Weeklysauce

Re-Do’s Exist

2012-01-30T23:06:55Z

It is important to put emphasis on your daily health. However, it is inevitable that our unhealthy habits will occasionally sneak their way back into our lives. We’re human, perfection is impossible.

Trying to achieve health perfection can lead to high levels of stress and guilt when we do ‘slip up.’ When these haunting habits arise, instead of giving in to a full-blown binge, just take a deep breath and forgive yourself. Whether your guilty pleasures are partying, tanning, smoking, or eating too much pie, don’t stress, just stop before it’s too late. The detrimental side effects of these habits can be reversed if they are caught quickly enough!

Party Hardy

Whether you partied too hard last night or ten years ago in college, your liver can be saved. Dr. Tram Tan, M.D., medical director of liver transplantation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, claims that your liver can naturally restore itself within a few months to a couple of years. To speed up the process you can eat well (load up on fruits, veggies, and fiber-filled whole grains), exercise regularly, sustain a healthy BMI, and get a hepatitis B vaccine to protect your weakened immune system. For you coffee drinkers, you’re in luck! Four cups of coffee daily reduces the risk for alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver by 75 percent!

Fake n’ Bake

You insisted on having a summer glow year round (and forgot about the great health benefits of sunless tanning lotions and bronzers!) and hit the tanning beds regularly. Now, you worry about the 74 percent increase in your risk for melanoma and signs of premature aging. First off, make sure you put on a SPF 30 sunscreen daily, even if the sun isn’t out! Then, try a dual-wavelength laser like the Fraxel Re:store Dual to get younger looking skin. Additionally, these lasers may zap away precancerous cells, according to Ranella Hirsch, M.D., a dermatologist in Boston. For all you chocolate lovers, now you’re in luck! The antioxidants found in cocoa soak up free radicals which limits UV-ray damage from your previous tanning escapades. Treat yourself to 1 to 2 ounces of dark chocolate (60 percent or more cocoa) each day.

Smokey the Bear

Your smoking habit is reversible! In fact, within 20 minutes of putting down a cigarette, carbon monoxide starts leaving your system and your blood vessels begin to revive themselves. Stop future damage (after quitting) by noshing on 12 servings of leafy greens monthly. Their phytochemicals may reduce your chances of lung tumors and cancer. Then, get a flu shot, avoid second hand smoke, and keep your car windows up when you’re behind a smelly truck because your lungs are more vulnerable to future damage than never-smokers.

Junk Food Junky

The munchies have gotten the best of you recently and your worried about your waistline and cholesterol. Today, swap out the trans, saturated, and refined fats in your diet for healthy fats. Stock up on olive oil, avocados, salmon, and walnuts which all help lower levels of the LDL (bad) cholesterol. These types of foods also help you feel fuller longer preventing binge eating later in the day. Then, get a good nights sleep! The less sleep you get, the more confused your hunger hormones get and the harder it is for you to pass on the french fries and milkshakes.

-Emily Freeman

Giada’s Roman Style Chicken

2012-02-02T22:19:09Z

If you follow my posts, then you know I like to explore recipes. That’s right EXPLORE, not necessarily COOK them. Well, this week all of that changed, when I started cooking up a storm! I actually cooked three nights in a row. Three nights in a row is a big deal for me, and it felt so good to save money on grocery bills AND takeout.

The first recipe I attempted was Giada De Laurentiis’ Roman Style Chicken. This specific recipe is low in fat and calories, just what I was looking for. It was super easy, and super delicious! This will definitely become a staple in my recipe book.

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breast halves, with ribs
2 skinless chicken thighs, with bones
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus 1 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 teaspoon
1/4 cup olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
3 ounces prosciutto, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a heavy, large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Keeping the same pan over medium heat, add the peppers and prosciutto and cook until the peppers have browned and the prosciutto is crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, wine, and herbs. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan, add the stock, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes.
If serving immediately, add the capers and the parsley. Stir to combine and serve. If making ahead of time, transfer the chicken and sauce to a storage container, cool, and refrigerate. The next day, reheat the chicken to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the capers and the parsley and serve.

