Christmas Count Down Tradition

I have a confession to make before I share a family Christmas tradition...

“ I am a TRADITION JUNKIE!”

I realized it 5 years ago when My #3 child Savannah, who was then 10 years old, approached me one November morning by Saying “Mom we need to plan our day to go shopping for our Christmas dresses;

she ended with “MOM, it’s a tradition”. I had to stop and think for a minute “a tradition….HMMM”. I can only recall actually taking her dress shopping just the previous year since in years past I arrived home and presented my girls with the dresses I had picked out for them. What I realized was Savannah had such a fun time picking out her dress and shopping that she wanted to do it again and she figured that if she threw in the word TRADITION, knowing I love traditions , then I would be sure to repeat the event again. It worked.

I often hear my kids say to me BUT mom it’s a tradition whether it be to stay up late and watch a movie with DAD on Friday NIGHT or to choose what they ate for their birthday meal. They have learned in our family that traditions are important to each of us. They have given them a sense of security and a sense of identity; they feel loved and encouraged by them.
During Christmas one of the main traditions we do through out the month is called the “25 Days of Christmas”.

We count down the days by doing daily holiday activities. Many of these are things you already do during this time of year but this makes it memorable.

First I begin by going through my list I have saved from year to year of over 40 various activity ideas.

Next, I then choose 25 ideas I want to do that particular year. A few examples are: decorate a tree, make cookies, visit Santa Clause, read the Christmas story, movie night, serve sparkling Cider for dinner etc. Like I said, many of these are activities you already do with your families. We are just creating a little more Christmas excitement.

Then I look at my calendar and see which days I can do each of my chosen activities and I write them on my calendar.

Next, I go to my computer and type up little notes to go with each activity such a “ Artists are you ready? It’s time to make a masterpiece in our bonus room” This is for the day I allow my kids to paint the windows with a Christmas scene. Another example is “Get your hammers and nails out it’s time to build and decorate” did you guess this one? Time for my kids to create a ginger bread house.

Then you can do a variety of things with these notes :

* place each note in a separate numbered envelope. Each day your children can open an envelope and read what that days activity is. I do not recommend you seal the envelope until you hand it to your kids because if life goes crazy and you were planning to see santa but Suzy got sick, you can quickly change it around. Which is also why it is important to keep a list of which days you are doing what.

* Place each note in little numbered boxes or Chinese take out boxes hung on a small tree.

*Hang 25 small stockings on a clothes line and place a number on each stocking .

*Purchase an Advent Calender with pockets to place the notes in( see examples below)

*Purchase an Advent curio cabinet with little drawers to place each note in. ( see examples below)

Keep it simple choose carefully what activities you will do so that you do not become overwhelmed. Make this season a time to make memories with your kids and make it special.

This is the time of year we Celebrate the birth of Jesus, not living each day in complete stress and on overload. Make it Simple. Make it Fun!

Need some ideas for your new countdown tradition? -

25 Days of Christmas

1. Present advent calendars to your children
2. Sing Christmas carols together then eat yummy cookies
3. Visit Santa Clause and have their picture taken
4. Go shopping and allow each child to pick out a new ornament
5. Attend a Holiday event
6. Host a family game night and invite another family
7. Take kids to pick out your Christmas tree
8. String pop corn
9. Build a Ginger bread house
10. Serve Sparkling cider with dinner
11. Bake cookies together
12. Paint holiday scenes on your windows
13. Coloring night...each year color in the same book and date it
14. Have a happy Birthday Jesus party, invite the neighbor kids
15. Make Christmas cards
16. Movie night….popcorn and yummy treats
17. PJ Night...everyone gets a new pair
18. Go for a ride and look at all the decorated houses
19. Have dinner by the Christmas tree picnic style
20. December 6th St Nick Night. Have kids place their shoes out with carrots and apples in them and while they are sleeping replace with a small gift
21. Make homemade fudge
22. Decorate your Tree
23. Make Christmas gifts
24. Host a Christmas craft club for your children and their friends
25. Help a family in need ...choose ways to teach your children to give.
26. Make or purchase Thank you gifts for community service workers then take your children around town to drop them off.
27. Red or Green night….Serve food in these colors, decorate the table in these colors
28. Tell the Christmas story and place a light in your window inviting Jesus into your home
29. Make paper chain garlands
30. Snowman night—decorate table with snowmen be creative
31. Ice Cream night ..make sundaes or go out
32. Take kids shopping for Daddy or Siblings or Grand Parents
33. Wrap gifts…. kids love to help
34. Bake a pie
35. Make a sugar cube castle
36. Elf hunt
37. Let your kids decorate their bedrooms
38. Bake a gingerbread man and tell the story
39. Play bingo with dollar store prizes...invite your neighbors over
40. Advent wreath
41. Learn about another Countries traditions
42. Celebrate Hanukah
43. Tell the Christmas story and wear costumes
44. Dec 22nd first day of winter..take a day trip to the snow
45. Have a slumber party by the tree

Add your own family traditions.

Share your Christmas family traditions with us at 24/7 MOMS by emailing them to trisha@247moms.com

Day 10- 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorite giveaway - Bergino Baseballs

On the Tenth day of the 25 days of MOMS Christmas favorites we found Bergino Baseballs . A great gift idea for the baseball fan on your gift list.

Bergino Baseballs come in the largest variety of colors, patterns and textures that we have ever seen- from smooth to suede, leopard to even camouflage. Bergino Baseballs are featured in the premier retail stores, catalogs, art galleries and museums throughout the world.
They have also created handmade custom baseballs for corporations, celebrities, business titans and bar mitzvah boys.


Bergino and 24/7 MOMS are giving away the

Bergino Peace Baseball
-Inspired by the design -- and action -- of the 1960ʼs,
-Features peace signs/words on our innovative tie-dye gloss wraparound artwork
-Handmade to professional standards
-Packaged in clear cylinder


To enter for your chance to win enter your name and email address in the box below you will be signed up for todays Bergino Baseball giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list(if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber).

Winner will be selected on December 2, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org.

