Holiday Madness!

Hi All!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I do hope that you all got some Xmas shopping so far. If not, we still have two more weeks! I have been terribly off with my scheduled and busy with other unexpected work related things.. This month has been more like a holiday madness, we just finish putting up our Xmas tree this weekend! My kids were so happy because they had been waiting patiently..And.. we finally got a chance to take our kids to see Santa at the Mall... You all know how important that is to kids right? I hope you all get a chance to at least stop by your nearest mall to visit Mr. Santa.

Today was a busy day as well, as you can see yesterday I had no post. Today I drove to Lomita city near Long Beach. Terrible traffic (2 hours away from my house) absolutely terrible. don't wish that to anyone! The good thing out of this drive was that I actually concurred my fear of singing in public. Today I sang Santa Baby in front of all my co-workers!! maybe about 50.. yes, or more. Today will be exactly 16 years since I took the microphone to sing. I 'am so please and proud with my self. I actually felt comfortable enough. I used to sing all my childhood, until i lost a competition in Pasadena, CA when I was 15 years old! I was dramatize all this years.

Enough of me, and let me share this info with you all, today during our staff training we had a speaker by the name of John Reitano " his is an Extraordinary Person and would love to share his link.. please check it out. He does seminars for personal organizational Success. www.johnreitano.com

This week I will be cooking a Holiday Ham (Hawaii style) check in for more later this week;-)

Please drive safe during the last two weeks of Holiday madness! hope to write soon!

Love, Savanna

Raining Fall"

Hello Bloggers!!

How is everyone today? Well as for me, finally getting to the end of a busy week. I have been extremely busy and  a little off on my scheduled. Please excuse me for not blogging daily. I'm usually very organize with every single little thing.


Moving on with my day..., today was an unexpected day full! things not planned, well half planned!. Like for example, shopping for a last minute event that my daughter will be having this month at the Ontario Mills mall in CA, everyone is welcome to attend this event. Please do stop by if you live with in the area. My daughter Samanthy, currently state queen of the Stars N Sparkles Pageant  will be at the  Build a Bear Work Shop inside the Ontario Mills Mall. We encourage you to come and join us. Every lil girl who comes will received a bear and one outfit for $20.00 Only!! Bargain! We will be there between 12-1 in the afternoon on Saturday, December 18th. Please come and support our group of beautifull lil queens!! Follow by this event we will meet at the Rain forest Cafe also located inside the mall, bring a toy of 10 dollar value and do a gift exchange and get to meet our court of queens! If you are planning to attend please contact me directly at bebesportlover3@yahoo.com or go to our page at www.facebook/starsNSparklesOnlinePageants
I do hope you can stop by
I also wanted to share this with you all, today during work In Valencia, when I was sitting in front of my computer I suddenly had the urge to turn towards the window. I looked outside my window,,, it was almost like snowing.. but, Autumn Leaves. It was actually snowing/ raining leaves, It was so beautiful.. And it rained for at least five long minutes. I was the most beautiful and imaginably thing ever! I was speechless since I have never since anything like it. I tried to take video with my I phone but it came out blurry.

I don't have much to say today other than I'm very excited for my lil girl! In the beginning I promise some variety of stuff on my blog. I'm working on creating some websites and links to link you to my resources and school info for all the mom's and parents that like to read and keep up with school awareness. I am also trying to work on linking other fun stuff like make-up and girl Cosmo!  In the mean time. Please enjoy reading and surfing around this links.


www.worldmarktheclub.com if you are interested in timeshare. Please contact me. If you are only interested in out of state Timeshare surf through www.RCI.com or google RCI. Also my timeshare.

