MOTHERS911: Advice, tips, ideas and help for Moms

TTT - Temper Tantrum Tactics!!!

2010-09-15T13:37:00.004-05:00

Temper tantrums! Just lovely in the middle of the supermarket or another crowded place. We cannot avoid all temper tantrums, however here are a few suggestions that can help reduce the possibilities of your child having one:

Avoid being in situations that can make your child uncomfortable.
Encourage your child to talk about his or her feelings. Try to understand the way they feel and suggest a few words that can help them describe it.
Establish a daily routine so your child knows what to expect.
Establish reasonable limits and don´t expect your child to be perfect.
Have snacks on hand.
Make sure your child is getting enough rest.
Avoid spending a lot of time in places where your child has to stay still or without playing.
Distract your child when you feel a tantrum is about to take place. Sometimes something as simple as showing them a picture can avoid a tantrum.

ACTIVITY: Homemade Puppet Show!

2010-04-22T08:43:00.002-05:00

You will need:

Posterboard

Straws

Markers

Crayons

Scissors

Yarn, cloth

Scotch tape

A large cardboard box

Sit with your child and help him/her draw pictures of animals or favorite characters on the posterboard. If your child is younger you can draw them, if they´re older they´ll want to do them by themselves. Color them with markers and crayons. Cut them out. Add clothes and hair with the yarn and cloth. Tape a straw to the back of each character to make a puppet. Write Puppet Show on the cardboard box. Have your child stand behind it and help him create a small show. You can make a small play using a favorite bedtime story or bring out the CD player or IPOD and have the puppets sing and dance. Great idea for a rainy day!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-04-22T08:36:00.002-05:00

Use a tool box with different compartments to store your daughter´s ribbons, hairbands and barrettes. She will easily find what she´s looking for.

DAILY RECIPE: Spring Salad!

2010-04-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

1 lettuce (washed and trimmed)
1 avocado
grapefruit slices
bacon bits
dressing (recipe follows)

Slice avocado in half moons. In a large salad bowl spread out lettuce. Add avocado slices. Top with grapefruit. Pour dressing and sprinkle bacon bits. Serve immediately. Great for a hot day!

Dressing: Blend 3/4 cup mayonaisse, 1/4 cup tomato ketchup, 1/4 cup pickles, 1 teaspoon lime juice and a pinch of sugar.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-04-14T12:26:00.002-05:00

When offering apples to a young child, cut them in slices instead of cubes. It´s easier for them to hold as they nibble at their pace.

ACTIVITY: My Happiness Box

2010-04-14T12:11:00.004-05:00

Here is a great activity that will be the perfect solution to those I-fell-off-my-bike-and-the-kid-next-door-doesn´t-want-to-play-with-me-and-my-team-lost-the-game days!

You will need:

A small shoe box

Paint, paper, markers and stickers to decorate box

A small blank pad or large strips of recycled paper

Paper cutter

What to do:

Decorate the shoe box with your children, you can be as creative as you wish. When you´re done, cut a slit on top wide enough to fit a folded piece of paper. Use the strips to write happy thoughts. These can be written throughout several weeks or even months. Every time a happy, funny, or joyful event occurs, write it down and drop it in the box. It can only be opened when mommy says so, but it is sure to brighten future rainy days, as together you remember those happy moments you´ve collected through the months.

DAILY RECIPE : Breakfast Sandwich!

2010-04-14T12:06:00.002-05:00

2 slices whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon cream cheese
1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts
2 eggs
1 teaspoon milk
1 slice Kraft singles

Beat eggs with milk and cook well in a dab of butter. Meanwhile toast bread and spread both slices with cream cheese. Take a slice and add egg, cheese slice and alfalfa sprouts. Top with other slice and cut in half. Delicious and great for an on-the-go breakfast!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-04-13T10:41:00.003-05:00

Keep a few used dryer sheets under the sink. When you don´t have much time, wipe the sink and counter quickly with one. Instant shine!

ARTICLE: Children and Nature

2010-04-13T10:35:00.002-05:00

Modern life and especially modern cities have taken much of the wonders of nature away from us. When I was young I remember fireflies in my backyard in summer nights; now it´s almost impossible to find them in the city, and even out in the country they don´t seem to appear as often. This is just an example but the truth is our children are not in touch with nature at a time they should really be in. Our planet needs our help and although we are teaching them all about recycling and environmental awareness they should really know what they are protecting and the wonders that our Earth has. I believe it´s important that our children plant a tree, go on nature hikes and learn to respect all plants and animals. If we start this at home their interest in the world around them begins to grow and hopefully it will be easier for them to understand the real need for a change in how we take care of the environment. Some ideas to get you started: plant a tree in your backyard, take turns watering it and measure how much it grows each month; learn about a new animal every month, see which member of the family can find more information on it and if it´s endagered or threatened; go to a different habitat nearby, it can be a mountain, lake, river or beach, talk about how it´s different from where you live and what kind of different plants or animals live there.

DAILY RECIPE: Banana Shake!

2010-04-13T10:24:00.002-05:00

1 cup milk

1 banana

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend all ingredients and serve in tall glass with a straw. A great breakfast drink children will love!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-04-13T10:20:00.002-05:00

At breakfast, substitute a banana shake for your kids´chocolate milk. Extra nutrition and they´ll love the taste!

DAILY RECIPE: Tuna Stuffed Avocados

2010-04-12T12:13:00.002-05:00

3 firm avocados

2 cans tuna

1/2 cup light mayo

diced cooked vegetables (carrot, zuchini, etc.)

salt and pepper

Mix tuna, mayo and vegetables. Season well. Slice avocados vertically into halves. Remove seed. Fill dent with tuna mixture. Serve chilled on a hot day.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-04-12T12:11:00.003-05:00

Tough to remove deodorant stains? Soak in white vinegar before throwing shirt into the washer. Works wonders!

ARTICLE - Growing Up - Making Decisions

2010-03-09T10:19:00.004-06:00

As babies we make all decisions for our children. What to wear, where to go, who to play with. But as they grow older, we need to start letting them decide some things for themselves. This will serve as a lesson in important decision making later in life. How can we start? Toys. As older babies we can place several toys in front of them and let them decide what to play with and for how long before switching to the next toy. Clothes. Of course we won´t let them wear what they want to Sunday church if we don´t want to see a bathing suit, baseball cap and boot ensamble with a very startled preacher! But if we´re planning to spend the day at home we can start letting them pick out their outfit and gradually teach them what attire is proper for what. Don´t worry, it takes time, but as long as you´re not going to school, a birthday party or a visit with grandparents, why can´t they wear clothes that don´t match? Food. We can´t let them decide what to eat every day, and even when we do, this category can´t be all open or we would be serving pizza and ice-cream daily! But what about this? When going to the supermarket, would they prefer spinach or steamed carrots this week? Would they prefer apple or orange juice in their lunches? These may seem like little things but they really can make a difference in our children. First, they start making decisions and learning the consecuences of what they choose; but also, they are being heard and their opinions and choices are being considered by their family.

