Top 5 holiday hosting don'ts

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

A lot goes into hosting a great party. Since the holiday season is here, we know you'll be doing more than your share of party planning, so we thought we'd share some of the biggest hosting don'ts we could think of. Make sure your seasonal soirees are a success by avoiding these five festivity no-nos.

Don’t apologize for the food

The worst thing you can do before serving meal is to apologize for it. Guests don’t need to know you had to substitute a certain ingredient or you made some tweaks to the recipe. Don’t tell them they’re not going to like it before they even get a chance to taste it. We understand that cooking for a large group can be tricky, but apologizing for what you’re about to serve makes guests feel awkward. If you don’t think your dish is up to a certain standard, that’s your opinion, and something that should be kept to yourself. Let guests enjoy their meal without someone telling them that what they’re eating could be better.

Don’t stay behind the scenes

As tempting as it may be to man the stove and stay close to the kitchen to tidy as you go or prep anything that hasn’t been done in advance, it’s your party, so you should be with your guests. If you don’t mix and mingle, you have two problems:

1. You won’t have any fun. Hanging out in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying themselves doesn’t sound very festive to us.
2. You won’t know if people are having a good time. The only way to make sure guests are comfortable, happy and have everything they need is to be part of the proceedings.

Don’t fight with your spouse

Hosting can be stressful, and we all have disagreements with loved ones, but avoid bringing your disagreements to the dinner table. Your guests don’t need to see you and your spouse arguing about who burnt the roast vegetables or why the upstairs bathroom didn’t get cleaned. Keep your arguments to yourself while you have a houseful of guests. You’ll just make them uncomfortable and likely dampen the mood of the party.

Don’t be a show-off

The wine you’re serving might have cost more than your entire outfit but there’s no need to brag about it. Treating guests to something special, be it a liquor, cut of meat, decadent dessert or the aforementioned bottle of wine should be just that – a treat, and not an excuse to show off and wave around a price tag. It’s tacky and makes you seem like you’re trying to create a competition out of who can spend the most on their dinner party. Just let your guests enjoy themselves – without telling them how much their last mouthful cost.

Don’t pressure anyone

If someone doesn’t want dessert or a second helping or another cocktail, that’s OK. If might be acceptable for your grandmother to push food and drinks on people even when they’ve declined 13 times, but she’s from a different era and won’t take no for an answer anyway. As a good hostess you need to respect people’s wishes and avoid putting them on the spot if they turn something down.

More holiday tips & trends

Money- and time-saving holiday shopping tips
Top tips for having a greener Christmas this year
Teaching compassion through the holidays

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/849973/top-5-holiday-hosting-donts
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Top 5 holiday hosting don'ts

How to create a designer look on a budget

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Although you might have big decorating ideas and plans for your home, you might not have an equally big decorating budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of great looks you can create without spending a lot of money. If you want to create a designer look but don't want to break your budget in the process, here are some decorating tips to try.

Get a designer look for less

Although you might have big decorating ideas and plans for your home, you might not have an equally big decorating budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of great looks you can create without spending a lot of money. If you want to create a designer look but don't want to break your budget in the process, here are some decorating tips to try.

 

Follow the lead of professional designers

If you find it difficult to think up unique decorating ideas for your home, don't hire a professional decorator. Although professional decorators can provide a lot of value when decorating your home, they can often be a bit pricey. Instead, look through books, magazines and websites for inspiration. You'll find plenty of articles that feature the work of professional designers to use as a starting point. Although you might not be able to use all the name brands that the professional designers use, you can find economically priced pieces that re-create the overall look. By doing so, you'll create a beautiful designer look for a lot less money. For example, although a professional designer may use high-priced art pieces as part of their overall room design, you'll be able to find plenty of eye-catching wall sculptures , paintings and prints for much more affordable prices from online retailers or stores in your community.

Use art to spice up simple room designs

If you don't have the budget to replace furniture, flooring or other expensive room features, don't despair. You can use art pieces to add a designer look to even the most simply furnished room. The trick is to look for visually striking pieces that can be used to create strong focal points. If you immediately draw people's eyes to the artwork within a room, there will naturally be less focus on your slightly worn carpeting. For example, a striking piece of wooden wall artwork hung on a prominent wall could be used to create the central visual feature of a room.

Spruce up your existing furniture

Although you might not be able to afford new furniture, you can do a lot to visually improve the look of the pieces you already own. If your wood furniture are a little scratched, dingy or outdated, add a fresh coat of paint to spice them up and give them a whole new life. By choosing a trendy new color, you can transform an old or even ugly table or stand into an eye-catching, modern-looking piece.

If your upholstered furniture looks worn or dated, look for affordable slipcovers to spruce them up. Today's slipcovers are a vast improvement over the old-fashioned ones that your mother might have used. You'll find a wide variety of colors and patterns featuring modern fabrics that wear well and look great. Even one of the more expensive slipcovers costs a lot less than buying a new sofa or chair, so they're a good option when you're aiming for an attractive designer look on a tight budget.

You can also give your furniture a fresh look with new throw pillows, new cushions, or even by artistically draping a fabric throw across the back. These small designer touches aren't very expensive, but they can really add a lot to the overall look of a room.

Watch: How to paint furniture

Handpainted furniture can add personality and style to any room in your home. Whether you want to buy painted furniture or learn how to paint furniture, these tips will help.

 

More home decor tips

Formal dining room decor ideas
4 Tips for mixing traditional and modern decor
3 Neutral color palettes to complement any decor

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/848911/how-to-create-a-designer-look-on-a-budget
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → How to create a designer look on a budget

Top 5 volunteer trip destinations

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Studies show that volunteering can increase an individual's sense of well-being, alleviate chronic pain and reduce depression.

