where Miami-Ft.Lauderdale moms meet
Change location »
541 posts
Posted by AdminMiami on Nov 02, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Pssst....! Hey Moms, don't look now, but there's another holiday right around the corner! We're here to help, with the: The MomsLikeMe.com Thanksgiving Countdown starting Sunday, Nov. 1st! We'll bring you tips from experts on everything from how to prepare a turkey, keeping the kids busy, safety in the kitchen, making peace with your in-laws, driving to Grandma's house, healthy alternative recipes and much more! Got some tips of your own to share? Chime in! Stay tuned!
Pssst....! Hey Moms, don't look now, but there's another holiday right around the corner!
We're here to help, with the:
The MomsLikeMe.com Thanksgiving Countdown
starting Sunday, Nov. 1st!
We'll bring you tips from experts on everything from how to prepare a turkey, keeping the kids busy, safety in the kitchen, making peace with your in-laws, driving to Grandma's house, healthy alternative recipes and much more!
Got some tips of your own to share? Chime in!
Stay tuned!
Follow MomsLikeMe.com-Miami-Ft. Lauderdale on Twitter: @MiamiMoms and fan us on Facebook ï Œ Add me to your friends list for quick updates on contests and other news! ï Œ Have you saved $$$ by printing Coupons on this site? They are new each month. ï Œ Groups are a great way to connect for playdates, book clubs and other special interests.
Send to Friends
Facebook
Publish to a group
2062 posts
on Nov 02, 2009 at 10:07 AM
That turkey looks good enough to eat.
Emily Mazza - City Ambassador for Miami Moms Like Me
www.facebook.com/emily.mazza
Find me on Twitter @ Emmeelue84
CLUB 1000 MEMBER
139 posts
on Nov 03, 2009 at 10:18 AM
this sounds interesting!
Nicole
153 posts
on Nov 03, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Looking forward to seeing some good tips on here!
Angie
10 posts
on Nov 03, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Thanksgiving Tip #1: Hope you had a terrific Halloween! Here's our first Thanksgiving tip, from Suzy Martyn, a parenting consultant and speaker. She is the author of Enjoy the Ride: Tools, Tips and Inspiration for the Most Common Parenting Challenges (a Mom's Choice Award winner)! Suzy Martyn "Here's an idea on getting your family in the thankful mood the whole month of November: In our family, we have a big 'I Am Thankful for Box' in a public area with slips of paper and a pen where each member of the family will spend time to write a little note to each other member of the family. Usually, we get 2-3 from each person. We write what we are thankful for about that particular person (trait) or thank them for something they've done (action). We keep the notes anonymous until Thanksgiving dinnertime where we each take our slips and read them aloud to the family. Then, we tuck these precious notes away as keepsakes. It makes such a big difference in our family as even husbands are showing appreciation to wives, and vice versa. Siblings are saying encouraging things and building each other up." Do you have a Thanksgiving tip to share? Just reply to this discussion! Stay tuned, we'll be sharing more Thanskgiving tips this week.
Thanksgiving Tip #1:
Hope you had a terrific Halloween! Here's our first Thanksgiving tip, from Suzy Martyn, a parenting consultant and speaker. She is the author of Enjoy the Ride: Tools, Tips and Inspiration for the Most Common Parenting Challenges (a Mom's Choice Award winner)!
Suzy Martyn
"Here's an idea on getting your family in the thankful mood the whole month of November: In our family, we have a big 'I Am Thankful for Box' in a public area with slips of paper and a pen where each member of the family will spend time to write a little note to each other member of the family. Usually, we get 2-3 from each person. We write what we are thankful for about that particular person (trait) or thank them for something they've done (action). We keep the notes anonymous until Thanksgiving dinnertime where we each take our slips and read them aloud to the family. Then, we tuck these precious notes away as keepsakes. It makes such a big difference in our family as even husbands are showing appreciation to wives, and vice versa. Siblings are saying encouraging things and building each other up."