If you are interested in looking up school info please go to www.greatschools.org and find everything there is to know about any schools (Public or Private)

Today, I would love to share a nice fresh and healthy recipe that my kids love to make. Ambrosia Salad" desert or what ever you would love it to be!!;-)

You will need;

Medium Bowl, measuring cup, rubber spatula, One 15-once can of mandarin oranges, One 8-once can of crushed pineapple, 1 cup of miniature marshmallows, 1/2 cups of sweetened coconut

Prepare; 1. Drain the liquid from the oranges into the sink and put the oranges into the bow. 2. Do the same with the crushed pineapples. 3. Add the marshmallows, coconut, and sour cream (fat free or low-fat if you like sweets in the night) 4. Mix gently with spatula and serve or refrigerate for 15 minutes.
serves 8 1/2


I found this really cool link "Working and decorating with Nature" and wanted to share with you all!! Enjoy! 

Here’s what you’ll need to get started to make four place holders and four napkin holders.
TWIG CHALKBOARD PLACE HOLDERS:
4-2″ x 3″Chalkboard ornaments
2-1″ wooden blocks
twigs broken into 8-3 3/4″ pieces and 8-1 3/4″ pieces
brown acrylic craft paint
glue gun
ACORN NAPKIN HOLDERS:
4 wooden napkin holders (purchase at a craft store)
4 acorn tops
22″ of brown velvet ribbon
brown paint
glue gun

Paint the frames of the chalkboards with the brown acrylic craft paint.

Split the wooden blocks in half (I’ll admit to doing this with a kitchen knife. The wood is very soft.) Paint the blocks with brown craft paint.

Hot glue the twig pieces to the chalkboard frame.

Glue the split wooden block to the back bottom of the chalkboard frame with hot glue. Repeat with the remaining placeholders.

Paint the outside of the four wooden napkin rings with the green acrylic craft paint. Let dry.

Wrap and glue a 5 1/2″ piece of ribbon around each napkin holder. Glue an acorn to cover where the ribbon ends meet. Repeat for the remaining napkin holders.

Your napkin rings and chalkboard placeholders are now complete. Use chalk to write the name of each guest dining at your table. Make another set or two depending on how many you have coming to dinner.

All About the Benjamins"

Howdy all!

Hope you all had great day today! Feels like a Thursday to me.. don't know why? maybe something good is coming my way.  I also found two white spiders today in my bathroom, that's actually very good luck in case you didn't know that.:-).  I would like to take few moments to thank a good friend, Donnie, Thanks for following this blog. Hopefully you don't get to tired of reading and abandon this blog. Also, a big thanks to my hubby for being so faithful and reading my blogs.

O.K. so today was not so good, it was very busy and I got really bad news. Speaking of which,, you busy moms have got to watch Comedy Central, the daily show with Jon Stewart. My gosh is he funny. My sense of humor is not so big but he will make you laugh. And just is case you were wondering, 'The show was all about the Benjamin' s and our Taxes!! what is going on America??

 Oh!! by the way, I have decided to actually read a book!! yes shocking I know! with no pictures, or who knows.. It might even have some pix. I don't' know. What I do know is that this weekend I'm going to buy me the new book from David Eisenhower " Going home to Glory"


So, I got lazy today, and after my son's boxing class I decided to stop by Ralphs and grab an 8 PC Fried Chik, mix!, I'm not into fry chicken but I must say this.. Yummy!! Approved  and certify yummy by Dolly's Gourmet!! My rice was done is less than Five mim. And I opened a can of sweet corn and cooked it with one TSP of olive butter. Yummy and somewhat healthy!!. Fry chicken with yellow rice and corn" I would say it was my hubby's idea this time because he requested chicken for Dinner. And, my friends I was not about to drive through Pollo Loco!! Not that I don't like it, but why not buy a whole chicken for $5.99!! feeds 4-6 people. In less than 20 minutes!! Sorry no pix this time because my memory is full, I will clean it tonight.;-)

Moms!! Please stop by this link and check this out.. Foods you should not buy again!

http://www.rd.com/home-garden/15-foods-you-should-never-buy-again/article179928-1.html

hope you enjoy reading this blog tonight!

