Category: Lifestyle

Being a single mother can be tough, especially when making money and taking care of your children with only one income. It’s not always easy to ask for help, as most single moms are literal superheroes that can multitask better than anybody else on the planet. You can do everything, but you may want to keep a keen eye focused on managing your money to secure your financial future. While accomplishing so many tasks in a day, it can be easy to let your finances slip to the back of your mind. Here are six tips that will help single moms to manage their money better.

 

Increase Your Earned Income

It should go without saying that making more money is the first thing most single moms consider when having financial difficulties. They should consider the possibility of working from home as many opportunities will allow them to make money while being with their kids. A single mom would want to work from home because they must offset the cost of daycare or a babysitter. The main tip here is simple. Make more money.

 

Explore Debt Relief Options

Every month there are bills and household expenses that must be paid. Many times people will fall into debt. As most people are trying to get out of debt, one option is to consolidate their debt. Before you decide to consolidate credit card debt, there are several options that you must take into consideration. How can you consolidate your debt? What company are you consolidating your debt with? Will you be paying higher interest if you consolidate your debt?

 

Think Long-term

It can be difficult when you need money right now this month to think long-term about your finances. You need to consider the long-term options available to you. You want to be saving money, even if it’s a little bit per month. If you are putting money away in the bank, then that can be used for emergencies.

 

Seek Financial Assistance

There are many options available at the local, state, and federal level that offer assistance to single moms. They understand that you need help, and if you reach out to these institutions they can assist with daycare. Specifically, they will assist in maintaining nutritional sustenance for your children. Some people may think this is a bad thing, but they are there to help.

 

Protect Your Children Financially

It may seem morbid at first, but one crucial thing to consider is to get life insurance for yourself. If something were to happen to you, then you want your child or children protected. There are incredibly reasonable options available for single moms.

 

Net Worth is Crucial

Reaching out to professionals who understand debt relief and financial planning is a significant step in securing your financial well being. It’s important to consider paying down debt, and some people specialize in this type of service. They are very knowledgeable. These people can also help with your overall financial health. You need money to secure your livelihood because bills need to be paid. Take advantage of these services as they are there to help.

Are you planning to go on a bike tour? You need a bike that is well-suited for bike touring to travel almost anywhere. Choosing the best bicycle tour company for your needs is essential. You would want a tour guide company that will cater to your needs while giving you the experience of your lifetime. However, with many companies out there, it can be quite hard. Here are the points that will help you pick the right bike tour company.

 

1. Flexibility

You should be able to discuss the various tour offerings with the company. The initial step to consider is whether the given tour guides organization is compatible with your schedule, travel style, and family or individual needs. You can enquire about personalizing your bicycle handlebars and pedals and about the various route options depending on your personal fitness goals. The best tour operators are always interested in knowing what you aim to get from your experience.

 

2. Conduct Your Research

Find out what kind of bikes an operator uses and how they maintain them. Look for an organization that invests in quality equipment. Read the supported bike tour reviews before you commit to booking any cycling holiday. It is also worth checking Google reviews to ensure that other cyclists recommend the tour and are satisfied. At the end of your research, you should be convinced and identify a given bike tour operator’s competency. With a good tour company, you get to rock a sweet ride and have the experience of your lifetime.

 

3. The Tour Period

This guided bike tour ranges from weekend trips to two or more weeks’ tour. The area of coverage is also different depending on individual tours. Know the number of days for actual biking and whether there will be a rest day in the middle.

 

4. Enthusiasm

The best tour company have a personal passion for their trips. The guides are always willing to share fantastic places and memorable experiences with you, and no question is a waste of time. Companies like Tour de Vines are usually eager to share details about stunning views, great foods, and unique cultures you are likely to experience.

 

5. Knowledge Of The Region

Choose a bike tour organization that has a thorough knowledge of the region you will be visiting. The best operator will know the tour destination inside and out. You can, therefore ask about restaurants, local attractions, and terrain. Besides, having guides with in-depth knowledge of the region creates a sense of security and trust.

 

6. First-Line Respond Team

The tour company should be easy to reach by email or phone and have materials on hand with enough information about tours that interests you. Also, expect a tour operator to respond to your questions quickly and thoroughly. Personalized, positive contact with a tour operator before a trip suggests that they will be organized and responsive when the need arises, like when you realize you forgot to carry a raincoat.

Search no further for the best bike tour operator since Tour de Vines offers the best walking tours,  bike tours, and adventure travel vacation. Anytime you want to go on a vacation, make sure you get the very best.

