25 WAYS TO TALK SO YOUR CHILDREN WILL LISTEN -

Is this what we look like when we are standing and talking to our children??? This picture just made me think of this. :)

25 WAYS TO TALK SO YOUR CHILDREN WILL LISTEN

- (Article from :Askdrsears.com)

A major part of discipline is learning how to talk with children. The way you talk to your child teaches him how to talk to others. Here are some talking tips we have learned with our children:

1. Connect before you directBefore giving your child directions, squat to your child's eye level and engage your child in eye-to-eye contact to get his attention. Teach him how to focus: "Mary, I need your eyes." "Billy, I need your ears." Offer the same body language when listening to the child. Be sure not to make your eye contact so intense that your child perceives it as controlling rather than connecting.

2. Address the childOpen your request with the child's name, "Lauren, will you please..."

3. Stay briefWe use the one-sentence rule: Put the main directive in the opening sentence. The longer you ramble, the more likely your child is to become parent-deaf. Too much talking is a very common mistake when dialoging about an issue. It gives the child the feeling that you're not quite sure what it is you want to say. If she can keep you talking she can get you sidetracked.

4. Stay simpleUse short sentences with one-syllable words. Listen to how kids communicate with each other and take note. When your child shows that glazed, disinterested look, you are no longer being understood.

5. Ask your child to repeat the request back to youIf he can't, it's too long or too complicated.

6. Make an offer the child can't refuseYou can reason with a two or three-year-old, especially to avoid power struggles. "Get dressed so you can go outside and play." Offer a reason for your request that is to the child's advantage, and one that is difficult to refuse. This gives her a reason to move out of her power position and do what you want her to do.

7. Be positiveInstead of "no running," try: "Inside we walk, outside you may run."

8. Begin your directives with "I want."Instead of "Get down," say "I want you to get down." Instead of "Let Becky have a turn," say "I want you to let Becky have a turn now." This works well with children who want to please but don't like being ordered. By saying "I want," you give a reason for compliance rather than just an order.

9. "When...then.""When you get your teeth brushed, then we'll begin the story." "When your work is finished, then you can watch TV." "When," which implies that you expect obedience, works better than "if," which suggests that the child has a choice when you don't mean to give him one.

10. Legs first, mouth secondInstead of hollering, "Turn off the TV, it's time for dinner!" walk into the room where your child is watching TV, join in with your child's interests for a few minutes, and then, during a commercial break, have your child turn off the TV. Going to your child conveys you're serious about your request; otherwise children interpret this as a mere preference.

11. Give choices"Do you want to put your pajamas on or brush your teeth first?" "Red shirt or blue one?"

12. Speak developmentally correctlyThe younger the child, the shorter and simpler your directives should be. Consider your child's level of understanding. For example, a common error parents make is asking a three-year- old, "Why did you do that?" Most adults can't always answer that question about their behavior. Try instead, "Let's talk about what you did."

13. Speak socially correctlyEven a two-year-old can learn "please." Expect your child to be polite. Children shouldn't feel manners are optional. Speak to your children the way you want them to speak to you.

14. Speak psychologically correctlyThreats and judgmental openers are likely to put the child on the defensive. "You" messages make a child clam up. "I" messages are non-accusing. Instead of "You'd better do this..." or "You must...," try "I would like...." or "I am so pleased when you..." Instead of "You need to clear the table," say "I need you to clear the table." Don't ask a leading question when a negative answer is not an option. "Will you please pick up your coat?" Just say, "Pick up your coat, please."

15. Write itReminders can evolve into nagging so easily, especially for preteens who feel being told things puts them in the slave category. Without saying a word you can communicate anything you need said. Talk with a pad and pencil. Leave humorous notes for your child. Then sit back and watch it happen.

16. Talk the child downThe louder your child yells, the softer you respond. Let your child ventilate while you interject timely comments: "I understand" or "Can I help?" Sometimes just having a caring listener available will wind down the tantrum. If you come in at his level, you have two tantrums to deal with. Be the adult for him.

17. Settle the listenerBefore giving your directive, restore emotional equilibrium, otherwise you are wasting your time. Nothing sinks in when a child is an emotional wreck.

18. Replay your messageToddlers need to be told a thousand times. Children under two have difficulty internalizing your directives. Most three- year-olds begin to internalize directives so that what you ask begins to sink in. Do less and less repeating as your child gets older. Preteens regard repetition as nagging.

19. Let your child complete the thoughtInstead of "Don't leave your mess piled up," try: "Matthew, think of where you want to store your soccer stuff." Letting the child fill in the blanks is more likely to create a lasting lesson.

20. Use rhyme rules."If you hit, you must sit." Get your child to repeat them.

21. Give likable alternativesYou can't go by yourself to the park; but you can play in the neighbor's yard.

22. Give advance notice"We are leaving soon. Say bye-bye to the toys, bye-bye to the girls…"

23. Open up a closed childCarefully chosen phrases open up closed little minds and mouths. Stick to topics that you know your child gets excited about. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no. Stick to specifics. Instead of "Did you have a good day at school today?" try "What is the most fun thing you did today?"

24. Use "When you…I feel…because…" When you run away from mommy in the store I feel worried because you might get lost.

25. Close the discussionIf a matter is really closed to discussion, say so. "I'm not changing my mind about this. Sorry." You'll save wear and tear on both you and your child. Reserve your "I mean business" tone of voice for when you do.

LAMommies.com NOW ON FACE BOOK!!

Come "LIKE" us and join in the fun!!!! Check us out on Face Book! There's a lot of great "MOMMY" things I post there that you will not find here. Also, please tell me what you want to share with other LA Moms..like Babysitter Referrals, or Recipes, or .....

***Fine the link on the right side!

A "Colorful" Dinner For My 3 Year Old!

I bought some purple cauliflower from Underwood Family Farms the other day. I steamed it and then whipped it into mashers. :) Kids love color, and this was my son's plate the other night.

So pretty :) Of course he ate the mango first....

Baby Rattle Cupcakes For A Baby Shower

I went to a double baby shower for a two friends, one having a boy and one having a girl.
I got this idea from http://www.howdini.com/howdini-video-7073581.html
They were really easy to make but took a little time. :)
*Sticks - I bought at Michaels
*Large Gum Drops - Target
*Bows - Target

These were the leftovers...Eating gum drops really makes me feel like a kid again. :)

Healthy Food Fusions!!

(Article from - trendhunter.com)

Studies are beginning to prove that the interactions of the foods we eat can be much more healthy for us than eating one beneficial food at a time. Here are the most powerful food synergies currently known to science as per Best Life:

1. Tomatoes + Avocados
2. Oatmeal + Orange Juice
3. Broccoli + Tomatoes
4. Blueberries + Grapes
5. Apples + Chocolate
6. Lemon + Kale
7. Soy + Salmon
8. Peanuts + Whole Wheat
9. Red Meat + Rosemary
10. Turmeric + Black Pepper
11. Garlic + Fish
12. Eggs + Cantaloupe
13. Almonds + Yogurt

I think I’ll go make a peanut butter sandwich right now, on whole wheat bread, of course!

Epidemiologist David R. Jacobs, PhD, of the University of Minnesota calls it food synergy, and he, along with many other nutritionists, believes it might explain why Italians drizzle cold-pressed olive oil over tomatoes and why the Japanese pair raw fish with soybeans. "The complexity of food combinations is fascinating because it's tested in a way we can't test drugs: by evolution," says Jacobs. And, he adds, "it's tested in the most complex of systems: life." (bestlifeonline)

Mother's Heart - By Terri Harrison

I loved you from the very start, You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
Our life together has just begun, You're part of me my little one.
As mother with child, each day I grew, My mind was filled with thoughts of you.
I'd daydream of the things we'd share, Like late-night bottles and teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees, Like bedtime stories and ABC's.
I thought of things you'd want know, Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
I thought of lessons I'd need to share, Like standing tall and playing fair.
When I first saw your precious face, I prayed your life be touched with grace.
I thanked the angels from above, and promised you unending love.
Each night I lay you down to sleep, I gently kiss your head and cheek.
I count your little fingers and toes, I memorize your eyes and nose.
I linger at your nursery door, Awed each day I love you more.
Through misty eyes, I dim the light, I whisper "I love you" every night.
I loved you from the very start, You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
As mother and child our journey's begun, My heart's yours forever little one.

BPA in Plastic Wrap & Sandwich Bags too!

I was just researching this because I use a lot of plastic sandwich bags for my sons food. I am going to look into stainlees steel containers tomorrow and I will report back.

BPA in plastic wrap & sandwich bags too!

BABY SMOKING indonesia child smoking ( this is adapted for Serbian cultu...

This is HORRIFIC!! I can't even believe this is total child abuse...sooo sad in my opinion.

Avocados Are Now In Season: The Sacred Tree Of Life

The other day at the Farmers Market we bought a bunch of large green Avocados. They are in season right now and filled with health!
I love, love avocados and try to eat one almost daily. My 3 yr old loves them as well. I remember way back when a mom in one of my play groups brought an avocado in its skin to scoop and feed her one year old. I thought, what a GREAT idea. I am so fortunate my son and husband love them as well.
Avocados are a super alkaline fruit and soooo good for you. They contain the, "Good Fat." They are rich in vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K and are said to have the HIGHEST ENERGETIC VALUE OF ANY FRUIT.
I was going to post my So Satisfying and Smooth Guacamole Recipe but once I made it, IT WAS EATEN! I had no time to take a picture. I will post it very soon.
**Secret - You can buy Hass Avocados at Costco, 5 for $5. This is the best deal I have found, even better than Trader Joe's.
**Tip - To prolong ripening, put them in the refrigerator.

I made these tasty little treats for my son the other morning. He loved them! Small Wheat Bagels from Trader Joe's on Cream Cheese with avocado bites. Yum!

Then...he tried to walk,... and eat them...Oh....NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Get back here....

Video - How To Make Matzoh Balls on Epicurious.com

Passover Recipes: Martha Stewart Show - Craigie on Main's Matzo Ball Soup

This was on yesterday. I never knew Martha is REALLY into Matzo Ball Soup. This seams like a really Simple recipe. Chef Maws reiterated that when forming the matzo balls, don't roll and condense like a meatball. You want your balls to be light and fluffy :)

"A family recipe from chef Tony Maws."
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tony-maws-matzo-ball-soup
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
2 large eggs, beaten
6 cups plus 2 tablespoons Basic Chicken Stock
2 tablespoons schmaltz
1/2 cup matzo meal
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 carrot, thinly sliced
Flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish
Directions
1.In a large bowl, mix together eggs and 2 tablespoons chicken stock. Add schmaltz and stir to combine. Add matzo meal and season with salt and pepper; stir until just combined. Transfer to refrigerator to chill for 4 hours.
2.Place chicken stock in a large pot over high heat; bring to a boil. Using damp hands, form matzo mixture into four to six 1 1/2-inch balls. Drop into boiling stock. Add carrot. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Serve immediately garnished with parsley leaves.

Healthy Delicious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies That Even Your Kids Will Love! Secret Ingredient "EVOO"

These turned out surprisingly well. My 3 year old will not eat nuts on their own nor will he eat oatmeal, ok...sometimes a little oatmeal...but not enough. I have found he will pretty much consume any nut if it is in the form of a cookie or cupcake. It also REALLY helps if the baked item has some mouthwatering, very visible, chocolate chips. I might add, I love the mini chocolate chips as well...helps to balance a "TOO HEALTHY" recipe in my opinion. :):)
BTW ~ My family is used to eating like this so I brought some of these to a dinner party,..... to "Test" them out... and everyone loved them. ( I was a little nervous....)
I got the original recipe from the WholeGrainGourmet.com. I made a few changes. :)
Thank you Whole Grain Gourmet for helping to keep my family healthy!!

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour (a pinch more depending on the moisture of the mix) (I used Whole Wheat Pastry Flour - (Whole Foods)
1 1/2 cups of steel cut oats (Trader Joe's)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp Cinnamon (To your liking - 1-3 T)
1/2 tsp Nutmeg (optional) - (I would not add this next time...not a big fan)
1 Stevia packet (Trader Joe's)
Wet ingredients
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup agave
1/2 cup oil (corn, grapeseed or olive) * you can also use some applesauce to replace some of the oil if you wish* (I used EVOO)
1 Tablespoon Molasses (Whole Foods)
1 egg (beat with 1 Tbsp Water)
1 tsp Vanilla
Yummy ingredients
1/2 cup raisins (I didn't use these)
1/2 cup walnuts
Couple handfuls of mini chocolate chips
Preparation:
~In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.
~In a medium bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together. Hint: when measuring out the honey, spray the measuring cup with oil or baking spray--your honey won't stick).
~Mix the wet stuff with the dry stuff. Add the raisins and walnuts and mix. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit of flour (shhh...don't tell anyone,...I added "a little" white flour.) If it isn't binding together very well, you may wish to add an egg white.
~COOL the mix for 20 minutes or more in the fridge. (This is a MUST!! or everything will crumble)
~Preheat the oven to 335 degrees (lower temperature due to the honey in the recipe which will burn more easily).
~Drop by teaspoonfuls onto your baking sheet (I recommend lining the baking sheet with parchment paper). Press down with a fork to ensure even cooking. (I rolled them into balls)
Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes or until golden on the bottom of the cookie. The cookies freeze very well and make a great snack! Enjoy.

Westside Pavillion's "Sandwitched" GREAT KIDS MEAL! $3.65

Real Grill Cheese sandwich on Whole Wheat bread with yogurt for $3.65...great deal!

Go Kate Gosselin!!! HOT MAMMA!!

She looks AMAZING!! I can't wait to see her on Dancing With The Stars!! It looks like she is really happy. No matter who was right or wrong between her and Jon, it's the 8 kids and their happiness now. She looks great, hopefully she feels great, and good happy energy is being passed on to the kids. I really admire her going for it. :) Being a Mom of 1 is tough,...can't imagine 8??!!!

Check out pics at : POPEATER.com

The Hump Sushi Restaurant in Santa Monica (at SM Airport) Charged With Serving Whale Meat!

We were JUST near this restaurant at the Santa Monica Airport. We didn't eat there but this is right where the you can sit with your kids and watch the planes come and go. I can't believe they were just caught serving Sei Whale, an endangered species, as sushi by an undercover diner. THIS IS HORRIBLE!! How could people do this?


The New York Times -
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/us/09sushi.html
By JENNIFER STEINHAUER
Published: March 8, 2010


Video of their meal shows the two activists, both vegan, being served what the waitress can be heard calling “whale” — thick pink slices — that they take squeamish bites of before tossing into a Ziploc bag in a purse.

The samples were sent to Scott Baker, associate director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. Professor Baker said DNA testing there revealed that the samples sent to him were from a Sei whale, which are found worldwide and are endangered but are sometimes hunted in the North Pacific under a controversial Japanese scientific program. “I’ve been doing this for years,” Professor Baker said. “I was pretty shocked.”

Serving unusual fish imported from Japan is the hallmark of many high-end sushi restaurants here, and whale meat is often found in Japanese markets, Professor Baker said. But he said he had never heard of it being served in an American restaurant.

Workers at the Hump, which according to its Web site is named after an aviation slang term for the Himalayas, directed questions to a lawyer.

“We’re going to look into the allegations and try to determine what is true,” said the lawyer, Gary Lincenberg, in a telephone interview. “Until we have done that, I don’t have any other comment.”

Professor Baker contacted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a marine conservation unit of the Department of Commerce, which began its own investigation, eventually looping in the United States attorney in Los Angeles.

Mr. Psihoyos’s team — a far-flung band of activists who use film making to highlight environmental causes — knew they would be together in Los Angeles for the Oscars, and so sting operations two and three were hatched. On Feb. 28, team members split up between the sushi bar and a restaurant table and ordered sushi and communicated via text message with Mr. Psihoyos, who waited in a car in the parking lot. Mr. Psihoyos served as an electronic envoy between the investigators at the sushi bar, who were witnessing the chopping of fish and whale, and those sitting at a table:

“They’re eating blowfish!” read one of the text messages. “Toro and sea urchin, nothing exciting,” another said. “Whale coming now!”

Next waiters identified a meaty course of whale, referring to it at times by its Japanese name, kujira, at a cost of $60, according to a federal affidavit. (The total bill exceeded $600 for two, with very little sake.)

Last week, several federal agents, including one from the Border Patrol and one who speaks Japanese, joined their team. Once again, the chef and wait staff more than once identified the meat as whale, the affidavit said, and it may have been obtained from a Mercedes parked behind the restaurant.

Armed with a search warrant, federal officials on Friday went searching for evidence from the restaurant, including marine mammal parts as well as various records and documents. The possession or sale of marine mammals is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and can lead to a year in prison and a fine of $20,000.

Mr. Psihoyos, a former photojournalist who heads a nonprofit through which he makes his films, said that environmental action is more motivating to him than awards.

“Once you become sensitized to these animals you want to save them,” he said over breakfast Monday, still bleary from his big Oscar night.

Parents Choosing More Unusual Baby Names Now

Jeanna Bryner
LiveScience Managing Editor

"The researchers suspect the uptick of unusual baby names could be a sign of a change in culture from one that applauded fitting in to today's emphasis on being unique and standing out. When taken too far, however, this individualism could also lead to narcissism, according to study researcher Jean Twenge, of San Diego State University."

"I think it is an indication of our culture becoming more narcissistic," Twenge said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20100224/sc_livescience/parentschoosingmoreunusualbabynamesnow

LA Kids Consignment SALE!!!!

This is one of the BEST and BIGGEST Consignment Sales in LA. !!!! Don't miss it! They only accept things that are "Like New or New." For a few hundred dollars you can walk away with an entire years supply for the baby or child. With this economy, this is a great way to go. You will also be supporting a Mommy Entrepreneur who started it!

http://lakidsconsignment.com/

NEXT SALE: SPRING 2010
March 19 - 9am-5pm
March 20 - 9am-5pm
March 21 - 9am-2pm 50% off many items!

Location (same as Fall 09)
7733 Hayvenhurst Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Preschool PANIC!!!

IS PRESCHOOL IN LOS ANGELES HARDER TO GET INTO THEN COLLEGE?????

Take it from me, if you just had a baby and live in the (WEST) Los Angeles area....PUT HIM/HER on some lists NOW!!! DO NOT WAIT! The last thing most think of when they first have a child is ...what PRESCHOOL they will be going to. It seems so far in the future. IT'S NOT!! (My son was on a couple lists since he was 3 mths old and did not get in.)

• Go to a website like SAVVYSOURCE.com to check out preschools in your area
• Join a Moms Club so you ask the moms that already have kids in preschool what they think
• Go to CityMommy.com and post questions or research preschools there
• If the school is "Religious" find out about joining the whatever it is, church, temple etc...Most want you to be a "registered" member for AT LEAST a year. (Many of the schools that are at a "Religious Facility" actually have NO RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION but they accept "MEMBERS and SIBLINGS" first.
• If your child has a JANUARY FEBRUARY birthday they may miss the CUTOFF to start in the fall in there 2's. Check with the specific school.
• CHECK about having to be POTTY TRAINED???? Some schools make you take a break if your child is not totally potty trained and then you get asked to leave,....no refund.
• Most of the time, preschools will offer your child an afternoon spot which is usually somewhere between 12-4ish because the morning spots are all taken.....if your child is napping then you might have a problem. (Mine naps, at age 3, for 2-3 hours between 12:30-3.) I feel he would be a wreck if he had to give this up but...he's also VERY active in the morning and all children are differnet. I cherish his sleep for health reasons as well as my SANITY!!! :)

(I will post my reasearch in the next few days :)

Ellie Krieger - Mixed Berry Cobbler (Healthy Style)

This cobbler is really tasty and satisfies my sweet tooth without so much sugar. The berries are also really good for you as well. My husband had this with a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
which made it all that better for him. :)

Recipe courtesy of http://FoodNetwork.com
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/healthy-appetite-with-ellie-krieger-/mixed-berry-cobbler-recipe/index.html

Ingredients
For the Filling:

Cooking spray
2 (12-ounce) bags frozen mixed berries, thawed (about 6 cups) (I buy these at Trader Joe's $2.99/each. Put them in a strainer overnight so the extra juice leaks out. This helps a lot when cooking with FROZEN berries to avoid the MUSHINESS factor.)
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour (I used WW Pastry Flour)
1/4 cup sugar (I used more Stevia here as well and less sugar)
1 orange, zest finely grated (about 2 teaspoons)
For the topping:
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided (I used a packet of Stevia with 1T Raw Sugar)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup lowfat buttermilk
2 tablespoons canola oil

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, toss the berries with whole wheat flour, sugar and zest. Transfer the berry mixture to the baking dish and set aside.

In a medium bowl whisk together the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in the butter using 2 knives or a pastry cutter until many small pebble-sized pieces are formed.

In a small bowl or pitcher, whisk together the buttermilk and oil. Add the buttermilk-oil mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened. Do not over mix. Drop the batter onto the fruit forming 6 mounds. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of sugar. Bake for 30 minutes, until fruit is bubbly and top is golden. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Yield 6 servings, serving size 3/4 cup

The Canadian Tenors on Oprah!!

The Canadian Tenors are singing at the opening ceremony for the Olympics. They are sooo good!!! This is on Oprah when Celine Dion, one of their most favorite performers, surprises them on stage.
I try to expose my 3 yr old son to many types of music and instruments. He was absolutely glued to the tv when these guys came on. He started rocking back and forth and naming the instruments...sooo cute!! (I also told him that he too could be on an "Oprah like" show someday.... skies the limit for him and his dreams. :)

Got a COLD?? Try Homeopathic Cold Care

I walked into VP Health a couple months ago with the onset of a sore throat and cold/flu symptoms. The sales lady recommended Umcka and told me many of the staff use it and it seems to really work. Hmmm...I'm thinking, if the people that work there use it and get great results,... it must work!! (There's always a slight doubt when I buy homeopathic products as to their effectiveness.)

Bottom line, THIS REALLY WORKED FOR ME!!!

Right when I feel a sore throat coming, I start taking it. (I also gargle with warm salt water and use my Netti pot.)

Here's to fighting a cold with no drugs.

**You can buy this at VP Health, Whole Foods, and VITACOST.com

The BEST HOLIDAY BISCOTTI Ever!!

I make this EVERY YEAR and my husband and son LOVE IT!!!!! as well as myself. :)...I even purchased a serrated knife this year hoping it will cut a little less crumbly. You have to try this. It is not too sweet (if you don't dip it in the chocolate) so you don't feel that guilty eating it (as a meal like I do sometimes :) and goes great with tea, coffee, milk or just ...by itself.
~Note: Just break off small pieces when you are eating it. This way you don't feel like you are eating a lot at one time... psychologically. :)

Giada De Laurentiis ~ Holiday Biscotti
(Recipe from FoodNetwork.com)

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped (Trader Joes)
2/3 cup dried cranberries (Trader Joes (I also use Orange Cranberries as well)
12 ounces good-quality white chocolate, chopped (Trader Joes or Whole Foods, both contain no GMO's)
Red and green sugar crystals, for garnish (I don't do this step but it's probably cute.)
Directions
________________________
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.

Form the dough into a 13-inch long, 3-inch wide log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.

Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.

Stir the chocolate in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Dip half of the biscotti into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off the excess chocolate. Place the biscotti on the baking sheet for the chocolate to set. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes.

The biscotti can be made ahead. Store them in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks.

Home Depot Christmas TREEs!!! BEST DEAL IN TOWN!!

HOMEDEPOT.com


This is one of LA's Best Kept Secrets especially when you are used to paying $80-$150 for a Christmas Tree in West LA.
You can get a great tree at Home Depot for nearly half the price you would pay anywhere on Wilshire Blvd.
*Try to go on a weekday because the line gets LOOOONG!! on the weekends..
*Try to go a few weeks in advance to avoid the line.
(photo courtesy of homedepot.com)

Kale-Pomegranate Quinoa Stuffing - Dr. Oz's Thanksgiving SUPERFOOD LIST

This is NOT just for Thanksgiving. This is going into my monthly rotation for sure! This recipe is SO HEALTHY AND the pomegranates are a BURST OF FLAVOR in your mouth!!

I will post a picture next time I make this. I have to say this is so DELICIOUS!!! and filling and I ate the entire thing myself over a 4 day span. The only down side of this recipe is the next day, after being in the refrigerator, it doesn't look as pretty but the taste is even better.

**I made a few additions such as: 1/4c Roasted Corn & a little Goat Cheese sprinkled over and melted in & 1 Leek cut up (light green to white part)

Article & Recipe from Natural Health Magazine -

Pomegranate
**(Bought this at Trader Joe's: currently they have them already seeded and still in shell)

WHY IT'S A SUPERFOOD A favorite of Dr. Oz's, pomegranate may be one of the gut-friendliest foods around. Its anti-inflammatory compounds help protect the colon from damage caused by diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's.

Leek
**(Bought this at Trader Joe's already trimmed and Whole Foods has HUGE ones)

WHY IT'S A SUPERFOOD A single leek provides over half the recommended daily value of vitamin K, "a nutrient so vital to bone health that people deficient in vitamin K2 [which the body makes from K] get osteoporosis," Dr. Oz says.

Quinoa
**(Bought this at Trader Joe's - Organic)

WHY IT'S A SUPERFOOD Quinoa is a triplethreat: "gluten-free, a complete protein, and a prebiotic [meaning it stimulates the growth of probiotics or good bacteria already found in the gut]," Dr. Oz says.

Kale

**(Bought this at WHOLE FOODS)

WHY IT'S A SUPERFOOD Consuming the leafy green increases HDL ("good") cholesterol and decreases LDL ("bad") cholesterol. "It's also a very good source of calcium, which your heart needs in order to beat properly," Dr. Oz says.

Kale-Pomegranate Quinoa Stuffing

Serves 12

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,
divided
6 cloves garlic, finely sliced, divided
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 pounds young kale, stems and leaves
coarsely chopped
Salt to taste
White pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (strip the
leaves from the stems)
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

1. Preheat oven to 325[degrees]F. Lightly oil a 9 x
13-inch glass baking dish.

2. In a large saucepan over medium-high
heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add
half of the garlic and cook until soft but
not yet golden. Raise heat to high, add
the stock and kale and toss to combine.
Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover
and continue cooking, stirring until all the
liquid has evaporated. Season with salt
and white pepper. Set aside to cool.

3. Add cooled, cooked kale and pecans to
a food processor; pulse several times until
pecans are chopped and kale is shredded
but mixture is still chunky.

4. In a separate saucepan over medium-high
heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil;
add the onion and remaining garlic; saute
2 to 3 minutes. Add the sage and continue
cooking until onion is caramelized,
approximately 3 to 4 more minutes. Stir
in the pecan-kale mixture.

5. Transfer the onion-pecan-kale mixture
to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked
quinoa and stir to combine. Stir in the
remaining tablespoon of oil and melted
butter. Season with salt and white pepper.
Add the egg and wine and toss to
coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared
baking dish. Cover and bake 30 minutes.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds before
serving.

Per serving: 220 calories, 18 g fat (2.5 g
saturated), 13 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein,
3 g fiber, 214 mg sodium (9% Daily Value).

Dr. Oz : Morning Sickness, cord blood banking & pre-planned c-sections

Today on Dr. Oz - Morning Sickness, cord blood banking & pre-planned c-sections:

http://www.doctoroz.com/pregnancy-videos/morning-sickness-cord-blood-banking-pre-planned-c-sections

Dr. Oz's morning sickness remedies:
Eat whole grain crackers when you wake up
Eat cold foods that have less aroma and are often more bland
Drink ginger root tea

Also: You can save your CORD BLOOD (cost me $350 just to have the DR. extract it)and send it to a BANK that will use it for someone else that needs it.

3 Ingredient Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing

My Dad did this on a salad a few months ago and I did it tonight. YUMMY!! and HEALTHY!! and AMAZING how it can take the place of dressing??

Dad's Version: 4 Ingredient Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing

• Mashed up avocado (Amount depending on how much salad you have to cover)
• 1 T Mayonnaise (to taste)
• Salt & Pepper
• The KEY is to mash it all together and stir to a smooth consistency then, take your hands and use it to COAT the entire salad

My Version: 3 Ingredient Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing

• Mashed up avocado (Amount depending on how much salad you have to cover)
• 1 T Vegannaise (to taste)
• Pinch of Himalayan Salt
  The KEY is to mash it all together and stir to a smooth consistency then, take your hands and use it to COAT the entire salad

The World's Healthiest Foods Website

WHFoods.org

I just ran across this website and it has some over 100 really great healthy recipe ideas. It is also PACKED with interesting health information.
I'm going to make this recipe from WHFoods.org tomorrow morning. I have left over Kale and Leeks from another recipe I just made. :) I will let you know how it turns out.


Poached Eggs Over Sauteed Greens
For only 130 calories, this great way of serving eggs in the morning provides an excellent, very good or good source of over 15 nutrients including 719% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin K, 147% DV for vitamin C and 126% DV for vitamin A. Enjoy!

Prep and Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:

4 eggs, preferably organic
1 tsp light vinegar (rice, apple cider, or white wine)
about 4 cups water
1 cup thinly sliced leeks, about 1 large leek, white part only
6 medium cloves garlic, sliced
4 cups chopped kale
3 +1 TBS chicken broth
2 TBS fresh lemon juice
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
Slice leeks and garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out their health-promoting properties.
Bring water and vinegar to a fast simmer in a skillet large enough to fit eggs. Make sure there is enough water to cover eggs.
While water is coming to a simmer, heat 1 TBS broth in a separate stainless steel 10-12 inch skillet. Healthy Saute sliced leeks in broth over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Add garlic slices and continue to saute, stirring constantly for another minute.
Add kale, broth, and lemon juice, and simmer covered on medium low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When done season with salt and pepper.
Poach eggs until desired doneness. This will take about 5 minutes, or just until the white is set and the yolk has filmed over. Remove from vinegar water with a slotted spoon and place on top of greens. Serves 4
Healthy Cooking Tips:

Make sure you do not add any salt to the poaching water for the eggs. The salt has a tendency to dissolve the egg whites. By making sure there is enough water in the poaching pan to cover eggs, you avoid the eggs sticking to the bottom of the pan. You want the eggs to float while they cook. This also avoids breaking the eggs when you remove them with the slotted spoon. You may want to lay the spoon with the egg on a towel briefly after removing egg from water. This allows the towel to absorb some of the poaching water, and it won't dilute the flavor of your greens.

AMAZING COOKING Website

You have to check this website out if you love to cook and love to see how it's all done. The Pioneer Woman has taken food to another level by photographing it so beautifully and showing how it is prepared step by step.
She also blogs about the love story between her and her husband. She's a city girl that ends up marrying a cowboy. WHAT A LOVE STORY!!!

ThePioneerWoman.com

Costco Discounts

Someone told me this weekend that anything ending in 97 at COSTCO means this is the FINAL MARKDOWN PRICE. So..$21.97??? hmmm?...is this true?

Flax Oil that tastes like a Stawberry Banana Sauce?

My friend M recommended this to me while we were perusing Rainbow Acres Grocery store. It's approx $22 but lasts quite a while. You can put it on yogurt and make a parfait. You can put it over ice cream, waffles, cereal... It is DELICIOUS!! You would never know it is good for you. What will they come out with next??, ..I have no idea. It doesn't get any better than this. :)

You can buy these at Whole Foods and VP Health as well.

This is a MUST TRY!