Save money shopping online at Ebates

24/7 MOMS  found  a great way for you to save money shopping online - Ebates, a shopping  site that gives you up to 26% Cash Back every time you shop online. You can shop at over 1000 stores including Barnes & Noble.com, Gap, Target, Buy.com and Expedia. Plus you get additional savings with exclusive coupons, free shipping offers, and limited-time sales!

Sign up with Ebates today and you will  get a $5 bonus when you make your first purchase!

How Ebates Works?  Ebates has over 1000 merchant partners (stores) that pay Ebates for your business.  Most sites keep the money, but NOT Ebates.  They send you the savings in a form of a big fat check 4 times a year.

Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online Cash Back Shopping. The company was founded in 1998 by two Deputy District Attorneys in Silicon Valley who used to prosecute online fraud & identity theft before starting Ebates (so you can be sure we are very into secure online transactions!). So go ahead, sign up and start shopping now. Joining Ebates is always free - you'll never pay us anything. And four times a year or more, we'll mail you a Big Fat Check, or transfer the money to your PayPal account if you'd prefer. We can even send the money to your favorite charity. All 100% free.

People often ask: "This sounds too good to be true, how are you able to do it?" It really is quite simple. Just like almost every other online shopping center, we get a commission from the stores when you make a purchase. Instead of keeping that money - like almost all other sites do - we share it with you!

So, as long as 900+ of the world's top online stores are happy to pay a bonus to attract the new, valuable customers we send their way, Ebates is going to continue to send Big Fat Checks to our satisfied customers across the globe. 

Click here to sign up
and get your $5.00 shopping bonus

Happy shopping!

Day 9 - 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites - MobiStories

On the Ninth day of the 25 days of MOMS Christmas favorites we found MobiStories. One gift that Nate will be receiving this year for Christmas to go along with his new MP3 player ( that I got a bargain deal at Amazon on).

These stories are great because Anytime - Anywhere Whether on the go or at home, MobiStories makes reading fun. With a library in your pocket, storytime is wherever and whenever your child wants it to be. Just load up your portable device with some of our great books and voila - you’ll never be without an entertaining story in the palm of your hand. And remember, when people ask why your child is so quiet, just say:
"MobiStories!.

Carry a library in your pocket!

R eading just became more fun!

E ven the youngest kids are mobile and digital savvy.

A ll parents are searching for the next big thing to keep their kids engaged and inspired.

D igital children - digital books. Taking our modern lifestyles to heart, Mobi Stories was created to instill the love of reading in today’s children.


Why MobiStories...

As time has evolved, so has storytelling. Past generations told of legends and folklore through the ritual of “story time,” often at the fireside. These stories were passed to others by word of mouth as our ancestors roamed the planet. When Thomas Edison unleashed the telegraph and Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, the world of communication, mass media and storytelling began to change with a magnitude that these two individuals couldn’t have imagined. With today’s rich technology the essence of a great story can be delivered when and where you want it.

So, what does this mean?

Teachers, doctors and parents all recognize the value of reading. Experts stress the importance of reading to children from birth through reading age, and not just at bedtime, but also throughout the day. In our fast-paced society, who has time for that?

Enter MobiStories. The founders of Still Motion Media left their jobs to fill two needs. The first was to spend more time with their young families. The second was to develop a product that could supplement the story time experience that their children only

Benefits of MobiStories:
•Promotes reading at an earlier age
•Increases literacy, vocabulary and language skills
•Keeps children happily occupied while waiting
•Offers parents a worthwhile activity for their kids
•Great for car or plane trips
•MobiStoriesare positive, pure and funreceived at bedtime. While nothing should replace a parent hugging a child and reading a book together, MobiStories are there whenever that can’t happen.

Available on: iPhone - iPod - Computers - DVD’s - MP3’s - Zune - iTunes -YouTube - Viddler - Revver - MySpace - Facebook

Check out all the great stories at www.MobiStories.com

MobiStories and 24/7 MOMS are giving away TWO $10.00 gift certificates . To enter for your chance to win one, enter your name and email address in the box below, you will be signed up for todays MobiStories giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber).

Winner will be selected on December 1, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org.

Day 8 - 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites giveaways

Today is Day 8 of the 24/7 MOMS 25 days of Moms Christmas Favorites and we found a great and useful gift that is perfect for stocking stuffers or that inexpensive useful gift idea you have been looking for - The Lil’ Chillers Cup - www.lilchillers.com

Move Over Sippy Cups!

If you have been searching for the “ultimate kids cup”, your search is over! Parents, dentists, speech and occupational therapists alike rave about Lil’ Chillers cups.

Made of unbreakable BPA-free polycarbonate, Lil’ Chillers have a non-skid bottom and easy-grip sides for little hands. Lil’ Chillers are tip-resistant and designed with a flared straw which prevents children from removing the straw from the cup.

Lil’ Chillers are for everyone—smaller children, older children and even adults. They are also great for preschools, daycares and even the elderly who may have trouble drinking from an open-mouth cup

You'll never go back to sippy cups!

* For children 18 mos. and up
* Rubber textured grip for small slippery hands
* Ring around the bottom of the straw prevents kids from removing the straw
* Easy transition to open-mouth cup (ridges are on the inside instead of the outside)
* Strong durable straw
* Better for kids than sippy cups
* Tip-resistant, non-skid base
* If toppled, very small amount of liquid comes through the hole for the straw (if included straws are used) because there is a tight fit.
* Dishwasher safe (top shelf recommended to preserve color brightness)
* Comes six fun colors – Pink, Lime, Blue, Orange, Periwinkle and Olive Green.
* Holds 12 oz.
* Replacement Straws Available!

Lil’ Chillers and 24/7 MOMS are giving away a Lil’ Chillers cup. To enter for your chance to win, sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent directly to your inbox then enter your Name and email address to be entered in today's giveaway. If you already receive 24/7 MOMS updates, then leave your name and with your email address and you will be entered. Drawing to be held November 30, 2008.

Enter your email address to receive 24/7 MOMS updates:

Day 7 - 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites giveaways

On the Seventh day of the 25 days of MOMS Christmas favorites we found the perfect gift to bring relaxation and aromatherapy to that busy person on your list. Verikira’s Natural Aroma Shower Steamers.