DAILY RECIPE: FishBalls

2010-03-09T09:59:00.003-06:00

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion (diced)

3 small fish filets (cooked)

2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)

2 potatoes (cooked and mashed)

2 eggs (beaten)

1 cup bread crumbs

salt and pepper

flour

vegetable oil

Heat olive oil, add onion and sauteé 3 minutes over low heat. Add fish and garlic, season and cook 4 minutes over medium heat. Add potatoes, mix well and cook 3 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Make small balls and pass them through flour. Dip in beaten eggs and cover with bread crumbs. Cook in hot oil until golden. Serve with ketchup or tartar sauce.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-03-09T09:56:00.002-06:00

Make school lunches one night before and store in the fridge. It will relieve you of morning tension!

DAILY RECIPE: Spinach Chicken Pockets

2010-02-22T12:37:00.003-06:00

3 pitas cut into 2 pockets each
1 bag frozen spinach
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 small can corn kernels
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon butter

Thaw spinach. Melt butter over low heat, add spinach and cook well. Season with salt and pepper. Add corn, chicken and heavy cream. Cook throughly and season again. Stuff each pita pocket and serve immediately.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-02-22T12:29:00.003-06:00

Have a craft day once a month. Save cans, boxes, lids and other gadgets from the kitchen. Prepare glue, markers, paper and string and host a craft day with your children. Let them create different animals, toys or musical instruments. Promote creativity, following instructions and teamwork.

DAILY RECIPE: Valentine´s Day Sandwiches

2010-02-12T12:07:00.002-06:00

10 slices ham
2/3 cup mayonaisse
20 slices of white bread
heart shaped cookie cutter

Cut heart shape out of each slice of bread. Blend ham and mayonaisse until a soft paste is formed (more ham or mayo might be needed). Spread each "heart" and place on a tray. Celebrte Valentine´s Day with delicious, kid-friendly, pink hearts!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-02-12T12:03:00.002-06:00

Always carry a basic first aid kit in your purse or diaper bag (antiseptic cleaner, band-aids, tylenol, tums, etc.)

ACTIVITY: Valentine´s Cat Mailbox

2010-02-10T12:12:00.003-06:00

You will need:

Red posterboard

Scissors

Black Marker

Shoe Box

Pink or white wrapping paper

Glue or scotch tape

Wrap shoe box in wrapping paper. Cut, from the red posterboard, two large hearts, six medium hearts and six tiny hearts. Arrange to form a cat as shown in the image: the large hearts are head and body; the medium hearts form the ears, hands and feet; the tiny hearts are all lined up to form the tail. Use the black marker to add eyes and nose in the shape of a heart too. With the scissors or with a paper cutter, cut a rectangular slit for the mouth making sure you go all the way through the shoe box. This is the opening for the valentines to go in. When ready, open the shoe box and hand out the valentines!

DAILY RECIPE: Salmon Pasta

2010-02-10T11:54:00.003-06:00

1 small pkg smoked salmon, cut into bite size pieces
1 500 gr pkg of pasta
1/2 stick butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
2 cups heavy cream
garlic salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add olive oil, onion and parsley and cook well. Season with garlic salt. Add smoked salmon and cook 5 minutes more. Add heavy cream and check for seasoning. Add cooked pasta and toss well.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-02-10T11:48:00.003-06:00

Place a metal spoon in the fridge. Quickly tap under your eyes to get rid of those "I was up all night with the baby" eyes.

ARTICLE: Super Bowl Party with Kids!

2010-02-05T10:00:00.002-06:00

The Super Bowl is this next Sunday and probably, your husband, family, friends, children or even you : are super excited about the upcoming party! However, have you planned on what to do with you younger children when they figure out that, no, they can´t stay sitting down for a full quarter? Here are some ideas and tips:

Plan on snacks that children can also enjoy, set a plate aside for them, so they don´t re-dip their Tostitos in the dip bowl!
Stock up on coloring books, crayons, and recycled paper. Ask them to draw a football, or their team´s mascot or symbol, the stadium, the players or even the weather. This way they feel they are still part of the Super Bowl Party!
If you have a yard where you can keep an eye on them from the tv, and the weather allows it, set a few outdoor balls, hula hoops, or toys that they can play with before dark.
Keep a few books on hand, they can quietly sit to read or look at pictures at least until the next first down!
Have them release their energy with a good scream after a good play. Tell them that when everyone jumps up, shouts or says "All right!" they too can join in the fun!

DAILY RECIPE: Super Bowl Ultimate Chicken Wings

2010-02-05T09:45:00.005-06:00

2 lb chicken wings

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup honey

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp white vinegar

2 tbsp teriyaki sauce

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

salt, black pepper, cayenne peppper

Pre-heat oven to 325°F. Place chicken wings in a pot with boiling water and cook for 15 minutes. Heat olive oil in an oven proof pan. Mix honey, soy sauce, white vinegar, teriyaki sauce and garlic. Place chicken wings in hot oil and cover with mixture. Season with salt and peppers. Place in oven for 20 minutes, turn over, and cook 20 minutes more or until done. Enjoy with the first touchdown!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-02-05T09:41:00.002-06:00

Bad diaper rash? Coat inside of diaper with the same rash cream you use on your baby. The cream will stay on your baby´s skin longer.

ACTIVITY: Valentine Relay Race

2010-02-03T11:03:00.004-06:00

Play this fun game at your child´s Valentine´s Day celebration at school or simply with friends or neighbors!

You will need:

Black marker

Scissors

Red posterboard

Cut out hearts from the red posterboard (12 hearts). Divide into two piles. Write different actions on each heart, for example: run, skip, hop, walk, walk backwards, crawl. Set each pile, facedown, at the end of a room, clear of large objects, or out in the yard. Make two teams, or two children, and have each stand about 12 feet from each pile of hearts. At your command, each child or team member will race to his pile of hearts, pick one up, and return to his place doing what the heart is commanding. For example, if they pick up the heart that says "skip", they should return to their place skipping. The team or child who finishes first, wins! If your children are too young to read, change words for stick figures performing the action, just make sure to explain beforehand what each of them mean.

DAILY RECIPE: Spinach Ham Soufflé

2010-02-03T10:57:00.002-06:00

1 pkg prepared pastry dough
2 tbsp butter
1/2 stick butter
1 bag frozen spinach, thawed
1 cup heavy cream
garlic salt, pepper
1 cup ham, thinly sliced, in strips

Divide dough in two. Spread glass pan with butter. Place rolled dough covering bottom of pan. In a saucepan, over low heat, melt 1/2 stick butter, add spinach, cream, ham and season with garlic salt and pepper. Spread over dough. Roll remaining dough and cover, pressing firmly on sides. Make slanted cuts on top of soufflé to let heat out while cooking. Dot with butter. Bake in 350°F oven until dough is cooked and golden. Serve warm.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-02-03T10:51:00.002-06:00

When cleaning kitchen countertops, spray your favorite degreaser and let stand for 5 minutes. It´s much easier to clean afterwards!

ARTICLE: Learning to Wait - Mom can help!

2010-01-28T10:26:00.002-06:00

It´s hard to make children wait these days. Thanks to modern day technology and the fast paced life we live everything has become "instant". From food to information everything is just a few seconds away. Remember when you used to want popcorn as a child. Your mother had to heat the oil, add the corn kernels and stir and stir, and wait and wait until they popped. Then you had to add salt and butter, and then you could enjoy them. Today: 3 minutes in the microwave and you´re done! Remember having a school assignment that you had to research. You had to visit the library, find the volume of the encyclopedia you needed, look up your topic, copy your notes to your notebook and then do your assignment. Today: google it and you´re basically done! Think of simpler things like thirst. If you, as a child, were thirsty in the car you had to wait until you got home for a glass of water. Today: just stop at a mini mart at ANY corner and buy a small bottle of water! The thing is, although all these things make our life much easier, children still need to be patient. What happens when the doctor is not ready to see you and you have to wait for an hour, or more? What happens when they have to wait until they´re old enough to attend a sleepover, or go to the movies alone or drive? How can we help? With the little things. One great idea: reading chapter books. You read one chapter every night and they have to wait until tomorrow to see what happens to Harry Potter or where the wardrobe took Lucy, Susan, Edmund and Peter to. Another great idea: baking. They can help you mix the dough but they will have to wait for the cookies to come out of the oven and then a little bit more until they´re cool enough to eat. I´m sure you´ll find other great opportunities to help your children be patient. Just keep this in mind: Good things come to those who wait.

DAILY RECIPE: Carrot Cream Soup

2010-01-28T10:17:00.001-06:00

1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon margarine

4 large carrots

2 cups water
salt and pepper

Peel, slice and steam carrots until tender. In a medium sized pot melt margarine and add onion until lightly browned. Blend cooked carrots with salt, pepper and half a cup of water. Add to onion and butter stirring occasionally. Add the rest of the water (more if too thick) and check for seasoning. Serve warm with cheese cheetos as croutons.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-28T10:10:00.001-06:00

Carry a small box of crayons and a small notebook in your purse. They will come in useful when waiting at a doctor´s office, bank or even during a traffic jam. Toddlers will love for you to make drawings for them. Young children can doodle. Older children can scribble games like tic-tac-toe and hangman.

IDEA: Easy Birthday Parties!

2010-01-26T12:18:00.003-06:00

Sometimes a busy schedule leaves us with a child´s birthday next week and no party planned! Stress out no more -- here are some quick solutions to this problem:

Plan a pizza party - at your local pizza place (Peter Piper Pizza, Chuck. E. Cheese, etc.) They usually have birthday packages complete with pizza, drinks, cake, ice-cream and games, what´s not to love? Plus, you leave the mess there, not at your place! Be sure to ask other moms to chaperone just to be on the safe side, these places can get really crowded.

Plan a bear party - your local Build a Bear Workshop will be delighted to receive your child and a few friends. Leaving a birthday party with a new plush friend? A happy day for everybody!

Plan a diva party - Ask your local beauty salon if they can receive 4 girls for a quick hair - do and nails. Then head back home for dress up, photo shoot and cake.

Plan a piñata party - Have some of your child´s friends over, eat cake and ice - cream and top it off with a piñata filled with candy and favors. Quick and easy!

Plan a movie party - Take your child and 2 or 3 friends to the movies. A great day complete with popcorn and soda! Simpler version of this party - host your own movie party. Rent a favorite movie, add popcorn and drinks. When the movie is over you can serve birthday cake.

I´m sure you can think of more birthday ideas that can be kept simple. Remember, you don´t need weeks or months of planning, a few phone calls, reservations and invitations and don´t forget to pick out a birthday cake -- and you´re all set for an easy birthday party!

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Party Dip!

2010-01-26T12:15:00.002-06:00

1 pkg crackers
1 small cream cheese
3/4 cups salsa

Open cream cheese and make small incisions with a blunt knife. Pour salsa on top, very slowly, until covered. Serve with crackers and spreading knife. Great for Super Bowl Parties!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-26T12:12:00.002-06:00

Remove white deodorant stains from sides of shirts by rubbing pantyhose on top.

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Garlic-Chili Shrimp!

2010-01-18T00:40:00.003-06:00

1 lb shrimp, washed

5 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

Heat pan, add oil. Sauteé garlic. Add shrimp, chili powder and salt. Toss well until shrimp is cooked (pink). Serve with white rice.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-18T00:33:00.002-06:00

Print out a family picture at least every month and place in an "old-fashioned" photo album. It´s always nice to have one that we can actually flip through!

HELP HAITI

2010-01-14T21:23:00.003-06:00

The recent earthquake in Haiti has left countless people homeless, injured and hungry. I urge you to please donate whatever it is you can to your local Red Cross, or any other center that is collecting water, food, medicine, diapers, etc. Many local tv and radio stations are receiving goods. Check for any center in your area in which you can help. If every single person could give just a little, for Haiti it would mean a lot. Take your children with you when you donate, this will help them see that in today´s world we all need to help each other during hard times. Take this opportunity to mark in them the joy of helping others when you can. We have all been touched by tragedy near our homes one time or another, from 9/11 to hurricane Katrina, we have seen disasters up close, now, just take a moment to think that this time, it happened to the poorest country in Latin America. They need our help. Don´t miss this opportunity to lend a helping hand. Donate today. Thank you!

DAILY RECIPE: Ham Spaghetti Rolls

2010-01-14T11:16:00.002-06:00

10 thin slices of ham
3 cups cooked spaghetti
1/2 green bell pepper finely chopped
1/2 onion finely chopped
salt and pepper
oil
grated Mozzarella cheese

Pour a tablespoon of oil into heated pan. Sautée onion and bell pepper. Add spaghetti and toss well. Place spaghetti on ham and roll up. Place in a glass oven pan. Continue this with all slices of ham. Top with cheese and heat until cheese is melted, but NOT browned. Serve immediately.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-14T11:12:00.002-06:00

Put left over candy from birthday parties in a jar. This way you won´t have candy in unwanted places!

ARTICLE: Turning healthy food into quick snacks for kids!

2010-01-13T10:38:00.002-06:00

Obesity and children being overweight is a big problem in today´s society. I believe that this is the result of the busy lives we all live today, it´s much easier to grab quick processed food than to prepare a healthy meal. However, here are some ideas to make it easier on you to give your children healthy food without making you go crazy!

Right after returning from the grocery store, slice fruit (pineapple, cantaloupe, mango) and place in individual tupperwares in the fridge. Easy and accesible for children by just grabbing a fork.
Place apples in a bowl in the kitchen counter. Older children can grab one as they go by. You can take one and quickly slice it for younger ones.
Fill small sandwich ziploc bags with plain cheerios, almonds or plain corn flakes. Put them in a box inside the pantry. Show children how they can open up a bag to munch on for a snack.
Peel and slice cucumber. Place in a tupperware in the refrigerator. Squeeze a lemon and sprinkle a bit of low sodium salt. Great snack!
Buy plain yoghurt and offer it to your children with granola mix.
While making dinner, prepare a box of jell-o and pour into individual cups.

DAILY RECIPE: Easiest Cream Cheese Frosting!

2010-01-13T10:24:00.004-06:00

1 large cream cheese

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 can condensed milk

Beat cream cheese until softened. Add vanilla extract and condensed milk and beat well until desired consistency. Perfect for chocolate and carrot cakes!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-13T10:20:00.002-06:00

Always put your computer or laptop in the family room or next to the kitchen so you can keep a close eye on what your children are surfing through in the internet. Another plus? You can give a quick check on emails while working in the kitchen!

DAILY RECIPE: Healthy Kid Pizza!

2010-01-12T10:36:00.002-06:00

3 English muffins

Olive oil

2 small tomatoes

Salt and pepper

2 zuchinni

2 carrots

1 small squash or eggplant

1 cup Mozzarella cheese (grated)

Slice the english muffins into two halves horizontally. Place in oven pan. Drizzle with olive oil. In a shallow pan heat a little olive oil, add blended tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Spread over muffins. In the same tomato pan, pour a little oil and cook diced vegetables, seasoning well. Divide onto english muffins. Sprinkle cheese and bake in 400° F oven until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Enjoy!

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-12T10:34:00.003-06:00

When measuring vegetable oil in a glass measuring cup, spray it first with cooking spray (Pam). Oil will pour much easier and will not remain in the cup.

DAILY RECIPE: Lentil Soup

2010-01-11T12:55:00.002-06:00

1 cup lentils

4 cups water

1 potato

salt, pepper, garlic powder

5 strips bacon

2 tablespoons chopped onion

oil

1 tomato

Cook lentils in water with a little bit of salt. When tender, set aside. In a large pot heat oil and sauteé chopped bacon and onion. Add lentils with the water you cooked them in. Peel and dice potato and add to soup. Blend tomato with a little water and seasoning and add. Cook well. Check for seasoning once more and serve hot.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-11T12:52:00.003-06:00

Oil fell on your clothes while cooking? Sprinkle salt on top of the stain right away. It will absorb the oil and make it easier to wash later.

ACTIVITY: Yearly time capsule

2010-01-08T10:17:00.003-06:00

Years seem to fly by and our children get older without us even noticing it. This year, try a family one-year time capsule.

You will need:

A water proof seal tight container of any shape
Recent photos
Paper
Colors and markers
Today´s paper

Sit together as a family and choose a few pictures that depict what your children, and you, look like right now. Have each child draw or write what they like right now, what movies, cartoon characters, food, games; what they can do or what they have just recently achieved; what they wish they could do in 2010. In a separate piece of paper, write down each child´s height, how many teeth are missing, and general information such as the cost of a milk carton or favorite candy bar. Place everything in the container (or time capsule) together with a few newspaper clippings from this past week. If you are confident about the seal of your container you can bury it in your yard, if not, just place it in a high area of your closet, pantry or even on top of your refrigerator. Save it for the whole year and open it on January 2011. See how much everyone has grown and how things have changed in just a year! Have fun!

DAILY RECIPE: Mushroom Slow Cooker Chicken

2010-01-08T10:12:00.002-06:00

1 chicken, cut into pieces

1 can Campbell´s cream of mushroom soup

1 can sliced mushrooms

salt and pepper

Wash, pat dry and season chicken. Place in slow cooker. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom and mushrooms throughly. Add to slow cooker and cook on low overnight.

TIP OF THE DAY

2010-01-08T10:01:00.002-06:00

Not enough closet space? Try keeping winter/summer clothes in plastic under the bed containers (The Container Store).

DAILY RECIPE: Old Bay Chicken

2009-12-21T19:39:00.002-06:00

3 chicken legs
3 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Old Bay Seasoning

Rinse chicken. Sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning until chicken is completely covered on both sides. Pour olive oil and vinegar in skillet, place chicken and cover. Cook 20 minutes over medium heat. Turn chicken over and cook 20 minutes more or until done.

ARTICLE: Santa Websites!

2009-12-18T10:23:00.003-06:00

There are lots of great websites that can track Santa, check your child´s naughty or nice rating, give you Santa´s important information and showcase Christmas activities. Here are some that I´ve found: (remember always sit by your child for safe web use)

www.claus.com Games to help out Santa, a visit to Santa´s Village where you can check your naughty or nice rating, sing along, get an elf diploma, plan your Christmas party and lots more!
www.northpole.com You can write a letter to Santa, and he´ll write back, stories, print out good deed calendars, games, and also stuff for parents, such as recipes, e-cards and wonderful crafts!
www.noradsanta.org The greatest Santa tracker. Watch live footage of Santa flying around the world on Christmas Eve. Tune in early Christmas Eve morning to see Santa leaving the North Pole on his journey!

DAILY RECIPE: Greatest Xmas Hot Cocoa

2009-12-18T10:19:00.002-06:00

1 envelope hot cocoa mix

1 cup milk

10 mini marshmallows

1 candy cane

Heat milk and dissolve hot cocoa mix according to package directions. Add marshmallows and slip in candy cane as if it were a spoon. Festive to serve and delicious to drink!

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-12-18T10:15:00.002-06:00

Keep Christmas cookies in air tight jars in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving. Get all your holiday baking done ahead of time!

ARTICLE: Children´s Christmas Checklist

2009-12-17T09:09:00.004-06:00

You probably have all your decorations up, Christmas parties scheduled throughout the next week and checklists galore. Don´t forget an important one, though, your children´s. Here are some things you should not forget:

Visit Santa Claus for holiday picture

Send letter to Santa Claus (mail, e-mail, helium balloon, or left at the tree for Santa to get)

Drive downtown to see holiday lights

Read favorite Christmas books (A Visit from St. Nicholas, The Polar Express, The Clown of God, etc.)