"I felt connected and understood what I was doing," says Lori Harasem, a native of Canada who volunteered with Rebuild New Orleans Together to rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"I really liked that we got to know about the person whose home we were rebuilding. To think of this senior, single woman living in a trailer made me aware that the need [for housing] was, and sadly still is, so great."

So what are we waiting for? Whether you're keen on carpentry, nature preservation or teaching abroad, there's a volunteer vacation out there to suit your interests. Here are SheKnows.com's five volunteer travel picks.

Each One, Teach One in Africa

Work with African Impact on the Cape Town Pre-School Teaching and Education Project in township schools with poorly equipped classrooms and facilities. Tasks include helping disadvantaged children with crafts, painting, reading and games; organizing classes for children with special needs; serving meals; and cleaning and refurbishing classrooms. Volunteers stay in a fully furnished house staffed with a cook and housekeeper, and three meals per day are provided.  The house also has satellite television and a safe to store valuables, and is in within walking distance to a shopping mall. For two weeks, the program is $1,295 per person .

Speak Inglés in Spain

When Americans travel abroad, we usually try to pick up enough of the country’s language to at least navigate from our hotel to nearby attractions. That’s not the case during a volunteer vacation with Pueblo Ingles in Madrid, where volunteers must commit to never uttering a word of Spanish during their seven-day stay. In return for patiently helping Spanish businesspeople practice their conversational English, volunteers are housed in standard accommodations and enjoy three hearty meals a day including a buffet breakfast and a three-course lunch and dinner with red wine. Your only expenses during the trip are airfare to and from Madrid and accommodations in Madrid prior to and after your stay in the Pueblo Ingles village.

Volunteer and Get Rewarded at in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Take a break from sun and surf during your tropical winter getaway to volunteer at a national park.  Through February 15, 2012, guests of the Westin St. John Resorts & Villas will receive a $100 resort credit and transfers for their efforts. In conjunction with the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can participate in a one-day program that allows volunteers to show up any Tuesday or Thursday at 8 a.m. to help maintain park trails and ruins and remove debris from beaches and coast lines. The Westin St. John is only 10 minutes from the national park, and rates start at $399 per night based on double occupancy. To receive their resort credit, guests must present their volunteer voucher at the front desk. For reservations and more information, call 627-7206. 

Become a Trail Blazer Across the United States

Founded in 1979, the American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails and the hiking experience. From Yosemite National Park in California to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Maine, volunteer vacationers can join the American Hiking Society for a week of building and maintaining trails in diverse locations across the country. No experience is necessary and trips vary in intensity from moderate to strenuous.  A registration fee of applies and basic campsite accommodations are provided.  Volunteers, however, should bring their own tents, sleeping bags, eating utensils and personal items.

Volunteer Vacation for Teens in Peru

Teens will experience a mix of service, fun and Peruvian culture during Camp Chief Ouray's Trekker Peru volunteer vacation. In summer 2012, a small group of 15- to 17-year-olds with adult chaperones will work on community service projects such as visiting an orphanage; travel through Peru's historic cities and sites; participate in dance and music lessons and try new adventures including sand boarding and desert camping. Space is limited, so interested participants should submit an application as soon as possible.  Trip costs vary depending on length, and a non-refundable $100 application fee is required. For more information, contact the camp’s office at 887- 2648.

More unique vacation ideas

Volunteer vacations for families in the U.S.
Go wild! Volunteer vacations to help wildlife
Global charities: How to plan a volunteer vacation

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/849691/give-back-on-a-volunteer-vacation
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Top 5 volunteer trip destinations

How to travel out of the country with your pet

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Thinking about bringing Fido or Fluffy on your next European vacation? By nature, pets are lovable companions, which can make them excellent travel partners. As a responsible pet parent, you'll want to make sure your dog or cat has the necessary credentials to travel the world with you. Wherever your journey takes you, the following tips are must-haves to ensure safe and legal travels with your pet.

Check in with the consulate

Once you have decided on your travel destination, get in contact with the consulate for instructions on allowing your pet into the country. Some countries will not allow foreign animals to cross borders. Missing this important step could put a huge damper on your plans. 

Some pertinent questions to ask the consulate:

• Will my pet be quarantined, and if so for how long?
  Some countries do not have quarantine laws while others may require your pet to be quarantined for days or even months. Get the full scoop on quarantine laws so you don’t have to part from your furry friend longer than expected.
• Are there special entry fees involved?
  Be prepared to pay a variety of fees. From entry fees to airline fees, traveling with your pet isn’t cheap . Be prepared by avoiding financial surprises as much as possible.
• What forms or tags are required for entry?
  Each country has its own set of necessary documentation, so plan in advance to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for your pet.
• What vaccinations/bills of health are required?
  Rabies vaccinations, microchip and health certificates are common requirements. However, these vary depending on the country of choice, so be sure to ask for a list of veterinary requirements. 

Research and consult with your airline of choice

Find out what the airlines’ rules and requirements are for pets. Make sure to ask what vaccinations and documents are required for your pet to travel, as they may vary from one airline to another. Additionally, find out what conditions your pet will be traveling in if they are not allowed to ride in the cabin with you. Whenever possible, seek advice from other globe-trotting pet lovers that will provide insight on good and bad pet travel experiences.

Verify your pets’ health and wellness

Once you check in with the consulate and find out the airlines’ rules and regulations, make appointments with your veterinarian to get the necessary vaccinations. Plan well in advance, as some vaccinations require a series of shots over time. If your pet does not have a microchip, this is the time to get one, as it is a standard requirement for pets to be microchipped prior to traveling on an airplane. Before embarking with your dog or cat on an overseas adventure, have your vet verify that your pet is well enough for high-altitude situations or high stress levels associated with traveling long distances. Your vet can also give you insight to common travel questions such as how much to feed your pet prior to traveling or necessary items to pack for your pet. Documentation plays a large part in pet travel so always keep printed records of every vaccination.

