Montgomery County Moms

Tasty Tuesday: Apple Slaw

2012-01-31T09:30:00.001-05:00

Hello again!

Is it seriously almost February? 2012 is flying by!

Just kidding!

But seriously.

Anyway, I posted this recipe on my blog recently, and I've been so excited about the recipe I felt it necessary to share it with you.

Backstory: Over the holidays, we go together with some of my husband's co-workers. The hostess made a mouth-watering crockpot of slow-cooked Pulled Pork for sandwiches. When I say mouth-watering, I mean SERIOUSLY. So, another friend did what any rational guest would do. She brought a side of homemade coleslaw.

The best coleslaw I've ever had.

And I don't even LIKE coleslaw.

But I do now.

I digress.

This slaw is so amazing. I love it because it's light - it doesn't use tons of mayo. And it has apples, thus the name, Apple Slaw.

Go make it now.

....

Why are you still here?

Oh right - you are waiting for the recipe. Here it is:

Krista's Apple Slaw

For the Dressing:

1/2-3/4 cup of mayo (depending on what texture you are going for)
1 TBSP dijon mustard
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Juice of one lemon
Salt and pepper.

For Slaw:

1/2 head of cabbage, sliced very thin
2 carrots, shredded
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced half moon
1 gala apple, julienned

(If you want to simplify, you can also use 1/2 container of bagged coleslaw mix, adding the onions and apples as stated above)

Combine the slaw vegetables with the dressing.

Chill in the refrigerator for a hour.

