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Are You a Southern Mom? Simply Southern Mom Georgia Mom Lifestyle Blogger Simple Tips Tricks to Living the Good Life

April 24, 2023 by

.simply southern mom georgia mom lifestyle blogger simple tips tricks to living the good lifeBeing a Southern mom can be a full-time job! From managing the household to working outside of the home, it can be challenging to find time to take care of yourself and your family. Thankfully, there are a few simple tips and tricks that can help busy Southern moms stay organised, make time for themselves, and keep up with the hectic lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips for busy Southern moms to help them live a good life.

Simply Southern Mom – Georgia Mom Lifestyle Blogger – Simple Tips Tricks to Living the Good Life

As a busy Southern mom, time management can often feel like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some time management tips to help you balance your busy schedule.

Prioritise your daily tasks by making a to-do list and organising it based on importance.
Minimise distractions by setting aside specific times during the day to check emails and social media.
Delegate tasks to family members to create a sense of shared responsibility and lighten your load.
Plan and prep meals in advance to save time during the week.
Make self-care a priority by scheduling time for exercise and relaxation.

Pro Tip: Remember, time management is about finding a balance that works for you and your family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies until you find the right fit.

Prioritise your daily tasks by making a to-do list and organising it based on importance.

Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping Tips

Meal planning and grocery shopping can be overwhelming and stressful. However, with a few tips and tricks, busy Southern moms can make the process more manageable and efficient.

Here are some tips for meal planning and grocery shopping:

1. Plan your meals for the week ahead of time to save time and reduce waste.
2. Make a grocery list organised by section to minimise backtracking and save time.
3. Shop at off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines.
4. Buy in bulk for cost savings and to reduce the frequency of shopping trips.
5. Look for deals, coupons and discounts on products that you regularly buy.

By following these tips, busy Southern moms can streamline their meal planning and grocery shopping routines, saving time, money and stress in the process.

Simplifying Cleaning and Household Chores

Keeping up with household chores and cleaning can become overwhelming, but there are a few simple tips that can make the process much more manageable for busy southern moms.

1. Create a daily cleaning routine: Designate a specific time of day for cleaning and stick to it. For example, you can clean up the kitchen after dinner every night.
2. Involve your family: Assign different household chores to your family members and make cleaning a family activity.
3. Declutter regularly: Get rid of items that you no longer use or need to keep your home clutter-free and easier to clean.
4. Use multi-purpose cleaning products: Streamline your cleaning products and use ones that can be used in multiple areas of the house.

By incorporating these simple tips, southern moms can simplify the cleaning and chores, allowing more time to enjoy the good life with their families.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Being a Southern mom is difficult, as it requires you to juggle the demands of your family with the demands of a career. You must do your best to keep a work-life balance that works for you in order to stay happy and productive.

Here are some simple tips and tricks on how to achieve balance in your life as a Southern Mom:

Tip Description
Set boundaries Be sure to set clear boundaries between work and home life.
Prioritise Make sure to prioritise your tasks and focus on the most important ones first.
Schedule Create a schedule that works for you and your family.
Delegate Delegate tasks to family members or other resources when necessary.

Working From Home Tips

Working from home can be a great opportunity to create a more flexible work-life balance, but it can also be challenging to balance work and family life when your home is your office. Here are some working from home tips to help you find that balance:

Create a designated workspace that is separate from your personal living space and can help you stay focused and minimise distractions.
Set clear boundaries with your family members about when you are working and what they can expect from you during those times.
Try to maintain a regular schedule, but also be flexible and adjust your work hours around your family’s needs when necessary.
Take regular breaks and use them to step away from your work and spend time with your family.
Be mindful of your mental health and take care of yourself by staying active, getting enough sleep, and practising self-care.

Working from home is a journey, and it takes time and patience to find the right balance, but with consistent effort and commitment, you can make it work for you and your family.

Plan your meals for the week ahead of time to save time and reduce waste.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to communicate with your employer and discuss how they can support you in working from home.

Creating a Productive Home Office Space

Creating a productive home office space is essential to achieve a work-life balance, especially for southern moms who juggle household responsibilities with work commitments. Having a designated workspace at home can help you stay organised, focused, and productive throughout the day, without compromising your family time.

Here are some simple tips to help you build a productive home office:

Tip Description
Choose a quiet and comfortable space in your house that offers enough natural light and ventilation. Invest in a good quality desk, chair, and storage solutions that fit your needs and preferences.
Personalise your workspace with decor items, plants, or anything that inspires you to be creative and motivated. Establish boundaries with your family members by communicating your work schedule, expectations, and limitations.
Take regular breaks and schedule fun activities with your family to recharge your energy and reduce stress levels. Pro Tip: Creating a productive home office space requires a balance between functional and aesthetic elements. Use colours and design elements that match your personality and work style to create an inviting and inspiring atmosphere that boosts your productivity and wellbeing.

Time for Self-Care

Self-care is important to maintain a balance between work and family life, especially for Southern Moms, who face unique challenges to maintain their sense of self amidst the demands of parenthood, career, and household responsibilities.

Here are some simple tips and tricks to incorporate self-care into your daily routine:

1. Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier than usual to have some alone time, such as meditation, journaling, or exercise.
2. Schedule regular “self-care appointments,” whether it’s a weekly bubble bath, a monthly massage or a quarterly weekend getaway.
3. Take advantage of technology to simplify your life and free up time for self-care. Use apps to streamline household tasks, order groceries or meal kits, or set reminders for appointments and deadlines.

Remember, self-care is about prioritising your needs and well-being. By taking care of yourself, you become better equipped to handle the demands of work, family, and life.

Fitness and Health Tips for Southern Moms

As a mom living in the south, it is important to maintain your health and fitness. This can be hard to do with our hectic lifestyles and work schedules. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks that can help you stay healthy and fit as a southern mom.

