Why should we Budget?

 

The numbers wont lie .......

Do you want to continue managing the finances so that you are checking the calender daily and hoping for pay day? Or do you want to develop the dicipline of avoiding debt and eventual chaos? It is very important that we focus on budgeting to prevent such a challennge in our lives.

Many of us may understand what being broke or cash strapped is like ...it is that temporary feeling until our salary gets to the account. I want to recommend that we make some changes to this and really pay attention to the budget.

What does a budget provide?

• a sense of control over your spending;
• an organized view of income vs. expenses;
• a framework within which to operate;
• improved awareness of the flow of your money during the month; and a
• method for achieving your financial goals

A budget is NOT:

• a straightjacket keeping you from spending the way you really want
• a plan you make and never look at again
• impractical
• unachievable
• a pain in the butt

Here's to crunching those numbers with no stress !!!

Every dollar counts

The Monthly Balance Sheet

With her notepad in hand and the monthly budget to get done, a mother's job is constant. We have to remember all the bills that need to be paid , grocery shopping , the school supplies and month end school projects that the children must hand in at the end of the school term.

It's really important to focus only on the essential items that are needed.  Difficult economic times have lead to many of us having to adjust our spending habits , reduce participation in social events and generally a greater appreciation for the NEEDS/ WANTS rule.

We deserve some occasional fun but must remember . every dollar counts!!!

Having a budget is a giant step toward building discipline into your spending!

Fashionista Mom.

How should mummy's dress up?

As a mother all eyes are on us. We do not get an opportunity to drop the ball and dress like our teenage daughter,  heading to the mall or club with friends . As ladies we must take on the responsibilty of setting examples ,and be  a role model to young ladies in our homes and those around us.

Dressing your age is important . Keeping up with the fashion trends and what's in may be possible but not always appropriate. Remember you might be the one lady in your neighborhood that the young ones might be looking up to. Keep dressing your age means feeling comfortable in your own skin and working with what you've got."

What not to wear ....

End of year Functions and Dinner Parties

It's that time of the year again. The time when us ladies are preparing for the December events on the office calender. It may simply be the end of year event that says dress code .....elegantly casual, or formal for the department gathering.

I have seen some folks take this description to a new level or just missed it entirely...so here are a few pointers on how this can be followed.

 

It's surprising, but true: People really do need reminders about how to dress appropriately when they mix business with pleasure. This is particularly the case if you're a new employee or a manager trying to put your best face forward at a holiday office party this year.

The key word in 'holiday office party' is 'office,'", It's still an office function and you are still an ambassador of your company." Here's to an enjoyable office event ! Dress nicely .

What's for Lunch?

Moms should eat healthy too....

Choices for Lunch?? Are there many?

So you have taken on the task of choosing to eat healthy. This healthy plan must now include a healthy breakfast , along with a healthy lunch. But after you had that pretty light breakfast that included a fruit and smoothie ....now a light lunch no way! Oh the struggle.

Ladies today we will take on the challenge together with some suggested lunch ideas for both the children and for you to incorporate into those busy days.. These ideas are quick, easy and most important they are healthy .

 Good Lunch eating !!!

Entertainment

Keeping ourselves in the know

A great show or restaurant  hopping should definitely be on the agenda after those long work weeks that go by . I am always happy to catch up on a good soap opera or even go to the mall. Some things to do.....

1. Grab some popcorn and have a movie marathon.

There's something about a movie and popcorn that just never loses its charm. Find movies that you enjoy and just forget about the rest of the world for a couple of hours.


2. Go on a shopping spree!!

There's no real  entertainment like retail therapy or shopping for all that you want and really may not need (lol). But life is too short so we must have fun.

3. Head out for some heavy duty pampering at a spa.

Let's face it, you could use a good massage. Take this opportunity to de-stress and unwind after a long day or week. You know what they say, you're worth it and we sure are!!

Hobbies and Activities

Fun activities with the Family

Family Fun !!!

To keep the young ones entertained and having great fun , parents should get creative . Those vibrant minds must be entertained . Some interesting ideas such as cooking, outdoor trips, and baking etc...

• The little miss or mr would be happy to get those hands busy baking bread and cupcakes.
• You can create family potraits from photos in the album, the children will get a chance to look over old pictures and capture great memories.
• A trip to the zoo and a movie can be another exciting event too.

These types of activities really help with bonding and building stronger relationships as a family unit.

Hobbies and Activities

Fun activities with the Family

Family Fun !!!

To keep the young ones entertained and having great fun , parents should get creative . Those vibrant minds must be entertained . Some interesting ideas such as cooking, outdoor trips, and baking etc...

• The little miss or mr would be happy to get those hands busy baking bread and cupcakes.
• You can create family potraits from photos in the album, the children will get a chance to look over old pictures and capture great memories.
• A trip to the zoo and a movie can be another exciting event too.

These types of activities really help with bonding and building stronger relationships as a family unit.

