tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2215309139419645522024-03-20T19:24:31.804-07:00Two Chickens in Every PotCooking, homemaking, and working from homeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-18445277356146699792022-07-05T17:04:00.006-07:002023-03-28T07:22:23.340-07:00My Portfolio<p><a name="_Hlk101018271" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Content
Writing Clips by Raani Starnes</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Links to published articles:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Edited to add on 3/28/23: My newer and better stuff is posted at: <a href="https://raanistarnes.com/">https://raanistarnes.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Old Articles:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/loans/refinance/cash-out-refinance/">https://www.gobankingrates.com/loans/refinance/cash-out-refinance/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/restaurant-reputation-management/">https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/restaurant-reputation-management/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://kennedyfitness.org/the-benefits-of-physical-exercise-on-mental-health/">ht/tps://kennedyfitness.org/the-benefits-of-physical-exercise-on-mental-health/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> /</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-53433079234056208002020-12-17T12:55:00.020-08:002020-12-18T09:32:35.174-08:00Practical Tips for Working From Home When You're a Mom<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdMeec3YqQXUiuKqOL-JeY1EYqoKqm7yZmh310EL5MMVA0EX2ocovYUXaCs2X5o67vSigdilf4M3A-gL0a4yOV4Z5o0PBWWBgqSlrMis1Uz5ByOAAhZ7Hn4cVbvXxu6KDykkB93Sz5zQ/s2048/brian-wangenheim-2pRimVfww38-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdMeec3YqQXUiuKqOL-JeY1EYqoKqm7yZmh310EL5MMVA0EX2ocovYUXaCs2X5o67vSigdilf4M3A-gL0a4yOV4Z5o0PBWWBgqSlrMis1Uz5ByOAAhZ7Hn4cVbvXxu6KDykkB93Sz5zQ/w426-h640/brian-wangenheim-2pRimVfww38-unsplash.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@brianisalive?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Brian Wangenheim</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/mom-on-computer?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">Perhaps you work from home because you want to, or maybe you've started telecommuting due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Either way, working at home while you're still raising kids can be challenging. As a remote worker with kids, I've learned to overcome the challenges of working in a houseful of people. </span></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">Read on for a definitive guide on how to be productive while working from home as a busy mom. I'll provide you with examples from my own experience as well as several actionable steps you can take today to make your dream of successfully juggling kids and a career a reality.</span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What I Do from Home</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you've been following me for a while, you may remember that I started writing for content companies back in 2016, but since I was still learning the ropes, I didn't make much money. Because of the low pay, I reduced my writing down to an occasional hobby, but I got more serious about it this year when I was offered higher-paying work. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I am now blessed to be earning a full-time income from home as a freelance writer. In addition to my writing gigs, I have a successful <a href="https://www.cleanwithmepodcast.com/">cleaning podcast</a>, which I record and edit once a week. How am I able to do all this with children still living at home? Well, number one, my kids are getting older, and number two, I've learned what works for our family through trial and error. Let's dig into the specifics.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Be Realistic in Your Expectations</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you have babies and toddlers but no babysitter, you may only be able to work part-time. I know this might not be what you wanted to hear, but taking care of small children is a full-time job in and of itself. If you are working full time from home and intent on keeping your children there with you, you may need to hire a <i>mother's helper</i> to entertain the babies while you work. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another option could be getting together with another mom, who is in the same situation. </span>One day she can watch all the kids, and another day you can watch them. Still, you would only be working part-time in that scenario. </p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are also those few quiet hours during the kids' nap or before they wake up in the morning. Again, you may only be able to work part-time unless you work opposite hours from your spouse or your kids go to daycare.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Realize They Grow Up Fast</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I get it. You want to contribute to the household financially, or maybe you just need a creative outlet to feel fulfilled. Working from home can be difficult, though—especially if you have small children who are very needy. Trying to work from home with babies and toddlers underfoot is hard. Don’t worry—they grow up fast, and working from home will be very doable once they get a little older and more independent. Not only will they stop needing as much close supervision, but they'll be able to pitch in with household chores, freeing you up to do your job.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Children Thrive on Routine</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When you're a stay-at-home mom, it can be tempting to take advantage of the flexibility and not have much of a daily routine. I highly caution against this fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach. In my opinion, even if your only responsibility is taking care of your children, having a routine makes life more enjoyable for you as well as the kids. And when you're a work-at-home mom, having a plan for your day is vital.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </strong></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Routine vs. Schedule</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's a difference between having a schedule and having a routine. A routine is an order in which you do things, whereas a schedule implies having an exact time for every single activity. When taking care of kids, you'll need the flexibility of a routine as opposed to a rigid schedule. </span>You don't want to be too strict with your children, but a little structure can go a long way. The level of organization in your day will vary based on personal preference, but here are some realistic minimums:</p><h4 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Have a set bedtime.</strong></h4><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Putting your kids to bed at a decent hour isn't selfish; it's good for them. Ideally, when your children grow up and have a fuller schedule, they'll have the self-discipline to get to bed on time because they've been doing it all their life. Having a bedtime for kids might seem like a no-brainer, but some parents these days allow their kids to stay up way too late. That said, letting older kids stay up late once a week is fine because they will probably crash before too long anyway if they are used to an early bedtime.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Young children need naps. </strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In addition to bedtime, naptime will be part of the routine for very young children. Some may argue that their child won't take a nap, but childcare centers have no problem putting toddlers and preschoolers down for a nap at the same time every day. Part of this is that the kids are getting up early each day, and the other part is that their teachers don't take <i>no</i> for an answer. Children who get up during naptime get sent right back to the mat, and you ought to be able to do the same at home. Consistency is key.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Serve meals at regular times and have convenient snacks available.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Everyone will be in a better mood if you eat at consistent times and have convenient meal and snack options available. With a little advance planning, food can be healthy as well as convenient.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Have a chore list for school-aged children.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Kids benefit from doing chores, and delegating some of your household responsibilities will give you more time to get your other work done.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Have a routine or at least a flow in your day.</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In addition to setting benchmarks for bedtime and mealtimes, it's good to have a rough order in which your family does things. It's up to you to develop a routine that will be unique to your family, but here's a rough idea of what my typical day looks like:</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">5:45 a.m.</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Coffee and quiet reading time</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">6:15 a.m.</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Wake up my teenage son, so he can start getting ready for school</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">6:30 a.m.</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Start on my writing.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">9:00 a.m.</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Assign daily goals to the two who are homeschooling and explain any new concepts. They work quietly alongside me and know that I am approachable, so long as they are asking a school-related question. In August, they'll be joining their brother at a nearby private school, which will free me up to do even more work. They are excited about going to school in person, so it's going to be a win-win for our family.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Noon:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Serve lunch or delegate that chore to one of the kids. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">4:30 p.m.</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Start dinner if my husband isn't planning on cooking. I also reserve the right to have pizzas delivered if I'm on a roll with my work. Ideally, though, we sit together and have dinner as a family, discussing our day.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Late nights:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> I often quit working at dinner time, but once the kids are in bed, I'll do the easier task of planning my outlines for the next day's writing projects. This is fine with my husband since he's usually watching TV or on his phone in the evenings. Not only that, but he goes to bed early on weeknights. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Enjoy Your Weekends or Other Days Off</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The one night my kids stay up late is Friday. This results in them sleeping in on Saturday mornings when I usually knock out at least one writing project. After that, we try to get out of the house and do something fun as a family. I don't work on Sundays.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Take at Least One Full Day Off Each Week.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Don't be tempted to become a workaholic just because you work from home. Yes, you might need to burn the midnight oil now and then to make up for lost time, but be sure to take at least one full day off each week where you can relax and be 100% present with your family.</span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Work When You Are Naturally Most Productive</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Getting up before my kids wake up is vital because those early hours right after I drink my coffee are the most productive of my day. That's what works for me, but your circadian rhythm may be different. If you are most productive in the afternoon or early evening, plan accordingly. <a href="https://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2016/10/two-crockpots-in-every-kitchen-tips-for.html">Starting dinner in the morning in a slow cooker </a>would prevent you from having to stop to cook later in the evening when you're engrossed in your work.</span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Keep Track of Time By Setting Reminders</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When I recently transitioned from working part-time to working all day, I realized something. After sitting still for several hours straight, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. I learned two things. I needed a comfortable office chair, and I needed to <b>get up and move more often</b>.</p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When you work at a brick and mortar office somewhere, your day is punctuated by regular breaks. Not only that, but some tasks require getting out of your seat even between those breaks. It's somehow easier to keep track of time at an office, perhaps because things are more organized.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When you work at home, it usually goes one of two ways. You either constantly stop to handle other responsibilities, or you have a tendency to get so absorbed in your work that you don't move around enough. I deal with both scenarios at different times. Setting alarms on your phone, reminding you to take breaks is a great way to make sure you get up and move more often. And it reminds you to take time to focus on your kids.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>Pro tip:</b> Set an alarm on your phone, reminding you to pick the kids up from school and another one to start dinner.</span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Have a Way to Differentiate When You are at Work</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My husband and kids know that if I'm on the computer, I'm working. If I'm casually checking Facebook, I do that on my phone, but all of my writing work is done on the computer. My family knows not to interrupt me when I'm working unless it's for something important. They also know that once I walk away from the computer, I'm all theirs. Whether it's a computer, a desk, a recliner, or an office, there needs to be a physical reminder signifying you've gone to work.</span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Have a Primary Workspace Where You Keep Organized</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Although I sometimes work on a laptop in various rooms of the house, I also have an official desk with an ergonomically designed chair complete with neck and lumbar support. Not only is my space comfortable, but it's a place to keep all the necessary tools of the trade.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What you need at your workstation will be unique to what you do, but </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">a calendar or planner</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> in addition to the usual office supplies is a must for organizing your workweek. Only you know what else you need to keep handy at your workstation, but in a sometimes chaotic household, you need to have a respected area where nobody's allowed to touch your stuff.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Cheat Sheets Help You Not to Forget Things</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In addition to a planner, notebook, and pens, I also have some things at my desk that I affectionately refer to as cheat sheets. These help me produce quality work despite the distractions that are inevitable when working from home.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">At around age 12, I started my first job as a receptionist. Yes, you read that right, but it's not as weird as it sounds. My family owned a business, and I had to answer the phone when my parents weren't home. It wasn't a paid position, of course, but I learned a lot about organization and professionalism.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There were certain questions I had to ask each customer before dispatching my dad, so my parents kept a list on our family's "business desk." Quickly looking over that list before hanging up the phone gave me the peace of mind that I had asked the right questions and written down all the pertinent information. I carried that lesson with me through life and still use checklists as tools in my work.</span></p><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Cheat Sheets Specific to Writing</span></h3><div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Each writing assignment I get comes with client instructions, and each content marketing agency has its own rules, so there are built-in cheat sheets on their websites. I've recently narrowed my work down to two preferred agencies and might drop down to only one because it pays more. Whichever agency I end up focusing on, I plan to print and display their general instructions on my desk, so I don't have to keep toggling back to that page on their website. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My basic formula for an article or blog post is engrained in my mind, so I don't need a cheat sheet for those other than the agency/client/project specifics. With copywriting work—another style of assignment I sometimes get--there's a certain flow to the paper that I don't have completely memorized yet. For these projects, I frequently reference some cheat sheets I keep on my desk. I realize a lot of what I'm talking about is specific to my line of work, but hopefully, it gets you thinking about what you need at your own home workstation. </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Know When to Step Out</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It might be necessary to have an alternate workstation for when you need absolute silence. Let's face it: Kids can forget you're on the phone and act up. If you need to take an important business call or participate in a Zoom meeting, going out to the car can prevent the other party from hearing any embarrassing outbursts from your kids. Although I like to remain approachable while writing, I record my <a href="https://medium.com/illumination-curated/5-lesser-known-podcasts-that-will-motivate-you-to-clean-along-2075ad6c355e">weekly podcast</a> in my car.</span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Involve Your Kids in Your Work</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Your children might find your work fascinating, and discussing what you do with them can be educational. An essential part of my writing process is to proofread each piece out loud to another person. Although that final proofread is mainly about checking for typos and hearing how the words flow, I never do this step alone. Reading a piece to another person allows me to listen to it through their ears. When my husband isn't available to listen to a proofread, I read it to one of the kids. They get a kick out of it, and when they ask questions, it lets me know which parts of the paper might need further clarification. You may not be a writer, but there's probably some aspect of your work your kids would enjoy doing with you.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Know When to Call it a Day</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You probably think I'm going to talk about spending time with family in the evenings, and that <i>is</i> important, but it's not the only reason you might need to call it a day sooner than later. When all I have left to do is a difficult project, I clock out early. This is especially important with writing since it takes a lot of concentration. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm more productive in the morning. I learned that about myself years ago while working at an insurance company. I noticed that I had trouble solving complicated problems that came up in the late afternoon, so I learned to set those items aside to work on the next morning when I would be at my sharpest. Putting things off might sound like procrastination, but in this situation, it isn't. Sometimes it just makes sense to either call it a day or switch to the easy stuff when you're starting to get tired. Save those more intense projects for the next day.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sometimes when you sleep on a problem, you wake up in the middle of the night with the solution. I often dream about my writing assignments and get up bright and early excited to get back to work with a fresh new perspective. Working from home can be exhausting, and knowing when to quit and start back up again is a valuable time management skill. </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's All About Being Flexible</strong></h2><div><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As I mentioned earlier, work-at-home-moms need to be flexible, so it's also time to call it a day when your children need you. If you take away just one thing from this article, I hope it's the part about remaining flexible.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You <i>Can</i> Be a Good Parent and Do Quality Work</span></h2><div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm here to tell you that you can do this—even if it needs to be part-time for now. Relax, and chip away at your work while enjoying the fact that you're able to stay home with your kids. Don't get in a hurry, or the quality of your work could suffer. Be approachable, and take breaks frequently. Take deep breaths, do one thing at a time, and consult with your cheat sheets to make sure you don't miss anything.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If this post resonated with you, you'd probably also enjoy my podcast, Clean With Me. Cleaning along with my show for an hour will get your house under control, which is likely one of your many responsibilities as a mom.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Search for <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clean-with-me/id1437964950">Clean With Me</a> on your favorite podcast app and subscribe today!</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-63115473369597065502019-02-02T14:46:00.000-08:002019-02-02T14:46:11.028-08:00Spanish Rice in the Instant Pot <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Need an idea for a side dish tonight? Try this easy recipe for Spanish rice in the Instant Pot!</div>
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Be sure to subscribe to my channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Norwayrats">https://www.youtube.com/user/Norwayrats</a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-13161741376765634622016-10-25T20:31:00.005-07:002020-12-17T13:04:58.525-08:00Review of Writing for Blogmutt<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gteeNEUnybbmTIyb-aRGEiOdpufo-UVGJTsug9KNF7MwxRVdEj1IsogZ9zFrApTxOFF9AD4gsJOz-R_FtqcHyGaHjlNFUlVoDx9YCVB7Z28gqP9U0n08N82Ckw40jRtC3QNsjbSO6Ns/s1600/casper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gteeNEUnybbmTIyb-aRGEiOdpufo-UVGJTsug9KNF7MwxRVdEj1IsogZ9zFrApTxOFF9AD4gsJOz-R_FtqcHyGaHjlNFUlVoDx9YCVB7Z28gqP9U0n08N82Ckw40jRtC3QNsjbSO6Ns/s1600/casper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghostwriter Lol!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Lately, I'm thrilled with the way things are going with my writing. Blogmutt, the content company I write for, recently sent out an e-mail saying they've had an influx of new customers over the last few weeks, so there is plenty of work to go around. They aren't kidding! It has gotten so much easier to find easy writing assignments to do that I can find something to write virtually any time. I highly recommend them and plan to continue to write for them even though I also have a direct client that keeps me pretty busy.<br />
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The Pay</h3>
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Blogmutt pays eight dollars for a 250-word post, so on those posts, you can make 3.2 cents per word. If a client directly requests you, you can make ten percent more and write posts revolving around the same subject for a while. Not only that but once you get enough points from writing and selling posts, you can unlock longer assignments on better subjects, presumably because there is less competition at those higher levels.<br />
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A Minor Technical Difficulty</h3>
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The only problem I'm having with my Blogmutt account right now is that I can't get my picture uploaded onto my profile. You have to do it through your WordPress account, and I uploaded the pic on WordPress, but it's not showing up on Blogmutt. I guess I could e-mail them about it. Sometimes I hate the more technical aspects of working on a computer, but the actual writing is very gratifying.<br />
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The Motivation</h3>
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It's a challenge writing with a houseful of kids while keeping up on everything else, but lately, I've settled into a nice routine. It helps that my husband and I have a new financial goal of purchasing a used motorhome one day. <div><br /></div><div>With that in mind, it's time for me to get back to work...<br /><div><br /></div><div>Edited to add: Blogmutt changed its name to Verblio a few years back, but I have found higher-paying content companies, so I'm no longer writing for Verblio.<br />
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<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-81536717027820962182016-10-04T21:30:00.002-07:002020-12-16T17:39:31.779-08:002 Crockpots in Every Kitchen: Tips for Serious Slow Cookers<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSTtI6Rbop_d_-Jp5mI3rscwXRsD_Mlkyb1oJhiZm73x5mX5k0EeZfs1zsyaP6wSzfSeqA2ECE3zUwyTMrGFsPmSgB3smzW6fGK2L0TKdjP6YI2b1fuofeCw2mrxjMuNen4r7Dv_32CA/s1600/20161004_164801.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSTtI6Rbop_d_-Jp5mI3rscwXRsD_Mlkyb1oJhiZm73x5mX5k0EeZfs1zsyaP6wSzfSeqA2ECE3zUwyTMrGFsPmSgB3smzW6fGK2L0TKdjP6YI2b1fuofeCw2mrxjMuNen4r7Dv_32CA/s640/20161004_164801.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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One thing you need to know about me is that I tend to go all out on things. When the weather changes, I get on a crockpot kick. I don't mean I just make stew or chili one day to kick off the fall season--I mean, I start trying to figure out a way to make breakfast, dinner, and dessert in the crockpot. Right now, I'm in one of those phases. <br />
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That said, I've learned from years of crockery-cooking experience that there are some things that, in my opinion, just aren't as good in the crockpot. I prefer to cook certain dishes, including meatloaf and spaghetti, the old-fashioned way, but many other things are great in the crockpot. <br />
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Although I've been slow-cooking since I was a newlywed, I've made very few desserts, so I am excited about experimenting in that area this crockpot season. As I am writing this, I have a peach upside-down cake going in--you guessed it--the crockpot. I'm not sure how it will look, but I have high hopes that it will be edible enough to eat alone late at night. <br />
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Get a Crockpot Cookbook </h3>
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I recently bought the book <span style="color: black;"><u>Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining </u>by Phyliss Pellman Good and Dawn J. Ranck</span>. I didn't get it so much for entertaining, but I noticed that most of the recipes serve 6-8 people, which is perfect for our family. The book's preface explains that most of the recipes in the book will fit into a four or five-quart crockpot and that they will indicate when a six-quart is needed. This works perfectly for me since I have both a four-quart and a seven quart. <br />
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Get a Larger Crockpot or Two Crockpots</h3>
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If you have a large family or like to entertain, you may want to invest in a six or seven-quart crockpot. My seven-quart crockpot is great for when I'm serving little smokies in barbecue sauce to a large crowd or on the rare occasions that I make a huge pork roast for tamales. Yes, we also have a giant tamale pot for steaming tamales on the stove. Remember, we are all about extremes in this house. Even though I usually don't come close to completely filling the seven-quart crockpot, I love being able to have two crockpots going at once. Remember that each crockpot should only be filled about three-quarters of the way full, which is why you may need a larger one or two of them.</div>
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<h3>Try This Easy Side Dish Idea</h3>
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A few years back, I discovered that I could cook a bunch of foil-wrapped baked potatoes and halved corn on the cobs in the larger crockpot while cooking a meat dish in the smaller one. The potatoes will have a slightly different flavor than if you had baked them in the oven, but after applying a generous slathering of butter and sour cream, you'll hardly notice.</div>
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Save Time With Crockpot Liners</h3>
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Sometimes I like to splurge on crockpot liners to make clean up a breeze. The disposable liners are made of a heavy-duty BPA-free plastic and are similar to "oven bags." You might be thinking that a crockpot is easy to clean, but it really depends on what you make in it. The crockpot liners are perfect for those days when you want to start on the next recipe right away, so there is no time to soak the crock in between. The store I went to last night only carried oven bags, but it turns out the large, turkey-sized oven bag worked well as a crockpot liner. </div>
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What do you like to make in the crockpot? I look forward to hearing your ideas in the comments!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-76075690262333303472016-07-11T23:16:00.005-07:002020-12-16T17:32:22.243-08:00Ghost Writing and Time Management in the Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIn_0aK9VOaom8YF-omDzZo_vLlEZYp2CRv1XvP-V8ijg-3C7irNu_P8oE0avd13tNJVOZcYLhpsgsVnSNptgFepwadPEvr_U4yeeMIRdFMjvdXXYExu3qZUwVR-TswsSg22ADmWSvA0/s2048/j-kelly-brito-PeUJyoylfe4-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIn_0aK9VOaom8YF-omDzZo_vLlEZYp2CRv1XvP-V8ijg-3C7irNu_P8oE0avd13tNJVOZcYLhpsgsVnSNptgFepwadPEvr_U4yeeMIRdFMjvdXXYExu3qZUwVR-TswsSg22ADmWSvA0/w640-h426/j-kelly-brito-PeUJyoylfe4-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@hellokellybrito?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">J. Kelly Brito</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/writing?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="background-color: whitesmoke; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s; white-space: nowrap;">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I haven't posted in a while since I've been busy writing for a new client. Yes, that's right, I now have someone I write for directly, so I'm making more money. The person who hired me followed my blog in the past, so it does pay off to have a personal blog.</div>
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Writing in the Morning Works Best For Me</h2><div>
Cutting out the middleman is definitely the way to go, but I am still struggling a little bit with time management since my husband's schedule has been inconsistent, and there has been a lot going on in our lives this summer. Hopefully, our family will have a more predictable routine soon, and now that I'm getting over this cold, I should be able to do more writing at my most productive time of day, which is early in the morning.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Writing for Blogmutt</h2></div><div>
The Blogmutt articles that I wrote a few weeks ago are starting to sell one by one, so it's nice to have those eight dollar payouts finally trickling in. With content sites like Blogmutt and Textbroker, it's always challenging to find articles to write since everyone grabs up the easier jobs first. That's the name of the game, though. You've got to go for that low-hanging fruit, meaning the articles that won't take a lot of research. <br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Writing for Textbroker</h2>
As I've mentioned before, Textbroker doesn't pay much per word, and lately, when I've popped onto Blogmutt, I haven't had any luck finding an article to write. That said, I will keep checking because I'm hoping to write just enough to keep my accounts open with both of those companies. <br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Writing for a Direct Client</h2></div><div>
The great thing about being an exclusive writer for a direct client is not having to compete with other writers for fun/easy subjects to write about. Not only that, but I'm writing meaningful posts, which help support a cause I believe in. I get paid more per article now, and as always, the more I write, the more I make--so I really want to become more productive. We all get the same 24 hours in a day and have to somehow fit everything in. I have a whole crew to delegate stuff to, and I have all the right tools, including a crock-pot, a bread machine, and a shallow pool for keeping the kids entertained.<br />
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Some of the things that I feel are holding me back right now--other than being a little busier than usual--are writer's block and a distractible personality. With eight or nine of us in the house at times, there's a lot to do, so getting up before everyone else is an absolute must.<br />
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Challenge accepted. <br />
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"After all, tomorrow is another day." <br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-10808969549802627752016-06-10T13:18:00.001-07:002020-12-16T18:03:45.221-08:00Top 3 Content Sites for Working from HomeAs promised, I am posting this update on my recent adventures in writing for content sites. I've done extensive online research and applied at several different websites, but I will only be reviewing the companies that have worked out for me. I've done the hard work for you by narrowing the list down to just these three:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAZdpIFSlpnrzmP26c0twL0mY0F2hW20iGJEjyL290qQ8ulWImsOwVWq7rtQlcL_pzWdaPB-_Sq64wtDK_WNaGJigocBbmH6oXsxeVIoJ8cvZDANOic2rYjXnFCIp5Esn02-x428gy40/s1600/a46c6eec60ec11dcb3564f7373d3f8d5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAZdpIFSlpnrzmP26c0twL0mY0F2hW20iGJEjyL290qQ8ulWImsOwVWq7rtQlcL_pzWdaPB-_Sq64wtDK_WNaGJigocBbmH6oXsxeVIoJ8cvZDANOic2rYjXnFCIp5Esn02-x428gy40/s320/a46c6eec60ec11dcb3564f7373d3f8d5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Article Document</h2>
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I haven't made much money yet writing for <a href="https://www.articledocument.com/" target="_blank">Article Document</a>, but I really like it. I have written ten articles for them, and they included my "byline," which means my name has been published with each article. This allows me to have some <a href="https://showcase.tempestamedia.com/archive-by-byline/?byline=Raani%20Starnes" target="_blank">writing samples</a> to show prospective clients. The editors at Article Document are very nice, and I learned a new rule about using hyphens from their constructive feedback. I do not consider them a "mill" because they are so different from other content sites. Article Document seems like it would be better for your career in the long run since it's not strictly for ghostwriting. </div>
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The articles I have written pay through revenue sharing, meaning I get a few cents per view when people read one of my articles. Theoretically, you could make a lot more money long term with revenue sharing than with flat-rate projects, assuming that most of the articles continue to get a few clicks after the newness wears off. You could also hit it big if a post went viral, so I still may write a few more "brand building" pieces for them, using catchier titles to get more traffic. <br />
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Article Document may only be paying me a few cents a day right now, but I can't help but like the fact that they rated me a 9.67 out of 10. I recommend writing at least a couple of pieces for them as a way to perfect your grammar skills and start an online portfolio. As I am writing this post, I just got an e-mail from Article Document offering me a paid assignment, writing for one of their clients! I knew I liked this company! Stay tuned... <br />
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<h2>
Blogmutt</h2>
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<a href="https://www.blogmutt.com/" target="_blank">Blogmutt</a> pays $8 for a 250-word post, which works out to 3.2 cents per word. There is enough of a variety of subjects to write about that you can probably always find something to do there. There are no deadlines; you just write when you want to, and it's pretty easy to quickly come up with 250 words. </div>
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The negative is that it can take months for a client to accept your article, depending on where it is in the "queue," so I don't know yet what the acceptance rate will be. I read somewhere in a blog post written three years ago where someone estimated a ten percent rejection rate. If this is true, writing for Blogmutt could prove to be pretty lucrative for a work-at-home job since I could recycle any rejected articles by posting them somewhere else.</div>
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On my first day, I wrote ten articles, accumulating $80 in "future earnings." Doing about half that much each day for $40 would be a more reasonable workload for me right now. Yesterday I did $48, which didn't take me too long. I have yet to have any of my articles officially accepted by any of Blogmutt's clients, but none have been rejected either. I'm very hopeful about writing for Blogmutt, but the jury is still out on how lucrative it is until I start seeing some of my articles sell. <br />
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<h2>
Textbroker</h2>
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<a href="https://www.textbroker.com/" target="_blank">Textbroker</a> was the first company I wrote for, and it's the quintessential "content mill," meaning they don't pay much at most levels. The approval process was quick and easy, and I got paid through Paypal about one week after sending Textbroker a signed W-9 form. This one might be your best bet if you are desperate for some fast money and don't mind writing for only 1.4 cents a word. I'm a Level 4 out of 5 with them, and I've read that it can be difficult to become a Level 5. A Level 5 gets 5 cents per word, though, so it would be worthwhile at that level. ManyMany successful bloggers who have written reviews about Textbroker are Level 4s, so who knows if Level 5 is even attainable? I have found that Textbroker has two major drawbacks:<br />
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<h4>
1. It's hard to find a good assignment to do.</h4>
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Textbroker is okay, but it's a lot of their clients that are the problem. They either write in broken English or want you to follow very detailed instructions and do a ridiculous amount of research for a measly five to seven bucks per article. Since the articles are long, it can be hard to come up with that much to say about the limited subjects that are available. <br />
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<h4>
2. The pay for a Level 4 is low at 1.4 cents per word.</h4>
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The most I was able to make in one day writing for Textbroker was a little over $38.00, but it was nice when they sent me a Paypal deposit for my all-time total of $174.00. <br />
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I read a post recently that said you should never write for less than three cents a word, and I halfway agree now that I have the hope of higher pay at other sites, but I do feel that Textbroker might be a good place to get your feet wet in the web content industry and maybe learn a few comma rules. If you can't find anyone else to pay you more, think of Textbroker as a stepping stone on the path to bigger and better things.</div>
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I'll post another update soon since I plan to continue with Article Document and Blogmutt...<br />
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<h3>
Edited to add on 6/16/16: </h3>
I made a few changes to my original post here since I've decided to keep writing for Textbroker. Why am I still writing for Textbroker when it pays less per word? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and nobody else has paid out so far. Textbroker clients only have three days to accept an article, and the clients are more likely to accept them than not. It's a great feeling getting an e-mail each time an article is accepted and knowing I'll get paid within a week.<br />
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With Blogmutt, I have articles scheduled for up to nine months out, and the clients have that long to accept them. Not just that, but more than one person can write the same article, and someone else's article may be chosen. I'm also still waiting to hear back from Article Document about that journalist assignment.<br />
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Meanwhile, I am going to keep writing and try to get faster...<div><br /></div><div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Edited to add on 12/16/2020</h4><div>I no longer consider these to be the top content companies because I've been making a ton more recently with other content marketing agencies. That said, I appreciate what I learned while writing for the three sites I mentioned in this post. Everyone has to start somewhere!<br />
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<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-13625968078981103512016-06-03T19:57:00.005-07:002020-12-16T18:11:14.984-08:00How to Get Motivated to Keep up on Housework When you Have a Large Family<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WchdkDoLBYt3fd3FtrG9cyXtIpvrRjbuUaEI4nwkv5yEAmWnurlsX4bphLfbkXTdfJahXAFeo5Hc4AAeW1eDIyLXI5fAakSkWdbYqr8fRU_cKywogIpMu0CekyPb999pec-UZNuqMd8/s2048/the-creative-exchange-cpIgNaazQ6w-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WchdkDoLBYt3fd3FtrG9cyXtIpvrRjbuUaEI4nwkv5yEAmWnurlsX4bphLfbkXTdfJahXAFeo5Hc4AAeW1eDIyLXI5fAakSkWdbYqr8fRU_cKywogIpMu0CekyPb999pec-UZNuqMd8/w640-h480/the-creative-exchange-cpIgNaazQ6w-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="Vffy3" style="background-color: white; border-radius: 4px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 4px 8px; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; max-width: 480px; overflow: hidden; padding: 16px; position: relative;"><div class="_3Hx4x" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; min-width: 0px;"><div class="_1Pp3a" style="align-items: center; background-color: whitesmoke; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(209, 209, 209); box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; padding: 4px 6px;"><div class="mof3x" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; min-width: 0px;"><div class="_1l8RX _1ByhS" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@thecreative_exchange?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">The Creative Exchange</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/mom-cleaning?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>With a large family, dishes and laundry are a much bigger deal, making it easy to become overwhelmed. If you need to do a load of laundry every day and run your dishwasher twice a day on top of everything else, then you might be a mom with several children. The following tips will help you crawl out of that rut when your house is out of control.<br />
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<br />When You Know How to Clean But Lack Motivation</h3>
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It's not that you don't know how to clean your home--you probably just lack the motivation. Because keeping house is a never-ending job, it can seem futile trying to clean a house full of people--especially when some of those people are small children that are unable to do much to help. It probably won't take as long as you think to get everything done--you just have a mental block.<br />
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<br />Keep Those Machines Running</h3>
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Think of your home as a factory. The dishwasher, washer, and dryer are machines that need to be running much of the time, and children, like employees, need supervision. By keeping up on dishes and laundry, you can keep your home functioning properly, and you'll feel like you have more time to enjoy your children and to get to those deeper cleaning chores.<br />
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<br />Get Started on the Right Foot</h3>
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Get up and get dressed and groomed for the day. This can be a casual low-maintenance look but do enough so that you would feel presentable enough to answer the door. (Do this every morning whether you are going anywhere or not.) Next, have breakfast or maybe a cup of coffee and start those machines! Take out the trash and run the garbage disposal to take care of any unpleasant odors. Now that the dishwasher is running and the trash has been dealt with, finish cleaning the kitchen. Listening to music or a <span class="nanospell-typo" data-mce-bogus="1">podcast</span> can make the time go by faster, and the cleaning will seem effortless.<br />
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<br />Work Alongside Your Crew</h3>
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If you have children who are just old enough to help, have them pick up the house as you walk along beside them, telling them where things go. Involving them will make the cleaning feel more social and less mundane. Small children enjoy wiping down surfaces with a damp rag, and they just might get that sticky kitchen table a little cleaner in the process. Expect a lot more from the older ones, of course.<br />
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<br />Prioritize by Starting With the Most Visible Areas</h3>
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When straightening up the house, always start with those visible areas to help you build momentum. You will feel less overwhelmed knowing that your living room and entry areas are clear of clutter, and your guest bathroom is equipped with toilet paper and a hand towel. And you're presentable, too now, remember? Switch the laundry to the dryer, and before you know it, you'll be tackling the more daunting cleaning projects.<br />
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<br />Don’t Stop, Just Switch Gears</h3>
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If you get tired of cleaning, sitting down to fold laundry can be a break of sorts. Have the kids come to pick up their folded piles and put them away. If you have children of various ages, the older ones can supervise the younger ones to make sure the clothing makes it to where it goes. Everyone having plenty of clothing in their closets and drawers is a major advantage in a large family since getting out of the house can be challenging when little people can't get themselves dressed.<br />
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Reward yourself and your helpers by doing something fun together after the house is clean. By keeping up on your housework and involving the entire family, you are teaching your children good habits so that maybe someday getting motivated to do housework won't be a struggle for them.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-37021310015579284332016-06-03T14:19:00.001-07:002020-12-16T18:39:37.965-08:00Working from Home Writing for "Article Document"<h3>
Revenue Sharing Articles with a Byline!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxp3wb04DDG6SyLLK7YV943LvpcIB4bdCZnDInFB9AVhNG8xlXbiihL9kceJC3rQywOsc0KAvjp4m50mIYmVmbPFz_3lnbqozlqUQY2IndSsA-tlNz29RjAB3jmnMUd-D6Z1KcTeYMFo/s2048/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxp3wb04DDG6SyLLK7YV943LvpcIB4bdCZnDInFB9AVhNG8xlXbiihL9kceJC3rQywOsc0KAvjp4m50mIYmVmbPFz_3lnbqozlqUQY2IndSsA-tlNz29RjAB3jmnMUd-D6Z1KcTeYMFo/w640-h426/glenn-carstens-peters-npxXWgQ33ZQ-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@glenncarstenspeters?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Glenn Carstens-Peters</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/writing?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>
I've discovered a new website to write for, which I am pretty excited about. It's called <a href="https://www.articledocument.com/" target="_blank">Article Document</a>, and here's how it works. You start out writing articles for them that are "revenue sharing," which means you get paid ongoing royalties based on how many views the article gets. The best thing about the revenue sharing posts is that I get a "byline," meaning my name is at the bottom of the article. This will allow me to start a portfolio of my published work, which I can show to potential clients. The revenue sharing probably won't add up to much money unless a post goes viral, but it's only the first step...<br />
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<h3>
Ghost Writing Journalist Articles</h3>
Once you have ten articles accepted that are rated a seven or above by Article Document's editors, you get to unlock "journalism" assignments they pay you for upfront. The rate per word for those articles is three to ten cents, which is a lot higher than the 1.4 cents I've been getting while writing for <a href="http://textbroker.com/" target="_blank">Textbroker</a>. <br />
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Stay Tuned for a More Complete Review of Article Document</h3>
Right now, I feel like I'm working for free, but it's a means to an end. I won't find out what's behind curtain number two until I get ten articles published. Hopefully, it will be as good as it sounds, so I can start making some real money. Good or bad, I will post an update here in a few days. <br />
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<h3>
Please Help Me Out By Reading My Stuff! </h3>
If you get a chance, check out <span id="goog_910942719"></span><a href="http://www.showcase.tempestamedia.com/boosting-a-homes-value-by-improving-curb-appeal-aid-21133" target="_blank">my revenue sharing article about boosting your home's curb appeal<span id="goog_910942720"></span></a>. I'm pretty excited about it since they rated it ten out of ten! <div><br /></div><div>They've published two of my articles so far, and one is waiting to be looked at by an editor, so hopefully, that's three down, seven to go...</div><div><br />
<br /><b>Edited to add 12/16/2020: </b>That was years ago and not representative of my current work. These days, I have a much more engaging writing style. I learned a lot from these first assignments, though!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-56177465476935158632016-05-23T10:58:00.001-07:002020-12-16T20:22:43.970-08:00Tips for Successful Homeschooling<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I started homeschooling about ten years ago, so I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work for our family. Everyone’s situation is different, but I’ve decided to share the following tips, which will hopefully give you some ideas to implement in your own homeschool. We have a large family and will have four students in the upcoming school year, but the following tips could apply to any sized homeschool:</span><br />
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Stay Organized With Binders</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Each of my homeschooled children has his or her own binder. I select quality binders with built-in zip compartments for pencils, and the binders themselves zip for containing any loose books. Keeping just about everything in these binders makes it easy for the kids to take their work on the road when we travel or just have errands to run. It also allows me to check all of their work at once or quickly have someone move to another work station. I also have my own binder for myself as the teacher, and there is another binder for answer keys. The ACE School of tomorrow curriculum that we use is perfect for our binder system. We use a heavy-duty three-hole punch designed for punching through 30 pages, and it works well for hole punching the ACE “PACES,” which have around 25 to 50 pages each. </span></div>
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</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSA8RWOQNWrJy_6MkutZ1Zj1g_t-gzvxSLCyN-eQjYBfU_0ZmDUu4sJv9tp_zdqtdm4HUKM1nVU0RhU7wDz78dmgXlYDUnCM3a_9l86eTkP-j_uABCYt3fp0Ju6qT0AAgXbM8R4260Xs/s1600/homeschoolteachersdesk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSA8RWOQNWrJy_6MkutZ1Zj1g_t-gzvxSLCyN-eQjYBfU_0ZmDUu4sJv9tp_zdqtdm4HUKM1nVU0RhU7wDz78dmgXlYDUnCM3a_9l86eTkP-j_uABCYt3fp0Ju6qT0AAgXbM8R4260Xs/s640/homeschoolteachersdesk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Desk--Notice my heavy-duty three-hole punch and the student binders. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Stick with the Same Curriculum</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I mainly use the <b><a href="http://www.aceministries.com/" target="_blank">ACE School of Tomorrow curriculum</a></b>. I am very familiar with it because I went to a private ACE school from second through ninth grade. I’ve also used it for several years in my own homeschool with five different students. I’ve become an expert on it, and my kids prefer it over other systems. The fact that the curriculum is broken down into 12 workbooks per subject per year allows the convenient option of purchasing it by the quarter instead of all at once. The ACE curriculum is geared toward independent work, so it works best for students who enjoy doing most of their schoolwork independently. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We use the <span id="goog_1621208348"></span><b><a href="http://www.abeka.com/" target="_blank">A Beka curriculum </a></b><span id="goog_1621208349"></span>for K-4, K-5, and sometimes first and second grade. This curriculum is great for students and parents that want/need more interaction during the school day. It can also be adapted to the binder system since perforated pages can be removed from the workbooks and placed into binders. There are thicker textbooks at the higher grade levels, which would need to be left at home or carried in a backpack when taking schooling on the road. Most of the families in our homeschooling group use A Beka, so it gives us moms something to talk about during the P.E. class. </span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Join a Group</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My kids really look forward to their P.E. class, which meets once every two weeks. It’s free, and it’s close to our house, so we still have time for academics when we get home. While the kids do P.E., the moms have a chance to chat about the various challenges of homeschooling. There’s also a field trip every month, which is more often than most traditional schools have field trips. The social life that a homeschool group provides is important for the kids as well as the moms. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the area where we used to live, most active homeschooling groups cost money or met several miles away, so we feel very blessed to be a part of the perfect homeschooling group. Find something local and affordable, or perhaps get together with a homeschooling friend or neighbor and start up your own group.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Start your Own Home Library</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Studies show that children do better academically when there are plenty of books in the home. Some homeschooling families implement a library day, but I prefer to purchase books online. This way, we don’t have to worry about finding misplaced books by a particular day, and the kids can go back and read their favorite books again and again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br />
</span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
The Ingredients of a Successful Homeschool</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Building a home library, keeping workbooks organized, and familiarizing yourself with a tried and true curriculum will help to simplify your routine. Whichever curriculum you use will become easier to administer as you and your students gain experience with it, which is why I don’t recommend switching too often. Being part of a group of like-minded families will provide friends for you and your children and will serve as a support group for you as a homeschooling mom. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Most importantly, do what works best for your own unique family.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-89217452363491297722016-05-21T21:46:00.003-07:002020-12-16T20:31:06.771-08:00Making Time For Work As a Stay at Home Mom<br />
<br />
For the last couple of weeks, I've been writing off and on throughout the day, but I really want to start limiting my content mill work to early mornings when the kids are still in bed. While I'm writing those content mill articles, I tend to feel agitated when interrupted. For one thing, the subjects I've had to write about lately aren't that fun. For another, I find myself checking the time while I do them and then working as fast as I can to prove I'm getting a decent hourly rate. <br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Staying Present</b></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Most of my day is dedicated to quality time with my family, and of course, housework. That said, I don't mind doing a little bit of light work on the computer when I'm in the same room as my kids--like writing this blog post. Because right now, I'm present. I'm sitting in the living room with my four youngest children. I know that the bathtub is filling up for the first of three baths that need to happen tonight. I know that my teenage daughter is crocheting a blanket and updating me on her progress after each row. I'm taking part in their conversations. Maybe if I get a better paying gig writing about more interesting topics, I'll be able to write my paid articles at this same relaxed pace.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm learning that there are two different work modes:</span> </b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Staying Present While Doing Enjoyable Work </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2. Going into Isolation For More Unpleasant Tasks</b><br />
<br />
<br />
When I tell myself that I'm going to stay present and that there isn't any time limit, I'm able to relax while accomplishing at least a little bit of work. There will be time later for more difficult projects--like early in the morning or some afternoon when my husband is home and ready to "clock on" with the kids. <br />
<br />
One of these days, I'll go into my office and see how much money I can really make in a four-hour stint of researching and writing about mundane topics, but for now, I'm happy to be working on my own blog while spending time with my kids.<br />
<b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7racBH06Px4tweKsjwL56ke1hARwzHEBezSwYLwILTijBKjccogNvh1I_2IOZ1OCMgglRswBCmjoEACg9ldMUgpyauz8Bgs2NU1_ubhoQT54iHisL9neGtFQ8tMFzM7sWOKq0poMmio/s2048/christopher-gower-vjMgqUkS8q8-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7racBH06Px4tweKsjwL56ke1hARwzHEBezSwYLwILTijBKjccogNvh1I_2IOZ1OCMgglRswBCmjoEACg9ldMUgpyauz8Bgs2NU1_ubhoQT54iHisL9neGtFQ8tMFzM7sWOKq0poMmio/s320/christopher-gower-vjMgqUkS8q8-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@cgower?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Christopher Gower</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/working-from-home?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-1600113148146376022016-05-20T11:03:00.002-07:002020-12-16T20:42:13.384-08:00Things You'll Learn While Writing for a Content Mill<div><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NCsiVY_QqYMnYS2_5NqtjPdn6PzDXPG_X9VKQpy-jRe2uCN2DUoZ_G7iXVbjbLcoMG5Gr6yAZcGHDM-ABL9kL3XSYxDvVNQvS4q7TOkoXZiZrvh34EspV4e5OMVxKi_dnLBlMb2dUFE/s2048/andrew-neel-sZYUKEWsDLA-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NCsiVY_QqYMnYS2_5NqtjPdn6PzDXPG_X9VKQpy-jRe2uCN2DUoZ_G7iXVbjbLcoMG5Gr6yAZcGHDM-ABL9kL3XSYxDvVNQvS4q7TOkoXZiZrvh34EspV4e5OMVxKi_dnLBlMb2dUFE/w400-h266/andrew-neel-sZYUKEWsDLA-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@andrewtneel?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Andrew Neel</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/typing-in-bed?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><div><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>Writing for a content mill is the quickest way to start
earning a few bucks from home with your writing, but at 1.3 cents a word, it’s
not very lucrative. If you’re a perfectionist like I am, you’ll find yourself
going over an article again and again, which makes for a quality piece but
decreases your hourly pay rate.</span><br />
<h3>
<br />
</h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Necessary Skills </h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The good news is that you will gain experience as a writer, hopefully leading to landing better-paying gigs. Writing on your own blog is
much different than writing in “AP Style” and to a client’s specifications, but
those things are easier than they sound. Including the client’s requested
“keywords” in a natural way is pretty much a no brainer that I was nailing from
day one, so I won’t even go into that in this post. If you have good
grammar and punctuation skills and a knack for wording things, you’ll probably
just need to fine-tune a few weak areas.</span></div>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Comma Rules</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was easy for me to adjust to not using the Oxford comma
when writing articles for <span id="goog_241214584"></span><a href="https://www.textbroker.com/" target="_blank">Textbroker</a> since I had read early on that they had
that preference. They just want you to leave off the final comma before the “and.”
in a series. That was easy enough, but when they gave me feedback on my first five articles, I
learned that I was making a few actual comma mistakes, which had to do with
coordinating conjunctions, subordinate conjunctions, adverbial clauses, and non-essential clauses. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Basically, I had a bad habit of not putting a comma before “so” and “which,” apparently both need one. The word “because” IS NOT preceded by a comma. The exception is when “because.”
is the first word of a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence. In that
case, a comma IS used after the introductory clause. That’s it. I got feedback
on five articles that pretty much all said the same thing. And I’ve corrected
the problem. </span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Preferred Format for
Articles</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have found that most clients prefer the same general
format for articles. They want an introduction, several “subheads,” and a
conclusion. I personally prefer to give my conclusion a title as if it was
another one of the subheadings. To me, labeling the conclusion with the word “conclusion” sounds
a little too academic for articles written in a more casual tone. But if you
don’t give the conclusion any subheading, it will look like it's part of the
previous point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><b>Edited to Add: Apparently, I was wrong about this. I got dinged by another company for using a subhead on my conclusion--another example of a lesson learned.</b></span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Research is Time
Consuming</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Although I can type around 60 w.p.m., it can sometimes take
me two hours to finish a 400-word document. I lose a lot of time toggling back
and forth to and from the source articles as I write. A possible solution for this would
be buying a dual-screen computer for my desk or using my phone or a second
laptop to reference my sources. I’ve also tried pasting the source information
into the top of the page and then delete it once I’m finished writing my
article below it. It doesn’t seem like anything works to speed me up, though, when I'm working on an article requiring extensive research.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I write about a subject I’m already knowledgeable about,
I work a little faster. The information is flowing from my head, and I’m just
typing it. I go the fastest when I make each section longer than needed during the initial draft. It’s a lot easier to cut things out to make a paragraph
more concise than to try to come up with more information later to fluff it up. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I enjoy writing, and at a few more cents per word, any
necessary research wouldn't seem as grueling. I just want to feel like I
can take my time and produce quality work. Perhaps over time, I’ll get faster,
but I refuse to sacrifice quality for quantity. </span></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
Switching Gears Can
Slow You Down</h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The assignments I’m doing are about random topics and
different clients have different specifications, so I’m constantly having to
mentally switch gears. Writing posts for the same client for an ongoing blog seems like
it would be easier as one could quickly get a feel for the client’s preferred
style and become an expert in a particular niche. </span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Writing for a content mill is a great way to get some
constructive criticism and learn more about the business of writing online
content. Don’t think of it as working for below minimum wage. Think of it as a free
education that will prepare you for bigger and better things—like writing guest
posts.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-40854391349113367372016-05-17T19:32:00.001-07:002020-12-16T20:53:08.420-08:00How to Keep your Sanity When Writing for too Cheap<div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ1YDdsVHsKbKdTwSR0RWn4KURWLR2doRXpAc5QbdinHJ5W0gs4hgA0eBo0yz7KRLp9rUQi-Yu7hLcmQzWeT1y0EMlqUbFsZLBzpfQltQGVDvDxtZGV74pBS1Cmuh6xyYbp3me-PEf2I/s2048/markus-winkler-NEsyrlttypE-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ1YDdsVHsKbKdTwSR0RWn4KURWLR2doRXpAc5QbdinHJ5W0gs4hgA0eBo0yz7KRLp9rUQi-Yu7hLcmQzWeT1y0EMlqUbFsZLBzpfQltQGVDvDxtZGV74pBS1Cmuh6xyYbp3me-PEf2I/w640-h426/markus-winkler-NEsyrlttypE-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@markuswinkler?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Markus Winkler</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/frazzled-writer?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>So I made a little over 19 bucks today, and I'm exhausted. The last piece I submitted this afternoon before breaking to make dinner seemed way more valuable than the eight bucks I got paid to write it. I don't mind selling content about mundane subjects like shipping methods or eyelash extensions. But that last post was about a subject I was actually interested in--writing guest blog posts. Now my baby will be out there in cyberspace with somebody else's name on it. It's been adopted by a less capable parent who won't fully appreciate it...Can you tell it's been a long day?<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Gaining Experience</h2><div>
I'm not complaining, though- I'm thankful to be able to work from home, and I'm looking at this as a learning experience. I am using the feedback I am getting, both positive and negative, to help me grow as a writer. <br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Much Needed Break</h2></div><div>
I was feeling a little depressed holed up in my room a lot of the day writing, but then I walked into my bright and sunny kitchen, surrounded by my children who eagerly placed their burrito orders. The background music was my own custom Pandora station that has almost completely figured out my taste, which lately is "traditional country hymns" with a side of Elvis. I glanced over at my desk and noticed a few forgotten cans of Starbucks Double Shot Espresso that never made it to the fridge. Score! I thought I was out.<br />
<br />
Did you catch what the key ingredients are to keeping your sanity while writing for cheap? My sanity break included sunlight, food, time with my family, coffee, and music. And I sing along. Loudly. No, I don't care that that wasn't a complete sentence because I'm on a break right now.<br />
<br />
Yes, writing whatever I want is a much-needed break. As a bonus, one of my favorite songs is playing: "Farther along we'll know all about it. Farther along, we'll understand why...We'll understand it all by and by."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-11431655427490536922016-05-13T16:43:00.003-07:002020-12-16T21:04:29.191-08:00How I'm Making Money from Home as a Freelance Writer <br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I haven't blogged in a while since I've been pursuing other hobbies lately--not to mention our recent major move back to our home state, but I'm back to writing again, and I'm praying that this time I'll be able to make a decent living at it. So I'm back to posting on this blog, which will be a place to discuss my writing adventures mixed in with the usual fun household stuff I like to write about. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>I'm Writing for a Content Mill</b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It has taken me several days of applying at various websites to figure out what pays and what doesn't, but I am now officially working from home as a freelance writer! So far, I have found one "content mill" that had a pretty straightforward registration process and seems to have plenty of work. I won't post the company's name here because I don't need any competition at this point, but I may give out the information in the future if I am able to secure a better paying gig. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><b></b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>I'm Making Money, But Not a Lot</b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHY7e3pwtKWcJiE2R4HPGRlg_0qHrCZWF7o2c7l582WFykXka-hFMZyTBp-DwUmUHtEADj1OnaPtB4CNG6GWRtel0SWpZnXh47k0K69RwS-XufZhjMsa_3Lh3527r0iRk52vpa4tb93A/s2048/diane-helentjaris-5f1RsK-pyZQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHY7e3pwtKWcJiE2R4HPGRlg_0qHrCZWF7o2c7l582WFykXka-hFMZyTBp-DwUmUHtEADj1OnaPtB4CNG6GWRtel0SWpZnXh47k0K69RwS-XufZhjMsa_3Lh3527r0iRk52vpa4tb93A/w480-h640/diane-helentjaris-5f1RsK-pyZQ-unsplash.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@dhelentjaris?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Diane Helentjaris</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/pennies?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I've submitted five small projects over the last couple of days, which will pay just over $30. I'm hoping to get faster at researching topics and pounding out articles since my goal is to make $20 per hour. Right now, I'm averaging only $5 or $6 per hour while I'm getting the hang of it, but I can't complain since I'm at home with my kids and setting my own schedule. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>My Sweet Spot as a Writer</b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The jobs that I've selected so far have varied in word count, but I'm finding out my ideal assignment is a quick 400-word piece with an introduction, a few subtopics, and a conclusion. If I'm even mildly interested in the topic, that makes it that much easier. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><b></b><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>It's All in the Editing</b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The fun and time-consuming part of writing online content isn't the part where I quickly type up a bunch of information. The art isn't so much in what I write--it's in what I cut out. I like to think of writing as chiseling away at a large rock and watching it become a sculpture.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Ghost Blogging</b><br />
<br />
Now you might be wondering what a content mill is. Some website owners or bloggers lack the time or ability to write their own content. Several websites enable these folks to buy the work of others and pass it off as their own. <div><br /></div><div>Think of me as a ghostwriter for websites.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-86578039623668198692014-05-17T21:42:00.000-07:002014-05-17T21:42:29.110-07:00Coffee Station in Dining RoomI recently set up a "coffee station" in the dining room. Having it in there saves precious counter space in my kitchen, and I think it looks welcoming to guests since my dining room is visible from the front door. Be prepared to be offered coffee! <br />
<br />
I set up our Keurig beverage system and also our espresso machine on a dresser beside the dining room table. There are drawers and a cabinet underneath for storing coffee accessories including our extensive collection of various k-cups. Don't drink coffee? Have no fear--we also have tea, hot cocoa, and lemonade. <br />
<br />
I read somewhere that buffet tables or sideboards used to be much more common in dining rooms in times past when families were larger and they needed more space for serving dishes. I will probably also use the extra surface area for that at Thanksgiving and Christmas when all of my kids are home and there are lots of side dishes, but we are mainly using it as a home coffee bar, and we love it!<br />
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The Keurig is super fast and easy to use. Some of my favorite k-cups are donut shop, breakfast blend, and chai tea latte. I'm also working on perfecting my barista skills with the slightly more complicated espresso maker. Cappuccino anyone? <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-789496248701315172014-02-05T08:37:00.002-08:002014-02-05T08:58:29.799-08:00Jogging for 30 Minutes Straight!Those of you that follow my blog regularly know that I have been jogging for the last few months. My new personal record for the longest time jogging without any walking breaks is 30 minutes which was one of my goals! I was jogging at a very slow pace of 15 and a half minute miles, but it was still a major accomplishment for me to hit 30 minutes. When I run just one mile, I do it in about 13 and a half minutes. I am still working on the goal of running a 5K and then maybe even eventually running it in 30 minutes. <br />
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I am also going on a lot of long walks. It feels great to walk three and a half miles or so the day after a hard run. Brisk walking burns a lot of calories and is so relaxing. It also counts when I walk around the mall for a couple of hours. :-)<br />
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My husband just bought me some good quality shoes to run in. I am very picky about athletic shoes since most of them make me feel claustrophobic. I don't like shoes that feel constricting on the top of my feet. Those kind of shoes look big and clunky to me, anyway. After trying on numerous brands and styles, I went with these: Sketchers Go Walk 2 Deluxe...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jjEFc82BMBA8AG-Q76xg1K6MVonur4-Ecl1NLBY7CC5ukOtCXGM8QES1Wm0OMIvm65KXa9yh0SvTWIxvLepRclpjT4W1eixbvFADBh0Y83PEyK90_rwqrwV66tBFbJo32HbxLWDtBaI/s1600/sketchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jjEFc82BMBA8AG-Q76xg1K6MVonur4-Ecl1NLBY7CC5ukOtCXGM8QES1Wm0OMIvm65KXa9yh0SvTWIxvLepRclpjT4W1eixbvFADBh0Y83PEyK90_rwqrwV66tBFbJo32HbxLWDtBaI/s1600/sketchers.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Sketchers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEM0Fn7Dx6lmskowk3aw6HmZXcwu_WqsfSDYdYewbjxW7oHJ6xmR34qjvxRkJ3VUgM6m_zHWPWxlxxFBXEudxbYIEufFordkjhcDzeDmXXCUtvhRX5Su1mmVOE4xXfA9KrZTihd0JoxFo/s1600/shoes+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEM0Fn7Dx6lmskowk3aw6HmZXcwu_WqsfSDYdYewbjxW7oHJ6xmR34qjvxRkJ3VUgM6m_zHWPWxlxxFBXEudxbYIEufFordkjhcDzeDmXXCUtvhRX5Su1mmVOE4xXfA9KrZTihd0JoxFo/s1600/shoes+cropped.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, Someone else got new shoes, too.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My Sketchers are extremely lightweight and have the same minimalist style flexible soles as my old Danskin Now shoes that I am used to running in. Everyone is different, but I prefer lightweight shoes with very flexible soles. No, I don't want to wear those "barefoot style" shoes with toes, but I do want to maintain a natural form while running. I feel that my shoes are the perfect balance in that they are flexible yet have enough of a sole to lesson the impact on my joints. Some people with foot problems might need extra cushioning, but for the rest of us, too much padding under the heel can encourage "heel striking." Be sure to wear shoes that you are comfortable running in, even if they have the word "walk" in the name.<br />
<br />
My husband also bought himself some good running shoes and said he would start running with me. I'm so excited! I wonder if I will run faster or longer with him running alongside...<br />
<br />
Also see my previous posts about how I got started:<br />
<a href="http://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2013/10/walking-for-exercise.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2013/10/walking-for-exercise.html" target="_blank">Walking for Exercise</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2014/01/couch-to-jogging-for-25-minutes-straight.html" target="_blank">Couch to Jogging for 25 Minutes</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-36161419491807967092014-01-09T09:56:00.001-08:002020-12-16T18:44:40.613-08:00Couch to Jogging for 25 Minutes Straight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVUefCBYg4gZo8HDuhAC4Sz2TRzNM73TJbGPrpishncXlN8_j9By_-PgdqKj_RT3tA-6xYYUdMrPVUfuMD8azFyhZz9zfX3ZBN5ZaGaT6f01bh1tL3YRiKVocAaIYO8USySYxtSDVGdg/s2048/alex-mccarthy-a6FHROHuQ9o-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVUefCBYg4gZo8HDuhAC4Sz2TRzNM73TJbGPrpishncXlN8_j9By_-PgdqKj_RT3tA-6xYYUdMrPVUfuMD8azFyhZz9zfX3ZBN5ZaGaT6f01bh1tL3YRiKVocAaIYO8USySYxtSDVGdg/w400-h266/alex-mccarthy-a6FHROHuQ9o-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@4lexmccarthy?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Alex McCarthy</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/jogging?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>About eleven weeks ago, I started the nine-week <b>Couch to 5K</b> running program. Here's how it works...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#000066"><td align="center" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>Week</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>Workout 1</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>Workout 2</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>Workout 3</b></span></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#EEEEFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>1</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>2</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#EEEEFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>3</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>4</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#EEEEFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>5</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking.</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>6</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes)</li>
<li>Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)</li>
<li>Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes)</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2-1/4 miles (or 22 minutes) with no walking.</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#EEEEFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>7</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#CCCCFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>8</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#EEEEFF">
<td align="center" bgcolor="#000066" valign="top"><span style="color: white;"><b>9</b></span></td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).</td>
<td align="center" valign="top">The final workout! Congratulations! Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I stayed on track for the first few weeks but then encountered a few obstacles...<br />
<br />
<b>Obstacles I've Encountered While Doing C25K </b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Minor Injury</b><br />
As I progressed through the program, I got overconfident and stopped repeating workouts. Instead of doing the same workout two or three times in a row like I did during the first few weeks, I tried to set a new personal record each time by jumping to the next level. My ankle started hurting, so I had to go over a week between workouts a couple of times.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Weather</b><br />
Once my ankle was feeling better, we had an "ice storm." I couldn't jog until there were enough dry patches of street and sidewalk to safely jog without slipping. I jumped the gun a little and jogged around icy patches like I was on an obstacle course. You do things like that when you aren't a gym member and don't own a treadmill. I didn't fall, though, and after a nine-day break, I was glad I could still jog for over 20 minutes straight--even in 32-33 degree temperatures.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Busy With Other Things</b> <br />
During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years', I only jogged about once a week due to the demands of the holiday season. I read somewhere that "de-training" does not occur unless you go for two weeks without running. That may be true, but I wonder if the workouts would be easier if I was still consistently doing them three times a week.<br />
<br />
<b>How I feel While Running</b><br />
<br />
Now here's the good news, <b>I can now jog for over 25 minutes straight without any walking breaks in between!</b> Some days are way easier than others. I
definitely need a distraction to keep me going. My body can do it, but my mind wants me to quit a few minutes into most runs. <br />
<br />
Usually, I just force myself
to keep going and wonder why I do this. On the best days, I "breakthrough." By breaking through, I mean that sometimes after a mile or so, it will feel easier and more natural. At that point, I start to feel that runner's high you hear about and speed up to the tempo of the music I'm listening to. Those are the times that make it all worthwhile. <br />
<br />
I am trying to figure out what makes some days better than others. Was it the tablespoon of peanut butter that I ate just before the run? Was it because I was well rested after a total rest day of not exercising the day before? Was it my selection of podcasts and music for that day? Was it the timing of a distracting phone call that helped me get my second wind? Yes, I do chat on the phone while running. Relax! I am usually on the sidewalk in my quiet subdivision and wearing a reflective vest. <br />
<br />
<b>Cross-Training </b><br />
<br />
I recently got a bike for cross-training on days that I don't run. The bike riding is much easier and something I'm more likely to do spur of the moment and be consistent with. Another runner told me that riding in a low gear with lots of peddling is beneficial to runners. <br />
<br />
<b>Time or Distance? </b><br />
<br />
The C25K program is supposed to get you running either a 5K, which is 3.1 miles, or just running for 30 minutes. In the beginning, I thought those two goals were synonymous; however, that is not necessarily the case. My "running" pace when I pace myself for a long distance is a very slow jog. At an average pace of 14 minutes per mile, it would take me well over 40 minutes to run a 5K. So now, I have two goals. I would like to run a 5K, but I want it to only take 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
A more experienced runner recommended that I do two different types of workouts to accomplish my goal:<br />
<br />
<b>Two Complementary Training Methods</b><br />
<br />
<b>Distance Runs</b> <br />
On some days, I need to jog for as long as I can at an easy pace. For example, next time, I will be shooting for 28 minutes straight instead of 26:40, my current personal record. I was supposed to jog for that long back on Week 8, but I'm just not there yet. After 11 weeks, I'm still doing a Week 7 workout. Perhaps eventually, I will be jogging at a slow pace for OVER 30 minutes, which would get me a little closer to the goal distance of 3.1 miles. Maybe on those long runs, I could take a walking break and then jog again until I reach the 3.1 mile total.<br />
<br />
<b>Faster Runs</b><br />
I occasionally run around the block once, which is under half a mile. Although it's not that fast, I call it a sprint, and I like to see how much my pace has increased since my last sprint. I also need to do some faster medium distance runs to beat my usual time on one of my typical routes, which is just under 2 miles. I usually walk for 3 minutes and then jog for a little over 25 minutes. I do five laps around my block, which totals just over two miles. I say I run two miles, but technically that includes a warm-up walk at the beginning. I really need to add another lap, but it takes discipline to pass my house yet another time after that much jogging.<br />
<br />
To be continued...<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, see my post about <a href="http://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2013/10/walking-for-exercise.html" target="_blank">walking for exercise</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-28245923567324123582013-11-06T10:18:00.002-08:002020-12-17T22:06:58.668-08:00Download an mp3 file on a Samsung Galaxy S4When I first got my phone, a Samsung Galaxy S4, I downloaded some mp3s from a website and forgot how I did it. When I did a search for "how to download mp3s from a website on my Android" or "on my Samsung Galaxy S4," all I could find was advice to download apps to search for music.<br />
<br />
<br />
Not every mp3 is a popular song you can find on a music app or even a song at all. Sometimes an mp3 is simply a link on a website for a ringtone or other audio file. In my case, it was a
recording that a personal friend had made for me. I didn't want to
"stream" it when I was away from home and use too much data on my smartphone plan, so downloading the file was a must. There was a <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clean-with-me/id1437964950">podcast on iTunes</a> available, but my phone is an
Android. <br />
<br />
<br />
Everything I read made it sound like you couldn't download an mp3 file directly from a website. I finally figured out how to do it, so I decided to write a quick post that might help someone else with the same dilemma. It's actually quite simple...<br />
<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">
How to download an mp3 file on your Samsung Galaxy S4:</h2>
<br />
1. Click on the little world icon on your phone to access the browser that came with your phone.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the world icon on the upper left</td></tr>
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2. Go to the website with the mp3 link. I am assuming you know how to find a website, which is how you found the mp3 you wanted.<br />
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3. "Click" on the link by touching your screen, and you should see two options: One for an audio player (to stream the file) and one called "downloads." If you accidentally "long click" and get a menu, select "open in a new window." You should then see the two icons.<br />
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4. Click on "downloads." The download icon on my phone was black with a green arrow on it and said, you guessed it, "downloads!"<br />
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5. Once the mp3 file finishes, you can access it and listen to it by clicking on the downloads icon on your phone's desktop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIoo0RrGVrtO0-kePbHViydkj3cBEIGcM4g9lDI69vEW02DTnnTARlyGMcd06XiUS1YYWGpsfltLdJhw-NTJ5MI2LGUWM4OmYtL3NVt1CK3upQ2hb_gIP2HB3iJDu_w5OkevRvR7EPk4/s400/samsung+download.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example download icons.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I know this sounds ridiculously easy, but I had recently switched to a Firefox browser on my phone and had been using that instead of the default browser. When I did try it using the correct browser, I was "long clicking" and then selecting the wrong option. I'm no "techie," folks, but I am so glad I finally figured out how to download mp3s from websites on my smartphone. <div><br /></div><div>Looking for a podcast to download? Listen to this <a href="https://www.cleanwithmepodcast.com/">cleaning podcast</a> that will talk you through cleaning your house.</div><div><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Keywords: download mp3 from a website, how do I download mp3s on my Android phone, how do I download mp3s on my Samsung S4, download mp3 file on my phone, how to download a ringtone, how to download a podcast</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-49346357341140801172013-10-25T15:18:00.000-07:002014-01-09T10:48:51.827-08:00Walking for Exercise<b>Haven't Exercised in a While? Start Walking!</b><br />
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I have recently started exercising regularly, and it has been much easier than I thought it would be. In fact, I may even be addicted to it! I am still in the early stages of my journey, but I am already seeing great results and learning a lot about fitness. I think the key to my success has been doing things gradually. I started with walking...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_mlPBVE-kmCjbxRQO3dX8bzfNgyLrIHjLSFQ8q6z_EH_W3cI0Yg8HYhf1gUCVpu_DIRRldIVGjpHpHF4VwWDr3TuCLR9MmABkwHVG0SZf7qZQvR0H8PbQO7cgij8dO8WjzjsDawfrkY/s1600/C25Kwalkingpinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_mlPBVE-kmCjbxRQO3dX8bzfNgyLrIHjLSFQ8q6z_EH_W3cI0Yg8HYhf1gUCVpu_DIRRldIVGjpHpHF4VwWDr3TuCLR9MmABkwHVG0SZf7qZQvR0H8PbQO7cgij8dO8WjzjsDawfrkY/s640/C25Kwalkingpinterest.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>About Me </b><br />
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My past exercise experience includes an aerobics class in college and later walking/light jogging on a treadmill for 20 minutes at an office gym. That was years ago. Life flies by and priorities change during different seasons of life. As a mom of six who is over 40 and hasn't done any regular exercise program in several years, I have basically started from scratch. I'm not really overweight, but I would like to lose at least ten pounds and get more toned. More importantly, I love having more energy! Since I started walking briskly six days a week, I have a new spring in my step
and have already lost inches! And I only started three weeks ago! I
have added in some other stuff in the last few days, but the
improvements had already happened just from the walking! I cannot stress enough that weight loss is not my primary goal. Even if I knew I would lose no weight at all, the much needed energy and other health benefits alone would make continuing to exercise worth while.<br />
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<b>Just About Anyone Can and Should Walk</b><br />
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If for some reason, I quit jogging and doing other exercises after accomplishing my fitness goals, I plan to still continue the daily walks. My 61 year old aunt walks 4 or 5 miles every day, and my grandfather was walking 5 miles a day after a hip replacement at age 80. Regardless of whether or not you go any further with your exercise program, aim to make walking a permanent part of your lifestyle.<br />
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Women used to have to walk
long distances to get clean water and still do in some places. We are
designed to exercise more than just walking through the grocery store or
from the car to our office cubicle. Recent research suggests that walking 10,000 steps a day is ideal which adds up to about five miles. That goal will be easier to accomplish by adding a long walk to your usual daily activities. <br />
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<b>Planning Your Walks </b><br />
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Walking need not cost money or a take up a lot of time. Just put on your most comfortable shoes and go for a walk. This can be in your neighborhood or you can drive to a park with a trail or even go to a mall. There is safety in numbers so if you don't have a family member or neighbor to walk with, a crowded public park or indoor mall will be safer than a deserted street or trail. My husband and our large dog are my bodyguards of choice. When my husband isn't available, a friend and I walk with the dog in a well populated public place. Chatting with a friend or family member makes the time go by much faster on the walk.<br />
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Walk at least a mile a day from the start. Just about anyone can walk that far, but be sure to walk briskly rather than just a casual stroll. If you're like me, you don't have all day to walk, anyway so get moving and get it done. Aim to walk briskly at least five days a week. There is really no limit on walking, but at least one full rest day each week will become necessary if you ever progress into jogging. You can also keep track of minutes instead of miles and aim to walk for 20 to 45 minutes. Hopefully, you'll have time to walk two or three miles which will take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your speed. Your main goal in the beginning is just establishing a habit. Any walk is a good walk!<br />
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<b>Motivation</b><br />
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You might need a little bit of motivation at first while you are establishing the habit. Read articles on the many benefits of walking. Think about it and get excited about it! Arranging to meet a friend to walk with will ensure you will show up, because you know someone will be somewhere waiting for you.<br />
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You could also mention on your social networking websites that you have started walking so that you will feel accountable. It can be fun to post your mileage on Facebook or Twitter when you get back from your walk. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you read the comments and find out that many of your friends are already working out. Others who may not be exercising at the moment will probably find it motivating. I prefer to think of those types of statuses as "walking accountability posts" instead of "exercise brag posts." Throw in a witty comment, anecdote, or motivational saying to keep your posts interesting.<br />
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If you aren't into social networking, perhaps you have a friend or family member you can text or call to report your progress. Charity walk/runs are happening all of the time so maybe you could sign up for one in your area and train for it. You may even meet some new walking partners at the event.<br />
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<b>Weight Loss </b><br />
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Don't expect immediate weight loss from walking. If you are extremely overweight, you might start losing right away, though, since the more you weigh, the more calories you burn from walking. Your goal right now is to establish a habit and build endurance and stamina. I've never been one for strict diets, but be sure you aren't eating more calories to reward yourself for a little bit of walking. Most people will automatically start eating a little better after starting an exercise program rather than waste the calorie burning benefits. I have not made any major changes in my eating, but I'm trying to drink extra water and make other healthy choices to get the maximum benefits from my exercise efforts.<br />
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If weight loss is an immediate priority for you, start drinking more water and cutting out sweets. Eat "clean," which means cooking with real food ingredients rather than heavily processed foods. Try not to eat any carbs after 4 p.m. and have nothing but plain water after 6 p.m. I still order the occasional pizza, but I try to be moderate. I read somewhere that weight is eighty to ninety percent related to your diet and only ten to twenty percent related to your activity levels. Don't let that discourage you though, because it will all come together in time. Exercise can replace junk food or over eating as your new stress reliever. Over time, walking usually does promote weight loss. <br />
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<b>After You've Been Walking for a Week or Two...</b><br />
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Once the walking becomes a habit and gets easier, you might feel ready to take things to the next level. Jogging or running burns more calories and can be fun if you ease into it. A future post will be about starting a C25K jogging program which starts out gradually by inserting short jogs into your walks. "Couch to 5K" is much easier when you start with brisk walking and perhaps a few squats instead of actually starting from the couch. At the time of this post, I am in my first week of a nine week C25K plan, meaning I am now both walking and jogging! My current plan is doing the C25K workout three times a week while going for regular walks or doing other exercises on the non jogging days. When I first started walking, I never thought I would jog or run other than those occasional short sprints to catch a plane or keep a toddler out of harms way. Never say never... <br />
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<a href="http://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2014/01/couch-to-jogging-for-25-minutes-straight.html" target="_blank"> Click here for my Couch to 5K update!</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-20410818417327275062013-09-01T15:23:00.000-07:002013-10-26T06:23:07.823-07:00Bread Machine Bread Bowls for Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love the clam chowder they sell at Pier 39 in San Francisco. I usually don't actually eat the bread bowl, though, since I'm not a fan of sourdough bread. </div>
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The crusty white bread bowls I made the other night were NOT sourdough and were so good, I started eating mine without stopping to take a picture first. The only thing missing was the cool ocean breeze...and the seals...and the street performers...and...well, you get the picture.</div>
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But I will definitely be making these delicious bread bowls again! Here are the ingredients:</div>
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1 cup plus one tbsp water</div>
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2 3/4 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1 tbsp sugar</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 1/2 tsp quick active dry yeast</div>
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1 egg</div>
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(You will also need two empty 6 1/2 ounce tin cans--think tuna or clam cans, and a little oil or cooking spray)</div>
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Add all ingredients except for the tin cans and oil to bread machine according to manufacturer instructions. Set bread machine to dough cycle.</div>
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When dough cycle is complete, divide dough in half.</div>
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Enclose each tin can in dough and place both dough balls on greased cookie sheet. Allow to rise a little while oven preheats to 375. </div>
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Bake on cookie sheet for 15-20 minutes or until browned and crunchy. Carefully cut out an opening at the top of each bread bowl with a bread knife or other serrated knife. Gently ease out the cans using a knife or tongs. Check to make sure the inside of the bowls are not still doughy.</div>
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Fill with soup or chili. </div>
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You can replace the bread lids after you put the soup in...</div>
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or...</div>
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Butter both lids, secretly eat them as biscuits, and hope nobody misses theirs. I'm not saying I did that or anything...</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-45714043596155020932013-08-18T20:10:00.000-07:002013-08-18T21:25:39.914-07:00What to do with Hatch Green Chiles Hatch, New Mexico...green chile capital of the world.<br />
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Once upon a time, green chile connoisseurs like my in-laws had to make a pilgrimage to New Mexico in August to get Hatch green chiles. It's that wonderful time of year again, and these days you can smell the aroma of Hatch chiles roasting outside of participating grocery stores across America.<br />
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When you get home with your twenty dollar or so box of freshly roasted green chiles, you will want to:<br />
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1. Peel off the blackened skin and remove the seeds from each chile. Ideally, you will do this under running water. Some people wear gloves to do this.<br />
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2. Place 4-8 of the chiles in a small freezer bag. Repeat this process...ABOUT EIGHTEEN TIMES until they are all bagged. Still with me? This is not a project for the lazy, but it is so nice to have these packets in the freezer year round.<br />
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Now that you have your chiles portioned out and stored in the freezer, you can use them in omelets, salsas, stews, and best of all, "chile verde."<br />
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Here's my husband's latest variation of his famous chile verde aka "green chile." He comes from a New Mexican family that has been making green chile for generations so you can rest assured that this recipe is as authentic as it is delicious...<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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1 pound pork, cut into small cubes<br />
1 pound beef, cut into small cubes <br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
1/3 cup flour<br />
3 tbsp oil<br />
2 cups chopped roasted green chiles<br />
3 cups chicken broth<br />
1/4 tsp ground cumin<br />
1/4 tsp pepper. <br />
splash of lime juice (from 1/2 of a fresh lime)<br />
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In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the onions for about five minutes or so. Add meat cubes, and cook, stirring for another five minutes until meat loses its pink color. Sprinkle flour over the meat and onions. Increase the heat slightly, and cook the meat, stirring often until it is browned and onions are golden. Stir in the cumin, garlic, pepper, and chiles, mixing well. Slowly add the chicken broth and stir to incorporate. Lower heat and simmer covered until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, for about two hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgSjCim_HznG1sK8HAQrMMXvGpuoAJYs2cC3LKSeKiTmT9tRzD8q7ySMv0hpOt8Kgoow-MaOGmIyp_GNMtPkz4_ZP4tBeiJOg7LX5FqQoDbHKTyNu8vkpEOP9glKztyqJq0arFHdbNkU/s1600/DSC_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgSjCim_HznG1sK8HAQrMMXvGpuoAJYs2cC3LKSeKiTmT9tRzD8q7ySMv0hpOt8Kgoow-MaOGmIyp_GNMtPkz4_ZP4tBeiJOg7LX5FqQoDbHKTyNu8vkpEOP9glKztyqJq0arFHdbNkU/s640/DSC_0478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Mexican Style Chile Verde</td></tr>
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Serve with warm flour tortillas...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaRsferEU0hMfIjdsotuSyuOHyFTdoJ4a4UhVRhM_P1KsRSK9wBid0r8ke3eWDUSRrUBsL687G1kp4KLciRqwcfsBKrXgYVkIy3n3tc2rH3gKDiJIkZOeXpAuYllAL5t2DhjsDZurols/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaRsferEU0hMfIjdsotuSyuOHyFTdoJ4a4UhVRhM_P1KsRSK9wBid0r8ke3eWDUSRrUBsL687G1kp4KLciRqwcfsBKrXgYVkIy3n3tc2rH3gKDiJIkZOeXpAuYllAL5t2DhjsDZurols/s640/DSC_0487.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Chile Burrito </td></tr>
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I like mine sprinkled with cheese and rolled into a burrito.<br />
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<span id="goog_141079097"></span><span id="goog_141079098"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-79111507581820143842013-08-16T15:18:00.000-07:002013-10-26T06:13:35.508-07:00Keeping Young Children Busy during Church or Sports Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To keep little people busy away from home, I keep certain items in the back of my car. These are different items than whatever toys they might bring along to play with while riding in the car. The special items in the back are activities to keep them busy at certain destinations. We keep this stuff in the car for a few reasons:<br />
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1. Since they don't play with them anywhere else, they are excited to get them out. Novelty is key sometimes when keeping kids entertained.<br />
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2. I like to get out of the house quickly without having to pack much.<br />
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3. I'd rather not have to hand over my cell phone or an ink pen to a toddler out of desperation. <br />
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When we arrive at church, I grab these quiet toys from the back of the car and put them in my purse to
pull out one by one when my toddler gets bored. He usually doesn't need
them until about 45 minutes into the service so he is gradually
learning to sit still and listen for longer periods...<br />
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While we are watching "Spider Man" do karate, my girls keep busy with giant coloring pages and markers. I just bought some new coloring supplies today. Hello Kitty is always a favorite...<br />
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These few items don't take up a lot of space so I still have
plenty of room for groceries and a stroller. The toddler toys especially are almost as important as the diapers,
wipes, and change of clothes that I like to keep somewhere in the
vehicle at all times. A little bit of preparedness can make leaving the house with several children virtually stress free. Don't forget to change up the items from time to time to keep things interesting. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-3525049919513759582013-08-11T17:59:00.000-07:002013-08-11T17:59:24.239-07:00100 Calorie Vanilla Almond FrappeLately, I am all about making fast frappes in the blender using instant coffee. This particular frappe is non-dairy, all natural, and only 100 calories. Here's the simple recipe:<br />
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1 cup All-Natural Vanilla Almond Milk (I buy mine at Aldi)<br />
1 scant tablespoon instant coffee granules<br />
3-4 ice cubes<br />
a pinch of salt (optional to reduce foam)<br />
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Blend all ingredients for about 60 seconds and enjoy! The store bought vanilla almond milk I use contains cane juice so it is already sweetened, yet it still has less calories than whole milk which would need an additional sweetener. Almond milk has a delicious nutty flavor and can be easier on the stomach than milk--especially on days when I end up drinking two of these in the course of the day. I'm not a vegan or anything, but some of us have our limits when it comes to guzzling too much milk. The calorie savings and easy digestibility make this creamy cold coffee drink a win win! These are so good, I've been known to have a decaf version for dessert before bed!<br />
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To make this into a complete breakfast, I sometimes add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter and a tablespoon of cocoa powder. The chocolatey protein drink version has a lot more calories of course, but gives me energy galore. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJskQPkGnaZ3Nef56iuzVzJV-7NJna_a1PxlW52yxVbEKNZX82Xma9PeKFJYOmkiNwAAegm3eTCQ091kZW4UDPW8iMyZbZ5Ac2NiFYxCDpiuac5wLpGIUjQ_91Z1PuWLPZQcJUkPrOhPE/s1600/almondfrappe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJskQPkGnaZ3Nef56iuzVzJV-7NJna_a1PxlW52yxVbEKNZX82Xma9PeKFJYOmkiNwAAegm3eTCQ091kZW4UDPW8iMyZbZ5Ac2NiFYxCDpiuac5wLpGIUjQ_91Z1PuWLPZQcJUkPrOhPE/s640/almondfrappe.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-76557516551487256332013-08-05T10:21:00.002-07:002020-12-16T18:30:04.852-08:00Saving Money on Groceries: Hispanic StoresOne way that we save money on groceries is by doing some of our shopping at Mexican grocery stores. I don't mean those small, storefront taquerias, though. Those have their purpose, too-- like when we want their specially seasoned fajita meat or jerky or just a place to practice speaking Spanish. No, I'm talking about the full-sized supermercados where you can not only buy Mexican foods but also your favorite brands of cereal, spaghetti sauce, and ice cream. A couple of the stores like this that we have here in Fort Worth are "Fiesta" and "Carnival."<br />
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Some of the items we get for low prices at these stores are tortillas, rice, and beans. Cheese and other fresh staple items also cost substantially less at these places. There is always a large selection of interesting produce, and there are usually inexpensive steaks, as well as hamburger meat and chicken, which really saves us a bundle. A lot of the fun, imported hot sauces are only a few cents a bottle.<br />
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When we go to these stores, we basically buy two weeks' worth of groceries. They pretty much have everything we normally use, including preservative-free bread and all-natural peanut butter. The only item I was disappointed about not being able to buy there this last time was lunch meat since the store we went to does not yet carry nitrate-free cold cuts. I don't think they have real maple syrup or anything organic, either, but those few items can always be picked up somewhere else on another trip.<br />
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We like to start out with lunch at the in-store restaurant when we shop at "Carnival" in Northwest Fort Worth...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUHkZtlN7K5qc7Y8Gjhzhxt38gOxXsnTdwmKjRVSkgkueu6yX8E_KEVwZwETpV6U0UeFK7vWMKlIJKm1wtZ2h_j22v-KSnb4LSeY2Y3ZmnjqgwH11iD8Ak9ooNH4xNZhJjbzfIDurcfA/s1600/burrito.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUHkZtlN7K5qc7Y8Gjhzhxt38gOxXsnTdwmKjRVSkgkueu6yX8E_KEVwZwETpV6U0UeFK7vWMKlIJKm1wtZ2h_j22v-KSnb4LSeY2Y3ZmnjqgwH11iD8Ak9ooNH4xNZhJjbzfIDurcfA/s640/burrito.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my lunch: bean and cheese burrito with fresh pico de gallo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9iuz6a7YOBEUlGbqq8QxPSlcS8lfGQUD2TgkMDKO1Ij509EMsb99nfDTcKidYiAn3UGVrJb79S2QVeqJygHZTUT4kPjKnJISUsdSUZxJdysufmxfWPudCpTSrv6yCdGYzichINZvLz0/s1600/menudo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9iuz6a7YOBEUlGbqq8QxPSlcS8lfGQUD2TgkMDKO1Ij509EMsb99nfDTcKidYiAn3UGVrJb79S2QVeqJygHZTUT4kPjKnJISUsdSUZxJdysufmxfWPudCpTSrv6yCdGYzichINZvLz0/s640/menudo.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my hubby's lunch: menudo</td></tr>
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Saving Money on Seasonings: Even if you don't live near an ethnic grocery store, you can often find many common seasonings in those little bags located on the Hispanic aisle in most stores. Onion powder, garlic powder, and cinnamon are just a few examples. Simply refill the seasoning jars you already have at home with the contents of these affordable little bags... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ1dq-yNJN0k8belk5xoscrh_sordZWHKiva4QJMgh72ySoh9m3ulnlYZ0HRjhQRCR3ncWhwWfS5OFYwwRVfyqMPRqk70cGp3IduEF3meYsZ68DN8X5-wwUIEL5p1_srjVA7hV90MFDk/s1600/SAM_2083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="saving money buying seasonings in bags from ethnic aisle" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ1dq-yNJN0k8belk5xoscrh_sordZWHKiva4QJMgh72ySoh9m3ulnlYZ0HRjhQRCR3ncWhwWfS5OFYwwRVfyqMPRqk70cGp3IduEF3meYsZ68DN8X5-wwUIEL5p1_srjVA7hV90MFDk/s640/SAM_2083.JPG" title="saving money shopping at Mexican stores" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">curry powder and chili powder</td></tr>
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Related Post: <a href="http://www.twochickensineverypot.com/2013/08/saving-money-on-groceries-my-favorite.html" target="_blank">Saving Money Shopping at Aldi</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221530913941964552.post-36516237699288785782013-08-02T13:37:00.001-07:002013-08-02T13:37:53.068-07:00Fast Mocha Frappe in BlenderAlthough real maple syrup has about the same number of calories as white sugar, it tastes sweeter so I end up using less. It doesn't make my coffee drinks taste like pancake syrup either--it just sweetens them as sugar would. This homemade mocha frappe is the perfect pick me up on a summer morning!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f2lZMiDEV-WuEPDm5l08Y999WbEsERPoDRzKpjgnFGAJHCeDHkiiMncbdPrQ96gQZQWDUvDCXdMrQezyNP1bvhztQ5tXKvos2FWCSGFjGGbr8r1qkic12WEPY2iMERp5uBtuazDjy64/s1600/mocha1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blended icy coffee drink with maple syrup" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f2lZMiDEV-WuEPDm5l08Y999WbEsERPoDRzKpjgnFGAJHCeDHkiiMncbdPrQ96gQZQWDUvDCXdMrQezyNP1bvhztQ5tXKvos2FWCSGFjGGbr8r1qkic12WEPY2iMERp5uBtuazDjy64/s400/mocha1.jpg" title="homemade mocha frappe" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ingredients<br />
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1 1/2 cups milk<br />
1 tbsp instant coffee granules<br />
1 tbsp cocoa powder<br />
2 tbsp real maple syrup<br />
3-4 ice cubes<br />
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Directions<br />
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Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth and frothy. This makes enough for two people or this one very busy and active mom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXEyk34sZKoVPdRHQwR3hY67nnU4pt2vM5pPyQSLakUbyCkrCropsJNOIY76aoMjKPSqIs1e4flxOamBPM_VQtIHd-rchskdqvSc1yqKcabt2o2Gh6aruW1k9FU6q5TNIiqmmhDUTVuY/s1600/mocha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coffee and almonds for breakfast" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXEyk34sZKoVPdRHQwR3hY67nnU4pt2vM5pPyQSLakUbyCkrCropsJNOIY76aoMjKPSqIs1e4flxOamBPM_VQtIHd-rchskdqvSc1yqKcabt2o2Gh6aruW1k9FU6q5TNIiqmmhDUTVuY/s400/mocha2.jpg" title="mocha frappe with almonds" width="272" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0