Moving Your Job from the Office to the Home

There are some people who work outside the home and love their jobs. But they wouldn’t mind moving it from the office 30 minutes away to the comforts and convenience of their own home. In fact, they may believe that they would be more efficient this way. Is it possible that you could sell your boss on the idea? You just might be able to but before you decide to bring it up, consider some of the following things. First, how long have you been working for the company? If you have been working there for less than a year, … Continue reading

Blog Networks, Part 2

I discussed yesterday that Blog Networks are a powerful tool for bloggers. A network will provide more exposure and opportunities for your blog. You will also gain learning opportunities and friendship from those in your network. Networks should be small in number so keep it around eight to ten bloggers. Too few bloggers and you will not have an impact but too many bloggers and the network will become overwhelming to manage. Think of a core group of individuals who are likeminded and share a passion to blog and to grow. That is the concept behind a network. Starting a … Continue reading

Incorporating Exercise into Your Holiday Shopping

We are in the final countdown to Christmas. Have you finished your holiday shopping? While it may not be in the forefront of your mind, how about incorporating a little bit of exercise into your shopping sprees? Here are some ideas to make this happen. As you go from store to store, park as far away as you can. Not only do you get in some extra walking but you will be closer to the exits and can get out of the parking lot faster. If you are shopping at the mall, take extra laps around. Skip the escalators and … Continue reading

Don’t Take It Out on Your Husband

Our family is a bit unique, in that my sister married my husband’s brother. So that means my sister is not only my sister but my sister-in-law. Confused? What this also means is that our families see each other a lot. We are so closely intertwined that it can be a blessing but it can also be a challenge. Take Thanksgiving…we have always had a rotation schedule. My sister and brother-in-law host Thanksgiving, while my family hosts Christmas. But this year, for reasons that don’t really matter, we are getting the task of hosting both. The pressure I feel in … Continue reading

Make Your Own Albums

Tis the season to stock up on memory books. Right now Kohl’s is having a huge sale on its scrapbooks. What’s more, you can combine the $10 in-store or online savings card with the reduced price in order to score a ton of albums without draining your wallet. Purchasing empty scrapbooks is one of the costliest parts of the hobby, which is why I try to buy in bulk whenever they are on sale. Still, there are even cheaper ways to get the albums you need to scrap. A growing trend among avid scrappers is to invest in personal binding … Continue reading

One Strategy For Taming Your Household Grocery Bill

If you are looking for ways to trim your household budget, it might be easiest to start with flexible categories of spending, where you do not spend the exact same amount of money each month. Food is one area of the family budget that is flexible, and also an area that you can improve upon by implementing simple changes. Don’t worry, I am not about to suggest that you eat less, or that you only eat cheap food. I am a foodie, and I know that a “good deal” means more than just the price per pound, it means getting … Continue reading

Taking Picture-Perfect Holiday Shots of Your Baby

If you have a newborn to show off this holiday season, then featuring him on the front of your Christmas card is a no brainer. The trick is finding a way to snap the perfect shot of your pride and joy. When working with a young photo subject, keep the following tips in mind: Lighting: Proper lighting is the key to great baby pictures. Natural light is the best way to illuminate your baby. Don’t rely on your camera’s flash. When you shoot with a flash, you diminish the depth of your baby’s features. To capture your infant in the … Continue reading

Flexible Spending Account Check Up

Now is the time to address your health care flexible spending account (FSA) for a couple of reasons. You don’t want to wind up losing money or affecting your health. What is a flexible spending account (FSA)? A flexible spending account (FSA) is a financial account that has great tax benefits. Set up through your employer, the account offers a way to set aside a portion of your income, tax free. This money can be used throughout the coming year to pay for health related expenses that you might incur. It is a great way to pay for medical expenses … Continue reading

Teaching Flexibility to a Child Who Resists Change

Children with autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disorders, and Sensory Integration Disorders often develop rigid thinking. They want certain things done at a certain times, in a certain order, and in a certain way. Otherwise, a tantrum ensues. That’s because these special kids often feel a loss of control over important aspects of their lives. What is normal and routine for the rest of us can be difficult and frustrating for them. Imagine having your body respond clumsily when you’re trying to do work or play. Or imagine being dragged from place to place by a parent and not having the … Continue reading

Managing Your Stockpile 2

Do you have a well-organized stockpile? It doesn’t take too much effort to maintain a stockpile if you know a few tips. Yesterday, I started talking about how to manage your stockpile and avoid waste. Now, let us continue with the tips, including some recipe secrets. When you have a stockpile, it is important to be flexible enough to adapt when there are dietary or taste changes. For example, my husband used to take lunch meat as his lunch to work almost every day. Now he prefers soup. So, I have a couple of jars of mayo and salad dressing … Continue reading