the radio that it is Kate Jackson's 61st birthday today. I loved watching the real Charlie's Angels when I was kid. As we know, Farrah Fawcett passed away. I admire her courage in her fight with cancer. She demonstrated an inner beauty deeper than what people saw. Jaclyn Smith is also more beautiful now and I also admire that she openly speaks about her faith. These ladies are more than just actors, they are women just like us. So today I will style-up a bit more, let the wind run through my hair, and look at life through angels eyes. We have a loving Father God and he has given us every reason in the world to enjoy our day.

Yoli :)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Work In Progress



My sweet blogger friend Susan from http://aworkinprogress-susan.blogspot.com/ sent me this verse about courage. Please visit her blog; she is a beautiful and blessed "work in progress". It is such a powerful message from our Lord that I added a picture and wanted to pass it on.

I sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers and words of wisdom.
Your sister in Christ, Yoli

Monday, October 26, 2009

Prayer ~ Home



"Home is where the Heart is." It is something said so often but oh so real to me these days. My job is relocating us 300 miles from our hometown. We have to be there by January 1st. As a single mom I have all the pressure and responsibility to find housing and a school for the kids. God is so wonderful because everything seems to be falling into place. I need to go to our new city to look for housing that is safe, decent, and financially reasonable. Making our new house a "home" will be easy because us women are good at making any place look pretty and comfortable. I know that God is my stength and my guide; but, I'm human and I'm still nervous and stressing out.



On my sweet fellow sisters in Christ, I ask for your prayers. I dont' want to get caught up in the stress. I don't want to lose my courage or my faith that things will turn out okay. I need to keep myself positve and happy, especially for my kids. I thank you for your kindness. Through the ages, women have gathered in prayer and I know that our dear father God listens. You are my angels sent from God.

With Love, Yoli

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Mommy & GiGi



Being the mother of a teen girl is special, fun, hard-work, challenging, and rewarding. I try to take time to build special memories with my teen daughter GiGi. I can't image the stress and crazyness of their teen world. They are bombarded by TV reality shows that tell them they must be perfect. The internet opens their door to a world they might not be ready for. So what is a parent to do, or a single mom to do?

I try to make special moments count. I remind her that she was created in the true beauty of God. I also find little things that mean a lot to her and we do them. We spend time talking, and that means I have to make sure I do more listening than talking. I don't always have patience but I always have love for her. This morning GiGi and I sneaked away for an early breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We talked, we laughed, and we spent quality time together. Gigi loves sock monkies, so she bought one from the Cracker Barrel store. I'm far from being an expert at raising a teen girl, but I know that God is leading our way.

Yoli

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Texas Talapia Tacos



Invite some friends over for a Fish Fiesta!! Talapia fish tacos are easy to make and quick to prepare. My kids love grilled talapia. I like my tacos topped with guacamole and grilled pineapples. My kids add shredded cheese to just about everything. Don't forget to have some chips & salsa and cold drinks. It's party time.

Ingredients
6 (6-oz.) talapia fillets
4 limes
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 flour or corn tortillas
1 can of pineapple rings
1 cup of chopped cilantro
Toppings: Guacamole, salsa, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, lime, cilantro

Preparation
1. Rinse fish and pat dry
2. Place fish in a shallow dish and squeeze lime over fillets
3. Season fish with salt and red pepper flakes
4. Lightly grease a large non-stick pan, and heat at medium temperature
5. Grill for 4 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork, turning once.
6. Place pineapple rings in the pan and grill until softened
7. Cut fillet and pineapples into chunks
8. Place on warmed tortillas
9. Top fish tacos with garnishments as desired

Enjoy!
Yoli

Monday, October 19, 2009

Servant of the Lord



Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." With that the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)

My dear Mother Mary, all praise and glory to your son Jesus Christ. I honor you for your devotion as a mother. Like many of us mothers, you also held your baby in your arms with love. You cooked for him, played with him, and tucked him into bed. He must have been full of curiosity as a child and it must have been amazing to watch him grow into his ministry. We often overlook your hard work and the influence you had upon him. I can only imagine your delight in him but I can not imagine your sufferings when you saw him crucified.
Intercede for us in prayer so we as women can learn to elevate our children to the riches of heaven. Pray for me to Jesus, that I may have your courage as a mother, woman, and servant of the Lord. Every child that is born is a gift from God and as mother we are entrusted with the fruit of our heavenly Father. Oh blessed mother, I do love thee!
Yoli

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Couture Caramel Apples



My daughter and I are watching America's Next Top Model this morning. So I thought about high fashion caramel apples. My 2 kids are teenagers and they think the cutesy treats are too kiddie for them. So I searched the web and found this picture in Country Living. The caramel apples look so classy! , I am using a basic caramel apple recipe, so the couture fashion will have to be in the presentation.

