Looking Your Best When You Have Kids

I wanted to touch base on this topic a little bit because when I look through various social network accounts I see people who claim that keeping up with their looks needs to be a priority when you are a mom , where I see other people who seem to think that they have had no choice because their child's needs come first.

Personally I can see where both sides are coming from, so I wanted to see if I could bring some clarification to the topic. Now I read in Time magazine that women who have children commonly have spikes of depression. Now anyone who has had children probably agrees with this statement. Having children is great and most of us wouldn't change it for the world, but lets look at the facts here:

Pregnancy puts our bodies through changes- we get stretch marks, a few extra pounds, and sometimes scars.

We lose all sense of privacy- As a mother, you get no privacy, you can't even blow your  nose without kids blowing theirs on your jeans.

Finally, we sacrifice for our kids- kids are expensive so buying those expensive designer jeans goes out the window with your privacy.

Now anyone who doesn't have children just read that and fell into a depression. A good mom has experienced all of the qualities I have just listed above, though I think a mother should sacrifice for their children, I think it is important for a mother to remember who she is for her own sanity and mental health. I believe it runs in a vicious circle, to be a good mother you have to sacrifice, but if you sacrifice too much it can present dangers to your mental health, if you aren't in good mental health it effects your parenting skills.

So I agree that every parent has to make sacrifices, it is important for you to remember that you were a person before you had children. Being a mom doesn't mean you have to stop being who you are, it just means you have to find time to be you. I had a very inspirational friend tell me that if you say you don't have the time it is complete and utter BS, there is always time to make yourself look beautiful, you just have to make the time. After she shared this wisdom, which made me start watching her blog because some of us a cosmetically challenged, I realized that when I take the time to make myself look good, I feel better about myself, and have better days in general.

Stay Pretty Guys!

Miss. Information

The Future Of Point Of Sale- Dining Made Simple!

I have always found point of sale technology to be interesting. The development of point of sale technology is incredible and is often ignored, but I feel every should know just how cool their dining experience is going to be once the latest technology is developed. Point of sale technology has gone from basic cash registers to equipment that is able to keep track of inventory and allows businesses to build relationships with their customers. Two new developments are jumping on board that will change the shopping experience as we know it.

Going Mobile

Many big companies such as Lowes and Home Depot are making new investments for their employees to increase their point of sale qualities. These companies have ordered thousands of cell phones for their employees because smartphones are now carrying new point of sale technology! Not only will these phones be able to count inventory with the click of a camera, but creators are hoping to be able to check customers out with these phones during the busy holiday season. Imagine Christmas shopping without having to wait in line? 

Dining Made Simple

Most restaurants are already investing in technology that allows people to make reservations for a table on their way to the restaurant, but they want to take point of sale technology to the next level. New point of sale technology will be installed into the tables and allow customers to place their order through a tablet on the table. They are hoping to cut back on wait times and have orders be more accurate. If this development finishes within the next year, you can expect to see drastic changes in your dining experiences. 

 

Stay At Home Moms: Tips For Doing It All

Being a stay at home mom is not easy. Most moms lose hope that they will ever achieve their dreams that they had before they decided to have children. The truth of the matter is it is possible to do it all, you just have to know how to juggle everything. When I found out I was pregnant, I refused to settle with being just a mom. I knew I was going to need an education and a career to give my child everything she needs and wants. I decided to write this short blog about how I juggle working, school, and being the best mom I can be.

Go To Online College

I decided that before I could live the dream I would need to have the educational credentials. Since I am a single mother I was able to get full coverage for going to school. I started with Ashford University in 2009 for my BA in marketing and though it hasn't always been easy, I have continued school and am at the finish line with a degree. Online school makes studying at home simple, since you create your lesson plans, you can do school work from your mobile device during naps or before bed. 

Work From Home

I have decided to work for myself as a freelance writer. It hasn't been easy but there are plenty of work from home opportunities that don't require payment up front. Just because you are staying home doesn't mean you can't contribute to your homes income. If you have a skill, try using that to open your own consultant business. The whole thing about making money from home is you have to know how to research and how to use your skills to your advantage. 

Be A Mom

This is probably one of the biggest challenges you can face because a stay at home mom is always on the go. You have to know how to keep your little ones busy, get them ready for their educational experiences at school, and keep a house clean. I have found working in schedules is always the best bet. When I am working and using my computer, I will set up an activity for my daughter that I find on Pinterest. When I take a break to do some housework, I enrolled my daughter in ABCMouse.Com to help her progress and get ready for kindergarten. The program truly works and she has developed faster than other children her age. Sometimes I will let her help with the house work and throw on some music for a dance party. The important part is remembering to make time for special family events, even though you may have to miss a day of work, you want to be a part of your child's life and you want to create those memories that they will carry with them forever. 

