Featured Posts

Best Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her – Part 1

We love shopping. Enough said! Give us an unlimited credit cards, a few hours in Bloomingdales or Nortdstrom’s and we can spend our entire life’s savings. And have an amazing time doing it.

Ok..back to reality!

Yes….Jimmy college fund comes to mind, the mortgage, utilities, ugh. I have living in the real world.

With that said, here is our TOP 10 list of what we would love to get for Valentine’s Day:

#1. MAC Book Pro!

Ahhh…the inner geek in my screams for this sleek shiny new machine. I can already imagine my fingers effortlessly gliding across the smooth keyboard building my next web project and planning my world domination! I can just imagine the possibilities – work at the kitchen table, in bed, ahhh the battery life alone is enough to buy this baby!

For a full review of this fabulous lap, check out Gizmodo’s Mac Book Pro Review here.

The Whopping price:  $2,499

#2. Jura-Capresso Impressa S9 One Touch Coffee Center

Ok..so I am not a morning person. I admit it. I can’t even speak before my morning cup of coffee, let alone deal with an uber active 2 1/2 year old’s tantrums and demands. Let’s just say my mental awakenss doesnt start before 2PM.

But I bet this fantastic cappuccino/coffee maker can change that. Even calling it a coffee makes is demeaning.  I’ve had my eye on this for about 6 months now. I cannot wait to get my hands on one! I dream big, what can I tell you?

Whopping Price:  $3,376.95

Yes, yes, we have expensive taste in gifts! Stay tuned for some more exciting luxury Valentine’s Gifts coming up next.

Baby’s First Valentine’s Day – Make it Memorable!!

Your baby’s first Valentine’s Day is special. As a dad, you want to make sure you do everything to make this a memorable day. There is no limit to your options—you know your baby best and can find things to do that you and your baby will both enjoy.

Here are some ideas for dads on celebrating their baby’s first Valentine’s Day:

1. Dress up your baby: Find your baby an appropriate outfit to mark the occasion. Think of something with cute red hearts all over—the perfect choice for any baby’s first Valentine’s Day.
2. Have a photo session with your baby: Take lots of pictures to keep the memories of this day alive. Let your baby pose with different people amongst your friends and family members, with pets, and in different situations. You can later compile these into a scrapbook and preserve the memories of your baby’s first Valentine’s Day.
3. Prepare a special treat: Serve your baby your love in the form of a tasty treat. Use heart-shaped pans to make your baby some Valentine’s Day cookies or muffins. Serve them as little red hearts with strawberry jam or red sugar crystals. An even easier option is to make your baby some sandwiches and cut them up to resemble little hearts.
4. Give your baby Valentine’s Day popsicles: Here is another novel idea to make your baby’s first Valentine’s Day special. Use heart-shaped molds to make Valentine’s Day popsicles for your baby. Simply freeze fruit and vegetable juices or pulp in the molds with little sticks in them. Give them to your baby to relieve teething pains.
5. Gift your baby a Valentine’s Day basket: Celebrate your baby’s first Valentine’s Day traditionally with a gift basket. You can put some new toys and clothes in it. Also, remember to include something to keep a record of the day, such as a baby handprint kit, or a picture scrapbook.

Reinvent Romance Back Into Your Relationship After A Baby

The first time Tom and I went out after our daughter turned 2, was a surreal experience. We went out to dinner, ate in peace and actually were able to have a normal conversation that did not involve the words: “No, don’t play with your food”, “Don’t throw your fork and food on the floor”, “Don’t stick noodles in your nose!” and sooooo  many more versions of this!

Don’t get me wrong! We’ve gone out all together but that is an experience for a different post!

I cannot tell you how refreshing it can be to go out and just enjoy a night out! But it does involve some planning ahead of time and a reliable babysitter. Here is a great post from The Bump with some creative ideas on how to spice up your Valentine’s Day.

Planning ahead is key here!

Gone are the days when you and your partner can jump up and go out to dinner or even a movie. Try to plan in advance either a long lunch from work or even take a day off and enjoy a spa massage, mani-pedi, or even couples’ facials. Anything to break the routine of work, home, diapers, bottles, pumping, feeding, etc.

And even if you stay at home with the baby, it’s still a good idea to prepare in advance, get a babysitter, pump extra milk.

