24/7 MOMS

WIN - Tastefully Simple

2010-01-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

Have you tasted Tastefully Simple easy to prepare foods? They offer a wide variety of easy-to-prepare foods and gifts for every day and every occasion. The small indulgences fro busy lives.

A few weeks ago Tastefully Simple sent me their Slow cooker recipe book along with a few of their products to sample. I discovered some simple recipes on their web site as well that are definitely crowd pleasing.

Using the Bacon Bacon they sent me I found this recipe

Bacon & Egg Crescents Bites
Submitted by Nola Presnell (MO)

Ingredients
1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls
2 - 3 Tbsp. Bacon Bacon™
3 eggs
2 Tbsp. milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
Roll out crescent rolls; press seams together and cut into 24 small squares. Press dough into greased mini muffin cups. Combine next 4 ingredients. Fill each mini muffin about 1/2 - 3/4 full. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cheese on each. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes until golden. Makes 5-6 servings.

Using the Onion Onion they sent me I found this salad recipe

Broccoli Salad
Submitted by Patty Burba (OH)

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Onion Onion™
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. sugar
5 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup grapes
2 cups Cheddar cheese
1 cup sunflower seeds

Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients; let sit 30 minutes. Mix together with remaining ingredients. Chill about 1 hour. Makes 4-6 servings.

and with the Gotta Lotta Garlic salsa I discovered

Gooey Garlic Salsa Dip
Submitted by Rosemary (MN) HQ Resident Chef

Ingredients
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup Gotta Lotta Garlic™ Salsa
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Blue Aztec Chips

Directions
Spread cream cheese in a shallow microwave-safe dish; top with salsa and Cheddar cheese. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Serve warm with Blue Aztec Chips. Makes 6-8 servings

The Slow Cooker recipe Book
Discover delicious recipes for all of your favorite comfort foods! This recipe booklet features a wide variety of slow-cooked meals to make dinner easier than ever. Makes the perfect addition to any Tastefully Simple gift. (10 pages, 4.25" x 7")

Bacon Bacon™
Imitation For Dips, Salads & Soups

Suggestions for: Bacon Bacon™
• Combine with equal parts sour cream and

mayonnaise for dip.
• Add to quiche, omelets or scrambled eggs.
• Serve Bacon Bacon dip with Blue Aztec Chips.
• Use in seven-layer salad.
• Add to prepared Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup.
• Mix with mayonnaise for BLT sandwiches.
• Use to season potato salad.
• Combine with shredded Swiss cheese; stuff mushrooms and bake.
• Add to cucumber salad or Caesar salad.
• Mix with cream cheese for a bacon cheese ball.
• Add to ground beef for bacon burgers.
• Look for more recipes at tastefullysimple.com.

Gotta Lotta Garlic ™ Salsa Naturally Flavored

Suggestions for: Gotta Lotta Garlic Salsa
• Excellent on nachos, burritos, enchiladas and tacos.
• Spoon over scrambled eggs or omelets.
• Make a layered dip with refried beans, sour cream, Gotta Lotta Garlic™
Salsa and shredded Cheddar cheese.
• For a creamy dip, add sour cream.
• Spice it up with a sprinkle of Fiesta Party Dip Mix®.
• Look for more recipes at tastefullysimple.com.

Onion Onion ™ Seasoning Blend

Suggestions for: Onion Onion™
• Use as a seasoning or add to sour cream for a
spectacular dip.
• Add 1–2 Tbsp. to 1 lb. ground beef; shape into
patties and grill.
• Sprinkle into simmering spaghetti sauce, stew or any Tastefully Simple
soup.
• Stir into meat loaf or quiche before baking.
• Spread prepared dip on sliced French bread; top with shredded Swiss
cheese. Broil until golden brown.
• Add 2 Tbsp. Onion Onion and 1 Tbsp. Garlic Garlic™ to 6 cups mashed
potatoes.
• Look for more recipes at tastefullysimple.com. Suggestions for:

You can find more recipes, products and a local consultant to order your own Tastefully Simple amazing products by clicking here and going to TastefullySimple.com

(All photos are ©2009 Tastefully Simple, Inc. Photos used with permission)

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Tastefully Simple are giving away all 4 products featured. Easy Slow cooker recipes, Bacon Bacon, Gotta Lotta Garlic Salsa and Onion Onion seasoning.

Enter for your chance to win:

Stop by the Tastefully Simple web site and check out their products and/or recipes and tell us your favorite Tastefully Simple product or recipe. then complete the steps below to enter for your chance to WIN.

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address and favorite Tastefully Simple product or recipe.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address and favorite Tastefully Simple product or recipe.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winners will be chosen on January 17th, 2009.

What 24/7 MOMS is up to:

2010-01-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

24/7 MOMS is Surfing - This week we have been finding some great deals from NWA Deals blog. Including how to get a free poster calendar from Shutterfly.