Ingredients
1 lb. caramels
3 tbsp. milk
6 med. apples
6 wooden round skewers
Toppings: candy, nuts, drizzle chocolate, etc.
Ribbon for the sticks and bows

Wash apples and dry well. Insert stick. Unwrap caramels and place in double boiler or microwave safe dish. Add milk and melt, stirring until smooth. Dip apples into melted caramel, coating evenly, and roll in nuts if desired. Place on greased waxed paper to cool, then store in refrigerator. Go couture with beautiful chopped nuts, small candy sprinkles, and dark or white chocolate. When cooled, decorate the stick by wrapping a ribbon and tie a bow.
Check Spelling
It is going to be so much fun!
Yoli :)

Friday, October 16, 2009

High School Football Homecoming



Today is the football homecoming game at my kids' high school. I hope they remember this day with fond memories. There is so much fun like, football game, bonfires, mum corsages, home queens, and pep rallies. I remember back to 1982, when I too enjoyed my homecoming football game. I was voted into the homecoming court of duchesses. Oh those fabulous days!! Life is good and God is wonderful. I hope you have a wonderful Friday.

Yoli :)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Texas Hill Country

Hello again friends!

I am facing a "change" in my life concerning my job. I am very blessed to work for an excellent company. In the past few days I have learned about an opportunity for me to relocate. I live in deep south Texas, the Rio Grande Valley. It is where I was born, raised, and call home. The move would be to the Texas hill country. It is breath-taking beautiful. I have always wanted to live in central Texas. There is so much to get in order, such as my 2 teen kids in high school, a place to live, and an increase in cost of living.

I went to a women's retreat November 2008 and it changed my life. During the retreat we received scripture notes several times a day. The majority of my messages were about "courage". I am 43 years old. I'm a single mom. My kids will soon be in college. God has a wonderful life set ahead for me, I just know it. It has come time for me to take a deep breath and take a huge step of courage. I will soon be on my own. I am blessed. I am so very happy. I haven't slept much thinking about the relocation move, but that's okay. I am starting an new adventure and I don't want to sleep walk through it.


This is New Braunfels, Tx where I will be working!
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Gruene, Tx a beautiful historic town just minutes away.

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San Antonio, Tx and Austin, Tx, both cities nearby.

I love Texas and all it has to offer!
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My friends, I kindly ask that you include the me and my kids in your prayers. I want to do God's will and follow his path for us. And, you know me the "Mother Hen", and I want to be sure I do the right thing for my kids. God Bless you all. ~ Yoli :)

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Victory in Spirit and Truth!



When the time came he took his place at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have ardently longed to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; because, I tell you, I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God”. Then, taking a cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and share it among you, because from now on, I tell you, I shall never again drink wine until the kingdom of God comes”. Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “his is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me”. He did the same with the cup after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood poured out for you”. (Luke 22:14-20)

Luke's scripture of the Last Supper is more than an invitation to share a meal or a going away party. It is another opportunity for us to learn. Jesus gives us more lessons on love, courage, and focus. The body and blood of Christ gives us clarity to identify the adversary and the strength to fight for truth. Jesus teaches us to persist and persevere in faith. He shows us to be calm when we face of the enemy. We do not have to fear because God will always protect us. God always wins. We must be aware of luring and seducing powers that try to govern over our faith. We must nurish our body & spirit with the eternal food and drink of life. We are called as soliders and apostles of Christ to serve and protect. What is luring our youth away from God and what are we trying to do to stop this?.

Victory in Spirit and Truth!
Yoli

Margarita with Lime Apron




"Tias" is the Spanish word for "aunts". When I was young my tias were all styled-up like fashion divas. Every day was a celebration. They are older now but the glam has not faded. They are still stunning and sassy. When I designed this apron I thought about my aunts sipping cold margaritas and living larger than life. My Hispanic heritage is my inspiration for many of my apron designs, and I hope you like what I created.
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The perfect companion for your fiesta, Margarita with Lime Apron. Bring some Latin flavor to your kitchen. This apron is made with hot pink & lime green polka dot fabric. A variety of Latin themed appliques adorn the front of the apron. Trimmed with lime green pom-poms. The apron is reversible with a solid lime green back. Includes a coordinating hand towel also embellished with a Latin twist. Apron & towel set sold at our boutique and on etsy.
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~ Yoli ~

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Vintage Memories


This is a picture of my uncle, paternal grandmother, and aunts. They are my inspiration for my Hispanic "Senorita" apron designs. When I create my aprons, I remember my heritage and the wonderful memories we had. I thank my them for guiding our family through the generations so we could become productive, prosperous, and a positive influence to our country.
This is my beautiful "abuelita" grandmother Basilisa. I love seeing her picture because I get lost in the details; how she gathered her hair, her earrings, her youthful face, and her lace dress. I wish I could have known her at that age. She lived a long life, but I only knew her for a few years. I remember going to her house, getting hugs, and getting cookies from the cookie jar. She was precious.



~ Yoli ~

Cast Your Troubles Away

"Now it happened that after this Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out..." (Luke 8, 1-2)

I humbly pray that God remove my demons; apathy, doubt, selfishness, fear, arrogance, anger, and impatience. My dear sister bloggers, please have faith in God that he can cast-out your demons. Lighten your load so you too can make your way through your towns and communities to praise Jesus and spread the good news of the Kingdom of God.

