Recipe and food-related Web sites have recently exploded in popularity, in part due to consumers who have cut back on dining out. Online resources like AllRecipes.com and TasteofHome.com have experienced a 10 percent rise in traffic, with more cooks searching by ingredient rather than by recipe, according to a 2009 eMarketer study.

The Internet is full of recommendations for inspirational meals, suggestions for planning dinners in advance, or tips on everything from organizing and sharing recipes to calculating ingredient quantities. Here are some places to get started, even if it's 5 p.m. and everyone's asking, "What's for dinner?"

"The Dinner Wizard" from Rice-a-Roni: Transform the staples in your pantry into a delicious meal with the Rice-A-Roni "Dinner Wizard" at www.ricearoni.com. Mushroom Beef & Rice Skillet may sound complicated, but the ingredients required are likely sitting in most kitchens right now. Whether trying something new or making a tried-and-true recipe for your family, a value-friendly meal solution will instantly add flavor.

Mushroom Beef & Rice Skillet

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Recipe yield: four servings


Ingredients

1 package (6.8ounces) Rice A Roni Beef

1/2 pound 90 percent lean ground beef

1 cup sliced mushrooms

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

1/2 cup corn, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion (optional)



Directions

Prepare Beef Rice A Roni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, mushrooms and garlic about two minutes. Stir in red pepper. Continue cooking four to six minutes or until beef is cooked through and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Combine beef mixture with cooked rice-vermicelli mixture; stir in corn and let stand two minutes. Garnish with green onion, if desired.

Nutritional information

Calories 330, calories from Fat 100, total fat 11 grams, saturated fat 3 grams, trans fat less than 1 gram, cholesterol 35 milligrams, sodium 810 milligrams, total carbohydrate 41 grams, dietary fiber 3 grams, sugars 4 grams, protein 17 grams


Recipe organizer: Get rid of those recipe cards hidden around the kitchen and organize recipes in one place such as WeGottaEat.com. This online social network is home to thousands of members who share new recipes daily. It's a great tool to ensure you'll always have fresh ideas and a digital place to keep them handy.

Online recipe quantity calculator: Ever find yourself estimating quantities when it comes to halving or expanding a recipe? Visit HalfRecipe.com to use a convenient tool that automatically converts quantities of each ingredient.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

For new moms, each of baby's "first" experiences is a cause for celebration - first smile, first words, first steps - and baby's first holiday season is an especially joyous time. But along with baby's exciting holiday firsts, the season can also be hectic and overwhelming for moms. With the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, cooking, spending time with relatives and caring for baby, moms' needs can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

It's important for parents to remember that taking a little time for themselves is good for both them and their little ones. Here are ways to give the gift of some "me time" this season:

* Make a date with dad or a night-on-the town with the girls

* Schedule some time for yoga, a massage, or a pedicure to reconnect with yourself

* Look for ways to engage in the holidays from a community tree lighting to attending a cookie exchange

* Schedule a solo, holiday shopping trip

* Get swept away by a movie night or visit a museum

For moms who are breastfeeding their new little ones, time away from baby might seem impossible. This season, nursing moms have an unexpected, holiday helper: the Evenflo Comfort Select Performance Breast Pump. Designed to be easy to use, lightweight, comfortable and compact, the Comfort Select Performance is ideal for occasional pumping, giving moms the flexibility to enjoy much-needed "me time" while ensuring their baby is all set while mom is out.
Evenflo Comfort Select Performance is available retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart. For more product information or a complete listing of retailers, visit www.evenflo.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

When it comes to celebrating the magic and sparkle of the holidays with friends and loved ones, there’s no place like the Disneyland Resort where, now through Jan. 3, 2010, the holidays shine more brightly than ever.

This holiday season, guests will get to see and meet the newest Disney princess, Tiana, the star of a new show in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park. In addition, they will enjoy the return of special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion, along with beautiful holiday décor, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and a nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

With so much to celebrate this season, the Disneyland Resort is offering expanded park hours and special savings on vacation packages on selected days. For a preview of the holiday entertainment, along with games, video and special offers, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays.

