Monday, September 29, 2014

Motivational Monday

Follow the Motivation Monday Hosts

Barb of A Life in Balance

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Mitzi of Written Reality

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Lauryn of The Vintage Mom

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Katie of Mom Favorites

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Marie of Normal Everyday Life

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Toni of Tickles and Time Outs

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Features

Motivation Monday Linky party motivation-monday-linky-party-110-2

Barb - A Life in Balance

1. When is Frugal Too Much? | Living Contently 2. My Son Started Preschool: How I'm Managing My New Routine | Umbrella Tree Cafe

Mitzi - Written Reality

3.Pumpkin Whoopie Pies | Umbrella Tree Cafe 4. Pumpkin Garland DIY Perfect for Halloween | The UnExtreme

Lauryn - A Vintage Mom

5. Pumpkin Pie Spice | Memories by the Mile 6. Uses for Apple Peels | Little House Living

Katie - Mom Favorites

7. Pumpkin Snap Cookies | Born Again Farm Girl 8. Halloween Wreath Hack | Homemade Interest

Marie - Normal Everyday Life

9. If We Knew What We Had | Just a Touch of Crazy 10. 5 Benefits of Having Little Helpers in the Kitchen | Less 2 More

Toni - Tickles and Time Outs

11. 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake | Midget Momma 12. The Week of Daycations (The Free Way to Have Fun) | The Little Farm Diary

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Why women who know when to shut up have more successful relationships, marriages, and careers



I have to admit. 
I often talk WAY too much!
  Just yesterday I told my coworkers I thought I was coming down with something (really, did they really need to know that?  Now they are going to start thinking THEY are sick!)  Sometimes I will share personal financial concerns to people that aren't close friends which I'm sure creates uncomfortable situations.  Of course, they may tell me that they understand and try to comfort me and make things seem not awkward but the truth is that my problems aren't something they need to worry about. 
I have come a long way.
It's important to me that I not place my burdens on other people.  Of course, there's a time and a place to talk to my friends about my challenges or something that's bothering me but I need to be careful about the timing and the people I chose to share information.  I have come to realize that even my kids will feel the effect of my big mouth if I'm talking about adult issues or financial stress around them (I never talk to them but sometimes they may hear me on the phone or talking to a grown up which is not ok). 
The problem is that when we share our problems with others, they immediately feel sorry for us or want to understand why we are telling them about your issue.  Even though we may just want them to listen, they feel like they are taking on our problems and that's not really fair. 
I'm sure you've had this happen to you before.  You've come across someone that begins telling you about their problems and you walk away feeling confused or worried about them.
   
Do any of you have this problem?  Do you ever talk too much or get frustrated when someone is sharing too much information with you?

Friday, September 12, 2014

5 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Chester County This Weekend


1.  Explore Take a walk on the Brandywine river.

We love Kerr Park in Downingtown.



2.  Take a Ride on the Railroad
All aboard!!!!  Take a ride on the West Chester railroad ($15.00 for adults, $13.00 for kids, kids 2 and under are free!) For more information visit the website West Chester Railroad

3.  Sail Away
I know it's not the ocean but if you've never been to Marsh Creek Lake I strongly recommend it! It's beautiful!   

Pack a picnic or take a lake tour
For more information visit Marsh Creek Boat Rental


4.  Use Your Noggin
West Chester library is my favorite library in Chester County. Not only is it an absolutely BEAUTIFUL building but they have tons of things for the kids to do, games, puppet theatre, and computers.  It's free and it encourages reading. It's a win/win.



5.  Longwood Gardens
While it's not the cheapest on the list, it's definitely worth the money spent.  So many locals forget how much beauty is found at Longwood Gardens.  The gardens and fountains are spectacular!


Thursday, September 11, 2014

What does it take to be a Classy Mom?



Being classy is more than just appearance. It's about grace, elegance, and sophistication. Here are some things that come to my mind when I think about a "classy mom".

