"The Reckoning" by MaryLu Tyndall

A book review of "The Reckoning" by MaryLu Tyndall

You know when you pick up a historical novel and you travel back in time? How you wish you were actually there? From the moment I had heard that MaryLu Tyndall had written a novel based on time travel back to the 17th century, I couldn't wait to read it. I mean, someone from the 21st century having to live in a time without electronics and modern medicine, surrounded by pirates and trying to absorb the culture. MaryLu didn't disappoint. A captivating read!

Morgan Shaw

She had it all. Rich parents, a good job, a handsome boyfriend. But did she really have it all? When she gets some devastating news that shakes all that she knows, she feels even more lost and alone than she ever had before. Dragged by her friend onto a pirate ship replica in San Diego harbor during a festival, she wanders to the depth of the ship to be alone, and suddenly finds herself transported back in time. Or is she? Morgan thinks her father has payed for an extravagant distraction, and is thoroughly convinced that everyone on the pirate ship is under her father's employ. Will something happen to her due to naivety, or will she find out that everything is real, and discover she has no way to return back home? Plagued by fears and anxiety, will Morgan ever learn to trust God the way she needs, and what will happen to this growing attraction to the devilishly handsome pirate that she seems to have no fears of?

Rowan Dutton

Rowan, having stolen a ship from his sister, has become a pirate and roams the seas looking for ships to plunder. Everything seems to be going perfectly, when he discovers a stowaway on his ship. Who is she and what is she doing on his ship? With a strange way of speaking, ridiculous male clothes, and speaking to a mysterious father in thin air, Rowan fears she is either crazy or possessed. No longer believing in the God who made him, his goal in life is to become rich, famous, and to eventually reconcile with his sister. As time goes on he begins to wonder if that will ever satisfy him. What is Rowan supposed to do with this mysterious woman, and what will happen when his womanizing ways catches up with him?

Morgan and Rowan. Two completely different people from two different worlds. One, a pirate and womanizer, and the other a software engineer who seems destined to fall for the wrong guys. Will Morgan learn to ever trust Rowan, and put her faith in God, and will Rowan ever learn to love one woman and to put aside his pride and reconcile with his family?

From the first moment I picked up the novel I felt a connection to Morgan. I mean, a distant father, a mother distracted by life and fears, the discovery of an illness that pushes all her fears to the forefront, and a penchant for dating all the wrong men. I loved how MaryLu Tyndall input all of her characteristics at the beginning. Some characters you slowly learn more about throughout the novel, but Morgan I felt I understood and got from the very beginning. I felt myself nodding or remembering times in my life when I felt the same as her, I may have even cried at one point in the novel. 

I never considered how difficult it would be to write a time travel book, but as I was reading the more fascinating I found it to be. MaryLu meshed the two worlds perfectly, catching everyone's confusion over the simplest of terms that we use today. Too often you read an historical fiction novel and the speech that you and I use today is the speech that they use, which bothers me because it makes it seem less real. Somehow MaryLu captured both modern language and 17th century lingo, meshing it so well that you truly felt you had been transported through time along with Miss Shaw.

A book of sacrifice, of courage, love and redemption. A book where you realize your dreams of living in the past may not be as easy as you always thought. Do you have the courage to step into a world of vicious pirates?  If you do, I recommend picking this phenomenal book up. Preorder today!

-- I received a copy of this book from the author and was asked for my honest opinion. I am under no obligation to give a good review of this book --

"Tears of the Sea" by MaryLu Tyndall

A book review of "Tears of the Sea" by MaryLu Tyndall

Have any of you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a fantasy world? To be a mermaid or to have things like spells and curses a part of every day life? Well you have to wonder no more! MaryLu Tyndall once again created a master piece in which I was thoroughly impressed.

Perdita
Perdita was cursed by an evil warlock Forwin to be a mermaid, wandering aimlessly, being alone for all eternity. The curse has a chance of being broken every 10 years, when Perdita becomes a human once again for one month. Her goal, to find a man who is willing to die for her. All she desires is to once again be a human, have a chance at love, family, and acceptance. Just when she is about to give up all hope, and once again attempt to rid herself of the never ending suffering she must live through, knowing she will never be loved, she sees a chance to make a difference in one mans life.

Savion Ryne
Having been deceived by a beautiful woman and kicked out of his father's kingdom to join in the battle against Nata, Savion has resolved to never again trust a woman. Savion's greatest desire is to once again impress his father and make him proud, bringing him back to live in Nevaeh. To do that he knows he must complete his mission of helping others, but when, where, and whom must he help? Savion gets tossed out to sea during a storm, and awakens mysteriously on a beach healed and having vague memories of a beautiful mermaid tending his wounds. Soon after, he meets a woman begging for protection, and he can't help but feel he has met her before.

Every moment Perdita spent on shore she spent trying to sell her beauty to men, trying to get them to pledge their love for her, promises that were never kept. These men slowly stole her joy, her will to live. After 300 years Perdita had given up the hope of ever being loved. After meeting Savion, a man unlike all others she had met before, she begins to question her tactics at making others fall in love with her. He seemed to be able to resist her beauty and all attempts she made to make him love her, therefore making her wonder if she had lost her ability at making others fall in love with her. She was soon to discover that love was not what she had expected, and nor was it something that she had ever experienced fully before.

I'm not going to lie, I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. MaryLu Tyndall is known for her gripping tales and incredible reads, but she has never before ventured into the realm of fantasy. And this is where I can tell you that I was thoroughly impressed.

From the moment I picked the book up I was unable to put it down. I know I have said this before, but I read the book in one sitting. Why? Because the characters were believable, the way they reacted to situations was realistic, and the feelings expressed were relatable. The struggle that Perdita went through, the feelings of unworth and abandonment are very real, and very present in our day and age. I couldn't help but feel drawn to what she was going through, to relate my relationships with the lives that she had lived. I couldn't help but compair the choices I had made in life with the choices Perdita made continually, and forever ending in her being abandoned by those who claimed to have loved her.