Serve!

~~~~~

I'll post a Pulled Pork recipe next week to go along with this recipe.

You will thank me.

Have a good week!

You can read more about Steph's life and recipes at her blog, Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom.

Dottie Foley Photography: Creating Timeless Images {Discount Alert!}

2012-01-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” ~ Eda J. Le Shan

Whether this is your first baby, your last baby or one in between, there is nothing like those first days with your new little miracle. Babies grow up really, really fast. They change daily. One day they are your perfect little caterpillar, all swaddled up. The next day they are rolling all over, running all over and before you know it they are off to kindergarten. They will not wait for you to get organized, get ready or even get sleep but you can capture those first moments with your new family in photos to treasure.

Dottie is an on-site photographer who specializes in capturing the miracle of new life, the innocence of childhood, and the unrivaled bond of family. Dottie creates timeless images you will treasure forever.

“I was lucky enough to receive a newborn photo session with Dottie as a shower gift from my sister. It was the best gift she could have given us. We are so grateful to have such beautiful photos of our newborn son to treasure forever. Not only did Dottie produce amazing photos for us but the photo session itself was a really fun experience…. We LOVE our pictures and have enjoyed being able to share them with our friends and families. Dottie is truly meant to do this and we highly recommend her for a newborn session.” ~ (client, Kristin Tovey)

“Sometimes,” said Pooh, “the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” ~ A. A. Milne

Fill your walls with Art that fills your heart!

Schedule a newborn session and mention code MONTCOMOMS for a free maternity session. Offer valid for sessions booked by February 14, 2012 (actual session can occur after February 14th depending on due date). Newborn sessions are for babies up to 14 days old.

Don’t miss a moment! See www.dottiefoley.com for more information and portfolios. Follow Dottie on facebook http://www.facebook.com/dottiefoleyphotography and Twitter @dottiefoley

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Dottie Foley Photography.

Friday Fitness Tips: Body after Baby

2012-01-27T15:00:00.001-05:00

Trying to get your body back after having a baby can sometimes seem more difficult than labor and delivery! As a mom and a fitness instructor I can tell you I have struggled with this first hand. With my first child I gained almost 90 pounds. Yes! 90 pounds! I am only 5'2 so I looked like a tomato with legs. I honestly thought I was eating for two, sometimes three. Let me tell you I was shocked that I did not give birth to a 75 pound baby and I was left with all of this weight to lose on my own. Now, I was no longer cute and pregnant, I was just fat.

I never knew what it meant to " try" to lose weight. I am a former dancer and like I said, I am a fitness instructor so I was always moving and always exercising. So, there I was, a brand new mommy overjoyed with my newborn son, and so depressed that I was still wearing maternity clothes. I remember thinking, "how is this supposed to work?" I hadn't showered, I fell asleep while going to the bathroom, I was still figuring out how to use a breast pump and a bouncy seat, and I couldn't figure out how to get out of my house in under 30 minutes and without a 20 pound diaper bag. How on earth was I supposed to try to exercise? Let alone find time to exercise?

Well, lucky for you I figured it out! And you can too, I promise. I also promise that making yourself a priority during any stage of motherhood will have huge rewards. You will feel and look better, obviously. You will also boost your immune system, increase your energy level and ward off depression. All of these reasons help you be a healthier mommy. That is a great gift to give your family. I am listing my best tips and advice to help you figure out how to make exercise a part of your daily routine.

1. Put yourself first! And do NOT feel guilty!- You can not possibly take care of someone else if you do not take care of yourself. Bottom line, your baby needs the mommy you can be and that means YOU are at the top of the list!

2. Don't think you have to go to a gym- this can be a lot of work and can be overwhelming. If you enjoy the gym, go for it! Otherwise, stay away! Exercise does not need to happen all at once, 2 hours a day, sweat till you drop kind of sessions. Too much too fast is a recipe for disaster. Baby steps.

3. Get creative! Baby weighs about 5-10 pounds as a newborn and more as they grow. Who needs weights when you have this cutie pie to workout with?! Baby lifts while you are on your back work triceps,shoulders and biceps. Stand with feet apart and squat while lifting baby out and back to you. Working almost your whole body! Exercising with your baby is great bonding and you are already starting baby off with some healthy habits!

4. Think outside the box- while running errands, park your car in a far away parking spot and get in some extra walking in and out of stores you have to go to anyway. Also, doing your housework with baby in a front carrier will burn double the calories!

5. Enlist your spouse or significant other- take turns supporting each other as healthy new parents. Maybe he makes dinner and puts baby to bed while you go to a zumba class, then you do the same another night while he goes for a run or plays basketball with friends. Find a balance that works so you feel supported and not guilty. Plus....exercise boosts libido!!

6. Get a pedometer- I was shocked that I didn't hit the recommended 10,000 steps a day. Make it a game. Stick one on your pants and forget about it until the end of the day. Figure out ways to beat each days steps.

7. Go easy on yourself- you are a new mommy. Your body has been through a lot. If you are currently exercising 0 minutes a day don't expect to win a marathon. Start with just 5 minutes. I promise, a consistent 5 minutes will lead to a consistent 20 minutes, then 60 minutes and so on. Don't overdo it!

8. If you don't like it, you probably won't do it- I hate running. Unless I am being
chased. I have tried to be a runner and I quit every time, because I hate it. However, I love to dance! I have taken several adult dance classes but my favorite is zumba. I love to shake it so this is the workout for me. If you love the water, then find a swimming class. Maybe you were an athlete or love to roller-skate? You can combine both loves with a little roller derby! Or work your abs with a hula hoop and your favorite songs. My kiddies loved when I would workout with a hula hoop. I had a smile from ear to ear. Plus it is an awesome workout. Now they do it themselves!

9. Kill that postpartum depression!- I am in no way, shape or form a doctor so I can not make any claims but, exercise can beat the depression just as good if not better than any drugs. I have suffered through post pardon depression and I deal with a little regular depression as well. I think many of us do and it is tough. I use exercise as my drug of choice and I can tell you that it works! It works with your endorphins, balances out hormones and let's you blow off some steam! And everything counts! Just a 5 minute walk can cure a sour mood. 5 minutes is better than no minutes!!

10. Make it a necessity - This is so important. We spend so much time with all of our other necessities...food, clothes, shelter.....a.k.a cooking, laundry and cleaning! But none of this can be done well if we as moms are not taking care of ourselves. Make a promise to give yourself some time each day or even each week to take care of your body. It is a necessity!!

A Mother's work is never done. We all do so much and the payoff is usually a big one since nothing makes us happier than seeing our families happy. I know many of us have our plates full...or overflowing....but please keep in mind that taking time for yourself is more important than getting all the laundry done. The laundry is never really ALL done anyway;)!

My name is Caitlin Ennis. I am a certified fitness instructor, a hairstylist, a wife,and a mother of 2 children 11 year old boy and 8 year old girl. I work full time outside the home and super full time at home! I love music,dancing,and vampire movies. I dislike cleaning, making school lunches, the post office and the gas station.

Ten mom keyboard shortcuts you wish you'd have for life:

2012-01-27T08:30:00.001-05:00

Ctrl S: for capturing the moment that makes your nose itch and your eyes water.

Undo: for damage control on the nuggets you cleaned off your child's plate earlier today.

Redo: for those two-second hugs your kids are entirely too busy for these days.

Ctrl P: for printing an image of your child's first music recital, when you just don’t want to live the moment through a viewfinder.

Ctrl. I: for special emphasis on every word while explaining that big sister's Lego Hogwarts doesn’t belong in the bathtub.

Ctrl. A: for gathering the whole family on time, just once, to head out the door in unison and not be late for a family function, again.

Home: for a quick return after a seven-hour swim meet.

Insert: for adding funds to your non-existing vacation savings account.

Ctrl Z: for life in general, and throw-up in your hair specifically (after your sickie child comes visiting your bedroom in the middle of the night).

Pause/Break: need I say more?

Healthy Game Day Tips and More from Leading Nutritionist

2012-01-26T10:44:00.002-05:00

This article comes to us from a leading nutritionist, Rachel Berman, RD, CSR, CD/N, the Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com (a healthy-living website with more than three million members)

Healthy Game Day Swaps

Besides watching the game and enjoying the commercials, Super Bowl snacking is a one of the main attractions of game day. In fact, Americans consume more calories during the Super Bowl than nearly any other day during the year – second only to Thanksgiving!

We all know the major culprits. One serving of nachos can add up to more than 550 calories and 30 grams of fat, while a serving of chicken wings packs in 440 calories and 26 grams of fat. So, instead of mindlessly eating your way through a Super Bowl celebration, try utilizing the following tips:

To save on saturated fat:

Add more beans instead of meat to a chili recipe, look for reduced-fat cheese for nachos, and swap Greek yogurt for sour cream when making dips and spreads
Make a healthier version of chicken wings by baking chicken tenders that are lightly seasoned with your favorite spices – and serve reduced fat blue cheese.

To save on refined carbohydrates in lieu of chips:

Serve a big crudite platter with interesting veggies like artichoke hearts, radishes, mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and jicama and pair with hummus or salsa.
Make a healthier version of chips by slicing whole-wheat pitas into wedges and then lightly toasting these in the oven

To save excess calories:

Beer, even light beer, can pack on the calories. It can also lead to mindless munching. Keep track of how much you drink and steer clear of any specialty cocktails prepared with juice or soda.
When it’s time for kick-off, relax and enjoy the celebration – but keep an eye on portion size and make a plate of food when hungry instead of grazing throughout the day.

Plus, check out CalorieCount.com for great game-day recipes, such as:

Mango Salsa (41 calories, 0g fat)
Tomato & Basil Pita Pizzas (199 calories, 2g fat)
Cucumber Dip (5 calories, 0g fat)
Taco Cups (137 calories, 2g fat)
Rosemary Cheese Biscuits (131 calories, 5g fat)
Oven-Fried Onion Rings (79 calories, 4g fat)
Chicken Taquitos (159 calories, 5g fat)
Broiled Buffalo Chicken (218 calories, 8g fat)

Additional Story Concepts

Really Reading the Packaging

Understanding nutrition facts can be confusing. In fact, according to a Nielson report released today, 59 percent of consumers around the world have difficulty understanding nutritional labels on food packaging. In addition, the packaging on many of so-called “healthy” products can be even more misleading. Rachel can discuss what key items to identify when reading nutrition labels – and can also share tips for what misleading marketing language to look out for when shopping.

For Example: Not all granola bars are created equal! Be weary of granola bars that are low in fat as sometimes these may actually be higher in sugar – and might not be the healthiest option.

National Grapefruit Month (February)

Not that we need an excuse to enjoy grapefruit – especially as it’s packed with nutrients antioxidants – but February is National Grapefruit Month. Rachel can provide the complete nutritional breakdown for this super-healthy fruit and share recipes and tips for ways to enjoy grapefruit at any meal.

For Example: Grapefruits are not just a breakfast item – they are an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes like an Avocado and Grapefruit salad.

American Heart Month (February)

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. American Heart Month opens the door for discussions about heart health, diseases that put your heart at risk – and things we can all do to improve the heart’s health. Rachel can share expert advice specific foods, exercises and lifestyle choices to improve heart health.

For Example: Choose proteins that are low in saturated fat and avoid eating red meat (or save it for a special treat) and get creative with meals – try serving these ginger-honey glazed barbecued chicken breasts on whole-wheat rolls for a satisfying and heart-healthy BBQ option.

Kid-Friendly Family Eating

Eating healthy while maintaining a busy schedule is tricky enough – but if you have a few picky-eaters in the family (whether it be kids or spouses) preparing regular, wholesome meals can be even more difficult. Rachel can provide suggestions for ways to engage the entire family in healthy eating, tips for how to “sneak” nutrition into kid-friendly foods and recipes for quick and delicious family meals.

For Example: To keep everyone happy, try “sneaking in” fruits and veggies to your meals - toss chopped or dried fruit into chicken, tuna and turkey salads and add chopped-up vegetables (or frozen spinach) to sauces.

Bio: Rachel Berman

Rachel Berman, RD, CSR, CD/N is the Director of Nutrition for Calorie Count, a free health and wellness website with over 3 million members. Rachel provides users with practical science-based information related to nutrition, weight loss and health.

