Friday, November 26, 2010

How to Take a Break as a WAHM

As a work-at-home mom (WAHM), you have it harder than most people. You basically have to work two full-time jobs. You have your job that pays the bills, and your job as a mother. The most important thing to remember as a WAHM, is that you need to take time for yourself in order to keep your sanity. Even if the house is a mess and you are neck deep in work, without those little breaks all to yourself, you would literally have a meltdown. Here are some ideas about things to do during your WAHM breaks.

• Take a Walk: Going outdoors can be really good for your mood.
• Have a Bubble Bath: This one is a no-brainer because it is very relaxing and makes you feel refreshed when you are done.
• Read a Chapter in Your Favorite Book: Entertainment is always a great way to take a break. It makes you forget about the stresses of your life for a while so you can unwind.
• Shop Online: It can take too long to go to the store, and lugging the kids around is out of the question, so why not do some browsing online? Daily Deals can help you find some great discounts and you’ll have fun while you’re at it.
• Work on a Hobby: Whether it is sewing, knitting, scrapbooking or any other craft, a hobby is a great thing to do during a break because it will make you happy, which makes it easier to get through the day.
• Watch a Short TV Program: It might be mindless, but sometimes that what you need to relax so you can do the things you need to when the show is over.
• Take a Nap: Nothing is more refreshing and energizing than an afternoon nap. If your kids are resting, why not take a break yourself for a little snooze?

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Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving is one holiday where the entire holiday is centered on the food. This holiday is completely dependent on the tedious effort put into one meal. Although it is a holiday which is meant to express gratitude to god, harvest, friends, and family, it rarely is celebrated in its real form. It is only in Wikipedia where one can find the real meaning of the holiday. Being a home maker you will be expected to lay a huge spread that will have to dwarf at least three normal dinners combined. Hence it is important that you choose everything on the dinner table carefully and leave no stone unturned to please everyone on the table. You might have to go for a huge credit card debt to get the table really decked up or you can get payday loans since it is the end of the month.

Here are a few tips that every person preparing a thanksgiving treat should know. The whole process of preparing is extremely tedious, but if one fails to plan properly, it will only become impossible. Plan what you are going to cook. There are a large numbers of recipe books and online resources that can help you in deciding what recipes to cook for thanksgiving. Websites such as How2Heroes, The Food Network, Epicurious are some of the popular websites that have delicious thanksgiving recipes. Remember to decide a few days in advance and get all the ingredients. It is certain that a normal kitchen will not have the complete list of exotic spices required for many recipes. Also before cooking remember to calculate how much food is required. If it is too much, it will go to trash bins, if it is too little, it will lead to humiliation. Hence use online portion calculator to appropriately gauge the amount of food require for the guests and family members.

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Technology on a Budget

Technology seems to be advancing faster than I can keep up with it. It seems that every time I get something that I believe is the latest and greatest item, it really is something like 10 series behind what the current version is. With all the advancements in technology it can be hard to keep up with it and stay on budget. All the latest and greatest items cost hundreds of dollars and as a work at home mom I need to save every bit of money that I can.

Luckily, I have discovered a way to be able to imitate the latest technology without breaking the piggy bank. Here are some of the ways that I have received the latest technology without having to spend hundreds of dollars.

Internet Downloads. All of my friends and family members show me the latest backgrounds and ringtones that they have on their phone. A quick browse through my cell phone carrier's store showed that these range from .99 cents to $3 dollars. I found several dozen free ringtones that allowed me to have similar music to my friends and family but for a fraction of the cost!

Refurbished Phones. One of the most expensive aspects of being up on the latest technology is that of the phones. Phones can cost hundreds of dollars to purchase them new. I have purchased some of the latest phone styles at half the price by getting them refurbished or from resale. The only problem with refurbished phones is that they might not be covered under insurance policies or work as long as regular phones. However, if you change your phone out like I do you will be looking for a new phone in six months time anyways.

There is no reason a work at home mother can't keep up with the latest technology with these great tips.

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The Hormone Meltdown

Zero though six were a breeze. Your son and daughter both made it through the terrible twos without the terrible. Through grade school, there were ups and downs, especially fifth grade when they began to develop free thinking. Then the freshman year in high school hit. Your son went through it first. He became lippy and independent; you could have done without some of both but all in all he came out OK. At age 22 he graduated cum laude from college.

One day you were having coffee and a scone with your 14 year-old daughter. It was the usual chit chat and warmth you shared with her regularly. And then it happened - POW! Estrogen hit her brain. You actually got to watch it happen right there in front of everyone as she exploded. It was like seeing your computer go through a meltdown. You searched the hard drive (her conscience) to make sure the data was still there. Download drivers: check. Anti-virus software: check. And so you spent weeks looking at her from a distance, wondering if you could reformat her.

A year later, she is playing in two orchestras and has changed from being a democrat to a socialist. She has ten friends who are also going through melt down and yet she is finding time to get a 3.87 in school. When it is that time of the month, you leave the house for a week.