More tips for pet owners

Grooming tips for stylish dogs and cats
Pet separation anxiety: 4 Tips to help cope
How to introduce pets to your children

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/849725/how-to-travel-out-of-the-country-with-your-pet
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → How to travel out of the country with your pet

Sunday Dinner: Back to basics with meatballs and pasta

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Sometimes during a hectic season, all you want to do is slow down and get back to basics. This recipe for basic Italian-style meatballs pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta to make Sunday dinner simple… and basic.

Sunday dinner with family or friends can be a great time to relax, laugh and spend some time together. After a busy week and busy festivities ahead, keeping things simple is sometimes underrated, but these delicious Italian-style meatballs taste extraordinary!

Basic meatballs

This SheKnows recipe for basic meatballs is wonderful served with your favorite pasta, but if you'd prefer, make a meatball sub with these goodies!

Yields 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 
4 slices white bread
• 
1 cup milk
• 
2 pounds ground beef

• 2 tablespoons onion, finely minced 

• 1 egg, beaten
• 
1/3 cup Parmesan or Pecorino-Romano cheese
• 
2 cloves garlic, finely minced 

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 
1/4 cup bread crumbs 

• Oil for greasing pan

Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl, soak the bread in milk.
2. In a large bowl, add beef, onion, egg, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Combine with clean hands. With your hands, mash the milk-soaked bread in its bowl until bread breaks down and is soupy. Add milk and bread to meat; combine everything together with your hands. Add the bread crumbs, and combine well. You're now ready to form the meatballs.
3. Make golf ball-sized meatballs by rolling them in the palms of your hands.
4. Arrange meatballs on a lightly greased, rimmed baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tops are browned and slightly crispy and centers are no longer pink.

Sunday family time activity

When dinner is over, gather your family to make simple holiday decorations.

Whether you need to decorate your tree, mantel or staircase this holiday season, get together with your family to make the garland on your own. It’s simple and makes a great group activity this time of year.

Forget about pine needles covering your floors, forking over lots of cash for decorations or bland garland chains from the past. Add some sparkle and shine to this year’s chains! All you need is double-sided, shimmering scrapbook paper to make colorful homemade garland chains.

From Good Housekeeping, this idea for paper chain garland is timeless, but you can give it an updated, contemporary spin. A 12 x 12-inch page of decorative scrapbook paper will yield two dozen 6 x 1-inch strips of paper you can use to create your garland.

Cut the strips, and then staple the bands to create interlocking circles. Alternate the patterns or colors as you work for creative results that will be off the chain!

Try these recipes for a Sunday dinner

Crockpot chicken and dumplings
Mexican chorizo, lentil and tomato soup
Baked shells with winter squash
Creamy chicken and wild rice casserole

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/850199/sunday-dinner-back-to-basics-with-meatballs-and-pasta
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Sunday Dinner: Back to basics with meatballs and pasta

Manfaat jamur Ling Zhi

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Manfaat jamur Ling Zhi – Jamur Ling Zhi pertama kali dikonsumsi oleh kaisar Sin Shi Huang Ti (Huang Di) pada 250 SM sebagai obat untuk panjang umur atau agar tetap awet muda. Sementara menurut para herbalis di negeri tirai bambu itu menyebutkan bahwa jamur ini telah digunakan untuk pengobatan sejak zaman Kaisar Shen Nung (2737 [...]

admin 18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://tipsku.info/manfaat-jamur-ling-zhi/
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Manfaat jamur Ling Zhi

Top 5 new Redbox releases: Kung Fu Panda 2 leads the pack

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Feeling down from the stress of holiday shopping? Punch up your weekend with these newly released Redbox/DVD/Blu-ray rentals sure to bring anyone back from the holiday shopping woes.

No. 1 -- Kung Fu Panda 2

For kids, parents, friends and family, this adventure comedy voiced by the hilarious and adorable Jack Black is worth the wait if you missed its May release. Street fighting, comedy and action are back for double trouble in the second version of this popular animation.

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% fresh.

Kung Fu Panda 2 movie review >>

 

No. 2 -- Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Get your man candy in full James Franco form in this prequel to the sci-fi adventure film that surprised audiences this summer with the blockbuster hit about smart apes descending on earth.

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% fresh.

Rise of Planet of the Apes takes the box office by storm >>

 

No. 3 -- Fright Night

If you’re an Anton Yelchin fan from everyone’s favorite dramatic love story Like Crazy, you won’t want to miss his horror film Fright Night. Starring Colin Farrell and Toni Collette, this one is sure to keep you clutching a nearby arm.

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% fresh.   

 

No. 4 -- Circumstance

Get your indie fix with this sexy story of forbidden love set in Iran. The film about two women struggling to find themselves in a repressed world won the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.  

Rotten Tomatoes: 82% fresh.

 

No. 5 --  The Smell of Success

Tea Leoni plays the heiress to her father’s manure company in The Smell of Success. With the help, or hindrance, of Billy Bob Thornton and Ed Helms, she might be able to make a go of the most terrible job in the world. This quirky comedy flew under the radar but makes for a fun rental if you’re a fan of offbeat humor.

Rotten Tomatoes: no official score.

 

Photo credit: Dreamworks 

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/850371/top-5-new-redbox-releases-kung-fu-panda2-leads-the-pack
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Top 5 new Redbox releases: Kung Fu Panda 2 leads the pack

Dancing with a baby: J.R. Martinez's girlfriend pregnant!

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

From the ballroom to a baby! Dancing with the Stars champ J.R. Martinez is going to be a daddy!