1. Show kindness
You will not look classy while screaming at your kid in Target! Use your manners with your children and discipline them appropriately. Explain to them what they did wrong and give consequences (of course consistency is key). Show them kindness by being respectful and courteous to others.

2.  Be a good listener
If you talk about yourself and your experiences too much it can come off as pompous. No one likes a "know it all". You can't listen and talk at the same time, so zip your lip and listen to what others have to say...you just might learn something!

3. Show generosity
Give back to those in need as well as your community. Donate money or time to a good cause. Remember that generosity doesn't necessarily mean giving "things". Sometimes, it's best to give someone support, love and resources and letting them find their own way.

4. Look good
Although being classy isn't just about how you look, lets face it...it is important! Everyone has days when they don't get out of their sweatpants or their comfy maternity shirt (that they should have given away after they had their baby!) Although this is necessary on some days, don't make a habit of it! If your heading out (or even if your not!), put on nice jeans, a cute top and some high heeled boots. At the very least, curl your eyelashes (brightens up tired eyes), apply some blush, and throw on some lip gloss. Take a moment to check out the latest styles FOR YOUR AGE. Don't get caught up in wearing something too trendy, it will make you look like your trying to hard and may not be appropriate (i.e. mini skirts and side ponytails). The truth is, when you look good, you will feel better about yourself.

4. Be confident and genuine
Don't compare yourself to the mom that always looks like she has it all together in your playgroup. No one has it ALL together so give yourself a break and relax! Also, be genuine. The classy mommies in Hollywood (Jennifer Garner and Gwenyth Paltrow come to mind) are considered classy because they are real. They are often seen playing with their kids, getting dirty, and showing outward affection.
Enjoy your children and appreciate the joy they bring. Finally, if you truly feel good about yourself, others will think that they should feel good about you too!! Smile and enjoy the wonderful gift of motherhood!

Friday, September 5, 2014

How to make money using Facebook yard sale sites

Facebook yard sales are a great way to generate extra income (and make me feel less guilty about my Starbucks treats!)  There's something totally satisfying about getting rid of junk and also putting some money in my pocket, however, sometimes it can be more work than it's truly worth.  Here's how I have found success while using online yard sales with my 3 step approach...

  1. Get ORGANIZED.  
  • Take pics using smart phone (I don't think I would even try to sell online if I couldn't do it this way!) 
  • Only post a few items at a time.  I have found out the hard way that posting a lot of items at the same time can get really overwhelming and confusing.  I know it's tempting to post a lot when you're on a roll...but I find it's easier to tackle a room or 2 at a time.   
  • Use porch pick up.  I have found porch pick ups to be a LIFE SAVER! Instead of trying to arrange meetups with people, I simply leave it on the porch and forget about it.  Be aware that many sites do not allow you to post porch pick up upfront but you can send a message to someone inquiring privately.  I know many people who also leave items at someone else's house (like a mother in law's house or something)  Of course, just like anything, be careful and use your best judgment.
  • Post seasonable items.  Post the next season's items at the end of a season. You'd be surprised how often these sale seekers plan for the upcoming season.  This actually works perfect if you're going through end of season clothes and want to take inventory for yourself for the upcoming season.
  • Take good pics.  There may be times when you just want to get rid of stuff and don't want to take the time to make them look nice. But if you do take the time, you will increase the chance of getting a better price.  For example, I have satin hangers that I use often (hanger on the right) Not sure why I didn't use both here, but you get the idea!) that I use to take pictures of many of my girls clothing. It looks better than just thrown on the floor and gives the buyer the impression that you probably take good care of your items.
2. Assign items you're selling online to a designated area after you post it (very important).  Pick a place like a closet you never use or a box under your bed while the items are still listed.  I find it helpful to put things somewhere easily accessible than putting it it in the attic or basement where they might get lost.  I use the bottom of my extra closet (not in a bin) so that I can see the items and grab them if someone wants to purchase.

