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Friday, September 29, 2017

Magic Roundabout Sunflower - Part 2

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9039_zpsokzu2lzk.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


Magic Roundabout Sunflower - Part 2

 I took so many photos of this sunflower variety that I split them into 3 different posts.  This post is part#2.  What I especially enjoy about this variety are the tiny yellow stars that appear around the edge of the middle (see the second picture below to see what I'm talking about) - because of these stars, the middle part resembles a galaxy.

I had a tough sunflower growing season this year.  The problems first started with an early rabbit attack - the rabbits treated themselves to a delicate treat when the seeds had just germinated and the plants just started to emerge from the ground.  I was able to save a few sunflower seedlings and put a fence around the surviving plants.  Then, in late July and early August the leaves of my sunflower plants were devoured by Japanese beetles.  I am thankful for the few that survived.

ENJOY the following pictures!

All photos were taken by me (Angie Ouellette-Tower) and the sunflowers were all grown in my garden.
© (2017)


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo IMG_0542_zpscrgrpidw.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo IMG_0566_zpsfil4mytg.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8989_zpsq2vxopga.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8987_zpsnikuayiz.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9038_zps6pp62okk.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo IMG_0539_zpsc1krrt51.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9017_zpss204fs6b.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo IMG_0570_zpsjmgj81al.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9028_zpsp0yla6pe.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9033_zpsxapzitqx.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo IMG_0577_zpsc3zrl1rl.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9036_zpsidhzx1sq.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9016_zpsam2uqukf.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF9035_zps0g1le32u.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower








Sunflowers from 2016:

Sunflowers from 2017:

Sunflowers from 2015:

Sunflowers from 2014:
Sunflowers from 2013:

Sunflowers from 2012:

Sunflowers from 2011:
Photobucket


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Feit Electric/Susan G Komen National Breast Cancer Month GIVEAWAY

Feit Electric/Susan G Komen National Breast Cancer Month GIVEAWAY!
Enter for your chances to win!

Part of the Falling into Autumn Gift Guide
but first - read this great post:
Good Things Happen While We Wait
for godsgrowinggarden.com photo SundayWait_zpsdc3372a1.jpg



click HERE to view the entire post

(the following post was written by Laura from Michigan Saving and More )
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@FeitElectricInc @Giveaways4Mom #SMGurusNetwork
 
WELCOME TO THE Feit Electric/Susan G Komen National Breast Cancer Month Giveaway!
1 Lucky Winner will receive Feit Electric Gift Basket That Includes The Following Items:
This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!
Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the Falling into Autumn Gift Guide

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Missy's Views and Savings Clues

mom are we there yet My Silly Little Gang MyStyleSpot Peyton's Momma RedHeaded Patti SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways Tales From A Southern Mom

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Now let’s get to the sponsor!

Feit Electric

  In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Feit Electric has joined forces with Susan G. Komen to create the pink Susan G. Komen LED light bulb. It is now available at Home Depot through October and Feit will donate $50,000 to Komen to support the fight, despite sales. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 9/28/2017 at 11:00 am EST. The winners will have 48 hours to email their information back or a new winner will be drawn. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest is responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Victoria Heckstall at victoriah @ giveaways4mom.com If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.  
ALSO WE ALL “LOVE IT IF YOU LIKE US” ON FACEBOOK!
IF YOU LIKE OUR BLOGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA IT HELPS US BRING YOU ONLY THE BEST GIVEAWAYS AND MORE OF THEM!

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo Day_zpsb50f87c9.jpg
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Click the button below to enter the Great Giveaways going on now!!:
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Thursday, September 28, 2017

Weekly Thankfulness & Growth Report #84

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

#84 - 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 2 years ago, 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 that a medical disaster was avoided.  I am so thankful for my clever and funny husband.  I am most thankful that my Lord and Savior guides and protects me everyday.

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyCW_zps0mxvvxni.jpg



“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults:  whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.  Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;  rebuke the wise and they will love you.  Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;  teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.  If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;  if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer." 
Proverbs 9: 7 - 12
We have to be careful that when we are trying to be light hearted and funny that that does not turn into something that is mocking and insulting.

Read: Wisdom is Rewarding & Mocking is Destructive

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekG_zpsvjqyntdx.jpg
We are at the end of the 90 degree string of weather so hopefully my garden will get back to Autumn normal for this area.  I plan on digging the potatoes soon.