J.R. Martinez won season 13 of Dancing with the Stars, but can he handle the challenges of fatherhood?

Of course he can! This man can do it all.

J.R. Martinez revealed the big baby news and it seems he and girlfriend Diana Gonzalez-Jones are going to have to get used to the color pink.

He told People, ”We found out just last week it’s a girl and we are over the moon."

The beaming war hero added, "Diana has a little baby bump now and it's the cutest thing ever. With the holidays coming up, this is the biggest and best gift we could get."

Check out celebrity bump watch >>

So, how did the happy couple end up in this world of bliss? 

The Iraq war vet and Diana Gonzalez-Jones met back in 2008.

According to the report, J.R. Martinez had just signed on to play Brot Monroe on the now nixed soap All My Children, while she was an assistant to the executive producer. 

The happy couple didn't start dating until last year, however, and the rest is beautiful history.

Diana Gonzalez-Jones was often seen in the audience during Martinez's winning season of Dancing with the Stars, where he was pitted against Rob Kardashian in the final two.

Check out what other star is going to have a baby in 2012 >>

Well, this really is quite the year for J.R. Martinez and he knows it! "2011 has been full of a lot of surprises and opportunities and ultimately, a lot of blessings," Martinez told People. 

He added, "Diana and I were just asking ourselves, 'How is 2012 going to top 2011?' Well, we have our answer!"

Congratulations go out to JR. Martinez and Diana Gonzalez-Jones, whose lives are about to get a whole lot more interesting come sometime in the spring.

Photo courtesy of WENN.com

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/850383/dancing-with-a-baby-jr-martinezs-girlfriend-pregnant
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Dancing with a baby: J.R. Martinez's girlfriend pregnant!

Confirmed: Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan joining Glee

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Who's turning up the heat? Glee is! We can officially confirm Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan are heading to McKinley High.

The whispers recently began that Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan were heading to Glee to bring their Latin flare to the gang.

Well, the whispers have turned into an official confirmation. 

Glee's executive music producer, Adam Anders, confirmed the big news that will certainly have fans jumping with glee. 

Anders recently told Billboard.com, "We just announced Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan for a Spanglish episode."

Now that sounds muy caliente! 

Anders added, "We're just starting the planning, so I don't know . I wouldn't tell you anyway!"

Oh, that sneaky little devil. 

According to Billboard.com, here's what Anders was willing to spill: A mash-up of Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca" and Estefan's "Conga" would be en fuego.  

Okay, he didn't say "en fuego," but he did reference that it would be cool. Too bad we can't mark that mash-up in the official column just yet

As for the duo's roles, it looks like the earlier reports of Gloria Estefan playing Santana's mother are still on target, while Ricky Martin will teach the kids to say "hola" as the school's new Spanish teacher .

With Santana's world being blown wide open after she recently "came out," and her grandmother not being too supportive, it will be interesting to see the route Glee takes with her mother. 

Glee just aired its Christmas episode which means it's holiday hiatus time for the show. We know, it's hard to get through a month without Glee, but we can do it. Just think of the episodes we get to come back to Jan. 17. 

We want to hear from you -- what do you think of the new guest stars heading to Glee? 

Will you watch Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan on Glee?

Photo courtesy of WENN.com

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/850373/confirmed-ricky-martin-gloria-estefan-joining-glee
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Confirmed: Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan joining Glee

Kata-Kata Bijak Gaul

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Kata-Kata Bijak Gaul - adalah kumpulan dan pilihan kata-kata bijak untuk andak muda. Semoga sedikit kata-kata bijak ini dapat bermanfaat : Jangan putus asa, tidak semua orang menilai manusia dari fisiknya Jangan salahkan diri anda kalau anda jelek, ketahuilah dibalik tampang Anda Ada sesuatu yang besar yaitu jiwa Anda Perbaiki inner beauty anda, itu kalau anda merasa sisi luar anda udah ancur

Kang Salman 18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.kucoba.com/2011/12/kata-kata-bijak-gaul.html
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Kata-Kata Bijak Gaul

Holiday shopping tips for procrastinators

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Sometimes, it pays to do your Christmas shopping late; retailers often drop their prices in the days leading up to Christmas to reduce their inventories. If you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, follow these last-minute shopping tips to avoid breaking your budget.

Last-minute holiday shopping tips

Sometimes, it pays to do your Christmas shopping late; retailers often drop their prices in the days leading up to Christmas to reduce their inventories. If you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, follow these last-minute shopping tips to avoid breaking your budget.

 

Skip the hottest toys

"The odds of finding a Nerf Vortex or a Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo rank up there with winning the lottery," says Andrea Woroch, consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. "Even if you could locate the object of your child's most expensive affection, stores will likely have jacked up prices because they know shoppers are desperate."

Always compare prices

"Stressed shoppers will often pay whatever a retailer charges for an item just to cross it off their gift list," explains Woroch. "However, it's important to comparison-shop even when you're in a hurry, which is why sites like PriceGrabber.com are so helpful this time of year. Simply enter the product name, and the site locates a store near you with the lowest price. Better yet, get notified via FreePriceAlerts, a free browser download that updates you via e-mail or mobile app when your desired item drops in price."

More apps to make your holiday shopping easier >>

Think outside the box

Don't be afraid to shop for pre-owned gifts this holiday season, particularly toys. Your kids won't notice if an item isn't brand-new. Look for gently used toys and other gift ideas from Craigslist, eBay and even thrift shops. You can find relatively new merchandise at a fraction of the cost that you would pay retail. Remember: Always account for shipping costs when you are last-minute shopping.

More holiday shopping tips

How to curb overspending during the holidays
8 tips for savvy holiday shopping
How to save money on your holiday shopping

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/shopping/articles/850103/holiday-shopping-tips-for-procrastinators
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Holiday shopping tips for procrastinators

Target Christmas sale

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Procrastinators can still get some hot deals on holiday gifts. Target is just one of many stores that has thousands of deals available as they try to clear inventory.

