The kids will soon be home again for winter break, and it won’t take long until their “bored already”. The weather can be cold, wet and nasty. What do you do? Plan now to keep them busy making something with their hands, instead of you tearing your hair out. Here are 5 Holiday Crafts for Kids.

These treats are bound to be a favorite this holiday season, and you may find yourself wanting to make more. Perfect for gift giving, put some pieces in a cellophane bag, or airtight container for Teachers, neighbors, co-workers or friends. Here are 3 Chocolate and Candy Cane Treats.

Christmas belongs to everyone especially the children. Most of the memories that we treasure for a lifetime are created during childhood. Help your kids to make memorable moments with Edible Tree Ornaments.

Before you throw out what appears to be useless ornaments and Christmas cards, think about how they can be reused for another year of celebration. Get the kids involved and turn the quest for recycled materials into a treasure hunt through the house. Here are 5 ideas for Recycled Christmas Decorations.

Everyone thinks of the traditional ham or turkey with all the trimmings as the must-have meal at the holidays, but it’s a lot of work. Time to start thinking about it now! You can still have a delicious meal without slaving away all day. Really! Here are some Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas.

1. Pre-camping preparation. If you have small children, you may want to select a tent that will accommodate all if you comfortably. On the other hand, if you are camping with older children, it may be a good idea to purchase additional pup tents to give them some sense of independence. Either way, practice assembling the tents in your backyard beforehand to avoid wasting time at the camp site. You never know what time, or what the weather conditions might be when you get to setting up camp.

2. Selecting a campsite. Depending upon whether you decide to “rough it” or choose a campsite that is close to amenities, you can research the many campsites online that offer comprehensive information on the area. This will enable you to decide not only what equipment, clothing, and food you need to take, but the available hiking areas and points of interest as well.

Ensure that the campsite you select is an official campsite area. Moreover, when researching camping sites it’s a good idea to look for those areas that are on the high ground. Thus, if it rains, your tent and equipment will not become water logged.

3. Make a checklist. In our family, we call this our “TACAMO” (Take ACtion And Move Out) sheet. This is very important to ensure you do not forget anything on your camping trip. Among the items on your checklist, some of the more important items you will need are:

* Cooking gear such as a frying pan, a few pots, a bucket, barbecue grill or stove, bags with a Ziploc, and cooking utensils. In addition, food containers and canned goods are best. It is also recommended that you prepare meals at home and package them in containers for the trip. Also bring water, a can opener, hot water kettle and coffee pot, and a cooler with a block of ice. You might want to pack two coolers – one for refrigerated foods, and one for dry goods.

* Packing the appropriate clothing is also essential. Depending upon the location, wearing light layers is a good idea as well as packing some sweats and jackets for the evening hours. Extra socks, hats, and gloves may also be warranted. If you intend to engage in some hiking, proper hiking boots are necessary. Bring a lundry bag and maybe one to store wet gear that might not be dry when it’s time to go home.

* Sleeping gear, first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, cell phone, garbage bags, toiletries, sunscreen, ointments, a map of the area, insect repellent, games for the kids, and rain gear.

4. When you reach the camp site, choose a flat area to set up the tents. Ensure there are no rocks or debris where the tent will be set up. Most campgrounds will post warning signs or instructions regarding specific animals and vegetation.

5. When preparing a campfire, if appropriate, ensure that it is set up further away from the tents. After you have roasted the marshmallows, sang songs, and told ghost stories; douse the fire before going to bed.

Finally, enjoy the entire camping experience. Sleeping “under the stars”, communing with nature, and relishing the time spent with family will not only bring a family closer together, but the memories of this experience will last forever.

1. Let the children make him a T-shirt with their handprints on it. The craft is very simple and your children will love the opportunity to create something special just for Dad. Find fabric paints in Dad’s favorite colors and purchase a 100% cotton T-shirt for each child to decorate. Put the fabric paint on a disposable plate and then have the children place their hands on the shirt. Follow washing instructions after the paint has dried. You may want to have the children sign and date the shirt so Dad can see how much the children have grown.

2. Let Dad know you support his dreams by opening up a “dream fund” for him. You don’t have to fill the entire fund up immediately, but you can add a little here and there every year to help him make his dream item a reality. Maybe you could save change in a jar for him to add to his dream fund or put aside as little as $5.00 a month. Before long there will be a good sized amount in the account and he’ll be well on his way to getting that dream tool or bigger ticket item.

3. For those of you who have long distance Father’s Day wishes to send, many newspapers will run special advertisements for major holidays, and that could include Father’s Day. Purchase a small ad in Dad’s local newspaper to let him know how much he means to you and how much you love him. Just remember to put his name on the ad or someone else might think the ad is for them!

4. Gasoline prices change every day. Why not give Dad a gift card specifically for his next fill up? Not only is this gift practical, it will also let him keep that much money in his pocket for the week. He can either put the money into his dream fund or splurge and eat out with the guys at the office one day during the week.

5. If the Dad in your family is like most men, he most likely loves to grill. Why not purchase an inexpensive white barbecue apron and decorate it yourself? You can dye it any color and then use fabric paints to write “Kiss the Cook” or “King of the Grill” He’ll be sure to use the apron the next time he grills.

6. Plan an outing for everyone in the family to enjoy on Father’s Day. This might be something as simple as a picnic in the park to something more elaborate like planning an entire day going fishing with him. Whatever his favorite activity is – golfing, bicycling, playing card games, or just watching TV – do that activity with him. The time spent with him will mean more than any cheesy tie you could ever buy him.

7. Don’t forget to feed Dad on his special day. Many restaurants have special prices for Dads. If you can’t afford an entire meal out, why not treat him to his favorite ice cream? Remember the 5 Father’s Day BBQ Recipes we previously posted too – eat at home, save the gas and the money.

Perhaps these seven frugal ideas for a special Father’s Day have sparked some creative ideas of your own. Remember, whatever you choose to do with Dad on his day, as long as you let him know how much you love him, he’ll probably be happy.

1. Grilled hamburgers are always a hit, but you may want to incorporate another of Dad’s favorites – blue cheese. While you’re preparing the two pounds of ground beef (preferably ground chuck), add ¾ teaspoon onion powder, 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ tablespoons horseradish (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Mix this thoroughly and then form into patties. Grill the burgers over hot heat until they reach a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Fix the burgers with your favorite fixings and enjoy!
2. Steaks are another grilling favorite and nothing could be better than a great grilled rib eye steak for Father’s Day. Mix together ¼ cup steak sauce and ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Add one clove or minced garlic and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Combine this thoroughly and then pour into a zip top bag that holds the steaks. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. Then grill for four to five minutes on each side.
3. Perhaps your dad prefers seafood. Why not grill up some spicy barbecue shrimp? The recipe is simple: ½ cup butter, 3/4 cup barbecue sauce, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 pounds of unshelled shrimp, ½ cup dry sherry, and cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Toss the shrimp in the mixture and then prepare your grill. Be very careful when grilling the shrimp; you may need a fish tray or use skewers to keep the shrimp from falling through the grill. Cook for about four minutes on each side.
4. Barbecued ribs are another favorite. You’ll need six pounds of ribs, 1 1/3 cup ketchup, ¾ cup water, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 4 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 small onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix all of the ingredients together except the ribs, and cook for ten minutes. Brush the ribs with sauce and cook the ribs over medium hot coals for about an hour.
5. Don’t forget about dessert! Yes, even this can be prepared using the grill. Why not prepare grilled pound cake with berries and ice cream. You’ll need one pound cake – already prepared or home-made, ice cream, and whatever kind of berries your dad likes most. Slice the pound cake and then heat each slice on a clean, hot grill for a couple of minutes or until you can see grill marks on each side of the cake. Remove the cake from the grill, then top each piece with a scoop of Dad’s favorite ice cream. Top it all off with ½ cup of fresh berries per slice.

Father’s Day comes but once a year. Try one or more of these five recipes for a special Father’s Day BBQ. With food like this, your hubby, or dad may ask you to prepare the same feast every year!

]]> http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/06/5-fathers-day-bbq-recipes/feed/ 1 http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/04/our-dog-snapple/ http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/04/our-dog-snapple/#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:40:16 +0000 Lauren http://momsonlineretreat.com/?p=501 Continue reading →]]> In Loving Memory of Our Dog
Lady Snapple Feathers
April 3, 2000-April 6, 2009

We were lucky to have what we consider to be the best dog in the world as a family pet for the last 8.5 years. We got Snapple as a puppy, about 6 months before our first son was born. She was a faithful, protective, loving, loyal, friendly, furry, loving, affectionate, smart, funny, and loving family dog.

In honor of her, I’ll be adding a new category “Pets” to the site, as they are such a part of so many of our lives. We miss Snapple very much around here. The house is quieter – though I still think I hear her at times. Got a lot of phones calls, tweets, email and cards of condolence. One of the most recent sentiments, was also the most comforting. It said, “Always remember yu gave your pet the most precious gift of all…a life filled with love and affection”. It was easy – very easy, because she gave us so much back in return!

]]> http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/04/our-dog-snapple/feed/ 0 http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/01/marys-tuna-casserole/ http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/01/marys-tuna-casserole/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:32:30 +0000 Lauren http://momsonlineretreat.com/cookbook/?p=42 Continue reading →]]> Special Thanks to Mary Wood who contributed this recipe through a comment she left to my Call for Recipes! Here’s what she posted…

The recipe idea came from a desire to make a meal that was tasty and inexpensive to make, my husband was laid off from work at the time and I was trying to make our budget stretch and I had a desire for Tuna casserrole an entre` my husband hated. I doctored up the traditional casserole he loathed and now he enjoys my version of the classic casserole.

Mary’s Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cans tuna packed in water
• 1 small onion
• 2 pieces celery chopped
• 1 large carrot diced small
• 1 Tb. Tarragon spice
• 1t. Natures Seasoning
• 2Tb. Butter
• 1 package Noodles
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• Grated Parmesan/Ramono Cheese

Instructions:
(Boil water for noodles and follow package instructions)
Meanwhile melt butter in sauce pan on medium heat, add chopped onions and carrots and celery. Let saute` for about 10 minutes stirring constantly, add drained rinsed tuna (make sure tuan is drained very dry) saute with vegetables and seasonings for about 15 minutes or until tuna is golden brown but not burnt. (it may need more butter-use your judgement). Once meat and vegetables are cooked add mixture to cooked noodles and add soup mex well and place in a glass baking dish-sprinkel with cheese and heat in oven until cheese is a nice golden brown. approx 20 minutes @350*. Enjoy!

]]> http://momsonlineretreat.com/2009/01/marys-tuna-casserole/feed/ 0 http://momsonlineretreat.com/2008/11/scrapbasics-supplies/ http://momsonlineretreat.com/2008/11/scrapbasics-supplies/#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:28:01 +0000 Lauren http://testblog.momsonlineretreat.com/?p=139 Continue reading →]]> When you go into a craft, or scrapbook supply store, it can be somewhat overwhelming as you stroll through the aisles. Just like grocery shopping, if you don’t have a list of what to get you can easily get distracted, or overwhelmed by all there is on the shelves. The “impulse shopping” bug can take hold, and you end up leaving the store with a lot of things that you did not intend to get. Or you walk out, utterly confused and frustrated, having purchased nothing.

Armed with a list of the basics, you will have a better idea of what you are looking for, which will help you be more focused. And you will have a more enjoyable experience. Below is your shopping list of some basic scrapbooking supplies.

1. Paper - Basic scrapbook papers are usually sold as individual sheets. They may be solid, patterned, or even themed. Cardstock is thicker paper that is often used for layout backgrounds. What you get may depend on the pictures you intend to put in your layout, and the size of your project. Scrapbook paper and cardstock is sold 12 x 12 inch or 8 x 11 inch sheets. What is most important, and a basic rule of scrapbooking, is the paper and cardstock must be acid and lignin-free.
2. Scrapbook Album - There are several sizes to choose from when it comes to picking out an album for your project. Standard album sizes are 12 in. x 12 in., 8 x 11, 6 x 6, and you may find smaller yet, 4 in. x 4 in. The larger sized albums offer more room for photos and layouts, and are good for archiving larger events, or chronicling a longer period of time. Smaller sized albums are good for scrapbooking a special occasion, and for gifts or brag books.
3. Paper and Photo Trimmers - Basically, if you have a sharp pair of scissors, you have what you need to trim paper, or crop photos. However, there are paper trimmers of varying size that will make cutting photos or paper to size a lot quicker and neater. These are similar to cutting boards, but are smaller and more specific in purpose. A paper trimmer also comes handy for cutting a perfectly straight edge, and is quicker and safer than using a craft knife with a ruler.
4. Photo-safe Adhesive - For basic scrapbooking, to adhere photos into your layout a glue stick, liquid glue pen, or double sided adhesive does the trick. As with other photo archiving supplies, the adhesive must also be photo-safe, meaning acid-free. Be aware, there are temporary (repositionable) and permanent types of adhesive. You may also choose to use photo corners. They all have their uses. As do liquid vs. tape adhesives. Ahhh-but that’s for another article.
5. Journaling pens - Telling the story or documenting the details of a special occasion in a scrapbook is referred to as journaling. While the writing can be done with a word processor, putting the journaling in your own handwriting adds a more personal touch and an added sentiment to your project. Look for acid free, archival quality pens. They come in a variety of colors, so you are sure to find the right pen to fit your scrapbook project.

These are the basic supplies that will get you started in laying out your photographs in a scrapbook. Having them at hand when you sit down to start your project will help the process go more smoothly. Pretty soon you’ll have your pictures arranged in your scrapbook, with the story told through your journaling. Be it a gift for someone else, or a book to hold your family photos, even using just the basic supplies, you can create a memento that is sure to be appreciated by all who look through it, for years to come.

About the Author: Lauren Haugh has been an Independent Scrapbook Consultant and is your Retreat Coordinator at Mom’s Online Retreat.  © 2008

]]> http://momsonlineretreat.com/2008/11/scrapbasics-supplies/feed/ 0 http://momsonlineretreat.com/2008/01/family-meal-planning-easy/ http://momsonlineretreat.com/2008/01/family-meal-planning-easy/#comments Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:26 +0000 Retreat Coordinator http://momsonlineretreat.com/cookbook/2008/01/16/family-meal-planning-easy/ Continue reading →]]> As moms, we have hectic lives. Whether we work out of the home, in the home or look after the kids full time, we definitely have our jobs cut out for us. We clean, chauffer the kids around, mend scraped knees, help with homework, do laundry and on top of all that we STILL have to figure out what we’re going to make for dinner each night.

Here are a few tips to take the pain out family meal planning:

First, choose a quiet time once a week when you have enough time to sit down and prepare your menu for the week ahead.

Look through your cupboards, fridge and freezer and make a mental note of all the food you already have in there.

Start with the food you’ll need for dinner. Plan your next weeks dinner menu around the food you already have. So for example, if you have pasta, simply add pasta sauce and ground beef to your list.

Plan as many dinner meals as you can around what you have in your kitchen already. Once you “run out” of meals then start planning new meals from scratch.

Once you have all your dinner meals then move on to breakfast. In my house this is fairly easy as my kids like to have cereal and fruit or toast and fruit (they’re not very adventurous at breakfast time!)

Once breakfast is sorted, then move on to lunch. If you have older kids who have school lunches you don’t really have much to worry about. If you have toddlers or younger children, a lot of the times they can actually have leftovers from the night before.

Lastly, add snacks, fruit, juice, milk and all those little extras we always seem to need.

Keep your weekly food shopping at that, once a week. Plan your weekly meals and do one shopping trip. If you have to keep going back and forth to the supermarket a few times a week, you can end up spending more money.

Stick your weekly menu on your fridge so all you have to do is glance at it in the mornings and take out whatever meat needs thawing and you can also make a mental note of how much time you’ll need to prepare dinner that night.

I guarantee if you take the time to do this once a week, you’ll actually save time and definitely save money. So it pays to plan ahead and be prepared.

With a little thought and planning ahead you’ll be on your way to hassle-free meal times… now if you could only get your kids to eat all their veggies!



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