Rachel has worked with various patient populations in the clinical setting for almost a decade. Most recently she was the dietitian for Columbia University’s Eating Disorder Day Program where she planned meals and provided nutritional counseling to individuals. In addition, Rachel is active in social media to promote credible health information on the internet.

Rachel is a member of the American Dietitian Association and is Board Certified in Renal Nutrition. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University and conducted her dietetic internship at North Shore LIJ Health System in Long Island, New York.

Thomas & Friends: Curious Cargo

2012-01-25T07:26:00.000-05:00

My sons, ages 2 and 3, love all things Thomas. We really enjoyed the Christmas DVDs this past holiday season and as soon as I saw this DVD arrive I knew it would also be a hit. Both boys, my youngest in particular, love zoo animals and trains. Dare I say, they go "ape" over them. I knew we'd be a bit stir crazy with the cold weather, and this DVD was a perfect excuse to snuggle on the sofa for a short while.

As with most of our Thomas & Friends videos, the boys were very engaged in the story. They loved the giraffe. LOVED him. I loved the themes in the DVD such as good listening, being gentle and asking for help. My boys can always use reinforcing messages for those lessons!

Thomas & Friends: Curious Cargo, from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment, is now available for purchase at a suggested price of $14.98.

DVD Synopsis
All aboard for a while ride on the Island of Sodor as Thomas and his engine friends deliver some Curious Cargo - from giraffes and cows to birds and bunnies and more! Thomas meets a tall challenge while taking a giraffe to the Sodor Wildlife Center, Percy learns to be gentle with the animals of Sodor and Belle and Toby discover the importance of listening to others.

DVD Episodes

Thomas' Tall Friend
Percy's New Friends
Toby and Bash
Big Belle

*Disclosure: A copy of the DVD was provided to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was given.

Set High Standards for Education

2012-01-24T19:25:00.001-05:00

As we move into the second semester, the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools reminds parents that they have a role to play in their children’s school success. Setting expectations and holding children accountable, communicating why education matters, and providing encouragement and support can go a long way in helping your children to succeed. Here are some ways that you can be involved:

Discuss with your children the importance and value of education and consistent attendance and participation.
Set goals with them based upon their present skill level and strengths, and communicate high, but realistic, expectations.
Let your kids know how you expect them to act while in school and hold them accountable for their behavior. Make sure they understand that there are consequences for what they do.
Remain firm and accepting while encouraging your children to get good grades, focusing on making progress.
Encourage your students to take difficult classes and let them know you believe they can handle the work.
Communicate that consistent effort, and not good luck, will help them to continue to achieve new goals.
Provide regular feedback and support by reviewing homework and test results.

Regardless of how well your children are doing, schedule time to speak to their teachers to review your students’ progress, areas where they may need help, and how you can work together to enhance their success.

For more tips and information on educational issues of interest to parents, visit the CAPS website and sign up as a Friend of Public Education.

*Disclosure: This post is part of a series of sponsored posts by CAPS.

Save 89% with Picture People!

2012-01-24T11:12:00.002-05:00

Need family photos or photos of your children? This is way to good to pass up! Picture People, in multiple locations, is offering a deal worth $144 and you pay only $16 for a Photo Shoot and Eight Color Portrait Sheets. You are saving 89%! What a Deal!!! Click here for more information.

Glittery Glam Day for Girls is Back at Sweet & Sassy!

2012-01-23T16:27:00.004-05:00

Nothing is greater than seeing the happiness and amazement on your little girls' face! That is what you will see when you purchase this great deal from one of our favorite places, Sweet & Sassy!!! For just $12, get the Glittery Glam Express Package, a $25 value. Sweet & Sassy is the greatest salon and spa for girls ranging in age from toddler to tween to be pampered as they should be. With the Glittery Glam Express Package, your special princess will have get a party up-do, makeup application, and Just-a-Polish for her fingernails. Or, get a Sweet Cut (a haircut and blowout) along with a Mini Mani for $17 (a $35 value). Get this deal and use it at any of their 3 locations available (Exton and Collegeville, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ).

Valentine's Kids Night Out at Romp n' Roll

2012-01-23T13:23:00.001-05:00

Romp n' Roll invites all children ages 2 - 6 years old to for the Valentine's Kids Night Out!

Saturday, February 11 from 5 pm - 8 pm

Pre-Registration is required. Call 215-659-1025 to reserve your space today!

This event includes three hours of Romp n' Roll fun! We'll have a special Valentine's Day craft, a Pizza and Juice Dinner, and of course, lots of time in the Gym (moonbounce included)!

$30 per child

Members can receive 10% - 50% off depending on their Membership Level

Sibling Discounts are available for Members and Non-Members Discounts cannot be combined.

Wings Lacrosse Ticket Promo Code!

2012-01-20T16:30:00.001-05:00

If you can't wait to go see The Philadelphia Wings, I told you there would be a discount code coming up, so here it is! The Wings are exciting to watch so I know you will have as much fun as I did, they don't disappoint!

Click here to buy your tickets to any game you would like and enter code "WINGSMOM" to receive 20% Off your ticket purchase!

Fun Indoor Winter Activities for Kids

2012-01-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

Winter time is here! Do you struggle with keeping your child engaged when you are stuck inside? I have put together some fun indoor educational activities that can be done with your children indoors.

Calling all writers! Here are some ways to help your child become better writers without it having it seem like work! Create a dialogue journal with your child. You can write them a letter and ask them to respond. This is a great way to promote writing while increasing communication between the two of you. Another way to implement a dialogue journal is to have your child write a critique about their favorite show or movie. After they have spend a few minutes writing you can use a different color pen to ask questions. This process can promote further dialogue between you and your child. For example: Child writes: I loved this episode of iCarly because I think Sam is so funny and she makes me laugh. Parent writes: What did Sam do to make you laugh?

I spy a Science kid! Doing fun science activities is a great way to keep your child busy and engaged while learning all at the same time! I don’t know about you but I haven’t met a kid who didn’t like making slime or volcanoes or even tornados in a bottle! You will find many of our favorites on this great link. I have enjoyed many of these experiments with my own kids. Check out http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ for ideas.

Are you the next Picasso or Van Gogh? There is nothing like a fun art project. Sometimes a little sticky mess is just what you need when you are cooped up on a cold day! Try this art project to keep your kids smiling during this winter. Making “cotton swab” snowflakes can be lots of fun! You will need cardboard or a plastic wrap for your work area., 18 cotton swabs, tacky glue, glitter and monofilament line.To make the snowflakes, first create a work surface by covering a large piece of cardboard with plastic wrap. For each snowflake, arrange 18 cotton swabs into a snowflake shape (be creative and use your imagination). You want to make sure the ends of the cotton swabs meet each other. Squeeze a small amount of tacky glue where the ends of the swabs meet. Sprinkle glitter onto the glue and let the snowflakes dry overnight.

Carefully peel each flake from the plastic. Collect and return the excess glitter to its container. Hang your snowflakes up with monofilament line, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and watch your dining room transform into a winter wonderland!

I hope you find these activities fun and educational! Happy Learning!

Yolanda is the mom of 3 young children in the Delaware Valley. She is the Founder of Team Tutor.

Game Review: The Philadelphia Wings 2012 Season Home Opener

2012-01-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

I know lacrosse is a fairly uncommon sport, but it is rising in popularity. I have played lacrosse since I was in 7th grade, during college and here and there for the past 10 years since college; ok so I gave up my age. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 2012 Season Home Opener of The Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse Team and we had a blast! The game has changed over the past few years regarding regulations but that didn't make it any less amazing. The fans were great and respectable, the seats were incredible and the stadium staff was awesome! We sat in a club box so we had a private bathroom and a wait staff there for our needs, not to mention that we had a private bar as well! Those amenities in and of itself makes the event that much more enjoyable. It was pretty awesome to be able to go to a season home opener, the excitement is unspeakable!

I can't say that I personally have followed much of professional lacrosse since I have "grown up" but the players are dedicated to the sport just as any other sport out there. They play their hearts out and try to make a great name for Philadelphia. This particular game was against the Rochester Knighthawks and they sure did make Philly play hard! Rochester was tough. The Wings started out great, then it started to show how much competition Rochester really was. They gave The Wings a run for their money to say the least. But hey, you win some, you lose some...as long as you played to the best of your ability that is all that matters! Like I said, no matter what the outcome was, we had a blast and I would do it again in a heart beat! Be prepared to see some fighting and lots of action!

If you are interested in going to see The Philadelphia Wings play this season, click here! I do have to tell you, a discount code is available so keep your eyes open, it will be coming in the next few days. The next home game is Sat. January 21 against the Washington Stealth! Tickets range from $10 to $75, but there really wasn't a bad seat in the house!

A little bit about The Philadelphia Wings:

"The Wings are one of the most decorated teams in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with six championships. Each season the Wings and the NLL bring the top lacrosse players in the world to the Wells Fargo Center to showcase their brand of fast paced, high scoring and hard hitting action. The NLL teams each play a 16-game regular season schedule (eight home & eight away) that begins January and runs through April. The regular season is followed by the Champions Cup Playoffs, a single elimination tournament to crown the league’s top team."

Disclaimer: I was offered the opportunity to go the Philadelphia Wings Home Opener by Wells Fargo, Comcast-Spectacor in return for a review of the game. The opinions expressed throughout the review are solely my opinions.

Safety for Women Awareness Tactics (SWAT) 1/26

2012-01-18T09:21:00.002-05:00

10^th Anniversary “10 for 10” Community Service Campaign kickoff event!

Furia Rubel will be hosting a free, community-focused women’s safety event called Safety for Women Awareness Tactics (SWAT) on Jan. 26 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown. Master Vince Melchiorre will share tips and tactics for women to increase their personal safety on a daily basis.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.furiarubel.com/self-defense-registration.php

Tasty Tuesday: Eating Well's Italian Vegetable Hoagies

2012-01-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

Happy 2012!

I'm sure you've been all a bother with my absence (note: sarcasm). In all seriousness, the holidays and end of 2011 were WHOA hectic for me. It became harder and harder to post between cooking, baking, sick kids, teething kids, family get togethers, parties and shopping. Inadvertently, I took a Holiday Hiatus. And it was good.

But now I'm back!

The bringing in of a new year means new recipes. And often, people are looking to lighten up their fare. So I will do my best to focus on healthier items (but let's be honest: unhealthy goodies are just called for sometimes, so I promise to sneak those in as well).

Today, I'll be sharing a recipe that I found right before Christmas. The picture looked heavenly, and I couldn't wait to make it. Bonus: there was no meat involved and it was lower in calories. Woot! I found this recipe on the Eating Well website (so many great and healthy recipes on there, btw). We've been preparing these sandwiches on a weekly basis. Something about them is hearty without being bloating. I love that they are all the taste and texture of a greasy italian hoagie without the guilt.

Tasty Tuesday

Italian Vegetable Hoagies

(linked from Eating Well)

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, separated into rings
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 16- to 20-inch-long baguette, preferably whole-grain
2 slices provolone cheese, (about 2 ounces), halved
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini, (optional)

_____

Place onion rings in a small bowl and add cold water to cover. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Combine artichoke hearts, tomato, vinegar, oil and oregano in a medium bowl. Cut baguette into 4 equal lengths. Split each piece horizontally and pull out about half of the soft bread from each side. Drain the onions and pat dry.
To assemble sandwiches, divide provolone among the bottom pieces of baguette. Spread on the artichoke mixture and top with the onion, lettuce and pepperoncini, if using. Cover with the baguette tops. Serve immediately.

