The Invitation Lady in Houston, TX knows how to set the tone for every occasion by providing the perfect invitations and gifts. Here are her thoughts on making your mother or mother-in-law feel special this Mother’s Day.

Personalized gifts are so meaningful because it is obvious that you put time and effort into finding the perfect gift in advance. There is no stopping last minute on the way to an event and picking up something monogrammed! Here are a variety of options perfect for summer entertaining that even the pickiest mother-in-law will love.

Everyone appreciates the Address Stamper from PSA Essentials that is extremely well priced at $30 (all prices excluding tax and shipping)

This lucite ice bucket comes with two designs of your choice that can be removed and interchanged, and is priced at $55.

These personalized styrafoam cups are a hit with everyone and really pull a casual party together.  They can be personalized with a name, a fun phrase like “Weekend Waterford,” or something useful like “Property of _______” and names can be written on them to keep everyone’s’ drinks in the right hands. One hundred 16 ounce personalized cups are $48.

You can never go wrong with a lucite platter.  They can be used to for everything from drinks to appetizers, and come in colors and patterns to match every personality. Personalized trays are $60, and the smaller trays (shown on the right) are melamine and dishwasher safe for $36.

To order any of these items guaranteed in time for Mother’s Day delivery, please email Carin at theinvitationlady@gmail.com by April 13th!

Tags: For the Home, Girl Gab, Holidays by admin

Skinny Ms Entertaining has created a brand name based on principles of healthy eating and cooking with ease, and has over 85,000 loyal followers. They graciously took the time to share some of their philosophies on cooking and entertaining with Daughter-in-Law Diaries. The following recipes are a combination of slow-cooking and traditional cooking.

Skinny Ms. Eating Philosophy:

Skinny Ms. believes in eating foods in their whole state or as close to the way nature intended it as possible. We believe that because our bodies are 100% natural, the fuel we give our bodies should be too. Because we use real food to cook with, the majority of Skinny Ms. recipes are low calorie and low fat. However, the use of nuts and coconut milk, among other higher fat ingredients, is not uncommon in these recipes.  The fats we use are healthy fats, a nutrient that is also needed in moderation, for the body to function properly.

Processed foods rob our bodies of much needed and absolutely necessary nutrients that keep our bodies healthy. They also leave us hungry and craving more of the same foods, even after we have consumed large quantities.  In order to lose or maintain weight, you absolutely must give your body the healthy food it so desperately needs to function properly.  It is with this in mind that we create our recipes from scratch, or redo other recipes to improve their nutrition quality and quantity.

Skinny Ms. Entertaining:

One of the most important things to remember when entertaining, regardless of food style, is that simple is always best.  When hosting for in-laws it is especially important to stay within your comfort zone, whatever that may be.  In the case of Skinny style entertaining, you might get a funny look from your mother-in-law if it’s perceived that her son and grandchildren aren’t getting enough of what she believes to be “good food”.

Here’s where a positive attitude pays off.  Explain the importance of eating whole foods and fewer processed ones and that it’s out of love for your family that you have a new philosophy on eating.  You might add that you want to set a good example for your children and teach them about eating healthy.  Offer her some “Sweet and Spicy Pecans” before dinner so that she’ll understand you can still have sweets without the refined sugar.

Rather than spend too much time talking about your new philosophy on eating, WOW her with slow-cooker “Zucchini Ziti” and talk about it being made with whole grain ziti and marinara that doesn’t have added sugar.  The bottom line is that both you and your mother-in-law want the best for your husband and her grandchildren.  So let it be known that you want only the best for your family and this is why your eating philosophy has changed and improved.

 Recipes:

Pecans are a healthy, whole food treat. And these spicy treats are the perfect healthy substitute when you need a little something sweet. These are wonderful to have as guests arrive, and can be made ahead.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound raw pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Combine the above ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir pecans to coat with honey and spices.

Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.

Turn on low, stir occasionally and cook for approximately for 1 hour.

Transfer nuts to a baking sheet and cool completely.

Store in an airtight container.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, cooked and peeled (we microwaved ours till soft), and cut in to chunks.
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (we use the Imagine brand)
• 4 low sodium vegetable bouillon cubes (we used the Rapunzel brand here)
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped + extra to taste (we used an extra 2 tbsp.)
• Salt to taste (yes, this will need salt. Potatoes always do.)

Directions:

Place everything in your slow cooker, EXCEPT THE ADDITIONAL ROSEMARY AND SALT, and cook on low for 2-4 hours. The potatoes are already cooked, so the real purpose of cooking this is to get the bouillon cubes dissolved and to get all the flavors to meld, which a slow cooker does wonderfully. You don’t want to cook this too long, as the flavor of the potatoes will change.

When you’re done cooking, use a hand blender to blend everything right in the slow cooker until smooth.

You can also transfer small amounts at a time to a regular blender. But a hand blender is MUCH easier and far less messy.

Blend in the extra rosemary and some salt to taste.

Allow to cool and enjoy.

This chicken borders on addictive. The kids will love it and so will you! Don’t let the fat content scare you. about 98% of the fat comes from the sesame seeds. It is very healthy fat.

Nutritional Content Serving size = 1/6 of the recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 large chicken breasts, raw, boneless, skinless (about 8 oz. each)
• 1/4 cup roasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth, no sugar added.

Directions:

Cut up the chicken into bite-sized cubes (about 1 x 1)

Put into a frying pan with the chicken broth and cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through.

Pour in the honey and sesame seeds and stir well.

Cook until all liquids have cooked out and the chicken begins to brown a little bit.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 cup white mushrooms, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed (red quinoa was used in this recipe)
• 2 cups vegetable stock, low sodium
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Directions:

In a large skillet sauce pan, add oil, turn to medium-low heat, add white mushrooms and saute for about 3 minutes. Add onion, garlic and celery to mushrooms and continue cooking until onion and celery are tender, about 4 minutes.

Add Quinoa, red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt to taste, stir to combine. Add vegetable stock, stir and cook for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

If want to impress your in-laws and keep it simple, prepare one of these flavorful Italian slow cooker recipes paired with a large colorful fresh salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 (24 oz.) jar marinara (no sugar added)
• 3 cups penne shells (whole grain, dry)
• 2 cups fat free cottage cheese
• 2 cups skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 large zucchini (1/4” slices)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, oregano, basil and black pepper. In the slow cooker, spoon 1/4 of marinara onto the bottom, add 1 cup penne shells, 1/3 of zucchini slices and top with 1 cup cheese mixture. Repeat until you have 3 layers. Top off with the remaining marinara and lastly, cheese.

Note: Keep penne shells and cheese away from the edges by about 1”. Pasta tends to get hard and cheese burns if allowed to touch the sides while cooking.

Cover and cook on low for approximately 2 hours or until penne noodles are Al Dente (firm but not hard). Not all slow cookers cook the same so be sure that the penne is done before serving. The cook time is recommended based on the slow cooker used when preparing this recipe. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tip: If you prefer your ziti a little more on the thick side, allow to cook an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Tip: If you’re on a tight budget try Ragu Lite (no sugar added) and if you’re not, try Amy’s Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce.

The following recipe can easily be made vegetarian simply be eliminating the meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey sausage (see recipe below)
• 1 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce (no sugar added) I use either Amy’s Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce or Ragu Light Tomato & Basil
• 2/3 of a (13.25 oz) box 100% whole wheat spaghetti uncooked (angel hair or regular spaghetti will all work)
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup low fat ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• TURKEY SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS:
• 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Directions:

Cook ground beef or turkey sausage (see below) in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking up into small pieces while cooking. Ensure the turkey or beef loses its pink color before removing from heat.

Drain and disregard any fat and set aside. Combine meat with spaghetti sauce.

In a large mixing bowl combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and mix to combine.

In slow cooker, spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom, add a double layer of pasta (break to fit if necessary), top with cheese mixture.

Repeat the layering until the ingredients are all used up. You should have 3-4 layers.

Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or until spaghetti is Al Dente (firm but not hard).

TURKEY SAUSAGE:

Place all the sausage ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly until well blended.

Cook sausage, breaking up into small chunks, over medium heat until turkey is done and has lost all its pink color.

- Who says fruit can’t be dessert?

Ingredients:

• 4 bananas
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3 tablespoon raw honey
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed Cardamom Seeds
• Chopped hazelnuts or almonds for sprinkling (optional)
• Cinnamon for sprinkling

Directions:

Put coconut oil in slow cooker, turn on and melt if needed.

Peel bananas and cut diagonally in 1/2″ slices.

Place bananas in the slow cooker.

Sprinkle lemon juice and cardamom over bananas. Add honey.

Stir to ensure bananas well coated without breaking.

Cook on low for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

These are soft with just a hint of chew, and because they are made with real, whole ingredients, you’ll be satisfied after eating just one or two. Honest! That deep rich chocolate flavor is very satisfying when you don’t have any “chemical surprises” mixed in with it! Try it! You’ll see!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. unsweetened Baker’s chocolate (you’ll find it in the baking aisle at the store – orange box)
• 1/2 cup brown rice syrup (found at many health food stores)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups roasted peanuts (any type of nuts will work here)
• 1 tbsp. safflower oil (any light flavored, heart healthy oil will work)

Directions:

Turn your slow cooker up to the high setting.

Unwrap the chocolate and place in slow cooker.

Pour everything else on top.

Allow to cook for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is soft. Remember that the squares will hold their shape, even when soft. So you have to actually stir them to find out if they are soft and melted.

Stir with a wooden spoon to mix everything up. If the chocolate is not melted all the way, give it a few more minutes with the lid on until the chocolate is completely soft.

Once everything is melted and well mixed together, you can start spooning the mixture in small bits on to parchment lined cookie sheets or some other moveable item that will fit into your fridge for cooling. Just be sure you use the parchment. It makes life soooo much easier! (And just remember, these are supposed to be bite-sized chocolate candies. Not family-size candy bars.)

Put the cookie sheets in the fridge and allow to cool for a minimum of 3 hours. More is better.

STORAGE: Store in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

NOTE: This is not a recipe you can walk away from for very long. While the idea behind slow cooking is that you can leave food to cook for hours, that is just not the case here. But the reason we made this in the slow cooker is that it is the perfect environment for melting chocolate and keeping it warm without burning it.

All photos courtesy of Skinny Ms.

Tags: Recipes, Skinny Ms. Entertaining by admin