SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE GIFTS FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN

Friday, December 31, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 4

Which cancer kills the most women?
  1. Breast cancer
  2. Ovarian cancer
  3. Lung cancer
  4. Endometrial cancer
  5. Colon cancer
You are correct if you answered: Lung cancer


Breast cancer gets all the attention, but lung cancer kills 68 percent more women (67,000 a year versus 40,000). The primary cause of the disease, of course, is smoking. Although it has declined in both sexes, about 20 percent of women still light up. "Most smokers have tried to quit and failed," says medical oncologist Worta McCaskill-Stevens, M.D., program director in the division of cancer prevention at the NIH's National Cancer Institute (NCI). "But past failures don't mean you can't do it -- you may not have tried the right method for you. Talk with your doctor." There are more ways to help people quit smoking than ever, including gums, patches and inhalers.

Home Journal

Thursday, December 30, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 3


To reduce risk of all major cancers, how many servings of fruits and vegetables should women consume each day?
  1. Three
  2. Four
  3. Five
  4. Eight or nine
You are correct if you answered: Eight or nine

"To prevent cancer, you should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but ideally eight or nine," says Linda Nebeling, Ph.D., R.D., the chief of the health promotion research branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and a nutritionist with the Institute's "5 A Day" program. ("Our name is a little misleading," she admits.) "They are our main sources of antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and E, all of which help prevent the cell damage that can lead to cancer." Unfortunately, according to the latest NCI research, only 31 percent of women eat the minimum five daily servings. "It's not that hard to reach your quota," says Nebeling. "Have fruit with breakfast, a salad at lunch, vegetables with dinner and fruit for snacks." One serving equals one medium piece or one half cup of fruit, three quarters of a cup of 100 percent fruit juice, one half cup raw or cooked vegetables, one cup of leafy greens or one half cup of cooked peas or beans.

Home Journal

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 2

What is the leading cause of death for women of all ages?
  1. Breast cancer
  2. Ovarian cancer
  3. Lung cancer
  4. Heart disease
You are correct if you answered: Heart disease

Surprised? Heart disease actually kills nine times more women -- 371,000 versus 40,000-each year. In fact, heart disease kills more women annually than all cancers combined (260,000).

Compared with men, women who suffer heart attacks are more likely to have another or to die from them. The first symptoms of heart disease tend to appear 10 years later in women (at about the age of 45) than in men. "Many physicians underdiagnose coronary artery disease in women, even when women report the same symptoms as men," says Legato.

Another problem is that about 20 percent of women with heart disease don't exhibit the classic symptom of pain under the breast bone that radiates to the left arm or the jaw. "They experience upper-abdominal pain, nausea and shortness of breath," says Legato. "This is the reason they are sometimes sent out of emergency rooms with Valium for their 'hyperventilation' and antacids for their 'indigestion' instead of receiving the correct diagnosis."

Even when women do experience chest pain, "It's not always the crushing pain men typically report," says Patrice Nickens, M.D., director of cardiovascular medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the NIH. "Women are more likely to feel intermittent chest pain that's fairly tolerable. As a result, they're less likely to seek medical care and less likely to be treated within a few hours of a heart attack, when treatment is most likely to be lifesaving."

Fortunately, many cases of heart disease can be prevented. What does it take? Not smoking, exercising more and eating less saturated fat, for starters. You should also control your weight and stress levels, and be sure to get cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly. (High blood sugar can signal diabetes, which significantly hikes heart disease risk.)

Note: Heart attacks are most likely to occur in postmenopausal women, when a drop in the hormone estrogen is thought to increase risk. If you experience any persistent chest or upper abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath, see a physician immediately. 

Symptoms of heart attacks may also include sweating, unexplained anxiety, and radiating pain in the jaw or down one arm.

Home Journal

Monday, December 27, 2010

HOME JOURNAL HEALTH QUIZ - 1

Of the following, which does NOT help prevent heart disease?
  1. Controlling blood pressure
  2. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
  3. Exercising regularly
  4. Sleeping eight hours a night
  5. Quitting smoking
You are correct if you answered: Sleeping eight hours a night

"There are many good reasons to get eight hours of sleep a night," says Lawrence Friedman, M.D., special assistant to the director of the NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). "But heart-disease prevention is not one of them." Controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and eating lots of fruits and vegetables have all been shown to help prevent heart disease. Other heart helpers include eating fish rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, and keeping your cholesterol low.

Home Journal

Sunday, December 26, 2010

WISDOM FROM THE OLD COMIC LADY


Every thime I start thinking too much about how I look, I just find a Happy Hour and by the time I leave, "I look just fine."

Saturday, December 25, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Friday, December 24, 2010

CHRISTMAS EVE WISHES

Thursday, December 23, 2010

STAR-TOPPED TREE NAPKIN


Simple way to present your napkins
at the
Christmas dinner table.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTERPIECE



I came across this idea on My Home Ideas for a simple yet festive Christmas table centerpiece.  Simply gather small wrapped presents, a tiered pedestal, and some holiday greenery.  This centerpiece should last the entire season or until you have given your dinner guests their presents.

This idea could be used for any occasion in which you have party favors for your guests.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

4 BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS CREATIONS

Here are some beautiful
Christmas creations
by
EtsyKids shops.

by
Tiny Belles Boutique

by
Snuggle Bug Kidz

by
Baa Baa Baby Boutique

 
by
Diva Babies

Monday, December 20, 2010

COOKIE BAKING SECRETS

by
MyRecipes.com
  1. SPLIT THE DOUGH
    Work with half of the cookie dough at a time when rolling or cutting cookies.  Keep the other half refrigerated.  Chilled dough is easier to handle.
  2. CHOOSE BAKING SHEETS WISELY
    Bake cookies on shiny, heavy aluminum baking sheets without sides so it will be easier to slide cookies onto a cooling rack.
  3. KNOW HOW TO GREASE
    Grease baking sheets with cooking spray or solid shortening instead of butter or margarine.
  4. USE PARCHMENT PAPER
    Parchment paper eliminates the need for greasing baking sheets.  It promotes even browning.
  5. DON'T OVERLOAD THE OVEN
    Bake one sheet of cookies at a time on the middle oven rack.
  6. BE CAREFUL WITH OVERBAKING
    Check cookies for doneness at the minimum baking time.
  7. USE COOLED BAKING SHEETS
    Cool baking sheets between batches before reusing; wipe the surface of each with a paper towel.
  8. COOL BEFORE STORING
    Cool cookies completely before storing them in an airtight containers.

    Thursday, December 16, 2010

    PILLSBURY BACON QUICHE BISCUIT CUPS



    INGREDIENTS
    5 slices bacon
    1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
    2 tbsp. milk
    2 eggs
    1/2 cup shredded Swiss Cheese (2 oz)
    2 tbsp. chopped green onions (2 medium)
    1 can Pillsbury Grands Jr. refrigerated biscuits

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray 10 regular-size muffin cups with no-stick cooking spray.
    2. Fry bacon until crisp.  Drain on paper towels.  Crumble bacon, set aside.
    3. In small bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add milk and eggs, beating at low speed until smooth.  Stir in Swiss cheese and onions.  Set aside.
    4. Separate dough into 10 biscuits.  Press or roll each to form 5-inch round.  Place 1 biscuit round in each muffin cup; firmly press in bottom and up sides, forming 1/4 inch rim.  Place half of bacon in bottom of dough-lined muffin cups. Spoon cheese mixture evenly into cups.
    5. Bake 21 - 26 minutes or until filling is set and edges of biscuit cups are golden brown.  Sprinkle each with remaining bacon, lightly press into filling.  Remove biscuit cups from pan.

    Wednesday, December 15, 2010

    CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINT POPCORN

    by
    Make It Do

    This is a tasty Christmas treat 
    you can make for
    family and friends.

    INGREDIENTS:

    1/2 cup unpopped popcorn (approx. 16 cups popped depending on your popcorn and popper)
    2 cups white chocolate chips
    1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
    a dash of salt
    popcorn may be lightly buttered if desired

    DIRECTIONS:  (see Make It Do  for step-by-step pictures)

    1. Start by popping 1/2 cup of popcorn. This makes approximately 16 cups of plain popped popcorn.
    2. Place peppermint candy canes or candies into a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin finely crush. 
    3. In a heat proof bowl, carefully melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent scorching. It takes about 1 1/2 minutes.
    4. In a very large bowl start drizzling the white chocolate evenly over the popcorn, then quickly sprinkle the crushed candy and a dash of salt over the popcorn. Stir vigorously to evenly coat all the popcorn before the chocolate starts to set up.
    5. Once it is evenly coated, turn the popcorn out onto waxed paper in a thin layer and allow to cool.
    6. When the popcorn is completely cool and dry, break up into small pieces.
    7. Place in bags or tins for gift giving.

    Tuesday, December 14, 2010

    SALTY CHOCOLATE - PECAN CANDY

    Salty Chocolate-Pecan Candy


    This candy will soften slightly while at room temperature.


    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Bake: 15 minutes
    Yield: Makes 1 3/4 lb.

    Ingredients

    • 1  cup  pecans, coarsely chopped
    • 3  (4-oz.) bars bittersweet chocolate baking bars
    • 3  (4-oz.) white chocolate baking bars
    • 1  teaspoon  coarse sea salt*

    Preparation

    1. Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    2. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.
    3. Line a 17- x 12-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Break each chocolate bar into 8 equal pieces. (You will have 48 pieces total.) Arrange in a checkerboard pattern in jelly-roll pan, alternating white and dark chocolate. (Pieces will touch.)
    4. Bake at 225° for 5 minutes or just until chocolate is melted. Remove pan to a wire rack. Swirl chocolates into a marble pattern using a wooden pick. Sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans and salt.
    5. Chill 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month.
    *3/4 tsp. kosher salt may be substituted.
    Note: For testing purposes only, we used Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bars and Ghirardelli White Chocolate Baking Bars.
    Southern Living, OCTOBER 2007

    Monday, December 13, 2010

    PILLSBURY CRANBERRY LAYER BARS


    INGREDIENTS

    1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
    1can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    2 teaspoons grated orange peel
    1egg
    1cup chopped fresh cranberries
    1cup white vanilla baking chips (6 oz)
    1cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
    1cup coarsely crushed pretzels (2 oz)

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. Break up cookie dough into pan. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until puffed and edges are golden brown.
    2. In medium bowl, beat condensed milk, orange peel and egg with whisk until combined. Remove partially baked crust from oven. Spread milk mixture evenly over crust; sprinkle evenly with cranberries, chips and pretzels.
    3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until center is set. Cool 1 1/2 hours. 
    4. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. 
    5. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.

    Sunday, December 12, 2010

    CHRISTMAS MOUSE MACAROONS by PARENTS MAGAZINE

    Christmas Mouse Macaroons

    'Twas the night before Christmas
    when all through the house
    not a creature was stirring,
    not even a mouse.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 bag (8 ounces) sliced almonds
    1 large egg white
    1/2 cup sugar
    3/4 cup chocolate chips, divided
    Black licorice laces
    Hot cinnamon candies
    White tube decorating icing

    DIRECTIONS
    1. Heat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Reserve 3 tablespoons sliced almonds for mouse ears, and place remaining almonds in food processor; pulse until finely ground. Add sugar and egg white, and pulse to combine. Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips, add to mixture, and pulse.
    2. Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into teardrop shapes; place on baking sheet 1 inch apart. Bake 25 minutes. 
    3. While cookies are still warm, insert 2 almond slices for ears and 1 piece of licorice lace for tail. Let cool completely.
    4. Melt remaining chocolate chips. Dip front of face in melted chocolate, and attach a cinnamon candy for nose. Using icing, pipe 2 eyes. Let set 10 minutes.

    Saturday, December 11, 2010

    TOASTING NUTS

    Lots of Christmas recipes call for toasted nuts.  Toasting brings out the fragrant oils and enhances the flavor of the nuts.  Place nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.  Be sure to shake the pan once during cooking and check frequently to be sure the nuts do not burn.  Enjoy!

    Thursday, December 9, 2010

    SEND A FREE THANK YOU CARD TO TROOPS IN IRAQ



    XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

    Pick out a thank you card
    on this website.
    Xerox will print it
    and
    send it to a soldier
    serving in Iraq.

    Wednesday, December 8, 2010

    BEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS - 3

    Brr....
    One of the best photos
    from
    National Geographic.

    Tuesday, December 7, 2010

    BEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS - 2

    Here's another cute National Geographic photo 
    of 
    mama polar bear and her baby.

    Monday, December 6, 2010

    BEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHS

    Love this photo of mama cheetah and her babies.
    This is one of the best photographs 
    from
    National Geographic.


    Sunday, December 5, 2010

    HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR

    We hosted our Christmas Happy Hour last night.  Sharing good food and conversation with our family and friends. I especially enjoy this time of year!

    Friday, December 3, 2010

    ROLO PECAN PRETZEL TREATS


    Check out these delicious and easy to make candies 
    by
     Party "JEN"erations

    Thursday, December 2, 2010

    COOKIE DOUGH GIFTS

    Cookie Dough Gifts

    Print your favorite cookie recipe and baking instructions on white paper or vellum. Tie it around a frozen log of dough wrapped in parchment for an easy Christmas gift.