'How to Create Nine Dinners from One Meatloaf Recipe' - Dar Arechederra

I don't know about you but after all the turkey, ham and prime rib, I'm in the mood for some comfort food. I love to cook but I do love to save some time in the kitchen. (Is saving time one of your New Year's Resolutions too)

Dar Arechederra, Stay at Home Mom Bootcamp, has submitted a recipe to Ladypens.com, that takes from one meatloaf recipe to nine different meals! From chili to hamburger patties in brown gravy, I'm sure you and your family will love sitting down to dinner to enjoy these meals. In the meantime, you'll have more time away from the kitchen!

Visit Ladypens.com for this and many more recipes, as well as articles you can use on your blog and website, for free. The website provides guidelines regarding posting. Are you a writer, interested in submitting articles, getting traffic to your website and/or blog? Click here for more information.

Watch 'Living The Life' on Wednesday, January 4 - Darla Shine "Happy Housewives"

Must watch TV this Wednesday, January 4 on 'Living The Life'. Darla Shine, author of 'Happy Housewives' will be taking about her homemaking experiences and her book with Terry, Louise and Carolyn.

Click here to read an excerpt from the book.

Can't be in front of your TV at the time of the show? You have errands to run or lessons to go over. Don't worry, you can watch it online. (this is what I usually end up doing) You can also watch the week's worth of shows, at your convenience, online.

Rona's Book Pick - 'Mocha With Max' by Max Lucado

After church service I decided to to browse the bookstore shelves. I found this cute little book, by Max Lucado. 'Mocha with Max' bookcover really appealed with me. The coffee cup on the cover really appealed to this coffee fan. I also love small books that you can carry with you and break out while waiting in a line. The stories are short and enjoyable. Many caused me to chuckle outloud. This is one of those books that when you need a 'pick me up' you'll reach for.

Check it out from your public library or better yet, stop by Amazon.com for your copy. This one is a keeper.
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Amazon.com Book Description
Brimming with personal stories and insights for life, reading "Mocha with Max" is like sitting down for a delicious cup of coffee with a special friend. This warm collection of inspirational thoughts from the writings of Max Lucado advise us to open our hearts to the joy and laughter in life. Designed with unique full-color imagery, "Mocha with Max" assures us that even on the days that bring pain and tears, anxiety and stress, God's love can fill our world with hope.

Kids' Thank You Note Cards Ideas

I've always kept Thank You cards on hand for those birthdays and holiday gifts. Now that Marcus is a teenager I've given him his own Thank You cards. Visit About.com Parenting K-6 Children site for ideas. You can purchase greeting card software or cards from stationary stores, like Hallmark.

So that he can personalize his own, I have a American Greetings membership. He can pick out the appropriate card for the occasion, personalize it, change colors and fonts, etc. It's a very affordable yearly price, $19.95. It's definitely worth the money.

'Rebuilding Together San Diego' - Volunteering Opportunities

The Rebuilding Together San Diego organization helps the elderly and low income families in the community by doing housing repairs. Volunteers are needed for painting, re-carpeting, landscaping, performing plumbing and electrical repairs. People of all ages are welcome. Visit their website for opportunities and more information.

Donations of money and materials are always very welcome.
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If you don't live in the San Diego county area, check with organizations in your local area for volunteering opportunities. What a great way to give back this holiday season.

Kwanzaa Celebration starts December 26

Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and continues to January 1. Would you and your family like to know more about the holiday? 'The Official Kwanzaa' website offers the Seven Principles and much more. I really like this celebration because of the focus toward family and values.

Gifts are given mostly to children but according to the website, should be a book or symbol. The focus of the gift being African values and education. Some people like to give learning tools and even contributions to savings accounts. What a great idea.

You'll find more information regarding colors, decorations, and frequently asked questions regarding the history of the celebration.

You definitely need to eat so I located a collection of Kwanzaa recipes at Nancy J's website. My mother always made a pot of black eyed peas with ham hocks on January 1. I still love this dish. Nancy has included her recipe, Black Eyed Peas with Ham.

The Knowledge Hound site offers links to several craft and activity ideas. Perhaps you and your children can dazzle your guest with a bit of Swahili.

Don't forget to check your local area for celebration dates and times. In San Diego County, the WorldBeat Cultural Center will be having a Free event on Tuesday, December 27, at 7:30pm. Visit their website for more tickets and details.

Oprah's National High School Essay Contest

The essay contest will be based on the book Oprah reveals and will be open to high school students across America. Then, based on their essays, a panel of learned judges will select 50 high school students. Each finalist, along with one designated parent or guardian, will receive a trip to a special Oprah Show taping in late February.

Visit Oprah.com for more information.

'Women By Grace' - Weekly Internet Radio Show

This Christian Women's weekly Internet talk radio show is hosted by Sandra Jensen & Kelly McCausey. Kelly McCausey's name may sound familiar since she's the host of 'WAHM Talk Radio', a weekly Internet talk radio show that focuses on topics that are important to WAHM's. I'm a big fan of Kelly's and Internet talk radio.

Sandra and Kelly discuss the bible and topics that can and are empowering to Christian women. Recently they completed a series about the great women of the bible. They finished with a discussion of Ruth and Esther. I learned so much from this program about the bible and my faith. This series received some fantastic viewer responses. If you missed the weekly shows or would like to own the series you can purchase the series on an eight CD set, at their website.

At the website you can find helpful topics on homemaking, devotions,
spiritual life, divorce and more. I appreciate that Kelly and Sandra have made their Bible study outlines available for us. You can share these with your bible study group or for yourself.

I believe after one listen this show will turn into one of your favorites too. Kelly and Sandra welcome your comments. Please call feedback line at (214) 231-2905, then enter extension '5283' and follow the instructions.

Local Kid Wins Mission Food Recipe Contest

Congratulations to Haley Price of San Diego County, for winning the grand prize in Mission Foods' "Be Our Chef" contest. Haley won $10,000 scholarship with her yummy Disney-themed dessert called "Snow White and the Seven Dollops Dessert Burrito".

Visit Mission Foods' website to see the award winning recipe.