The Gypsy Homestead

Stevie Nicks- need I say more?  There aren't enough words to possibly describe how talented and amazing this exquisite soul is!!!!! The meaning behind this song is so very special.  As the years pass by, the song becomes more and more dear as is touches so many people in such a personal way.  "Lightning Strikes, Maybe Once, Maybe Twice" - ingenious!!!!!   I am personally a huge fan and literally cannot get enough of Stevie's musical talent....this version of the song brought tears to my eyes and will forever hold a place in my heart! 

From Rolling Stone:

Rasberry Zinger Poke Cake!!!!!

Ingredients

• 1 box (18.25oz.) white cake mix
• Ingredients listed on box to prepare cake
• 1 box (3 oz.) raspberry flavored gelatin (Jello)
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 jar (10 oz.) raspberry preserves
• 1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 bag (7 oz.) shredded coconut

• Instructions

• Bake the cake according to package directions using a 9x13-in. baking pan.
• After the cake has baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a meat fork, poke cake every inch or so with the handle of wooden spoon or tines of meat fork halfway into the cake. There is no set number of holes, but you want plenty of places to fill. Mix the raspberry gelatin with 2 cups of hot water until dissolved. Pour the Jello evenly over the cake, trying to fill the holes as much as you can.
• In a small bowl, microwave the raspberry preserves until easy to spread, about 30 seconds. Pour the preserves over the top of the cake and spread evenly. Top with Cool Whip. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Chakra Healing and Balancing

by The Gypsy Homestead

With so much going on in the world and our lives, it’s easy to feel lost. Who hasn’t struggled with the same challenges again and again?

But whether you’re dealing with physical or emotional pain, low energy, or frustration, there’s a way out. The ancient bioenergetic system of chakras provides the map.

Chakras represent the main terminals of the energy system in the body.

Chakras have become more and more popular in recent years, but they’re a concept that’s been around for thousands of years.

 Chakras are an energetic expression of who we are.

There are seven main chakras in the human body:

1. Root Chakra: located at the base of the spine.
2. Sacral Chakra: located below the belly button.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra: located in the upper abdomen.
4. Heart Chakra: located above the heart.
5. Throat Chakra: located in the throat.
6. Third Eye Chakra: located in the middle of the forehead above the eyes.
7. Crown Chakra: located at the crown of the head.

These seven chakras go beyond the physicality of the body to incorporate the mind and spirit. And that’s because treating the chakras is a holistic way of treating the entire person.

How Chakra Balancing Works

Chakra balancing is a powerful practice that you can use to manifest your true desires. This is a practice that has been passed down for many years.

Yogis refer to the energy that flows through us as prana.  There’s a way you can learn to use this energy for chakra balancing.

 It’s a practice that empowers people to heal from past traumas and wake up their spiritual essence.

So, what is chakra balancing and how does it work?

Chakras are the main energy terminals of our bodies. And they’re connected by channels called meridians.

Acupuncturists use the meridian system to unblock stagnant energy. And just as energy can be blocked along our meridians, they can also be blocked in our chakras.

Did you know that any one of your chakras can become imbalanced if there is too much or too little energy flow?

Chakra balancing is a way to cleanse and rebalance your seven chakras.

Why balance the chakras? Because balancing the energy system can have a profound effect on the body, mind, and spirit.

This holistic energy system affects all that we do, from the way our physical body feels to the emotional energy we carry.

 To learn about chakra balancing and the holistic system behind our mind, body, and spirit, the book  "The Ultimate Guide to Chakras" is an EXCELLENT read!!! 

So, what limitations do you experience? And what strategies do you use to overcome them? 

Ive created a video to help heal and balance your Chakras!  Find a quiet place where you can relax and enjoy the soothing music.  As you watch the colors of the chakras on the screen, imagine the complete healing and balancing of each Chakra!  As always if you'd like more videos, "Like" "Share" and "Subscribe" to my YouTube channel "The Gypsy Homestead"  Enjoy! 

Texas Sheetcake Cookies!!!!! 

Here is a great recipe for you to try this weekend.

Texas Sheet Cookies
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Cookie
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 2 eggs {whisked}
• 1/3 cup oil
Frosting
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tbsp cocoa
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.Combine cookie ingredients in large bowl and mix until completely incorporated. NOTE: Dough will be thick.
3.Using a medium sized cookie scoop {or heaping tablespoon}, scoop cookies onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
4.Bake for 7-8 minutes, remove from oven and let cool on cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Repeat until all of the dough is baked.
Frosting
1.Combine the first 3 frosting ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk until the mixture has melted. Remove from heat, add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
2.Pour frosting over cookies. Use a knife or spoon to move excess frosting and be sure that each cookie is completely covered.
3.Let frosting set and serve. Keep cookies in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days 

For this and more recipes....follow me on facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheGypsyHomestead

Low Carb Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Shots! 

These are SOOOO GOOOOOOD!!!!! If you are trying to watch your carbs, yet the sweet tooth monster has bitten you, THESE ARE THE ANSWER!!!   Just the right amount of sweet to satisfy the craving, yet still keep you on program! 

Enjoy ~~~~~~~

What I love most is the no bake part. No, I think I love the taste the most. You try it and decide. Now I did use a couple of specialty products here. One reason is that I simply don't have tons of time in the kitchen these days. So you can make some substitutions, or you can make sure you have these two products on hand.

1. Walden Farms Caramel Dip. You could make your own, but that can be a tad complicated. This works. It is super sweet to me, so I cut back on the sweetener in the cheesecake portion.

2. Gingerbread flavored sugar free syrup. Mine happens to be Jordan's Skinny Syrups. You can use any brand you can find--Da Vinci for example. It doesn't have to be gingerbread flavor, but that certainly was nice. It makes the almonds taste like a crunched up cookie.

These are dessert shots. Very rich and no big portions. Just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Shots
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp erythritol blend
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3 tbsp almond meal
1 tbsp sugarfree Gingerbread syrup
4 tbsp Walden Farms Caramel Dip
pinch Kosher salt

Combine cream cheese and pumpkin puree. Stir in erythritol blend and pumpkin pie spice. Mix with hand blender until smooth. In a small bowl, combine almond meal and gingerbread syrup. Spread onto a cookie sheet and toast for about 5 minutes until browned and lightly crisp. (I used my toaster oven at about 350.)

Divide the almond crumbs among the bottoms of 4 small dessert cups or shot glasses. If using narrow shot glasses, transfer the pumpkin cheesecake mixture into a sandwich bag. Snip the end and fill the glasses half way with the cheesecake. Spoon about 1 1/2 tsp of caramel sauce over the cheesecake. Use the remaining cheesecake mixture to fill the glasses, reserving enough for a decorative dollop for each. Top with additional caramel dip and sprinkle with a very tiny pinch of kosher salt. Add the decorative dollop of pumpkin mixture. Chill and serve. Use some adorable shot glasses for visual appeal!!! 

Serves 4:     110 calories   4 net carbs    9 g fat

For this and more recipes, follow me on facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheGypsyHomestead or join the group at www.Facebook.com/group/TheGypsyHomestead

Delicious Low Carb Baked Salsa Chicken!!!  

For this and more recipes Follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheGypsyHomestead or join the group at www.Facebook.com/groups/TheGypsyHomestead