Stress is a normal part of our daily lives, and each one of us has some sort of coping mechanism that helps them deal with stressful situations. The problem arises when the stress becomes overwhelming, which can take a serious toll on a person’s mental health if not managed effectively.

As a working mom-to-be, you may find yourself feeling stressed out at work, and while there’s no way of escaping stress, there are ways to cope with it effectively so it doesn’t interfere with your and your baby’s health. Below, a couple of effective tactics for handling work stress during your pregnancy.

Avoid overcommitting

When you overburden your schedule with more tasks than you can handle, it can quickly become a major source of stress. Not only does saying yes to everything you’re asked to do leave little room for self-care, but it’s also not worth it. Surely, as an expectant mom, you could probably use some extra cash, but committing to working overtime or late nights is definitely not worth the stress you’re going to put yourself through.

If your workload is something you don’t have a say in, look for some other obligations you can eliminate from your to-do list. Oftentimes, we will accept invitations to events, dinners, and birthdays to make other people happy. However, there are times when we simply can’t make it, and we shouldn’t feel bad about it. If the person who invited you is a true friend, they’ll understand, and you can always send them a gift. If they don’t get it, or worse, get mad about it, you’re probably better off without them anyway.

Create a routine to follow

Routines are there to make our lives easier. They practically put us on autopilot, meaning we’re able to do things without thinking because we’ve repeated them so many times they’ve become a habit. To create an effective routine to follow, make sure to set aside a time for work. Also, think about how much time you’ll need to tackle every task. When given a task, start right away, even if it’s due next week.

As a mom-to-be, it’s important for you to be prepared for unexpected events, so rather than procrastinating and putting off your tasks, tackle them as soon as possible. Not only will this take some of the stress out of the equation, but it’ll also make you more productive and help you stay on top of your work.

Read all about it

Speaking of being prepared, make an effort to get as much useful information about pregnancy as possible. It’s important for working moms to understand the complex process that pregnancy is and take time to learn all of its symptoms. In doing so, they’ll know how to cope with stressful situations effectively while working full-time.

Moms should also explore different methods and practices when it comes to childbirth, especially practices such as cord blood banking that have a wide treatment potential and that could possibly save a life. What you do in your pregnancy will have an influence on your and your baby’s health in the future, so make sure that you do everything you can to protect your little one.

Talk about it

Communicating your emotions, worries, and concerns is key, especially if you happen to be a first-time mom and not exactly sure what to expect from pregnancy. Even just talking to your loved ones about it can help you feel better and take the stress off your shoulders, even if you don’t necessarily come up with a solution.

On the other hand, if your pregnancy is affecting your work performance and makes it difficult for you to manage your workload, try to talk to your boss. Long physical shifts can be strenuous for pregnant women, so consider asking your boss about working shorter hours. Talk to your physician as well and have them write a note listing their requirements in case you need to modify your work. Being upfront with your boss about your situation from the start can spare you the stress later on.

Wrapping up

Finding work-life balance can be challenging, even more so when you’re a mom-to-be. But women are tough, and although pregnancy puts them in a vulnerable position, they are strong enough to overcome all the mental, emotional, and physical changes it brings and stay on top of their daily tasks.

With a couple of tricks and tactics up your sleeve, you can manage to conquer workplace stress and emerge as a winner and the superwoman you are.

Moissanites are one gemstone that can leave heads turning wherever you do. In actuality, their brilliance exceeds that of diamonds. Charles & Colvard, a notable jewel manufacturer, has the exclusive rights to produce moissanite crystals for jewel making. Another company, Cree Inc., manufactures various products using this material, including LED light bulbs. In its naturally occurring state, moissanite, also known as silicon carbide (SiC), forms in several rock formations in the world, including the Green River Formation in Wyoming.

 

Are Moissanites Knock-Offs of Diamonds?

Charles & Colvard manufactures moissanite solely for jewel making and distributes the gemstones to several retailers in the United States. Unfortunately, some shady companies have introduced moissanite knock-offs into the market scene through various websites.

Does that mean that moissanite gemstones are fake diamonds or knock-offs as some individuals claim? Definitely, no. Kindly understand that moissanite is a jewel in its right. It does not share any relationship with its counterpart (diamond), even though both gemstones look similar to each other.

Moissanites are great diamond replacements, as they have more brilliance, matching toughness, and lower price options. They beat other jewels hands down, including emeralds, rubies, and CZ’s. Your moissanite engagement ring will last you a lifetime without you having to worry about scratches, chips, or scratches.