Procrastinators can still get some hot deals on holiday gifts. Target is just one of many stores that has thousands of deals available as they try to clear inventory.

Last-minute Christmas shopping at Target

Last-minute Christmas shopping at Target

• Philips 40" Class 1080p 60hz LCD HDTV - $429
• Apple iPod touch 32GB MP3 Player - $299
• 4 GB XBOX 360 Kinect Bundle - $299
• RCA 9" Portable DVD Player - $120
• Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1MP Digital Camera - $100
• TomTom VIA 150M GPS - $90
• Matchbox Smokey The Fire Truck - $25
• C9 by Champion Women's Puffer Jacket - $25
• Imaginext Mega T-Rex - $21
• Bop It! XT - $20
• Electronic Scrabble Flash - $20
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 DVD - $5

Of course, these are just some of the many deals Target is offering at the moment. Some prices are only available online, while others you can just find in brick and mortar stores. When shopping online at Target.com, be sure to choose "seasonal shipping" when you checkout by Dec. 20 to get your gifts delivered on time from Christmas.

More holiday shopping tips

How to curb overspending during the holidays
8 tips for savvy holiday shopping
Best shipping times during the holiday season

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/shopping/articles/850213/target-christmas-sale
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Target Christmas sale

Holiday gift ideas for animal lovers

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

For the animal lover on your gift list this holiday season, consider one of these terrific gift ideas.

Personal pet photo blanket A simple picture of a favorite pet can be turned into a soft, plush 50-by-60-inch personal blanket. It features up to two lines of personalization, and you can choose the color, too. Available at Personal Throws, $100.

---

Luxury hammock seat cover The AutoSport seat cover protects your back seat from hair, stains and moisture while pampering your pet in a luxurious soft fabric. This hammock seat cover would make a fabulous gift for the person who takes his/her pet everywhere. From Auto Sport, $179.

---

Dog bone wreath This fun dog bone wreath is made of felted wool dog bones over a bamboo core. It's sure to be a treasured family holiday keepsake. Available at In the Company of Dogs, $80.

---

Cat decor atmosphere lamp Any cat lover will adore this cat decor lamp, which features curious cat, faux goldfish bowl and a felt mat. This lamp is perfect for a child's room or the home office. Available at Chimpfeet.com, $45.

---

Luv-a-pet Christmas ornaments Any pet lover would be thrilled to decorate her tree with one of these adorable Luv-a-pet ornaments. Choose from Lucky the cat, Chance the dog and 33 other dog breeds. Available at Petsmart, $4.

---

When you're shopping for gifts for the animal lover in your life, consider presents that the animal will enjoy, too. Check out these pet gifts and accessories and more gift ideas for the pet lover.

More holiday gift ideas

Gift guide just for moms
Gift guide for kids
Gift guide for bookworms

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/shopping/articles/849729/holiday-gift-ideas-for-animal-lovers
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Holiday gift ideas for animal lovers

Walmart online Christmas sale

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

If you still have some Christmas shopping left to do, you don't have to leave your house to get it done. Right now, Walmart.com is offering some amazing online specials on TVs, electronics, video games, toys and more.

If you still have some Christmas shopping left to do, you don't have to leave your house to get it done. Right now, Walmart.com is offering some amazing online specials on TVs, electronics, video games, toys and more.

Hot deals on toys, electronics and more

You don't have to brave the lines at the mall to finish your Christmas shopping. Instead, head to Walmart.com, where you can find big discounts on gifts for everyone on your list.

What's on sale:

• RCA 40-inch 1080p HDTV — $349
• Westinghouse 32-inch 1080p HDTV — $260
• Sceptre 32-inch 720p HDTV — $219
• Buy 2 get 1 free Xbox game bundle — $30
• Nintendo DSi XL value bundle — $179
• Xbox 360 holiday value bundle — $229
• iPod Touch bundle — $189
• Step2 Naturally Playful Neat & Tidy Cottage — $129
• Flexible Flyer First Fun Metal Swing Set — $79
• Fisher-Price Power Wheels Hot Wheels Jeep — $59
• Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo plus instrument of your choice — $59
• Bounce-N-Learn interactive kids trampoline — $40
• NEXT Cobra 12-inch boy's bike — $29

Of course, these are just some of the hundreds of bargains you can find at Walmart.com right now. Shipping is free on orders of $45 or more on merchandise marked "home free."

Shipping deadlines

You still have time to get free shipping from Walmart.com and have your items arrive in time for Christmas:

Monday, Dec. 19

• "Home free" cutoff — arrives at your home by Dec. 24
• "Site to store" cutoff — arrives at the store by Dec. 24
• Standard shipping cutoff — arrives by Dec. 24

Tuesday, Dec. 20

• Expedited shipping cutoff — arrives by Dec. 24

Wednesday, Dec. 21

• Rush shipping cutoff — arrives by Dec. 24

Friday, Dec. 23

• Last day for "pick up today" orders — ready by Dec. 24

After that, you'll have to visit your local Walmart store to shop.

More holiday shopping tips

Holiday shopping safety tips
Holiday shopping trends
Holiday shopping return policies

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/shopping/articles/849721/walmart-online-christmas-sale
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Walmart online Christmas sale

Dinner This Week

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

It's that time of the week again. Want to get your shopping out of the way so you have plenty of time to enjoy dinner with the family? Here are five more recipes to help you plan out the week ahead.

If you're anything like me, you need to have a plan. It doesn't matter if I'm having people over or running errands -- if I don't make a plan, I wind up eating cereal for dinner. And while I'm okay with having breakfast for dinner every so often, my family is not. So, I've started to plan ahead.  

Every Monday my son and I go to the market to do all the grocery shopping for the whole week. It takes a couple of hours, but I have everything I need so that when Friday night comes around, all I need to do is pull out the ingredients I bought earlier and make a delicious dinner without running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  

I never used to plan meals ahead of time because I rarely used to be home for dinner, but now that I'm home most nights to have dinner with the family, making a plan has saved my sanity. Give it a try next week. Who knows -- maybe you'll enjoy making dinner instead of loathing it.

Monday: White tomato pizza

Tuesday: Sweet and sour meatballs

Wednesday: Bacon and chicken mac & cheese

Thursday: Chicken enchilada casserole

Friday: Beer cheese soup

18 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/850323/dinner-this-week
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Dinner This Week

Decorating Diva: Green ways to decorate for the holidays

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Welcome to Decorating Diva, where every week we share fresh, fun ways to update your home and spice up your living space! If you still have some holiday decorating to do, we suggest going green. Sure, green is a festive color but this time we're talking about decorating your home with an eco-conscious twist. We have the tips and tricks to help you do it.

We asked interior designers Christopher Grubb and Linda Turner of Arch-Interiors for their tips on decorating with the environment in mind this Christmas. They provided some simple strategies for going green this season – without compromising on style.

Use nature to create decorations

By using what you find in your own backyard you can save money and avoid buying items that may only get one or two uses. Seasonal evergreen plants, branches, berries, pine cones, nuts, dried fruit, squash and pomegranates all make great holiday decorations, the designers tell us. Use them to trim the tree, in floral arrangements or as a centerpiece for your holiday table.  "Plants add a breath of fresh air and scent to a space," Turner says.

Recycle

We’ve all heard the saying about one person’s trash as another person’s treasure – and it’s true. While we don’t suggest you sift through the garbage, you can get lots of decor potential from gently used goods. Visit garage sales and thrift stores for unique accessories, fabric that can be turned into decorative holiday pillows and new ornaments. Or swap with friends and family to refresh your collection and theirs. Turner also suggests buying a collection of crystal or silver candlesticks at local thrift shops and using them to create beautiful groupings on your mantel or on your holiday table.

Focus on fabric

Colorful textiles can make a room pop and take it from drab to dazzling, but be mindful of what you choose. Add a festive tablecloth, table runner or placemats to the dining room but opt for sustainable fabrics like silk, cotton, wool and hemp that add great texture and are also good for the planet. It goes without saying, but it’s important to always use cloth napkins and china instead of disposable paper products.

Stylish energy savers

With all of the holiday chaos it can be easy to use more energy than usual. But there are simple ways to conserve, the designers explain.

• Light candles and a fire to create a warm and romantic atmosphere and save electricity. 
• Replace your holiday lights with LED lights. They last longer and use less electricity than conventional lights.
• Switch out or add a second layer of draperies to your lighter summer drapery with heavier velvet or brocades in rich seasonal colors. It will add a festive touch and keep your house warmer without turning up the heat .

Use what you already have

Turner and Grubb suggest giving your home a holiday facelift without spending a cent by using what you already own.

• Save left over holiday wrapping paper to make book covers - a trick that will add a festive touch to your book shelves.
• Repurpose mismatched holiday ornaments by spray painting them in a theme color like gold, silver or white to unify them and give your tree a new look.
• Use leftover holiday ribbon to make bows to mix in with your ornaments, wreaths and update the look of your tree. 
• Candy canes and gingerbread houses make great decorative elements, don’t require you to buy anything new, and the kids will love them. 

More from Decorating Diva

Holiday decorating on a budget
Creating a festive home for the holidays
8 Ways to warm up your home this winter

17 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/849679/decorating-diva-green-ways-to-decorate-for-the-holidays
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Decorating Diva: Green ways to decorate for the holidays

Creative Christmas card display ideas

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Many people display their Christmas cards by taping them up around the door frame or stringing them along the mantel, while others don't display their cards at all. If you are looking for a new, creative way to show off your beautiful Christmas cards, check out these display ideas.

Create a Christmas card display tree

Create a "tree" in your living room with long twigs you collect from your yard. Arrange the twigs in an old-fashioned pitcher or unique vase, then tie or clip the Christmas cards to the ends of the twigs. You can make your tree even more festive by spray-painting your branches and twigs with white, gold or silver paint before adding the cards.

Decorate chair backs

Punch holes in each card and string a festive ribbon through the holes to create a chain of four or five cards. Repeat until you have one ribbon for each chair. Add the ribbons to your chair backs to add a holiday touch to your dining room. To make the most impact, use ribbon that is at least an inch wide.

Spell it out

Place strips of two-sided tape on a main wall in your living room to spell out holiday words such as "Peace," "Joy" or "Ho Ho Ho!" Then stick your favorite Christmas cards along the tape to create a bold holiday statement that costs almost nothing.

Photo credit: Erinn Valencich

Make Christmas ornaments

Interior designer Erinn Valencich suggests upcycling cards to creative new glitzy Christmas ornaments. You will need three Christmas cards to make each ornament.

1. Cut out 15 colorful 2 1/2-inch circles from the illustrated portions of three different holiday cards.
2. Choose three dissimilar circles and fold each one in half, just to make a crease.
3. Glue two circles together on one side and wait until the bond has a chance to set.
4. Carefully smear glue all over the inner sides of the attached circles, and stick them onto the third circle, which is lying flat. The circles should now form a three-dimensional triangular shape.
5. Press the three circles firmly together and let sit.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 a total of four more times.
7. After they're dry, dip outer edges in glue and roll in a bowl of sparkly glitter.
8. Punch a hole in the top and thread with yarn. Knot the top and add a wire hook, or display the orbs among springs of winterberry and pine branches for a festive Christmastime centerpiece to enjoy year after year.

