Grandparents: How to Bond with Your Teenage Grandchildren
The teenage life is hard. Kids are going through a lot of emotional and physical changes. They need the stability of family to help them stay anchored. This includes grandparents.
When kids are small, grandparents are like the best people ever. While parents have to be the disciplinarians, grandparents can be the ones who enjoy having fun with their grandchildren. It is fun to sit and talk or play games for hours on end at grandma
How to Go Gluten Free without Losing Out On Flavor
Many families these days are choosing to go gluten free. It can be daunting, however, to think about giving up all those wheat-based cereals, crackers, cookies, and breads we so love. But gluten-free cooking can be very flavorful, and there are entire aisles in some natural food stores and grocery stores dedicated to gluten-free foods. Here are some tips on going gluten free without sacrificing flavor.
Flour
If you are going to be making your own gluten-free foods, you will need to work without wheat flour. Once again, this does not mean bland and flavorless. Beans and nuts can be ground into flour, as can alternative grains such as rice. You can also purchase pre-ground, gluten-free flours. Here is a partial list of grains you can eat on a gluten-free diet:
* Buckwheat
* Corn
* Amaranth
* Quinoa
* Millet
* Oats (see Quick Tip #3 below)
* Teff
There are also non-grain-based flours made from nuts, beans, potatoes, seeds (such as flax seeds), and even tapioca.
Bread
Yes, you can bake gluten-free bread. Look for a comprehensive, gluten-free bread cookbook and experiment. You can also bake flat breads that are gluten free using almond flour, flax meal, and/or rice flour. Some gluten-free recipes contain a large number of eggs to make the breads pliable and puffy.
Substitutions
You may be able to make gluten-free adjustments to your favorite recipes. If you have a favorite pasta dish, you can buy gluten-free pastas made from rice or buckwheat flour. If your favorite sauce contains gluten, see if you can remove the culprit and substitute it with something else. But many sauces do not contain gluten; most likely you’ll just be replacing the pasta.
Sweet Treats
Some quick ideas for sweet treats that are gluten free include meringues cookies, homemade fudge, fruit and yogurt, and cakes, brownies and cookies made with alternative flours. There are gluten-free cake and brownie recipes that actually use pureed, cooked beans such as garbanzos or black beans.
Quick Tips
1. Any foods that are battered or breaded should be avoided. You may not realize that pan-saut
Frozen Mango Popsicles
Yields 8
Ingredients:
2 cups low fat mango yogurt
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp light corn syrup
2 tbsp sugar
2 cups fresh mango, cut into small chunks
8 Popsicle molds
Instructions:
Combine the mango yogurt, lemon juice, corn syrup, sugar and 1 cup of mango chunks in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the remaining one cup of mango and pulse until the yogurt mixture is smooth, but still has some small mango chunks left.
Pour the mixture into the Popsicle molds, cover with the tops and plastic or wooden Popsicle sticks. Place into the freezer until thoroughly frozen.
These Popsicles make great treats for children.
Frugal Wedding Ideas
One of the happiest moments in a person
Fun and Frugal Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Frugal gifts for Father’s Day are not too hard to come by, and often, such gifts end up meaning more. If you’re looking for a way to honor your dad without spending tons of money this Father’s Day, here are some ideas that might help.
Chores
Dads often do a lot to help out around the house. If your dad usually washes the car, give him a coupon that’s good for several car washes. You could do the same thing with yard chores, minor household repairs, taking out the garbage, and other dad jobs.
A Day Off
Sometimes, what Dad needs is a day off to do what he wants to. If your dad longs to spend more time with the family, organize a family day when everyone is home at the same time (this can be quite a gift, depending on your family’s schedule!). If your dad prefers some time alone, give him a day all by himself when no one bothers him. However your dad likes to spend his time, give him more of it!
Food
Homemade treats go over really well with some dads. Cookies, fudge, breads, and other goodies can be packed into an inexpensive box or basket. If you’re not able to bake anything, you can turn inexpensive store-bought gifts into interesting treats. You can dress up a package of plain cookies by dipping them in chocolate or frosting them. A package of cream horns can be sliced into rounds and topped with cherry pie filling or sliced fresh fruit.
Your dad may also appreciate it if you cook his favorite meal or snack – he might appreciate some “naughty” food he is not allowed to have the rest of the year. Let it be a nag-free meal!
Mugs
Does your dad like coffee? Plain mugs can be purchased at dollar stores and yard sales, and dressed up in all kinds of ways. A one-time purchase of ceramic paints can go a long, long way in making homemade gifts year after year. Look for enamel paint that can be baked in the oven at a low temperature so that the painted design becomes permanent and dishwasher-safe.
This is a great project for kids of all ages – paint dad a mug that he can actually use. You can paint drinking glasses, bowls, pitchers, and other items with these paints as well.
Photos
All kinds of gifts can be made using your digital photos. You can use regular photos, too, to create an album or framed print. But some online services allow you to do all kinds of interesting things with your photos, from creating calendars to albums.
Simple Steps for Finding Lost Pets
It can be so heart-wrenching to find out your best furry friend is lost, and sometimes it’s hard to think clearly about what to do. Lists with clear directives can help. Here are some simple steps you can take when you find out your pet is missing.
1. Remember the nooks and crannies
Before you begin searching anywhere else, search your home thoroughly. It’s amazing what some animals can get stuck in, from old freezers to boxes to cabinets. Look inside closets, under beds, and in any storage area that your pet could reach. Be very quiet and listen for scratching, meowing, whining, or other sounds.
2. The local animal shelter
Check the website of your local animal shelter or humane association, pay them a visit, or call them. Someone may have brought your pet in. Leave your information with the shelter personnel, so they can call you if an animal matching your pet’s description comes in.
3. Make flyers
This time-honored means of creating awareness about a lost pet is still an important step and a good option. Print out pictures of your pet on your computer printer, or take a photograph of your pet and photocopy it. Then build your flyer around the picture.
Make sure it includes the pet’s name and description (since photos aren’t always clear, especially if you’re driving by), and is big enough to be read easily from several feet away. Post the flyers on telephone poles, public bulletin boards, and any other public area.
4. Internet sources
Did you know there is an “Amber Alert” for pets? There are specific websites dedicated to spreading the information about your pet as quickly as possible to as large a number of people as possible. You enter your pet’s information along with your contact information.
If you are on a social networking site such as Facebook or MySpace, post your missing pet’s picture in your status update, and let people know your pet is missing. You can also use Twitter to this effect.
5. Go on a search
This may seem obvious, but it’s sometimes hard to think when your pet is missing. Take as many people with you as possible, and search as wide an area as you can. If you have a pet dog still home with you, take him with you – maybe he can help find his friend.
6. Call your vet
Call your local veterinarian’s office and find out if anyone has brought your pet in. If your pet is injured, a kind-hearted person may have taken your pet to the veterinarian. Your vet’s office is also a good place to post fliers of your missing animal.
Eggy Breakfast Wrap
Serves 4
Ingredients:
6 large free-range, organic eggs, boiled, peeled and cut into slices
4 tortilla wraps
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 large slices of cooked ham
Handful of arugula leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cover each tortilla with a bit of ketchup, top with a slice of ham, tomato slices and egg slices. Lastly, top with a few arugula leaves. Then roll up your wrap, cut into half and serve as a delicious breakfast/brunch wrap.
Easy Father’s Day Recipes for Kids
A meaningful way to give Dad a gift he’ll remember is to cook him something. Even small children can help in the preparation of special recipes, and older kids can cook some foods by themselves. Here are a few recipe ideas to get your started.
1. Taco Dip
This is definitely an easy recipe for kids. Serve this to Dad for an afternoon in front of the TV, or as lunch on the couch. This makes 8 servings.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 1 16-oz. can of refried beans
* 1 packet dry taco seasoning
* 2 cups of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, or Mexican blend cheese (you can combine these cheeses as well)
* 1 16-oz. container sour cream
* 1 4.5-oz. can of chopped green chilies
* 1 large tomato, chopped
* 1 6-oz. can of sliced black olives
* 6 chopped scallions
* 1 11-oz. jar of prepared salsa
Brown the onion and ground beef in a little oil, breaking it into small bits. Stir in the refried beans, chilies, and taco seasoning. Spread this into the bottom of an 8″ x 10″ baking dish. Layer the rest of the ingredients in the following order: sour cream, salsa, olives, tomato, scallions, and cheese. Serve warm.
