Thursday, December 30, 2010

Christmas 2010



What a blessed year this Christmas! No, it was not because I received a new IPad or was able to give to others as never before. It was because we possess what matters most in life: peace and contentment. We have been in the worst situations of our lives in the past few years yet we have felt like a bird in the cleft of the rock during the storm. Having a life built on the rock, my God, I am able to have joy and happiness in spite of adversaries.

No matter what, there is always so much more to be thankful for. I look forward to 2011 because I truly believe that it will be the year of some life long prayers to come to fruition for us. I want wisdom to make right choices in my life. Had this always been on the top of my prayer list, I think I would have not had to make as many detours in life getting to my life's purpose.

Here you can view the pics I took during this Christmas season. I hope you take a moment to enjoy.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Neighbors Christmas Get Together

Warm Chirstmas Wishes to our Neighbors...
Please join us Sunday, December 19, early evening from 4:30 - 5:30 or so.

Just an informal gathering of a few neighbors for some apple cider, flavored iced tea and a few snacks. Love to have you. Even if you have other plans that night, please stop by for a few minutes and get to know each other a little better.

"Nothing warms the home like friends and family and rich fellowship."
Donna Madden

Have a Wonderful Christmas Season. Give the gift of love
to someone special you love and to someone you do not know
.

10023 Rustic Gate Road
LaPorte, Texas 77571 281-222-3423

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Open House


We had a wonderful day with friends, family and neighbors joining us for our Open House. God has truly blessed us with our beautiful home. Above, neighbors, Rigoberto & Laura & family.




Left, Master bedroom mantle
Right, Master bath

Kitchen Dining Room Area
Gary and me






















View of kitchen
Hannah's Room











Our neighbor, Morgan






Right, End of living room, my office area
Right, Mike and Monica














Left, Laurie, Felicia and Isaiah

Left, our son, Aaron & fiancée, Samantha


Right, neighbors, Daniel & son D.J., other family members, not pictured

Right, Friend, Margaret

Not pictured, Shelley Piatt & Kaylie Hart & my daughter, Hannah

They were here briefly before going to a birthday celebration for Kaylie.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Cookie Recipes

Enjoy these great recipes for your holiday season.

Consider this my holiday gift to you from "Decorating for the Senses". Thanks to the person who shared this with me last holiday season. Just click on the recipe name and it links you to the recipe.