For the first time during the holidays, guests in Disneyland Park will see “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” – inspired by the new Walt Disney Pictures animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” The rousing, colorful show has a jazz-filled holiday celebration vibe. It begins with a Mardi Gras-style cavalcade from New Orleans Square to the Mark Twain Riverboat in Frontierland. At the landing, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and other “Princess and the Frog” characters move onboard and, as the boat takes to the river, Tiana and company entertain guests on shore with a musical show that includes songs from the motion picture. The show runs through Jan. 3, 2010.

Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations and tasty treats add festive warmth to holiday fun at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure park.

At Disneyland Park, Sleeping Beauty Castle has been transformed into Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle where, after dark, a sensational holiday lighting and special-effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the Christmas tree in Town Square. The Disneyland Christmas tree is specially designed to present a nightly holiday light show like no other, with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

The finale of the Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks, which take guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.

Guests also will be able to book a guided holiday tour, “Holiday Time at Disneyland Park,” that provides entry into the “it’s a small world” holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, reserved seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a keepsake remembrance, a sweet surprise and entertaining information about the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions. For information, guests can visit Disneyland City Hall, Tour Gardens Kiosk in Disneyland Park, the Guest Relations Lobby at Disney’s California Adventure Park, or call 714/781-4400.

Other returning holiday favorites at Disneyland Park:

• "it’s a small world” holiday transforms the iconic attraction into a worldwide celebration of the season. It also boasts more than 300,000 glittering lights on the “it’s a small world” facade.


• Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the Tim Burton film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to the Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.


• A few new characters have been added to “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, presented daily through Jan. 3, on Main Street, U.S.A. This ever-popular procession depicts an enchanting collection of holiday scenes, music and a cast of Disney characters and performers in yuletide vignettes.


• Santa Claus and his reindeer return to greet Disneyland guests at “Santa’s Reindeer Round-up” in Big Thunder Ranch. Kids and their families will chat with St. Nick and see real reindeer grazing in a corral.

Disney’s California Adventure park celebrates the season with its own fanciful park-wide decorations and lively entertainment.

• Guests approaching the park immediately get in the holiday mood as they encounter the iconic “CALIFORNIA” letters transformed to appear as swirling red and white peppermint sticks.


• “a bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.


• The holiday scene along the Paradise Bay boardwalk includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Beside it stands “Santa’s Seaside Pavilion,” a quaint Victorian gazebo where, through Dec. 24, guests will find Santa Claus dressed in his most dapper Victorian holiday attire.


• The ever-popular “Disney’s Electrical Parade” will be presented nightly at the height of the holiday season, Dec. 18 through Jan. 3, 2010.


• As always, on Dec. 31, both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure park will celebrate the arrival of the New Year with special fireworks, noisemakers, music, dancing and extended park hours, all included with regular park admission.

There’s still time for value-minded vacationers to take advantage of the Disneyland Resort special travel offer: savings of $400* when you buy a 4-Day/4-Night vacation package featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations and park hopper tickets. Booking must be done by Dec. 19, and the offer is valid for arrivals through Dec. 20. Pricing starts as low as $87* per person, per day, for a family of four at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Each package includes four-day park hopper tickets and several extras, such as one Magic Morning admission per person. Magic Morning admission allows families to enjoy select Disneyland attractions before the park opens to the general public. Details on this offer and special values for early 2010 can be found at www.disneyland.com

The Downtown Disney district and the Disneyland Resort hotels will join in the merriment with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining. For more information about holidays at the Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays.

The Disneyland Resort features two theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney’s California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the luxurious, newly expanded 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 970-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on new attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

$400 savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same 4-night package, with 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets, at a Disneyland® Resort hotel for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child [age 3-9]). Per person, per day price based on such family of four in a quad occupancy, standard room in Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Not valid for previously booked rooms or for suites. Check for offers associated with different package lengths of stays. The Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 12/30/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. The number of rooms allocated for this package may be restricted and are subject to the blockout dates of 11/25/09-11/27/09; advance reservations required. Not valid with group rates or any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Total package price starting from $1382. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50. ©Disney

Is there a person on your holiday gift list who has always wanted to become a little more cultured about wine? Perhaps he or she has attended several wine tasting events to sample different styles – just to pique his or her interest even more.

A wine club membership could be the perfect gift for a budding connoisseur. Wine clubs ship different styles of wine – usually red and white varieties – to your house on a regular basis, complete with background history for the wines. A wine club membership is based on different price points – which would allow you to adjust your gift based on your friend or family member's previous wine experience.

The original Wine of the Month Club evolved more than 30 years ago in Palos Verdes, Calif. when Paul Kalemkiarian purchased a pharmacy with a liquor store next door. He turned the liquor store into a fine wine shop and renamed it Palos Verdes Wines and Spirits. Soon, he began treating customers to special red and white wines pulled from the shelves each month. These recommendations were made after many varieties of wine were tasted and compared by knowledgeable customers and friends of Kalemkiarian who became the first members of the Wine of the Month Club.

Soon customers wanted to have the special wines of the month delivered. This process first was done by hand, but then through shipping agencies. Eventually Kalemkiarian decided to retire, and sold off his pharmacies and Palos Verdes Wines and Spirits, but he kept the mail order rights and trademarked "Wine of the Month Club" name.

Now his son, Paul Jr., owns the original Wine of the Month Club, sampling hundreds of varieties of wines every week to make sure the best selections are mailed out to members.

A gift membership to the Wine of the Month Club sends the recipient two pre-screened bottles of wine each month, every other month, or once every three months for a year along with a copy of the monthly Wine Letter and newsletter. The newsletter discusses recipes to make around the wines, the wine steward's thoughts on the wines highlighted that month, characteristics of the grapes, characteristics of the region where the grapes were grown and even the mechanical part of making wine.

This allows your friend or family member to become knowledgeable about wines, their flavors and the grapes that made them. It's the perfect gift to give them to become a good wine connoisseur.

For more information, visit http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com/.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

The holidays bring a lot of happiness - and a lot of company.

With so much going on this season, the one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is your guest room. You want to feel confident that your company will have a comfortable and pleasant stay at your house.

According to a 2009 Wellness Survey by mattress maker Tempur-Pedic, 83 percent of people consider it important that their guests get a good night's sleep when visiting their home. As such, the guest room will inevitably be on the minds of many who are welcoming family and friends this holiday season.

Luckily for all of the holiday hosts and hostesses out there, a few simple touches can help transform any guest room into a peaceful retreat for visitors, according to Nancy Glass, a home decorating expert, six-time Emmy Award winning HGTV show creator and Tempur-Pedic Wellness Advisor.

To really grasp the experience, a host should spend a night in his or her guest room. Many people assume that if their extra bedrooms are clean and equipped with the basics, the room is visitor-ready. But the reality is, no one can truly know how a room sleeps until they've experienced it themselves.

"Before your next guest arrives, give the room a try yourself and see what you discover," Glass says. "Is the room a little drafty? Are the pillows comfy? Do the windows effectively block light out? These are the things that make a big difference and will ensure you are placing your attention on what the room needs most."

Next, focus on some key focal points, beginning with the general atmosphere. While many hosts feel comfortable decorating their guest rooms more lavishly than their own, they might overlook providing a relaxing ambiance. Using natural, neutral colors such as soothing celadon greens, pale blues and creams on the walls, avoiding excessive clutter and laundering bed linens with soothing lavender scents will help create an environment where visitors can unwind.

"Atmosphere is essential and can also be easily enhanced through lighting," Glass says. "Turn off your overhead lighting and rely on natural light and floor and table lamps with dimmers. For larger budgets, consider adding a small chandelier over the bed. This creates a beautiful tableau and instantly transforms a room's atmosphere."

Another key feature to consider: the bed.

Are the mattress and pillows comfortable? Do they appeal to guests of varying sleep styles and preferences? If not, consider replacing your current mattress and pillows with something more versatile, like Tempur-Pedic's mattress and pillow collections, which conform to every body's weight and shape and have been repeatedly ranked at the top of industry sleep satisfaction surveys and studies. The new TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme mattress could be a particularly good fit for a guest room, as it creates a softer sleep surface while still providing Tempur-Pedic's pressure-relieving comfort and renowned support - something that will ensure guests of every sleep preference have a more than satisfactory sleep experience during their stay.

Additionally, does the guest bedroom have the appropriate bed accessories to make it feel just like home? Guests should be provided with both heavier blanket overlays, like duvets or comforters, and lighter throws that, collectively, accommodate varying temperature preferences. Make sure both firm and soft pillow options are available to accommodate different pillow density preferences.

Finally, don't underestimate the big impression that smaller, less expensive touches can have on a guest. If the floor gets cold in the morning, consider putting bathroom rugs on each side of the bed. If the room basks in abundant natural light, consider investing in thicker curtains or shades so sleeping guests are not awoken prematurely.

"The next time you're at the drugstore, pick up sample-sized toiletries, as people feel more comfortable opening something new," Glass says. "You could also consider tucking away a mini-fridge in the nightstand - they're inexpensive, easy to install and provide guests quick access to some of the little luxuries, like bottled water, in the comfort of their own space."

A few simple touches and guests will be more comfortable in no time and appreciate the extra effort - and let's face it, a rested guest will be a welcome guest.

To learn more about the Tempur-Pedic sleep experience from satisfied owners, visit www.tempurpedic.com/AskMe.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What's not to love about Thanksgiving? It's the start of a four-day weekend. You don't have to get up too early. Sometime in the afternoon, you gather with family to share a huge, delicious meal, with guaranteed leftovers. There's football and a long nap for dad, fellowhip and fun for everyone else. Best of all, except for the food, no shopping is required to have a wonderful day. For that reason, alone, adults love Thanksgiving.

Your kids probably love it, too-a day off from school, filled with lots of treats-but they probably think of Thanksgiving like you did, when you were small; it's that holiday that falls between Halloween and Christmas. We don't wear crazy costumes for Thanksgiving, we don't receive or give gifts, as a rule. So, since kids aren't bombarded with commercials, telling them what they have to get on Thanksgiving (if they want to fit in), it can be hard for them, in our consumer-driven culture, to understand just what it's all about. After all, holidays mean presents, right?

You tell your kids about the starving Pilgrims, who were saved by the gifts of food from the local Indians, and how our country might not have developed as it did, without that act of kindness. But few of us ever mark that kindness as we down our turkey and dressing. It's odd, when you think about it. Thanksgiving is the one holiday that really is all about giving and receiving, but advertisers still haven't figured a way to stretch our credit limits to the max.

So how can you make a holiday with no presents have some real meaning for your kids? You could start with the word, itself. We often forget that Thanksgiving is a compound word-the day is meant for giving thanks. If your kids are old enough to enjoy receiving gifts and blessings, they're old enough to begin learning the concept of thanks.

Before the holiday, sit down with your children and ask them what they have in their lives that makes them happy. They may name a specific toy, or a bicycle, or a game, but chances are, when they really think about it, they'll be happy for the same things you are-family and friends, love and health and a roof over their heads. Make a list of these things with your kids-tape them on the refrigerator, or someplace where your children can be reminded of all that they have to be grateful for.

Talk to your kids about ways they can give at Thanksgiving. It's a great opportunity to teach them that giving comes in many forms. With Christmas approaching, maybe they can think about donating some of the toys they've grown tired of to charity, so that children less fortunate can have a brighter holiday. Or, if your children receive an allowance, they might want to donate a portion of it, between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There are even volunteer activities appropriate for young children. Something as simple as a neighborhood clean-up can involve many children, with supervision. Local residents and businesses can be approached about donating toward the effort, the proceeds of which can then be sent to a charity of the childrens' choice.

Thanksgiving need not be just the holiday between Halloween and Christmas. Even to your children, it's a day that can have real meaning, and live up to its name.

By: J Gardener

Author Bio
J Gardener, a writer for Imaginary Greetings, Inc. (www.imaginarygreetings.com), is an award winning screenplay copywriter and a regular contributing author on many family oriented issues. Imaginary Greetings offers highly imaginative personalized family oriented products and services. To learn more about how to make your holiday tree magical vist www.santasornamentshop.com.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

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.