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Moms Making Noise confess their regifting experiences - yes, we all have participated one way or another.  Jodi has one that is missing in action, Body Paint - it’s a mystery.  She also has mom stories for the worst presents - seems her mom was an expert at selecting the most off-the-wall gifts.  One dynamite gift received from a husband was a snow-blower, the latest and greatest of course… Yes, it really was for him.  These moms talked about holiday treats (snowballs, carrot cake) meals and frustrations…  You’ll learn from their good and bad ideas!  Have fun and tune into this archived show aired Dec. 26th!

Lynn Battels, our radio guest chef from The Whole Foods Market in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, revealed her secret to entertaining without stress - Planning!  Isn’t that the secret to most successes?  Why is it that we resist sitting down and planning when entertaining - I know I do.  For a smooth-running, hassle-free party that the host can enjoy, begin planning two weeks in advance.  Whether it will be a buffet, snacks and drinks for adults or kids, or a sit down dinner, Lynn says she begins with selecting the menu, beginning with the entree(s).  She works outward from there, taking into account the number of guests, time of day and year, a balance of protein and carbohydrates, and a nice array of naturally-sourced colors.  Lynn creates a chart of what needs to be done when, including allowing time to dress and relax before the party.  She pointed out on the radio show, that there are several recipes which can be prepared a day or to before the party.  It sounded so logical and easy - even fun!  Listen to the blog talk radios show archive of our interview with Lynn Battels.  She has so many easy and delicious ideas for entertaining menus. (www.BlogTalkRadio.com/BetterFoodChoices)

Lynn’s System to Plan/Organize for Entertaining is being posted on www.BetterFoodChoices.com.  Print it out and have it by your side the next time you plan a party menu.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

This really works with kids.  Give it a try:

From Sunday dinner through Friday lunch, serve your kids nourishing foods and lots of water. Friday night tell them they can eat whatever they want. From Saturday to mid-day Sunday morning offer them junk food. Sunday evening, return to serving Better Choices meals. This is an effective weaning process. In time, you will find your kids won’t crave as much junk food, even on the weekends.

Exception: Kids who play sports, perform, or have academic challenges on the weekends need to wait until after they are finished to have treats, well-deserved treats.