STRESS-FREE SUNDAY, SWEETS & STUFF

Before we get started, let's give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/, who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and other great info.  

As you know, it's very rare that I remember what happened yesterday, let alone an entire week.  This time around I do remember, and for me that's a little scary.(lol)

Also, I'm woefully behind on responding to comments, but I promise to get back on track soon.  Your feedback and responses always make my day!  

Anywho, here is the Sunday recipe:

POOR MAN'S CAKE


INGREDIENTS
1 1/3 Cup Raisins
1 1/4 Cups Water
1 Cup Cold Water
1 1/2 Cups Olive Oil or Canola Oil
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
3 Cups All Purpose Flour
6 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Clove
1 Cup Whipped Cream

DIRECTIONS
1.  Combine the raisins and 1 1/4 Cups Water in a small saucepan, cooking over medium heat, and stirring frequently for about 15 minutes.  Remove from the heat, then stir in the cold water.  Let stand until it's lukewarm, about 1 hour.

2.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and flour a 12x7 1.2 inch baking pan. Or whatever you have for baking.

3.  Combine the sugar, oil and baking soda in a medium bowl, mixing well.

4.  Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves in a large bowl, mixing well.  Add the sugar mixture, mixing well until crumbly.

5.  Finally, add the raisin mixture to the flour mixture and mix until it's all well blended.  Spoon into the prepared baking pan and place in the oven.  This should take about 45-50 minutes, but test with a toothpick by placing it into the center and coming out clean.  Transfer your cake to a wire rack or until cooled completely.  Serve with whipped cream or icing of your choice.

For something different, this can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen, then warmed up the next day and spread with some yummy honey butter for breakfast.

DEALS
I haven't left the house much lately, but when I did yesterday - boy, did I hit the mother lode!  Spotted a yard sale where i scored a brand new black blender for just $.25!  Lots of new Scentsy aromas in a basket for just $ .25!  Poison, Obsession and lots more bottles of perfume in a really cool basket for yep, you guessed it - just $.25!  Brand new Glue Gun - $.25!  A brand new digital camera still in the package - $.25! A giant basket of tablecloths, potholders, towels, etc. - $.25 By the time we got out of there, I spent the whopping amount of just $6.00 AND the owner gave me some more FREE stuff just because I kept giggling like a school kid and thanking her for her kindness. (lol)  Her mom was in hospice, so she needed to clear out a lot of the things from her home for a little extra cash, but mostly because they were going to sell the home.  Wow!

BOOK RELEASES
As an avid reader, I look to other blogs to get ideas on new books and authors.  I had a little time and searched new releases for November and the list is amazing! Tom Clancy, David Baldacci, Nora Roberts Richard Paul Evans, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Isabelle Allende, Elizabeth Hoyt and more!  Lots more books for the TBR pile - yay!  What new release are you salivating for?

YOUR THOUGHTS
My son is grown, but according to a news article the other day, there seems to be a new trend of parents going shopping, to doctor's appointments or interviews and leaving their young ones in McDonald's or toy stores while they're gone.  This was actually played on "What Would You Do?" the other day. I have my opinion about this type of practice, but wonder what you think?

JUST ONE MORE THING
Having no electricity sucks, living without a roof over your head has got to be the pits, needing to pay costly car repairs sounds rough, not being able to find a job is horrible and add to that, the plight of living with a terminal illness.  There are so many people in the world today who are struggling. I mean, my goodness - there are kids who go to school hungry every day!  Victims of domestic violence leave their homes fearing for their lives and veterans are being forgotten. One person even got on Facebook threatening to end his life because he can't pay the rent for his family! Every person has the right to do with his or her money what they will, but when I see Floyd Mayweather, who happens to also be an abuser,  family members who have money, yet want to make a point, or other wealthy individuals who flaunt their wealth so shamelessly, my heart feels the pain.  Bill Gates,

Ellen Degeneres and Oprah are just a few of the people I've heard of  who give and give and give, helping so many people in need.  I don't know if any rich people are reading this blog.  I don't know if someone has lost his or her job and is struggling to make ends meet.  My hope today is that someone, somewhere, connects to get the things they need to start over.  Perhaps that wealthy person needs a genuine friend, maybe someone can have the water bill paid, or even the offer of a job. One kind act can make a difference in someone's life.