{Guest Post} Style Trends for Moms

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By Sarrah Juzar 

It’s a new year and we are all too excited about trying out new things, polishing our personalities and bringing out that “new me,” we promise ourselves to, at the start of every year. However clichéd or overused this new year resolution may sound, I think some clichés should always stay, clichés which sprouts optimism and even a bit of a chance for betterment. 

We all love to look and feel better at any point of the year (but the enthusiasm is quite strong at the beginning of year). As for mothers, they hardly get time to pimp up themselves and their wardrobes, but it is that time of the year when you can actually take a look at the trends and shape your wardrobe according to them.

To all the beautiful mothers out there,

While you are shopping for your little ones, how about you keep your trend list along and shop for yourself too.

Here’s all that you need for the coming seasons of the year 2015.

The Curvy Beauties:

This year has been a literal happy new year for women with beautiful curves.  We are mothers and it’s absolutely okay not to have those skinny frames because we have a whole lot to deal with. As a matter of fact, super heroes (that are undoubtedly, moms) can’t always be skinny. If you’re curvy and fit then you’re in the best shape and yes, there’s good news for you. While the world was busy making not so practical trends; London fashion week for Spring 2015 had something real to offer with their Evans Plus-size runway. Evans made waves for many years to come, with their biggest plus size runway for spring 2015. The best part was, everything presented at the runways was adaptable for all sizes. Here’s a quick look for cute curvy mommies.

Come spring, and every women (moms in particular) should get their hands on dress like this. The sheer beauty of white, with Aztecs and sequins is nothing short of perfection. The dress strikes a flattering image with this light weight layer of eyelet jacket. I say, every mother should get this for their LWDs.

 Gingham:

Ginghams are shaping the new trends and taking them to a nostalgic new level. So don’t miss out on this trend and get at least a dress or a gingham skirt for this year. You and your little one can match a gingham outfit and look super cool.

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Culottes and roomy pants:

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Thankfully, the pants have changed from skinny to roomy and this year. There are culottes and denims that are big. So no more Ms. Skinny jeans, and yes to evening pants, all things comfy.

These trends are easy to be adopted and totally wearable for all the super moms. You can always experiment with colors and style as per  your own taste. Have a great year and look fabulous!

 Author Bio: Sheerin Jafri is a passionate lifestyle and fashion blogger. She writes for Sophie & Trey, an online clothing store for women.

{Guest Post} Helping Kids Become Thoughtful Adults

Written by Rachel Thomas

It started with my grandmother and then my mother after her. All my life I have heard them say, “If you don’t make your kids think of you they won’t; you have to make them think of you and others.” My grandmother must have learned it the hard way because I remember her saying it over and over again to my mom. I guess my mom did not fully understand what gram was saying because she pretty much lived her life on the premise that her kids would follow her example. Between me and my two brothers it did not work out that way for her.

Oh, I do not mean we do not love our mom but we did not exactly pick up by osmosis what vibes mom was putting out. Mom, in later years, has been blessed with children who do love her and are attentive to her needs because she has been so loving all of our lives but in the beginning we took advantage of her great love. In other words, loving your kids is not enough to produce love in return. You actually have to make them think of you and other people.

Upon having my own children I decided early on, remembering what gram used to say and watching mom being hurt by children who were not thoughtful, that I would make my children thoughtful. The most simplistic way of doing this is by telling them exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. I would not depend upon my spouse to tell the kids, because quite frankly I believe my spouse was not taught to be thoughtful either. It sounds as if we are horrible people, but it is not so, being thoughtful of others when the whole world is moving so fast and everyone’s natural priority is to look out for number one has to be taught. Every time my birthday, Christmas, Mother/Father’s Day would come around I would tell my children that I expected a card from them. I told them it did not matter if they bought it or made it but I wanted an expression from their heart. We are not born with these instincts, we are taught.

