Welcome to The Ya-Ya Club!In The Ya-Ya Club, the children love to read, learn, sing, dance, play, and have FUN! Ya-Ya welcomes you and your children to join in this wonderful journey where your imagination can run wild and free
Well it's finally here, December 31 2013. This year was sort of a roller coaster for me because of all my highs ( publishing 2 children's books, my son turning 12, The Ya-Ya Club becoming licensed, showcasing my work to children in schools and much, much more!) and the lows ( losing my boo bear aka James Davis IV and other people very dear to my heart). I am so elated and appreciative that for the most part my 2013 was wonderful. I am excited to tackle 2014 with positivity and prosperity. I wish you all the best in 2014! Until then....
I'm back with a little more holiday cheer...I want to share with you all one of my favorite Christmas songs by Mariah Carey. She really puts me in the xmas spirit with her melodic vocals..Check out the video below!
I would like to wish all of my clubbers, family and friends a very Merry Christmas! It has been a great day thus far and can't wait for this evenings festivities.
Again, Merry Christmas guys...ENJOY YOUR DAY AND NIGHT!!!
I can't believe we're only a couple of days away from Christmas. This year went by so fast! I still haven't finished my xmas shopping yet. I gave it an earnest try today, but obviously it didn't work lol. So, what's on your agenda for Christmas Eve? All I know is I'll be sitting by the fireplace sipping on my favorite cranberry eggnog...YUM-YUM! This is really a fun way to spice up your nog without the "SPICE". Check out the recipe below! ENJOY CLUBBERS.... Cranberry Eggnog
Serves 8 *Recipe courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com* Ingredients: 3 Cups Eggnog, chilled 2/3 Cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, plus more for garnish 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt Method: Put all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth. Serve immediately garnish with a few cranberries.
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:Serving size: about 1/2 cup, 140 calories (60 from fat), 7g total fat, 4g saturated fat,55mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0g dietary fiber, 14g sugar), 2g protein
So I've been heavily involved with an oldie, but goodie. I have always loved Figs, but for some strange reason I have incorporated them into every snack, desert and meal I've eaten this week. This recipe will make for a great, but different Christmas dinner side dish. I encourage you to dare to be different and introduce these delectably sweet fruit bites to the head honcho on the dinner table, Mr. Turkey. Check out this great recipe below!
Simple Spiced Figs
Makes 2 Dozens *Courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com* Ingredients:
2 Cups Grand Conti Sangiovese, or other dry red wine
24 Mixed dried figs (about 2/12 cups or 10 oz, such as Black Mission or White Turkish figs
2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons 365 Everyday Value Organic Mountain Forest Honey Amber
4 cinnamon sticks
Zest of 1 orange, removed in wide strips using a vegetable peeler
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a medium pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until figs are very tender and fragrant, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately, or cool and store in poaching liquid (solids discarded) until ready to use. ( Simmer poaching liquid until thickened to drizzle over figs or desserts, or to stir into a hot tea).
Poaching figs in red wine, sherry vinegar, honey and cinnamon instantly makes your home smell luscious. Serve these warm or cold, alongside a green salad, on a cheese plate or diced and spooned over ice cream or pound cake.
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:Serving size: 2 figs, 100 calories (0 from fat), 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 1g protein
Hello Clubbers,
Christmas haven't even come yet and I'm already plotting on the leftover menu. I'm a thinker and I love to plan ahead. So here's an easy way to use up some of that Christmas ham...
Enjoy!
Lunch or Dinner
Serves 4
Grilled Cranberry Cheddar and Ham Melts *courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com* Ingredients:
4 Slices whole wheat hearth bread
3 tablespoons cherry or mango chutney
1/4 pound cranberry cheddar, very thinly sliced
8 thin slices of ham (about 6 ounces)
1 Pear cored and thinly sliced
Canola oil spray Method:
Spread one side of each piece of bread with chutney, then layer with cheddar, ham and pears to make open-face to make sandwiches. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray generously with canola oil.Arrange sandwiches in the skillet in a single layer, cheddar and ham side facing up. Cover skillet and cook until bread is deep golden brown and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:270 calories (100 from fat), 12g total fat, 6g saturated fat, 55mg cholesterol, 740mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 19g protein
I'm back with another great tasting all natural/organic recipe. I hope you had an opportunity to try some, I know I have. They are delicioso! Ok, let's get started....
Lunch or Dinner
Serves 2 Quick Hummus and Vegetable Stuffed Pitas *Recipe and photo courtesy of wholefoods.com* Ingredients: 1 Whole wheat pita bread, halved 1/2 cup hummus 1/3 cup lightly packed shredded lettuce or baby spinach 1/2 cup raw assorted vegetables such as halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers or avocados. Method: Spread half of the hummus inside each pita half then fill with lettuce and vegetables and serve.
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:Serving size: 1 pita half, 210 calories (70 from fat), 8g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g dietary fiber, 1g sugar), 9g protein
With all the buzz surrounding Beyonce's new album, I'm curious to know if you're purchasing it for your little ladies for Christmas? I am a mother of a 12 year old boy and I still monitor what he listens to and watch. To be completely honest I love Beyonce's talent, but I find myself wanting and wishing she would do so much more with it. I know she's a "Grown Woman", but you're a "rich" woman from listeners like us. If I were in her position I would try my best to censor at least 50% of my music. Where's the self respect? As she matures into an older woman I was expecting more mature music. I don't want to listen to how she's drunk on her husbands love or anything else for that matter. Again, she's super talented, but i would love to see her use her talent for a better cause (REAL MUSIC).
I wholeheartedly believe that children are influenced by what they see and hear. When I was about 9 years of age my aunt wrote a song called "Children Imitate". She had us singing and dancing along with this catchy tune. At that time I didn't fully understand or care what she was saying, but now, I'm completely in agreeance with her wise words. Thank you Aunt Pat!
It saddens me to turn on the radio (rare occasion, almost never) and hear all the vulgarity and sexual content. Is this what our country's entertainment has stooped to? Back in my days there were SOME vulgar artists with SOME vulgar songs on their album, but now it's almost EVERY artists with EVERY song on their album being vulgar. These artists are taking the term sex, drugs and rock & roll to a new level...
Maybe I'm too old school. I don't know and i don't care because if I fall for any and everything I stand for nothing. I choose to take a stand and not be a "STAN" anymore.
We need more artists like Pink....I would love to work on a children's cd with her!
Today I want to share with you a great tasting cookie/cookie ice cream sandwich that I've been purchasing for years called 600lb Gorillas. It's all natural with no hydrogenated oils or trans fats. The soft chocolaty cookie filled with the best vanilla bean ice cream makes for a heavenly experience! Not only are they mega delicious, they're easy to make. Just pop em in the oven or just pull one out of the freezer and eat away. I literally have to tell myself to STOP! lol Any who, I suggest these as a great snack for the kids or dessert for the entire family. Trust me, they're like potato chips...once you eat one, you can't stop! Check out their website and order or check your local market.
600lbgorillas.com
I'm back with more great recipes for you and your children. I'm having a blast trying some of these out. It'll be even more fun if you allow your children to help out. My little helper added extra cheese to his pizza lol Well Clubbers here they are. ENJOY!
BREAKFAST Serves 2 Kid-friendly Instant Apple Crisp *courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com*
Ingredients: 1 cup applesauce 1/2 cup of granola pinch of ground cinnamon Method: Put applesauce, granola and cinnamon into a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for a few minutes, then serve
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:200 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 21g sugar), 5g protein
Lunch Serves 2 Open-Face Apple Tahini Sandwich *Courtesy of www.wholefoodsmarket.com* Ingredients: 1 tablespoon peanut, cashew or almond butter 2 slices of whole wheat or multigrain bread 1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced 1 tablespoon tahini 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Method: Spread peanut, cashew or almond butter onto each slice of bread. Arrange apple slices on top and drizzle with tahini and honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon and transfer to a toaster oven on a small baking sheet. Toast on high until hot then serve.
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:Serving size: 1 sandwich, 220 calories (80 from fat), 9g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat,0mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 16g sugar), 7g protein
1 (1 ounce) package natural onion soup and dip mix 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 3/4 granulated garlic 1 teaspoon granulated onion 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil Beef stroganoff 2 cups chopped mushrooms 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey 1 cup dry noodles 1 cup milk 1 cup low sodium beef broth, more if needed 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup grated baby swiss or provolone cheese Method: To make spice mix, combine soup mix, black pepper, garlic, onion parsley and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside. To make stroganoff, heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring constantly, until mushrooms release most of their juices, about 10 minutes. Add ground beef, turn heat down to medium and brown until cooked through. Drain the fat off and discard if necessary Add noodles, spice mix, milk, and beef broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until liquid id absorbed. Stir in sour cream. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with grated cheese and serve immediately.
Nutritional Info:
PER SERVING:320 calories (180 from fat), 20g total fat, 9g saturated fat, 80mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 4g sugar), 22g protein
I know it's the holiday and you want to let it all hang out (I know I do!). What if I told you that you can let loose and still maintain a healthy way of eating? About 5 years ago I started eating organic and all natural foods. I lost 50 lbs while still eating Ice cream, cakes, cookies, pie etc, etc, etc. I love helping everyone out, but my blog is geared for children. So, this week we'll be leading up to Christmas with healthy alternatives of some of our favorite holiday foods that children of all ages can enjoy...
Breakfast
Blueberry Cream Cheese Waffle Sandwiches *Recipe courtesy of About.com by Stephanie Gallagher*
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
4 frozen whole grain waffles, such as Vans whole grain waffles
1/4 cup whipped cream cheese or regular cream cheese (low-fat or non-fat is okay)
2 Tbsp. ricotta cheese (part-skim is okay)
1-2 Tbsp. powdered sugar
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
Preparation:
Toast the waffles according to the package directions.
While the waffles are toasting, mix the cream cheese, ricotta cheese and powdered sugar together. Start with 1 tablespoon of the sugar, taste, and add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor. For a bright twist, add 1/2 tsp. of freshly-grated lemon zest to this filling. Lemon and blueberries pair beautifully together.
Divide the cream cheese mixture among the waffles. Top each waffle with some fresh blueberries. Serve immediately.
Lunch Mac-N-Cheese Muffin Surprise *Recipe courtesy of Letsmove.gov by Job Corps' Top Chefs*
Serving Size
12 muffins
Ingredients
¾ Lb. whole wheat pasta
½ gallon 1% milk
3 ¼ cup low fat cheddar cheese
¼ cup diced broccoli
¼ cup diced sundried tomato
¼ cup diced red peppers
¼ diced carrots
¼ cup of diced red onion
1 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. of Butter
Directions
1. Boil water and add pasta, turning down the heat to medium. Drain but do not rinse off.
2. In a sauce pan bring milk to a slight boil add 3 cups of cheddar cheese, stirring constantly
with wire whip and until blended. Add 1 tbsp. of flour to mixture, simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add your vegetables and cheese sauce to pasta, mix together.
5. In a small bowl mix ¼ cups of panko crumbs with 1 tablespoon of smart balance butter.
6. Grease muffin tins. Using a 4oz scoop, scoop mixture into each tin; top each one with a
sprinkle of bread crumb mixture and a little shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with a piece
of sundried tomato and a fresh parsley sprig. You can also take a little of the cheese sauce
and put a dollop down on each plate and place the muffin on top.
Dinner
Fall Harvest and Grilled Garden Pizza *Recipe courtesy of Letsmove.gov* By White House Blog
Serves 4
1 12 inch pizza dough, can use freezer dough
2 tbsp olive oil
1 eggplant, cut into coins, ½ inch thick
1 sweet potato, peeled, sliced thinly
1 red pepper, sliced, ¼ inch thick
Salt and pepper to taste
6 oz. tomato sauce, your favorite brand
6 oz. shredded mozzarella, lowfat
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish.
Toss the vegetables in olive oil and salt and pepper. Grill until softened but still a bit crunchy. Set aside.
Flatten the pizza dough until about 1/8 inch thick. Brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides for about 2 minutes on each side. Top with the tomato sauce, mozzarella and grilled veggies. Garnish with basil. Serve immediately.
Tonight is the night where we wrap up our "Guess This Show". I had a blast and wish I could continue choosing shows I loved as a child. I am having a hard time because there's so many to choose from. So I decided to list more than one. Enjoy clubbers!
I'm back with another installment of "Guess This Show". This cartoon was one of my favorites by far because it gave me a different outlook on school. It made me think of school in a good way. After watching an episode of this great cartoon I was ready to take on all good and bad aspects of school even though I was almost finished with it lol. This particular cartoon kept me connected to what my childhood school experience was like when I was their age. It aided my imagination to take off and go " where no man has gone before" lol. Well, I hope you all enjoy....
Today I'm up and out early. I have a lot to do. I just wanted to give a good morning shot out to you all and wish you a great day! It's pretty chilly so bundle up and be safe!
Oh by the way let the Christmas countdown begin.....
We're just getting started with "Guess This Show" and I'm having the time of my life watching some of these old episodes of some of the greatest shows ever created. Tonight I want to take it back to 2 shows that have inspired me to become a great entertainer. Watching both these shows as a child, gave me the confidence I needed to preform in school and in dance class.
Just a quick reminder that Spooky Spatilla is still available. This great children's book written by yours truly, is now available at Barnes & Noble. It would be a great Christmas gift for your children. Click the link below....Thanks Clubbers! TTYL
Yes it's me and I'm back! Back with another installment of "Guess This Show". I hope you guys are enjoying this wonderful walk down memory lane with me. I highly encourage that you engage your children as well. They will be forever grateful you did so. This featured show was definitely on my top 5 as a kid. I still remember the theme song word for word. ENJOY!
Ok, here we go clubbers...Guess This Show....
Photo Cred: Disney.wikia.com
"Life is like a hurricane here in Duckburg
Race cars, lasers, aeroplanes, it's a duck-blur!
Might solve a mystery or rewrite history!"
It's that time again for you and your children to Guess This Show! I am having so much fun reminiscing and watching clips of some of the most fantastic shows that helped shape my character into what it is today. I really hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. If so, leave a comment and share what your favorite show was or share what's your child's favorite show is today...
What a victorious snow filled day this is . I just annihilated my son in a wonderful snowball fight and it only took me a half an hour. We had a blast! It was snow everywhere...
The streets were empty with only snow and a few cars in sight. The air crisp and cold. My son, ready and prepared for what he thought was going to be an easy win (Does he not know his mother? LOL) As for me, I was geared up as usual with a line of snowballs ready to fly, fly free onto his wrapped up and warm snow gear.
I hope you all are having a warm, cozy, and safe snow day. I know I am. Alrighty then, my hot chocolate is calling me. Until next time clubbers....
*Please buckle up and stay off your cell phones while you drive. The roads are messy!*
So day one has passed of "Guess This Show" and I'm sure you all guessed correctly. I'm having a blast going back in time getting lost in my childhood memories. I hope you all are enjoying this as well.
Day 2 is here and I am excited to dig up another oldie, but goodie. Have fun and get your children involved by sharing your memories of the show with them!
