Thanks for your prayer. 
I have been experiencing a major financial meltdown for over 2 years now and was angry for the decisions I made that got me in this mess. If I am completely honest, I was mad at Jehovah for allowing me to go through this. I lost my mother the day after Mother’s day (May 13) and I had to borrow $ to catch a bus 1300 miles away to attend funeral.

Then I come home depressed and lonely. I looked at my bank acct and it was $-800.00 due to the state garnishing my bank acct. from a business I registered and just did not report that I was not doing anything with the DBA, so I got fined $900 to my surprise.

I have no friends; no one calls me but bill collectors so I don't answer my phone. And I have a daughter away at college struggling because I can't help her financially and we have to communicate on Facebook since she has no cell phone.

I am unemployed and getting some unemployment benefits but the fine  I incurred wiped out my benefit basically leaving me with no money for 2 months now. My car is 2 months past due, my house note will not be paid, insurance lapsed, HOA bill 2 yrs. behind, can't pay utilities, buy food, get medication for my diabetes & HBP, and severe allergies etc. even though I am getting unemployment check since May 3^rd. I am penniless and but don't qualify for welfare.

I am educated with an MBA but can't buy a job and not sure why. The only jobs I had since August 2010 was this past September 2012 is  a temp job and then another temp job at Jackson Hewitt (Jan. to April) paying $9/hr. part time  and my basic bills exceed $2300/mo.

So compared to my life your absolutely blessed. But, then I went sleep refusing to eat, angry, bitter and crying but awakened with my dogs and felt better. Like I felt I have some hope. It is a weird peace. So, Jehovah is giving me peace even though I can't see what is going to happen to me next week. I wiped out my 401K and was able to tend to my Mom with a terminal illness before putting her in hospice in Ohio. And I was able to get to her funeral last week. 

I do have food and they have not cut off my utilities or reposes my car yet. I still have my house and was refinanced with a special program and I was able to make my May payment before the government garnishes my account.

I did get a call from an insurance company for a job this week.  A JW member loaned me $1500 to fix my transmission on my car.  I have the internet and of course the bible scriptures and a JW member to call that I study with. I guess God’s grace; Jehovah God’s grace is all I really need. So, thanks Jehovah for sustaining me and letting me know that you provide for me even when my financial situation is dismal. In Jesus name, Amen.

Guilt Free Luciousness

Photo courtesy of James Carrier via Sunset.com

For Once I would like to have my cake and eat it too!  Well be careful what you ask for.  My friends at Sunset  have loured me over to their side with a irresistible "low fat" chocolate cake.  I can hardly say those words without skepticism, however if looks are any indication of taste then I am in for one dark chocolate date before the month of love is past. 

Chocolate Creme Brulee (Courtesy of Sunset.com)

If that does not move your hoot then just imagine all of the goodness of cream and pralines (Texas staple) in a creme brulee but kicked up a notch with, yes your right, CHOCOLATE! Talk about irresistible. This chocolate creme brulee really can test a chocolate lovers insatiable craving and I confess there is going to be a losing conversation with myself. But, I am certain you can understand.

If you have any chocolate favorites feel free to share and leave comments.  Until next time,

Enjoy!

Get Ready for V-Day!

We are on the eve of the loveliest month of the year, Valentines day!  This is my favorite month because it gives me an excuse to be affectionate to just about all my family and friends.  :{ still looking for that special one though, but when I find him, I will be so ready! 

Frozen Fruit and Yogurt! Photo courtesy of Blond Asian on Tumbler

In the meantime I can share all of my sweet treats with you.  Since it is January, I am certain you are fresh off your resolutions so let's go lite and lovely with....you guested it! Yogurt dipped strawberries!

YOGURT COVERED STRAWBERRIES

1 lb Whole or halved strawberries (stems removed)

4 Tbsp Greek Vanilla Yogurt

½ c White Chocolate chopped

1 c Confectioners’ sugar

1 package (3 oz) low fat cream cheese

½ tsp vanilla

Melt white chocolate in a double broiler and set aside. Combine cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, yogurt, and vanilla  in the top of a double boiler. Blend until smooth then add white chocolate and mix well until smooth.  Dip the strawberries in the yogurt. Put on a sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and chill until firm or freeze!  Yummy!

Happy Re-New Life

NEW YEARS LIFE RESOLUTION!

Welcome blog world!

Okay, I am certain that we have all reflected on the well intentioned but often chided resolution cycle.  This year I am determined to break that habit and have a new found resolve in life changing “actions.”

I have adopted the New Life Resolution which goes far beyond the 365 day model and is much more detail focused and action oriented.  For one thing to shake up those habits I am not allowed to even awaken at the same time and in the same manner, however I do start the day off with a sincere praise to Jehovah God.  Yes, I am religious but not fanatical.

One example of my new life resolutions is to eliminate bad debt.  Well once said I have developed a plan of action and accountability with dates and time limits.  Each week I reconcile the debt and try to find ways to shorten the time-line.  This is so liberating and I recommend you try it with a friend for encouragement. 

What to expect in the next few weeks!  Contest!  Yes, CoCo Roux Treats is participating in a wish book giveaway on the Etsy store for Valentines.  So stay tuned for details and links!

It's time to reflect an renew.

Hello fellow bloggers.  I have had a great 2011 and for many of the gastronomical experiences I will be saddened to leave behind, but the birth of 2012 is upon us and I want to stretch my rubber-band to its breaking point.
One can't go forward however without some reflection so here are 3 things that have made Coco Roux better prepared for a 2012 litmus.


1. Perfect practice makes perfection.
2. Welcome mistakes for they are valuable lessons towards greatness.
3. You don't know what you don't know!


So as I reload my creativity and unleash the wonders of deliciousness to those adventurous foodies, let me begin with an humble foundation and acknowledge the great creator of the universe for allowing me to develop my gifts and talents.

May your New Year celebrations be safe and glorious!

Buzzzy Holiday Season

Hello Blog World.  I have been very busy for the holiday season, not that you would be surprised.  Most of what I am doing is preparing for 2012 and of course there are those catering jobs that get in the way <smiles>, yet I want to ask you to stay with me because  this upcoming year is going to be the best yet.  I have new products and many fun gets to share with you. So let's bid 2011 a farewell and ring in the future with innovation, abundance, and tenacity.  Cheers to a road less traveled!

Lord O My, Blueberry & Peach Pie!

Photo by Kitchenist.com

Here it is late September and I am already geared up to visit the Froberg's Farm to harvest this seasons bounty of peaches, nectarines.  Well every trip requires research so I can make full use of my gas mileage and alas I was saved by the a fellow blogger Eleanor Busing's Peach and Blueberry pie!  I very homey version of the traditional peach pie.  Ironically she could not find any peaches so she used nectarines.  There is really something special about a cook that can improvise---AKA brave sole.  In addition to this being the reason for the season of fresh fruits, I was intrigued by the method of using the whole fruit rather than slices of fruit within the pie.  So this is sure to be a robust pleasure.

Visit http://bit.ly/qeOofY  for a complete recipe and photos.

Until next time,