Most Americans consume dairy products on a daily basis, but have they ever stopped to think about how their ice cold milk or the cheese on their pizza made its way from farm to table?

California, the nation’s dairy leader, will hit the "small screen" on November 21st as local dairy producers and their herds star in PBS' Emmy-nominated series Chefs A' Field. The series showcases America’s best chefs who, with family and friends, visit local farmers to learn about where their food comes from and new ways to prepare delicious food with healthy ingredients.

In Season 4, Chefs A’ Field pays tribute to California’s dairy industry – showcasing the industry-leading production efficiencies, animal care and sustainability practices, top-quality products, and the deep heritage of the families who dairy in California. And par for this tasty course, the special features Chef Craig Stoll of acclaimed Delfina Restaurant in San Francisco and his family, who show viewers how they use California dairy products in mouthwatering Italian dishes. From an antipasti of delicate fresh stretched Mozzarella to exquisite homemade ice cream for dessert, Chef Stoll uses the highest quality locally sourced ingredients throughout Delfina’s menu, and his culinary talents have earned him a coveted James Beard award.


As Thanksgiving approaches, this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from and the tireless effort that goes into making America’s favorite dairy products that we all enjoy as part of our Thanksgiving dinners. Please be sure to tune in to PBS on Saturday, November 21st to catch Chefs A’ Field live - you can preview the trailer below:

Thanksgiving can be one of the most joyous holidays of the year, but it can add tremendous stress, not to mention a ton of calories, to your already stressful (and calorie-laden) life if you don’t prepare ahead.

To avoid being one of the average Americans who consumes an extra 600 calories daily between Thanksgiving and New Year ’s Day (that is over 6 extra pounds), here are some tips for avoiding the stress and extra pounds without losing the holiday spirit:

How to be the Hostess with the Mostess:

Plan Ahead

The Menu – Think Thin: Remember, there is always a way to make it healthier!

• The turkey: consider using fruits or vegetables to moisten the stuffing – instead of butter or other fats; use complimentary seasoning


• The gravy: plan to serve the turkey au jus – while the turkey is resting, pour the fat out of the roaster, and deglaze the remaining natural juices with white (or red) wine


• For before-dinner nibbles: serve cut-up vegetables with low-fat dips


• Sweet potatoes: forget the marshmallows. Instead, layer sliced potatoes with sliced apples and bits of brown sugar and a heart-healthy margarine


• Serve a good salad (low-fat dressing on the side) and several vegetables instead of the assorted carbs


• If white potatoes are essential to your menu, bake them and serve with fat-free sour cream and chopped chives


• Cook the cranberries with sweet fruits (such as pears) to cut way back on the sugar


• Concentrate on fruit-based, low-fat desserts such as angel food cake layered with lightly-microwaved fruit and served in pretty glasses

The Preparation: Having MORE than enough time is the key

• Clean out the refrigerator and freezer the weekend before the feast so you have plenty of room to organize carefully


• Complete a detailed shopping list, working from the recipes on the menu


• Buy non-perishables (such as canned pumpkin and condiments) well in advance, storing them together so they’re easy to find


• If you’re planning special items such as a fresh turkey or ham, order it in advance, arranging to pick it up or have it delivered a day ahead if possible


• Working backwards, calculate when you’ll have to start preparing each item, how to organize oven temperatures and burner space, and make a careful check-off list to keep in front of you as you prepare the meal.


• Set the table in advance, working from your menu to lay out serving bowls and serving implements


• Plan distractions and games for young children to keep them out of the kitchen
  Make sure your schedule allows at least 20 minutes for you to have a small snack and a relaxing cup of chamomile tea before your guests arrive!

The Execution: Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! Few people really like to be guests; often they’ll feel important if they can take an active part…

Healthy Habits … Wherever You Are: Whether you’re the guest or the hostess, avoid over-indulgence during the festivities

• Eat a light snack an hour or so before the party so the hors d’oeurves aren’t so tempting


• Start your dinner with generous portions of the healthiest and least fattening foods; eat slowly; once your appetite has been sated, reach for small portions of the more calorie-laden choices if you MUST


• Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink per hour, “making-do” with low-calorie such as soda water with a splash of cranberry juice throughout the evening

So... plan ahead, think thin, hold on to those healthy habits and... most importantly… Enjoy the Holiday!

By: Dr. Margaret Lewin – Medical Director of Cinergy Health (www.cinergyhealth.com)

Families come together at Thanksgiving to celebrate, catch up and feast. While you may be looking forward to seeing your favorite relatives and eating Aunt Caroline's famous pumpkin pie, the crush of people and unfamiliar foods can overwhelm children. Bring the holiday down to their size with a kid's table supplied with familiar favorites and kid-sized versions of traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Let Them Eat Snacks

It's hard to be patient and good-natured when you're hungry, especially when you're only about waist-high. Rather than ask your juvenile guests to wait for the turkey and trimmings to be served, let them start the party early at a children's table set with festive offerings of healthy finger foods. They can socialize and graze on cheese straws, raw vegetables, cheese cubes, grapes, nuts and, of course, popcorn. They'll be happy (and not underfoot) while you cook the main meal.

Downsize

The volume of food and the oversized portions of Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting to little appetites. In your menu, include a batch of chicken drumsticks or turkey nuggets as options to the super-sized turkey drumsticks.

• Then, put your muffin pans to work to take other offerings down a size, too.


• Use the mini muffin pan to bake a batch of tiny cranberry orange muffins.


• In the regular size muffin pan, bake individual servings of dressing, blessed with plenty of crispy edges.


• Make cupcakes for the kids to decorate after dinner.


• To make miniature pies, cut five-inch (12.7-centimeter) circles out of pie crust dough. Press the dough circles into muffin cups and fill with pie filling. Trim the tops with leftover dough scraps and bake.

For active kids, provide take-and-go desserts like bite-sized cookies.

Ask for Help

Kids will be more interested in trying foods they help prepare, so get them involved in the cooking. Younger chef-apprentices can arrange vegetable and cheese trays, even if they're too young to wield a knife. Let them toast bread for stuffing and get their hands into the bowl to mix it all up.

To get older kids cooperating, ask them to name their can't-live-without Thanksgiving dessert or side dish then, delegate the cooking of that item to them. Urge them to start early, maybe a day or two before Thanksgiving, and provide guidance appropriate to their age. Be sure to let them present the dish at dinner, and maybe brag a little.

Happing Endings

When you fire up the coffee pot for dessert, don't forget to brew up some happiness for the children, too. A mug of hot chocolate is the perfect ending to a busy day. To make it like Grandma did, in a sauce pan, heat one cup of milk with two tablespoons (12 grams) of cocoa and two tablespoons (12 grams) of sugar for each serving. When the cocoa is hot (but not boiling) pour it into kid-safe mugs.

Reprinted with Permission, courtesy of TLC

The holiday season is all about excess. But in this financial climate, simple meals and décor can seem tastefully elegant instead of Dickensian. This year, it's de rigueur to forgo the fancy spread and get back to basics. Here's how:

Plan Ahead -- Open your day planner and circle Nov. 1 with a red pen. This is when you should start planning your menu. The turkey will account for nearly 40 percent of the cost of Thanksgiving dinner [source: All Recipes]. Buy it early, and get a frozen bird -- it'll store easier, defrost better and roast up juicier. A week before Thanksgiving, commit an afternoon to prep work. Tear up bread for stuffing, mix dough for pie crusts and dinner rolls, and simmer chicken to make stock. Plan your shopping excursion on double-coupon day, and take careful inventory of your pantry so you don't buy unnecessary items.

Stick to the Classics -- Thanksgiving is no time to experiment with unusual dishes or recipes that exceed your skill level. You've got a hungry crowd waiting, and they'll expect traditional dishes. When that clove-studded, orange-infused turkey falls flat, you'll have to tack on another $20 to your budget to cover Chinese takeout for your hungry guests. You really can't go wrong with a classic menu of roast turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie [source: Martha Stewart]. As a rule of thumb, choose recipes with the fewest ingredients and steps to save money and time.