Holiday rush driving you crazy? Looking for the relaxation and aromatherapy you experience in a bath, but just don’t have the time? Kick back, relax and Aroma-Juvenate this holiday season with Verikira Naturals® (www.verikira.com) Natural Aroma Shower Steamers. These phthalate-free shower steamers are made with the finest natural ingredients and pure essential oils. Start your shower, unwrap the steamer, and place it to the back or corner of the shower floor. As the moisture activates the steamer, the essential oils and flowing water make every shower a sensory journey.

Verikira Naturals come in THREE incredible Aroma’s

Cinnamon & Clove Comfort Natural Aroma Shower Steamers ($24.00 – 5.5 oz. set of 5) – Winter’s signature scent. Boost immunity and gain comfort with a blend of pure strength from Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Clove Leaf, Lemon and Rosemary. Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil is used for muscle aches, rheumatism and pain. Clove Leaf Essential Oil stimulates the mind, aids in lifting depression, aids digestion, relieves pain in arthritis and rheumatism, eases respiratory problems and assists in leg ulcers. The synergy of pure essential oils and flowering water make every shower a sensory journey. Calm holiday stress and stimulate the mind with Cinnamon & Clove Comfort Natural Aroma Shower Steamers.

Peppermint Awakening Natural Aroma Shower Steamers ($22.00 – 5.5 oz. set of 5) – Energize and refresh with a pure mint sensation! Peppermint is used for acne, dermatitis, relieving itching and inflammation. It is also helpful for arthritis, rheumatism, detoxification, and good for all aches and pains. The synergy of pure essential oils and flowing water make every shower a sensory journey! As the moisture activates the steamer, the benefits begin! Detoxify and keep the cold weathered ailments at bay with Peppermint Awakening Aroma Shower Steamers!

Eucalyptus Revival Natural Aroma Shower Steamers ($22.00 – 5.5 oz. set of 5) – Breathe deep and bring clarity to your shower from pure Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus Essential Oil is overall positively good for the immune system especially respiratory issues. It increases the oxygen discharge and carbon dioxide intake of skin cells and oxygenates skin. Useful for muscle aches, sprains, arthritis, rheumatism and overall pain relief. The synergy of pure essential oils and flowing water make every shower a sensory journey! Keep your immune system in balance this holiday season with Eucalyptus Revival Natural Aroma Shower Steamers!

Also, along with Verikira Naturals profound commitment to wellness and passion for creating truly superior products, Kira Peterson, the creator, lives the social responsibility she espouses by supporting impoverished, malnourished, and orphan children through various non-profit organizations throughout the world. With every sale, Verikira Naturals donates a portion of all profits to carefully chosen nonprofit organizations whose purposes align with Peterson’s core values – organizations that work to support human health and wellness.

Aromatherapy is the art of treating the body, mind and spirit with natural aromatic substances harvested from nature.

The Verikira Naturals® aromatic line was created with premium-quality essential oils for body renewal and revitalization. Each solution uniquely works to restore, relax or refresh. Let nature’s harvest serve your body and soul. Verikira Naturals® is a line of skincare, beauty and aromatherapy formulas that was specifically formulated with only the finest natural and organic ingredients, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and extracts (from flowers, herbs, fruits, leaves, and roots) that will clean, exfoliate, refresh, moisturize and most-importantly protect your beautiful body.

To purchase Verikira Naturals® Natural Aroma Shower Steamers, please visit www.Verikira.com

Verikira Naturals and 24/7 MOMS are giving away a set of Verikira Natural Aroma Shower Steamers. To enter for your chance to win, sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent directly to your inbox then enter your name and email address to be entered in today's giveaway.
If you already receive 24/7 MOMS updates, then leave your name and with your email address and you will be entered. Drawing to be held November 29, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org.

Enter your email address to receive 24/7 MOMS updates:

24/7 MOMS is in the news again. After you read this great Tacoma News Tribune article - will you please click here and VOTE for 24/7 MOMS to help us create more mom buzz.

Thanks for supporting 24/7 MOMS

The mom networks
Clubs offer support, advice and a sense of community for South Sound moms.
By Debbie Cafazzo; Debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com


Monday,November 24, 2008
Edition: SOUTH SOUND, Section: SOUNDLIFE, Page E01
Moms need timeouts, too.

While past generations of stay-at-home mothers found respite in informal neighborhood coffee klatches, modern moms sometimes need to look beyond their own cul-de-sacs for support.

With more than half of all mothers of young children at work outside the home, according to the U.S. Census, it's a challenge for a stay-at-home mom to find someone with whom she can share confidences and baby-sitting.

The solution: moms' clubs.

There are mother's clubs for moms of every stripe: military moms, Christian moms, moms of twins or other multiples, green moms, online moms.

Some have been around for years, others are recent inventions.

Why do moms need clubs for support?

Just listen.

MOMS CLUB OF TACOMA

"Before I joined a moms' group, it was lonely," says Barbara Kearley, president of the MOMS Club of Tacoma and a mother of three children ages 1 through 5. "I only had kids to talk to. There were chores nonstop. You'd get the noses wiped and the diapers changed, then start all over again."

MOMS - Moms Offering Moms Support - was started by a California woman in 1983 who wanted to find children for her kids to play with during the day. MOMS now has more than 2,000 chapters around the country.

Liz Satterthwaite, another Tacoma MOMS Club member, is the mother of Anna, who is almost 2.

She says the club serves two purposes for her: "She's at the age where she wants to play with other kids," Satterthwaite says. "And I want to meet other moms."

Oladare Zante, mother of 2-year-old Anthony, joined the Tacoma MOMS Club in May after moving to Tacoma from Renton.

"I didn't know any other stay-at-home moms," she says. She found the club listed on The News Tribune Web site.

She likes MOMS because it allows Anthony to meet other kids his age, and it gives her a chance to meet more experienced moms who can offer her advice on issues like potty training.

The club hosts monthly meetings that both moms and kids attend. It plans regular outings to the zoo, the children's museum, farmers markets and other kid-friendly locations around Tacoma. Several members have formed play groups, and the group also does occasional service projects for the community. Members help with meals and other needs when someone has a baby or is ill. They try to get together once a month for a child-free mom's night out to eat at a restaurant, take in a movie or spend an evening scrapbooking.

MOPS: MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS

MOPS has been a lifesaver for military mom Bethany Tucker of Spanaway.

She first learned about MOPS in 2004 while living in Wyoming with her parents during husband Brendan's deployment to Iraq.

"I had never heard of MOPS," says Tucker, mother of 5-year-old Houston and Caden, who turns 2 in December. "I was invited to join by somebody my mom knew."

She joined the group and found the support system it provided invaluable.

So when the Army moved her family to Fort Lewis in 2005, the first thing she did was look up a local MOPS group. She found one that meets twice a month at Christ Community Baptist Church in Puyallup.

"We have no family here, so they have become my support system," says Tucker. "It's a way to meet other moms at the same stage in life, who feel as crazy as I do."

At the MOPS meetings Tucker attends, children are cared for by church volunteers, while moms get some child-free time to listen to guest speakers, pray, work on crafts and enjoy breakfast prepared by members who take turns doing the cooking and cleanup.

MOPS includes another important component in the form of mentor moms. These are women who have already raised their children, who attend MOPS to offer advice to younger moms.

"The mentor mom is there to be a listener, a helper, a teacher and a friend," says Joan Hall, who volunteers as a mentor for the Christ Community Baptist MOPS group.

Hall says she wishes she had known about MOPS when her children were little.

"I love the program," Hall says. "It's a way to share your own life and let them know that it will be OK, whatever the issue is. They need to know that soon it will be over."

24/7 MOMS

Gig Harbor mom Trisha Novotny is a MOPS veteran. For many years, she was involved in MOPS with her own five children, who range in age from 6 to 19.

She started a group at the Tacoma church where her husband was pastor, then became a regional coordinator for MOPS throughout the state.

At national MOPS conferences, she started hearing from women who had children who had outgrown the group's preschool focus. Many of these mothers of older children wanted a mother's group to call their own.

"I realized there was a huge need for moms whose kids were out of the preschool years," Novotny says. "I started writing down ideas and stuck them in a folder."

In 2007, she pulled out the folder and started a moms' blog and a mothers' group on Yahoo. From those efforts, her online community, 24/7 Moms, was born.

Novotny is an online aficionado, who spends time on Facebook and Twitter.

"I'm huge online. I shop online. I do everything online," she says.

Novotny blogs at 247moms.blogspot.com, touching on mom-friendly topics such as food, freebies and fun. Recent posts tell women how to get free freezer bags and how to organize a child's birthday party.

"Moms are at home, and - after the kids are in bed - they can go online in the middle of the night," Novotny says. "A lot of social networking people find you."

Once a month, 24/7 Moms sends out an e-newsletter filled with parenting tips. Novotny asks moms in her online network to review toys, clothes and other products that marketers send to her.

"We try to promote mom-owned companies and moms who are authors," says Novotny.

Novotny is working with a designer to get her Web site up and running, and she is also working to get her organization registered as a nonprofit group. For now, a group of about 15 volunteers keeps 24/7 Moms humming.

Their most recent triumph was a weekend conference for moms held in October at the Wesley Inn in Gig Harbor. More than 100 women attended the two-day event, which featured entertainment, workshops on parenting topics, an Oprah-style product giveaway, a candy buffet and a pajama party.

Kim English from Kent and Nicole Ferguson from Maple Valley were two of the moms at the conference. Both have children ages 3 and 1.

"We need adult conversation with someone who understands," says English.

"Somebody who will listen to you when you complain that your child hasn't had a bowel movement in a while," adds Ferguson. "Your single friends don't care to hear that."

Both women said they overcame their mommy guilt to attend the 24/7 Moms conference.

Novotny is already planning more mom fun. She hopes to start face-to-face 24/7 Moms groups. She'd like to launch a mother-daughter conference, as well as online "momferences" for women who can't travel to weekend gatherings.

What keeps her working so hard?

"We live in a society where so many are away from their families," Novotny says. "We need a community around us to support us while we raise our children."

- - -

Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635

- - -

MOMS Club of Tacoma

Description: The club offers support to women who believe that raising children is a fulfilling full-time job, but a job that sometimes calls for help from others.

Online: momscluboftacoma.org; momsclub.org. You can find a group near you through the national Web site.

E-mail: contact@ momscluboftacoma.org

Contact: 253-596-8057

MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers)

Description: MOPS offers support, mentoring, creative activities and more for moms with kids from birth to kindergarten age.

MOPS International, a Christian organization, includes more than 3,900 local chapters. There are at least three dozen MOPS groups in the South Sound.

Online: www.mops.org; you can find a group near you through the Web site.

Contact: Puyallup MOPS, 253-846-3000.

24/7 Moms

Description: Created by a Gig Harbor mom, this online community is a place for moms to go to be informed and inspired about the challenges of raising children. The group has already sponsored a successful moms' conference, and plans more in the future. 24/7 Moms is also working on setting up local chapters where moms can meet each other face to face.

Online: 247moms.blogspot.com; www.247moms.com (a work in progress

Day 6- 25 Days of Moms Christmas Favorites giveaways

On the Sixth day of the 25 days of MOMS Christmas Favorites we found the perfect gift to develop young minds creatively Goosie Cards.

Goosie Cards® are the first and only custom flash cards for children. Goosie Cards are created online by the magic of your personal photos, creativity and language...by you for your children. Members log in to their account at Goosiecards.com, upload their own photos, add text to their cards and check out. All Goosie Cards are created and shipped to customers within in 3 days. It's that easy!

Making Goosie Cards is fun! Every 

Goosie Card is unique with your favorite, real life photo and text. They are an innovative learnin

g tool, designed to have fun with your photos, while creatively teaching your child about th

eir world. They help your child learn visual object recognition in a playful way and help initiate 

communication. You can make a special set of flash cards for a little one that stars each member of their family to teach them who's who or maybe their own set of personal ABCs to teach them every letter in the alphabet from their point of view...like Mm is for Mommy. The wonderful thing about Goosie Cards is that they grow with your child. There is really no age limit on the custom cards because they are created as your child develops their reading, language and communication skills. You can create 10, 20 or 26 custom cards and the prices range from $28 to $46.

