7 layer dip

This is a great super party dish!!!! It is quick and easy

• 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bunch chopped green onions
• 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1. In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter.
2. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.
3. Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.

Malia and Sasha

Words can not express how I felt yesterday during this historic occasion. However I am sure there are hundreds of blogs that posted about yesterday's events and what took place. I wanted to take time out and point out the wonderful outfits the first daughters wore for this event. Malia and Sasha were each fitted in original J.Crew coats that were elegant and affordable. Everything down to the colors, styles and fabrics were hand picked specifically with these girls in mind. Unfortunately they are not currently available in J.Crew stores, however they do have a wide variety of winter wear at http://www.jcrew.com/index.jsp as part of their crewcut kids collection. I thought it was nice to see them in something that was classic and brightly colored, while at the same time being something I could put my on little girl in (most J.Crew kids coats still run about $100, which can still be a little pricey when you have smaller children who grow every week).

Good job Michelle, she seems to be working hard to keep her girls well grounded with all that is going on around them. She is even bringing her mother to the White House with her for added support.

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This recipe is easy, easy, easy. All it involves is putting all the ingredients together. You can add more cherries and marshmallows if you like (I usually don't).

• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 (8 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained
• 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows (optional)
  
• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping, coconut, chopped nuts, fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows and cherries. Mix together well and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.

This is a delicious treat. When I made it for my family I use lite whipped topping and low sugar fruit and it is just as good.

New Year Resolutions- Momma Momma Style

As you can see from my lack of posting, I really relaxed and enjoyed my holiday. I allowed myself time to reflect over the year and what activities I found rewarding and those that I felt took away from my year. When I first started this blog in August, I wanted to provide mothers with an outlet, a place to vent and recharge for their day. That being said, I thought it would be good to create a list of resolutions for my readers and myself to further support our efforts to decrease stress and find mommy time. So here are a few of the goals that I set for the new year and if you want to join me in committing to these this year, simply leave a comment:

1. This year I am committing to letting God do the heavy work. The things that our out of my control as it relates to my husband, my child and household I am turning over.

2. I know we all make that yearly resolution to eat better and exercise more, but this year I am committing to caring for my body in a different way. I am committing to setting aside time monthly for pampering myself. This could mean a spa day, getting my nails done, or whatever I can do to ensure that I stay in tune with my total body (mind, body and soul).

3. I am going to water my life. This simply means to use drinking water as a way to increase my energy, curve my appetite and all the other good stuff it does for me.

4. This year I am committing to monthly date nights with my husband. When I was in L.A. over the break, my husband and I sat down with another couple for dinner and realized that when the children come we often neglect our marriage. However it is important to maintain to continue dating for you marriage and your sanity....we all need adult conversations sometimes. So if you aren't married it could be committing to dating period or even girls night out.

5. I am committing to finding other activities to do with my daughter that we both will enjoy (and that I can share with other moms). Whether it is yoga or swimming classes, we are going to do a better job this year of getting out and enjoying ourselves more.

6. I am setting side time in my weekly schedule to work on accomplishing one mommy goal this year. Your mommy goal could be anything from writing that book you always wanted to write ( a page a day, you'll be finished in no time) or going back school or starting business. Whatever you goal, set aside that time for yourself each week and stick to it.

7. I am removing negative people from my close circle. Have you ever heard that saying that everyone can't be in your front row, some people in you life have to sit in the balcony. This year I am going to do a better job of putting negative people a little further back. Some relationships we can't avoid, co-worker, family, neighbors, but we can control what positions we give these people in our lives.

I think if we each accomplish one of these goals this year, we will truly see the rewards. I'll check back in frequently to see where we all are and report tips to help us meet these goals.