Deviate from the Classics -- An untraditional Thanksgiving dinner can make a chic culinary statement and cost less than the storybook spread. Instead of roasting a turkey, grill turkey burgers. Knead fresh tarragon into the patties, and finish them off with a Gwyneth Paltrow-approved condiment: cranberry ketchup, a combination of cranberry chutney and tomato ketchup [source: Huffington Post]. Instead of Champagne, serve cranberry-sparkling water spritzers, or make a root beer float with pumpkin-flavored ice cream.

Add More Décor -- Nothing sets the occasion quite like an enchanting dinner table. You don't have to spend a fortune at the florist to create an autumnal wonderland; rather, collect natural elements from your backyard for free, fresh décor. For the centerpiece, fill a vase halfway with acorns, then arrange willow branches, sturdy sticks and gold and red leaves to cascade over the top. Make place cards with tiny squares of ivory card stock secured to pinecones. Light a few taper candles, and the dining room will be aglow with the magic of the holidays.

Tell Guests It's BYOS (Bring Your Own Side) -- As long as you let guests know well in advance, they won't mind bringing something to dinner. You can focus on the bird and assign the starches, vegetables, cranberries and dessert to friends and family. This way, you can put a little extra toward your wine budget.

Be a Discerning Host -- If money is tight, you don't have to be the hostess with the mostest -- it's better to be a discerning host. Make thoughtful, smart choices about your dinner spread while keeping your guests' tastes and your financial means in mind. For instance, if your crowd prefers white meat, purchase a smaller, less expensive turkey breast. Perhaps a full dinner isn't an option this year. You could always host a morning brunch. A few pastries, quiches and mimosas will hold over your friends and family until they're off to their dinner celebrations. Or, throw an after-dinner soiree: Put on a pot of coffee, mix up a signature cocktail and arrange petit fours, fresh fruit and cheese on a tray. You'll close out turkey day with style and panache!

Reprinted with Permission, courtesy of TLC

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends and to express gratitude for the year's accomplishments. Don't let the after-dinner dishes put a damper on your holiday. Follow these tips to make Thanksgiving dinner cleanup a less burdensome task.

Pace Yourself

Planning and preparing certain foods ahead of the big day smoothes the cooking and cleaning processes. Cookbook author and TV cooking host Nathalie Dupree suggests making and freezing your gravy a month in advance of Thanksgiving Day [source: Dupree]. You can also put casseroles together two days before the feast, and bake pies the day before. When your guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner, the dirty dishes from these preparations will be long forgotten

Another important do-ahead timesaver: Clean out and organize the refrigerator so the leftovers fit in without a lot of fuss.

Enough Is As Good As a Feast

When planning your Thanksgiving dinner, keep the menu reasonable. Exercise "

Make a Clean Start

Try to stay on top of the mess by wiping counters and washing and clearing pots and pans as you cook. Before your guests arrive, run and empty the dishwasher, even if it isn't quite full. This way, you can whisk many of the dinner dishes out of sight when the meal is over. Empty the trash can, too, so you won't have to stop and take out the trash during the table clearing. It's a good idea to place a couple of extra bags in the bottom of the can so replacements are on hand.

When the cooking's all done and you're ready to carve the turkey, jump-start the cleanup. As soon as you transfer the turkey to the serving platter, fill your roasting pan with soapy water and let it soak in a 250 degree Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius) oven. The baked-on food softens up while you enjoy your guests' company and the meal.

Container Savvy

Get your cooking, serving and storage containers on your side with these tips:

• If guests bring side dishes or desserts, ask them to bring them in disposable containers.


• Consider purchasing some of your menu items ready-made from specialty stores. The containers are self-storing and disposable.


• Choose baking dishes that do triple duty as serving dishes and storage containers.
  For a short-cut with style, use edible/disposable serving dishes, like bread bowls, a pumpkin or acorn squash.


• Provide your guests with inexpensive plastic or cardboard storage containers and let them make their own take-away selections.

Finally, don't labor alone. Thanksgiving is a family affair. If you have helpers on hand, call on them, even if you only ask someone else to take out the trash

Reprinted with Permission, courtesy of TLC

See that crazy group of kids there on the left? That is mine, all of those crazy boys and one pre-teen girl make for a great deal of chaos, but today I want to express my gratitude for that chaos! I wouldn't trade my bundle of craziness for anything. Sure, there are days when I need a little escape (that's what bed time is for right?) - a little time for me to recharge my batteries. But, at the end of the day (hmm...maybe that is because they are all asleep) I am so grateful that I can be their mother. I love the snuggle times on the couch. I even love the early mornings when one of my little ones will sneak in our room and snuggle up close to me in bed.

When we decided we wanted to start trying to have children, we had difficulties conceiving. We tried for almost a year before we started talking to doctors. After multiple tests we were told that our chances of conceiving on our own were very slim. A month after receiving this devastating news (on my birthday... the week before Mother's Day) we discovered that we were pregnant! Five children and ten years later I am not sure what happened to fix the problems we had early on, but our last two children were conceived while I thought I was trying to prevent pregnancy!

This week as my thoughts turn to the giving of thanks I can't help but remember those feelings of sadness when I thought I would not be able to carry my own children. I know that there are many out there who continue to struggle with infertility who have not been as lucky as my husband and I. I am so grateful that I was able to have my wonderful passel of children. They bring me so much joy and happiness (along with a pinch of frustration).

As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving remember to express thanks for the chance to be a parent. And for those still struggling with the pain that comes with infertility, may you find peace this Holiday season.

- Christine

Posted by Christine of Random Thoughts With Chris

Featured weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

Someone once (or twice) said, know thyself. Let’s see; the Oracle of Delphi, Jesus, well, heck, about everybody worth mentioning has some twist on it. Why? Most of us who have been in therapy, read numerous self-help books, etc., are left being mostly acutely aware of what is wrong with us and eventually head back to the barn (what’s familiar). There is only so much we can take. And those of us who hang in there still complain of the loneliness and austere life it seems the road less traveled requires. “To Hell with it!” we say, “Life is short and I need a reward for all this vigilance and self-examination, arrgh…pass the Kool-Aid.” So, we continue the search, now seeking elsewhere for guidance, and perhaps decide Popeye was right, “I am what I am” and get on with life.

If knowing the truth and ourselves is that much trouble, I can’t be bothered: I have bills to pay, mountains to climb, kids to feed, men to seduce (who will hopefully rescue me from it all), women to charm (who will hopefully distract me from my failures), pounds to lose, wrinkles to conquer, a legacy to leave so I can get to Happily Ever After already. So we ditch Buddha for Santa Claus (& Popeye) and keep looking for the secret. “Know thyself, ha!” we mutter and join the proverbial “if ya can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” crowd.

We manage to skate for a while on our latest distractions: a new love interest, new job, new cosmetic procedure, sudden influx of cash, new handbag or project. Yet the gap between how we act and who we are widens, and no matter what we tell ourselves, eventually the suffering returns, most of it silent. And we wonder why. So we up the dues: get more sex, more stuff, more money, more attention, better projects, a different house, another baby, another job, travel (that’s it! I need a vacation!), a face lift, a tummy tuck, lose 20 pounds, a younger wife, get another degree, REDECORATE for God’s sake… THIS IS AMERICA! The pursuit of happiness is my birthright!

Beneath the façade of fake smiles and the it’s all good story swells the raging sea of discontent, the cauldron of disappointment, chilled by terror and fueled by resentment that things are not different. This cocktail is lethal—we chase it down with envy and regret as the elusive dream slips further away.