If you look deeper than the surface of this book you may find that there is a message of hope, a chance at redemption, and a sacrifice for love. This isn't a normal read, a normal book, or a normal message. I hope you take the time to pick up Tears of the Sea and learn about one man and one woman's struggle to find acceptance and to find love in a world that seemed so unforgiving and forsaken.

-- I received a copy of this book from the author and was asked for my honest opinion. I am under no obligation to give a good review of this book --

Cinnamon Raisin Harvest Muffins

You know when you have that extra apple on the counter or in the fridge drawer that is just starting to get wrinkly and soft, and the thought of eating it is no longer appetizing? Well I had one of those on the counter this morning, and I figured out exactly what to do with it. I made this amazingly delicious muffins!

Cinnamon Raisin Harvest Muffins

2 c. almond flour (you can use any variation for this - I used 1/2 C brown rice, 1/2 C gf flour bend, and 1 C almond flour)
1 T. coconut flour
1 T. cinnamon
1 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 t. baking soda
pinch of salt
1/2 c. pure maple syrup
1/3 c. coconut milk
3 eggs
1/4 c. coconut oil (I had to melt mine)
1 peeled, cored apple - shredded
1 c. raisins

Note: I used an equal mix of coconut sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on top of the muffins after baking.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with paper cups (yields 12 muffins)
2. Stir all the dry ingredients together in a bowl (except raisins)
3. In a larger bowl, mix together all wet ingredients. Shred the apple with a cheese grater and add to the wet ingredients.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and blend well. Mix in the raisins.
5. Pour mixture into muffin pan and bake for 20-23 min (checking with a toothpick).
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon dry mixture while still warm. Cool before eating.
7. Keep refrigerated or frozen.

Grain Free Garlic Rosemary Flat Bread

So I was sitting at home... wondering what I should do, when I smelled supper baking in the crockpot. You see, my sister-in-law was making a roast, which got my brain a whirring. I searched Pinterest for a good 30 min before I found what I was looking for. Flat bread. Yup. This was my first attempt and I must say I was thoroughly pleased with it.

Grain Free Rosemary Garlic Flat bread (Paleo, nut free)

1 c.      Tapioca Flour

1/4 c.   Coconut flour, sifted (I had my doubts, but after doing this, I noticed it made a huge difference)

1/2 t.    unrefined sea salt

1/2 c.   full fat coconut milk

1/4 c.   ghee or coconut oil (I used coconut oil in my recipe, but next time I think I will use ghee... I found it tasted too coconuty for me)

1          egg, beaten

1 t.       finely chopped fresh rosemary (its autumn... I used dried)

1-2 t.    finely chopped garlic, depending on your love for garlic (I used a powder garlic, and I would use a little bit less next time. All of the brown on top, yup that's garlic. I went a little overboard)

olive oil & extra salt for garnish (I used a wild mushroom and sage infused olive oil.... oh my goodness delicious!)

1. Preheat oven to 450 F and place a pizza stone, cast iron skillet, or very thick pizza pan into oven to heat up.

2. Gently heat up coconut milk and ghee in small sauce pan until very warm but not boiling.

3. Combine tapioca flour, sifted coconut flour, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the coconut/ghee mixture on top. Mix until thoroughly combined. Allow to sit for a couple of minutes to cool and for the coconut flour to absorb. (I got impatient and put it in the fridge for a few minutes).

4. Add beaten egg and mix again until fully combined.

5. CAREFULLY remove hot stone/pan from the oven, cover with parchment paper, and pour mixture into the center. I used a spatula to spread the dough until it was about 1/4 inch thick. The previous recipe recommended that you could also prepare your flat bread on a cutting board lined with parchment paper and then carefully slide it onto your hot stone in the oven.) Sprinkle with rosemary and garlic.

6. Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. Garnish with olive oil and sea salt. Enjoy!

I got this amazing recipe from this wonderful blog: 

www.savorylotus.com/rosemary-garlic-flatbread-gluten-grain-nut-free-paleo/

Apple Pie

Well it is almost fall.... depending on who you ask, and with the autumn season comes delicious baking that I am looking forwards to, apple pie being one of my favorites. So here goes. I just tried this recipe and I must say it turned out amazingly.

APPLE PIE

Crust

2 cups of King Arthur's Flour (I used the Perfect Flour Blend)
½ cup Palm Shortening (I used Virgin Pressed Coconut Oil)
1 egg ⅔ cup water
½ tsp salt (or season to taste)
2 tsp sugar or alt. sweetener for desserts if desired (or sweeten to taste) (I used Xyla sugar)

1. Mix together Gluten Free Flour along with optional Salt & Sugar
2. Add in Shortening (or butter), and mix until crumbly (I used my hands)
3. Add in Egg and mix until well incorporated - mixture will still be crumbly
4. Add Water by stirring in 1 TBSP at a time until dough holds together for rolling - better a little moist, then too dry.
5. Cut Mixture in Half and roll into 2 balls (one for each crust or topping). (I put the extra ball into the freezer until next time as I only have one pie pan)
6. Shape dough balls into disc with floured hands and place onto a sheet of floured parchment or wax paper.Cover with an additional sheet of parchment or wax paper. Roll crust out to slightly larger than your pie tin.
7. Remove top parchment/wax paper and Slip hand gently under the bottom paper to flip into pie tin... carefully peeling back the paper as you press it into the pan. Don't worry if it breaks apart a little, you can always press it together and it will look great!
8. Crimp edges of crust to make a decorative edge... or top with an additional crust layer after adding your pie filling.Pierce bottom slightly with fork (and slit top layer with knife to vent).
9. Pre-Bake for approx. 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
10. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before pouring in the apple filling.

Apple Filling

1 cup of water

1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup of sugar (I used Xyla sugar and it actually tasted pretty good)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground clove
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
dash of salt
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup cornstarch (or if you do not have cornstarch you can use 1/3 cup of sifted flour adding slowly)
5 small Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and chopped (I used golden delicious apples and I didn't peel them)

1. In a large saucepan combine all ingredients except vanilla and apples. Stir over medium-low heat until thickens (about 2 minutes), constantly stirring.
2. Add apples and vanilla and simmer on low about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into the pie crust.