7 Layer Cookies Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies Almond Crescent Shortbread Amish Sugar Cookies Andies Candies Cookies Angel Crisps Angenets Applesauce Cookies Apricot Fold-Overs Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems Bakeless Dream Cookies Banana Drop Cookies Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World Biscotti Biscotti Blueberry Cookies Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies Brownies Brown Sugar Shortbread Brownie Cookies Brownie Delight Brownies Buccaneer Snowballs Buried Cherry Cookies Butter Cookies Butter Nut Balls ButterballsButterscotch Haystacks C.O.P. Cookies Candy Cane Cookies Candy Cookies Caramel Shortbread Cheesecake Brownies Cherry Buns Cherry Crowns Cherry Winks Chewies Chewy Noels Chinese Chews/Haystacks Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Chip Meltaways Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies Chocolate Christmas Trees Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares Chocolate Crinkles Chocolate Mint Snow-Top Cookies Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (no bake) Chocolate Snowball Cookies Chocolate Streusel BarsChocolate Sundae Cookies Chocolate Walnut Crumb Bars Choco-Scotch Crunchies Choose A Cookie Dough Recipe Christmas Crackers Christmas Crunch Bars Christmas Ginger Snaps Christmas Macaroons Christmas Mice CookiesChristmas Shaped Cookies Church Window Cookies Coconut Cookies Congo Squares Cookie in a Jar Corn Flakes Cookies Cornflake Christmas WreathsCowboy Cookies (oatmeal) Cream Cheese Cookies with Apricot Filling Crème De Menthe Chocolate Squares Crème Wafers Crescent Cookies Crispy Crunchies Date Nut Balls Date-nut Pinwheel Cookies Diabetic Peanut Butter Cookies Disgustingly Rich Brownies Doodles Double chocolate chip cookies Double-Chocolate Crinkles Eatmore Cookies Eggnog Cookies Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies Elves Quick Fudge Brownies Emily Dickinson's Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Emily's Best Brownies Famous Oatmeal Cookies Firemen Cookies Fluffy Shortbread Cookies Forgotten Cookies Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies Fruit Cake Cookies Fruitcake Squares Fry Pan Cookies Gems Ginger Cookies Ginger Crinkles Gingerbread Baby Gingerbread Cookies with Butter Cream Icing Gingerbread Men Gingerbread Men Ginny's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Glory's Golden Graham Squares Glory's Sugar Cookies Gramma Chapman's chocolate coconut drops Grandma Elsie's Zimt (cinnamon) Cookies Grandma J's Butter Cookies Grandma Olson's Parkay Cookies Great Grandmothers Sugar Cookies Gum Drop Cookies Gumdrop Gems Haystack Cookies Ho-Ho BarsHoliday Cereal Snaps Holiday Chocolate Butter Cookies Holiday Raisin Walnut Bars Holly Cookies Hungarian Cookies (Little Nut Rolls) Ice Box Cookies Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies Italian Cookies Jacob's Peppermint Snowballs Jam Bars Jessica's Famous Brownies Jessie's Chocolate Chip Cookies Jubilee Jumbles Juliet's Peanut Butter Blossoms Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies Kentucky Colonels Kiefle (cream cheese cookies with jam filling) Kifflings Kiss Cookies Lacy Swedish Almond Wafers Lemon Angel Bar Cookies Lemon BarsLemon Cake Cookies Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies Lemon Squares Linzer Tarts Log Cabin Cookies Luscious Lemon Squares M&M Cookies Magic Cookie Bars Melt in Your Mouth Cutout Sugar Cookies Melting Shortbread Meme's Cream Cheese Cookies Milk Chocolate Florentine Cookies Mincemeat Cookies Mincemeat Goodies Molasses Cookies Molasses Forest Cookies Molasses Sugar Cookies Mom Mom's Crescent Cookies Mom-Mom's Ginger Cookies Mom's Nutmeg Sugar Cookies Mom's Old Fashion "Puffy" Sugar Cookies Monster Cookies Moravian Christmas Cookies Nana's Famous Soft Southern Cookies Nitey Nite Cookies No Bake Chocolate Cookies No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Cookies No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies No-Bake Cookies Norwegian Sugar CookiesNut Balls Oatmeal Bars Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies Oatmeal Coconut Crisps Oatmeal Cookies Oatmeal Scotchies Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Dunk Ooey Gooey Squares Orange Slice CookiesParking Lot Cookies Peanut Blossoms Peanut Butter Bars Peanut Butter Blossoms Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies Peanut Butter Chewies Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut Butter Cookies Peanut butter fingers Peanut Butter Reindeer Peanut Butter Surprises Peanut Marshmallow Cookies Pecan Puff Cookies Peppermint Snowballs Peppernuts Persimmon Cookies Persimmon Cookies Petey's Yummy Spicy Almond Thins PfeffernuessePffefferneuse Cookies Pineapple Filled Cookies Pizzelles Potato Chip Cookies Potato Flake Cookies Praline Cookies Praline Strips Pterodactyl Nests Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Bars Pumpkin Chip Cookies Pumpkin Chocolate Chip CookiesPumpkin Cookies Queen Biscuits Quick Cookies Raised Sugar Cookies Raisin Filled Oatmeal Bars Raspberry Meringue Bars Really Peanutty Butter Cookies Reese`s Brownies Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Rich Flavor Christmas Cookies Rich Lemon Bars Ricotta Cheese Cookies Royal Almond Christmas Bars Rudolph Cinnamon Cookies Russian Tea Cookies Russian Teacakes Samantha & Kelsey's Chocolate Chip Cookies Sand Art Brownies Santa Claus Cookie Pops Santa Claus Cookies Santa's Butterscotch Melts Santa's Shorts Santa's Special Squares Scotch Cakes Scotch Shortbread Scotcharoos Scotcheroos Seven Layer CookiesShort Bread Cookies Shortbread Skor Squares Snicker Doodle CookiesSnickerdoodles Snickerdoodles Snow Balls Sour Cream Apple Squares Sour Cream Christmas Cookies Special K Cookies Spice Cookies Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Spritz Cookies Stained Glass Window Cookies Stir & Drop Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Sugar Cookies Swedish Pepparkakor (Pepper Cake) Cookies Swedish Sugar Cookies Sweet Marie's Swiss TreatsTaralle (Italian Cookies) Tea Time Tassies Texas Brownies The Best Shortbread in The World Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies Toffee SquaresTraditional Christmas Sugar Cookies Traditional Gingerbread Men CookiesTriple-Chocolate Chip Cookies Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies Vanilla Waffer Balls Walnut Butter Cookies Walnut Crumb Bars White Chip Chocolate CookiesWild Oatmeal Cookies Will's Famous Apple Jack Cookies Yummy Yummy Peanut Butter Blossoms

