Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Relax Easy

Sleep deprived? Welcome to the working mother club. Try having a (co-sleeping -just for that night before you decide to lecture me) six month old with (granted self diagnosed after reading too much Webmd) RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME. Anywho, here are some tips for getting more slumber and restful moments.

Take breaks at work: They don't have to be long breaks. Just a few stolen moments in-between the daily tasks . Run to the restroom, hound the snack machine. Go outside for walk. Just a few minutes to calm and still the brain from sustained activity. Too tired to leave your desk? Just move your chair away from the computer and face the walls of your office or cubicle. (If you're worried about coworkers thinking you're slacking, hold some papers in your hands so you look like you're doing rather important things).

Break from your Daily Routine:Engage in something other than the daily routine. Do something meaningful and purposeful, you've been meaning to do. This will take your mind off the daily humdrum, and refocus your energies. Let's call it mental flossing. Listen to some music, put on headphones, close your eyes, and sip a cup of hot tea sweetened with some honey. Block out a few minutes for a mini-spa treatment,anything to distract you from thinking about life itself.


Block off One Day for Rest: This has biblical undertones, but it is still relevant. Identify one day on which you will do nothing but relax. Go to the park with the family, and just be. Sunday maybe?

Get a Massage:There's nothing more relaxing than an hour on the table in the hands of a professional massage therapist. Studies have shown repeatedly that a rubdown banishes worries while increasing serotonin and dopamine, hormones that make you feel happy and relaxed.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Streamline Your Workspace

Let's focus on the job for a minute. What does your workspace say about you? Your desk is a mess? Your inbox has unread messages from a year and a half ago? Some folks say that outer chaos, is reflective of inner chaos. How do you function? Do you have a working dysfunction? A chaotic system that somehow works? Is spring time. How about committing to clear the desk and electronic clutter, and streamline how you function at work? You have to make a commitment to yourself. Hey, maybe you'll find that file you've been looking for----for the past year!

Create (and use) TO DO lists: This is a resource that is grossly underused by many. Dutifully write down all that needs to be accomplished, then make lines through the accomplished tasks. Too old school for you? Try using the "tasks" feature in Outlook, to set detailed reminders, as well as alerts for when tasks ought to be completed, reports submitted, projects locked up etc.

Keep a file for each project that you are working on: Place important paperwork pertinent to that project in that folder. Alternatively, create folders within your e-mail application to save important e-mails. This way you know exactly where to find the information you need for each of the different projects you are working on.

File by category: Keep like files together, then sort alphabetically. For example, travel a lot? Keep all files related to each trip in one section of the file cabinet. Then, arrange them by date or alphabetical order.

To manage your e-mails, enlist the tools in your e-mail application. For example, you can choose to highlight e-mails, or color code them, that are from specific persons. Also use the flag an e-mail as a follow-up that will pop up on a certain date and time that you specify.

Purge, purge, purge: You knew this was coming. Why would you want to keep Travel and Expense receipts from 1999 anyway?




Thursday, April 28, 2011

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Well, the big day is approaching. Mother's day is of great significance to many mothers around the world. Some may downplay the eagerness with which they view the day, but for the most part, its viewed with excited anticipation. It has its origins in the pagan/god worship of Ancient Greece. The Greeks worshipped a god named Cybelle, thought to be the great mother of the Greek gods. According to Wikipedia,
In 1912,American Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrases "second Sunday in May" and "Mother's Day", and created the Mother's Day International Association.

Well whatever the reason, its a good thing. Here's a list of goodies any mother would appreciate (I've deliberately EXCLUDED money because its tacky - my mom's preference):

1.The latest best-selling book turned into hot movie. Try Water for Elephants by Algonquin books. Reese Witherspoon ( a beautiful mommy) really works this role.

Since you're in a generous mood, why not try an e-reader.  Try the Kindle or the Coby Kryos, with Wi-Fi. They both retail for about $139.00, feature wi-fi, and the Kryos is connected to the android market. Too cool!



2. A photobook from Shutterfly. How about that? Turn those myriad of digital images of mom and you, mom and baby, mom and mom, into a photobook. Show it off to friends and family when they come over. Go ahead. Bore them to tears, but she will be proud!But wait there's more. Shutterfly is currently offering a 30% discount on all 12x12 photo books, using discount code BOOK30. Tre cool. While you're there, how about a mug, where mom can show-off her baby's mug?



Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Sweet Pea Gift Set 2 Oz Travel Size; Mist, Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Bubble Bath & Liplicious Sheer Cotton Candy Lip Gloss.3. Aromatherapy. That says it all. Buy her something sweet smelling thats not perfume. Perfumed lotion anyone? Try Bath and Body Works, for the fragrance minded gal. How about Burt's Bees for the earth friendly gal?  Or try a lovely scented candle, that she can light while she enjoys her bath that she's gonna draw with her Bath and Body Works stuff.



4. Good old gift card. This is especially appropriate for the mom who lives far away, or who wouldn't appreciate any of the above because she is so fixated on money. How about a spafinder gift card? It can be used at participating spas and salons. Hey, maybe she'll treat you for a manicure with it, when you go for a visit. Or for the shopaholic, try her fave store: Marshalls, TJ Maxx or even Lowes anyone?

Monday, April 25, 2011

Cool Mist Humidifier

This is your friend.

Using a cool mist humidifier, in winter in baby's room works wonders. Baby's skin isn't itchy or dried out due to excessive heat.

It's main purpose though, is to reduce coughing and congestion. Try this extremely cool version by Vicks, called the Starry Night Humidifier. The humidifier comes equipped with a projector that illuminates stars onto the ceiling. This is sure to soothe and distract. It retails for about $40.00



Thursday, April 21, 2011

Speed Up Your Morning Beauty Routine

I have to drive to the train station every morning. Getting dressed, feeding baby, changing baby, smiling and responding to baby's coos all while trying to keep to a schedule - is a TASK. Here are some things that work for me:

1. Make-up minimalism: 
Minimize the morning rush by paring down your makeup routine. Start with a good SPF moisturizer. Then apply a good-quality concealer under the eyes. If you wear foundation, try a cream-to-powder formula, which goes on quickly and smoothly (and do take the extra ten seconds to make sure you blend carefully).
Color? Yes, but keep it simple — choose a blush that can double as a pretty eyeshadow. Sweep on a quick coat of mascara, and lipgloss/lipstick, and you're set to face the world. Of course your biggest fan is probably nearby wondering, how you did all that in 5 minutes.

2. Keep the hair simple
A short haircut or sleek ponytail is a new mom's best friend. Bangs are great too. They can mask spots you missed with the liquid makeup on the forehead. Try putting in those velcro rollers as soon as you wake, and remove right before you head outside.

3. Night before prep
My friend swears by the "taking a shower the night before" technique. It works for her children. I'm slowly working my way into the practice. I DO know that mornings are not the time for long leisurely baths..... and don't even try to shave those legs then. Same goes for picking out an outfit. I had to work my way into this. I'm more of a "wing it outfit" kind a gal. But, having your outfit picked out and ironed....saves TONS of time. Dont forget the jewellery. You dont want to look ridiculous wearing a pruple top and blue earrings you had on, the day before do you?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Save More Money- Coupons and Deals Redux!

I got a few inquiries about where else to find coupon deals. Here are a few more resources, which I have tested and tried:

Popular websites


www.couponmountain.com
www.thecouponclippers.com
www.savingsmania.com
www.retailmenot.com
www.swapbabygoods.com
www.bradsdeals.com


Pampers
Register at www.pampers.com for the Parent Pages email newsletters and you'll also receive coupons and info on promotions for Pampers and other Proctor & Gamble products. Try the Gifts to Grow program, where you enter codes posted on products. Accumulated points yield free stuff.

Similac
Sign up for the Strong Moms program at www.similac.com for news on special promotions.


Enfamil
Enroll in Enfamil Family Beginnings at www.enfamil.com to receive newsletters and coupons.

Gerber
Go to www.gerber.com or call customer service at 1-800-284-9488 to sign up for the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy program and receive a quarterly magazine and coupons.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Save Money Grocery Shopping

Yes, yes. Its a hassle at times, but coupons WORK. I get most of mine from the Sunday paper.


1. Comb store circulars and compare weekly specials to coupons you already have and save even more. Buy items on sale, combined with the coupon, and stock up. I don't have to buy paper towels for the next six months.

2. Buy in bulk. In my experience, BJ's wholesale club is the best. I purchase baby M's diapers, formula and baby purees there. I use BJ's in store coupons, in combination with manufacturer's coupons. Its very cost effective. For example. Just this past weekend, I purchased two containers of Similac Advance. I used three BJ's coupons, as well as two manufacturer coupons. That took a whopping....wait for it.... $23.00 off the bill! I kid you not. See the receipt attached. (It was raining on Saturday people-hence the crumpled look.



3. Expired manufacturer coupons? Don't throw them out! Send them to participating military bases where they will be honored up to six months after. Search online for addresses of participating bases.

4. Organize your coupons in a small pocket organizer. Sort by month, or shopping category. (groceries, household goods, cleaning supplies, baby etc)

5. Look online for coupons at sites like couponcabin.com and couponmom.com, which are updated often. Print coupons from several stores from this site: http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/2005/11/jc-penney-coupons.html


6. Wait until you have a few coupons for new ingredients before trying a recipe for the first time to avoid impulse shopping.

7. Have coupons you don't need? Get a basket in the 99 cent store, and fill it with them. Then drop it off at your baby's pediatrician. Others could use them. I bet you'll start a movement.

Happy Shopping! Happy saving!