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Thursday, August 25, 2011

24 Hours Is All You Need

By Whitney Jones


Time management is one of the most misunderstood phrases among people. What should be a set of tools has become a buzzword devoid of meaning. Often we spend our time doing things that keep us from being productive at all (like my addiction to Angry Birds). We always say things like, “just one more minute” when what we really mean is one more hour. Managing time is more complicated than finding more time. It means discipline in how you spend it and deciding what you want to accomplish.

It will be imperative that you decide why you want to manage your time first. Having a goal in mind can really help you stay on task. Are you pursuing your degree and need to read more text books? Or maybe you just want to spend more time with your family? It’s always good to form a goal to keep in mind when deciding a time management regimen.

Next you’ll need to reevaluate your day-to-day tasks. What does a normal day look like for you? Often we find that there are a lot of things that get in the way. For instance, maybe at work the internet connection is slow. During this time do you sit and wait or do you do something productive? During these “unscheduled breaks” a lot of time can be lost. Instead, take this time to reflect on the tasks that you want to get done that day. Keep a notebook in your purse to jot down notes. One of my favorite apps to use is Schedule Planner, which allows me to enter in my tasks and then I check it as obsessively as my son checks Facebook.

Another tip I can give to you about task creating, is do it right before bed. Take some time to think about the next day and what you would like to get done. I prefer this because I often feel rushed and overwhelmed in the morning. Having my task list already made makes it a little easier for me to focus.  It may even help soothe your thoughts about the upcoming day – making it easier for you to fall asleep.
                                           
Be sure to keep a calendar or dry-erase board near the front door so you can check for daily events. It will be like an extra reminder of what the day entails. If your husband has a late business meeting to attend or if you need to take the kids to the dentist, viewing the calendar before you leave for work or school can be a big help.

Another avenue you may try is ordering your groceries online. This may seem weird, but if you don’t necessarily enjoy long lines in the super market, you may want to give this a try. Alice.com is a service that delivers non-perishable groceries to your door. Community Supported Agriculture systems will deliver a basket or box of fresh foods from local farms. They’re a great way to avoid having to spend even more time at the grocery and most will take recurring orders and deliver on a set schedule.

Be sure to organize your filing systems, this includes your filing cabinet and computer. If you’re busy with classes or other odds and ends, you’ll want to designate folders, either virtual or real, that can keep all your information straight. Keep car maintenance receipts, account balance information (bills or otherwise) and other important papers organized so you can find them later. It may seem like an overwhelming job but once it’s all organized, you’ll be able to find your information so much easier.

Managing your time is so much easier when you focus on the time you do have instead of focusing on trying to create more time in your day. If you can reevaluate how you spend your time and set goals for yourself on what you want to accomplish, you’ll be able to use your time more wisely.

Whitney Jones can be found blogging her heart out over on The Professional Intern. Loved her tips? Then show some love and check her out!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I Made It!

By Kanesha Morrison

Now that these summer classes are over I can breathe. I wanted this summer to go so well for me, but life had other plans for me. I thought I was making my life easier  when I hired a sitter. Well she quit, 3 weeks before my summer classes ended. On top of having 2, 6 weeks summer courses, my husband and I signed up for a 10 week commitment to do a program called Family Expections. They give you money for coming every week, and they paid for childcare for our oldest son so I couldn't complain.
I didn't have a back up plan when my sitter quit. We live in Oklahoma and our family lives in Mississippi. I didn't have a back up person I could call to come keep him. I felt stuck. I couldn't complain to my husband, because there really wasn't a point. He had to work. I cried. Many of nights oh and days. I screamed. I was upset and I felt overwhelmed. I asked a what I thought was a close friend to keep him during the 3 days I needed help. She agreed. One week before final she quits, and we are no longer friends. Well great I just went from having 2 people in my support group (hubby and her) to one person.
I had to come to my senses. I realize if I had not gone through the storm I would not be able to taste such victory. I want my education. I need my education. I still have 2 years left in undergrad and 3 years for my masters. I will get to where I want to be in life, one class at time. Having to go through these hard times have made me think long-term. Shoot I'm thinking Ph. D now. I want my kids to know that I love them and they give me the PUSH I need to complete each course. I never would have dreamed I would be a young mommy. But I am. And I am proud.
Don't let anyone tell you your child(ren) will keep you from living your dreams. No one can live your life like you can. Your children didn't stop you from living your life, they just showed you a new way to live. You may feel like you need a break and that's okay. You are not the first young mommy, and mostly likely won't be the last. Embrace it. Love it. Remember you have SO many cheerleaders in your corner from your friends and family, to be the people write and read these blogs everyday. People like Alicia and myself blog to be blessings to you. To empower you. The fall semester is about to happen. Am I ready? No. But I am going to take the bull by the horns and get this party started! You have already done the most difficult thing you could ever do. Parent. Children don't come with handbooks. At least your college classes come with books and a syllabus. You got this!

