This year, rely on some time-saving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose. There’s no need to make time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive. Most holiday celebrations center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For example, a simple but attractive option like the wide selection of Chinet Classic White products is designed for practical use. They do not bend, fold or leak, and are strong enough for extra helpings no matter the occasion.

For a more elegant affair, the Chinet Cut Crystal collection is the only fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer. Whether your holiday entertaining is more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch. Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food. An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all time-saving alternatives. Another time-saving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple. For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Explore more hacks to simplify your holiday entertaining at MyChinet.com.

*FF

The post 5 Hacks for Holiday Hosting appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Whether your favorite holiday arrives in spring, summer, winter or fall, seasonal treats can sweeten your enjoyment of the season. No one wants to miss the coveted special flavors and offerings that appear on store shelves for short stints and are quickly cleared out by that clever “seasonal snack stockpiler” who is always one step ahead of you. So here’s your guide to the top treats to watch for this spring, and throughout the year.

Spring

It might still be too chilly to feel like spring in some areas of the country, but St. Patrick’s Day undoubtedly marks the start of the springtime snacking season. Milkshake lovers will kick things off with mint-green milkshakes, and quickly turn their attention to Easter candies and snacks.

Chocolate and marshmallow sweets are the traditional stars of Easter baskets across the country – for both the young, and the young at heart. It is no surprise that 71 percent of parents who celebrate Easter admit to sneaking snacks from their kids’ baskets, according to the Cheetos survey.

Of course, everyone is familiar with jelly beans, peanut butter eggs, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks, but the majority of consumers say they desire more variety beyond just candy. This year, there’s a new must-try alternative to satisfy the search for something beyond the candy animal monotony. Cheetos Sweetos, the cinnamon-sugar version of everyone’s favorite cheddar cheese snacks is reappearing in stores — and Easter baskets — this spring, but only for a limited time. Launched in 2015, Sweetos snacks are the perfect, and delicious, twist on Easter snacking.

Summer

Frozen treats are the highlight of summer, but not just the ice cream quarts you find year-round in the freezer cases at your local grocer. Summer means the ice cream truck will be rolling through neighborhood streets, sounding that familiar melodic “come and get it” tune and serving up frozen favorites that you just can’t find anywhere else —  or at any other time of year.

You can’t go wrong with the missile-shaped, multi-colored ice pops that beckon from beside a myriad of fruit-flavored cream pops, or reliable favorites like ice cream sandwiches and chocolate-topped cones. And don’t forget snow cones — the refreshing shaved ice in perfect spheres mounted on a paper funnel and topped with your favorite sweet flavoring!

Fall

Of course everyone knows fall is pumpkin season — and you should take every chance to enjoy all things pumpkin-flavored this time of year, from coffee and ice cream to bread, cake and pie.

However, autumn also heralds state fair season across the country — and the arrival of a variety of innovative sweet treats that can only be enjoyed among the unique surroundings of fair rides, tickets and games. Funnel cakes are a state fair staple, and what could be better when the weather gets nippy than enjoying lightly sweetened, deep-fried dough dusted heavily with confectioner’s sugar? Depending on where you live in the country and which fair you attend, you can find over-the-top sweets and snacks such as deep-fried ice cream, fried candy bars and even pretzel-encrusted brownies deep-fried on a stick.

Winter

Of course, winter holidays are the pinnacle of seasonal snacking. From the final weeks of pumpkin season to the eggnog, candy canes and baked goods associated with holiday moments from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, winter serves up a buffet of food and snacks that are available at no other time of year.

Winter’s arrival means anticipated delicacies like gingerbread-flavored everything, bite-sized candy favorites that marry mint and chocolate in holiday shapes, and of course the much-maligned and equally beloved fruit cake all hit store shelves just in time to make the holiday party circuit!