24/7 MOMS is eating - This past week we headed up to Seattle where Grandpa ( my dad ) treated us dinner at one of our family favorites Buca di beppo. WE love their ginormous family style meals. This week you can get a $10.00 off of a $20.00 purchase coupon from Red Plum . Click here enter your zip code of zip code of your local Buca di beppo to get your coupon.

24/7 MOMS is wanting your opinions:
In 2009 24/7 MOMS Live became the #1 viewed MOM live web cast show and we are ready to make it even better in 2010 for moms across the world.

Will you help us by Taking the 10 in 2010 survey? 24/7 MOMS wants to HEAR your opinions, ideas and suggestions and you just might WIN some Starbucks. Click here to take survey .

Don't miss taking motherhood to the next level join us every Tuesday night at www.247moms.com 7pm PST and 9pm PST ( 2010 shows begin January 12th)

24/7 MOMS is Cooking - Stuffed in my stocking this year was the newest Don't Panic - More dinners in the freezer: A second helping of tasty meals you can make ahead. So, I am searching my new cookbook for recipes to try out and of course share with the 24/7 MOMS. You can get your copy at the 24/7 MOMS store.

Crunchy Carmel Apple Pie

2010-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

When it's cold and crisp outside I think of eating hot apple pie right from the oven. What do you think of eating?

Today's apple pie recipe is the Winner in Good Morning America's Apple Pie Contest 2001

Crunchy Carmel Apple Pie
From Marsha Brooks
Carmel, Indiana

Ingredients for the Pie

1 pastry crust for a deep-dish pie 9-inch (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (You may need more if your family sits by the bowl and sneaks the sliced applies when you are not looking) Marsha likes to use golden delicious and fuji apples.
1 recipe crumb topping (see below)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup caramel topping
1 oz. of TLC (tender, loving care - see Marsha's love story below)
Ingredients for the Crumb Topping
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup butter

Directions for Crumb Topping:
1. Stir together brown sugar,flour, rolled oats.

2. Cut in 1/2 cup butter until topping is like course crumbs. Set aside.

Directions for the Pie

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt.

2. Add apple slices and gently toss until coated.

3. Transfer apple mixture to the pie shell (I remove the store-bought pie shell from the aluminum pie plate and transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate of my own, but you do not have to.)

4. Sprinkle crumb topping over apple mixture.

5. Place pie on a cookie sheet so the drippings don't drop into your oven.

6. Cover edges of pie with aluminum foil.

7. Bake in a preheated 375 oven for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and put back in for another 25 to 30 minutes without foil.

8. Remove from oven. Sprinkle pie with chopped pecans then drizzle with caramel on top.

9. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Recipe courtesy of Marsha Brooks, Good Morning America Apple Pie Contest 2001

Table Talk

2010-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: What is your favorite Bible story?

Riddle:
Q: Why couldn't they play cards on the ark?

A:Noah was sitting on the deck.

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

De-Clutter the Christmas Fun

2010-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Novotny's are in the process of De-cluttering the Christmas fun in their home. We are de-decorating and getting the house back in order after a fun break from school and activities.

As much as I enjoy the break I also function best with schedules and routines in our home.

What about you is it time to De-clutter -De-Decorate and get your home back in order?

Let's begin with a few tips to get us going today.

De-decorate Tips -

Take Photos of this years holiday decorating - ( I (Trisha) really do this and it HELPS me to also recruit help from my children as they can just look at the pictures and know where things go)

Do you set up those lighted porcelain houses? Did you create an arrangement this year that you like? Did you figure out where to display all those snowmen around your house this year? Take pictures, both inside and out, so that you can easily decorate next year and avoid having to reinvent the wheel!

In-list Help - The entire family can help in the de-decorating process. Assign family members jobs they are able to do from removing ornaments from the tree to placing the nativity back in to their boxes. Your de-decorating will go quickly with the help of others.

Use Labeled Storage Bins

Before you drag all your boxes back in to the garage or up to the attic label them and even number them so you can easily find them next year and know how many you have so you easily know if you have missing boxes of decorations next year when you begin your decorating.

House back in order-

Pick-up- Move from room to room gathering items that need to be put away, need a new home (gifts received from Christmas). Yo know those piles and left out items that have accumulated during the Christmas break. ( assign your children different rooms or items to pick-up)

Put-away- Return all the picked up items to their homes, find new homes for items received as gifts. ( children can help put away all of their belongings and help decide new homes for things in need of one).

Speed Clean - Now that things are picked up and put away you can speed clean.
- Wipe down surfaces that are in desperate need
- Vacuum, Swiffer and mop floors
- Wipe bathrooms down with lysol wipes
- Change loads of laundry during the process of getting your house back in order.

Doesn't it feel great to have your home De-decorated and De-cluttered ?

24/7 MOMS do you have a TIP to share on how you organize your Christmas de-decorating? Send us an email and share your ideas with us at trisha@247moms.com

Ten in 2010 For Families

2010-01-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

There is still time to make your New Years resolutions - Make a difference in 2010 with ten resolutions that will make a difference in our families lives.

Ten Resolutions For Parents

from: (families-first.org)

1. Come together for a family meal as many times a week as possible. Let the answering machine do its job and make sure the TV is off.

