Morning Me time for Moms!

Moms..take a moment and try this soothing recipe for a major wake up session, you know the few minutes we have to ourselves in the a.m.....well this wakes you up and leaves you smelling fresh, cool and minty..oh and a bit orangey too.

Mix these two shower gels (Olay body wash-Radiance ribbons and Bath & body works Cool citrus basil) onto your loofah or body sponge during your next shower!

work at home gigs for real

I am always looking and applying for work at home projects to earn additional funds for whatever and everything, you know the bills have to paid among other 'stuff' LOL. Anyway I am always investigating new opportunities and resources and I come across this fantastic site that actually compiles all the top work at home gigs both in the USA and internationally for US and international freelancers. And tells you about all the work at home scams before you get duped. Cool I thought. I also learned, well I think I new this, but I learned I fill the shoes of a Virtual Assistant. Blogging, typing, data entry, financial professional, wrtiting, maintaining websites, etc, etc. I do a crapload of other stuff but hell aren't we all Superwomen? Anyway here is the website http://www.workathomenoscams.com/

Great cold and flu prevention checklist from familyeducation.com

Cold and Flu Prevention Checklist

Get Vaccinated 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the single best way to avoid getting the flu is to get a vaccination. Senior citizens and children under 5 are most strongly urged to get a flu shot, but it's a good idea for anyone. Stay Home If You're Sick
We want to teach our kids the importance of working hard, but it's just good sense to stay home from work or school when you're sick, to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs.
Keep Your Hands Clean
You never know what germs you might be picking up in the course of the day. It's a good idea to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the bathroom. Use warm water and soap, and make sure you lather up for 20 seconds!
Cover Your Nose and Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
Avoid spreading cold and flu germs to others by coughing or sneezing into a tissue. If none is available, don't cough or sneeze into your hands! Instead, turn your head away from nearby people and, if necessary, aim for your shoulder.
Don't Touch Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
Germs that might otherwise languish on your hands can easily infiltrate your system when you rub your face. Try to keep your hands away from your face as much as you reasonably can.
Get Plenty of Rest
Your body works overtime to hunt and destroy harmful germs when you're resting or relaxed, but high stress levels leave you susceptible to invasion. Get some rest and give your white blood cells the time they need to do their job.
Avoid Unnecessary Close Contact
It's an unfortunate fact that a person can spread flu germs a full day before exhibiting symptoms, and then up to five days after that. Steer clear of those with flu-like symptoms - they'll understand. And if you're sick, avoid close contact with others.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating right is always important, but particularly during cold and flu season. The vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables can buttress your body's immune system against invaders.
Get Fresh Air and Exercise
It's a myth that low temperatures cause cold and flu. In fact, the culprit is increased, prolonged contact with greater numbers of people. Going outside for a walk means you'll get exercise and get away from potential germ-bearers.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used in compiling this checklist.
 http://life.familyeducation.com/disease-prevention/illness/47943.html
 

Grab your hubby or BFF and go!

Look up the movie times for this one, grab your hubby or best sista girl and go! This movie gets my 4 star approval. It was hilarious, warm and fuzzy feeling deep down in the gut, and I actually related to some of the scenes in the film, especially the one where she gets dolled up and then stood up....hmmm. If you can get a sitter for the night, do it. Just go. Then afterward stop at the bar for a quick drink with hubby or Chinese with the BFF. The movie was definitely worth heading out in the ongoing Xmas rain for. Check out the trailer.

Give a Gift That Keeps On Giving

This is the perfect time of year to give a gift that will ease some of the stress associated with the holiday season for parents. Consider giving a gift certificate that would equal a contribution to a 529 college savings plan, or donate funds to a child’s investment or other savings vehicle. It not only alleviates some of the burden for the parent or guardian but also provides a foundation for the child’s educational future.
Many 529 programs offer gift certificates as ways for others to assist with the process of saving for someone else's children. These savings programs have become more attractive over the years because of the various tax benefits and savings available to the owners of these investments. The tax advantages include tax free growth on the earnings and federally tax free withdrawals used for qualified education expenses. There may also be a state income tax deduction available for you depending on the state in which you reside. To qualify for the state tax deduction all contributions for that tax year must typically be received by December 31st. One website that offers a great source of information on college savings programs is http://www.savingforcollege.com.
Minimum contribution amounts can be as low as $25. If you do not want to purchase gift certificates many 529 plan providers allow for third party contributions; You simply write the check payable to the plan. Although just about anyone may be able to make contributions, only the account owner can take the state income tax deduction; Check with the plan to be certain. Keep in mind that the funds that you invest in the 529 program are not guaranteed.
There are other savings programs available besides the 529 college savings plans. You can give the parent a check payable to the child. Parents can then open an account with their local bank or credit union in their child's name. This is a great way to teach children the value of money and the drive home the importance of saving early on and watching deposits accumulate over time.
Remember that there is no time like the present. You don't need thousands of dollars to build a nest egg for your little ones; It is also never too late to build one. Even if your children, nephews, or nieces are in high school keep in mind that they may be heading off to college or getting married and having their own children one day. A stash for their future endeavors can be a valuable resource when they really need it.

How to Budget Personal Finances : Online Resources for Personal Finance Budgeting from EHow

Check out this video 'How to Budget Personal Finances : Online Resources for Personal Finance Budgeting' from EHow. This video gives you a quick overview of some helpful websites that give great tips and offer information on saving, investing, budgeting, and managing debt.

NOTHING LIKE A FATHER AND HIS NEWBORN SON!

Okay okay I'm supposed to be writing about saving but heck this is my blog. I can do what I want and I absolutely love this pic of Daddy Djimon Honsou and baby boy Kenzo. It is so precious and touching. I cannot understand how folks can lay eyes on their beautiful children and let so many things happen to them and fail to protect them as parents should. I saw this picture on one of my favorite blogs Black celebrity kids. It's nice to see the celebrities spending quality time with their children. As busy as they are certainly the average person today who doesn't live in the limelight can spend quality time with their kids as well. Hmmm...one to grow on.