* Massage therapy reduces anxiety and tension leading to less headaches.

* Massage can treat certain forms of depression.

* Massage therapy has been proven to calm autistic children … if it works for them it can work for you too.

* Reduces muscle stiffness, aches and pains.

* Reduces blood pressure.

* Improves your posture.

* Strengthens the immune system.

* Creates body awareness.

* Promotes tissue regeneration (i.e. reduces stretch marks).

* Improves and encourages blood circulation.

* Boosts energy.

* Increases air flow and breathing (more oxygen going in).

* Relieves discomforts of pregnancy, arthritis, tendonitis and more.

* If you’re doing the best you can then you’ve done a good job.

* No one is perfect and neither are their kids.

* Everyone’s definition of happy is completely different, yours is what’s important.

* The house doesn’t have to be spotless 24 hours a day.

* Not everything has to be done by you.

* Kids of non-supermoms go to Harvard, Yale, Penn State and plenty of other great colleges and grow up to be doctors, scientists, engineers, firemen, police officers and savers of the world every day.

* What happens in other households isn’t nearly as important as what’s going on in yours.

* You are not alone! And you don’t have to do anything all by yourself, get help when needed.

* There’s nothing wrong with calling merry maids once in awhile and taking the credit for the shiny clean sink in the kitchen.

* It’s okay for Papa John and Pizza Hut to cook dinner once in awhile.

* Spending $5 on yourself for a coffee once a week instead of buying your kid a new video game isn’t the end of the world.

* Curves.

* Zumba.

* Yoga.

* Pilates.

* Kickboxing.

* Tae-Bo.

* Salsa.

* Spark People (online personalized workouts and diets).

* Jazzercise (yup people still do this!).

* Walking videos.

* The Firm program.

* Water Workout / Water Aerobics.

* Resistance Bands.

* Balance Balls.

* Search coupon sites and check flyers, newspapers, and mailers for discounts.

* Ask around! See who has what you’re shopping for, ask them where they got theirs at. If they got a good deal, they’ll likely tell you all about without you have to ask further questions.

* Look for used or consignment shops, they have fantastic prices on name brand barely used items, especially business wear and dress clothes.

* Wait for a sale! Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents Day. Lots of big sales.

* Off-brands are not always cheaper, compare brands and prices to see the differences in both the product and the price to make sure you get all the features you want/need.

* Read reviews. Check out the product reviews first online, often times they will lead to a discount code, sale, or at the very least free shipping.

* Combine coupon codes when you can, a lot of shopping carts will let you stack deals and codes, get free shipping, 10% off, and a free gift all at the same time.

* Try a shopping bot like Shopzilla or Pricegrabber for a fast way to sift through shop results.

* Browse before you buy! Don’t jump on the first good deal you see. There might be a better one at the very next store. Check all your options. Keep a list.

* Check for mail in rebates for big purchases like electronics. Great way to save money, but takes awhile. Buy online, using coupon codes and deals then additional savings from the mail in rebates.

* You can’t help everyone no matter how hard you try.

* You need time for yourself.

* Don’t make excuses for it or rationalize it, just say “No, I can’t help with that.” Or “No, you can’t have that.”

* No applies to kids, friends, family members, schools, anyone that is asking you for something you don’t have time to do or can’t afford to do.

* If you’re not sure ask for time to think it over, if they refuse your request for time respond with a firm No I can’t help with that.

* Practice saying no … every day! No to kids, no to cashiers, no to telemarketers, no to your dog when she’s jumping on things.

* Remember your kids will grow up just fine without every cool toy on the market.

* Even if they’re mad now they’ll get over it, your kids will love you regardless, and your friends/family will understand if they truly care about you.

* No one will hold it against you that you are busy on the 7th at 7:00, it is not the end of the world.

* Saying no doesn’t mean that you’ll never help, or never buy the toy, it just means no not right this minute on this day when you are asking me to do so.

* Put needs before wants and only say yes if you really can.

* Make adjustments when you have to, you can’t be everywhere at once.

* The goal is to get it done, not make it perfect.

* Keep it simple, give two choices instead of asking “what do you want ____”.

* Set limits on things like television, video games, and phone chatter … for everyone in the household. Eliminates arguing and gets everyone doing other things.

* Deal with things as they happen, (the mail came, sort it now instead of waiting until later - also eliminates clutter that you would have to clean up later).

* Follow routines and schedules, such as getting up at the same time and leaving at the same time daily…create a pattern/routine get home, do your homework, 30 minutes to watch tv/play game/read, dinner, get a bath, quiet time, bedtime.

* Plan ahead for holidays and weekends with activities and things to do. These are the most chaotic times, even if you do something spontaneous instead at least you had a plan ready! You can always use the plan for the following weekend.

* Get involved in a car pool to get kids where they need to go, school, soccer, baseball, football … sharing these tasks save you and someone else time and gas money!

* Give everyone their own alarm clock instead of being the “mom clock” and explain the consequences of not being up and ready to leave on time.

* Minimize distractions (putting video games and televisions in cabinets that close does wonders in a household).

* Pedicure, exfoliate, moisturize, polish, clear coat.

* Manicure, shape nails, file, polish, clear coat.

* Make your own spa salts (sea salt, fragrance, etc mixed together).

* Apple cucumber facial with stuff you have in the kitchen.

* Avocado skin mask.

* Pore cleansing strips (mix gelatin and milk).

* Sugar scrub all over exfoliation.

* Foot soak (can be as simple as Epsom salt and warm water in a basin).

* Aromatherapy room (pick up some aroma oils, a burner, and relax in a tub of hot water while your oil disperses).

* Conditioning hair rinse.

* Milk bath.

* Use two boxes, one for trash, one for donations.

* If it hasn’t been used in 6 months consider donation or trash.

* Use baskets, bins, or other containers in clutter spots to control piles.

* Use under bed bins to store seasonal items like wrapping paper and sweaters out of sight.

* Color coding (example: each family member has a different color hanger for clothes).

* Designate areas (mail area, clothes area, game area, bill writing area, canned good area, use bins or boxes for visual if needed).

* Use cups or baskets for small items like hair clips or pens to avoid clutter.

* Stick on hooks are inexpensive an help get jackets and towels off the floor.

* Consider moving things for better “flow” of a room.

* Get a big calendar for assignments, appointments, and keep a pen nearby so everyone knows who needs to be where and when, some families assign each family member a color of pen (back to color coding).

* Have separate cups or holders for pens and pencils … keep them there and not strewn about the desk and drawers.

* Mail baskets keep paper clutter from accumulating.

* Use a planner or a desk calendar (real or virtual) to keep lists and tasks organized.

* Do a daily 5 minute tidy up … throw out anything you don’t need and straighten out papers and put away anything that might have gathered itself on the desk during the day.

* Use “areas” on your desk, supply area for pens and paper, file area, mail sorting area, group like items together.

* If you don’t need it, toss it.

* Be creative, organization doesn’t have to be boring you can use creative and crafty ways to be more organized and even make new things to help consolidate the space on your desk.

* Identify the problem areas, everyone’s are different. Do you have piles of mail? Do people drop things off on your desk daily that just add to the clutter? Etc…

* Make use of what you have. Does your desk have pre-installed CD holders, use them. And you don’t have to put CDs in them, they’ll also hold post-it notepads and other items off the main part of the desk to give you more space.

* Contain it, baskets, cups, buckets, tins, jars, putting like object together in a container frees up loads of desk space.

* Don’t use the snooze button.

* Schedule it as part of your day! 15 minutes in the morning or after the kids go to bed, even during your lunch break. Make it part of the to-do list so it doesn’t get skipped.

* Make it easier by having relaxing things nearby, a book in the car, your knitting in a tote bag, your ipod or headphones in your bag, whatever is you need to help you relax when a free moment arises.

* Give yourself permission to relax, often we think we can’t relax because things need to get done.

* Go to bed early, a good nights sleep makes everything easier.

* Don’t take on more work than you can handle, a lot of moms are guilty of doing this thinking they can squeeze it in.

* Keep a time log, or a journal to archive your daily tasks and then you can go back and find spots in your daily routine to save time, incorporate relaxing, and improve the routine in general.

* Delegate! At home or at work when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed delegate a task or two out to a co-worker, one of the kids, or a spouse.

* Saying no is okay, don’t get pressured into extras. You need to take care of yourself too.

* Get up before everyone else to give yourself 15 minutes to read, have a cup of coffee, or anything you want to do.

* There are different types of hobbies, doing hobbies, collecting hobbies, watching hobbies - some are indoors and some outdoors.

* Consider the cost involved with the potential hobby.

* Consider any space and storage of supplies needed for the hobby.

* Don’t be afraid to learn something new.

* A hobby can reduce daily stress and help you relax.

* Know the difference between a hobby, an obsession, and an addiction.

* A hobby can keep you physically or mentally active at times when you normally might not be, and prevent boredom.

* People that practice a hobby generally are less stressed about things like work and finances.

* You can use your hobby to meet new people by joining hobby and discussion groups, and in some cases local classes or get together for hobbyists.

* Some hobbies include ~ stamp collecting, sports watching, merchandise collectors (action figures, brand themes, etc), sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, scrap booking, photography, calligraphy, baking, soap making, herbalism, blogging, drawing, painting.

* Almost anything can be turned into a hobby in some way.

* Likewise for the family time, set aside 30 minutes each day that everyone is focused on doing something together … anything at all.

* Set your priorities and adjust as needed, they can change monthly, weekly, daily.

* Keep a to-do list, things that need to be done, including time for yourself.

* Have a family/household meeting to communicate each others goals and needs for the current timeframe (once a month?).

* Follow a daily pattern or routine so that everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect.

* Have a menu plan to save loads of kitchen and shopping time and leave more time for talking and enjoying the evening together.

* Make room in the family budget for small outings like a trip to the movies, or a day at the zoo once a month to get everyone out and about and having fun together.

* Multi-task, put away the dishes while you’re on the phone, or dust the electronics while you’re waiting for a file to download.

* Bedtime, and not just for the kids, set one for yourself too so you can get a good nights sleep.

* Read a book

* Pop some popcorn and watch a “girls only” movie

* have a cup of herbal tea

* Meditate

* Play your favorite song

* Knit, crochet, sew, scrapbook, do something creative and crafty

* Write a story

* Blog!

* Play a video game (you’d be surprised how fast it takes your mind off things)

* Take a walk

* Make time for yourself, 15 minutes each day to relax and distress.

* Get enough sleep each night, don’t stay up all night doing dishes and scrubbing floors they can wait until tomorrow.

* Go to the doctor and get a regular check up as well as when your sick, moms tend to not get their own medical care.

* Go out and make friends! Mom needs a social life too.

* Don’t lead a guilty life, you can’t do everything for everybody all the time, and it’s not your fault.

* Doing things for yourself will improve not only your mood but your overall health and wellness.

* Feed your brain, take a class, pick up a how to book, learning something new prevents that burnt out “just mom” feeling.

* Pamper your body, feeling good on the outside helps us feel more confident. The kids got cool hair gel, why shouldn’t you?

* Make a date, if you can get a sitter or send the kids to grandmas once a month having a date night is a great way to treat yourself and your other half at the same time.

* Neglecting yourself only leads to things like depression and illness. You can take care of others and yourself at the same time.

* Caring for yourself shows your family that you care about them to because you want to be with them for a long time!