Kanesha Morrison lives in Oklahoma with her husband and one-year-old son. She loves to speak on parenting, marriage, school, but most of all MONEY. She is a full-time stay at home mom, who blogs about her journey through life. Check her out at Money Matters Mama or find her on Twitter @TheMoneyMama.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Cooking Made Easy

By Suzanne Cramer

I know I can hear you mumbling under your breath as you read this, "The last thing I want to do after working all day, running my kids to their activities, and tackling homework is prepare a meal. All I want to do is hit the drive thru window and head home." I hear you and believe me, I have been there...

As a single parent we tackle the everyday responsibilities of work, kids, and household chores on our own, there's no one to call home to, "Hey can you cook dinner tonight, I'm running late. Or, "We need milk can you hit the store on your way home?" Nope the onus is on you, the single parent. So how can you make your life easier, serve nutritious meals for yourself and your kids and save money?

Plan, Plan, Plan!

For me cooking is a challenge, somewhere along the way it is a skill I have never mastered, but that does not keep me from trying!
  • Use the internet.  Since I need all the help I can get I save recipes I see throughout the day from some of my Twitter friends, bloggers, and internet searches and keep an entire folder of them on my computer. Then each week I take a peek in there and establish what we will have for the week.
  • It's ok to take the easy route.  Of course, some nights I take the easy road and prepare a boxed taco meal, or host make your own pizza night with my son and his friends during a sleepover. But, most nights I try to prepare a well-balanced meal; and that my friends requires some planning.
  • Shopping lists--a must!  After determining the week's meals I prepare a list of the necessary ingredients so they are on hand either in the fridge or cupboard, (no last minute trips to the store for me).
  • Stock up to save.  Occasionally I will "stock up" on frequently used items that are on sale saving me money on future meals.
Considering "ordering" from the menu...

Travis from My Journey Out of Debt, had the most ingenious idea I've ever heard of, allowing your family to "order" from the refrigerator menu. Not only does this give your kids the power of choice, but you are ready with the necessary items (because of prior planning) and can easily prepare a meal from any of the ones listed on the "menu". Travis says, "I don't plan a meal for a specific day. Instead, I create a dinner "menu" of all the meals that are currently available to be prepared. I place it on the refrigerator door, allowing my family to "order" dinner each night."

Cook Ahead...

Let's face it some nights it is so late till we arrive home cooking anything is out of the question. Enter my DIY TV dinners.
Establish a "cooking" day.  Sundays are typically a "cooking" day for me. I may make 1-2 meals and freeze the leftovers for nights just like these. Yes, the microwave is your friend.

Crock-pots Can Be A Life Saver...

My go-to meal plan for nights I know I will be home late include the use of my crock pot. I can throw in ingredients in the morning before I leave and return to a home-cooked meal. For great ideas for crock-pot meals check out:


I have found the important things to remember about single parent cooking are: keep it simple, easy to manage, and plan everything. Just like all of our other daily tasks as a single parent cooking takes time and we all wish for that extra hour in the day that never seems to come around. Make life easier for yourself and save money by taking the time to prepare quick, easy, nutritious and inexpensive meals at home. 



Suzanne Cramer is a certified credit counselor and a Social Media Specialist for CareOne Debt Relief ServicesSuzanne writes for Divorce, Debt and Finances and Major Life ChallengesFollow Suzanneon Twitter @ADivorcedMom where she shares her insights as a single-divorced mom with tips and tricks to keep your finances in check.  

