Taking Your Children to the Movies. What Age is the Right Age?

Children love to watch movies. Many of my fondest childhood memories are with my parent in a theater watching the new Disney movies. When you have the time off from your busy school schedule or accounting career, you really want to do something fun that you know your kids will remember. The only problem is that no one wants to the be the parent in the back with the unruly child. What age is the right age for their first real movie experience?

I have had many friends that tried to attend a movie with their kids and it scarred them for years. It's hard to know if your children are ready to sit still and enjoy a cinematic experience, but here are a few clues to help determine their readiness.

1. Will your child watch an entire movie at home. If a child will not watch a movie at home, they will be driving you crazy. Movie theaters are full of other people to investigate. Until you child can give a movie at home their full attention, you might want to wait on taking them out.

2. Is your child vocal during movies at home. If you child is excited and vocal during movies at home, they will be loud at the movies as well. Being that silence is a virtue in a theater, you might want to work with your child on not talking at home before trying the theater.

3. Is your child comfortable around strangers. Most kids are not concerned by strangers, but there are a few that are caught off guard by unfamiliar faces. For instance, my younger son saw a man in a restaurant that frightened him for some reason. He proceeded to scream until the man was no longer in sight. Though my son is an extreme  case, it is possible that other people in the room may cause a child to be uncomfortable.

In most cases, children are able to watch a movie contently in public at around three years of age. Of course, it doesn't hurt to bribe them a bit with concessions. Another factor is your personal sensitivity to distractions in a theater. If you are concerned how your child will fair, try attending a daytime showing of a children's film. They are usually less crowded and full of other sympathetic parents. If your first movies isn't a home run, be patient with your child. They're nervous too. Hopefully soon, your family will be enjoying many bonding moments over popcorn and a great movie.

Television and Our Children

Our children are our world. We want to do what is best for them every chance we get. It's very hard in our ever changing world to understand how the increase in technology is affecting them. Most current parents grew up watching television. Allowing your children to watch Sponge Bob Square-pants while you finish up your application for a nursing scholarship is a harmless decision. The question is how long is too long for your children to be entertained by Nickolodeon or web browsing and what affects does television watching have them?

Now a days it is a common occurrence for a child to arrive home and sit on their coach watching show after show until dinner time. Most families will not eat a meal without the television on. Studies have suggested that children over three be allowed to watch no more than 3 hours of television per day. Children under two should be prohibited from watching. The average child watches an excess of four hours of programming per day. I know that I have been guilty of using the television as a baby sitter once or twice when I have house work or special projects that need to be attended to.  The occasional lean on technology is of minimal concern, but what are the long term affects of TV watching on young people?

Many different scientific studies have been done on the possible affects of excessive television watching. Children's programming has becoming increasing educational. This influx in beneficial shows has lowered our guards in regard to all television. Many children's programs still display violence and sexual behavior. Children mimic what they watch. Though there has been no definitive data, many scientists believe that television could contribute to ADD. Another concern that behavioral scientists  have expressed is the amount of commercials that kids watch. On average, children watch more than 20,000 thirty second commercials per year. Many of these commercials are for beer, cigarettes, and junk food. Children are highly susceptible to suggestion. The main physical affects of television are linked to inactivity. By watching shows children are remaining indoors instead of getting up and playing sports or exercising. Inactive children are more likely to snack while entertaining themselves. This trend could lead to childhood obesity.

I'm in no way saying that television is evil. I personally enjoy sitting down with my children and watching a movie, or watching them learn their ABC's with Sesame Street. What I am trying to say is that like anything else in their lives, television should be moderated. As parents, it's our job to monitor our children's viewing. It's not easy to change our habits, but it doesn't have to be negative. Try encouraging your child to find a hobby or sport. A hobby can be both intellectually stimulating and fun. If you would like more information on moderating your child's television viewing the following link is excellent: http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/managetv.htm.

Is It Okay to Allow Your Child to Sleep in Your Bed?

In our current society, both parents are almost required to work to support their family. Long gone are the years when a father could work one full time job and support a family of five. It's very difficult in our busy lives to spend enough time with our children. It's easy to allow our work schedule and paralegal certification classes to interfere with our family time. In our attempts to spend that much needed quality time, it's easy to allow our children to cuddle and sleep in bed with us. Now I'm not talking about the occasional nightmare, I mean allowing your children in your bed at least once a week. What are the benefits or consequences of this type of interaction? Is this time harming or helping your child?