2. Notice the small steps and the good efforts your child makes. Don’t overvalue the final product, which can serve to discourage a child from trying.

3. Apply this same generous attitude toward yourself and other family members.

4. Avoid asking too many questions. Questions often make children feel quizzed, attacked and/or invaded. Make statements and observations instead.

5. Listen carefully to your children. Try to understand where they are coming from – what are their wishes and concerns – and how it is that they see a situation.

6. Be clear in your own mind what your expectations are. Then let children know clearly and calmly, in advance whenever possible, what these expectations are.

7. Promote laughter with your child. Have fun and good times in the family. Cultivate your own sense of humor.

8. Pay attention to each other. FOCUS. Listen with both ears and let your children know when you can’t listen or pay attention to them.

9. Beware of over scheduling and filling every minute with “productive” activity. Create blocks of time for just hanging out and being there. These are the times that children will remember with fondness.

10. Make time for the things that give YOU pleasure – that nurture and nourish you mentally, physically and emotionally. Your well-being is crucial to your family.

WIN - VHS to DVD™ 4.0 Deluxe

2010-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Have you been hanging onto to that old VHS because you have piles of home videos that you would not be able to view otherwise?

I have a solution for you the VHS to DVD™ 4.0 Deluxe

Transfer Video Tape to DVD! - Unlock your memories trapped in old media such as VHS tape, 8MM tape, and Mini-DV from camcorders and VCR by using a smart VHS to DVD™ all-in-one solution.

The Deluxe version of VHS to DVD™ includes the VIDBOX™, a USB 2.0 video capture device for preserving your irreplaceable home videos. No external power needed, making the VIDBOX especially suitable for laptop users.

“It’s easy enough for novices to use, but has advanced features to please more-experienced users”
PC World U.S.

VHS to DVD Deluxe 4.0 (New) converts VHS/BETA/Other analog video to DVD through your PC. The new 4.0 version supports 1080p HDTV, Blu-ray DVD burning and High Resolution video editing. Hardware, cable & software included.

Stop by the honestech web site for more details and how to purchase your own copy of VHS to DVD 4.0.

WIN : 24/7 MOMS and honestech are giving away one VHS to DVD 4.0.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on January 17, 2010.

Table Talk

2010-01-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: If you had to move to a new country which one would it be? Why?

Riddle:
Q: What do you do when a dinosaur sneezes?

A: Get out of the way!

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

WIN - Barney™: Please & Thank You DVD

2010-01-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Preschoolers learn the importance of being kind and courteous to others when Barney™: Please & Thank You debuts on DVD January 5, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Trusted by moms and adored by children, Barney displays sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning on television, online and through live events, home entertainment and publishing. The Emmy® award-winning series, Barney & Friends™ is one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS® and PBS KIDS SproutSM.

When Baby Bop forgets to say “please” and “thank you,” Barney realizes it’s time for a lesson on how magic words can make other people feel good inside. As Baby Bop daydreams about a world without good manners she realizes that being polite is not only important but it’s easy to do after all. The DVD features 19 favorite Barney songs including, “Please & Thank You,” “Being Together,” “Clean Up” and more.

Episodes include:
· Magic Words
· Tea-riffic Manners
· Caring Hearts

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
- Baby Bop’s Tea Party Games:
- “Cakes, Cups and Colors” Interactive Game
- Alphabet Cookies” Interactive Game

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Lions Gate Entertainment are giving away one Barney™: Please & Thank You DVD.

Enter for your chance to win:

2010 in 2010

2010-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Help 24/7 MOMS get 2010 Fans in 2010 - Become a 24/7 MOMS Facebook FAN by clicking the button below and join the MOMventure as we travel the adventure of motherhood together - Sharing tips, stories and resources.

Click button below

Can't wait to chat with on the Facebook Fan page...........

Fritos For Dessert?

2010-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago while out running errands I was listening to my car radio and heard a caller on a radio show talk about a sweet/salty dessert she made using Fritos. That intrigued me to begin my search for using Fritos for dessert. Thanks to the help also of 24/7 MOMS live viewers we came up with 3 recipes.

So, if you are looking for a creative sweet/salty dessert or snack try one of these. Be sure to let us know about your experiences or recipes you might have and love.

Funky Frito Fruckies
From: allrecipes.com

Ingredients

10 1/2 ounces corn chips
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter
11 (1.55 ounce) bars milk chocolate

Directions

In a greased 10 x 15 inch pan, place the corn chips.
In a saucepan, bring the sugar and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
Pour this over the chip and smooth level. Place the chocolate bars in a single layer over the hot mixture and wait a few minutes until the heat melts them and then smooth the chocolate out to form a thin layer. Allow to cool and then break into pieces.

