I often talk about super-mom ideals, and how I can never live up to them. However, a few months ago I was introduced to a book that taught me how to make artisan-quality bread from home — a definite super-mom high! The book: Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day ($18 at amazon.com).

It is amazing because it’s really easy.

The simple “Master Recipe” can be used to make artisan french-style loaves, sandwich-bread loaves, sweet rolls, pizza and more. It calls for only four ingredients:

6 cups Flour
3 cups Water
1-1/2 TBS Yeast
1-1/2 TBS Kosher Salt

Unceremoniously pour all ingredients into a large bowl (I use a 6-quart food storage container with lid). Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Let rise at room temperature for two hours, and the dough is ready to use. You can also refrigerate and use the dough for up to two weeks — this capability is the real beauty of the recipe.

When you want to make a loaf, put flour on your hands and a cutting board, pull out a hunk of dough and work into a ball shape (keep in mind you’re not kneading the dough here, just quickly working it into a ball). Place ball of dough on cutting board and let set while oven preheats to 450 degrees. If you have a pizza stone, place this in the oven to preheat as well. Once oven is ready, dust a little flour on surface of ball and make several shallow slashes using a serrated knife. Alternatively, at our house we will sprinkle a bit of garlic into olive oil, brush onto the top of the ball; sprinkle on parmesan cheese; and then slash. Place dough on stone and cook for 30 minutes.

By eliminating all the fuss that generally accompanies bread making, this book’s approach is totally doable. I have virtually stopped buying bread. I never buy baguettes or french loaves because the ones I can make at home are so much better (not to mention cheaper). I can also use this recipe to make sandwich bread although from time to time I’ll still buy sliced whole wheat bread to have on hand for a quick sandwich.

Pasta has always been my fall back when I don’t know what to make for dinner. When I make my own bread to go along with it, the meal has an instant upgrade, and I now never have to feel like we’re “just having pasta.” Also when someone invites us over for dinner, we will often bring one of our fresh-baked loaves. (There is another super-mom moment!)

With this dough I also made my first-ever batch of cinnamon rolls, which my family loved so much we’ve now decided to make them a Christmas-morning tradition. Cinnamon Rolls are a bit more time consuming than the other bread recipes, they take about 10-15 minutes hands-on time, so still super fast compared to the traditional way of making them. The super-mom trick here is to make up the rolls the night before and set in the fridge so all you have to do in the morning is pop them into the oven.

If for nothing more than the pizza, keeping this dough on hand is well worth it. With this refrigerated dough, I can make pizza quicker than I can pick it up or have it delivered. Plus the homemade pizza recipe in this book actually tastes as good as delivery. I don’t like frozen or take-and-bake pizza, and I generally think any homemade pizza tastes too soggy. So when I made pizza with this dough, I was surprised at how much it tastes like delivery. Last week my husband made a BBQ Chicken Pizza that was better than the kind we’ve always ordered from California Pizza Kitchen. Even though we have a Little Caesars around the corner with $5 large pizzas anytime, we have not ordered a pizza since I got this book last November — shocking, I know!

It is not often that I can say a book I’ve read has changed my life, but as strange as it may sound, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day has truly changed the way my family lives, eats and much more.

If you’re interested in whole-wheat recipes or need gluten-free, also check out the newest book from these authors Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

Ever since I did my research for our Managing Memories story last year I’ve been dabbling with scrapbooking. I’m following Stacy Julian’s low-pressure approach, which basically means I scrapbook whatever pictures I want and don’t worry about the order they were taken. I find this strategy satisfying because sometimes I feel like making a page about something we did last week, but then other times I feel like reminiscing and making a page out of pictures from the past. It really doesn’t matter because scrapbooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about capturing memories so you can savor them with your family.

Since I’m just getting started and only have a handful of pages so far, my scrapbook is not yet in any kind of order. Interestingly my family doesn’t care — they enjoy looking at the book anyway.

