I still didn't get a picture of the cake, but I did capture the chaos of present-opening!

My husband is far more of a germ phobe than I, but he desperately tried blowing on the cake to get the ants off. “Can we save it? Oh, please say we can save it,” he said. I just put my hand on his shoulder and shook my head. Even I knew that we could not win back the cake from 12 dozen tiny ants. So we waged our war by shoving that beautiful and aromatic chocolate fudge cake down the garbage disposal as my son wailed in the background, “Is my soccer ball cake OK?”

This is where my husband and I looked at each other and found a freaky calm. Not to sound preachy, but we have so much to be thankful for, like jobs to pay for a replacement cake. And a happy, healthy little soon-to-be-six-year-old. That’s more than I can say for a lot of people we know.

We were not about to call Rick’s friend to remake that cake. It is our plan for him to never find out. (Wise putting it up on this Web site, eh?) Instead I gave in and called a couple bakeries. I say “gave in” because I’ve been boycotting the first bakery, let’s call it “E’s,” because they fired some longtime baker (who I did not know) because customers had found out he was gay. Yeah, the lawsuit’s pending. Since there are three “E” bakeries in town, my call was routed to a central number to place my order. I gave up on the 3D cake, hoping just to get a round cake with a black-and-white soccer ball pattern colored on the top with buttercream frosting. But this was too high a demand for “E’s,” as I would have had to pick it up that afternoon. Besides, the woman said, those little octagon shapes are too difficult to do in icing? Really? I thought bakers could do anything. At least those wedding cake artists you see on TV can! She said I was welcome to walk into any of the “E” locations and they would be happy to write “Happy Birthday Truman” on a cake already decorated with flowers or balloons. Nah.

I called a second bakery. This one, “S’s,” is actually in a more convenient location for us but parking there is a bear and the sales staff act as if you are annoying them whenever you dare speak to them. But the lady on the phone was nice enough and said they would be happy to do the soccer ball cake, no problem. She said, just so I knew, that the soccer ball design was a rounded pop up. A rounded what? What’s a pop top? A pop top is a plastic top that sits on the cake. You remove it before serving. Not that it really mattered at this point, but the thought of some big plastic pop top on my son’s cake didn’t sound too appetizing to me, so I told her I’d get back to her.

And then my husband suggested I call Publix. I’m not a fan of that whipped icing they put on their pre-made cakes, but my friend Rhoda told me just last week that you can request buttercream when you order a cake there. So I called our local Publix bakery and sure enough the woman who took my order said it was perfectly fine for them to make the top of a 10-inch round cake look like a soccer ball with black-and-white buttercream icing. The only thing is that the cake had to be vanilla, which was fine, but they did put a glob of chocolate fudge filling in the middle, which sufficiently sufficed. The best part is that the bakery is open on Sundays so we arranged for the cake to be picked up on Sunday (unlike the two other bakeries I called, who are not open on Sundays) on the way to the soccer field. That way, cake number 2 wouldn’t even see our house before the party and the ants couldn’t exact revenge on us.

When we unveiled the cake at the birthday party, my son glowed with pride. The cake was devoured. The party went off without (another) hitch. All was well. Still, I can’t help but wonder how truly good that 3D soccer ball cake must have been. I hope the ants enjoyed it. It was, after all, their last supper.

Photo, JWJourney, BlissMom.com

Post from: Blisstree

Birthday Cake Tragedy Finds Happy Ending

This old Fannie Farmer cookbook was actually my father’s mother’s book. She died, ironically, on Christmas Day when I was a wee kid, but judging from the photos I’ve seen of her, I’m sure she would have enjoyed having a cup or two of the Walker family nog.

There is a science to this egg nog recipe. For starters, it uses raw eggs. I remember when I was a kid and it was OK to lick the cake batter out of the bowl without someone freaking out about salmonella poisoning. I’m not sure what happened to eggs between now and then. But my father, the immunologist, says that the alcohol in our egg nog is enough to kill just about anything in its path. Honestly, this recipe uses enough booze that even my family would warn guests not to smoke near it.

The other odd thing is that this recipe is to be made a week before it is consumed and “store in cool cellar.” We live in Alabama. Our cellar holds wine and is climate controlled, otherwise it would be about 75 degrees this time of year. But, the refrigerator is a fair substitute. And we make room.

