by Liz | Life Snapshot
We are constantly struggling with balancing our finances, trying to save money for our next big project. (Currently, ours is eventually buying a house…eep!)
We’ve figured out that making big, sweeping changes often doesn’t work. We don’t anticipate potential complications or we give up because the change is just too difficult (aka extreme couponing or avoiding clothing purchases). So we’ve been striving to make small, manageable changes that are easily to evolve as time goes on and our requirements change.
A few things that have worked:
1. Starting an ING savings plan that automatically deducts a fixed amount of $ from our checking account each week, automatic savings! You don’t miss it when you didn’t even realize you had the cash to begin with.
2. Cutting out coffee shops and brewing at home. The savings add up amazingly fast.
3. Get rid of pricey Cable TV packages. You literally save $50 or more a month…minimum!
To expand on #3, most cable providers charge upwards of $130 for internet and TV service. Throw in a phone and you’re closer to $160 and that’s with the most basic of TV packages. If you’re not addicted to sports, live TV and news shows…there’s another option! (Sports fans can also take advantage of this, never fear).
Can your cable company and only keep the internet service. That brings your bill down to roughly $50-60 on average (and if you sign up for a contract you can probably negotiate it down a bit more). If you have an internet ready TV, just pick the apps you use and away you go. Hulu plus is only $7.99 per month and has most major network TV shows readily available only one day after they air. Netflix has several affordable options if you want to expand your selection, especially for older TV series and movies.
For those without an internet ready TV (or those who want an easier to navigate menu and a few more viewing options) purchase an Apple TV for $99 (one time fee to purchase the box). You can hook this up to your TV and stream movies, Huluplus, Netflix, sports, youTube and much, much more. Essentially anything you can get via iTunes, you can now view on your television.
For a grand total of roughly $70 per month (in most cases, at least half of your current bill) you get a huge selection for your viewing pleasure. Not a bad deal!
At the end of the day, you also feel a bit better for sticking it to those crazy cable companies.
by Liz | All Things Kids
It’s been a while…life got in the way! I don’t know why summer always feel so hectic, but despite our many grand intentions we really didn’t do anything all that exciting. I’ll post a recap shortly.
I literally just scrolled back through my pictures and realized why I had this extended hiatus…
…here is the culprit!
by Liz | All Things Kids
That’s right folks, Adelena is officially crawling, sitting up, pulling up and having an all around, terrible time going to bed. Funny how it all happens at once!
Problem child!
Before the crawling and sitting up fiasco, Lena had a great bedtime routine. She’d happily lay down and her eyes would be getting drowsy before we even left the room. Naps were more of the same. Our more recent efforts have been met with total meltdowns and tantrums like you wouldn’t believe. Despite our growing frustration, is there anything cuter than a mewling pouty face peering pleadingly at you through the bars of the crib? Ok, maybe not after the 2nd or 3rd visit crib-side but it is pretty cute the first time around.
Needless to say, relentless efforts have now begun to end this new little habit. We’d previously lowered the crib to the lowest setting which is obviously much safer. However, I also believe this has encouraged the standing/pulling-up problem because now she has leverage. All the toys and blankets have been removed other than her bedtime things (Violet for lullabies and bunny snuggle blanket) so there is little distraction. We have blackout curtains and her room is pretty dark even though she goes to bed while it’s still bright out. Not much more we can do!
It’s extremely out of character for Lena to cry. I mean, there usually has to be something seriously wrong for it to even be an option. However, her latest bouts of crying are proving to be just attention-seeking and perhaps induced by a little bit of separation anxiety. It’s fairly obvious since the most intense periods of tantrums usually happen early in the week after spending the entire weekend together as a family. What it’s coming down to is the fact that Lena needs to learn that bedtime = bed. As much as all this is an adjustment for her, we as parents might have the bigger adjustment.
Despite our desire to constantly soothe any worries and fix all of her problems, we need to teach her some independence. As much as I’d like to go into her when she cries, we have to wait her out and let her understand that once she’s put to bed, there’s no getting out again. In the past, I could easily console her and calm her down enough to return her to bed and let her drift off to sleep. These days, my presence only adds fuel to the fire and makes the situation that much worse.
All I can say is thank goodness we have a video monitor. Even though I didn’t think we needed it, it’s been invaluable! There’s nothing like seeing that tousled little head finally laid down to rest…
…even if it’s on her belly and I know I have to creep in later to turn her over. Progress is progress!
by Liz | All Things Kids
There comes a time in every parent’s life when we question our decision making abilities. We all take immense delight in our child’s development and ecstatically encourage each new skill as I emerges. However, there is nothing more horrifying than realizing all of your unfailing encouragement has resulted in a mobile child!
Having a child who can move is life changing. I’m not even saying a full-fledged crawler, even a scooter will do it. Gone are the days of darting into the other room to switch the laundry or a quick run up the stairs to grab a pair of shoes. Nowadays, you turn your back for one second and mischief is brewing! Be it a potted plant, a low shelf of heavy pots or that clump of pet hair you forgot to pick up…baby has set her sights and is determined to find the exact wrong moment in which to strike. No speck is too small and no distance too far for the intrepid and fearless baby. Parents and caretakers beware!
That said, it’s so fun to watch them go!
by Liz | Life Snapshot
By Katie Moore
A brand new baby in the house is a wonderful, exciting addition to the family that requires a lot of work and attention. After nine months of pregnancy, a woman’s body needs time to heal and recover, yet new moms are so busy that it seems impossible to make time for their own well-being. With a little bit of thought and planning, it is actually not so difficult to get moving and work exercise back into the routine.
Recovery after childbirth can take some time, and new moms should not expect to get their pre-baby bodies to return very quickly. Some doctors recommend waiting six weeks after birth before starting exercise, but this timeline with vary depending on the situation. A mother should share her post-delivery plans with her doctor; much like the preparations she made with her doctor concerning her babies health with immunizations and the optional umbilical cord blood banking, a doctor should be used to help make sure a mother’s post-delivery health plans are in fact healthy for her.
The best way, by far, to fit exercise into a new mom’s schedule is to multi-task. Even the littlest babies will typically enjoy some fresh air and change of scenery, so mom and baby can share bonding and cooing time while walking around a park or the neighborhood. Some moms use naptime as a time for exercise. Baby can sleep soundly in the crib while mom uses an exercise DVD in the living room.
In addition to exercise, it is important to continue eating healthy meals. Breastfeeding moms will still need extra calories, and it is important that these calories come from nutritious food and not be empty calories from junk food. Eating healthy meals and staying hydrated will not only help get the pre-baby body back, but good nutrition will also aid in breast milk production and keep new moms feeling their best.
Some of the best foods for weight loss are fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein. Although it may seem like there is no time for new moms to prepare and eat healthy meals, it is really in the best interest of the whole family. It is important to set an example so that young children will grow up with healthy eating habits. A lot of new moms prepare frozen meals on weekends, or even before the baby arrives, so they can put dinner straight into the oven when it is time to eat.
Even though it may simply take time to get the pre-baby body back, making time for nutrition and exercise will make it return faster. It may seem impossible for new moms to make time for themselves, but it is important for the whole family to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
“Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”