Here’s one of my latest pages. These photos were taken two years ago. One ordinary morning the girls were playing, and I was working. I took a short break to check on them and found Atty playing with her pink kitchen and her underwear was on her head — a chef’s hat I presume? Then a very little Pip was playing INSIDE the toy cupboard. Strange? Yes. But if they’re happy; I’m happy.

If you’ve always wanted to scrapbook but don’t know where to start, I say start with your favorite picture right now. (1) Print off the photo. (2) Take it to your local craft store and pick out two pieces of paper, one patterned and one coordinating sold. (3) Find an embellishment (ribbon, sticker, chipboard shape, etc — there will be a whole aisle to choose from); get some acid-free adhesive; and a package of coordinating letter stickers (I love American Crafts Thickers). (4) Go home and put the page together and feel free to copy any layout you like. For ideas go here or use mine — I’ll be posting more of my pages from time to time.

As promised, here are photos of the final masterpiece that is our girls’ room:

The window valance was the result of a very pleasant first experience with Etsy’s custom forum called Alchemy. The process was simple. I posted a new request for someone to sew curtains for me. The form allowed me to describe the project and even name a target price. Using Google, I’d found a picture of a valance I liked and included that with my request. It was fun to read each sewer’s bid as they came in, and, within a day, I had received seven different offers, many for under my target price. I ended up going with a sewer who had matched my target price and lived only 45 minutes from my house (what luck!).

I’m thinking this custom section on Etsy is going to come in very handy.

Sure Santa knows what to get for all the good boys and girls, but a gift for Mrs. Claus will often leave him baffled. So we’re here to help with great gift ideas for all the Moms and Dads who made the Nice List this year.

for mom

	Diaper & Wipes Caddy by JJ Cole. Designed to corral the odds and ends of a diaper changing table, this convenient caddy is easy to move from room to room, and the chic styling means it won’t stick out in more sophisticated settings. Four colors available for $29 with free shipping at amazon.com.
	“Keep Calm and Carry On” Inspirational Book. Discovered on a poster created by the British Ministry of Information for British soldiers before World War II, the slogan still manages to strike a chord in our current difficult times. This gift-worthy book is packed full of motivational quotes, proverbs and mantras. $9 at amazon.com.
	Sweet Peppermint Shower Infusers. Heaven knows most moms can’t find time for a long, tranquil bath, but it takes no extra time to indulge with these essential-oil packed tablets. Simply wet one and place in the shower. Activated by water, the tablets release an intoxicating and invigorating aroma of pure Sweet Peppermint Essential Oil that will help you de-stress. $36 and use code “MommyTimes” for free shipping (exp 12/15/09) at bathbybettijo.com.
	Cake Society Satchel by Petunia Picklebottom . Featuring a fuzzy, vintage-style, cut-velvet fabric, we have never seen such an elegant diaper bag, but don’t let its luxe charm fool you. This bag is a picture of functionality with pockets galore and a plush, fold-out changing pad. Available in four colors for $325 at shop.petunia.com.

for dad

	Camo Marshmallow Blaster. Remember as a kid on Christmas morning, it was such a thrill to open gifts and play with all your new toys; much more fun than the boring stuff you get as a grown-up. Dad will feel like a kid again when he unwraps this marshmallow gun. Get at least two so your family can have an all-out marshmallow war on Christmas afternoon. (Don’t forget the marshmallows!) $28 at marshmallowville.com.
	Shoot-A-Loop Marble Game. Popular during the Depression, this traditional tin game involves shooting a marble around the loop to gain a high score. A game that the whole family will truly enjoy — despite Mom and Dad’s best efforts, our two year old usually wins! $20 at amazon.com.
	Lego Cuff Links. Help Dad liven things up at the office with these colorful cuff links that will remind him of his childhood obsession with this classic toy. $13 at etsy.com.
	Sanuk Donny Sidewalk Surfers. Comfy and light, these “not-a-shoes” offer the benefits of flip flops, with the security and protection of a shoe — just right for frostier weather. A bit skeptical at first, our Dad reviewer now wears them every day. Available in several colors and styles for $55 at sanuk.com.

