Back to School Events – always for the kids and college students, but what about the Moms left behind?
It’s that time of year again! The kids are going back to school and the parents are getting ready for a new routine. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or returning for another year of high school, there are a few things you can do to help them (and yourself) transition back into the school routine. This can be a challenging time for both parents and children. But it doesn’t have to be!
Don’t get me wrong, this is my 4th year doing back to school but my first where both girls didn’t stay home with me at least one day.
And quite frankly, I’m pretty bored.
I thought I’d have plenty of time to get all the things done, but I don’t have motivation.
I’d rather do nothing and spend all my time worrying about leaving my littlest teary eyed at drop off.
So, I’ve created a list of my top things to help us mamas (and dads because I’ve seen quite a few in the same position as me) get back on track with this back to school madness.
Because that’s really what it is. It’s just as much an adjustment for us as it is for our children, whatever the age.
Back to School Solutions for Parents
The first step in getting back into routine is coffee and/or mushroom coffee. When I say coffee, I’m not talking any coffee, I’m talking a really good one that doesn’t leave an impact on the environment for said kids. The same kids who are no longer attached to your every move at least 8 hours a day.
Woken Coffee to be exact.
The pods are biodegradable and work perfectly in an espresso machine. I love that the Vanilla flavor doesn’t resemble Espresso too much that I can still enjoy it like a morning coffee rather than an afternoon treat with dessert!
While we are talking about food, find yourself a few new favorite places that you take yourself, by yourself. I have spots that the kids and I go to together and other spots that only Steve and I visit. And then there are spots that are completely separate we visit as a family.
I’m talking about a pretty little spot that you always wished you could go to with your girlfriends or guy friends and spend hours on end and not miss a second because your attention isn’t divided trying to attend to your kiddos.
Basically, I’m talking about places you’d love to spend all the time in the world at, but can’t because you always get rushed when there, or can’t go because it isn’t something that anyone else would go with you.
Another thing, get yourself some snacks you can keep at home that only you get to enjoy. They can be healthy or an indulgent option. I love the treats I found from Sugarfina. They sell them at Nordstrom, have a location at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and online. (The coffee gummy bears and the cocktail line are a must!)
Next thing on the list is trying things you haven’t ever had the chance to do before.
Things like shopping by yourself (y’all know about the mindless wanders down Target’s isles); getting a blow out (The Drybar is a Gamechanger!); having a waxing treatment that you’ve never tried before (Lunchbox Wax is a great one here in the valley); or try out some new beauty products (big fan of Ulta or Sephora for this!). You can take them home and try them. I found a few products online that I love from Silk Therapeutics to help my eyes not feel (actually look) so tired and a Vitamin C serum to help restore my skin for an extra treat.
Many don’t associate eating better or fitness until the New Year. I like to start this when school starts as it feels like a new year. My favorite workout lately has been spin and I love love love The Madison Scottsdale!
Steve and I have been drinking celery juice each morning to help us get on a more healthy trend in all areas. The Medical Medium protocol is my next step to completely get on the healthy trend! And I’m not just talking my physical health, I’m also talking about my mental health.
When you go to the grocery store or farmers market, grab yourself some fresh flowers.
I always grab a few different kinds to make my own bouquet but you can buy one that’s pre-made for you. I love Trader Joe’s because they are so affordable and have such a good selection to make my own but Costco, Walmart, and Kroger stores have great pre-made selections.
These are a few ideas I’m going to try to get back into a back to school routine. Don’t think if you don’t have kids, you can’t do these. The tips and ideas above can apply to anyone in a rut or having a hard time getting adjusted again. Here are some of the other ideas now that we are post COVID-19 to help stay relevant in the conversation.
While the school system has been through a lot of changes over the past year, one thing remains the same: the importance of a child’s education. As a parent, you play an essential role in your child’s education. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the school year:
– Get involved in your child’s education. Attend school functions, meet with their teachers, and help with homework when needed. Your involvement will show your child that you value their education and sets them up for success.