 

Mesmerizing Optical Qualities You Can’t Ignore

When you pick up a colourless diamond engagement ring, you will notice that it is free from hues, appearing ice white. Contrastingly, a moissanite gemstone may have traces of other colours, like green, yellow or brown. You can easily spot this condition in larger crystals. However, Charles & Colvard has taken care of this factor by introducing the Forever Brilliant Colour and Forever Brilliant Colourless.

Moving on to optical properties, both moissanite and diamonds engagement ring have different faceting patterns. Consequently, this implies that they can reflect light differently. When light rays enter a moissanite gemstone, it bends and splits them into halves, giving more spectral colours, known as the rainbow effect. As such, its double-refraction qualities make it sparkle more than diamonds with single-refractive properties. You may prefer the fiery optical quality of a moissanite gemstone, while someone else may go with a diamond’s classic radiance.

Moissanites reflect light rays up to 2.4 times more than diamonds. Hence, when placed exposed in the open or a well-lit environment, it is easy for anyone to spot the jewel.

 

Moissanite’s Affordability

With $300 to $400, you could purchase a moissanite gemstone. Anything less than that price may scream Fake! One thing you don’t have to worry about when shopping for this precious stone is its ethical background. Unlike diamonds, they don’t have environmental challenges.

Still on cost, kindly note that the price of a moissanite gemstone depends on its size and quality. However, you’ll get value for your money. A 1-carat diamond worth $4,000 may only cost you $400 to get its moissanite alternative. In the same vein, a 3-carat oval GIA certified diamond that will set you back by $30,000 may only cost you $3,000. As such, you don’t have to break the bank to get that amazing piece of jewellery for your loved one.

It’s a fact that 2020 was the worst year for everyone due to the worldwide deadly pandemic situation. It’s especially one of the most challenging years for the business owners and entrepreneurs as they have faced extremely unfavorable circumstances in sustaining their businesses. The deadly pandemic situation is not over yet. Still, it is affecting businesses worldwide. But as 2021 has already arrived, the business owners are facing the hardest time ever. Therefore, if you are a business owner or an entrepreneur, now it’s your turn to be back in business with the opportunities that are still left in 2021.

So, without further ado, let’s move to the top 3 tips suggested by Eric Dalius with which you can grow your business and become a stellar performer in 2021 irrespective of every adverse circumstance caused for the COVID-19 outbreak. Let’s have a close look!

 

Set Your New Goals to Win Over Obstacles

It would be best if you don’t forget that you are an entrepreneur. There were several ups and downs you may have faced since you had incorporated your business. Did you ever think of giving up? No. Right? So, even this time, if you can set a new goal with a can-do attitude, you can win over the obstacles.

In order to win over the obstacles, first, you need to find out your most affected areas in business and then put maximum effort into strengthening those parts. You can put efforts into strengthening the relationship with your customer, or you can try to change your marketing strategies. Moreover, setting new goals with a can-do attitude can help you to earn prosperity in business.

 

Make an Online Segment of Your Business as Suggested by Eric Dalius

During the pandemic situation, you may have realized the importance of an online presence of your brand. According to Edition.cnn.com, online retail sales have got turbocharged during the pandemic. The giant e-commerce Amazon had to hire more employees during the pandemic situation.

On the contrary, those retail companies that are not having an online presence suffered the most, and many business institutions have not even survived. Although, not only in the adverse situation but in the last few years it has become a trend to have an online presence! Even the big business enterprises opted for the online segment for their business. Therefore, you can understand how important it is to have an online platform for your business.

 

Focus on Providing Best Customer Services

Indeed, one of the most trusted strategies is providing best in class customer service. As you must consider that getting plenty of customers won’t help you much if you can’t retain them in the long run. Your business reputation depends on customer reviews and recommendations. Therefore, if you really want to stand out from the crowd, you always need to take good care of your loyal customers so that they can choose you every time, all the time.

 

Conclusion

So, finally, as you have gone through the whole topic, you are now better ready to get back to business in 2021 and earn desired prosperity in your business irrespective of unfavorable circumstances. If you really wish to follow and apply the mentioned tips, you are not far away from reaching the top place as you may have dreamt someday.

No one has escaped the pandemic completely unscathed. Retail has been hit harder than most. The ma and pa shops along the boulevard are on the ropes if not already down and out. They need all the help they can get. A great location doesn’t help as much in a pandemic because no one is leaving their home unless they absolutely have to. People often combine shopping with eating out. But if your town does not allow inside dining right now, that foot traffic is all but gone.