~~~~~

Seriously. Fantastic. We eat these along with baked potato chips!

Looking forward to sharing 2012 recipes with you - and I hope you share yours with us!

Have a great week!

You can read more about Steph's life and recipes at her blog, Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom.

Volunteer Opportunities for MLK Day

2012-01-16T07:48:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for a great way to give back today? Or perhaps you are unable to volunteer today but would like to make a difference on a later day? Carol Josel, Montgomery County Wise Parenting Examiner* compiled a great article on volunteering in and around Montgomery County on Martin Luther King Day. The full list for the Philadelphia area can be found on The Examiner but here are their great ideas Montgomery County:

Har Zion Temple’s “Cook-for-a-Friend on MLK Day” for elderly shut-ins at 1500 Hagy’s Ford Road in Narbreth. For more information go to www.harziontemple.org or call 610-667-6534.

Maternity Care Coalition, 5 Montgomery Avenue, Parish Hall, 1st Floor, in Ardmore. Make no-sew baby blankets and/or repair baby/children’s clothes for needy families in the area. Sewing skills are NOT required. Sign up at www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp789927.jsp.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montgomery County, 530 DeKalb Street in Norristown. Become a mentor, spending just 3 to 5 hours a week with a child. For more information, go to info@bbbsmontcopa.org or call 610-277-2200.

Greater Norristown Police Athletic League, 340 Harding Boulevard in Norristown. Volunteers are needed for everything from coaches and tutors to gardeners, chaperones, and instructors. Training is available. For more information, go to http://www.greaternorristownpal.org/volunteer.htm and contact Program Director Ken Fennal at 610-278-8040

The newest American Cancer Society Relay for Life, May 14th, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Sutcliffe Park on Colwell Lane in Conshohocken. For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/paconshohocken or call 610-212-9185.

2011 Relay for Life of Eastern Montgomery County at Hatboro-Horsham High School, 899 Horsham Road in Horsham, June 17th to June 18th. For more information, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=31003 or write to Lindsey at Lindsey.Koch@cancer.org.

Cradles to Crayons at its Giving Factory, 30 Clipper Road in West Conshohocken. Donate your time or such goods as kids’ clothing, jeans, shoes, and books. For more information, go to www.philadelphia.cradlestocrayons.org or call 215-836-0958, ext. 207 or 213.

*Service links excerpts were taken from the Examiner.

First Five

2012-01-13T13:00:00.003-05:00

Illustration by Melissa Jefferson

When I fumble for my keys at the front door after returning from work, I see my little guy skipping to the window. Before I even step into the hallway, he's greeting me as a wild cheetah, a renegade pirate, or a roaring T-Rex. It's a mixed bag; I'm never quite sure what to expect at the door.

I love that my preschooler hops off into another room, waiting for me to follow suit in his already defined scenario, where mom's part keeps the jungle, pirate boat, or Jurassic park going. Before becoming enthralled by the imaginary world I have suddenly been thrown into, I make a beeline for my daughter, who is busy finishing her homework. A quick kiss and hug later, and I'm answering to "you are the mommy shark, and I'm your baby shark!" Problem is that mommy shark didn't have time to use the bathroom on company time. Tsk-tsk. So I put down my purse and head upstairs, where I transform from "presentable-with-heels" to "slob-with-bun" in no time.

Winter makes it particularly easy to justify pajama pants and fluffy socks at 5:05 p.m., but I keep my bra on just in case—one never knows who might ring the doorbell at this hour. My sloppy leisurewear selection is slightly more tasteful in summer when I risk running into other human beings my age before dinner and have to dress the part. But winter is a freebie. I usually shape up in time for Girl Scout cookie season, when I can't really answer the door in Paul Bunyan-patterned pants.

But back to my homecoming. Just five minutes in, I'm ready to build pillow bridges across the living room floor to catch unsuspecting big sis at my baby shark's whim. Three hours to bedtime, and I try to make the most of our playtime.

The first five minutes back home are often like a switch between different cultures, complete with their own customs and local dialects. Of course, the transition isn't always a cakewalk. Sometimes, I just want to lounge, mope, and vent. If I had a particularly deadline-driven day at work, playing anything at all can be hard, especially after spending all day in a grown-up sandbox with figurative shovels flying around. But I try. Those precious first minutes often set the tone for the night. Occasionally they are all I have before I grab my daughter's gear and head off to swim practice with her. Mommy storming into the front door and putting up a timeout-worthy pout isn't exactly helping anyone, so I sometimes take those five minutes for myself, to read last month's PTC newsletter in the bathroom while hitting my mental Crtl Z button and start over again. Then…I'm mommy shark.

By Marion Kase
Marion Kase is a working mother who lives, plays, and, well, works out in the burbs. She captures a dirty sock laundry list of mundane, sometimes hair-pulling observations, as seen from the brim of her coffee cup, for all the unsung heroes in our wonderful community on her blog, Helicopter-Caterpillar.

Illustration by Melissa Jefferson. Melissa is a textile designer, graphic artist, and mom of two. You can view her artwork at www.coroflot.com/majadesign

“Special Kids” Camp Expo at Valley Forge Educational Services

2012-01-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

Local parents can preview a new summer program offering this type of support at a Special Kids Camp Expo in Malvern on January 28th (free of charge). The program is customized for children of average or above average cognitive abilities who, despite many strengths, struggle in one or more academic areas and lack the critical tools and skills needed to succeed at school.

Now is the time parents start to think about the right summer program for their children and the camp expo offers parents an opportunity to come learn about day, residential, academic and therapeutic camps and programs that support youth who learn differently. The event is free of charge to the community. Specifics are below.

“Special Kids” Camp Expo

Members of the community are invited to come learn about regional summer programs and camps that support youth who learn differently. Admission is free for all families. For more information contact Holly Zipperer, Director of Summer Programs & Ancillary Services at: 610-296-6725 x115 or hozipperer@vfes.net.

Saturday, January 28, 2012
1:00pm-4:00pm
(Snow date: February 4, 2012)

Valley Forge Educational Services
Activities Center – Entrance A
1777 North Valley Road
Malvern, PA 19355

Families do not need to register. Camp representatives who would like to exhibit at the expo should contact Holly Zipperer, VFES Director of Summer Programs, at 610-296-6725 x115 or hozipperer@vfes.net.

About VFES: Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) offers a wide variety of educational services focused on guiding young children, adolescents and post high school (18-21) learners to independence. For more information on Valley Forge Educational Services, please visit www.vfes.net.

Winter Blast: Montgomery Mall

2012-01-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

WinterBlast
Saturday, January 28, 2012
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Montgomery Mall–Lower-level courts at elevator, Sears and Macy's

Stage acts, roving acts, face painters and clowns make up a full day of fun in the spacious and bright indoor public areas of the Montgomery Mall, Route 309, Montgomeryville. Make 'n' take crafts and light refreshments are also part of the event, offered at no cost to people of all ages through sponsor donations.

Check out the schedule of events here (pdf) as well as the event sponsors (pdf).

Hatfield Township plans Winter Blast with Hatfield Borough, Lansdale Borough, Montgomery Township, Towamencin Township and Upper Gwynedd Township, and in partnership with the Montgomery Mall.

Win It: Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra + Purex Crystals

2012-01-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

I love the smell of laundry when you take those fresh, clean clothes out of the dryer. There is just something invigorating about that smell.

We have a multitude of towels, sheets and blankets that sit in our closet for weeks, if not months before being used. Those items may have had that fresh-from-the-dryer smell when they were placed in the closet, but after a short time they lose that clean smell. I hate the smell of stale laundry!

Last year I became a Purex Insider, giving me previews of new products the company is launching. Recently, Purex introduced Crystals Tropical Splash to the market. I have previously used Purex Crystals and loved them but had never tried a tropical type scent on any of our laundry before. I was a little hesitant that my husband would not be too keen on a fruity type smell on his clothing, but even he thought this scent was great.

I also received the new Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra. My sample came in a medium which was too small for me so I wasn't able to test its wicking properties, but I can tell you the fabric was so smooth I can only imagine how comfortable it must feel on. I would definitely buy this bra a size up.

Using Purex Crystals allows me to be worry free about how the softener impacts my laundry's different fabrics. Information provided by the company states,

"Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that infuse long-lasting freshness into the fabric fibers of clothing – without harming garments (like liquid softener products that use oils to soften). This is especially important for activewear like Jockey®’s sports bras, as liquid softeners can harm active wear’s moisture wicking ability. Additionally, Purex Crystals work to create a continuous long-lasting freshness, eliminating that all-too-common odor that gets embedded in workout clothing."

It's also important to note that the Purex Crystals are safe to use on children's flame retardant clothing.

In my opinion, Purex Crystals removed all the smells that I tend to associate with my husband's gym bag (because mine can't possibly smell that bad, right?) and workout clothing, and definitely left our linen closet smelling clean and freshly tropical!

Jockey Discount Code
Want to grab your own discount code to try out the new Jockey? Visit http://www.purex.com/jockey get your own code to use! You can redeem this special offer by visiting Jockey.com or any Jockey outlet store location.

WIN IT
Here's your chance to win a Jockey Sports Bra and a full sized bottle of Purex Crystals! Entering is easy, just fill out the form below!

*Disclosure: I received a free sample of the Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and Purex Crystals to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Ask Shelby, Marriage Check-In

2012-01-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Shelby,

I am married to a good man, but often I find I am frustrated, lonely, or resentful. How do I know if these are normal parts of a good marriage, or if we need to start therapy to work on making our marriage better? I don’t want to ignore warning signs, but I also don’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill!

Signed, Checking in on my Marriage

Dear Checking In,

Yours is a common question. I think therapy can be helpful for a lot of couples, especially if you approach it as an opportunity to explore creating a shared vision for your relationship and then mapping out a plan for making that vision a reality. Too many people think therapy is for “crazy” people when in reality, it is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking to create change in their life.