We’ll look at diet and exercise tips, as well as other lifestyle modifications that can help you live the good life.

Creating a productive home office space is essential to achieve a work-life balance, especially for southern moms who juggle household responsibilities with work commitments

Simple and Healthy Recipes for the Whole Family

As a Southern mom, you want to provide your family with simple and healthy meals that are both delicious and nutritious. Here are some easy and tasty recipes that will please the whole family:

Recipe Instructions
Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of garlic, lime juice, and olive oil, then grill until fully cooked. Serve with a fresh salsa made of diced peaches, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of honey.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili This hearty soup is made with chicken breasts, white beans, green chilies, and warm spices like cumin and chilli powder. Cook in a slow cooker for several hours until the flavours meld together.
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Use thinly sliced zucchini and eggplant in place of traditional pasta layers in this vegetable-packed lasagna. Top with a homemade tomato sauce and low-fat ricotta cheese.

These recipes are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and nutrients that will keep your family healthy and thriving. Don’t forget to pair with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for an even more wholesome meal.

Incorporating Exercise in Your Busy Schedule

Regular exercise is crucial for good health, but it can be challenging to find time for it in a busy schedule. Here are some tips for incorporating exercise into your daily routine:

Schedule it: Treat exercise like any other appointment and schedule it into your day.
Make it fun: Find an activity you enjoy so that exercise feels less like a chore.
Break it up: You don’t need to do all your exercise in one session; break it up into smaller chunks throughout the day.
Multitask: Make the most of your time by doing exercises that also allow you to do something else, like walking while making phone calls.
Involve others: Get your family members or friends to join you for group activities like hiking or kickboxing. Adds a social element to your exercise routine too.

Pro tip: Always remember that consistency is key when it comes to exercise. Start with small goals and gradually increase them over time. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Prioritising Mental Health and Wellness

Prioritising your mental health and wellness is crucial to maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, especially for Southern moms who often put others’ needs before their own. Here are some tips to help you prioritise your mental health and wellness:

  1. Take time for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day to practise deep breathing or meditation.
  2. Develop a support system of friends or family members who can offer encouragement and listen when you need to vent.
  3. Make time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
  4. Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk outside, to increase endorphins and reduce stress levels.
  5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to nourish your body and mind.

By prioritising your mental health and wellness, you’ll be able to better care for yourself and those around you.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek professional guidance if you need it.

Creating a productive home office space is essential to achieve a work-life balance, especially for southern moms who juggle household responsibilities with work commitments

Budgeting and Money Management Tips for Southern Moms

Being a southern mom can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges. One area that many southern moms struggle with is budgeting and money management. In this article, we’ll look at some budgeting tips and tricks that can help you live a good life while still managing your finances wisely.

Smart Shopping Strategies

Smart shopping strategies are an essential part of budgeting and managing your money effectively. Here are some helpful tips for Southern moms looking to save money on their household expenses:

Make a list: Before heading to the grocery store or running errands, make a list of the items you need to purchase. Stick to the list and avoid impulse buys to prevent overspending.
Use coupons: Check your local newspaper, store flyers, and online coupon sites for discounts on the items you need. Be sure to check the expiration dates and terms and conditions of each coupon before using it.
Buy in bulk: Consider purchasing non-perishable items in bulk to save money in the long term. This strategy works well for items like toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.
Shop at discount stores: Discount stores like Dollar General, Aldi, and Walmart can offer significant savings on groceries and household items.

By implementing these smart shopping strategies, Southern moms can stretch their budgets further and manage their money wisely.

Saving for Your Child’s Future

When it comes to saving for your child’s future, there are a few key tips and strategies that Southern moms can use to help make their money go further.

Here are some budgeting and money management tips to get you started:

  1. Start early: The sooner you start saving for your child’s future, the better. Consider opening a savings account or investing in a 529 plan to help you reach your financial goals.
  2. Set goals: Determine how much you want to save and by what date, and then create a plan to help you stay on track. This will help you ensure that you are putting away enough money each month to reach your goals.
  3. Cut back on expenses: Look for areas where you can cut back on expenses to free up more money for savings. This could include things like dining out less, shopping for discounts on groceries, or cancelling some subscription services.
Pro tip: Involve your children in the savings process! Let them help you find ways to save money and get excited about growing their own savings accounts.

Dealing With Debts and Financial Stress

Dealing with debts and financial stress can be a daunting task, especially for Southern Moms. Here are some budgeting and money management tips:

  1. Make a budget: Identify your monthly expenses and create a budget plan to allocate your income accordingly. Stick to it as much as possible.
  2. Cut down on unnecessary expenses: Streamline your expenses and cut back on items that you don’t need.
  3. Create an emergency fund: Build an emergency fund to deal with unexpected expenses and avoid going into debt.
  4. Pay off debts: Prioritise repaying high-interest debts first and then work towards clearing other debts.
  5. Save for retirement: Make sure to save for your future retirement expenses.

By following these simple tips, Southern Moms can manage their finances effectively and avoid stress related to debts. Don’t let financial stress take away from living the good life.

Pro tip – Remember to track your expenses regularly and be mindful of your spending habits.

Building a Support System

Being a Southern Mom can be a rewarding but challenging experience. From dealing with parenthood to managing a house, it can be difficult to make it all work. One thing that many Southern Moms have in common is the support system they build to help them along the way. This article will look at the benefits of having a support system and provide some tips for building one.

Connecting With Other Moms in the Community

Connecting with other moms in the community is essential for building a strong support system that can make the challenging journey of motherhood more manageable and enjoyable.

Here are some tips to help you connect with other moms in your community:

Tip Description
Attend local parenting groups and events This is a great way to meet other moms in your area who share similar experiences and interests.
Join online mom groups There are plenty of online communities where moms can connect and share advice and support.
Volunteer at your child’s school Volunteering at your child’s school is an excellent way to get involved in your community and meet other parents.
Attend local mom and baby classes These classes are designed specifically for moms and babies and offer a great opportunity to connect with other moms while learning new skills.

