Essentials of being a “me” mom

me has carved out key essentials to a mother’s life that often get put on the back burner while taking care of a family. 

1. Network.  It’s important to network in your career and personal life.  Statistics show men network 70% more than woman.  Networking helps you to connect with others in your field or to help you climb the ladder. 

2. Find a Mentor.  From networking you may connect with someone to mentor you in aspects of your life; career, personal, spirituality, motherhood, sexuality, etc. Sometimes we need help and it’s okay to reach out to someone who can help guide us in the right direction.

3. Join an organization to stay in the loop.  Maybe it’s political for women, education, or the arts.  Find an organization that is near and dear to your heart or cause and be a part of it.

4. Drop the guilt!  We have got to stop beating up on ourselves about our children having to go to daycare while we are at work, or for not being able to spend as much time as we’d like with our kids.  The precious time you do spend with them means so much more!  Come on ‘me’ moms lets get guilt free!

5. Circle of supporters. Establish a solid support system with family, friends and neighbors for babysitting, carpooling, playdates.

6. Try to multi-task, organize and simplify your life.  Look for ways to get things done easier, like going grocery shopping on your lunch, or utilizing an online grocery store, like PeaPod, that will deliver your groceries to your front door.  Utilize our “Happy at Home” column for organization tips or simple hair solutions from Edris Nicholls and her column “Hair Me Out”.

7. Make quick and simple meals.  Check out some of recipes that usually take 30 minutes to make.  Also look on your cable station's Food Network for recipes.  Also, try to make a few meals over the weekend on Sundays so that you will have enough for the week.

8. Take care of YOU first!  Exercise, eat right and treat yourself.  On airline drills, they say “make sure you put your oxygen mask on first, so that you can take care of your loved ones".  Be sure to get your hair, manicure, pedicure and massage done at least monthly.  A healthy and happy you, makes a happy family.

9. Date your husband/significant other or if single, go out on dates.  Remember that you are a sensual and sexual being.

10. Go out with your girlfriends!  Go out to lunch, dinner, drinks, the movies, a weekend getaway.  It’s important to stay connected with your girls! 

 
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Give Me A Break...

The winter weather makes our skin dry, colds and viruses make our bodies weak and working, multi-tasking and multi-thinking are taxing on our minds.  Here are some Day Spa Specials in your area to help break the “Winter Blues” 

Eshe Day Spa and Salon
8 South Michigan, Ste 200
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 629-0376

Pkg. Special only $165 or get a comp. manicure w/spa pedicure
Package includes: New candle oil massage or green tea body facial and receive a dermalogical facial, manicure and a free gift.
Promo dates: 7/20/07-12/30/08

Hela
3209 M. Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
(866) 870-7103

Save $50 w/special SpaFinder anniversary package (reg. $240 Spafinder price $190)  which includes the 60-minute Lappland hot stone massage and or signature Greta Garbo deep cleansing facial.  Mention SpaFinder.
Promo dates: 04/01/07-12/15/08

Spa Urban Retreat
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.  304A
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 277-9888

$55 Massage when you get any facial.  You can add on a 55-minute Swedish massage for only $55 when you get any 60-minute skin treatment.
Promo dates: 01/23/08-01/23/09


Body Image Studio Spa
1950 Century Blvd. #04
Atlanta GA 30345
(404) 454-8104

Couple’s Massage Special (save $20 off reg price of $170).  Couple’s massage (60-minute) offers a choice of a Swedish or combo massage for two.  The service allows a couple to enjoty the benefits of massage and the massage experience together, to relax and rejuvenate.
Promo dates: 02/18/08-3/18/08

Clay Fitness & Spa
25 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 206-9200

Pure Indulgence Package with Chocolates (save $55).  Spa package features 80-minute renewal massage, a signature boot camp facial, and the tensor & collagen custome treatment.  Package also includes a nine piece box of MarieBelle chocolates.  Special $260. 
Promo dates:02/01/08-03/31/08

These and other spa deals can be found on SpaFinder.com

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         9 Secrets to 
  Pampering Yourself
          in a Pinch
 
   by: Angela
       Strosnider

  Taking time out to
  relax, refresh, renew,
  and revitalize doesn’t have to mean three hours a day for complete alone time. Here are nine little ways in which you can incorporate them into your daily life:

1. While running errands, or doing yard work, play a relaxing CD rather than an upbeat one. This will not only soothe your mind, but your soul as well. (This trick works will young children and falling asleep or calming down in the vehicle as well.)

2. While the children are napping or getting ready to come home from school, grab a quick face mask, apply, and then lay back in silence for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the mask, and get ready for a great second-half of the day.

3. Have a home office? A plug-in scent diffuser with essential oils will help with little whiffs of pleasantness throughout the day. Do a little research on which oils appeal to you and you are on your way. If plug-ins aren’t your thing, all-natural candles and scents may be just way you need.

4. After the children are in bed, hubby is busy or not home for the evening, seize this opportunity for all its worth. Grab a relaxing CD, some candles, and go draw a nice warm bath. Soak for at least 15-30 minutes in the dark. Afterward, you’ll still have time for sugar scrubs or any other products you rarely get to use.

5. Warm up a spa neck pillow and watch some TV while your senses unwind.

6. Keep your favorite sugar scrub next to your hand soap and give yourself a mini-manicure. This literally takes less than thirty seconds and gives your hands the go signal for the rest of the day.

7. When stressed to the max, secure yourself a ME time block. This can be day or night, weekend or weekday. No one is going to regret that you need a break. Personal coaches that cost thousands of dollars to obtain, place this first on their list of things to do for their clients. You are getting the information for free. Save the money and purchase some new pampering goodies.

8. Drink lots of water and walk. Water helps flush your system of impurities and walking helps keep your physically and mentally refreshed. Offer to walk the dog from now on or if you are already the family dog-walker, make it a point to think about all the things in your life that make you happy or you are blessed with. Make your walks positive with a rule of no negative thoughts.

9. Quick showers are great refreshers, but what if you life depends on how quickly you can get in and out? Sugar scrubs are a great 30-second revitalizer. Apply all over after washing and just allow shower to rinse it away. The shine and softness will last all day long and you’ll feel and smell great.

Pampering your body and soul are self-created. No one can do this for you. However, the benefits are multiple and you deserve it.

For more "Give me A Break" >> Click here

  

  





Classic Barbeque Sauce
Great with steak

Ingredients:

*  4 tbsp Finely Chopped Onion
*  2 tbsp Oil
* 4-6 cloves garlic, crushed
*  3 cups Ketchup
*  ½ cup Brown Sugar
*  1 cup Honey
*  4 tsp Chili powder
*  6 tbsp prepared mustard
*  2-4 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Method
Sauté onion and garlic in oil add remaining ingredients.

Simmer uncovered on low heat until thickened. About one hour. Be sure it is not too thick. You may thin out the sauce with flat beer.  Cool.  

Click here for more bbq recipes >>

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SALMON PATTIES

INGREDIENTS:

15 oz can salmon (boneless & skinless)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1/4 tsp parsley
2 tbsp oil

DIRECTIONS:
Mix together all ingredients - except for oil. While oil is heating in skillet, shape salmon into small patties. Then lightly brown each side of the patties, turning only once.

Serve with cocktail sauce on the side, along with steamed rice and a tossed salad you've made dinner!

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CHICKEN, SAUSAGE, PEPPER & ONION SOUP

 
INGREDIENTS:

1 pkg. Chicken breasts (thin)

1 pkg. Hillshire smoked sausage or turkey sausage

¼ cup of virgin olive oil

One 1 pound pack frozen shredded potatoes

2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced, lengthwise

2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced, lengthwise

1 large onion thinly sliced, lengthwise

Salt & pepper

One 32-ounce container (4cups) chicken broth

One 28-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes

¼ cup of grated cheese

2 cloves garlic or (2 tablespoon of minced garlic)

½ loaf Italian bread or shortcut (use garlic toast)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425.

In a deep skillet arrange chicken breast and sausage, add ½ inch of water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Cook until the liquid evaporates & the sausage are browned, about 20 minutes.  Set aside.

While the sausages cook, in a large soup pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add the potatoes, green peppers, red peppers and onion, season with salt & pepper and cook until the vegetables are slightly softened.  Stir in chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a simmer.  Lower the heat to medium-low and cook until the vegetables are tender.  Add chicken and sausage.  Meanwhile, heat Italian bread or garlic toast in oven for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.

**Can be served over rice or pasta.

** For the grown and sexy, add a glass of wine, perhaps a Chianti or Shiraz!

For more "me Meals in 30 Minutes" >>Click here