2. Shish Kabobs
These are so much fun for kids to make. And you can use a lot of combinations of meats and vegetables. Shish kabobs can be cooked outside on the grill or broiled inside. To make this really kid-friendly, lay out various shish kabob ingredients and let the kids choose what they want to put on the skewers. Rather than one shish kabob recipe, some possible combinations and ideas are listed below.
Soak skewers in warm water for 30 minutes before putting the food on them and grilling/broiling.
Suggested combinations:
* Cubed and marinated beef, chunked pineapple, onions, and green peppers
* Cubed chicken marinated in Dad’s favorite hot sauce, chunked new potatoes
* Chunks of fruit and cubes of various cheeses
* Cubed chicken marinated in Greek salad dressing, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and chunked new potatoes – serve with feta
* Chunks of vegetables like zucchini, onions, and peppers basted with olive oil while grilling
* Tofu cubes can be used instead of meat
If you like, you can cook or grill the meat and vegetables ahead of time, and let the kids string the cooked food on skewers. Then you can just lay them on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to warm them up. Grill meat until it is done and juices run clear.
3. Cake with a Theme
One of the most fun things you can make Dad for Father’s Day is a fun cake. For a fun and easy design that kids can help with, why not make a cake shaped like a TV remote control? It need only be a big rectangle, and the kids can help with the mixing and baking. Then they can put the “buttons” on, using candies of various sizes placed in rows to make a keypad.
You could also make a computer keyboard cake this way. The rectangular cake could be made into a shirt front with a tie, too, or iced in shades of green, brown and blue to make a golf course. Let your imagination go on this one!
Father
June 16th is the day set aside to celebrate fathers. Sure, they are special and we tell them so each day, but this day is one where they get to do what they want with their loving families running the show. Here are some ideas for activities for the family to help Dad to have a great time.
Kids love to get involved in parties and other fun occasions. Father
Fat-Burning Foods
Did you know there are foods that can help you burn fat? The secret is to eat foods that take a lot of energy to digest. That way, more of the food’s calories are used in digesting it and you don’t have to “work off” all the calories. Here is a partial list of some of the better-known fat-burning foods.
1. Low-Fat dairy products
Foods like low-fat yogurt (without added sugar), reduced-fat cheese, and skim milk are reputed to help you burn fat. Studies have shown that those who eat low-fat dairy products not only tend to lose weight, but they also tend not to gain weight over time. So low-fat dairy products may be helpful in preventing weight gain, too.
2. Eggs
Thank goodness eggs are getting over their reputation as an unhealthy, cholesterol-producing food. They are high protein, and high-protein foods take a lot of energy (i.e. calories) to digest. Eggs also contain important vitamins, such as B12 and Vitamin E, that can help with weight loss.
3. Turkey
Some even tout turkey as a superfood these days. Whether you agree with that or not, turkey is a healthy, high-protein, low-fat food that takes energy to digest. Note, though, that you need to eat lean, natural turkey and not processed deli turkey or turkey that has been injected with saline or broth.
4. Salmon
This fatty fish has gotten a reputation as a heart-healthy food, and for good reason. It’s also very high in protein, and the healthy fats along with the protein combine to make a food that takes a lot of energy to digest.
5. Beans
All beans are considered healthy, but sources say that white, lima, kidney and navy beans are the best for fat burning. High in fiber, vitamins and protein, beans are another one of those foods that use energy. You can make them into healthy dips like hummus, or mash them with powdered taco seasoning and use them with nachos. Of course, you can also eat them cooked over a bed of brown rice, adding even more protein and fiber.
6. Oatmeal
If you sweeten your oatmeal with a little raw honey or stevia and fruit, it becomes a low-calorie, fat-burning breakfast. Oatmeal has lots of fiber and takes pretty many calories to digest.