A great way to begin to decide if you would like to pursue therapy would be to talk with your husband and see if he thinks it could be helpful. If you both still feel confused about starting therapy, a good option is a relationship check-up. This can be scheduling one session with a therapist to assess together what your concerns are and how therapy might help. It may also be reading a book together (like Scream-Free Marriage by Hal Runkel or Why Marriages Succeed or Fail by John Gottman) and discussing what aspects of your marriage you like and don’t like. It can also be participating in a marriage program at church, the local YMCA, or through your child’s school. A popular, well respected program is the Prepare-Enrich program, which gives couples an opportunity to complete an online questionnaire and then work with a trained facilitator (often a trained therapist, but not always) to discuss the results and highlight couple strengths and areas for growth.

One of my associates, Allison Hopper, is currently offering the Prepare-Enrich program. See the information below for more information.

I wish you the best of luck, and I am glad to see you are listening to what you want in your marriage and taking a thoughtful, balanced approach to addressing those needs.

Yours,
Shelby

Shelby Riley, LMFT of ASK SHELBY Presents

Strengthen Your Marriage
Sign up for the Prepare-Enrich Program Today!

Special Limited Time Offer for Chester County Moms Readers—
$10 off each session!

Your marriage is one of the most important and satisfying relationships you'll ever have. A successful marriage takes an investment of time, effort, and a commitment to your partner and the relationship.

By taking the Prepare/Enrich Program online assessment and meeting with a trained facilitator, you will identify your current strengths and growth areas as a couple and learn important relationship skills to make your marriage more intimate and more satisfying. From beginning to end, the program is designed to be comfortable, relaxed, and fun.

The Prepare/Enrich Program assessment can be customized for dating, engaged or married couples.

If you're in a committed relationship,
Prepare/Enrich will give you the tools you need
for long-term happiness and success.

Program Costs:
$29.95 for access to online inventory of approximately 160 questions designed to assess your relationship strengths and growth areas.

$85.00 per session with a facilitator who provides feedback to help you understand your results as well as teach important relationship skills and address couple concerns. The results are presented over 4-8 sessions depending on results and couple needs. (Chester County Mom readers: Mention “Chesco Moms” before February 14, 2012 and receive $10 off each session with your facilitator).

Call Allison Hopper, DO, marriage and family therapist, at Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LLC for more information and to get started today:
610-547-5135.

A National Day of Service to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-10T18:51:00.006-05:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once remarked, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" So it seems only natural that when Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994 to honor the life of one of America's most influential leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, that service would be a large part of it.

The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools invites you to consider celebrating with a “day on” instead of a “day off” on Monday, January 16. There are numerous ways to get involved and the sites below can help you find a project close to home in which you and your children can participate:

United We Serve (Corporation for National and Community Service) -- you can find a project here or register one you’re planning so that others can volunteer too.

17^th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service -- In 2011, this was the largest King Day event in the nation with more than 75,000 volunteers serving in 1200 projects.

All for Good – Provides a forum for Americans to discover all the different ways that they can help to strengthen their communities, including, but not limited to, conventional notions of volunteering.

You may also want to visit the National Constitution Center where there will be a variety of programs including service projects, dramatic performances, an opera, and crafts activities, all free with admission to the museum.

Additionally, consider expanding your knowledge about Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement by checking out the Huffington Post’s reading recommendations for adults. Books for children of various ages can be found at Apples4theteacher and Flashlight Worthy which provides reviews, grade level recommendations, ISBN numbers, and indicates that you can find their selections at the local public or school library.

For more information related to education issues in Bucks and Montgomery counties, visit the CAPS website and sign up as a Friend of Public Education to receive an occasional newsletter.

*Disclosure: This is part of a series of sponsored posts by the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools.

BabyPaolooza at Romp n' Roll Willow Grove

2012-01-06T14:13:00.002-05:00

Romp n' Roll invites all children 3-18 months of age (and their grown-ups) to try their Babies and Toddlers classes and/or Open Gym* for free all week from January 9-15, 2012!

Romp n Roll's curriculum is specifically designed with the needs of early learners in mind. Every week, you and your child will experience opportunities to enhance your child's motor development, social skills, and cognitive skills in a clean and safe environment designed exclusively for kids under 6.

Check out their schedule and call 215-659-1025 to reserve your space in a class today.

Reservations are required for classes and availability is limited, based on class size.

*Free Open Gym during the week of January 9-15 is valid only for those ages 3-18 months. Open Gym admission for non-member children ages 19 months to 6 years is $7 per child.

Win it Wednesday 2012! 2 tickets to a Philadelphia Flyers Game ($300 Value)

2012-01-04T20:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks to our friends at Pompei Insurance Agency we have a FABULOUS giveaway to kick off Win it Wednesday 2012!

The Pompei Insurance Agency is committed to being one of the premier independent insurance agencies in the DELAWARE VALLEY. Their commitment is to provide customers with the best insurance value and service available, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and credibility with clients, carriers, and the public.

The Pompei Insurance Agency is a general independent insurance agency with a broad range of Commercial, Personal, Life, and Health products. They have aligned themselves with some of the finest carriers to deliver these products to you.

If you are looking to change insurance carriers or wondering if there is a carrier that can offer you the same coverage that you have now for less money, call the Pompei Insurance Agency today at 610-992-0214, and tell them Philly Burb Moms sent you!

On to the giveaway!

Get ready to get Flyer'd Up! One lucky Philly Burb Moms Reader will win 2 tickets to game 28, Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 7:00PM. Section 120, Row 12. Good seats! AND...AND.. it gets better! Our friends at Pompei Insurance have included a Parking Pass for the Braod Street Lot. The Value of this Win it Wednesday Giveaway is $310!!!

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Weekend Happiness on a Budget…With Meatballs on the Side

2011-12-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

At the end of this past summer, on a rainy Sunday, I packed up the kids and headed for IKEA in Conshohocken. I guess my guys can’t really grow up with a foreign-born mom without learning to appreciate two dollar minifängsts (I have two; they are great!).

It’s sad, yes, but whenever I receive the catalog, I read it like a magazine, with a cup of good coffee in hand. Sometimes I even tag the fifty-cent coffee mugs in the catalog that I’d like to add to my Swedish cupboard repertoire, or the five-dollar vase with the cumbersome first name. (“White vase” works for me, but then again, I don’t design these things.) While I sip my coffee and indulge in a smörgåsbord of perplexing products, I often plan my next trip to the store with the kids. It’s fun for all of us (or maybe they are simply still too young to question the store’s entertainment value).

So with the kids excited about heading inside the super warehouse of endless bargains and incomprehensible merchandise tags, we delved right into the children’s section during our last trip there. My son promptly tried out every single toddler bed, stool, and rocking-something (sure didn’t look like a horse to me). We also threw around snuggly plush broccoli florets and chocolate-covered strawberries (teddy bears are so I går). Genius. Who designs this stuff? Maybe the same people who write Phineas & Ferb episodes. Awesome.