By connecting with other moms in your community, you can not only create lifelong friendships but also build a network of support that can help you navigate the rough patches of motherhood.

One thing that many Southern Moms have in common is the support system they build to help them along the way.

Creating a Strong Family Bond

Creating a strong family bond is crucial for building a supportive and loving environment where every family member can thrive. Here are some simple tips and tricks to strengthen your family bond:

1. Have regular family meals together: This helps to foster communication, build relationships, and create a sense of unity.
2. Plan family outings and activities: Doing activities together helps create happy memories and strengthens the bond between family members. It also provides an opportunity to learn new things about each other.
3. Communicate effectively: Encourage open and honest communication among family members. This helps children to develop confidence, trust, and respect for others.
4. Celebrate special occasions: Celebrating important events, such as birthdays or holidays, provides families with an opportunity to connect emotionally and create lasting memories.
5. Encourage individuality: Allow family members to express their opinions, thoughts, and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism.

Pro Tip: Strong family bonds lead to happier, healthier, and more resilient families. Take the time to nurture these relationships and watch your family and home life thrive.

Finding Ways to Relax and Have Fun

One of the best ways to relax and have fun is to build a support system. A support system can help relieve stress, improve mental health, and create a sense of belonging. Here are some simple tips and tricks to building a support system:

Identify people in your life who you trust and feel comfortable around, such as friends, family members, and colleagues.
Reach out to these people regularly to maintain the relationship and offer support when needed.
Join clubs or organisations that align with your interests and hobbies.
Attend events and other social gatherings to meet new people and expand your network.
Consider seeking professional help, such as therapy or counselling, for more significant mental health concerns.
Remember that building a support system takes time, effort, and vulnerability, but it’s worth it for a happier and healthier you.



4 Jobs For Parents That Allow Them To Set Their Own Hours

January 16, 2023 by

 

The information age, or the age of the internet, helped to create more at-home job opportunities than ever before due to its ability to connect people, information, and services. What the internet did for job opportunities, the pandemic increased ten-fold.

Due to the pandemic, many people were forced to do most of everything remotely. This opened up many people’s eyes to how businesses were choosing to spend their resources, and they soon began to recognize the ability that remote access created.

Remote access created more possibilities and freedoms than ever before. Due to this global shift, more and more online, remote, or at-home jobs have been created. While some businesses have returned to on-site, many more have embraced the versatile nature that remote access provides. This article provides some of the best at-home jobs that allow you to set your own hours.

Remote access created more possibilities and freedoms than ever before. Due to this global shift, more and more online, remote, or at-home jobs have been created.

Freelance Writer/ Blogger

For over a decade, blogs have dominated the virtual sphere, and many that started as bloggers have since continued to grow that platform on social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok. While only about 13% make enough money to live off of, over a quarter of individuals make a decent side hustle of their efforts.

For those individuals that want to make an immediate income off of their writing, these already-established bloggers and social media successes pay individuals to post content on their platforms. This makes you both a freelance writer and a blogger. What’s more, you can start your own blog and grow it in conjunction with your paid gigs, helping to drive traffic to your own website by writing guest posts.

Virtual Assistant

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A virtual assistant does almost everything a regular assistant would do. They help to manage a client’s day-to-day going on, from appointments, scheduling, travel, phone calls, and emails. This is more of a part-time job that requires proficient computer skills. The average annual salary of a virtual assistant is just under $60k.

Online Tutor

Financial and money guru Dave Ramsey lists online tutoring as one of the best ways to make money from home. There are a variety of websites and apps that hire online tutors from all over the world and cater to all over the world. Whatever your area of expertise, you are sure to find that your knowledge can be put to good use. Ramsey warns not to let people take advantage of you, however, as some people are tutees that just want to have someone else do their work for them.

Real Estate Agent

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A real estate agent has long been touted as one of the best ways to make big money and set your own hours. The truth, however, is that only about 85% of real estate agents are successful. As with most jobs that create their own hours, your success and earning potential ultimately rest on your own shoulders and how much you are willing to put in and work. The same is true in real estate.

Another option related to real estate is property management. This is something that the pandemic has made available for individuals to also do virtually. Similar to many other jobs, many more businesses are open to hiring remotely; it is merely a matter of finding the right business and fit.

The pandemic has enabled more job opportunities for parents to stay home but continue to earn an income.

Conclusion

The pandemic helped to change the job culture, ultimately benefiting families and busy parents. Although there are many remote jobs that truly allow individuals to set their own hours, as the four mentioned above, there are also a host of other remote jobs that are more traditional but with set times and pay. The pandemic has enabled more job opportunities for parents to stay home but continue to earn an income.




Steamed Clams

May 20, 2021 by

In the winter months, when it’s cold outside and you’re craving a little comfort food, steamed clams are a go-to option. They’re easy to prepare, don’t require a lot of cooking time, and are low in calories. But they don’t have to be boring. Here are a few ideas for eating clams in a way that will satisfy your palate and leave you feeling warm and satisfied. For the average person, steam clams might seem like a no brainer. The food is delicious, and it can be enjoyed year round and in all sorts of ways. You can find steamed clams in any Italian restaurant, as well as at the many clam shacks across the country. There are so many ways to enjoy this delectable dish, whether you’re having them for dinner, for lunch, or as a casual snack.

Steamed clams. Steamed clams are delicious. I think part of the reason they’re so delicious is that you can eat them in a variety of ways. For example, steamed clams are typically served with butter and lemon, which are both good, but for a change of pace, I sometimes like to serve them with a little bit of red wine, thyme, and bay leaf. I don’t think anyone can argue that these are bad combinations.