3. DUMP.  Send unwanted items to Good Will RIGHT AWAY.  I have a ONE week policy.  If something doesn't sell in a week, it's gone.  This tip goes for real yard sales as well.  If you have a real yard sale, schedule someone from a charity like Purple Heart to come pick up your items that night or the next day.  Don't bring anything that doesn't sell back into your house!!  If you don't have someone coming to pick up your unwanted items, at least put it in your trunk (so it forces your to get it out of your house and off to Goodwill!)

Another important factor is to track your time.  If you're spending hours trying to sell a $10 item (or getting completely stressed out) perhaps your time could be spent more efficiently.  Think about the big picture and weather it's really beneficially for you and your family.

Gotta run! Time to make some money!! PEACE!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

A message to all the stressed out Mommys and Daddys out there...

I've been reading lots of posts from all you about the start of back to school and so many of you are feeling stressed out!  The paperwork, back to school nights, getting kids into a routine, late buses, more paperwork...it's enough to drive us all insane!

Here's what I need you to know...

You are not alone.  (Cue the Michael Jackson music)  Everyone is feeling the stress.
Breathe.
Eat healthy...even if it's one apple and a glass of water right now.
This positive thoughts.
Finally, remember...

Lots of love,

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Terrific Tuesday: Why I love our Mommy/daughter dates


When you're a single mom these moments don't come often enough. My days are too often spent trying to pay the bills, getting 2 kids baths (and fed) while attempting to spend quality time.  Then the house is suddenly dead silent (and I miss them like crazy!) But every now and then I get a moment like this when I realize my baby is growing up and this moment is what matters most. 
I strongly suggest any single parent (or married) to make sure you have dates with your kids...the 1:1 interaction is what they will remember for years to come. They may not remember where or when but they will remember that THEY matter! 
PS. Sienna got tired of sitting at Starbucks 2 minutes after this pic so we took a ride through the country and I let her pick what roads we took! I ❤️GPS and I ❤️my little girl!!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Motivational Monday! New month, new week, new perspective! Let's make it count!

Not only is today the start of an awesome new week but it's also the start of a new month!!
HELLO SEPTEMBER!
I hope you all had an amazing summer with your families...but now it's time to stop crying about the end of summer...put away your tissues and set your goals for an awesome new month!  What are you going to accomplish this month?  Are you doing the things you need to create the life you want?
Rewrite today.
Today brings you opportunities for new ideas, new enthusiasm, and even new mistakes!! Remember the most successful people in the world fail the most often!
Now, roll up your sleeves and get er done!



Follow the Motivation Monday Hosts

Barb of A Life in Balance

Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

Mitzi of Written Reality

Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

Lauryn of The Vintage Mom

Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter

Katie of Mom Favorites

Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter

Marie of Normal Everyday Life

Facebook | G+ | Instagram | Twitter

Toni of Tickles and Time Outs

Facebook | G+ | Pinterest | Twitter

motivation-monday-linky-party-106-1 motivation-monday-linky-party-106-2

Features

Barb- A Life in Balance

1. Dollar Store Fall Foliage Mason Jar Luminary | Simplee Thrifty 2. Ways to Rest When You Have No Time | From This Kitchen Table

Mitzi- Written Reality

3. Watermelon and Lobster | Simply Suzanne's 4. 10 Ways to Upcycle Old T-shirts | The It Mom

Lauryn- A Vintage Mom

5. Jack o Lantern Orange Fruit Cups | Simple Thrifty 6. A Love of Succulents | The Little Farm Diary

Katie- Mom Favorites

7. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas | Natural Chow 8. 10 Back to School Tips for Moms| The Organized Dream

Marie- Normal Everyday Life

9. What Love Looks Like at 40 | Two Teens and Their Mama 10. That Time I made Him Get Rid of His Change | Hope in the Healing

Toni- Tickles and Time Outs

11. Being Real: Fulfilled | Misty Leask 12. 31 Acts of Kindness Part 1 | Me Plus 3 Today