-Jessica Brown

It’s About Him Too

2012-01-25T17:28:15Z

Women tend to be the center of attention on Valentine’s Day. Maybe it’s because we put more emphasis on the corny holiday, but regardless, we can’t forget about those men that give us so much joy in our lives! This Valentine’s Day, make sure you show your man how much you adore him too! After all, if it wasn’t for the wonderful men in our lives showering us with ‘surprise’ flowers, chocolates, gifts, and dinners we wouldn’t have as much to look forward to on February 14^th.

No matter if you’ve just started dating or wedding bells are in your near future, there is a special gift out there for your boy!

I Barely Know You Stage

No, a Starbucks card will not do, especially if you actually like the guy. Instead, reveal your unbeatable sense of humor with a Personalizable Beer Holster for $24.99! No, I’m not kidding. He will not only laugh his pants off, you will probably catch him using it while doing handy-work around his house, while tailgating, and maybe even at a friend’s backyard BBQ party (just bare with the embarrassment, at least he liked it!). Not to mention, if things go smoothly, you’ll have a good laugh with him every time you talk about your first Valentine’s Day together.

Honeymoon Stage

You’re in La La Land, you feel as if you’re walking on clouds, the sky is bluer than ever, and even if you got robbed at gunpoint the skip would not come out of your step. Make a point to show him how great he has made you feel over the past months with a sentimental gift. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift. Although if you have the means, the nice watch he’s been hinting at since Christmas, when he didn’t get it, would be a great gift. Just make it personal by getting the back of it engraved with something meaningful, nothing too cheesy though. If your budget is a bit more conservative, a Photo Frame Valet for $49.99 would be perfect. This way he can (hopefully) look at a picture of the two of you every time he goes to put on the watches, cuff links, and so forth you may give him in the future.

Serious Relationship

It is hard to go wrong in this stage. Both of you are (hopefully) comfortable together and just enjoying the quietness of being in a steady, healthy relationship. At this point, you probably know him better than he knows himself, so show him. Get him that present that he would never ask for, but has always wanted. He probably can’t even tell you what his perfect gift would be. Show him what it feels like to receive one this Valentine’s Day.

-Emily Freeman

Valentine Themed Cocktails

2012-01-26T22:14:41Z

The Cosmo isn’t the only Valentine-hued cocktail behind the bar. If you’re big on matching your drinks to your holiday, then the upcoming day of love should be no exception.

Whip up a couple of these concoctions and you’ll certainly be seeing cupid.

Our Love isn’t “on the rocks” Margarita

The Margarita can be made in so many ways, and it is too simple to take an old favorite and add a pop of love coloring.

Ingredients

1.5 oz (or one shot) Tequila

½ oz Cranberry Liqueur

½ oz Triple Sec (Cointreau is ideal!)

1.5 oz Cranberry Juice

3 oz Sour Mix*

½ oz Lime Juice

Serve: On the Rocks

Directions:

Wipe the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and dip the edge of the glass in

salt. You can also choose to make this without salt.

Mix all other ingredients in a cocktail shaker and serve over ice.

Garnish with lime wedge or fresh sprig of mint.

If you like your drinks sweeter, you can always add simple syrup, but the

Cranberry Juice and Cranberry liqueur should provide ample sweetness.

*Make your own Sour Mix. Combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water until sugar is completely dissolved. Add 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1 cup fresh lemon juice and refrigerate until needed.

Raspberry Fizz

There’s nothing quite as romantic as clinking glasses of champagne, and your love with fizzle with excitement with this raspberry treat.

Ingredients

Raspberry Fizz

1.5 oz vodka

½ oz raspberry liqueur

Champagne

Directions

Place 3 ice cubes in a champagne flute.

Add the vodka and the raspberry liqueur.

Top with champagne, stirring as you pour.

Float a fresh raspberry in the glass.

And if all else fails, red wine is just as easy to drink as it is to pour!

-Arianna Schioldager

Sweets For Your Sweetie

2012-02-03T17:49:33Z

Life is uncertain so they say. Eat desserts first. Especially chocolate. And especially chocolate this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re giving or receiving, chocolate can make anyone smile.

But rather than give just the standard red heart box of chocolates (does anyone really want that anyway?) or just hitting up See’s, veer away from the typical this 14^th and grab an array of chocolate bars, from Hazelnut, to Dark Cacao, to Cherry infused from a confectionary or your local supermarket. You know what your love loves.