You wake up one morning with a grin on your face realizing her internal software is fine. She is still the girl you raised. Everything about her is the same. It’s just magnified. Your little girl is becoming a woman. She will survive. You’re just not sure if you will.

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Is a Debt Consolidation Service an Option?

Given the current economic times it is not surprising more people are turning to a debt consolidation service to help them reorganize their finances. Individuals can use these services to help them get a handle on their outstanding bills and allow them to put a new system in place to avoid future financial hardship. These debt consolidation services can help individuals get back on track financially. When searching for a debt consolidation service it is important to do some research regarding the reputation of the service. Searching the internet will certainly yield information and any complaints about the service being considered.

The number of debt consolidation services has grown astronomically in the last few years, likely in direct correlation to the increase in individuals in need of financial guidance. The debt consolidation services can help individuals to make arrangements with current creditors to reduce the debts owed and make payment arrangements that can be worked into a regular budget. The concept is that in time the debt will be paid off and the debtor will be saved from further fees and credit marks.

Many of the debt consolidation services claim to be able to reduce the debt amount by as much as 50 percent. Individuals should be cautious when working with a service and understand exactly what the terms of the service provided are. This is vital to ensuring that the repayment plan scheduled works to the individuals benefit and is acceptable. The last thing a debtor wants is to be locked into a payment plan that can not be managed with the current income. These services are a popular way for individuals to attempt to avoid such extreme actions as bankruptcy and if completed professionally can be a great way for debtors to clean off the slate and get a fresh start.

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Pull the Chopard Jewelry Out Again

When you are a work at home mom, you may find that you don't wear things like Chopard jewelry quite as much as you used to. Getting ready for work in the morning is a much simpler process now that you don't have to go into an office. In fact, many work at home moms end up working a good portion of their day in their pajamas. Though this can definitely help cut down on some stress, it can also, unfortunately, lead to bad habits.

In fact, many work at home or stay at home moms find themselves quickly sunk in a rut. Their daily routines become extremely easy. There's very little, if anything, to keep them up and going. In fact, many times this can lead to severe depression. Combining a lack of outside conversations with other adults, sitting at home most of the time working, and not taking the time and energy to keep yourself looking great can all contribute to a run down feeling. A lot of times, this run down feeling can and does lead to feeling down.

There are a few things that you can do to help combat this depression. First, taking time to change your daily routine is important. Instead of rolling out of bed and starting your day in your pajamas, start off with a shower and a clean set of nice clothes. If you are feeling up to it, put on a little bit of makeup. Even if you aren't going anywhere, it can help you feel better. Try to find a group of adults to interact with. Whether you join a book club, or even a parent's group, being able to talk with other adults on a regular basis is important. Another thing to do is to make sure you get yourself out of the house on a regular basis.

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Shopping for a Family Car

When it comes to toting around your precious cargo, it’s always important to get the safest and most reliable car on the market. Shopping for family cars can be overwhelming, but if you do your research and prepare features you’re looking for in your next car, you’re sure to drive off the lot satisfied with your purchase.

Consider how versatile you want your car to be. Families come in all different shapes and sizes, and family cars are starting to reflect that fact. Cars are becoming more and more adaptable. Today’s family cars can hold many passengers or add cargo space if needed, are capable of accommodating both adult and teen drivers and provide easy access to rear seats for families with young children.

If you need to satisfy many different types of needs, consider purchasing a crossover car. Crossovers ride like a car but provide more seating and storage than traditional cars do. They are also more fuel-efficient than SUVs and sit slightly higher than a car for improved visibility. Crossover cars include the Ford Edge or the Honda CR-V.

Determine what safety features you want. Families shopping for cars are most considered with the safety features. According to a survey by Ford Motor Company, nearly 70% of consumers want side airbags, and 65% care about electronic stability control. Before you begin shopping, it’s a good idea to evaluate what safety features you need and see what makes and models meet your needs.

Research the best family cars of 2009. Search online to determine what the highest-rated family cars were in 2009. Some of the best cars include the Chevy Suburban, which seats nine and has ample cargo room to spare. Volvo models are also included in that list—the Volvo XC90 is one of the safest cars in the world, loaded with the latest and greatest safety technology.

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Staying Organized and Working From Home

For many, working from home is a dream come true. It might seem like in working from home you'll have more spare time, but the reality is that you'll be as busy if not more busy, when your office is at home. This means that staying organized can be more difficult, especially if there are children in the home. Staying organized is imperative so that you get your work done and still have time to get the household chores done as well.

Making a list of what your priorities should be for each day will help you understand where your work and your house need to be separated. If you are working, you probably need to be keeping track of your hours so you can get paid. Keeping track of what hours you put in at work versus the time you put in on home chores can help you set some goals of keeping a home-based business. Setting these goals will allow you to get your work done while still having time to organize the pile of shoes.

When you get your work schedule and home schedule decided stick to it! When checking emails make sure you know if they are work or personal. The few minutes you spend checking personal emails throughout the day can really add up. Find the best time that will work for you to get your home-based business done. It will be easier if you stay on a schedule just like you would with a regular job. And be realistic with your hours. You know you are not going to put in 10 or 11 hour days. Control your work and don't let it control you.

