Mommy Has to Work

Only Got 20 Minutes To Make Dinner? A Tasty Meal Is Possible!

June 7, 2023 By Anne

So you’ve had a long day, you’ve got the house to clean now you’re home (or a side hustle to dedicate time to!), and the kids need help with homework and putting to bed too. What does that mean? You’ve got less than an hour to make and enjoy dinner! But don’t panic – even if you’ve only got 20 to 30 minutes to whip up a good meal, you can make dinner taste amazing! So without further ado, here are some ideas for cooking fast, tasty, and healthy.

dinner

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Pasta Dishes are a Quick Staple

Pasta is a big staple of the food cupboard and you’re likely to have some kicking about right now. Get the kettle or pan on for boiling water, grab the packet out, and throw a good few portions in. Then get a sauce jar out the fridge, or make your own by pureeing a can of tomatoes or melting butter and cheese together. The whole process will only take about 15 minutes, and you’ll have something super rich to eat when you’re done.

Chicken Won’t Take Long

Chicken, while a dangerous food to undercook, can be very easy to cook fast when you need something protein packed NOW! If you’ve got some in the fridge, unwrap it and get it on the grill or in the pan. You can use this easy grilled chicken tenders recipe, or you can mix it in with some sauce and add an egg, or you can chop it up and sprinkle it over a salad. Easy, done in about 10 minutes (depending on how small/thin you cut your pieces), and always scrumptious to dig into.

Throw Some Ingredients in a Wrap

If you’ve got a pack of tortillas in the kitchen right now, you can throw whatever you like in the middle of them and then wrap them up. Leftover ham offcuts? A bit of broccoli you don’t know what else to do with? A pack of rice that takes 2 minutes in the microwave? All of these ingredients can go in a wrap and the flavors will mesh well together. And remember, these tend to be super filling, so you’ll only need one or two per person.

Salads and Bread Baskets Will Fill You Up

If all else fails, and you’ve got some bread on the side and lettuce leaves in the fridge, you can make a salad with a bread side. Add some onions or celery to the salad if you can, sprinkle some cheese on top, and then toast the bread and cover it with some garlic butter. Should only take you about 10 minutes to melt the butter and minced garlic together, or if that’s not possible, simple bread and butter will do!

20 minutes for dinner time? We’ve got you covered! Use meal ideas like these to make the kitchen work go fast and the food go down easy. When done, you can then leave someone else to clear up!

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!

A Taste-Bud Odyssey Around The Globe

May 16, 2023 By Anne

An exciting evening awaits you if you plan to host an around-the-world dinner and event! Your menu can begin in Asia or Europe before moving across continents to America or even Australia; whatever you plan, this blog post is here as your culinary travel companion. Make the most of every meal, make it special by perhaps also dressing accordingly to every country.

1) Let’s begin in India:

One of the world’s most tantalizing culinary experiences awaits in India, from street-side snack stalls to elaborate feasts. From exotic spices and curries with aromatic oils to freshly baked bread from tandoori ovens and creamy lassis boasting healthful properties – take the journey and see it for yourself! Don’t forget local favorites like samosas and dal with rice as part of an unforgettable culinary journey.

Via Pexels

2) Next we move on to Italy:

Italy offers an abundance of delicious dishes, each one boasting its own distinctive flair. From Bologna’s rich pasta dishes to Naples’ thin-crust pizzas and everything in between – from freshly-made mozzarella with its creamy texture, fresh seafood from Amalfi Coast, or one of Italy’s legendary gelatos for an unforgettable treat – Italy truly has something delicious for every palate! If the traditional fare is what satisfies you try lasagne alla Bolognese or Saltimbocca alla Romana for an indulgence that’s sure to leave you satisfied.

3) Mexico is famed for its robust and delicious cuisine.

Traditional tacos al pastor and modern fusion dishes such as quesadillas with an edge are delicious ways to experience Mexican dining culture, while regional favorites such as mole poblano from Puebla or cochinita pibil from Yucatan are not to be missed either.

Be sure to sample some street food such as tamales, elotes, or esquites to satisfy any spicy craving. Those looking for sweets should look no further than churros con chocolate or the ever-popular tres leches cake.

4) China:

A culinary traveler shouldn’t overlook China! From fiery Szechuan cuisine in central China to the delectable Cantonese dishes of Hong Kong, there’s an incredible diversity of culinary experiences to discover here. Sample delicious dim sum and succulent Peking duck in Beijing; explore Shanghai’s tantalizing street-food scene; feast upon fresh seafood dishes along the coastlines of Fujian and Guangdong provinces; treat yourself to traditional mooncakes during the mid-autumn festival or try soft custard buns from Guangzhou – you won’t be let down.

5) Finally, Japan.

This country is famous for its delectable sushi, gyudon, and sashimi dishes which pair perfectly with soy sauce and wasabi. Furthermore, Ramen or Udon noodles will delight your senses before ending your visit with some Matcha green tea ice cream or Mochi sweets to complete an enjoyable experience.

So there you have it, a tasty tour around the world without ever having to leave your home. Bon appetit! Enjoy your journey and explore all the diverse flavors each country offers. Who knows what surprises are in store for us? Enjoy every bite, and every adventure in this trip around the world of foods. Happy traveling – or rather, happy eating!

Anne

Five Great Movies to Stream with your Family this Summer

May 16, 2023 By Anne

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Summer is a time for entertainment and memories, which makes it the best time to delve into the history and culture of cinema. If you are a movie buff and want to introduce your children to the joys of classic cinema, make sure you create a classic watch list to stream this summer.

The Lion King

Who could forget The Lion King? If you are of a certain vintage, you might remember seeing the original in the cinema as a child, so why not give the same experience to your kids this summer? The Lion King is a classic tale of wisdom, ambition, betrayal, and consequence.

The Lion King is a classic Disney movie that has stood the test of time, perhaps because of its classic elements – the plot is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet – and its timeless characters. If you want a new experience with the movie, you can watch the live-action version.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

If you are in the mood for some classic children’s cinema this summer, don’t forget about the Harry Potter series, which began in 2001. Harry Potter movies open up the classic debate about which is better, the movie or the books. Either way, the movies are a great way to spend a night.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone is the first of several Harry Potter movies to arrive on the big screen, and it’s an excellent movie to kickstart the franchise. One of the great things about watching franchise movies over the summer is the fact you can spread them out over weeks.

God’s Country Song

If you are looking for a feel-good drama to enjoy with the family this summer, look no further than God’s Country Song. Noah has grand plans to become the next big country movie star, but when his past catches up to him in the form of a child called JJ, he has tough choices to make.

God’s Country Song received positive critical reviews and offers an entertaining and emotional exploration of ambition, responsibility, and dedication. You can watch God’s Country Song the movie, anytime by streaming it online, the perfect way to spend a summer night with the family.

ET the Extra-Terrestrial

If there’s one thing you can count on children to adopt, it’s a taste in sci-fi movies. Sci-fi captures the imagination like no other genre and is perfect for the summer season. Forget about watching the latest summer releases in the cinema and stream classic sci-fi at home instead.

If you have kids, you almost have a responsibility to show them ET, the Extra-Terrestrial – it’s an important element in their cultural education. ET hit the big screen in 1982, and its popularity has never diminished. Of course, the effects have dated, but the timeless story is great as ever.

Classic Star Wars

Since you are on a quest for classic sci-fi, you simply cannot ignore the entertainment value and cultural impact of the classic Star Wars movies. Your kids might be more familiar with Rey Skywalker than Luke Skywalker, but there is a cultural education in there not to be missed.

Anne

Launching a Home-Based Side Hustle in 2023: 8 Ways To Make Your Project Easier

May 6, 2023 By Anne

Image: Freepik

Whether you are looking to stabilize your personal finances, increase your income, or use your free time more efficiently, starting a side hustle can be an excellent project to start this year. Even better, thanks to today’s advances in technology, you can get started from the comfort of your home and enjoy full schedule flexibility.

However, if you have never managed a small business before, starting a successful side hustle may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, there are some tips and strategies that can make the project much easier and increase your chances of success. Let’s look at these below.

Leverage Your Existing Skill Set

When it comes down to starting a successful side hustle, some industries and niches are certainly more profitable than others. And, of course, you may decide to invest time and resources in learning the skills that will guarantee you a higher income.

However, in some cases, you may consider the benefits of tapping into your existing skill set. Doing so allows you to count on your experience when setting your hourly rates, and enables you to get started right away. Some ways to do so include offering consultancy services in your field of expertise or using your craft skills to sell your products online.

Take Advantage of Automation Tools

Keeping up with paperwork, accountancy, and compliance can drain precious time and resources, especially when you are just getting started. Fortunately, thanks to recent innovations, you can now leverage automation tools that can save you time and energy. For example, you may invest in contract automation from Ontra, automate your invoices, or use automated marketing tools.

Outsource Non-Core Tasks

If you are looking to achieve success as a home-based business, you’ll need to surround yourself with the right people. For example, consider reaching out to marketing and accounting specialists that can help you run these aspects of your business. If you are starting an eCommerce business, build relationships with suppliers, shipping companies, and warehousing service providers to ensure that you don’t have to do it all by yourself!

Plus, this strategy can help you improve your customer service, avoid unnecessary fees, and boost the efficiency of your branding efforts.

Calculate Expenses and Estimate How Much You’ll Earn

Before you dive headfirst into your side hustle, it is important to understand how much you’ll need to invest in your business and how much you are likely to earn from it. Although these figures may vary, statistics show that the average side hustle helps people earn around $483 a month. However, as your business grows and expands, you may be able to build your side hustle into a full-time job!

