What You Don't Need In Your Baby Registry

Congratulations! You're pregnant with your first child or your first in years. People will come at you from all angles to tug at your sentimental nerve, causing you to buy anything and everything. Here's a secret, most of that stuff is unnecessary. Understand that the moment you fill out the information on your baby registry, you have been set up. They ask you if you are having your first baby. This tells them that you are suffering from "I have to be a perfect mom" syndrome. If you have more than one child they tap into your rusty memory by asking for the birth dates of your other children. This tells them how long it has been since your last child and how likely you are to fall for the okie doke. Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Stay away from specialty stores

Babies R Us , Maternity, Motherhood, and other baby and mom specific stores may make shopping easier but they are guaranteed to charge more. If you really want a successful baby shower register at place with reasonable prices such as Target. If the people on your list see how accessible and financially feasible your registry is they are more likely to purchase more on the list.

2. No Furniture

Furniture is scary. It requires a decorating taste and a lot of money. They crib and the dressers are all a permanent part of the nursery. No one wants to make an expensive purchase like that for a baby that hasn't arrived. These gifts are best left for your parents, siblings and in-laws to purchase.

3. Diaper Genie

You don't need to add any new expenses to your list right now. The Diaper Genie does as it promises but you have to buy the replacement cartridges. Simply make your own diaper genie using plastic grocery bags. You can toss the bags away with ease as opposed to accumulating a looong, twisted mass of diapers. Imagine what that diaper will look and smell like when you open the Diaper Genie to empty it. Follow these obviously simply instructions http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Diaper-Genie/

4. Cutesy outfits

You want your sweetie pie to be the cutest baby in town with the best and cutest clothing. Save your money for the first 3 months. They grow so fast that it can be impossible for the baby to wear all that is in their closet. Newborns rarely need or should take a bath because they aren't getting dirty. You will find yourself leaving your baby in gowns, onesies, and sleepers most of the time. There also isn't a guarantee that the baby will fit the clothes out of the womb. You should also keep in mind that the clothing that is on sale during your shower is from the prior season. It may not be weather appropriate by the time your baby is born.

5. Baby Swing

Believe me when I say that God himself built this invention and delivered it from heaven. It is the perfect solution for a colicky baby. However, newborns have no problem whatsoever sleeping. They are growing and adjusting to the world. Around 3 months is when they become more aware of their world and may need more help sleeping. Until then, stick to sleeper sacks and cocoons.

6. Super Duper Fashion Diaper Bag

You want to be the coolest milf on the block so you ask for the most expensive and stylish bag. The reality is that the really great hobo or large bag you already have makes a good diaper bag. Any bag big enough to hold diapers, a change of clothes, bottles, changing pad, wipes, burp cloth or nursing cover is the right diaper bag for you.

7. Fancy Spa Tub

You've seen them on the home page of the registry and they look amazing. They come with spray hoses, bubbles, and the works. All you need is a basic bathtub that goes from newborn to toddler. Many babies don't like the extras. Your pediatrician will likely tell you that you need to get your baby in and out of the tub. No soaking is necessary.

8. Johnson's Baby Shampoo

Because your baby is still shedding the layer of skin they had in the womb, his hair isn't in desperate need to be washed. Johnson's does have a head to toe body wash that makes the shampoo obsolete. Around the age of 3 months, after his hair has changed texture a bit you will want to choose your baby shampoo carefully as it pertains to the hair type.

Now that you've deleted the unnecessary from your list replace it with everything else you need.

Five Favorite Cleaning Products 2010

Dreft Stain Remover

I used this on a 4 1/2 year old formula stain and it came right out. I tried every stain remover when the stain was created to no avail. This one did it immediately. A little goes a long way. I paid $3 for a 16.9 oz bottle. It comes out thicker and requires friction. I recommend not rubbing the fabric against itself but rather use a laundry brush because the stain will transfer.





Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming Bathroom Cleaner

It may not be the best green option, but when you are exhausted and need it cleaned right and fast this is the choice. The price is slightly higher than the other cleaners like Lysol and Clorox but you only have to use it once. Your bathroom will sparkle like the commercial.









Libman Freedom Mop

This is perfect for a Red Housewife follower. It allows you to make your own cleaning solution to mop with. This makes the Swiffer WetJet look ridiculous. Why pay for refills of a solution that doesn't really do the job and pads that are wasteful when you can have a machine washable pad with the cleaning solution of your choice. I love this mop. The cost was about $20 at Target. I only paid it once. The Swiffer will cost you another $5 for the pads and $8 for the solution. The mop is only about $11. You re-buy the mop every time you need a refill.




Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Gel

For about $2 a bottle it was a bargain. I compared it to Cascade and found the results to be equal. It should be stated that I rinse my dishes before they go into the sink. Even if they sit for days, there isn't much stuck on food for the washer to clean. I have left a plate with dried on pasta sauce to test the Palmolive and it came out clean and shiny.





Tide Free & Gentle

I always have a coupon because I buy Pampers by the box. It costs me about $7 a bottle whereas the Cheer costs $10. It cleans better the first time. My clothes are soft and clean. They don't feel stripped. I have not tried the HE version. Together with the Dreft I have my laundry done in half the time.

How To Make Glittery Snowballs

You typically see these on television, in a department store, or at an expensive furniture store. Wherever you see them, you might find them the classy and simplistic accessory needed for your home or office during Christmas.

You Will Need

Scissors
Needle and thread
Cotton yarn, 8 yards for each snowball
Water
Balloons
White glue
Clothes hanger
Glitter
Plastic bag
Clear Acrylic
Vaseline (baby oil or oil sheen spray will work)

1. Blow up the balloons just enough to make them into a round ball shape. If you put too much air into them the snowball will look like a balloon. If you have a shaped balloon like Mickey ears or a heart then you will have the same shaped snowball.
2. Rub a thin layer of Vaseline on the balloon.
3. Soak yarn in a water and glue mixture. Three parts glue to one part water. Soak enough for one ball at a time in case you want to adjust the amount of yarn.
4. After you have the balloon covered with yarn, run some thread through the tied off portion and hang it on a clothes hanger to dry. It can take up to 12 hours so do them all in one night.
5. Once the snowball is dry, pop the balloon and carefully pull it out. Thread a piece of the yarn through the ball to hold onto it. Go outside and spray the snowball with acrylic or adhesive. Roll the ball in glitter. Apply as much as you want. Shake off the excess before bringing it inside.
   
6. If you are making them as ornaments make them smaller. If you are hanging them from the light fixtures use coordinating ribbon. If you are making a centerpiece place them in a large decorative bowl. You can cut corners by using glittery yarn.
   

Cookie Baking Tips

Here are 10 important tips to making your holiday cookies the best in the PTA or your family dinner. These tips work for cookies anytime of the year. You may as well try them out during the Christmas holiday when most of your family will gather around to show off their culinary skills. Don't forget Santa. I'm sure he can appreciate a high class cookie every now and then.

Measure properly

Adding too much flour will make your cookies dry. Don't overwork the dough, mix just until the flour disappears. If you do, the cookies will be dry, hard, and will crumble.


Reduce Flour by 1/4 Cup

With most cookie recipes, like those that don't come from a franchise, will cook up softer this way. Flour dries out the dough the more you use. Cookie dough is like frybread in this respect. To much flour is a bad thing.


Refrigerate The Dough Before Baking

Refrigerating the dough helps it maintain shape and makes it easier to work with. Refrigerate it for at least 12 hours for a good basic cookie, 24 hours for a rich cookie, 36 for a rich, tender, supreme cookie.


Use a silicone rolling pin

Silicone and marble rolling pins reduce the amount of flour needed to roll out your dough. Less flour means a moist cookie. Refrigerate the marble pins to keep your dough cold. Use a combination of powdered sugar and flour to dust the work surface to keep the cookies moist.

Use an Oven Thermometer

When a recipe calls for a 350 degrees F oven, set the temperature to 345 degrees F. This prevents over baking and over browning on the top and bottom. When baking more than one batch of cookies, reduce the cooking time a little with each batch.


Soften Butter

Butter will not soften properly in a microwave. The butter melts, which will change the structure of the cookies. Butter and sugar form the basic structure of the cookies; the sugar cuts small air pockets into the butter, which are stabilized by the flour and filled with C02 from the baking powder. Soften butter by letting it stand at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also grate the butter into a bowl, then it will soften in a few minutes.

Freeze Dough

Freezing the dough is a time saver that improves the quality of the cookies. Shape the dough into a log, wrap, and freeze until it's time to bake. Slice the dough and bake frozen a few minutes to the baking time.

Use Fresh Ingredients

If your ingredients are more than a year old it's time to replace them. Buy new baking powder and baking soda, vanilla and spices, flour and sugar. Baking is chemistry. You need everything to react properly.

Baking Times

Take the cookies out of the oven 2-3 minutes before they're done because the residual heat from the cookie sheet will continue to bake the cookies. The cookies will be more moist.

Replace Your Cookie Sheet

Worn out cookie sheets will not allow for even baking. Replace them with new ones. If you can find them in your area, buy insulated or silicone sheets.


Enjoy your cookies!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

For Him

• Game Stop card
• Necktie
• Leather gloves
• Hand lotion for men
• Electric toothbrush
• Watch
• Socks
• Playboy, GQ etc.
• Small Tape Measure
• Small Screwdriver
• Small Hammer
• Mini Tools
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Padlocks
• Car Air Fresheners
• The Expendables movie
  

For Her

• Word Search Books
• Crosswords
• Sudoku
• Watch
• Bracelet
• Earrings
• Yarn
• Crochet Hooks
• Knitting Needles
• Travel Sewing Kit
• Bath Salts
• Bath Beads
• Loofah Sponges
• Mesh Scrubbers
• Inflatable Bath Pillows
• Eye Masques
• Bath Mitts
• Chapstick
• Lipstick
• Lip Gloss
• Makeup Brushes
• Manicure Supplies (Emery Boards, Nail Clippers, Pumice Stones, Toe Separators, Nail Polish)
• Toothbrushes
• Hair bands
• Hair clips
• Chenille Slipper Socks
• Compact Pedometer
• Votive Candles
• Mini Frames
• Fridge Magnets
• Playgirl, Cosmo, etc
• Sex In The City Movies

Gifts For Him Teen

• Razor
• Shaving gel with aloe
• Hand sanitizer
• Axe products
• Cell phone
• Minutes for a phone
• IPod
• ITunes card
• Game Stop card
• GameFly Membership
• Video games
• Foot Locker Gift card
• NFL memorabilia (or other sports league)
• The A Team Movie
  

Gifts For Her Teen

• Bath Salts
• Bath Beads
• Loofah Sponges
• Mesh Scrubbers
• Inflatable Bath Pillows
• Eye Masques
• Bath Mitts
• Chapstick
• Lipstick
• Lip Gloss
• Makeup Brushes
• Manicure Supplies (Emery Boards, Nail Clippers, Pumice Stones, Toe Separators, Nail Polish)
• Toothbrushes
• Hair bands
• Hair clips
• IPod
• Cell Phone or minutes
• ITunes card
• Movie tickets
• Twilight movies

For Baby and Kids

• Card Games (Poker Decks
• Uno)
• Play Dough
• Action Figures
• Balls
• Matchbox Cars
• Travel games
• Toothbrush
• Barrettes
  
• Bath toys
• Bath bubbles
• Small book
• Baby Lotion
• Baby Powder
• Sippy Cups
• Cheerios Dispensers
• Toddler Snacks
• Binky
• Teething rings

