Every year I make a pact with myself to get the holiday cards out a week earlier than last year. Of course, its mid-December and although I’ve received many in the mail, I have yet to even order mine. But, next year will be different—I know it.

And speaking of pacts, this year I’ve made some New Year’s resolutions that I’ve vowed to abide by. I’m relying on the other moms I connect with to keep me on track. And vice versa — because after all, no one understands the joys and challenges of motherhood better than a fellow mom.

1) Actually make time to workout - to lose the last of that baby weight!

2) Stop checking email after 6 PM – focus on family when the workday ends

3) Read a “grown-up” book – one that doesn’t rhyme

4) Schedule and partake in the girls night I’m always talking about with my friends – to remember how much fun it can be to wear lipstick and heels

5) Volunteer – to show my kids that giving is better than getting

6) Make new friends – listen and learn from other moms

7) Organize! Toss all of the junk mail – if I didn’t read it today, I won’t read it tomorrow

Be on top of important dates – send cards on time this year

9) Remember every day is a blessing – take full advantage of it

10) Buy something special – not every trip to the mall has to be for the kids

Jaine is a military wife, mother of a 2-yr-old daughter, founder of Moms and Tots of San Diego (www.bigtent.com/groups/mtsd) and a full-time technology coach at Big Tent, helping other community groups effectively use technology to grow and prosper. Respond with your resolutions for “Mommy Resolutions” for 2008.

3 Tips For Enjoying Holiday Parties Without Overindulging Guilt

Inevitably all will be making the rounds this holiday season to visit friends and relatives.  Undoubtedly everyone we visit will have the traditional spread of delicious foods that will tempt us into overindulging on the many treats available.

Anyone can still enjoy holiday parties and refrain from consuming too many high-fat foods and drinks. 

Here are some tips to help your refrain from overeating:

1. Before going out to any holiday party, have a small snack and plenty of water.  The old saying: Never food shop when you’re hungry?  Well, the same applies to holiday parties.  While you may have been dieting over the summer months in preparation for the upcoming holidays, still maintain whatever diet plan you are on by simply heading straight for the veggie platter.  Avoid heavy desserts and substitute water for cola and punch.

2. Utilize the same portion control used in the diet plan.  If attending a sit-down holiday fare, odds are there will be a tempting spread of fine foods and desserts. Although you may feel you deserve a treat of a creamy dessert, choose one that is the lesser of two evils.  More often than not, hosts will have plenty of food to enjoy that will not play havoc with a waistline.

3. Stick with salads and low fat dressing, put aside the stuffing and utilize a small plate.  While it will be difficult, you can enjoy holiday parties as well as anyone else.  After all, you have been dieting for quite some time and probably know how many calories each menu contains. 

Today, more holiday preparation is geared towards low fat meals and the preparation of these meals offers a wide variety of healthy alternatives than the more traditional heavier meals used to.

The holidays are a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy each other.  Utilizing portion control will help you enjoy the feast while also alleviating the pangs of guilty feelings afterwards.

Magnificent Women: A Mother’s Day Tribute 

“But I don’t want to grow any more,” I sobbed, “I’ve grown enough and I just want a break from growing for a little while…I’m tired! I’m so tired!”

My Mom sobbed to as she held my trembling, thirteen year old body. We had just learned that although doctors had tried to salvage my vision, over three months and various surgeries, they could do no more. I would be unsighted for the remainder of my life.

“I know Honey,” my Mom said through her tears, “I would give anything to take this on for you. I’m here, I’ll be right here. I promise.”

The beautiful thing is, I knew, with every ounce of my being, that my Mom would truly have taken this on in my place. She was, and would be “there for me.” Her strength, her compassion and her utter belief in me has always emanated through her and I have gratefully sometimes hungrily absorbed every bit of it. I can honestly say, that I am who I am today, because my incredible Mom, and countless other beloved people, infused me with the knowledge that we don’t walk alone. Yes, we have to take on our own challenges, but if we stay open and reciprocate the love of others, they will gift us with the very words, the helping hand or the shoulder to cry on that we need in times when our strength alone isn’t enough.

Even in those terrible moments after I learned about my vision, I “knew” I would be alright. I knew I would be loved. I knew there would be, and I already felt it to my core, deep sorrow. I was also sure there would be a lot of work ahead and that I would have to make a new path for myself. But with my Mom’s arms around me I had an overwhelming sense of power and possibility. Even through the sorrow I knew who I was, I knew who I was surrounded by and I was so grateful that I wouldn’t have to do this alone.