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekGB_zpsfzke6lhk.jpg
- Here are my Follower stats:
GFC (Google Friends Connect) - 2,265
Bloglovin - 4,392
Twitter - 6,842
Pinterest - 6,088
Google+ - 2,280
Facebook - 4,467

Instagram - 292
Linky Followers - 108
Networked Blog - 1,242

Activate - 574
That's a grand total of 28,550 followers in some form or another (which is up 80 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)
About 4 years ago I grew this beautiful sunflower:
Italian White Sunflower Variety
Italian White by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo 007_zps93305384.jpg
Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower







 by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekHOP_zpsnq0aipep.jpg
This week is EXTRA feature week - click HERE to LINK UP & you might just be featured next month!


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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


PIN Genie Smart Lock GIVEAWAY

PIN Genie Smart Lock GIVEAWAY!
Enter for your chances to win!

Part of the Falling into Autumn Gift Guide
but first - read this great post:
Pear Cashew Crisp RECIPE
 photo 012_zps5574de12.jpg



click HERE to view the entire post

(the following post was written by Laura from Michigan Saving and More )
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This post contains affiliate links if clicked on Laura may receive a small commission to support her blog.
PIN Genie Smart Lock Giveaway
@SMGurusNetwork

Welcome to the PIN Genie Smart Lock Giveaway!

1 winner
This giveaway is part of our Falling Into Autumn Gift Guide - Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.
This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!
Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

Bargnhtress Deliciously Savvy Easter Babe's Theory Everyday Gizmos Sweeps & Views Giveaways 4 Mom Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains Here We Go Again Ready Jerri1962sBlog Lisa-Queen of Random Living Simply Michigan Saving and More

Missy's Views and Savings Clues

mom are we there yet My Silly Little Gang MyStyleSpot Peyton's Momma RedHeaded Patti SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways Tales From A Southern Mom

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now let’s get to the sponsor!

Pin Genie

PIN Genie Smart Lock Giveaway

PIN Genie Smart Lock Pro (PGD 728)

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See the review HERE.

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site.You are not eligible if you have won a prize from the sponsor in the last 12 month. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 10/25/17. The winners will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo Day_zpsb50f87c9.jpg
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Click the button below to enter the Great Giveaways going on now!!:
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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Mixed Nutty Mocha Ice Cream RECIPE


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo 2017-09-01_zpsljgrnumv.jpg
Mixed Nutty Mocha Ice Cream RECIPE

Usually by this time of the year I am talking about "soup season", however this year is totally different.  We have had a long string of 90 degree weather (this is very unusual for Michigan).  So, instead I am sharing with you another one of my ice cream creations.

I had a few mixed nuts left and decided to incorporate them into my mocha ice cream and the result is scrumptious!

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8950_zpsphsz93fb.jpg photo DSCF8949_zpsbg5ekyqd.jpg
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 cup cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa)
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
3 egg yolks
dash of sea salt
1/2 cup salted mixed nuts

Begin by chopping the nuts and then set aside until later.  In a large mixing bowl combine the egg yolks & half of the sugar (1/2 cup sugar) - whisk together until the sugar is combined & the yolks are a little frothy - set aside until later. 

In a saucepan combine the other half of the sugar (1/2 cup sugar), the cocoa powder, coffee granules and the corn starch.  Stir until mixed.  Now add the milk, whipping cream & dash of salt.  Stir gently with a whisk making sure that there are no sugar/starch clumps.   Place this full saucepan on medium heat and stir gently all the time while cooking.  Continue cooking until this mixture starts to thicken.  Once it starts to thicken - remove from heat.
It is time to temper the egg yolk mixture.  Pour about 1/3 of the hot milk/cream mixture into the egg yolk/sugar mixture and whisk when adding the hot mixture. 
Your eggs have now been tempered.  Now add the tempered egg mixture into the remaining hot milk/cream mixture (stirring all the time).  Place back on medium/low heat and cook (stirring all the time) for about 2 to 3 minutes.  Remove the pan from the heat.
Allow the hot custard to rest for about 5 minutes.  Then strain the custard (this will get rid of any clumps that might not have been whisked smooth) (see pictures above).
Chill the mocha custard in the fridge for about 2 to 3 hours.  Remove from the fridge & add to your ice cream maker (see picture below) (follow the manufacturers instructions).

photo DSCF8951_zpsvjbuj7v9.jpg
Add the chopped mixed nuts during the last 5 minutes of processing (or follow your ice cream manufacturer's instructions).

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8952_zpssq90b9vm.jpg
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8953_zpsulcx8png.jpg
Serve, ENJOY & freeze the remaining ice cream for later!
(I like to have an upside down ice cream cone - I break up the cone and eat it like a cookie with the ice cream)


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8965_zps1ajhlbrr.jpg
Other Ice Cream RECIPES on this blog
(click on each title to view entire post with recipe):

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo Day_zpsb50f87c9.jpg


____________________________________________________________________

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