But instead of simply tossing them in a bag with a card, make each chocolate bar their own special card. Cover each bar with a sweet and unique decoration. Pick up paper, raffia, ribbons, buttons, cut-outs, stencils, ad infinitum from your local craft store. Almost all have special Valentines themed paper, which is a great base to start from. Or kraft paper. Wrap the outside of the chocolate bar, so that the brand label is not longer visible, and add all your bells and whistles from there.

As always, try to keep your color palate to a maximum of four colors. This will give your chocolate presents a more sophisticated look.

Make it even more personal with a note strip that runs down the center.

- Arianna Schioldager

Super Bowl Munchies

2012-01-30T22:06:28Z

The Super Bowl is only a few days away! Okay, so I’m still a bit bitter about the San Francisco 49er’s loss, but at least I can still look forward to snazzy commercials and football snacks, right?

This year, ditch the super market dips and fast food hot wings and make your own Super Bowl munchies with these simple and scrumpdiliocious recipes.

Sweet Onion Dip

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 Vidalia onions (1 pound total), finely chopped

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 ounces reduced-fat bar cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar

1/4 cup finely chopped chives

Potato chips (try baked or popped ones for a low fat snack!), for serving

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onions; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, combine onions, sour cream, cream cheese, vinegar, and chives; season with salt and pepper. Chill dip until slightly thickened, about 1 hour; or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Serve with chips.

Smoked Salmon Dip with Bagel or Pita Chips

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise

4 ounces cream cheese

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon red onion, diced small

1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish

2 ounces plus 2 more ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Bagel or pita chips, for serving

Directions

In a food processor, combine mayonnaise, cream cheese, capers, red onion, lemon juice, horseradish, and 2 ounces smoked salmon. Process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in remaining 2 ounces smoked salmon. Top with fresh parsley and serve with bagel chips.

Brown-Sugar Barbecue Chicken Drumettes

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

Coarse salt and ground pepper

6 pounds chicken drumettes, patted dry

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Set aside 1 cup sauce for tossing raw chicken; use rest for baked chicken.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds; line two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.
Divide drumettes between baking sheets, and toss with reserved 1 cup sauce.
Bake chicken until opaque throughout, 30 to 35 minutes, rotating sheets and tossing chicken halfway through. Toss baked drumettes with 1/2 cup sauce, and serve with remaining sauce on the side.

-Emily Freeman

Kiss-Proof Lipstick

2012-01-25T17:27:29Z

My boyfriend used to always complain about how sticky my lip gloss would feel or how he would have to wipe off lipstick from his cheek or mouth when we would kiss. But after discovering CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor, my lips not only look sultry red or sweet pink all day long, our kisses are completely whine-less!

The 16-hour, food, kiss, and waterproof lipstick comes in 7 different shades of browns and spices, 6 burgundies and wines, 7 corals and reds, 7 mauves and berries, 7 neutrals and nudes, and 7 pinks and roses. No matter what the occasion or skin tone you have, there is a color for you! Wear it matte for a more contemporary look or use the moisturizing topcoat gloss to add a burst of shine.

-Emily Freeman

Cupcakes and Cocktails

2012-02-01T18:02:45Z

You don’t need to have a boyfriend to have a special Valentine’s Day. Instead, if you’re sweet and single, round up your girlfriends to play dress up, do make-overs, indulge in some Pretty-in-Pink Strawberry Cupcakes, and watch a chick flick (I recommend Bridesmaids or Love and Other Disasters) all while sipping on decadent Chocolate Martinis.

Pretty-in-Pink Strawberry Cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

1 package(s) (18 1/4-oz.) cake mix, plain white or yellow

1 package(s) (3-oz.) strawberry gelatin

1 cup (finely chopped fresh) strawberries, with juice (from 1 1/2 cups whole berries)

3/4 cup(s) milk

3/4 cup(s) vegetable oil

4 large eggs

Frosting

1 package (8-oz.) cream cheese, reduced-fat, at room temperature

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, unsalted, at room temperature

3 cup(s) (up to 3 1/2 cups) confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1/2 cup(s) (fresh ) strawberries, mashed and drained (3/4 cup hulled berries)

Sprinkles, pink and white, for garnish (optional)

24 slice(s) strawberry, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners.

Combine the cake mix, gelatin, strawberries and juice, milk, oil and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping down sides again if needed.

