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Monday, February 29, 2016

The Toledo Zoo - Feature #14 & Name That PLANT

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo Zoo_zpsxsfr8jab.jpg


The Toledo Zoo - Feature #14 & Name That PLANT

The Toledo Zoo in Toledo, Ohio has been voted one of the top 10 Zoos in the country!  I have lived in this area for 20 years and this past September 2015 is the first time that I have ever visited this special place.  Now I am asking myself: "Why did it take me so long?".

I had the pleasure of visiting the zoo with my sister & brother-in-law and my precious twin nieces.  It was such a blessing to experience this amazing zoo with my 10 year old nieces.

Each week I will feature one animal and one plant (asking for your help in identifying some of the plants) - ENJOY!
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0263_Sept 27 2015_zpspia1vz7o.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler



Feature #14 - PARAKEETS

Parakeets are part of the Parrot family.  They are very playful, intelligent and social.  Parakeets are native all over the world and each region has it's own species.  Parakeets live between 5 and 20 years (depending on the species).  They make great pets.  The Parakeet exhibit at the Toledo Zoo was interactive - it was an amazing experience as you can see by the pictures below.   

Checkout these great pictures:


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0264_Sept 27 2015_zpsrykyobqz.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0265_Sept 27 2015_zpsit9uxmru.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0285_Sept 27 2015_zps2zwyrtla.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0269_Sept 27 2015_zpsbratyqis.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0262_Sept 27 2015_zpsjlseyd9h.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0261_Sept 27 2015_zpsonlg2d2d.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0293_Sept 27 2015_zpscoks1taz.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0253_Sept 27 2015_zpszrvmqja4.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0294_Sept 27 2015_zpslyfz61uh.jpg
Photo taken by Monique Ouellette-Fittler
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo ZooPlant_zpsr65gpd2s.jpg


I went to the zoo to look at animals but found myself mostly taking pictures of plants.
Many of the plants around the zoo exhibits and buildings I had never seen before (and unfortunately they were not labeled), so I decided to include a section asking for your help.  The featured plant today is fairly common but beautiful.

Please leave your answer in the comment section below & have fun!
Identify the plant below:



by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 0209_Sept 27 2015_zps6vwsxlyk.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower



Other Toledo Zoo Posts:

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Sunday, February 28, 2016

VERSE by VERSE - 1 Corinthians 13:2

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo Sunday13V2_zpsg55llj4l.jpg

VERSE by VERSE - 1 Corinthians 13:2

We are studying the entire 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians VERSE by VERSE.  1 Corinthians 13 is all about love and many people have written books on this one chapter alone.  I won't be writing a book but we will be studying one verse at a time.

I just "love" it when Bible verses describe exactly modern day situations.  Today, emphasis on education and knowledge is out of control.  Society has decided that One's College degree (or lack of a degree) defines whether one is worthy of success or failure.  I obviously do NOT agree with that way of thinking - education never ends and occurs in everyday life.  However, knowledge without love becomes pompous, impractical and even cruel. 

Then, there is the second part of this verse - having "faith that can move mountains".  When I read this portion I think of an entrepreneur who has a vision and faith that their dream will come to fruition (and they make it happen!).  Think back through history about those businesses that were/are extremely successful - how many of those creators were miserable?  They had faith without love.  Yes, their faith might have brought about temporary financial success but without love many of these companies become destructive and end in corruption.

Again, this verse ends very strongly - it doesn't matter if you are the most brilliant and knowledgeable or if you are the most powerfully successful - without love you are NOTHING.

Love is the key to happy learning and joyful living.
1 Corinthians 13 VERSE#1
1 Corinthians 13 VERSE#3
1 Corinthians 13 VERSE#4
1 Corinthians 13 VERSE#5
1 Corinthians 13 VERSE#6
1 Corinthians 13 VERSE#7



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Saturday, February 27, 2016

February 2016 - Highest CLIMBer Features Will Return in March

The March 2016 CLIMB starts on Tuesday March 1st!!  Make sure that you link up your amazing posts today & you might just be the "Highest CLIMBer" in March!
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We are looking for amazing Bloggers like you to become a permanent Week#4 CLIMB cohost! - please click the purple button below to sign up to cohost or click HERE!

God’s Growing Garden


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo CLIMBweek1_zpsrmdd1zwn.jpg
WELCOME ! 
It's the month long Networking Blog Hop where Cohosts & Guest Cohosts are added each week for ultimate exposure! 

Networking means helping each other grow!! 
If you want to promote a CLIMB link, then use #ChainLinkyCLIMB on Twitter or Google+ so that we can all help each other grow!
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Highest CLIMBer Features will return next month!!

Each permanent host & cohost will feature their favorite link from the previous month CLIMB!  Every "Highest CLIMBer" will be pinned to our Pinterest board:
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Sew Crafty Angel 
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Also, our CLIMB GIVEAWAY!
Please enter below -one person will win:
- $10 Paypal cash from Eclectic Red Barn
- Your choice of 2 month small Ad spaces OR 1 month large Spotlighting Ad Space on Butterfly in the Attic- $30 value
- 1 Guest Post from April Noelle - $20 value
- $15 Ad Space on Sew Crafty Angel
- 1 Sidebar Ad Space on God's Growing Garden - $10 value
- 1 Jasper Embedded Beach Stone Necklace by ShorelineDesigned - $20 value

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Jasper Embedded Beach Stone Necklace
Lake Superior Red/White Jasper Embedded Beach Stone Necklace, 20 Inch Ribbon and Cord, Large Stainless Steel Lobster Clasp
by ShorelineDesigned
Total prize value is $105!!



CLIMB Giveaway Rules & Conditions:
- this is open worldwide (void where prohibited)
- You must be 18 years or older to enter
- You MUST have a blog to win the Ad spaces (otherwise these will become second place prizes)
- You MUST have a valid PayPal account to win the Paypal Cash (otherwise this will become a second place prize)
- You MUST have a mailing address in the lower 48 states of the USA in order to win the necklace (otherwise this will become a second place prize)
- This Giveaway is open from February 1st, 2016 until February 29th, 2016
- Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen
- Giveaway Hosts, Cohosts & Guest Cohosts can NOT enter this Giveaway!, however - FEBRUARY 2016 CLIMB blog hop co-hosts ARE allowed to enter this Giveaway (provided they are not also part of the Giveaway)
- correspondence is done through email and the winner's email addresses will only be used to deliver or set-up e-prizes.  Email addresses will NEVER be sold or shared.
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Now onto the CLIMB (blog hop):
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by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo ClimbRules_zpsoye4lmso.jpg
By participating in this blog hop your understand that your link might be featured &/or promoted on our blogs & social media.  Also, by participating in this blog hop your email address will be added to our CLIMB list & you will be sent an email reminder next month. 

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbLink_zpsf527c076.jpg

Remember - If you Guest Cohost you will receive a free Weekly Sidebar Ad and your blog button will appear on both Angie's blog & Angel's blog!!

(The Ad will run live a few weeks after you have co-hosted)


We are also looking for Guest Cohosts (a Guest Cohost is a one time cohost)! 
Please click the purple button below to sign up to Guest Cohost or click HERE!

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(Checkout this month's wonderful Sponsor!) 

Great Lakes stones & planet earth nautical jewelry - beautifully Handmade!
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Shoreline Designed HANDMADE at Amazon
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Friday, February 26, 2016

Pie Crust Cookies - Made from Crust Scraps

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 2016-01-14_zpsvmjhqksb.jpg


Pie Crust Cookies - Made with extra pie crust scraps

Never discard the edges of the pie crust that you cut away - make cookies instead!!
Whether you're making a dessert pie, breakfast quiche or dinner pasties - there will always be leftover pie crust dough.  Use this leftover dough to make these fun cookies.  These are such a delicious little treat! 

I simply press the extra dough in little ramekins, sprinkle with some cinnamon sugar & then bake in  a preheated 475 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. 

I have included my pie crust recipe below - use the scraps from this recipe to make these cookies (or make the entire dough into these delicious cookies) - ENJOY!

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7611_zpsgrvoobbz.jpg



Single Pie Crust                                                                        Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup butter (I use unsalted)
1/4 cup lard (see note below)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if you are using salted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (ONLY if you are making a sweet pie.  Omit the vanilla if you are making a savory pie)

3 to 4 tablespoons cold water (preferably filtered water)
Stir the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.  "Cut" the butter and lard into the dry ingredients until it is crumbly looking.  Now add the vanilla and 3 tablespoons of water and mix together (still use the pie cutter or fork to mix in the liquid).  Only add the 4th tablespoon of water if the dough still seems dry.  Now form the dough into a ball with your hands.


NOTE:  If you only want to use butter then you may omit the lard and use 1/2 cup butter instead (or 2/3 cup butter if you are doing a double recipe - see below).
Now you are ready to roll out the dough but first you must dust the rolling surface with flour and you might even need to dust more flour onto the dough half way through rolling.  Keep rolling until the dough is a little less than 1/4 inch thick.


To "flute" the edges use your thumb and forefinger on one side and then your other forefinger on the other side of the dough.


Double Pie Crust                                                                           Printable Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1/3 cup butter (I use unsalted)
1/3 cup lard (see note below)
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt (omit if you are using salted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (ONLY if you are making a sweet pie.  Omit the vanilla if you are making a savory pie)
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water (preferably filtered water)

Follow the same instructions for the Single Pie Crust recipe except when you roll out the dough simply cut it in 2 equal parts.

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7613_zpsircwc1n5.jpg

Remove from the oven & allow to cool before eating.
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7614_zps888peinb.jpg
ENJOY!!