I have had two different excellent chefs taste the Walker Family Egg Nog and they both agreed with anyone else who has ever been brave enough to try it. It is excellent. And for those skittish few out there – not a single person has come down with salmonella or any other illness from consuming the raw eggs in this nog. (Think Rocky Balboa in Rocky, the first one.) As for alcohol poisoning, well, I can’t vouch for that.

I’m going to share this recipe, and you’ll thank me if you try it. (I’m not going to type it in because that’s probably a copyright issue. So I’ll just shoot the page.) But if you really want to thank me, then you can visit BlissMom.com after Dec. 1, because at the end of the month I’ll be moving on from the glorious BlissTree. Bittersweet. Meantime, let’s toast to this, the best egg nog recipe you will every try.

Photos, JWJourney

Post from: Blisstree

Best Egg Nog Recipe in the World!

Alabama is my husband’s team. He grew up during the glory days of Bear Bryant, and he still remembers seeing the mighty coach standing on the sidelines or watching him eat Golden Flake potato chips on TV. If you think Alabama fans have put the Bear years behind them, you haven’t met my husband.

My son is an LSU fan. We’re not sure how it happened. Truman pledged his allegiance to the purple-and-gold a few weeks before the 2007 football season. That was the year they took home the national championship. This was when my son was his most clairvoyant. He almost always picked the winning baseball team or Nascar driver. When he predicted Obama would be president long before the Democratic primary, well, it was just freaky.

Here’s how much my husband loves our son – he bought Truman an LSU jersey. Truman wears it from time to time, especially when he and Daddy play football in the yard. Rick is willing to be most any team Truman makes him be, except Tennessee and Auburn. Last week Rick was Iowa. (Truman pronounces it eye-OH-uh.)

Sure, we bought Truman Alabama caps and jerseys even before he was born. We assumed we would raise an Alabama fan simply through osmosis. But for some reason, our son preferred choosing his own favorites. As much as it pains Rick, he is willing to let Truman be his own man when it comes to choosing sports teams. Rick is an avid New York Yankees fan; Truman prefers the Red Sox. Rick loves the Lakers; Truman likes the Celtics.

When we told Truman last week that we were going to see Alabama play LSU, Rick told our darling son that he could wear any jersey he wanted, including his LSU jersey. Truman said, “That’s OK, Daddy. I’m going to wear my Alabama jersey just for you.” My husband gushed with pride.

Those words alone from my psychic son led me to believe that Alabama would continue its winning streak. But at times it was hard to keep the faith. Thankfully, Alabama pulled off the win. Roll Tide!

We drove home that evening with our son strapped in the backseat. He was wearing his Alabama jersey and ROLL TIDE eye blacks, holding a crimson-and-white shaker and a paper hounds tooth hat fan, and shouting “Roll Tide” to passing cars. My husband turned to me, a proud papa, and said, “I think we’ve finally made him a Bama fan.”

Truman suddenly paused from his Bama chants. “You know, Daddy,” he chimed in. “I like Alabama, but I still like LSU more.”

Photo, JWJourney

Post from: Blisstree

Can You Influence Your Son’s Choice in Team

To date, Maclaren has received 15 reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputation in the United States.

The recall includes about one million single and double Maclaren Strollers distributed nationally at Babies “R” Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers between 1999 and November 2009. The recalled modens include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller. The strollers, which were manufactured in China, sold for between $100 and $360.

Consumers are urged to stop using these recalled strollers immediately and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit. Maclaren USA can be reached toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or through its Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall.

Source, Beasley Allen Law Firm
Photo, CSPC

Post from: Blisstree

Strollers Recalled Due to Amputation Hazard

For centuries, people have touted the benefits of laughter. Experts say that a good laugh can reduce stress by relaxing tense muscles and energizing you by sending more oxygen into your bloodstream. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine researchers Drs. Lee Berk and Stanley Tan have conducted studies that show laughter lowers serum cortisol levels, increases the amount of activated T lymphocytes, increases the number and activity of natural killer cells, and increases the number of T cells that have helper/suppresser receptors. What that all means is that the mere act of laughing can stimulate the immune system, off-setting the immunosuppressive effects of stress.