– Stay up to date on school announcements and events. Check the school website or sign up for the school’s email list to ensure you don’t miss important information.
– Create a routine and stick to it. A consistent routine will help your child know what to expect each day and make the transition back to school easier.
– Be supportive and positive. This is a big adjustment for your child and they may be feeling nervous or anxious. A positive attitude from you will go a long way in helping them feel confident and ready to take on the new school year.
The Washington Post has some great tips for parents as the back-to-school season begins. One piece of advice is to make sure that your young people have plenty of time to adjust to the new school year. This means getting them involved in a child care program or another activity that will help them ease back into a routine. It’s also important to be flexible and understand that your child may need some extra time and attention during this transition. In addition, it’s helpful to talk to other parents and family members about their experiences with back-to-school. By sharing information and advice, you can help make the process smoother for everyone involved.
The transition back to school for parents can be difficult, especially for working parents. The coronavirus pandemic has made it even more difficult for parents to juggle their work and home responsibilities. Here are some tips for parents to help make the transition back to school a little easier.
First, try to establish a routine for yourself and your family. Having a set schedule will help everyone know what to expect and when things need to get done. Secondly, take some time for yourself. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, find time to do something that you enjoy. This will help you relax and recharge so that you can better handle the challenges of parenting.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with your child’s school district. If you’re unsure of where your child’s school is located or what the school day schedule looks like, don’t hesitate to reach out to the district office or your child’s teacher. It’s also a good idea to review the list of supplies your child will need for the year. While most schools provide basic supplies like pencils and paper, there may be some specific items that are needed for your child’s grade or class.
Finally, reach out to other parents for support. There are likely many other parents in your situation and they can be a great resource for advice and support.
If I forgotten anything on this list, or if you have other ideas, I’d love for you to leave me a comment and share with others in our community!
2020 was a super confusing year for Pinterest users. With all the new updates and fuss around the pinning method; we were forced to try out different pinning strategies.
We cannot deny the fact that most of the bloggers get their traffic from Pinterest and hence it’s necessary to stay up to date with all the changes that Pinterest brings in.
According to the new algorithm, Pinterest made it clear that they will be favoring the fresh pins over the re-pins. However, there was also a buzz about manual pinning getting a higher reach than the scheduled pins. After seeing so much discussion about manual pinning in blogging groups, I thought of giving it a try.
Now, remember, manual pinning takes more time than scheduled pins but it indeed is worth all your time.
The Manual Pinning Strategy that Works
What exactly is manual pinning?
Manual pinning means you’re directly pinning blogger’s pins from their blogs using the social sharing options or pinning your own content through the Pinterest app either from your phone or computer.
Pinterest loves it when the users are active on the app and manual pinning enables users to be live on the app.
Now that we’re clear about manual pinning; let’s learn more about schedule pinning.
What is scheduled pinning?
Scheduled pinning is when you use a third-party service or another platform to schedule your Pinterest pins. The Pinterest scheduler allows you to pin content at a specific time without you being always online on the platform.
You can schedule your pins through various schedulers like Tailwind, Buffer, or Hootsuite. However, Tailwind is an approved Pinterest partner so it’s better to schedule your pins via Tailwind scheduler.
The theory behind manual pinning:
You might have heard many success stories about manual pinning and it indeed gives an algorithm boost. However, different people experience the effect of manual pinning in a different way.
The best thing about manual pinning is that it lets you spend more time on the app which Pinterest loves and thus it boosts your engagement.
However, you should also be very particular about your pinning times. Check your Google Analytics to know when your users are most active and pin accordingly. It’s literally a waste of time if you’re pinning at odd hours. Further, make sure that you’re pinning to the relevant board only.
Is manual pinning worth your time?
You would be shocked if I told you that manual pinning actually takes less time than using a third-party scheduler.
I highly suggest having a Google spreadsheet or use Airtable to have easy access to all the pinning data. Write your pin titles and description using keywords and you can just copy, paste them for later use. This actually saves so much of your time.