Allowing your children to sleep in the bed with you has many benefits. In most cases children have their own beds but occasionally sleep with their parents. We often use this time as a means of bonding. When children are infants we often allow them in our beds to give them the skin to skin contact that babies crave. The truth is, as humans grow they continue to need that contact. With our more hectic lives we often loose sight of that need. We think that bathing our children, eating dinner together, or watching a favor television show together serves as this bonding time. The truth is no interaction or activity can replace good old fashion cuddling. Children need to cuddle for emotional reassurance. Physical love is a concept that we all crave. We want the hug and snuggle that tells us we are cared for. Our children need it more than adults. By allowing your child in your bed you are giving them a night of one on one contact.

On the other hand allowing your child to sleep with you too frequently can be detrimental. Children who sleep with their parents more than once a week are more likely to develop separation anxiety. Children must learn to sleep alone in their own rooms. As they grow older, kids will be required to spend more time alone. Introducing a child to their own bed and room aids in this development. Humans are naturally inclined to crave contact. We must train ourselves to be secure in the absence of interaction. By allowing your child to sleep in their own space you are aiding them in that training. This will also intern boost their independence and self-esteem.

Allowing your children in your bed can also affect your love life. The more frequently your children sleep with you, the more interference you will have. My children slept with me as babies and then moved in to their own room. Even though they were infants and had no idea what mommy and daddy were doing, it made me uncomfortable to be intimate with them present. The lack of intimacy put a great deal of strain on my marriage. Now they try to sleep with us as often as possible, but for daddy's sake I try to soothe them and place them in their own beds most of the time. Our love lives typically suffer from over working and stress as well, so to add a child that is accustomed to sharing your bed to the mix could be a disaster.

The key to this conundrum is "Everything in moderation". Keep your situation fluid. It's okay when the kids are sick to let them sleep with you for three nights in a row. It's also okay to say no and walk them back across the hall, when you and your significant other would like to have some alone time. Try to keep the bed sharing to less than once a week to prevent a fuss from the little ones. Also by keeping the mommy's room sleep overs sporadic, they will remain special. You want to avoid allowing your child to get in the routine of sharing your bed. Balancing life and family is never easy, but having special bonding moments with your babies is a great way to remind yourself why you do it.  

Bringing Home a New Pet When You Have Children

I tend to write about my current experiences. I like to elaborate on current problems that I maybe having and discuss them so that my successes and failures may help others. Recently, I added a shih tzu puppy to my family. Being a pet person at heart I wanted to have a little furry pal to snuggle with while working or watching a movie. Having three children and a home to manage keeps me fairly busy as it is. If you are like me, and despite your busy case load from Florida Tech Online and your family, you still would like to add a four-legged friend to your household, then here is some advice for a smooth introduction.

Tip 1: Choose your pet wisely.
 This may seem like a no brainer, but it's easy to get caught up in the cute faces and needy eyes and forget what you are capable of handling. For instance, it's easy to fall in love with the gentle eyes of a Great Dane, but not easy to keep them in an apartment. Before pet hunting, make a list (both you and your partner) of desired traits. This will help keep you on track.

Tip 2: Be careful when adopting.
This maybe a controversial tip to some people, but with young children especially adopting an adult dog can be dangerous. If you are a single person, adopting is wonderful for you and the animal. When you have children, however, you can never be too careful. You have no way of knowing exactly what that dog has been subjected to. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Tip 3: Beware of breeders.
In many cases when adopting or purchasing a dog money is an issue. It's human nature to try and find a deal or just a reasonable price on everything including pets. The truth is you get what you pay for. There are many people out there irresponsibly breeding animals to make a buck. If at all possible go to the person's home and meet the parents. You can usually tell what kind of person you are dealing with just by seeing their home.

Tip 4: It's okay to say no.
In the event that you are adopting or purchasing from a home, never meet the person with the intention of taking that animal home. Never allow yourself to be pressured in to taking an animal home with you that you are not in love with. Caring for a pet is a life long commitment. It's okay to visit a pet and not take it home.