Watch favorite Christmas movies (The Polar Express, Santa Clause, Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mickey´s Twice Upon a Christmas, Very Merry Christmas Songs)

Sing along to favorite holiday tunes

Bake cookies for friends and Santa

Attend a local Christmas play or show

Visit the biggest tree in town

Have a family night with a good book, movie and hot cocoa

DAILY RECIPE: Christmas Apples

2009-12-17T08:52:00.003-06:00

6 apples

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

red food coloring (enough to make water deep red)

Peel apples. Place sugar, water and red food coloring in a large pot over low heat. Stir until well combined. Place apples inside and with a large spoon, pour the sugar water on top. Continue to do this until apples are red and a toothpick can easily be inserted. Remove from heat, let cool. You can serve them plain or topped with whipped cream.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-12-17T08:45:00.002-06:00

Place all your holiday storybooks, videos and music on a separate shelf, basket or counter. Throughout the season it´ll be easier to find them for every member of the family.

STORYTIME: Santa´s Stocking -- Final Part

2009-12-16T12:48:00.003-06:00

... As soon as they got home, the little girl raced up the stairs to the attic. She searched through many boxes and finally found what she was looking for. She pulled out a huge piece of bright red cloth and different colored sequins. She went back downstairs and, with a pair of scissors, started cutting away. When she was done, she got some glue and continued to work. When she was done, she wrapped her beautiful creation in green wrapping paper and added a beautiful golden bow. She wrote down: FOR SANTA in big black letters on a white card and placed it in the center of the present. She carried the big package to the center of the living room and placed it under the Christmas tree. And now, she thought, for the second part of the present. She ran out and whispered something to the little boy next door, and the older girl across the street. Then she went to the twins in the big house on the corner and to the little girl who lived in the little white house. "Hurry," she shouted, "everyone has to be ready before Santa comes!" Each child went back inside and told the secret to other friends they knew. Some called their relatives on the other side of the globe; they in turn told more and more children. Soon, every child around the planet knew of this very special message, started by the little girl. On Christmas Eve, the little girl went to bed extra early, with a smile on her face, for she knew this year, the wonder of Christmas would fall on Santa.

Later that night, when everyone was asleep, a sleigh landed on top of the girl´s house. Reindeer scraped their hooves, a fat fellow came down the chimney, and started to put some presents from his sack, under the tree. He suddenly stopped as he saw a big green package with a golden bow. "For me?", he whispered, and slowly opened the present. Oh, what a wonderful feeling this was, the expectation of what was inside! As the present was revealed, Santa gasped. It was a beautiful red stocking with colored sequins that spelled SANTA. My very own stocking, he thought, my very first stocking! Inside he found a note: "Santa, you give us all so much joy, this Christmas, it´s your turn, in each house you visit you will find a special something to fill up your stocking. Every child of the world will have a little something for you, pick it up as you visit their houses tonight, and fill up your stocking well. Bring it back with you next year, for surprises will await for you as well. Merry Christmas." Pasted with glue on the back of the note was a picture of him with a little girl, the little girl who lived in this house, the little girl who had organized the most beautiful Christmas present ever. Santa finished his work, took his stocking, and went back up the chimney. In each house he visited that night, he found, pictures, drawings, gadgets and all sorts of suprises from every child. He took each one and put it in his stocking. And as he flew back home on Christmas morning he sent out a very special HO HO HO for his first Christmas stocking!

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-12-16T12:43:00.002-06:00

Write down everything you are giving out for Xmas this year, and everything you receive. Save it in your Xmas storage. This way, you´ll be sure you are not repeating presents next year.

STORYTIME: Santa´s Stocking -- Part 3

2009-12-09T10:32:00.002-06:00

... All night long, the little girl tossed and turned. What was it Santa Claus wanted? What was his Christmas wish? Early next morning, she got dressed and asked her mother to take her down to see Santa Claus again. "Did you forget to ask for something, dear?", she asked her. The little girl just grinned. The line was not as long as before, so soon it was her turn. The moment he saw her, Santa Claus smiled. "So, you´re back, " he said. "Yep," said the girl, "now, Santa, what would you like for Christmas?" "Well," sighed Santa, "I´ve been doing some thinking, and what I would like is something I can look at for the whole year to remind me of this very special season, and all of the children I visit each year. The rest, I leave up to you." The little girl, smiled at Santa and said, "I know just what to get you! But, I have to get to work, I don´t have much time! Bye, Santa!" "Merry Christmas," called out Santa.

(What do you think she´ll get Santa? Find out tomorrow with more of Santa´s Stocking!)

DAILY RECIPE: Onion Soup

2009-12-09T10:27:00.003-06:00

1 onion
3/4 stick butter
3 cups chicken broth
salt
grated cheese (your favorite)

Slice onion very thin. In saucepan, melt butter, add onion. Sauteé. Add chicken broth and season as needed. Just before serving, top with cheese.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-12-09T10:21:00.002-06:00

When using plastic cups for a birthday party or gathering, keep a marker on hand and label each cup. Everyone can keep tabs on their drink and you won´t go through towers and towers of cups in just one afternoon.

STORYTIME: Santa´s Stocking -- Part 2

2009-12-08T10:15:00.002-06:00

... The little girl wondered about this as she slowly got closer and closer to Santa Claus. Now there was only one small boy in front of her, waiting impatiently with his Christmas list firmly held in one hand. Soon it would be her turn and she knew exactly what she was going to do. When Santa´s helper motioned her to come up, she sat on Santa´s lap. "Now," said Santa, "what would you like for Christmas?" The little girl smiled and said, "I want a dollhouse, please. But now I ask you Santa, what would you like for Christmas?" Santa opened up his eyes so wide, for a minute it seemed like they would pop! "What?", he asked. "Yes, every year, you give us all presents, but who fills up your stocking, Santa? That´s why I want to know, what do you want for Christmas?" Santa cleared his throat, "Weeelll, I guess no one had ever asked me that before. I´ll have to think about it." "Well then," said the little girl, "I´ll come back tomorrow..." She hugged Santa good-bye and jumped off his lap.

(More tomorrow for part 3 of Santa´s Stocking)

DAILY RECIPE: Enchiladas

2009-12-08T09:58:00.003-06:00

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

12 corn tortillas

garlic salt, pepper, cumin

3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

3 tomatoes

Oil

Grill chicken until crispy. Place tortilla in hot oil for a couple of seconds. Carefully remove with kitchen clamps and fill with chicken. Roll up and place in a deep pan. Repeat with all tortillas. Blend tomatoes with garlic salt, pepper and cumin. Pour over tortillas, top with cheese. Place in oven or microwave until cheese melts.