Crock-Pot Chocolate Frito Candy

From: RecipeZaar

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
12 ounces chocolate chips
2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)
2 cups Fritos corn chips
2 cups pretzels

Directions

Put the Fritos and the pretzels in a large Ziploc and smash until crumby; set aside.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Put the butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and brown sugar, into your crockpot and set on high for 1-2 hours or until everything is really melty and you can mix it well. (Hers took 1 hour, 15 minutes to melt nicely in a 6 quart crock pot. Remember the size of crock pot determines the length of cooking time in crock pot cooking.).
Stir in pretzels and Frito pieces.
Using oven mits (use them! The crock is hot! Do not get burned.) dump the hot candy out onto your lined cookie sheet and spread out with a wooden spoon.
Sprinkle the peanut pieces on top.
Put the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until candy has set completely.
Break into pieces.

Corn Chip Toffee
By Elizabeth LaBau, About.com Guide

Corn Chip Toffee is the perfect candy for a sweet-and-salty snack attack. Crunchy corn chips are mixed with peanut butter chips and covered with a sweet, crispy toffee layer, then slathered with semi-sweet chocolate and topped with peanuts. You can add lots of other junk food to the mix: try adding pretzels or Chex mix, peanut butter cups, M&M candies, or whatever else you have on hand that matches the sweet, salty, and nutty theme.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:

* 6 cups corn chips, like Fritos brand
* 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
* 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter
* 1 cup dark brown sugar
* 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Coarsely chop or crush the corn chips, and sprinkle them in an even layer over the bottom of the baking sheet. It’s okay if there are a few holes, but try to get the chips to cover as much area as possible. Sprinkle the peanut butter chips over the corn chips.

3. Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and allow it to gradually melt. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until incorporated. At first the mixture will look broken, but whisk or stir vigorously and it will eventually come together.

4. Bring the brown sugar and butter mixture to a boil and allow it to boil for one minute, stirring occasionally.

5. After one minute, remove the candy from the heat and pour it in a thin, even stream over the corn chips on the baking sheet, trying to cover as many of the chips as possible.

6. Bake the corn chip mixture for 6-8 minutes. The toffee should spread during this time, and be bubbling and golden brown when you remove it from the oven.

7. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the hot toffee and allow them to soften for 1-2 minutes. Once soft, spread the chocolate with an offset spatula or knife into an even layer. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the top with the chopped peanuts and press down gently to adhere the nuts to the chocolate.

8. Refrigerate the candy to set the chocolate and toffee, for about 45 minutes. Once set, break into pieces by hand and serve. You can store Corn Chip Toffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, but it is best a day or two after it is made, as the chips start to lose their crunch after a few days.

New Year's Resolutions For Parents

2010-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

“Resolution day” (January 1^st) is almost here. Are you ready? Have you decided on your resolutions? For parents, every year offers new joys and challenges. Here are a few ideas for increasing the joy – and preparing for the challenges – of parenting in 2010.

Love your child for who they are.

Every child is unique with different temperaments and different interests. Every day they are learning and growing – and the new year is a perfect time to take a new look at what makes your child special. You can support them as they struggle to master more difficult skills and celebrate their unique successes with them.

Be a part of playtime.

Play is how young children learn about the world and practice new cognitive, emotional, and social skills. A parent can learn a lot about their child’s developing skills and interests by participating in their play. Your questions, ideas, and attention support your child’s curiosity and creativity. Play interactions with you can also help them to develop skills to use when they are playing alone or with peers.

Talk about feelings.

Understanding and managing feelings is one of the hardest skills children under 5 have to tackle. So respect what they are feeling by recognizing their emotions, listening to their thoughts and helping them to work through their emotions.

Be an example.

Though your voice, your expressions, your gestures and your actions, your child learns from you how to interact with other people and with the world. You are in a wonderful position to set a positive example for everything from solving problems to showing compassion to buckling seatbelts.

Create routines and stick to them.

Children respond to the expected. If you create a bedtime routine that has 3 steps and you do the same things every night, your child finds comfort in knowing what comes next and will respond in positive ways as a result of sticking to the plan.

Make mealtime special.

Whenever possible, make mealtime a time to be together and enjoy a healthy meal. This not only develops a good pattern for eating, but it creates an opportunity to connect as a family.

Make books a part of your child’s life.

Make reading fun. Cuddle up. Let your child choose the books. By reading to your children, you are helping them to increase their vocabulary, inspiring their imagination, and setting the groundwork for a love of reading.

For more information on parenting and child development, visit www.ParentingCounts.org .

About ParentingCounts.org
ParentingCounts.org combines comprehensive child development research with a secure journal for capturing and sharing children’s milestones and achievements with friends and family. Resources are all provided by the Talaris Institute on early child development, brain development and parenting. For more information on becoming a member of Parenting Counts Center, go to www.parentingcounts.org.

Free Day at Disney - "Give a Day Get a Day"

2010-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

"Give a day Get a day" officially launches today January 1, 2010.

When you sign up to volunteer a day of service with a participating organization (and your service is completed and verified) you'll get one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park, FREE!

Table Talk

2010-01-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: How can we as a family make a difference in 2010?

Riddle:
Q: Why did the Tomato go out with Prune?

A: Because he could not find a date.