Another unique feature that we offer is a Goosie® Gallery that offers over 150 FREE full color, beautiful professional photos to help you design your cards. Members can customize their cards with any combination of personal and stock photos to help reflect their child's immediate environment. Goosie Cards are the ultimate flash cards because their design capabilities are user friendly and flexible!

You can also give a Goosie gift certificate for 10, 20 or 26 cards that can be redeemed on line at goosiecards.com. Each gift certificate is addressed with your personal message for FREE. The gift certificate is enclosed in a high quality tri-fold gift package and includes everything you need to know about the company, the web site and directions on how to redeem the gift certificate. It also includes one custom Goosie Card sample for a hands-on experience of the quality of the cards. The best part about the gift package is that the price includes the cost of shipping and handling of the completed flash card set to the recipient, so it makes a great gift! Ships in 3 days and prices start at $34 for 10 cards.

Goosie flash cards are also available and can be purchased "as is". This is a perfect gift for a parent that loves the quality of our cards and photographs. They are wonderful teaching tools for children. Each set is created with full color, beautiful, professional photos designed to stimulate young minds. There are 11 categories to choose from: ABC's, Animal Kingdom, 123's, Favorite Foods, Head to Toe, What to Wear, Sign Language, Trucks & Tractors, Shapes & Colors, Mix & Match and our new category Busy Bugs (release date November). Stock card sets range in age from 3 months to 5 years. Cards ship in 3 days and prices range from $16 to $32 depending on the set.

Goosie Cards are also being used by parents, teachers and medical professionals in the autism and special needs community. The benefit of Goosie Cards is that parents and teachers have the flexibility to teach and communicate with real life photos that reflect the world around each child, exactly as it is so it meets the needs of each unique child. Goosie Cards can help children with autism to learn a variety of skills to communicate effectively in the following areas: social, emotional, sequential, memory and communication skills. I support these families with a discount program to provide some relief in price, while providing one of the most advanced, communication learning systems on the market. The wonderful thing about Goosie Cards is that they are for every child!

Get FREE shipping on your order with this great promotion : Enter freeship08 at checkout for FREE shipping now until 12/31/08

Goosie Cards and 24/7 MOMS are giving away A gift card for a custom set of Goosie Cards. To enter for your chance to win sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent right to your inbox (sign-up box is below), then leave a comment with your email address, and you will be entered.

Winner will be selected on November 28, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org. Already receive 24/7 MOMS updates then leave us a comment with your email address and you will be entered. 

Enter your email address to receive 24/7 MOMS updates:

Thrifty Holiday Finds

My Thanksgiving dinner has not even been eaten, let alone cooked. But we as moms are already thinking, planning and shopping for Christmas. So, today our Thrifty Finds are focused Holiday frugal ideas to help you as you begin your Holiday Shopping.

Holiday Freebies:

Free Vista print T-Shirt Offer - Create FREE t-shirt gifts, You just pay the shipping. Be creative and make T-shorts for Grandparents, Siblings, friends and more. http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/freepremShirtsBC.aspx?

GP=11%2f25%2f2008+12%3a16%3a40+AM

Free holiday greeting fun: Elf Yourself! 2008

That's right, it's back & better than last year. Send them to your friends and family's, have fun! http://www.elfyourself.com/

Free Personalized Santa video Message at http://family.go.com/santas-list/

Free Gifts in a jar e-book at

 http://www.livingonadime.com/ebooks/gifts-in-a-jar-promo.html 

full of great tips and recipes to create gifts in a jar for your holiday givng.

Bargain Shopping

We are just days away from what some moms believe to be the Shopping day of the year BLACK FRIDAY. So, How can we get the most out of this incredible day of shopping?

We asked Kim from Mommy Savers if we could share her 10 Black Friday Shopping tips with our 24/7 MOMS and she willingly gave us her amazing Black Friday tips.

Be sure to check out Kim’s website and become a frugal mommy saver. www.mommysavers.com

Black Friday Shopping Tips
by Kimberly Danger

For many people, shopping is just as much a part of Thanksgiving weekend as turkey and pumpkin pie. In fact, last year more than 140 million shoppers hit stores on Black Friday alone. Besides being the first day of the Christmas shopping season, Black Friday marks the day when retailers realize profits -- going from being “in the red” to “in the black” – hence the name.

Before you brave the crowds of frenzied shoppers, here are some tips to make the most of your bargain hunting experience:

1. Plan Ahead

Most sales fliers go out with the Thanksgiving newspaper, but information is largely available on the internet weeks ahead of time. Plan your shopping strategy as early as possible. Sites like blackfridayads.com clue shoppers in to what will be on sale at major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Toys R Us will offer on Friday morning.

2. Have a Backup Plan

While most places offer limited quantities of doorbuster items, the sale merchandise that isn’t quite so hot is readily available. If you’re visiting a store for a doorbuster item, make sure that there is something besides else your list. Otherwise the odds of leaving empty-handed (and having wasted precious shopping time) increase dramatically.

3. Comparison Shop

You may want to browse the internet and comparison shop before you set foot in the stores. What seems like a good deal isn’t actually all it’s cracked up to be and may not be worth standing in line for. Look up current pricing on major sites like Amazon.com, Toysrus.com and Bestbuy.com.

4. Prep Your Car

If you’re going to be bringing home a new plasma screen TV, you’ll want to make sure there’s room for it in your vehicle. Make sure the trunk is cleaned out or back seats removed from your van. Top off your tank to avoid wasting time at the gas station.

5. Dress Appropriately

For most people, this means boots, mittens, hats and a warm coat. Don’t try to be too fashion conscious; just be comfortable. Be prepared to wait outside in some situations. Leave your purse at home and just bring a credit card or enough cash. It’s one more thing to worry about or potentially get lost or stolen.