Whatever your preference — savory, salty or sweet — make sure to enjoy these snacking staples throughout the year. But remember that seasonal treats come and go quickly, so be ready to grab a bag of Sweetos snacks, remember to listen for the ice cream truck’s playful tune, try your state’s delicacies and fill stockings with enough gingerbread cookies or mint-themed chocolate drops to last through the end of the year!

*BPT

The post Don’t miss these must-have snacks that define each season of the year appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

And the numbers don’t lie – numerous studies show that low-carb eating can be a healthy lifestyle option for people who want to lose or maintain their weight. When you control your carbohydrate intake, you start burning stored fat as your fuel source instead of carbohydrates.

Low-carb eating results in more effective weight loss and better health markers, such as a decrease in your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, a low-carb lifestyle, such as Atkins, can be customized to your individual needs to help you lose weight and keep it off.

In fact, with the wide variety of foods to choose from in a low-carb lifestyle, it’s easy to find plenty of the festive foods and recipes you like so you can skip the stress this holiday season and simply focus on celebrating.

These recipes – favorites of actress Alyssa Milano, who started her own journey on the Atkins program – show how easy it is to make and enjoy low-carb dishes packed with flavor. Find more low-carb recipes to share this holiday season at atkins.com.

Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Sauteed Baby Broccoli

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Net carbs: 7.9 g

• 20 ounces boneless, cooked chicken breasts
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste        
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 1/2  teaspoon ground dried basil
• 1/4  teaspoon leaf oregano
• 1 teaspoon sucralose sweetener (sugar substitute)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 20 cups baby broccoli florets
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic

Heat oven to 350 F.

Using meat mallet, pound out chicken breasts until they are about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and place into preheated skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons oil. Cook until brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side, then layer into 8-by-8-inch baking pan.

In small bowl, combine tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sucralose and Parmesan cheese. Mix with spoon and pour over chicken. Layer mozzarella on top and bake 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.

During last 10 minutes of cooking chicken, use same skillet to saute baby broccoli. Over medium-high heat, add garlic and broccoli to 2 remaining oil. Saute until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with chicken.

Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Basil Pesto

Prep time: 10 minutes

Net carbs: 1.7 g

• 4 cups arugula
• 1/4  cup basil pesto
• 2 pounds sliced whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 2 small whole red tomatoes, sliced

Basil Pesto

• 24 ounces basil
• 1/3 cup dried pine nuts
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

To prepare pesto, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic and salt in food processor or blender; pulse until finely chopped. Add oil in slow and steady stream with machine running; process until fairly smooth but not pureed. Serve immediately, refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Toss arugula with 2 tablespoons of pesto. Mound onto serving plates. Top with alternating slices of mozzarella and tomato. Drizzle with remaining pesto and serve.

Cauliflower-Cheddar Mash

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Net carbs: 3.5 g

• 1 cup cauliflower
• 1/4  cup shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steam cauliflower in steamer basket over boiling water in medium covered sauce pot until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove to bowl and mash with fork. Top with cheese and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Recipes courtesy of Atkins.

The Dish on Low-Carb Eating

If sticking to a low-carb diet seems like a lofty goal, you may find it helpful to focus on all the foods you can eat with confidence while watching your carbs:

• High-fiber vegetables
• Protein (fish/seafood, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, plant-based)
• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts, butter)
• Dairy (cheese, Greek yogurt)
• Low-glycemic fruits (berries, cherries, melon)

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

The post Harness Holiday Indulging appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holidays are upon us and during this time of the year we seek out our extended family, friends, old neighbors, past coworkers and others who’ve been a special part of our lives.

Family gatherings are a meaningful way to celebrate the season but they don’t always go as planned due to various family dynamics. Whether someone brings up politics and an argument ensues or the dueling culinary aunts are at it again, get-togethers can be hard. Fortunately, we have some tips for bringing family and friends together for a festive, drama free holiday celebration.

• Seek Your Inner Gratitude—yes, holiday gatherings can sometimes be stressful, but be thankful for people in your life that want to spend their holiday with you and know it usually only lasts a day or two.

• Work Out Last Year’s Issues Prior to theHoliday—if at all possible, try and resolve any outstanding issues from previous years. Call, text or write with the intention of smoothing out any misunderstandings ahead of time.

• Invite an Interesting Mix of People—invite a couple of neighbors and friends without family nearby to the gathering, as they’ll add a different dimension to the party and may have a new perspective on your family.

• Think Through the Seating Arrangement—who gets along well and who doesn’t? Who’s most likely to start a conflict or drink too much? This is a cautionary warning to think through the seating arrangement carefully and put those most likely to get on well together.

• The Family That Cooks Together…Has More Fun—there’s a reason people like to hang out in the kitchen during parties, it’s where the action is! Get everyone, even the kids, involved in the food prep, serving and clean-up. Helping out really does bring people together and keeps them busy.

• Plan Games & Activities—a fun card game or board game involving several people like Pictionary is always a welcome reprieve. Set up an area for the kids to play and include games and toys for them to play with and keep them entertained.

• Music Brings People Together—music is a language that bonds and makes people feel happy, so if your family and friends are musically inclined, ask everyone to bring their instruments (guitar, flute, accordion, etc.) and have a fun Christmas sing-a-long. An inexpensive karaoke machine is also tons of fun. Your guests can let loose and share a great laugh.

• Head Outside for Fresh Air—whether you choose a group walk around the neighborhood, a friendly game of touch football or a little Christmas caroling, getting people out of the house and taking in some fresh air always lightens the mood. If you have more time, head out for some cross country skiing, snow shoeing or ice skating. It’s fun for young and old!

• Make Plans for Extended Stays—for family members that will be around for more than just the holiday itself, make some fun plans together or apart. There’s no rule that says you need to spend every second together.  Some may want to go sale shopping, others might want to catch the holiday football games on TV, while one or two may want to get in a yoga session at the local gym.  A little time apart from the whole group may ease any building tensions.

• Remember You Can’t Change People—you can’t change anyone’s behavior or opinion but you can be a role model and show respect for everyone’s opinion. Just kindly ask everyone to please not bring up certain taboo topics at the dinner table such as religion and politics. It will help keep them on their best behavior. Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree too.

• Look for the Humor—keep in mind that everyone has some level of family drama and a few crazy relatives. Just tell yourself “It is what it is!”

• Take the Party Elsewhere—if your family is really big or you just want a neutral space and plenty of room for your holiday, consider renting a space for your family. Everyone can chip in a bit so it keeps the cost low. Finding a neutral space can also help resolve conflicts. Think about hiring a caterer or making it a potluck so all is fair in love and family holidays.

Bio

Justin Lavelle is the social media and blog content director for BeenVerified.com. BeenVerified helps people discover, understand and use public data in their everyday lives. It is a great tool to locate relatives and friends you’ve lost touch with and want to bring together over the holidays. The company is a leading source of online background checks and contact information. BeenVerified allows individuals to find more information about people, phone numbers, email addresses and property records in a way that’s fast, easy and affordable.  

The post THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WE HOPE FOR PEACE AROUND THE WORLD…AND AT YOUR FAMILY DINNER TABLE appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

October was National Cyber Security Awareness month and during that time, millions of online identities were stolen in America with more than 200 published breaches.

We’re now getting close to 1 billion records of identity theft – more than three times our entire population in the United States.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have heard, read or seen something about online safety and security issues recently, according to StopThinkConnect.org. Yet consumers also say they don’t take steps to stay safe online because they lack information or knowledge.

So here are my best tips to help you enjoy Black Friday, CyberMonday and the Christmas shopping experience without losing your privacy and identity or putting your children’s safety at risk:

• Change your passwords – all of them. Do it now and do it as frequently as you can tolerate. If you don’t want to change them often, then use any unique characters you can think of, such as a dollar sign ($) or an exclamation mark (!) or replace a letter “O” with a 0 (zero). This goes a long way in preventing brute force attacks against your password. Also, never trust anyone on the phone who asks for your password, especially if they called you. The same holds true with emails. Both the telephone and email are used by people who try to get your password by pretending to be the IRS, your bank or someone else you have an account with.

• Clean up your apps. Assume most of your smartphone or tablet apps are malware that spies on you and your online behavior. Do you really need them? Delete any apps you don’t use often. Replace apps that take advantage of too many of your privacy settings with similar apps that don’t. On an iPhone, you’re not being eavesdropped on until you run the app.

• Shop online only from websites you trust. If you don’t know where the merchant is located, don’t shop online there. If they don’t have a corporate address or are located in another country, it could be iffy whether you ever see the goods you think you purchased. Also, if their shopping-cart experience is not an HTTPS browser session, then everything you type in ¬– your name, address and credit card information – is going over the Internet unencrypted, in plain view.Never buy online using your credit card on a site that doesn’t have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. It’s easy to tell you are in a secure, encrypted session. You should see an icon of a locked padlock in your browser and the website URL starts with HTTPS not HTTP. Also, if you receive emails from the merchant, no matter the reason, don’t give them your credit card information over email.

• Don’t use cash or debit cards. You have three major choices when shopping – cash, credit or debit. In rare but growing instances there’s even a fourth option called “Bitcoins,” which are now accepted at some merchants including Overstock.com. Bitcoins could be considered the equivalent to the cash option, because once used, you can’t get them back. So, if you have to choose among these options, the best is the credit card.Here’s why: If you experience identity theft, credit card laws allow you to keep all of your credit immediately, with no responsibility during an identity theft or fraud investigation. With a debit card, your bank’s policy can be to tie up your money in the amount of the fraudulent transactions for up to 30 days. Some have been known to take up to 60 days to resolve the issue.

• Don’t use public WiFi without using SSL encryption. Public Wifi networks can be a hacker’s dream. If they want, they can see what websites you are visiting and insert malware into your computer or other device. The hacker also has access to any information you are sending out over the Internet, which could include credit card numbers or other critical information.

About Gary S. Miliefsky

Gary Miliefsky recently blew the lid on the how Russian, Chinese and Indian hackers are behind the top 10 flashlight apps specifically designed to collect and expose your personal information to cybercriminals abroad. Fox News Bret Baier’s interview with Miliefsky broke records for Fox with over 5 million views. Miliefsky is a consumer advocate who has been recently featured on ABC, Good Morning America, World News Tonight, NBC’s Today, FOX News, CNBC and elsewhere for his expertise as a cyber security expert. He is Founder of SnoopWall Inc., a cutting edge counter-intelligence technology company offering free consumer based software to secure personal data on cell-phones and tablets, while generating revenues helping banks and government agencies secure their networks. He has been active in the INFOSEC arena, as the Executive Producer of Cyber Defense Magazine and a regular contributor to Hakin9 Magazine. He has patents and patents pending on his inventions for Computer and Network Security.

The post Halting Hackers For The Holidays appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

To get started planning your pet party, consider these special party planning tips from Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, editor-at-large for Southern Living and author of “The Party Planner.”

Attire: One of the best ways to set the stage for a party is to ask guests to sport a festive look, and pets are no exception. For a classy party, use your invitation to ask your guests to dress up and remind them to bring their furry friends on their favorite fancy leash. You can find an array of dressy options at PetSmart, including bowties, sparkle dresses and the Santa Cat Cape, all will surely dress up the occasion.

Or go the other direction with a fun ugly sweater party. Invite your friends to dress the part and bring their pets in their silliest attire. The Bret Michaels PetsRock line of ugly sweaters – some even light up – are the perfect complement to your own gaudy attire.

Mealtime: Consider setting up a treat buffet for your four-legged friends. Fill large clear glass containers with different varieties of colorful treats.

Manners: Don’t expect your four-legged friends to share. Purchase a festive dog bowl for each guest, such as the Martha Stewart Pets Santa ceramic bowl from PetSmart, and fill each with water. Then keep them for next year’s holiday party, or give them away as party favors at the end of the event.

