take a day off...or more!

Here is my advice for mompreneur monday on this New Year's Eve: Take the day off! Being a mompreneur means you're always trying to balance work and family. The holidays are the perfect time to start off the new year right by spending quality time on what's most important, and that's spending time with loved ones. In my opinion, the only way to keep balance as a mompreneur is to actually give more time to my family than to my business. And that's my New Year's resolution for 2008...to give my time to those things that matter most. Happy New Year! --Emily

soup, snow, and celebration

This year we started a new holiday tradition. On Christmas Eve, weather permitting, we will have yummy soup in bread bowls, a dusting of snow, and celebration with friends and family. Here are the soups we served this year. They tasted extra delicious in bread bowls from the local bakery. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Eve and maybe even had the chance to start a new holiday tradition!

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
2 (14-oz) cans chicken broth
1 jar green salsa
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
2-3 cooked chicken breasts, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer about a half hour. Top with white corn tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Great with a side of cornbread!


Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 cups uncooked brown rice
1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
2 (14-oz) cans chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup margarine
3/4 cup flour
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken
6-8 cups milk, divided
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot over high heat, combine the celery, onions, rice, bouillon, broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Slowly add the flour, stirring often, to make a roux. Add 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup at a time, while constantly stirring. Add this and the chicken to the rice mixture and return the rice mixture to the stovetop over low heat.

If the soup seems too thick, add some or all of the remaining 2 cups of milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow to simmer for at least an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.


Tomato Basil Soup
3 cups whole tomatoes with juice, pureed in a blender (1 large can is perfect)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced carrots
2 small diced potatoes
1 T dry basil
1 tsp dry oregano
1 bay leaf
3 cans chicken broth, divided
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups Half & Half, warmed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper

Heat oil in large pot; add celery, onion, carrots, and potatoes and saute 5 minutes. Add basil, oregano, and bay leaf. Then add 2 cans chicken broth and tomato puree and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender. Melt butter in large saucepan and slowly sift in flour to make a roux. Slowly mix 1 cup hot soup into roux. Then add another 3 cups hot soup. Add roux mixture to remaining soup. Simmer. Stir constantly until thickened. Add remaining can chicken broth, cheese, warm Half & Half, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15 more minutes.

Here's some food for thought from Alice May Brock:

"Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good." --Emily

mom's time-out

Though LeShan and I are taking the week off from our blog I wanted to do a quick post today, for it's thankful thursday and I have much for which I am thankful!

• A slim-downed Christmas. This year we decided Santa would bring one big gift and we would supplement with only a handful of smaller gifts. Though the gifts under the tree were a bit more sparse the kids didn't seem to notice. I think we can do even better next year!"
• "The 12 Acts of Servemas". My parents have asked that we do an act of service each Christmas and write about it instead of buying them a gift. Though we went overboard this year (12 Acts of Servemas about killed us) we're already looking forward to figuring out what we'll do next year. We're thinking an experience serving at the soup kitchen will make for a great memory for everyone.
• Mom's time-out from writing for Boutique Cafe and posting on freshly baked. I've really enjoyed spending more time with my family. We've gone to the movies, done non-grocery shopping shopping, and stayed up late playing games. I've even been able to read the fun magazines Santa left in my stocking while sitting on the couch rather than in the bathroom!
• Game night. My family loves to play games and we've been staying up late to do so. It's interesting the kinds of conversations you have at 11pm at night when everyone's hyped up on sugar and suffering from lack of sleep. It's quality bonding at its best. Our favorite games? Sequence, Phase 10, Apples to Apples, and Whoonu.
• New Year's resolutions. They allow me to eat See's candy by the pound, Costco's All-American Chocolate cake by the slice-ful, and any other chocolate confection by the handful and not feel guilty about it. I might make a New Year's resolution to exercise along with that one to diet, but then again, maybe I'll save that one for 2009! --Emily
  

traditions

Christmas is a time of traditions both old and new. Being far away from family means Christmas is spent with just our family and a small gathering of friends. We have started a new tradition of having soup and various snacks on Christmas Eve. Our old traditions include Monkey Bread on Christmas morning, snacking on leftover's throughout the day, then going out to eat in the evening. For me it's all about keeping it simple!