After working our way through the ultra-sleek, perfectly geometric design spaces, I found myself with an armful of items I didn’t exactly need, but were too much fun to pass up. No one really travels for forty-five minutes for the sole purpose of purchasing a one-dollar garlic press. And no trip to the cheery yellow and blue mega-land is complete without stopping at the bistro. It’s the crowning achievement of our shopping adventure. You would think that the euro stops at the cafeteria counter, but IKEA’s food is also amazingly cheap (but good). In fact, kids’ meals were free the day we visited, so we enjoyed meatballs and pommes frites for next to nothing. I read that the color yellow can elicit headaches, but can it stimulate an appetite as well? Maybe their marketers are on to something here…

It’s not just the merchandise, of course, or the joy of watching my kids getting a complete kick out of the store that brings me back for three-hour visits at a time. It’s the memory of growing up overseas, I guess. As absurd as it sounds, this part of Conshohocken connects me to Europe, one meatball at a time.

We all carry around associations with certain places. While pommes, meatballs, and lingon berry jam on the side may seem a bit far-fetched for some, they work for me in every regard. And if I can pick up a new garlic press for pennies in the process, while my kids have a ball, that’s even better.

By Marion Kase
Marion Kase is a working mother who lives, plays, and, well, works out in the burbs. She captures a dirty sock laundry list of mundane, sometimes hair-pulling observations, as seen from the brim of my coffee cup, for all the unsung heroes in our wonderful community on her blog, Helicopter-Caterpillar.

Make 2012 a Safe Year for Your Kids Online

2011-12-27T10:27:00.002-05:00

While the Internet can be a wonderful and educational resource for children, we’ve all heard horror stories about kids who were lured by a predator in a chat room, or inadvertently typed an inaccurate search term and found themselves directed to sites that display pornography or violence. That’s why the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools reminds you that it’s crucial to monitor what your children see and hear online, who they interact with, and what they share about themselves. And just like any issue related to your child’s safety, it's important to discuss your concerns with your kids, access resources that can protect them, and pay close attention to what they’re doing online.

Internet Safety Laws

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law, is one step in protecting kids. It requires that websites post their privacy policies on the site and obtain parental consent before collecting or using a child's personal information, such as a name, address, phone number or Social Security number. It also prevents online sites from asking for more personal information about the child than is necessary to play a game or participate in a contest. Your child cannot divulge personal information without your agreement beforehand.

Online Tools for Protection

Your children should create a screen name that protects their real identity. And you can disable “cookies” that track information and take advantage of various programs designed to enhance safety online. These include:

Parental controls offered by many Internet service providers (ISP)
Software that helps block access to specific sites based on a "bad site" list that your ISP develops
Filtering programs that block sites from being available and also restricts the sending of personal information
Other programs that monitor and track online activities

Get Involved and Follow Basic Rules

Take an active role in protecting your kids by becoming computer literate and blocking objectionable sites. Make your monitoring easier by putting the computer in a common area and sharing an e-mail account with your children. Bookmark their favorite sites and prevent them from visiting private chat rooms.

Pay attention if your child reports an online exchange that makes them uncomfortable. If you or your children receive obscene or threatening messages, forward them to your Internet service provider. And if you become aware of the transmission, use or viewing of online child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678. Finally, if your child receives pornography, get in touch with your local law enforcement agency or the FBI.

For information related to public education and issues impacting children, sign up to receive an occasional newsletter from the Friends of Public Education Network.

*Disclosure: This is part of a series of sponsored posts by the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools.

Megan's Mad Mex Memoir

2011-12-22T10:20:00.001-05:00

MMMMMMargaritas! Mmm, Mmm, Mmm. I think that about sums it up, but I guess I will share the details with you also. My hubby and I were finally able to check out the newest Mexican Fare in Willow Grove the other night and boy were we loving it! I used to go to Mad Mex in University City, but was excited to have a new location right in my hometown.

It was a Monday night, the place was busy, yet the service did not reflect that at all, they were spot on. The parking is a little tricky, but word has it there might be complimentary valet parking soon for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights! The funky ‘day of the dead’ vibe is apparent in all of the décor and the low lighting. Hubby and I each enjoyed a beverage (Dos Equis for him and a Frozen Raspberry Margarita for me (small butt size, hehe). While we sipped our drinks and shared a spicy cheese dip (XX Cheese), we contemplated the menu. The menu was quintessential Mexican food and for me quite overwhelming as I am a major foodie and would have loved one of everything! I finally narrowed it down to three items but planned to ask our server what her favorite dishes were. She suggested the Grilled Fish Tacos (which hubby was already planning on) and the Chicken Chimichanga, which was not on my radar, yet sounded so delicious so I decided to trust her suggestion. I am SO glad I did, this thing was huge and was full of veggies and chicken and their ‘secret sauce.’ The dish came with a side of black beans and rice and was delicious. I probably should not have cleaned my plate like I did (I was close to licking it… seriously) but it was too good to waste.

Did I mention that my small butt margarita was the only thing I did not finish, and that was only because the half I did drink nearly finished me off. Let’s just say they’re not light on the alcohol for sure, so I could see this is a fun evening spot with a bunch of couples! However, I was there for the food so I tried my best to not guzzle that delicious margarita!

The food was seriously awesome, and my hubby is a hard one to please and he too loved it. The only thing I wasn’t bargaining on was the heartburn I left with. My love of spicy foods is beginning to catch up with me since having children, but to be honest; it was worth every Tums I had to take!

While we were lucky enough to be kid free for dinner, I have been told that their kids’ menu is very extensive and appeals to the pickiest of kids as well as those with a mature palette.

Fun atmosphere, yummy drinks, and delicious food… how can you go wrong?

Welcome to Willow Grove, Mad Mex, I’ll be seeing more of you soon!

*Disclosure: Montco Mom Megan received a complimentary meal to facilitate this review. All opinions are her own.

Win it Wednesday: Ticket Giveaway - Wings Lacrosse

2011-12-21T13:31:00.002-05:00

He Shoots...He Scores! Lacrosse is an exciting game to watch and play! The Philadelphia Wings are among the hottest teams to watch when it comes to the sport. They have a full schedule for the 2012 season which began with a season opener on Dec. 11, 2011 and the home opener on Jan. 14, 2012. Their games are full of excitement as the players try to gain control of the game and do whatever it takes to keep it! For the Wings schedule, please click here. If you would like to purchase tickets to see a Wings game, please click here. The Home of the Philadelphia Wings is at the Wells Fargo Center, a part of Comcast - Spectacor.

For a chance to win 4 Lower Level Seats to the second game of the season on Jan. 12, 2012 please fill in the form below.

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Crafting with Little Kids: Marshmallow pops

2011-12-20T09:03:00.001-05:00

Making edible crafts can be a lot of fun with your preschooler, granted the project is age appropriate and you have a plan. This is a simple project with tasty results that can be turned into gifts for friends, family or even the preschool classmates. It was a bit messy, but that was part of the fun. We made chocolate dipped marshmallow pops that we dipped in crushed peppermint candy canes. My little guy had a blast making these. All supplies were purchased at A.C. Moore, except for the marshmallows.