Mary Ann Barton
Local Content Manager, MomsLikeMe.com
aka KatesMom
595 posts
on Nov 03, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I can't wait!!!! Yum yum yum!
Melissa K. ჻
CLUB 500
on Nov 07, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Thanksgiving Tip #3 Our next tip comes from Amy Clark, who is part of the Kenmore Make-It-Simple Team! Kids can decorate the table Ask kids to draw what they are thankful for on construction paper placemats. Decorate using crayons, markers, leaves and other nature items. Take kids to the park to gather leaves and acorns to sprinkle on the table. Help kids make a "thankful jar" from an old jelly jar or coffee canister. Decorate it and include slips of paper with what they are thankful for. Share these thoughts during Thanksgiving dinner. Small pumpkins make great tabletop decorations. Help children scoop out the pumpkin pulp and place small candles inside to illuminate the room. Cover the kids' table in butcher paper, and add a coffee can covered in fall-themed scrapbook paper and filled with crayons. Got a tip to share? Just reply to this thread! Stay tuned for more tips coming up!
Thanksgiving Tip #3
Our next tip comes from Amy Clark, who is part of the Kenmore Make-It-Simple Team!
KatesMom
on Nov 10, 2009 at 06:53 PM
Thanksgiving Tip #4 Six Healthy Thanksgiving TIPS by Brenda J. Ponichtera, registered dietitian and cookbook author. 1. Make Fat-Free Gravy Save calories when making gravy by pouring pan drippings into a glass measuring cup and allowing it to stand until the fat rises. Every one tablespoon skimmed off is 130 calories. Recipe follows: Flour Gravy This will remind you of traditional gravy but it is so much lower in calories because it has no fat. You can use meat drippings (fat removed), canned broth or instant bouillon mixed with water. 1 cup cold fat-free broth*, divided (chicken, turkey, or beef) 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour seasonings to taste Pour 1/4 cup of broth in a covered container. Add flour and shake well to prevent lumps. Follow directions below for microwave or stovetop. STOVETOP: In a small saucepan, combine remainder of broth with flour mixture. Cook on medium until boiling, while stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Continue stirring until thickened. MICROWAVE OVEN: In a 4-cup glass measuring cup, combine remainder of broth with flour mixture. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes (stirring well with a wire whisk after each minute) or until thickened. Note: Use 3 1/2 tablespoons of flour for one 14.5-ounce can of broth. VARIATION: Mushroom Gravy—Add one small can of drained mushrooms after the gravy is thickened. *Sodium is figured for reduced sodium. Makes 1 cup 8 servings Each Serving 2 tablespoons Carb Servings 0 Exchanges free Nutrient Analysis calories 9 total fat 0g saturated fat 0g cholesterol 0mg sodium 47mg total carbohydrate 2g dietary fiber 0g sugars 0g protein 1g Recipe Source: *Quick & Healthy Recipes and Ideas, 3rd Edition, © Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D., www.QuickandHealthy.net (retail $18.95) are published by Small Steps Press, publishing health conscious books for the general population, a division of the American Diabetes Association. Individual orders: call 1-800-232-6733 or visit http://www.QuickandHealthy.net. Also available at local and online bookstores. 2. Modify your stuffing recipe Make a fat-free dressing by substituting broth for the margarine or butter in your recipe. It tastes just as good! You can also add more celery and onion to your recipe to increase the vegetables and further reduce the calories per serving. 3. Serve lighter appetizers Change your favorite recipes by substituting lower fat ingredients such as low-fat or fat-free yogurt and sour cream. Use fruits and vegetables with dips and spreads, instead of chips or crackers. Remember portion control! 4. Pumpkin Pie Tip For something more traditional, try lightening your favorite pumpkin pie recipe by substituting evaporated skim milk and egg substitute. Make it with the traditional single crust or lower the calories even more by eliminating the crust. If you are making a crustless pie, be sure to spray the pie pan with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in the filling. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to serve. Top each slice with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping before serving. 5. Lighten your mashed potatoes Use fat-free milk or fat-free ranch dressing instead of whole milk or half and half. You can further reduce calories by using butter-flavored sprinkles instead of margarine. 6. Approach salads with caution Salads are great as long as they are not made with regular cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise or cream. Your best choice would be a fresh green salad or fruit salad. Add your own low-fat dressing lightly. Source for Tips 2-6 : **Quick & Healthy Volume II, 2nd Edition, © Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D., www.QuickandHealthy.net (retail $18.95) are published by Small Steps Press, publishing health conscious books for the general population, a division of the American Diabetes Association. Individual orders: call 1-800-232-6733 or visit http://www.QuickandHealthy.net. Also available at local and online bookstores. Brenda J. Ponichtera is a registered dietitian and award-winning author with extensive experience in nutrition and diabetes counseling. Her cookbooks, Quick & Healthy Recipes and Ideas AND Quick & Healthy Volume II (www.QuickandHealthy.net) — both Benjamin Franklin Award winners — are designed to prove that healthful eating doesn’t have to take a lot of time in the kitchen. Brenda's cookbooks have been recommended in "O" The Oprah Magazine, Cooking Light, Miami Herald, Shape magazine, and USA Today, as well as by health care professionals, and busy cooks across the country. She is editorial advisor for Today's Diet and Nutrition, she is also active member of the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association. Ponichtera has sold over 700,000 copies of her Quick & Healthy cookbooks.
Thanksgiving Tip #4
Six Healthy Thanksgiving TIPS
by Brenda J. Ponichtera, registered dietitian and cookbook author.
on Nov 10, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Wow thanks for the countdown, its closer than I thought.
on Nov 12, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Thanksgiving Tip #5
Safety in the Kitchen!
Underwriters Laboratories Thanksgiving Safety Tip Sheet
Thanksgiving dinner is the most anticipated meal of the year for Americans and an ideal opportunity for cooks to show off their culinary expertise. However, for Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the leading product safety testing organization, Thanksgiving has a different significance. It’s considered the peak day for preventable cooking fires. Regardless of cooking style – be it a multi-tasking master, first-time chef or ambitious culinary artist – UL’s simple cooking safety tips can help keep families safe in the kitchen.
Safety Tips for the Multi-Tasking Master Chef • Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Most fires in the kitchen occur because food is left unattended. If you must leave the kitchen briefly, carry an oven mitt with you as a reminder that something is cooking. • Keep the stove free of clutter. Don’t overload a stove top with too many pots and pans. Trying to cook all dishes at once could cause grease to accidentally spill onto a stove top and cause a fire. Only cook with as many pots and pans as there are burners. • Do not try to hold your child in one arm while cooking with the other. Holding a child while cooking is an invitation for a burn. It’s best, if possible, to keep your child out of the kitchen altogether while you’re cooking. Keep them occupied in another room by having them do their homework or offer them allowance if they do their chores outside of the kitchen. • Never wear loose fitting clothing when cooking. Long, open sleeves could ignite and catch fire from a gas flame or a hot burner. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. If you have long hair, be sure to tie it back. Safety Tips for the Cautious Chef • Keep smoke alarms connected while cooking. Smoke alarms can save lives. Make sure smoke alarms are installed and working. • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergency and know how to use it. Make sure the fire extinguisher is rated for grease fires and electrical fires and read the directions carefully. The acronym P.A.S.S. can help make sure you use it properly.