Chili

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 46oz can tomatoe juice
1 29oz can tomatoe sauce
1 15oz kidney beans drained
1 15oz pinto beans drained
1 1/2c chopped onion
1/4c chopped green bell pepper
1/8tsp cayenne
1/2tsp white sugar
1/2tsp oregano
1/2tsp pepper
1tsp salt
1 1/2tsp cumin
1/4c chili powder

1. In a skillet brown the beef, and add onion. Saute till onion is tender.
2. In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
*In a slow cooker use low setting for 8-10 hours.








Corn Fritters

3 C oil for frying
1 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 C milk
1 Tblsp shortening melted
1 12oz can whole kernel corn, drained

1. Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C)
2. In a medium bow, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat together egg, milk, and shortening; stir into flour mixture. Mix in the corn kernels.
3. Drop fritter batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil, and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.








Monkey Bread

24 oz Frozen dinner rolls
1 C Brown sugar
1 pkg Instant butter scotch pudding
1/4 C White sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 C Walnuts (optional)
1/2 C Butter

Grease and flour bundt pan. Mix brown sugar and pudding together. Mix white sugar and cinnamon. Place dinner rolls frozen into pan, layer at a time. Sprinkle brown sugar mix over first layer, then cinnamon mix, spread 1/2 nuts and butter melted over first layer. Repeat with next. Set over night (I place mine in the oven) Do not cover. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!--LeShan

a hot cup of cocoa

Today's thankful thursday is inspired by a song from my daughter's second-grade class Christmas all about a steamin' hot cup of cocoa "with a marshmallow or two." I am a HUGE fan of hot chocolate and am extremely grateful for its various side effects. It can warm you from the inside out, make a long night of Christmas gift wrapping less painful, and bring two friends together for a much needed therapy session. Here are five cocoa-related things I am grateful for this season:

• Godiva's dark chocolate hot cocoa mix. Check out their holiday assortment for a great gift idea!
• Endangered Species Chocolate's All-Natural Peppermint hot cocoa mix. Do your soul and the world a favor by supporting a worthy cause. 10% of ESC's net profits are donated to help support species, habitat and humanity.
  
• Stephen's Candycane Cocoa. You can buy this flavor in single-serving packets, which when combined with a cute mug makes for another great fit idea!
  
• Back to Basics' Cocoa~Latte machine. This is so much fun for the whole family and makes the frothiest, yummiest cup of hot cocoa. Just add the milk, cocoa mix, and flip the switch!
• 7-Eleven's hot chocolate. Yep, I love this stuff. With a rich hot chocolate flavor and a variety of flavored syrups 7-Eleven lets you create your own hot chocolate confection. Tastes better than Starbuck's (though the atmosphere is a bit lacking).

What is your favorite hot chocolate mix? How do you like to enjoy your steaming cup of cocoa? Share with us your secret cocoa indulgence! --Emily

a vesrion of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I actually enjoyed!

For wonderful web wednesday I just have to feature this video sent to me from a friend via email. I honestly am not a big fan of The Twelve Days of Christmas song. Perhaps I've heard it twelve too many times, or maybe I'm just embarrassed because I can never remember if it's 11 lords a leaping or 10. Whatever the reason Straight No Chaser (a men's a cappella group) gave this song a fun twist that not only put me in the holiday spirit (hey, it was a long day yesterday) but also changed my attitude about this traditional Christmas song. And now it's time for you to enjoy Straight No Chaser and the group's version of The Twelve Days of Christmas! --Emily

get a taste of some fresh PR ideas

I recently did a review of PR Cafe's Definitive Guide to PR on Boutique Cafe and I felt it would make a perfect mompreneur monday post. I'm actually going to save myself some time by simply posting a teaser so you'll be tempted to read the full review on Boutique Cafe's website. I have yet to get my Christmas cards out and I need all the time I can get! So here's a little taste of what PR Cafe's Definitive Guide to PR can do for you and your business:

"Ever wanted to write a press release for your company but didn’t know where to start? Looking to pitch your idea but don’t have any “real news”? Or do you aspire to win an industry award but haven’t the slightest clue how to begin? Whether you’re new to the art of public relations or an old pro, PR Cafe’s Definitive Guide to PR is a must-have resource for any business owner.

Sure, I’ve written press releases before but I was at a loss as to how I could best utilize the power of PR to grow our company. I don’t have much faith in (or a budget for) advertising, so what other options exist? Let me tell you, after browsing PR Cafe’s Definitive Guide to PR a whole new world has opened before my eyes. ..."