Simple gifts can be appreciated more than store-bought gifts.

I must admit, in those early days with an infant, the opportunity to take a shower and/or a nap, was an absolute luxury. Give your partner a few hours off to do something for themselves or even treat them to a massage, a relaxing bath, a middle of the day nap and a home-made dinner would be an absolute thrill!!

Get adventurous and creative!

From The Bump: Couples therapist and The Nest expert Dr. Ingrid Schweiger of New York City says “Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to make your relationship center stage again.” While a dozen roses, a box of chocolates and a fancy dinner out are all great (and universal) ways to woo your partner, think about what you can change within your own home. “A clean bedroom, a made bed, some candles and soft music is pretty romantic when you’re used to diapers, bottles, piles of laundry and dirty dishes,” says Blumencranz. Once baby goes down for the night (or for a couple of hours) uncork the wine and whip out the china—even if it’s just takeout or pasta on the fancy ware, the ambiance is key. Bonus points if you take the time to cut out little hearts from construction paper and sprinkle them on the table when your partner isn’t looking. And remember, says Blumencranz, Valentine’s Day is the day when you show your partner how much he or she means to you. The day can be as special as you want it to be. Dr. Schweiger agrees. She says the biggest mistake you can make is to not acknowledge the day because baby is here. Schweiger recommends writing your partner a love letter. “Even if life has been stressful with all the changes brought by parenthood, reflect on what makes your partner unique and lovable,” she says. “Deepening your intimacy is what it’s all about.”

There you have it. So even in a tough economy you can enjoy your Valentine’s day as a couple and bring romance back into your relationship!

Where To Donate for Haiti

Photo Source: FT.com

The sadness and tragedy caused by the devastation in Haiti this week is  extremely misfortunate.

We wanted to provide you with this list of several organizations currently working to provide aid and relief. We encourage you to help if you can.

The American Red Cross

www.redcross.org

Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 (billed to your phone)

The United Nations World Food Program

www.wfp.org

The Salvation Army

www.salvationarmyusa.org

Action Against Hunger

www.actionagainsthunger.org

Project HOPE

www.projecthope.org

Partners in Health

www.pih.org

Devastating Circumstances – How to Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake Now!

As the scope of the devastation from a magnitude-7.0 earthquake became clearer Wednesday, survivors spoke in terms of all that has disappeared. Most hospitals, houses, schools, roads and grocery stores — virtually every necessity of basic life — were transformed into piles of rubble.

Thousands were dead, President René Préval said, and one of the world’s poorest countries had become almost entirely dependent on outside help to survive.

The fastest way to donate $5 to Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund is by texting “Yele” to 501501 (the $5 will be charged to your cell phone bill) or www.Yele.org and click “donate.”">visit www.Yele.org and click “donate.”

Here are some other links from USAToday…

Disaster Relief and Non-governmental Organizations:

-You can make a donation through the American Red Cross’ International Response Fund, and it will be allocated specifically for Haiti relief efforts;

-Action Against Hunger has mobilized an emergency response and has teams already on the ground, assessing and responding to needs;

-Mercy Corps has a way for you to donate your money straight to their efforts in Haiti, and Unicef also has a donation site set up;

-The United Nations World Food Program has teams “already on the scene, mobilizing emergency food assistance to families.” To support these efforts, you can make an emergency donation here;

-Operation Blessing International also has disaster relief teams on the way. A donation of $50 or more will bring emergency food, water, medicine and more to the quake victims;

-Project HOPE, which provide medical supplies and health care services to those in need, is seeking donations for their aid efforts in Haiti;

-The Salvation Army is also sending personnel and supplies to assist in the relief effort, and needs of donations;

-American Jewish World Service is collecting donations for its “Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund,” which will help “their network of grantees in Haiti to meet the urgent needs of the population based on real-time, on-the-ground assessments.”

-Baptist Global Response, which coordinates the mercy efforts of the Southern Baptist Convention, is sending a team from Florida to help for its initial outreach. In addition to donations, the organization asks that concerned individuals join in focused prayer for Haiti’s 9 million people.