Tip 7: Never buy a pet as a present.
This tip main seem odd, but allow me to clarify. Buying a pet for a birthday present or Christmas present is not a good idea. If you would like to give a loved one a pet, I would recommend having them assist you in the adoption process. Owning a pet is a very personal commitment. You would not marry a person that you just met because they are cute. Holidays and birthdays are also very busy times and pets can be neglected. It's best to add a new addition when your home is calm and as uncomplicated as possible.


Tip 5: Introduce the animal slowly.
Once you've made your decision it's time to bring your new fur baby home and introduce them to your family. When dealing with children, it's best to introduce the animal gradually. Remember, this transition is going to be extremely stressful on your new pet. Be sure that you give them the space to calm down and be alone. It's easy during such an exciting time, to give your new animal too much attention.

Tip 6: Create a quiet area for your new pet.
It's important for your four-legged friend to feel secure. When dealing with a cat, allow them to find a quiet place under a piece of furniture or in a closet where they can retreat. When introducing a dog or puppy, a crate can be helpful.

Making the decision to add an animal to your family is exciting. It brings with it the possibility of a life long relationship with a new family member. Following these simple tips will make this transition easier, and more enjoyable. A pet is an important friend for your children and can help them learn responsibility. If they are old enough, allow them to help you in the decision making process as well as the training. This participation with strengthen the family bond.

A Cleaning Tip for Removing Nail Polish from Your Couch!

Ladies love nail polish. Weather you're a paralegal trying to look a bit more put together in the office, or a stay at home mother just looking to add a flair to your wardrobe. I have many different colors of nail polish in my home. And try as I might to keep them away from my children, they managed to find a lovely bottle of dark purple nail polish. Being that they are two and love to paint, my couch received a very lovely Jackson Pollock make-over. Needless to say I freaked out. I have a nice micro-fiber sectional that was now destroyed. I tried everything I could think of to fix it and believe it or not I was able to completely clean my couch. Here is how I managed to remove dark purple nail polish completely from my tan couch.

Step 1: Oxi-Clean
Use the Product Oxi-Clean with water to create a paste. Cover the entire affected area with the paste. Allow to sit until the paste becomes crunchy.

Step 2: Remove the excess Oxi-clean.
You don't want to wet the spot at this time. Just use a small broom or your hand to rub off the hard pieces of the oxi-clean that still remains.

Step 3: Nail Polish Remover.
Using a non acetone nail polish remover, gently apply it directly to the surface of the coach. Use a paper towel to blot away the color from the nail polish.

Step 4: Use a Spot shampooer to clean the area.
Using just clean water, rinse the remaining oxi-clean and nail polisher remover from the fabric. If a shampooer is not available, use a damp sponge and moisten the area and blot away the excess.

Once the process has been completed and your couch has dried, your cushions should look as good as new. I know it seems like an involved process, but it's easier than replacing a sofa. The Oxi-clean acts as a barrier, keeping the color from bleeding in to the fabric. It also prevents the nail polish remover from damaging the fabric.  I would not recommend using this process on leather. I hope my adventures with my children can help you in the future.

Holidays as a Mom

When we were children, holidays were magical. They were filled with bright lights, presents, and laughs with family. They are some of our greatest memories. However, when you are an adult they are definitely more stressful. You have your finals in your online nursing courses and overtime at work. We are in over drive trying to pay for presents and clean for the in-laws. It's hard to feel anything but stress. Here are a few helpful tips to help take some stress off of your holiday season.

Tip 1: Make a schedule for the week of your holiday.
Holidays are incredibly busy, especially if you are traveling. Make a list of everything that you must accomplish before you are able to celebrate. Use this list to create a schedule of what will be accomplished and when. This will help you to feel more in control and less like you're living in the land of holiday chaos.

Tip 2: Buy your supplies before you need them.
If you know that you will be cooking dinner for guest, there is no harm in getting a jump on the grocery shopping. Last minute holiday grocery trips are far more hectic and time consuming.

Tip 3: Be realistic.
A large portion of our holiday stress comes from trying to be over the top. The truth is we only have so much energy to use. We are not super heroes, though we surely try. It's okay if you didn't get to the center piece made from lemon roses or if you weren't able to make all the side dishes you wanted. The real requirement for any spectacular family holiday is love.

Tip 4: Enjoy the little things.
Many times when I'm starting to become truly stressed out I ask my children if they are excited about the festivities. I ask them their favorite part of what is about to unfold. It helps me center myself and realize that they re already having a great time. It's also fun to take a break and share some hot cocoa or get a hug. It helps to remind us what the point of all this mayhem really is.

Tip 5: Wear your children out.
Holidays are magical, but for young children there is a lot of down time. This is a great chance to get them outside. Have the grandparents take the little ones outside to run a bit. This will help to reduce the number of bodies in the kitchen. Tired children are also more likely to behave at the dinner table.

Tip 6: It is alright to ask for help.
Especially when we are hosting the holidays, there is a lot of stress and anxiety about making everything perfect. Women are expected to be the home maker, chef, the nurturing mother, and attentive hostess. The truth is we do a great job juggling those hat, but every now and then it is just overwhelming. This is when it's time to delegate. Ask your spouse to run to the store if you're out of milk. Order a turkey for thanksgiving if you are not going to have the time or oven space to cook it. Ask your sister to watch the children while your preparing dinner. These are all great times to get a bit of help. Trust me they won't mind or think less of you for it.

As long as we are the engineers behind our children's holiday's they are always going to be a bit worry-some. But our parents tried to keep the magic alive for us and we owe it to our children to do the same. Parents are amazing and tough. We are creative and caring. We selflessly wear ourselves to the bone to give the best that we can to our children. Try to remember to take time for yourself this holiday season. Relax and have a laugh with your loved ones. After all, what is the point of all this work if you can't enjoy it with your children. I hope these tips will make relaxing this holiday season just a little bit easier.

Rebelling Against Mother-hood Stereotypes

Being a mother is the toughest job in the world. It is a guaranteed lifetime commitment and there is no retirement. It is very easy when juggling your many commitments to loose what makes you unique. Prior to becoming a parent you might have been known as a fantastic medical transcriptional or  as the attractive woman in chemistry class, but now you are the nurturing light in a tiny beings life. We define ourselves in many ways, but when our whole existence revolves around another person it's easy to put ourselves on the back burner and live strictly for our children.
The sad truth is that one day our children will become their own people and we will be left with a void in our self imagine. That is why it is incredibly important for mother's to maintain their individuality. As a society, we have an image of what a mother is supposed to be ingrained in us. When we think of a mom, we think of the stereotypical fifties house mom with fresh-baked cookies and a polka dotted dress. The truth is I don't know a single woman that is or wants to be that way. However, society sees motherhood as a time to try and conform to as close to that fifties image as you can. Too often, I see moms that hide their true selves to better fit the ideal mom. Mothers that once danced to their own beat are now becoming soccer moms with a mini van and a pink sweater from Old Navy. It's not natural to suppress your personality.
I personally have decided to rebel against the stereotype by having purple hair. This choice is not one for everyone, but I have always been a bit of a rocker chick and I feel it expresses my pre-motherhood self. Obviously, I don't have the time I once did to attend concerts and mingle with musicians, but I still listen to my hardcore music and am trying to stay true to myself. I have found that by maintaining my individuality, I am more prone encourage individuality in my children. I think it is important to encourage self awareness at a young age and I have been leading by example.
Don't get me wrong, motherhood forces you to rethink your priorities and for a lack of a better word grow up, but it doesn't mean you have to completely sacrifice yourself. I know when I first became a stay at home mom I was excited. I wanted to give my children all the love and affection in their younger years that they deserve. It didn't take long before I felt like Rosie from the Jetsons. I felt like a robot buzzing around my home mindless. I no longer felt like the opinionated passionate artistic person I once was. I was a mom-bot with no other purpose than to service the needs of my family from the moment I woke up until I went to bed. That's when I realized that to help my family I had to help myself.
I have been significantly happier just by making baby-sets towards blending the two me s together. Like the southern saying goes "If momma ain't happy no one's happy". By becoming a more complete version of my self I have been living a more fulfilled and happy life. Everyone has their own path to their true self, mine just happened to be through purple hair. I hope that my story inspires you to go out and reconnect with the real you.

Keeping Calm When Your Child is Throwing a Fit

It's every parents nightmare. You are having a busy day buying your Pharmacy tech books from the college bookstore and then it happens. Your child starts to melt down. She starts to fuss and pull on the magazine rack spilling the fashion magazines and college life magazines from the racks. You frantically try to pick up the mess without stepping out of line and that's when she starts screaming and flailing about. You can feel the heat rising up to your ears. How do you defuse your anger and calm your child? Here are a few tips for calming everyone down without having to leave without your books. These tips can be used for any melt down situation.