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

New Year’s Resolutions

2009-12-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

Amy Hannold Familytimeandmoney.com

Does the New Year mean resolutions for you? If you are like many people, dieting, exercise, better money management, and more living “in the moment” (slowing down, prioritizing) top your list of changes.

At the University of Washington, they studied people making New Year’s resolutions. They found that "The keys to making a successful resolution are a person's confidence that he or she can make the behavior change and the commitment to making that change," says a researcher. The study also indicates that "resolutions are a process, not a one-time effort that offers people a chance to create new habits." Even if people are successful, they need to follow-up on their behavior over the years.

To be successful with your own resolutions, consider their suggestions:
• Have a strong initial commitment to make a change.• Have coping strategies to deal with problems that will come up. • Keep track of your progress. The more monitoring you do and feedback you get, the better you will do.

Sure-fire ingredients for setting yourself up for resolution failure include:
• Not thinking about making resolutions until the last minute.• Reacting on New Year's Eve and making your resolutions based on what's bothering you or is on your mind at that time.• Framing your resolutions as absolutes by saying, "I will never do X again."

Persistence can pay off. Of the people who successfully achieved their top resolution, only 40 percent of them did so on their first attempt. The rest made multiple tries, with 17 percent finally succeeding after more than six attempts.

As final words of encouragement to resolution makers they offer these suggestions:
"Take credit for success when you achieve a resolution, but it is a mistake to blame yourself if you fail. Instead, look at the barriers that were in your way. See how you can do better the next time and figure out a better plan to succeed. You do get to try again and can make behavior changes throughout the year, not only at New Year's."

What does this mean for those of us mindful of our money? According to financial experts quoted by the Associated Press, New Year or not, there is no better time to improve your financial circumstances than today. Evaluate your spending and investing. Think ahead, they suggest, to the day that you will be thankful that you made allocations for the future. Preparing for the future financially may require learning more about money and how to make it work for you. Make it your goal to know more about your investments and insurances (life, home, health—evaluate periodically as your needs change). Seek reliable, reasonable, and recommended financial advice.

The best advice of all is to track your progress-and any detours-as you journey through the New Year. Keep a log of your money savings, track your progress towards goals and document what you have learned. When you can show yourself positive change, you will be inspired. Share your goals and progress with others. Use the buddy system and enlist the encouragement of your family or friends!

While we’re thinking ahead to the future, Valentines Day is approaching! For affordable and thoughtful ideas on making your sweetie feel special, check out these sites: “Mars and Venus” minded can find a “Romantic Planner”, a calendar of romance for every day of the month—and lots of other good ideas: http://www.marsvenus.com/Romance_Planner.php

WIN - Wyland Dolphin tail Fin, Snorkle and Mask

2009-12-31T11:55:00.000-08:00

Even with several months left of winter and rain I am still ready for some sunshine and my kids are ready to hit the pool again.

Get reayd for summer 2010 with this New Line of Fun Swimming Accessories with Wyland Marine Life Artwork that Encourages Kids to Protect the Ocean

Legendary artist, philanthropist and marine lover, Wyland, has teamed up with FINIS, Worldwide Leader in Technical Swimming Development, to create a new line of fun and lively ocean-inspired swim gear. Now available in stores, the range of colorful snorkels, masks and fins emulate the colors and aesthetics of marine wildlife introducing children to an “under the sea” swimming experience. Wyland’s hope is that the new line of high-end but affordable and fun swim gear will help raise awareness amongst today’s youth and educate them about the dangers that the world’s oceans and wetlands currently face.

“My art is about spreading the message that if people see the beauty in nature, they’ll work to preserve it”, says Wyland. “Wyland’s partnership with FINIS is a perfect way to share this message to swimmers of all ages,” says John Mix, President of FINIS. “Wyland is the master of marine life imagery – we are thrilled to be working with him to make our high-quality product line more appealing to kids by adding his creativity and artwork.”

Every child dreams of being a mermaid or a dolphin when they think about the ocean, with that in mind FINIS and Wyland have created the “Dolphin Tail”, a unique piece that slips onto both feet at once and secures them with an adjustable Velcro strap. Feeling like the “Little Mermaid” the child can swim easily with this fun lightweight fin. Available in aqua or pink, they resemble the swimming technique of an actual dolphin, fish, or mermaid in the sea. The Dolphin Tail is available for $29.99 at www.FINISINC.com.

For the older kids, there is the “Whale Tail” monofin, a larger, firmer version of the Dolphin Tail. These fins are tailored towards anyone over the age of 12 who is simply looking for a little fun while swimming. Designed for kids and adults with shoes sizes 1-7 for kids and 8-12 for adults, these adjustable fins make for fast underwater swimming. The Whale Tail retails at $49.99 for kids and $89.99 for adults and is available at www.FINISINC.com.

Your child can go under the sea and explore with these ocean inspired Guppy Goggles and Explorer and Elite Mask and Snorkel sets. These goggles, masks and snorkel sets boast superior-quality materials, an ergonomic design and comes in sizes for both youth and adults. The goggles are available for $11.99-$14.99 and the mask and snorkel sets are available for $24.99- $49.99 at www.FINISINC.com.