Laughter, too, has been shown to improve one’s tolerance to pain. (Wish I’d heard that after labor, when the epidural wore off!)

There have also been reports that people with serious diseases, like cancer, can mend themselves by arming themselves with a positive attitude and plenty of laughter. Another plus is that laughter, unlike many medicines, has no side effects. So there is truth to the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

Sources:
Solve Your Problems
Natural Medicine, Suite 101

Video & screenshot, YouTube, tipookhan

Post from: Blisstree

Why Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

My friend Emily said Santa was not some jolly old elf who appeared in the night and left presents under the tree, but was really my father who would crawl out of bed and pull toys from the closet. I suppose I knew Emily was telling the truth, but inside I wanted to believe Santa was real.

It was back when my family and I used to eat dinner around the dining room table that I made the announcement to my parents. “I know the truth about Santa. It’s you, Dad. You’re Santa.” My father put his fork down, placed his hands on the table and sighed. “You’re right, kiddo. I am Santa. And it is extremely exhausting getting up late at night, calling together the reindeer, and hitting every house in the world before daylight. But know that you know, perhaps you’ll go to bed a little faster on Christmas Eve so I can leave the house on time.”

It was not the answer I was expecting, but it was a welcome one. I wasn’t ready to let the mystery of Santa fade so quickly. And while I knew deep down that my father wasn’t Santa to the entire planet, it was nice to know that the magic wasn’t gone.

At some point, all kids whose families practice Santa Claus will question the tradition. So, when is the best time to let your kids in on the big secret?

“There’s really no one right time to tell kids that there’s no Santa Claus,” says Glen Elliott, Ph.D. Elliott is an associate professor and the director of the department of child and adolescent psychology at the University of California, San Francisco, in an interview with CNN. “The important thing is to take your cues from the child, and not try to prolong the fantasy for your own enjoyment when they may be ready to give it up.”

Yeah, maybe so. My son will be 6 this Christmas. He hasn’t questioned Santa, but I’m sure that will change now that he is in school. And when he does begin to question the whole idea, I think I’ll go my father’s route and choose the non-denial denial method.

Post from: Blisstree

When To Tell The Truth About Santa

I don’t blame my father for that. He has a new life now with a wonderful, beautiful wife. And she has her family there. I’m a grownup now. I have husband and a child. And if anything, I should be grateful for my in-laws, who have readily filled that emptiness. But still, it depresses me. This is my problem, obviously. Each year I get upset about it and each year I eventually realize that just because my family no longer sees each other on the actual holidays doesn’t mean we don’t love each other. It means I need to focus on what I have here. It just drives me nuts that every holiday season I have to process the same old bullshit again and again.

Well, enough about my rant. I probably should check into therapy, but for now I did find comfort in these tips on How to Handle Holiday Stress, offered by speaker, author and coach Karen Susman. And, now I’ll offer them to you, too:

1. Lower expectations. Have a realistic view of what is really important. Your kids want your time. They are not going to remember the Martha Stewart decorations – unless you involve them in the making of the decorations.
2. Don’t over schedule yourself or your family. Pick and choose the holiday functions.
3. Take care of yourself. You can’t give what you don’t have. So, eat healthfully, avoid the sweets as much as possible. Exercise routines are sacrificed when we’re overwhelmed, but exercise is the best investment of your time.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Most of us are suffering from sleep deprivation as it is. Nothing is worth your getting sick.
5. Ask for help. Involve your kids, spouse, family and friends.
6. Ask yourself, “If I only had half the time, what would I do?” This will help you prioritize.
7. Pick names for gifts instead of buying a gift for everyone. This will save you money and time.
8. Shop online or from catalogues.
9. Buy stamps online. Why stand in line at the post office?
10. Make gifts with your kids. They’ll love the time spent together and they’ll be proud of their creations.
11. Read holiday stories to your children. This allows you to sit down, relax and connect. (We had a holiday tradition of everyone climbing on to the big bed and reading together.)
12. Start new holiday traditions that are less stressful for you but just as meaningful.
13. Ask yourself why you’re really working this hard on the holidays. Many times our egos get in the way, or we’re in competition with a friend or family member. Martyrdom has lots of payoffs. Give it up!
14. Take a minute in the tub, or waiting in line to write down all your stressors. Include your everyday stressors as well as holiday stressors. Which ones can you face head on, take care of and get off your list? For instance, if paying bills is hanging over your head, sit down and get that done. Get the snow tires on instead of praying it doesn’t snow. If money’s short, spend less, cut up credit cards or call a financial advisor.
15. Look at your list of stressors and determine which ones you have no control over. Your parents are aging. The economy is like sludge. If you live in Minnesota, it will snow.
16. Do a mental makeover. Reframe what the holidays are all about for you. Is this a religious holiday? Then forget the fluff and focus on the real meaning. If your kids are pressuring you to buy, buy, buy, this is a wonderful opportunity to help them learn the value of giving to others. Have them go through their toys and pick some to take to a homeless shelter.
17. Remember how you felt on December 26 of January 2 last go ’round. What did you say you’d never do again? What did your kids enjoy most? How would you like to feel this year after the holidays? How can you achieve this?
18. Don’t get caught up in the hoopla. Just because the media, family, friends, etc. say we should be doing something doesn’t mean we have to.
19. When a “should” runs through your mind, you don’t have to act on it.
20. Embrace your imperfection. It’s one of the nicest things you can do for your kids and your mate. Being imperfect takes the pressure off of you and off of them.
21. Limit your TV watching – especially the news.
22. Don’t do anything in December you’re going to regret in January. Why be stuck with huge bills and 10 extra pounds?
23. One last de-stresser: the holidays will pass and you’ll survive. You always do.

