Wellness - An Autumn Walk

So far, this autumn weather has been extremely beautiful. Yesterday I was off work and Erin had a half day. She's been dying to walk to school but if I can take her, I take her, plus I feel she's still too young. So yesterday I asked her, do you want me to walk you to school?? She got so excited and said YES!!

 I walked with her to school. We walked and we talked and I watched her go into school and then I walked back....alone.  I thought, okay, I'm not in a rush, let me slow down, let me breathe in the fresh air, let me take in the beautiful sight of the autumn leaves around me. Let me feel the ground beneath my feet, stand up straight and swing my arms. Let me just walk! That, for me, was my meditation and my peace. 

Maybe early in the morning, walking your child to and from school if nearby, in the afternoon or in the evening, at the park, or parking far in a parking lot, please take advantage of these beautiful days and go on your own autumn walk. (Especially before it gets too cold!)

For more WELLNESS topics, click HERE!

Wednesday Wellness: Lead By Example

Lead By Example

Last night at 10pm my show came on (being Mary Jane), Erin was showered, we both just finished our reading and I was lying in bed in my robe waiting for my show while Erin was getting herself ready for bed. (We go to bed late!) I am admitting that I am a snacker...I love sweets especially at night after dinner. In addition to going to the gym, eating healthy throughout the day and drinking my juice, I love to snack. I snack when I get home, while I cook dinner and at night. So, last night, I called her in my room and asked her to please bring me a yogurt. She went downstairs and came back with two yogurts! One for me and one for her! I flipped out! I went on to tell her that it's too late for her to eat and just because I get a snack doesn't mean you get one too!! And she said well it's too late now, I already opened it. So I paused and said ok then go and have it but that's it! 

Moral of the story is remember to "lead by example" in the things we do in front of people, our spouse, family, friends and especially the children. Everyone is watching you whether you realize it or not! My child is becoming a late night snacker just like me right before my eyes!! And I despise it! I need to stop myself and then she won't want to do it, before it becomes a problem in the long run.

For more WELLNESS topics, click HERE!

Events - Breast Cancer Walk

When one of our sisters was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer we knew that we'd do everything possible to support her in her journey of healing!

On a chilly fall day in October, the Bergen County Mocha Moms walked and raised money to find a cure.

We made shirts, we brought our friends and families (and pets) and most of all we raised money!  We FAR exceeded our goal.

Last but certainly not least, we had a heck of a good time!

To see other Mocha Mom EVENTS, click here!

Wellness Wednesday - Getting Back In Shape

It's back to school time and time for us to get back in shape! The kids are starting back into their routines and schedules and so should you! Back on track, back in the habit, back to whatever it is you were doing before relaxing and taking a break this summer! Whether you like the gym, outdoor running, an evening walk, yoga, zumba, you tube videos, or have your own personal home workout system, set your reminder and put it back on your calendar! I know, it will be a slow transition, but stay consistent and do little at a time, building your strength and adding more each time, you will bounce yourself right back into shape! 

Hey, our kids do it! We can too!!

More more Wellness Wednesday topics, Click HERE!

Cooking - Easy Lemon Cake

Lemon Snack Cake

I grew up eating snake cake and naturally assumed that everyone knew about them.  Turns out, not everyone knows.

A snack cake is a small cake that's easy to make.  They usually serve 6-8 people and they can be mixed and baked in the same pan.  It's literally so easy that a child could do it.

This cake makes a great mid week dessert.

This recipe comes from the Land o Lakes page and I've been making it for YEARS!

LEMON SNACK CAKE

Preparation time: 15 min Baking time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings

Cake Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Egg
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest (optional)
1/4 cup butter or Margarine, melted OR canola oil
3/4 cup milk

Glaze Ingredients:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter or Margarine, melted
2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice

1.  Preheat oven to 350°F.

2.  While you could mix and bake this cake in 1 pan, I usually don't.  In a bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt lemon zest, butter and milk.  Mix well with a fork.  Break up any lumps.

3.  Lightly greased an 8-inch square baking pan. Pour batter into the pan.

4.  Bake 30 minutes.

Once you remove the hot cake from the oven begin mixing the glaze.  For the glaze combine powdered sugar, butter and lemon juice in a bowl.

You can pour the glaze over the hot cake or wait for the cake to cool and spread it over the cooled cake.


Variations:

Lemon Coconut cake - substitute light coconut milk for regular milk.  For a deeper richer favor you could use regular coconut milk.  DO NOT use coconut cream!

Vanilla Cake - omit the lemon zest in the cake batter.  Use milk instead of lemon juice in the glaze.