Automatic Bouncie Chair? I’m All Eairs! Check out Bright Starts New Bouncie

My daughter lived in her bouncie chair until she was 6 months old! She ate in it, she slept in it, she hung out in it!  She had such a bad acid reflux problem, I even let her sleep in it over night while I slept on the couch next to her.

During her colic months, it was the only thing that would soothe her crying and help her relax. I don’t know if it was the vibrations or the bounce, but it’s one item I and she couldn’t live without!

Two years later, my nephew is reliving the boucie chair phenomenon. He loves his bouncie and refuses to sleep anywhere else!

So it’s two for two!

Imagine my happiness, if I were to have a second child, when I discovered this bouncie chair by Bright Starts – “the only bouncer that truly bounces.

The boucies we had so far didn’t actually bounce, but this one features a unique technology that provides a smooth, consistent bounce that mimic’s mom’s natural bouncing motion.

Features and Benefits:

• Automatic Bounce with 2 bounce speeds: low or moderate
• Battery Savings – more than 2X the battery life of other bouncer seats
• Removable Toy Bar – pivots back for easy access to baby
• 10 Melodies and Nature sounds to soothe baby
• Removable head rest
• Cushioned bolster system for ultimate comfort
• Integrated, cushioned foot rest
• Machine Washable seat pad, bolster system, and head rest
• 3 point Harness keeps baby secure
• Non-slip feet

Need I say, music to my ears!!! aaahhhh…..can you hear the silence???

If you are looking for the perfect baby gift idea, this is IT! The new mom will be thanking you for months to come!

Who Doesn’t Want a Room with a View?

Sometimes, an idea comes along so simple, elegant and revolutionary, I just marvel at the fact that no one has come up with it before.

Acrylic-sided cribs made by Spot On Square are such an obvious upgrade to cribs, that I am baffled by the fact that we’ve settled for dingy, ugly wooden crib rails for so many years! My gosh!!!!  What an AWESOME choice for babies!

Imagine the improvement to your little ones view this new crib will create!  Made out of durable half-inch, BPA free, phthalate free, 100% recyclable clear acrylic that is framed by locally sourced Walnut, this modernist crib creates a stunning addition to the modern nursery.

Simply Genius! Now you can truly admire your offspring day and night without any obstructions!

To Potty Train or Not To Potty Train! That is the Question!

That is a good question! How can you determine if your child is ready to begin the process of potty training.

According to some studies, the average age of potty training girls is between 20-29 months and boys is closer to 31 months.

However, every child is different and you have to pay attention to the signs of readiness your child exhibits.

It usually takes three months on average to toilet-train a child, and normally 98 percent of kids are toilet-trained by 36 months of age.

Summer time can be a good time to begin toilet training because children are typically wearing fewer clothing layers, which makes it easier for a toddler to undress himself.

Times to avoid starting the process are during high-stress periods such as around the time of a move or the birth of a new sibling.

Signs that your child may be ready to potty train include the following:

• Your child stays dry at least 2 hours at a time during the day or is dry after naps.
• Bowel movements become regular and predictable.
• You can tell when your child is about to urinate or have a bowel movement.
• Your child can follow simple instructions.
• Your child can walk to and from the bathroom and help undress.
• Your child seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants to be changed.
• Your child asks to use the toilet or potty chair.
• Your child asks to wear “big-kid” underwear.

One particular potty training aide we are currently using is the Tinkletoonz Potty,  a musical potty that plays a tune when your child goes in the potty. The moisture-activated sensor in the bottom of the bowl plays “It’s A Small World After All”, a long-time children’s favorite.  If you are having difficulties potty training, try this. It makes it fun and challenging for your child to activate the music.

We found some great tips and advice from parents at babycenter that helped us with our daughter.

Perhaps, the most challenging part of potty training is when you and your toddler are on the go or someone else is taking care of them for the day such as a babysitter or pre-school teacher.  Just remember to plan ahead and prepare for those days and just keep being persistent and don’t let a set-back ruin days of training.

And remember, hardly any children end up going to college in their diapers, so worry and stress out! Your toddler will get it when they are ready!

Matching Organic Outfits for Babies and Toddlers

Adorable. Green. Fun. Organic.

The speesees line has created some super cute yet affordable baby and toddler clothes.

I was recently shopping for coordinating outfits for my daughter and nephew for their holiday photo shoot but had a difficult time finding outfits to match.

