I was so excited to take my kids to the Melting Pot resturant. I have been there before and it was so much fun! They serve fondue and I thought it would be a great hit with my kids. It is impossible to get a table on the weekends, they are usually booked and you need a reservation. The earliest we could be seated was 8:30pm. It was to late for my kids so they were tired and I think they would of enjoyed it more if it were earlier.
We started out with a cheese fondue, which we all shared. They serve it with cut up apples, broccoli, carrots and small pieces of bread. It made eating veggies fun, dipping them into the warm cheese. For the second course, we ordered Coq au Vin Fondue with all veggies (broccoli, mushrooms, tofu, carrots, asparagus and edamame). We all ate lots of veggies and ended the meal with a chocolate fondue which included little cubes of rice crispie treats, bananas, strawberries, bite size pieces of chocolate brownies and cheesecake. We had a great time and also managed to eat all our fruits and veggies that night!
The Melting Pot Resturant has more than 145 locations in 37 states and in Canada. It is a great family restaurant. One entree can be shared and it is great to stop in just for dessert! Check out their 'fondue raiser' to fight cancer, join team Livestrong. Benefit is taking place in Darien, Ct. on March 10th and in White Plains, NY on March 31st. Learn more by visiting http://www.fairfieldwestchesterlivestrong.weebly.com/. or just go and have dinner with or without the kids!
Steph
Moms. Friends. Girl Power All the Way!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
TV Free weekend
I've just set a new house rule. TV Free Weekends. At least during the day while it's light out.
While the kids were in daycare full time I did not feel as bad about TV watching because I knew that they were stimulated and active all day at school. But now that the kids are home during the day with my aunt who watches them while I'm at work, I know that they are watching more TV then I'd like. So continuing the TV at night and weekends is too much. So I've initiated TV Free nights and weekends.
As I speak my youngest is in a laundry basket being pushed across the floor by the older one. They are interacting with each other, being active and using their imagination. Now that they are both old enough to play with each other, 5 and 2, I feel like I can sit here on the computer or make dinner and let them play without having to be on top of them. Now I realize they can entertain each other so making this new rule work is easier than I expected to be and I'm very happy about that.
Jan
While the kids were in daycare full time I did not feel as bad about TV watching because I knew that they were stimulated and active all day at school. But now that the kids are home during the day with my aunt who watches them while I'm at work, I know that they are watching more TV then I'd like. So continuing the TV at night and weekends is too much. So I've initiated TV Free nights and weekends.
As I speak my youngest is in a laundry basket being pushed across the floor by the older one. They are interacting with each other, being active and using their imagination. Now that they are both old enough to play with each other, 5 and 2, I feel like I can sit here on the computer or make dinner and let them play without having to be on top of them. Now I realize they can entertain each other so making this new rule work is easier than I expected to be and I'm very happy about that.
Jan
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Pain In The Neck No More
I've been suffering from neck and shoulder pain for years. It's right at the base of my right neck and shoulder. I was happy to receive an email from Whole Living with neck pain relief tips, Tension Tamers. I've tried the tips but the one I seem to like most is the Lift and Lengthen technique. I have found it to be easy to do and it feels great.
Jan
I have had a noticable difference in the level of pain or lack thereof. I've still had some pain but it has not been as intense. Where I've had constant pain before, I now have hours of pain-free neck and shoulder. I've been doing this exercise several times throughout the day just for a minute at a time. It's made a huge difference and highly recommend it if you also suffer from neck and shoulder pain."Rotate your shoulders in a circle: Roll shoulders forward (above image), then up and back (below image), and finally bring them back to a relaxed position. Coordinate with your breath, inhaling as you pull forward and exhaling with a sigh as you rotate them around, letting go of all physical and mental tension. Repeat 3 times."
Jan
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pasta Made Healthy
The other night I whipped together a great dinner that was easy to prepare and healthy. It won over my family maybe it will win over yours. I bought whole wheat pasta from the local pasta shop. It is handmade and used with the finest ingredients. In our household we only eat wheat products and stay away from white pasta, rice, and bread. After that, I steamed the whole wheat pasta, broccoli, carrots and peas. Then I bought some shrimp and garlic cloves and mixed it with olive oil and sauteed it in a pan. I poured it over the cooked whole wheat pasta and then added the cooked veggies and throughlly mixed it all together. What a hit! Protein, fiber, omega-3, and a low fat meal on the fly.