STORYTIME: Santa´s Stocking -- Part 1

2009-12-02T10:52:00.002-06:00

A long time ago there was a little girl. She was a good little girl, always helping her mother around the house, doing her homework and chores and happy all around. She loved all seasons of the year, but she became especially happy when winter came about because that meant only one thing: Christmas! She loved putting up her Christmas tree, hanging her stocking and baking cookies. She loved the smell of Christmas goods in bakeries and the department store windows beautifully decorated. There was one thing about Christmas that she enjoyed very much, and that was going to the mall to visit Santa Claus. Soon the day came and her mother and father put on her coat and scarf and took her to see that very special fellow. The line was huge! As she patiently waited for her turn a thought came into her mind: Santa Claus gives presents to all the children in the world, but who gives a Christmas present to Santa?

(More tomorrow, come visit us for part 2 of Santa´s Stocking)

DAILY RECIPE: Christmas Cookies

2009-12-02T10:33:00.002-06:00

2 sticks butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoons baking powder

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon almond extract

1 egg

Colored sprinkles

Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add baking powder and flour. Add extracts and egg. Blend well. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill overnight. Roll out dough with rolling pin (use flour if dough is sticky) to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired Christmas shapes. Decorate with sprinkles and bake in 350°F oven for 8 minutes or until golden.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-12-02T10:29:00.001-06:00

Listen to holiday music while in your car. Your entire family will get into the holiday spirit.

DAILY RECIPE: Asparagus with Almonds

2009-12-01T10:52:00.002-06:00

1 pkt. asparagus

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

1/2 stick butter

salt

1 lemon

Cook asparagus in boiling water until tender. Melt butter in a pan,

add almonds and cook until golden. Add salt and the lemon juice.

Pour over hot asparagus.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-12-01T10:50:00.002-06:00

Keep mushrooms fresh longer in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. (Much better than a plastic bag !!! )

2009-11-25T10:13:00.002-06:00

MOTHERS911 WISHES YOU A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

ARTICLE: Thanksgiving - Mom Sanity Savers!

2009-11-25T09:55:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow and whether you´re serving dinner at home or traveling somewhere with family, your children are bound to get restless. Here are some ideas to keep them entertained and out of the kitchen!

Prepare a holiday movie. It´s the season to be jolly! An afternoon enjoying a holiday movie is quite all right. Depending on your children´s ages try: Home Alone, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Nutcracker Ballet, The Santa Clause... Just make sure you have watched it before to make sure it´s "Safe" for them to see.
Print out Thanksgiving Coloring Sheets from sites like : www.coloringpages.net/thanksgiving.html or www.holidays.kaboose.com/thanks-color.html Prepare colors, crayons and set up a table where they can color with you keeping an eye on them.
Set up tasks for them to do: fold napkins, set up table, pick up coats and scarves...
Older daughters will be glad to help out in the kitchen. Make sure you have something safe and easy they can do.
Fill a bag with holiday books they can read or look at to get ready for Christmas.
Pop in a CD of holiday music. They can dance to the rhythm and trust me: you´ll get into the spirit of things yourself!
Pack small ziploc bags with cheerios, apple slices or other light healthy snacks for those: "Is it time to eat yet?
Most of all, enjoy this holiday with your children. Remember, each holiday that passes by means your child is one year less far from becoming a grown up.

DAILY RECIPE: Thanksgiving Vegetables

2009-11-25T09:41:00.004-06:00

This recipe can be prepared with vegetables of your choice, we suggest:

25 baby potatoes

8 carrots

1/2 bag of frozen broccoli florets

2 packets of asparagus

1/2 bag of frozen cauliflower florets

1 small can Campbell´s cream of mushroom soup

Parmesan cheese

Bread crumbs

Thaw broccoli and cauliflower according to bag directions. Wash potatoes, leave skin on. Wash and peel carrots, slice. Arrange vegetables in baking dish. Pour can of soup, making sure all vegetables are covered. Top with parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Place in oven for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Enjoy!

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-25T09:37:00.002-06:00

Waiting a long time for soccer practice to be over? Always carry a book in your bag. If waiting around for your children is taking too long, read a bit until class or school is over.

ART ACTIVITY: Pine Cone Turkey

2009-11-24T09:13:00.003-06:00

You will need:

Pine cone

Craft feathers

Wiggly eyes

Orange pipe cleaner

Yellow Construction paper

glue

Make a turkey head by cutting pipe cleaner in half, then folding it in half. Glue wiggly eyes and a yellow construction paper triangle for a beak. Glue feathers to the back of the pine cone. Glue turkey head to the front. Decorate your Thanksgiving table!

DAILY RECIPE: Meat Turkey Stuffing for Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-24T09:05:00.002-06:00

3 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
salt, garlic powder, pepper
3 large potatoes, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
oil

In a large pan heat oil. Season beef and pork and mix together. Add to pan and brown. Add vegetables and raisins and pecans. Cook a few minutes more. (Note: if you want stuffing with a touch of sweetness, cut each raisin in half). Make sure potatoes are still a bit raw when you´re done. They will finish cooking inside the turkey. Stuff turkey.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-24T09:00:00.002-06:00

When going to the grocery store to buy milk, grab the one at the far, deep end of the fridge, the last one in line. Usually it has a later expiration date, and is thus, fresher.

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Final Part

2009-11-19T09:28:00.004-06:00

Oh, no! Grandma had seen Mr. Turkey! Mary and Scott did not know what to say. Their parents came to the front door, too. The secret was out. The whole family was now staring at Mr. Turkey! A few awkward seconds of silence passed, then Mr. Turkey cleared its throat: "Thank you, dear family, for receiving me on Thanksgiving Day! I am here for dinner, as I was told on the farm, and very excited to visit with you all." Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa did not speak for a while. Then Grandpa said, "Well, let´s sit down for dinner then, Mr. Turkey." And he called on to Mom, "Serve Mr. Turkey corn and apple pie, yams and cranberry sauce. We can all enjoy that food together." Scott pulled up an extra chair for Mr. Turkey and they all sat at the table. Mom and Dad passed the food around and Mr. Turkey told the funniest stories about life on the farm. Of course, Mom never brought the turkey out of the kitchen, and no one dared ask why they weren´t eating turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner. When everyone was done, Mr. Turkey watched the football game with Dad and Grandpa. Just before dark, Mr. Turkey said he had to leave. He grabbed his bag and hat and headed out the door. "Come back next year Mr. Turkey, " called out Grandma. But it replied, "Oh, no, I´ll try a different family next year. That´s the way it´s gotta be!" So, be ready. If this Thanksgiving you hear a knock at the door, maybe, just maybe Mr. Turkey is standing outside your door....

THE END

DAILY RECIPE: Stuffed Pasta Tomatoes

2009-11-19T09:24:00.003-06:00

6 large, firm, red tomatoes

2 cups cooked short pasta

olive oil

2 garlic cloves, chopped

grated parmesan cheese

garlic salt

Slice the top off tomatoes and carefully scoop out the insides. Put the pulp you scooped out in the blender with a little water. Blend well. Heat oil and sauteé garlic. Add pasta and tomato paste. Season with garlic salt. Spoon into tomato shells and top with parmesan cheese. Bake for a few minutes and serve.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-19T09:19:00.003-06:00

Make sure your children are getting their share of fruits and vegetables by starting a table. Mark a dot next to their names when they have their daily intake. You´ll both easily notice if they´re not eating properly.

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Part 3

2009-11-17T11:29:00.002-06:00

... Mary and Scott froze. What would they tell Dad? "Oh, hi Dad," said Mary, "we´re just playing a game!" "Yeah," said Scott, "a Thanksgiving game! It´s called ´Hide the Turkey´!" "Well, have fun kids, " said Dad as he walked away. They were safe for now but they had to come up with a plan. What were they going to do? Just then, the turkey flung the door of the room wide open. " Well", it said, "I´m all ready for that delicious dinner now after a good rest. Will we be eating any time soon?" "Yes,"said Mary quickly, "we´re just waiting for our grandparents." Just then the doorbell rang. Mary and Scott flew down the stairs and opened the door. It was Grandma and Grandpa! They all gave each other big hugs. Suddenly, Grandma pointed her finger at something behind them. Her wide eyes and open mouth made Mary and Scott fear the worst, and they were right. Right there, behind them, staring straight into Grandma´s eyes was Mr. Turkey!

(Find what happens to Mr. Turkey, Mary and Scott tomorrow for the ending of Storytime....)

DAILY RECIPE: Orange Breaded Shrimp

2009-11-17T11:19:00.003-06:00

1 lb. shrimp
1 cup bread crumbs
Melted butter
salt and pepper
oil
2 oranges
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce

Wash shrimp. Add salt and pepper to melted butter and fully coat shrimp. Pass through bread crumbs until well covered. Fry in a little oil until done. Remove excess oil with paper napkin.
Squeeze oranges on top of sugar and place over low heat. Stir constantly and add soy sauce. Cook until thick and drizzle on top of shrimp. Serve with white rice.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-17T11:18:00.003-06:00

For shirts that need ironing, try ironing them right after they come out of the washer, when they are still damp. Hang them and let them finish drying.

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Part 2

2009-11-12T10:17:00.003-06:00

... Mary and Scott could not believe what they heard. A talking turkey at their door! The turkey looked at them intensely. Mary was the first to talk: "Why are you here, Mr. Turkey?" The turkey answered, "Well, I was out on the farm when all the other turkeys started running away saying they had to leave before Thanksgiving dinner. So I packed my suitcase, put on my hat and scarf, and set out to find a nice house where I could have this very important dinner at. And here I am!" Mary and Scott looked at each other. What were they to do? What would Mom and Dad say when a talking turkey sat with them at the dinner table? They had only one choice, they had to hide the turkey. Mary ran inside and checked that the coast was clear. Scott asked the turkey in and led it to their room. The turkey sat on the bed. "Ahhhhhh!, " it exclaimed, "I´m going to rest just a bit before dinner if that´s ok with you. That was a long walk." "That´s quite all right Mr. Turkey", said Scott, "You make yourself at home!" Mary and Scott tiptoed out of their room and closed the door behind them. Their Dad´s voice startled them, "Hey, what are you kids up to? Who are you talking to?"

Find out what Mary and Scott will tell Dad tomorrow when the story continues.

ARTICLE: Everyday Activities for 1-5 year olds

2009-11-12T10:03:00.002-06:00

All children need fun activities to stimulate their mental and physical development. This is especially true from the age of 1 to 5, since they´re too young to play on their own, and too old to rely only on feeding and caring. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Place different obstacles in an area of your family room or yard. (boxes, cushions, pillows) Crawl or walk together, zigzagging through the objects.
Encourage your child to pick up his/her toys and put them in a toy box.
Ask your child to put their dirty clothes in their hamper.
Have a show and tell of family photos. Talk to them and explain who is in each picture. (Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Siblings)
Constantly talk to them about what you both are doing or seeing.
Puzzles! Do them together.
Teach them to doodle with paper and paint, and paper and crayons.
Read a bedtime story and allow him/her to finish the story with his/her own words and imagination.

DAILY RECIPE: Apple Spinach Salad

2009-11-12T09:59:00.004-06:00

1 bag pre-washed spinach

2 red apples

1 cup mushrooms, washed

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup honey mustard dressing

Slice mushrooms and cube apples, unpeeled. Arrange spinach leaves. Toss with apples, mushrooms and pecans. Add dressing and mix well.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-12T09:57:00.002-06:00

Prepare a small plastic container with scissors, scotch tape, pen, gift cards and ribbons. Use it as a wrapping central. No more rumaging through your desk to find what you need!

STORYTIME: The Turkey That Came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- Part 1

2009-11-11T11:57:00.003-06:00

Mary and her younger brother Scott were very excited about Thanksgiving Day. Their grandparents were coming over for dinner and Mom was preparing a big feast. They were helping out with decorations, drawing turkeys and pilgrims to set around the living room. Dad was helping set the big table and a scent of delicious food surrounded the house.

Just as Mary and Scott were hanging a paper turkey near the front door they heard a knock. "It must be Grandma and Grandpa!", shouted Scott as he ran to open the door with Mary right behind him. What was their surprise to find, not their dear grandparents, but a big, fat turkey!

It was standing at the door with a funny smile on his face and a suitcase in one wing. He was wearing a hat and a scarf. As Mary´s and Scott´s eyes popped wide open in disbelief, the turkey spoke in a deep, but friendly voice: "Hellooooo! Here I am! May I come in?"

(Find out more about Mary, Scott and the turkey tomorrow for part 2 of Storytime)

DAILY RECIPE: Mashed Potato Steak

2009-11-11T11:51:00.002-06:00

1 cup mashed potatoes, freshly made or from flakes
1 lb. steak medallions
Chives
Garlic salt and pepper
Oil
1 cup beef stock

Season steak with garlic salt and pepper. Brown in oil on each side. Place onto baking pan. Pour beef stock all around. Using an ice cream server, place a scoop on top of each steak medallion. Garnish with chives. Bake at 350°F until tender and potatoes are browned.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-11T11:47:00.002-06:00

Start making a toy "clean-up" before Christmas arrives. You can give them to goodwill making other children happy, plus you´ll have toy box space for the incoming gifts that are sure to arrive.