You can read the full review here--and I highly recommend you do! --Emily

good food and good friends make for a great night!

Every December the women's group in our church has its annual progressive dinner/bake-off, so for food for thought friday I'd love to recap the event. By about a week before the date we submit our favorite recipes, from appetizers to salads to desserts. These recipes are then pasted into a Word document, printed off, and punched with holes so they can be added to a binder chock full of recipes from years past. I even have some from 2001!

Last night was this year's progressive dinner and it was another successful year if you judge by the variety of dishes and great conversation. How does it work? We start at one house, split up into groups, and rotate among three or four houses sampling everyone's recipes. I've become an expert on how to pace myself so I'm not bursting at the seams by the time we arrive at the church for desserts and a program! I even take notes as I go, marking with two stars my favorites, one star the good but not great, and a dash for those I don't care for. I liked just about everything I tasted last night, but here are a few that I not only loved but are perfect for holiday entertaining. Enjoy!

The Holiday Sprite
16 oz. can orange juice
16 oz. can lemonade
1/2 can sugar
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla
1 liter Sprite
10 cans water

Mix ingredients together in large container and serve. Makes 18-20 servings. (How easy is that--and it was so good!)


Spinach Dip
1/3 of 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
2 cups mayonnaise
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 T dry minced onion
1 tsp Accent
1/2 tsp salt
2 T chives

Mix ingredients in blender. Serve with various cracker or warmed baguettes or French bread broken in pieces. (Not your typical Knorr spinach dip but this was to die for! Could it be the cream?!?!)


Corn Pudding
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream
1 (8.5-oz.) package corn bread/muffin mix
1/2 cup milk
1 (15-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14.75-oz) can cream-style corn

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in sour cream. Gradually add mix alternating with milk. Fold in corn, Pour into greased 3-qt. baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until set and lightly browned. (Reminds me of Chevy's corn cake!)


Cranberry Salad
2 cups cranberries, ground
3 cups miniature marshmallows
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups apples, diced
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 tsp salt

Combine cranberries, sugar, and marshmallows and let set overnight. Add other ingredients and fold in the cream and chill. (Sweet, light and yummy!)


Baked Oatmeal Breakfast
3 cups quick oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted

Combine dry ingredients; then add wet ingredients. Pour into a 9x9 greased pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Crust should be golden and a bit crispy when done. Cut and serve in bowl. Eat plain or top with milk, raisins, dried or fresh fruit, nuts, etc. (This would be perfect for serving guests Christmas morning!)


Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
1 egg white
1 tsp cold water
4 cups whole almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly grease a 10x15 jellyroll pan. Lightly beat egg white. Add water and beat until frothy but not stiff. Add the nuts and stir until well coated. Mix sugar, salt and cinnamon and sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat and spread evenly on prepared pan. Bake 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until golden. Allow to cool. Store in airtight container. (These were almost a clone of those tantalizing ones from the mall kiosk--I could eat them by the fistful!) --Emily

There is no love sincerer than the love of food. --George Bernard Shaw

need an adjustment?

After watching a program last Sunday on the Travel Channel about a tribe in New Guinea, I was inspired for today's Thankful Thursday. We women complain about everything sagging, I don't think we really know what sagging is until we have to go without the help from modern day fashion, i.e. bras and spandex! BTW the men sag too, and it's not pretty!

So for 1. I am grateful for clothing. I'm grateful that I am able to clothe my family, and that my kids can put on a jacket when they head out to school so they don't freeze. Well, if you live in below freezing climates that still might not help, you could move to Florida (Emily). 2. I'm grateful that my kids can go to school...yes, I need it as much as they do! 3. I can put food on the table every night if I so choose, or the drive-thru works too. At least I don't have to go dig it out of the ground, and eat it even though it tastes like dirt 4. Running water, and that I don't have to walk 5 miles each way, only to carry it back on my head and risk being eaten by a wild animal 5. Cars, and gas to put in the car, so I can getaway when I need to. Even if it's to the grocery store a few miles down the road.

This time of year, it's easy for me to think about all the things I need to do and get, and if only I had more time and more money. But it's really all about the attitude adjustment and having the attitude of gratitude.--LeShan

it's a wonderful web...

...and a wonderful way to give! For wonderful web wednesday I thought it fitting to highlight a site that is all about the spirit of giving. 'Tis the season for being charitable--though we really should be charitable all year long--and Kiva is a fantastic site for those looking to support a truly worthy cause this year.