They also make their bodysuits extra large for bigger babies. My daughter was born at 10 lbs and nephew was 9lbs so finding bigger clothing can be quite a hassle.

The organic cotton is super soft and luxurious and you will feel good about putting it on baby and kid’s skin. Highly recommended and simply adorable! Hurry while their holiday sales lasts.

Maternity Fashion: The Butterfly Sweater

Isabella Oliver has some of the most equisite maternity wear on the market! It almost makes me wish I were pregnant again! Oh no wait, I am STILL wearing maternity clothes!

Ok, I regress.

Check out this fabulous Butterfly Sweater! It could work as a fall piece with just a tank top underneath or a wrap for the office. It’s perfect with a pair of jeans or even with leggings.

I absolutely love this look because it can be fabulously dressed up or dressed down depending on your occasion. It works for the office and a night out! It almost looks like a dress if paired with the right bottom! And it hides the bump perfectly!

Grab one today as it’s on sale for 20% off – $151.20.

New Mom Gift Idea – Timi and Leslie Diaper Bags

How can we resist the style of this adorable Timi and Leslie overnight diaper bag?

Made of quality leather, this fabulous diaper bag is loaded with accessories, all sporting a tasteful circus animal theme. Packed inside, you’ll discover a plethora of baby essentials including an insulated bottle tote, a detachable shoulder strap and a whole bunch of fobs to attach your keys too. Also, there’s a changing pad, a diaper mat, a wrist bag, a medicine case and a baby wipes bag. Other features that we like are the waterproof lining and the zip up bottom that opens up a big space to store baby clothes.

A celebrity favorite, this little number has been spotted sported by Kelly Ripa, Faith Hill, Cindy Crawford and many more.

We snagged ours from Baby Oliver Boutique for a bargain $85.95

Fabulous Holiday Dresses – Luna Luna Copenhagen

Holidays are such a great time for family parties, office parties, great food, great company and lots of festivities.

One tradition in my family was to always wear our best outfit for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve!

Last year, Kara was too young to wear a fancy dress as she was only 1 and couple of months. However, this year, I just couldn’t resist! I got this absolutely FABULOUS dress by Luna Luna Copenhagen. I know, I know, it’s a bit over the top @ over $120 but it will look amazing in our holiday photos! I got it one size bigger so she can wear it again next year.

Check out Tuttibella.com for super trendy designer kids clothes for your holiday festivities this year! You may find some unique gift ideas as well some adorable outfits for your own toddler!

Holiday Style – Hue ‘Denim’ Leggings

We are all about looking fabulous after a baby so of COURSE we love these leggings! Our most favorite Mommy Fashion blog – AintNoMomJeans inspired us to look into this ultra chic look.  Moms meet the denim leggings (you can get these at Nordstrom), as Shana from aintNoMomJeans eloquently put:

not to be confused with the “Jeggings“, which are leggings that are printed to look exactly like jeans (including fake pockets, etc).

Pair these with a nice white tank top or cami from J.Crew (these are on sale now for DIRT cheap – $6.99 each) and a nice cardigan from Banana Republic and you are ready to go!

Perfect for casual days at the park or even nights out with the hubby. Dress dress them up or down with a fabulous purse and cute accessories.

Ahhh….we swoon over comfortable, no hassle, FABULOUS clothes that we can throw on in 2 minutes and look like we spent hours!

Cute Gift Idea – The Run Bike by Wishbone

Awww….lazy days in the summer, teaching your kid to ride a bike. For those of us in North, we have to wait a few more months. But if you’re shopping for someone living in a warm state, this clever little bike is perfect.

This pedal free balance bike, also known as a run bike, is 3-bikes-in-1 to grow with tikes ages 1 to 5.

As soon as your kid can walk, he or she is ready to scoot with the first phase of this Wishbone Bike (the three-wheel trike). When kids develop their skills and confidence, lose a wheel and the wood-framed trike becomes a two-wheel balance bike. For phase three, flip the frame for extra height!

Made from 60 percent post-consumer recycled plastic wheels and sustainably managed woods, this awesome little bike is even environmentally friendly.