Family Finances

Balancing the numbers

As part of the daily routine mothers become the accountants in most families, they aim to balance the finances of the household. This has become necessary as difficult economic times have continued to increase the cost of living in our society today.

Families should follow some guidelines like

1. Drawing up a budget and following it.
2. Pay attention to purchasing items that are needs and not wants
3. Reduce credit card and online purchases
4. No impulse buying, make detailed lists of purchases and stay with them.

With talks of recessionary periods that may follow it is a good idea to increase savings and reduce spending.

Lets be wise mummy's .....

Dieting

For the busy ladies us aunts, mothers and just girlfriends coming together for that biggest loser challenge makes the journey easy. The start is usually the hardest part of the task. As a part of the task proper planning must take place.

Some tips for the hectic days ahead.

1. Schedule your workouts
2. Become a morning exerciser
3. Track calories
4. Plan and pack lunches
5. Keep healthy breakfast foods at work

Remember the journey may begin with pain and difficulty but it will be worth it in the end

The eating healthy challenge

The healthy plate

I have learnt over time that a healthy plate creates a happy body. When you take charge over , what and how much goes in your body your are rewarded with a great feeling. No more misery , no more stuffed .

Another advantage to portion control is that it helps ,control your calorie intake with little thought. One of my goals this year is to lose those pounds by following portion control and choosing real foods.

Should all mothers get to work from home?

Social Life

With just three months leave that goes by really quick , I am in support of working mothers , who can do their jobs while at home. Send us the updates and email correspondence, The deadlines for the projects . It can include occasional presentations but the hours from the home office will definitely be more than those at the company meeting room.

Too busy to eat healthy

Health and Fitness

Its called fast food ; its quick and easy to grab on the go.  So many mothers can admit there are those days when cooking is  just not going to happen. We grab whatever is availbale with little focus on the calorie content . The entire family , those picky eaters who cant cook but make so many demands.  Mummy pizza , burgers you name it they want it. Right there and then we forget about the salads and the shake. Just not happening today.  Pay attention to the fats and oils it should not be overdone . The results can only lead to obesity, and other major health challenges. 

Move More , Sit Less

Health and Fitness


Many of us do a lot more sitting at our desks, in our cars and so much more on that living room couch with the TV remote. It's more convenient to drive or send an email from the comfort of the office many will agree.  Lets begin walking out to pick up lunch or dropping of those documents to the Supervisor . The staircase should not be used in case of emergencies only, the cardio is going to be worth it , oh and the calorie burn! . Try it today.

Fitness for busy mothers

Health and fitness

Many parents today particulary mothers , continue to struggle to incorporate an exercise schedule into their busy lives. After the regular 8-4pm , after school pick up , homework, food preparation and the list of chores. Getting time to workout becomes difficult.  It is recommended however that time is made to engage in at a least 30- 45 minutes routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Without exercise we are putting ourselves at risk to develop diseases that are really born from our lifestyle. So keeping healthy ladies . We can do this !

Children and Video Games

                                           
                        Video Game Dicipline

Its important for parents to remember that the world is becoming digital and the video games, tablets and computers are consuming our children, Just how much is too many hours of gaming time? While it may keep the little ones quiet and sometimes focused. There should be limitations as to what is an acceptable amount of hours of playtime. Those Friday's when they ask to stay up later because its the weekend.  As parents we must set boundaries to keep our children diciplined.

Fashionable mummy

 Dressing the Part


With today's hectic lifetstyle getting dressed up can be more of a task than the norm. The latest craze , those lovely pumps on clearance.... As women we need to find time to get dressed up and  get out of the house. Window shopping or a four hour shopping trip to the mall is just what a busy mother needs ...Retail Therapy . The best medicine. A busy life sometimes result in women settling for whats easily available or convenient. Its time to treat yourselves to a quarterly shopping trip and keep ourselves healthy.

Managing kids and the home

Work Life and Balance


Hi folks, welcome to the untold stories of a working mother , who has to remain in sound mind while juggling everyday with responsibilities such as work, school and family. She is called upon to take on many tasks with no break times and rest periods. We salute you ladies that find time to where all the hats . While it is a daily challenge the rewards and benefits of the sacrifice will pay off.

Mummy wants to jet away

Enjoying a "real" holiday



Today I sat down and wondered how can I enjoy a real vacation? Was that even possible. Our trip to the Universal Studios in October 2015 was really wonderful. This year I wanted something simple , simple like ...... can a babysitter come along and be part of the fun ? So that I could really get pampared and relax and enjoy every moment. Oh back to reality ...No! not until these little men (my sons) grow older.

Life happens and we just need to enjoy the moments we get . That long awaited, did I say well deserved vacation will be coming up soon.

Assignment Schedule

That moment when you have to decide whether to do house chores, organise the children or get started on that Literature review that is due in a few days......How do you decide  which one can take a back seat and the other becomes priority?