For more information, visit www.FINISINC.com.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Finis Inc are giving away one Wyland Dolphin Tail and mask and snorkel set.

Enter for your chance to win:

Think Taxes Now –Save Time & Money Later!

2009-12-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

Amy Hannold, FamilyTimeandMoney.com

Before you ring in the new year, take some time to consider your tax-filing situation. Here are some things to think about:

Given To Charity This Year? – This is a good time to gather your charitable giving receipts. Are there any other deductions you want to acquire before 2010 begins? Consult your tax preparer or IRS.gov for information. IRS.gov also has a list of reputable charities – check here before you give to an unfamiliar charity.

Contribute to an IRA for yourself and your spouse. You have until April 15, 2010 to make IRA contributions for 2009. (From cnn.com: check out CNN.com or MSN.com for their money-related articles).

Consider your withholdings allowances and withholding status: Though many of us look forward to a tax refund every year, ask yourself if what you’re getting back could be paid to you throughout the year, instead of loaning it to Uncle Sam at 0% interest—wouldn’t that be better? Evaluate your W-4 and see if any changes can be made.

Get Organized: Make it a resolution! Designate one area in your home and one set of files to organize all of your financial/home data. Start collecting those pieces of information that you’ll need at tax time. Being organized can save you lots of time and money when you know what you have and can find it fast! This includes receipts for big purchases, warranties/instructions, credit card statements, etc.

Want More Money Information? Check out these sites:

http://www.moneyinstructor.com/

This site has information for parents, teachers, homeschoolers and individuals who want to teach kids money matters—and learn for themselves as well! Read more about personal finance and other helpful money saving/investing/credit ideas.

http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes Several finance articles on money and personal finance can be found here. Lots of information on new tax laws and how to prepare for filing taxes.

Best Consumer and Finance Freebie: Order your free copy of the “Consumer Action Handbook”! It’s the yellow pages/encyclopedia of everything you need to know to protect yourself, make wise spending decisions and more!:

http://www.consumeraction.gov/

Table Talk

2009-12-31T06:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: What is one New Years resolution you would like to make?

Riddle:
Q: Why did the little grape try not to snore?

A: It did not want to wake the rest of the bunch.

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Teacher Conferences: My Love and Hate Relationship

2009-12-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

I will be completely honest I have a love hate relationship with teacher conferences, report cards coming home and IEP (individualized education plan) meetings.

Being the mom to what we call a puzzle child never makes these events ones I look forward to. What mother wants to hear the shortcomings of their child whether it be academics, social skills, physical abilities or_________? None that I have ever meet.

We moms of puzzle children have to dig deep and hang onto the positives, the smallest accomplishments, the milestones that are finally accomplished even if they are years behind what society calls normal.

Last month I attended our two youngest boys Teacher conferences. When I sit in meetings and the topic is Caleb our puzzle child I often have to bite my lip and hold back saying more then I should.

I look at these specialist/teachers wondering if they are telling me everything there is about my child's lack of accomplishments, if they are advocating enough for my child, if they are as concerned as I am, if they truly understand my frustrations and fears and mostly I wonder if they are telling me everything there is available to us with a child that has an IEP (individualized education plan). I leave these meetings always feeling like isn't there more our school system should be offering for the puzzle children.

Now don't misunderstand me I feel very fortunate that Caleb is in the school he is , to have the teachers and specialist he has, to know that he is happy and feels secure at school each day. I only question the system and does the system keep our teachers from really giving our children the best education they need and deserve. How many times have I heard "He doesn't qualify!" yet knowing he is in need of the additional services. Does that mean my child is actually being denied the same education of the non-puzzled children or the highly capable children?

I often feel I am alone on this journey, advocating for my child in a system that I am not fully aware of what it has to offer him or what I should expect from the system.

What happened to no child left behind? How does one look me in the eyes and say "We are giving him all the services he qualifies for". Yet, he is getting further and further behind his classmates.

I can assure you that as I attend each Teacher conference, IEP meeting and see my child's report cards I will continue to be his advocate, I will continue to discover the system that I am not fully aware of. I will not give up on or give into the system when it comes to my child or your child.

Do you have a puzzle child in your world? What are your thoughts and concerns about the education your child is receiving?

Appetizers To Ring In The New Year

2009-12-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ring in the New Year with these 5 Quick appetizers

Pesto Twists -from: Nestle

These tasty twists made with pesto, hazelnuts and Parmesan cheese are a delicious way to start the evening.

1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 container (7 ounces) BUITONI Refrigerated Pesto with Basil
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts or almonds
1/2 cup (1.5 ounces) BUITONI Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 400° F. PLACE pastry sheets on lightly floured surface. Roll each sheet into 12-inch square. Spread pesto over one rolled pastry sheet. Sprinkle nuts and cheese evenly over pesto. Lay second sheet on top and press lightly. Cut into twelve 1-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip and place on baking sheet. BAKE for 15 minutes or until light golden brown.