Coronavirus comes after a series of challenges to local businesses. People were already getting a bit disenchanted with brick and mortar retail. Price was not the only reason they were abandoned for Walmart in the burbs. There was a distinct lack of responsiveness to customer needs. Returns were a hassle when possible at all. Delivery was expensive. Some shop owners behaved in an unprofessional and entitled manner that put a lot of people off. Then, there were the inventory problems. Everything you really wanted had to be special ordered.

For many shop owners, the pandemic was the final kick in the teeth. They have had enough. The shops that did business the right way are left to suffer for the sins of the rest. Many businesses have survived and thrived against all odds. We all want to see them do well and offer our patronage. By all means, shop local at the places that do it right. They need your help. But there are a few exceptions. Here are three:

Clothes That Fit You Well

Don’t just settle for clothes that kind of fit, and that is kind of the style you wanted. The reality is that small, local shops have limited space for merchandise. They cannot afford to bring in items that don’t sell very well. That forces a lot of people who wear plus sizes to settle for much less than what they really wanted and needed.

What you need is a plus size online boutique that carries the selection you are looking for and fast, free delivery as an option. This is not infidelity to local businesses. Long before the pandemic, women routinely had to drive to out of the way places to find a clothing store with options that fit. This has never been one of the strengths of local clothing shops. So while you continue to support those shops for your family, use the superior online options for yourself. You deserve to be as happy with your clothes as the rest of your family.

Healthy Meal Kits

Meal kits are a trend that is sweeping the nation. Even large supermarkets are getting in on the game by making their own. However, if you have special dietary needs, it might be difficult to find one that is right for you.

A healthy and happy mom is a better mom. And you need to do the things that make you healthy and happy. Moms tend to be happy when they can take a day off and not have to work the kitchen like an unpaid line cook. That doesn’t mean they are willing to sacrifice healthy eating. Find a healthy meal kit plan that is right for you and enjoy the luxury of not having to cook every night.

Consumer Electronics

Unless you have a big box retailer in your neighborhood, you are not going to have much luck sourcing the hottest electronics. It is a thousand percent certainty you are not going to find a PlayStation 5 at the neighborhood electronics shop. If you browse the tech sites, you will encounter many new and interesting products that you are never going to encounter in your local store. Shopping online is often the only way to feed your craving for the latest and greatest gadgets.

Local stores are suffering like never before. And many did nothing to deserve it. They did everything right. But the pandemic was too much. Unless you are shopping for clothes that fit you well, healthy meal kits, or high-demand electronics, shop local. They could really use your help right now.

We all know that being a mom is challenging. More so if you are trying to balance parenthood and your professional career.

Imagine if you are in the creative arts like a painter or professional calligrapher?

For instance, finishing an illustration is time-consuming. Meanwhile, taking care of your children requires your full attention. You will need to feed them, help with their homework, ensure that they are not burning the house down, and more.

Fortunately, becoming a great parent while finding time for your life’s passions doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Here are six helpful parenting tips on how to balance your art with family life:

 

Take it One Day at a Time

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, take one step, one project at a time.

If you have a project that you can break down into smaller steps, then do so. This is also where having productivity tools could come in handy.

When you try to get everything done all at once, it can come across as overwhelming. You might end up losing your momentum or train of thought.

But if you try to focus on one task, then start doing it, you’ll feel much better, and you’ll accomplish more. It might take longer to finish in some cases, but breaking down tasks into simple, manageable steps will let you achieve your goal.

You’d also find that there will be some days that are the hardest. So, be gentle with yourself.

It doesn’t mean that you don’t have the drive or energy at that very instant- it doesn’t mean that it won’t come back.

 

Make Time to Create

You shouldn’t make art every time ‘inspiration hits’ you. If you’re able to satisfy the inner artist within you whenever the feeling strikes, then you’re lucky. However, if you’re most people, these things take time.

Treat art as your necessity and not just a luxury. See it as something essential and valuable to your health and well-being.

Many creative moms recommend using your kids’ nap times to work on creative projects. You might also want to find the right time that works for you so that you can regularly exercise your creative muscles.

 

Plan but Stay Flexible

Although you can set a plan for the things you need to do, unexpected things come up in reality.

For instance, your babysitter might cancel on you at the very last minute. You’ve been getting more work than you can handle, or a family member or loved one might be counting on you for support.

Ensure that you carve out time to do your art even if you have a busy schedule. However, understand that you also need to be flexible as well.

Your children might get sick, you might wind up tired doing household work, or you might take a lot of time than you’ve expected. Your schedule or plans might change with that, but it’s okay.

 

Set Creative Goals for Yourself

If your goal is to paint, then you can add something measurable to your plan. Let’s say you wanted to paint for an hour each day, 4 hours per week, and complete at least six paintings every month.

