Thinking about throwing an Oscars themed party this Sunday?  You have to serve these Oscars inspired drinks…they are sure to be a huge hit!

Crystal Cosmo (Ode to this years host, Billy Crystal)

• 1 1/2 oz Voli Lyte
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 Agave  Nectar

**Mix all together with ice.  Shake well and strain into a martini glass.  Top with Prosecco (optional).  Approximately 150 calories!

Golden Drop

• 2 oz Voli Lemon
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 packet of sweetener

Sweet Revenge (inspired by “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”)

The Golden Era (inspired by “Midnight in Paris”)

• 1 1/2 oz Voli Orange Vanilla
• 2 oz Lemonade
• 1/2 oz Agave Nectar
• 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice

**Mix all together with ice.  Shake well and strain into a martini glass.  Approximately 144 calories.

Will you be watching the Oscars this Sunday??  I will!!  I can’t wait to see who wins and what people are wearing!  What’s your favorite part of the Oscars?

Disclaimer:  Cocktail recipes, courtesy of Voli Light Vodkas!

Thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway!

According to the plug-in, And the Winner Is…the winner of the giveaway is….

JAMIE!!!

Congratulations!!!  An email has been sent to Jamie requesting that shipping information be sent to me via email by the 22nd or a new winner will be determined!

As most of you know, I am always on some sort of diet or another.  In my lifetime, I’ve literally tried them all.  Some healthy and others not so healthy.  Right now, I am probably on my healthiest diet I have ever been on.  After being diagnosed Diabetic almost exactly one year ago, I really had no choice but to go on the ultimate diet of my life.  The Diabetic Diet.  In the first six or eight months or so, I lost 50lbs.  That is HUGE for me.  I’ve managed to keep it off pretty well since losing it…sure since staring my desk job 5 months ago and going through the holidays, I did gain 10lbs, but I am confident that I will lose that 10lbs and the remaining 50lbs I still have left to lose.

One thing I am always on the look out for is healthy snack options for myself and my family.  When I was asked to try the new KRAFT MilkBites, I was totally intrigued.  Check out the stats below and see exactly why these appealed to me.

• Made with real milk and calcium…delivers the calcium of an 8oz. glass–30% of the daily recommended value
• Includes 5g of protein, 7g of whole grains, and is a good source of vitamin D and fiber.
• No high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

I have to admit, when I first opened them up, I wasn’t sure I would like it.  They look a little different than normal granola bars…more compressed.  But after the first bite, I was hooked!  The strawberry flavor is good, but I love the chocolate.  My son, on the other hand, loves the strawberry and is not as keen on the chocolate (but he doesn’t tend to like chocolate most of the time anyhow).

You can get the new KRAFT MilkBites at your local grocery store near you in the refrigerated dairy section, in a wide variety of flavors:

• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Peanut Butter
• Oatmeal Raisin
• Mixed Berry

At just $3.49 a box, this makes a great snack any time of the day!

Disclaimer:  I was provided with two boxes of KRAFT MilkBites for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

And I am pissed.

The other day the mother of the bullies stopped my husband in the parking lot at the school and proceeded to cause a scene.  Why?  Because she didn’t feel it was needed for her to take responsibility of her children’s actions.  She said that just because her children ripped TWO of our son’s jackets in FOUR separate spots didn’t mean that it wasn’t an accident.  Are you kidding me??  I get that boys play rough.  Believe me…I get it.  But it stops being an accident when it repeatedly happens.  But just by the looks of this mother and the way she chooses to carry on in front of others (especially her children) there was no getting through to her and my husband tried to drop it and walk away.  She wasn’t having it.

So what happens the next day?

“My mom said that your mom and dad are idiots”

“My mom said that you are an idiot”

“My mom said that your mom has nothing better to do than to cause problems”

Really?  Are you kidding me?  How old is she?  Who bashes other people to their children?

So of course, my husband and I met with the principal this morning.  Not only were these two harassing Zachary with the way they were bashing his family all day long, but they also got in trouble on lunch recess by throwing a ball repeatedly at his face.  Zachary went and told and guess what the lunch aid did…she put them on the wall.  Again I ask you, what the heck does the wall do?  Why in the world were they not sent to the principal for physically hurting another person?  What in the world has to happen for some action to be taken?  Does his face have to be bashed in?

Our meeting with the principal was a waste of time.  Basically we were told that there is nothing he can do until he or another adult hears or sees something happen.  Again I ask, does his face have to bashed in for the school to take notice?  I am well aware of the districts harassment policy and bullying policy, as well as the State of Michigan’s Anti-Bullying Legislation.  And as far as I am concerned, the school is in violation of these policies.  For Pete’s sake, we were told that Zachary should pick a different table at lunch if the bullies happen to be sitting at the same table as his friends, which I get…BUT why in the world are these bullies not given assigned seats if they are causing problems??  Why is my son being punished by not being able to sit with HIS friends?  The principal even said that Zachary may not want to sit away from his friends or sit at a girl table.  Can you blame him?  He’s SEVEN!  So he get’s punished by not being able to sit by his friends and he is further punished by sitting with all girls when you know darn well that will cause him to be teased.  Why don’t we just sentence the boy to be made fun of all freaking day long?

I haven’t figured out what I am or can do right now.  But I am beyond pissed off and feel that the school is failing him tremendously.  And quite frankly, I feel like the school is catering to the bullies.  Sure they make the necessary phone calls when something happens, but as soon as the mom or kids say “I didn’t do it”, the principal throws his hands up and says “well my hands are tied.  It is now a he said/she said and I can’t choose one story over the other”.  And maybe that’s true, but when you have story after story of how these boys are tormenting a child, you make damn sure you are around to CATCH them in the act.  By not doing that, you are failing the victim.

I am approximately one week away from my 31st birthday and I found a WHITE hair poking out of my head.  A huge white hair.  What the heck?  Of course I did what any female would do…I ripped it out of my head.  Yes I am aware that ten more will probably grow in that spot, but I was on my way to work, no way could I leave that Cruella de Vil streak in my hair.

Now I’m not one to be all freaked out about age…so the fact that I am going to be 31 is not a big deal to me at all.  But white hair…big deal.  As if us women don’t have enough things to deal with.  First there’s the whole needing to wear a bra thing and when the right time to do that is.  If you get one too soon in elementary school, you’re a freak of nature to the other kids and they can’t stop talking about it.  But on the opposite side of the spectrum, if you don’t get one soon enough, they talk about you then.

But the worst thing us women have to deal with is our monthly visitor.  I get the whole biological reason as to why “Aunt Flo” visits, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is a major pain in the behind.  So Aunt Flo makes her grand appearance between the ages 11 and 16 and keeps coming back for years and years and years.  Just when you think you may be rid of her, you start going through menopause.

So now I realize that I am still a little young to be worried about menopause, but now that I found that white hair, I can’t help but think about when I will have to be dealing hot flashes, night sweats (sound lovely?) and everything else I have to look forward to.  Because of the type of person I am, I Googled different natural ways that I can help ward off those lovely symptoms of menopause.  One way I ran across was Amberen.  It is an all natural pill that supports the body’s natural hormonal function!  You better believe I bookmarked this site!

Do you or someone you know going through menopause?  How do you cope?  More importantly, when did it start for you?  Be sure to check out Facebook and like Amberen and get deals on Amberen on Facebook!

Tomorrow’s Valentine’s day, do you know what you are eating for dinner?  Try some of the aphrodisiac foods below to really set the mood for the perfect Valentine’s day dinner with your sweetie!

• Chocolate: The Ultimate Aphrodisiac Food - Chocolate contains anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA) which releases dopamine in the brain’s pleasure center, resulting in feelings of attraction, excitement and euphoric pleasure. It is no secret why the box of chocolates has been a customary Valentine’s gift!
• The Almond Joy – “Back in the old days” the scents of almonds was thought to arouse passion in women, and were regarded as fertility symbols. The “back in the day” people had the right idea. Almonds contain high levels of magnesium and vitamin E. Both of these supplements have been given to men and women going through IVF treatments and have increased fertilization rates from 19 to 29 percent.
• Arugula: It’s more than a garnish – Since the beginning of time, arugula has been used as an aphrodisiac. According to the Cambridge World History of Food, arugula was combined with grated orchid bulbs, parsnips, pine nuts and pistachios to make an ‘aphrodisiac mix.’
• Asparagus: The last supper – In 19^th century France, on the eve of their wedding, grooms were served three courses of asparagus at their “bachelor” dinners. Asparagus contains folic acid which is known to boost histamine production notorious for enhancing performance on the wedding night.
• Avocado: The forbidden fruit – Catholic priests in Spain deemed avocados an outlawed food because they were thought to be so “obscenely sexual.” Avocado, like asparagus is high in folic acid which produces histamine. The fruit also has vitamin B6 and potassium, which calms the nerves and controls many body processes such as heart regulation.
• Bananas: Guilty by association – Bananas, like avocados and almonds, have potassium, B vitamins and magnesium. Its real claim to fame, however, is the bromeliad enzyme, which is traditionally known to boost male libido.
• Basil: Feed the senses – Basil not only makes food smell and taste better, it stimulates circulation causing the heart to beat faster.
• Figs: An Egyptian favorite – Cleopatra’s favorite fruit was thought to stimulate sexual arousal and increase fertility.
• Ginger: The aroma of desire – Ginger is another traditional aphrodisiac, because of its ability to increase circulation and desire.
• The Honey…moon - The word “honeymoon” comes from a custom in ancient Persia.  Couples drank mead (liquor made from honey) daily for a month after marriage, to get them “in the mood.”
• Licorice: The love machine- In ancient China, it was believed that the smell of licorice would enhance feelings of love and lust.
• Oysters: It’s common knowledge – Oysters are the most celebrated of aphrodisiacs. Oysters have high zinc content. Zinc is known to help produce sperm and increase libido.
• Pine Nuts: Love potion number 9- Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido since medieval days.  They are high in zinc, like oysters, and have been used for centuries in love potions.

Dr. Martha Howard, M.D. has put together a recipe that will surely ensure a very romantic Valentine’s night:

Appetizer:  Oysters on the half shell

Salad:  Arugula, with figs, pine nuts, avocado, and a honey and ginger dressing

Entrée:  Spaghetti with tomato-basil sauce, with grilled asparagus

Dessert:  Chocolate­ banana almond mousse

After dinner mints: Licorice flavor

Do you see any things on the list above you’d like to have for dinner tomorrow night?

About Chicago Healers and Dr. Howard:

Chicago Healers (www.ChicagoHealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened and integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach and philosophy.  Its holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and the website.  With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications.  For more information, visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

When my daughter was one she developed a few food allergies.  If anyone’s ever dealt with food allergies you know how much of a pain, yet so important, it is to read label after label after label.  I can remember being in the grocery store for hours trying to get the items on my list and stopping every few feet to read a label I was unsure about.  Thankfully she has pretty much outgrown those food allergies, but I still find myself reading labels.  This time I try to, as much as possible, cut out food dyes and artificial flavorings.  Another important item I want on the label is whole grain.  

General Mills has heard our pleas and now every cereal with the white check will have whole grain as the first ingredient meaning it is the first and more prevalent ingredient!  And the best part is…it has the same great taste as before and our kids have no idea they are eating something that is much better for them!