Pull the pin; Aim the spray nozzle low at the base of the fire; Squeeze the nozzle to spray the contents; Sweep back and forth as you spray the base of the fire. • Evaluate appliances wisely and look for the UL Mark. When purchasing electric cooking products such as electric knives, slow cookers and food processors, look for the UL Mark. The UL Mark is one of the most widely recognized and trusted safety symbols among consumers, and confirms a product has been tested and certified to meet specific safety standards. Safety Tips for the Ambitious Cook • Be extremely cautious if using a turkey fryer. Because turkey fryers pose a number of distinct safety concerns, including burn and fire hazards, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers. If a family decides they must use a turkey fryer this Thanksgiving, UL urges them to be extremely cautious read its turkey fryer safety tips at www.UL.com/Consumers. • Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy while cooking. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on a flame-resistant oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until the food has cooled. When removing lids on hot pans, tilt them away from you to protect your face and hands from steam. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing. • Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. • Never put a glass casserole or lid on the stove or over a burner. If the glass gets hot and explodes, it will send shards of glass in all directions causing harm to anything in its path.
on Nov 20, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Touchy family issues right around the corner at Thanksgiving? We're here to help! We spoke with Ann W. Smith, MS, LPC, LMFT, and executive director at Breakthrough at Caron, a residential group therapy program near Reading, Pa. We asked Ann some general questions we thought might be on everyone's mind as Thanksgiving and the holidays are just around the corner! 1. If your parents are divorced, who should you invite for Thanksgiving? If they don’t get along, what is an alternative plan for the other parent? It really depends on the kind of divorce your parents had. If emotions are still running high – it will be less taxing to see your parents separately. Whenever there is a divorce – traditions will usually have to change and it may take a couple of years before everyone is comfortable with these new traditions. 2. If your in-laws are very religious and you aren’t, is it best to skim over any sort of Thanksgiving prayer, ask them to say the blessing or try to come up with something neutral? Keep it neutral by focusing on gratitude. Everyone can go around the table and say what they give thanks for this year. If the person is religious, he/she can invoke their religion at that time. 3. Our relatives, who are hosting Thanksgiving, are, shall we say “thrifty” and prefer the cheapest wine they can find. We are wine enthusiasts. Is it rude to bring our own and ask to have it opened or volunteer to open it ourselves? Think about the bigger picture of the holiday season. You are there to enjoy quality time with loved ones and build lasting connections. You will have plenty of time to drink the wine you enjoy. For one day, drink the host’s wine and make Thanksgiving about your family. Next year, you might offer in advance to bring enough for everyone who wants it. 4. Money is tight for everyone this year and we don’t plan to travel to my parents’ house. Is there anything we can do to make their Thanksgiving (and ours!) seem a little more special? They’re going to a restaurant for the big day. We plan to cook at home. Technology can be great for staying connected when you can’t see each other in person. If you both have computers, Skype is a free way to feel like you’re spending some time together – even when you’re miles apart. I would also suggest finding an alternate time to get together by looking for travel specials at other times of the year. 5. During dinners at our brother-in-law’s, he and his wife tend to monopolize all conversation. After a while, I start to feel like I’m watching some sort of performance. Any tips on how to jump into the fray when chatty relatives never come up for air? It’s not unusual for every family to have its extroverts. When this happens, shorten your meal and create opportunities for smaller groupings before and after your meal. For example, make dessert a buffet instead of a mandatory sit down. This will allow for more intimacy and less time around the table with everyone competing for attention. 6. My sister and her husband live less than a day’s drive away and we would love to get together during the holidays but they always seem to make other plans with friends and never ask us to join them. We’ve invited them and hinted that we’re available to come, but we always get rebuffed. Should I give up or ask what gives? If it’s important to you – I would encourage you to tell your sister how you feel. If you don’t ask, you may never know what she is thinking or feeling. However, it’s important to ask with an open mind and manage your expectations of what you will achieve. You may come away with a tighter bond or learn nothing at all. 7. Our relatives have invited us over for dinner for Thanksgiving. I always bring a few side dishes and a dessert. We love leftovers but they never offer any. Last year, I baked a small turkey so we could have “leftover” turkey sandwiches. Is it rude to ask for leftovers? Here’s a simple solution to this dilemma. When you’re preparing side dishes and dessert at home – make a little extra of your favorite foods and leave them at home as “leftovers” so you don’t have to worry about an awkward confrontation. 