6. Arrive Early

If you snooze, you lose – especially on Black Friday. Most of the doorbuster promotions begin as early as 5 am and are available in limited quantities only. In some cases you’ll need to arrive several hours before the doors actually open to get the best deals. Many stores have started to use a numbering system to be fair to shoppers who have camped out in line for the store to open. As they enter, they are handed a number to allow them to purchase in-demand items.

7. Shop with a Partner

Send one person to the checkout lanes while the other snatches up the bargains. Keep your cell phones charged so you can easily meet up later. Leave the kids at home. Crowded aisles and unscrupulous shoppers can be a dangerous combination for small children.

8. Take Advantage of Price Matching

Some stores will also honor the advertised prices of their competitors – even on Black Friday. Use this strategy to your advantage to avoid long lines. Make sure you take the competitor’s flyer with you – otherwise you may be out of luck.

A similar strategy involves buying the item ahead of time, returning it on Black Friday and immediately re-buying it at the lower price. The ethics of this are questionable and most stores don’t appreciate customers who do it. Some stores have even made Black Friday exempt from their regular price-matching policy.

9. Realize Additional Savings

If you’re making a big-ticket purchase, consider signing up for a store credit card to save an additional 10-15% on the transaction.

10. Shop Online

Avoid the hassle and gas expense by shopping online. Some sites even start their Black Friday promotions on midnight – well before their bricks and mortar stores open. The Monday following Thanksgiving, known as Cyber Monday, is one of the busiest days for online shopping as employees head back to work (and their computers) after the holiday weekend. Many sites offer special deals to Cyber Monday shoppers. Be sure to look for online coupon codes for additional


Frugal Holiday saving Tips:

This weeks frugal MOM holiday money saving idea comes from Sonja Gardner

This year is very tight for us financially since I am staying home with the children while my husband is working.  For gifts, I am buying things at dollar stores or Wal-Mart to save money.  It is amazing what fun little items you can find if you really look for them!  People should always remember that it is the thought that counts the most when giving gifts.  I am also making gifts such as soup-in-a-jar and cookie-mix-in-a-jar mixes.  People really seem to love these gifts, and it helps us save money.

Smiles,

Sonja Gardner
Bothell Mom of Two Adorable Boys

Share your frugal Holiday saving tips with the 24/7 MOMS - send your ideas to us at trisha@247moms.com 

Day 5 - 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites

On the Fifth day of the 25 days of MOMS Christmas favorites we found the perfect gift book to give this Christmas that every receiver will be excited to receive. “ A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.” co-authored by 6 amazing Ladies.

Is your Christmas cluttered? Does it leave you fretting instead of singing "Joy to the World"? In A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, discover how to bring harmony to this busy season. As you turn the pages of this practical book, you'll find tips for family traditions, children, gift giving, how to grow myrrh and much more. Try the scrumptious "Cookie Canister" recipes, read heart-warming stories about families who experienced Christmas firsts and enjoy the feelings of nostalgia and home. This is a book to help you uncomplicate Christmas, rediscover the real source of joy and usher in the celebration of faith, family and a Savior. The eye-catching scrapbooking designs used throughout the colorful book make this an ideal gift as well as coffee table book.

The first time something happens in your life is usually a significant moment and often a transforming event. Who doesn't remember their first kiss? Christmas is a time of year when events become even more significant because of the importance we place on the holiday. The First Christmas truly changed lives—and this compilation of "Christmas Firsts" show families enriched by the holiday, the beginning of new traditions, and a fond remembrance of why we continue to celebrate that First Christmas.

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts invites you to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. Laugh with the light quotes and quips, learn about the origins of many Christmas traditions, and enjoy holiday tips to make your celebrations complete


You can find out more about each of the contributing authors at their blog or personal websites:

Blog: scrapbookofchristmasfirsts.blogspot.com
Brenda Nixon: www.brendanixon.com
Trish Berg: www.trishberg.com
Cathy Messacar: www.cathymessecar.com
Karen Robbins: www.karenrobbins.com
Leslie Wilson: www.lesliewilson.com
Terra Hangen: terragarden.blogspot.com


Author Trish Berg and 24/7 MOMS are giving away TWO copies of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts books. To enter for your chance to win one of these great books you just need to sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent right to your inbox (sign-up box is below), then leave a comment with your email address, and you will be entered.

Winner will be selected on November 27, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org. Already receive 24/7 MOMS updates then just leave a comment with your email address and you will be entered in today's giveaway

Enter your email address to receive 24/7 MOMS updates:

Day 4 - 25 Days of Moms Christmas Favorites

It is Day 4 of the 25 Days of Moms Christmas Favorites and today we found the perfect gift to re-invent bath time by Wett Giggles. Be sure to check out their online 20% off Holiday special and enter to WIN today's giveaway.

Wett Giggles introduces its unique line of hygiene centered bath-toys. In the past, kids have been enticed to bathe by rubber duckies, boats and scuba divers. Today, your children can share the same excitement you once felt at bath-time, with Hamlet the Frog, Beatrice the Cow, Robin the Bear and many more new friends for your child to enjoy.

Inspired, Wett Giggles is a three-in-one product. The soap is handmade from natural glycerin, essential oils, and shea butter. The toy couples as a manicure brush for the added benefit of your child’s fingernails. Each toy is shaped as a playful animal character with its own Shakespearian name. The toy/manicure brush is encased in the soap. “My three year old loves it! He’s been using it during bath time every night,” said Camilla from New York.

Wett Giggles boasts nine unique characters, each with its own scent. Beatrice is blackberry scented. Cupid, the pup, is coconut-banana scented—Hamlet and Horatio, watermelon; Juliet, the duck, and Romeo, the dog, orange; Ophelia, lemon; Robin, pineapple; purple Cato is a creature all his own with a grape scent. “My girls absolutely love this product,” said Pat from North Carolina.