Dr. Travis Stork, ER doctor and hos of the hit show, The Doctors stated that whole grains are sometimes difficult to identify.  Shoppers usually check out the front of the box to make sure it is “OK” but fail to look at the ingredient list to make sure they are getting enough whole grain.  You want to make sure that whole grain is one of the first ingredients on the list.  Here are some other tips from Dr. Travis Stork on how to get whole grains more easily in your diet:

• Start Early! The Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Get a jump-start on the day’s nutrition by incorporating whole grain into your morning routine. For instance, when choosing cereal make sure whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. One easy choice is cereal with the white check, which have more whole grain than any other single ingredient.
• Make Simple Swaps. Choose whole grain versions of the foods you love. Great options include whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread or even whole grain crackers. Also, try different types of whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish at dinner or popcorn, which is a whole grain, for a snack.
• Don’t Judge a Food by Its Cover. The front of food packages provide good nutritional cues, but don’t forget to read the ingredients and check the nutrition label and side labels for additional health information. Cereals with the white check even include the amount of whole grain per serving on packaging.

Check out the Whole Grain Nation website and play the online game that helps you identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient!

How would you like to win FIVE boxes of General Mills cereal with the white check?  Read below for details!

GIVEAWAY!!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  You must complete the mandatory entry FIRST before any additional entries will be accepted.  Please put each entry in a new comment.

Mandatory Entry:  What was your favorite cereal as a kid?

Additional Entries:

• Subscribe to Diaries of a Domestic Goddess via email
• Follow Diaries of a Domestic Goddess on Facebook
• Put this giveaway as your status
• Follow @DGoddess on Twitter
• Tweet this giveaway (1 entry per day)
• Stumble any non-contest post on my blog
• Comment on any non-contest post on my blog

This giveaway will run from today (2/11/12) until February 21st at 8pm EST.  One winner will be chosen at random using the And the Winner Is plug in.  An email will be sent to the winner and they will have 48hrs to respond with their shipping information or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark

I have to work on Valentine’s day.

Until 8pm.

For some people that would be a huge issue.  However, for me…not a big deal at all.  You see, I find Valentine’s day rather silly.  People get all crazy about what to get each other…trying to make sure that their gift expresses just how much they love each other.

But what about February 15th, 16th or 17?  Or June 10th?  Rather than worry about just one day of the year to show your undying love for each other, why not do it every day?  Boycott Valentine’s day this year and pledge to show your love every day!  Not only will your relationship be stronger, but you won’t have to get all crazy the day of Valentine’s day wondering if you’ll get flowers, or what you should wear…instead you will be wondering what awesome thing your sweetheart would be doing for you that day and vice versa!

So if my husband were reading this (which I know he does since I subscribed him to my email updates!) I would love for us to make it a habit to show each other daily how much we love each other.  It could be something as little as putting a little note in each other’s coat pocket (which, by the way, the note that he put in my lunch before work STILL hangs on my wall at work); or random flowers for no reason other than to say “I love you”; make dinner…you see, they don’t have to be anything extravagant…just random acts to show you care!  That means more than any expensive night out on Valentine’s day.

What kinds of things could your loved one do for you on a daily basis to show you they care?  Better yet, what can YOU do for your loved one to show them you care?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Yep…you read that right!  Watch the video below for the whole story:

So what do you think?  Did the dad go overboard?  Apparently he’s getting a lot of flack for what he did.  People are saying that he has ruined any chance of having a relationship with his daughter; they’re saying he overreacted.

Personally, I’d love to high five this guy.  What his daughter did was absolutely uncalled for and let’s not forget, utterly disrespectful.  My children would not see the light of day if either one of them every did something like this.  I may not put a bullet in their computers (I don’t own a gun), but you better believe I give huge props to this guy for actually standing up and being a parent to his daughter.  I guarantee you she will never do something like that again.  She may “hate” her dad for awhile, but this is one of those lessons that will stay with her and I bet she’s learned her lesson.

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!  But please, let’s remember to be respectful of everyone’s opinion!