Parenting

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR MOMS AND DADS!!!

Here are some New Year's Resolutions that are recommended for Moms and Dads.
Are any of these on your list? 

Spend more time with your children.  Research shows that children who feel connected to their parents develop better self-esteem and experience less emotional distress.

Show affection. By showing your children they are loved, you are telling them they are an important part of your life.

Keep your promises. Promise only what you know you can deliver. Let it be something meaningful to your child, like spending time together. Follow through on your promises.

Be in touch with your emotions. You teach your child through your actions. Gather your emotions and show your children it is always important to act in a respectful manner when interacting with others, no matter how difficult the situation.

Become a better listener. Take time to listen to your children’s ideas and problems. Often, parents can do too much talking and not enough listening, particularly when children have done something wrong. Allow your children the chance to explain their understanding of a situation. And then listen.

Discipline with love. Children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for good behavior.

Be a good role model. By teaching your children right and wrong and encouraging them to do their best, you help them make good choices.

Get involved in your child's school life. Attend parent/teacher meetings. Help with homework. Check for school notices and information. Ask your children how school is going. Know the names and personalities of your children’s teachers and friends.

Connect with other parents. Create a network of parents who you can talk to and share the trials and tribulations of parenthood. Parents naturally have a common bond from shared experiences. Keep your sense of humor and be open to new ideas.

Take the best possible care of your children.  Watch what your children eat, keep them active, and make sure they get enough sleep. The same goes for parents! It is easier to tackle the stresses of being a parent when you feel healthy.

At Home

Fun Ideas to ring in the New Year!!!!!


New Year’s Resolutions

A new year is a fresh start. As crazy as the past year may have been, there’s a way to learn from your experiences and look ahead to new challenges and opportunities. Why not take some time to reflect on what has passed and make plans for the year to come? Your guests will also likely delight in looking to the future. Giving them an opportunity to create and share New Year’s resolutions is a great way to start. One idea is to offer guests strips of paper for writing resolutions. A stylish container is the perfect place to deposit them, and they can be read as a group before the party ends!

Candy Poppers

Already spending a fortune on your extravagant New Year’s Eve party but forgot about the party favors? No worries, throw some Candy Poppers together … they are easy to make, sustainable, and you can fill them with whatever your little pink :) heart desires, we recommend candy of all sorts!

Tools

• Scissors

• Tape

Materials

• Used wrapping paper or tissue paper (don’t worry if it’s wrinkled)

• Used cardboard wrapping paper tubes

• Used ribbon

• Organic Candy

1. Cut the tubes
Cut the cardboard tube into 4-inch tubes. (Alternatively you can use spent paper towel or toilet paper tubes.)

2. Fill (with goodies!) and wrap
Fill the tube with small candies and wrap with a piece of used gift paper that extends three inches beyond each end of the tube.

3. Tie off the ends
Gather and seal shut the ends of the paper and tie with ribbon and voila!

DISCO VASE

Here is a quick and simple idea to glamourise an ordinary clear glass vase.

My daughter and I had picked some flowers from the garden and I was looking for a vase to display them in. I had this old circular glass vase in the cupboard and thought it would be perfect for this idea I had.

I simply tipped a bag of silver plastic sequins into the empty vase using a funnel and then topped the vase up with water. Some sequins floated and some sank and then I just popped in a bright red rose and voila, instant glam! If you want a more delicate look simply choose an appropriate bloom.

Beauty/Fashion

Holiday GLAM Makeup!!!!

Food/Cooking

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcake Cones!!!

ingredients:

for the chocolate cupcakes:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup buttermilk (instead of water indicated on box)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
Package of mini ice cream cones (with flat bottoms, like these)

for the mint chocolate chip buttercream:
1 cup butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/3 cup whipping cream (or Cool Whip)
1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips

for the toppings:
4-1/2 ounces chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Cherry candies or marashino cherries

directions:

for the chocolate cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set one mini cone in each muffin well to fill 24.
- Beat together all of the ingredients for the cupcakes with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes
- Divide batter evenly among the cones, filling each almost to the top. You may have some excess batter which you can just bake up as regular cupcakes or make more cupcake cones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for at least 5 minutes after they are done, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

for the mint chocolate chip buttercream:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add the powdered sugar and then increase the speed to medium until the buttercream is smooth. Add the peppermint extract and beat well.
- Add the whipping cream and mini chocolate chips and use a rubber spatula to evenly incorporate.
- Use a small ice cream scoop to top each cupcake cone with a dollop of frosting.

for the toppings:
- For the ganache, put the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to boil. Pour cream over the chocolate chips and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature before pouring over the frosting.
- Once ganache is set, use a spoon to pour ganache over each cupcake. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a cherry candy. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Inspiration 

Entertainment

ICE STATION VALENCIA'S FAMILY SNOW DAYS  Date: 12/23/2012 Day: Sunday Time: 1:30-4:30pm Address: (Ice Station Valencia) 27745 Smyth Drive, Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: 661-775-8686 Cost: Child: $12 - Adult: Free to Play or $5 for skate rentals If you haven't had the chance to visit the Ice Station in Valencia, you are missing out. This is a must for the entire family. I can't express how much fun it is to play in real snow then walk right into the Ice Station Rink and skate. They offer the best of the holidays. Featuring Ice Skating, Snow Play, Skating Performances, Hot Cocoa, FREE Skating Lessons, and More! Child Admission includes: Snow Play Area on our POND rink from 2-4pm (Play in Snow with Shoes, No Skates), Ice Skating and Skate Rentals on our Olympic rink, Hot Cocoa, the opportunity to meet Santa, and More! Special Figure Skating Performances will be from 3:15-3:25 with Free Beginning Skating Lessons at 2:00pm and 3:30pm. WELCOMING WINTER - FREE BUS TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS
Date: 12/22/2012 Day: Saturday Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm Address: (Vista Hermosa Natural Park) 100 N. Toluca Street, Los Angeles 90026 Phone: 213-250-1100
Malibu Creek State Park: Malibu Creek has water year round and is a perfect place to see wildlife and enjoy Oak Woodlands while hiking. It’s no wonder this park has been the setting for many popular movies and TV shows. Take a free day trip to the mountains, including free bus transportation. Meet at park office. Sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and presented by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority CHILL AT THE QUEEN MARY Date: 11/17/2012 to 01/06/2013 Day: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Time: 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Address: (The Queen Mary) 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (877) 342-0738 Cost: $12.95-$24.95 The iconic Queen Mary presents CHILL, an experience that will bring cheer, enchantment and cold temperatures to Southern California just in time for the holiday season. The only event of its kind on the West Coast, CHILL is a not-to-miss holiday event. CHILL will offer a completely unique holiday experience featuring: • The Ice Kingdom: Holiday-inspired scenes, made from more than two million pounds of sparkling ice, fill a 13,000 square-foot Igloo. Each exhibit is handmade and meticulously created by an international team of expert ice sculptors and enhanced with stunning lights and colors to create a visually enticing experience unlike any other. • Ice Tubing: Standing two stories tall and 100-feet long, guests can grab an oversized tube and race down a slide made completely of ice. • Ice Skating: Enjoy a perfect Southern California day and feel the crisp Pacific Ocean air on your face while going on a yuletide glide at the Queen Mary’s 6,500 square-foot ice rink. • Holiday Village: From decorating gingerbread houses and visiting Santa, to listening to holiday carolers and enjoying the dazzling decorations along Candy Lane, the Holiday Zone is sure to captivate young and old alike.

At Home

Christmas is coming, and if you're hosting we bring you some of the most UNIUQE Holiday Decor. They're all so chic and beautiful, can you choose one?

Purple Wonderland!!!

GLAM IT UP GOLD!!!!

                                               
                                            White Winter Wonderland!!!!

Food/Cooking

Unique Ideas for a Christmas Party!!!!!

Creamy Herb Dip

         1/2 cup sour cream 

1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

    3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4teaspoon salt

1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 small clove garlic, finely chopped

Vegetable Platter

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

14 grape tomatoes

1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips

1 1/2 cups fresh cauliflower florets

3/4 oz (about 40) pretzel sticks (from 15-oz bag)

• In small bowl, stir together dip ingredients. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors2
• Rinse and thoroughly dry vegetables. Trim broccoli and cauliflower floret stems.3
• Arrange broccoli on serving platter to form tree shape and tomatoes to form garland. Arrange bell pepper to form star and cauliflower to form snow (see photo). If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.4
• Just before serving, arrange pretzels at bottom of tree to form trunk. Serve with dip.
• 
  

Why not bring a watermelon snowman? We brought this to a family party and it was such a hit!

Your little angels can help to find the sticks that were used to make the snowman’s arms and to put it all together. 

You can’t go wrong with watermelon - it's packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B 6 to keep eyes healthy and boost immunity.

AVOCADO APPETIZER HOLIDAY WREATH

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups coarsely mashed ripe avocado (about 3 avocados)
• 2/3 cup seeded, chopped plum tomatoes, divided (reserve 2 Tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice
• 1 Tablespoons grated or finely minced onion
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients:

1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened 

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped 
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Preparation:

1. 1. In a small bowl, stir together ice cream and extract until blended. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and freeze alongside.
2. 2. Using a large melon baller, quickly scoop all the ice cream into balls and place them on one side of the cold baking sheet. Freeze until firm, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
3. 3. Insert a decorative skewer or pick into the center of each ice cream ball and return to freezer to set, about 30 minutes.
4. 4. Meanwhile, put chopped chocolate and shortening into a small metal bowl. Set bowl in a slightly larger bowl of hot water and let sit until melted, stirring occasionally. Transfer chocolate mixture to a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Put crushed candies on a small plate.
5. 5. Working with 1 ice cream ball at a time, dip into melted chocolate to coat, making sure chocolate reaches above ice cream onto the skewer and letting excess chocolate drip off bottom. Roll ball in candy and set on the clean side of the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls, returning them to the freezer if they start to soften. Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Bonbon Variations: Experiment with other flavors of ice cream, such as coconut or chocolate, and coatings, such as flaked coconut or dark chocolate.

Inspiration

Inspiration

This is great advice that we wanted to share with you all!!!

Inspiration

Food/Cooking

                      UNIQUE Jello Cupcakes!!!

What you will need

• * 1 Jello cupcake (see directions below)
• * Whipped cream
• * Candies or Sprinkles

How to make it

       * To make a dozen Jello cupcakes , add four 3 ounce packages to 

          to 2 2/3 cups of boiling water. Stir until dissolved.

       *  Pour into foil liners in a cupcake pan.

       * Refrigerate 4 hours or more until firm. 

     

       * Frost the cupcake with the whipped cream and add the candles or 

         sprinkles for a unique look.

Entertainment

Valencia's Ice Station and LA Kings!!!

The LA Kings and Ice Station Valencia are teaming up this Sunday, December 16^th to present LA Kings Ice Station Valencia Fan Fest.  This will be the final Fan Fest of 2012 and it will take place in the Ice Station Valencia parking lot in from noon – 3pm.  Scheduled to appear are the LA Kings Ice Crew, Mascot Bailey, and members of the LA Kings Alumni Association presented by Toyota including Bob Miller, Jim Fox, Daryl Evans, Nick Nickson, and Steve Heinze.  The Kings will bring your favorite STAPLES Center pre-game activities like the Inflatable Puck Shoot and Portable Street Hockey Rink.  The LA Kings Ice Crew and Kings Alumni will be signing autographs from Noon – 1pm.  This event will be held weather permitting.

Parenting

Talking to Your Children About School Shootings

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Connecticut, parents all over the country may be wondering how to talk to their children about the news.

Kids are like little sponges, they take in much more than we realize and it's important to address any fears and concerns they may have. "Am I safe? Who would do such a thing? Why? Will it happen at my school? "

There are no easy answers. It's hard to explain how something so terrible could happen - especially when we're still trying to make sense of it ourselves.

So for parents who need some guidance, here are some basic tips from the National Mental Health Association:

1. Encourage children to express their concerns and talk about their feelings. Some may be hesitant to bring it up, so start the conversation by letting them know you are interested in how they are coping with the information they are getting.

2. Validate their feelings. Listen to what they are saying and don't interrupt. Don't minimize or dismiss their concerns.

3. Reassure children that they are safe. Stress that schools are not dangerous places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are more secure now than ever before.

4. Review safety procedures. Explain why visitors sign in at the school office or certain doors stay locked during the school day.

5. Create a safety plan. Help children develop their own action plan and identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you in case of an emergency during the school day.

 6. Watch your child for signs of distress. Parents should be alert to any signs of anxiety that might suggest that a child or teenager might need more assistance. Such indicators could be "a change in the child's school performance, changes in relationships with peers and teachers, excessive worry, school refusal, sleeplessness, nightmares, headaches or stomachaches, or loss of interest in activities that the child used to enjoy."

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are worried about your child’s reaction to the news or have concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, contact a mental health professional.

And last but not least...

Give your little one a hug. Tell your children how much you love them. And say a little prayer for the parents in Connecticut who won't be able to hug their children tonight. We are deeply saddened by their loss.

Inspiration

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY

Health/Wellness

The Yoga Cure for Busy Moms

Having the toughest job in the world sure can't be easy. Being a busy mom and wearing multiple hats is very hard, tiring and stressful. At the end of the day, I think that mothers are truly the hardest working individuals in this world. 

 I know how  hectic your schedules are and how much all that lifting of kiddies and running around  creates tension in your body and mind. Thankfully yoga can help!

Here is a multi-tasking routine that will create space in the spine, release tension in the shoulders and hips and bring your mind back to open, calm and centered, so you can have some space for yourself in there too!

Thanks for all you do! Without wonderful, caring and nurturing moms, none of us would be here! This routine takes about 5 minutes and will leave you feeling refreshed and energized for the rest of your day:

Standing side opener

Stand with your feet parallel to each other. Take a big, deep, inhale and lift your arms out and up overhead. Grab a hold of your left wrist with your right hand and gently lift up and over to get a nice release in your side. Stay here for 3 long, deep breaths and do the other side.

Standing forward bend shoulder opener

Start standing. Interlace your hands behind your back. Take a big inhale and lift your chest up. Exhale and gently fold forward over your legs letting your shoulders release. Bend your knees slightly to take the pressure off of your hamstrings. Stay here for 5 long, deep breaths and gently release and roll up to stand.

Pigeon

 

Come into a low lunge. Scoot your front foot over so your can lie your shin on the ground. Relax your hips on the ground. If you feel any pain in the knee, scoot your front foot closer toward you or sit up on a pillow to take the pressure off. Stay here for 10 long, deep breaths. Relax your torso forward and hang there for 20 long, deep breaths. Try the other side too!

Deep breaths and enjoy!

Entertainment

DISNEY ON ICE DARE TO DREAM!!!!!!!!!

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream takes adventure to new lengths with magical moments from Disney’s newest fairytales, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog, plus the timeless Cinderella.

If you have a little Prince or Princess you've probably read all the Disney stories over 10 times just like I have. Children experience magic every time they read and watch the Disney movies. The characters become they're heros and when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up 9 times out of 10  they want to be a Disney Prince or a Princess. 

Get ready for the entire family to let the good times roll when Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy follow three of Disney’s most inspirational princesses on their adventures to fulfill their dreams in   Feld Entertainment’s newest ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Combining the contemporary stories of two modern-day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella, Dare to Dream whisks audiences away on exciting journeys where dreams really do come true. 

Audiences begin their journey in New Orleans with Tiana as she strives to open a restaurant, and then travel with her to the bayou as she and Prince Naveen try to break their frog spell in order to turn back into humans. The trip continues to Cinderella’s kingdom for her search for true love, and joins Rapunzel as she discovers the world beyond her tower on her quest to see the floating lanterns. All of the Disney Princesses then come together for the first time on ice during the finale to welcome Rapunzel into their royal court in the ultimate princess experience.

Below is a direct link to Disney on ice website, where you will find all the different dates, times and schedules. This is a great gift for children for the holidays as well. 

http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/