Photo, Flickr, Greg Westfall

Post from: Blisstree

23 Ways to De-Stress Your Holidays

Seriously, getting your toddler dancing not only can be entertaining for both of you, it can be beneficial for your little one as well. It provides plenty of exercise for tots with oodles of energy, and helps strengthen muscles and bones, says Early Childhood Education. Learning new moves, like our little YouTube star above, helps exercise different parts of the body and may set him up to be a better, more comfortable dancer in the future. Not only does dancing teach toddlers rhythm and movement, dancing can also build a child’s self esteem, adds Essortment e-zine. Boy, what I’d give to have had some clue what I was doing all those years I was a wallflower.

So, what are you waiting for? Turn on some tunes and get your diaper movin’!

YouTube.com, greenzvol

Post from: Blisstree

Dancing Helps Babies Get Their Groove On

That’s right, if you’ve got the money, HeroBuilders.com will make a 12-inch-tall action figure of you, complete with accessories like beer bottles, earrings, tattoos, musical instruments and television remote controls. All you have to do is answer a short list of questions, detailed on their Web site, and provide a front and side photo of the person to be “action figured.” Your action figure can also be made with your own voice clip.

Each action figure costs $375 for the first action figure and $39.95 for each additional figure. Talking action figures cost the same $375 for the first one and $49.95 for each additional talking figure. Accessories and other outfits are available at an extra cost. Expect a two-week turnaround, but to be safe you’d better order quickly. One week delivery will crank the cost up an additional 50 percent.

If you’re not keen on making your own action figure, you might want to check out HeroBuilder’s pre-made selections, which include political figures such as Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, and George Bush, and reality TV show dolls. Most of those will only set you back about $40.

Photos, HeroBuilders.com & Vicalecorporation.com

Post from: Blisstree

Gift Idea: Custom Action Figures

You could call it the icing on the cake, but those cereal ads are also more apt to have Web sites with groovy games for kids. Which make them more appealing to our children, and cause roaring riots when shopping with your child at the grocery store.

Some of the biggest offenders include Cocoa Puffs, Cap’n Crunch, Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which contain between 44 to 32 percent  sugar. The advertised cereal with the worst nutrition score is Reese’s Puffs.

The truly shocking thing is that only 8 percent of the 19 heavily advertised cereals targeted to children meet sugar limits to qualify for inclusion in the USDA’s Women, Infants and Children program. But they do meet the cereal industry’s own nutrition standards to be a “better-for-you” food, earning them a green checkmark logo on the fronts of the packages.

The Food and Drug Administration says those little checkmarks may mislead consumers about the health benefits of foods such as those sugary cereals, and vowed to crack down on manufacturers. The FDA, however, did not say when it would enforce those claims.

Source: Cereal Facts.org

Post from: Blisstree

Heavily Marketed Kids Cereals High In Sugar