Oatmeal Crumble

1/2 tsp baking powder

2/3 cups rolled oats (I used wheat free oats)
2/3 cups flour (I used Perfect Flour Blend by a company I can't remember)
1/3 cup brown sugar (I used Coconut Palm Sugar)

1. Using your hands, rub thoroughly through the dry ingredients

1 ½ cups butter, cut in small cubes (I used Soy Free Earth Balance)

2. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the fruit filling. 

3. Bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 30 -40 minutes or until the crumble is evenly golden brown. (You may need to put aluminum foil over the edges to prevent the crust from burning) 

4. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before cutting and serving. 

Feelin' the fall spirit

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

"Abandoned Memories" by MaryLu Tyndall

A book review of "Abandoned Memories" by MaryLu Tyndall

The third book of MaryLu Tyndall's series "Escape to Paradise" won't disappoint with its incredibly gripping tale. Set in 1866, the newly settled colony of New Hope can't seem to catch a break with disasters striking from all sides, and old memories seeming to take form before their very eyes.

Angeline Moore
Although she seems like the epitome of a perfect lady, something dark and sinister remains hidden from sight. She is running from the past and from the law, and with New Hope being her last hope, Angeline is desperate to reshape who she is before her secrets are found out and she is once again an outcast. With Wiley Dodd's repulsive glances and strange visions from her past, Angeline's new life is threatened more than she thought possible. Will she be able to turn to God and allow His forgiveness to make her clean, or will she be forced to leave her new home behind and return to the filthy streets of her past.

James Callaway
A doctor, a preacher, a drunk? James is hoping to put his past behind him and become the spiritual leader of the colony, but with no other doctor around, he seems to be forced to fill a role that he no longer feels he can do, and his strange reactions to those situations is threatening the good opinions of those in the colony. James is determined to create a utopia in Brazil, an area without immorality that was on every street corner back home, and ruined his life, and he hopes to stay on the right track with Angeline Moore at his side; a refined woman. With the bizarre disasters that keep striking the colony, James is pushed to the limit to discover what spiritual forces are at work before it destroys them all. Will James be able to overcome his fear of doctoring, his fleshly weaknesses, and become the spiritual leader that he has failed to become before?

Angeline's opinion of James is uncertain, but James wants to change that. He doesn't understand her distrust of him, and why she keeps spurring his advances. When her secrets are threatened to be revealed; being the one thing that will turn James away from her once and for all, she resolves to never allow them to become involved, turning him away from her life forever.

Something is strangely amiss in New Hope, and is setting the colonists on edge: haunting visions, crypts with chains beneath an ancient temple, an archaic Hebrew book. With the murder of one of their own, the colonists begin to believe that they have been brought to Brazil to defeat an evil that is wreaking havoc on the colony and the place they have begun to call home. Are they right? Is there an ancient evil, that if released, will destroy the known world?

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I read MaryLu's latest book in one sitting... literally! I sat down after supper and didn't put it down until I had finished. For some reason all of her novels have affected me this way, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Once again MaryLu has created an amazing read, full of biblical truths and worldly issues that is absent in Christian fiction today. Too often I put down the book, wondering if the main characters are followers of Christ, or they are just Church goers in our world. I want to be challenged in my faith, given an example of how to live, and given biblical examples to compare my life to. I want to read a novel that challenges me to read more of my bible than I do of novels, which is hard to find now-a-days.

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Killer ants, mysterious wolves, flash floods, and visions seem the last of their worries when the colony is visited by pirates and the lives of those they love have suddenly been threatened with their lives. Definitely a book I recommend to read as you will have a hard time putting it down as you will find yourself relating to those in the book and  the struggles they face.

"The Ransom" by MaryLu Tyndall

A book review of "The Ransom" by MaryLu Tyndall

Time travel may not exist, but MaryLu Tyndall has come close to accomplishing the impossible in her book "The Ransom." On page one you will find yourself taking a step into a tavern in Port Royal, 1692, and I guarantee you will be enthralled until the last page.

Juliana Dutton
Betrayed by her father's health and her brother's immaturity, Juliana is forced to try to run the family business in order to pay the bills. In a world where women are considered a wall flower, not capable of intelligent thought, Juliana struggles to hide her day to day activities, all while her brother is determined to spend all of her hard earned money at the gambling tables. To top it all off, she seems to have acquired an unwanted suitor who is threatening to uncover her secrets. There seems to be only one man who can help her, Lord Munthrope, someone she considers to be a buffoon, and she may be forced to accept his bizare engagement to stave off the rumors that being to encircle her life.

Alexander Hyde
Disenchanted with the world as his infamous father, Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, one of the most feared pirates in Port Royal, raised him to believe in, Alexander steps away from the family faith and sets out to create his own destiny. The Pirate Earl is the man he becomes upon the Caribbean seas and in the dark alleys of Port Royal, but the pleasures no longer satisfy as they once did, and Alex becomes more desperate to find a way to stave off the emptiness lodged in his heart, all while battling an enemy from the past who threatens to take his life.

With an enemy out to destroy Alex and capture Juliana for himself, they both must struggle to overcome their fears and rely on the Divine while all seems to be lost. 

Take a step back into Port Royal, Jamaica in 1692, as MaryLu Tyndall once again weaves a tale that will leave you unable to walk away. Although I have never been to Jamaica, I felt as if I was there, visualizing the whole novel page by page.

MaryLu Tyndall creates a gripping story, and not just some feel good novel, but an accurate telling of what life was like in Jamaica in the 17th century. I am so tired of reading books that skim over the filthy, and sordid facts of the past. I must say I was impressed on the first page, when MaryLu threw her character into the brothels and proceeded to not skip over the lewd facts that permeated the docks of Port Royal in the 1600s.

