Letters from Santa
By Lara | August 14, 2008
Do you realize that Christmas is only a few short months away?? Well, I found this great little site that provide Letters from Santa. There are so many stories out there of how a Santa Letter sent from the North Pole has made the day of a child, family, or kid that may be in the hospital or in need.
What makes Packages from Santa different from others who sell Christmas letters from Santa? Well, it offers a lot more than just a Letter from Santa Clause. It is a complete, custom Package!
They have three packages to choose from. Package pricing starts as low as $14.95
Basic Package from Santa. This package includes a custom, personalized Letter from Santa Claus shipped in a bright red, metallic envelope addressed to your little one.
Standard Package from Santa. This package includes the above AND Custom Letter from Rudolph Official Personalized Nice Certificate Glossy Autographed 8X10 Photo of Santa Claus.
Deluxe Package from Santa. This is the primo package. The deluxe package includes everything above AND Genuine Reindeer Food, Authentic Collectors Piece of Santa’s Suit, Personal Greeting From Santa Claus (CD), Shipped in Bright Red Box.
You can also order many of the products “a la carte.”
As you can see the Santa Letters offered from Package from Santa are like no other. They are HIGHLY personalized and truly a smile maker for any child who loves Santa Clause!
If you have a website or blog, you should know that they also have a great affiliate program through Share a Sale. The Package from Santa affiliate program offers a high sale rate, 20% commission, 180 cookie duration, 5% second tier, a buck for every affiliate YOU sign up, AND Santa Clause of course!!
I hope that you are able to make a child in your life smile! I think this would be a nice thing for families to do for kids in the hospital with terminal illnesses. It will teach your children compassion AND those precious little ones will get a package that makes them smile and a memory they will NOT soon forget!!
Topics: Christmas, Family, Fun Stuff, Reviews, Tips | No Comments »
7 Razor Burn Prevention Tips
By Lara | August 8, 2008
If you are a woman and you most likely shave your legs and under arms. At least the women I know do! So, this is for those who shave. Anyone who has been shaving for a for a bit has probably experienced the painful side of shaving…razor burn. Let me try and help…
7 tips to help prevent razor burn when you shave
- Never, I repeat NEVER shave dry skin. Major OUCH factor. (you can try an electric razor for a smooth and even result that requires no wetness)
- Make sure the razor you use has a sharp blade and has not been over used.
- Suds up the area with soap or shaving cream really well.
- Try not to shave the same spot over and over. If your razor is sharp once or twice should do the trick.
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
- Do not press hard. Press the razor lightly against the skin.
- Apply a nice scented moisturizer after shaving.
The skin irritation caused by razor burn is because the top layer of skin has been peeled off. OUCH! If you do get razor burn, apply an ice cube to the area for a few minutes at a time. You could even try an aloe based gel. Like the kind you use for a sunburn. Although you will still have discomfort, you will find SOME relief.
I wish you razor burn free shaving! 
Copyright © Thou Shalt Clean!, All Rights Reserved
Topics: Beauty, Mommy Stuff, Safety, Tips, Woman Stuff | No Comments »
Keeping our Children Safe, part two
By Lara | August 6, 2008
Safety In Your Neighborhood
<– part one of the safety series
There was a time that a parent felt safe letting their kids play in their own back yard. They could go outside to play without having to worry that they would be bullied by other children, kidnapped, or injured in drive-by shootings. Sadly, that time of innocence and security is long gone. Our yards and neighborhoods are not as safe and they probably never will be again…
We need to teach our kids to be safe and what to watch for.
What ever child needs to know and what every parent needs to tell their kids:
1. Teach them their full name, parents’ full names, address, and telephone numbers. In today’s world cell phone numbers are also important to know. If they are too young to know this information then they should NEVER be alone. Period.
2. Make it a rule that they cannot leave the house without telling you. If they want to leave your yard, make them to tell you where they are going, if anyone is going with them, and when they plan to return. Make it a rule that can not be broken without consequences.
3. Explain to them that it is VERY important for them to never talk to strangers if they’re alone in the yard, walking in a store, or at a park. They need to know that you can’t tell a “bad” person just by looking at them. They must never assume because someone “looks” nice doers not mean they are.
4. Teach your children that if they do get lost, if someone is following them, or they are being bullied, to head to a store, library, fire station or police station because they are safe places to go. Then they should tell an adult who can call you or the police.
5. Make sure that your children know that it’s not safe to play in alleys, empty buildings, or construction sites. They should also play with friends because there truly is safety in numbers.