 

This recipe for steamed mussels with garlic butter is simple and very tasty. This dish is also very low in calories.

In the winter months, when it’s cold outside and you’re craving a little comfort food, steamed clams are a go-to option. They’re easy to prepare, don’t require a lot of cooking time, and are low in calories. But they don’t have to be boring.

Steamed Mussels

Living in the Northwest, where mussels are abundant on the coast, I have often indulged in this delicious dish. Each restaurant served a slightly different version, and the taste was different at each. But my favorite restaurant was Georgie’s Beachside Grill in Newport, Oregon. This chef really knew how to cook. He knew that only Mirapoix could make excellent mussel soup. This combination of celery, carrots and onions is an old culinary technique in French cuisine that always gives the perfect taste to any soup or sauce. Most importantly, the vegetables are cooked until tender, which gives the dish a certain sweetness. After ordering these delicious mussels at Georgie’s at least half a dozen times, I finally asked the chef for the recipe and he was kind enough to send it to me. His name is Chef Alfredo Cacho, and this is his original recipe for steamed clams. My version is a little different than his, but the taste is still absolutely fantastic.

Ingredients for Steamed Crustaceans

  • Steamed mussels: Star of the show
  • Oil: For assets
  • Garlic: What is better for the soul than garlic butter?
  • Celery: The first ingredient for preparing Mirapua… to taste
  • Onion: The second ingredient for the preparation of Mirapua…. for a deeper taste
  • Carrots: Last ingredient to make Mirapua…. for sweetness
  • Chicken broth:  Adds a richer aroma
  • White wine: To give a nice flavor. There is no substitute for wine in this dish
  • Peppers: For an easy push

Preparation of Steamed Mussels

First, put a little butter in the pan with the soup over medium heat. When it starts to bubble, add the garlic, carrots, onions and celery and cook for about 3 minutes. To make a good mirapua, it should soften, but not brown. When roasted, they begin to caramelize, which gives them a very different flavor. Then just add the mussels, chicken broth, wine and pepper. Immediately cover the pan and let the mussels steam for about 7-8 minutes. Then if you see unopened shells, throw them away. Finally, spoon the nicely uncovered mussels, broth and vegetables into serving bowls and sprinkle with chopped basil.

The most important thing is to clean and wash the mussels. I once ordered steamed clams in Hawaii that were completely full of sand. If you’ve never tried steamed mussels, you’ll never order them again because you think they usually taste like that.

Don’t forget to serve this dish with French bread to soak up the delicious broth. Georgie’s serves them with slices of warm baguette smeared with garlic butter. Perfection. And the only way to top that is to eat this amazing dish while looking out the window at the beautiful Pacific Ocean. And if you’re lucky, you may see a whale or two, which happened to us a few times.

Remarks

The most important thing is to clean and wash the mussels. I once ordered steamed clams in Hawaii that were completely full of sand. If you’ve never tried steamed mussels, you’ll never order them again because you think they usually taste like that. Hard and gruesome. And the thing is, it’s so easy to clean. If you just soak them in water with a little cornmeal for an hour, they will clean themselves. All you have to do is use a brush or do what I did and wipe it off with a paper towel under running water. It’s that simple. Print Recipe

Steamed mussels

This recipe for steamed mussels with garlic butter is simple and very tasty.  As a bonus, this dish is very low in calories. Cooking time 10 minutes Cooking time11 minutes Curing time 1 hour Total time21 min Course: The main course Kitchen: American Keywords: Steamed mussels Servings : 2 servings Calories: 194 kcal Author: Pam – Two cups of health

Ingredients

  • 20 cherryton mussels About 1 1/4 pounds.
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup diced curry
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup diced cellophane
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth Prefer Manischewitz low-sodium chicken broth.
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons basil ha ha

Instructions

  • Shells must first be cleaned to remove sand.  The easiest way to clean the shells is to put them in a bowl and cover them with at least 1 cm of water.  Then add about 3 tablespoons of cornmeal to the bowl and let it soak for about an hour.  In essence, they clean themselves. When the time is up, clean each sink under running water to remove any excess sand that has not yet been removed.
  • Put butter in a soup pot over medium heat.  Then add the garlic, carrot, onion and celery and cook for 3 minutes until softened slightly.
  • Put the mussels in the pan with the chicken stock, wine and pepper. Cover the pan and let the mussels steam for 7-8 minutes. Discard all unopened shells.
  • Place the mussels and broth in serving dishes with the vegetables and sprinkle each with chopped basil.

Power

Calories: 194 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 468mg | Potassium: 202mg | Sugars: 2g | Vitamin A: 3285IU | Vitamin C: 7,9 mg | Calcium: 29 mg | Iron: 0,6 mg If you liked this recipe, leave a comment below and don’t forget to pin it to Pinterest!

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Simple shrimp scampi Scallops with lemon butter sauce Jambalaya with prawns The most important thing an individual can do to prevent one’s health from declining is to stay as healthy as possible. There are many things that can be done to help keep a person healthy, one of which is eating seafood.. Read more about what to serve with steamed clams and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you steam clams?

Are you a fan of seafood? If yes, you are probably familiar with the popular food: steamed clams. As per the traditional way of preparing the food, the process calls for deep-frying the clams, which can allow harmful substances to enter the food, thereby increasing your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other serious diseases. Steaming clams is a delightful and very easy way to cook them! After you’ve harvested them, clean them and remove as much of the sand and grit as possible. Then cut the clams in half through the shell, and remove the claws. Place the clams in a large steamer pot, cover with cold water, add more water if it’s low and steam for about 20 to 25 minutes. Take the clams off the steamer and leave to cool for a few minutes. Then use a sharp knife to remove the “lips” or “foot” of the clam.

How many minutes do you steam clams?

To find out how you can cook the perfect steamed clams, we consulted a highly reliable source: the US Department of Agriculture. (For those who don’t recognize the name, the US Department of Agriculture is the same agency responsible for determining the nutritional value of foods.) According to the USDA, “the amount of time needed to cook clams is related to the temperature of the water in which they are steamed and the temperature of the heat source being used.” While steamed clams are available in most grocery stores, you can also buy them online. You can either buy them from a delivery service, or even have them delivered to your door by an online clam delivery service. The delivery service will include a link and instructions for cooking the clams on your own. The recipe for these clams is simple and they can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.

What to Steam clams in?

Steam clams are a classic New England dish that is very easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by all. In fact, you can make them much faster than boiling them on the stove; instead, just place them in a steamer basket. Steam them for 10 minutes and you’ve got yourself a delicious clam dinner in no time at all. Of course, there are some health benefits to eating steam clams, too. They are a low calorie, low fat and cholesterol friendly food item. Steam clams are also a good source of vitamins, particularly the B vitamins, potassium and iron. Ever tasted some of the best steamed clams around? You’ll have to check out this recipe for some of the tastiest steamed clams ever, and your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aromas!

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Must-Have Timeless Fashion Pieces For A Busy Mom’s Wardrobe

December 7, 2020 by

Basic wardrobe essentials for business attire

As a busy mom, you probably don’t spend a whole lot of time flipping through fashion magazines. Between shutting your kids for dance class and soccer, making sure there’s dinner on the table that has some nutrients, and dealing with the constant tidal wave of dirty laundry: comfort trumps style. 

Shopping for yourself is probably a rare occasion, and you try to quickly pick up something for yourself while shopping for your kids. The word ‘fashion’ conjures up images of skinny teenage models on billboards and runways, none of which we can relate to. We likely have teenage daughters who’d know much more about what’s trending in the world of apparel. 

Let’s face it: we have those moments of accidentally glancing at a mirror and thinking, “Who is this old lady? What happened to that fun, college girl?”. We all feel frumpy sometimes. 

Our personal style can feel vintage and not in a good way.

But just because we’re busy doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to be well-dressed! And as a mom, you’re not looking to wear the season’s latest trends. 

You’d much rather build a wardrobe full of good-quality, re-wearable, timeless, stylish pieces that are comfortable and never going out of style.

You’d be surprised how what we wear decides how we feel. I’ve always noticed that dressing myself (even for a grocery trip!) and getting a few compliments from friends/colleagues can fuel me throughout the day. When you feel good about yourself, you go about your day with newfound strength and confidence. 

You’ll get done with work better and be happier around your family! They’ll notice the difference as well. 

So, let’s get right into it!

Building a Wardrobe

If you look at your closet and all you can see is worn out and faded clothes that you’ve worn for years, it’s probably time to revamp your entire wardrobe. 

If you have the objective of getting a new wardrobe and go shopping, chances are you’ll spend way too much and buy lots of unnecessary pieces. 

To do this, you’ll need a very systematic approach. 

  • Let’s divide your entire wardrobe into two categories. Basics and Statements.
  • Basics are pieces that are your everyday wear. This doesn’t just mean white t-shirts, but it expands over all the essential items a wardrobe would comprise. That’s T-shirts, Blouses/Tops, Jeans/Trousers, Dresses/Skirts, and Coats/Jackets.
  • Statements are quite self-explanatory. These are prints and eye-catching pieces that you’d occasionally wear to impress and look your absolute best. 

It always makes more sense to spend money on Basics. 

Basics are elevated everyday wear that you can create different outfits with. It adds subtle style without being recognizable. 

For example, those jazzy bright red flare pants you own look great but are instantly recognizable. You can’t wear them more than once without it seeming like you wear the same thing all the time.

We all have a terrible habit of going shopping and spotting that one absolutely stunning dress that costs a bomb, and you have no idea when you’d wear it. 

We feel like spending on that one dress because it’s beautiful, but for the same money, we could buy 4 Basic items that would help us look stylish and put-together every day. 

Think of it as junk food. When you take your kids grocery shopping, they want to pick up the sugary cereal and candy, but you know that you have to buy vegetables and fruits for them to eat for every meal. 

Get New Jeans

I know we tried hopping on the trend of skinny jeans some time ago even though it was uncomfortable, but I have good news for you now. Those tight skinny jeans are no longer in fashion, and we can go back to wearing the comfortable baggy high waisted jeans we wore in college in the 70s and 80s! 

The latest jeans are called “mom jeans”! All the kids wear them these days, but they look dignified and polished at any age. Loose jeans can upgrade your daily look and be comfortable enough to run errands and do daily chores. 

Black jeans or black trousers are also a staple that should be there in your wardrobe. This is an excellent example of a comfortable outfit with black jeans.

Basic Blouses

Blouses are the best way to seem elegant and well-dressed while also being comfortable. These days, when I’m shopping, all I seem to see is crop tops. Now I have nothing against crop tops, but they feel too teenage for me to wear myself. I’d prefer blouses with stylistic elements, like a bit of frill, cuffs, or pockets that make it look simple but stylish. 

Go for colors that will go with everything. You must have a few ‘whites,’ which are a range of light-colored blouses. Look for cream, off-white, blush pink and other light and breezy colors that you can pair with anything. 

Try to also get solid dark colors like a good navy blue and black. 

This is a simple pinstriped blouse that has a stylistic element: the collar. The woman looks fashionable and polished. Her bright orange lipstick gives the look a ‘pop’. 

I love this blouse because it’s so feminine and flowy and yet simple. You could wear this thrice a week, and people wouldn’t really notice, as long as you wore different pants each time. 

Plain white blouses are so versatile. This woman pairs it beautifully with a creased midi skirt. 

Don’t shy away from Dresses and Skirts!

I used to feel awkward wearing dresses as an everyday outfit. I felt like I was quite literally “dressing up too much” or trying too hard. But wearing a comfortable, well-fitting midi dress makes the day such a breeze. It’s just one item to wear, so you don’t have to fuss around too much while getting ready. 

You also look like you have refined taste! Shop for dresses that have structure and are of good breathable quality. Try to buy linen!

This is a perfect example of a statement piece. It’s a beautiful vivid print, yet something that’s can be worn on a regular weekday. 

A beautiful sundress that will make you feel your best without feeling over-dressed. 

What a comfortable yet fashion-forward outfit! The asymmetrical silhouette definitely makes her look posh and elegant while in solid plain colors. 

Coats/Jackets

Coats and jackets can be the most expensive item to stock your wardrobe with. The key is to stick with neutral colors that can go with virtually anything. 

To start off, make sure you have a black and beige coat. Warm browns and taupe are perfect for the autumn and winter seasons. 

Longer coats always give a more sophisticated look. 

Have fun!

Shopping for a new wardrobe can be really fun. You’re doing this for yourself, as self-care. Clothes can only be a reminder of how we feel on the inside, so make sure you dress yourself like a million bucks — because that’s who you are!




How to Make Your Own Pegboard for Your Children’s Bedroom

September 21, 2020 by
How to Make Your Own Pegboard for Your Children’s Bedroom

A pegboard is usually used as a display/storage structure in most garages. But, it doesn’t have to be limited to only industrial use. It can be used in your home as well. Pegboards are a really great way to use your cute stationery as decoration while giving them a home of their own. 

If you have a playroom or an arts and crafts room – someplace where your kids play the most and do arts and crafts activities, this is a great way to use vertical space and also add some functional decor.

The stationery you get for your children are anyway colorful and more of a statement piece in themselves. Give them a moment on the wall. Let them shine. Here’s how to make a pegboard on your own.

Materials You Will Need:

  • Plywood
  • Tools (jigsaw, power drill, drill bit)
  • Wood Glue
  • Chalk Paint and a Paintbrush 

You can also get a proper pegboard if you do not want to make it from scratch.

Pegboard headboard ideas

STEP 1: Measure Your Plywood

Start by measure the area of the wall you want to cover with your pegboard. Use this measurement to mark out the plywood.

STEP 2: Cut Your Plywood

Cut the plywood to the measurement required. You can use a jigsaw, which is a power tool. You can also use a hand saw, but that will take a lot of your time and energy.

STEP 3: Drill Holes to Hang Your Organizer or Dowels

You now need to mark out where you need the holes to go. Mark them out at equal distances and then use a power drill to cut out the holes.

STEP 4: Glue the Dowels and Organizers to the Board

You can glue some of the dowels and organizers to the board so that they are sturdy. If you are going to changing things up, then you can glue in just the dowels that will hold things that you do not want falling. The organizers can be hung using hooks as well.

STEP 5: Hang It Up

You can drill the pegboard onto the wall so that it stays nice and secure. Start by drilling and securing the four corners and then add additional in the centers to ensure the security.

BONUS: Decorate!

Just because it is a functional decor piece in itself, it doesn’t mean that you cannot bring in some decor elements to up the wow factor. There are so many things that you can add, here are some examples and tips:

  • Add some greenery with some hanging plants.
  • Hang some pictures or quotes or posters.
  • Throw in something bright at random intervals.
  • Display your child’s artwork.
  • Use some of your child’s old toys as decorations.

Final Thoughts

Making your own pegboard isn’t difficult but is going to need power tools. You can buy readymade pegboards and then create the organizers yourself. A pegboard lets you have all your supplies on display. They are easily accessible, easy to maintain, and also make use of the vertical space. 

A pegboard can help your child be creative with the supplies and the decorations. With the things on display, they will reach for different things more often. You can decorate it with plants and memorabilia to add some personality.




5 Creative Ways to Decorate a Nursery

March 25, 2019 by

If you are expecting or someone else you know is, first of all, Congratulations! Now, you need to plan out the nursery. As important it is to consider the safety of the baby while decorating the room, it is also important to have fun elements.

Today, we will be talking about some of the unique ideas I have curated for nursery designs. These things have the ability to transform your room completely and also help channel your creativity.

Wall Mural Decals

Nursery

Wall decals are a great way to spice up the walls of your nursery. They are cheap, easy to apply and remove, and colorful. You can go for a classy look or a total color fest. You can go for the designs aimed at kids like dinosaurs, animals, cartoons, anything and everything bright and colorful. You can easily remove the decals and replace them as your kid grows.

Floor Mural Decals

Floor decor

A lot of people don’t know about floor mural decals. Floor decals aren’t as popular as wall decals, but they are catching up. When the baby is able to crawl, it will be fun for the baby to crawl on a scene of a beach or jungle. They make the floors much for fun and make the room look airy. You can have an elaborate game of pretend play with toys that match the decal. It is great to create a story within the room.

Baby Name Plaque

Name plaque

Baby name plaques on the walls can add a great personal touch for the baby, and they will love it as they grow to read and write. There are many websites that will make custom name plaques for you. You can even frame each letter and put the name on the wall like a photo gallery. If you feel plaques are out of your budget and you want an inexpensive option then there are name decals as well, it will give you the same effect.

Cartoon Animal Heads

Cartoon

Fake animal heads have been trending recently. Cartoon animal heads are a fun addition to have. They are easy to find, like this one from eBay. You can also get custom animal head stuff toys made on eBay.

Hanging Cloud

Hanging cloud

Hanging clouds are really fun to look at even as adults. Imagine the happy laughter from your child. Imagine how fun it will be to have a cloud indoors and how marvelous it will feel when it is raining outside. It is really easy to make, you can turn it into a laid-back afternoon project. Even wikiHow teaches how to make a hanging cloud, this image is proof of it.

Decorating a nursery is your chance of unleashing the child inside of you. Babies don’t know good design from bad design. Add elements that will make them curious about things. The hanging clouds and the beach floor mural can help you teach them about the environment. Add elements that are in some way attached to learning, that way it will still be relatable as the child grows.




What Nurse-Parents Are Like

September 10, 2018 by

nurse
My mother always said that being a nurse is the most noble and rewarding job, and she was right. As a nurse, she met a lot of patients who came in with different problems, and her favorite thing to do was watch them leave the hospital with their families after they recovered. She said that the patients may not remember a nurse’s name, but will always remember what they did for the patient. Nurses have not only touched the hearts of patients; they have also made an impact on their own kids’ lives. I will never forget everything that my nurse-mother has done for me. Even when she had a really long, hard day, she would come home to make me dinner and tuck me into bed every single night. She took me to the hospital on numerous occasions, and proudly introduced me to everybody there. Being a nurses’ child has indeed been a pleasure, and I am sure others would also agree. Here are 9 points that aptly describe nurse-parents. How many of them can you relate with?

1. They are hardly home

I think we can all agree that nurses are the real superheroes in a hospital. They do everything in their part to make sure that patients are comfortable, reassure their families and assist during surgeries. They leave home early in the morning and return at odd hours. The worst part is that they are sometimes even called in to the hospitals on their day off!

2. They have the softest hands

If your parent is a nurse, go feel their hands! As a child, I always used to always hold on to my mother’s hand because they were so soft and cold. Nurses have extremely soft hands as a result of washing their hands a thousand times a day. Those soft palms, with neatly trimmed nails also appear tired and stiff from the long hours at the hospital.

3. They are never fooled

Here’s a fact – The child of a nurse can never skip school, unless they are actually sick. As kids, we love to pretend that we are ill just to miss school. We artificially make our forehead hot and our face red to fool our parents and stay at home. However, it is nearly impossible for the child of a nurse to actually pull off this trick. Nurses are smart enough to identify symptoms, and can easily understand when kids pretend. Never try this trick with them!

4. They are well-equipped

Nurses always stock up the medicine cabinet at home with enough pills and first aid supplies. They even keep a stethoscope in hand, in case their children fall sick. They can easily identify an illness when we list out a few symptoms, and know what to do. No wonder all my friends prefer to come to my mother when they fall sick, or get injured!

5. They work on Christmas

Hospitals will always function, even if it is Christmas! Nurses are on duty even on this National holiday; doing their best to take care of sick patients. It is disappointing for children to wake up excitedly on Christmas morning, only to find out that their mother had to work. Yet, these loving nurse moms also make it a point to leave some gifts under the Christmas tree for the little ones, and arrange for a homely Christmas dinner for the family.

6. Their closets are filled with scrubs

Who knew a nurse could own so many scrubs? When I was young, I would go sit inside my mother’s closet, between her scrubs, because I loved the smell of clean, soft scrubs! Laundry has to be done every single day to ensure that their scrubs are white and clean before they leave to the hospital!

7. They teach us how to be independent

Nurses’ children are usually more independent than other children. From a very early age, they are aware how hectic their parent’s job can be. They do their part to help out around the house, since their parent usually returns home late. They are taught how to cook, do the laundry and babysit the younger children.

8. They are extremely proud of their job

Nurses love what they do. They get to cure lives just as much as doctors can! They take care of patients, scrub in on surgeries and communicate with patients’ families. Why would they take up such a hectic job if they didn’t love what they are doing? Most nurses love speaking about their job to their children, in the hopes that they too will get inspired to become a nurse!

9. They teach their children how to be grateful

Nurses have seen everything – they have witnessed the pain and sufferings that patients go through, and the sadness and desperation that the families of patients feel. They know how hard life gets, and how valuable life is. Therefore, they make it a point to remind their children over and over again to count their blessings, and to be good, and kind to all.




8 Beautiful Life Lessons Taught by Mothers

September 3, 2018 by

girl
The most influential person in everybody’s lives is their mother. She was there for us from the moment we were born, until we are ready to face the outside world. Being a mother is more than just being a personal cook, or chauffer. Our mothers have taught us so many life lessons when we were young. What we learnt as a child is what helped build our character, and make us into smart, responsible people. We had the opportunity to interview some lovely ladies, who were more than happy to anonymously share some beautiful life lessons taught by their mothers.

“My mother taught me how to be independent. From a young age, she made sure that I helped out with the chores, and included me while making family decisions. When we moved to a new country, she even let me set up my room. She respected me, and treated me as an equal. That has really helped make me the strong woman that I am today.”

“My mother taught me how to love myself. I was, and still am an extremely caring person. I would go out of my way to help people that I love. That resulted in me getting hurt really often. I remember, my mother took me to a fancy restaurant one evening, and left me there. She wanted me to go on a ‘date’ with myself. I thought that it was an absurd idea. However, when she came back to pick me up, I realized how much it actually helped me. I had a lot of time to think, and understand myself. Having some ‘me time’ is extremely important to be happy and content with life.”

“My mother taught me how important it is to stand up for myself. As a child who was constantly bullied, and now as a young lady who is judged because of my ethnicity, I found it really hard to hold my head up high. My mother taught me how to be strong and helped me gain confidence. She never encouraged me to physically fight back against the bullies, but instead enrolled me in a self-defense class. She would constantly remind me about what a good person I am, and how much I’ve accomplished. That really helped boost my confidence.”

“My mother taught me how to be a good mother! When I was growing up, I thought that my mother was too strict, and I secretly wished she could be as liberal as my friends’ mothers. However, now that I have my own kids, I find myself being just like my own mother. Now I realize that everything she did, or said was for my own good. I feel confident that I can raise my children to be good human beings just like how my mother brought me up.”

“My mother taught me how to be myself. As a teenager, I always knew that I liked girls. I was extremely scared to talk to my parents about it, because I imagined that they would hate me. Somebody found out and spread a rumor about me in school. People started to say some really bad things, and my mother was called in to school. I was extremely scared that she had to find out this way, but she took it really well. She hugged me and said that she was proud of me. I’ve never been scared to be myself ever since then.”

“My mother taught me how to be a graceful woman. I was an extremely rebellious teenager, who colored her hair pink and wore too much make up. I would do anything to get attention! When I was sixteen, my mother bought me this beautiful pink dress for my junior prom. She did my make up, and curled my hair too. I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world! My mother taught me how I could look good, and actually feel good at the same time. I learnt that if I love myself, I could be confident, graceful and elegant, and people would respect me more for who I am, and not who I portray myself as.”

“My mother taught me to dream big. When she was growing up, she didn’t have many opportunities. She spent all her life taking care of her family, and making sure that we were happy and content. When I told my mother that I wanted to start a company, she told me that I could do it. She never believed in the concept of ‘being realistic’ or ‘being practical’. My mother gave me the confidence that anything is possible, and can be achieved.”

“My mother taught me to count my blessings. It has made me more compassionate towards other people. We didn’t have a lot of money, but she would donate food and clothing to the lesser privileged every month. That was what made her such a remarkable human being.”




Choosing the Right Art for Your Home

May 31, 2018 by

Home decor

Adding art to your home can really help to transform the overall feel of it but sometimes it can be hard to find the right piece. When you are trying to choose the right piece of art, you need to think carefully about what it represents, where you are going to place it and how well it fits in your home. In this article, we are going to look at some of the things that you should consider when you are choosing the right piece so keep reading if you’d like to find out more.

The Location

It is important that you have the right location in mind for your new art piece before you go ahead and purchase it. It is likely that you already have a space that you’d like to put it, so you should make sure to measure it so that you know exactly how much space that you have. You don’t want to choose a piece that is either too big or too small as this might ruin the overall effect. Make sure that you leave enough space to allow your art to be centered and focus on one great piece rather than several in one place.

The Colour Scheme

When choosing a piece of art for your home, the colour scheme of the piece is very important. Most great pieces will have some prominent colours that you should try to carefully match them with the décor of your room. This is important to ensure that your art and your décor are not clashing and so you should make sure that your fine art ties in well. If you are unsure about which colours might go together, do some research and you’ll find many colour combinations that typically look good in interior design.

The Design

Make sure to carefully consider the message that your new piece of art is going to give. The colour of the piece is not the only important part as art can be so varied in its style. You’ll be able to choose from many different designs from images of people to locations or even canvases with just words on them. Make sure not to choose something that will clash with the design of your home. Find a piece that is right for you and you’ll find that your home is transformed by this great new addition.

The Cost

Art can be expensive, especially those pieces that you think might look best in your home. You should always try to choose something that is within your budget but don’t be afraid to splash out if you find a hidden gem. Your best bet would be to choose your art from an online market place like Fine Art America, as they have a wide range of art to suit every budget. When choosing art for your home, think about spending more on one great piece rather than splitting the cost amongst a few average looking pieces. You will love coming home to a piece of fine art that transforms your room and you won’t be sorry about how much you paid for it.




Easy Mason Jar Crafts

May 26, 2016 by

Ever walk through the craft store or flea market and see a great THING and think “That could be something amazing” but not know where to go from there. I think of myself as pretty crafty but I come up blank with ending ideas very often. I feel like I try to do to much, think of something too grand. Re-purposing and recycling doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes the smallest changes to something can make a beautiful and purposeful impact.

These simple mason jar DIYs are a great start to get your creative muscles a workout.

Start with mason jars of all sizes and colors. Buy what appeals to you. I have an obsession with antique Blue Mason Jars with Zinc lids. I collect them when I can find them and actually use them all over my kitchen to hold baking supplies, spices and sometimes flowersHow to use Mason jars in the home

Mason Jar Toothbrush Holder
This simple idea to add some country chic to the bathroom is from Fireflies and Mudpies. With the addition of some wire you instantly have a toothbrush holder for the family.
Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
Use what you already have to make something special in a bathroom or kitchen. Don’t stop there either. This dispenser tutorial from Burlap and Babies shows how to use these for anything; add lotion, mouthwash, coffee syrups and more.
Mason Jar Vase
Another easy idea to use what you already have on hand. Grab some yard, twine, lace or paint and create a beautiful vase for flowers, herbs or candles. Make it as elegant or fun as you wish.
Mason Jar Candle Holder
Dump in some sand or colored stones and you’re done, top with a tealight Instant candle holder. If you don’t want to stop there, don’t. A couple brush strokes of your favorite paint color will transform a simple clear jar into a pretty and trendy candle holder to light up a dinner table or hallway.
 
Mason Jar Bowl
A couple times a week I add a scoop of oatmeal, some brown sugar, a handful of sliced almonds and milk to a jar. I top it with a lid and put it in the fridge. In the morning I grab it and go to work. This ensures I eat breakfast and it’s done the night before. Chia seeds are all the rage these days and make a fantastic overnight breakfast pudding.
 
Mason Jars for Storage
Use them as they were intended. Store food, household supplies, drinks, hardware and even kid’s stuff in them. They make everything more fun like these Superhero Jars created by Country Chic Cottage just for kids to store all of these little things that end up in the floor, in the vacuum or chewed up by the dog. 

Simple Mason Jar Ideas for the NOT Crafty

Adding some decorative touches to a mason jar will immediately transform it. My daughter is obsessed with Washi Tape so she’s wrapping it around everything she can get her hands on similar to this Washi Tape Jar from Nileey Sphere shown above. Maybe paint is your thing. Where you brush it on or spray it on it’s going to look amazing. These painted and distressed jars from It All Started With Paint can hold flowers, plants, paintbrushes and kitchen utensils for years to come when treated properly. Use what you have. Start simple and be proud of everything you create.




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