According to scientists, our daily behavior is 90% subconscious. From years one to five a projection reel spliced with trauma, false beliefs and genetic inheritance has been cast upon our nubile brains: the reel continually spins out our reality, like the daily press, in predictable neural loops over our lifetime. It seems who we are is simply who someone else (“they”) told us to be. Most of us were duped and now are understandably pissed, as we find interrupting these patterns and uncovering who we really are feels like trying to stop a nose-diving 747 jet with a diaphragm.

You might cry, “Why do I pretend to be more than I am, have more than I have? Why do I feel that I am not enough, why don’t I want what I have, how come happiness escapes me, why do I believe that when I get (blank) everything will be okay, but that never seems to come?” The good news is, what is fake about you is NOT who you are! Who you are is magnificent, eternal, and unique. Yet until we know this true self we feel trapped in a life directed by an unconscious dictator, our subconscious beliefs and patterns.

While you may be tired, overwhelmed and have no bandwidth right now as survival is taking its toll, as my mother would say, “Don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle.” Here is an exercise that may help you reignite your search for freedom of being, as well as put some pep back in your step—the energy it takes to pretend to be someone you are not, be fake, is extraordinary.

What’s fake about me? exercise

1. Get a piece of paper and write down all the things that are fake about you (you may burn after reading, of course). Examples might be that you are:

Fake skinny: you spend an inordinate amount of time watching your weight so that people will find you attractive or so you will feel loved or seen. You fear that if you were fat you would never be happy, popular, get a man, be loved or accepted.

Fake nice: you spend much of your time trying to make people like you, manipulating your circumstances by being nice so you can get what you want, while underneath you seethe with resentment or envy of those who don’t seem to care what others think.

Fake rich: you pretend to be successful, you have mortgaged your life so others will think you are a person of worth, you lease your car that you cannot afford, buy clothes to create a false image, live in a house beyond your means, etc.

You get the idea, go ahead and explore all the fake parts: fake smart, because you believe you need to know so you can hide your fear of being inept or stupid; fake pretty, in hopes of being perfect-looking so you can finally be important, special or loved; fake happy, because you know people don’t want to hear your problems and would never want to be around someone as depressed and messed up as you really feel. Fake straight, fake sexy, fake sensitive, fake caring, fake in control, fake good mom, fake happy marriage, fake great relationship, fake healthy, fake spiritual, and on and on. Let it out. You have an opportunity to relieve yourself of the burden of living this secret life by simply admitting it!

2. Be with it. Sit down with what’s fake about you and move deeper into it. Exaggerate it, even. Give it a voice. Let the fake part or parts have a turn telling you about themselves. You might be surprised at what they have to say!

3. Feel it. Whatever feeling or emotions come, let yourself have them. Like a wave, they will not hurt you; they will wash through you and heal you if you have the courage to feel them all the way. (It could be helpful to have an enlightened witness to share this part of the process with, someone you trust to your core.)

4. Allow it. Relaxing into this allowing, comes freedom. In the acceptance comes understanding and then compassion. Including all our parts allows us greater freedom of being. Developing unconditional love for ourselves expands our capacity for intimacy and joy.

5. Know this is not all of who you are. My teacher Kathy reminds me of this fact all the time. I feel relieved and all at once welcomed back to the human race and condition. We find our right size again. This perspective gives space for a sense of peace and well-being, room to breathe and dream forward your heart’s true desires again. Your soul shines, your authentic self is free to be!
Namasté and blessings, freedom seekers!


- Maryanne


by Maryanne Comaroto of Maryanne Live

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, Maryanne is co-hosting a workshop that will teach you how to protect yourself emotionally AND physically. Watch a preview of what to expect here: http://tinyurl.com/ye2q6qy. Find out more info here: http://askmaryannelive.com

Featured Weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

Happy Weight Loss Wednesday everyone. I typically write about exercise and nutrition, but proper rest and relaxation are also very important for healthy living.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make sure you get plenty of sleep each night. A minimum of 7 hours of shuteye makes a big difference to your brain and your heart. A lack of sleep makes you more fatigued and less mentally acute, which puts you at a greater risk for poor decision making and accidents.

A few things that can help you get those zzzzz's:

1. Get on a schedule. Try to go to bed and rise about the same time each day. Your body functions best when it’s on a regular sleeping routine, just like a baby. On the weekends, try to get up within an hour of your regular “school day” schedule to keep you on track.


2. Eat foods that contain melatonin. Foods like sweet corn, rice, and oats or complex carbohydrates with serotonin (like veggies, whole-grain bread, or pasta) in the evenings. Avoid anything with caffeine after dinner and save your workouts for earlier in the day. High activity and/or eating within 3 hours of your bedtime can keep you from falling asleep.


3. Keep it cool. The ideal environment for sleep is a cool, dark room. If you’re tossing and turning, try removing a layer of clothing or turn down the thermostat.


4. Keep your bedroom a sanctuary. Limit your bedroom activities to sleep and intimacy. If you don’t associate your bedroom with other stimuli like work, TV, or the computer, it’ll be easier to crash out once you snuggle in.

Until next week, live a happy, healthy and well-rested life!

It’s that time of year again, the biggest day to let loose, go off every diet, and indulge in the biggest feast of the year: Thanksgiving. Then there comes the guilt the next day when we wake up and realize that we shouldn’t have eaten that extra piece of pumpkin pie that had 320 calories alone!

Finally the problem has been solved by California native, Laurel Hudson, Culinary Instructor at Wellspring Academy for Weight Loss. (www.wellspringacademies.com) Laurel has developed a nine piece feast that will indulge the taste buds this holiday without leaving the guilt of pigging out. From appetizer to dessert, side dishes to the turkey entree, the feast has less than 600 Calories!




By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 4 servings- 4oz per person

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh lean turkey breast; boneless and skinless

1 container poultry blend of fresh herbs- Thyme, Rosemary, Sage and Basil

1 clove of garlic, minced

Freshly cracked pepper

Salt, to taste

1 tsp chicken bouillon powder

Pam spray

8 sheets of parchment paper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray one side of each piece of parchment paper with Pam.
Lay a turkey breast on four of the sheets of parchment paper.
Sprinkle the garlic evenly over the turkey breasts.
Lay a few pieces of whole herbs on top of the turkey breasts.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with ¼ tsp bouillon each, evenly.
Place the other piece of parchment paper, sprayed side down, on top of the turkey breast.
Fold all the sides into a square, and staple the corners and anywhere else that is loose.
Place the parchment packets on a baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165 and the juices run clear.
To serve, gently cut into the top piece of paper and open, and then remove the herbs and each from the packet.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
105 calories/0.5g fat per serving



By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 8 servings of 2 tbsp each

Ingredients:

1 cup Fat Free Chicken or Turkey Broth, low sodium if possible

1 package turkey gravy mix

1 tbsp fresh poultry blend herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, etc)

1 tsp Molly McButter granules

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste


Directions:

Combine the gravy mix, broth, and herbs in a small pot, and whisk until dissolved.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and stir in butter granules and pepper to taste.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
13 calories/0.3g fat per serving




By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

6 slices whole grain light bread (about 45 calories per slice)

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 cup finely chopped celery

1 cup finely chopped mushrooms

1 cup shredded butternut squash

1 cup shredded zucchini

2 cups College Inn White Wine & Herb Culinary Broth (or any low-fat/fat-free flavorful broth)

½ cup egg beaters

1 tbsp Molly McButter granules

1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh minced poultry blend of herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, etc)

2 tsp dried sage

1 tsp dried rosemary

½ tsp dried thyme

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Pam spray


Directions:

Lightly toast bread to dry out, or leave out overnight to stale.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray a medium sized baking dish with Pam, and set aside.
Cut bread into ¼ inch cubes, and add to a large mixing bowl.
Chop or shred (use a box grater) all the veggies into small pieces.
Get a large sauté pan, and spray lightly with pam.
Heat up sauté pan, and add all the veggies.
Cook for about 8 minutes, or until golden and beginning to soften.
Add the broth and herbs, and cook until veggies are almost soft, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter granules.
Place the pan in the freezer to cool down slightly for 5 minutes.
Stir in egg substitute and vinegar and then pour everything in pan over bread cubes in mixing bowl.
Gently fold the bread into the liquid vegetable mixture, and then scoop into baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil, and fluff the stuffing with a fork, and bake the stuffing for 15 more minutes
Serve hot.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
75 calories/ 0.5g fat per serving





By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 large potato

1 bag frozen cauliflower florets (or 4 cups fresh cauliflower florets)

¼ cup fat free plain Greek yogurt

1 tsp Molly McButter butter granules

1 tsp fresh minced rosemary, or to taste

1 pinch nutmeg

2 tsp chicken bouillon powder

1 clove garlic, minced

½ tsp butter extract

Salt to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Butter spray (optional)


Directions:

Wash and peel the potato.
Dice the potato, and place in the microwave in a small bowl.
Microwave for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.
Steam the cauliflower as directed on the package.
Add the potato and cauliflower florets to a food processor.
Add in remaining ingredients except the butter spray.
Process until smooth.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, and spray with butter spray if desired.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
54 calories/ 0.1g fat per serving





By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 can condensed healthy request cream of mushroom soup

½ cup skim milk

1 tsp light soy sauce

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

6 cups frozen French style green beans

1 medium onion, chopped into thin strips

1 tbsp dried minced onion

10 mini Sour Cream & Onion Quakes, crushed

Pam


Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a casserole dish lightly with Pam.
Sauté onions until tender.
Stir In the green beans.
Add mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and soy sauce to green beans.
Stir in to mix.
Pour into casserole dish.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Top with crushed Quakes and dried minced onion, and spray top lightly with Pam.
Place back in the oven for 10 minutes, or until topping is golden.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
67 calories/ 1.2g fat per serving





By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:

12oz bag whole fresh or frozen cranberries

1/3 cup granulated Splenda

½ cup light cranberry juice

1 lemon, juiced

Pinch of salt


Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a medium sized pan.
Bring the contents to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes (just until cranberries burst; any longer and they will become bitter).
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Refrigerate the sauce for several hours, or until thickened and cooled.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
21 calories/0g fat per serving




By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 4 dozen biscuits

Ingredients:

2 scallions, chopped

2 tsp garlic powder

8oz fat free shredded cheddar cheese

2 cups low-fat buttermilk

1 package cheese sauce mix

5 cups Reduced Fat All Purpose Baking Mix

2 tbsp reduced fat parmesan cheese

¼ cup egg beaters

Pam

Butter spray

Salt and pepper to taste


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray a large baking pan with Pam and line with parchment.
Add the shredded cheese, chopped scallions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheese sauce mix, parmesan, and buttermilk, then stir until combined.
Gently stir in the baking mix, and drop by rounded tablespoon onto the sheet pan, making 4 dozen biscuits total.
Brush with egg beaters.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Spray each with butter spray, and serve warm.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
62 calories/ 0.9g fat per biscuit

By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:

(Crust)

2 cups Fiber One Original cereal

2 tbsp light butter spread (I like Brummel & Brown Yogurt Spread)

¼ cup granulated Splenda

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice


(Filling)

15oz can pure pumpkin

12oz can fat free evaporated milk

2/3 cup egg beaters

1 cup granulated Splenda

¼ cup sugar free maple syrup

1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp butter extract

½ tsp molasses

Pam spray

Cool Whip Free for topping, optional


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray a pie pan lightly with Pam.
In a food processor, grind up cereal until it looks like crumbs.
Add in the butter, applesauce, Splenda, and spices, and process until combined.
Press crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish with your hands.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, and then let cool in the freezer for 5 minutes.
Combine the filling ingredients in a large bowl; the pumpkin, milk, egg beaters, Splenda, syrup, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, salt, molasses, vanilla and butter extract, and whisk until smooth.
Pour filling into crust, and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the center is set.
Let cool, then place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight if possible.
Keep refrigerated until serving, and then cut into twelve slices and top with thawed cool whip if desired.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
74 calories/1.3g fat per serving

By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato

3 cups cubed butternut squash

2/3 cup egg beaters

1/3 cup nonfat vanilla soymilk

1/3 cup sugar free maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

¼ cup granulated Splenda

2 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp butter extract

½ tsp molasses

½ tsp salt

1 cup mini marshmallows

Pam spray


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Wash and peel the sweet potato and the butternut squash.
Dice each into 1/4” cubes, and remove the seeds from the squash.
Microwave in a small bowl for 6-10 minutes, then let sit in microwave for an additional 5 minutes.
Place squash and sweet potato in a food processor and process until mostly smooth.
Add all remaining ingredients except marshmallows and Pam to the food processor and process again until combined.
Lightly spray a medium baking dish with Pam.
Pour mixture into pan and evenly spread out.
Bake for 30-50 minutes, or until very soft.
Sprinkle marshmallows on top, then bake 3-5 more minutes, or until marshmallows are beginning to brown.
Allow to cool slightly, and then serve!

Approximate Nutritional Information:
84 calories/0g fat per serving

And....

Althought they're not part of your 600 calorie limit, here's a recipe for the day after Turkey Day!


By Laurel Hudson
Yield: 48 pockets

Ingredients:

1 package Won Ton Wrappers

1 cup leftover turkey breast, minced

½ cup leftover cranberry sauce

¾ cup leftover stuffing

¾ cup leftover mashed potatoes

¼ cup egg beaters

Pam spray

Turkey gravy, optional, for dipping


Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Lay the wrappers out on a table.
Spray the tops lightly with Pam.
Dip a pastry brush in egg beaters or egg whites and brush the edges of the wrappers.
Mix the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing together in a bowl.
Place 1 mounded teaspoon of filling on one side of each wonton wrapper.
Fold over the other side of the wrapper and pinch together the edges, and seal with fork prongs.
Lightly spray the tops with Pam.
Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with gravy for dipping if desired.


All recipes courtesy of Laurel Hudson, Culinary Instructor at Wellspring Academy for Weight Loss. (www.wellspringacademies.com).

This Thanksgiving, use Feng Shui to ensure a warm, happy and positive environment for you and your guests. Following are simple tips from ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Andie Pearson, DMD:

Clean and Clear:
No matter what the occasion, the first step in Feng Shui is clearing clutter and cleaning the area.

Analyze:
After you have cleared, cleaned and organized the area where you will be entertaining, you need to decided on themes, purpose, how many people will be invited, who will be there, and what activities and foods will you have. This should help you with the rest of your planning.

Color It Warm:
Plan the decorations with warm relaxing colors. Use goldenrod, earthy greens, tans, amber, deep rich reds or maroons etc. You want a color scheme that will be both relaxing and welcoming. Fall and Thanksgiving colors lend themselves to this very well.

Traffic Flow:
Create a good flow of traffic thru out. Ask yourself - Are you having an actual sit down event , buffet or cocktails with appetizers ?

• If you are having a formal dinner, have that room separate from the rest of the party, allowing the rest of the party area to be designated as the place for social gathering.


• For a buffet-style Thanksgiving, have an area for the food and a section for drinks. You will also need to have seating scattered about in organized fashion that doesn't block flow of traffic.


• A Thanksgiving party that is just snacks, appetizers and cocktails has a bit of free flow. You can arrange several areas for food and drinks scattered through out the room so that people can stroll from place to place and socialize.

Minimalist:
Decorations should be pleasing to the eye, but kept to a minimum. Overly large or overwhelming items or too much clutter can create an environment of anxiety. The stimulation will be too much and will make it hard to relax into the party. Flower arrangements on the table or through out the room should be conservative and moderate to short. Anything big or tall will not allow for conversion across the table. Because people will be visiting and talking, music would be very nice, but needs to be low and soft so that it doesn't compete with everyone there.