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7617_zpsu7f2xzb8.jpg


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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Weekly Thankfulness & Growth Report #2

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyTitle_zps5l1xvjx6.jpg


#2 - Weekly Thankfulness & Growth Report

If you were following this blog in 2015 then you will be familiar with my "365 Days of Being Thankful" challenge.  I have missed reporting on my thankfulness since I finished my challenge back in November so I decided to at least give a weekly Thankfulness Report & include a Growth Report also.  Growth in our Christian walk, growth in the garden & growth on this blog.  Finally, I am also including a "Posts From the Past" feature - ENJOY!


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyT_zpstrtwftz3.jpg
This week I have been thankful for God's guidance and protection;  for delicious leftover meals made by my mom;  for my dear cousin  and for heirloom seeds.


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyCW_zps0mxvvxni.jpg
"Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground;  for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you."  Hosea 10:12
It's almost time to start plowing the garden - but let's not forget about plowing the ground in our Christian Walk which will help us produce "Spiritual fruit."
Read: Reap the Fruit of Unfailing Love


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekG_zpsvjqyntdx.jpg
I just received half of my seeds in the mail this week.  If you haven't ordered your seeds there is still time - enjoy planning!  Garden 2016 planning is underway.


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekGB_zpsfzke6lhk.jpg
- Here are my Follower stats:
GFC (Google Friends Connect) - 2,212

Bloglovin - 3,906
Twitter - 5,836
Pinterest - 5,205
Google+ - 2,247
Facebook - 4,384

Linky Followers - 109
Networked Blog - 1,175

Sverve - 574
That's a grand total of 25,648 followers in some form or another (that's up 60 from last week!).


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyPFP_zpsqkg3jhiu.jpg
(click on the title to view the entire post)
Four years ago I shared with you one of my layered salad creations:
Mediterranean Many Layered Salad




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Take Up The THANKFULNESS Challenge!
I challenge you to thank God for something everyday for one year!  Either write it down in a diary OR share with us on a blog.  If you have a blog & would like to share your THANKFULNESS posts with us, then please fill out this form: 365 Days of Being THANKFUL form - click HERE and you will be added to the THANKFULNESS page.

THANKFULNESS Challenge


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Welcome! Wake Up Wednesday Linky #109

Welcome to another Wonderful #WakeUpWednesdayLinky! #109
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 Wake Up Wednesday "Linky" Party
@ Sew Crafty Angel

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We are so excited to have so many amazing bloggers party with us.
Check out this weeks Featured linkups.


Thank you so much to all those who share your blog in our party.
Last week we had  490 awesome linkups!   

 Wake Up and be happy, get excited and have fun with us! 
We want to be inspired, entertained, laugh and have a good time!


Your link will appear on the blogs of

Please take time to visit your hostesses.






            


          


               


                    


               


          


                  



                  

                 


                

This weeks 
Featured Bloggers


I'm Possible
Called To Be MORE

Ever feel like it's just impossible? Its too high a goal? Too hard to accomplish? Too lofty a height? Too scary? Too big a thing for little old you. So you tell yourself its impossible, that you'll never touch those stars... Me too. All the time!


Happy Homemaker Monday
Simple Joys of Home

Welcome to another week everyone!   How was your weekend?  We took a trip to the library and had fun choosing books with the girls.


Book Quote Poster
Over The Apple Tree

Make personal, one-of-a-kind wall art by printing and framing your favorite quote, book passage, or music lyric.


Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups Recipe
Hello Creative Family

Today is such an exciting day for me. First of all… I’VE BEEN PUBLISHED IN A COOKBOOK FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!!!! Second, I’m going to share with you a delicious (and healthy) dark chocolate almond butter cups recipe from the book! These almond butter cups are the things that dreams are made of!


The Paradox of Mercy
My Life As An Adventure

I have been in need of so much mercy in my life. And I have never ever earned it.  Not even once.
I have received so much mercy in my life.  And often as I let it do its work in my parched soul, I have found myself filled with gratitude and shame.  Gratitude for the mercy, and shame for needing it.


THIN MINT CUPCAKES
 Just 2 Sisters

It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Stock up and make Thin Mint Cupcakes.

It’s that time of year when you can find Girl Scout Cookies just about anywhere. If the girl next store wasn’t selling them, head to your local mall or grocery store and you’ll will probably find a booth where you can purchase your favorites. Speaking of favorites, those darn Thin Mint Cookies are my weakness.


Coconut Almond Energy Bites
Simple and Savory

These tasty coconut almond energy bites are made with only 4 ingredients: medjool dates, almonds, coconut flakes and cacao powder.  They are nutritious snack when you are craving something sweet.


 Wake Up Wednesday Linky
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Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.  Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..
  • Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.
  • Please Link to your family friendly post 
  • I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional
  • Please No adult content blogs
  • Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)
  • Giveaways are always welcome.. Add your giveaways to Sew Crafty Angel's Pinterest Community Giveaway Board too.  
Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts.  Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.








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Click HERE to link up your amazing posts