Some bloggers prefer doing both, they maintain a balance of manual pinning as well as of the scheduled one. However, this will not only cost you more but will also end up eating your time.
Will manual pinning strategy work for you?
To be brutally honest, you can never know which strategy works best for you without implementing it in the first place. Besides, you also need to be consistent with your pinning strategy for it takes time for Pinterest to rank your pins.
However, if you’re following all the mentioned tips and pinning at peak time; I’m sure you will get more traction using manual pinning.
In the end, Pinterest can totally skyrocket your blog traffic if used with the proper strategy. I hope that this piece helped you decide whether manual pinning is worth all the buzz. If you’re implementing this strategy, I would love to know the end results.
There’s no doubt about it that this year has been different from the rest. We are all stuck in lockdown and chaos amidst the Covid 19 situation. Our professional lives are suffering because of that and our romantic lives as well (at least to some extent). We cannot go out to discover the town or for fancy dinners, and enjoy our partner’s company. Even after the chaos settles, we may not be able to go out and do things like before.
As much as we hate this, we cannot help but accept it is necessary to stay low when there’s a pandemic outside. But who says you cannot have your dates right from the comfort of your homes?
You definitely can. Thank us later, because we are here with plenty of ideas for you to enjoy your dates like nothing has changed.
10 Romantic at-home Date Night Ideas
1. Have a movie night
What sounds like a perfect combo is a romantic movie and your beloved. If you cannot go out for movies, you can very well create a theatre right at your home with the help of a portable projector. You can also use a laptop if you cannot acquire a projector.
While you are at it, set up an ambiance, decorate the room with dim lights, cook delicious food, and cuddle up for a romantic movie marathon.
2. Have a game night
This is the best alternative if you want to make your dates both romantic and fun. Just get the table ready with your favorite games, be it poker or any other board games that you both like to play.
3. Wine and dine
Or perhaps you can just go simple and classy by having an at-home dinner with a glass of wine. To make it even more romantic, you can try and cook for each other.
Once again, you can set the ambiance accordingly, by adding in some dim lights, playing some romantic tracks, and lighting candles, all that you think can make your date perfect.
4. Karaoke nights
If you are a bad singer, don’t be afraid; just be assured that any relationship is incomplete without your partner listening to your bad, off-pitched singing voice. That is the fun right there.
You can set up a karaoke night for yourself, sing at the top of your voice, jam on your favorite songs, and laugh your ass off later.
5. Cook together
Using the three words to describe your feelings is just too mainstream. Ever thought of doing so the other way? Perhaps by cooking your partner’s favorite food or just cooking together? If you haven’t yet. Please do. Let your relationship be tasty as the food you will cook.
6. Have a dance-off
They were right when they said that we are the happiest when we dance. Well then imagine, dancing with the person who makes you happy? What will it look like – double happiness? Yes, why not!
So, both of you, get in your dancing shoes, be your craziest self, and dance like no one’s watching.
7. Simply watch the stars from your terrace or backyard
Imagine just laying and doing nothing but watching the stars holding each other’s hands. Feels so magical! No wonder why they do it in all the rom-coms. It’s just so romantic.
8. Paint together
Your special someone is the one with whom you can act like a kid, and they won’t judge you, but be all in. So, go get hold of your painting brushes, and paint canvases, or each other’s faces, have all the fun you can.
9. Read a book together
You might have watched a movie together, but have you ever read a book together? It’s just so uncommon that your partner will never anticipate it, and enjoy it at the same time if they are an avid reader.
If you find it hard to read through one book, you can consider switching to an audiobook instead.
10. Video games
Board games and video games are not the same. Video games deserve a different mention because they are addictive and fun at the same time. Just switch on the play-station, and be ready for a game battle.
Well, that’s it. I hope we helped you create a perfect date night right from the comfort of your homes. So just snuggle up, in the warm blankets (or not) and have one of the most beautiful nights of your life.
Have some ideas to share! Great, we are all ears. Feel free to drop them in the comments section.