Think of goals that you can achieve realistically. You can reduce that a little slightly to increase the probability of achieving success.

Also, remember that growing as an artist isn’t how many works you finish. You need to set goals that not only improve your skills but your creativity as well!

 

Make Your Creative Space

Being creative and staying “one the zone” isn’t always easy. You can create a “flow room” at home that’s dedicated to helping you stay creative. You may hang a wall art in your home to create personal atmosphere and unique style you may visit Kace Art to get idea about different wall arts for your home.

Having your spot at home where you can be creative makes it easy for your brain to jump into ‘creative mode.’ After all, artists have their studios.

Ideally, this should be a spot that will serve as your creative haven. Treat it well and give it the respect that it needs.

It also helps that you fill your space with plenty of inspiration. You can set up an inspiration board and make sure that you keep it comfy and cozy as well.

 

Take a Walk

Even just a quick 15-minute walk can get those creative juices flowing!

You can even bring along a notebook with you and try to capture anything that might grab your attention.

You can even bring along the kids with you! Remember that the goal here is to take quiet walks. So, if you have chatty toddlers with you, you can teach them how to play a casual game.

Teach them how to listen to the sounds, take in everything right in front of them, and then do the same. Even just a couple of minutes of walking will give you that much needed mental space.

 

Being a parent should not hinder you from pursuing your passion. In our opinion, it is just a matter of finding time and space for your endeavor. And with the help of the tips listed above, you can balance making art and raising your kids.

When is the last time you treated yourself to something nice? Sure, it sounds a bit selfish, but it’s well-deserved. As a mother, you do a lot to ensure your family’s happiness, health, and safety. You sacrifice your time, energy, and resources to ensure they have everything they need. As such, it’s only right that you reward yourself for a job well done. Not to mention, treating yourself can boost your mood and relieve the stresses of everyday life. 

 

So, maybe you want to treat yourself but simply don’t have the money. While you may not be able to afford a week-long vacation or a designer outfit, there are ways to lift your spirits without breaking the bank. Consider these suggestions listed below. 

 

Stash Some Cash

 

After you’ve paid the bills for the week or month, set a few bucks aside in a savings account. There’s nothing wrong with having a little mad money for yourself. Whether it’s $5 a  week or $10 a month, the savings plus interest will eventually give you enough to purchase something you enjoy. 

 

Earn Extra Money

 

If your budget is too tight to stash cash, you can earn some extra money on the side. There are plenty of opportunities to earn money online that won’t complicate your already busy schedule. You can answer surveys, submit product reviews, play games, view websites, and more in your spare time. The payouts add up over time, giving you enough money to treat yourself without feeling guilty. 

 

Use Coupons

 

One of the simplest ways to save money and treat yourself is to use coupons. You can find printable coupons and promo codes online that can give you percentages of products and services you love. Capitalize on your savings by using these coupons and codes during a huge sale. 

 

Affordable Treats

 

Instead of trying to treat yourself to something expensive, look for something more affordable. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make yourself feel good. Coffee lovers might treat themselves to a caffeinated beverage and pastry from a nearby cafe. If you love fashion, shop at a secondhand store where you can find lots of trends or wardrobe pieces for pennies on the dollar. If you’re into health and wellness, something as simple as a reusable water bottle or a scented candle can do the trick without going bankrupt. 

 

Look For Free Stuff

 

The idea of getting free stuff online might sound impossible, but it’s not. There are several opportunities to acquire neat little gifts for yourself without paying a cent. You can sign up for free giveaways, ask for trial products, take advantage of free trials, and even use rebates to purchase things you want for free. 

 

Buying things isn’t the only way to treat yourself. There are plenty of free activities you can do that are just as enjoyable. Why not treat yourself to a walk in the park, take the day off from mom duties, or prepare yourself a nice lunch on your porch or patio? The experience is priceless as you take time to focus on your needs. 

 

Credit Card Rewards Programs

 

Many major credit card companies offer rewards to loyal customers. Cashback offers are some of the most popular. Cardholders that use their accounts to pay for qualifying products and services will receive a percentage of their money back. Depending on how often you use your credit card, you could accumulate several hundred dollars each year to splurge on yourself. 

 

Mothers have some of the hardest yet thankless responsibilities. While you don’t mind doing these things for your family, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back. Treating yourself to a product, service, or experience is the perfect way to reward yourself for all that you do while easing emotional stress. If you’re living on a tight budget, don’t let that stop you from spoiling yourself on occasion. As you can see from the examples above, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase things that make you feel good without breaking the bank.