Cute Gift Idea – Truffles by JellyCat

A few years ago we went to a gift trade show @ Javitz Center in New York and walked past the JellyCat booth. To our delight, Kara grabbed the first toy/blanket she saw and was absolutely in love with it. The sales person wasn’t so thrilled that we were getting our grubby hands all over his product, but it was hysterical watching my baby’s delight in the softness and cuteness of these animals.

Ever since then, I’ve been in love with these toys/blankets and highly recommend them. They are a pure joy to give and to receive! If you have any baby gifts you need to buy, check out JellyCats Traffles and you will be in love forever!

Part over-stuffed security blankie, part stuffed animal, these adorable animals make a wonderful first toys  for baby. Made of ultra soft, non-allergenic materials, the toy can lay down flat or sit upright. We love the sheep’s yummy soft body and gentle smile. The slightly weighted feet make it a delight to carry around or simply hang on the edge of a crib or armchair.

You can purchase one for yourself at Oompa Toy Store here.

Cute Gift Idea – Baby Clothes By Anthropologie

Anthropologie makes some of the most adorable baby clothes out there. Well made and absolutely fabulous. The only thing missing from this dress is sizes for toddlers and up.

This is a fantastic gift for a little baby girl or even for your own child to wear.

It’s festive and colorful and you can stay away from velvet or plaid.

A whimsical scene of crimson mums, blue sky and golden branches unfolds atop a ruffled frock. By liaMolly.

A+++ from us!

Best Kind of Christmas Trees For The Season

If you’ve ever agonized over what type of tree to purchase for the holidays, fret no more. Here we have outlined for your the top 4 Best Voted Christmas Trees in North America.

So sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas tree shopping this year.

Voted #1 – Fraser Fir – Fraser fir is a native southern fir and very similar to Balsam fir. Some say it is a southern extension of the Balsam fir species and naturally grows at elevations above 5,000 feet. This fir has dark green needles, 1/2 to 1 inch long and ships well. The tree has excellent needle retention along with a nice scent. Fraser fir was named for Scot botanist John Fraser who explored the southern Appalachians in the late 1700’s.

Voted #2 – Douglas Fir – Douglas Fir is not a true fir but actually has its own unique classification. Unlike true firs the cones on Douglas fir hang downward. Douglas fir grows cone-shaped naturally, has 1 to 1-1/2 inch needles that are persistant and has a sweet scent when crushed. The Doug fir tree is shipped to and found in nearly every tree lot in the Unites States. The tree was named after David Douglas who studied the tree in the 1800’s.

Voted #3 – Balsam Fir – Balsam fir is a beautiful pyramidal tree with short, flat, long-lasting, aromatic needles. Balsam fir and Fraser fir have many similar characteristics and some botanists consider them extensions of the same species. Their geographic ranges do not overlap and the Balsam fir has to have cold winters and cool summers. Balsam fir has a nice, dark green color and very fragrant. The tree was named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on bark and which was used to treat wounds in Civil War.

Voted #4 – Colorado Blue Spruce - The Colorado Blue Spruce is most familiar to people as an ornamental landscape tree. The tree has dark green to powdery blue needles, 1 to 3 inches long and a pyramidal form when young. Colorado blue spruce is very often sold “living” and with an entire root ball – to be planted after the holidays. The spruce was chosen in 1978 and planted as the official living White House Lawn Christmas tree. The young tree is pleasingly symmetrical, is best among species for needle retention and the state tree of both Utah & Colorado.

Should We Tell on Santa or Keep it to Ourselves

There are so many people on either side of the fence these days on whether to tell your kids Santa isn’t real or to keep the mystery and fun going.

According to About.com, “although Santa Claus was originally based upon the Christian figure of Saint Nicholas, a patron saint of children, today Santa Claus is wholly secular. Some Christians object to him because he is secular rather than Christian; some non-Christians object to him because of his Christian roots.He is a powerful cultural symbol which is impossible to ignore, but this doesn’t mean that he should simply be accepted without question. There are good reasons to dispense with the tradition.”

There are many reasons for abandoning Santa. As parents we have to lie to our children. And with time, as our children grow and begin to ask questions on Santa’s supernatural powers, our lies have to grow.

At some point, our children will catch on that SOMEONE is always watching them (kind of creepy if you ask me), and that Santa will judge them based on a few acts of naughtiness rather than as the whole package.

