53 Weeks

Name: Mary Jane Remo Ng Children & Ages: Ava (6), Stella & Preston (20 months) Hometown/Current Location: San Francisco, CA Quick Bio: Happily married for 7 years now, a stay at home mom and an entrepreneur. As a young girl I always dreamed of being a mommy and having 3 kids which included a set of twins. I’m proud to say my dreams have become a reality! Having twins has put an amazing dynamic into our family life and definitely keeps us on our toes! I recently partnered with the Dr’s who created Proactiv in their...

What to get for the man (or men) in your life. Fortunately, I find it easier to buy gifts for the opposite sex, when it comes to my Dad, brother and other half, there are always sure to make them smile gifts! Maybe get them apparel or merchandise from their favorite sports team, a cool gadget or food always works too. However, if you want to seek out a few more original ideas this holiday season, below I’ve listed my under $100 picks from the 2013 Gilt.com Holiday Gift Guide! Help him “spiffy up” his “suite and...

A post written for 53 Weeks by Arlyn M. My little girl was turning three and now well aware of what was entailed at birthday parties (as we didn’t have a big soiree for her second birthday). The deciding factor on what theme we would go with was the venue. Naomi was in love with the beach and wanted to go every day. It was only appropriate that it would be an option for her party. Ah, the perks of a having a summer baby. Once that was decided, naturally we went with a Little Mermaid theme. It was a toss up between her and...

I’ll be the first to admit, that I’m probably not the easiest person to buy a gift for. I mean I could write a list and tell you what I want, but even that can be tough…especially these days for me as a Mom, I have everything I need, and there isn’t much I want! Sure, there’s stuff I WANT, but they are luxuries that are not easily justifiable due to cost and practicality. Seriously though, I have always struggled with issues of buyer’s remorse and I always want the best bargain… I’ve learned...

There is nothing fun about Cold and Flu season when it strikes your home, and if you have infants and toddlers who come down with the symptoms, it can lead to days of frustration trying to get a leaky nose under control! A runny nose is a nuisance, and I NEVER want to be the Mommy who lets her babies go around with runny noses or dried up snot on their upper lip. The problem is, until they learn how to blow their nose, there’s not much they can do to help themselves other than wipe it all over their face! Ugh!! And, since you really...

The 2013 holiday season is here and Gilt.com has offered some great ideas in their gift guide, so I thought I’d share some of my picks for under $100! First up, the kids… Sometimes they’re more excited to unwrap the gift, than actually have what’s inside, but with these fun selections, you’re sure to have them grinning from ear to ear! From Harper Collins, “A Light in the Attic,” by Shel Silverstein. This is a no-brainer, it’s a classic and a book that I have fond memories of from my childhood....

Name: Shawanda Steffen Children & Ages: Bobby 17, Bryana 16, Harlow 1 (23 months) and 1 year old  fraternal twins Kendall and Khloe Hometown/Current Location: I currently live in Phoenix, AZ Quick Bio: Currently married with 5 children and a stay at home mom for a little more than 2 years. I have a background in human resources and this is my first time as a stay at home mom. I have worked everyday since I was 16 years of age and this stay at home gig is new to me! While I am blessed we can financially afford to have me staying at...

SEAFOOD STUFFED MUSHROOMS 6 large shrimp, diced 6 jumbo scallops, diced 1 cup bread crumbs 3/4 cup vegetable stock 1 egg beaten 1/2 cup diced mozzarella ball 1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese Large mushroom caps (20) Olive oil (drizzle over top before adding to oven) Salt/pepper/garlic powder to taste Cook shrimp & scallops and allow to cool. In large bowl, add bread crumbs, seafood, egg and cheese and mix. Slowly stir in broth and mix. You may not use all of the broth. You want it wet enough to mix, not drenched in broth. Rinse and...

CANDIED YAMS 3 medium sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced about 1/4″ thick 3 tbsp butter 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 tbsp water In large saucepan, sprinkle cinnamon, vanilla and half of the white and brown sugar Cut up butter into chunks and place in pan. Add sweet potatoes and top off with remaining sugar, sprinkle of cinnamon and water. Cover pan and hear on high until mixture boils. Reduce to low heat for 20 minutes. Stir and put on medium heat for 5 minutes. Your sauce should...

What’s a Turkey feast without the right, mouth-watering, yummy side dishes to compliment the bird!?!? Here are a couple “green” side dishes, so get cooking! COLLARD GREENS 1 pack smoked turkey necks or smoked turkey wing/leg 1 jalapeño pepper (chopped) 1/2 small onion, diced 2 – 3 lbs collards (fresh or bag of greens) 2 tsp seasoned salt 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp sugar 6 cups water In large pot, add turkey necks, season salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onions and chopped jalapeños. Bring...