Kiva basically lets you loan money to small businesses in developing countries. You "sponsor" a business and then throughout the course of the loan (about 6-12 months) you'll receive email journal updates from the business(es) you've sponsored. How does Kiva do this? Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions and therefore has access to entrepreneurs from impoverished countries worldwide. What I really love about Kiva.org are the profiles. Just go to Businesses in Need and you can find a business by gender, sector, or region. Then you can read a detailed description of the person behind the business and see how much they still need to fulfill their loan request. And guess what? Loaning money is easy. You can loan as little as $25 and do it securely through PayPal.

Kiva.org has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, and in Pres. Clinton's Book Giving. With all that traffic the site is working hard to add new businesses so check back often if you don't see one that catches your eye the first time. Being in business we know how important it is to have the support, both moral and monetary, to help make a business succeed. Now you have the opportunity to lend a hand. Don't hesitate to do so! --Emily

holiday trimmings

You've trimmed the tree, and put the decorations up, now it's time to put the tinsel on you! I'm talking about all the accessories that make your outfit go from chilling to thrilling. Here are some tips to help make your holiday's sing.

1. Nails- Winter hands look beautiful when you keep the nails trimmed and painted. At Apothena they offer water based nail polish that doesn't contain harmful chemicals!

2. Lips- Mistletoe is abundant this time of year, so keep those lips soft and oh so kissable. Stila's lip gloss have big shine but don't stick.



3. Ears- They should sparkle and shine! If you love the look of designer jewelery but find your wallet a bit thin from all the gift giving, check out Eve's Addiction for great prices on designer look-a-likes.

4. Necks- Scarves are oh so hot, and good at keeping the chill away! These soft, cable knit are available at JCrew.

The Holiday's are a great excuse to dress it up, so take advantage and do what ever makes your bell's jingle!--LeShan

what the heck is rss?

click to play

A lot of mompreneurs have gotten into blogging, whether the blog is their business or an extension of their business (like freshly baked). With blogging comes a whole new world of terms and tools and the learning curve can be pretty steep. For mompreneur monday I'd liket o share with you a great video on one such term...RSS.

RSS is one blogging technology that took more than a few patient explanations by my husband before I even started to grasp the concept. After possibly the fourth or fifth discussion (hey, I learn better by demonstration then explanation), my husband came across a truly great tutorial. RSS in Plain English is the video that finally broke through my RSS fog by giving a simple step-by-step explanation of RSS and how it works. It was almost like an RSS for dummies--but I didn't feel dumb after noticing this video's been "digged" over 1,000 times!

Think of RSS in Plain English as the light at the end of the RSS tunnel. If you're already an RSS expert you may still want to pass this along or post the link on your own blog. The more your readers understand about RSS the more likely they are to subscribe to your feed, and a large subscription base is a goal a lot of us blogging mompreneurs have.

If you've got any other great tips, tricks, or tutorials on the ins and outs of blogging please share them in the comments below. There's always something new to learn! --Emily

yummy gifts

This time of year we all love to spread the Christmas Cheer by giving gifts of yummy treats. Whether you have a Christmas cookie exchange or just love making them for the yum of it, here are some great recipes for Food For Thought Friday, to help make the season brighter!

Chocolate-Candy Cane Cookies
1 pkg 8oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
1 pkg. 16oz. white baking chocolate
12 peppermint candies crushed

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer. Add flour and baking soda; mix well. Blend in melted semi-sweet chocolate.
2. Shape tablespoons of dough into 52 balls. Roll each ball into 3 inch long rope. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet, bending top of each to resemble a candy cane.
3. Bake 10-12 minutes; cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Transfer to wire racks; cool completely. Microwave white chocolate as directed on package and drizzle over cookies. Let stand until firm. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.

Mint Thins

1 pkg. (8 squares) semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 tsp Peppermint extract
1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (35 crackers)
1 peppermint candy cane crushed

1. Heat chocolate in double boiler until completely melted. Add peppermint extract and blend. Dip crackers in melted chocolate, coating each cracker completely.
2. Carefully scrape off excess chocolate. Place on wax paper covered baking sheets; sprinkle with crushed candy cane. Refrigerate 30 mins. or until chocolate is firm.