"Holiday Tacos and a drunk girl"

Hello Blog Followers!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!!
You know how I was really looking forward to Friday night? Well, it didn't' go very good as I thought it would; my hubby and I had a special invitation to a x-mas party! Turn outs not just us Mexicans use Taquizas for parties anymore. I was so surprise when we arrived cause I was not expecting Tacos for Dinner and a full bar!! Tacos were supper yummy! The only thing missing was the Orchata!

so,,few hours go by and everyone starts drinking and feeling a little loose.. then, this girl starts getting really loose and cornering my hubby around the house. I start feeling very uncomfortable and at this point I'm ready to go home!! I mean she's like ready to kiss him or something, yeah.. terribly embarrassing!!! Worse drunk woman ever! I was so relief to see that at least two other co-workers notice and I wasn't just over reacting.
 " I did manage to take some good pictures of the x-mas tree.:-)
"Ladies take care of your husbands when going out! You never know..

I took my kids to Knott's the next day on Saturday, by the way, any social Workers or County employee's out there? Right now until the 19th you and your spouse can get in  for free. Along with six other people for fifteenth dollars each! Now that's a bargain!  Plus they have that once a year show, Snoopy on Ice" it's a must see!

Sunday morning I went to church with my kids and the Gospel was very special "we sang Christmas carols and the rain was perfect since it was very warming inside. :-)

I guess you can say that I'm proud to have had  a fun weekend with out having to spend so much cash:-) 

Today was terrible, it was busy and one thing after another.. I had one of those days were you just want to run from your Job or say I quit! It takes a lot for me to even think that I want to quit my job.. but, I guess all I can say is "Que sera, sera," what ever that means! my hubby was very sweet and wanted to make me happy,  when he got home from work,,, he said 'hang in there baby" then, he took Winston, my teas cup Chihuahua  to my bedroom,, at this point I'm thinking hes just playing with him... Well,, this is what he created. Apparently he took a picture of my dog (Winston) hanging from my lamp and make me laugh to death with this picture that I would like to share with you all.. yes!! this picture is real people! I think is sweet! how you ever seen anything like it? I have once with a cat in it. but not a dog!! and specially a Chihuahua!!

Tonight I have a very special recipe, (my choice!) it's from my country "Guatemala" yes, I was born in Central America and came here to the U.S.A when I was five years old. I guess I can't really say  "my country" cause in reality I don't know much about my country. I havent' been there in 25 years!! I just gave away my age dint I?
anyhow, Let's move on...this recipe is called Guisado, it's like saying  Stir Fry or something like it. If you like you can also make white Rice to go with it. (Jasmine Rice from Thailand) it goes best with meats
 Serves 4-6 (20) min. prep time.
You will need;
1 pound of Stir fry meat
1 1/2 tsp. Rubbed sage, 1 tsp. minced Garlic, 1 tsp Thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp. of  ground Allspice,
1/2 tsp paprika ( i used smoked) it gives it a distinguished smell),  3-4 leaves ( Dry Bay leaves), 1tsp salt.
1 pinch of Basil and 1 can of chicken broth

Meanwhile, heat up oil in large skillet pan, (olive oil or vegetable)

Chopped 4 carrots, 4 (white potatoes)  or thinly sliced, boil or steam and add the Basil when cooked. Put aside, this process should only take you about five min to 7 min.

Mix all spices in a plastic bag and add meat, Shake and toss, make to seasoned meat very good.

Cook, meat in hot oil in large skillet on medium high heat, or until brown. Add the chicken broth and stir, Add vegetables, cover and let simmer 5  minutes under medium heat. Serve with rice (remove the bay leaves before serving) Enjoy!

Looking forward to Friday night

Hi All!
Wow the week went by so fast!!!  I don't work every other Friday, so I'm pretty much done with my week" tomorrow my morning starts at 9am!! if the kids allowed it..

This morning my kids were super nervous due to report cards coming home today! I'm very proud to share that my kids are doing great in school, however, mom and dad are still very unhappy about this particular school. I still don't know what do to about the Cinderello Play in N. Hollywood!

Anyhow, let's move on, my evening got pretty busy because my clients know that tomorrow is my day off, and so,, they love to drive me crazy with complains!!.  Of course I don't even mind since I'm so used to my Job.. I wonder if maybe I need some change? I feel too comfortable, and comfortable is not always good.

Let me not bored you with this, I had lunch with two clients from India! food was excellent and so good! the flavors melt in your mouth. I'm not kidding. Let me just say that I had absolutely no idea what I eat! but I will defiantly do it again. No regrets!.  I know one day I will master their secret spices. I already know one of their secret ingredients" mint and pomegranate' think it was curry? they rarely use it! and that's a fact!!. I accidentally had a Blondie moment  once and asked an Indian lady for some of her recipes that included cooking with curry; You do not want to know the rest of this story"LOL! She was insulted! For some strange reason curry is not from India"

So that was my little adventure for today, and I also got lost with my daughter for an hour and ended up in Victoria's Secret register while my son was in his Boxing class' ;-) Talk about not wasting a single hour'.. Like I said before" I don't waste time at all!

Not wondering about my tittle? I'm still going to share it,  my husband received a special invite from his CEO' at work.... so, we are going to his mansion for a x-ams party!! I really hope it goes well.

I was writing about two minutes ago and I accidentally push the refresh button instead of the undo arrow and guess what? yes!! I almost lost this post. by seconds.;-( .. My hubby just saved the post! Hurray!

Would u like me to share what I cooked today for Dinner? o.k. very simple and less than 20 min.  serves four (4)

My hubby picked dinner tonight. I made him some Lemon Herb Chicken' with rice and carrots

you will need, 2 TBS- unsalted butter
Salt- to desire (kosher), 4 fresh rosemary leaves, (also McCormick will do 1/2 tsp)
Lemon Juice, BLK pepper. 2 leaves of fresh sage. 2 (minced garlic gloves)

1. have the chicken breast already cut into thin layers.. it cooks better.
2. Melt butter in 8' pan.. add union and garlic and saute
3. seasoned the chicken really well and sake inside a plastic bag along with lemon juice. Once the butter is melted start to cook the chicken 5-7 minutes each side. The chicken will dry a little, add one TBS of melted butter if you desire more juicy...(tip) never add butter with out melting first, it will burn right away)

To cook rice, 1 cup serves four (4)
 boil clean water (never add tap water when cooking rice)
Add one cup of chicken broth to the boil water, add the rice with 1TS of  fine chopped onion and one garlic glove.
Cover and reduce heat to low. ( Uncle Ben's Rice is the best, cooks in five to seven mim.)
Once the rice is done add parsley on top and cover for few seconds) wallah!

If you like, you can also add carrots or any other cooked or steam vegetables. makes a great healthy dish!!

Oh!  if your wondering what the green sauce is on the chicken?? I don't have the recipe, its a hot spicy sauce from India. No need to add sauce.. I'm just married to a Mexican American man so I added some Chile to his dish! "LOL!

A day much better than the 1st

Dear Readers!

Today was much better than yesterday.. so far it feels like a roller coaster. I'm sure you all have weeks like that. This morning when I woke up my kids were already dressed and ready to go. I dropped them off at school at 7:30 to have some breakfast. My daughter was actually super excited this morning since today was her first field-trip ever! Please don't let me get started on this field-trip..  O.K. So, we got this permission slip like two or maybe three weeks ago. My husband and I both had to sign and return with $$.
 Well, my Sammy gets in the car this afternoon and says it was the worse first field-trip ever! and "Cinderella's sister's were both MAN? and they kissed? pretending to be woman and dressed like woman". Yes,, exactly! The school took them to see a play in N. Hollywood! Does anyone follow me. O.k. I will stop now,. (For now) I' am in deed a very open person and accept people by who they are, however, taking first grade kids to see a play like this? I don't think so. I had to write about this. I'm not mad, I'm furious!

Anyhow, let's move on.. the rest of my evening was pretty good. I actually had extra work today then yesterday. Let's just say that my lunch was a wheat muffin with an egg and a cup of green machine! Sitting on my desk, yes I have to admit, I can be a  workaholic person sometimes. My kids however, had chicken nuggets for snack. I was so proud my daughter for doing the snacks today..

Today, as promise I have a great recipe to share with you all! Actually it's my son's favorite!. Joshua loves shrimp! One of the things that I've learned being a full time working mom is to get creative' very creative, mix the menu at dinner time. Try to cook simple and something different each time. You can even play the game we play. Start with one child and ask one what he or she wants for dinner?, (and give them options, things you might want them to eat, things you already have in the freezer) I had some shrimp left over from Thanksgiving day.
Well, I asked my son to pick one of my recipes. I gave him four options, have your children take turns in choosing whats for Dinner! Try it, it's fun and makes them feel important. So, Joshua wanted to eat Shrimp & Pasta Primavera' It's easy and fast! Prep time is 20 min. Cook time is 15 mim. and serves up to six. Enjoy! oh and by the way, if you have to drive home from work, try to stop by Jack in the Box,, they always have sweets!!. Whether is cheese cake or chocolate cakes they have it, just add fruit or whipped cream!.

Luv, Savanna

here's what you will need,
8.oz Linguine (i prefer to use Barilla pastas) 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled & deveined.( i actually used fresh, but, if you can't frozen shrimp will do) 2 1/2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, sliced carrots, red bell peppers strips and some peas. (I only used carrots, and broccoli actually makes the pasta sticky so, please, cook it separately.) (also, if you preferred to use small pieces of frozen broccoli, it works, but first steam) 1 cup of heavy cream. 3/4 cup of Chicken broth. 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 2 TBS butter. 1/2 tsp. salt. 1/2 tsp ground BLK pepper. 1 tsp of minced unions. 1 tsp minced garlic. 1/2 tsp of dill weed (note; dill is very strong in order, use fresh leaves if you have) 1/4 tsp of thyme leaves (use fresh leaves if you have) Always keep your fresh leaves in the freezer, they will last up to 3 months depending on how often you used them)
To cook; First have all your pans and pots ready. Boil water, once the water is boiling, add salt (kosher) don't ever add salt to cold water. (it will stain your stainless pots)(one of my secrets, when cooking pasta is always through a pinch of Basil to boil with pasta) meanwhile, since the pasta is cooking (9-10 mim) start boiling the heavy cream with all the spices. (dill, garlic, unions, salt, pepper and thyme) keep at very low heat and whisk for 3 mim. In another pan melt butter (unsalted) and cook shrimp until glaze or until shrimp are dark orange. Shrimp is usually done in 5 to 7 mim. depending on size. You don't want to over cook shrimp. They will dry and shrink. Once your shrimp are cooked, add the heavy cream and whisk, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, simmer 5 min. Add pasta, toss gently to coat well. Before you serve add the broccoli, toss to coat well. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese if desire.. Whala! you got an Olive Garden Dish! or CPK Dish? or so i been told' ;-) Add  a glass of wine, and if you have bread (french roll) toast and add butter) better yet.. melt the butter for few seconds in the micro add a pinch of oregano and basil, yes,, trust me. Brush one coat to the bread and toast! This is actually my secret! I have other secrets that i will be sharing later on.. Add a bag of already prepared salad if you like.. My family is not so good with salads;-( but not bad for a working busy mom". Hope you enjoy!

A Perfect Morning with Sunny side eggs..

Hello,
Today was perfect in the morning, its amazing how a day can start so perfect, and suddenly Mr. Chaos comes your way.. today was one of those days when you think everything is gong well but someone something goes wrong and you can't control it. I know lots of you can probably relate..
Not to make the story long but my morning started with some Sunny eggs and hash- brows from my husband  surprisingly breakfast,, "which by the way was perfect and very yummy. It's amazing when I man can cook or at least try to cook. As weird as it may sound, his food taste good and has no knowledge of salt or pepper. I guess some people are just born to cook.