Wett Giggles were designed for children under the age of nine.Some adults have liked them too!For the toddlers, Wett Giggles has two toys encased in soap without the manicure brush. Each soap and manicure brush/toy is only $10. You can also buy the soap with toy, no brush attached, for only $8. And for a Wett Giggles manicure brush/toy without the soap, it’s only $5. All soap orders include a free soap dish. Now during the holiday season Wett Giggles offers a 20% discount on all products and a FREE soap dish with all orders. . All purchases are shipped via UPS in 7-10 days.

Wett Giggles products available online at www.WettGiggles.com, or call to order 1-877-238-3363. For more information, please call Karen St. Clair at (917) 804-7302, or email info@WettGiggles.com.

Wett Giggles and 24/7 MOMS are giving away one Coconut, Banana scented Cupid the dog soap Wett Giggles soap. To enter for your chance to your own Wett GIggles and re-invent bath time sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent right to your inbox (sign-up box is below), then leave a comment with your email address, and you will be entered. Winner will be selected on November 26, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org. Already receive 24/7 MOMS updates then just leave a comment with your email address and you will be entered in today's giveaway.

Enter your email address:

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Let's Make a Meal Mondays - Thanksgiving Recipes

Our family enjoys trying out new recipes during our BIG holiday meals. And, thanks to the 24/7 MOMS who submitted these great recipes, I now have a nice selection to choose from.

What about you? Are you looking for new recipes to add to this years big Thanksgiving meal?

Why not try out one of these Mom-tested recipes? I'm sure they will please your Thanksgiving eaters.


Savory Turkey Brine
by Derrick Riches
Submitted by Nancy Freilinghttp

This turkey brine gets a portion of its salt from vegetable stock. The combination of spices and herbs will give your turkey a rich flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

* 2 quarts vegetable stock
* 1/2 cup salt (3/4 cup Kosher or coarse salt)
* 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
* 1 tablespoon dried sage
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 2 quarts cold water

Preparation:
In a large pot combine vegetable stock, salt and herbs over a medium heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the salt is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add cold water.

Place turkey in a large plastic container. Pour brine over top, cover and refrigerate. Brine for 1 hour per pound.


Verdure al Forno
snoelles courtesy Giada De Laurentiis
submitted by Amy www.wfdamy.blogspot.com

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
5 medium zucchini, (about 1 1/2 pounds) sliced lengthwise, 1/4-inch thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated fontina
1/4 cup grated Romano
1 cup plain dried bread crumbs
4 Tbsp unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Evenly pour 1/3 cup of the heavy cream and sprinkle with 1/3 of a cup of mozzarella, 1/3 cup fontina and 2 tablespoons of the Romano. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the bread crumbs. Repeat layers, ending with the bread crumbs. Cut the 4 tablespoons of butter into 1/2-inch cubes and sprinkle over the top of the dish. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, place the baking dish on top and bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Baked Vegetables
Michelle (MMmom)
Submitted Amy www.wfdamy.blogspot.com

1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise
4 ounces white button mushrooms, wiped clean and trimmed
3 scallions, roots and dry tops trimmed
1 large carrot, cut on the diagonal into ¾ inch thick
½ to 1 Tbsp olive oil
½ to 3/4 tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Arrange vegetables on a baking sheet. Drizzle oil over each vegetable and toss to coat. Sprinkle on salt & pepper and toss again. Place baking sheet(s) in oven and roast 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

Sweet Potato Casserole
By Vanessa Beckett

Prep Time:
20 Min
Cook Time:
1 Hr 5 Min
Ready In:
1 Hr 25 Min

5 sweet potatoes
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tbsp heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Bake sweet potatoes 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until they begin to soften. Cool slightly, peel, and mash.

In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, salt, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and heavy cream. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix with a pastry blender or your fingers to the consistency of course meal. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until topping is crisp and lightly browned.

8 Servings



Apple and Sausage Stuffing
By Vanessa Beckett
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min

1 lb. Pork or Sage Sausage
4 large apples, such as Red Delicious, McIntosh or Granny Smith
8 cups dried, toasted fresh or prepared seasoned bread cubes
1 small minced onion
1 cup dried or fresh cranberries
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup milk
Canned chicken broth (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F. Crumble sausage into medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Place sausage and drippings in large bowl. Core, peel and chop apples into ½" pieces. Add apples and all remaining ingredients except broth to sausage mixture; blended thoroughly. Bake loosely stuffed in bird or place stuffing in greased 13" x 9" baking dish. Add turkey drippings and/or broth to adjust moistness and bake 30-45 minutes. Leftover stuffing should be removed from bird and stored in the refrigerator separately. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Makes 10 side dish servings, enough for a 12 to 15 lb. turkey



Kathy Casey’s Blue Cheese & Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes
By Kathy Casey Food Studios
Submitted by Kara McQuillan

Description: No one likes mushy scalloped potatoes and nothing beats a Washington Russet potato for making perfect, creamy, but still firm scalloped potatoes. I love serving this version with blue cheese and rosemary with a big fat grilled steak, or a golden brown, perfectly roasted chicken.
Makes: 12 Servings

5 lbs. Washington Russet potatoes
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1-1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 cups cream
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
1. Butter a 9- by 13-inch glass baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch slices. Toss them in a large bowl with the 2 teaspoons salt, pepper and rosemary.
2. In a small bowl toss together cheeses.
3. Layer half the potatoes in the buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese mixture and top with remaining potatoes.
4. In a bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients and pour over potatoes. Tap the baking dish on the counter to spread out the sauce and help release any air bubbles. Sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture.
5. Bake potatoes for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until browned and completely tender all the way through when poked with a knife.
6. Serve immediately.
Kathy's Notes: You can also make these in advance and store, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature and reheat in a 350 degree F oven until hot.


Pumpkin Cloverleaf Rolls
By Darla Markovsky

“The herb flavoring is subtle, but the texture is rich. In fact, these pull-aparts are sweet and buttery enough to please even the most stubborn self-proclaimed vegetable hater – despite the fact that they’re made with (shhh) squash.” (Family Fun magazine, November 2008)

3¾ cups flour, plus more for sprinkling
1 package or 2¼ tsp instant or bread machine yeast
1 tsp salt
¼ cup milk
¼ cup honey
½ cup canned or frozen and thawed pureed pumpkin or squash
1 large egg
½ cup warm water
8 fresh sage leaves, slivered (or 1 1/3 tsp dried leaves)
½ cup (1 stick) butter

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt and set it aside.