7. Have an honest and straight forward relationship with your kids. Teach them that drugs and alcohol are dangerous. If anyone, including friends, offers either of these to them, they should say “no thanks” and then tell a parent or another adult that someone offered these things to them.
8. Help your children pay attention to their surroundings and to learn to be aware of what is going on while they’re outside; for example, paying attention if they see the same car circle the block more than twice. Telling a parent or adult about something like that could protect them, other children, or help keep the neighborhood safe.
When you talk to your children about the dangers that could be around in your neighborhood, don’t make everything sound sinister. We do not need to get overworked about it or make them fearful of everything. You want them to be aware of the dangers, but you don’t want to scare them to the point they’re afraid to go outside. Be honest with them and make sure they understand they can always come to you if they do become afraid, if something doesn’t seem right to them, or if someone or something bothers them. They need to understand safety in your neighborhood, who they can trust, and what they can do to help the neighborhood stay safe.
Copyright © Mommies Coffee Break, All Rights Reserved
Part Three, Coming soon…
Topics: Family, Lessons to Learn, Life with Toddlers, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Preschoolers, Raising Teenagers, Safety, Serious Discussions, Strangers, Thinking Out Loud, Tips | No Comments »
Attention Christian Moms!!
By Lara | August 1, 2008
I am not sure if you know about Moms of Faith. MOF is a web ministry the Lord put on my heart to begin a few years back. It is an AWESOME community of Christian women…Mothers. I just completed a total makeover of the site and I am VERY excited about it and the future of Moms of Faith.
We currently offer several options for joining the Moms of Faith Community.
Weekly Newsletter (re-debuting 8/7/08)
Social Network (this is a link to join)
Blog (under construction)
We are also kicking off a new FALL Photo contest! The first of four seasonal photo contests a year. For more info, click here.
I hope you will take a few minutes and check out the many things that Moms of Faith has to offer! I look forward to chatting on the forums…and/or…social network! 
Oh, and we have great new offers for WAHMS who need good quality advertising.
Topics: Announcements, Faith Talk, Family, Mommy Stuff, Mommy Time, Parenting, Photo Contests, Spiritual Growth, Updates, Who We Are | No Comments »
Keeping our Children Safe, part one
By Lara | July 28, 2008
Every Mothers nightmare is something awful happening to their precious child…especially if it involves some lunatic nut job. So, I thought it would be a very good idea to share some safety ideas, tips, and resources to help keep our kids safe in this scary world. As best we can anyway…
In part one of this series we will talk about strangers and the importance of teaching our children what to do in any and all situations that may arise.
Strangers
We all know how trusting a child can be. Especially when they are very young. However, in this ever increasing in sin world that we all live in, we MUST take the time to teach our babies about who they can and who they can NOT trust. They need to learn how dangerous strangers can be. Teaching them to be aware of potential dangers of strangers is no different than teaching them not to run into the street.
Teaching your Child about the dangers of Strangers
- Never force your kids to hug or kiss your friends…or even relatives. They have a right just as you do to decide who they want to be affectionate with. Forcing your kids to be affectionate when they do not want to will make them more vulnerable to accepting inappropriate touching.
- Teach your child what to do if they become separated from you in a store. Tell them to go to customer service (show them where it is at the front of the store when you arrive) or find someone (preferably a woman) who works there (with a name tag on), or a police officer to help them find you.
- Help them listen to their instincts and to act upon them if things don’t seem right or if they ever feel threatened or uncomfortable. Self-preservation is a strong instinct; help them recognize it and act quickly when they feel it.
- Help your children understand what the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching is. Explain to them what “personal space” is. Tell them that adults (even family and ones they think are nice), should NEVER touch them in their private areas or ANYWHERE they feel uncomfortable. Tell them that adults should not talk to them in a way that makes them uncomfortable OR like they are adults. They also need to know that if they ever feel uncomfortable, it is MORE than OK to tell an adult “NO.” Period.
- Research and teach your child about the many lures that strangers use to get kids to let down their guards. You may even want them to take a special class that many cities offer, or buy a book, find a website, etc. Whatever it takes to keep them informed of the many tactics that strangers use to lure little kids…and teens too!
- For teenage daughters, I HIGHLY recommend getting them pepper spray to keep in their purse and investing in self defense classes. They need all the help they can get. I have taught my daughter that she may think she is strong, but up against a grown man she is not. Our girls need to know how to immobilize a man quickly and defend themselves.