Tip 1: Take a Deep Breath.
Try and remember that your child is bored. This is not a place she would ever want to be. She also doesn't have the patience that you do. Many times your child feeds off your anxiety and if you are stressed it can escalate the problem.

Tip 2: Try and Distract your Child.
Often times your child's tantrums will get out of control because the child forgets why their upset. Try and start a game. My son's favorite distracting game was finding wild animals in normal places. He would look around and try to find tiger pictures in stores. You could also try I spy with colors or objects. It's easier than you think to distract your child. Keep encouraging your child to play the game.

Tip 3: Your Purse is a Wonderland.
Believe it or not, your purse may be the answer to your problem. In many cases, your purse may have a means of distraction. Many younger children enjoy playing with keys, while slightly older children might enjoy drawing on a receipt or scrap of paper. If you know you are going to a high stress area, trying bringing a few small toys that you know will easily distract your child.

Tip 4: Follow Through With Punishment.
If you warm your child that their actions have consequences, then you must follow through. By following through with you warning, it will deter your child from loosing control the next time. Being consistent shows your child you mean business. This is very important with children over 2 years old.  

Tip 5: Food is Your Best Friend:
Almost anywhere you go has some snack you can purchase. Try to stay away from candy, because you don't want to encourage your child to miss behave. Try a granola bar if available or crackers. It never hurts to keep a few back up snacks in your purse as a back up for all outings.  Children like dogs are very food oriented. It's a great way to distract them from just how bored they really are.

Tip 6: Be a Bit Silly.
It might seem a bit degrading, but kids love a clown. I'm not saying paint your face and put on a wig, but the essence of a clown is being silly. Make silly faces with your child and ask them to do it back to you. At this point, anything to prevent the full on melt down is worth it. You don't have to make faces the whole time. If you see your child start to become impatient, it's time to intervene.

All parents know that we fear taking our children in to these high pressure situations. In all honesty, we enjoy being at the school book store, or post-office about as much as they do. Try and keep that in mind as you calm them down. Maintaining a positive attitude is the key to surviving these little trials, but also the key to preventing future incidences. Eventually, your child will see that these trips are almost fun, as long as they behave. I hope these tips help you and your children in the future. It's never easy being a parent, but it's completely worth it.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween

Halloween can be a great time for parents and children alike. Sometimes getting ready for the holiday can be taxing. When we have more on our plate than we care to handle, it can take a bit of the fun out of the holiday. There is the shopping, the decorating, and god forbid we host a party. The bottom line is, we all look forward to a day where we get to take a break and be someone or something else for a while. To keep Halloween full of good clean spooky fun, here are a few safety tips.

Tip 1: Never allow your children to trick-or-treat alone.
Trick-or-treating is a staple of Halloween. I know my children look forward to it all year. Unfortunately, it is a bit dangerous. We live in a society where we don't really know our neighbors. The Sex Offender Registry states that almost every neighborhood in the US has at least three sex offenders living in them. The odds increase as the cost of the houses decrease. For this reason, we must always protect our children. The best way to do this is to have a parent or adult  chaperone your child. This will also prevent your child from getting in to trouble on their own. Don't get me wrong, I know it's hard with school and work to be home. You might try and arrange for your child to go out with a friend's parents or a grandparent.

Tip 2: Always carry a flashlight and a cell phone.
Even though Halloween is good clean fun, you never know when things might change. It never hurts to be prepared. Keeping a flashlight in your purse will come in handy if their are any dark streets on your route. You could also try bringing a flashlight with a colored lens or glow sticks for your children. The colored light will help you see where your children are and prevent anyone from being misplaced. Your cell phone will be a godsend if anyone gets separated from your group. It may also come in handy if you or your children get too tired to walk back home.

Tip 3: Plan a route before leaving the house.
Planning a route may seem like a bit much, but it will keep you from getting lost. By planning your route you can make sure that you are in the most hospitable area for your children. You can also plan to stay in the most well lit streets in your neighborhood.