8. Is it best to separate children and adults, with a children’s table and adult table or better to have everyone around one table if possible? Kids’ tables really depend on the age of the kids and the style of the event. If the kids are all around the same age it can be a fun way for them to enjoy the holiday at their level. However, don’t stick an 11-year-old in with four other kids under the age of six. The older child will surely feel awkward. Instead, make the main table a more inclusive experience. 9. My sister nurses her baby and rather than being discreet often makes everyone uncomfortable because she doesn’t cover up. I should mention that I nursed our daughter and usually left the room to sit in a comfortable chair away from the “fray.” Any do’s or don’ts especially in mixed company during Thanksgiving? Everyone has different comfort level and beliefs about breast feeding. When it comes to your sister’s style, you can choose to look away. If there are people present who are really uncomfortable, you can talk to her in advance about how you feel. There are some great devices these days that allow women to cover up while still being able to socialize. 10. One of our uncles has a drug problem and our more distant relatives don’t know about it but ask about him. Do we fib and say he’s doing great and gloss over how he’s really doing? This really depends on how well the distant relatives know him. If they are close to your uncle you could say that he has been struggling lately and encourage them to reach out directly to offer some support during the holiday season. In most cases a good rule of thumb is to stay out of triangles. Encourage people to ask the person themselves rather than getting caught in the middle and feeling like a gossip.
Touchy family issues right around the corner at Thanksgiving? We're here to help! We spoke with Ann W. Smith, MS, LPC, LMFT, and executive director at Breakthrough at Caron, a residential group therapy program near Reading, Pa. We asked Ann some general questions we thought might be on everyone's mind as Thanksgiving and the holidays are just around the corner!
1. If your parents are divorced, who should you invite for Thanksgiving? If they don’t get along, what is an alternative plan for the other parent?
It really depends on the kind of divorce your parents had. If emotions are still running high – it will be less taxing to see your parents separately. Whenever there is a divorce – traditions will usually have to change and it may take a couple of years before everyone is comfortable with these new traditions.
2. If your in-laws are very religious and you aren’t, is it best to skim over any sort of Thanksgiving prayer, ask them to say the blessing or try to come up with something neutral?
Keep it neutral by focusing on gratitude. Everyone can go around the table and say what they give thanks for this year. If the person is religious, he/she can invoke their religion at that time.
3. Our relatives, who are hosting Thanksgiving, are, shall we say “thrifty” and prefer the cheapest wine they can find. We are wine enthusiasts. Is it rude to bring our own and ask to have it opened or volunteer to open it ourselves?
Think about the bigger picture of the holiday season. You are there to enjoy quality time with loved ones and build lasting connections. You will have plenty of time to drink the wine you enjoy. For one day, drink the host’s wine and make Thanksgiving about your family. Next year, you might offer in advance to bring enough for everyone who wants it.
4. Money is tight for everyone this year and we don’t plan to travel to my parents’ house. Is there anything we can do to make their Thanksgiving (and ours!) seem a little more special? They’re going to a restaurant for the big day. We plan to cook at home.
Technology can be great for staying connected when you can’t see each other in person. If you both have computers, Skype is a free way to feel like you’re spending some time together – even when you’re miles apart. I would also suggest finding an alternate time to get together by looking for travel specials at other times of the year.
5. During dinners at our brother-in-law’s, he and his wife tend to monopolize all conversation. After a while, I start to feel like I’m watching some sort of performance. Any tips on how to jump into the fray when chatty relatives never come up for air?
It’s not unusual for every family to have its extroverts. When this happens, shorten your meal and create opportunities for smaller groupings before and after your meal. For example, make dessert a buffet instead of a mandatory sit down. This will allow for more intimacy and less time around the table with everyone competing for attention.
6. My sister and her husband live less than a day’s drive away and we would love to get together during the holidays but they always seem to make other plans with friends and never ask us to join them. We’ve invited them and hinted that we’re available to come, but we always get rebuffed. Should I give up or ask what gives?