Pour the milk into a microwave-safe bowl or 4-cup glass measuring cup and microwave it on high for 30 seconds. Whisk in the honey, squash, egg, and water. (The liquid mixture should be less than 110°; anything hotter might kill the yeast.)

With a fork, blend the squash mixture into the flour mixture until you have soft dough. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Two hours before baking, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 6 sage leaves into the dough. Melt the butter and set it aside in a small bowl. Divide the dough in half, and then divide each half into 6 portions. Divide each portion into 3 pieces. With floured hands, roll each piece into a ball and dip it into the melted butter. Place 3 balls in a muffin cup. Continue until 12 muffin cups are filled.

Drizzle or brush each roll with ½ teaspoon of the leftover melted butter and then sprinkle them with the rest of the sage. Let the rolls rise in a warm spot (at least 70°) until they’re double in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. The 3 balls of dough will rise together to form a cloverleaf shape.

Heat the oven to 350°. Bake the rolls until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Makes 1 dozen



Rhubarb Cherry Crisp Amy (ajays)
Submitted by Amy www.wfdamy.blogspot.com

FILLING:
1 cup white sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1 cup cold water
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1/2 tsp almond extract
4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb

CRUST:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cornstarch and sugar. Stir in the water. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Stir in the cherry pie filling and almond extract. Set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar and salt. Cut in margarine until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Press 2 cups of this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the rhubarb over the crust, then spread the cherry mixture over the rhubarb. Stir the chopped nuts into the remaining crumb mixture, and sprinkle over the top of the fruit. Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is crisp and golden. Serve warm topped with ice cream or whipped topping.



Blackberry Cobbler by Betty Crocker
Submitted by Tammy Boring

2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blackberries (do not use blueberries)
1 cup sugar
1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
Cream, whipped cream or ice cream, if desired

1. In medium bowl, stir together blackberries and sugar. Let stand about 20 minutes or until fruit syrup forms. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. In large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Stir in melted butter until blended. Spread in ungreased 8-inch square pan. Spoon blackberry mixture over batter.
Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until dough rises and is golden. Serve warm with cream.


Cobbler-Berry (Fruit Bobbler)
Submitted by Michelle Faussett

Melt one cube of Butter in a baking dish (9x13) in the oven. Once melted take out of the oven.

In a bowl mix together
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
Then add 1 cup milk

Pour batter into the melted butter in the baking dish.
Add 3 cups fresh fruit over batter mixture. If using frozen fruit, bring fruit to room temperature first. Sprinkle ¼ cup to 1 cup sugar to taste and 1 tablespoon nutmeg.
Bake at 400 degrees. Check after 30 minutes. May need to bake for another 15 minutes.



Sunday French Toast
by Trish Berg www.trishstipoftheweek.blogspot.com

2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 tsp cinnamon
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
10-12 slices bread

1. Spray pans with cooking spray.
2. In separate bowl, mix the sauce ingredients.
3. Dip bread slices in individually in sauce, and lay bread slices in single layer on jelly roll pan, or 2 9 x 13 pans.
Pour remaining sauce on top of bread when done
At this point, you can bake immediately or cover tightly and store in the fridge for a day or two, or freeze for up to a month.
6. To cook, bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
Serve warm


Pumpkin Smoothie
By Cindy Staub

Canned pumpkin, milk, vanilla yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, ice cubes, blend top with whip cream & sprinkl

Day 3 - 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites

On the third day of the 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites, 24/7 MOMS found the perfect Smart Mom jewelry at www.smartmomjewelry.com, perfect for all those mommys on your gift list this Christmas.

Smart Mom Jewelry, better known as Teething Bling®, was inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry.

Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling® looks great on moms, grandmas, aunts and caregivers, but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew.

Smart Mom Jewelry is non-toxic, phthalate, BPA and PVC free, and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp.

Smart Mom Jewelry is available in pendants, key chains and bangles. You can get 20% off now through November 30, 2008. Get your Christmas shopping done early and order your Smart Mom Jewelry today.

Smart Mom Jewelry and 24/7 MOMS are giving away THREE pendants. To enter for your chance to win one of these Smart Mom Jewelry pendants, sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent right to your inbox (sign-up box is on right side of the blog), then leave a comment with your email address, and you will be entered. Winner will be selected on November 25, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org.

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24/7 MOMS

On the second day of the 25 Days of MOMS Christmas Favorites, 24/7 MOMS has found the perfect way to make every child feel like a STAR this Christmas, by giving them the gift of a Personalized Children’s book created by “Custom Made for Kids” - http://www.custommadeforkids.com/

These award-winning personalized children's books make perfect holiday gifts for newborns and young children.

With bright, whimsical full-color illustrations and rhyming text, you and your child will fall in love with these hardcover, keepsake personalized children's book.


The First Adventures of Incredible You is one of the most highly personalized children's books on the market today. Customers are able to "build" a one-of-a kind book at the Custom Made For Kids website by inserting over 20 personal facts about a child and the people and places that are most important to that child. From tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that "stars" in it. By personalizing these experiences, The First Adventures of Incredible You highlights the connection between children and the people and places that are special to them in their young lives. There is also a dedication page in the full-color, hardcover book where you may provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you. The delightful illustrations are cleverly executed so that the book is perfect for any child -- no matter what their sex, race or family structure. The First Adventures of Incredible You makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime. $32.95, plus $5.95 for shipping in the U.S. Deliveries to the Continental U.S. must be placed by Sunday 12/14/08 for arrival by Christmas (and Canada/Hawaii/Alaska orders should be placed one week earlier)!

Custom Made for Kids and 24/7 MOMS are giving away TWO personalized books. To enter for your chance to win one of these personalized books, sign-up to receive the 24/7 MOMS updates sent right to your inbox (sign-up box is on right side of the blog), then leave a comment with your email address, and you will be entered. Winner will be selected on November 24, 2008, using the random number generator at random.org.

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