Music: Set the tone with holiday tunes, or go one step further with a little bit of research into the names and breeds of the pets loved by the composers or singers. Make a playlist of your favorites and type it up for your guests.

Decor: Snap a Polaroid photo of each of your guests in their festive attire as they arrive. Hang a clothesline made of ribbons near the entrance and clip the photos up with clothespins as they print for instant personalized decor that your guests will love.

Gifts: Don’t forget the party favors. Consider a small gift for each family to take home with a bone-shaped card attached that reads “Happy Howlidays!” Another option is a small faux tree decorated with bright dog toys and bones. (Be sure to use a faux tree; four-legged guests may be tempted to leave their mark on the real thing.) At the end of the event, you can ask your guests to choose a treat as their take-home favor.

For more holiday ideas and tips, visit your local PetSmart or www.PetSmart.com/holiday.

Source: PetSmart

The post Tips for a Pet-Friendly Holiday appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holiday season is here and it is the time of year to celebrate your blessings with all of the special people in your life. Whether you are planning a holiday party with your besties, a small but fancy dinner with family, or a celebration that includes anyone and everyone, there are a few tips that will take the stress out of planning the fantastic, memorable event you’re dreaming about… because the real point of the holidays is truly enjoying the time with your loved ones.

1.  Use Personalized Party Supplies

Custom party decorations will make your celebration feel extra special – and even though it sounds like more work, there’s a way it can leave you with extra time to eat, drink and be merry! You can achieve the DIY look without actually having to do it. Choose one or two must-do crafts and then “cheat” with rest of the décor with products that just look DIY. This isn’t as expensive as it sounds – and it will look like a million bucks!

2.  Scout Out Décor

Take a walk around your house and see your home decorations in a new way. Maybe the candlesticks you have by the fireplace will make a great centerpiece – or the vase you tucked in the corner will make a great container for colorful candies. If you are still struggling to find fun pieces, don’t be afraid to call a friend and see what they have. You will be able to stay in your party budget and won’t have to store all of the decorations afterward.

3.  Easy Activities to Entertain Guests

You have everything planned out and on track for the perfect party – then BAM! the guests start to arrive and you are suddenly scrambling to get everyone introduced, dinner plated, and drinks poured. Giving your guests a simple and fun party activity will take the stress off you to break the ice so your event can run smoothly. A Gratitude Tree is the perfect choice for this time of year. Offer fun shaped cut-outs along with markers and some string. Then have guests write something they are thankful for and hang it on a twiggy tree. Everyone will enjoy reading them and you can even save them for upcoming years as you add to your tree of thanks.

4.  Plan to Prep Ahead

With the right menu, you will be able to prepare most of your event beforehand, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the day. Treat boxes and snack cups are easy to fill the morning of then place at the beverage bar for guests to enjoy. Favor boxes can double as table decor when you use them at each placesetting. Fill them ahead of time with delicious wrapped chocolates. Use a decadent dessert wine after dinner paired with the chocolates and you won’t have to worry about pies or cakes.

The number one rule of planning a memorable party is to have fun! When you celebrate with cherished friends and family, you are guaranteed a good time – no matter what. So relax and enjoy yourself. This really is the most wonderful time of the year (so don’t stress)!

ABOUT BIG DOT OF HAPPINESS

Big Dot of Happiness a one-stop party shop dedicated to making all of life’s occasions memorable. An in-house design team works hard to offer only the best party themes, complete with pre-made and do-it-yourself supplies so you can have the celebration of your dreams. The professional print team ensures even personalized party supplies ship within 24 hours of the order date. A custom party doesn’t have to be planned months in advance – just dot along with us and together we will make it happen! www.bigdotofhappiness.com

The post Winter Celebrations with Style appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holiday season is soon upon us and it’s a well-known fact that this time of year can be a stressful time for everyone in the family. Aside from the usual holiday shopping and cooking, extra cleaning and the burden of entertaining, there’s also travel, staying with family or friends and taking scheduled kids out of their typical routines. It can all equate to a lot of stress for you and your kids.  Here are a few tips to help your family get through the holidays with a little less stress:

• Keep your child’s routine as close to normal as possible.  You may have to remind grandparents and cousins that a tired child makes for a crabby child, but keep bedtime and meals as normal as you are able.

