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Almost 40 and Freaking Out!

Posted by momprovement on July 8, 2010  |  No Comments

freaking out at 40Okay, so maybe I’m not exactly freaking out, but I am getting a little stressed about it – you’d think that since I’m just days away from giving birth I’d have other things to stress me out (okay, so I’m stressing about those too!), but seriously, turning 40 is an issue to me. 

I’m noticing all sorts of things, besides the fact that I’m overweight.  I’m worried about gray hair, I’m worried that for some reason I seem to have hair on my face where it doesn’t belong, double chins, crepe paper arms, wrinkles, you name it.  If it is related to aging, I’m stressing about it.

Well, forget growing old gracefully – I’m determined to fight it every step of the way (or at least do something rather than sit and whine.)

So, follow along my journey – I’ll be 40 in September.  But I’m going to start tackling all those things that are making me nervous and see what I can do about looking great well into my 40’s (and 50’s and. . . )  I’lll be tackling one issue per week (maybe more if I have the energy – less if I don’t!) Of course post-baby I’ll be wanting to lose weight – that journey will be detailed on HealthSmartMom.com, all other beauty, fashion, and aging issues will be handled here on Momprovement.

My first step will be hair color – I haven’t been able to color my hair in about 9 months – so I am ready – but instead of picking my regular box – I’m going to do some research on what hair color is best for women over 40.

Filed Under: Health and Beauty

How to Make Great Easter Candy Using Chocolate Molds – Part Two

Posted by momprovement on March 3, 2010  |  No Comments

Easter Candy in BagsNow that you know what you need to get started making chocolate Easter candy from chocolate molds, and have selected your chocolate molds, it is time to get started with the actual candy making!

Melting the Chocolate
When melting chocolate for chocolate molds, I find it is best and easiest to use candy melts that are specifically prepared for melting and mold use. If you prefer to use chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips or dark chocolate chips, you will need to add a little paraffin to the melted chocolate to help it stay better and maintain a glossy appearance. Paraffin can usually be purchased in the canning supplies, make sure it is food grade paraffin. Simply shave off some paraffin and add it to the melted chocolate and stir until well blended. It does not affect the taste, but it will make a big difference in the finished product.

There are a couple of ways to melt chocolate. To melt using a double boiler (preferred method) simply melt the chocolate over a double boiler. You can make a double boiler by simply placing a heat proof bowl over a pot of boiling water. Turn the heat down so the water is simmering. Gently stir the chocolate with the spatula until it is completely melted. You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave oven in a microwave-safe bowl – however sometimes it is difficult to get a smooth glossy appearance when using the microwave.

The target temperature for the chocolate is about 110 degrees F (or 45 degrees C). When the chocolate is the correct temperature, remove it from the heat, dry the bottom of the bowl, and then add 4 more ounces of finely chopped chocolate and stir it vigorously until it is melted. This gives it a glossy, smooth appearance.

Of course you can simply use a heat proof bowl on a pan of boiling water or in the microwave, but if you forget to stir, or if the chocolate gets to hot, well, you have a mess on your hands. Sometimes it is easier to just take the guess work out of melting chocolate with a chocolate melter. These melters are great for speeding up the chocolate melting process, make clean-up easier and make everything about chocolate candy making less of a hassle.

The Finishing Touches on Your Chocolate Easter Candy
There are many ways to finish off your chocolate Easter Candy. First, you can decorate the chocolate candy that you have already made. You can use either toothpicks and melted colored candy or icing to trace and decorate the candy. You can also use special candy brushes to make fine decorating details. The brushes can even be used before you pour the chocolate in the mold to brush on colored chocolate before you pour the rest of the chocolate into the mold.

If you selected a lollipop mold you will need sticks, which will have to be inserted before the candy hardens. You can also purchase cellophane bags and ties to individually wrap your chocolate Easter creations. Make sure that you use food grade cellophane bags though, not just any cellophane bag you find laying around. They are pretty inexpensive, and look prettier than simply using sandwich bags.

Once you have put the finishing touches on your chocolate Easter candy, you are ready to hand them out or eat them yourself! Happy Easter!

Article by Stefani Padilla, author, entrepreneur, home based business owner, wife and mom.

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

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How to Make Great Easter Candy Using Chocolate Molds – Part One

Posted by momprovement on March 3, 2010  |  1 Comment

chocolate easter candyChocolate and Easter go together as much as Easter eggs and baskets. Why not combine the different elements and learn how to make your own chocolate Easter candy? Your children can help make and decorate the chocolates. Making your own chocolate Easter candy is a great Easter activity to hep you enjoy more time with your kids.

Chocolate Easter candy can be made with any type of chocolate. Using dark or milk chocolate may be the easiest. However, if you would like to try your hand at making pastel eggs, choose white chocolate and add food coloring to create the shades you like. You can also purchase pre-colored white chocolate to make things easier. The colored chocolates are great for decorating, even if you prefer to make your candy out of dark or milk chocolate. You can also add extra ingredients such as nuts, fruit pieces, or peanut butter to make your chocolate candy even more custom made.

Getting Started
There are a few basic ingredients that you will need in order to make your chocolate Easter candy. Using higher quality chocolate will result in better tasting chocolate eggs; however, you can use any type you have. I find that it is easiest to purchase candy disks that were made specifically for melting and molds. Here is a short list of the basics you will need:

* Whatever chocolate you want to use
* Double boiler or microwave oven in which to melt the chocolate
* Heatproof bowl
* Candy molds in the shape of eggs, or a deviled egg tray
* Rubber spatula to stir the chocolate
* Pastry bag or plastic bag with a hole in the corner for piping chocolate
* Any decorations or extras you want to include

Now all you have to do is melt the chocolate, pour it into the molds, and release! There really is no end to how creative you can get depending on the molds and colors you choose. You can go as simple as solid colored eggs to three dimensional bunnies and more! Have fun with your choices!

Choosing the Right Chocolate Mold
When you first decide to start making chocolate Easter candy from chocolate molds, of course the first thing you must do is purchase a mold. While it is possible to use other types of food molds you may have around the house, for the best results, select a mold that was made specifically for chocolate.

Another mistake that people often make when they select their candy molds, is they go for the cutest molds with the most intricate details. In many cases this may be their first and last attempt at making their own chocolate Easter candy. As simple as making chocolate Easter candy from molds is, there is still an art and level of skill required. So for your first chocolate making endeavour, try to select molds that are of moderate size (no smaller than a quarter, no larger than a couple of inches) and that have few details, or at least those with large details as opposed to smaller finer details. The one from Fuzzy Bunny shown in the picture is a great starter mold for both variety, size and cuteness!

Use the manufacturers recommendations when using the chocolate molds, however, I often will rub a little vegetable oil on the molds before I use them (using very little oil – it should not pool in the bottom of the mold, only give the mold a shiny appearance.) You can get some great candy mold making tips here. Also, since you will be refrigerating your molds as they harden, I clean out my refrigerator of aromatic leftovers – that garlic smells good in the stew, but it won’t be so great smelling on your chocolate. Also, make sure you have plenty of space to place the molds while they harden. Some people recommend hardening chocolate in the freezer to reduce the occurrence of smells as well as to speed the process, but I think the best results occur when using the refrigerator.

Article by Stefani Padilla, author, entrepreneur, home based business owner, wife and mom.

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

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Make Your Own Natural Egg Dyes For Easter This Year!

Posted by momprovement on March 2, 2010  |  No Comments

Natural Easter Egg DyesMy favorite part of Easter when I was growing up was dyeing eggs. It was even more fun to me than hunting them. I loved seeing how creative I could get with those five glasses of dye and that one wax crayon! As an adult, I still love dyeing eggs with my children, and last year, I tried to look or a way to make it educational as well. So when I discovered that rather than purchasing your egg dye you can actually make it yourself, I had to try it! It was like a science and chemistry lesson all rolled up in an earth-friendly craft! And best of all, my kids loved it! This year they want to see what else in our yard and refrigerator can be used as natural egg dye! And although natural egg dyes are not as vivid as artificial dyes (no real neon colors found in nature!) they are every bit as beautiful.

You can make your natural egg dyes from a variety of foods, flowers and plants. The dye is transferred to the egg either while boiling the eggs or, as with normal dyes, after the eggs have been hard-boiled. When boiling the dye with eggs, be aware that you will be limited to the number of colors you can do at once by the number of burners your stove has (or the number of pots you have!)

All you do to dye the eggs while boiling, is place enough water in the pan to cover the egg (or eggs.) Simply add the coloring ingredients to the water and turn on the heat to boil. You can include a teaspoon of vinegar for deeper colors.

If your children are young, and you would rather dye the eggs after they have been boiled, you can do that as well. This method may take a bit longer, but it is safer for smaller egg artists. Simply boil the eggs, and then once they have cooled, add them to a cup with enough water to cover the eggs (you can use a bowl if you want to do more than one at a time.) Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the container and add the dyeing ingredients. Allow the eggs to sit in the dye in the refrigerator until they are the desired color.

Here are some suggested ingredients you can use to create the colors you want for your naturally dyed eggs. Once you have mastered the process, feel free to experiment with other ingredients for different colors!

  • Red – A large amount of red onion skins boiled with the eggs. Using the cold method, add canned cherries in their juice, pomegranate juice, or raspberries.
  • Blue – Purple grape juice or canned blueberries added to the water and placed in the refrigerator, red cabbage leaves placed in the water while boiling
  • Green – Spinach leaves boiled with the eggs
  • Yellow – Any of these can be boiled with the eggs: orange or lemon peels, carrot tops, celery seed, ground cumin, or ground turmeric. To get the same color with the cold method, add green or chamomile tea to the water.
  • Orange – Boiled yellow onion skins; cooked carrots, chili powder, and paprika will result in the desired color in the cold method.
  • Lavender – Violet blossoms plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice, Red Zinger tea, or a small amount of purple grape juice
  • Violet blue – Small amount of red onion skins placed in the water while boiling, violet blossoms, hibiscus tea, or red wine
  • Brown – Black walnut shells boiled with the eggs, or you can add strong coffee, instant coffee, or black tea to water in the refrigerator.
  • Pink – Use any of the following, added to water and placed in the refrigerator overnight: beets, cranberries or cranberry juice, raspberries, red grape juice, or the juice from pickled beets.Once the eggs are the desired color, remove them from the water, place them in an egg carton, and let them dry. If you want your naturally dyed eggs to look shiny, you can rub a little vegetable oil into the egg shells. Making your own natural egg dyes can become a great Easter tradition for your family. You will be so amazed at how beautiful naturally dyed eggs look – you may never return to commercial egg dye again!Article by Stefani Padilla, author, entrepreneur, home based business owner, wife and mom.

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

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    The Family Fireplace – No Excuse To Not Have One Now!

    Posted by momprovement on February 25, 2010  |  No Comments

    FireplaceOur new house has a fireplace. Something that has been missing from our homes for about 10 years now. Actually, this is the first fireplace any of our children have ever had. Now, it’s gas, so no roasting marshmallows (have you ever tried to get that goo off of the gas pipes?), but still, it’s been a neat experience. Especially the three days we were without power and so we threw some mattresses in front of the fireplace and slept there for a few days.

    But there is something to be said about the family fireplace. Traditionally, the fireplace was the place where families gathered at the end of the day, for the evening reading of the Bible. Or mom and daughters would sew, while dad and sons would visit, go over school lessons and such. But in general, the family fireplace was as important a part in family life as the family dinner.

    Today it seems like after dinner (if anyone even eats at the same table anymore) everyone scatters to computers, playstations, iPods, or whatever the electronic device of choice is, parents included. And so it was nice for a few days to be free of those distractions and to sit by the fire and read to my kids, talk about their day, and just spend time together.

    So I’m glad we have a fireplace. And now that I realize that with a gel-fueled fireplace, we could have been having little gatherings by the fireside all along, I’m not so worried about whether or not our next house already has one – because one of the first purchases for our new home will be a great gel fueled fireplace with a mantle.

    So if your house has a fireplace, start meeting around it once a week or so, just for fun. And if you don’t have one, get a gel-fueled fireplace and see how great it really is to have a family fireplace.

    Filed Under: General Information

    Cricut Expression – My New Favorite Toy

    Posted by momprovement on February 22, 2010  |  No Comments

    Just because you’re a grown up now doesn’t mean that you don’t get to play with toys anymore.  Although, typically, your toys will be a little but more expensive! 

    My new favorite toy is the Cricut Expression.  I got mine from HSN with three cartridges, but you can also get it from Amazon, and even Ebay if you’re patient enough to wait to win one.  I’ll be getting most of my future cartridges from Ebay – as you can typically get them for about 25-50% off if your timing is right.

    I’d like to show you some of the finished projects I’ve made with my Cricut Expression, but I have to admit – I’m having too much fun just cutting things out that I haven’t taken the time to put anything together yet!  (But when I do – watch out!)

    So far I’ve cut out some cute shapes for a friend’s baby shower, my daughter’s Little Miss Indian Oklahoma City display board (she is the outgoing 2009 – 2010 princess), several scrapbook pages, some homeschool projects, flash cards for my three year old, and a few paper doll outfits just for fun!  All that with just three cartridges!

    If you are in to scrapbooking, homeschooling, crafting, or if you are a teacher or have kids in school, you will wnt to put a Cricut Expression on your wish list.

    Filed Under: General Information

    Let a Hot Bath Soak Away Your Cares

    Posted by momprovement on February 11, 2010  |  No Comments

    relaxing-bathMy daughter recently discovered the amazing relaxing properties of a hot bath.  I had no idea how much stress a nine year old endures in a day, but now almost daily she asks to take a hot bath because it’s so relaxing.  She’s repeatedly told me that I ”really need to try this bath thing – it really works!”  So whether you have adult stress or pre-teen stress, a hot bath may be just the think to help you relax!   

    Hot baths do warrant a word of caution before we continue. Check the temperature carefully. While we say “hot bath” the water would feel better if it was warm to the touch but not scalding. It is hard to relax when you are sustaining third-degree burns.

    Also, if you suffer from any condition where hot baths are contraindicated, don’t attempt them. This goes for pregnancy as well as if you have circulatory issues. You don’t want to faint and fall as you get out of the tub, because this can cause serious injury.

    With that said, let’s return to the benefits of a hot bath. It is not just the water alone but what you add to it that can help with such conditions as:

    * Anxiety and stress
    * Colds and sinus issues
    * Sore, aching muscles
    * Dry, itchy skin

    The steam coming off of the water acts like a humidifier. If you close your bathroom door and let the room fill up with steam as you run the bath, you are on your way to a soothing experience.

    For stress and anxiety there are certain herbs that have been used for centuries as calming agents. Take lavender, for example. It is known to soothe the mind and in turn, relieve stress in the body. Using lavender oils and bath salts in your water will help your stress to ebb away. Your problems won’t disappear but you will be better able to handle them once you have had a chance to clear your mind and relax your body.

    Eucalyptus will often help with a pesky cold. Again, the humidifier effect of the water and the eucalyptus can help to open nasal passages for freer breathing.

    Your body can build up toxins from simple daily life. Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts can help to leech these toxins out of your system. Hot water helps to dilate blood vessels for better blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Muscles benefit from this because they are able to relax which aids in recovery from soreness.

    Using bath oils helps to moisturize your skin. In the winter, this is especially important as skin tends to be on the dry side. If you have dry skin, you won’t need to soak as long in the water, but soothing oils will nourish your skin as you bathe.

    Are you ready to soak those cares away? A hot bath may be just what the doctor ordered. Besides the candles and soft music, try a few bath salts, scented oils and herbs to heal whatever ails you.

    Filed Under: Random Thoughts and Free Time

    Co-Sleeping With Your Infant – A Personal Decision

    Posted by momprovement on February 4, 2010  |  1 Comment

    Crib or Co-Sleep?

    sleeping_with_babyI thought I was done with the whole “where does your baby sleep” debate.  I purchased a crib for my oldest, which I believe made a nice decoration for the nursery, although it was never used.  From day one, she slept in bed with us.  With my other two children, we never even bothered to get it out.  And then, just six months ago, we decided that our family was as large as it was going to get and so we donated or sold every single piece of baby equipment and clothing that we had. 

    Big Mistake!

    Now, here I am four months pregnant with our fourth child, and I’m starting to get “those looks” again when people make offers of cribs or tell us where they saw a good one that we should buy.  I politely say “well, thank you, but we’ve never used a crib and we don’t plan to with this baby either.”

    My pediatrition at the time preferred the crib method, but was supportive of my decision to co-sleep.  She truly believed that, in general,  moms know what is best for their kids and was willing to let me co-sleep without a single lecture or “helpful suggestion.”

    So recently, when I was looing in to the debate once again, I was pleased to read Dr. Sears’ research and information in this area:

    “If the incidence of SIDS is dramatically higher in crib versus a parent’s bed, and because the cases of accidental smothering and entrapment are only 1.5% of the total SIDS cases, then sleeping with a baby in your bed would be far safer than putting baby in a crib.

    The answer is not to tell parents they shouldn’t sleep with their baby, but rather to educate them on how to sleep with their infants safely.” (From AskDrSears.Com)

    And I couldn’t agree more.  Where I put mychild to sleep, whether in a crib or in my bed shouldn’t matter to anyone else as long as I take the appropriate precautions to protect my child. 

    Protecting Your Baby If You Co-Sleep

    This time around, since we have 3 potential “middle of the night” visitors from the baby’s siblings, we are going to invest in one of those baby co-sleepers  just to help define the baby’s space and keep stray blankets and pillows away.  But I’m glad that there is finally some scientific research and  support for my position – the last thing I need with four young children is controversy about how we sleep.  I’m just lucky if I can get in any sleep at all!

    So did you co-sleep with your baby?  What steps did you take to ensure your baby’s safety?

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    Just a Stomach Flu Away From My Goal Weight

    Posted by momprovement on October 23, 2009  |  No Comments

    Well, I had been doing good keeping up with my weight loss updates, and then when I moved to a new server, I somehow lost all my weight loss updates!  I hope that’s not a sign of things to come – but based on what I ate for lunch today it just might be!Stomach Flu Away From Goal Weight

    Anyway, I’m still participating in Weight Watchers – and I’ve lost a total of 6 pounds so far  – officially.  Unofficially I’ve lost well over 10 (I was over 195 when I started, but was down to 191.2 when I joined Weight Watchers.)  I still have quite a ways to go to reach my goal weight of 130.

    I had to laugh last night when I was watching The Devil Wears Prada when the assistant said “I’m just a stomach flu away from my goal weight.”  Unfortuneately I’m quite a few flu’s away from my weight, but also, it seems, I tend to gain weight when I’m sick, so maybe the stomach flu isn’t the way for me to go!

    So, until next time – I hope you are successful at losing weight without the stomach flu!

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    Filed Under: Health and Beauty

    Is Your Car Prepared for the Winter?

    Posted by momprovement on December 13, 2008  |  No Comments

    Is your car prepared for the winter?  Even though you may have many things occupying your attention at this time of year, taking care of your vehicle during cold weather is important.   So make sure and take the time to protect your car from the weather so it will continue to transport you and your family during the winter months.

    Routine maintenance is important for your car all year long, but during colder weather you want to be sure your car will keep you warm and not break down and leave you stranded.  If you’re one of those that procrastinate, you may not want to wait too long to winterize your car.

    There are a number of things any car owner can do to prepare their car for winter.  However, some systems are best checked by a qualified mechanic.  For instance, brakes need to be inspected by a mechanic because they are such a vital component of your car to keep you and your family safe.  A mechanic can make sure your brake pads are adequate, but you can check the brake fluid to ensure it is at the correct level.

    You obviously want to make sure the antifreeze level in your radiator is adequate.  The antifreeze mix should be at least 50 percent antifreeze to 50 percent water.  Some professionals recommend a 60:40 mix, especially if the area you live in gets extremely cold in the winter.  Follow the instructions given in your car owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

    If it’s been a while since you’ve checked the electrical system in your car, now would be a good time to do so.   Check the alternator belt, and other belts in the system, to ensure they’re in good condition.  Make sure the battery is charged.

    No one will argue about the benefits of maintaining the proper pressure in your tires.  You can save on fuel consumption by keeping them properly aired up.  The tread depth and proper inflation can also help with traction on snow and ice.

    Change the oil and oil filter before the weather turns bad.  Ensure the all of the exterior lights – turn signals, brake lights, emergency lights – all work properly.  Now would also be a good time to check that the windshield wipers are in good shape.  Verify that your defrosters are working properly, too.

    Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle at all times.  The purpose of the emergency kit is to be prepared just in case your car breaks down and you’re stranded.  The kit might include:

    First aid kit
    Blankets
    Extra gloves for each family member
    Flares
    Snow shovel
    Tire chains
    Kitty litter
    Spare Tire
    Jumper cables
    Flashlights and extra batteries
    High energy food, like energy bars, and water

    Is your car prepared for the winter? With the above list of items, you know what items are important to check and keep in your vehicle to ensure you and your family arrive at your destination or are able to survive in case of a breakdown.

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    Filed Under: Around the House

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