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Back-to-School Fall Fashion with Amazon.com {Gift Card Giveaway -- WINNER ANNOUNCED!}


Okay folks... let's talk fashion. Kids fashion. Amazon.com kids fashion.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Back-to-School fashion event in NYC that was hosted by Amazon.com. Bloggers and media had the privilege of previewing the latest and greatest in girls, boys, and juniors back-to-school and fall fashion items from Amazon.com. And boy was I loving it because the pieces were kid-orable and super stylish.

I mean, really, how cute are these outfits?

Pink Platinum Girls Fleece Peacoat Jacket in burnt orange
Roxy Kids Girl's Dreamer Pullover
DC Apparel -- Kids Boys Gary KD Standard Fit Tee


Your little ones will surely rock it out as the coolest kids on the block with 'em. Love them? Then head on over to Amazon.com to view the entire collection from the Amazon Kid's Boutique. It's back-to-school and fall fashion all together... POW!



GIVEAWAY!
One (1) lucky Mommy Delicious reader will receive a $50.00 Amazon.com gift card to get their back-to-school and fall fashion shopping started. Want to win? Here are the deets:

Mandatory Entry:

Extra Entries:
  • Share this giveaway ONCE on Facebook -- make sure to tag Mommy Delicious when doing so.
  • Follow Mommy Delicious on Twitter and share this giveaway ONCE on Twitter -- make sure to @MommyDelicious when doing so.
  • Follow this blog via Google Friends Connect.
Rules:
  • Leave each entry in a separate comment so that it will be counted.
  • One (1) reader will be chosen via Random.org.
  • This giveaway ends FRIDAY AUGUST 26TH!
  • Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen so be sure to check back on the status of your entries!
Good luck and happy back-to-school/fall fashion shopping!

[WINNER: Chosen via Random.org, the winner is Tweety800265... CONGRATS!]

{Disclaimer: Thanks to Amazon.com for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

On Learning to Be Alone

The month of January was coming to a close and one of my closest friends and I have been trying to meet up for a movie date for the past few weeks. She's was super busy traveling in and out of the country for work and I was super busy with single Motherhood and grad school and life.

I'd spent the last few months pondering if I was enough to handle this whole single mother thing and raise Aiden on my own. I'd put my best single mom foot forward, and a few months after breaking up with the other parent, I was finally embracing, well, my single mom status. And I was liking it. Loving it, actually. Aiden and I had enjoyed his 3rd birthday in October, Thanksgiving in November, adventures around the city and Christmas in December, and New Years. Just us two.

And it was good.

Little did I know that during that time, I was not only learning to be a single mom, but I was also learning to how to be single

Alone.


Because of our busy schedules, my friend and I were never able to decide upon a meeting time to see the movie. One Friday, after a particularly long three-hour Practicum class where a group of us Psychological Counseling students watched videos of ourselves in therapy sessions with our clients from the previous week, provide feedback to each other, and set goals for our upcoming week's session, I was beyond ready to relax.

So... off to the movies I went! I didn't even call another friend as a backup date. It was just me, myself, and I. All by my lonesome. As the movie played, I looked around and noticed that I was literally surrounded by couples. They were everywhere. I was expecting an uncomfortable feeling to creep up on me, but much to my surprise, it never did.

That's when I realized that I am enough -- not just as a single mom, but also as a single gal

And I couldn't help but to feel damn good.

Here I stand, months after catching a movie solo, more than a year after ending things with the other parent, unattached and fully embracing my 'Single Gal' status. And at this point in my life, I feel as though I want to ride out singlehood till the very end of the road, turn the corner, and ride down the next road as well... till the bitter end. 

And then try to find Mr. Right and totally commit myself to a higher purpose. Fearlessly. With no hesitation. 

But until then...

I'm learning to be alone. To be happily alone. To lead a full and fulfilling life... alone. And more importantly, I'm learning that I can, in fact, make it on my own.


Yep... I am enough. 

Friday, August 12, 2011

Back-to-School Savings with Walmart {Gift Card Giveaway -- WINNER ANNOUNCED!}

Are you on a tight budget this back-to-school season? No problem! Mommy Delicious and Walmart have got you covered!


I'm so excited to team up with the good ole folks over at Walmart to bring you some deals and steals on all things back-to-school, including everyday supplies, sporty backpacks, and cool electronics.