Tip 4: Get out early.
As the night gets later the crowd can become more unpredictable. With younger children it is best to go trick-or-treating earlier. In the early evening you are less likely to come across the undesirable element. It's also a better time to get candy. Many of your neighbor will have a better supply earlier on. If you leave earlier, it might give you and your spouse or significant other some time to have a little spooky fun of your own.

Tip 5: Don't eat unwrapped candy or homemade foods.
I know this is an olde, but a goode. Unwrapped snacks could be tampered with. If you didn't make the food, or it wasn't commercially packed; you can't know the true contents. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Tip 6: Look into public Halloween events.
If tick-or-treating isn't panning out, many establishments have Halloween alternatives. You still get the joy of dressing up, but with a safer environment. I know in my town the aquarium, mall, and parks were hosting Halloween events with candy and treats. Each event had a different date, which may allow busier moms a shot at a Halloween alternative.

I hope these tips will help you on your quest for a fun and safe spook-day. Remember, keep the kids safe and rack up the candy. Don't forget to have your own fun. Just because your an adult doesn't mean you don't deserve to let your hair down and put your vampire teeth in. Or dress up like a forensic physiologic and try to piece together the clues for a hot night in. However you spend it, I hope your Halloween is everything you wanted.

Easy Fashion For a Mom on the Go

All busy women envy the young girls we see in school or in the mall that are able to spend more time getting ready for their outings than they actually spend out of their homes. The truth is, most days moms can barely use the bathroom alone, much-less style our hair or apply the new make-up trend everyone is wearing. I'm here to give you a few fall style tips to make you feel more put together when attending your classes, or just running errands with your children. I know what your thinking, I don't have anymore time to get ready than I already use, but the truth is, a few tweaks to your current regiment and you could feel like a hot mama.

Tip 1: Dark Wash Jeans
All moms love their jeans. They are comfortable, easy, and go with everything. Dark wash jeans are a ladies best friend. By wearing a pair of dark wash jeans you get the ease and comfort of a standard jean, with the sophistication of a trouser. Wearing dark wash jeans with any outfit looks more put together than a lighter wash. Try looking for a more quality jean; they're lighter, softer, and more comfortable and available in any budget.

Tip 2: Boots
Knee high boots are a fall staple. You can wear a fitted t-shirt and jeans with a decent boot and you look like a fashionista. For fall, I would recommend a nice faux leather in brown or black. There are styles to fit any taste and any budget. I currently like the riding style, which has a lower heel and a few buckle accents. With the lower heal they are comfortable and practical without sacrificing fashion. For the cooler weather approaching winter, I recommend an animal friendly faux fur boot. Once again, you don't have to break the bank to purchase these boots. There are several websites such as Just Fab where you can purchase them for under forty dollars and shipping is free. Also Target has a lovely selection of boots that won't break the bank.

Tip 3: Funky Hats
Hats are a great accessory. Wearing a hat can help you cut down on your styling time. Wearing a cute hat means you still look fashionable, but didn't have to spend the extra time to fix your hair. There are as many different styles of hats as their are materials to make them from. It's really up to your taste and wardrobe  as to which style is best for you, but adding a hat to most outfits adds a little spunk.

Tip 4: Simple Up Do
There are going to be times that you're not feeling your hat, or your straightening iron. This is a perfect time for a cute up do. In the past creating an up do meant either a pony tail, bun, or a whole bunch of bobby pins. There are several cute hair styles you can create that take about two mins and look fabulous. One of my favorites is the Half Pony Tail Flip. Sound complicated, it's not and was a style that was discussed at New York Fashion Week.
Here's how to do it at home: 1.Take your hair and roll a small portion of either side of your face. 2.Use a hair tie to secure them in to a half pony tail. 3.Collect all your hair like you want to make a pony tail. 4.Rap with a hair tie twice to secure. 5.Begin a third wrap but do not pull hair completely through. This makes a sort of mess bun.
This style can also be great for work. It secures your hair so you can work well, but also looks professional.

Tip 5: Metallic Eye Make-up
Metallic eye make-up is a great way to appear as though you spent a lot of time on your face, when you didn't. Every make-up brand has a line of metallic eye make-up. I prefer the golds and bronzes. Swipe the gold across you lid and apply the bronze to the crease of your eye. Apply a bit of mascara, and you have a fresh fall eye that looks great. Turn the metallic in to a night look with a little liquid eye liner along your lash line and the bronze all over the lid. You'll have a smokey look that looks like a million bucks.

