For Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 2016

63 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

Sunrise: 7:44 am

Sunset:  6:41 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Today is No Beard Day which comes just before the beginning of 'Movember', where men are encouraged to grow a truly outstanding mustache in recognition of the month. Maybe this holiday was brought into existence for no other purpose than to give the contestants of Movember a way to get a fresh start.

So guys, bare it all and show off your chin. If you don't like it, you can always grow it back.

Have a happy and clean shaven No Beard Day !!

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Beauty is in the heart of the beholder. 

Al Bernstein

Some of my sons wear beards and others don’t.  Some like the unshaven look.  Others have the full beard or partial with only a mustache.  But if I had my druthers, I rather have them all with the clean shaven look.  One way or the other I love them all.  It’s what’s on the inside that counts no matter how you look at it.

The  pictures are of some of my son’s and my favorite SIL sporting their beards.  As far as I know the oldest two have never grown a beard at least I could find no pictures to support the fact.  These are of their younger brothers.

It’s another summer like October day here and little by little I’m getting more and more accomplished as I endeavor to get rid of the clutter.  This weeks focus will be on crafting supplies. I used to have a room that was a designated craft room but now it is scattered between the attic and that basement.  I’m trying to sort out what’s necessary and what’s not.  All in all it’s challenge.  It may take much more than one week to get it done, but I am trying.

I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

Today is Chocolate Cupcake Day which reminds us that sometimes it is more than acceptable to have a piece of confectionary delight that we simply don’t share with another, so find yourself a cupcake and make it disappear, just be sure it’s chocolate!

Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes

Makes 16 cupcakes
 
Like the title says, these are the ultimate chocolate cupcakes. They are perfectly moist and insanely chocolaty, topped with a supreme fudge chocolate frosting.
For the cupcakes:

1 1/3 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup hot water

for the Chocolate Frosting:

2/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature

1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted plus more as necessary

1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted

 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 oz dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350F.  Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Beat together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. On medium speed, beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.

With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined. Then beat in milk, followed by the other half of the dry ingredients, beating slowly until combined. Add hot water and beat just until combined. Do not over mix. The less you mix, the lighter the cake will be. The batter should be liquid.

Divide batter evenly between cups, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow cupcakes to sit for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

For the frosting: 

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter at medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar in 2 additions and beat until smooth. Add cocoa powder and beat until completely creamy and smooth. Beat in vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and heavy cream, mixing until combined. Add powdered sugar as necessary until frosting is spreadable.

Use frosting immediately to frost cupcakes, or store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. Before using, bring to room temperature and whisk until smooth.

Cupcakes are best the same day they’re made, but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Unfrosted cupcakes can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw, still covered, on the counter or overnight in the fridge.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

There are as many kinds of beauty as there are habitual ways of seeking happiness. 

Charles Baudelaire

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

4324. for all my sons, beard or no beard, they are a gift

4325. for chocolate, always good

4326. for crafts to do, an enjoyable hobby

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

  

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Beauty in not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. 

Kahlil Gibran

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma