Moms Don't SRESS OUT Over Making Dinner - Substitute Ingredients Creatively

by Janis Brett Elspas

MommyBlogExpert

Today, as I mentioned in an earlier post on this blog today, it's raining in California which doesn't happen very often.  Since I live in the land of cars where the norm is to DRIVE to the grocery store just a few blocks from home, even if one needs just for an item or two, I thought others caught in a similar predicament would appreciate this.  I love to cook, but even if you don't enjoy culinary arts or even if you think you are a lousy cook, all it requires is a little out of the box thinking to prepare a meal your family will love.

As this story goes, while cooking dinner today I realized that I didn't have everything needed to make tonight's recipes.  Rather than get wet, and gasp -- drive 3 blocks to my neighborhood grocery store -- I've decided to still make everything I planned on for this evening, with a just a few small adjustments.

For the stuffed peppers (Reyenades) from my Cookbook of the Jews of Greece the recipe called for pine nuts, black currants, and fresh dill and fresh parsley -- none of which I had on hand.  So, instead I'm used pecans, chopped dates and dried dill and parsley for that.  Then, for the Canola Cooking Contest I'm entering on SheBlogs.org I'm making Tunisian Pomegranate Grilled Chicken as the main dish tonight and just discovered I already used up the dates I needed for that on the Reyenades.  I don't have any raisins or currents in the house either to substitute, so I'm going to make it with dried apricots instead.  As a matter of fact, I don't have the Arugula or shallots I need either for the Tunisian Chicken, so I'm going to substitute dark green lettuce and chopped onions and a bit a fresh garlic for those items.

Remember, you never have to stress out in the kitchen when you don't have the exact ingredients.  Switch your mind to its creative side and mix things up a little bit because recipes are meant to be tweaked and you may end up liking your own version even better than the original.  For sure, if you take a little artistic license, the meals you make for your family will be absolutely wonderful and they'll be begging for more. 

We're setting the table now and it's almost time to log off for today, so photos will be posted later.  But be assured that, as far as tonight's dinner goes, I'm glad to say everything turned out just delicious to smell, to look at, and to taste, plus my family loves it.   Could a mom ask for anything more than a happy family dinner with a meal without any complaints?

Leave your own successful cooking substitution stories in the comment section below.  Moms we have so much we can learn from each other!

FTC Disclosure:  Mommy Blog Expert was neither paid nor received other compensation from any company or product mentioned in this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Moms of TWINS, TRIPLETS, QUADS Tweens/Teens - NEW Community Just for US on Family Circle's Momsters.com Network

As a mom of triplets, I've just set up this great group on Momster.com a Family Circle social networking site created just for multiple moms of teens and tweens - basically, a site that's pretty much made for us.
 
Twins, Triplets, Quads Tweens and Teens is a great place to meet other moms and share ideas, opinions, photos, and more!

Cabin Fever Kid Chaos When it Rains, What's a Mother To Do?

by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert

This morning, like every other day 24/7,  I was woken up to the screaming and fighting of kids.

What was different about today, though, was that my two girls were making breakfast by themselves as a surprise for mom -- and dad who had been on call at the hospital all night but hadn't arrived home yet.  Yes, in case you're wondering, girls are much better at creating a scream-fest in the house and messing up the kitchen with scrambled eggs flying everywhere with a broken egg turner Farberware spatula (which was supposed to be virtually impossible to destroy) causing one of them to come yelping into the master bedroom for a band-aid today.

Let's comment on the bright side first: I haven't had to set an alarm clock to get up in the morning since we had our first child 14-1/2 years ago.

Now on to the point of this post:  I live on the West Coast and it's raining cats and dogs right now.  Makes me think of the song that goes, "It never rains in California, but let me warn you, when it rains it really pours."  LOL.  You can say that again.

At our house it is REALLY pouring outside and inside today.  No, I'm not talking about all the roof leaks we had fixed during the last downpour in January, I'm referring to the chaos at home as this mommy blogger tries to get some work done while continuing to homeschool our four kids: TRIPLET tweens plus 14 year-old big brother.  Any mom, whether you homeschool like us or send your kid(s) to a traditional classroom at a brick-and-mortar school dreads those cabin fever-Halcyon days like today.  And, believe me, just about everyone with one or more kids two years old and up knows exactly what I'm talking about.

How am I coping with all the bizarre behavior a little precipitation always seems to bring out in children--whether toddlers or teens?  The first thing I did was put warm coats on the two gal culprits and gave them some clay to play with in the covered corridor right outside our front door.  They played out there nicely, warm and dry but getting a little fresh air which really calmed them down, until Daddy arrived home.  Then, as if by magic, suddenly the kids were all little angels.  My DH then took the 14 year-old with him to the gym to work out all morning and I was able to enjoy my weekly Double Chocolate Latte from Coffee Bean in peace while reading the Los Angeles Times.

Makes me wish Daddy didn't have to work at all and could help me with the kids every day.   In fact, after today, I have a new-found respect for anyone (single parent or married) who is alone with more than one kid on a rainy day.

Four against one are not very good odds, but two against four does seem to help considerably around here.  Daddy, thanks once again, for being my Knight in Shing Armor and saving my day!

READERS:  How do you make it through crazy rainy days like today?  You're invited to leave your own comments here on how you deal with Kid Chaos on rainy days.  It would be wonderful to share what works for you with the rest of us harried mommies.  I'm all ears and look forward to some great ideas from moms (and Mr. Moms) of kids of all ages.

FTC Disclosure:  Mommy Blog Expert was neither paid nor received other compensation from any company or product mentioned in this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

FREE Valentines Day Crafts That Bring Families Closer Together

by Janis Brett Elspas

MommyBlogExpert

NOTE:  Bookmark this page and keep checking back as I'll keep adding more FREE great ideas to share with you up until February 14th.

Nothing brings kids, siblings, friends, moms, dads, and grandparents together for Valentine's Day like creating something fun to celebrate.  There are so many great FREE kid art and cooking project ideas out there right now.  Here are just a few of my favorites this year for various skill levels and ages.

Make the sweet Valentine's Day heart candy box pictured above by Disney Family Fun then fill it with some sweets for Daddy, a favorite neighbor, teacher, or anyone else special with these directions

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all about candy.  Stir up a healthy red grapes, goat cheese, and pistachio mouth-watering snack with this recipe from Homemade Simple

These dainty crocheted heart sachets from Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts would be really fun to stitch up for those with just a little crocheting ability by following these directions

Sewers with basic skills will have a wonderful time putting this lovely romantic love notes quilt together shown here in my fav color combination of pink and spring green with this Kaye Wood 20 minute free video demonstration

Family Fun has some adorable valentine cards to download like this heart photo frame valentine.  See and down load any or all of their designs here

Crayola, the company that has been making crayons for generations, has some wonderful online printables like the candy box for kids to color for Valentine's Day, too, access a really nice selection of coloring pages you can download here

These Matchbox Valentines pictured above by Rachel Johnson are so easy to make.  All you need is some creativity and some scraps of fabric, paper, ribbons, and/or trinkets.  Get the directions & download matchbox templates here

These little Molten Chocolate Babycakes treats from Cooking.com are a wonderful grownup dessert sized perfectly for kids' appetite for sweets.  Make it as a surprise for your children on the day of hearts or invite them into the kitchen to concoct this gourmet mini cake with just a few basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, some custard or mini souffle cups and this recipe

Handprint Valentines from Martha Stewart are easy and fun to make and also make wonderful family heirlooms. Get the directions here

Happy Valentine's Day

from 
MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com

I look forward to your receiving comments below on these fun projects, as well as having you post links to any other Valentines projects you'd like to share with the readers of MommyBlogExpert.

FTC Disclosure:  Mommy Blog Expert was neither paid nor received other compensation from any company or product mentioned in this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

10 Best Heart-Warming Gifts for Valentine's Day 2010

by Janis Brett Elspas
MommyBlogExpert

You'll find something really special and sweet for every member of the family, including pets, in this wonderful selection of truly unforgettable gifts.

$30 and Under

From old-fashioned gourmet food and fruit mail order company Harry & David comes this beautiful and tasty decorated heart cookie and brownie gift basket box, pictured above.  Ten exquisite sweets packaged as shown.  Net weight 14 ounces.  Free Delivery if you use the code LOVE at checkout.  Order the Harry & David Sweetheart's Cookie Box pictured here
$29.95

Divine Blissful Chocolate Gift Set 

From Divine Chocolate, which sells Fair Trade products from around the world, comes this lovely handmade embroidered paper tote. Filled with 3 large Divine Chocolate bars (dark, milk, white) that are made from cocoa beans from Ghana, plus Mexican Morning Roast Coffee, and 3 recycled paper book marks from Nepal.  Order the Divine Blissful Chocolate Gift Set pictured here

$21

12 Ways to Say I Love You Book

From Rag & Bone Bindery in Rhode Island, here's a fill-in book where the giver completes pages such as My favorite way to spend the day with you is...  Any man or woman who is sentimental is going to love this clever gift available in a wide array of colors.  Order the 12 Ways to Say I Love You Book here

$29

Silver Tone Fortune Cookie Box
Put a little love note in this Fortune Cookie box from Isabella that really opens and closes.  Thinking of asking that love of your life to marry you? Why not present her engagement ring in this unique box that will stand the test of time?  2.75" x 2.75" x 2".  Order this great find of a gift here
$11.95

Princess Crystal Necklace
Boxed inside a regal pink jeweled crown as shown is this dainty sterling silver and Austrian crystal heart pendant from Personalized Mall for that special little girl in your life. Order here
$19.95

$30 - $50
Chocolate Strawberry Rose Bouquet
From Edible Arrangements is an exquisite mix of semi sweet chocolate and white chocolate dipped strawberry "roses" packed in an exclusive rose box. Pick this gift up at one of their stores or order online here
$49.95

Victorian Valentine Wreath 
From Williams-Sonoma comes this unique wreath made with reproductions of Victorian valentines. Measuring 18-1/2" in diameter, this is pretty enough to leave hanging year-round.   Order this Williams-Sonoma Exclusive Valentine Wreath here
$39.95

Eli's Mini Chocolate Heart Cheesecakes
From Eli's Cheesecake of Chicago comes this dozen of scrumptious mini 2" Belgian Chocolate cheesecakes. Shipped fresh in dry ice to your door.  Great idea if you are holding a Valentine's party for adults at home or for your kid's classroom celebration at school.  Through February 9th, SAVE 15% on all Valentine items with Coupon Code VAL 21  Order here 
$35/dozen

Stylish Dog Hooded Raincoat
From Muttropolis in pink floral as shown, is this snazzy coat that will help shelter your favorite canine from the elements when it rains or snows.  Available in very small to large breed sizes. Order here
$34

$50 and Up

Stuffed Bear in Conversational Heart PJs
This 15" bear from Vermont Teddy Bears (pictured below) is wearing conversational heart pajamas and is the cutest, softest toy either for kids over 3 years old, including adults.  Order here 
$74.95

Happy Valentine's Day from

MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com 

FTC Disclosure:  Mommy Blog Expert did not receive any of the products mentioned. Also, MommyBlogExpert was neither paid nor received other compensation from any company or product mentioned in this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.