One of my favorite scriptures from the Bible is “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3.Give this gift to your children of thinking of others. I know that the world today is geared in a way that we are taught to get noticed and put ourselves out there and get ahead. There is a time and a place for everything but I truly believe that if you are thoughtful of others that you will get noticed because of your humility and thoughtfulness combined with intelligence and diligence in the activity you are pursuing.

About the Author: 

Rachel is an ex-babysitting pro as well as a professional writer and blogger. She is a graduate from Iowa State University and currently writes for www.babysitting.net. She welcomes questions/comments which can be sent to rachelthomas.author@gmail.com.

{Guest Post} Four Tips to Becoming A Money-Saving Parent

Written By Jiro Watanabe

Being a mom is hard enough. You have to take care of your kids, keep the house clean, and manage the family budget. If you are a stay-at-home mom, making ends meet with one income can be especially difficult. Even if you are a two-income family, things can still get rough in today’s economy. Whatever your situation is, there are always ways to cut costs.

Shop Smarter
Where you buy things can make a big difference on how much you spend. Almost every frugalista out there is a strong proponent of thrift-store shopping. Of course, you do not have to buy the items that look old and worn out unless you want to, but a lot of times you can find those barely-used items. Find out what days your local thrift stores re-stock their shelves, and one of the first ones there to get the most options of quality goods.

Look for alternative ways to buy common items. If you need a new car, you could go to a new car lot and pay way too much, or you could go to a used-car lot. When you buy used cars, you avoid the biggest depreciation hit. The 2013 Honda Odyssey, for example, starts at $28,600, but the 2008 Honda Odyssey starts at $13,600.

Time Matters
Yahoo suggests purchasing produce items in the evening since the prices will probably be reduced so the store can get rid of it while it is still good. The time of year can also make a difference. At the end of every season, stores clearance out whatever items are remaining. Life on the Frugal Side points out that you can save hundreds by buying clothing and beauty products when the new-season items are about to arrive.

Consider Bartering
Bartering is making a comeback, and there is no reason you should be left out of the fun. The idea is that you trade something you have for something someone else has. Or better yet, trade one of your talents for a talent of someone else. Are you good at cutting hair? Why not trade your mechanic friend a haircut for a car repair?

Stay Home
Going out with kids can be expensive. Living on a Dime believes that kids don’t care what they are doing as long as they are having fun and are with you. They will have as much fun running around with you in the backyard or park as they will going to the zoo. You can also take advantage of the library for some free entertainment, including books and movies. Do a quick browser search to find what local entertainment is in your town that's either free or low-cost.

• Check out your town's community calendar
• Get involved in community sports
• Play board games or card games
• Go to a local pool, when weather permits
• Go to a local playground
• Build a cardboard castle
• Go on a hike or a long walk

{Guest Post} Spring Fashion Trends for the Trendy Mom

Written by Marie Hunter

You're Super Mom, able to leap tall piles of laundry in a single bound. Not only are you conquering your full time office job, you're faster than a speeding bullet at getting this kids to after-school practices on time. Every night, you vanquish your archenemies, Dinner and Homework Help, before saving the world all over again the next day. However, just because you're busy being invincible every minute doesn't mean that you can't look fabulous while doing it, just like any other super-hero.

With spring right around the corner, what's a super-trendy super-mom to wear? Here are some warm weather fashion choices to keep you looking your best while you're out there, being super:

[photo via]

Metallics
While draping yourself head to toe entirely in shiny metallics might be a bit overkill (even for a super-hero), that doesn't mean you can show some shine and sparkle here and there with metallic accessories. Metallics work for shoes, nail polish, bags, and, of course, jewelry. Sporting gold and silver can make you feel like a million bucks, even if you're on a budget.

Bold Stripes
Forget what you've always heard about horizontal stripes. They won't make you look wider. In fact, bold, thick stripes can be incredibly flattering, especially when paired with the right pants or a pencil skirt. They're even making appearances on catwalks. If you're still unsure how to show your stripes, consider accessorizing it. Striped handbags are a great way to play with the style without committing to wearing it.

Lace
It can be tough to feel pretty when you've been sitting in meeting after meeting, changing diapers, cooking meals, or running errands all day. But donning a top or dress with a lacy overlay can make you feel like the woman you are, all over again. Feminine and soft, lace is poised to be one of the hottest trends of this coming spring.

Jewelry and Accessories
This year is going to be big for accessorizing. Some trends to add to your fashion repertoire include fringe necklaces, brightly-colored gypsy jewelry, and eternity bracelets. Whether you're keeping things casual in jeans or headed out in your favorite cocktail dress for a night on the town, the right jewelry and accessories can turn any super-mom's outfit into the height of super trendy fashion.

So, remember, Super Moms: No super-hero is complete without a super ensemble, and that doesn't include sweats and a ratty old Van Halen tee-shirt. Spring is the perfect time to revamp your personal style, so embrace your inner fashionista and dress your best. There's no better season to start looking as super on the outside as you are on the inside.

About the author: When Maire isn't lost in reading the latest hot novel, she is planning her future vacations to tropical places. She also loves taking care of her cat, Walter, and her Scottish Terrier, Pete.

{Guest Post} Kid-Friendly Date Ideas

Written by Amanda Carlson

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Spending one-on-one time with your child is very important for building your bonding relationship. Take your kiddo on a date without the other siblings and parent, and make a day of fun just for the two of you. They will love it and don’t forget the camera! 

Local festivals: Taking your kid on a fun date to a local festival is full of free activities and gives them a chance to get outside and burn some energy! Whether you choose an arts festival or food market, these are great inexpensive ways to spend time with your kiddo. Most of these events offer free entry for children and offer many different activities like games and face painting. 

Kids Museum: Try making your date with you child something educational for both of you. Children museums have great day and weekend special for families. Check your local children museum website calendar for different shows, exhibits and activities each month. Consider purchasing a membership visit once a month. Visiting a museum is an excellent way to create memories and fun! 

Book Store: If you are lucky your city has a small mom and pop book store with a great catering towards children. Most of these small book stores host readings and story time for kids on a weekly basis. Pair this book store date with allowing them to pick out one book to take home. Visiting a book store promotes more time reading and less time in front of the television and video games. 

Drive in movie: Although drive in movies are becoming extinct, you can find these rare gems hidden typically on the outskirts of a large city. Drive in movies are one of a kind and a memory builder. If you are unable to find a drive in, make your own! Grab all your favorite snacks and pillows and blankets. Have a camp out in your living room and watch your child’s favorite movie! 

An old diner: Who doesn’t love a yummy old fashioned burger and milkshake? Old diners have a sense of nostalgia that even kids understand and love. Share a milkshake and just enjoy the oldies played over the speakers and chat. When is the last time you had just a long and simple conversation with your child without any interruptions? 

Instead of dragging your kids to a movie or to the park, try something a little different this weekend. These five fun date ideas are not only low cost but they are probably something your child has never experienced. Start making memories and pick your favorite!

About the author: Amanda Carlson, a blogger as well as a former newborn care nurse contributed this post. To stay connected to her previous career and share the knowledge she gained, she began writing for www.newborncare.com. You can reach her at:

amanda [dot] newborncare [at] gmail [dot] com.

{Guest Post} Raising Mommy

Written by Chanel Free

As a new mom, I always think about what I can do to give my girls the best life possible. I'm not talking about material things (although that is part of it) I'm more focused on having them grow up to be well rounded young women that understand their worth, set goals, and pursue them to the best of their ability. Essentially, I want to raise them right.

Give them the best of the best, teach them all the lessons I have learned, shield them from hurt and pain, and be a great role model. I will be damned if my girls look up to Nicki Minaj because they don't have a positive female at home that shows them the way. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to judge anyone, but I believe that the reason many young girls get off track in life is because they don't have full-time positive role models to look up to.

All of my focus is on 'raising' them and doing the best that I can for them as a mother. Never ever did I imagine that they would be raising me. Teaching me lessons. Showing me things about life through their eyes. All this time, I was thinking about what I can do for them never considering what they could bring into my life. Obviously, I knew that having kids would be a joyful experience and that's what I had hoped for. But, I hadn't contemplated that they would be teaching me--Raising Mommy!

[Chanel and London]

London is 2 years old and Violet is 2 months old. One summer afternoon, London and I were enjoying some mommy and baby time. We were coloring and she was having such a great time. She had just learned how to use her new crayons and was fascinated by the fact that she could write on something including the walls in my house (but that's a whole other post). Each time she made a mark in the book she screamed and smiled. Me on the other hand, I was coloring inside the lines trying to make our picture perfect. Then, it hit me!

You don't need to be perfect! Sometimes, its okay to be all over the place, to just be free and enjoy the moment. Not worrying about what the outcome will be or what others will say. I guess, I got so caught up with taking care of myself, my man, my kids, my home, and pursing my career that I had lost some of my ability to be free.

I had trained myself to be structured and focused so that I could manage all of the things I have on my plate. In that very moment, London had taught me to always remember to enjoy life. Let go! Be free! Appreciate the little things!

Motherhood is complex. There is no handbook to show you whats right or wrong. The funny thing is, when moms tell their daughters about motherhood and when women share their stories about becoming moms they boisterously talk about the hardships of parenting, but whisper about powerful moments that shape us and our little ones.

As parents we make lots of sacrifices and burn the midnight oil just to make sure that your kids are safe and secure, but I urge you to be open to learning from your little ones. They have lots of value to add to your life. By encouraging them to do their best, we can also learn to be our best. Embrace the experience. Savor each precious moment. And enjoy all that motherhood has to offer.

About the author: Chanel is a Brooklyn mother of two beautiful baby girls named London and Violet and girlfriend and partner to an amazing man named Jay. When she's not at her day job as an Advocate Counselor, she blogs over on Unleashing Your Bad B.

{Guest Post} Tips for Traveling with Kids this Holiday Season

Written by Debbie Fishman

While traveling during the holidays, we get so consumed with finishing holiday shopping for our little princes and princesses, figuring out what we need to pack (my little one always wants to bring her tutu and rain boots even if we are flying) and finalizing destination plans, that we sometimes forget little things that can turn out to be very large problems. Here are seven simple steps to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday without the help of medication.

Plan Ahead
Make plans and buy tickets ahead of time to guarantee your travel plans. Planes fill up. If you wait too long, you, your hubby and even your kids may be sitting on opposite sides of the aircraft, if on the same flight at all. This will lead to tears, lots and lots of tears (not just from the kids). Plus, you can save money and time if you plot connections carefully and, as Independenttraveler.com suggests, build in time for flight delays. If possible, create a buffer day to account for weather woes and snotty noses.

Try to be flexible on time if you are attempting to save money. The peak travel hours will slow you down on the road, in the airport and with all of the planes going out at the same time, you could miss your connecting flight even if you were solo, let alone with the troop in tow. Breathe easy and plan ahead.

Monitor It
Thanks to the ever-growing world of technology, we can now visit our home from our mobile devices. You can get web access to a visual live feed of your home from Life Shield. You can look at history of what's happened in your home and you can arm and disarm your system right from you phone or laptop.

You can also put your interior lamps, along with your outdoor sconces, on a timer and there is a device available that simulates the flickering glow of a real TV. Check out faketv.com.

Home Security Tips
A holiday issue of Reader's Digest looked inside the mind of burglars and found some interesting things they will do (and notice) to be sure your home is easy to invade while you are away. Here are some simple steps to take to ensure your home is not vulnerable.