Tip 6: Scarf or Wrap
A scarf or wrap is a great way to spice up a look. I don't mean your grandma's scarf that is thick, bulky, and just out of fashion. I mean a thin linen scarf with a great color or pattern. Once again you can find a linen scarf in most department store. You want to look for a scarf that feels nice and looks just as good. You can wrap a scarf or wrap around your neck and instantly look chic.

Tip 7: Brightly Colored Shoes
One common style misconception is that your shoes have to be the same color as some part of your outfit. There is no fashion law that says you have to be completely matching. Adding a pop of color with either a bag or a contrasting shoe is very fashionable. A nice solid colored pump can be a great accent piece. If you're wearing a yellow shirt try putting on red shoes. They are complementing colors and they create a nice fall pallet.

Tip 8: Accessorize
 Nothing dresses up an outfit better than some funky jewelry. Having cute pieces doesn't have to leave you broke either. Try looking in discount stores or accessory stores in your local mall. Many stores put together collections that take the guess work out of pairing up pieces. For a necklace, try a set of chunky pearls or beads, but remember natural is in too so don't be afraid to try feathers as well.

Looking great doesn't have to cost a lot, or take up all your time. Remember, these tips can be mixed, matched, or used all together to create your own fabulous looks. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and put together no matter how much money or time they have. Try sporting these tips to your medical assistant classes and see how many compliments you get. I'm sure you'll be the chicest mom at the park.

Making Friends When Your Life is Insane

The truth is, making friends is never easy. It wasn't easy when you were in school. High school was a nightmare, and making friends as an adult is no easier. Add to this dilemma a family that requires your time and attention, a job, and college courses and it's almost impossible. When you have a family, trying to make friends becomes like dating, but you're not just looking for your own compatibility you have to think about your children and significant other as well. It's incredibly stressful. I know I felt like a lost cause. Sure, you may meet a few people with similar interests in your nursing programs, but it's typically slim pickings.

Why bother trying to make friends? This is always my husband's question. He thinks that he and the children should be enough of a social life. I think it's different for men. They don't seem to understand the need for girl time or chick flicks. Friends serve a very important purpose for a woman, they help us maintain our sanity. Our friends act as our counselor, therapist, conscience, confidant, and partners in crime.  Despite my husband and me being very close, he still remains as a large portion of my day to day frustration. Though it is important to be honest with your spouse or significant other, it is still very nice to get a female opinion on the situation. As I'm sure you know, when your life is a whirlwind of crazy, it's easy to over exaggerate a situation and with a friend to help calm your nerves you're less likely to blow up at your spouse. Needless to say, when you're lacking in the friend department it can make the rest of your life more than a little rocky.

There are many ways of trying to make friends as a mother, a wife, a student, and a woman. Not all of these methods are worth the effort. Through my own experience I have learned which means of friend making are effective and which are not. I am going to let you in on my findings.

1. Posting on Craigslist or Other Classified sites.
This has to be one of the least effective methods of making friends. If you are the one posting the add, you receive more responses with junk mail attached than actual people. Posting on a classified site seems a bit desperate and you're more likely to have weirdos answer than people who are actually interested in becoming friends. From my experience, after the initial email chat further communication seems awkward. I met one woman that I really got along with through text messages, but when we got together to meet it was incredibly strange. It was like meeting with a stranger even though we had been talking for weeks.

2. Attending Mom Groups in Your Area.
Mom groups are a good idea, but it seems they are more about quantity instead of quality. I have attended several different types of mom groups and each group I attended had a cliquey vibe. They were all fairly nice, but I didn't get a chance to connect with any of the moms on a personal level. There were a great deal of children that required supervision, and actually sitting down and talking was out of the questions. The groups I tried met more frequently than I could attend. I felt when I missed a session, I misses out on jokes and interaction that put me further out of the loop. I made a few friendships from these groups, but they were short lived.

3. Luck of the Draw.
One of my more successful endeavors has been taking my children to the park and watching to see who they get along with.  Striking up a conversation with the parent is easy when your children are having a blast. The hardest part of this option is the phone number exchange. You can do one of two things: try to arrange to come back to the park another day to spend more time together, or suck it up and give them your info. Just like dating, there is a chance of rejection. However, most busy parents are going through the same thing. I have met several of my current friends this way.

4. Extra-curricular Activities for Your Children.
Signing your children up for sports, scouts, or other activities is another way to meet parents with like interests. However, transporting your children to and from their activities can be time consuming. If you make friends with other parents, you could also set up a carpool to help cut down on the travel time.

5. Be Active in Your Child's School.
Many parents choose to be more active in their child's PTA to make friends. This is another time consuming option. Becoming a member of the PTA obligates you to attend monthly meetings and assist in their festivals and fund raisers. Being a member of the PTA can prove to be challenging when studying for finals or writing papers on a deadline.

All of these options have their benefits and draw backs. I know not everyone will have the same results as I did, but I hope this information helps to save you some time and frustration. It's never an easy or fun process trying to meet new people, but it's worth it for you and your children. After all, a happy mom makes a happy family.

Potty Training Your Child While Juggling College and Life

Potty training is a difficult time for anyone. Potty training while juggling your mid-term, house keeping, and couples time with your spouse is near impossible. The truth is that to get one of the high paying jobs you have to have a college education. With a busy schedule it's incredibly easy to slip back and forth between using the potty and diapers when your time is at a premium. Here are a few simple steps that will make this necessary nightmare a bit easier to manage.

Step 1:
Be Consistent.
I know it's not the easiest advice when your life is extremely hectic, but the minor stress will speed up the process. By being consistent, your child is less likely to become confused by what is expected of them. In most cases, it's easiest to begin potty training on a weekend when both parents are home. Having both parents to help in the process means that taking your child to the bathroom every thirty minutes will be less of an inconvenience.

Step 2:
Reward Your Child.
Potty training is just as hard for your child as it is for you. Make a big deal out of there milestones. Take your child out for a special trip to buy their new underwear. Find an easy way to make your child feel special, like clapping for them or reward them with a small treat. My twins did best with small marshmallows. As they advance in the process tapper-off the marshmallows. By rewarding your child, You are making this experience fun. By making using the toilet exciting, it makes your child want to tell you when they feel the need to go potty.

Step 3:
Be Patient.
When you are stressed or anxious your child can feel your energy. You don't want you child to think that the toilet is a source of negative energy. Your child is not going to learn to use the potty in a day, but with patience they will be more comfortable and learn faster. You should try to make the bathroom a calm place.

Step 4:
Help Your Child Feel Secure.
This step has two parts. The first part is purchasing a device to make you child sit comfortably on your toilet. In most cases, this device is a smaller portable toilet at a height that allows your child to keep their feet on the floor. The small toilet is convenient because you can bring it in to whatever room you need to be working from. Your child is less likely to have accidents if the toilet is more readily available. Purchasing a cover that blocks off part of the hole in the toilet seat is another option. Both items have their benefits, but I tend to lean toward the portable toilet.
The second part is giving your child your undivided attention. There is nothing your child likes more than having you pay attention to them. When your child is on the toilet try holding their hand, or asking them how they feel. You want your child to know you're there to help if they need you.

Step 5:
Watch Your Child's Body Language.
As funny as this sound, children are in some respect like animals. If they need to potty and think they'll get in trouble for having an accident, they will try to hide it. If you see your child ducking behind your chair or quietly retreating down the hallway, they probably need to use the bathroom. Children also tend to tug at their pants when they think they are about to go. Keep your child close until they begin telling you they need to go to the potty.

Step 6:
Expect Bumps in The Road.
The truth is all children are going to have accidents; it's just the way it goes. By planing ahead, you can minimize the damage. Plastic sheets are inexpensive and a great way to save the mattress. Also, try to minimize the toys and blankets your child can take to bed with them. This will reduce your laundry load should they have an accident. Also, if you know you are going out for a long shopping trip or out to lunch, pack two extra sets of underwear and clothes. This will prevent you from having to cut your trip short if your child has an accident.

With these simple steps your child will be out of diapers and you'll be back to studying in no time. Keeping the experience light and as stress free as possible will cut your child's set backs in half. Being a parent is the hardest and most thankless job there is, but at the end of the day it is the most rewarding. It's completely possible to better yourself and care for your family. I hope these tips help you keep your cool during this trying time.