Spoon about 1/3 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it 3/4 full. (You will get between 22 and 24 cupcakes; remove empty liners, if any.) Place pans side by side in the oven.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cupcakes are lightly golden and spring back when pressed gently with a finger. Remove from oven, place pans on wire racks to cool for 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes to wire racks to cool for another 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare frosting: Blend cream cheese and butter in large mixing bowl with electric mixer on low speed until combined, 30 seconds. Stop mixer and add 3 cups confectioners’ sugar and the mashed strawberries. Mix on low speed until incorporated, 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and blend until frosting is fluffy, 30 to 45 seconds longer, adding up to 1/2 cup more sugar if needed to get a spreadable consistency.

Place a generous tablespoon of frosting on each cupcake and swirl to spread it out with back of spoon. Refrigerate, uncovered, until frosting sets, 20 minutes. Decorate with sprinkles and strawberry slices.

Chocolate Martini Recipe

Ingredients (for one martini)

1 1/2 shots Godiva® chocolate liqueur

1 1/2 shots creme de cacao

1/2 shot vodka

2 1/2 shots half and half

Chill martini glasses in the freezer at least 3 hours before serving. Dip the rim of the martini glass in cocoa powder and/or chocolate sprinkles. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into the cocktail glass.

-Emily Freeman

Chair Re-do

2012-01-30T17:33:52Z

As a stay at home mom, I look at my home as part of my business. I want it to be a nice place for my kids to grow and learn. I won’t lie, I enjoy decorating it and take immense pride in its appearance. On the other side of that is the fact that as a stay at home mom my family only has one income so remodeling isn’t always an option. Sometimes though, you just need a change, and I have to tell you that small changes can make a huge impact and won’t hurt your budget. My example, I refinished our kitchen chairs. Before they were red. I liked the red, but four bright red chairs was just too much. I was looking for something more chic, slightly sophisticated.

Here is what I did. First thing was to prep the chairs. They are made of wood, oak to be exact. So I sanded the heck out of them. I used a very coarse sand paper, 50 grit I believe. The smaller the number, the more coarse it is. I used that sand paper to remove all three layers of red paint, plus two layers of primer under that. Once all the old finish was gone I went back over the entire chair with a fine grit sand paper, 220 this time. The fine sand paper smoothed everything out and made the surface perfect for painting.

Now that the hard part is done (seriously, sanding the old finish off is the worst part!) I primed the chairs with a basic primer. To keep brush strokes at bay I used very thin coats and always painted with the grain of the wood. After the first layer of primer was dry I used more 220 sand paper to smooth out any brush strokes or drips that might have occurred. I repeated that entire process twice. After the third coat of primer and light sanding I used Rustoleum’s professional white spray paint. It’s about $5 a can. Each can was able to cover two chairs. And the paint is supposed to be able to handle commercial applications. When spray painting, stay at least six inches away from the chairs. Use short strokes and don’t be afraid. In between coats take a good look to make sure there are no drips. If there are you’ll need to sand again. Honestly, it doesn’t hurt to sand in between coats anyway. My chairs each had two coats of spray paint.

Then I got crazy and hand painted a paisley design on the seat. I like to live on the edge. Briefly I considered making or buying a stencil, but I sort of enjoyed the thought of the charm of hand painted details. Once they are dry you will want to put some protection on them. You can use a spray polyurethane, or my all time favorite for furniture- Minwax Finishing Wax. The wax takes an extra oomph of effort, but I think the finished product is worth it. And voila, you have completely changed the look of your kitchen chairs for roughly $20-$30 depending on what supplies you already have on hand.

-Stephanie Wright

Valentine’s Weekend Getaways

2012-01-26T22:12:13Z

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for a romantic weekend getaway. Many resorts have couples packages that will spark fireworks.

Stress over work and intimacy are two of the leading causes for an unhappy partnership. Lucky for you, I have organized a list affordable deals that include relaxing spa treatments, complimentary dinners, and indulgent sweets across the United States!

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn: Sonoma, California

For $429 per night you and your significant other can spend the day wine tasting at Gloria Ferrer winery, wind down with 60-minute massages, and sip complimentary sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on a rose petal turndown.

Hotel Vitale: San Francisco, CA

Relax in one of Hotel Vitale’s waterview guest rooms, with a 110-minute massage class, a Bathing ritual for two, and a 50-minute couples massage at Spa Vitale for $799 per night.

The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Rejuvenate your romance with an intimate dinner date and a champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries nightcap for $273 per night.

Hotel Santa Fe: Santa Fe, New Mexico

For $378 per night, you and your Valentine will be welcomed with fresh flowers, a gift basket consisting of strawberries, cookies, fresh mineral water, and champagne, woken up with complimentary breakfast in bed, and pampered with one hour massages.

Chena Hot Springs Resort: Fairbanks, Alaska

Be adventurous with your loved one and swim or soak in a natural outdoor hot springs, take a geothermal renewable energy tour, and explore the Aurora Ice Museum. Then unwind with dinner for two and a welcome basket complete with champagne or sparking apple cider. Wake up slowly in each other’s arms (Chena Hot Springs extends your check out to 1pm) and enjoy a delicious breakfast for $440 per night.

Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach: Miami, FL

Enjoy an ocean-view room, a bottle of champagne, fresh chocolate-covered strawberries, complimentary breakfast, and a late check out for $469 per night.

Blantyre: Lenox, Massachusetts

Start your Valentine’s weekend with a welcome fruit and cheese plate, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne. Loosen up with a spa treatment, get snuggly on a romantic sleigh ride, enjoy the smell of a bouquet of long-stem roses, and treat yourself to a four course meal starting at $600 per night.

Four Seasons Chicago: Chicago, Illinois

For $415 per night, shop ‘til you drop with a $50 gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue, $75 to the Spa at The Carlton Club, and complimentary breakfast either in bed or at the new Deca restaurant each morning. If three nights are not enough, don’t fret; the fourth night at the Four Seasons Chicago is free!

-Emily Freeman

Best Bets For Valentine’s Beauty

2012-01-26T22:14:09Z

Winter can do a number on our skin, hair, nails, you name it. And it’s a minor setback that the day tailor made for love happens to fall dead center in the middle of beauty’s hiatus.

But there are plenty of beautifying steps you can take to make sure you are fresh-faced and ready for romance the night of the 14^th.

First of all, because champagne and Valentine’s Day go together like bread and butter, beauty brand Fresh has partnered with Veuve Cliquot with the release of what they call their “winter survival kit.” Cliquot in the Snow is available February 1^st and includes favorites like the beloved Sugar Lip Treatment and a Citron de Vigne fragrance rollerball—a scent inspired by Cliqout itself ($60).

For just $20 nab Stila’s Love at First Blush set available at Sephora. What you’ll get: Microfine powder palate and Lip Glaze in Bubble Gum and Pinkle Twinkle. The palate even comes embossed with layers of lovely hearts.

Scent is a huge part of attraction, and no one does scents quite like Tom Ford. Nab his classic and unisex Tobacco Vanille. The scent unfolds with creamy tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla and cocoa, and finishes with a dry fruit accord enriched with sweet wood sap.

Nail art is still going strong, so is a heart on each nail too much? Go crazy with Shattered Pink Diamond Glitz. $8 at local retailers.

And if you need a day to relax before the big night, The Argyle Salon and Spa in West Hollywood has a true Turkish bath tucked away in their spa. A Hamman is a low-steam heated room, which exfoliates and detoxifies the body. $25 for 25 minutes. And if you’re so inclined… a hydra facial doesn’t sound to bad either.

-Arianna Schioldager

Work That Booty

2012-01-26T22:13:38Z

It’s almost February, so that means we are all hiding extra winter “storage.” What we can’t see won’t hurt us…? Well maybe not, and it certainly doesn’t make the long haul back into shape easy. But even in winter, there are lots of exercises you can do in the comfort of your own (warm) home. So, clear some room and test out these butt-lifting exercises.

The Donkey Kick

You won’t feel like an ass with this move, but you will love yours in no time.

Get on your hands and knees, with wrists aligned under shoulders and knees under hips.

Draw your abs in, lift your left leg parallel to the floor, with knee bent, foot flexed.

Return to starting position and repeat 15 to 20 times.

Alternate sides.

Feel the burn!

The Plie

Can you hear the tap of your ballet teacher’s toe? Most little girls have done one at some point or another. And the good news is, the move hasn’t changed one bit.

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing out.

Bring your arms out straight in front of you and lower as you would into a squat.

Return to starting position and repeat. Go as low into the squat as you can without letting your knees move past your toes—otherwise known’s as the gran plie.

