Mommies Magazine

Love Them French Vanilla Cappuccinos!

Posted on 04. Nov, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

Like so many of you, I have to have my coffee every morning in order to start my day off on the right foot. Without my coffee in the morning I am like a fish out of water. It is a chance that I am unwilling to partake of. I try to limit my coffee intake throughout the day or at least choose decaf, but that first cup of coffee, complete with that bad caffeine, is a must-have in my life.

Not too long ago, maybe about a year now, I have become quite fond of another hot beverage. To say that this hot, delicious beverage is good is an understatement. It is way past good, even shooting for the super fantastic category. French vanilla cappuccinos are in a league all of their own. There is one particular food chain that surpasses all others in my book. I am sure that I do not even have to mention names, but if you have not tried one of theirs, you must.

While looking for a recipe that will squelch my thirst for one of these things when I cannot get out I found this (http://www.recipezaar.com/French-Vanilla-Cappuccino-264750) recipe. I cannot vouch for this myself as I have not tried it yet, but I will. From all of the rave reviews that I am seeing, however, I am getting anxious to make one.

photo credit: Ewan-M

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Mom Jeans: The Jeans That Have Everyone Talking About Mom

Posted on 30. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

Mom Jeans. This is a hot topic lately. Mom jeans are the jeans that we wore way back in the 80s that everyone loved. Now they are a cause for disgrace and disgust. If you do not remember back that far (some of us need a quick reminder, as our brains have been busy on other things, such as life) I will refresh your memory.

Mom jeans are the high-waisted jeans that taper at the ankle. The zippers on them are quite long, say about 8 or 9 inches. They were popular, but not very attractive unless you had a flat tummy. For one thing they tend to show your front essentials quite distinctively since they are pulled up so high. The derriere is also unattractive in these, as they tend to flatten out the curves that some women possess. They were often seen in cahoots with a thin belt.

Young girls wore them back then….us. Some of us never gave them up as fashion changed. It is true that some people are creatures of habit and we find change difficult. I finally gave up my mom jeans a few years back, but it took getting used to. I have to admit that the jeans that I wear now are a lot more comfortable. However, make sure that you are wearing the right underwear or else you will be the topic of another discussion that is quite popular.

photo credit: sam shot-put-ski

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H1N1: What You Need To Know

Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

The H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu, is a relatively new virus first seen in April of 2009. This contagious flu is spread in the same manner as other flus, passing from person to person. Spread by coughing, sneezing and sometimes touching something that another person has touched with the flu, this virus is making headlines.

The main symptoms of the H1N1 virus are headache, sore throat, coughing, fever, stuffed up or runny nose, chills, fatigue, body aches and pains, diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. Children, young adults, the elderly and persons in a “high-risk” category are most affected by this new virus.

To help protect you and your loved ones against this virus there are steps that you can take to help decrease your chances of contracting this virus. Some simple health measures include:

• Staying home and away from crowds if you are ill.
• Avoiding people who are ill.
• Avoid touching your face including your eyes, mouth and nose.
• Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• See your physician as soon as possible if you suspect that you are ill.

A H1N1 vaccine is available for those interested in receiving one. You should contact your physician for more information.

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Movie Review: Fireproof

Posted on 26. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

If you have not already seen this movie then I highly suggest that you do. Watch it with your mate. It is a powerful movie that shows what God can do in your relationship and in your lives. It also shows what evil can do if you let it get a grip on you.

This movie is about a couple on the brink of divorce. The husband, played by Kirk Cameron, is insensitive and self-absorbed. He is a hero in his work as a fireman, but not a very pleasant man to come home to.

The wife, played by Erin Bethea, is heartbroken and wants to end their marriage. She then begins to form a relationship with a flirtatious doctor at work, which only complicates things of course.

Cameron’s movie father tells his son to give it 40 days and hands him a book on how to save his marriage. By doing little thoughtful things each day for your partner you will strengthen your marriage. This book has a day-by-day, to-do list of meaningful and loving gestures that is giving of yourself to your partner.

