Big Belly Banks - A great gift for kids

Traditionally when a niece or nephew turns 1 or 2 in my life, they get one of these adorable BIG BELLY BANKS.

It makes saving money fun. And, instead of putting coins in their mouth, they put the coin in the bank and watch it travel down to its belly. When it's full, simply unscrew it and count the savings.

My daughter's bank gets emptied every birthday. It has been a great tool in teaching her how to count money.

Big belly banks have over 20 designs and sizes to choose from to match the decor.

Flowers, race cars, dogs, dinosaurs, football stand, baseball bat, cat, and more.

Visit their website for more details.

http://www.bigbellybanks.com/home.php?cat=1

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Give a Heart Attack to someone you Love

Just because Valentine's has passed, doesn't mean you can't share the love with those who deserve it. In fact, why not make a tradition of it?  This is a great way for teams to show their appreciation for a coach's effort and replaces the old tradition of toilet paper and raw eggs.  Decorate the lawn with homemade hearts or get this adorable flock of flamingos to garnish their lawn with.

Either way, the coach will appreciate the effort.  

Have fun and go give a heart attack to someone you think is doing a great job!

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The 3 things in every relationship

This is a picture of my husband and I. It's the typical engagement picture on the beach at sunset looking into each others eyes and holding a toaster. Yes everyone - that is a toaster.

But this toaster is not just any toaster. It is a symbol of an expression my stepdad says about choosing your partner which is,

"Take the three things you hate most about the person you are dating. Multiply that by 10 and if you can live with it, then you should get married."

Well our first "fight" was about this toaster. I liked it put away and he liked it on the countertop. So every morning he went to make toast he would have to pull it out of the cupboard, plug it in, toast the bread, eat, then go to work. Then I would wipe away the crumbs and put the toaster back in the cupboard. It lasted about three weeks before he finally snapped.

When sharing the story with our parents, they laughed because they knew our "rose-colored glasses" of new love were clearing up. They shared with us it's the little things in marriages that build up. The shoes he leaves laying in the hallway, the dishes she leaves in the sink for days, the light bulb no one wants to change, and the toaster's permanent spot in the kitchen.

I knew they were right but quickly dismissed it thinking, "I will never let those petty things bother me. Especially not with this wonderful man who is choosing to spend the rest of his life with me." Taven on the other hand, had the foresight to trust "experience and knowledge" when he carried the toaster out to the shore at sunset. (Well, I can call it foresight now 13 years later. Truth is, at the time, he was trying to make my parents laugh.)

This picture sits on the shelves at the offices of W.F. Underwood Financial and Insurance Services (my parents). When their clients come in, many will look at the picture, and do a double-take asking, "is that a toaster?" To which he will share his life lesson "the 3 things."

As with most couples, Taven and I have fought over many "toaster" issues throughout our marriage and never were they about a toaster - until two weeks ago when the one we've used broke. He went and bought a new one at Costco but I didn't like it (the slots weren't deep enough for his sourdough bread) So I told him I would exchange it. I went to three stores testing various types. Unsatisfied with them all, I decided the one he chose was perfect. I brought it home and meant to put it back where it belonged but instead left it in its box on the dryer. When he woke up and went to make toast he yelled, "Where's the damn Toaster!!!!!!!"

I laughed.

Then he did too.

So what are your three things? And/or what marriage advice can you share?

If you reply with some good advice before March 1st, you will be entered to win - you guessed it, a free toaster!!!!! Comment on the Facebook fanpage or below.

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30daysof...Romancing your Man

As February 14th approaches, it is common for women to play sweet in hopes their Valentine will present her with flowers, candy and an intimate table at a fancy restaurant. However the flowers die, the candy makes us fat, and the restaurants pack in so many extra tables, you might wonder whose knee he is really rubbing. This type of evening is not romantic at all, least especially for the man. And this year, I am all about romancing my man. So using social networks, i asked men, how do you like to feel special? What is your ideal date? What can a woman do to make you feel loved? Their responses are listed below and are numbered from the least desired to the most effective. In fact, if you ever want to make your man truly feel loved, skip all the way to number 1.

30. Nightcap - Pull down his sheets for him before bed.

29. Put tooth paste on his toothbrush for him in the morning

28. Bring him coffee in bed

27. Stay off your handheld devices when talking with him.

26. When not with him, send seductive or thoughtful texts to him.

25. Send a sexy picture of yourself to him on his phone before he gets home.

24. Write a poem or a love letter for him and put it in a homemade lunch.

23. Bake him his favorite cookies, cake or pie.

22. Wear a whip cream bikini

21. Go shopping for lingerie. You stay in the dressing room and let him bring you what he likes. You put it on and love it (even if you don't).

20. If he is nice enough to watch a chick flick with you, then don't wear your panties for him.

19. Tell him thank you for choosing you.

18. Plan a sports party for him and his friends - make a great dip (Chili-Cheese Dip) , drinks, and let them get as loud as they want. Don't tell him to turn anything down. Smile and be happy for him.

17. Say I love you. Now you can say it in a 100 different languages.

16. Sushi Bar on your Body - If you don't know, think Samantha from the movie, SEX AND THE CITY. If you haven't seen it, refer to number 20.

15. Draw naked pictures of each other. (Remember Titanic?) Let him go first even if he can't draw.

14. Make a music cd of your favorite love songs.

13. Dress up. FOR HIM, just becuase. Pick up a Victoria Secret Catalog.

12. Wink at him. Flirt. Touch him as you walk by. Or spank him and then hide.

11. On his birthday, wrap yourself up like a present and let him unwrap you after he blows out the candles to the cake you made him.

10. Park. On a cliff, At a drive-in, or in a remote place. Bring #14.

9. Leave articles of clothing throughout the house, leading to yourself in a bathtub.

7. Hire a masseur for his/her massages. You supply the happy ending.

6. Make a video of yourselves together...or watch a video and roleplay.

5. Play a Game - Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, Strip Poker.

4. Serve him a home cooked meal 4 times a week.

3. Wear only an apron when serving him dinner.

2. Smile. When he leaves for work AND especially when he gets home from work.

1. Simply touch it. Done. Romanced.

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Green Sauce Enchiladas - Lasagna Style

At a holiday party I hosted, these Green Sauce Enchiladas I created were the first to be completely devoured.  Make them for yourself and I guarantee, you will receive rave reviews from all the guests.

INGREDIENTS

8 boneless skinless chicken breast

1 container of sour cream

2 cups of jack cheese

1 bunch of cilantro

Remaining ingredients are from the

El Tapatio Markets

1 pack of freshly made flour tortillas 

2 containers of green chili sauce 

1 container of salsa fresca  (or make your own with diced tomatoes, cilantro and onion) and let sit overnight.

TO PREPARE

Boil chicken breast.  When cool, Shred the chicken and add the sour cream, Salsa Fresca, and 1 cup of Jack cheese and 1/2 container of the green chili sauce. Mix well.

Get a 9x12 baking pan and pour a thin layer of the green chili sauce to coat.  Cover the bottom of the pan with the flour toritillas as you would layer a lasagna.  Spread the chicken mixture over the layer, then cover with tortillas.  Cover with remaining chicken and layer again with tortillas (top)  Pour the remaining green chili sauce over entire dish. Cover with the remaining jack cheese.  Back at 400˚ for 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.  Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.  

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Holiday Treats Platter

These cookie recipes are great to share and take only minutes to prepare!

Package them up in a holiday tin from Aaron Brothers or on a festive plate covered in cellaphane. Attach your favorite cookie cutter (cookie cutters from Sur La Table) and handwritten recipe card to personalize it even more.

Giant Snowflake Sugar Cookie

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I USE Pure Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste from SurLaTable)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

For the Icing. 1 cup of powdered sugar, two tsp. corn syrup, 2 T. Milk. I have a still paint brush and I paint them on from the middle out.

Mexican Wedding Cookie (from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I USE Pure Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste from SurLaTable)
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in vanilla and water. Add the flour and almonds, mix until blended. Cover and chill for 3 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
3. Shape dough into balls or crescents. Place on an unprepared cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks. When cookies are cool, roll in confectioners' sugar. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Haystacks with Cashews

What you will need:

3 cups Chinese noodles (chow mein)

1 cup Cashews halves

1 bag dark Chocolate chips

1/2 bag Butterscotch chips

To Prepare:

Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch chips in Microwave at medium or low 3 to 4 minutes until melted. Stir chocolate smooth; add noodles and cashews. Toss to coat well. On strips of foil or wax paper, form into 1 1/2 inch clusters. Cool to set. Makes about 24 (1 1/2 inch) "haystacks."

To Serve: Serve on a chilled plate at dessert time.

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Asian Appetizers

At our last ladies poker night, the only thing I left with was a few extra calories from these fabulous vegetable wontons. Here's how they were made. (For best results - prepare the filling and sauce and chill overnight.)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 green cabbage finely shredded

1/3 cup carrots, finely shredded

3 minced green onions

1 bunch of cilantro chopped

3 minced garlic cloves

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

1 TBS soy sauce

1 TBS sesame oil

25 Wonton Wrappers (once filled with a tsp. of filling, wet the edges of the wontons 4 sides, fold into a triangle, then pinch the corners together) Fry in vegetable oil until golden brown.

SAUCE INGREDIENTS (whisk all ingredients together and chill overnight)

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1/3 cup Soy Sauce

1/3 cup water

2 TBS sesame oil

1 tsp red pepper (or chili oil)

This is a perfect appetizer to make with the CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD we served at the spa party since many of the ingredients are the same. For dessert, we made our own fortune cookies with poker predictions, such as YOU WILL NOT BE SO LUCKY TONIGHT.

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Orange Chicken Dinner and Gratitude Fortune Cookies

Looking for an orange chicken dish that you can make yourself, without all the MSG? Your search ends in the freezer section at Trader Joe's. The Mandarin Orange Chicken is a family favorite of ours. I garnish it with green onions before serving and accompany it with fried rice, a recipe made with brown rice (also from Trader Joe's) mixed with mushrooms, onions, and egg.

For dessert, fortune cookies go perfect with this meal. Try this classic recipe but insert messages of gratitude inside as part of the gratitude challenge. Take the pledge and download the 21-day calendar.

Gratitude fortune cookies would make a great girl scout or brownie project.

Fortune Cookie Ingredients (via FoodNetwork.com)

• Nonstick spray
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons water
• Pinch salt
• Fortunes written on strips of colored paper
• Special equipment: silpat

Directions

Cook's Note: using a silpat makes it easier to remove the cookies from the sheet tray.

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

On a half sheet tray, spray a silpat with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl whisk egg whites until foamy. Add the flour, sugar, almond extract, water, and salt to the egg whites and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour or spoon 1 tablespoon of batter onto prepared silpat and spread with the back of a spoon into a very thin 4-inch circle. Repeat on the other half of the sheet, making only 2 cookies per sheet tray. Bake the cookies on middle rack of oven until golden brown around edges, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and working very quickly, with an offset spatula, remove cookie from baking sheet and place a fortune in the center of the round. Fold to create a half circle. Bend pointed edges of cookie toward each. This should be done quickly since the cookie will become hard and brittle within 10 seconds. Let cool.

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Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili

2 can of Chili Beans

1 large can of Kidney Beans

1 large can of diced tomatoes

2 packets of Lawry's CHILI seasoning (follow directions on packet)

2 pounds of cooked ground beef

1 onion cooked with ground beef (optional)

Add 1 cup of water if needed.

Cook meat with 1 seasoning packet

(and onions if desired.)

Mix all the cooked and canned ingredients together in a crockpot. Add the 2nd seasoning packet.

Cook on high for 1 hour.

SET UP THE GARNISH BAR w/

Cheese Its
Grated cheddar cheese

Green onions, fried onions or diced onions

Jalapeños 

Sour cream

Baked Potatoes or Hot Dogs

Great Charity idea: Every school or church has a can food drive:  Buy an extra can of each and donate with a copy of this recipe.  

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A Champion's Breakfast-Oatmeal Egg Pancakes

As a soccer mom, I want the most nutrition for my player before the game. Unfortunately the early games prevent this from happening - until I found out about Oatmeal Egg Pancakes.

Beat 2 eggs, mix with one pouch of oatmeal (I use Trader Joe's Organic Oats and Flax Instant Oatmeal)

Add a splash of nonfat milk (or water) and stir. Spray your skillet with a light cooking spray then pour mixture into pan just as you would a pancake.

Serve with fruit of choice.

Note: these are great to-go just in case you are running late. Like me =)

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