Also, there are too many correlations between Santa and Jesus and for those who do not believe, this may be an issue.

On and on goes the argument for killing Santa.

In our house, we go ALL OUT! Uncles dressed in Santa Suits with huge red bags packed with presents. We ring the door bells and knock on windows. We put on the WHOLE show.

When I grew up that was the highlight of my year and wouldn’t have given it up for anything. I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I always knew my parents were full of it but I went along with it for their own sake. They seemed to have such a great time “fooling me”.

What do you do think about this? Do you promote Santa with your children?

Adorable Holiday Baby Gifts Idea – Socks

Love these little socks from Little Miss Matched. Under $25.00, colorful, fun and useful, they are the perfect stocking stuffer for little baby! Includes 6 pairs of mismatched socks for your little out of the box kid.

The company is also offering free shipping on orders over $75.00 or more. Stock up on pajamas, leg warmers, socks and more.

Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids – Paper Bag Turkey

We love this adorable idea from Kaboose.com on how to make this cute paper bag turkey.

It would work very well at the kid’s Thanksgiving dinner table as a centerpiece or even as an adorable favor.

Fill it up with yummy snacks, candy or other light items and you have yourself a unique thanksgiving craft you can do with your kids!

Check out the instructions here from Kaboose.

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

1. Lay paper bag flat on the work surface.
2. Use crayons or paint (crayons are less messy and will be much easier for younger children) to add stripes of colors to the opening of the bag, about 5-6” long (see image).
3. Open the bag and be sure to add stripes to the sides as well.
4. Cut the strips with scissors (see image).
5. Paint or color the other side of the strips. This is a little messier, so be sure kid are wearing smocks and your work surface is protected. When painting the other side of a strip, the paper may curl up on you. Just hold it flat for a few seconds and this will correct it (see image). Allow the strips to dry completely.
6. Fill the bag halfway with crumpled newspaper.
7. Gather the bag together with your hands, just under the strips, and secure with a rubber band (see image).
8. Pinch the bag, just under the rubber band, to bend the strips upward so that when the bag lies on its side, the strips will be pointing upward. Use your hands to manipulate the strips to point up; these are your turkey’s feathers (see image).
9. Cut the following from felt: Triangle – beak – orange; Heart – gobbler – maroon/red; 2 triangles – feet – brown; Bowtie – green
10. Paint the plastic spoon with tan or brown paint and let dry (see image).
11. Glue the gobbler, beak and eyes onto the spoon face.
12. Place the bag on the work surface on its side with the feathers pointing up. Make a small hole at the end of the bag where the neck and head should be.
13. Push the handle of the plastic spoon into the hole and add some glue to the opening (see image).
14. Cut toes from the flat end of the two brown triangles and dot some glue on the triangle points. Place bag body on top of the feet so glue will catch. Let dry (see image).
15. Glue the bowtie where the spoon meets the bag.

Tips:

1. For added fun, draw a sign on a piece of construction paper that says “Happy Thanksgiving” and glue to the front (chest) of the bag.
2. If you would like to keep the mess minimal, use markers or crayons instead of paint.
3. Save scraps of felt from other projects to use with projects such as this.

Thanksgiving: How To Properly Carve a Turkey

As some of you know, carving the turkey is one of my LEAST favorite tasks in the thanksgiving festivity. Right next to stuffing it. For those of you who don’t mind carving, here is a great way to take care of this task easily and serve a delicious turkey as outlined by BHG.com.

Before Carving

* After the turkey is removed from the oven, let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
* This allows the flesh firm up so it’s easier to slice and the slices stay together better.
* Cover the bird with foil to keep it warm.
* Use a sharp carving knife or an electric knife for slicing.
* Place bird on a carving board.
* Remove the stuffing.

Slice Off the Leg and Thigh

* Grasp the tip of one drumstick with your fingers and pull the leg away from the body. Cut through the skin and meat between the drumstick-thigh piece and body as shown. This exposes the joint where the thighbone and backbone connect. With the tip of a knife, disjoint the thighbone from the backbone by cutting through the joint. Repeat on other side.

Separate the Thigh and Drumstick

* Cut through the joint where the leg and thigh bones meet. Repeat on the other piece.

Cut the Drumstick into Slices

* Hold the drumstick vertically by the tip with the large end down. Slice meat parallel to the bone and under some tendons, turning the leg to get even slices.

Slice the Thigh Meat

* Cut slices parallel to the thigh bone. Repeat with the remaining drumstick and thigh.

Kitchen Style

This way differs from the table carving style only when it gets to how the breast is cut.

* Kitchen style slices the breast off the bone whole, as you would for chicken.
* The breast is then cut into slices by cutting across the grain the width of the breast.

Pluses

The slices fit onto crowded plates more easily.

Since the meat is cut against the grain, the pieces tend to hold together better.

Theoretically, this results in more moist and tender meat.

Thanksgiving: Favorite Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Some recipes are just timeless classics. The Thanksgiving feast has become an American tradition in just about every household.  Whether you are born in the US or came here from Slovenia, Italy, Costa Rica, Ukraine or Zimbabwe, you are sure to become a fan of the Thanksgiving tradition.

Check out some of our favorite recipes from from Martha Stewart.com on the classic Pumkin Pie! Yuuuummm!!

Ingredients
Makes two 10-inch pies

• 1 sugar pumpkin, (about 4 pounds), halved, or 3 cups solid-pack canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 recipes Pate Brisee
• All-purpose flour, for work surface
• 7 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups evaporated milk
• Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. If using fresh pumpkin, roast pumpkin, cut sides down, on a rimmed baking sheet until soft, 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool completely. Roasted pumpkin can be refrigerated in an airtight container overnight.
2. Reserve 1/4 of the dough for making leaf decorations. Turn out the remaining dough onto a lightly floured work surface; divide in half. Roll out each half into a 14-inch round. Fit rounds into two 10-inch pie plates; crimp edges as desired. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
3. Roll out reserved dough to 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet, and freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Using a leaf-shape cookie cutter or a paring knife, cut leaves from dough. Freeze until cold, about 10 minutes.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Whisk 1 egg and heavy cream in a small bowl; set aside. Brush edges of pie shells with a wet pastry brush; arrange leaves around edges, pressing to adhere. Brush leaves with egg wash. Cut 2 large circles of parchment; fit into pie shells, extending above edges. Fill with pie weights. Freeze until cold, about 10 minutes.
5. Bake pie shells 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment; bake 5 minutes more. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
6. If using fresh pumpkin, discard seeds. Scoop out flesh using a large spoon; transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer pumpkin to a large bowl. Add brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, remaining 6 eggs, and evaporated milk; whisk until combined.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Place pies on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide pumpkin mixture evenly between shells. Bake until all but centers are set, 35 to 40 minutes. Let pies cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into wedges, and serve with whipped cream.

Thanksgiving: Giving Thanks For All We Have this Season!

This Holiday season, we want to stop, take a breath and give thanks for all we have. Even through this terrible recession, job loss, unemployment, foreclosures and tight budgets, everyone should have something to be thankful for.

I am personally thankful for my family, my daughter, our health, our willingness to do anything to survive and most of all for our luck.

What are you thankful for?

A Mother’s National Holiday

Today is November 1, 2009 and it of course marks the first day of a little something I like to call “The time for the greatest sentence in the English language for anyone attempting to raise (discipline, bribe, etc.)  a child.”

Now that Halloween is behind us,  mothers across the country will begin looking to the upcoming holiday season and can officially begin using our favorite phrases. One of the very few weapons we have in our arsenal of parenthood. Three magic little words that can transform a tantrum, a misbehaving lunatic into a wide eyed, fearful little angel.  Words that have been spoken for generations with a promise of results……..Those magical three little words…(Say it with me now…)

“Santa is watching.”

THIS ladies, is why we are beginning what is known as the” most wonderful time of the year.”

What is wrong with me?

What do you think is wrong with me that instead of sending in some perfectly respectable ShopRite Cupcakes to a room full of 5 year old children, I feel the need to bake, a THREE layer cake, with coordinating icing, and figures made from fondant. Clearly, the scariest part of my Halloween is the amount of therapy I need.

Ps – Do you think this was what they had in mind when they requested “healthy” snack!? Come on people…it’s freakin Hallowween.  Somehow spiders and ghosts made of  hummus seemed a bit silly.