If you stick to the basics of Feng Shui, your party will be a success. So remember, clear and clean, plan in detail, go low and conservative on decorations, and allow for good social flow patterns through out the party area.

We've held a few giveaways in the last month or so and I have been so busy that I forgot to choose and announce winners - and, after all, what's a giveaway without winners - so I've got a few to announce today!







The winner of the REJUVENATION Stay Firm Lower Body Kit with Kathy Smith DVD is:

chromiumman
#8



The winner of the Your Baby Can Read set is:

favor diva
#16




The winners of the Halls Refresh T-Shirts and samples are:

Kim

Beth (BBRB)

and

Tia

(I didn't draw numbers on this one, because only three people entered - so you all won!)



And, Lastly...



We had absolutely NO ENTRIES for the tickets to the Tech Museum so we'll re-post this one soon as it would be an awesome outing during Christmas vacation for anyone that lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.


Congratulations to our winners, I will be emailing you shortly!

- Liz

Whether it’s hitting the snooze button, mindlessly surfing the Internet or even “watching and waiting” for the water to get hot enough in the shower, everyone wastes time throughout their day. Five minutes here or 10 minutes there – it all adds up. Be aware of common daily time wasters; and by eliminating some (or all), you’ll be able to get much more out of your day.

To determine where you waste the most time, first think about your habits. Keep track of how long you spend completing everyday tasks. Do you check your home e-mail multiple times each day? Or does time slip away while you’re frantically looking for household items? By realizing how you spend your time, you’ll be better equipped to determine where you can save valuable minutes, so you can spend that time wisely on life’s more important things.

Lists that work for you

Making a to-do list is supposed to help you stay on track, right? If your list is too long, however, it may actually prevent you from crossing things off. Instead of moving on to the next item, you get overwhelmed by everything that’s still left to do. Try creating a shorter list that includes only your top three priorities each day – you’ll get a major self-esteem boost when you can cross off all three tasks, day after day, motivating you to do more in the same amount of time.

Knock off routine tasks by batching them together. Don’t file each piece of paperwork as it comes; instead keep everything together so that you file at least five items at once, turning a five-minute everyday job into a five-minute weekly one. For example, make all your telephone calls at the same time so you can work through your entire call list. Stay stocked up on greeting cards for all occasions; that way you won’t have to run to the store to pick one up at the last minute. And be sure to write out, address and stamp all of your greeting cards for the month at one time, so all you need to do is drop them in the mail when it’s time for them to go out.

Do you tend to aimlessly walk around the grocery store aisles, not knowing which meals you’re going to cook that week? If so, you’re wasting time – and money – in more ways than one. Try creating a meal plan for the entire week; it not only helps to streamline your grocery shopping, but it also cuts out extra trips to the market to pick up forgotten items. You’ll save money since you’re doing all the shopping in one trip, using less gas, and you’ll cut out extra minutes and stress each night wondering what to cook since it’s already decided.

Watching, waiting and searching

Don’t waste your time babysitting household items. Instead of watching and waiting for your shower to get to the perfect temperature or for the bath to fill, let the latest technology help save time. The new ioDIGITAL digital showering and bath system from Moen is like having your own personal digital “butler,” so you can spend that time living, instead of waiting. You can program your vertical spa to deliver personalized, precise temperature and flow; turn on the shower with a remote from across the room or while still in bed; or fill your bath to the perfect level and temperature with the touch of a button – no more watching and waiting. Best of all, ioDIGITAL’s intelligent interface provides quick, visual feedback, with LED indicators that will tell you when your water is ready – no more guessing if your shower or bath is ready and no more time wasting. For more information about ioDIGITAL from Moen, visit moen.com/iodigital or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Searching for everyday items such as keys, purses, sunglasses, paper and pens because you’re disorganized is another major time waster. To help, create designated spaces to store each of your “must have” daily items: keep your keys and purse on hooks or shelves near the front door, and add a magnetic paper and pen caddy to the fridge for lists and messages. You’ll spend less time frantically searching and have an easier and more enjoyable day. Finally, assemble a non-emergency, emergency kit with just-the-basics; keep it stocked with spare batteries, a measuring tape, light bulbs, duct tape and a flash light, so when you need something, it’s all in one, convenient, easy-to-find location.

Quick tips

• Looking for more easy tips to eliminate daily time wasters? Try out some of these suggestions to add an hour or more to your day:
  


• Stock a set of cleaning supplies in a caddy on each floor of your home to prevent running up and down the stairs when you need something.
  


• Keep kitchen garbage can liners in the bottom of the garbage pail for easy refilling.
  


• Stash disinfecting wipes in every bathroom for quick clean up.
  


• Book the first appointment of the day with doctors and dentists, while they’re still on-schedule. Always book future appointments before you leave the office to avoid making an extra call.
  


• List credit card numbers on a single index card and keep it in a safe place as a quick reference when ordering online or over the phone.
  


• Speed up the mail opening process with a letter opener and don’t even bother with junk mail – toss it straight into the recycling bin or shredder.
  


• Arrange to have at least one monthly bill (your cell phone, for example) paid directly from your checking account or credit card account.

By realizing and avoiding these time-eating traps, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying at least a few extra moments each day.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

We’ve all had the frustration of walking out of our doctor’s office and realizing that we haven’t addressed all the problems that led to the doctor visit or haven’t had all our questions answered – sometimes because we weren’t organized enough, sometimes because we simply didn’t have enough time with the doctor.

Financially, we’d like to get all our healthcare ‘in-network’ – with doctors who participate with our health plan, so that we need part with only relatively small co-pay for the visit. It’s important to realize, however, that the participating doctor has discounted his fees in order to participate and has had to add staff and equipment in order to handle the paperwork and phone calls generated by the insurance companies. When you consider the increasing cycle of skyrocketing costs and decreasing reimbursements, you can see that participating doctors must see more and more patients daily – spending less and less time with each.

If you’re lucky enough to have a policy which covers out of network healthcare, and you want more time with the doctor, then choose a physician who does not accept insurance. Do check to see how long the doctor spends for a complete exam and for a short office visit, to see if that scheduling better suits your needs than an in-network doctor. You’ll probably have to pay up-front, submitting the claims to your insurance company and waiting to be reimbursed.

Whichever system you choose, make sure to maximize your time with your doctor:

• On your first visit, give the doctor a detailed medical history – preferably typed, and including your allergies, past surgeries and serious illnesses, family medical history and a list of all your medications, including dietary supplements and other over-the-counter products - even if you don’t use them regularly (in fact, you should always carry that list of medications in your wallet, along with your doctor’s business card, in case of emergency); on subsequent visits, always give the doctor an updated list of those medications.


• Take with you a careful list of all your issues, placing first the most important ones – try not to get distracted from that list. It can be helpful if you give the doctor a copy of that list at the beginning of the visit. If you need prescription refills, be sure to give the doctor a list of those needs at the beginning of the visit.


• Make sure prevention is on your list.


• Whatever the assistant says when putting you in the exam room, be sure to undress sufficiently to make it easy for the doctor to examine the area(s)of concern.


• When the doctor explains the diagnosis and recommendations, make sure you understand by repeating back in your own words.


• When given prescriptions, check that the new medications don’t interact unfavorably with your usual regimen, ask for expected side effects and what to do should they occur.

Before leaving the office, check with the staff to find out to handle problems that come up between visits:

• What to do in an emergency, including finding out which hospital emergency department to go to if necessary.


• Is the doctor available for emergencies outside of regular office hours – and if not, what arrangements have been set up?


• What to do with easier but important problems:
  · Is there a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant to call?
  · Does the doctor have regular times set aside for telephone calls?
  · Can you email in your questions - and if so, what’s the expected turn-around time?
  · What’s the procedure for getting prescription refills?
  