* Make it part of your journaling to write down one thing during your day that inspired you.

* Take pictures, lots of pictures of lots of things. Pictures can be a great inspiration later on.

* Play music daily, sound is a great inspiration sparker.

* Read updated media, not just local news, world news, business news, trade news, blogs, hobby sites, any media you can grab that’s fresh.

* People watch, the tiniest thing can inspire you to change or do something.

* Breathe. Breathing techniques can make your thoughts flow more clearly.

* Reminisce. Past memories can inspire future plans.

* Volunteer. Helping others can be the biggest inspiration of all.

* Talk. Talking to peers about daily life can lead to bigger, better, ideas.

* Art. Don’t worry about understanding it or interpreting it, just look at it and think whatever you think.

Are you looking for work from home jobs? Consider offering an article writing service. On the Web, articles are in high demand as Web content. You could have your home new business set up within days.

Your new service will make money because it’s needed.

In a Recession, Businesses Are Looking for Cheaper Advertising

With the economic slow down all over the globe, businesses are looking to trim their advertising budgets. Since they can’t stop advertising completely, they’re looking for cheaper alternatives. Article marketing is a cost-effective solution.

Here’s how to start your article writing service.

1. Visit the Outsourcing Sites to Get Quick Jobs and Testimonials

Your first aim is to get credibility, and this means getting testimonials from people who’ve already hired you, and love the service you provide.

Here’s how to get testimonials when your business is completely new: get some article writing jobs at the outsourcing sites. You can bid low, with the understanding that clients will give you a testimonial if they’re pleased with the quality and customer service you provide.

2. Set up Your Own Web Site

Once you’ve got your testimonials, set up a small Web site. A free service is fine at the start. Post several sample articles on your new site, as well as some information on who you are, and the article writing service you provide.

3. Offer Article Packages

Consider providing articles in packages, of ten, 20, or even 50. Businesses who are looking for content want more than one or two articles. You’ll find that initially, your new clients will choose your small packages, until they get to know you, and the quality of your articles.

4. Advertise Your Article Writing Service

Finally, you’ll need to promote your new service until you become known. How will you promote? That’s easy — write articles. As people read your articles, and realize that you’re available to write for them, you’ll get clients.

Discover how to make money online in your spare time with Angela Booth’s Sell Your Writing Online NOW at http://sellwritingnow.com/Home/training.html You’ll get complete training in how the Web works, so you can take advantage of the unlimited opportunities.

For information on easy money making opportunities, visit Money Diviner at http://moneydiviner.com/

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Booth

Work at home jobs are becoming more and more popular, but there are still some that can be done more easily in a home environment. This article shares 10 of the most common types of work at home jobs you will find online.

1) Customer Service

Thanks to the internet and software programs that allow you to log in to a company’s system from home, it is easy for employers to hire remote customer service agents. Imagine sitting in your home office, answering telephone calls from people all over the world. That is a reality for many thousands of home-workers today! The duties that come along with customer service positions vary from company to company, but most often you would be answering customer phone calls, providing general customer service, addressing complaints, entering orders into the company computer system online, and so on.

Requirements: Most companies would require you to have an updated home office environment with computer, telephone, headset, and fax machine, though this will vary depending on the job duties.

2) Telemarketing

Telemarketing is another job that can easily be done from home. Most often this involves making cold calls to sales leads and either selling merchandise or services directly, or sometimes you would be simply setting appointments for sales people to close the sale.

Requirements: Most of these jobs would require an unlimited phone plan so you could make long distance calls without extra charges, but some companies do have a program where you could log into their system online and make the calls over a broadband connection. Some of these jobs do require sales or telemarketing experience, but some are willing to train.

3) Transcription

Transcription is done by listening to audio files and typing them into written form. There are two basic types of transcription jobs: medical and general. Medical transcription requires more intensive training so you will know the medical terminology used on the recordings, which are often created by doctors and other health professionals. General transcription can include many different types of audio recordings, such as meeting notes, seminars, teleseminars, and interviews.

Requirements: Transcription jobs will usually require equipment like software programs that can play the audio files at various speeds, and sometimes a specialized foot pedal is also required to control the software. You may also need a special headset.

4) Web Design

Web design jobs are great options for working at home. You can either work as an employee for a company, or as a freelancer who hires out your skills to many different clients. These jobs would obviously require that you have knowledge of web design, HTML, CSS, PHP, and other computer languages.

Requirements: The only equipment requirements for web design work at home jobs would be the software you need to create, design and update web pages. Some companies might require you to use a specific program like Dreamweaver, but others might not.

5) Writing

Writing is a great option for working at home too. You could either work for one company exclusively or freelance for many clients. This job also offers great flexibility with the types of writing and publications you can choose from. You could write for print markets like magazines, or focus on online publications by writing for e-newsletters and e-zines. Writers are needed for many different types of materials, such as sales brochures, technical manuals, parenting publications, health websites - you can even be a “ghostwriter” for people who want to publish their own books but don’t have strong writing skills! Writers can also create their own income by writing and selling e-books online, creating content websites funded by advertising, affiliate products and more. Basically, if you have strong writing skills, there are endless ways to turn them into a paying venture.

Requirements: Even better, the only requirements for working at home as a writer would be having the skills and motivation to do it. It may be helpful to have at least the basic software programs that most clients would use, such as Microsoft Word.

6) Graphic Design

Just like web design, graphics design can be done from home too. This would involve the creation of digital images like artwork, company logos and web site graphics. Graphic designers can also work with print images, but that would more likely be done for a local company, even if you could still work at home much of the time.

Requirements: Once again, software programs for graphic design would be needed, as well as proper training.

7) Sales

Sales jobs can be done from home by telephone or internet, but some may also require daily visits to prospective clients. Some sales jobs would pay commission-only (you would only get paid if you make sales), but some do offer a base salary plus commission.

Requirements: This will vary depending on the company and type of sales job, but most often you would need to have some sales experience, and a home office with computer, telephone and fax machine.

8 ) Virtual Assisting

Virtual assisting is becoming one of the more popular work at home jobs these days. Most often these jobs require basic clerical skills like knowing how to use a computer, the internet, telephone, email, word processing programs like Microsoft Word, as well as spreadsheets, perhaps accounting software, and other basic office equipment. A virtual assistant can work solely for one employer, or be a freelance independent contractor. The duties of a virtual assistant would most often involve answering telephones, doing clerical work, answering email inquiries from clients, sending mailings, making travel arrangements, and more. (It varies greatly depending on the employer.)

Requirements: Usually you would need an updated computer system, telephone, fax machine, and the right software programs that your employer would use.

9) Teaching/Tutoring

Teaching and tutoring jobs can also easily be done from home, and they can apply to different settings. For example, you could tutor children who need help with their studies, or teach English as a second language to adults. You could work independently on your own, or sign on with a company who will connect you with clients.

Requirements: Besides specialized knowledge and teaching credentials, very little equipment is needed for this kind of work at home job.

10) Consulting

If you have specialized knowledge in specific areas, you may be able to create a lucrative consulting practice from home. There are consultants for pretty much everything, from legal to medical to business to personal life coaching! Consider your areas of expertise and ask yourself if people would be willing to pay money to learn from you. More often consulting is done on an independent basis rather than working specifically for one company.

Requirements: Depending on the type of consulting you would be doing, you may need a full home office setup as well as other equipment or software programs related to your line of work.

There are many other types of jobs that can be done from home, but these are probably the most common. However, as technology continues to advance we will likely see more and more opportunities to do even more jobs from home in the future.

Telecommuting (working from home) is fast becoming one of the hottest career choices today. People everywhere are escaping the rat race and enjoying the true freedom and flexibility that telecommuting can provide. If you are ready to do the same, visit http://www.Telecommuting123.com/success.html today and download our free guide, “How to Be a Telecommuting Success”.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Betterini

Cholesterol is a major problem of the heart. When it forms in the blood, the blood vessels get clogged because it creates too much plaque. As such, the blood doesn’t get to travel freely to the different parts of the body. If that happens, there would be shortage of oxygen in the organs and they would malfunction. Eventually, the whole body system would fail. And so to keep that from occurring, the heart overworks itself. It works doubly hard each day that after some time, it would develop certain diseases. This is why heart ailments are very common to people aged 50 years old and above. Younger individuals are very much encouraged to look for low cholesterol recipes and prepare those for themselves and their families for a stronger heart.

Actually, it is quite easy to make your own low cholesterol recipes. All you really have to do is to use all food items that have low cholesterol content in your meals. Of course, you also have to use the cooking techniques that don’t require the use of oil during preparation. The simpler the meal, the better it is. Vegetables, fish, and wholegrain are food items that are low in cholesterol. If you can use these as the main ingredient of your meals, then you can create your own low cholesterol recipes.

For those who have no idea where to start, here are good suggestions of low cholesterol recipes that you can adopt:

1. Meaty Cabbage Stew
Boil lean ground beef along with kidney beans, pinto beans, coleslaw mix, and diced tomatoes. Add tomato juice. Let it simmer for a while. Add some seasoning to taste. Serve hot.

This is a very simple low cholesterol recipe for people on the go. With minimal preparation time, you can make a healthy vegetable stew with a delicious, meaty taste. Just be sure you use extra lean beef in this recipe so you’ll get minimal fats and cholesterol.

2. Special Tuna Salad
Open a can of tuna in brine or oil. Drain. Flake the meat in small sizes. Add pickles and dried cranberries for a sweet and sour tart taste. Put pepper, vinegar, and seasoning. Toss in a salad bowl until all ingredients are mixed well.

This recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. You can eat it as is or your can use it as a sandwich filling. Just make sure you use rye bread. Tuna, along with other oily fish like salmon, are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart. Fish make a good alternative to red meat and poultry as it can reduce cholesterol level in the blood.

3. Steamed Fish Delight
Steam a good serving of salmon. Boil a small pack of tomato sauce in a sauce pan. Add seasoning and pepper to taste. When the fish is done, put in a platter. Pour over the prepared tomato sauce. Put some parsley on the side for garnishing.

This recipe is a good twist to the traditional steamed fish with mayonnaise meal. Mayonnaise is made with eggs, which are high in cholesterol. It is best that it is removed from your diet, or at least limit its intake. Fish are healthy meats. Tomato sauce can also help the functions of the heart because studies show that it produces Omega-3 when heated. This recipe is best for dinner or for lunch.

4. Vegetable Shake
Cut carrots, tomatoes, and a small amount of ginger into cubes. Put in a blender. Squeeze a lemon into it. Blend well. You can also add green chili and peanuts if desired. Put a small amount of honey to taste.

This low cholesterol recipe is good for snacks or breakfast. A vegetable shake is a good substitute for protein shake that is usually prepared for building muscles. If protein shakes can build muscles, this vegetable shake will surely lower down your cholesterol level in no time.

These are good examples of low cholesterol recipes that you can easily prepare. These recipes require minimal preparation time so they can be enjoyed even by the busiest individuals. Keep in mind that cholesterol is primarily obtained from the food that you eat. In order to lead a healthy lifestyle, you have to start eating right. These food items would surely help you lower down your cholesterol level until it goes back to normal.

To find more information about cholesterol, head on to http://www.normalcholesterollevelonline.com where you can also find information on how to lower triglycerides and foods high in cholesterol.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Edward_Chen

Don’t know what kind of shrimp recipe to make? There are a few quick and easy stir fry recipes that you can easily whip up in an average of only twenty five minutes. This dish is very popular for parties or a large group of people.

The ingredients needed for this shrimp stir-fry are 2 cups water, 1-pound shrimp, ¼-teaspoon ginger, ¼-teaspoon cayenne pepper. One clove minced garlic clove, 1-tablespoon sesame seeds, and ¼-tablespoon black pepper. 2-tablespoon sesame oil, one sliced red pepper, three chopped onions, 3-tablespoon teriyaki sauce, ½-pound peas, 1/8 cup chicken broth, ¼-cup cornstarch, and ¼-teaspoon salt.

Take water in a saucepan, add some salt to the water, and boil it. After few minutes add rice to the water, cover the container, and allow the rice to boil for few minutes. Then add the ginger, garlic, pepper, and sesame seeds to the rice. Store the contents of the saucepan in a container and store it in the refrigerator.

Now in a skillet add sesame oil, bell pepper, onions, and sauté the contents for 2-3 minutes. Add the shrimp, teriyaki sauce, peas, and sauté the contents for 2-3 minutes.

Add the chicken broth and cornstarch to the skillet. Stir the contents for few minutes. Sprinkle the contents over the rice and serve it.

This shrimp stir fry recipe does take longer than some of the other shrimp dishes, however it is one of the best tasting meals. It is not recommended as a meal for two unless you have a large appetite or are prepared to have leftovers since this type of dish is filling.

For more great shrimp recipes that are quick and easy visit: http://ShrimpRecipe.org

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Norm_Butler

It really isn’t hard to get a quick and healthy meal on the table in a matter of minutes. You can feed your family an inexpensive, nutritious meal in about a half hour. Here are a couple of chicken entrees to get you started. Try the Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan that is table ready in a matter of minutes. If you prefer mushrooms, try the Sauteed Chicken with Mushrooms. Both of these recipes are also perfect for diabetics.

QUICK FIX CHICKEN PARMESAN

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place chicken in an oblong baking dish. Bake, covered, for 15 minutes at 425 degrees; drain. In a 2-qt saucepan, combine the tomatoes, cornstarch, basil, oregano and the pepper sauce, if using. Cook the tomato mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour the hot sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. Return chicken to oven the bake, uncovered, for 5 more minutes. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired.

SAUTEED CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOMS

Pound each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness. Mix flour, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Coat chicken well with the flour mixture and set in refrigerator while preparing the onions and mushrooms.

Heat the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the garlic, onions, and mushrooms and saute for about 3 minutes. Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon. Get chicken from the refrigerator and add to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes each side. Add broth and soup to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Return the mushroom mixture to the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Serve immediately while hot.

*You may substitute 1 cup canned mushrooms that have been drained.

Serve this chicken dish with some hot buttered noodles or rice.

Enjoy!

For more Quick and Easy Recipes visit http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com

For diabetic recipes and information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

Breakfast is considered as the most significant meal of the day. There are many breakfast recipes you can cook such as cocoa crepes, sweet potato pancakes, Belgian waffles, homemade yogurt and much more.

Breakfast should be heavy and strong in protein. Listed below are some famous and nutritious recipes for breakfast:

Scrambled Egg Muffins

Breakfast Casserole

Sausage Squares

Breakfast Sandwiches

As additional suggestions, when making peanut butter waffle, toast a bran waffle or whole grain. Top it with two tablespoons of peanut butter.

Make a banana split by slicing the banana in the middle and top portion. Add vanilla yogurt. Add fresh pineapple or fresh strawberries, if desired. Top with two tablespoon of sugar free chocolate syrup.

Try a healthy pizza breakfast or make Huevo Rancheros. Slice a hard-boiled egg and cover it into a whole-wheat tortilla, adding a slice of bacon or ham.

For more information on Breakfast Recipes and Toaster Oven Breakfast Recipes please visit our website.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann

A low carb recipe is a great way to practice healthy eating lifestyle and diet. A low carb dish is not necessarily for those who are on a diet or want to lose their weight. A low carb lifestyle can and should be adopted by all. The advantages of a low carb balanced diet is that it has all the necessary nutrients minus the unhealthy fats. A low carb meal can be had from a choice of almost any kind of dish.

Any dish you wish can be converted into low carb by modifying a few ingredients. For example milk can be replaced by low-fat milk, yoghurt can be replaced by low-fat yoghurt, sugar can be replaced by sugar free pills, and so and so forth. And you can replace lot of daily food items you consume such as instead of white bread, go for whole wheat bread. Instead of white rice, go for brown rice when making chinese dishes.

There are many more ingredients that you can replace and reduce the fat level, sugar level and carb level of the dish thereby reducing the calories you consume and at the same time increasing the nutrients you consume. A little knowledge on what to avoid and what to eat will go a long way.

Another essential thing one should realize is there’s no such thing as low carb junk food. Junk food is junk food, be it high in carbs or low. It doesn’t do much good to your body and your health. So it is wise to reduce or remove junk food entirely from one’s meals.

So be knowledgeable about what you eat and be wise. Be healthy!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Barry_Marks

There are two good reasons to make a healthy recipe smoothie: 1) They taste great; and 2) They are filled with lots of fruit that have health benefits for your body. Here’s a sample of popular smoothie recipes that can be a positive addition to your daily diet.

Orange Julius Smoothie – This is a delicious drink made with orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract. The Orange Julius franchise is responsible for creating this popular smoothie, and if you can find an Orange Julius location in your town, you’ll be in for a real treat.

Strawberry Orange Smoothie – Made with fresh or frozen strawberries, orange juice and honey. A wonderful sunkissed drink to help you wake up in the mornings.

Chocolate Banana Smoothie – Made with a ripe banana, chocolate syrup and milk. A healthier way to get your chocolate fix!

Classic Blueberry Smoothie – Made with fresh or frozen blueberries, frozen juice and yogurt. Blueberries have lots of antioxidants, so you can enjoy this knowing you’re helping your body stay strong and healthy.

Tropical Five Fruit Smoothie – Made with banana, kiwi, mango, papaya and orange juice. Escape to the tropics with this exotic blend of flavors. Mangoes are packed with vitamins. A great energy recipe smoothie.

Creamsicle Smoothie – Made with fresh cantaloupe melon, orange juice, vanilla extract and honey. This yummy drink will remind you of the ice cream version you enjoyed on lazy summer days as a child.

Berry Brainstorm Smoothie – Made with frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, juice and yogurt. The official drink of superheroes and people who need extra brain power to accomplish amazing tasks. A great frozen fruit smoothie recipe.

Pina Colada Smoothie – Made with pineapple, banana, coconut and milk. A tasty slimmed-down version of the popular alcoholic drink. The real pina colada has 644 calories—ouch!

Cherry Vanilla Smoothie – Made with frozen cherries, raspberries, vanilla yogurt and milk. If you love cherries drenched in creamy vanilla, this is your smoothie.

Creamy Coffee Smoothie – Made with instant coffee, sugar and heavy cream. Okay, maybe it’s a little heavy on the calorie side, but this is a great way to add variety to your daily java routine.

Donna Monday You can find all of the above smoothie recipes and more by visiting this site and clicking on the Milkshake-n-Smoothie link. http://www.best-free-cooking-recipes.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Donna_Monday

Is there any drink more fun and refreshing than an ice cold milkshake? I don’t think so. Milkshakes are a part of American food culture and have spread all over the world. Here’s my list of the best milkshake recipe you can find anywhere.

Classic Vanilla Milkshake – Made with vanilla ice cream and vanilla extract. The original “plain” milkshake is still a crowd pleasing favorite. Adding a maraschino cherry on top makes it a little more special.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Milkshake – Made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream (depends on how intense you want the chocolate flavor), milk and chocolate syrup. This is always the second most favorite milkshake flavor. It’s so easy to make and delicious to drink!

I Love Strawberries Milkshake – Made with strawberry ice cream, milk, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Yum! Makes me ravenous for one just thinking about it.

Purple Cow Milkshake – Made with grape juice, banana and milk. Purple cows are cool (and very rare). This milkshake is a real treat for kids and kids at heart.

Chunky Monkey Milkshake – Made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips, banana and instant coffee. This milkshake may cause you to spontaneously get up and do the chunky monkey dance.

Cherry Vanilla Milkshake – Made with vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherries, milk and chocolate syrup. A chocolate covered cherry in your glass.

Shamrock Milkshake – Made with vanilla ice cream, low fat milk, mint extract and green food coloring. Pretty simple milkshake that you can enjoy at home, even though a certain well-known burger place doesn’t make them any more.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake – Made with creamy peanut butter, milk and chocolate syrup. A nice alternative to a peanut butter sandwich.

Caramel Latte Milkshake – Made with coffee ice cream, milk and caramel syrup. Just as good or better than any drink at your local coffee or donut shop, plus, you can make this at home anytime you’re in the mood to treat yourself with something extra special.

Whoppers Malt Milkshake – Made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate malt syrup and whipped topping. This is the easiest way to make a milkshake that has that old fashioned malt taste.

Donna Monday You can find all of the above milkshake recipes and more by visiting this site and clicking on the Milkshake-n-Smoothie link. http://www.best-free-cooking-recipes.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Donna_Monday

Put out a plate of homemade brownies and that plate will soon be empty. It doesn’t matter if it’s a plain chocolate brownie or a gourmet brownie – eating brownies just makes us feel good. Here’s a selection of great brownie recipes for your enjoyment.

Frosted Fudge Brownies – Made with unsweetened baking chocolate, vanilla, chopped pecans and topped with homemade fudge frosting. Nobody can resist these deep, rich chocolaty treats.

Best Blondie Brownies – Made with bananas, brown sugar, vanilla and chocolate chips. A delicious version on the favorite blonde brownie with a blend of banana and chocolate flavors.

Classic White Chocolate Brownies – Made with white chocolate, semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter, sugar and vanilla. Chunks of your favorite baking chocolate surrounded by a melt-in-your mouth white chocolate brownie.

Classic White Chocolate Brownies – Made with white chocolate, semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter, sugar and vanilla. Chunks of your favorite baking chocolate surrounded by a melt-in-your mouth white chocolate brownie.

Best Turtle Brownies – Made with German chocolate cake mix, evaporated milk, semisweet chocolate chips, walnuts and caramels. These brownies are packed with an irresistible mixture of flavors.

Classic Peanut Butter Brownies – Made with creamy peanut butter, cocoa, flour, sugar and vanilla. The perfect brownie for peanut butter lovers everywhere.

Caramel Fudge Brownies – Made with caramel candies, unsweetened chocolate, unsalted butter, sugar and vanilla. Chewy caramel is swirled throughout these oh so good brownies.

Brownie’s in a Jar – Made with white sugar, cocoa powder, flour and pecans. Put some homemade goodness into a jar and give it as a gift. When they get home, the recipient can enjoy homemade brownies anytime and think of you fondly.

Candy Bar Brownies – Made with graham crackers, roasted peanuts, unsweetened chocolate and topped with peanut butter frosting. This recipe turns a favorite candy bar flavor into a warm mini cake.

Banana Split Brownies – Made with banana, cocoa powder, flour, butter, eggs and topped with strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s got that ice cream sundae flavor. Go ahead and eat one with a bowl of your favorite ice cream.

Applesauce Brownies – Made with applesauce, unsweetened chocolate, sugar, vanilla and pecans. Cozy up on the couch and enjoy this good old-fashioned treat.

Donna Monday You can find all of the above brownie recipes and more by visiting this site and clicking on the Best Brownie Recipes link. http://www.best-free-cooking-recipes.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Donna_Monday

Chinese food is a delicious way to expand your personal recipe book, particularly if you love to use simple, fresh ingredients with short cooking time. These top ten dishes are famous all over the world, and are must-haves in your collection of Chinese recipes.

Fried Rice - A popular item in Chinese restaurants, fried rice is the ultimate Chinese food, and can be one of the most flexible in your cookbook because you can use leftover rice and ingredients to make it. Of course, you can use fresh ingredients but it’s recommended to use rice that has been kept in the fridge overnight for best results. Ingredients usually involved in making fried rice are eggs, spring onions, diced meat of either beef, chicken or pork, ham, prawns and vegetables such as bean sprouts, peas, celery, corn and carrots. There are many types of fried rice but the more famous ones are the Yong Chow and Fukien fried rice.

Kung Pao Chicken - Kung Pao chicken or Kung Po chicken is a Chinese dish from Szechuan cuisine and is considered to be a delicacy. The recipe for this savory dish commonly calls for diced chicken that is pre-marinated and quickly stir-fried with unsalted roasted peanuts, red bell peppers, sherry or rice wine, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and chili peppers. Alternatively, you can use shrimp, scallops, beef or pork in place of the chicken.

Moo Shu Pork - This is a dish of northern Chinese origin and a favorite of many. Ingredients in a Mushu pork recipe usually involve green cabbage, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, scallions, scrambled eggs and day lily buds. Bell peppers, snow pea pods, celery, onions, Shiitake mushrooms and bok choy are sometimes used. The vegetables are cut into long and thin strips before cooking, with the exception for bean sprouts and day lily buds. Fried Mushu pork is then wrapped in moo shu pancakes that is brushed with hoisin sauce and eaten by hand. Moo shu pancakes are thin wrappers made of flour that is easily available in supermarkets and steamed right before eating.

General Tso’s Chicken - General Tso’s chicken is a Hunan cuisine that tastes spicy and sweet and very popular in Chinese restaurants in Canada and America where it’s often marked as a “chef’s specialty”. General Tso’s Chicken recipe commonly calls for battered chicken deep-fried and marinated with ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine or sherry, sugar, scallions, and hot chili peppers.

Spring Rolls - Spring rolls make fabulous snacks and appetizers. They are similar to egg rolls, but are slightly different to its cousin. Springs rolls are have less filling than egg rolls, is smaller in size and its skin is thinner. To make a spring roll, minced meat and thinly cut strips of vegetables are rolled and sealed in a square or circular rice paper. It is then deep fried till crispy and golden brown. Serve this crowd pleaser piping hot.

Chinese Dumplings - Chinese dumplings are a fabulous addition to your home cooked foods, and can be made simply and quickly using just a couple of ingredients. The key to making an excellent dumpling is to ensure that all of your ingredients are finely minced, so that each of the dumplings are steamed in the same amount of time.

Beef and Broccoli - The key to cooking up a delicious Beef and Broccoli dish at home is to make an excellent sauce made up of oyster sauce, light soy sauce, thick soy sauce and cornstarch solution. Marinade the beef before stir frying with sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch solution, soy sauce and sugar.

Sweet and Sour Pork - This savory-sweet highly popular Chinese dish is of Cantonese origin. It is a good dish to prepare when you are planning on having guests, who will be wildly impressed with your cooking skill. As with other Chinese food recipes, the key to making a great Sweet and Sour Pork dish is in the sauce made of sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, and soy sauce. Its ingredients include pork, pineapple, bell pepper and onion cut into bite size pieces.

Chow Mein - In American Chinese cuisine, Chow Mein is a stir-fried dish consisting of noodles, meat such usually chicken, shrimp, beef and pork, cabbage and other vegetables.

Chop Suey - Chop suey or “za sui” or “shap sui” literally means ‘mixed pieces’ is an American-Chinese dish usually made up of leftover meats and vegetables stir fried quickly in a sauce thickened with starch. It is a great dish when you need to use up the last of yesterday’s chicken or pork roast and can incorporate meats of any kind such as fish, chicken, shrimp, pork or beef and various vegetables from celery to bean sprouts and cabbage. Chop Suey is often eaten with rice.

Chinese Food Recipes is an online recipe and cooking website offering plenty of free Chinese recipes and Asian recipes.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Blach

In today’s society, it is often hard to find time to get the family together around the table for a home-cooked meal. Yet the health professionals tell us we Americans need to eat a lot less fast food. And the psycologists tell us we need to spend more time together as a family around the dinner table. So what’s a busy family to do? Make time to eat a home-cooked meal, together as a family, at least three times a week. Get the children to set the table. It’s a good learning experience for them, they learn to feel like an important part of the family, it saves mom and dad some time, the family experiences together time, etc. And remember, this is just a family dinner. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the placemats and napkins don’t match…let the kids have some fun and feel important. Make gentle suggestions and never be critical.

Following is an easy menu that can be made quickly, especially when everyone helps out and works together. And it won’t break the bank with the skyrocketing grocery prices of today. Give it a try this week.

SALISBURY STEAKS WITH ONIONS

Preheat broiler. Line broiler pan with foil and spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Combine beef, egg, bread crumbs, salt, garlic, pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Shape into 4 patties. Place patties on prepared broiler pan and broil, turning once, until no longer pink in the center; approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Seperate onions into rings and add to skillet. Saute about 4 minutes or until translucent. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring continually, about 2 minutes. Gradually stir in broth and cook, stirring continually until broth thickens; about 2-3 minutes. Stir in parsley. Pour onion gravy over the cooked patties and serve immediately.

Note: Want to sneak in a vegetable? Grate a carrot into the beef mixture before forming patties.

Make this 7-layer salad the night before and refrigerate. When you get home from work, soccer games, music lessons or whatever, your salad is ready and waiting.

7 LAYER SALAD

In a clear salad bowl, layer the following ingredients in this order: lettuce, bell pepper, onion, frozen peas and eggs. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the Ranch Dressing mix, mayonnaise and yogurt. Add atop the layers in bowl. Add cheese and bacon. Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, plastic wrap, etc. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

ZUCCHINI AND YELLOW SQUASH SAUTE

Scrub zucchini and yellow squash; cut into 1/4-inch slices. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30-45 seconds. Add the zucchini and yellow squash to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender–about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the tomato and oregano. Simmer 1-2 minutes longer. Add salt and pepper, if desired.

For dessert, here is a quick and easy recipe for parfaits.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE PARFAIT

In a large bowl, combine skim milk, pudding mix, nonfat dry milk and 3/4 teaspoon orange peel. Mix at low speed until just blended, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a separate, clean, chilled bowl and chilled beaters, beat evaporated skim milk until soft peaks form. Fold into thickened pudding mixture. Spoon into dessert glasses and sprinkle with grated orange peel. Top with sugar-free whipped topping if desired, reserving the topping grated orange peel to go on top of the whipped topping.

Note: This recipe, without the topping, has 13 g protein and 26 g carbs

For more of Linda’s recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

After food has been freeze dried what else can be done to preserve it?

The freeze drying process removes 98% of the water from food, stopping bacterial growth as well as killing insects and their eggs.

Beyond freeze drying further to preserve food and increase shelf life, oxygen is the main enemy. If the food is stored in a way that it is not exposed to oxygen, the shelf life can reach 25 to 30 years. Shelf life here refers to the food maintaining it’s properties of nutritional value, taste, and appearance. It may still be safe to eat beyond this time but the aforementioned properties are degraded. Oxygen Absorbers

Some freeze dried food producers use oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life.

Oxygen absorbers are materials that chemically react with oxygen in the environment they are in, combining with the oxygen and thus removing it from that environment. The most commonly used material for absorbers is iron in the forms of iron powder or iron carbonate. Both combine with oxygen very effectively.

Once oxygen absorbers are exposed to oxygen they will continue to react with it until the material is fully “oxidized” meaning it can not absorb any more oxygen. For this reason they need to be very carefully sealed and stored so that they are not consumed before their intended use.

The application in which oxygen absorbers are used for freeze dried food storage is to place them in the can of food before it is vacuum sealed.

The idea is that any oxygen that leaks into the sealed container over years of storage will be absorbed by it, rather than the oxygen reacting with the freeze dried food and degrading it.

There are two types of oxygen absorbers commonly used. One type, Multisorb Technologies’ FreshPax Type-B requires some moisture from the environment it is in to be present to work and is used for moist foods like bread and processed meats. Type-D absorbers contain there own moisture source and are thus suited to dry foods like freeze dried food.

You may remember the old adage Aristotle proclaimed in 350 BC, “nature abhors a vacuum”. So any vacuum packed container will over time be invaded, if ever so slightly, by the surrounding air and with it the 21% of air that is oxygen.

So while the oxygen absorber will extend the shelf life by absorbing the oxygen in the air that is present initially during packing as well as the air that leaks in over time, eventually the absorber will be “maxed out”, that is it will be fully oxidized and can not absorb any more oxygen.

I have seen the guarantees for shelf life for this type packed freeze dried food at 10-15 years. This period may be a reflection of the limit of the process and process controls that the producer of the food uses, as well as that of the oxygen absorber. http://bulk-survival-food.com

Nitrogen Packing

Nitrogen packing or “nitro-pak” on the other hand takes a different approach to dealing with oxygen “enemy”.

Rather than relying on the properties of the container to fight the invading air trying to get in, the container is flushed with nitrogen or packed in a nitrogen environment. As a result the sealed container has the same or slightly higher pressure but with nitrogen and not air. This means that air is not fighting to get in. There is no abhorrence so to speak.

Thus the period that the food remains unexposed to significant concentrations of oxygen is much longer and thus the possible shelf life is longer.

What is the longest shelf life for nitrogen packed freeze dried food?

Mountain House, the commercial brand of Oregon Freeze Dry which has been around for over 40 years, states on their web site regarding their #10 cans of freeze dried food;

“Our foods will have the longest shelf life available…up to 30 years!”

It may be the result of superior process controls, not only the nitrogen packing process, that makes them feel comfortable making this statement.

There is information online on how you can nitro-pak foods yourself with some equipment but I would be leery of assuming your process control would be on the same par and have the same shelf life.

In any case “nitro-pak” freeze dried food has the longest shelf life for any type of commercially available stored food I have seen.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Taylor

Keeping your foods properly stored in the cabinet or refrigerator is something that should be taken seriously. Not only will storing your food correctly make it last longer, but it can also keep you healthier. Improperly storing foods can lead to harmful bacteria and spoilage. Let’s take a look at a few helpful tips to keep your foods fresh and lasting longer.

Vegetables

Keep your vegetables stored in the food crisper in your refrigerator. You can put all your vegetables in there except for tomatoes, onions, potatoes and garlic. Keep your potatoes, onions and garlic in dark place, or even in a paper bag, but not the refrigerator.

You should keep your vegetables in plastic bags to hold their moisture and nutrients. You will also put tomatoes in a plastic bag after cutting them.

Fruits

Most people think they should leave apples sitting out on the table in a fruit bowl, but the truth is, they should be stored in the refrigerator. All types of berries should also be stored in the refrigerator. One fruit that should never be put in the refrigerator though is a banana. It will immediately turn black. Not a pretty sight.

Melons, including watermelons, should be stored at regular room temperature until they become ripened. Once ripe they should then be stored in the refrigerator. The same can be said for grapes.

Other citrus type fruits can be left outside at room temperature or kept in the refrigerator. It doesn’t really matter with these fruits.

Frozen Foods

When freezing leftover foods, be sure to put them in an airtight container, or Ziploc bag to maintain freshness. If you don’t, you will have ice crystals form and your foods will be freezer burnt.

Meats, chicken and pork can also be put in the freezer to keep. Be sure you do not re-freeze these foods after thawing them out. You must use them after thawing, or throw them out.

Milk And Dairy Items

Naturally you will always store milk in the refrigerator, but be sure to keep an eye on the expiration date. Throw it out after the expiration date. Another good tip is to buy milk from the store with an expiration date well into the future. Look for gallon containers in the rear of the dairy shelves in the grocery store. They will have the latest expiration dates.

It is also a good idea to check expiration dates on all your dairy items at least once a week. This includes eggs also.

Meats

Always keep fish, meats, chicken and pork in the refrigerator until you prepare them for eating. You want to make sure you keep these items wrapped and away from other foods in your refrigerator to prevent bacteria and keep them from contaminating other foods.

One important tip to keep in mind is that fish should be eaten within two days of purchase.

Other Items

Keep your canned foods in a pantry that is cool and dark. This includes cereals, oils, breads and pasta.

Food storage certainly is not difficult, but it does require a little bit of attention on your part. By properly storing your foods you will keep your foods lasting longer and your family will stay healthier.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

In 1999, many families decided to beef up their pantries for Y2K. It was thought computer chips would fail with the rollover to January 1, 2000. Computer chips hold our energy grid together and there was concern food distribution would be effected along with other services. Thankfully, Y2K turned out to be a non-event and the millennium began as any other year.

Why have food storage?
Turns out computer chips were a new concern. Since Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden, it became necessary to store food. It’s only recently that families don’t grow and prepare their food for at least a year’s storage. One group, the Mormons, still encourage their members to store a year’s food supply for their families (and neighbors in case of a disaster), but only 15 percent actually do it.

It’s 2009 and Y2K is long-forgotten; so why have food storage? Convenience is one reason. I get irritated when a favorite item isn’t available at the grocery store. Just recently, the brand of applesauce I purchase has been unavailable. To avoid this in the future, I decided to buy a case of applesauce when it’s restocked.

With the recession, many families have found their pantry was more than a convenience. A friend of mine, whose husband was laid off six months ago, told me during the past months they have been eating the food she had in her freezer and pantry. The food in her home became a savings account, which they could draw on in their financial crisis.

In recent years, we experienced natural disasters disrupting the food supply and the energy grid for various regions in the U.S. We’ve all seen what happens when a weather alert advises families to stock up for a hurricane or blizzard. In short order, grocery shelves are emptied.

Disasters include more than the weather or losing a job. Other disasters include a terrorist attack, illness, injury, divorce, and death in the family. These almost always have severe financial repercussions. When you have food storage, it’s comforting to know that your pantry won’t be empty in a couple of days.

There’s one more important reason we should be looking at storing food, today. Food storage is a hedge against inflation. Last summer, when the price of gas jumped to over four dollars, the cost of food went up, too. What will happen, when inflation hits hard and everything goes up…a lot?

Our country is experiencing tough financial times. The banking bailout and the stimulus package are massive spending plans. The government has been printing new money to finance the bailout debt. It may take six months or a year, but rapid inflation is inevitable. Just when we will see inflation hit in a big way is still unknown. (Hopefully we won’t experience hyperinflation.) Massive money creation always destroys the purchasing power of the currency. It hits hardest on those who are retired and others on fixed income or families who’ve lost one income. It’s worst for those who have lost their only source of income; who can’t purchase at any price.

Food bought and stored today may be a smarter investment than putting money in the bank. Present interest rates are in the tank. A really good interest rate is a mere 4 percent and that’s very hard to find. Most CDs are at 3 percent. When you factor in the Current Economic Indicators for February 2009 with a inflation rate of 9 percent: stored food becomes a savings account earning more interest than bank are offering.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nonna_Joann_Bruso

With stores like Costco and Sams club food rationing for the first time, getting some extra food storage has never been a better idea. Even on a purse string budget you can get some extra food for your family. Remember that anything could happen and the time is quickly coming where you won’t be able to buy anything from your favorite grocery store. And if you think you can go “buy up” everything at the last minute you will be disappointed to find that the only things left are crumbs and dust.

Food Storage is an investment!

Many see food storage as a “waste” of money, time or effort. But remember that food storage is a sound investment, bringing you maximum gain with minimum risk. Unlike stocks or bonds food will always hold its value, even under different currencies or failing economies.

“Agriculture… is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” -Thomas Jefferson

What Jefferson meant was, the ability to feed ourselves is our highest priority, without that nothing else matters. Money means nothing if you are starving. Food storage is life insurance.

Common Excuses:

-I have no money

-I don’t have the room to put extra food

-I have no time for that

-I don’t know what to buy

Easy Food Storage Tips

-Just buy extra of whatever you normally buy each grocery store visit

-Sign up for warehouse stores like Costco or Sams Club. You can buy bulk and save

-Use “bonus” money like tax returns to purchase supplies

-Get rid of expensive or unnecessary food items, the money saved can be put toward food storage

-Cut back on excess spending.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sirrae_Parker

Before you start assembling the items for your 72 Hour Kit, define what survive means to you. If you come out alive, regardless of missing a limb due to frostbite, is one end of the spectrum while a spare Winnebago might be the other end. I generally fall in the middle- I don’t mind suffering a bit but would rather keep my digits.

Another decision you need to make early is whether you want a ‘one time use kit’ with disposable items, or a kit that can be reused. This becomes quite important for two reasons, the first being that a one time use kit will only get used when death is on the line, the second is that the ‘one time use’ kits fall into the “barely survive- maybe even without my fingers or toes” end of the spectrum. A reusable kit can become part of a lifestyle, turning many “disasters” into inconveniences or even adventures.

One last item- DO NOT OVERPACK. It is tempting and it will take some discipline, resist the urge to say “I might need this”. A kit that is too large or too heavy is many times just as useless as no kit at all.

Shelter. This is the highest priority. The sun will bake you, the rain will freeze you (hypothermia can set in quickly during the fall, spring, and winter if you are wet), and unless you are lucky enough to be stuck in a benign environment (like Tahiti), lack of shelter will be more than an inconvenience. Shelter can be a tent, tarp, or a bivy sack (I don’t consider the ubiquitous tube tent an option). The best thing I have found is a rip stop nylon poncho that folds flat and can be used as a tent. These are very versatile, they are lightweight, very tough, they do double or triple duty (a must if your kit is to be light enough to carry), and some of these can be used together to make a larger tent if you are with others. Make sure you have a small rope, stakes and a large, strong plastic trash bag (to slide your bedding into) along.

Water. There are recommendations galore for how much water to put into your kit. My opinion is 30-60 oz per day, depending on your size. If you are very small take the former, larger the latter. If you try to get by with less than this you will start to gamble with your life on many occasions. I have to note that the government says one gallon per person per day- but this includes water for washing, cooking, etc, all of which I deal with later.

Options for water include sterilized boxes, sterilized mylar bags, water bottles, and reusable containers. The sterilized water (bag or box) are awfully convenient if you don’t let their relative inavailability keep you from using them when you need to. They have a 5 yr shelf life and you can just forget about them. Water bottles have to be replaced yearly and take up a lot of extra space due to their shape- but are otherwise good. You can also get reusable containers (generally collapsible plastic) which work well if you sterilize the water (and keep it sterilized) or wash them and replace the water often. I don’t consider water purification tablets an option due to their taste and the fact that water isn’t available in any form during some crisis.

Food. Take 2,000 calories per person per day. There are plenty of options but the best require no preparation, no utensils, and no dishes to eat. Food bars of all types fall into this category, as do granolas, GORP, etc.. They all work well but should be replaced yearly or according to their expiration dates. The Coast Guard uses a food bar with a five year shelf life. Get ones with lots of variety, such as nuts, whole grains, etc… The next best type of food is the mylar type- mylar bags of tuna, MREs (military meals), etc.. They do require utensils, but the tuna (available at the grocer) can be eaten out of the bag, as can the MREs albeit with a bit more difficulty. The excessive amounts of packaging and superfluous items in MREs have always kept me from using them as a serious food source if space and weight are an issue. NOTE: EAT AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. Do not fall for the “take plenty of candy and junk food for comfort and energy” gig. Sugar causes a crash in energy proportional to its high. It also pulls nutirents from bodily stores in order to be digested, and it stresses out the body, and in a stressful situation it is the last thing that should be eaten. Whole grains, nuts, etc. will give gradual, even energy and provide the necessary fats, proteins, and nutrients needed - needs which increase during times of stress.

Bedding. Wool and fleece are the best blanket choices. Wool retains some of its ability to keep you warm even when wet, and is flame retardant, fleece is very lightweight and also retains some of its ability to keep you warm when wet. It is NOT flame retardent. If you are in an area where fire is likely an issue, stick with the wool unless it is just too heavy. Stay away from cotton, as it wicks heat from your body when it is moist. Get orange blankets if you can, this is a lot of surface area for signaling (even if a child is wrapped up in it). I think it is a good idea to include a foil type of emergency blanket. They fold up very small and can act as a ground cloth, it can retain body heat, act as a vapor barrier and wind breaker, etc.. Don’t buy all the hype about its amazing heat reflection properties though- it only reflects radiant heat- and it is, after all, just foil. Persons in very cold climates might investigate buying a down sleeping bag for all of your camping and storing it in your 72 hour kit. It packs incredibly small and light and is amazingly warm.

Hygiene. Pack what you need to stay comfortable, but don’t overdo it. Toilet paper, cotton bandanna (for face mask, wash cloth, etc), baby wipes, soap, potty bags, and an N95 dust/virus mask are what I think are essentials. Additional important items include a toothbrush/paste, latex gloves, and feminine napkins.

First Aid. DO NOT get a standard first aid kit with 3,200 band aids and a few aspirin. Get a roll of gauze, some gauze pads, medical tape, some painkillers, alcohol wipes, some burn/wound cream, some blood coagulant (such as cayenne, which is also antibiotic), and some petroleum jelly or some other lubricant/moisturizer. You’ll have to make your own band aids from gauze and tape, but you’ll be able to cover most other minor injuries.

Tools and Rescue Aids. Again, DO NOT over pack. You need light (light sticks or a crank flashlight), warmth (heat packs), and a whistle. Additional ‘might need’ items are: Fire starting it, multi-use pliers, small rope, hand crank radio, duct tape, and a folding saw. Generally everything else is superfluous compared with the instances in which it might be needed. If you live in rural Idaho might pack a bit of fishing string and a hook, but don’t overdo it.

Now you have to decide what you will pack it all in. A Rubbermaid is easy to access but don’t try to carry it anywhere and the lid can come off easily (yes, I have had contents scattered across the highway from the back of a trailer). Dry Bags, duffels, daypacks, etc are all viable options depending on your budget and location. If you want to be able to carry it, and want it to be waterproof (a good idea- keep in mind that most natural disasters in the US are related to water, and wet contents are a surefire way to kill your spirits), a dry bag that can be carried as a back pack is the best option. Many are tough and waterproof, and a few can be carried in several different ways.

The last thing- try it out! Take it camping, use it often. Buy the items as camping gear and store them in your 72 hour kit. You’ll get your money out of it and know how it all works when you really need it. Likely, your kit will become that place where you always go when the lights go out, when you can’t get that bag of chips open in the car with your teeth, when you are stuck on the side of the road, when you can’t find a flashlight anywhere else, and of course when that 3 feet of snow pins you down on a desolate stretch of Iowa highway.

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Step 1 - Make sure you have saved 1 milk jug and 3 (2-liter) bottles per person. Wash them all out with soap and let dry.

Step 2 - Multiply the number of kits you want by the items listed in the shopping list (see below or for a printable worksheet visit our blog) and purchase the food items from Walmart or your neighborhood grocery store.

Step 3 - Purchase a wing stove and fuel pellets from an emergency preparedness store such as Emergency Essentials or if one isn’t available in your area follow the links on our blog to order online. Only one stove is NECESSARY per family, but they are pretty cheap so if you’d like to have one per kit that is fine too. It will make it much more convenient in a true emergency.

Step 4 - Cut straight down the middle of a milk jug diagonal from the handle. Go about 1/3 of the way down. At the bottom of that cut, make a horizontal slice coming from each side but leave about 2 inches of the jug intact. This should make a sort hatch that you can pull open and insert the items in. Watch the video on our blog if you are having trouble visualizing how to do this.

Step 5 - Place the necessary items into each milk jug according to the contents list. Put the Tang and cocoa servings into small zip-lock bags (1/4 c. per serving). If you have extra food left over, stick it in as space permits. Tape the milk jug up. Tape the contents list (see below) to the outside of the jug and record today’s date and the family member who will use that kit. VOILA!

Step 6 - Fill your 2 liter bottles with water and store all of the items in an easily accessible place (your car trunk is the ideal place if you have room). Check out our Step 2: Water page for more information on how to properly store the water.

This kit requires a 2-liter bottle of water to reconstitute the foods included.

Mix 3/4 cup water with Tang and hot cocoa mix.

Plastic spoon and matches are included.

Save and reuse the Beenie Weenie can to heat other foods if no other container is available.

3 (2-liter) bottles of water are suggested for each person.

NAME: _________________________

DATE PACKED:___________________ (use within 1 year)

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So you think you can’t afford to have food storage and still feed your family on a day-to-day basis. Well, you can - and I’m going to tell you how to do it.

Start with an inventory of your cupboards and pantry.

Take a notepad and write general headings such as “canned goods, meats, frozen foods, and dairy products. Jot down the names of items and how many of each you have on the shelves.

Plan your menus for the week using only the foods you have in your house.

Pretend that there is no way for you to get to the store until payday. I bet you would be surprised to discover that you can usually gather up supplies for several meals. Try to create enough simple meals to last until the following payday, even if you have to eat the same thing several times.

Now assess your basic needs.

You’ll find there are some meals you could make if you only had this or that item. Begin a “needs” list and add these things to it. Also list other must-have items; the things you cannot do without until next payday, like milk, formula, bread, etc. Be sure to include as needs only those items necessary to nutritiously feed your family and don’t forget nonfood items. When your list of needs is complete, estimate the cost of each item and add the prices together for an estimated total.

Okay, it’s payday. Here’s what you will do.

Write down the amount of your paycheck. Subtract all of your bills and other obligations, like rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, bus fare, car payments, etc. Also, deduct the out-of-the-ordinary but necessary expenses for this pay period, like birthday presents, school pictures, haircuts, etc. When all these fixed expenses are subtracted, what remains is your grocery budget.. (Stop crying and keep reading.)

Take the estimated total from your assessment chart and subtract your grocery budget. The remaining amount is what you can spend on adding to your food storage. Don’t be discouraged if this amount is small. Even a few dollars will get you started. If your finances are so tight that having an amount left over each payday seems impossible, consider this option: Set aside an amount, however small, from each paycheck as if it were another bill. Use this amount as your food storage amount. If this amount is too small to even buy anything, save it up until the amount is larger.

So now you have added a few items to your food storage and it’s payday again.

For the next paycheck (and all paychecks from this point forward), follow the formula you used on the first payday. If you are careful in planning and preparing your menus, you may notice an increase in your food storage amount each payday. But don’t be discouraged if it’s nothing or really small; sometimes it takes several pay periods before you see progress.

Save money on groceries.

To save money on groceries every time you shop, you have to know what a “good” price is. Take a few hours and price-shop a couple of grocery stores. Take a copy of your “needs” list, add items to it that are perishables you buy often, and write down the store prices next to each item. Write only the “normal” prices. Knowing the “normal” prices will help you to know when an item is a good buy and/or on sale.

To consistently save money on your groceries, even the perishables, follow these two rules:

1. Buy only when the price is right;
2. Stock up as much as possible, using a specific list of items and dollar amounts.

Eventually your pantry should contain enough varieties of foods (including perishables, fresh or frozen) in sufficient amounts that you could survive several weeks with well-balanced meals without going to the store. This should include nonfood items as well.

As you work with your new meal planning and shopping skills each pay period, your pantry will grow fuller and fuller. Now don’t you just feel more in control and prepared?

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Global warming, climate change, eco-terrorism and an unstable economy should make American families think about returning to some of the practices of our grandparents.

Following a disaster, be it natural, or manmade, local emergency providers will probably be facing the same problems as the rest of the community. It can take three days, 72 hours, for anyone to come to your assistance, but in certain circumstances you may find yourself on your own for much longer than that.

We Americans take an endless supply of food for granted. Recent studies show that the average American family has less than a one week supply of food on hand. Grocery supermarkets and warehouses are the same.

Food storage is a major part of disaster preparedness and one that many people neglect to consider. In my articles I stress the need to be prepared to survive the 1st 72 hours following a disaster, but you would be well advised to store enough food your family to live for a month. In a true fuel crisis, in a widespread winter weather emergency, or following an act of terrorism, our normal food supplies will be depleted quickly.

In our unstable economy no one is sure if they will have a job next month, next week, or even tomorrow. Today, we Americans are more vulnerable to events beyond our control than we have been at any time since world War II. Food storage is an insurance policy that we can take to protect ourselves against such things as loss of power, job loss, unemployment due to injury or illness, or a loss of food supplies due to an interruption of food transportation.

This is not paranoia, survivalist thinking, or hoarding. It is a common sense practice that we have neglected because we could.

Here are some food storage tips that will make the practice more palatable, no pun intended.

The Basics

1. Always store a larger than normal supply of the basics, grains, dehydrated milk, sugar, salt, oil, flour, garden seeds and storable produce like potatoes, onions, beets, cabbage, etc.
2. Store food that is familiar and acceptable to your family and know how to prepare the food you store.
3. Use food from your stores that have a limited shelf life and replace them with fresh items, immediately.
4. If you have a limited budget, buy one item at a time until you have your stores in place.
5. Shopping at wholesale markets can save you a considerable amount of money on such things as salt, flour, oil and sugar.
6. Protect stored food from rodent and insect infestation by storing it in large tins. Empty potato chip cans make excellent storage containers. Many thrift stores and feed stores have these at rock bottom prices.

Once you have adopted this forgotten practice you will find that you actually feel better about your circumstances. Self-reliance is always better than depending on the charity of others who may, or may not, come to your rescue.

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Are you taking steps to procure food while it is still affordable? According to the Agriculture Department as reported by Reuters, “U.S. consumers should brace for the biggest increase in food prices in nearly 20 years in 2008, and even more pain next year (2009) due to surging meat and produce prices.”

Are you braced? If you are one of the “smart” ones and have started to purchase bulk foods, grains, cereals, etc. and have started a home food storage program, make sure you implement the following tips to ensure your food stays dry, fresh, and insect/ pest free.

SANITATION Whether you are canning or simply storing bulk grains and cereals, be sure to use the upmost care in cleanliness. Containers should be clean and sterilized before putting any food into them. If you are using plastic buckets or barrels, be sure they are “food grade”. You can sterilize these containers using a diluted bleach solution. After you have sterilized the containers, make sure the containers are thoroughly dried before putting food into them.

AIR TIGHT! Oxygen is what causes food to deteriorate. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep air out. In canning, this is done by ensuring you have a properly sealed lid. In bulk food storage, this can be accomplished by filling your bucket/barrel as near to the top as possible and then having a good lid to make an airtight seal. Oxygen absorbers or dry ice can be placed inside the container to help ensure the absence of oxygen.

CONTROLLED TEMPERATURE It is important to store your food at the correct temperature, and preferably in a cool, dark space. At all costs, avoid food being frozen, especially your canned goods in glass jars. Equally important is to store your food in an area where the temperature does not get above 50 degrees for bulk foods…insects and bugs become active above this temperature. Ideally, your canned foods should be stored in temperatures that do not go above 70 degrees.

ACCURATE INVENTORY Keep an accurate record of what has been stored and when it was stored or canned. Another helpful key is to keep a record of how much of an item you have on hand. You don’t need to double or triple up on some items, and then not have another item at all.

ROTATION Be sure to rotate your food storage, using the oldest items up first. Keep dates on the lids or on the containers themselves.

By implementing these simple, yet essential steps, you and your family can enjoy the peace of mind of having adequate food supplies at your home. You will also be protecting your food investment by keeping your food free of insects, mold, etc. By starting a home food storage program today, you will also be hedging yourself against higher and higher food costs, or even a food shortage. Don’t wait. Start today. Keep your food storage safe.

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Disasters - either natural or man-made - and the unstable economy should make the majority of American families go back to the traditional ways of our grandparents. When we face these calamities, there are cases where emergency providers or assistance could take a few days, around 72 hours, before they could get to where you are. In most cases, you are on your own for the time being.

Most of us, Americans, take food storage for granted because we are more concerned with other things we deem more important. As reflected by recent studies, an average American family has food supply for less than a week on hand. Same with mini-groceries, supermarkets, and warehouses that do not have enough food supply.

Being prepared with food storage is a major disaster awareness and preparation that every people neglect and pay less attention. Based on personal experience, being prepared is really essential to survive. I have actually survived the first three days after a disaster and it paid off. A sure advice is to store food enough for your family to last a month. Normal supply of food can deplete fast during the time of extreme widespread winter, a disaster caused by terrorism, or a huge catastrophe.

Due to the fact that our economy is unstable, the next day or the other some of us do not have our jobs anymore. It should then become an imperative that every American citizen have a food storage plan to secure ourselves from disasters, loss of power, unemployment, or food loss due to traffic in food transportation.

The following are basic things you could do to start your food storage survival program.

1. Store large amounts of your basic food necessities, such as grains, powdered milk, flour, sugar, salt, garden seeds, and other produce that you could store like potatoes, cabbage, onions, beets, and the like.

2. Food with a limited shelf life must be consumed first. But make sure you will replace them with food that comes with longer expiry periods or if not, with fresher or newer ones.

3. Given that you have just a little budget, you can purchase food for storage little by little until you get all the items you need in your storage area.

4. Shop at wholesale stores or warehouses to save your money when you buy large amounts of supplies. They do price their items lower than retail stores.

5. Keep food from rodents and insects by putting them in tin containers, or even in air-tight plastic containers or boxes.

It is one good practice understanding the value of preparation. If you do not want your family to be at risk of starvation during the time of crisis, then you yourself should take some action as well, and not just wait for the rescue team to save the day.

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Time spent with grandparents is special for kids. There is something about the role that a grandparent plays in a child’s life that just cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Time together can mean anything. There are all sorts of fantastic activities that are sure to be a good time and make some meaningful memories. Don’t sit around the house when you’ve got your grandkids. Get out and do something you will both remember for years to come.

Go to the zoo. This is the kind of experience that never gets old. All children love to look at the animals and learn more about them. Take a trip to your local zoo. It gives you a great opportunity to get some fresh air and spend time with your grandkids while admiring wildlife you would only otherwise see on television. There is something about seeing those animals in real life that can’t be beat. Just watch the wonder and joy it brings to your grandchild’s face.

Take a lot of pictures. No matter what it is that you’re doing when you spend time with your grandchildren, pictures are a must. It’s the best way to capture and cherish memories indefinitely. Photos remain for a very long time when well cared for. Have some fun and get camera happy. It’s also a nice idea for creating the ultimate personal Christmas card. Pictures can be used for fun crafts too like scrapbooks or in home made picture frames.

Go out to a movie or do some shopping together. Taking the kids out is a great way to give their parents a well deserved break. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit around. Go to the park for a nature walk or see the latest movie the kids have been waiting for. You might just fun that these activities do wonders for helping you to stay young at heart.

We can all relate to times when we learned something valuable from our grandparents. They lived through times that most of us can only imagine. Take the grandkids out to a historical museum where you may have personal experience with the content inside. It’s a great way to introduce them to a world they would otherwise never know. Take the opportunity to leave them with something significant, a learning lesson that came straight from someone who lived it.

Play games with your grandchildren, even video games on occasion. The best thing about it is getting on their level and being part of what they enjoy. It also will be great fun for them to have you play. Watching Grandma play Guitar Hero is something many of their friends can’t claim. They will be delighted to see something so unexpected.

Let yourself feel like a kid again and try something that you would normally not do. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much fun you have. Grandchildren have a way of keeping you young and high spirited. Embrace their world and have a good time doing so.

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Children love snow; there’s no escaping that fact. And while some adults may also enjoy outdoor activities during the winter, it seems this time of year is perfect for children. This year, why not try some fun things the whole family can do in the snow?

There are so many activities that you can participate in together. Here is a list of seven activities to consider:

1. If you live in a large city, you may be able to find a horse-drawn buggy that you can ride. Normally the buggy provides blankets to help keep you warm. While this is an activity that the entire family can enjoy together, it’s also a great activity for Mom and Dad to do on a special date night.

2. Build an igloo in your yard if the snow is deep enough and packs well. You can build an igloo by cutting out blocks of packed snow or you can shovel your driveway and sidewalk, maybe even your yard, into one place. Be sure the pile of snow is packed down along the way and reaches at least as high as an adult’s knees. Then hollow out the center of the pile of snow to create the igloo.

3. Make snow cream. After a fresh snowfall, go out to the yard to get a large quantity of snow. Mix together two cup of whole or evaporated milk, two teaspoons of vanilla, and 1 cup of sugar. Mix it together with the snow and enjoy. If you aren’t able to get large quantities of fresh snow, reduce the recipe by half.

4. Create snow animals. Everyone tries to make a snowman, and they’re fine for beginners. But why not work together and try to create a snow penguin, snow cow, or some other animal. Mix together water and food coloring to make your snow animals look different and more colorful.

5. Bundle up and take a winter hike. While you’re out, see if you can find and recognize any animal tracks. You may be able to find rabbit, squirrel, and some bird tracks as well as those from cats and dogs. If you live in the country, you may also be able to find deer and raccoon tracks.

6. Act like a kid again. Get down on the ground and make snow angels with your children. In fact, why not make an entire family of snow angels where your neighbors and friends can see them when they come to visit. Use a squirt bottle with colored water and write “Welcome” near the snow angel family.

7. Take your dog out to play in the snow. Be sure to bundle everyone up before you head out the door. Bury your dog’s favorite ball in the snow and see if they can find it. Pay attention where you’re burying their ball, however, because later they may want to play with it in the house where it’s warm.

It doesn’t matter if you use one of these activity ideas or choose another entirely, it’s important to find fun things your family can do in the snow. Take the time during winter months to reconnect with your children. You may be cold when you come back in, but you’ll be glad you spent the time together.

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There are many benefits to encouraging your child to engage in an outdoor kid activity. Any outdoor kid activity, whether it is just playing outside or engaging in a sport can be beneficial. There are so many activities that you can do with your child, from riding a bike to bird watching to rock hounding so you can make it a family activity.

Play Outside

Whether you are hiking on a trail or just hanging out in the back yard, you can create a fun outdoor kid activity and even learn something along the way. Get a book on plants and learn the names of various plants and trees as you go along. Bring along a camera and take photos of the plants that you identify so that you can make a scrapbook. In your scrapbook add an information sheet from research that you do in books or on the web.

Survivor!

This is a fun outdoor kid activity that you can do just about anywhere. Even if you can’t go somewhere to camp, you can pitch a tent in the backyard to create an ambiance. Get a survival book and learn about various survival techniques. Learn how to identify poisonous plants. Create various scenarios and discuss what you would do in each situation, such as lost in the forest, trapped on a deserted island or stuck in the mountains.

Star Light Star Bright

Get a map of the constellations and take a walk outside to look at the sky. Learn how to identify various planets and constellations and talk about the history behind them. This is an outdoor kid activity that the whole family can enjoy. This outdoor kid activity can also take you indoors to the library so that you can learn about the solar system and stars. You may even want to invest in a telescope to get an even better look at the stars above you.

How does Your Garden Grow?

Gardening is an outdoor kid activity that can teach your child how to grow their own food, the responsibility of caring for a garden and the rewards of seeing plants grow as you care for them. You may want to start small with window boxes or containers and then graduate to turning up ground for a garden. Your child will learn how to weed the garden, dig and plant. You will need some flexibility for this outdoor kid activity because it may turn into an excursion to dig to China or an expedition to locate earthworms.

Pick Your own Fruit

This is outdoor fun for the entire family. Although it is seasonal, it can be a lot of fun. Find places where you can pick your own berries, such as blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. There are also places where you can pick apples, peaches and pears. The whole family can get in on this outdoor kid activity. Pick a little, eat a little and go home and make a delicious blueberry cobbler! This outdoor kid activity will not only provide tons of fun, it will also create precious memories.

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A family reunion with no fun or excitement becomes just another ordinary day, thus making it lose its significance. To make the family reunion unforgettable and enjoyable, it becomes vital to plan some activities and events that can be enjoyed by people of all generations. Any activity that can engage the whole gang, and put them in high spirits, will make this special day more special. By making some effort, and thinking with a creative frame of mind, you can organize a series of fun-filled activities for the whole family.

There are a variety of reunion games like scavenger hunts, card games, tug-of-war, sack races, or volleyball, that can keep everyone engaged and help them enjoy the reunion to the fullest. Then, to commemorate the reunion, you can all plant a tree together. Thus, whenever any family members see the tree, they will definitely think about the rest of the family and the reunion day. To make the day even more entertaining, you can arrange to rent a karaoke machine or a disc jockey, and organize activities like dance competitions. You can also organize a funny dress-up competition, in which each team has to dress up in the funniest possible way. Then show a family movie, with some memories of each family member, to give an emotional and sentimental value to the reunion day. Apart from that, an evening pizza party, or a story hour for kids, can make them participate in and enjoy the day to its fullest.

A fun-filled day with lots of activities that bring all the members close is the best way to celebrate a family reunion.

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I am probably giving away my age, but I can remember a time when we all ate our dinner at the same time; we did not have 300 plus cable television programs to choose from each day; and children did not spend countless hours playing video games, talking on cell phones, or sitting in front of computer screens. When I came home from school, weather permitting, I was expected to go outside and play. My friends and I would go to the playground, play ball, jump rope, and play running games.

Children today are frequently stressed out by many hours of homework, a longer school day, over-scheduling of extracurricular activities and the pressure to take college level courses for advanced placement before they are intellectually ready for it. I have heard of children getting by on only a few hours of sleep each night because of the long school day and an excessive amount of homework. One teen that I knew even skipped lunch to meet the demands of a high school curriculum which would award her college credits upon graduation. Frequently both parents are at work outside the home, and there is no parent present to see that the child engages in wholesome outdoor activities during these afternoon hours.

Children today are more likely to be found surfing the internet, playing video games, talking on the cell phone for hours, or watching television or the VCR (all sedentary activities) than engaging in sports and recreational activity. It is no wonder that we have seen an increase in such lifestyle disorders as high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes-disorders that are preventable and even treatable by attention to diet and exercise. This increase has been seen in both children and adults. A recent survey showed an increase in prescription medications taken by young people for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).

In a message from former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, M.D., written for the Shape Up America program, Dr. Koop stated: “A survey conducted by Shape Up America has revealed that child care responsibilities are interfering with the efforts of many families to get more exercise and at the same time we know many children are now overweight or obese. The solution is a commitment on the part of the entire family to spend more time together. I encourage you to choose activities you can do together and support and reward each other’s efforts to be more active at home, at school, at work, and in your communities. I urge you to replace the use of food as a reward for good behavior and offer to take a walk with your child instead. The pleasure of your company is the best reward your child can receive and the best gift you can give.”

This is good advice indeed. Start a family fun night and take turns choosing an activity. The family can engage in both indoor and outdoor recreational activities depending on the time of year. Remember that not all activities have to be physical. Board games are always fun for the family to play and encourage thinking skills, strategy, eye/hand coordination, and most importantly family togetherness. Choose a variety of games that are appropriate for all ages and skill levels involved in order to keep the chosen activities interesting and fun for all involved. Remember that the “family that plays together stays together.”

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Fun Activities for toddlers on those rainy days can be easier than you think. You have to come up with some fun indoor activities. Use these on rainy days, and even when Winter comes around. It is amazing how as parents we can get creative right along with our toddlers.

Keep the Craft Bag stocked and ready. Crafts are great, but remember that you should always try and create different and new activities also. There may be just a short little rain storm and you don’t want to make crafts.

So here are some of my family’s fun activities for toddlers that I hope you will Enjoy!!!

Indoor Treasure Hunt Game

Materials Needed:

1. Small toys or snacks
2. Treasure map. you can make up an easy one out of paper. (optional)

Directions:

1. Have an indoor treasure hunt by hiding several small toys, books, or special snacks around the house.
2. Give your child clues or draw a map that leads to the treasure.

Paper Golf

Materials Needed:

1. Construction paper or newspaper
2. Tape
3. Golf or tennis balls
4. Styrofoam cups or plastic cups

Directions:

1. Make golf clubs for each player by rolling up several sheets of newspaper or (you may use construction paper) and taping them securely.
2. Put the Styrofoam cups in different areas of the house that will serve as the “holes”.
3. Use your golf club to try to roll the ball to the hole.

Bake Cookies

One of the best fun activities for toddlers is baking cookies. My toddler loves to help me bake cookies. Of course it can be more of a mess but who cares. They will be learning and having fun at the same time.

