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Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

November 3, 2009 in Household Hints by Hanna Trafford

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thanksgivingThanksgiving is one of family favourite holidays. And a huge part of this holiday is the food that is shared with family and friends.

There are number of ways you can prepare your special feast and most of you will probably choose the traditional one: Roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie….

Or you can choose an alternative – not so traditional way to go. That could mean still having the traditional turkey – but cooked just a little bit differently and matched with non traditional dishes.

But first – as with all special events, organization and planning is a key:

  • Make a list – at least one – and make sure you use it! Great idea is to actually have a book dedicated to special events. Your notes may be a valuable tool in the future.
  • Write or print out recipes you are going to use – along with all the tips . And then make your shopping list. The trick of course is to make sure you bring your shopping list with you when you go to get your groceries! ( I am only saying this because I am notorious for making a detailed lists and having to return home to get them)
  • Take the time to pull out dishes, cutlery, glasses, napkins and decorations you are planning on using. Add what you need to purchase to your list – or make a list #2 – for items you can’t get at a supermarket and have to visit specialty or department stores. Really good idea is to review your serving dishes – you can use coloured sticky notes to mark which dish you will use to serve which dish. You don’t have to leave these out – you can put them back into your cupboards with the stickies in them. Believe me, it will be a great help the day of your Thanksgiving dinner.
  • If you are starting your planning well ahead of time, you may want to do a “test run” on a recipe you are not sure about to see how it turns out. You may avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Another tip i can give you is to set your festive table the day before your Thanksgiving dinner. It will give you the chance to re-arrange things you are not quite happy with, add special touches and avoid possible rush the day of the dinner.

Most of all – relax! This holiday is all about getting together with friends and family and celebrate ! If you are relaxed – even if things are not perfect – everyone attending will still have a good time.

So – give thanks and enjoy your holiday!

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by Nicole

Infant Vaccination

November 2, 2009 in Parenting by Nicole

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jab_139601sI think every mother  worries at least a little bit about getting their wee one vaccinated. We worry about the quick pain they’ll feel when the needle is inserted, we worry about how they’re going to react after, and most of all we worry that they’re feeling scared and in pain.

There’s not much we can do to avoid these worries, other than not have your child vaccinated, but I don’t personally think that’s the way to go.

I learned a couple of tricks along the way that I’d like to share, now that I’ve successfully lived through the 2, 4 and 6 month shots!

  1. Mix together a small bottle of 1/4 liquid honey and 3/4 water. Feed this to your baby with an eye dropper right before, during and right after he gets his shot. This doesn’t take the sting away, and he’ll probably still realize he got the shot, but it does distract baby quite nicely.
    This worked wonders for me. My son barely cried at all during his 4 month needles!
  2. Feeding your baby a little bit, whether it be breast or bottle, immediately after he receives the needle helps to calm the crying. The soothing feeling of sucking makes the little one instantly feel better.
  3. Baby Tylenol or Tempra is a great help in keeping possible fevers and achy legs in check. Depending on how old your child is, check the medicine bottle for instructions, give him the recommended amount before you leave to get the shot and then every 4 hours after that for the next 24 hours.
    If your baby is going to have a reaction, it’ll be during this time.
  4. CUDDLES. Your baby will most likely settle right down as soon as he’s in his mother’s arms.

We probably worry too much about this topic, but it’s not fun watching your child cry. I hope these tips come in handy!

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Tips for Making Gifts In a Jar

November 2, 2009 in Household Hints by Hanna Trafford

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giftjars1228242503I have always liked this idea – it is unique based on what you make it and definitely personal. Couple years ago, I did that, using my own – and now pretty much famous – chocolate chip cookie recipe. I participate in one Christmas Bazaar a year – and every gift jar with the chocolate chip cookie  ingredients sold out! All I can add to that is that I wish days would have twice as many hours, so that I could make everything I think is a great idea!

Here I am going to tell you how to make these jars and really – what you put into them is up to you! And of course – I will be including some creative recipes and will add more in time for you gift giving – keep watching this website regularly or sign up to get updates automatically!

How to assemble Gift in a Jar:

  1. Choose the right kind of container – and make sure the lid is tight fitting to prevent spillage. The best ones are canning jars, either 1-pint or 1-quart  they are wide mouth and easy to fill.
  2. Make sure you wash all containers thoroughly and dry them – any moisture left in the jar will likely spoil your efforts.
  3. Measure the ingredients accurately
  4. Transfer all ingredients using wide mouth funnel or of you don’t have one, cut a hole in a bottom of #2 coffee filter to create a “funnel”
  5. To make sure that all ingredients fit, pack each one down real good before adding the next layer. You can do this using flat bottom glass and pressing down on in the last ingredient firmly. If a jar needs to packed lightly, tap it gently on the table to shake the ingredients down.
  6. If your recipe needs bagging some ingredients, use resealable plastic bags and be sure to press out all air from the bag.
  7. Your layering order are up to you – just follow a few simple rules: powdery ingredients, such as flour, should be placed at the bottom so they don’t coat other ingredients. If you pack them down the right way, they won’t mix together. Coarser ingredients, such as brown sugar can go next and finally those consisting of larger pieces – such as chocolate chips, cereals, etc.
  8. Seal the jar tightly so the ingredients won’t shift.
  9. If you are planning to make more than one of the same type of jars, make one first to see how much you need to pack the ingredients.
  10. Make you gift tags – and decorate your completed jar by either just tying a ribbon with the gift tag or cutting out a round piece of festive material to place over the top of your gift jar. Make sure you leave enough edging to make it nice and festive looking.
  11. You will also want to include recipe card with your gift jar – either by tying it with the gift card and attaching it to the jar with a piece of ribbon. I have also done it by neatly folding the recipe and placing it into the jar with your ingredients.
  12. Another good idea is to add wooden spoon, spatula, set of measuring spoons or any other decorative element to the jar.

Just use your imagination and have fun!

I am adding a few samples here to give you more ideas:

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Hope you will try these unique gifts – if there is a specific one you would like, let me know and I will get it for you! Adn as always – your comments, suggestions and experiences are most appreciated and welcomed!

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