Being super-organized will help you get the most out of your doctor visits. If, however, you find that even this doesn’t give you the time you need to fulfill your medical needs, it’s time to consider changing doctors!

By: Dr. Margaret Lewin, Medical Director of Cinergy Health (www.cinergyhealth.com)

Acqua Pazza (crazy water soup) is the latest addition to Scoma’s (www.scomas.com) winter menu – an Italian version of a Bouillabaisse, this tangy, filling, low-cal soup is a perfect warm-up on chilly nights. And it’s easy to make at home. Don’t let the number of ingredients intimidate – they’re simply tossed in the pot.

Historians think Acqua Pazza originated centuries ago in Tuscany. Wine-making peasants had to give most of their vino to the landlord, leaving them little to drink. Ever resourceful, the peasants mixed the wine-making leftovers with lots of water, boiled it and then sealed it in terracotta vases. After fermenting for several days, this wine-colored water was eminently drinkable and dubbed ‘Acqua Pazza.’

Later, Neapolitan fisherman would remember the color of this wine when they sautéed the day’s catch with seawater, tomatoes and olive oil. Acqua Pazza – or crazy water soup – was born!

Scoma’s Acqua Pazza with Cibatta Crostini
Servings: two
Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes

Cibatta Crostini
Six ½ inch thick slices Baguette or other rustic bread
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Procedure:
Brush slices on both sides of the sliced bread with oil and grill or broil until crispy

Aioli
1 cup good quality mayonnaise
½ teaspoon Smoked Spanish paprika
½ small clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 drop Tabasco Sauce
¼ teaspoon lime juice
Pinch of Salt

Procedure:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Spread on toasted crostini. Can be made one day in advance and stored, covered, in refrigerator.

Acqua Pazza
Makes two 15 ounce entrée-sized servings

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3-4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 small yellow onion, sliced
2 each green onion, cut in 1” pieces (use green and white parts)
1 cup clam juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup Marinara Sauce (if not using a homemade sauce, a bottled sauce with a strong tomato flavor is preferred)
6 Manila clams
3 large mussels
½ lb assorted firm fish such as rock cod, swordfish or Alaskan Halibut cut into 1-2” cubes
2 lemon slices (¼” thick)
1 cup tomatoes, (Heirloom preferred) chopped into 1” chunks
12 shrimp (US wild preferred), peeled and deveined
1/2 cup calamari, cleaned with bodies cut into 1” pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh basil - chopped

Procedure:
In a large sauce pan combine olive oil with sliced garlic and yellow and green onions and cook over high heat until onions start to soften. Add clam juice and water, fish, clams, mussels, red pepper, marinara sauce, and lemon slices.

Bring to a boil and IMMEDIATELY reduce heat so it boils gently until clams and mussels have opened, about 3-4 minutes.

Gently stir in the shrimp and calamari gently trying to avoid breaking up the fish. Turn the heat back up a little and after a minute remove from heat, add the basil and ladle into warm serving bowls.

Chef Kelly Bennett
Scoma’s Restaurant
San Francisco, CA

Most of us in the US will be eating turkey for Thanksgiving. There are soooo many ways to cook your turkey and so many things that can go wrong that Butterball fields over 100,000 calls from frantic cooks each year hoping to salvage their feasts.

We go to a big family gathering and have a roast turkey, a smoked turkey and a fried turkey each year, but the only one I cook is the one that we have here for leftovers- and I bake mine in a cooking bag- they brown perfectly and minimize the mess tremendously.

You can find out the basics here including what size turkey to buy, how to thaw and cook it safely, the perfect recipe, even what to serve with it and of course the ever popular what to do with the leftovers. Looking for a new family tradition? There is even a $2 off coupon. Anything you want to know, they've got you covered. And of course if you run into problems you can always call 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372).


Sherry


Posted by Sherry of Loon-atics In The Kitchen

Featured Weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

Every year, millions kick off the holiday season with a stomach full of turkey on Thanksgiving, followed by several days of leftover pies and cakes and numerous booze-filled holiday gatherings. This can easily result in a weight gain of 5-7 pounds, enough to damper anyone’s holiday cheer.

So how do you stay fit and avoid temptation during the holidays, while also enjoying one of the most festive times of year?

Here to the rescue is fitness and nutrition guru John Rowley who is the Director of Fitness and Wellness at American Institute of Healthcare & Fitness. Rowley, who is also a best-selling author and motivational speaker, provides the below tips to keep people on track without taking the fun out of the season!

His unusual spin and unique tips are:

• You Have to EAT! – You don’t have to starve yourself, that will only damage your metabolism! Have a light protein based snack before any holiday gathering, this will keep you satisfied and help you to resist over-eating and indulging in every appetizer, main course dish, and dessert that is offered. Keep a protein bar in your pocket, chew gum, or keep yourself occupied with conversation instead of hovering near the buffet.


• The NO Exception Rule – Some people stop working out and start eating during the holidays and can’t stop until spring! Know what you can and can’t eat. Be sure not to skip your workouts because once you do skip Monday it is easy to skip Tuesday, then the rest of the week and before you know it spring is here. Even ten minutes of physical activity is infinitely better than none at all. Walk around the block a few times or do crunches before a party and this will help keep you in gear.


• Drink water and alternate alcoholic beverages with a glass of water - Water is going to naturally help you avoid eating as much if you drink a large glass 20-30 minutes prior to having a large dinner. Plus, water will keep you hydrated and help you burn fat more efficiently. Some people confuse hunger & cravings for sweets with dehydration. If you just drink a glass of water, that will often take care of the food yearning.


• Strategic Indulgence – The holidays are a time to indulge and you know you are going to anyway so the key is to decide in advance when you are going to do it so it works with your metabolism to burn fat. In other words plan your indulgence sessions and get leaner, more muscular, fit, vibrant and healthy.


• Indulge and burn fat - If you know you are going to really indulge on certain days during the holidays have it work for you. On the days leading to your planned indulgance day, Go low on your carbohydrates for 3 to 5 days prior and this will actually cause your body to burn fat on the day you are eating a lot, simply because your body was not ready for it, it will ignite up your metabolism to protect itself.


• Lean But Not Mean – Have some fun with your fitness! You don't’ have to walk around like Scrooge go get fit. Walk your dog and if you don’t have one get one for the holidays. Do a group class at your local gym with a fun group, take up an active hobby like martial arts or just find a group of friends who like to chat and get them to chat on the bike or while walking, instead of over coffee cake. Simply incorporate activities into your lifestyle to enhance your fitness.


• The 10,080 Minute Rule - You can’t manage time, so stop trying! You can organize your day the evening before, prioritizing your tasks and make sure you schedule time to work out. In fact schedule your workouts as if they are the most important meeting of the week. Don’t forget that everyone has the same 10,080 minutes in the week and some people have time to change the world and others don’t have time to change their socks. Time is seldom the issue, having the energy to use your time properly is. Get in shape... get more time!

If you do slip up--don’t worry about it we all do. Your life is a marathon not a sprint and remember it isn’t what you do once in a while that matters it is what you do most of the time. Also the holiday season is a great time for forgiveness so give yourself a break. Doing so will help you to move on quickly, avoiding any further damage to your program. Remember that perfection simply isn't a requirement for being fit and staying healthy.

The holiday EP from YouTube star Fred Figglehorn, It's Hackin' Christmas, is on shelves now. It's Hackin' Christmas features four songs and one video from everyone's favorite hyper-active six year old, including the single "Christmas Cash," "Christmas is Creepy," and Fred's own versions of the holiday classics "Jingle Bells" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The album is available online via iTunes, while limited amounts can be found in Justice stores along with exclusive Fred merchandise.

The music video for "Christmas Cash" is also premiering - visit Fred's YouTube channel or his new website, FredChristmas.com, to watch and find out exactly what he wants in his stocking this year. Keep checking the website for It's Hackin' Christmas news and updates from Fred and creator Lucas Cruikshank.

Fred has the number two most subscriptions of any YouTube channel and his videos have over 400 million views. He was voted Best Web Star at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, beating out Perez Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Andy Samberg and Will Ferrell for the honor. Watch a video of his backstage duet with Miley Cyrus, and look for a Fred movie coming soon.

U2 have just released three never before seen interview clips on MySpace Music, AOL's Spinner, and The Wall Street Journal to coincide with the 25th anniversary of their creative breakthrough release, The Unforgettable Fire.
The largest rock band in the world sat down to discuss their favorite tracks from the album, what they really thought of their biggest single at the time, "Pride (In the Name of Love)," and what it was like working with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois for the first time at Ireland's Slane Castle for the making of this landmark album.
The recently re-mastered version of The Unforgettable Fire is now available everywhere in limited edition 2CD+DVD box set, 2CD deluxe edition, single CD and LP vinyl.
Watch each video in its entirety to learn something new about the band and make sure to check out www.U2.com for the band's most recent tour dates.

HINT Creates Special Edition Bottle to Celebrate Walt Disney Animation Studios’s Newest Animated Comedy

HINT Inc., maker of all-natural, great tasting essence water, has announced its fifth major promotional tie-in with a feature film from Disney, “The Princess and the Frog.” The modern twist on the classic tale hits theaters nationwide Dec. 11, 2009, and HINT is fostering this excitement through its newly fashioned bottle, available at select retailers in key markets beginning November 11th.

HINT Essence Water, which appeals to families looking for healthy choices, has created a special version of their popular Blackberry flavor. The bottle will feature characters from the Disney film. The promotional bottle will be available at select fine grocery stores and retailers.

HINT will also be conducting an online promotion on their website (www.drinkhint.com) where consumers can enter for a chance to win free tickets to the movie from November 11th through December 28th. One winner will be announced each day and be rewarded with two tickets to see the film at their local theatre.

"The collaboration between HINT and Disney is a perfect match. HINT Water is constantly growing and appeals to parents and children. We are always looking for new opportunities and going down new and exciting paths to expand our brand to health conscience families nationwide," says founder and CEO Kara Goldin. “We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Disney again, as their positive messaging and focus on family and children are extremely important to the HINT brand.”

Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” is an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. ”The Princess and the Frog” hits theatres nationwide on December 11, 2009.

About HINT
HINT, whose mantra is Drink Water, Not Sugar® is the brainchild of Kara Goldin, a San Francisco mother of four who was seeking a refreshing, unsweetened and no calorie beverage to give her family. Her simple solution – HINT Essence Water. Launched in 2005, Kara developed HINT in response to the growing wall of sugary juices and sodas. HINT is at the heart of a healthy lifestyle™, and is available in many delicious flavors including Blackberry, Watermelon, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Mango-Grapefruit, Strawberry-Kiwi and Raspberry-Lime. HINT Essence Water can be found in fine grocery stores and retailers all over the United States or purchased online at www.drinkhint.com.

Premiering worldwide on MySpace Music, Thirty Seconds to Mars introduces "The Ride," a short film for the band's first single "Kings + Queens" off their highly-anticipated album This is War, out December 8.

This Holiday Season, busy moms have even less time to figure out what to cook for dinner or how to prevent their little ones from catching the flu. A brand new FREE service delivered over their MOBILE PHONES (no smart phones needed) lets them get anything from meal ideas and parenting advice, to financial tips and technology trends all on the go. These entertaining and informational audiocasts are called Lexycasts (www.lexy.com). They are brought to listeners by Lexycasters, recognized experts and popular up-and-comers that bring unique perspectives to share across a variety of entertainment categories. Lexycasts are short and to the point - and because they only need to be "heard and not seen" - they are a great way for moms on the go to safely stay connected to content they enjoy while driving and even help “lose the wait” while standing in shopping lines!

If you go to either the Lexy website or call 877-FYI-LEXY, without any downloading or synching needed, listeners can choose to hear anything they want at any time they want including news and weather updates to celebrity gossip or parenting tips, money advice and food & wine recommendations. All it takes is a phone call.

Here’s how Lexy works and why it’s unique:

• The unique audio clips are delivered by Lexycasters, an intriguing mix of well-known and up-and-coming figures in the entertainment categories that are important to you, when and where it’s important to you
  - For example, “Whole Hearted Parenting,” is hosted by parenting coach Maggie Macaulay who offers his helpful tips for successful child rearing. Listen to her segment at http://www.lexy.com/#/feed?id=576.


• It’s interactive so listeners can actually respond to a Lexycast they hear by recording their own audio Lexycast to question, comment, or debate the content they are receiving
  Once people figure out which Lexycasts they like, they can build personalized playlists and opt to receive text message alerts when new segments are available to hear.


• It’s agnostic to any phone—no downloads, no syncing, just plain and simple dialing from a land line, cell phone, smartphone, etc.


• The clips are brief 1-3 minute segments that are easy to digest so that the constantly connected traveler can listen anywhere they go.


• It’s FREE— you can’t argue with that!

With an estimated 2,500 children ages 12 to 17 taking a prescription painkiller recreationally for the first time each day, D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) announces a partnership with MedSafe, the developers of a state-of-the-art medication lock-box, to curb the problem where it most frequently starts – at home.

“The prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse problem is the most prevalent one we’re faced with,” said Frank Pegueros, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of D.A.R.E. “In addition to education, there are practical steps parents can take to safeguard their children from the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Since over 90% of prescription drugs abused by children are obtained in their home or the home of relatives or friends, it’s essential to keep medications secure. We’re excited about our partnership with MedSafe because we believe locking up medications in the home could essentially eradicate the problem.”

Michael Rebando, a veteran locksmith of over two decades, developed the MedSafe following a near-tragic incident in which his four-year-old niece was rushed to the hospital after unknowingly consuming over-the-counter medication accidentally left on the kitchen counter.

“Before connecting with D.A.R.E, I was unaware of how far-reaching the prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse problem extends,” said Rebando, MedSafe founder and Chairman. “I don’t want parents to have to go through what my family went through when my niece was rushed to the emergency room. I developed the MedSafe so that parents can rest assured knowing that their children and children’s friends are safe from the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs while in their home. Together with D.A.R.E, we’re working to help save our children’s lives.”

Fitting easily into most existing medicine cabinets and holding up to 15 bottles of medicine, the MedSafe features 19,500 changeable combinations. The electronic lock-box can be easily affixed to the inside of any medicine cabinet with four self-tapping screws included with each unit, and can also be stored in a dresser drawer, kitchen cabinet or closet door.

“One of the easiest ways for parents to keep their kids safe is to lock up their medications,” said Mistie Bell-Banks, Director of Marketing for D.A.R.E. “We've looked at several lock-boxes on the market and found that the MedSafe provides the simplest, most effective, user-friendly, and cost-efficient deterrent out there.”

“We’re creating a movement to protect our children,” added Rebando. “Our mission is to secure 5 million homes by 2011.”

The MedSafe is normally $59.95, but is available for a limited time at $39.95 at www.DARE.org, and a portion of all proceeds will support prescription drug abuse awareness programs and events. To learn more about the MedSafe, please visit www.helpsaveourkids.com.

About D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. Through constant re-invention over 25 years, D.A.R.E. has evolved to be more than just about resisting drug abuse. New D.A.R.E. programming on Internet safety, prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, and cyber-bullying is empowering today’s kids to handle contemporary challenges to their safety and health.

It may not snow in Veracruz, but Kahlúa is still an expert at bringing the warm, rich flavors of Mexico to this season s cocktails. Made with 100 percent Arabica beans shade-grown in Veracruz, the vanilla and caramel notes in Kahlúa are a natural addition to holiday libations. Liven up a winter party or a cozy evening at home with these recipes, and toast the season while keeping toasty:

Snowcap
1 part Kahlúa Mocha
1 part ABSOLUT Vanilia
Hot chocolate

Combine ingredients in mug and stir to combine. Top with whipped cream.

