Peach Caprese Salad

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Peach Caprese Salad

Ingredients 

For Vinaigrette:

• 4 TB white balsamic vinegar
• 2 TB extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TB minced fresh basil
• 1 tsp freshly ground peppercorns
• Pinch coarse kosher or sea salt, to taste

For Salad:

• 2 large ripe, but not overly ripe peaches, sliced with skin on, almost 1/2 in. thick
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh basil

Instructions

• Mix: Combine all the ingredients for the vinaigrette, and set aside in refrigerator.
• Layer: Arrange slices of peaches, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves on top of each other.
• Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette on top, and enjoy!

Notes

Grilled Peach Option: Heat grill to high. Once hot, set peach slices on top, and cook just until grill marks appear. Don't overcook.
I came across this delicious recipe on Chewoutloud.com and I can't wait to try it! Yummy!
And no cooking required! 

American Flag Cheese Tray

 

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Meat

• • 1 Pepperoni meat stick, Large
• • 1 Bag Pre-sliced pepperoni

Produce

• • 1 Carton Blueberries
• • 1 Carton Cherry tomatoes
• • 1 Carton Raspberries (you could use strawberries)
• • 3 Red bell peppers

Nuts & Seeds

• • 1 Bag Almonds
• • 1 Bag Macadamia nuts (you could use peanuts or cashews)

Dairy

• • 1 Package Pre-sliced havarti cheese (any cheese that's white)
• • 1 Pre-sliced mozzarella
• • 1 Package Pre-sliced white cheddar cheese

I saw this on Pinterest and it is beautiful! It is easy too!

you can make so many substitutions to tweak it to your liking.

Gluten Free, Keto Friendly! yummy and cute!

And Patriotic to boot! Great for the upcoming July 4th!

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BABY STEP 6 * PAY-OFF THE HOUSE

 BABY STEP 6 * PAY-OFF THE HOUSE

Home Sweet Home is even sweeter when the mortgage gets paid off early! I know, because I did it!

This is the next step in the Dave Ramsey Baby Step Program.

So, you have gotten rid of your debt in the first few baby steps, you have a fully funded emergency fund, you are working on your retirement fund, or have funded it fully...

This step could take quite awhile, but will be worth it! I took on an extra job to put all of the income from it towards paying off our mortgage.

Consider some popular strategies for attacking a home mortgage:

• Make half payments every 2 weeks rather than a full payment monthly.  The trick here is that a 52 week year has 26 two week intervals which equates to 13 payments.  One payment more per year than the 12 month calendar.  On average, this approach will shave 6-7 years from a traditional 30 year mortgage.

• Many folks are electing for a 15 year mortgage rather than the traditional 30 year term.  Given how mortgages are amortized, cutting your term in half does not equate to a doubling of your monthly payment.  Often it is only a couple hundred dollars.  An easy increase to handle if you’ve eliminated your consumer debt.

• Extra payments are valid if you have an irregular income stream or are unable to refinance into a shorter term.  Pay raises, gifts, bonus payouts, etc are easy ways to ply additional dollars against your mortgage.

• Tag Team… imagine paying half payments every 2 weeks against a 15 year term loan and tossing a healthy chunk of your annual bonus into the mix as well.  Suddenly 30 years looks like 15 which looks a lot like 9, which can begin to look even smaller

Watermelon Cake made with fresh fruit, and gluten free!

 

Watermelon Cake

I saw this recipe at Allergic Living and love the way this looks! I am going to try this!

Gluten free, healthy and Yummy!