Thursday, November 11, 2010

LaPorte, Texas

Gary & I took a few hours of leisure today and visited old LaPorte. Now, resident of LaPorte, we thought we would check out the area.

Sylvan Beach is just around the corner and yet we have never been to it. It has piers that are great for fishing. We want to plan a family trip there and take in this relaxing area.

We enjoyed lunch at a local tea room on Broadway with fresh brewed Cherry tea.

Captured in this pic are the colors of fall and an antique truck on our path to the tearoom.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Mover's Thank You Party

You Guys Deserve a Party!

I really appreciate Jason Berry for his efforts to get a moving crew for us on our recent move. "Life" guys are truly awesome! Thank you so much for your help. You were truly a blessing to us.

And now...must I say, my own family members who worked also. I could not have done it without them!

It was an extremely hot & humid Houston day and omg, where did all of that stuff come from in that small apartment? I thought this was going to be an easy move but it just kept getting bigger.

Once the dust settled & then with the key to our new home, it was worth it all.

All of you were "God Sent" for us. Thank you so very much!!

I am preparing what I hope to be your "choice" entrée. It is my specialty and most requested.

Party Date: November 19, 2010, Friday Night
Address: 10023 Rustic Gate Road, LaPorte, Texas 77571
Time: 7:00 p.m.

The Menu:

New Orleans Creole Gumbo
This is a prize winning recipe from my hometown of New Orleans that my family adopted years ago.
It has a tomato base with white chicken breast & sausage, seasonings,
served with steamed white rice.

French Bread

Brennen's Bread Pudding
This is a recipe borrowed from famous New Orleans' Brennen Restaurant. It is made with a wonderful rum sauce.

Please RSVP via email or leave a post comment here. donna_r_madden@yahoo.com
If you would like to bring a friend, just let me know so I will have enough for all.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Welcome to Our Open House

Your Very Special Invitation...
My family and I would like to invite our special friends to come and see our huge blessing. We still have a lot to do to put our own stamp on it, but we have been so blessed to now be in our new home. It will truly be a "house warming" to have your presence in our home.

Date: November 20, Saturday
Time: 3:00 - 7:00, any time, come & go or linger with friends..
Address: 10023 Rustic Gate Road, LaPorte, Texas 77571
Phone: 281-222-3924 or 281-222-3423

From Beltway 8, Take Fairmont Parkway towards LaPorte,
Turn left on Underwood,
Turn right at first light, Rustic Gate.

You will go through 2 stop signs. Our home is the 6th house after the 2nd stop sign, on your left.
rsvp would be helpful. email: donna_r_madden@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Update

Hi. Just a little updating. Please excuse some of the blog entries I am keeping here as links for my new business blog.