Another thing that has impressed me with MaryLu Tyndall's writing is that although she has been pressured by the publishing companies to tone down the message of our salvation in Christ, she refused and has now branched out on her own, publishing her own books. Too many Christian books now-a-days have perhaps a paragraph worth of the Christian message, and MaryLu refused to be brow beaten into submission to what Satan's plans are for our world. An admirable feat to be sure.

I will conclude that if you are looking for a book filled with pirates, murk, mire, and mayhem, you have found the right book, and the right author. Go pick up one of her books at your local library, bookstore, or order online at amazon, barnes & noble, christian book store, or many other sites. You wont be disappointed!

Thoroughly emursed in the pirate world,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

"Elusive Hope" by MaryLu Tyndall

http://marylutyndall.com/books/elusive_hope

A Book Review of "Elusive Hope" by MaryLu Tyndall

Nothing but sparks fly when Hayden Gale and Magnolia Scott are within a couple miles of each other. Two people who are seeking something completely different, but somehow find a way to work together out of desperation to achieve their goals.

Magnolia Scott
What is a Southern belle doing in the jungles of Brazil and what would her fiance think if he saw her now, perspiring and swatting flies? Yuck! Magnolia doesn't intend to wait to find out. She is bound and determined to make her way back to everything she deems important; stunning gowns, gorgeous balls, and marriage to the man she thinks will save her.

Hayden Gale
Nobody but Hayden knows what he is doing in Brazil, and he would like nothing better than for it to stay that way. He is bound and determined to find his father and make him pay for the life that Hayden has to live. Hayden is positive that his father murdered his mother, and will do anything to bring him to justice, or is it revenge?

MaryLu Tyndall has done it again, she has captured her audience with a gripping tale of two people that professed to despise each other, but in reality aren't that different after all. They are both in a desperate search to find someone, Magnolia her fiance, and Hayden his scoundrel of a father; both will do anything necessary to reach that goal, including lying or possibly even stealing.

The moment I started reading her book I couldn't put it down. I am not saying this because I like to read, or because all of MaryLu Tyndall's books have turned out to be fantastic reads with deep biblical messages. Just the opposite. I loved her other books, but when I read a book I look for a difference in characters and a connection to the reader. One thing that I despise most is when the hero of a book, or the main male character, is alway the same. He reacts the same, says the same things, or makes the same decisions. Hayden Gale is quite a different character. He does everything opposite of a gentleman, because in all honesty, he isn't one.

I can always count on MaryLu Tyndall starting a book off with a splash, and in Elusive Hope, the second book in the Escape to Paradise trilogy, it literally is a splash! Her words gripped me in this telling tale in Brazil... and when I say gripped, I mean it. I started reading right before I went to bed, and ended up not falling asleep until I was finished. Suffice to say, it was a good thing I didn't have to work the next day.

I don't know how she does it but I could feel the sweat dripping off my back and the flies buzzing around my head as I read Elusive Hope. She also brought me so much closer to my relationship with God, really bringing home the message that God is our father, and that He cares intimately for each and every one of us. Both Hayden and Magnolia had difficult lessons to learn about God and His saving power and grace; MaryLu Tyndall is one of the best at painting that trying tale.

There is only one way you can really dive into Elusive Hope, and that is to find it somewhere, whether that is in your public library, in a book store, online to order a paper copy, or even an eBook version. I'm telling you it will be worth it!

For now I'm signing out,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

“Forsaken Dreams” by MaryLu Tyndall

A Book Review of “Forsaken Dreams” by MaryLu Tyndall

http://www.marylutyndall.com/151

A budding romance that was doomed to fail from the start?

Have you ever wished you could leave everything behind? Have you ever wished you could start over? Build a new life? A life, where no one knows your past, your secrets, or your regrets? Colonel Blake Wallace , Eliza Crawford, as well as a whole ship full of passengers are trying to do just that…

Colonel Blake Wallace has gone through so much more than any of us could imagine. He lived through the death of all those he loved and held dear. All he wants now is to escape both the memories of their deaths and the unforgettable images from the war. He decides it is time to leave his home, a home now taken over by the North, a home so far gone from the beauty it once was. His plan includes creating a new colony in a land of hope; Brazil. Blake not only is escaping from haunting memories; he is wanted for “war crimes” by the Union. With his life in danger, this is his last chance to fully live his life, but can he let go of the past enough to really live?

Eliza Crawford has more secrets than anyone can imagine. Just like any of us, she tells little white lies to disguise the truth, but will those lies come back to bite her? She has grown up a pampered Southern Belle, and has known luxury her whole life. She threw that away for “true love,” only now she wonders if it really was. Her late husband was a general in the Northern army, and man she left her life for, and gave her allegiance to, only to find that he was not who she thought he was. She now has become an outcast from her Southern roots as well as being discarded by her Northern ties. The only way for her to be accepted is to once again leave life behind with a hope for the future, but has she chosen the right ‘hope’? Has she found a place to truly call home?

MaryLu Tyndall has done it again. She takes a scene, a page from the history books, and gives it life. She adds colorful characters, flowing waters, a ship sailing the ocean, and a mysterious land. Readers can’t help but be drawn into this vivid journey. With a wide diversity of characters it is hard not to relate to one, if not all of the passengers embarking on this grand adventure in hopes of a new future. When you think the book is finished, there is one more twist, one more heart wrenching experience that one can’t help but feel drawn into.

There are people that you can’t help but dislike, but at the same time you are almost drawn to them as well. You can somehow relate to them, feel their pain, and want them to grow in their faith to fully become the people they should be. Normally there are the antagonists and the heroes in a novel. MaryLu has created a world in which the antagonists can have a new future too, if they only decide to start fresh on new soil with a changed heart.

Will Blake and Eliza move past the secrets that seem to build up between them? 

Can the other passengers find a way to work together and become the colony Colonel Blake had desired for them to be? 

Can God’s love triumph in the lives of this colony?

The only way you can find the answers to these questions is to pick up the book and read. I could not put it down, and I will bet you won’t be able to either. 5 out of 5!

Readin' like crazy,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Asparagus Risotto

I tried this tonight, and was extremely happy with it. I had to modify the recipe, because for some reason they didn't have any herbs or spices in it... there wasn't even salt or pepper. So here goes.

Asparagus Risotto

1 T.     Olive oil
1/2 c.   Chopped onion
1 c.      Sliced fresh mushrooms

1 1/2 c. Arborio rice, uncooked (I used basmati  and it worked fine, I just had to add more liquid)
2 t.       Grated lemon peel

2 1/4 c. Condensed chicken broth (I used Presidents Choice Organics Chicken Broth)
1 1/2 c. Water
1/2 c.    White wine (I didn't have any, and therefore used more water)
3 c.       Cut fresh asparagus, 2 inch (2.5 cm) pieces

1/3 c.    Water
1 t.        Salt
1 t.        Pepper
1 t.        Basil leaves
1 t.        Greek seasoning
1/2 t.     Garlic powder
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Heat oil in large non-stick skillet or wok. Saute onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes until mushroom liquid is evaporated.

Stir in rice and lemon peel.

Combine chicken broth with first amount of water and wine. Add 1/2 cup broth mixture to rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Add another 2 1/2 cups broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time. Add asparagus. Add remaining 1 1/4 cups broth mixture, in 2 additions. Cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and creamy. Ensure that the asparagus is tender. If it isn't, continue stirring on heat until they are.

Add second amount of water. Add the salt, pepper, basil leaves, greek seasoning, and garlic powder; stir. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately. Makes 5 cups.

Cookin' up a storm,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Turkey Apple Burgers

Alrighty everyone, I have a new recipe, something I tried tonight and I just have to share it. They are really good! Turkey Apple Burgers. It kinda seems a little strange, but they are so good.

Turkey Apple Burgers

1 lb.    Lean ground turkey

1        Large egg, beaten
1 c.     Finely crushed soda crackers (I used 3/4 c. PaneRiso Rice Bread Crumbs)
1        Finely chopped onion (I recommend using a food processor)
1        Garlic clove, crushed
1        Red apple, with peel, finely diced (I recommend using a food processor for this as well)
1 T.      Chopped fresh parsley
3/4 t.   Salt
1/2 t.   Pepper

Combine all 9 ingredients in large bowl. Form into 6 patties. Broil 4 inches (10 cm) from heat for 10 minutes per side, or grill over medium heat on barbecue. (I pan fried them on medium - high heat for about 4 minutes per side).

I added some stuff to the meal of course. I didn't have any buns, but you can definitely eat these burgers as an actual hamburger patty. I made some Herbed Baby Potatoes. Check out the link to find the recipe.

I also made some tomato salad. This is something my mom used to always make. Super easy. You take a couple tomatoes (depending on how much salad you want), cut them up like you were making Greek salad. Then take some parsley, Italian seasoning, a  Tablespoon of Olive oil (or grape seed oil) per tomato  Then add some salt and pepper and stir it up. You can add more seasoning or herbs if you would like, but that is pretty much it. So delicious.

You guys have a great day, and perhaps enjoy these delicious meal ideas.

Cookin' Up A Storm,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Herbed Baby Potatoes

This is a recipe that you can use all the time and takes no prep time. Tastes delicious and is really easy to do.

Herbed Baby Potatoes

2 lbs.  Red (or white) baby potatoes (about 40), unpeeled
2        Small onions, cut lengthwise into wedges
1 T.    Hard margarine/butter (I use Earth Balance Soy Free)
1 T.    Olive oil (I used Grape Seed Oil)
1 T.    Lemon juice
1 T.    Italian seasoning
1/2 t.   Salt

Cut any larger potatoes in half to make all uniform in size. Place in greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Add onion.

Melt the margarine in small saucepan on medium-low. Add next 4 ingredients. Stir. Pour over potato mixture. Toss until potato mixture is evenly coated with herbs. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove foil. Stir. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden.

A little herby,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Moving Out, and Moving On

Alright, so I originally named this blog A Girl's Step Up because I wanted to move on from the past. Take the few steps needed to get out of the the garbage dump that had become my life. That was when I went to school... and after college I moved back home, I, for the sole purpose of assisting others, willingly jumped back into the mire. I felt God call me to be at home, and it was a learning process that I in turn was blessed by. The time came though, when my dad was released from prison into a halfway house an hour from where I lived with my mom and brother, that I knew it was time to move out and move on.

So what does that mean? Move out and move on. Sounds so final. So unforgiving. It wasn't that at all. I love my family, and even though they put me through hell, and have scarred me for life with issues that I will have to work through, I would move mountains for them.

In reality, all I mean by that statement is leaving the past in the past. Not allowing it to decide our future. My situation could have a double meaning as I did move out of my parents house, and am now living on my own, which I recommend for everyone to do before they decide to get married. I am also moving out of the mind set of accepting my life for what it was, and not actively pursuing a change. I had no idea the amount of damage I had hidden in my heart until I was forced to confront it. A really important person in my life pulled me aside and told me that they had to actively restrain themselves from getting mad at those in my family for the way they treat each other and me. I had no idea there was a better option. I didn't know my family could have tackled life differently.

I had grown up with the thought that people showed love through their love language (whatever that may be) and that they couldn't really change that. This person kindly, but forcefully showed me that I wasn't being met, I wasn't being filled because no one in my family was giving love to me in my love language. They were too caught up in accepting the love that they received to notice that they weren't returning the favor of stepping out of their comfort zone, and perhaps showing love in a way that was different for them.

The transition between Spring & Summer - reminding me that
when we move on, we get to see more beauty. Spring
is more than just cleaning, it is also a glimpse at the beauty
to come. 

This wasn't an easy process, and it can't say that my eyes stayed dry, or have been completely dry for weeks now. I decided to get a counselor, which has been so helpful! I have never been so challenged spiritually, emotionally, & relationally, as I have been the last few weeks working through issues that have plagued me my whole life.

I have been learning all over again that I really do need to give everything to God, and trust in Him. I need to find my encouragement in Him and to do that I need to work through the past and look to the future. As I am working through these issues, such as boundaries and abandonment, I am discovering more of who I am as a person, and what I want my future to look like. This verse really impacted me earlier when I read it, and I just wanted to share it with you guys.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:10-18

Satan will constantly strive to bring us down, to not let us MOVE ON, but we can't let him. We have to stand strong in God, and to do that we need to be prepared. So everyone, drop your past, your sins, your weights that are holding you back. See a counselor or someone that you can truly confide in if you need to, but you got to get rid of that extra baggage if you are going to be able to fight to the end, to finish the race strong.

Feelin' rejuvenated,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Zucchini Patties

Hey everyone!

I just discovered an amazing recipe and I had to share! They are so good, even though they look quite weird and a little bit disgusting to be honest with you. I had a friend tell me they looked like moldy pancakes. Tehe. These are to die for, especially if you have a chutney sauce. I used a mango chutney sauce my mom made last year, and I am going to have to get that recipe from her because it just made these amazing. So here goes.

Zucchini Patties

3 c.       Grated zucchini, with peel

1/4 c.    Finely chopped onion
2           Egg whites, fork-beaten
2/3 c.    Dry fine bread crumbs (I used 1/2 c. PaneRiso Rice Bread Crumbs - less because rice crumbs becomes really crumbly when there is too much)
1 tsp.    Low-fat salad dressing (I used mayonnaise)
2 tsp.    Whole wheat flour (I used Jeanne's Gluten Free Flour Mix)
1           Garlic clove, minced
1/8 tsp.  Dried oregano (I used Italian Seasoning
1/8 tsp.  Dried sweet basil (I used Greek Seasoning)
1/2 tsp.  Salt
1/8 tsp.  Pepper

Combine all 12 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well to moisten bread crumbs. Form into patties, using 1/4 c. for each. Heat lightly greased frying pan or skillet until hot (medium-high heat). Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until crisp and golden. Makes 12 patties.

Gettin' Healthy,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Mod Podging Maps

Ok, so I have to tell you about this amazing craft that I saw on Pinterest and just had to try.

Since money is tight at our house, I decided to make Nathan (my brother who is now 14) a gift, rather than spending money. Now, he is a Lord of the Rings FANATIC! He has seen the movies a gazillion times, so I knew that I had to do something to do with that. When I saw this though,  I knew exactly what I wanted to do!

I went online and searched for Lord of the Rings maps. Now, I am telling you, this was not an easy thing to do! I had to find maps that were decent quality and size, so that if needed I could blow them up bigger. I didn't care if they were black and white, color toned, or sepia because you can always use Picmonkey if needed to alter the appearance of the photo.

I finally found 5 that I sort of liked... I printed them off, and narrowed it down to three.

The Realm of Middle Earth 

I then used Picmonkey and altered the background... so they then looked like the following (the large map I kept the same)

Mordor Before and After

Thror's Map Before and After

Thank goodness I somehow made them look alright, and printing them actually made it look better.

Alright, next step, I had to find the canvases to put them on. I decided to use 8"x10" for Mordor and Thror's Map. I wanted to have one bigger map, so I got a canvas that was 11"x14" and went to my church to print the map out onto an 11"x17" page. It took a few tries until I had it the size and shape that I wanted it (had to shrink the shape a tad bit) to be.

After all that, the rest was easy. I did a wash of a yellowish brown color on the background of the canvases, just to give it the aged appearance. Once that was dried I spread Mod Podge all over the canvas with my paint brush and placed my maps down on the canvas, spreading them out, erasing any bubbles. I actually ripped the edges of my maps to give it an interesting look, but you don't have to do that.

To make it even more aged, I spread the top coat of Mod Podge on before the bottom coat was dried, therefore getting the paper too wet, causing it to fade and wrinkle a tad bit. Here is the finished product, and I must say I am extremely happy with it, and so was Nathan... and every other person I showed it to haha.

The Perfect Gift,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

My Life Story - Part 2

Alright, so about a month ago I started telling you a little about myself. It is time to share a little more of my crazy, ridiculous, amazing story.

I'll recap from where I left off. My Dad was paying taxes for reasons explained earlier, and so our house got raided... and we moved out temporarily (us kids) to a friends house for a month and a half. This is where our story continues...

The Waiting

I don't know if I have ever told y'all, but I am an extremely impatient person! When I say impatient... I mean IMPATIENT!!! We were finally allowed to move back into our house, which I am extremely thankful for, because it was so hard to explain to everyone at school (I was in grade 10 at the time) why I wasn't getting a ride from my parents to school, why I couldn't have friends over, why I always needed rides for volleyball practices and games, why I only had about 10 sets of clothes, why I didn't seem like myself, etc, etc, etc. I could go on, but I won't. We eventually (Nathan, Caleb and I) moved back in to our house and everything seemed to go back to normal. 

You could almost say that we forgot what had happened, but we didn't. It was lurking in the back of our minds every day, wondering when the cops would come knocking with the verdict. Days went by, then weeks,  and soon months were zipping by and I couldn't stop them. I didn't want to ask my mom if she knew what was happening, and asking my dad was just not a smart idea because he was bitter and angry all of the time. I slowly began to shut down my emotions, especially where my dad was concerned.

I know it sounds like a sad and horrible thing, to stop caring for your father, and at times I look back and wonder why I didn't notice what I was doing, but I guess I was too focused on forgetting the experiences and just wanted to move on. 

Waiting is just like winter... it never seems to end

A year went by and we were still left wondering if something bad was going to happen. I would find my mom sitting on her bed sometimes, just staring off into space, and I'd carefully crawl onto the bed, sit beside her, and just lean my head against her shoulder. We would just sit there, for 10 minutes, 30 minutes. However long it took for us to get back to reality. 

Throughout this waiting period I guess we almost forgot. Well at least I almost did. Not in the emotional sense, but just in how much I consciously thought about it. Don't get me wrong, it was always on my mind, but I just seemed to accept this anxious waiting as normal, and didn't notice how tense our house was constantly. 

This of course is when all the big problems with my older brother Caleb started. We argued constantly. I don't mean just arguing, but arguing to the point where one of us was choking the other, and punches and kicks were flying everywhere. I began to loose my focus on what family really looked like because our house was so tense that we couldn't get along worth beans. 

The Hiding Place

By February 2011, we almost expected nothing would ever happen with the paperwork they took from us. 

They had returned the boxes by then (all the stuff they took from my dad), and we all began to breath a little better thinking nothing would come of it. Suddenly everything took a turn for the worst!

I knew something was going on, because my mom was extremely upset, and my dad wasn't in the house at all. I was in my grade 11/12 year (I had enough credits, so I decided to graduate a year early from High School and just be done with the drama that came with it) and I was struggling with having extra courses on my plate. Eventually I went to my mom, after a couple days, and asked her what was going on. She gave me the scariest look... one I will never forget; one of absolute hopelessness.

She steered me to my room and shut the door. She then began to ask me if I remembered the "RAID". I told her yes, and she proceeded to tell me that her and Dad had received a summons to appear in court. Dad decided that they weren't going to, because he was listening to all these "WISE MEN" that told him he wasn't required to show up. A bench warrant was then issued, and the cops were on the lookout for both of them. At this my mom asked me to not tell Nathan (Caleb was in Bible School at the time), and  to keep it a secret for a while. 

After a period of time (I do not remember how long), the cops started to come by the house. The first time this happened was honestly so surreal that I felt like I was in a movie. We heard a vehicle pull up and we looked out the blinds. When we saw the two cop cars we got everyone together and hid so that we were not visible from any windows. I don't know how we did it, but the cops didn't see us and they proceed to knock for quite some time, demanding we open the door. After a while they left and we had to then discuss what we were going to do next. 

The cops proceeded to come quite often, coming during the day, and at night. We discovered that the best place to hide was in my bedroom because you could just see out the window enough to see the cops at the front door, and hear them talking, but we could stay hidden behind the blinds. There were times when the cops walked around the house, checking windows and doors, peering behind curtains with the flashlights. So many times they would almost catch a glimpse of us, and we would hold still, and hope that we weren't casting a shadow or breathing too loudly. 

Truffle, my dog (bichon-havanese) would bark like crazy because she knew something was wrong, and all I could do was hold her and calm her down. She would shake uncontrollably because she had no idea what was going on, but could sense our fear. There were many times I thought my heart would beat right out of my chest. This went on until the beginning of march... and this is where the next part comes into play. I'll tell you more about that later. 

Ever Hopeful,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Becoming a True Woman

Alright, for all you ladies out there, this is for you. I don't know or care if you are single, dating, or married. If you are young or old or straight up wrinkly all over. Our entire life is a struggle to become a True Woman of God, to become the women we all desire to be. I'm going to talk about what the Bible says about this, and maybe give a few pointers from what I have learned. I am also planning on doing a day by day study on Proverbs 31:10-31, a passage on what a "Worthy" woman looks like, and who we should strive to be in our relationships and marriages. 

So what do you think a beautiful woman looks like? Maybe a woman with perfect hair every day, or a stunning face, a perfect body? We define one of the most important terms for a woman with such derogatory and negative definitions, it's no wonder we are so broken and seek the wrong sort of men to make us feel loved.

I read a book recently by Chad Eastham called "The Truth about Guys". Yeah, I know, sounds cheesy, but I really wanted to hear what he had to say about why we think the way we do, and how we need to change our thinking before we find that "Dream Boat" guy us girls always wish for. I found the following excerpt extremely fascinating.

A Girl's Value Menu  If you could choose to be either of the following hypothetical girls, which one would you prefer?

Girl A: When a guy looks at you, he thinks most guys don't have a chance. Not because you are too beautiful or because you're mean, but because you don't seem interested in all boys. A guy sees you and knows it is going to take a lot of effort to develop a friendship with you. He's going to have to use his heart and his head if he's going to have a chance at any type of relationship with you. When a guy makes an effort to meet you, he stares into your eyes as though he is trying to see right into your heart. He's there to help you, not harm you. He wants you to know you are really important and he wants the best for you. He compliments you for no reason at all, and he doesn't require something of you at the end of the sentence... or the evening. He looks out for you, even when you aren't looking out for yourself. A guy who spends time with you wants to make you laugh and smile. Seeing you giggle when he looks at you makes him happier than most anything. He simply wants you to know you are wonderful, beautiful, and deserve nothing but the best, with no strings attached. And he doesn't want anything in return for this at all.

Girl B: A guy looks at you and thinks you are a mighty fine piece of meat. He thinks you look like someone that he can try some new stuff with. He knows he doesn't have to marry you in order to get you to do whatever he wants. He's determined to win you over tonight - and by "win" he's only thinking of his own satisfaction and pleasure. He doesn't really care about meeting your needs - especially not in the long run - as long as you can meet his. he wants something from you, and he figures that with minimal effort you'll probably give it to him.  

Drum Roll: ...Believe it or not, guys love friendships and relationships, with Girl A! The thing to note her is that you are the person who determines which girl you are seen as. Let me say that again. It's not up to anyone else to make that decision - it's up to YOU!

A girl who displays her sex appeal, a party girl, or a loud-mouthed, insecure girl who is craving a guy's attention all the time likely isn't going to be swept off her feet by a handsome prince who just wants to stare into her eyes all day. Not that you just want to be stared at, but you get the point

Likewise, a girl who doesn't use her body in sexual ways to get attention, one who cares about her reputation and has goals and relationship standards ahead of time, is not going to settle for anything less than someone who cares for her. She refuses to be seen as a target, so guys don't look at her and think she is prey. She has those rules written all over her. 

Guys see the instructions for girls ahead of time - before we get within twenty feet of them - so we know if we want to start out on their terms or not. Every girl may want to be seen as valuable, precious, and as someone to be treasured. But in reality, many girls who want to be treasures actually look more like targets; they just can't figure out why! 

 Remember: you have a heart perfectly designed for you by the greatest of designers. Your heart is there for you to take care of, so when you expose it, it will be cherished and taken care of in return. Allow your heart to be so wrapped up in God that a guy has to ask for directions to get to it 

The best guy in the world cannot give you everything you need. He can't be perfect. He can't fill your voids. Most important, none of that is his job. A guy doesn't want a girl who needs him to be her dad. A guy doesn't want to convince you that you are beautiful. He wants to sit in admiration of your beauty! But he can't do that unless you let him. And you can't let him until you believe it yourself!

 So what do you think? Is Chad right? Do we really need to project ourselves differently, because the way we act is drawing the wrong kind of guys? Are we looking to guys to fill our voids, and we are allowing them to see how broken we are, therefore they are better able to use us and abuse us?

I believe that Chad is completely right! He hit it on the spot. Girls always seem to be needy. We are never perfect enough. There is always someone better, and we are always comparing. Learning to be content with who we are is never easy, but if you want a healthy relationship with the "hero" of your life, that is what you need to do!

We need to search the scriptures, and find out what God desires us to be like, how we are to become a True Woman! Then, and only then, will we begin to see ourselves that way (not vainly, but with honesty)

1 Peter 3:3 says, "Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear."

Do you rely on outward things to feel beautiful? I was challenged last year to fast for a week. I decided that I didn't wish to fast from food, but from makeup. From then on, I have strived to be able to go a day a week, or at least one day in a month without makeup around a boyfriend, your best friends, your work, anywhere. Just go a day without. It may seem hard at first, but ti is so empowering, especially the more you do it. You learn to be beautiful for who you are internally, not just the beautiful on the outside.

On that note, another verse about inner beauty. Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Did you catch that? Christ lives in us, and there is nothing more beautiful or empowering than that. We have life because of Jesus' sacrifice. When we live to let him flourish within us, we glow like never before. It is time you let Christ shine through you!

Before I let you go for the day, I want you to read the following passage from Proverbs, and just study the words. They are powerful, and some might not make sense right now, but don't worry. I'll go into detail for you later on!

The Woman Who Fears the LORD

PROVERBS 31:10-31

10. An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11. The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12. She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13. She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14. She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15. She rises while it is yet night

and provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16. She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17. She dresses herself with strength 

and makes her arms strong.

18. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19. She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20. She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21. She is not afraid of snow for her household,

for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22. She makes bed coverings for herself;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25. Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

26. She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27. She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

29. "Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all."

30. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31. Give her the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the gates.

Feelin' Empowered,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Jewelry Hangers!

Alright. Well I don't know about you, but I have been trying to find a cute and easy way to hang my necklaces and earrings in a way that I can still find cute and fit all of my stuff in one place. This is not easy as I LOVE thrift store shopping for jewelry. I have been browsing Pinterest and just haven't been able to find the right fit for me until I came across this...

http://pinterest.com/pin/7670261837669211/

This of course got my brain working, and bear in mind that my walls are hideous... and the painting is not the best, it was just something I wanted to see if it could work (so when I do do it, I know how I want it done!).  You may also notice that the tree fits into what I have been posting about my verse (Jeremiah 17:7-8), and the latest crafts I have been doing... Foam Painting and Painting The Seasons So I penciled it on my wall, painted it with acrylic paints, bought some 1" finishing nails, and nailed them in along the branches. Once that was done, I started to hang my necklaces. I don't have pictures of my earrings yet, as it has been too cold to spray paint the "leaves" they will be hanging from. I will post more later, and update this post as well.

You may notice that one of the bracelets is on a larger nail... it didn't stay on the 1" nails. You may find this is the case for certain things as well. 

Feelin' Girly,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Foam Painting

Alright everyone... so I know I have been a slacker in posting... so here goes. I have been doing a few new crafts, and I want you to check 'em out. So here is something that I have started for a friend. I am not sure if I like it quite yet, so I am working on maybe changing it a little bit, but here goes. I might redo it as I discovered things as I went along...

I have a verse this year that I picked that really means a lot to me, something that I want to symbolize and represent me and how I have grown throughout the year. That verse is Jeremiah 17:7-8. It says,

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose trust is the LORD. 

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit."

I chose this verse, and then I started noticing on Pinterest the amount of crafts that contain trees on them... so I decided to give them as gifts for Christmas to my family as I made them. Anyways, this I didn't see on Pinterest, but I saw tips on how to do it, so I decided to give it a try... and kinda failed.

Here is what I did. I saw a pin on how you can write with foam paint on wax paper, and later mod podge it onto canvas. I figured, why not do this with the verses! Unfortunately the only foam paint I have is fabric foam paint. I thought it was the same thing for some reason, and went for it. I printed it off, wrote it out on wax paper, and once it was dry realized my mistake. It doesn't harden stiff like regular foam paint as it is made to mold with a shirt/fabric. Therefore it doesn't come off the wax paper. 

I then had to change what I was doing. I threw out the foam paint on wax paper... and started fresh. I took the verse and taped it to the back of the canvas (after I had watered down a yellow and brownish paint and covered the background), and traced the words with a pencil. I then took the paint and wrote the words directly onto the canvas. Unfortunately, when I wrote with the pencil, my hand got tired, and I was not very careful with how clear or precise my lines were. 

When the paint had dried, I realized my problem. Some of the pencil lines were visible, and if I erased to vigorously, it would break the paint off. I got most of the pencil off, and I don't think it looks too bad. 

For the second part of this gift I painted a tree and did swirly colors (like my last craft, which you can find here) as the leaves. I then took buttons and glued them down onto the canvas to give it a 3D effect. I am not quite sure I like the colors that much, but here is the finished product. Hopefully you like it, but I will definitely have to use REAL foam paint if I am going to attempt this again!