Terrific Thursday Freebie: MyMemories Scrapbook Kit

Have you neglected the memorable photos you've been taking? Well, take some time this weekend to do some digital scrapbook. You don't have to scrapbook all the photos at once. You can start by making 1-2 scrap pages every week. Not much time to spare? Then use quick pages where the scrapbook layout has been done for you already. Just plop in your photos and write a few words (if you want to).

Here's a free kit to get you going. Remember, the free kits change frequently. So if you want this particular one, you've got to download it this week. Next week, it is going to be a different one.

Here's the preview to this week's scrapbook kit:

 This kit includes 2 digital papers, 4 page elements and 2 quick pages.

You can get by clicking this link:

I WANT THIS DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK KIT

Although this freebie is courtesy of MyMemories, it is not a MyMemories Suite template. The elements and QuickPages are.png and the papers are .jpg format. You can use it with any software.

Digital scrapbook is not only a hobby for adults but for kids too. I'd rather see my kids using the computer to scrapbook than to play mindless games. MyMemories Suite is a very easy scrapbook software to learn. Even children know how to use it (well, my kids do). You don't have to pay full price when you buy MyMemories Suite. Here's a discount code that will slash $10 off the price. Plus, you get another $10 gift certificate to buy stuff at their online store. Just copy and paste this code:
STMMMS86598

Here's where you can get the software:
MY MEMORIES SUITE: SOFTWARE FOR SCRAPBOOKING


Let me know if you finish a scrapbook. I would love to see it. Just leave a comment below.

Resolve to get the family to snack smarter

(ARA) - The new year is a great time for families to make a fresh start. Families can now reflect on eating habits and resolve to start the year with a smarter plate.

Finding snacks that fit into a new food plan is not easy, and eating between meals is often a reason why families fall short of their promise to eat better. In fact, Americans often turn to decadent treats throughout the day. And with today's busy households, kids just aren't getting adequate levels of vitamins and minerals.

So, how can parents face the challenge to improve the family's eating habits while finding treats that everyone will actually want to eat? The good news is snacking can complement any healthy lifestyle plan. Today's families can find success with a more general, practical approach to snacking.

Focus on current eating habits and adopt these simple tips now to get ready for the new year.

Satisfy with healthier options
Kids love their sweet treats. But in order to keep fruits and vegetables viable options for snack time, steer toward foods like oranges, tomatoes or baby carrots. Or top cereal or granola with their favorite fruit for added fiber. These are simple, yet delicious, suggestions that everyone will expect as a regular option during snack time over the long term.

Choose nutrient-rich favorites
Snacks can not only taste good but be nutritious too, according to Mike Bloom, vice president of marketing for Suncore Products. Families can replace indulgent treats that have little to no nutritional value with those packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. "It's no surprise that kids like sweet snacks, but that doesn't mean they have to satisfy their sweet tooth with empty calories. WhoNu? Nutrition Rich Cookies offer a delicious treat that look and taste just like family favorite cookies while still providing essential nutrition," Bloom says. WhoNu? Cookies are packed with more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals, plus three grams of dietary fiber in every serving.

Create a snack center
It is easier to choose healthier snacks if your refrigerator and pantry are well-stocked with foods that are tasty and nutritious. When wholesome options are easily accessible in the home, you are more likely to skip the decadent treats. Organize a snack center so kids can grab and go. Parents can track snack options, and kids can have the freedom to make sound eating choices.

Be aware of serving size
Pay attention to "better for you" snacks that offer the most nutritional value per serving. Also, encourage the family to avoid eating from the bag. Instead, become aware of portion size. Learn more about the family's favorite snacks by measuring them out and checking the nutrition labels. Eventually, you'll be able to better understand portions and know just how much to serve.

Interest them in shopping
Shop around and stock your kitchen with a variety of foods. Minimize the number of empty calorie snacks you purchase. Get the entire family involved by allowing the kids to help choose which snacks should fill your shopping cart. Have them create a list of snack items, and use the time to talk about nutrition.

Coupled with a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables, snacks can complement any healthy lifestyle plan. Changing old habits can be difficult. But it is an attainable goal. With small and simple changes, a smarter snack resolution is easier than you think.