Becoming a mother is life-altering in more ways than a woman can imagine. You find yourself swept up in the bustle and beauty of raising your kid(s), and it is a rewarding journey indeed. However, with motherhood comes so many difficult responsibilities, and somewhere between all the dirty diapers and the homework help, it’s easy for a busy mom to start losing parts of her identity slowly until the only identity she has is that of a mom.
And yes, it takes great perseverance and patience to be a mom. But, it’s not necessary that just because you are a mom, you cannot be anything else. Motherhood is a big part of your identity, but not the entirety of it. There is a life waiting for you outside motherhood. And you are only killing your own dreams and desires by depriving yourself of them.
You have to realize, you are a talented, hard-working woman who has dreams of her own, interests of her own, and you need to nurture that part of you as well. After all, you cannot be a good mother if you cannot set an example for your child on how important it is to love yourself.
Carving out a part of your world outside motherhood is something you owe to yourself. It’s time to stop neglecting the inner you and start showering her with love instead. Here are a few pointers on how you can find yourself beyond the identity of a mother.
How to have a Life of your own Beyond Motherhood
1) Spend some time with your friends instead of being cooped up in the house all day with the kids
It is so important to have some time when you can socialize with people of your own age and interests. You are allowed to have dinner with a friend or two once a week, to rejuvenate and recharge yourself. Not just an emotional vent, but being around people who share the same interests and life goals as you also helps you find your inspiration once more.
2) Be content with what you have while also striving for improvement
Life is a paradox of being satisfied with what you have while also working for more. And the key to mastering that balance is to stop comparing yourself with others, or your past self. Yes, there can be a genius mom who is also a business mogul, but if that’s not you, it’s still fine. You have your own talents, and you should focus on how you can nurture them while still being fair to your kids.
3) Learn the language of self-care
This is probably the most important and most neglected aspect. You need to take care of yourself while also taking care of your children, because if you don’t, there will come a time when you will burn out, and that’s neither good for you nor your kids.
So, consider having a day for pampering yourself while your hubby looks after the kids. Make sure that you are just as looked after as your children.
4) Alone time is important
Just like spending time with your friends is a way of recharging yourself, spending some time on your own is a way of realizing what you want from life in the long run. It can be just those fifteen extra minutes when you wake up in the morning, but it needs to be maintained regularly.
5) Remember what your lust for life was
Often, you get so swept up in family life that everything in your life becomes family-related. You forget where your passions lay as a youth, along with your hobbies, and your interests. It’s time you dust the cobwebs off and start engaging in an old hobby or find a new one to keep you motivated and happy beyond motherhood.
Being a mom is no piece of cake. But, it’s important not to lose your sense of self in the process of becoming a good mother. Your children learn from you, and the onus is on you to set an example for them on how to love yourself and work on your dreams while also being a successful mother and a wife. If you were lost, let this be your wake-up call. It’s time for you to carve your identity beyond motherhood.
At the end of the day, we desire a financial standing. But for those of us with limited income, it’s extremely difficult. So, what do we do? We begin saving a little. We skip buying a bit costly yet nutritious groceries, turn off the ACs and sweat, go walking or biking long distances, and buy cheaper bread. But the thing is, you are doing nothing but torturing yourself by making drastic changes, and on top of it you are not even saving significantly.
I say, change your approach. In fact, money-saving does not necessarily involve drastically changing lifestyles. However, you have to be slow and steady and make small changes to collectively make big changes in the end.
If you don’t know where to start, here are some tips.
How to live frugally in 2021
50 simple frugal living tips that work
Make shopping lists. Make sure you stick with them and do not go buying something that is not on the list.
Look for cheaper brands for every product you use. (Collectively it will make difference)
Is it cool outside? Great, open your windows, turn off your AC to save on electricity.
Use coupons and schemes that help you save more.
Pack your lunch, don’t eat out.
Opt for homemade meals even on weekends.
Draw yourself a budget and operate on that.
Buy in bulk if you find money-saving deals.
Look for second-hand products.
Walk short distances, or cycle your way there. But do not take cars for short distances.
Plant your own vegetable garden.
Create a zero-waste week (Save the environment while saving money)
Always check on Amazon before you go buy something at an offline store. In fact, you can get things at a very low price on Amazon.
Do not buy bottled water. Take your own water bottle and fill it wherever you can. My go to is my Hydro flask – durable and also keeps the liquid nice and cold!
Go for homemade cookies, jams, and bread.
Set no-shopping months to control your expenses and shopping instincts.
Do not do window shopping, even on shopping apps. If you have to pass your time, read some books instead.
Borrow and wear. Have a party to attend this Saturday? Cool, instead of buying a new dress. Consider borrowing it from a friend. Another way to get new outfits each month is to use a service like Fashion Pass. In fact, they are my favorite for borrowing outfits and returning unlimited each month! Use my code AJ4W to also save on your order!
Differentiate between what you want and what you need. Buying what you need, would help you save money.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances to save your bills.
Downsize and then shift to a smaller house that fits your family. (When you can save on rent, don’t think twice)
Be self-reliant. Have a tap to fix? A bulb to change? Don’t hire help, learn these basic skills.
Cut the cable, instead invest in subscriptions.
Go for handmade gifts. They save money and express your feelings best. In fact, our favorite way to do birthday cards is have the girls make them for people.
Look for free community classes. The local library usually has great resources!
Opt for automated saving.
Create an emergency reserve to practice risk management right at home.
Invest your extra money in equity. We’ve done well with stocks and real estate! But it does take a little time to learn and perfect. But once you get it, it’s so helpful!
Go side-hustling to make additional income.
Sell your clutter for cash.
Invite your friends for get-togethers instead of going out for lavish dinners.
Cut your gym membership and then invest your energy in equally effective home workouts.
Program your thermostats optimally. Our favorite ones to use and program are the Google Nest theromostats. We also use them in our own home as well as our short term rentals!
Stop using your credit cards.
Buy second-hand goods.
Opt for line drying your clothes, it saves electricity.
Make use of local libraries.
Lend books instead of buying new ones, this helps you also cut down on the clutter in your home.
Avoid wastage of resources to cut out on your electricity bills.
Use online wallet services to get cashback, discounts, and offers.
Family outings? Visit places that don’t cost a thing. For instance, a picnic near the lake, or even camping.
Embrace minimalism.
Consume leftovers if they are not stale.
Always bargain.
Get a free hobby.
Go for e-newspapers
Do thorough research before buying anything.
Go for DIY tricks.
Recycle and Reuse.
Go for homemade remedies.
That’s all from my side. So I hope these tips help you to live frugally. Start today, and then save for a better future.
Hey there! How do you save money? Have some tips that you want to share? Then feel free to drop them in the comments below.
to enjoy. They can be healthy or an indulgent option. I love the treats I found from Sugarfina. They sell them at Nordstrom, have a location at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and online. (The coffee gummy bears and the cocktail line are a must!)
to schedule your Pinterest pins. The Pinterest scheduler allows you to pin content at a specific time without you being always online on the platform.
manual pinning as well as of the scheduled one. However, this will not only cost you more but will also end up eating your time.
because you are a mom, you cannot be anything else. Motherhood is a big part of your identity, but not the entirety of it. There is a life waiting for you outside motherhood. And you are only killing your own dreams and desires by depriving yourself of them.
and interests. You are allowed to have dinner with a friend or two once a week, to rejuvenate and recharge yourself. Not just an emotional vent, but being around people who share the same interests and life goals as you also helps you 
yourself while also taking care of your children, because if you don’t, there will come a time when you will burn out, and that’s neither good for you nor your kids.
You forget where your passions lay as a youth, along with your hobbies, and your interests. It’s time you dust the cobwebs off and start engaging in an old hobby or find a new one to keep you motivated and happy beyond motherhood.
have to be slow and steady and make small changes to collectively make big changes in the end.
Recent Comments