- For kids that use the Internet, WATCH THEM! Do not assume that your kids will do the right thing. They are CHILDREN…even teenagers. They NEED our guidance and help!
Our babies…young and teens are a gift from the Lord and they NEED us to help them to know and understand the dangers in this world and how to handle them properly. I am certainly not suggesting to teach our children to be fearful…just aware and cautious! When you talk to your kids about strangers be as frank as possible with them. The goal is to teach them and bring them to a point of understanding…not freak them out and make them fearful! We have a responsibility to train them up not only in the Lord, but how to be intelligent human beings.
Stranger Resources:
- mcgruff.org
- safechild.org
- familywatchdog.us (national sex offenders registry)
Copyright © Mommies Coffee Break, All Rights Reserved
Part Two, Coming soon…
Topics: Lessons to Learn, Life with Toddlers, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Preschoolers, Raising Teenagers, Safety, Strangers, Thinking Out Loud, Tips | No Comments »
As Unto the Lord
By Lara | July 25, 2008
Maybe I am the only one…but have any of you ever struggled with housework, honoring your husband, or any tasks have as a wife and/or Mother?
Unfortunately, I am not the best housewife on the planet (as you can see here). I WANT to have a neat home, but for some reason I just never put forth enough effort to get it where I desire it to be. Plus, I work WAY too much so it gives me a GREAT excuse to wallow in the messies!
Then, of course, there is the “honoring my husband,” God-given task that I fall short of on a daily basis. Again, I WANT to be a great wife who honors her husband in word and deed. Ah, but yet again, I miss it.
Whatever may be your task, work it heartily, as something done for the Lord and not for men. - Colossians 3:23
AWESOME Scripture! Right? Oh, Lord, HELP ME to put this into practice! If we put our tasks and responsibilities in the right perspective, we will…
- honor the Lord
- teach our children a valuable life lesson
- honor our husbands
- get the task done
- maybe even have a better attitude
There are many tasks that we have as Mothers…cooking, cleaning er not, grocery shopping, nursing, loving, cleaning, child rearing, drill sergeant, homeschooling, nurturing, chauffeur, oh…and did I mention unsuccessfully cleaning?
Then there are the wife tasks and responsibilities…friend, lover, maid, helpmeet, listener, lifter upper, eye candy not a bun and sweats, adviser…the list goes on…
For many of us it is a constant struggle just to keep mount wash me under control…let alone adding all the other many “fun” tasks into the life mix.
Others may find their tasks, meaningless, boring, too much, or joyless.
We can change all of this if we set our MINDS on the Lord and do EVERYTHING for the Lord. If we make it an act of worship, we will find joy in seemingly meaningless duties. If we make the choice to allow God to SHINE in EVERY area of our lives, we WILL be MUCH happier.
Easy? LOL! NO way!
However, Daddy God WILL help us if we just ask Him and allow…yes ALLOW Him to help us and then OBEY His Word. Oh, and NOT wallow in self pity when we get it wrong!
OK, so ladies, I challenge you to do ALL that you do EVERY day…
As Unto the Lord!
Let’s Pray,
Daddy God, thank You for the gift of Motherhood. Thank You for ALL that comes with being a Mother…good and not so good. Thank You for the opportunity to teach my children by example how to live a life dedicated to You. Thank You for giving me a husband to help, love, and support. Show me every day how I can be a light to my family. Help me to do everything as unto You! I love You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Copyright © Lara Velez, MommiesCoffeeBreak.com, All Rights Reserved
Topics: Devotions, Faith Talk, Mommy Time, Serious Discussions, Spiritual Growth, Who We Are | 3 Comments »
More Affordable Family Fun Summer (and year round) Activities
By Lara | July 24, 2008
I am sure many of you have heard the words “I’m bored” at some point during the summer. We still have a bit of summer vacation left, so I thought it would be good to share some great family fun ideas to help with the bordums.
Family Fun Summer Activities:
Family Game Night - Having a family game night on a weekly basis will help you connect better with your kids and build life long family memories. This is also something you can continue after summer. I suggest making it easy on yourself and get some paper plates and order some take out. Buy some age appropriate games and go hog wild!
Cultured Family Fun - The summer is a GREAT time to get the family out and about and cultured too! There are many expos, museum displays, art shows and theatre productions that hit major cities across the country in the summer. Check your local activities guide and look for things you can do as a family that are affordable for your budget and age appropriate for your family.
Family Movie Night - (again, this is another activity that can be done after summer vacations) With the way movies are today, this CAN be tricky. However, I have found that even though there are age differences there ARE movies that the WHOLE family can enjoy. I encourage you to research first so that there are no “surprises” during the movie. A great resource for movie and entertainment reviews with a Christian perspective is PluggedinOnline.com.