Cake for a crowd:  If you're serving more than just a few people, double this recipe.  Bake in a 13x9 cake pan.

Breakfast Cake:  Bake the cake in a loaf pan.  Cool completely and slice for a light breakfast treat.

Unglazed Cake in 9" pan

PRO TIPS:

*  This cake can be made with soy or any other non-dairy milk.
*  This is a great first cake recipe for kids who are learning to cook/bake/measure.
*  When its warm, this cake is very soft, slice with care.
*  I've tried this recipe with a variety of juices (orange, grapefruit, lime and lemon).  While it tastes fine with other juices lemon definitely yields the best result.

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy W.

For more recipes and cooking tips, click HERE!

Tip and Tricks: The Tooth Fairy Knot

Tooth Fairy Knot

As a long time mom I'm happy to discover any tip or trick to make life easier.  This is a little diddy that I came up with when I was nearly discovered carrying out my tooth fairy duties.

Tiny Baby Tooth

My kids (like all kids) have tiny baby teeth. The poor tooth fairy barely stands a chance at finding such a tiny tooth tucker under (what seems like) a gigantic pillow.

All tied up

As soon as a tooth comes out I tie it in a handkerchief, cloth napkin or some other piece of cloth.

Ready for the Fairy

Place the tooth under the pillow.  The tooth is now MUCH easier for the fairy to locate and remove.

The Tooth Fairy

Good Luck with your Fairy Responsibilities!

This post is courtesy of mocha Kathy W.

Wellness - Spring Cleaning

Happy Beautiful Spring-Like Wednesday! 

Here's an oldie, but goodie! This same time last year, I wrote a Wellness Wednesday inspiring you to prepare for spring and start getting rid of your clutter. March is "Mocha Spring Cleaning" time!! Mentally and physically, all of the clutter has got to go! 

A cluttered space creates a cluttered mind!! Ease into your spring cleaning by clearing out simple spaces that have been bothering you! Unconsciously, this clutter may be causing friction in your life and can weigh you down spiritually and emotionally. Once it's cleared, you will not feel anxious, stressed or unorganized anymore. Your mind will be free and you will be able to think clearly. Then, it will be easy to move on to the next thing and truly be able to enjoy your Spring!

Here are some simple ways you can start to clear the clutter from your life: 

1. Clean out and organize your purse! Switch up your handbag altogether!
2. Everyday remove garbage and unneeded items from your car.
3. Move slowly when you get home and be aware to put up your keys, hang your coat, wash your hands, change your clothes, etc.
4. Hang up your clothes as soon as you take them off or put them in your dirty laundry.
5. Fold and put away clothes immediately after doing laundry.
6. Wash the dishes or fill the dishwasher as you cook or while the food is cooking. I like to go to bed at night with a clean kitchen, so I usually do this after dinner and put everything away in its place. It does take a little more time, but it's refreshing to wake up to a clean kitchen!
7. Clean out your fridge! Move healthy items to eye level on your shelves so they are easy to get to. I recently started doing this with my farmers market items! 
8. Make your bed as soon as you rise. This has truly worked for me! I just feel more structured when my bed is made!
9. Open your mail as it comes in and put in where it belongs.
10. If it's hard for you to get dressed in the morning, it's time to streamline your closet. It's time to organize, rotate, and donate! Clothes, shoes, jackets, bags, etc. Pick up the latest style magazine, think about your personal style, filter through your basics and make a list of items you might need. Think of your clothes as a reflection of you and your mood. Remember that Spring is happy and colorful! 

Think of those hot spots and stagnant spaces that just keep collecting clutter and before you know it they become little piles. Lets clear those little piles! The hot spots are high traffic areas like the front door where you take off your shoes, the entry way, dining room table or kitchen counter. The stagnant spaces are out of the way areas like closets, the attic (my attic is horrible!), basement and drawers. Organize hot spots everyday and work on a stagnant space each weekend. (Put on some music and try what's called the 15 minute tidy!) 

Start clearing the spaces around you, clear the energy that surrounds you, and relish in a beautiful clean space! 

This blog post is courtesy of Mocha Tiffany

For more WELLNESS topics, click HERE!

Crafts - DIY Purse Hook

Handbag Hook

There are a MILLION car purse hooks out there.  Some are great, other's not so much.  The hook that I use works for me.  Maybe it will work for you too.

S Shapes Caribiner

The hook that I use is a simple S shaped carabiner.  Carabiners are available pretty much anywhere (google, hardware stores, Target or craft stores).  I paid $3.95 for mine at LL Bean.  The most important consideration is the weight limit.  My hook holds up to 25 lbs.  That's MORE than enough to support my purse.

Clip one end to the headrest

Here's how it works.  Clip one end on the pole of the headrest.

Then clip on your bag.  That's it!

Now add your purse

I like my bag to hang in the front seat so that I have easy access to my purse while I'm driving.

Purse hanging in the front seat.

But say I need to pick up a friend or one of the kids.  I can easily swing the purse around so that it hangs in the back seat.

Purse hanging in the back seat.

That's it!

Here are the things I like best about this hook:

* It's nearly invisible when its not in use.
* It's easy to put on and take off.
* It doesn't need to be removed when it's not in use.
* It will not go flying if you need to stop short.

Other Options:

There are other car hook options available.  Here are a few:

Stay Put Purse Hook

The Stay Put Purse Hook is a nice option, but it must be removed if you have a passenger.

Car Go Purse Hook

I LOVE the Cargo handbag hook.  I think it's pretty and easy to use.  Cost is $30 each.

Handbag Handcuff

The Handbag Handcuff is the first purse hook I ever saw.  I loved the idea for decided to create my own version.  This product is available for $39.

All of these products are designed and sold my women for women.  If you find that you like or want the Car Go, Handbag Handcuff or the Stay Put hook I encourage to support these smart business women!

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy W.
For more Crafty ideas, CLICK HERE!

Fab Friday: Faux Fur Season

Good Morning, Mochas!

Thanks God it’s Fabulous Friday!  It’s hard not to feel great about the day when your week is basically done.  I have to admit though, that the current weather does take some of the wind out of my sails.  I mean, this morning I saw the weatherman say that typically we are in the 40’s right now but for whatever reason, this week we are stuck in the teens.  Arrgghh!  40 degrees sounds downright tropical right now!

But instead of bemoaning the situation, I have a crazy suggestion.  Now is the perfect time to buy fur – faux fur!  There are three great reasons: 1) It’s the end of winter season and you can find great deals on some really amazing looking faux pieces; 2) It’s a great time to use those end of season savings to buy a gorgeous look that you can rock through the next winter; and, 3) because faux fur is usually lighter than a real fur, you can still wear it comfortably through early spring.  Faux furs make great transitional pieces, they can add a dramatic punch to your wardrobe, and they allow you to step outside your fashion comfort zone without too much of an investment.

Now when I say faux fur, I am not speaking solely about full-length coats and jackets.  Think fun oversized hats, neck wraps or shawls, gloves, vests, etc.  It can make just as much of a statement when worn as an accent piece.  And remember, faux fur can be worn as casually or formally as you like.  Throw on your fur jacket with a pair of skinny jeans, white T and some heels, and strut your stuff!  And finally, when searching for your perfect faux piece, look for items that don’t shed easily.  If trying on in person, run your hands over it in both directions several times to see how much “fur” it looses, and wear a dark, solid colored shirt to check for transfer.  Also, if shopping online, read the reviews!  Buyer comments are an online shoppers best friend.

 

This winter may last forever, but that’s ok.  We can choose to have fun with the season and not let it get the best of us.  Yes its 15 degrees outside when it should be 40.  So what!  Use the cold weather as an excuse to have some fashion fun and show these frozen temps who’s really ice cold!

Stay Fabulous, Ladies!

MML,

Otise

This post is courtesy of Mocha Otise

For more FAB Friday posts, click HERE!

Cooking - 30 Second Brownie

30 Second Brownie!

This little brownie is just a bit of sweetness.  Perfect for dessert or a little midnight snack.  This recipe is so easy that there's really not much to say.  I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Gather dry ingredients

Carob chips are optional (and delicious)

All mixed up

Spray jar to prevent sticking

Ready to bake

cook for 30 seconds

Done!



One more thing!

Ready to eat!

Yum!

30 Second Brownie

2 Tablespoons flour

1 Tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 carob (or chocolate) chips (optional)

Pinch salt

2 tablespoons milk  (non-dairy milk is fine)

1 teaspoon oil (canola or coconut)

Drop of vanilla extract

Spray a coffee cup or ramekin with vegetable cooking spray.  In the cup combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt until no lumps remain.  Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.  Stir in chips (optional)

Bake in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.  You may need to add 5 more seconds (maybe 5 more after that, depending on your microwave)… but don’t be tempted to overcook or it will be rubbery!

 It should be moist on the bottom and will continue cooking as it sets.

Serve with chocolate sauce…a sprinkle of powdered sugar…whipped cream or eat plain as a brownie.

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy.

For more recipes, CLICK here!