Make Time for Yourself

Make sure to schedule time for yourself everyday. I like to set my alarm 40 mins before the kids get up so I have time for my morning meditation, a cup of coffee and a chance to read the paper before I have to take off running. Mornings can be especially hectic so if you start off relaxed it just seems to make things go smoother. You can take time whenever it fits into your schedule and do whatever relaxes you, but make sure you get that time to yourself. Remember "If Mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy." This saying is truer that you may realize. Your children (and husband) can pick up on your mood and will generally reflect it. So make suring they are reflecting a calm demeanor and you'll all be happier for it.

Learn to say "No"

Do you find yourself running around daily doing things others have asked of you? Do you run out of time for the things you want to do? You may need to learn the art of saying "No." Most of us feel obligated to do things simply because we have been asked and we feel guilty if we don't. However, this is an unhealthy expectation of ourselves and can lead to feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Learn to establish personal boundaries and say "no" to things that are not in line with your personal goals and priorities.

Set Your Office Hours

If you are working from home it is essential that you set specific hours that you work. Let your family know your schedule and ask that they not disturb you during that time if possible. Be sure to schedule breaks -- not just to play with your kids, it's also a great time to throw on a load of laundry or vacuum a room. Get fully dressed before you start work for the day (this actually helps you stay focused and accomplish more.) Stay on task during our office hours but also quit when it's time. It is important to set boundaries both for your family and yourself.

Can You Get Unemployment?

Some states pay unemployment to individuals who elect to quit their jobs and stay at home with their child. Check with your state´s website for more information on the programs you might be able to take advantage of.

Drugless Cure For Insomnia

Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you lie awake at night thinking of all the things you didn't get done that day or need to do tomorrow? Try this tip: Get a journal or notebook and keep it by your bed. Whenever you can't get to sleep pull out your journal or notebook and turn to a clean page. On the front of the page make a list of all the things you accomplished that day then turn the page over and make a list 10-20 things you need to accomplish - tomorrow, next week, next month, next year- it doesn't matter just jot down whatever comes to your mind. On the back of the page write 10-20 things you accomplished that day, make sure you write at least 10 things. These can be as simple as cooked dinner, went to work, etc. or as complex as tackling your closet. Once you've made your lists this should set your mind at ease and you should be able to rest.

5 Tips to a Stress-Less Morning

1. Set your coffeemaker to start brewing about 10 mins before your alarm is set to go off. The aroma itself can help wake you up.

2. Set clothes out the night before. Teach your children to do this for themselves; it may take a week of prompting for them to remember but they'll get the hang of it.)

3. Make lunches ahead of time.

4. Put alarm clocks in your childrens' rooms. Teach them early to get themselves up and dressed.

5. Shower at night. Use a spray bottle if you need to wet your hair to style it.

Fingerprint Prevention

Apply spray starch to doors and to painted walls along hallways and stairways where fingerprints accumulate. The coating will resist marks better.

Make your own individual bags

Buying snacks like chips and pretzels in individual servings costs much more than the large bags. Try this money saving tip - buy the larger bags and when you have a few minutes, make a bunch of individual servings for lunches or on the go snacks. It won´t take long, but you will save a lot!!

N.B. This also works great for salad. I make individual salad bags making it easy to include a salad in a lunch or pull out how many you need for dinner. The salad lasts longer in individual servings than in one larger container.

Water & Ice To Go

Fill an empty soda bottle about 3/4 full with water, freeze it, and use in picnic cooler or backpack for your outings. You can drink the water when it melts, and you can use the empty bottle to get more water at a fountain or faucet.

Mom! I´m Bored! - Solve Summer Boredom

Create an activity jar. On a blank sheet of paper (or a word doc) make two lists side by side, one of fun activities the other chores the kids can do. Cut this list into strips of paper and put them all in a jar. Next time one of the kids says they are bored have them draw an activity out of the jar and do it. Make sure you have the same number of fun activities as you do chores to keep it fun.

Organize Condiment Packets

If you have a drawer or jar full of individual condiment packets you probably have to dig through the mess everytime you need a packet of ketchup. Enable to easily find the condiment you are looking for label several zippered sandwich bags with different sauce types and put the packets in these bags. Depending on the types and amount of packets you have you can use either specific or broad categories; I use both. For example, I have ketchup, mustard, BBQ, and jelly, as well as Asain, Mexican, Italian and Breakfast. Now I can easily find the sauce I need as well as just grab and go for a picnic.