As we move into a month in which we celebrate incredible women in our lives, I am struck by and reminded of the large number of women who have impacted my life. It’s almost staggering when I think of my own mom, grandmothers (I have had the blessing of knowing my great-grandma and both my maternal and paternal grandmas), teachers, mentors, friends, aunts, cousins, role models, colleagues, and clients. I could go on and on but you get the picture. Every one of these women has taught me something new about how to live, love, create, give, or receive in order to bless or be blessed. I live in gratitude to each of them. Thank you magnificent women!

Even if I’ve never had the joy of meeting you, dear reader, I live in gratitude to you! Thank you, magnificent woman, for touching the lives of so many. You can’t begin to imagine the lives you’ve blessed so don’t even try. Just know that by simply living and sharing your world with others, you change people’s lives for the better. You could be the only kind word, gentle smile or warm touch a person experiences today. Thank you for being a gift, for being you!

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give. Maya Angelou taught me that.” — Oprah

Action Item 1 (top priority):

First and foremost, let’s identify the single most precious woman in our lives (mother, mentor, friend, etc.) and shower them with gratitude!

I’ll get us started!

Linda Owings, my magnificent mom, do you know how much I appreciate you? I do hope so. And now numerous other people know too! You truly have been such an incredible gift to me. Thank you so much for modeling love, beauty and kindness. Thank you for being my dearest girl-friend, my biggest champion, and truly the “wind beneath my wings.”

Action item 2:

Throughout the month of May (and beyond), I challenge each of us to intentionally look around and acknowledge all those who have impacted our lives and those who currently offer us guidance, encouragement, support and friendship. Let’s make sure they know how much we love and appreciate them. Whenever possible, let’s acknowledge them in public so that we get their beautiful cheeks blushing and remind others of the power of public praise.

Closure:

Will you grab your coffee, tea, water or whatever beverage is close at hand and join me in a Mother’s Day toast?

Here’s to Magnificent Women everywhere! To those we love, who love us and those we’ve yet to meet, to bless and to be blessed by!

In love, gratitude and joy I leave you with this thought

“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” - Marion C. Garretty

© 2007 Angel C. Hale

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Angel Hale, founder of Leading Ladies: Celebrating and Supporting Natural Born Leaders is a masterful Life Coach and dynamic Motivational Speaker. Angel coaches, inspires, supports, and champions Natural Born Leaders (Leading Ladies)—women who nurture, support and encourage so many others. She could be your soft place to land. Come be pampered! Renew, revitalize and relax at the Lounge: www.LeadingLadiesLounge.com

 

 Delicious Easter Recipes -  Easter Dinner - Easter Breakfast - Easter Dessert

For many people, the Easter holiday brings to mind spring and traditional Easter Sunday celebrations. Naturally, no Easter celebration is complete without a huge holiday dinner, and after a long observation of Lent, folks are more than ready to dig in to some favorite Easter dinner recipes. Whether they observe Lent or not, families love nothing more than to spend time together enjoying their Easter dinner.

Regardless of how you spend your day, Easter Sunday Dinner is a great time to try some delicious Easter Recipes. Here are some traditional and new Easter Recipes your family will love.

Family Favorite Easter Ham

12-14 lb.cooked whole ham with bone in
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 c. apple jelly
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Put all ingredients, except ham, in a saucepan. Stir until cornstarch dissolves. Bring to a boil. Simmer about 1 minute. Place ham in a cooking bag. Pour sauce over ham in the bag. Bake 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours at 325 degrees.

Royal Easter Breakfast

1 ½ c French Bread cubes
½ lb. cooked ham
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
12 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
8 eggs
1 c milk
1 tsp dried mustard
¼ tsp pepper

Line a buttered 9×13x2 inch baking dish with bread cubes. Layer the sausage, spinach, tomatoes and cheddar cheese over the bread. Whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese layer. Chill, covered, for at least 1 hour and up to 10 hours. Bake, uncovered, at 350 F for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Serves 8.

Easter Sunday Strawberry Pie

1 1/4 c. crushed round Ritz type crackers
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp. milk
1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 - 4 1/2 oz. non dairy whipped topping, thawed
1/4 c. melted butter
2 tbsp. sugar
1 c. strawberries, halved
1 1/2 c. cold milk

Roll out crumbs, mix with melted butter. Bake in 8 x 8 cake pan at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Beat cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons milk. Spread over crumbs, spread strawberries over cream cheese layer. Beat pudding and 1 1/2 cups milk until well blended, fold in 1 cup Cool Whip. Spoon over strawberries. Chill 2 hours.

This Easter, plan some tasty dinner, breakfast and dessert recipes that your friends and family will talk about for years to come.

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