With Love, YSIC (Your sister in Christ)
Yoli

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Turquoise Heaven

































My favorite color in the world that I just totally love the most is turquoise. It reminds me of the ocean, the sky, patina materials, and natural gems. I am amazed by its' radiance and I feel beautiful when I wear it. God must have been in a very happy mood when it made the color turquoise.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

John Deere Queen ~ Apron Set




Here is the little darling apron that brought me to tears a few nights ago. It was late and I was tired, so naturally I hit a mental freeze and couldn't come up with a creative design. I walked away for the night. I woke up the next day rested & happy, and this is what I ended-up creating.
An apron fit for royalty, a John Deere Queen in a reversible skirt design. The apron has been adorned with bright pink tule and lime green rick-rack. Large roomy paisly pink pocket on apron front. Coordinating lime green & pink polka dot fabric on back. Includes a matching kitchen towel embellished with a John Deere applique, hot pink tule & rick-rack.

What do ya'll think?

Monday, October 5, 2009

Last year's decorations.

A fun afternoon at the office. I have several boxes stored away with decorations for the different holidays. Today I pulled out the havest boxes. The scarecrow twins made it well, a bit pressed, but none the less happy to make their annual appearance. The pumpkins are my favorite. Now all I need is to fill-up my jack-o-lantern basket with candy goodies.

Prayer for a Single Mother

My dear blogger friends,
As you might know, I am a single mother who is blessed with two wonderful children. Here is a picture of me and the kids from years past when I had just become a single parent. The kids are now teenagers in high school. As for me, I am aging with wisdom and happiness. I know that by the grace of God I manage to keep my sanity, keep a job, and keep a smile. I don't do anything special that requires a trophy, I'm just like other married parents. I have 24 hours a day to spend wisely; to love God, love my children, and love myself.
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Prayer for a Single Mother
Dear God, she seems to bear the weight of the world on her shoulders, but to carry it more lightly than I think I would. I see her balancing work and home, money and no money, friends who no longer make time to see her, and I send up a prayer for her. Her old friends have moved on with their lives, and in truth, she doesn't have much in common with them anymore. She is lonely, loving God. She would like company but doesn't want to make time for new relationships because her waking hours are already full: she is a mother. She walks when gas is too expensive for the car and forgoes new clothes so her child can have shoes. This is not how her life started out, but circumstances changed from her life of privilege to this life she embraces so fully. Her life is difficult and she seems so tired much of the time, but I am inspired by the love she has for her child. Give her the strength to put in long hours each day; the courage to face those who dismiss her with blaming and knowing nods; the ability to maintain her loving life at home; and the deepest knowledge in her heart that you love her. AMEN.
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Saturday, October 3, 2009

South Padre Island



South Padre Island is at the southmost tip of Texas, and just 40 miles from where I live. It is such a beautiful paradise in our backyard. Here is a picture I took of my kids, Vinny & Gigi last year at the bridge entrance into the island. My son has been asking to go to SPI the last couple of weeks. Today I will spend my Saturday running errands and getting my chores done so we can have free time tomorrow after church. .
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Hope ya'll are having a good weekend. ~ Yoli

Friday, October 2, 2009

Friday Road Trip ~ Nuevo Progreso, Mexico


Welcome to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico! It is just a few minutes from my home town of Weslaco, TX. I have been there so many times for quick shopping or to take American friends for supper. There are over 11 border crossings in the area, and Nuevo Progreso is one of the smaller towns, which makes it safer and easier to travel.
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Main Street is scenic, ancient, exotic, and festive. There are many shops, restaurants, medical offices, and street vendors. It is common to see women and children vendors on the street.
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Colorful buildings and outdoor patios line the boulevard.
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American tourists visit Mexico for their Restaurants, Textiles, Bars, Crafts, Jewelry, Liquors, Pharmacy, Pottery, Pinatas, Physicans, and Leather goods.
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I couldn't resist posting these pictures. The children are adorable! Thank you for joining me on the trip across the border to Mexico.
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Gracias! ~ Yoli :)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month


October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure. http://www.nbcam.org/
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Susan G. Komen for the Cure started in 1982, and the organization is recognized as the leading catalyst in the fight against breast cancer, with more than 100,000 volunteers working in a network of 125 U.S. and international affiliates. In October 1983 the Race for the Cure was held for the first time in Dallas, Texas. Races are held world-wide. http://ww5.komen.org/
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Please get informed about breast cancer facts, risk factors, prevention, early detection, screening, diagnosis, treatment, therapies, support, resources, and research. http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/understandingbreastcancer.html
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Pink Days is held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October, people raise money by organizing activities such as theme parties or a "pink day" (when employees wear pink clothing or accessories) at work. The money raised is donated to the organizers' choice of breast cancer care or research programs. THINK PINK!
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God Bless! ~ Yoli