Indoor Camping

We all know this one. It was so much fun growing up and making a tent out of blankets and chairs. However now, you can buy those indoor pop tents for the kids that fit right in your living room. These are nice! The old fashioned way all you’ll need is a couple of chairs and a blanket. My toddler will play for hours like this. Make a “pretend campfire”. Shut off the televisions. Fun activities for toddlers can take place in their imaginations. Allow them to come up with great ideas on their own. Buy a sound machine or an outdoor sounds CD to make it more realistic!!! The great part moms and dads is there are no mosquitoes or bugs. YEAH!! So bring out the sleeping bags and have FUN!

Hide and Seek

Any size of house is great to play this fun game. Every child loves a game of hide and seek. Especially toddlers!!! Couches and closets make the best hiding spots. Whether you have a big house or small house this game can be played everywhere.

There are just a few fun activities for toddlers that my family and I enjoy. Even though it rains, the kids can still have fun. I enjoy spending time with my toddler. I choose to live by this motto: “Enjoy your children and spend lots of time with them, before you know it they will be teenagers.”

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When camping with kids, what activities are best? There are the old standbys of hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. For parents, these activities can be as useful as Badge Clips. But what about the times between those activities? There are the times when your child is waiting for a meal to be served. There are the times after dinner when there is not enough time or daylight to go on a major camping activity. And there are times when your kids just need a break from “regular” camping activities. Regardless of when they are used, these activities will ensure that there is never a dull moment for your kids, during the next family camping trip:

1. Making skits a hit. Kids love to be in the limelight, so camping skits give them the opportunity to do their best Shakespearean impersonation around the campfire. You can find several camp skit scripts on the Internet. Make sure that you rehearse the skits with your kids. One child can even serve as a narrator, to make the skit more dramatic. When your kids perform the skit for you, make sure that each of them is ready for his or her part. Also, the older kids can help the younger kids, and particularly with lines.
2. Mother Nature up close and personal. A Coleman for Kids Nature Viewfinder makes an excellent tool to allow your little ones to explore their world. Within the campground, they can examine the soil, plants, sticks, rocks, and insects in the area. Also, they can investigate the grain in the picnic table, and count the knotholes it contains. You can then teach your kid about how knotholes can help to estimate a tree’s age.
3. North by northeast. First, all the children must learn where North is on the compass. Have them choose one object that is directly north, south, east, and west. A chosen leader then shouts out one of the four directions. Then the kids must race to the object that is in that particular direction. The child who last touches the object is eliminated from the game. After a few rounds of the game, you can add the intercardinal points (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest). Then add a new object in each of those four locations, to make it more challenging.
4. Making an impression. Drawing and coloring make excellent activities for kids, and this activity allows them to nurture their artistic skills. Along with your Clear Vinyl Badge Clips, make sure to pack some blank sheets of paper; and colored pencils or a pack of crayons. At the campground, have your child collect objects with textures, such as leaves, tree bark, and stones. The kids should gently rub the pencil or crayon over the image, allowing an image to magically appear on the paper. Put a label on each picture, to remember what it is, who made it, and where he or she made it.
5. Beyond marshmallows. With this activity, children do not cook using a campfire. They can eat the campfire itself! Gather a paper plate, fork, spoon, and a cup of clear water for each kid. The ingredients should include coconut (shredded), licorice, pretzel sticks, raisins, and red hots candies. The plate is the campfire site, the spoon is a shovel, the fork is a rake, and the cup is a water bucket. Meanwhile, raisins form the fire ring, coconut is the tinder (for starting the fire), kindling should be represented by pretzel sticks, and a sprinkle of red hots signify the campfire’s coals.

Family camping trips can be about more than hiking. Using some fun activities can make camping as effective as practical Mylar Badge Clips. Happy family camping!

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Outdoor Activities

Aside from the obvious hiking, gardening, water fights, snowball fights, and various sports that you can play together as a family, there are also some more unusual activities for the outdoors. Try learning something about astronomy. Get a telescope and sit on your roof (if possible) and watch the stars with your kids. There are lots of great winter outdoor activities if live in an area with lots of snowskiing, sledding, and making a giant snow fort or other “snow creations.” These are all great ideas on how to get your child off the couch and get some exercise as a family.

Indoor Activities

Have a family “cultural night” where each person dresses up as someone from another culture that they are interested. Prepare food for each ethnicity and know some facts about each. This will be educational and fun.

1. Try “Skittle bowling.” Take the family bowling and bring a large bag of Skittles. For every turn, someone has to pick a Skittle out of the bag. Each color will represent something. For example, red could mean that you have to bowl left-handed. Yellow could mean that you have to bowl backwards.
2. Have some family fun by having a karaoke night or stand-up comedy night. You could even turn it into an impromptu talent show, if your child can do something unusual like juggling or head stands.

Holiday Activities

Holidays are important occasions that can quickly turn into nightmares without some planned activities. Children thrive on structure and routine and holidays tend to disrupt that. Here are some ways to have family fun in spite of the chaos.

1. Make Christmas gift baskets for people in need. You can contact your local Social Services agency to get a list of people in your area that are elderly, disabled, or needy. This is great way to teach your children about giving back.
2. Make a gingerbread house or some ornaments for your Christmas tree together as a family.
3. Turn your backyard into a winter wonderland with candle luminaries.
4. Transform your basement or garage into Santa’s workshop. Set an afternoon aside to help your children gather up all their old toys and fix them up to give to needy children.

Now, we know that all of these will not work for EVERYBODY, but find the ideas that work for you. The idea behind having fun as a family is to be a team. Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, just memorable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Mumford

If you’re sick to death of video games but still want to be involved in your kids’ lives, why not let the Wii Fit lend a hand? This revolutionary combination video game system and workout device is fun for young and old alike. So if you’ve been thinking about caving and buying your kids that Nintendo Wii this Christmas, do yourself a favor and pick up a Wii Fit as well. You won’t regret it!

Benefits of the Wii Fit

Unlike most video games, the Wii Fit is all about movement. Your kids won’t be sitting on the couch with a controller in hand for this one! Whether you stick with the standard workout game that comes with the system or decide to try something else, everyone will be up and moving.

Do It as a Family

The Wii Fit is fantastic for kids and adults in all shapes and sizes (although if body image is a concern, you may want to avoid the “body test,” which will announce your weight and body mass index for all to see). They have various levels of activity ranging from hardcore workouts (like the strength exercises) to fun and games (such as balancing activities).

There’s more to Wii Fit than Wii Fit, too. Well aware of how successful the system has become, Nintendo is primed to release a wide variety of games and activities to work with the Wii Fit balance board. Just a few of the new ones out this year include Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum 2009, which is aimed at teens and adults, and the Active Life Outdoor Challenge, a similar concept made for younger kids.

Whether you stick with the original or broaden your horizons, you’re bound to have fun getting Wii Fit as a family.

Other Wii Games are Fun, Too!

The news gets even better: the Wii itself is a fantastic opportunity for family fun and games. While there are many games that don’t use the balance board and aren’t directly targeted at improved physical fitness, there are a lot of them that still require movement — such as Wii Sports, where you swing at balls or have boxing matches using the handheld controllers.

It’s not necessarily a workout, but it’s still a step up from sitting on the couch — and a lot of fun for kids and adults alike, too. So don’t shy away from video games this Christmas season — just make sure the Wii Fit figures somewhere on that list.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noel_Jameson

Family get togethers are lots of fun and besides getting to catch up on all the latest news the kids get a chance to play together that may be a rare occasion. There some things you can do to make these times a lot more fun such as games and other activities. Some of our best memories have come from these events.

There are a number of activities you can do depending upon what the family event is. If the event is a family reunion maybe you can have some competitive games playing things like Monopoly or chess. There are many board games that could be played where you could play as a team; the popular family feud is even available as a board game.

In our family, the reunions always focus on the children and yours is probably no different. For the smaller kids you can get out a bunch of coloring books which they will all enjoy sharing and coloring in. You can also let them put together puzzles that are appropriate for their age. For the older kids there are numerous activities from crossword puzzles to mazes. They can also help with making food and cookies in the kitchen!

There are infinite games available to choose from and if you are looking for board games in particular you can find tons at your local Wal-mart, craft stores, and many sites on the internet. You can find many ideas for games and other activities that will not cost and arm and a leg. Some the things that you will find are free. For example, you can use construction paper that you probably already have lying around along with some paper bags to make hand puppets for the younger kids. They can also make craft items to give to older relatives or even people who may be in a nursing home that would enjoy the gift of a child’s handiwork.

By teaching your children on how to enjoy playing these games and how to play with others you are teaching them valuable life lessons not only about creativity but also problem solving skills. It also makes them more oriented to family and community. It is far better to organize board games and other activities for family reunions and get togethers than to have the children gathering around the computer and playing games on the computer. It is the interactive human oriented games that will create memories and bring everyone closer together.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

Making jewelry is not complicated, for the most part. In fact, many things are easy. However, if neither mom nor daughter have much confidence in their ability to make something that looks nice, they may want to buy a kit that has complete instructions. Kits are available in hobby stores for making earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces and even rings. The family can decide what they would like to make and then get the corresponding kit.

If they want to strike out on their own, there are lots of options available. Perhaps one of the easiest is earrings. The materials are usually inexpensive and they are great for beginners. Mom and daughter can go to a crafts store that sells jewelry-making items and can pick up some rhinestones, plastic shapes, metal pieces and other little things that might make attractive earrings. One idea is to take a paper plate along and arrange earring ideas on the plate. Don’t forget either backs or French hooks for the jewelry!

Assembling the earrings can be done either with a low-temperature hot glue gun or with jewelry glue. Most of the time, the only equipment needed is a toothpick and perhaps some tweezers. This is another great advantage to making earrings.

Watches are also fairly simple. Many craft or hobby stores sell the watch movement, and the crafter can pick out fancy stones to decorate the crystal, or cut lengths of ribbon or fabric to make the bands. These can be as elaborate or simple as the crafter wishes. For grosgrain ribbon, the crafter needs to remember to buy a buckle to fasten the watch, and to treat the edges with Fray-Check, or something similar, to keep the cut ends from raveling, as grosgrain is prone to do. Jewelry glue is probably the best option for attaching anything to the watch crystal. Even a low-temp hot glue gun could damage it, or the movement.

With a pair of small, needle-nose pliers, a crafter can even make charm bracelets. Most hobby stores sell charms and chain, so all that is necessary is to buy a suitable length of chain, clasps and charms. The crafter uses the pliers to secure the charms in their places on the bracelet. This is also a great place for mom and daughter to showcase their personal tastes, since charms are available to represent nearly every hobby and interest.

For younger girls, mom may want to try purchasing plain headbands and decorating them with rhinestones, to match a dress or outfit. Most little girls love anything that looks like a crown, and a sparkly headband is an ever-popular item. Make one of these, and have fun watching the little one be “crowned” Miss America every day for a couple of weeks. Mom can use the same idea with a white headband and some leftover tulle. Voila! A bride is born.

Necklaces are also a popular craft item. Many craft stores sell chains of varying lengths, and the crafter just needs to buy some items that can be glued together as a pendant and put on the chain. This is among the more goof-proof jewelry crafts. Chokers are popular, as well as easy to make. The crafter can purchase a velvet ribbon and a brooch or other decorative piece that will slide on the ribbon. Safety pin the edges together and the crafter has a choker.

There are so many options and varieties available, that a crafter should never feel at a loss for ideas. Making small pieces of jewelry is relatively inexpensive, but the time spent on the project with a child is priceless.