Supplies:
one bag of chocolate melts, found in craft stores, in the flavor of choice. (We used dark chocolate.)
pack of lollipop sticks.
bag of marshmallows, regular size or jumbo
candy canes, about four or five, or sprinkles
cellophane treat bags (optional)

Tools required:
microwavable bowl or measuring cup to melt the chocolate or
mini crockpot or
chocolate melter
spoon
cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper
rolling pin
sealable/zipper plastic bag
small bowl

Directions:

I used a mini crockpot to melt the chocolate, but it is just as easy to melt it in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the bag. (Tip: its very important to not get any water in the chocolate, so make sure the container you are using is dry.) While the chocolate was melting, we prepared the candy canes.

My son loved this part! I unwrapped four candy canes and put them in a bag. My son used a rolling pin to smash the candy canes into little pieces. I put the crushed candy canes in a small bowl for dipping later. You can use sprinkles instead of candy canes for decoration instead.

As the chocolate is melting, stir it well to make sure it is completely smooth. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper line up the marshmallows and push a lollipop stick into each one without poking through to the top. Once the chocolate is completely melted, dip each marshmallow into the chocolate and swirl/spin the marshmallow around to completely coat it while also getting the excess chocolate off. Immediately dip the chocolate marshmallow into the crushed candy canes or sprinkles, if using, then set the marshmallow on the parchment paper to set while you continue to work on the next marshmallow.

If you can fit the cookie sheet in your freezer, the chocolate will set faster. I had no room, so I let it sit out and harden on it's own. After a taste test, we wrapped each pop in a holiday themed cellophane bag to use as gifts for friends and cousins.

Happy holiday crafting!

You can find other preschool crafts and activities on Diane's blog, Knitting Zeal.

Ask Shelby, Self-Care

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here is December's installment of "Ask Shelby" from Chester County's own Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Shelby Riley.

Dear Shelby,

I feel like this has been the longest year of my life. I’m so burned out, I can barely enjoy the holidays. I’m cranky, resentful, and exhausted. What am I doing wrong?

Signed, Spent

Dear Spent,

I can think of a few different reasons you may be feeling the way you do. Without knowing more about your situation, my best guess is that you have fallen to the bottom of your priority list. I see this often with clients in my practice, especially women. Women tend to be amazing caregivers… to everyone but themselves. We volunteer at school, church, and sports. We overfunction at work and home. Our kids, partners, work teams, extended family and neighbors all come before ourselves.

Many women express a sense of guilt about taking care of themselves. They can feel a sense of pride for a friend who runs a 10k, but they feel guilty even thinking about going out for a 30 minute run themselves. Sitting and reading a book for a bit before the kids come home from school? Are you crazy?! There’s laundry to do and toilets to clean!

By now I am guessing you have heard the adage about the airplane-oxygen mask: put yours on FIRST, then help your child or seat-mate with theirs. It’s a tired example, but incredibly true—if you are on your last legs, you are not going to be any good for anybody. Would your family rather have two hours with a refreshed, energized, patient woman or three hours with a cranky, bitter, angry woman? The hour that you “take away” from your family to give to yourself (that’s the guilt talking) is really a gift you give to everyone.

My advice for you is to come up with a list of self-care activities that can be done in 10 seconds, 10 minutes, one hour, half a day, whole day, and a whole weekend. Then, engage in several smaller (10 seconds to one hour) activities a day. Some of my clients even keep a self-care calendar, logging their self-care activities every day to keep themselves accountable. Every so often, throw in a bigger one (half day to weekend) for good measure. Here are some examples to get you started:

10 seconds: Several deep breaths; smelling roses at the grocery store; stopping to look at interesting art in a store window; quick, deep stretch; smiling at a good memory

10 minutes: mini-yoga session; walk; leafing through a magazine; listening to two favorite songs; talking on the phone with a friend

One hour: good, solid workout; long bubble bath; reading a great book; knitting/jewelry making/creative endeavor; cooking a gourmet meal; mani/pedi; massage

Half day: kayaking at Marsh Creek; hiking in Valley Forge; reading an entire book; wine tasting with friends/partner; movie and lunch

Good luck—and remember—self-care is not a luxury…it’s a necessity!

Yours, Shelby

Shelby Riley, LMFT is the owner of the family therapy practice, Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LLC in Chester Springs, PA. She is also the incoming President of the PA Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (PAMFT). Remember to check out Shelby's website www.shelbyrileymft.com for useful information about therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

Life in 60 Second Increments

2011-12-16T10:25:00.002-05:00

Long-distance relationships are hard. Such relationships among working mothers are nearly impossible, but feasible with a good-calling plan and an occasional Facebook visit.

My husband and I had a long-distance relationship before we got married, one that spanned the Atlantic Ocean. That was nearly twenty years ago, just as people started saying “World Wide Web” with a twinkle in their eyes. Alas, we are living proof that long-distance anything is quite possible, no matter the color of your passport, the deadlines at work, or the mommy commitments after office hours.

One of my best friends lives in Colorado. Judging by the amazing pictures on her FB wall, she truly lives a world away from my backyard here. Our view of Monocacy Hill pales in comparison to her rustic outings. Her backyard critters have sharper teeth than the snuggly ones who frequent ours.

My friend usually calls from her long commute to work on weekends. Her travel along the highway often coincides with our Sunday morning breakfast, a family tradition I have maintained through the years. I try to make up for rushed, two-minute phone calls by trying to call back during my lunch hour the following week, but work often gets in the way. Sometimes I barely have a lunch, let alone energy to do anything but space out while waiting for the microwave to signal that the frozen, high-sodium treat is done. So in voicemail we trust. It actually works better for us than social media, and there’s no corporate firewall to keep me away. (Visit FB at home, on my own time? That’s not exactly high on my to-do-list.) It’s also free of distractions. I can leave a summary of my life up to that point without getting sucked into viewing other friends’ comments about this and that.

With voicemail, we go all out, leaving nothing to chance or misinterpretation. Long after our respective monologs stop ringing in our own ears, we take mental notes of other updates that didn’t fit into the allotted message time and save it for next week. Sometimes the phone cuts off our stream-of-consciousness. If we were really clever, we would build in deliberate, well-timed cliffhangers to assure a more prompt return phone call, but we are not that devious.

Our voicemails are accompanied by familiar background activity: my office’s parking lot clearing out during lunch and her kids getting ready for school. The time difference offers a variety of noises that range from mid-day bustling to morning rush, depending on the message sender’s longitude.

We all carry around enough guilt while trying to juggle it all. I’d rather not add friendship maintenance to the list of “things to improve.” Instead, we rock our long-distance friendship and corner the market on voicemail blogs - when we have the time and energy to do so. Occasionally, we are flat out flabbergasted when we actually connect, often during a “luxurious” one-hour trip to the supermarket, pouring our hearts out while considering the store-brand alternative to overpriced floor cleaners. Would I rather fly out there and spend a weekend chatting? Sure. But the grocery store will have to serve as a backdrop for our girl talk for the time being.

Love you, my friend (you know who you are!), and I promise I’ll TRY to call next Tuesday, while dashing out of the office to catch you before school/work/life ties up our respective phone lines.