There is certainly no shortage of toys, yet it can be so hard to find the kind of unique, fun toys that your little one will love and you won’t mind having around. We’ve got a dozen great gift ideas — a good mix of classic and modern options — sure to please all the little elves at your house.

for brother

	Solar System Ball. Why would you want to hold the world in your hands when you can hold the whole solar system? This cute and educational version of the classic, rubber playground ball is destined to be a favorite. $9 at oompa.com.
	Classic ABC Blocks. No toy box is complete without ABC blocks. We love this heirloom quality set made in Vermont from solid maple and printed with numbers, letters and pictures in non-toxic inks. $50 (and worth every penny) at nicoandzoe.com.
	Noah’s Ark from Tier Toys. Rain or shine, this Noah’s Ark is bound to captivate your little one’s imagination. Twelve stackable layers easily come apart revealing 22 pairs of animal figures. When the fun has sailed, everything fits back together for self-contained storage. $50 at amazon.com.
	Art Time Easel from Ecotots. This wooden easel is every bit as much a masterpiece as the creations it will soon hold. The real beauty — it’s constructed of just three pieces and assembles in minutes with no tools or hardware required. Available in four colors for $150 with free shipping at fawnandforest.com.

for sister

	Kaleidoscope Blocks from Haba. Wooden building blocks are much more fun with these colorful, sparkly accents. Your child will also be fascinated by the view of the world through these plastic prisms. $38 at amazon.com.
	Tea Set from Green Toys. Green tea anyone? It’s hard to believe this darling set is made from recycled milk jugs. Unbreakable, food safe and perfect for real or imaginary tea parties. $18 at amazon.com.
	70th Anniversary Madeline Doll. It’s hard to believe that Madeline is 70 years old — she certainly doesn’t look it. Despite the vast age difference, though, your little one is sure to love this adorable doll and the award-winning story that inspired her. $30 at kidspreferred.com.
	Belle Fairy Castle from Le Toy Van. If your little princess is anything like mine, than no ordinary doll house will do for her toys — they need a castle. This four-story palace looks like something straight out of a fairy tale and is exactly what every little girl dreams of. $165 at amazon.com.

for baby

	Hoots the Owl Zadyball. This adorable owl will squeak with delight when your little one gives him a hug. Dreamed up and sewn with love by a mom in Arizona, a Zadyball is the perfect first toy for baby. $20 at etsy.com.
	Eternal Layette from Tea. Inspired by the serenity of a sleeping newborn, the soft colors and simple designs are soothing and luxurious. Every exquisite piece in this collection is made from the finest pima cotton to be ultra soft on baby’s brand new skin. Sold separately and in gift sets from $20 at teacollection.com.
	Knitted Vegetable Rattles. This yummy set is hand knit for a soft, engaging texture. Your baby will be the first one on the block to love her veggies! $45 at oompa.com.
	Nubbi Fabric Ball from Haba. He may be a little too young for catch, but baby will still have a ball with this squishy toy featuring a rattle and rustling foil. $18 at amazon.com.

As if parents needed one more thing to worry about, this year we have to add Swine Flu to the list. The 2009 H1N1 Type A Influenza Virus (the official name for Swine Flu) is supposed to be particularly severe, but unfortunately the symptoms are like regular flu symptoms, which means you and your doctor won’t know, just based on symptoms, if it’s Swine Flu.

The regular, seasonal flu is already easily confused with a cold. So along with stocking up on antibacterial gel, you might want to brush up on the distinctions between a flu and cold with following chart.

Comparing the Symptoms

Is it Serious?

If your little one has the flu, watch for the following symptoms that signal a child needs urgent medical attention:

• Have fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Have bluish or gray skin color
• Are not drinking enough fluid
• Are not waking up or not interacting
• Have severe or persistent vomiting
• Are so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
• Have fever with a rash
• Have a fever and then have a seizure or sudden mental or behavioral change.

Adults with the flu and experiencing any of the following symptoms should seek urgent medical help:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough