How to Multitask and Organize

Facebook, Social Media Impairs Real-Life Communication

Facebook and social networking are bubbles. They occupy a lot of time and airspace for a significant number of people. A spectrum of users interact instantly and globally. We don't yet know what all the impacts will be. From my own experiences, I see that digital interaction impairs face-to-face communication. Here's how. Distorted reality. We talk about having Facebook "friends" but that's a misnomer. Unless I know them in real life, for me, they aren't real. It's the easiest thing in the world to set up a fake profile. Kids can do it and I've known several who have. Unfortunately, adults do too. We go by aliases. We change names and pictures. We hide behind tiny thumbnail avatars. Our profile information is only as true as we choose to make it. I'm not saying people I know only online aren't real. They're just not real for me, nor am I real to them. Facebook, Social Media Impairs Real-Life Communication

Cheap Spring Break Staycation Fun for WAHM, Parents Who Can't Get Away

Does 'Spring Break" seem like an oxymoron to you? No money to go anywhere just the two of you, let alone with the kids? Stuck working all week? House full of kids and friends looking for entertainment? Hearing all about your neighbor's trip to Hawaii? Yes, please rub it in with photos of you at the luau and describe how beautiful it was. It doesn't make me jealous, not at all. What was I doing? Oh, listening to kids complain how "everybody" is going to Miami. Defrosting the fridge, washing windows, cleaning up after endless messes (usually not mine)? Why don't you get away, you deserve it, says Hawaii gal, virtuously. What part of CAN'T AFFORD IT don't you understand? If this sounds familiar, hang in there. Here are some first aid for Spring Break homebound. Maybe not Hawaii, but cheaper and no chance to fall into a volcano. How to Enjoy (or Just Survive) Spring Break when You Don't Get One

Drugfree Coping Tips for Menopause Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Surviving menopause isn't for sissies. Next to menstruation and childbirth, it's the most life-altering event women experience. Hot flashes, night sweats, confusion, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression--I'm juggling them all. From one sister-warrior to another, here are drugfree coping strategies for hot flashes and night sweats. Drugfree Coping Tips for Menopause Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

Beat Parenting Exhaustion in Healthy, Drug-free Ways

To say parenting is exhausting is a colossal understatement. Caring for rambunctious, demanding children is not like any go-to job. Work is at home and home is at work. Parenting is 24-7-365 with no built-in breaks, vacations or quitting time. It's a constant drain on a parent's mind, body and emotions. Here are tips to recharge your parenting batteries. Beat Parenting Exhaustion in Healthy, Drug-free Ways

Free Printable Children's Valentines

Valentine's Day 2013 is mostly signed sealed and delivered. If you still needs some cards, read on. Now of course there are the traditional boxed Valentines that kids simply sign. But how about something a little different? How about printing your own this year, for free? Here are several websites with free printable Valentine cards. Make your money multitask. Free Printable Children's Valentines

Homemade Valentine Treat Recipes for Last-Minute Parties

Well, your child did it again. She volunteered you to make three dozen cupcakes (pink, heart-shaped, with sprinkles, please) for her class Valentine's Day party--tomorrow! And when does she spring this news? 9 p.m.--no time to go to the store. Here are super-fast, last-minute, homemade treat recipes made with on-hand ingredients. Along with being the diva of DIY, I'm the doyen of improv! I've included DIY heart-shaped snacks and improvised frosting, sprinkles and decoration tips. Homemade Valentine Treat Recipes, DIY Heart-Shaped Cupcakes, Cookies

Super Bowl 2013 Half-time Recipes in Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco Ravens Colors

Super Bowl 2013 party hosts, got vegetarian or dieting guest coming? You don't have to serve carnivorous treats only. Nowhere in the Super Bowl Sunday code does it say 'thou shalt have cold cuts and wings." Here's how to organize Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers themed recipes for dieting and vegetarian fans. Can't make it to New Orleans' Mercedes-Benz Superdome for Super Bowl XLVII? Here's a half-time buffet everyone will love. Super Bowl 2013 Vegetarian, Diet-Friendly Recipes

Beat Exhaustion in Healthy, Drug-free Ways

Keep Preschool, Toddler Children Busy With Free Activities

As a 10-year homeschooling mom of four, I know about multitasking with kids. The hardest age of child to keep productively occupied is toddler. Maybe I should rephrase "productive" to "occupied in parent-approved ways." Our kids were always productively employed, at least in their minds. From a parent's view it looked like mess-making. And during the holidays it only gets worse. More work, antsy kids, abnormal schedules, added events make it more challenging to keep a toddler in check. Here are parent-friendly, child-minder holiday activities. For free printables to occupy kids, click the "printables" keyword on this blog or check out my link blogs. You'll find enough printable games, crafts, cut and paste toys and educational activities to keep an army of kids busy! Toddler Child-minder Activities for Busy Parents

Free Printable 2013 Calendars for Parents, Kids

One of the best ways to teach a child to be organized is to help them follow a daily calendar or schedule. Here are free printable 2013 monthly and weekly calendars, personal organizers and schedules for kids. Many are coloring page calendars, too. Free printable coloring page calendars make great math and time lesson plans for elementary and special needs students. Keep preschoolers busy when older siblings aren't in school with these printables. You might even use these free printable coloring page calendars are birthday or holiday gifts for family and friends. Read more