Eggnog Cookies
2 1/4 c Flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/4 c sugar
3/4 c butter, softened
1/2 c eggnog
1 tsp vanilla
2 large egg yolks

1. Preheat oven to 300F. In a medium bowl combine all dry ingredients. In large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until resembles a grainy paste. Add eggnog, vanilla, and egg yolks. Beat until smooth.
2. Add the flour mixture and beat at low speed until blended. Do not over mix. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet, 1 inch apart. Sprinkle lightly with additional nutmeg. Bake for 23-25 mins. or till the bottoms turn light brown. Transfer from pans immediately to cool. --LeShan

girls weekend

This was one of those weeks where I had to think really hard about what to be thankful for this thankful thursday. Since my post last week we've dealt with the flu, the first real snowfall, and even more than the usual lack of sleep. But in that same week I was able to spend a few days with my best friend and business partner, and for that I am truly grateful. Here are the five moments I am most thankful to have spent with her:

• Seeing LeShan at the passenger pick-up area and jumping out to give her a great, big hug. I could hardly let go as it's been a year since I saw her last.
• Testing out my new Cuisinart Griddler and thoroughly enjoying the yummy tomato, mozzarella, and basil panini we ate that night--and having someone else in the kitchen not only slicing and dicing but helping prepare the separate dinner my kids ate (no way were we going to share our panini!).
• Enjoying a Jamba Juice even when it was 30 degrees outside and the kids were nuts in the car. Good thing the Chocolate Moo'd (sans boost) is a hit with the little ones!
  
• Shopping at Anthropologie and each of us finding a great deal (less than $20!) on something really, really cute--and we didn't even buy the same thing!
• Getting a manicure, eating yummy roasted tomato soup at Paradise Bakery, and shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Park City late at night. The ride home was a bonding moment as well but that's another story...one which we will never tell.

How do you bond with your girlfriends? And what about them are you most thankful for? We'd love for you to share! --Emily

become a savvy organizer

For today's wonderful web wednesday I'm totally excited to feature a new website produced by one of my favorite people over at Boutique Cafe. Daria, Boutique Cafe's podcast extraordinaire, is the producer and a contributing editor for The Savvy Organizer, a podcast that "answers the call heard around the world for organization."

Maja Russell, The Savvy Organizer's podcast hostess, was destined to be an organizational coach. Her humble beginnings, revamping her teenage friends' closets at sleepover parties, drove her to her present-day, one-on-one phone coaching and on location BLITZ visits. Maja has been a regular contributor and guest for several years on Boutique Cafe's podcasts. (BC podcasts are another must-have on your iPod!)

With practical ways to streamline your life The Savvy Organizer is readily available on your iPod or online. The site's weekly podcast features tried and tested ideas, inspiration, and suggestions for getting your life in gear. And just in time for the holidays is their latest and greatest podcast, Savvy Holiday Planning.

"Freedom from chaos is the goal!" Seems like that's a goal I set every January 1st. Maybe this year it will happen with The Savvy Organizer's help! The site also features hot products and Maja's favorite ideas for maximizing your organization at home, work, or play. Just repeat after me, "Top to bottom, left to right, focus, focus, focus." (Maja's motto--simple yet so inspiring!) --Emily

tis the season...to be you!

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." There's a reason to why the fashionista Coco Chanel is perhaps the most quoted fashion icon, She's brilliant!

It's true, we can find fashion in everything we do and see. If you want to find your own personal style, pay close attention to what you like, not just when you are gazing (drooling) at dresses and shoes, but when you're seeing nature, or a beautiful room, they all connect to your colors and taste. The most stylish people around are the ones who follow their own lead and work at it, nothing worth it ever comes without a little sweat. Speaking of which, hopefully I'll be out of my sweat pants sometime today! --LeShan

mompreneur must-haves

I know how crazy Mondays can be so today's mompreneur monday is going to be short and sweet. Check out "15 free (or really cheap) must-haves for a small business" list from eMoms at Home. I didn't even know some of these great freebies existed! Plus eMoms at Home is a must-have site for any mompreneur. This internet home business magazine was founded by Wendy Piersall, who is "dang passionate about helping parents succeed as entrepreneurs, parents, and in life." She also write for Entrepreneur.com. She actually started the site to document the process of building an internet startup from home as a parent of three children. eMoms at Home's niche topics include eBay selling for eParents, Craftboom, Freelance Parent, Momsational (product reviews), Dad's Work Life Balance, and Seasonal Kids Activities.