Shining A Light On Landscaping Trends

With the summer months approaching at full speed, homeowners are rushing to get the perfect summer touches added to their garden. People are spending top dollar to install the latest ponds, fountains, flowers, and other landscaping accessories to their garden in time for a season of relaxation and social gatherings. Where homeowners are searching high and low for their perfect landscape dream, there is one thing those interested in landscape focus on, the latest lighting trends.

Lighting Trends

            A few years ago, people used light to make sitting outdoors after dusk simpler. With the lighting trends of today, people are trying to shine a light on their artistic side. Lighting is no longer used for basic seeing. People are using lighting to bring out their favorite plants or shrubs. The lighting trend is making its big debut because it is a simple and cost effective way to add nice touches to the outdoors.

A study shows that lighting is the most popular landscaping feature today (See figure 1.1).  The chart shows that 96% of people prefer outdoor lighting to decorate their outdoors compared to other outdoor décor. Outdoor lighting has more benefits then cost and simplicity. Most outdoor lights are made of recyclable material making them recyclable as well, offer easy installation, and are now solar powered to be environmentally friendly (Trends, 2010).

Figure 1.1 Poll Shows Lighting to be the most popular outdoor living feature at 96%

Finding Your Light in Shining Armor

            Since there are many different types of outdoor lighting fixtures that could be used in several different locations, one may find it difficult to find the perfect lighting fixture to meet their needs. Each trend specifies to certain sections of the garden. When it comes to lighting up a garden or deck lamps, torches, and garden lamps add an illuminating touch to table talk, dining, or card games.

            For general outdoor lighting, outdoor wall lamps can be subtle and make outdoor living feel as comfortable as indoor living. Wall light fixtures can provide more lighting in a doorway to make carrying things in and out of the house easier and can make moving about outside the house safer.

            The two outdoor lighting trends discussed above are two simple and basic ways of using outdoor lighting. Efficient for all types of activities and provides a hand in outdoor safety. Some homeowners may prefer to go beyond basic and dabble in a little artistic lighting.

            Joe Rey-Barreau, director of the Lighting and Design Center at the University of Kentucky stated “the challenge with landscape lighting is that most people don’t immediately see all the possibilities” (Landscaping America, 2012). The purpose of artistic outdoor lighting is to highlight the focal points by focusing on architectural features.

            Using outdoor lighting could be compared to a woman. When a woman uses light make up to highlight her best features, it makes her look flawless, almost like magic. This same touch could be used outdoors by lighting up a archway, putting a splash of light on the wall of the house, or putting a spotlight on the grilling area. When a pool is present, presenting the idea of swimming in heaven can be an aluminous effect by adding dim spotlights in the pool.

            When using artistic lighting, it is important that the lights be subtle. Lights should be hidden in fixtures, plants, or trees. Though lighting is used for safety, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be tasteful. It is proven that houses that are well lit up are less likely to be burglarized, however, this safety feature can be done without having spotlights on every corner of the house or leaving the Christmas lights up year round. Safety can now be done in tastefully (See figure 2.0).

Figure 2.0 A perfect example of a home secured tastefully with subtle lighting

Knocking out Lights: Solar vs. Electric Powering

            There are now trending ways of powering trendy outdoor lighting fixtures. This epic battle has been up for debate since the creation of solar energy. Solar lights are cost efficient and safe, however, electricity powered is more dependable. No matter what ones preference is, there are new lighting modifications for trendier solar or electric powered lights.

            Thanks to recent modifications, solar lights are now six to twelve times brighter than traditional solar lights; they are eco friendly, and work during power outages. Solar lights have become very popular with outdoor lighting due to their easy installation, no wiring, and no cost to run (Lowes, n.d).

            Though solar powered lights take the top spot of trendy lighting, improvements have been made to electric powered outdoor lighting as well. Electric powered lights now have easy bulb replacement, new digital transformers, and easy-to-handle connectors.

            All in all, lighting fixtures is now the most popular source of outdoor fixtures. It is expected to stay in the most popular spot due to its new shine on creativity, safety, and designs. Lighting fixtures are a beautiful touch to any landscaping project that can make sitting outdoors just as comfortable as sitting indoors. Trying these new trends will not only shine light on your creativity, they will light up your life!

References:

Landscape lighting ideas. (2012, March 4). Landscaping America. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://www.landscape-america.com/landscapes/lighting/outdoor_lighting.html

The Latest Outdoor Lighting. (n.d.). Lowes. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from www.lowes.com/cd_The+Latest+in+Outdoor+Lighting_1265745146_?AID=10935405&PID=5367341&SID=skim18202X753938X26b6314794118fea7c52b598f07bb943&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-Skimlinks-skim18202X753938X26b6314794118fea7c52b598f07bb943-_-2617611-_-10935405

outdoor lighting ideas | ™ Trends Magazine. (2010, June 9). ™ Trends Magazine | Interior. Cars. Trucks . Boats and Yachts. Jewelry. Travel. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from http://trendszine.com/interior/2010/06/09/outdoor-lighting-ideas.html

The Truth Behind An Anxious Mind

Everything was wonderful, I was carrying about my normal day as I packed my daughter into the car to be dropped off at her grandmother’s house so I could go to work. There was nothing different about that day, we were preparing to move back to Florida, and so I had to finish out my last week or so of work. As I pulled out of my driveway and down the main road something just didn't seem to feel right. Suddenly, my chest started to hurt and I began to lose focus. I felt as though I may pass out at any minute, which made me fear I would crash the car into a tree. I safely made it to my mother-in-law’s house to drop off the baby, but I wasn’t feeling any better. By the time I got to work, my heart had begun to race and the sweat was dripping from the palms of my hands. I had watched enough medical shows to know that these were symptoms sure to lead to sudden death.

            Since I am able to write this story, it is obvious that I did not die suddenly, though that is how I felt in that moment. Though this experience was scary, little did I know at the time that it would be the first of many panic attacks to come. After two years of suffering from these attacks, each with symptoms that vary, I was diagnosed with having Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The more people ask me questions about my disorder, the more I realize how mislead people are about anxiety, which is why I have decided to give everyone a look into an anxious mind and hope to bring other anxious minds some peace to know that they are not alone.

            Now the American Psychological Association gives a great definition of anxiety that I want to break down into two parts so people can understand the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder. They Define anxiety as “emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure” (Anxiety, n.d).  I separate this part of the definition from the second because this is the part that is known.

            People know that anyone can have anxiety every once in a while, when in fact anxiety is a part of who we are. Anxiety is waiting for a job interview, standing in line for a roller coaster, and preparing to walk down the isle to say ‘I do.’ Anxiety is a perfectly normal emotion and everyone will experience it at one time or another.

            The second part of the definition says, “People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat” (Anxiety, n.d).  This second part helps to highlight that there is a major difference between everyday anxiety and suffering from an anxiety disorder.

            Anxiety can be healthy, similar to the way a glass of wine is said to be good for your heart. When that glass of wine turns into two bottles of wine a day, a line is crossed between healthy and out of control. Anxiety disorders such as Generalize Anxiety Disorder is when those healthy levels of anxiety cross the line and get out of control. Generalized Anxiety Disorder started out as regular anxiety for me, but it has gotten so out of control, it is difficult to live life everyday.

            When I had the first panic attack in the car, it was quite the scary experience. After I made my move to Florida, I thought everything would be fine since nothing had happened since that day. Just when I thought everything was ok, I was at a party and had the sensation that I could barely hold my head up. I suddenly found it difficult to breathe and felt like I was going to be sick. My heart was pounding so loudly in my chest, that my husband could hear it sitting across the room.

            Even having this second scary experience, I didn’t go to the emergency room quite yet, that day came when my body broke out with hives that lasted for over a month. I explained everything to my doctors and they explained the concept of anxiety attacks to me. I thought that hearing that there was nothing medically wrong with me would be a relief and put an end to my panic attacks, but the truth is, the disorder only got worse.

            Soon enough I began to panic about when I was going to have an anxiety attack again. Everyone around me kept telling me to just stop being anxious, having little understanding that it is not that easy. Robin Henig described why you couldn't just turn it off in her article in the New York Times Understanding The Anxious Mind.

            “Anxiety is not fear, exactly, because fear is focused on something right in front of you, a real and objective danger. It is instead a kind of fear gone wild, a generalized sense of dread about something out there that seems menacing — but that in truth is not menacing, and may not even be out there. If you’re anxious, you find it difficult to talk yourself out of this foreboding; you become trapped in an endless loop of what-ifs” (Henig, 2009).

            The problem with suffering with an anxiety disorder is when people tell you to just turn it off; you begin to feel different and sometimes a little bit crazy. When everyone around you tells you that you are making yourself anxious and you just have to stop, it begins to make you feel a little bit more alone. This happened to me, even though millions of doctors have told me differently, I still always feel like no one understands.

            Suffering from an anxiety disorder has changed my life and still affects me to this day. I have found that I have anxiety attacks when I am driving, out of fear that I may pass out from an anxiety attack as I had once before. When I go out in public alone, I often get anxious wondering if people can tell there is something wrong with me. I fear being at home alone because what if I mistake a panic attack for a real medical emergency.

Anxiety has taken over my life and unfortunately there is no quick fix to having an anxiety disorder. I have spent two years battling these demons and I always hoped that if people understood my anxious mind a little better, they might be more sympathetic to anxious minds around them. I hoped that by sharing my anxious mind with others, other anxious minds might not feel so alone. So this has been your glimpse into a mind of everyday anxiety, fear, and sometimes sadness, I hope to have spread some new knowledge on anxiety and hopefully, if only for a moment, made someone feel a little less anxious. 

Reference:

Anxiety. (n.d.). American Psychological Association (APA). Retrieved July 8, 2013, from http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/

HENIG, R. M. (2009, September 29). Understanding the Anxious Mind - NYTimes.com. NY Times Advertisement. Retrieved July 8, 2013, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/magazine/04anxiety-t.html?pagewanted=all