No matter what kind of work you're doing at home, keeping your schedule organized will let you find the time to take care of both the house and business.

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The Importance of Prepaid Credit Cards for Homeowners

One of the primary negative features about current society is the fact that people often buy expensive items that they will eventually not be able to afford. The media and large manufacturers target these customers, influencing them to make large, expensive purchases.

The finances of a new homeowner and the debt they have just taken on are usually a source of stress and worry, seeing as they just have made a large, life changing purchase. This can cause a person to feel sad or depressed. Some people also end up in bankruptcy, either because they do not budget for their new mortgage or they have bad spending habits. One of the tools that can help to reduce debt and manage spending is prepaid credit cards.

As soon as homeowners apply for a prepaid credit card there is an adjustment in the way they manage money. These cards are generally intended for someone staying within their budget that needs a credit card for spending money, without taking out a loan that will appear on their credit file, or the mismanaged spending that can occur with normal credit cards. However, no matter what the need is, people today apply for a prepaid card because of the great advantages it can make in a person’s life. It is a pre-approved plastic card that delivers economic freedom. Even if your credit rating is pretty weak, you can start off with a prepaid card and build it up. Depending on the card, there may be a monthly fee to maintain the debit account, but it will much less than what you pay in interest on a traditional credit card.

Just like regular credit cards, a home owner or anyone else should definitely review the fees associated with the card and read the fine print to see if there are any fees or other stipulations to be aware of.

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Payday One and its Services

Since the year 2002, Payday One has been known as a reputed payday lender over the Internet. A subsidiary unit of the ThinkCash Inc., the company operates in Nevada, Delaware, and Texas. Payday One was started with a goal of providing quick and convenient payday loan processing, efficient customer service, and a feasible price.

Services Offered

The company’s website has an online loan application that can be filled in easily. Loan applications can also be submitted over the phone. In order to apply for a payday loan with Payday One, you should be a US citizen and at least 18 years old. You need to have an active checking account, an email address, and a regular source of income. As soon as you apply, you get the answer. The next business day, your account will be credited with the approved loan amount. More than this, Payday One helps its borrowers access their account anytime online. You get payment reminders with sufficient time to arrange for it. The payments can also be made online with a few clicks.

Favorable Features

The site is SSL secured and you can rest assured that your personal data passed onto this site is safe. It is also safe for online payment transactions, as it is secured with VeriSign and McAfee. There is a provision of great rate opportunity wherein you can locate a lower rate of interest from a similarly licensed online lender.

Need for Payday One

Payday loans are there in order to help you to avoid check bouncing, to pay for unexpected emergencies, and to pay bills on time. However, you have to obtain payday loans from a reliable payday lender, as otherwise you will end up paying more than you have bargained for. As Payday One is one of the most reliable lenders, many seek their help in acquiring payday loans to overcome their financial problems.

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Shopping for the Best Accessories

Accessories right now are some of the hottest pieces of fashion in the world, so there are many things to think about when shopping for the right accessories. Whenever accessories such as jewelry trinkets are on sale, they are quickly snatched up and are used by many people on a daily basis to add flair to their outfits. Therefore, it is beneficial to have the best accessories, and a wide variety of accessories on hand.

First of all, your new wardrobe will need certain accessories to help you maximize the look of it. These accessories include necklaces, bangles, earrings, scarves, hats, purses or handbags, bracelets, and rings. Before purchasing a multitude of accessories, it is recommended that you first stop and think of the various ways you will use them. For example, if you would like to go to a party, then an accessory that is not too plain and has a certain amount of style and color will have to be purchased.

If you are an avid traveler, either personally or professionally, then there are even more accessories that you will need to take with you. For one thing, the best accessories should have their own case to protect them and make sure they don’t get lost, as you travel either on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You can also get a fashionable and colorful case.

Someone who has just purchased an Apple Bottoms handbag will want to buy all of the best accessories to compliment it. Yet, even though the best accessories are very handy, allowing you to dress up a very plain outfit with just a nice pair of shoes or a handbag, their usage can be maximized by adding them to different outfits and for different occasions. This is truly the best use of an accessory. So, get your accessory on today!

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What's Your Black Friday Shopping Style

You Are an Online Deal Seeker

You are technologically savvy and extremely comfortable with online shopping.
When it comes to Black Friday, there's no other choice but to shop online. How else can you be at multiple stores at once?

Besides, you don't even have to leave your warm home to shop. You may have to get up early to get the best deals, but at least you can do it in your pj's.
You don't need the stress of crazy crowds and long lines. The sales are just as good online!

That's the perks of shopping online you can get the best deals conveniently in the comfort of your home.  Online shopping can get you to as many stores you want without getting pains on your feet and without waiting on long lines.  Discovering online shopping is one of the most convenient way I learned these past few years. Though I love online shopping I still maintain my frugay ways lol!

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