Balancing Act: How to Balance Your Life!

Ever feel like you are juggling too many things? Finding it hard to balance
everything? Here are a few tips that may help you organize your life.

Tip #1: Prioritize
Many times you have a list of things to do that is a mile long. You can't do it all at once therefore you much prioritize. Organize your items in order of importance. This may be by date, urgency, need etc. Whatever the criteria, your list must be prioritized.

Tip #2: Don't Stress
This is easier said than done. Stressing is one of the first ways many people cope with having too much on their plate. Just think, is stressing going to solve your problem? The answer is, no! Dealing with the task at hand will solve your problem!

Tip #3: Get Organized
Getting organized is very important. Chaos breeds more chaos. Get your home and yourself organized. Try creating a home binder that will help you keep track of everything that goes on in the home. You may put your grocery list, coupons, schedules, medical records, pet information, car maintenance etc. in this binder.

Tip #4: Rome wasn't built in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your life. Don't try to do everything at once. Give all of your tasks a specific amount of time. Make sure to figure in some rest time because you won't be able to tackle your load without it!

Tip #5: Let's Sweat!
Stay healthy. A rigorous schedule requires a healthy body. That means the proper balance of diet, fitness, and rest. I know you are saying, "My schedule is already loaded, how am I going to put exercise in there too?" Going back to tip #1, Prioritize. YOU should be at the top of your priority list. That includes allowing some time to workout. Mother's tend to put themselves last on the list of priorities (I know, I am guilty of it as well). We have to start valuing ourselves. Cause when you think about it, if we don't take care of ourselves and get sick, who is gonna take care of that massive list of things?

Tip #6: Master Procrastinator!
Don't procrastinate! Putting things off until the last minute will only make matters worse. By putting it off, you are constantly thinking about it, therefore stressing, while letting something else arise that needs to be added to your list of things. If it's in front of you to do, get it done! You will thank yourself later!

Hopefully these tips can help you to regain control over your life and give you time for what is really important!

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Survival Guide For Shopping During the Holidays

Shopping can be a stressful time during this time of year. Follow these steps to help you survive the holiday shopping blues.

Step 1: Make a budget and stick to it.
Many times when we go shopping, we grab everything that we see and don't consider our budget. This is a mistake because you don't want to go into the new year with fresh debt.

Step 2: Be realistic about how much you have to spend.
If you can't afford it, DON'T buy it!

Step 3. Make a list and check it twice!
Santa's not the only one who needs a list! Make a list of everyone you want to get a gift for. On that list put what you want to get them and how much you want to spend. This way, you will have a plan of what stores to go to and what you are purchasing.

Step 4. Shop around!
When I say shop around, I don't mean actually travel to a bunch of different stores to compare prices, I mean look online. Google it! You will be able to see a range of prices and stores that offer what you want at the best price. You may even find that purchasing your item online is more feasible.

Step 5. Map out your trip.
Plan what stores you would like to go to and then map out the best route. Head over to Google maps if you need to. You can add multiple destinations and map the shortest route. With gas prices being so expensive, you don't want to waste gas and money. Also, you'll be more eco-friendly by conserving gas!

Step 6. Plan ahead!
You don't want to wait until the last minute to get your shopping done. Being caught in a crowd of people fighting over the same item is no fun!

Step 7: Plan for backup!
Always have a backup plan. This way if you can't find an item that you are looking for, you can just purchase something else! No use in stressing about it!

Step 8: Buy online.
Online shopping is the way to go if you are pressed for time or can't get to a store. A great place to start is Amazon. There are many great deals and multiple sellers so that you can get the best deal!

Step 9: Never shop on an empty stomach!
This is the easiest way to spend more than you planned and increase your waistline. Either plan a time to eat during your shopping trip or eat before you head out. Also, you want to have a clear head while shopping and many times people don't think straight on an empty stomach!

Step 10: No Bebe's Kids allowed!

Leave the kids at home (if you can). Shopping is much more enjoyable and more efficient when the munchkins are left at home. We all love them dearly but "Mommy, I have to go potty" and "Mommy, I'm hungry" is going to slow you down.

Step 11: Relax, Relate, Release!
It's just shopping! Don't let it be stressful, let it be fun! If you encounter a bad attitude along the way, just know that they didn't get the memo on the "Survival Guide For Shopping During the Holidays!" :-)

Happy Shopping!

Winter Crafts

During this time of year, it is fun to do arts and crafts with the kids. One fun idea is a gingerbread house. The kids will love getting messy and creative while constructing their master piece. There are kits available at various stores. I bought one for my kids at Walmart for $9. I will upload pictures to let you all know how it turned out. Any of you building gingerbread houses this year?

WELCOME

Welcome to The Cosmopolitan Mommy.  My goal is to create a place where moms can come to "hang out" on the web.  I will offer you information about all things concerning us mommy's.  Feel free to comment on things that you would like to see on this blog! I look forward to chatting with all of you!