happy New Year!

I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy new years and I hope that 2011 is a great year for everyone.

Today, I will be writing down my resolutions and putting them on the mirror in my bathroom and bedroom. Read the rules to accomplish your resolutions all year in my other post!

Thank you everyone for an amazing 2010, thank you for the love and support. I sm really looking forward to 2011 and what it will bring!

Enjoy ringing in the new year with friends and love ones!

Family time

Sure you say the holidays are over so why is family coming into town now, well I guess that's just how we roll in our family. So today I will be having 7 relatives coming in before lunch time. Yes, I can see your eyes bugging out of your head right now. Don't worry I did the same thing.

Dont get me wrong I love my family and am very excited to see them. Some of them haven't met Liam yet, that's how long it has been. It's just that it's a lot of things happening with a lot of people at once. But what can I say...bring it on.

I almost forgot to mention that they are not quiet talkers so the loud will be as loud then stadium when we beat the cowboys.

So I found this little recipe that I may be partaking in lately. Check it out:

Hibiscus Tea with Vodka & citrus

( serves 6)

6 cups of water
3 cups dried hibiscus flowers
2 1/2cups of sugar
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 1/2 cups vodka
2 cups of ice

How to make:

In medium saucepan combine water, hibiscus flowers, sugar over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.

Allow mixture to cool for 25 minutes. Add lemon juice, lime juice and vodka.

Place ice in a tall pitcher, strain tea into the pitcher and discard flowers. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Yes , I know it takes a little time to make but since it will be in a pitcher, you can go to it anytime you need a little "adult tea".

Enjoy!


Search Amazon.com for bormioli rocco glasses

Keeping those New Year's resolutions

It's almost that time again, to make your 2011 New Year’s resolutions. We all want to change things every year and are motivated to do so but by mid February those seem to fall by the way side. So, I have come up with a few sure fire ways to keep your track to accomplish those resolutions this year.

Think small. Sure you are thinking, why not go big for 2011? Well for example if you want to lose 50 pounds in a year, set a lower weight each month and work on that. That way you don’t overwhelm yourself. If your goal is to work out everyday that might not be possible time wise set it to 3 times a week for sure and if you have extra time go for it.

Don’t make the list too long. Think of the things that are most important to you. If you put too much on your list you will be worried about trying to fit them all in and you lose track of what the real goal is.

Set goals that you can start at different times. For instance if you want to train for that marathon or be outside more with your kids then maybe spring would be a good time to start. You can start in the gym for that marathon but then move some of your exercising to the outdoors and make a list of the things you want to do with your kids. that leads to my next point.

Write them down! Write them anywhere that will be a reminder to you of what you have set for yourself. Write them in multiple places if you have to, set an alarm on your phone or computer to pop up. Even tell your friends about what you are doing, they will be great encouragement and a good friendly reminder.

Reward yourself. we all like to be rewarded for when we do something good or accomplish something. Don’t take it to far by eating a whole bag of cookies or spending hundreds of dollars on a new outfit but a little reward now and then for keeping yourself on track will be something that will keep you going. Sure, if you keep it up all year and its almost 2012, go out and have a party for yourself, buy those incredible shoes, amazing handbag, sexy dress or eat a big piece of cake. Do something just for you.

Lastly,

6. Don’t worry if you slip up every once and awhile, we are all human and we all do it.

* Also posted on Momtrends.blogspot.com.*

Curl your hair with a straightener: Conair You Style Review

Who knew you could Curl your hair with your straightener, seems like an oxymoron but it's true. You can do it with most straighteners. I tested with mine last night and was very pleasantly surprised. It made s nice big curl, I think it will take time to perfect it.
You start a little away from your roots and turn the straightener 180 degrees and go down your hair. The slower you go down your hair the tighter the curl.

Today I went to one of my favorite places Target and bought the Conair You Style $39.99) it has flat plates for straightening if you want to do and plates on the sides for you to curl your hair too. I think this is going to easier since it's made to curl too.

Search Amazon.com for hair straightener
Search Amazon.com for hair accessories

If you are like me, using an actual curling iron isn't one of my strengths and honestly scares me a little. I always manage to get some really good curls the way I walnut and then others look awful and of course burning myself of my hair. The Conair seems much easier and less scary.

One point that I should make is that we all know to use heat protector on our hair before using anything liken heat dryer or curler/straightener. But doing this to your hair you want to make sure you really protect it. If you have a spray that you use I would even mist it over each section you curl or spray on your hands and then put some on your hair if you won't want to put too much product in your hair ( or if you are like me and have thinner hair)

So have fun trying something new with your hair that doesn't take too much to do.

Let me know if you try it and what you think.

Happy hair day!

Better than Old Navy flip flops....what???

Yup, I said it I found something better than my beloved Old Navy flip flops that I have to buy every spring because I wear them so much. Mine usually ended up with a hole in the hell that I McGaver with duct tape to last the rest of the summer but once I saw this post from one of the mom blog I follow (In the Know Mom) I fell in love!

The company called Plant Flops! THey make any color you could dream of to put on your feet but the best part is that this flip flop is ECO FRIENDLY.. we know my favorite thing! Plus, these will give you more sopport then the Old Navy ones. THey are make with rubber as well but its not synthetic. Check out their website here

In the Know Mom is giving away a pair to a lucky reader!! How great is that?? Yes, I know its cold now for most of us but winning a pair will be giving you something to look forward to for the warmer weather knowing your feet look amazing and you are helping the planet! So head over and enter her giveaway and look around, she has some of the neatest stuff for kids and parents that are all "green". I ABSOLUTELY love her site and look on it almost daily!!