For The Pets

• Pet Treats (Snausages, Pounce)
• Pet Toys
• Collars
• Pet Tags
• Dog Shampoo
• Pet Food Can Covers

For Everyone

• Crayons
• Markers
• Pens
• Pencils
• Paints
• Watercolors
• Scissors
• Erasers
• Staplers
• Calculators
• Rulers
• Notepads
• Journals
• Post-its
• Stickers
• Wrapped Hard Candies
• Sugar-free Candies
• Hershey's Kisses
• Almond Roca
• Ferrer Rocher Chocolates
• Gum
• Mints
• Gummi Candies
• Jelly Beans
• Chocolate Bars
• Lindt Truffles
• M&M Mini Tubes
• Toblerone
• Candy Canes
• 100 Calorie Packs
• Snack Packs
• Small jars of nuts

GIfts For Him

What do you get for the man who has everything? What about the man who has nothing and likes it that way? How about the man who doesn't know what he wants? Here are a few gift ideas to help you out.


For the writer or business man...

The Classic Pen Set, as seen on t.v. is a great gift for someone who hates to share pens. When in an office setting his pens never make their way back to his desk. This is a pen set that comes in a nice case where the pens can be returned. Most importantly the cheap leaky courtesy pens at the office can be reserved for everyone else to steal while this one is his alone.

It boasts an indestructible nib and a 66 piece black ink set. It's available at Walgreens and Target.




For the new or proud family man...

Try this Sony digital photo frame. It is IPod / MP3 enabled. There's nothing like a soundtrack to help you remember the family that loves you. It is also a space saver. No need for both a radio and a photo frame to take up space. They both come together here.

This is a great gift for the office, an art studio, or any small space that belongs to him.


For any man...

Why not give a gift that you both can benefit from. He never wears lotion and you are quite fed up with his alligator skin. You're also over stepping into the shower to find your shower gel used up before you even open it. Try Dove Men Care. Get him the entire line so that there is no need to bother your lotions or soaps or loofah. Besides, you might be doing him a favor. The last thing he wants is to walk around smelling like a summer meadow in the dead of winter anyway. There are gift sets available at Target.


For the gamer...

Let's face it, you have no idea what games are good and what games will make your husband throw his gaming system out of the window. You do know that you won't stand for all of your income going to a game that he won't want to play in a month. Give him a subscription to Gamefly. Like Netflix, he can play the games for as long as he wants before trading them in for a new game. Give him limitless play on a budget.


For more gift ideas for him try this website:
http://www.gifts.com/ideas/him

It has gift ideas divided by personality, age, likes, etc.

Presidential Cookies

White House shares gingerbread recipe

By The Associated Press

For the holidays, White House pastry chef Bill Yosses created a 350-pound replica of the building using gingerbread coated in white chocolate. Here is his gingerbread recipe:

Gingerbread cookies

Makes 50 (4-inch) cookies.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

2 cups packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup molasses

7 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Zest of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 orange

In a large bowl, use electric mixer to beat butter and brown sugar for 5 minutes. One at a time, add eggs, then molasses. Set aside.

Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. With mixer on low, add a third of the dry ingredients to butter-sugar mixture. Beat until just mixed in, then stop mixer and scrape down sides of bowl. Repeat with remaining thirds of dry ingredients. Add both zests and mix until just incorporated.

Transfer dough to a sheet of plastic wrap, spreading dough until 1 inch thick. Cover with another sheet of plastic wrap, then refrigerate overnight.

When ready to bake, heat oven to 350 degrees. Remove dough from refrigerator. Break off a small piece of dough and roll it out on a floured surface to between 1/8 - and 1/4 -inch thick. The dough is very wet, so add flour and turn it over frequently while rolling to prevent sticking.

Use a 4-inch gingerbread person cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Repeat with remaining dough. Arrange cookies on a baking sheet, leaving 1 inch all around. Bake 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate as desired.