Use that crockpot!

We all want to serve easy, nutritional meals to our families without having to sacrifice quality time. One way to accomplish this is by dusting off your slow cooker and putting it back into service. Crockery slow cookers are a smart way to save time in the kitchen. And with just a few adjustments here and there, we can turn our one-pot recipes into healthy choices the whole family will enjoy. Here are some great ideas and recipes to get you started.

The Benefits of Crockpot Cooking

Temperature - You can't watch much of the Food Network or Cooking Channel without hearing the phrase "low and slow." That's the secret to why food cooked in your crockpot tastes so wonderful. Ultra low cooking temperatures keep food safe while allowing your protein to absorb the flavors of its cooking liquid.

Economy - Another advantage of slow cooking is that by cooking meats slowly, it allows the collagen to break down into a rich, sumptuous gelatin. This tenderizes the meat and allows you to

3 Must-Read Tips For Work-at-home-mompreneursAlmost a year ago, I was named the Mompreneur of the Month by Tori Spelling on her website, ediTORIal. This was one of my "ahhh" moments. All the late nights, the long hours at my desk, the stress - it was all worth it. I was thrilled to be interviewed by Tori and share my story here along with plenty of tips on being a mompreneur and just why I do it - everyday.

As a mompreneur, you have two full-time jobs. You're not just running your own business but you're running a household too. And in my case, a household with 5 littles. Yes, it's not always easy. Yes, sometimes I want to scream. But, I don't buckle under pressure. I make it work because I have to provide for my family and well - because I love it. The number one thing you have to have is passion when it comes to successfully starting your own business. It won't happen without. Here's why - along with a few other tips to make it work! I promise, it's possible. And if you really don't believe me, I am always here to help

Use potty training books to help your child.While the thought of potty training fills me - a mom of a two year old - with dread, I want my child to have positive associations with it, viewing potty training as a major step and accomplishment on the road to becoming a big kid. One great way to motivate your child and help them form positive associations with potty training is to introduce kids books that talk to them, on their level, about this intriguing new subject. Here are five of the best kids books for potty training:

1. My Big Boy Potty by Joanna Cole. The best parts of this book, though numerous, include the engaging illustrations, simple explanations, and how the author makes it easy for your child to relate to the main character, Michael.

2. My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole. Also making the list of best potty training books for kids is Cole's alternate version of this book, a perfect fit for little girls learning to use the potty, who get to follow along as the main character, Ashley, earns her big girl underpants.

Mommy dearest always warned you about these things, and now, you find yourself repeating the maybe not-so-true sayings. In a quest to give his kids a better explanation than, "that's what grandma told me," Ken Jennings, author of Because I Said So!, uncovered the truth. By Ava Feuer, REDBOOK.

"When you open the oven, all the heat goes out"
At age seven, there's nothing worse than waiting for the cookies to be ready. Thus comes the kitchen version of "are we there yet," prompting moms everywhere to claim checking the chocolate delights will only make them take longer. Yes, when an oven is left open for one minute, about one-quarter of the heat escapes, but it returns in less than that time because warmth radiates from the walls of the oven. No matter what you say or do, it'll be ten to 12 minutes until sweets-time.

"Sugar makes you hyper"
As a parent, it's difficult to admit that your kid's behavior was out-of-control - even though you know it happens to everyone. "It's more