How to Balance Motherhood with Full Time Study

February 28, 2017 By Anne

Being a mother will be one of the most challenging things in your life. Whether you are a single mother or have a great family filled with children, getting back to school is not an easy task. If you decide that it is time to get back to school, earn a degree and find yourself a job, attending an online college might be the best option for you. Online colleges offer you the chance to earn a degree while working at your own pace and in many cases not having to visit the campus during that time. Here are some tips to help balance college workload and being a mom.

Find Online Courses

If the decision you made was to attend school, get a degree and go back to working as a mother, there is one place you should look first. In many cases, online courses will allow you to earn the same degree you can study for while attending a physical campus. Online courses that will allow you to earn a degree on your own time include Norwich University and the online military history degree program they offer.

Ask For Help

Even though you will be able to work at your own pace, getting the work done is still going to be a task. Of course, you can do your studying at the end of the day when the children are asleep, but that is not always going to be the ideal situation. On top of that, being able to get to a quiet, clean study area is going to benefit the studying that you want to do. Ask your family for help so you can get away for a few hours and really dig into the studying for your military history degree.

Get to the Library if You Can

Even though the internet is a great resource for a ton of information regarding just about any topic in the world, being able to get to the library when you can is going to be helpful. The library is typically quiet and will give you plenty of room to spread out so you are not hindered by outside distractions when trying to study. Depending on the ages of your children, they might even come with you to get some reading in on their own, while you study. It can be a nice place to add value to your family time.

Balancing studying and motherhood can be a task and not many people are going to be up for it, but with these tips you can get your online courses figured out and get the degree you are hoping for. Once you have your degree, it will be easier for you to get back into the working world in a capacity that is right for you. There are so many resources available, but planning the right path to your new degree is going to be a very important.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Celebrate Mardi Gras on February 28th!

February 27, 2017 By Heather Little

Laissez les bon temps rouler…let the good times roll! Mardi Gras is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your king cake, gumbo, a fancy mask, and some beads and hit the parade route!

Beads ready to be thrown…

So much fun!

For nearly 10 years, my husband and I lived just outside of New Orleans. Celebrating Mardi Gras became a Louisiana tradition for our family. While the city and the French Quarter has a reputation for partying and debauchery, Mardi Gras is actually a fun, family event that includes weeks of parades, balls, and celebrations. Krewes, or social clubs, host parades with elaborate floats, marching bands, performers, and of course, beads! If you’re lucky, you might also be able to snag a coveted doubloon, Moonpie, a stuffed animal, or a cup. People line up hours in advance of the parade to make sure they get the perfect spot to score the best throws. Custom built ladder seats give kids a great view of the fantastic themed floats. Each year, parades take place all along the Gulf Coast including not only New Orleans, but Mobile and in some Mississippi cities as well.

One of the amazing parade floats

A young parade-goer perched on her ladder seat ready to catch some throws.

Although it changes from year to year, Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday, is on February 28 this year. Unfortunately here in Florida, celebrating Mardi Gras isn’t too common, but if you ever have an opportunity to take in a parade, I’d highly recommend it! They really are fun, unique events like no other.

On a side note, Universal Orlando does hold a Mardi Gras celebration each year complete with floats, street performers, and beads. So while it might not be the “real deal”, if you’re at Universal, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Mardi Gras FAQ:

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/faq.html

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras:

https://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx

Heather Little

My name is Heather Little and my husband and I have two sweet girls and one crazy dog. We moved to Florida 6 years ago and have loved every minute of it! I enjoy crafting, good food, shopping, and of course travel!

How You Can Be a Stay-at-Home Mom and Earn Your Degree

February 27, 2017 By Anne

If you are a mom then you’ve already signed up for the most challenging “job” in life. While it is extremely rewarding to be a mom, it doesn’t mean you need to push aside your career goals and aspirations. In fact, you can work on achieving those goals while you are also a stay-at-home mom.

Nowadays, online learning has become more and more common as people realize just how many benefits it offers. Think about it, you can be working on getting your online master of science in finance, all while being at home with the kids. Once you’ve obtained that online finance masters degree, you’ve gone ahead and opened all kinds of exciting doors. With your degree there is no need to start at the bottom of the ladder, as you’ll be able to go ahead and look for those executive positions you deserve.

Making it Work

So how can you make it work? How can you be a stay-at-home mom while obtaining your degree? Well the big bonus in these online learning programs is the fact the schedules tend to be quite flexible. This means you can learn on your own schedule. You aren’t a slave to the schedule of the classroom, having to commute back and forth, show up on time, and be there all day, every day.

Your ideal schedule may end up being that you can work on your schooling in the evenings when the kids are in bed and study and read during the day while the kids nap. You may find it’s beneficial to have the kids attend day care or nursery school on a part-time basis, or have a babysitter come in a few times a week, giving you even more time to study.

A Money Saving Option

If you do happen to be a stay-at-home mom and your family is trying to make it on one income, money can be tight to say the least. This is another reason online learning makes sense. It tends to be much cheaper than a traditional degree program you attend on-campus.

Get the Whole Family on Board

Of course, in order to make things work and allow you the time and focus you need to earn your degree, the whole family needs to be on board. They need to support you in all ways necessary, which means giving you the time and space you need to do your work.

There is no doubt that it will get hard at times, such as when the family is all under the weather and you need to be “super mom” and look after everyone, including yourself, and still get your work done. The key is to keep your end goal in mind. Think about what a degree will mean. It means you will qualify for those higher paying positions that are more challenging and put to use the many skills you have learned through schooling.

Create the Future You Want

Getting your degree essentially allows you to create the future you want to have when it comes to your career. It’s giving you all the power and control, which will set you up for success.

Anne

Williams Sonoma Debuts Limited Edition BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Le Creuset Cookware! #BeOurGuest #BeautyAndTheBeast

February 26, 2017 By Marijean

WILLIAMS SONOMA DEBUTS LIMITED EDITION DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LE CREUSET COOKWARE

Launch marks retailer’s first collaboration with Disney

Williams Sonoma, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) portfolio of brands, in partnership with Le Creuset, is announcing its first collaboration with The Walt Disney Studios. The kitchenware retailer is debuting an exclusive Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Soup Pot by Le Creuset to coincide with the release of the live-action adaptation of the 1991 Disney classic. The limited edition blue-enameled cast iron soup pot is decorated with the signature Beauty and the Beast rose with an oversized gold knob bearing the inscription, “Be Our Guest.” Starting today the limited quantity of five hundred pots is available for purchase at williams-sonoma.com, lecreuset.com and Le Creuset Signature Stores. Williams Sonoma stores nationwide will also host events celebrating the film’s release in partnership with Le Creuset.

“Disney is an iconic brand that brings nostalgia and delight to people of all ages,” said Janet Hayes, President of Williams Sonoma. “In partnership with Le Creuset, Williams Sonoma is pleased to offer this special edition pot to those who loved the original film and the next generation who gets to experience this legendary story for the first time. We are also thrilled to welcome Disney fans into our stores for one-of-a-kind experiences.”

The collaboration is part of Williams Sonoma’s continued partnership with one of the first cookware brands the 60-year-old kitchenware retailer imported. Faye Gooding, CEO of Le Creuset America commented: “Beauty and the Beast is an all-time classic and we’re proud to support this live-action adaptation with our exclusive ‘Be Our Guest’ soup pot. At Le Creuset, we strive to inspire and empower people everywhere to make joy through cooking and how better to accomplish this than with this magical collaboration with Disney and our great partners at Williams Sonoma.”

On Saturday, March 4th, Williams Sonoma stores across the country will host the Beauty and the Beast Junior Chef Cooking Class with movie-inspired kid friendly recipes created in collaboration with Le Creuset. To find out more details contact your local Williams Sonoma store or visit: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/store-events/store-events/junior-chef-classes.html

To learn more about this exclusive product, please visit: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-beauty-and-the-beast-soup-pot/

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST trailer:

Like BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast

Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beourguest

Follow BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyandthebeast/

Visit the official BEAUTY AND THE BEAST website here: http://movies.disney.com/beauty-and-the-beast-2017

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST opens in theatres everywhere on March 17th!

ABOUT WILLIAMS SONOMA

Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) portfolio of brands,

Williams Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Each store offers cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williams-sonoma.com and the Williams Sonoma blog, Taste, customers can find recipes, tips, and techniques that help them create delicious meals and wonderful memories. Williams Sonoma is also part of an active community on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube.

ABOUT LE CREUSET

Since 1925, Le Creuset has focused on inspiring and empowering people everywhere to make joy through cooking. From the company’s original enameled cast iron cookware to stoneware, stainless, accessories and more, Le Creuset offers products across a range of materials and categories that guarantees the right tool for the right job. Le Creuset celebrates the role it has played in the lives and kitchens of cooks around the world, and looks forward to continuing to make memories with generations to come. For more information, please visit www.lecreuset.com/about.

ABOUT DISNEY’S “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in Disney’s live-action adaptation “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated film, provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring Review #DriveMazda

February 26, 2017 By Marijean

I had the opportunity to drive and review the new 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring! This is a beautiful vehicle, and I was very lucky to be able to enjoy it for 8 days.

Currently, my husband and I own a midsize SUV and a full sized pickup truck. My husband absolutely loves his pickup truck, however he is looking to purchase a sedan that will give him great gas mileage since he travels about 60+ miles per day. It was the perfect time to be able to review this gorgeous car!

My husband’s main concern is comfort, safety and gas mileage. Since I would also be driving this car my concerns would be comfort, safety and cool features! Let me tell you about the different models of the Mazda6 that are offered.

The Mazda6 is a very affordable sedan and is offered in 3 different trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The Sport starts at just $21,945, The Touring starts at $24,195 and the Grand Touring starts at $30,695.