I Have already entered the giveaway but I think its time for me to do some online shopping...im heading over to Plant Flops to pick some colors! So excited!!! See you there!

For the colder days: Search Amazon.com for eco friendly coffee cup

Veggie Burger Recipe

As we all know burgers are so good, why not turn it into something healthy for you: Veggie burger. I know when you think veggie burger you think it will probably think it will taste like cardboard but not this one. Your family wont know the difference.
Here is a great recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups ( one 14- ounce can) black beans, red beans or chickpeas, drained

1 medium onion, quartered

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 tbs. chilli powder

salt for taste

freshly ground black pepper for taste

1 egg

Bean-cooking liquid, as needed

1 tbs. olive oil or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn for cooking


How to Make:

Step 1: Place the beans, onions, oats, chilli powder, salt, pepper and egg in a food processor and pulse until chunky but not pureed; if it seems dry or not sticking together well, add a little liquid ( a tablespoon at a time). You want it ro me moist but not wet. Let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes.

step 2: With wet hands, shape into patties, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes

Step 3: Heat a large skillet or griddle ( whatever you have) over middle heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom of pan. When its hot, add the patties and cook until they are nicely browned on one side ( about 5 minutes) turn over carefully and cool on the other side until firm and browned ( another 5 minutes). Serve on buns and make sure you have everyones favorite burger fixings!

Nutrition: 262 calories

( also check it out on MomTrends, along with my other posts!! :) )

Another Favorite thing: Fast Flats!!

Okay, I want to start off by saying.. this is by far one of the best inventions. ever.

I do wish I had thought of this but i will not complain! These by Dr. Scholl's are amazing and very great to have.



I am totally bring these with me on New Years Eve. I know my shoes i am wearing are going to incredible but lets be honest by the end of the night I will be dying to take them off. All women I know right now are shaking their hand in approval and thinking of the places they would have used them or where they will be bringing them next.

I got mine at Target so go grab you a pair and don't worry about your feet. You will just enjoy looking fabulous!

Give Back this Holiday

I know this year the money might have been tight, you want to give but you dont have the funds?? Well here is a way you can give that loved one a gift and give to those less fortune or your favorite charity. Here are ideas.

How about give an oranment made by your favorite designers like Sarah Jessica Parker or Gwen Safani?? ( $20-$50) at HSN



100 percent of the profits, no less than 30 percent of the purchase price of each ornament, will be donated to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

How about a Ring for the women in your family. Even for the men- tell them that men celebrities wear them too!) With each purchase, $70 goes to the Save the Children Foundation. From Bvlgari.



Give for the kids that they can hold while you read their favorite book to them. Also, Build-A-Bear Workshop will donate 50¢ to First Book to provide new books to children from low-income families and 50¢ to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to support other literacy and education programs. Build-A-Bear Workshop.





I know you will be baking those cookies to share and of course leave for Santa. Why not make yummy cookies and give to your favorite at the same time? or how about giving to the ofice staff so you can start pay it forward?? Try this by Baking for Good.



Fifteen percent of each purchase benefits a charity of your choice, including a wide range of women’s causes.


Now, of course there are so many more ways to give this season. So, just remember when you are out buying for your friends and family, there are other out there that would love to be able to have a great holiday season as well, so why not help any way you can. If its giving coats to the cold or homeless. Giving to cancer research so those who are effected can spend next Christmas with their loved ones. Or how about those men and women outside ringing the bells for the Salvation Army, drop a few cents or dollars in there to help. When you are t the toy store, why not pick up something extra for those kids who cant wait for Santa to come! Anything you do will be a big help and not only make someones holiday but give you a great feeling.

Merry "giving" Christmas Everyone!

Gift Guide 2010

Now, we all know I love shopping. That is another reason I like this season I get to bring smiles to other faces with shopping!!
I have found great things for everyone on your list, family or friends. Some are just fun, useful and just plain cute! check it out:

Kids:

Jump Rope




Sing-a-Ma-Jings

The Gamer: Rock Band 3

Watches: Rubber

Girly Girl: Necklace



THe NEW skateboard: Razor



Friends and Family:

the martini to go:





THe blackberry gloves: For use with your touch screen mobile




Dice salt and pepeer shakers: for the game lover in your life

Juicer

for her:

Fur Gloves: Loft

The Tech Lover Mom: Ipad Case and Iphpne cases


Nail polish: Zoya

A pandora braclet

How about a centerpiece but also S & P shaker?? Check it out!



The Man in your life:

XBOX Kinect: Cant go wrong

The fitnes Lover: The fitbit

For the guy that has everything: Charge his world

SKullCandy Headphones





On a buget?? Here area some great finds!!!

Marc Jacob Geo Rings

American Eagle: Scarf

LOVE this Brand: Tarte. Eyelash Curler



Coffee lover. a creamic Mug and this Cuff

A New twist on something old. Stackable glasses



New Apartment? House? College?? Here is for any age: Shower Curtain you can write on!!!

I hope that I helped you out and gave you some ideas for your last minute shopping.

It makes me what to go out now.

Happy Shopping everyone!!

Betty home maker today!

Today besides catching up on my Christmas movie obsession. I am baking cookies for the family and the relatives that are coming.
Here are a few of the ones that we will be tasting this year...

Chocolate chips:



Peanut Butter Buckeyes:




Chocolate crinkles:



Sugar cookies:




That is just a few for today. I am not quite done! Too come: fudge, cookies to reeses in the middle.

If you have any recipes you would like to share.. I would love to try new cookies or desserts!!

Happy Baking!

I am BACK!!!!

I am starting my blog up again everyone!! Look for more posted to come, I have a ton of things to share and write about. I am very excited!!!

A revised sample coordinates the mod wallet.