If you have young children in the house you know that it is not always easy to get them to eat all their veggies and that their favorite dish is mac and cheese! A great way to sneak some veggies in is to add tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and peas, or substitute any veggies you would like into some mac and cheese and then stir them together.
Another easy and low fat pasta dish is to take whole wheat pasta, which is higher in fiber, and your body doesn't break it down into sugar like white pasta. Is mixing it with low-fat or fat-free ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. It is very high in protein and those of us who are athletic and walking isn't enough need higher protein dishes.
If you have young children in the house you know that it is not always easy to get them to eat all their veggies and that their favorite dish is mac and cheese! A great way to sneak some veggies in is to add tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and peas, or substitute any veggies you would like into some mac and cheese and then stir them together.
Another easy and low fat pasta dish is to take whole wheat pasta, which is higher in fiber, and your body doesn't break it down into sugar like white pasta. Is mixing it with low-fat or fat-free ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. It is very high in protein and those of us who are athletic and walking isn't enough need higher protein dishes.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Ready to Toss the Salad Aside? Healthy Lunch Alternative from O Magazine
Trying to improve your diet and get in your daily dose of veggies but tired of the same old salad? Frozen dinners not satisfying? Let's face it, when you tear off the plastic film, the food NEVER looks like the picture on the box. Here's a super great and easy idea to get your fill of veggies that looks good and tastes good, and it's easy!
In an O Magazine article, Do You Need a Health Coach? Pointers from the Pros, "The Remedy for Salad Fatigue" offers a simple way to make a yummy well balanced fast and easy lunch. Throw some frozen vegetables into a Tupperware container, add some protein and sauce. By lunchtime the vegetables will thaw and it will be ready to eat or throw it in the microwave to enjoy a nice hot meal that is nutritous, looks good and tastes good.
Ideas from O Magazine, Remedy for Salad Fatigue:
- Southwest vegetables with black beans and salsa
- Asian vegetables with canned salmon and sesame ginger vinaigrette
My ideas include
- Broccoli and carrots, left over chicken - diced, soy sauce, heat in the microwave
- Asparagus tips, left over pork -shredded in the food processor or diced, beans, BBQ sauce, heat in the microwave
This is easy and way more satisfying then salads or frozen dinners. Mix it up with this low cost and low prep lunch option.
Enjoy.
Jan
In an O Magazine article, Do You Need a Health Coach? Pointers from the Pros, "The Remedy for Salad Fatigue" offers a simple way to make a yummy well balanced fast and easy lunch. Throw some frozen vegetables into a Tupperware container, add some protein and sauce. By lunchtime the vegetables will thaw and it will be ready to eat or throw it in the microwave to enjoy a nice hot meal that is nutritous, looks good and tastes good.
Ideas from O Magazine, Remedy for Salad Fatigue:
- Southwest vegetables with black beans and salsa
- Asian vegetables with canned salmon and sesame ginger vinaigrette
My ideas include
- Broccoli and carrots, left over chicken - diced, soy sauce, heat in the microwave
- Asparagus tips, left over pork -shredded in the food processor or diced, beans, BBQ sauce, heat in the microwave
This is easy and way more satisfying then salads or frozen dinners. Mix it up with this low cost and low prep lunch option.
Enjoy.
Jan
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Kicking off book club with Little Bee
A friend asked if I'd like to join her newly created book club. I hesitated because my first thought is I don't possibly have the time to read a book. The last book I read was several years ago and it took 6 months to finish. I went home and thought about it and thought about the benefits reading, possibly the most important is set a good example for my dauther. Showing my daughter that reading is not just educational but fun, entertaining and inspiring. Additionally, the social outlet for me is probably a huge bonus as I don't have any girlfriend time, quite honestly I don't really any social outlet outside work. My children, the cleaning, shopping and cooking seem to consume all my time. Then there's the added element of starting this blog. Seriously, do I have time???
