December 2008 Archives
Giving is Good for Your Health
The holidays are the season for giving and during times of economic downturn, you may have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets. However, you can still end up better off. In addition to the tax breaks year-end giving can bring, as it turns out, giving is also good for your health.
"Several studies over the years have found links between altruistic behavior and improved physical and psychological health," says Dr. Ann Vincent, an internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic who researches the mind-body connection. "In general, I think altruism makes people feel better about themselves, which often translates into improved
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Celebrity Blunders, Bombs and Breakups
Americans Find Escape and Enjoyment in Entertainment News
Wall Street's rollercoaster ride, dwindling nest eggs, mortgage meltdowns, high gas prices and the impending recession -- 2008 was rough a year. While many Americans were relieved that their problems weren't front page news, they found escape in the public breakups, pesky paparazzi, wardrobe malfunctions, career-crushing blunders and other nuisances that plagued many big-name celebrities this past year.
From the on-again, off-again romance of Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer, to Paris Hilton's presidential campaign ad, to two new additions to th
... Continue reading Celebrity Blunders, Bombs and Breakups.
Easy Entertaining--Marzipan Mice
This candy recipe is so easy even the most timid candy-makers among us can whip up festive and yummy Marzipan Mice---courtesy of Every Day with Rachel Ray.
MAKES 2 DOZEN
Prep Time: 45 min (plus chilling)
Ingredients:
One 7-ounce package marzipan, such as Odense
48 almond slices (about 1/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Black licorice laces, cut into twenty-four 1 1/2-inch tails and 24 dots for eyes
1. Cut the marzipan roll in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into an oval. Pinch the sma
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This edition of the MomTalk.com newsletter is sponsored by Bella Imaging
Bella Angel Imaging 3D/4D studio is dedicated to providing expecting parents a memorable opportunity to bond with their unborn child while being able to see for the first time what their baby truly looks like.
Bella Angel I
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Making a New Start as a Single Parent
By Diane C. Shearer, LMFT, CFLE
Being a single parent is tough work no matter what the circumstances, but suddenly finding yourself in the role of a single mom or dad after many years of being married is often a tremendous lifestyle shock and takes some getting used to. While married, we have a backup person in case something goes wrong in our tight schedule. While married, we can ask the other parent to shoulder some of the responsibility of parenting and homemaking. While married, as much as we hate to admit it, we have someone else we can blame if we make a mistake. Being single and being a parent requi
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Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Looking for a perfect sweet ending to wow guests? Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are a rich treat for indulging--courtesy of Every Day with Rachel Ray.
MAKES 16
Prep Time: 30 min (plus chilling and cooling)
Bake Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
Two 3.5-ounce bars dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
2/3 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes or c
... Continue reading Peppermint Chocolate Cookies.
Listen to Holiday Music
Here's an idea if you'd like to listen to Christmas music while you're doing last minute online shopping, scrambling to finish work, or playing that restful game of Solitaire. Pandora.com is an internet radio station where you can create stations based on artists or song preference. For the holidays, they've built a way to create holiday play lists. Their FAQ explains how to create a holiday station. It's free and fun. And you may find some great new music (or mighty strange Christmas songs).
... Continue reading Listen to Holiday Music.
This edition of the MomTalk.com newsletter is sponsored by HealthPartners
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Have a Drink
It's cold, you're tired and in need of a little holiday pick-me-up. We're about to share one of our favorite hot winter drinks with you--pass it on to your friends too.
Hot Rum & Cider
Heat about a cup of cider until hot but not boiling. Pour into large mug. Fill to top with dark rum. Proportions are about 3/4 cider to 1/4 rum or to taste. Stir with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy.
For lots of other holiday drink ideas, check out That'stheSpirit.com
... Continue reading Have a Drink.
Great Gifts for Girls under $25
by Nicole LaMarco
If you're trying to figure out the right gifts to purchase for the girls in your family, there are plenty of choices to pick from. You can find a wide range of gifts for a reasonable price of under $25. Here are some of the best ideas you might want to consider.
Girls Gifts: Dolls
The baby doll gifts industry has taken off in a big way for girls in recent years. Now you can find tons of choices with a number of gifts options being priced under $25. One example is a line of dolls from Disney based on their popular Princess line of characters. Each doll
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