Be sure to tuck your tailbone under and contract your glutes. Pull up, and keep your torso tall. This also helps you work your core.

Repeat for about a minute. At the end of the minute, pulse at the bottom for as long as your tush can handle (or say, 20 seconds).

And when in doubt, take the stairs. They work your glutes like you want them to be somebody’s business.

-Arianna Schioldager

Fighting In Front of Kids

2012-01-27T18:31:27Z

If you’re married you know that it is inevitable that you will fight with your spouse. Lots of people will tell you to never fight in front of your kids. But really, how feasible is that? I will be the first one to raise my hand and admit that my husband and I are guilty of fighting in front of our kids. It’s not intentional, we surely don’t set out thinking that we will argue let alone argue in front of the kids.

The thing to remember when your kids are present is that they are always watching and learning. This can be a good thing. Watching mommy and daddy argue is how they will learn to argue with their spouses, and their friends, and any one else they have a disagreement with. Therefore it’s important to keep it fair. Our rule at home is that we can’t yell with the kids around. If either one of us feels like yelling is on the horizon we “pause” the argument for later. The worst thing about that is that usually if we pause we sit on our anger for a longer time. What this has done for my husband and I is we are far less likely to lose our tempers, with or without kids around.

Another thing to watch for, is to make sure you are both listening. It’s only a fair fight if both sides get to voice their opinions. And finally, it’s extremely important for your kids to see you and your spouse reconcile. When it’s over, they need to see you hug, kiss, hold hands, whatever it is that you would do had you not been in a disagreement. this way your kids learn that’s it’s okay to disagree with someone, but there are right and wrong ways to deal with it. And in the end it doesn’t change your feelings for the person you were arguing with.

-Stephanie Wright

Picking a Dog

2012-01-24T17:47:57Z

Oh no, your kids asked the question. The question. The “Can we have a dog?” question.

It’s the same question that has sent many parents off the deep end. (perhaps it just makes me crazy, and the rest of you are more level headed. Perhaps there are even more dreaded questions out there…) I knew it wouldn’t be long before our kids asked us for a pet. They all do at some point. Luckily for me ours asked for a dog.

I like dogs, so it worked out for all involved. If they asked for a cat (or a lizard, snake, or rodent) I wouldn’t have been so willing to hear them out. If you decide your family is ready to bring a fido home and make him a part of your family, rest assured that I have some tips.

First thing to consider is breed. You will want to choose a breed that really fits your family. For example, good with kids, or other dogs, or other animals. And also a breed that fits your home life. If you live in a third floor apartment, perhaps that great dane is not really for your family. This really depends on your situation, but good go to breeds that generally love kids are labs and golden retrievers. That’s a generalization though.

Just like not all adults are “dog people” not all dogs are “kid friendly.” Purchasing from a reputable breeder will get you closer to your ideal dog. You will be able to see the parents of your puppy, siblings, and may even be able to contact others who have purchased puppies from them. A good breeder will encourage you to look into their past pups. They will welcome you to tour where their dogs live. If you find someone who doesn’t, run away. The actual dog should allow you to pet her, lift her paws, check her eyes to ensure they are clear (opposed to cloudy) and look in her mouth. If you find a dog that growls when you perform this inspection, I’d say she is not a fit for your family. Think about what kind of “inspections” a toddler might want to give a dog. Also pay attention to the parents. They should be friendly and easy going too. If they are, there is a great chance their puppies will be too. If you decide to rescue a puppy from the pound the inspection is the same.

Your biggest risk is that you cannot be sure of your pup’s temperament once fully grown.You might want to consider rescuing a slightly older dog from the pound. A dog around two or three years of age will most likely have their temperament already established. Not to mention, they will likely be done with the puppy teething stage.

Whatever dog you choose, be sure to invest in some quality training. A well behaved dog, is always cuter than an obnoxious one. Most importantly, be sure to give your new pup lots of love and you will be rewarded tenfold.

-Stephanie Wright

Cooked with Love

2012-01-20T18:04:46Z

You’ve heard of chicken soup for the soul, but what about chicken soup for the heart? A home cooked meal is one of the best gifts you can give someone. It takes time, effort, practice, and every dish turns out unique.

And since Valentines Day is creeping slowly around the corner, show your sweetie… or your best friend… or your mom… (doesn’t matter!) with a well-thought out, carefully planned meal from the heart. Can’t cook you say?

But for the lot of us who didn’t inherit Grandma’s cooking skills, there are people who can help!

Cooking classes are just a mouse click away. Here are a couple of classes you can take to rev up (or revamp—never too late to learn something new) your skills just in time for that special holiday.

EATZ LA:

The large kitchen and small class size (limited to 16) encourages you to awaken your inner chef. The professional chefs help you learn the art of cooking from the first cut to the last taste. Thursday, February 7^th from 7:00-10:00PM learn how to make An Italian Affair, a delicious five-course meal, perfect for a romantic night.

612
North La Brea Ave; 310-824-3586

KTCHN 105

This is a newer spot located in the Produce District of Downtown LA. The studio kitchen at KTCHN 105 was designed for learning, entertaining and coming together for the appreciation of food.

If waking your love up with a Valentine’s breakfast is more your speed, sign up for Kitchen 105’s Breakfast 101. You will learn how to cook eggs, cure fish, and make sauces.

Class is Wednesday, February 1^stfrom 6:30-10:00PM, which gives you a full two weeks time to practice making that perfect omelet.

1250 Long Beach Ave; 213-908-2646

-Arianna Schioldager

Running with the Right Shoe

2012-01-24T18:17:03Z

A good friend of mine has been running every day for as long as I can remember. She made the assumption that because she ran long distance, and because most marathon runners wore Asics, she should follow suit. But on a recent trip to buy new sneakers, an employee pointed out her flat feet, got down on the floor to observe her walk, and declared that she should buy a different shoe.

It was all about her personal pronation. What’s that? People fall into three categories: normal pronation, overpronation, and under pronation. For a great description on pronation check out Runner’s World.

After a long run, unless we are wearing the right shoes, our feet, back, et al., are usually wailing in pain, and a good running shoe that fits your specific foot is pertinent.

There are three types of running shoes:

Motion Control: For people with flat or low arches

Stability: For people with medium arches

Cushioned: You guessed it… designed for people with high arches.

There should be a thumbnail length of space in the toe box of the shoe. This usually means you have to go up ½ a size. None of us like to wear bigger shoes. But in the case of the running shoe, a poor fitting shoe can cause all kinds of problems, including back issues and bunions.

You should replace your shoe every 350-550 miles. Not when the tread runs thin and you slide down that mountain.

And it depends on what kind of running you do: long, short distance, sprints, stairs. What you’re running on informs your shoe choice as well, i.e., sidewalks are terrible for knees. Even if you’ve been running for years and assume you know what the right shoe is, you could easily be mistaken if you’ve never asked.

-Arianna Schioldager

Homemade Valentines

2012-01-20T18:20:25Z

Boxed valentines may have been fine for classmates, but this February 14th, even if you don’t have ton to spend on romantic splurges, a hand-crafted Valentine is a beautiful way to show someone you care.

Here are some tips and ideas.

You can layer, cut-out, glue and sparkle, but make it your own and it will be beloved.
To give cards that designer feel, use only four colors and only six materials. Think of a card as an outfit. You wouldn’t wear earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, headbands, and a scarf all at once…would you?
Decide on a style. Girly. Rustic. Sophisticated. There are a million card styles.

Browse a couple of card websites to get a good idea. Here are two:

Not Another Knotch on My Leather Belt Card:

Weave leather belts together to make this rugged card that your guy will love. No frills, no sparkly hearts. Simply collect old (your local thrift store is great for this) brown belts—should all be about the same color. You can braid them together, or attach them with bonded leather backing and water base glue to a thick piece of card stock. Next you’ll need an exacto knife to carve. Now, there are proper ways to cut into leather, but you aren’t trying to become a master leatherworker. You just want to carve a sweet message—a simple I love you, and the date.

Sew a Heart for Your Sweetie:

The Hand Stitched Card Bust out your needle and thread and sew a heart. Your love will surely be impressed by your handiwork. A piece of thick, kraft-colored stock paper is good for the stitched look. You can even sew a dotted line down the spine of the card. Don’t forget: A sweet message on the inside.

-Arianna Schioldager

Moms Pump Iron Too

2012-01-30T20:34:09Z

Being the new year, i know many of you are working on losing some weight. Maybe getting yourself back into that pre-baby body that you’ve been missing since the minute you peed on a stick. Cutting your calories and cardio exercises are great, but if you really want to rock the “hot mamma” status you will need to start pumping some iron.