Having a reason to read will inspire me to do it and being well read is something certainly worth striving for. This opportunity must have presented itself to me for a reason and I'd be foolish to not take it when there is no down side except finding the time to do it. Am I biting off more than I can chew? Maybe in the end, reading as a way to wind down is what I actually need in my struggle to reduce stress and and the stress related pain.
Perhaps being thrown into something is the kick I needed to start reading again. The selection for our first book, Little Bee by Chris Cleave, is a book that I would have never selected myself. Because I'm on a limited budget, I took my daughter to the library and checked it out. While she spent time on the computer I managed to read the first two chapters and it was very pleasurable to have a half hour of quiet time reading. I am now excited to read more and I'm very happy for this new enrichment in my life. I also have to say hearing someone else's struggles reminds me that I have had a blessed life and even though times can be difficult I appreciate what I do have and the appreciate the capability I have to make myself better every day.
As I've stated it is my quest to live a better and more fulfilling life and I am taking this year to make baby steps toward achieving a happier me. Having a situation that presented itself to me will provide a social outlet I've been looking for plus enrich my life on many levels. So how could I turn down this opportunity. I'll provide my book club updates.
Jan
Having a reason to read will inspire me to do it and being well read is something certainly worth striving for. This opportunity must have presented itself to me for a reason and I'd be foolish to not take it when there is no down side except finding the time to do it. Am I biting off more than I can chew? Maybe in the end, reading as a way to wind down is what I actually need in my struggle to reduce stress and and the stress related pain.
Perhaps being thrown into something is the kick I needed to start reading again. The selection for our first book, Little Bee by Chris Cleave, is a book that I would have never selected myself. Because I'm on a limited budget, I took my daughter to the library and checked it out. While she spent time on the computer I managed to read the first two chapters and it was very pleasurable to have a half hour of quiet time reading. I am now excited to read more and I'm very happy for this new enrichment in my life. I also have to say hearing someone else's struggles reminds me that I have had a blessed life and even though times can be difficult I appreciate what I do have and the appreciate the capability I have to make myself better every day.
As I've stated it is my quest to live a better and more fulfilling life and I am taking this year to make baby steps toward achieving a happier me. Having a situation that presented itself to me will provide a social outlet I've been looking for plus enrich my life on many levels. So how could I turn down this opportunity. I'll provide my book club updates.
Jan
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Move and Be Spontaneous! Tips from Terri Trespecio at the Martha Stewart Book Signing
After the Martha Stewart book signing of "Power Foods 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients" on Saturday at the Fairway Market in Stamford, CT, Whole Living senior editor, Terri Trespicio took the stage for a fantastic presentation on how to get energized. This is the kind of stuff I'm looking for because my energy level is low and I'm so easily exhausted. I'll share a couple great tips that she shared.
(Pictures: left Martha Stewart and me, right Terri Trespicio, Whole Living senior editor)
Stand Up! It can be as easy as that. Sitting for eight hours at the computer leads can cause havoc on the body. Simply standing up can be enough exercise to start with to get you moving. I always say baby steps and standing up I can handle. I have been standing up try to stand up at work every hour. It should be more like 2 or 3 times an hour just so I move and stretch. I get terrible neck and shoulder pain and simple "exercise" aka standing is a small comittment I can make at my desk and help to alleviate the pain and keep me moving. If you spend hours a day sitting, STAND UP!
Be Spontaneous in the Produce Section! I never thought of this. I always buy the same produce and prepare the same meals. I've never ventured out because I don't know what to do with strange fruit and vegetables. I don't know how to prepare it or what to serve it with. I hope the Power Foods recipes will help with that but just buying it and trying it, what can it hurt?
Just Breath! Finally the last great tidbit is a form of baby steps to meditation. Terri estimated that you take about 20 breaths in a minute. Her suggestion is to count 20 breaths when you're feeling stressed. It gives you a no stress minute. I've tried to do this several times and I generally start getting random thoughts shooting in at 6. I have work to do. But it's a great way to start "meditating" and destressing without a big commitment.
So my mission for this week is to Move more simply by standing, to get crazy with produce and to count to 20!