So, we finish our breakfast and I'm dropping off the kids at school..Next thing i know I'm already in the 210 W. driving to Valencia' very nice city by the way" It's where I'm temporally working twice a week from morning to mid- day. I guess I can't really say I love doing what I do but for the most part It's not so bad. I work with seniors and wear many many hats at work. Did I mentioned that I work for the Housing Authority of the County of LA? "guess not.. well don't get too excited!!, its a nice environment depending on what level you stand. The best part about my job is not the money but my Boss!! No, not a cute man,, It's a she.. She's a great Boss! Outgoing professional and fun together. It's very hard to find people like that. Well Bosses that is. Enough of work and let's move on to more exciting things... So, an old friend surprised me at work today, a very business oriented person. love people like that. By then, its Lunch time and yes it was 60 degrees outside. I went to Von's to buy a Tomato and Basil Soup. Any tomato haters out there.. U got to try this.. Spicy and very mild with a hint of Chipotle and did I mention that it doesn't even taste like tomato? So, yes, that was my lunch, along with white rice and a piece of french roll. Very Yummy and not expensive, not to mention healthy. 

So, I drove back to la Crescenta where I currently reside and by this time its' 2:30.. and I need it to pick up my kids from school. Since their school its on the way home I pick them up every day  and take them with me to work. what?  yes,, keep reading..I have 10 minutes to prepare a snack!.. Did I mention that my full time job is actually at my house. Yes, my actual office is located in the same building,, in my house. I guess you can say that I work from home but you can't really call it that. I actually sit and work for eight hours a day or more. Sometimes more:-( but the good in this is that I actually get to save money in day care..I have them to their homework. In the mean while I get to finish my work and do Customer service and attend to over 80 clients!! yes, I manage a senior building with 62 units." It keeps you busy whether you like or not. I have no idea how I do it.. But, yes I do it with Pride!

And so, my day was still going o.k. when I very close person called me, my dear mom. Very tough woman" And when I say though I mean Army mom. Yes, I drove to LA, which is only one hour with traffic bumper to bumper.. driving to LA on the 5 made me loose my patience.!. I think pretty much anyone would understand that. My evening ended very sad with tears in my eyes and a big headache. I wont say why but Unfortunate for me, my relationship with my mom is not the very best.  I somehow wish I had a remote to change the channel and tune to a perfect mom or dad' or maybe just mute!;-)

Because of so much Drama with my mama" I didn't get to cook one of my favorite recipes for you all but I promise to do so tomorrow.. I will try to post and share every steps and pix as well. My goal is to eventually get fans to love my food.. Hopefully one day I can accomplish that.

When I finally did get home, I put the kids in the shower, and yes, my hubby was a lot of help today. Thanks babe!
My kids were in bed by eight. My kids have to be in bed each night by eight, except for Friday's and Saturdays.. nop is not impossible.. trust me. I been doing the same scheduled since my son was 5. Joshua is now nine.  You know what I think? I think that any mom is good enough and strong enough to set rules in the house. We are all equal, not less, or more than our husbands.  Moms please show your kids Love and Respect, my mother was my mom and dad, to me and my three bothers.

Although i did get stuck in traffic 'unexpectedly" and had to deal with my family relatives I still love today and will love life,, We have to learn from Life's lessons.. and if we don't learn the first time,, well, I believe that life simply troughs another battle. Life is though and rough. We make things possible and impossible"

I have some tips for all my ladies out there.. a

7-Day Happiness Makeover

Don't let stress suck the joy right out of you!

Monday Morning: Mid-morning treat: Hug someone. A simple embrace can trigger a rush of endorphins, a natural stress and pain reliever. Midday: Book a vacation, or just Google beautiful places you'd like to travel to. Japanese researchers found that simply imagining a calming scene can lower your levels of stress hormones. Afternoon treat: Pet a dog – it may bring down your blood pressure, according to a University of South Carolina study. Evening: Clean out your purse. Tidying up at the end of the day helps you psychologically de-clutter, says Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress. De-Stress Homework: Write down three things that make you feel calm.