Each of the Mazda6 models come with the same drivetrains: Skyactiv Technology that zeroes in on stronger, lightweight alloys and perfectly matched powertrain assemblies. Mazda6 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 184 horsepower and 185 lb. ft. of torque. Six-speed automatic geared for both acceleration and performance. Also included is 4-wheel disk brakes, Electric power assisted steering, front wheel drive, G-Vectoring control, Independent front/rear suspension, stabilizer bars and 50 state emissions. A six-speed manual is available with the Sport and Touring models but not available on the Grand Touring. For Fuel Economy you are looking at around 35 highway and 27 city. My husband and I agree that this is perfect gas mileage to go back and forth to work.

Here are all of the features that come in the Grand Touring:

19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Dark Silver finish
Power sliding glass moonroof
Rear lip spoiler
Rain sensing windshield wipers
EPA-estimated mileage city/highway (mpg): 26/35 (27/35 with Premium Package)2
LED headlights with auto on/off
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED fog lights
LED grille accent lighting
High beam control
Adaptive front lighting system
Heated side mirrors
Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®10
Active Driving Display
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
Mazda Navigation system
Heated front seats
Leather-trimmed seats
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment and memory settings
6-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat
Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound Audio System with 11 speakers (including woofer)
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription11
Smart City Brake Support9
Lane departure warning12
Lane keep assist13
Traffic sign recognition14
Mazda radar cruise control with close proximity warning15
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry
6-way power driver’s seat
MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System4
7-inch full-color touch screen display
Multifunction Commander control
Infotainment system voice command
HD Radio™
Aha™ internet radio integration
Pandora® internet radio integration
Stitcher™ internet radio integration
Radio Broadcast Data System program information
SMS text message audio delivery and reply
Rearview camera5
Rear seat heat and A/C vents
Leatherette-trimmed seats
Illuminated dual vanity mirrors
Blind Spot Monitoring System8
Rear Cross Traffic Alert8
LED combination taillights
Power side mirrors with integrated turn signals
Power door locks and Power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature
60/40 split fold-down rear seatback
Carpet floor mats
Tilt & telescopic steering column
Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls
Bluetooth®3 hands-free phone and audio streaming
Cruise control
Auxiliary input jack and USB port
Push button start
Electronic parking brake
Advanced front air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains6
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)7 & Traction Control System (TCS)
MSRP $30,695

The Grand Touring that I reviewed also came with the below optional equipment:

Cargo Mat
Gray Paint Charge
Door Sill Trim Plates
GT Premium Package
I-ELOOP Regenerative Engine Braking System
Active Grille Shutters
Shifter LED Accent Lighting
Bright Finish Interior Trim
Nappa Leather Trimmed Upholstery
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Steering Wheel with Unique Stitch
Black Headliner
$2,500 extra cost for this package

Exterior review of the Grand Touring:

This model comes with alloy wheels and 19 inch tires which gives this car exceptional handling. I love the dark silver finish on the wheels. You can choose from 8 different paint colors. The car I reviewed had a machine gray metallic paint ($300 extra). It really looks beautiful and sparkles in the sunlight. The front of the car to me looks very sports car like, and the body is very sleek looking. It really does look like an expensive luxury car.

Interior and Safety features review of the Grand Touring:

As you can see, the features in this car are unbelievable! It pretty much offers whichever safety and comfort options that are available. This car is very roomy. My husband is over 6 feet tall and he had plenty of room as a driver and passenger. We have 2 children that are currently in backless booster seats, the kids had plenty of room in the back with the booster seats. One feature I love that you don’t often see in sedan cars is the rear A/C vents. This is a big deal to me because my kids always say they are hot and wish we had back vents in our current vehicles. My kids stayed comfortable with these vents in each car ride. This model is equipped with a 7.0″ color touch screen display with navigation and rear view camera. I don’t know about you, but for me the days of paper directions are gone! I need car navigation in my life! This system is super easy to use and highly accurate. This vehicle also came with heated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel! I was loving the heated seats and heated steering wheel on a very chilly 50 degree Florida morning. The smart braking system was very cool. If you set your cruise control and you are coming up to a car it automatically slows you down. Also I love the lane departure warning (multiple noise or vibration settings for this) and lane keep assist. One safety feature that this vehicle has that I have never seen before is a Active Driving Display. There is a little screen that pops up in front of the steering wheel on the dashboard. This screen shows you your speed plus any speed limit, stop signs or yield signs that the car can see. It is chock full of safety!!

In conclusion: This model offers every comfort and safety convenience imaginable. I felt very safe in this vehicle along with my children. This vehicle would be perfect for my family due to the amazing safety features, and great gas mileage. It is a very affordable car that rides like a dream. I highly recommend the Mazda6 Grand Touring to anyone looking for a safety packed luxury type vehicle at an affordable price with great gas mileage.