If it’s important to you – I would encourage you to tell your sister how you feel. If you don’t ask, you may never know what she is thinking or feeling. However, it’s important to ask with an open mind and manage your expectations of what you will achieve. You may come away with a tighter bond or learn nothing at all.
7. Our relatives have invited us over for dinner for Thanksgiving. I always bring a few side dishes and a dessert. We love leftovers but they never offer any. Last year, I baked a small turkey so we could have “leftover” turkey sandwiches. Is it rude to ask for leftovers?
Here’s a simple solution to this dilemma. When you’re preparing side dishes and dessert at home – make a little extra of your favorite foods and leave them at home as “leftovers” so you don’t have to worry about an awkward confrontation.
8. Is it best to separate children and adults, with a children’s table and adult table or better to have everyone around one table if possible?
Kids’ tables really depend on the age of the kids and the style of the event. If the kids are all around the same age it can be a fun way for them to enjoy the holiday at their level. However, don’t stick an 11-year-old in with four other kids under the age of six. The older child will surely feel awkward. Instead, make the main table a more inclusive experience.
9. My sister nurses her baby and rather than being discreet often makes everyone uncomfortable because she doesn’t cover up. I should mention that I nursed our daughter and usually left the room to sit in a comfortable chair away from the “fray.” Any do’s or don’ts especially in mixed company during Thanksgiving?
Everyone has different comfort level and beliefs about breast feeding. When it comes to your sister’s style, you can choose to look away. If there are people present who are really uncomfortable, you can talk to her in advance about how you feel. There are some great devices these days that allow women to cover up while still being able to socialize.
10. One of our uncles has a drug problem and our more distant relatives don’t know about it but ask about him. Do we fib and say he’s doing great and gloss over how he’s really doing?
This really depends on how well the distant relatives know him. If they are close to your uncle you could say that he has been struggling lately and encourage them to reach out directly to offer some support during the holiday season. In most cases a good rule of thumb is to stay out of triangles. Encourage people to ask the person themselves rather than getting caught in the middle and feeling like a gossip.
(Note: Replies are posted to all groups where this topic has been shared.)
Already a member?
Not yet a member?
by colie1018 in Gifts & Gift Giving
I can't wait for Black Friday every year!..
Last reply by Textbarbara on Nov 24 at 4:06 PM
by AgingGothMom in Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery
I am happy to announce that after 1...
Last reply by Emmeelue84 on Nov 24 at 2:32 PM
by Emmeelue84 in Adult Health
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/20/cervical.cance..
Last reply by Emmeelue84 on Nov 24 at 2:31 PM
by CommunityTeamLinda in Savvy Shoppers
If you won a $100 Target Giftcard in the Savvy Sho..
Last reply by YvetteArmendariz on Nov 24 at 2:01 PM
by Emmeelue84 in Eating Out
Just wanted to let everyone know that Luna Pizza o..
Posted on Nov 24 at 1:52 PM
by writingforfamilies in Family
I am working on a book on relationships and famil..
Last reply by writingforfamilies on Nov 24 at 1:06 PM
by Tropicofmom in Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery
I had an ultrasound at the genetic counselor's off..
Last reply by Melissa86 on Nov 24 at 12:51 PM
by AdminMiami in Sweepstakes
Congrats to Melissa86!..
Last reply by Melissa86 on Nov 24 at 12:43 PM
by sflmom in Talkin' Turkey--Thanksgiving
I'm always curious about what's on everyone's menu..
Last reply by Emmeelue84 on Nov 24 at 10:41 AM
by Emmeelue84 in Holiday
If you are going out in the madness this coming Fr..
Last reply by Emmeelue84 on Nov 24 at 10:37 AM
See more discussions
Email us at miami@momslikeme.com
Copyright©2009 Miami - Ft. Lauderdale MomsLikeMe.com. All rights reserved. Users of this site agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights, Terms updated June 2009.