7. Whole grains
Thinking beyond bread, whole grains can be a great way to boost your metabolism and add that important fiber. Cooked whole grains can be used in many interesting recipes, such as millet, brown rice, and quinoa. They can be cooked into stews and casseroles. They are complex carbohydrates, so don’t let the low-carb craze prevent you from eating these healthy whole foods.
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How to Make Chores More Fun for Kids
Is it hard to get your kids to do their chores? It can be a battle to get them to clean up their toys, put away their shoes, do their homework, and other tasks. There are ways you can make chore time a positive experience, and help motivate your kids to get their tasks done. Here are some tips.
Earning Privileges
Psychologists recommend establishing privileges in your home, and then working out a chore schedule that allows kids to earn their privileges. For example, if your young child enjoys playing with his toy cars, set up a chore list where certain chores earn him a half hour of car play time.
The same principle could be applied to a teenager who likes to spend time on social networking, or a preschooler who enjoys playing with blocks. If you make enjoyable tasks into things your children earn, then the chores can be their way to earn these privileges.
Make a Chart
The concept of earning privileges through doing chores may be made easier with a chart. And this gives kids control over what privileges they earn and so forth. It encourages them to participate and get involved rather than avoiding Mom and Dad who are nagging all the time about chores.
For very young children who can’t read, you can use pictures – have a picture of the chore, then a picture of the privilege and draw a line or arrow connecting them. For older kids, you can even have them earn play money with their chores. “Putting away shoes = $3” for example. Then privileges “cost” certain amounts: “One-half hour of television = $5.” Your kids can “pay” you with the play money. Or you can simply make a chart that shows which chores earn which privileges.
Participate
It’s been said that getting up off your rear and helping your kids get their things done is helpful. It makes sense – kids (and adults) may resent being told to get to work by someone who’s sitting on the couch. So get up and participate – don’t do your kids’ chores for them, but work on your own clean-up chores at the same time, or pick up items you want your kids to put away and hand these to them.
Sometimes, kids – especially young ones – need to be “walked through” a chore. Some kids need for you to point out the toys that have to be put away, or the laundry that’s waiting to be put away.
Games
If possible, make chores into games. Young kids might enjoy pretending to be a clean-up robot. You can pretend to operate the remote with “buttons” for fast, slow, and so forth. Older kids might get a kick out of a trash can mounted on the wall that they can “shoot” for like basketball. Homework is homework, but you can make it a game by letting your kids earn points or treats for each homework assignment they complete.
Barbecue Chicken Tikka Kebabs
Serves 4
Ingredients:
10 chicken thigh fillets, cubed
3 tbsp Tikka paste
1 red onion, cut into wedges
Skin-Smoothing Body Scrubs
Skin-smoothing or exfoliating body scrubs can sure be expensive, and there are concerns that they contain harmful chemicals such as dyes, colors and fragrances. Why not make your own? They may be a lot healthier, and they’re certainly cheaper. Here are some recipes for skin-smoothing body scrubs.
1. From the Ground Up
Coffee grounds have a reputation for smoothing out cellulite-ridden areas of the skin. Their texture is also good for exfoliating, and you can’t beat the wonderful smell.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup coffee grounds (don’t get decaffeinated – it’s said that the caffeine helps the cellulite)
* 1/4 cup sea salt
* 1/2 tablespoon sweet almond oil
Simply mix these ingredients together. You can double the recipe if you like. Apply to damp skin with a circular motion, and rinse.
2. Chocolate-y Salt Scrub
Coarse kosher salt makes this a skin-smoothing scrub that gives skin a nice glow. The cocoa is supposed to have a smoothing action similar to the coffee grounds.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups kosher salt
* 1/2 cup oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba
* 1/4 cup apricot kernel oil
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients and apply to damp skin with a circular, massaging motion and rinse.
3. Sugar Scrub with Yogurt
Yogurt and milk have been known for centuries to be good for the skin. Here is a recipe for a sugar scrub with yogurt.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup coarse sugar, such as turbinado sugar
* 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
* 1/4 cup coconut oil
* 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
* 1 tablespoon raw honey
* 3-4 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)
In an electric mixer, beat all the ingredients well until they are smooth and creamy. Apply as above.