Irish Winter
1 part Kahlúa Coffee Cream
1 part Jameson Irish Whiskey
Freshly brewed coffee

Combine ingredients in mug and stir to combine. Top with whipped cream.

Snow White
1.5 parts Kahlúa Hazelnut
1 part vanilla syrup
Steamed milk

Combine ingredients in mug and stir to combine. Top with whipped cream.

Katy Perry looks confident while wearing this sheer white MARCHESA dress thanks to Nippies by Bristols 6. The white lace "Like A Virgin" nipple covers blend perfectly with her glam getup at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin on November 5th.

Skip the boring beige petals that are inevitably seen by your boyfriend (or the paparazzi!) and look terrible. Try Nippies instead. Available in over 50 styles in sparkly sequins to on-trend lace, these nipple covers are made from real lingerie fabrics, so they look like a planned piece of your outfit. Match them to your underwear or to your dress for stylish coverage that looks good and feels special.

Introducing Nikki Yanofsky, the 15-year-old singing sensation set to take the world by storm. Raised on jazz, Nikki has been singing all her life and has been compared to greats Billie Holliday, Judy Garland, and Ella Fitzgerald. Her hometown newspaper, the Montreal Gazette, says of her voice, "there is a richness and a maturity and a heart and an effortlessness that divas twice or three times her age would kill for."

Now, this energetic and gifted teenager - with a smile as big as her voice - is preparing a new album full of re-imagined jazz standards, folk classics and original material. Set for an early 2010 release, Nikki's album was produced by Phil Ramone and Jesse Harris (Norah Jones), and will showcase her songwriting collaborations with Harris and lengendary singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith. Another highlight includes a song written for her by the indie darling Feist. For a taste of what is to come, check out videos from Nikki's RawSessions, where she performs her original song "For Another Day" and covers the Beatles, Norah Jones and more.

When looking for a Thanksgiving wine, consider bringing a little Spanish flavor to the table. Garnacha, a history-rich grape indigenous to Spain, is fruit forward, easy to drink and pairs well with turkey and all of the trimmings. Often referred to as Grenache, the wine generally boasts a berry flavor and tends to be lower in acid and tannins.

“A Thanksgiving wine should have a medium body, be lower in tannins and able to handle the complexity of flavors offered in a Thanksgiving meal,” said Katrin Naelapaa, director of Wines from Spain. “Garnacha generally has a softer texture that won’t overpower the meal and is a crowd pleaser that can be carried over from course to course if desired.”

When purchasing a Garnacha for Thanksgiving this year, Wines from Spain recommends the following wines from the great value regions of Calatayud and Campo de Borja where many old vine Garnacha vineyards flourish. These wines provide great value, all under $12, and are widely available in the U.S.

Tres Ojos Garnacha 2007: This wine has a cherry color, a fragrant floral and herb nose and a fresh, fruity palate. Retail price: $7.99 and imported by Kysela Pere Fils.

Evodia Garnacha 2007: Filled with fresh aromas of raspberry and blackberry, this is a juicy, spicy and easy to drink wine. Retail price: $11.99 and imported by Eric Solomon Selections.

Borsao Tres Picos 2007: Deep and sweet, this wine is cherry red in color with a hint of purple tones. In the mouth it is rich and well structured conveying flavors of blackberries and strawberries. Retail price: $11.99 and imported by Fine Estates from Spain.

Las Rocas 2006: A medium, fruit driven wine with a deep ruby color, this wine has the aromas of raspberry, pepper and melted licorice. Retail price: $11.99 and imported by E. & J. Gallo Winery.

About Garnacha
Garnacha, known as Grenache outside of Spain, is the third-most-planted grape in Spain and ripens late, needing hot, dry conditions to display its best character. While sometimes made as a stand-alone varietal, Garnacha is also frequently used in red blends.


About Wines from Spain
Wines from Spain is a promotional division of the Trade Commission of Spain based in New York. For more than 25 years, Wines from Spain has been committed to increasing the awareness of Spanish wines throughout the United States through education, informational materials, special events and promotions. For further information on specific wine regions and producers, please visit www.WinesfromSpainUSA.com.

Target® introduces all-new price cuts on some of the hottest toys this season, from national brands to Target exclusives. Shoppers can expect hundreds of ongoing reductions throughout the holidays on top brands including Fisher Price, Ni Hao Kai Lan, Barbie, LIV, Furreal, Star Wars, Ben 10 and Air Hogs. For guests hoping to get a head start on the gifting season, November deals include over 400 price cuts, which began rolling out November 1.

"We want to help our guests get the best value within their budget this holiday season,” said Tony Fisher, Target divisional merchandising manager, toys and sporting goods. "With our spectacular savings and assortment of toys and games, gift givers will find everything they need all in one place.”

Knock Their Stockings Off
The new Target Holiday Toy Catalog is full of prices that will make moms and dads merry. The Catalog features new reductions beyond the everyday low Target prices on must-have toys from Little People, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels, Tonka, and Leapfrog that are a tree-topping 50 percent off, all through November 25. The Catalog arrives on Sunday, November 8 in newspaper inserts, and is already available online, complete with coupons, at catalog.target.com/targetholiday.

The Buck Stops Here
Shoppers have so many choices and so little time during the holidays. To help, Target continually shops the competition, so guests don’t have to. Parents can be assured they’ll find the best prices at Target on all toys this holiday season, regardless of competitor price cuts. Through Target’s Low Price Promise, Target stores nationwide will match locally advertised prices from competitors on identical single items (defined as the same brand and model number during the effective date of its ad, or within seven days of a prior purchase). For more information on Target’s Low Price Promise, visit Target.com.

Below are selections from the Sunday, November 15 Target weekly circular; below is a variety of the special deals on some of the hottest toys featured in its pages. Prices are in effect from November 15 – 21, 2009.

Stay tuned throughout the holidays for previews of the Target weekly circular. Visit Target and Target.com for the greatest selection of affordable holiday toys for kids of all ages.
(click on the image to enlarge it for easier reading)

Parenthood brings with it many changes to your life: less sleep, less time for yourself, more toys, more joy, more love….and…WORRY. From the moment I brought my sweet baby girl home I have experienced more worry in my life. Anytime she was peacefully sleeping, I would creep to the side of her bed just to make sure that she was still breathing. As she has gotten older, new worries have been added: will she make friends, will she make the right friends, is she learning enough, is she watching too much TV, does she eat too much, does she eat enough….so many things to worry about, so little time!

How can we keep this worry from becoming overwhelming? The media blasts us with so much coverage of violence that it would be easy to just lock our children away and shelter them completely. Here is what I have found to be of help to me:

• I don’t watch the news every day! That is not to say that I don’t try to keep up with what is going on in the world around me, I just don’t allow myself to be drawn in by the sensationalism.


• Be Prepared: the Boy Scouts have been telling us for years to be prepared, and being prepared for difficult times can help to counteract worry. This can be physical preparation for possible disaster (having an emergency kit, food supply, etc) or emotional preparation for the curves that life will throw at you. Don’t wait and worry about whether your child will choose to do drugs or abuse alcohol; start teaching them young about how to take care of their bodies.


• Remember to tell your family that you love them, everyday! This may not really cut back on your worry, but you will feel so much better. You also won’t live with the regret that you didn’t express your feelings when you had the chance.
  


• Do your best, and then accept you can’t control everything. Realizing that you are not in control of everything and giving up that control is probably one of the hardest parts of being a parent. But when we do, the worry seems to ease and a sense of peace can take its place.


• Sure, there will always be worry, you can’t avoid it completely. But, you can keep it from controlling your life.
  
  - Christine
  
  Posted by Christine of Random Thoughts With Chris
  
  Featured weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine