An Abundant Life - Freedom

Over the years there have been many different catch phrases and movie titles and songs that have celebrated the idea of freedom, but one that has never gone out of style is the freedom we are given to choose how we will live and act in our lives. In "Hamlet," Shakespeare wrote "All The World's A Stage," and that is very true - we are all actors in this thing called life and as actors we have actions we can take no matter what our circumstances are. For many years the Salvation Army has been continuously doing the work of sharing the Gospel in order to help people learn about the freedom available to them through the love of God, and one thing they have always done which has always impressed me is to meet the needs of people where they are. They provide food and clothing and shelter, supportive services and job training, and on any given day in any neighborhood, we can always find a Salvation Army thrift store that sells clothing and housewares at reasonable cost for anyone who wants to walk in the door. I've learned through my travels that the best way to reach people with the love of God is to share it in a tangible way - we can talk about it all the time, but our actions speak louder than words. The Salvation Army puts words into action, to the benefit of neighborhoods nation-wide.

In New Jersey, two of my favorite Salvation Army Thrift Stores are in Union City and and Jersey City, and I like them not only for the delightful home products and clothing I find there at wonderful prices, but also for the delightful people who work there. Whenever I have time I like to take a walk and visit, and I've found some great things and had such enjoyable times there that these places are a regular destination.

The Salvation Army

salvationarmyusa.org

Some Finds From My Favorite New Jersey Thrift Stores

248 Erie Street

Jersey City, NJ

&

900 Kennedy Boulevard

Union City, NJ

Freedom To Express

Last week I was invited to another wonderful event by the fabulous Stella&Dot stylist Jennifer Sutton. I always know where Jennifer is creativity and freedom of self expression will abound, and at the event I attended at Celebrate Life Studio in Hoboken, I was able to meet another gorgeous stylist with such a beautiful ability to celebrate the inner beauty of her clients that I walked home feeling like I was dancing on air. The fun and creativity abounded, and the styling tips were on point. I so much enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with the wonderful women there in such an affirming, celebratory and meaningful way!

Style Me Pretty Happy Hour
Fashion Styling Event

At Celebrate Life Studio

Hoboken, NJ

www.celebratelifestudiohoboken.com

Jennifer Sutton of Stella&Dot And Dorian Cattani Of The Closet Rescue

www.stelladot.com/jennifersutton

theclosetrescue.com

Loaves And Fish

As the days get warmer we still have a bit of chill in the air, making soups and stews a nourishing choice. Since childhood one of my favorite foods for the soul is any kind of New England Chowder, corn or clam or fish. I'll give the recipe for fish chowder here, but feel free to make it however and with whatever you like. This is the basic old stand-by, but any variation can make it your delicious own.

Fish Chowder

• Chop one large or two medium potatoes and add to a large soup pot. Cover with one or two cups of water and bring to a boil, reduce to simmer. Add any kind of fish, a pound or more, depending on the amount of fish you have and people you want to serve. Cook until the fish is completely cooked through and if using a whole piece of fish, break it apart in the water.
• While the fish and potatoes are cooking, dice a one inch square piece of salt pork and sauté in a pan over low heat until golden brown. You do not need to add any type of fat to fry in as the salt pork will release its own fat as it cooks. Remove when golden brown and place on a dish to cool.
• Peel and chop one medium or large onion and add to the pan, cooking over low heat in the fat from the salt pork until beginning to show clear in color. Do not fry or allow to brown as this will make the taste bitter. Turn off the heat when just beginning to show a clear color.
• Add one tablespoon of flour to the onions in the pan and stir to coat the pieces. I have used whole wheat flour or regular, and any kind will do. Add the mixture to the cooking fish and potatoes and stir together.
• Add two cups of milk and the golden brown diced and cooked salt pork pieces.
• Cook over low heat for a minimum of a half an hour, the longer the better for richer flavor, stirring occasionally.
• Serve with chowder crackers, fresh pepper and a small piece of butter to melt in the soup.

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Jannie Susan