ART ACTIVITY: Turkey Craft

2009-11-10T10:31:00.002-06:00

You will need:

Brown construction paper

Yellow construction paper

Red, yellow, orange and green craft feathers

Glue

Scissors

Black marker

Carefully trace your child´s hand on the brown construction paper. Make sure their fingers are spread apart. Cut out. Draw an eye on the thumb and glue a small yellow construction paper triangle next to it for a beak. Glue feathers on all other fingers. Cut out yellow legs for the turkey and glue at the bottom. Use as place cards for Thanksgiving dinner, as a Thanksgiving Day card for grandparents or just as holiday fun craft.

DAILY RECIPE: Corn Flakes Fish

2009-11-10T10:27:00.002-06:00

6 fish filets (washed)
2 cups corn flakes
butter
two cloves garlic
salt

Grease a baking pan with butter. Place fish filets and sprinkle with salt. Finely chop garlic and place evenly among fish. Add a teaspoon of butter on each filet. Lightly crush corn flakes and pour on top of fish. Bake for 30 - 40 minutes at 350°F. Serve with white rice or buttered pasta.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-10T10:23:00.002-06:00

If your baby likes to take everything out of your purse, which aside from being dangerous is sometimes embarassing, try this: Drop in various items in an old purse. For example, a small tupperware, a brochure, a scarf, old pictures, a glove, the lid of a jar. Just make sure nothing represents a choking hazard. When your child starts reaching for your purse, hand him/her the "play purse" and let them enjoy the freedom of taking everything out!

ARTICLE: Baby Einstein Videos for Children

2009-11-09T11:40:00.002-06:00

Lately, many of us heard on the news about new reports on keeping young children and babies from watching tv until the age of two or older. Later on, there was an announcement on how you could get your money back on purchased Baby Einstein videos. This left me with a thought: Are they really that bad for your children? This is what I concluded, maybe some of you will disagree: It is clear that TV is not good for babies. Many people believe it is one of the causes of increased cases of autism. If you sit your child in front of the television for hours and hours, it´s not ok, no matter how old, just as they shouldn´t play video games for long periods of time. But, if you watch a Baby Einstein video, TOGETHER, and clap to the music or comment on the colors, I really do not see anything wrong with that. In fact, I believe it is a great source of sense awareness for your child. Now, this is not what you will be doing at all hours of every day of course. And it IS best to keep your one-year-old from the TV. But if your child is 2 and is in a household where the TV is on for the morning news, your favorite sitcom and the Sunday game, you might as well introduce them to the TV with these videos that are much simpler for them than today´s cartoons and kids´ shows. So, my advice, use these videos that introduce them to classical music and art, as a first TV show for older toddlers with you commenting by their side.

DAILY RECIPE: Spinach Manicotti

2009-11-09T11:35:00.002-06:00

10 Manicotti pasta (big, thick macaronni)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 bag pre-washed spinach
1/2 onion
2 cloves garlic
olive oil
salt
crushed pepper
grated parmesan cheese
grated mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta for 5 mintues. Meanwhile, finely chop onion and garlic. Sautée in olive oil. Add spinach and cook until tender. Blend ricotta cheese and spinach mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add parmesan cheese and blend again. Carefully fill manicotti pasta. Arrange in a baking pan and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in 350°F oven for about half an hour.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-09T11:33:00.001-06:00

Wipe food stains off children´s clothing with a baby wipe if you do not have a pre-treater on hand. It works quite well.

ACTIVITY: Thanksgiving Thankful Box

2009-11-06T10:35:00.002-06:00

With Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks get an early start for this holiday celebration. Cover an old shoe box with orange paper and decorate with fall or Thanksgiving motives (brown leaves, turkeys, pilgrims, acorns). You can make them by tracing cookie cutter shapes on brown cardboard and cutting them out. Once your box is decorated (your children can help you out), write Thankful Box on it. Cut a slit on top as if it were a mailbox. Place it in the kitchen or family room or any place in your house your family passes through every day. Set a cup with crayons, markers and pencils next to it, together with a pack of index cards. Tell your family that for the next couple of weeks whenever they can think of something they´re thankful for, they should write it down on an index card and place it in the Thankful Box. Help out younger family members by encouraging them to draw something they give thanks for. Ask them what it is and write it down on the back of the card. Just before Thanksgiving dinner, open up the box and read all the things your family is thankful for. (Be sure to have a box of kleenex by your side -- you´ll be amazed at how profound your children´s thoughts can be ).

DAILY RECIPE: Yoghurt Parfait

2009-11-06T09:24:00.002-06:00

1 large plain yoghurt
diced cantaloupe
sliced peach (fresh or frozen and thawed)
pineapple chunks
honey
granola

In a large parfait cup pour a thin layer of yoghurt. Add half of the mixed fruit. Add another thin layer of yoghurt and the rest of the fruit. Add yoghurt until cup is filled. Top with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle granola.

TIP OF THE DAY

2009-11-06T09:22:00.001-06:00

Keep garlic cloves in an air tight jar in the fridge. They will last fresh much longer.

ARTICLE: Imaginary Friends

2009-11-05T10:55:00.002-06:00

Imaginary friends are a part of growing up. Many children have them and some even become part of the family. From setting an extra place at the table or asking your child what his imaginary friend wishes to do, boys, bears, girls and dragons are present with our children for the first part of their lives.
Sometimes we might me annoyed by this imaginary friend. However, considering that they will outgrow them, we might try to use the imaginary friend to learn more about our child´s likes and dislikes. By including them in our conversations we might see through a window and realize something about our child that we didn´t know before.
When your child talks to his or her imaginary friend, try to discover a little more about him. For example if the imaginary friend takes gymnastics lessons, ask, "Would you like to take gymnastics, too?" If the imaginary friend doesn´t like to play ball, ask "What about you?" Better yet, if the imaginary friend is having trouble with someone at kindergaren, ask "By the way, how are you doing in your classroom?"
We cannot get rid of imaginary friends, so, we might as well use them to our advantage, until our children slowly start forgetting about them.

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Pizza Dinner!

2009-11-05T10:52:00.002-06:00

6 Flour tortillas
1 small can spaghetti sauce
grated mozzarella cheese
3 ham slices
40 peperoni slices
parmesan cheese

Place tortillas in a baking pan. Spread with sauce. Sprinkle with a little cheese. Add ham and peperoni slices. Sprinkle the remaining cheese. Top with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350°F until cheese melts and sauce is bubbly.