From Allergic Living

Ingredients for Watermelon Cake

• 1 large seedless watermelon, washed and dried
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries, washed and dried
• 1 cup blackberries, washed and dried
• 1 cup raspberries, washed and dried
• 2 cups strawberries, washed and dried
• 1 cup seedless yellow watermelon, washed and dried, then cut into shapes
• 1 cup grapes, washed and dried 

Instructions for Watermelon Cake

1. Thoroughly wash the outer surface of the watermelon. This will prevent any exterior surface dirt or bacteria from being transferred into the inside of the watermelon when you cut into it. 
2. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut off the top stem portion and bottom portion of the watermelon. Set aside for later use or discard. Place the remaining center portion of the watermelon upright, so it stands flat on your cutting surface. The watermelon cake shown was approximately 7 inches tall when standing upright. But your watermelon may be shorter or taller, depending on the size of your party. Level out any uneven areas, until you are left with a flat base and top.  
3. It’s time to remove the rind. With the watermelon still standing upright on your cutting board, begin cutting the outer rind from top to bottom. Follow the natural shape of the watermelon, until all the rind has been removed. Note: You may have to flip the watermelon upside down to trim any visible rind off the bottom section.
4. Trimming: With its signature pinkish/reddish hue now showing, carefully trim any uneven areas of the outer surface. You’re looking to have a smooth, round and cake-shaped watermelon.
5. Next, cut a circular well into the top of the watermelon by cutting 1 inch from the edge, and approximately 1-2 inches deep. Use a teaspoon or dinner spoon to scoop out the watermelon, absorbing the excess juice with paper towel. This round opening is where your decorative fruit will go. 
6. Place the watermelon on the center of your serving platter or dish. Choose a sturdy dish, since a full-size watermelon cake is going to be heavy.
7. Decorate the cake with clean fresh fruits (or your own favorite choices). Place a variety of fruits around the base of the cake and inside the top circle. Use contrasting fruit colors to enhance visual appeal. For a more creative flair, use a melon baller or fruit shape cutters. 
8. Refrigerate until chilled or serve immediately. Enjoy! 

Dave Ramsey Baby Step 5 Explained

Baby Step 5: Save for Your Children’s College Fund

This step is one that I can say that I did not do, because we got started on the Dave Ramsey steps too late in life. Depending on your particular age and situation, you have to make your own choices here. Maybe you have to skip this step to save for retirement for yourself.

Perhaps your particular child/children are not geared for college. Depending on what their individual giftings are, their goals may be met better another way. 

And, if they are going for a degree, make sure it's a degree that will get them into the field/profession that they want to be in. I know so many people who have gotten degrees and they don't use them in the field they work in. They went back and had more education to qualify in their field of interest.

 Avoiding student loan debts can be one of the biggest factors in staying out of debt as a young adult. If you can pay for your kid's college tuition then you'll ensure their financial security in the future, as they'll better be able to stay out of debt. 

Dave Ramsey recommends using either a 529 college savings plan or an education savings account (ESA). Talk to your bank or credit union about setting up these accounts for these specific purposes. 

If you’re saving for college, Ramsey advises, “as much as possible” use Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) and 529 tax-advantaged savings plans known as qualified tuition plans.

“Never use insurance, savings bonds, or pre-paid tuition.”

And he says: Pay cash. No college loans.

Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your kids saving up for their own college if you cannot. They can work and save ahead of time, and work during their college educational years.

Dave Ramsey 

My Soul Finds Rest

 

Give Me Jesus

This song really encourages me, if you are facing difficult times, I hope that it encouages you today 💗

GIVE ME JESUS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rZ8k9m2hwo

by Fernando Ortega

In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Give me Jesus

And when I am alone
Oh and when I am alone
And when I am alone
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
Give me Jesus

And when I come to die
Oh and when I come to die
And when I come to die
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

CREDIT

The LORD Bless You...

 

Joy

 

Even More June Gardening Tips- Roses!

 

Today I "dead-headed" my Knock Out Rose Bush. It was blooming beautifully during the Spring, but now the spent blooms need to be snipped off. You don't have to do this with a Knock Out Rose, but it will bloom a lot more if you do!

It may look like this now....but it already has some buds on it ready to bloom soon. Dead heading it will just make it more prolific - I do this all the way until Fall.

It doesn't take long, and it will reap big rewards!