During this time a very confused Cameron accepts Christ into his life. At first these things do not impress Catherine (Bethea). Eventually after realizing that her husband is changing she turns around. The ending is remarkable with Catherine coming to her husband and telling him what he means to her. She also, impressed with his change, questions him and he tells her about Christ.

Fireproof

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $28.96

Amazon Price: $16.49

This wonderful movie has an important message for couples. The power of Christ is what makes the difference.

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Praying Together: You and Your Mate

Posted on 19. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

Do you pray with your mate? If you do not, you should. Praying together with your mate strengthens your bond immensely. The coming together spiritually unifies your relationship as God intended.

Because this is such a personal aspect of people’s lives many are hesitant and do not pray together. Even amongst Christian’s it was surprising to me to learn that according to FamilyLife, a well-known ministry group, less than 8 percent of Christian couples pray together. That figure blew me away. According to FamilyLife, the main reason that was cited was that they never realized that it was that important to their marriage. Studied also in this group were divorce rates in just Christian couples only. Divorce rate in this group was 27 percent in couples who do not pray together. The couples who pray together have a less than one percent divorce rate.

Praying together is a winner hands down. It is the way that God wants our relationships with our loved ones to be. Praying together takes humility, which everyone is capable of.

How To Get Started:

• Come together and discuss these statistics. Discuss the importance of this in your relationship. Both parties need to agree on this.
• Some time during the course of your day, find a quiet spot to pray together.
• Take turns praying aloud. Try not to feel uncomfortable. This is your mate who knows everything about you and loves you.
• Pray for your family, pray for yours and your mate’s walk with God, strength, courage, your mate’s struggles and your marriage.
• After both of you have prayed remember to thank and praise Him.
• Thank your mate for doing this with you.

This will likely be difficult the first few times, but will get easier. The bond that this creates, however, is well worth every bit of uneasiness. Spiritually powerful and glorious in His eyes, this is what every relationship needs.

photo credit: Daniel Leininger

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Book Reviews: Mama, If You Had a Wish

Posted on 16. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

This story featuring Mama and Little Bunny will tug at your heartstrings. Little Bunny puts Mama through a series of questions on if she wishes that Little Bunny were different in some way. Of course, Mama loves Little Bunny unconditionally and loves him just the way he is. As Mama reassures Little Bunny how special he is and how she loves him exactly as he is, Little Bunny is obviously content with this. Mama’s affirmation of love is exactly what Little Bunny was looking for.

Mama, If You Had a Wish

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $5.99

Amazon Price: $2.00

This is a must have on your bookshelf. I remember the first time that I read this book to my child he smiled the whole way through it. The combination of Robin Spowart’s illustrations and Jeanne Modesitt’s story make this book gentle and touching. Even though we tell our children and show our children how much we love them every day, they sometimes need to know and hear that our love is unchangeable no matter what. They need to know that in the eyes of the people that are closest to them they are accepted and loved just the same. This story is best for ages 3-6.

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Treehouse Cottages in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Posted on 14. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

We all wanted a treehouse when we were younger. Some of us would even like one now that we are older! A treehouse is your own private, little hideaway. Now they make treehouses just for adults. At Treehouse Cottages there are eight cottages that are similar in what they have to offer. All of them are incredible.

Whisk your loved one away to a Treehouse Cottage! These cottages are unbelievably romantic. They are 22 feet off the ground nestled in the surrounding forest. Even though you feel like you are far away from everything you will discover that civilization, should you decide to leave your little bungalow, is not too far off.

This treehouse includes everything that you two will need. The bedroom, sitting area and kitchen are all equipped with the necessities. The Jacuzzi’s in these treehouses overlook the scenic outdoors. There is also cable TV, DVD, CD and Wifi. You can talk the night away in front of your fireplace or gaze into the sky together while sitting on the deck. Visit Treehouse Cottages at http://www.treehousecottages.com/ and plan your vacation getaway with your sweetheart.

Treehouse Cottages and their owners have been given rave reviews. A little far away for me, but someday that is where I will hideaway.

photo credit: Justin S. Campbell

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