• Stop newspaper delivery
• Have a neighbor collect door flyers
• Avoid Facebook posts and check-ins (watch the kids with this)
• If it snows and you're away, ask a neighbor to create tire and foot tracks to your home. Virgin snowfall in the driveway is proof you are nowhere in sight.
• Of course you'll turn on your home security system, but be sure to have it wired over your kitchen sink and on the second floor. People often overlook these locations and thieves know it. Reader's Digest suggests motion detectors near your valuables.
• According to the RD article, burglars tend to avoid young kids' rooms, so if you have something very valuable, hide it there while you are gone.

Getting Through Airport Security Quickly 
Airlines are flying full during the holidays so the planes will be packed. Want to get through security quickly and easily? Prepare the entire family ahead of time.

• Everyone wear slip-off shoes and don't wear a belt.
• Don't pre-wrap your gifts. TSA will rip them open if there is a mysterious shape on their monitor.
• Put your liquids (if not in checked baggage) in one clear quart-sized sealable bag with no liquid bottle being over 3.4 oz. and take it out of your carryon while in line.
• Check to see if there is a family line.
• Certain foods are allowed but check with the TSA website for specific guidelines.
• Snow Globes are not allowed in your carryon baggage.

Keep Your Wits 
Be willing to endure.  Put a worry stone or something in your pocket to remind you that it is going to be alright and that you can get through any challenge. Realize, it's going to take some composure to get through this holiday travel and keep breathing...in through the nose and out through the mouth.

About the author: Debbie Fishman used to be a flight attendant and now she writes about travel. She doesn't miss waiting on people, but she does have a strong appreciation for attendants who can demonstrate how to fasten a seatbelt without scowling. 

{Guest Post} Madness, Chaos, and A New Degree

Written by Tami McVey

Things had to change, and change fast. I'm not referring to one of those changes you can carefully weigh the options for, or plan ahead so things go smoothly. I'm talking a life-altering change that's thrust upon you just when you feel some semblance of normalcy with your life and children -- a workplace accident that leaves you with permanent injuries, a suddenly part-time job, a mortgage and two children you support on your own. That was what I faced almost four years ago. Although I had an education in accounting, I had spent years in the manufacturing industry working in warehouse management. Considering I couldn't lift a laundry basket after the accident, I had to think of a new "normal" in a hurry.

About two weeks after the accident happened I realized if my boys and I were going to come out of this on our feet I had to find a new way to make a living. In many ways the injury showed me I hadn't been living up to my potential or been truly happy; I was going through the motions so there would be enough money to pay the mortgage, the bills and to support my sons. Enter business school. I think I was somewhat mad. Two boys, a job (reduced to part time, but a job), an injury, and a house to take care of. I had dreams though, and this was going to happen!

Since the boys were school age, I already had childcare in place so that was one item on the list that could be crossed off. My days started at 5 a.m. and I was home by about 5:30 pm like I used to be when my job was full time, but with homework my days now ended around 1 a.m. for the year of school I needed to get the business courses that would make a good addition to my accounting background.

The best part of all this madness was the routine the boys and I established. Although there was a lot of work and stress involved, we ended up having more quality time together than we did when I was just working. When I got home I would make dinner, we'd share our days and after dinner we would all sit down to do homework. They thought that was pretty cool -- having Mom doing homework with them. They actually worked at theirs for a change! Admittedly, I had to do much of my own once they were in bed, but the hours we spent doing homework together are some of my fondest memories despite all the chaos that was going on while trying to build a new future.

If you're a mom who feels like you have the world on your shoulders and are always struggling to try to make your ends meet, you should consider furthering your education. Not only will it give you a brighter future to look forward to and a huge boost to your self-confidence, it can help you teach your children valuable life lessons and bring you closer than ever.

About the author: Tami McVey is a self-employed freelance writer, mother of two, with a shiny business degree. She's also a contributor to DegreeJungle.com, a resource site for university students and parents.