Here, I am standing in my new home, in my new awesome kitchen. We have been so tremendously blessed to be in this beautiful home. In this kitchen is where I do all of my food creations for my business, "Decorating for the Senses". I have recently been excited by the opportunity to use my decorating talents as well.

Tonight marks the birth date of my "born again" Christian experience. I will never forget this night. This life altering experience began when my family visited a Pentecostal church on a Tuesday evening. At 14 years of age, I was blessed to become a part of something bigger than myself. The joy of that experience and my life dedicated to Christ, led me to marry my preacher husband and together, we have pioneered 2 churches and pastored several others across the country. We were also blessed to have done much traveling with our two children, Aaron and Hannah.

Aaron, now engaged to be married and expecting my first grandchild. Hannah, a 10th grader, loving life and full of enthusiasm. My hubby, a full time student and sophomore at a secular college and preaching many week-ends among other business endeavors.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

decorating for the senses presents...

Take Home Chef…

We deliver to your work place savors that delight the senses. Try one or several of our menu items to complete your evening or cater your own party with our services.

Entrees:
Creole New Orleans Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Prize winning recipe. You should serve with Steamed Rice and French Bread.
Gumbo for 8, $32. for 4, $20.
Rice and french bread, $6.
Chicken Tetrazzini
for 8, $32. for 4, $20.
Best served with a salad or vegetable and bread
Creamy Chicken Casserole with a Ritz Cracker Crust
Serves 8, $32.
Serve with rice, veggie/salad, rolls
Tortilla Soup with sour cream, and chips
$29. serves 8
Add shredded cheese, $4.
Spinach & Mushroom Quiche
$17. for one pie pan size
Good with a soup or salad
King's Ranch Chicken
A Mexican casserole made with chicken breast, sauce and cheddar cheese
Serves 8, $32.
Chips and a Homemade salsa as a side, 1 large bag of chips and 12 0z. salsa, $6.
Three Cheese Italian Cuisine
A cheesy pasta crust, with home made sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses
Serves about 8, 9 X 12 pan, $32.
Breakfast Casserole
Sausage or Bacon, ready to bake for supreme freshness
This is very good with danish rolls, and fresh fruit. We also recommend a coffee cake from our menu.
Serves 8, $26.

Salad Choices:
All salads are $17. and serves about 6 people
Red tip and Iceburg
with strawberries, mandarin oranges, feta cheese,
candied nuts and home made dressing.
Greek Salad
Romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, tomato slices, black olives, purple onion slices, feta cheese with a home made vinaigrette
Spring mix
with sliced pears, feta cheese and a citrus home made vinaigrette dressing
Wedge Salad
with crumbled Blue Cheese, purple onion slice, tomato slice & blue cheese
dressing in individual servings for 6
Classic Lettuce & Tomato, you provide your own dressing
$10.
Side:
Fresh Green Beans, sauteed in olive oil lemon pepper & a little salt
serve 8, $12. serve 4, $6.
Fresh Fruit Platter
Seasonal fruit serving about 8, $17.
Something Sweet:
Peanut Butter Cookies
with a chocolate Hershey’s’ kiss in the center
$12. for 8 large cookies
Chocolate Home made Cookies
soft on the inside and crusty on the outside
$16. for 24 small cookies
Chocolate Pound Cake
with a cream cheese chocolate icing
$28.
Martha Curls' Chess Pie
very good, also home made
$12.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
drizzled in white chocolate
$9. for 12, these are grocery store quality, not the large stemmed
Brennen’s Bread Pudding
A French bread/custard with golden raisons and a wonderful rum sauce
a 9 x 12 size, serves about 12
This is actual rum, not rum extract
$15.
Pineapple Cake with a Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe made as cupcakes were featured in the Pearland Examiner, $19.
Visit our website: www.donnamadden.me
donna_r_madden@yahoo.com Call: 281.222.3423

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Save the date...Skin Care Party You'll Love

There is a scripture that says "Love thy neighbor as thyself". I think many times our relationships become marred by the fact that we just don't love ourselves enough. Notice. When you are feeling really bad, ugly, your life feels in the "out of control" mode, you can find yourself treating others rude and with an ugly spirit. Personally, I think this can come when we are really feeling bad about ourselves. Try this. Treat you like you want to be treated. Stop belly aching about no one ever complimenting you, giving you a gift, telling you how special you are, etc. Try doing that for yourself. Use a marker and write on your bathroom mirror, "I am beautiful, skinny and wise". Funny? Right, you will laugh at yourself every time you see it, but, you just might need to lighten up to brighten up. And, in time, you will start believing more in yourself. Don't wait for someone to buy you flowers, buy some for yourself. You will feel pampered when you buy something new to wear or get a mani or pedi or massage. Love you and you will see for yourself, you will begin to love others more.

This is one reason I am hosting a Mary Kay party for my niece's new business. When I attended her party last week, I left feeling pampered and beautiful. Learning how to take care of yourself can give you a roadmap to a better you and ultimately a better caring person. When you come to my apartment, I hope you will feel catered to and an atmosphere of relaxation. I regret that my apartment can only hold a handful of friends and guest, but I am sure Jen will be happy to come to your home and give you a private consultation.

The date is: April 8, Thursday p.m. 7:30. For products shop Mary Kay's website, then let me know what you would want to order, request a book, a party date or call to reserve a spot at my party: 281-222-3423.

Now get up and do something nice for yourself. I love you and so does He.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

"After the Maid"



My "after the maid" service is my unique service. I do not know of anyone doing this. I come preferably on the day the maid comes, bring dinner for the family, something to drink when you arrive, and a snack. I can have everything ready to warm, time it so that it is ready to eat when you arrive, or have ready in your frig to finish baking. I give you menu choices and work with you to make it "kid friendly" if need be.

At this home, I made a chicken tetrazzini, a green salad with pears, feta cheese, and candied pecans, my Zuni dense no flour chocolate cake, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Even if you do not have a maid, you will enjoy this service. We aim to please.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Wedding Shower of Josh & Josie

The Menu:

Petite Ham Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Walnuts & Grapes
Greek Egg Salad Sandwiches
Cucumber/Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Relish Tray
Potato Chips
Home Made Salsa & Tostitoe Chips

Sparkling Cranberry Juice
Red Velvet Cupcakes (by Melissa's Cupcakes)
Coffee

Color Scheme:
Pink/Red/Ivory

Theme:
Floating Candles/ Rose Petals/ Crystal


Guest enjoyed home made sandwich fillings with fresh breads, some from Central Market, Houston. To add to the romance of a wedding shower, we chose floating candles and lots of votive candles with rose petal sprinkles of red, pink and ivory.

One focal point was a place for guest to leave a "Recipe for a Happy Marraige" coupled with hand made cookbook covers to reflect the bride and groom.

Special party favors were pretzels dipped in
white chocolate and drizzled with milk
chocolate and special tags honoring the
wedding date of Josh & Josie.











Click on each pic to enlarge. More pics can be viewed on my website soon. donnamadden.me

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Baby Shower



The Menu:

Sausage Cheese Egg Casserole
Fresh Fruit
Sparkling Fruit Juice/Starbucks Coffee
Shower Cake

Theme:

Baby Birds

Color Theme:

Pale Yellow and Teal

My inspiration was a really beautiful napkin. Loved these colors. I felt that the decor for the shower would be a little less unexpected to use baby birds and nests rather than the typical baby stuff.

The house was packed with 30 plus guests, but everything went very smoothly. As guests arrived, we had the sparkling fruit juice, followed by the light breakfast plate. The shower time was 11 a.m. The large floral arrangement housed 4 baby birds in the branches. We chose very "naturey" type flowers to showcase the look.