Credit: Pet Scribbles

Dave Ramsey Baby Step 4 Explained

 

Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of Your Household Income in Retirement

Now you can shift your focus off debts and what-ifs and start looking up the road. This is where you begin regularly investing 15% of your gross income for retirement. Because if you're still working at 67, it should be because you want to, not because you have to. An investing pro can help you build a solid strategy.

How: Here’s the simple breakdown. When you start this step, first look into your employer’s 401(k), if you have one, and invest up to the match. Then open a Roth IRA and max out how much you can contribute to this fund. If you hit the max and still haven’t reached 15% of your income, go back to your 401(k) and contribute the rest there!

Note: If your employer offers a Roth 401(k) and you like the investment options, you can invest your whole 15% there.

Because it’s so confusing, we suggest you don’t make money moves like that without finding a reputable investment pro. These people enjoy investment lingo but know how to talk to you in a way you can understand. They’ll listen to your preferences and help guide you on your investment journey as you set yourself up to save for the retirement of your dreams.

Dave Ramsey Solutions

Please note that I am not affiliated with Dave Ramsey or any links. I have done the baby steps

and just wish to share them with others.

Be Still....

 

No Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake

I ran across this brilliant idea while visiting cakescottage.com and thought it was a lovely idea with July 4th coming up soon!

No Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake

 

CREDIT

This is a beautiful cake that would grace any table for a Patriotic holiday!

Author: CakesCottage

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12-16

Ingredients

• 19 oz graham crackers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 (3.4 oz) packages Vanilla Instant Pudding
• 2-1/2 cups cold milk
• 12 oz Cool whip (or homemade whipped cream)
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 oz white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese and dry pudding mixes in large bowl with mixer until blended.
2. Gradually beat in milk.
3. Gently stir in Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream, reserving ½ cup.
4. Spread a thin layer of cool whip in a 9x13 pan just to coat the bottom.
5. Layer 5 graham crackers across the center of the pan, then 2 more, breaking them as needed to fit around the top and bottom edges.
6. Spread a layer of pudding mixture over grahams and top with a layer of blueberries and sliced strawberries.
7. Place graham crackers on top of berries, then pudding mixture, then layer of berries again.
8. Repeat the graham-pudding-berries layers 1 more time (3 times total) and you should reach the top of the pan.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the graham crackers have softened completely.
10. When ready to serve, melt white chocolate chips in a bowl as directed on package and drizzle over dessert.
11. You can use a spoon to drizzle it over the tops of the berries or you can put it into a small zip-top bag and snip of the corner for an easy "piping bag."

You could easily make this gluten free by using gluten free graham crackers, and making sure your white chocolate chips are gluten free!

Dave Ramsey Baby Step 3 Explained

 Ok...step 3. 

If you are here you have paid off all of your debt! Congratulations!!!!

According to Dave Ramsey's Method: 

You will have more than $1k’s worth of emergencies in your life. That’s why one of the pros to Dave Ramsey’s baby steps is that he recommends going back and fully funding your emergency fund in step 3.

This refers to expenses, not income. And once you’re out of debt, your expenses will be lower.

That’s likely why it’s listed as step 3. It’s a lot easier to save 3-6 months (or more!) of expenses when you don’t have that many expenses. There are no cons to fully funding your emergency fund.

Since I took the course they also now talk about Baby Step 3b or the Secret Baby Step...

3b is when you rent while working the baby steps, but would like to own a home. So 3b is saving for your home. Dave would, of course, like everyone to pay cash for their home, but in today’s housing market, that isn’t very realistic.

Dave begrudgingly admits that you may need to take on debt to purchase a home. So 3b is saving for that downpayment, ideally at least 20% of the cost, so you don’t pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Yet, even better is if you only take on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. That’s his bottom line. So you may be in this step for two years or so. But in the long run, you will save SO MUCH in interest; it is well worth it!

I read this on the following blog about the Dave Ramsey Steps

Moneyforthemamas.com

Keep your momentum going, it's tough, but you are now seeing some HUGE progress! So proud of you!

Adorable Mason Jar Summer DIY!