Tuesday Morning: Turn your shower into an invigorating aromatherapy session with lavender, vanilla or chamomile soap. Mid morning treat: Laugh out loud: It increases endorphins and cuts stress. Midday: Try a yoga class. Practicing downward dog can lower your heart rate. Afternoon treat: Write down five things you're grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal for a month will boost your mood. Evening: Escape into a good book. It doesn't have to be a classic. That new chick lit title every one's reading totally counts. De-Stress Homework: Copy an inspirational quote, verse or lyric in the space below. Read it when you wake up.

Wednesday Morning: Do a crossword puzzle. Incorporating fun rituals throughout your day gives you something to look forward to. Mid morning treat: E-mail an old pal. Researchers found that reaching out to a friend may decrease anxiety and amp up self-esteem. Midday: Take your lunch break outside. Catching some rays helps increase levels of the “happy hormone” serotonin. Afternoon treat: Watch a tearjerker. (The Notebook works for us every time.) A good cry can get rid of stress hormones. Evening: Get some shut-eye. Missing out on a good night's rest (about eight hours) makes you feel uptight and may lead to binge eating. De-Stress Homework: Write down three ways that you can streamline your morning routine.

Thursday Morning: Walk in the park. “Immersing yourself in nature is one of the best antidotes to burnout,” says Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. Mid morning treat: Smile! Midday: Sit up straight, too. Research suggests that you can alter your mood just by changing your facial expression and posture. Afternoon treat: Let a call go to voice mail. Finding ways to pause helps keep you centered. De-Stress Homework: Write about something that's bugging you. Don't mince words. Use extra paper if you need to. Then tear it up.

Friday Morning: Wake up 20 minutes early and journal or garden. A little me time is a great de-stressor, says psychologist Belinda Borrelli, Ph.D., associate professor at Brown University's Alpert Medical School. Mid-morning treat: Chew gum. Australian researchers found that chewing a piece may decrease your stress levels and even make you more alert. But choose sugarless! Midday: Go barefoot. While you're eating your sandwich, connect with the carpet (or grass or sand in warm weather). This stimulates and soothes your body, says Kathleen Hall, founder and CEO of the Stress Institute. Afternoon treat: Try a computer game. Playing certain games for five minutes may lower your heart rate and slow breathing, reports the United Kingdom's Stress Management Society. Evening: Stretch. Ease some of the tension you've stored in your neck, shoulders and back and regain some flexibility in your mind and body. De-Stress Homework: Review your never-ending to-do list. Jot down three tasks that can wait.

Saturday Morning: Stir your coffee backward. Open doors with your non-dominant hand. Shop at an unfamiliar supermarket. Small changes to your routine keep you focused on the moment and direct your attention away from your worries, says Debbie Mandel. Mid morning treat: Exercise. Getting your heart pumping works wonders on your mood. Midday Catch up with a friend over lunch. Research supports the notion that getting together regularly with your girlfriends may help you live longer and be happier. Afternoon treat: Let it out: Scream! (Do it in the car, so you don't scare anyone.) Evening: Try a total electronic fast. Turn off your cell phone. Unplug your TV. Shut down your computer. For 24 hours. De-Stress Homework: List three things that you really like about yourself

Sunday Morning: Do a little deep breathing. Mid-morning treat: Turn everyday events into mini-meditations. Focus all your senses on one action (like peeling an orange) or on an object (like a flower). Midday: Blast some Motown and dance! You get more than just the cardio benefits: Dance is emotionally therapeutic, says Robyn Cruz, Ph.D., president of the American Dance Therapy Association. Afternoon treat: Massage your head and ears. Using all your fingers, rub your scalp in a slow, firm circling motion. Move outward to massage every part of your ear, says Marci Shimoff. Evening: Soak in a bubble bath. Scientists found that a 20-minute bath helps you fall asleep faster. De-Stress Homework: List three people who make you smile. Then pick up the phone and call them. I don't guarantee results but its worth the fun trying. If you would like to read more, follow me tomorrow..  Love, Savanna