• Spend time with your child. If they feel you are ignoring them they will begin to feel stressed out.

• Don’t over-schedule your child. Remember they will need time to play, rest, be quiet and do normal things. Don’t force your toddler to shop all afternoon or your teenager to play with the little cousins all day. Let them do things that are pleasing to them on their own time.

• Reward your child for good behavior. When they are brave about meeting a new person, try a new food or sit patiently while you talk with family, give your child a special treat as a thank you.

• Keep to your bedtime routine. Read stories together, snuggle, bathe—whatever your child is used to doing to help calm them and go to bed should be the norm even on vacation. And don’t forget blankies and stuffed animals!! They should definitely make the trip with you.
• Be patient with your kids. Even when it feels like your child is trying to be annoying or frustrate you, it is most likely because he needs some attention. Don’t take your holiday stress out on your child.

• When you are stressed, frustrated, over-worked and exhausted, don’t take it out on your child. It’s okay for them to know you are overwhelmed, but it is not their fault and they shouldn’t have to pay the consequences. If you need some space or a break, take acould deep breaths and remove yourself from the situation. Set a calm, good, positive example for your child.

Good Luck & Enjoy Your Holiday Season!

Sincerely,

Daddy Locker (aka Mike Locker)

About Mike Locker

Daddy Locker (aka Mike Locker), father of two, helps parents navigate the ups and downs of parenting through his expert advice.  He covers topics ranging from taking baby out to eat without annoying the other diners, best ways to swaddle baby and how to how to be an involved dad.  Daddy Locker is also the founder of Cozy-Cover, innovative parenting solutions for on-the-go families, and is constantly putting his creative skills to work developing new products to make parents’ lives easier and more convenient.

The post Helpful Tips for Calming the Family Tension during the Holidays appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It is official. The holiday season is upon us which for some can mean more than just a few extra pounds thanks to grandma’s cookies.

In order to successfully survive the holidays, a plan is needed. Or in this case, a survival guide. Fret no more; from decorating for the big day straight through working off that extra glass.. Or bottle.. Of wine, this three-part guide is sure to take some of that holiday-induced stress off so you can focus on what is important!

Part 1: Decorating

For many (myself included), nothing encompasses the holiday spirit like decorating for it.  If you are tired of the same old cornucopia and wax fruit look, try some of these takes on the all-American tradition of Thanksgiving.

Remembering What Matters: The Thankful Tree
With the hustle and bustle, it is easy to forget that holidays are about more than just a big meal. Using a few simple and inexpensive (or completely free!) items, you can make these beautiful and festive decorations while incorporating the whole family to acknowledge what they are thankful for.

*Photo courtesy of Pinterest, as Found on familyholiday.net

How to get the look: Venture into the backyard and gather a few sturdy twigs. Grab an old jar and decorate it as you wish with ribbon or twine as shown. Now the fun part! Get everyone together to write down what they are thankful for. Then hang the families responses on the twigs and voila!

*Photo courtesy of Pinterest, Found on merricksart.blogspot.com

How to get the look: If venturing out into the cold isn’t for you, simply take some colored construction paper and cut out a tree shape to take wherever in your home you please!

Quick Decor
If all the prepping and constant running around has you short on time (kind of like every other day of the year) but you still want to decorate with unique and festive pieces, no worries! The following can be put together in minutes with things you probably already have around the house. AND! With mild tweaks can seamlessly be transitioned when it’s time to swap out for the next round of holidays.

*Photo courtesy of Passionate Penny Pincher

How to get the look: Hopefully that twine is still handy for this simple and elegant piece! Simply take a candle vase and candle that has a decent amount of surrounding room and fill with any festive piece you have laying around the house! If space permits, acorns could be substituted or even candy corn! Then, when Thanksgiving has passed, swap the corn out of tinsel. Beautiful, and CHEAP!

*Photo courtesy of Mochatini

How to do it: The simplicity of this unique piece is amazing. Simply grab a few glasses that won’t  be missed for a few weeks, mix it up even on the style, fill with walnuts, acorns, chestnuts (anything!), and top with a silk flower. Beautiful!

*Photo courtesy of Pinterest via Dominique Rodriguez

How to get the look: More twine! All you need for this delectable look is a few candles, some old saucers, cinnamon sticks and glue gun. Glue the cinnamon sticks in a staggered pattern onto the candles and tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the perimeter to finish. Too easy!

*Photo courtesy of Babble.com

How to get the look: FINALLY… a purpose for the overabundance of candy corn. Simply fill a basin of your choice with the candies and insert any message you choose!

Family act
Decorations unique to your family hold the most sentiment; and can be the most fun! With some acrylic paint, canvas (that can be purchased pretty cheap at your local craft store) and some patience, you can be the proud owner of your very own masterpieces!

*Photo courtesy of SippyCupMom.com

How to get the look: Just a little paint and a lot of patience and you too can have your own turkey family portrait! Gobble-gobble!

*Photo courtesy of Pinterest Via Karen Littlefield

How to do it: Hopefully you didn’t put that patience away and remembered to grab a pair of googly eyes! With a little mess and a steady hand (and foot) this adorable and one-of-a kind turkey can be hanging in your home.

Now that your home is dressed for the part, it will soon be time to get the day going! Check back soon for Part 2 of this Holiday Survival Guide to get you through the day itself in one piece!

The post Holiday Survival Guide Part 1: Decorating to Get In the Spirit appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

One of the most challenging aspects of the holidays is finding the perfect gifts for your friends and family. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s now crunch time for millions of people scrambling for last-minute gift ideas. In addition, the right gift can help your loved ones reach their health and fitness goals for the coming year! Here are some of the best health and fitness products that can be great holiday gifts:

1.     Withings Smart Body Analyzer

http://www.withings.com/en/bodyanalyzer

A scale on steroids, the Smart Body Analyzer from Withings not only monitors weight but body composition, heart rate, and even air quality in your house. It integrates with a smartphone app that allows you to set weekly goals and provides tips and reminders.

2.     The GLO Bag: Ultimate Gym Locker Organizer

http://theglobag.com/products-page/glo-bags/ladies-bag-hot-pink/

A great gift for moms, the GLO bag is a handy organizer for all of her gym essentials like clothes, towels, shoes, and cosmetics. What’s more, it hangs neatly in gym lockers and can be carried like a regular backpack.

3.     Subscription Health or Snack Boxes

http://www.klutchclub.com/

http://www.bulubox.com/

http://naturebox.com/

Keep your friends and family on track to meet goals in 2014 with a subscription box service. Depending on which one you choose, these boxes contain a variety of health and/or snack products and are delivered every month. A large range of products for both men and women are available. 

4.     YurBuds Inspire Pro Earphones

http://yurbuds.com/products/in-the-ear/inspire-pro/

Earphones that continually fall out are just plain annoying while exercising or hitting the gym. These ones from YurBuds are guaranteed to stay in your ear. They also come with a three-button microphone so that you can skip tracks, make calls, and adjust the volume on the move.

5.     Men’s Under Armour Workout Shorts

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens-ua-multiplier-10-shorts/pid1228558-002

Help keep Dad comfortable and looking good at the gym with a new pair of workout shorts. These shorts are ultimate exercise necessity for men because they are breathable, wick moisture, and allow for a wide range of motion.

With products like these, you can help keep your family and friends on track to meet their health and fitness goals in 2014!

The post Health and Fitness Gift Ideas for the Holidays appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.