If online shopping is your thing, then now's the time to take full advantage of Walmart.com's free shipping and sweet prices like school supply value bundles starting as low as $10 or toddler sized school uniform bundles starting as low as $6.47 and backpack/lunch bag combo sets starting as low as $13. Seriously, those are my kinda prices!


If you'd rather shop in stores to, ya know, burn off calories or get some cardio in there or something, then  you're sure to be pleasantly pleased when you head to your nearest Walmart. With their new store improvements, back-to-school items are organized in one place and categorized by school age group. Fabulous because it makes it that much easier to spot all those items on your kids' school supply list.

Even more fabulous? 70-sheet, 1-subject Notebooks (wide or college-ruled) are as low as 20 cents; 12-Ct Crayola Colored Pencils or 10-Ct Crayola Markers (fine or broad) are as low as 97 cents; and 100-Sheet Composition Books are as low as 40 cents. Talk about a steal!

Get thee to your nearest Walmart or head on over to Walmart.com to get in on the back-to-school savings action!
GIVEAWAY!
One (1) lucky Mommy Delicious reader will receive a $25.00 Walmart Gift Card to get their back-to-school shopping started! Want to win? Here are the deets:

Mandatory Entry: 

Extra Entries:
  • Share this giveaway ONCE on Facebook -- make sure to tag Mommy Delicious when doing so. 
  • Follow Mommy Delicious on Twitter and share this giveaway ONCE on Twitter -- make sure to @MommyDelicious when doing so.
  • Follow this blog via Google Friends Connect.
Rules:
  • Leave each entry in a separate comment so that it will be counted.
  • One (1) reader will be chosen via Random.org 
  • This giveaway ends THURSDAY AUGUST 18TH!
  • Winner must claim their prize within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen so be sure to check back on the status of your entries!
Good Luck and happy back-to-school shopping!

[WINNER: Chosen via Random.org, the winner is Teresha @Marlie N Me... CONGRATS!!!]

{Disclaimer: This post is being sponsored by Walmart. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Single Mom's Gone Wild: Miami Edition


Last week, this delicious single momma took a much-needed ladies trip to Miami, or "NYC with sand," as I like to call it. The trip was ''beach by day, party by night" and was designed to be my little way of letting loose, living it up, acting like a fool, and "going wild."

The rule was simple: anything goes. Well, almost anything. The plan was simpler: meet hot guys, flirt a little, party a lot, and drop it like it's hot. Pow! The micro mini's, swimsuits, and short shorts were out in full effect and they did their jobs very well -- accenting my best assets, if you know what I mean.



The eye candy was pretty damn sweet and came in so many flavors. And this single gal... well, I wanted to taste them all. By the end of 'Day One,' I was nicknamed "The Queen Bee of Flirting."

Discrimination was the name of the game. Only the tall, hot, perfectly chiseled guys were selected during the screening process to be blatantly hit on. Some got a "pass" for their charming personality and/or beautiful smile. But most had to be broad in the shoulders, slim in waist, and sexy all around.

Make no mistakes about it, I had to test out the sexiness by sliding my hand slowly down their chest... stop at their waist, make eye contact, and flash a grin of approval.  Perfect pecs... wowsa! Just what I've been waiting for! The hotties fully cooperated. All of them.

I may or may not have forgotten the names of said hotties and started referring to them as "Chocolate Cutie," "Mexican Hottie," "Sexy Londoner," and "French Cutie."



Whenever I go dancing in NYC, I usually have a very strict rule: leave the party before it's over so as not to be the last one on the dance floor. But in Miami, eh, not so much. I may or may not have sweated through my clothes from dancing to just about every song. And I may or may not have stumbled out of the parties at the bitter end of the night only to wake up the next day, head to brunch, hit the beach, and then party all over again... And again... And again.



There were lots of booty shots on the scene. And there were several other shots that may or may not have included tequila... but those details are still a little bit fuzzy to me.

It's totally fine, though. Because no one knows my name in Miami. And what happens in Miami...


Truth be told, in the grand scheme of "wildness," it was not that wild. It was not exactly wholesome fun because of the flirting... and feeling, but I'm quite the sh$t talker, and when it comes to random strangers, I'm all [flirting] talk and no [flirting] action. No freaky sleepovers. No walk of shames.

But for this delicious single gal, it was pure madness. Beyond fine. Beyond fun. And totally wild.