Cream Cheese 'n Herb Cucumber Bites from: Kraft Foods

What You Need

1 carrot, shredded (about 1/2 cup), divided

1/2 cup PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese

2 cucumbers, cut lengthwise in half, seeded

Make It

RESERVE 2 Tbsp. carrots. Mix remaining carrots with cream cheese; spoon into cucumber shells. Top with reserved carrots.

CUT each cucumber half into 5 pieces to serve.

Turkey Club Tortilla Roll-ups
from: Pillsbury

Pretty spirals filled with thin-sliced turkey from the deli, fresh greens, peppers, and creamy dressing, roll up fast for a quick lunch or appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

1/2	cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
4	oz cream cheese, softened
1/2	cup chopped drained pepperoncini
2	tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
4	slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
6	Old El Paso® flour tortillas, 8-inch (from 11.5-oz package)
1/2	cup chopped tomato
1/2	lb thinly sliced cooked turkey
	6 leaves leaf lettuce

DIRECTIONS

1.	In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in pepperoncini, cilantro and bacon.
2.	Warm tortillas as directed on package.
3.	Spread about 2 tablespoons mayonnaise mixture on each tortilla. Top each with 1 rounded tablespoon tomato, 1 slice turkey and 1 lettuce leaf. Roll up each tortilla tightly. Cut each roll into 8 pieces; secure each piece with cocktail toothpick. Serve immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate until serving time.

Pesto Party Dip- from Nestle

Sports fans will tackle this winning recipe for Pesto Party Dip. Perfect on veggies, crackers and bread sticks, this delicious crowd-pleaser goes hand in hand with the big game. With its creamy texture and robust pesto taste, this dip is sure to score extra points.

1 container (7 ounces) BUITONI Refrigerated Pesto with Basil
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons BUITONI Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Assorted fresh vegetables, crackers, bread sticks or shrimp

PLACE pesto, cream cheese, sour cream and Parmesan cheese in food processor or blender; cover. Process until creamy.

SERVE with fresh vegetables, crackers, bread sticks or shrimp.

Bacon Quesadillas :from: Kraft Foods

What You Need!

4 flour tortillas, (6 inch)

1 cup KRAFT Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese

1/4 cup OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits

1/4 cup thin green onion slices

Make It!

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Top half of each tortilla with 1/4 cup of the cheese and 1 Tbsp. each of the bacon bits and green onion. Fold tortillas in half; press lightly to secure.

PLACE in single layer on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

FREE Building Fun At Home Depot Kids Workshops

2009-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

Join the building fun Saturday January 2nd at Home Depot's Kids Workshop and let your kids build their own Calendar for 2010.

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

Find Your Local Store

Learn More About Other Workshops at The Home Depot

WIN - Quick Last Minute New Years Tyson Any’tizers

2009-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

Ready to ring in the New Year but still in need of Simple and Yummy appetizers to feed your guest or take to the New Year's eve party your attending this year.

Check out our 24/7 MOMS recommendation then enter to WIN it.

Try the new Tyson Any’tizers they are available in four new Sauce and Stir varieties:

Chicken Breast Chunks with General Tso Sauce
Chicken Breast Chunks with Spicy Sweet & Sour Sauce
Crispy Breaded Wings with Citrus Fire Sauce
Crispy Breaded Wings with General Tso Sauce

Made with the highest quality chicken, these bold new flavors offer protein-packed options that can be customized with the two included sauce packets to satisfy any snacking occasion. Perfect for the after-school snack attack, the big game day party or even holiday hosting, these new varieties are sure to keep families and hungry guests satisfied. Plus, they’re ready in minutes, straight from the oven or microwave, making them an easy-to-prepare, no-hassle snack.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Tyson are giving away One coupon for one FREE Tyson chicken product to two moms.

Enter for your chance to win:

Table Talk

2009-12-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: What is your favorite song to sing in the shower?

Riddle:
Q: What has forty feet and sings?

A: The school choir!

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Survey Says......10 in 2010

2009-12-29T15:59:00.001-08:00

In 2009 24/7 MOMS Live became the #1 viewed MOM live webcast show and we are ready to make it even better in 2010 for moms across the world.

Will you help us by Taking the 10 in 2010 survey? 24/7 MOMS wants to HEAR your opinions, ideas and suggestions and you just might WIN some Starbucks. Click here to take survey .

Don't know what 24/7 MOMS Live webcast is all about:
24/7 MOMS Live is the #1 MOM webcast ( TV show on your computer). We air weekly on Tuesday nights 2 times 7pm PST and 9pm PST.

The 24/7 MOMS live webcast is designed to be a live talk show for moms sharing the MOM journey with MOM tips, ideas, Real mom stories along with demonstrations and plenty of giveaways.

Don't miss taking motherhood to the next level join us every Tuesday night at www.247moms.com 7pm PST and 9pm PST

Click here to take survey

New Years Eve Kid Friendly Food

2009-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Do It Yourself Pizza Party

Create a fun DIY pizza buffet for kids and adults. They will enjoy creating their own mouth watering pizzas with the toppings they like and enjoy. Set out ready to top pizza crusts, bowls of pizza toppings and cheese and of course a big bowl of pizza sauce.

For the Pizza dough there are several options:
- Use individual boboli pizza crust you purchase at the store
- Purchase Rhodes Pizza Dough
- Order pizza dough from your local pizza parlor to make your own crusts
- Use English muffins as the pizza crust
- Make your own pizza dough

Topping Suggestions:

Mushrooms
Olives
Cooked chicken
Salami
Canadian Bacon
Onions
Garlic
Red, green and yellow sweet peppers
Hot peppers (pickled and fresh)
Fruit - pineapple, avocado, or tomatoes
Sausages - sliced pepperoni or crumbled cooked Italian sausage
herbs - oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary
Assorted shredded pizza cheese

Bubbly Jell-O Parfait
from: Family Fun

Grab a spoon and toast the New Year with a cool, sparkly dessert that wiggles.

1. Make bubbly Jell-O according to the directions on a box of Sparkling White Grape Jell-O. Be sure to use club soda, seltzer, or ginger ale and follow the tips on the box for getting the gelatin to sparkle.

2. Chill the Jell-O in champagne flutes or parfait glasses. We suggest making these the day of the party, since they might lose some bubbliness if they're made further ahead. Wind a metallic multicolored star garland (available at party stores) up the stem of the glass for pizzazz.

Confetti Cake - from: Family Fun

Celebrate New Year's or any special occasion with Confetti Cake.

Ingredients

1 1-pound box angel food cake mix
1/4 cup colored candy sprinkles
FROSTING INGREDIENTS AND DECORATIONS:
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
8 teaspoons cold water
2 cups whipping cream (unwhipped)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Colored sprinkles
2 decorative cake sprays (available at party stores)
Wire star garland (available at party stores)
1 sheet of shiny or metallic colored paper (for year star)
Marker
Tape

Instructions

Follow the directions on the cake mix box, but just before pouring the batter into the tube pan, add the sprinkles.
Mix them quickly and gently with as few strokes as possible and pour the batter into the pan immediately. If you mix and pour too slowly, the colors may bleed and color the surrounding batter.
Make the frosting right before you plan to apply it so that it doesn't set. For best results, apply the frosting, sprinkles, and decoration no more than an hour before serving.
Combine the gelatin and water in a small saucepan.
Let it stand until thick.
Set the pan over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves.
Don't let it boil, as that would reduce the gelling power of the gelatin.
Remove the gelatin from the heat. While it cools a bit, combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
Whip them with an electric mixer until the mixture thickens slightly.
Gradually pour the liquid gelatin (don't let it set) into the whipped cream mixture and continue to beat at slow speed until blended. Then whip it at high speed until it's stiff and peaks form when you lift the beaters.
Frost the completely cooled cake with a generous, fluffy layer, making swirls and peaks as you go.
Add confetti (colored sprinkles) and the sparkly year decoration. (Tip: We applied the sprinkles to the sides of the cake by lightly tossing them against the frosting. After we stuck our store-bought metallic sprays entwined with a star garland into the cake, we cut a 2-inch star out of paper, wrote the year numerals on it, and taped it to the sprays.) Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

24/7 MOMS

WIN - Tastefully Simple

What 24/7 MOMS is up to:

Crunchy Carmel Apple Pie

Table Talk

De-Clutter the Christmas Fun

Ten in 2010 For Families

WIN - VHS to DVD™ 4.0 Deluxe

Table Talk

WIN - Barney™: Please & Thank You DVD

2010 in 2010

Fritos For Dessert?

Directions

Crock-Pot Chocolate Frito Candy

From: RecipeZaar

Ingredients

Directions

Put the Fritos and the pretzels in a large Ziploc and smash until crumby; set aside.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Stir in pretzels and Frito pieces.

Using oven mits (use them! The crock is hot! Do not get burned.) dump the hot candy out onto your lined cookie sheet and spread out with a wooden spoon.

Sprinkle the peanut pieces on top.

Put the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until candy has set completely.

Break into pieces.

New Year's Resolutions For Parents

Free Day at Disney - "Give a Day Get a Day"

Table Talk

New Year’s Resolutions

WIN - Wyland Dolphin tail Fin, Snorkle and Mask

Think Taxes Now –Save Time & Money Later!

Table Talk

Teacher Conferences: My Love and Hate Relationship

Appetizers To Ring In The New Year

Cream Cheese 'n Herb Cucumber Bites from: Kraft Foods

Make It

Pesto Party Dip- from Nestle

print

Bacon Quesadillas :from: Kraft Foods

What You Need!

Make It!

FREE Building Fun At Home Depot Kids Workshops

WIN - Quick Last Minute New Years Tyson Any’tizers

Table Talk

Survey Says......10 in 2010

New Years Eve Kid Friendly Food

Do It Yourself Pizza Party