Jan
(Pictures: left Martha Stewart and me, right Terri Trespicio, Whole Living senior editor)
Stand Up! It can be as easy as that. Sitting for eight hours at the computer leads can cause havoc on the body. Simply standing up can be enough exercise to start with to get you moving. I always say baby steps and standing up I can handle. I have been standing up try to stand up at work every hour. It should be more like 2 or 3 times an hour just so I move and stretch. I get terrible neck and shoulder pain and simple "exercise" aka standing is a small comittment I can make at my desk and help to alleviate the pain and keep me moving. If you spend hours a day sitting, STAND UP!
Be Spontaneous in the Produce Section! I never thought of this. I always buy the same produce and prepare the same meals. I've never ventured out because I don't know what to do with strange fruit and vegetables. I don't know how to prepare it or what to serve it with. I hope the Power Foods recipes will help with that but just buying it and trying it, what can it hurt?
Just Breath! Finally the last great tidbit is a form of baby steps to meditation. Terri estimated that you take about 20 breaths in a minute. Her suggestion is to count 20 breaths when you're feeling stressed. It gives you a no stress minute. I've tried to do this several times and I generally start getting random thoughts shooting in at 6. I have work to do. But it's a great way to start "meditating" and destressing without a big commitment.
So my mission for this week is to Move more simply by standing, to get crazy with produce and to count to 20!
Jan
Friday, February 18, 2011
"Waiting for Superman"
If you care about your children's education, which every parent should and you care about the future of this country you need to watch this movie, "Waiting for Superman". It makes you realize that there is an extreme need for educational reform in this country! One interview which was disturbing to me was the one with Bill Gates! He pointed out that our kids are not getting the great education that other countries are! The United States rates not number 1 or 2 or 3 or even 4......we rate number 25 compared to other countries in math and science. He pointed out that the United States technology companies have to hire engineers from other countries to do the jobs because the United States doesn't have the know how to do some of these jobs! Our kids aren't getting smarter they are staying stagnant in a world that keeps growing and changing! This country is going to be left behind! Our economy won't be able to improve or even grow if we are not producing well educated children that can compete with other countries! In the movie Geoffrey Canada points out that "at one time we thought that in China if we could sell each one of them a toothbrush we could make a billion, but now they sell the toothbrushes to us!"
It also amazed me that some teachers do not even spend their time teaching the curriculum. They video taped some teachers reading newspapers rather than teaching their class! "Our system is broken and feels impossible to fix but we can't wait! Great schools come from great people. In every city, in every town people are doing it. There are steps you can take to create great schools, any school, your school, every school. We know what works: quality teachers, more classroom time, world class standards, high expectations, real accountability. The problem is complex but the steps are simple. It starts with teachers becoming their very best, leaders removing barriers to change. Neighbors commited to their school, you willing to act!"
You can get more involved in the PTA, make sure you make those teacher parent conferences and even volunteer your time to help out at your local school. Let's take good care of our children. Go to waitingforsuperman.com for more information.
"Join the movement and text "possible" to 77177"
I love our children and our country and I want to see us all succeed. Don't you?
Steph
It also amazed me that some teachers do not even spend their time teaching the curriculum. They video taped some teachers reading newspapers rather than teaching their class! "Our system is broken and feels impossible to fix but we can't wait! Great schools come from great people. In every city, in every town people are doing it. There are steps you can take to create great schools, any school, your school, every school. We know what works: quality teachers, more classroom time, world class standards, high expectations, real accountability. The problem is complex but the steps are simple. It starts with teachers becoming their very best, leaders removing barriers to change. Neighbors commited to their school, you willing to act!"
You can get more involved in the PTA, make sure you make those teacher parent conferences and even volunteer your time to help out at your local school. Let's take good care of our children. Go to waitingforsuperman.com for more information.
"Join the movement and text "possible" to 77177"
I love our children and our country and I want to see us all succeed. Don't you?
Steph
Energy, motivation and a positive attitude
Today was a beautiful day with the sun shining bright and a warm 57 degrees! A day that brings on positive attitudes and hopes for a brighter future. It is always great to start your day off with a quick walk, run or a few stretches. It stimulates your serotonin naturally! Which helps you to have a more productive day. I taught a spin class to a very energetic group of 40 something moms, it helps motivate us to endure what's ahead, our energetic children, husbands, housework, careers, finances, appointments, grocery shopping, homework, cooking dinner, giving baths, buying clothes and necessary items for the family, disciplining, motivating and driving children to their friends, sports activities, music lessons, dance lessons, or whatever else! There is not enough time or energy to do half the things on our list! But with a positive attitude and alot of energy we can survive.
Two women that I admire and that help motivate me are Jillian Micheals, who was over weight at one time and through fitness was able to lose weight and now motivates others to do the same. She is a phenonminal fitness trainer. The other one is Denise Austin, who is a health and fitness advocate. She is 53 years old and looks 30, she is married with 2 daughters. She has created over 80 workout videos and DVD's and wrote several books. One of her books that can help motivate you is "Get Energy! Empower your body, love your life" It gives you a simple guide to mini workouts, stretching routines, and gives ideas on making simple changes in the foods you consume. Empower your day by doing a simple stretch in the morning. One straight from Denise Austin's book:
Bend your right leg behind you, placing the top of your foot on the bed. Lower yourself by bending your left knee. Feel the stretch in the front of your thigh and hip flexors. Hold for 15 seconds, return to center, and repeat. Remember to switch legs!
If you are ever interested in a real motivational, energetic spin class or body sculpting class with awesome music of today and yesterday e-mail me for days, times, and locations in Ct.(the fairfield county area). Ask me about how to get involved in the 3 hour spin-a-thon to help raise money for Strong Kids! Get motivated and have a great day!
Steph
Two women that I admire and that help motivate me are Jillian Micheals, who was over weight at one time and through fitness was able to lose weight and now motivates others to do the same. She is a phenonminal fitness trainer. The other one is Denise Austin, who is a health and fitness advocate. She is 53 years old and looks 30, she is married with 2 daughters. She has created over 80 workout videos and DVD's and wrote several books. One of her books that can help motivate you is "Get Energy! Empower your body, love your life" It gives you a simple guide to mini workouts, stretching routines, and gives ideas on making simple changes in the foods you consume. Empower your day by doing a simple stretch in the morning. One straight from Denise Austin's book:
Bend your right leg behind you, placing the top of your foot on the bed. Lower yourself by bending your left knee. Feel the stretch in the front of your thigh and hip flexors. Hold for 15 seconds, return to center, and repeat. Remember to switch legs!
If you are ever interested in a real motivational, energetic spin class or body sculpting class with awesome music of today and yesterday e-mail me for days, times, and locations in Ct.(the fairfield county area). Ask me about how to get involved in the 3 hour spin-a-thon to help raise money for Strong Kids! Get motivated and have a great day!
Steph
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Martha Stewart - "Power Foods" Book Signing
I heard Martha Stewart was going to be at the Fairway Market in Stamford, CT signing her new book, "Power Foods, 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients". I've never been to a book signing and in all honesty I've never bought a cook book before. But it sounded appealing and the opportunity to meet Martha Stewart was exciting, and since it's only a 10 minute drive, I thought why not? And I'm glad I did.
Martha Stewart looked great and was very pleasant. It took about an hour before I got to have a minute of one of one time but she was radiant. She signed three books for me. One for me, one for my future sister-in-law and one for YOU. Our blog fans. Join our community, e-newsletter, ask a question or send a blog idea and you'll have a chance to win this autographed copy of "Power Foods". Send us an email at stephandjanblog@gmail.com.
"Power Foods" is really just what I've been waiting for. I want to create better meals for me and my family incorporating natural foods with the most benefits nutitionally to boost my energy, give proper nutrition to the kids and provide my husband with diabetic-friendly and filling meals. The cover alone is appetizing and the pictures of the dishes inside are a work of art.
I have to say I started this blog on Superbowl Sunday and planned on making guacamole and nachos. I bought the avocados but then I didn't know how to prepare the guacomole so we had nachos with sour cream, which still was tasty but guacamole would have Yummy! So I am super psyched to see a gaucamole recipe in the book.
I flipped through "Power Foods" and I'm excited to try these recipes. From what I can tell they look pretty easy. But that's the big test. For me, quick and easy preparation is KING! So ease of preparation and the ultimate test, will my family eat it, is the deciding factor on whether these meals are a hit. I'll be trying my hand at these recipes and I will definately report back on ease to prepare and the family thumbs up or thumbs down.
Thanks to Martha Stewart the the editorial team at Whole Living Magazine for giving me a tool that I can use to help in one of my big initiatives of the year, eating new and healthier dinners. And if it wasn't for Fairway Market providing Martha Stewart's book signing, I am sure I would not have bought this book.
Don't forget to sign up for our enews, ask a question or give us an idea to blog about and you'll have a chance to win an autographed copy of "Power Foods, 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients". Send us an email at stephandjanblog@gmail.com.
Jan
"Power Foods" is really just what I've been waiting for. I want to create better meals for me and my family incorporating natural foods with the most benefits nutitionally to boost my energy, give proper nutrition to the kids and provide my husband with diabetic-friendly and filling meals. The cover alone is appetizing and the pictures of the dishes inside are a work of art.
I have to say I started this blog on Superbowl Sunday and planned on making guacamole and nachos. I bought the avocados but then I didn't know how to prepare the guacomole so we had nachos with sour cream, which still was tasty but guacamole would have Yummy! So I am super psyched to see a gaucamole recipe in the book.
I flipped through "Power Foods" and I'm excited to try these recipes. From what I can tell they look pretty easy. But that's the big test. For me, quick and easy preparation is KING! So ease of preparation and the ultimate test, will my family eat it, is the deciding factor on whether these meals are a hit. I'll be trying my hand at these recipes and I will definately report back on ease to prepare and the family thumbs up or thumbs down.
Thanks to Martha Stewart the the editorial team at Whole Living Magazine for giving me a tool that I can use to help in one of my big initiatives of the year, eating new and healthier dinners. And if it wasn't for Fairway Market providing Martha Stewart's book signing, I am sure I would not have bought this book.
Don't forget to sign up for our enews, ask a question or give us an idea to blog about and you'll have a chance to win an autographed copy of "Power Foods, 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients". Send us an email at stephandjanblog@gmail.com.
Jan
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Valentine's expensive vs. inexpensive
Sorry Jan I beg to differ! Let your man shower you with expensive gifts! It is his time to show you how much he loves and appreciates you! If you are just dating, the more he spends on you the more serious he is about having a longer commited relationship. If he cheaps out he isn't that commited to you!
If you are married and it is understandable you want to save the money for other things but unfortunately in this day and age the average marriage last about 5 years and then he takes half of that money! If you have jewelry he bought you and you split up you get to keep it!! If you have that in cash you have to split it with him 50/50! So girls let him spend his money on you either way you'll be better off and jewelry especially diamonds go up in value and are a great long term investment! Let your man treat you like the diva you are!
If you are married and it is understandable you want to save the money for other things but unfortunately in this day and age the average marriage last about 5 years and then he takes half of that money! If you have jewelry he bought you and you split up you get to keep it!! If you have that in cash you have to split it with him 50/50! So girls let him spend his money on you either way you'll be better off and jewelry especially diamonds go up in value and are a great long term investment! Let your man treat you like the diva you are!
Valentines Gifts Don't Have to be Expensive to be Good
I was reading an article on Yahoo today "Real-life tales of the worst Valentine's Day gifts". Even worse than the grocery store half wilted flowers mentioned in this article, I received gas station fully wilted flowers one year. But gifts don't have to be expensive to be good.
This year spending has dried up and the budget is lean. We, like many, have no budget. While a diamond and ruby bracelet would be an awesome surprise, I would actually be upset about wasting all that money. In the article, it mentions the not-so-observant guy who bought his girl a gold necklace but she was allergic to gold. The best gift that does not have to be expensive to be good, noticing what your partner likes or needs and putting some thought into it is the best gift of all.
I think really great Valentines gifts under a $20 is totally doable and acceptable if thought is put into it like the gift basket filled with his or her favorite things. Here's some cute ideas:
Movie Night Gift Basket
An all time favorite classic movie, for me Dirty Dancing, with popcorn and a selection of candy.
A Bucket of Cozy
A really nice mug, some fancy hot chocolate mix or a special tea collection and a fleece throw blanket.
2010 Memory Box
Decorate a shoe box. Put together a small scrapbook, or even get a bound book made, with the Year in pictures and ticket stubs from things you did over the year. Enlarge your favorite picture of the year and put it in a frame. Include some of your kids artwork.
Baby It's Cold Outside
It's been a bittter cold winter and a nice gift bag or basket with a matching hat, scarf and glove set and a pair of winter sunglasses would be smashing.
BTW, every gift should come with chocolate. That's the Valentine standard.
I for one have been complaining about my fingers turning white from the cold steering wheel. I have also been complaining about the battery in my remote starter for my car which I have to hit ten times before it starts. If I received a cute box or basket filled with a pair of gloves, my remote starter with a brand spankin new battery I would be thrilled. Throw in some Ghiradelli choclate and my Valentines is complete and my perfect gift. All this could be purchased for under $20 and I'd be really happy. Throw in a bottle of pinot grigio and I'm a really happy camper. Now time to start dropping hints.
Get creative and plan for a happy Valentines Day.
Jan
This year spending has dried up and the budget is lean. We, like many, have no budget. While a diamond and ruby bracelet would be an awesome surprise, I would actually be upset about wasting all that money. In the article, it mentions the not-so-observant guy who bought his girl a gold necklace but she was allergic to gold. The best gift that does not have to be expensive to be good, noticing what your partner likes or needs and putting some thought into it is the best gift of all.
I think really great Valentines gifts under a $20 is totally doable and acceptable if thought is put into it like the gift basket filled with his or her favorite things. Here's some cute ideas:
Movie Night Gift Basket
An all time favorite classic movie, for me Dirty Dancing, with popcorn and a selection of candy.
A Bucket of Cozy
A really nice mug, some fancy hot chocolate mix or a special tea collection and a fleece throw blanket.
2010 Memory Box
Decorate a shoe box. Put together a small scrapbook, or even get a bound book made, with the Year in pictures and ticket stubs from things you did over the year. Enlarge your favorite picture of the year and put it in a frame. Include some of your kids artwork.
Baby It's Cold Outside
It's been a bittter cold winter and a nice gift bag or basket with a matching hat, scarf and glove set and a pair of winter sunglasses would be smashing.
BTW, every gift should come with chocolate. That's the Valentine standard.
I for one have been complaining about my fingers turning white from the cold steering wheel. I have also been complaining about the battery in my remote starter for my car which I have to hit ten times before it starts. If I received a cute box or basket filled with a pair of gloves, my remote starter with a brand spankin new battery I would be thrilled. Throw in some Ghiradelli choclate and my Valentines is complete and my perfect gift. All this could be purchased for under $20 and I'd be really happy. Throw in a bottle of pinot grigio and I'm a really happy camper. Now time to start dropping hints.
Get creative and plan for a happy Valentines Day.
Jan
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Bethenny Frankel's coming to town!
I am super excited to hear Bethenny Frankel is stopping off in Stamford, CT on her bus tour for her new book, "A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life". I love her show and can't wait for the premier of Ever After on Bravo. I am a big fan. I actually aspire to be her. :) She's got her own TV show, she's a NY Times Best Seller author and entreprenuer. She's funny and witty and she's an inspiration. Yes!
Jan
Jan
superbowl sunday
Finally, I was able to post my comments about the superbowl!!! I watched the superbowl this past Sunday which I do every year! I try to have some kind of little party but didn't this year, unfortunately! The half-time show is usually my favorite part. I also love to watch the guys play in their football uniforms, they look so tough and scary! I wonder how tough and scary they would look if they played the game in pink tutu's!! I think that would be so funny! Remember a few years back when Janet Jackson had the costume malfunction, why can't they have one of those big manly hunks have a uniform malfunction! Women could use a cheap thrill too!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Goals 2011 - Break It Down with New Moon Intentions
I'm not a believer of New Year's Resolutions because I think most of the time they are made on a whim without much thought in how to achieve the resolution. Most resolutions are more of a wish or a hopeful dream but not taken seriously. There's not much thought in how to achieve the resolution.
Instead I create goals for the year. I write down a list of goals I want to achieve in the year. Then I break it down into monthly goals and what I need to accomplish that month.
The new moon is your key to success in achiveing your big goals.
Every new moon I review my goals and write a new list to accomplish. Some are little goals, some are those baby steps toward achieving my annual goals. I find choosing the new moon to reflect and set new goals works well. It's a good way to remember to do it and a new moon brings a new cycle and good luck to new endeavors. Writing it down and reviewing the goals every month is key to keeping yourself in check.
I never bothered with this kind of commitment to goals when I was younger. I always felt like I had lots of time to do the things I wanted to do. But as I get older and time seems to fly by so quickly, I think it's important to really think about what you want to accomplish and really take steps to do it or before you know it, time has flown by and you're still in the same place.
So three of my big goals that I'll share with you now are producing and hosting a show with Steph, getting my finances under control and getting fit. I have made steps in achieving all three and have a game plan in tact to be successful. I will keep you posted and share my progress along the way.
Write down three goals and break it down with monthly new moon intentions and have a great 2011!
Jan
Instead I create goals for the year. I write down a list of goals I want to achieve in the year. Then I break it down into monthly goals and what I need to accomplish that month.
The new moon is your key to success in achiveing your big goals.
Every new moon I review my goals and write a new list to accomplish. Some are little goals, some are those baby steps toward achieving my annual goals. I find choosing the new moon to reflect and set new goals works well. It's a good way to remember to do it and a new moon brings a new cycle and good luck to new endeavors. Writing it down and reviewing the goals every month is key to keeping yourself in check.
I never bothered with this kind of commitment to goals when I was younger. I always felt like I had lots of time to do the things I wanted to do. But as I get older and time seems to fly by so quickly, I think it's important to really think about what you want to accomplish and really take steps to do it or before you know it, time has flown by and you're still in the same place.
So three of my big goals that I'll share with you now are producing and hosting a show with Steph, getting my finances under control and getting fit. I have made steps in achieving all three and have a game plan in tact to be successful. I will keep you posted and share my progress along the way.
Write down three goals and break it down with monthly new moon intentions and have a great 2011!
Jan
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Kickoff
Steph and Jan's Kickoff!
We've decided that today would be a good, good day to officially kick off our blog. It's game day and game's on. Literally. Green Bay is leading and just finished dancing to the Black Eyed Peas during half time. I half to say the Slash appearance was a big surprise for me. A very pleasant surprise. Slash, best guitar solo ever, and I miss the original GNR.
Anyhow, we've been talking about launching our blog since New Year's Day and thought this would make for a memorable first blog entry. We are very excited to share everything we talk to each other about. Our kids, our husbands, our jobs, stretching a dollar, our dreams and of course our favorite TV, celebrities and what's in the headlines. We've got a lot in store for the year ahead and a radio show is in development that we hope to bring here before the end of the month. We'll keep you posted.
We hope you'll find this blog helpful, entertaining, inspirational and hope you'll visit often.
Thanks.
Steph and Jan
We've decided that today would be a good, good day to officially kick off our blog. It's game day and game's on. Literally. Green Bay is leading and just finished dancing to the Black Eyed Peas during half time. I half to say the Slash appearance was a big surprise for me. A very pleasant surprise. Slash, best guitar solo ever, and I miss the original GNR.
Anyhow, we've been talking about launching our blog since New Year's Day and thought this would make for a memorable first blog entry. We are very excited to share everything we talk to each other about. Our kids, our husbands, our jobs, stretching a dollar, our dreams and of course our favorite TV, celebrities and what's in the headlines. We've got a lot in store for the year ahead and a radio show is in development that we hope to bring here before the end of the month. We'll keep you posted.
We hope you'll find this blog helpful, entertaining, inspirational and hope you'll visit often.
Thanks.
Steph and Jan
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