Frame your best cards

At the end of the season, pick out your favorite cards and frame them to create a piece of holiday art for next year. Choose Christmas cards in the same color scheme and make a collage, or just pick one big, beautiful card and place it in a unique frame.

Watch: More ways to display holiday cards

Do you love the annual flurry of holiday greetings, but not the tumbling mess it creates on the mantel? This creative solution is a fun and easy way to show off your cards.

 

More holiday decorating ideas

How to decorate outside this holiday
Holiday dinner table trends
Homemade Christmas ornament ideas

17 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/849513/creative-christmas-card-display-ideas
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Creative Christmas card display ideas

Hulu, Roku, Apple TV: Popular alternatives to traditional cable

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Does anyone watch TV the old-fashioned way anymore? What used to be a revolution in the way we watched television is now status quo -- recording shows live to watch later , streaming via the Internet to beat the rising costs of cable and even downloading shows from online retailers such as Amazon. Let's explore some of the alternatives to traditional cable that are available for watching television.

How do you watch TV?

Does anyone watch TV the old-fashioned way anymore? What used to be a revolution in the way we watched television is now status quo -- recording shows live to watch later , streaming via the Internet to beat the rising costs of cable and even downloading shows from online retailers such as Amazon. Let's explore some of the alternatives to traditional cable that are available for watching television.

 

Hulu

How to get it: Accessible on your computer, laptop or smartphone at www.hulu.com

What's available: Versions of most mainstream popular television shows from the major networks, plus older seasons and episodes of some television shows. Movies are also available, although you won't find any new releases in their lineup. The newest episodes of television shows are not available immediately -- sometimes it takes a few days to appear on Hulu. And be warned that every now and again, you'll have your show interrupted by a short advertisement.

Cost: Free. You can upgrade to Hulu Plus for $7.99 per month, which allows you to watch entire seasons of popular shows, instead of just the most recent five episodes, plus a larger library of movies, all with limited advertisements and in high-definition.

Pros: The price is obviously a selling point for Hulu. Even though it's a free service, it certainly doesn't feel that way!

Cons: If you're anxious to watch the newest episode of your favorite show, it can be hard to wait for it to pop up on Hulu. Not being able to start seasons from the beginning can be frustrating.

Overall: Despite its drawbacks, Hulu is a fantastic way to watch TV without cable. For the most part, Hulu is easy to use and access online, even when traveling away from home with your laptop.

Apple TV

How to get it: You can easily purchase Apple TV at your local Apple retailer, or jump online to purchase it on the Apple website or even Amazon.com

What's available: Once you hook up the Apple TV box to your television, you can purchase and download almost any TV series or movie that you can think of. You can also access your Netflix stream and even photos and music via Apple's newest invention, iCloud.

Cost: $99 for the Apple TV box, plus the price of any shows or movies you want to download, which range from $1.99 to $3.99 apiece

Pros: The Apple TV box itself has a tiny footprint, which is nice if you don't have much space. Plus, you can access a huge library of television shows and movies -- even new releases. With iCloud storage also available now, you don't even have to store your shows on the Apple TV device, which leaves you room to download as much as your heart desires!

Cons: If this is the only way you're accessing television, it could get costly to be downloading entire seasons of your favorite shows.

Overall: Apple TV is a great option for watching television, especially if you are only watching select shows or prefer watching movies. And, of course, Apple addicts who are already using other Apple products and features will love syncing their TV too.

Roku

How to get it: Roku can be purchased on the company website at www.roku.com and at some local stores -- check their website for details

What's available: Roku is a great way to manage all of your favorite television and movie favorites such as movies from Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu Plus and many more.

Cost: The Roku box ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the features you choose. Remember that you'll also have to pay separately for the services above, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus.

Pros: If you have a hard time choosing your favorite way to watch television, Roku is the perfect option for consolidating the ways you access TV and movies into one device. Also, Roku is a streaming device rather than a downloading device, so you can watch shows and movies instantly.

Cons: You must also have high-speed wireless installed at home and you'll have to subscribe to some additional services in order to get access to television shows and movies.

Overall: Roku is a pretty cool way to watch television while avoiding standard cable television fees.

TiVo

How to get it: The best prices tend to be on the Tivo website, although you can also pick up a TiVo box at most big-box electronics stores

What's available: TiVo is a service that you use in addition to traditional cable, which runs through your TiVo box to your television. TiVo allows you to manage your cable television service, plus access movie services such as Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand easily, and record shows and movies from cable to watch whenever you'd like.

Cost: The TiVo box itself will cost you anywhere from $80 to $500, depending on the level of storage you need. In addition, there is a monthly fee of $20 to use the TiVo service.

Pros: TiVo is a great way to manage the shows that you're accessing via traditional cable and record them to watch later -- plus you can fast-forward through commercials!

Cons: The monthly fee is certainly a downside to TiVo service, although it's comparable to what you'll pay for a DVR through your cable service, but with a lot more features.

Overall: One of the original DVR options on the market, TiVo is still holding strong when it comes to helping you watch television with ease. The interface is easy to use, as well.

Tell us

How do you watch TV? Share in the comments below!

More about watching television

Turn off the TV at dinnertime for your family's health
Is your child watching too much TV at day care?
How to get the most out of your DVR

17 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/840243/hulu-netflix-apple-tv-popular-alternatives-to-traditional-cable
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Hulu, Roku, Apple TV: Popular alternatives to traditional cable

Etta James is singing her final goodbyes

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Etta James is fighting a losing battle. It's been confirmed that the singer is currently in the final stages of cancer. James is surrounded by family and friends, who are making her last days as comfortable as possible.

Legendary songstress Etta James is terminally ill. The woman who brought us bluesy tunes like "At Last" and "Tell Mama" is suffering from cancer. Her manager Lupe De Leon confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the singer's health is fading fast.

“Etta has a terminal illness. She’s in the final stages of leukemia," said De Leon. "She has also been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C. She’s in a home right now and mostly sleeps."

De Leon also revealed that James is receiving treatment from several physicians. "She is under the care of a live-in doctor from Riverside Community Hospital and two others who have placed her on oxygen. Her husband is with her 24 hours a day, and her sons visit regularly. We’re all very sad. We’re just waiting.”

Many of James' fans knew she was sick, but had no idea how bad. Despite her condition, she still managed to put out a new album last November called The Dreamer. Prior to its release, she confirmed that it would be her final one.

After decades in the music business, James experienced a surge in popularity after Beyonce Knowles portrayed her in the 2008 biopic Cadillac Records. For the soundtrack, Knowles remade her classic "At Last," which sparked new interest in the original. The song was so big that President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama danced to at his 2009 inaugural celebration.

Over the course of her career, Etta James has released 28 studio albums, three live albums, six compilations and an astounding 58 singles. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001.

Photo credit: WENN

17 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/850325/etta-james-is-singing-her-final-goodbyes
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Etta James is singing her final goodbyes

Vegan chocolate almond cookie recipe

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

I'm always looking for easy cookie recipes and this is one of them. The recipe is healthy, dairy-free and a delight for chocoholics. Yes, you know who you are! They're chocolaty with a pronounced almond flavor. They not only taste great but fill your home with the wonderful scent of cocoa as well. There is nothing more comforting than baking a fresh batch of cookies on a cold winter day, especially during the holidays.

These are really rich and delicious and will appeal to anyone who is looking for a healthy alternative to store bought chocolate cookies. The secret is adding coconut flakes and coconut oil to the batter, which brings out the bold cocoa flavor. Top it off with some powdered sugar for a more festive look. Eat a few and enjoy during the holiday season; there’s no need to feel guilty here!

A decadent vegan chocolate almond cookie recipe for Christmas

Yields 12-18

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond meal
• 2 dates, chopped and made into a paste
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flax
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Roll mixture into 12 to 18 balls, and then flatten in a criss-cross pattern with a fork.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

More vegan cookie recipes

Vegan chewy chocolate raspberry cookies
Vegan mint chocolate chip cookies
Vegan sugar cookies

17 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/850211/vegan-chocolate-almond-cookie-recipe
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Vegan chocolate almond cookie recipe

Candace Cameron Bure: House rules

Thank you for using rssforward.com! This service has been made possible by all our customers. In order to provide a sustainable, best of the breed RSS to Email experience, we've chosen to keep this as a paid subscription service. If you are satisfied with your free trial, please sign-up today. Subscriptions without a plan would soon be removed. Thank you!

Yes, she's that actress—the one who played DJ Tanner on the hit 80s and 90s series Full House. But Candace Cameron Bure just happens to be a New York Times bestselling author , wife and mother to three children ages 13, 11 and 9, too.

How she does it

Yes, she’s that actress -- the one who played DJ Tanner on the hit '80s and '90s series Full House. But Candace Cameron Bure just happens to be a New York Times bestselling author , wife and mother to three children ages 13, 11 and 9, too.

Here, Bure talks about the simple but super smart principle that helps her balance the demands of her career with her family’s needs -- and what drew her to her latest movie, The Heart of Christmas .

 

SheKnows: You’re on the ABC Family show Make It or Break It, and now you have a new movie. How do you choose your projects?

Cameron Bure: It comes down to my family and my faith as a Christian: Any work I do has to be purposeful, inspiring, family friendly and uplifting. Although sometimes, I choose things that are just plain fun!

SheKnows: You act, you write and you even just launched a website. You’ve got your hands full! How do you balance it all?

Cameron Bure: What I come back to is this question: At the end of the day, what really matters to me? The answer is always my family. Yes, I want to be a woman of my word and honor my commitments, but when I’m stressed out and on multiple deadlines and I know something’s gotta give, it’s more important for me to love and feed my kids, for example, than to answer one more email. I try to give myself the grace to not do everything perfectly, and remind myself that I am not a failure if I cancel a meeting or decide to turn down a project.

SheKnows: On your website, you write, “Modern women in the trenches of motherhood can feel isolated at times.”

Cameron Bure: Yes! Women are so busy, and our friends are often the first thing to get slashed from the to-do list. But it is so important to get out of the house -- even for 30 minutes -- and spend time with people who make you feel good. It’s okay to ask for support from your husband and others so you can take care of yourself! I always remind myself that I’ll be a better mom if I do.

SheKnows: The Heart of Christmas is based on the true story of Dax Locke, a 2-year-old whose battle with Leukemia inspired thousands to support him and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. What drew you to this movie?

Cameron Bure: I’m a sucker for anything that will make me cry. When I read this script, I thought it was sad but so sweet the way Dax Locke’s community rallied around him to give him one last Christmas. It’s something you’d hope all of us would do if presented with the opportunity. In my own life, I support several nonprofits, including Compassion International, because like many Americans, my family is blessed and I want to give as much as I can. I truly believe helping others is what life is all about, and The Heart of Christmas is the perfect example of this.

The Heart of Christmas re-airs on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. and Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. You can also see Candace on Mommalogues beginning in January, where she'll be our very own featured celeb Mommaloguer.

More on balancing family and work

Can working moms really be happy?
How to balance career, family and self
Balancing work and motherhood

Photo credit: Rowan Daly

17 Dec, 2011

--
Source: http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/849555/candace-cameron-bure-house-rules
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com

More about → Candace Cameron Bure: House rules