Once you have made your decision as to what movies ARE acceptable to watch make a list and then allow the children to take turns picking a movie each week (or how ever often you do this). It help them feel more involved with the process. You can also add to your list as new movies hit the movie store.
Another great affordable option for family movie night is going to a dollar movie. The kids get the experience of a movie theatre movie and the parents don’t break the bank.
There are so MANY ways we can enjoy our family not just on the summer…but, all year long. I encourage you to be creative and do your very best to enjoy the time you have with your kids. Building fun family memories together will last a lifetime and keep your family strong and connected in future years.
For more family summer fun ideas click one of the links below:
Family Fun in the Summer Ideas
Summer Fun With Your Children with WATER!
Do you have any summer fun ideas?
Please share them, we would LOVE to hear them!
Copyright © Lara Velez, MommiesCoffeeBreak.com, All Rights Reserved
Topics: Activities, Family, Fun Stuff, Just for FUN!, Mommie Moments, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Shooting the Breeze, Summer, Tips | 1 Comment »
The Great Cell Phone Debate!
By Lara | July 22, 2008
OK, so as you all know I am the proud Mother of a super fabulous teenage girl…what you may not know is that she desperately wants a cell phone! Many parents give their kids cell phones younger. I mean my girl is 14…and will be 15 this year.
What am I waiting for??
Well, I think they can be extremely dangerous and I wanted to be sure she was mature and honest enough in our relationship. AND…that she understands the whole you only get so many minutes or they charge you and Daddy kills Mommy factor! ROFL!
The mistake I made was telling her I was going to get her one. LOL….now, she is asking me EVERY day. It is to the point that I am delaying. I mean she wants it WAY to much! Am I still getting her one…Yes…but don’t tell her! I am shopping around. DH gets free phones through his job, but I want to get the right one and right plan. KWIM?
One thing I do NOT like about this cell phone craze is the texting. I mean these kids are texting everywhere. My daughter told me one time when she was sitting in church next to a friend he was texting the WHOLE time and another time a friend texted something and then handed her the phone to read. LOL…she was like, couldn’t you have just said this to me?
These kids do not even talk anymore! I am GLAD that I waited and that my daughter appreciates the fine art of real CONVERSATION! LOL!!! I am also not sure if I will even add texting to our current plan…
Hmmm…more to think about! AHHHHH!
I totally understand that this is very important to her teenage life. I want her to feel like she isn’t weird and fit in…but I want her to stand out too. Ya know?
I have come up with some things that I think ALL Moms…er…parents should consider before and during the great cell phone debate negotiations with their teenagers!
- Before entering into the great cell phone debate with your teenager…..you and DH may want to discuss the topic so you’ll be in unity. Divide and conquer is their strategy! ROFL!
- Money factor - You need to be up front and let them know what you can and can NOT afford.
- Set the rules. Let them know what you will and will not allow and what the consequences will be if the lines are crossed. Some rules to think about…when and where they can use the phone, WHO they can talk to, keeping track of minutes, cell phone care, etc.
- Privacy can only go so far. They need to know that yes you respect their privacy, however, you ARE their parent and you WILL check if you feel they are breaking rules, in danger, or the like. I am NOT one to pry or snoop…HOWEVER, I AM her Mother and if I feel she needs my prying for her safety, I will become Snoop Mommy Mom in a heart beat! ROFL!
- Teaching them responsibility. Perhaps you may want to have them pay for part of the cell phone and or monthly fees to teach them responsibility and to appreciate it. I already informed our daughter that she will pay the monthly fee for the additional line.
These is just some of the factors we need to think about when delving into the teenage cell phone world. Do not ever feel pressured by the culture or the Jone’s that you NEED to get your teenager a cell phone. This is a serious and big decision and should be thought out carefully and discussed at length.
What are your thoughts on cell phones?
Topics: Cell Phones, Family, Hot Topics, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Raising Teenagers, Shooting the Breeze, Thinking Out Loud | 2 Comments »
Summer Grill’n Recipes
By Lara | July 17, 2008
Summer is a great time to pull out the grill and have some outdoor fun. Make it a fun time for you and your family. Invite some friends over, set up the back yard or porch and enjoy your family and friends.
Here are some recipes that celebrate summer and grilling…
Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients:
1/4 cup orange juice
2 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large peaches, peeled and cubed
1 cup fresh raspberries
6 (1 inch thick) boneless pork chops
1 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
Instructions: Place the orange juice, mint, vinegar and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Stir well. Gently fold in the peaches. Cover and set aside until the chops are done. Place the pepper, paprika, sugar, salt and dry mustard together in a small bowl. Be sure to mix together well so all ingredients are combined. Rub mixture on both sides of the pork chops. Heat grill to medium heat temperature. Grill chops 7 minutes per side. Remove chops from grill. Add the raspberries to the peach mixture and stir well. Place a small amount of the peach mixture over the chops just before serving.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Ingredients:
3-4 large portobella mushrooms
2 large bell peppers (your choice of color)
2 small zucchini
1 small eggplant
1 large red onion
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions: Whisk the oil and the lemon/lime juice together in a large bowl. Add the salt and pepper and whisk until completely combined. Slice the portobellas and onion into 1/2 inch rounds. Cut the peppers into 1 inch strips. Cut the zucchini and eggplant into 1 inch slices. Place all the cut vegetables into the oil mixture and toss to coat generously. Heat grill to medium high heat. Place vegetables on the grill and cover. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until vegetables reach desired tenderness. Serve hot.
And of course we must have dessert….
Grand Ole American Pie
Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pound Golden Delicious apples, cored, cut into 1/2 inch slices (6 cups)
1 pound Granny Smith apples, cored, cut into 1/2 inch slices (6 cups)
1 (15 ounce 2 crust) package refrigerator piecrust
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 teaspoons pure bourbon vanilla extract
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon warm water
1 (12 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping
Instructions: Combine butter and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Add both types of apples and toss to coat. Line two large baking pans with aluminum foil. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Roast apples one pan at a time for 5 minutes turning once while roasting (you could also grill the apples if you prefer). The apples should just start to brown around the edges.
Allow the apples to cool right in the pans. Reduce oven heat to 375. Bring piecrust dough to room temperature. Place one crust in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. In a mixing bowl combine the brown sugar, flour and salt. Place the roasted apples, both pans juice included into the bowl with the brown sugar mixture. Coat the apples well.
Place the apples in the pie plate. Flour a flat surface and roll the second dough out to a 14 inch circle. Cut 4 slits in the dough. Place the dough over the top of the apples. Cut dough to 1/2 inch beyond plate. Crimp edges.
Place the lightly beaten egg in a bowl. Add the water and vanilla and mix together. Brush the top of the pie with the egg mixture. Place aluminum foil around the edge of the pie to keep the crust from browning too much and becoming hard. Bake 30 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil from the edges and bake 35 minutes longer. The top should be a golden brown and the filling bubbly. Drizzle with the caramel topping as soon as you take the pie from the oven. Cool.
Topics: Cooking with Kids, Family, Mommy Stuff, Recipes, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
Family Fun in the Summer Ideas
By Lara | July 13, 2008
We are well into summer and some Moms may be losing their minds and wondering WHAT to do to keep the kids busy and their sanity in tact!
Well, here are a few family fun in the summer ideas to do as a family.
Splash Day: Get the hose out or the sprinklers and let the kids have a blast. You can also let them make soapy water balloons and let them throw them at the car and then WASH it for you! LOL!!
Garden Fun: There are MANY things you can do with this option. You can make fancy stepping stones that the kids can paint and decorate, a peanut butter and nuts bird feeder, herb gardens, plant a tree, the list goes on and on.
Chalk the Walk: Buy some sidewalk chalk and let the kids make a welcome home Dad walk way. Another idea is that you can have them create pretty flowers and designs and then have a family sidewalk art show.
Summer Party: Why not have a summer fun party and let the kids make all the decorations. Children can be involved in the entire process or setting up the party. You can go to the dollar store and get most of what you would need for your summer fun party. Let them choose a theme. You can also use some of the other summer craft ideas for entertainment for your party! You could do the Chalk a Walk and have a art show when the parents come to pick the kids up. You could have a splash time…and even throw that sudsy balloons in just for fun. There are SO many ways to make a summer party fun, kid made, and CHEAP! Just use your imagination!
Moms, you will only have your kids for a short season of your life. ENJOY them while you still can. Laugh and have fun…get your inner kid out and have some summer fun!
Copyright © Lara Velez, MommiesCoffeeBreak.com
Topics: Activities, Family, Fun Stuff, Just for FUN!, Life with Toddlers, Mommy Stuff, Parenting, Preschoolers, Raising Teenagers, Shooting the Breeze, Summer, Tips | No Comments »
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