For more smart, easy and family-friendly snack ideas, visit www.whonucookies.com or find WhoNu? Cookies on Facebook to exchange New Year's resolution tips with other fans.

Make Your Own Piping Bag

Last week was my son's birthday. I decided to make the cake myself. Normally I don't do any cake decorating but decided to be a bit adventurous this time. At the baking shop, I spotted a bag of Angry Birds props. Since my boys are Angry Birds fans, I thought they would like that on the cake. So, in the end, this is what the birthday cake looked like.

I admit I'm not really the crafty person. I'll have to learn how to do better piping :)

Anyway, if you want to try to a little cake decorating but never really done it before, here's a video tutorial on how to make your own piping bag. You can easily make one with grease paper, baking paper or parchment paper.



Give it a try. Doesn't matter if it doesn't look that great in the beginning. Your kid will appreciate your effort.

p.s. For more information and instructions on cake decorating, click my affiliate link here ---> YummyArts

Terrific Thursday Freebie: MyMemories Scrapbook Kit

Are photos just taking up storage space on your computer? Do you keep on snapping photos and then leave it to be forgotten on your harddisk? Why not make a nice scrapbook? It is real easy to do when you use Quick Pages and here's a free kit you can use. MyMemories is very kind to supply a free kit every week. So, bookmark my blog and come back every week to get a new free kit. Very soon you'll have a collection of beautiful scrap pages.

Here's the preview to this week's scrapbook kit:

This kit includes 2 digital papers, 5 page elements and 2 quick pages.

You can get by clicking this link:

I WANT THIS DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK KIT

Although this freebie is courtesy of MyMemories, it is not a MyMemories Suite template. The elements and QuickPages are.png and the papers are .jpg format. You can use it with any software.

I know many people use Photoshop to do digital scrapbooking but you need time to learn how to use that software. If you want something easier, I highly recommend MyMemories Suite. It didn't take me long to learn how to use it. You don't have to pay full price when you buy MyMemories Suite. Here's a discount code that will slash $10 off the price. Plus, you get another $10 gift certificate to buy stuff at their online store. Just copy and paste this code:
STMMMS86598

Here's where you can get the software:
MY MEMORIES SUITE: SOFTWARE FOR SCRAPBOOKING


Drop me a comment if you've done a scrap. I would love to see it.

What's in store at your supermarket: Top 10 food trends for 2012

(ARA) - Last year's high grocery prices had many Americans looking for ways to save at the supermarket. The upswing in prices over the past 12 months may have you wondering what will happen this year at your local grocery store.

In partnership with ConAgra Foods, industry expert, and "Supermarket Guru," Phil Lempert, predicts an interesting year ahead.

"We will continue to see higher prices, but we will also see all the different ways Americans love their food - in supermarkets, on television, at restaurants and now even on their mobile phones," Lempert says. "We are on the verge of what may be one of the most exciting and game-changing years in the food world."

Lempert advises consumers to watch for 10 major trends in their supermarkets this year:

1. Higher food prices - Last year's trend will continue, so consumers will place even more emphasis on ways to save money. In addition to already-popular methods like coupons and frequent shopper cards, you may want to consider using your mobile device to menu plan while you shop. Websites like ConAgra's ReadySetEat.com give you recipe ideas and can also help you find out which ingredients are on sale in your store.

2. The group experience will grow - Food blogs set a foundation for group experiences, food trucks tweet their locations, and flash food raves assemble underground at midnight. More Americans are choosing to eat and shop together in new ways. Mobile app marketers will offer "social rewards" for groups that shop together - think of it as the virtual version of warehouse clubs.

3. The baby boomer influence will grow - Last year, the first of the 76 million-strong boomer generation turned 65. Their influence on the supermarket will show up this year in increased healthful food options, wider aisles and lower shelves.

4. Increased emphasis on "farm to fork" - More Americans are interested in knowing where the food comes from. In 2012, you'll see more blogs and social media featuring farmers, as well as advertising and TV programs starring farmers as food experts. Hunt's tomatoes, for example, are grown in Oakdale, California and harvested at the peak of ripeness then flash-steamed to maintain the natural tomato goodness.

5. The end of the checkout lane - Tech-savvy options are gaining popularity, with consumers enjoying self-checkouts, comparing prices at nearby retailers, and taking advantage of the convenience of cellphone scanners, in-store interactive media devices, QR codes, RFID and mobile coupons.

6. Ethnic on the road - Food trucks are replacing gourmet and specialty stores as the channel to experiment and discover new food experiences - especially when it comes to ethnic foods. More often than not, these ethnic food trucks are operated by natives of the countries from which the actual cuisines being offered originated, and they have the ability and knowledge to share the heritage and romance of the food.

7. It's a man's (grocery shopping) world - Dads aren't just winning the bread; these days, they're also bringing it home from the grocery store. A Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that 41 percent of men are now preparing food for their families, as compared to half that percentage in 2003. Look for them to do more grocery shopping, too, Lempert predicts.

8. Extreme home cooking - More people will continue to eat at home to save money. Following the lead of extreme couponers, groups of everyday cooks pride themselves on making the most food for the least amount of money.

9. How sweet it isn't - Reduced sugar products and revised Nutrition Facts panels will be the biggest health claim in 2012. With the negative health effects of sugar and high fructose corn syrup gaining so much attention, look for a continued emphasis on reducing sugar in our diets. Food producers like ConAgra are responding by eliminating high fructose corn syrup from such staples as Peter Pan peanut butter and Hunt's Ketchup products.

10. Listen to your food - You judge the readiness of some foods (like microwave popcorn or grilled burgers), by the sounds they make. Multisensory perception will be one of the new "food sciences" in 2012, as psychologists and food scientists join forces to design, create and influence the sounds of our foods to convey freshness, taste and even health attributes.

For more information about Phil Lempert's 2012 predictions, visit SupermarketGuru.com, and for simple meal ideas made in 30 minutes or less, visit ReadySetEat.com.

Making Egg Tarts

Looks like my baking mood decided to stick around for a while. I bought the egg tart moulds last month and finally decided to give it a go. It was really yummy.

Here, meet my teacher:



All the way from Hong Kong! Hahahah.
The first time I followed her recipe, I had quite a bit of leftover egg filling. So the second time I made it, I doubled the pastry recipe. That gave me 25 egg tarts which were quickly devoured by my dinosaurs.

Here is the recipe for your convenience. For directions, just watch the video.

Egg tart pastry:
140g butter (I used 1/3 butter, 2/3 Planta margerine)
1/2 an egg
70g icing sugar
200g flour
(This pastry recipe gives you about 12 egg tarts.)

Egg tart filling:
140g sugar
300ml water
4 eggs
80ml evaporated full cream milk

Happy Baking!

Terrific Thursday Freebie: MyMemories Scrapbook Kit

It is scrapbook time. Have you been scrapping? If you haven't tried it before but want to, here's a free kit to get your started. Quick pages are the easiest way to scrapbook. All the designing work has been done for you, all you have to do is plop in your pictures. Of course, you can add more embellishments and journaling to give it your unique touch. The kit you see below is only available this week. Come back next week and you'll see a different one.

Here's the preview to this week's scrapbook kit:

 This kit includes 2 digital papers, 5 page elements and 2 quick pages.

You can get by clicking this link:

I WANT THIS DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK KIT

Although this freebie is courtesy of MyMemories, it is not a MyMemories Suite template. The elements and QuickPages are.png and the papers are .jpg format. You can use it with any software.

MyMemories Suite is a digital scrapbook software that allows you to design a scrapbook page with ease.  You don't have to pay full price when you buy MyMemories Suite. Here's a discount code that will slash $10 off the price. Plus, you get another $10 gift certificate to buy stuff at their online store. Just copy and paste this code:
STMMMS86598

Here's where you can get the software:
MY MEMORIES SUITE: SOFTWARE FOR SCRAPBOOKING

If you did a scrapbook with this kit, let me know. Just leave a comment below. I would love to see it.

Who would you rather die first?

Today my mom told me that my back neighbor had passed away. It feels weird, and tragic, that the lady I see walking her children to school every morning is suddenly gone. We were told it was due to an accident. I believe she has 6 children.

This got me thinking about my kids. Would they be better off if I died first or their dad? I know, I know... such a morbid topic. Anyway, I posed my question to my kids just to see how their minds work.

So, I went to each of them and asked this hypothetical question:
"If an angel appeared to you and told you that one of your parents need to die and he gave you the opportunity to choose which parent it should be, which would you choose?"

K: I don't know. Don't ask me to answer such question. Both also I don't want dead. Don't force me to answer.
D1: I'll choose mommy (answered hesitantly coz' he thought I'd get angry). Because I'm a boy and you know... boy with boy (meaning he still has a dad to bond with and show him the ropes). Plus, daddy earns the money (smart kid, as I suspected).
D2: I choose daddy. Because he is older (what do you expect from a 4 year old?)

Anyway, in my situation, I think my kids are better off if I died first. I agree with D1; Daddy earns the money and so if he died first, our family would not have to go through a major, major change. If I died first, the family would not suffer financially. And fortunately we still have grandparents that can help take care of them. Of course they would miss me but I don't think their life would be turned upside down.

What are your thoughts on this? Who would you rather die first, you or your spouse?

p.s. Just to make things clear, this is just a hypothetical question. It is not about making death wishes. Please do not be offended.

Scrapbook Freebie

Usually the scrapbook freebies are posted on Thursdays. So, sorry for the delay this week. But it is available now and I hope you like it. Download it now because next week, it is going to be a different one.

Here's the preview to this week's scrapbook kit:

This kit includes 2 digital papers, 6 page elements and 2 quick pages.

You can get by clicking this link:

I WANT THIS DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK KIT

You may not think you can "scrapbook" - but with Quick Pages it is easy to just layer your photos behind the page, add a little journaling, and voila - ready for printing or saving for the web!

Although this freebie is courtesy of MyMemories, it is not a MyMemories Suite template. The elements and QuickPages are.png and the papers are .jpg format. You can use it with any software.

I use MyMemories Suite when I scrapbook. It is very easy to use. Version 3 was just launched. It is now better and has more features. You don't have to pay full price when you buy MyMemories Suite. Here's a discount code that will slash $10 off the price. Plus, you get another $10 gift certificate to buy stuff at their online store. Just copy and paste this code:
STMMMS86598

Here's where you can get the software:
MY MEMORIES SUITE: SOFTWARE FOR SCRAPBOOKING

I would like to see your scrapbooks. Do drop me a note here and let me know where I can see your work.

Hope to hear from you soon and happy scrapping!

About Kids and Chicken Pox

Early December one of my kids started to break out in spots. No doubt it was the chicken pox. 2 weeks later, my other three kids also became spotty. So for more than 3 weeks now, we've been anti-social because we do not want to spread it to other people. We've had to skip a Christmas party and people at church are probably wondering if we've become lost sheep.

Now that I've gone through the ordeal, I thought I'd share what I learned.

1. My first two kids were vaccinated for chicken pox when they were babies. Obviously, it is not 100% protection. So do not assume that once vaccinated, they are immune for life.

2. They say if you get chicken pox and you've been vaccinated before, you won't suffer too badly. That was true for my son D1 but not really for my daughter K. D1 had very little spots but K had a fair amount. My youngest girl, babyK (2 years old) had very few spots and she wasn't vaccinated. Worst hit was D2. He was not vaccinated. This is the picture of his back.

3. Besides fever, the kids will also have a sore throat. It even hurts for them to swallow water. They may complain of some body ache like leg pain. My girl K was very fatigue and felt dizzy most of the time.

4. I put calamine lotion on their body but they didn't like it. They said it didn't help much with the itching either. I boiled barley water and pak-chi-cho (chinese herbal drink) to cool down their body. My girl said after drinking, the itching isn't as bad. Oh, almost forgot to mentioned that the doctor prescribed an antihistamin (Alleryl or Piriton) to help with the itching too.

5. Another idea that helped with the itching was rubbing ice on the itchy spots. I gave my girl an ice cube and wrapped it in a handkerchief. Instead of scratching, she rubbed the ice on the spots.

6. Make sure they drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

7. The chicken pox has an incubation period of about 2-3 weeks. When D1 was having it, my other 3 kids didn't show any symptoms until 2 weeks later.

Some questions you may have:

• When is the chicken pox contagious?
  I thought it was when the spots start to dry up and flake off. BUT apparently, a person is contagious even 2 days before the spots appear.

• Can you spread the chicken pox virus even though you've already had it before but you are now in contact with your child who has it?
  My friend said yes and that was because she contracted chicken pox from a mom whose baby was having the chicken pox. The idea is that you are carrying the virus even though you are not infected with it. However, some people say no because the antibodies in your body would have destroyed the virus already. I don't know the right answer but I would rather be safe than sorry. I don't want others blaming me for passing the chicken pox around. That's why my family's social life came to a stand still when the chicken pox started.

• Is a chicken pox party a good idea?
  My idea of a chicken pox party is for kids already infected with the pox to get together to have some fun. The original idea of a chicken pox party is for healthy kids to mix around with infected kids so they too can be infected and get the pox over with. Many health experts are not in favor of this. They say you never know when the chicken pox could get complicated. So why purposely expose your child to it. Here's a video on that matter.
  
  
  So yes, please do not do the chicken pox infected lollipops thing okay?

Are your kids vaccinated against the chicken pox?

What to do with minty candy canes your children don't eat

When I was at university, I loved to buy minty hot chocolate. It was my favorite, especially during the winter days. Unfortunately, I can't get them here in my country. BUT, there is still another way for me to enjoy it.

I got a packet of candy canes for Christmas. Since my kids don't like the minty canes, in they go into my hot chocolate every morning. By the time I finish my drink, there's still a tiny sliver left of candy cane.

If you've never had this, try it. If you love mint, you'll love mint hot chocolate.

Happy New Year, Let's Move On

So, the New Year is here. Let us not be like Lot's wife who looked back. Let our hearts not linger in the past but focus on the future. Let us learn from our mistakes and become better this new year. Enjoy the video.

Make New Year's resolutions close to home

(ARA) - As each year comes to a close, people begin to make resolutions - typically, vowing to start something new in the year ahead, such as lose weight, get a new job, start volunteering and so on. Making resolutions is easy; the hard part is keeping them. However, there are a few things you can do at home that might actually help you achieve some of your New Year's goals. Start 2012 on the right foot with this list of easy home updates and tips to help conquer your New Year's resolutions.

Develop better eating habits

* Research shows that people tend to eat less when surrounded by the color blue. Repaint your kitchen or dining room in a blue hue to help naturally suppress your appetite. And, painting is a great way to tone your arms if you also resolve to get in shape. Once the paint dries, clean out your pantry and replace any high-calorie or fatty foods with healthier options.

Help the environment

* Growing concern for the environment prompts many people to resolve to be more green. Your refrigerator runs all day, every day, which accounts for a large percentage of your home's energy usage. Keeping your refrigerator's thermostat set between 38 and 42 degrees will help save energy and keep your food from spoiling.

Give to others or volunteer

* Clean out your closets and collect any gently used items you and your family no longer use or need. There are a number of national and local organizations that accept clothing donations; some will even pick up the items directly from your home. Beyond clothing, consider giving previously used toys, games, books or materials for crafts to the local hospital or day care center.

Spend more time with family and friends

* After a long day at work or school, not to mention all of life's other activities and events, the last thing you want to do is spend your downtime cleaning your home. Look for household products and tools that keep cleaning time to a minimum. The AccuClean(TM) whole-home air filtration system from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning attaches to your furnace or air handler to reduce dust accumulation in the home by more than 50 percent, which means you'll spend less time cleaning and have more time for your family and friends.

Learn something new

* One of the most common resolutions centers around conquering a fear or trying something new. Take a look at your home and challenge yourself to tackle home improvement projects on your own. Finish an unfinished basement, build an outdoor play space for the kids or renovate a bathroom. Not only will you conquer any do-it-yourself fears, but any revamp of your home will only add to its value and resale potential.

Keeping New Year's resolutions can certainly be a challenge, so it's important to set yourself up for success. First, set specific and realistic goals; and don't be scared to break bigger goals into a series of smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Most important, have a strategy for setbacks - we all slip up from time to time, but the key is to get back on track. It's been said that four out of five people who make New Year's resolutions eventually break them. Prove the statistics wrong and make this the year you keep your resolutions.