I know what you’re thinking, you don’t want to bulk up and look like a dude, so you will pass on the weight lifting. You’ll have to trust me when I tell you that lifting weights is not just for the boys these days. Let’s get to the skinny of it.

First of all, as women we already have to worry about osteoporosis. Were you aware that building muscle has been proven to improve bone density? No lie! Muscle also burns calories more efficiently, so all that sweaty cardio that you just did is even more effective. Even better, your resting metabolism is better too. So you will burn more calories while surfing the net. And while sleeping.

Lean muscle, think J-Lo or Michelle Obama. (Hello good looking arms!)

Now for all of you who swear that you don’t life weights because you do not want to look like a man. Seriously? This is such an old wives tale. The truth of it is, men bulk up the way they do because they have testosterone. Women body builders often take testosterone in order to achieve their muscle mass. Women have more estrogen which actually promotes lean muscles. Lean muscle, think J-Lo or Michelle Obama. (Hello good looking arms!) And remember, it’s not like you will wake up tomorrow with the physique of Arnold, it takes years if now decades for that to happen.

So if you are still worried about looking like a man, you have time to stop and adjust your routines. But I promise you that you will instead look lean and toned.

-Stephanie Wright

Hair Accessory Holder

2012-01-24T17:44:57Z

I really enjoy being a DIY diva. If I even think I can come up with a project that complete I give it a shot.

Not too long ago, while I was window shopping at the mall, I saw this cute little canister for holding little girl hair bows and miscellaneous hair accessories. The cute little thing was round, so you could put headbands around it, as well as store things inside.

My daughter is all about head bands. She wears one every single day without fail. We had nowhere to put them, so they just sat in a pile on her dresser. Drove me nuts. You can imagine how excited I was when I saw this headband holder contraption. However, it was $40!!! Needless to say, I decided to DIY it myself.

First thing was to find a good container. Something cylindrical. I chose an empty formula can, but I imagine that empty coffee cans, or oatmeal cans would work great too! Just try to put a headband around to see if it will work. After cleaning my can, I gave it a few coats of white spray paint. Then to sass things up a bit, I cut out my daughters initial and rubber banded it to the canister. Then I went nuts with more rubber bands of varying thicknesses. Once I was happy with the design I spray painted the whole thing purple. Once I removed her initial and all of the rubber bands, I was left with a purple canister with white stripes and a white letter M on it.

At this point you can go to the hardware store and pick up a wooden base to glue on the bottom. Or you can be as excited as my daughter, and just fill her up. Either way, you now have cute stylish containment for all of your daughter’s hair stuff!

-Stephanie Wright

Your Way to a Healthy Heart

2012-01-24T17:37:41Z

As we plan ways to surprise our loved ones with gifts of gratitude and appreciation this Valentine’s Day, it is important not to forget about the most important Valentine of them all: our own hearts. Show your heart love this Valentine’s Day with the Ornish Diet!

The Ornish Diet is the perfect Valentine’s present gift for your heart. The benefits of this diet go beyond weight loss. It aims to prevent or reverse diabetes and heart disease, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent and treat prostate or breast cancer. It is scientifically proven to make you “feel better, live longer, lose weight, and gain health.”

The book The Spectrum (2007) by Ornish Diet Founder Dean Ornish, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Insittute in Sausalito, describes the necessary nutrition, exercise, stress management, and emotional support options for your desired health goals.

Ornish believes that food can be organized into five groups, Group 1 being the most beneficial to your health and Group 5 being the most detrimental. For example, high-fiber, whole grain bread may be in Group 1 or 2 where as a white flour, high fat biscuit would be in Group 4 or 5.

Before beginning the low-fat diet, try to categorize the foods you normally consume on a daily basis into the five groups. Note of the amount of food you to put into each category and when and how much of it was consumed to identify your healthy and unhealthy habits. Predictably, the majority of your diet choices should fall under Groups 1 and 2 on the Ornish diet.

The diet allows you to create your own exercise regimen that includes aerobic activities, resistance training, and stretches when it is most convenient for you. Stress management is also a major factor in the diet. Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and time with family and friends are all advocated for optimal results.

-Emily Freeman