 

A Very Cute Summer Decor Idea DIY Using Mason Jar

 

Dave Ramsey Baby Step Two Explained

 Ok, if you are here you are trying to get out of debt.

The first step was to save $1,000 for your emergency fund.

Make sure you are current on all of your bills...make sure you and your family are taken care of before you dive into this. You need to have FOOD, SHELTER, UTILITIES, and TRANSPORTATION. 

Next, you sit down and make a full list of every single debt you have.

Now, Step Two of Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps:

Now it’s time to attack debt with a vengeance using the debt snowball method. Pay off one debt at a time from smallest to largest, gaining momentum until you’re debt-free.

How Does the Debt Snowball Method Work?

The debt snowball method is a debt-reduction strategy where you pay off debt in order of smallest to largest, gaining momentum as you knock out each remaining balance. When the smallest debt is paid in full, you roll the minimum payment you were making on that debt into the next-smallest debt payment.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: List your debts from smallest to largest regardless of interest rate.

Step 2: Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest.

Step 3: Pay as much as possible on your smallest debt.

Step 4: Repeat until each debt is paid in full.

Now, before you start arguing about the interest rates, hear us out. If your largest debt has the largest interest rate, it’s going to be a long time before you start to see a dent in that crazy balance of yours. But when you stick to the plan (without worrying about interest rates), you’re going to be jumping up and down when you pay off that smallest debt super quick. That excitement is what’s going to motivate you to keep working hard—all the way to that debt-free finish line. But more on this later.

Make a chart to put on the frig if you need to. Write yourself motivational notes. The term snowball here is exactly right! You want to keep up intensity as you pay off that smallest bill first, and then move to the next one... I got a second job, I sold stuff...everything I could to pay off quickly.

I still say the most important thing is to stop spending leaks!

You Will Find Refuge!

 

Dave Ramsey Baby Step One Explained

 So I posted that I became debt-free using the baby steps by Dave Ramsey. 

Step one is so important!

 We all have emergencies...you get sick, your dog get sick...a flat tire... so take some of the stress out of the inevitable by saving up $1,000 that you never touch-strictly for an emergency! 

 Decide what quantifies an emergency...it's not buying that cute shirt because it's 50% off...or a once in a lifetime deal on a new car.  Make your own guidelines for an emergency. This could keep you from putting an emergency situation on a credit card and creating more debt that you need to get out of.

Here is how:

Start saving more money and spending less. You can save $1,000 quicker than you think—really. It just takes a little focus and some hard work. Try selling stuff, clipping coupons, saying no to extra expenses, planning your meals, eating out less, using or selling old gift cards, and downloading money-saving apps. The ways to earn or save $1,000 are nearly endless. Pick a few and get down to saving up.

For more free info see Dave Ramsey's website by clicking here

Got Debt?

 If you have debt, here is a way to help you get rid of it!

In light of the current economic situation, I would highly encourage you to curb your spending, or at least be more intentional.

I actually followed these steps and am debt free...even my mortgage!

We went to a local church and did the Financial Freedom seminar by Dave Ramsey!

It was a total game changer, and it works!

You can too!

1. Save $1,000 for Your Starter Emergency Fund.
2. Pay Off All Debt (Except the House) Using the Debt Snowball.
3. Save 3–6 Months of Expenses in a Fully Funded Emergency Fund.
4. Invest 15% of Your Household Income in Retirement.
5. Save for Your Children's College Fund.
6. Pay Off Your Home Early.
7. Build Wealth and Give.

Having the starter $1,000 emergency fund is essential! It is for WHEN, not IF you have an emergency...car trouble, medical issue, pipe leaking...we all get them!

This method is not hard to understand, you don't have to buy any program, you just use a tablet and paper like I did!

I was later in life when I started, so I haven't built wealth, but I absolutely do the giving.  So, if you are starting later in life, don't be discouraged, the majority of people at the seminar that we took several years ago were past 50.

May God bless you in this financial journey!

Click here for more free detailed info from Dave Ramsey's site.

See Dave Ramsey Solutions for more details.