Consider Building a Passive Income Stream

Undeniably, starting a side business can help you earn money and boost your income. However, this may require a commitment of time, funds, and energy.

If you are looking for another way to stabilize your finances, you may consider tapping into the benefits of today’s sharing economy and building a passive income stream.

An excellent way to do so includes leveraging your existing assets. For example, you may consider renting your storage space or garage. Alternatively, you could use your car or vehicle for advertising. Even better, you could rent out your home – or part of it!

For example, hosts who list their homes on websites such as Airbnb can perceive an average income of $13,800!

Consider How Much Time You Are Ready To Dedicate to Your Side Hustle

Before setting up your at-home business, be clear on how much time you are ready to dedicate to it. If your schedule is already at full capacity, you may consider alternative income options such as investing in stocks or renting your home.

These alternatives can help you boost your income without requiring you to spend too much of your time or energy!

Invest in Yourself and Hone Your Skills

Although your current skills may be enough to get you started on your project, don’t underestimate the importance of investing in yourself and learning something new. Acquiring new skills can help you remain relevant and competitive in today’s fast-changing market, which can contribute to the overall success of your home-based business!

Making the Jump: Choose the Right Time To Leave Your Day Job!

Last but not least, timing is everything! If you have started your business with the goal of leaving your day job, make sure that you are choosing the right time to make this important step. Indeed, leaving your current career behind too early can cause you to deal with significant challenges, including income instability and uncertainty.

If you are unsure how to make the most of your project, consider partnering with a mentor or financial advisor to help you better understand your needs and goals.

Anne

Fitness Strategies For Busy Moms To Stay Healthy

May 2, 2023 By Anne

Moms who juggle work and home life can understand how difficult it is to maintain good health. There is little time for personal endeavors such as fitness and on the days you do get time, you are too tired for anything. A lot of time goes into planning, scheduling and juggling different priorities. And if you have kids, it might seem like you have no time for yourself. Exercising and eating right can take a back seat amidst dozens of responsibilities.

(Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/business-women-woman-work-young-3685133/)

So, how can busy moms judge their health and other commitments? As a working mom, you need to take care of your health so you can look after the family. Nutritional and fitness requirements will depend on hormonal changes, childbearing capacities and responsibilities. Here are a few fitness strategies that can help busy moms stay healthy and on top of their game.

Draw boundaries between home and work

It is very easy to say “Do not bring work home”. However, many of us fail to abide by it. We find ourselves working on a hundred other things at work, such as scheduling playdates for the kids, checking on the babysitter, returning calls and planning parties and carpools. While these are certainly important for busy moms, this can compromise your performance at work, which can make you fall behind. As a result, you will have to bring work home.

Avoid working on other things when you are at work. Use your breaks to schedule these activities instead. This way, you will be able to finish your work and spend time with the kids when you get back home.

Design an ergonomic workstation

Many offices offer ergonomic workstations, which can help set your chair and computer at the height appropriate for you. This will reduce the incidence of neck strain, carpal tunnel, back pain and other work-related health problems.

It might be even better if you could sit on an exercise ball while working. This is a good idea for moms who work from home. An exercise ball helps you tone your core and prevent back problems. This way, you will not be sitting idle all day and get some exercise even with a very busy work schedule.

Remember to take breaks

Busy moms need to take a timeout now and then. If you have been working for an hour at a stretch, make sure you get up for a few minutes and stretch your limbs. Even if you have been looking after the kids for a while, try to take a small break when you have put them to sleep. This will momentarily give you a few minutes of rest and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. It will also help you refocus on your work and make you more productive.

Make sure to exercise regularly

Busy moms barely get time to exercise and meet their fitness goals. Going for a workout at the gym can seem almost impossible to handle with work and kids, which is why investing in an at home gym can be a great idea. You can work out as per your schedule and integrate the kind of exercises you want to do. At the same time, you can be a source of inspiration for your family, who would also benefit from the types of equipment you have at home and work on their own fitness goals.

If exercising seems like a tedious task, simply make sure that you are moving around enough. A few extra minutes of brush walking every day can make a difference, and you will notice less back and neck pain and tightness when you are done.

Eat wholesome, healthy food

The best way to stay healthy is by watching what you eat. Eating habits can become irregular and unhealthy when you are juggling a lot of priorities together. A good way to save up on time and eat healthily is to make your meals at the start of every week, label them for different days and store them in the freezer.

As women grow older, they also need to take vitamin supplements to be in the best form. It is always advised to see a doctor before taking any supplements on your own. Calcium, for example, is very important to maintain good bone structure. If you prefer to not take supplements, you could always substitute more nutritionally dense foods into your diet.

Eating healthy will also set a good example for your kids, and by extension, your family.

Stay hydrated

Busy moms need to drink enough water throughout the day. Proper hydration will boost your mood and make you more productive. Avoid sodas and soft drinks, since these contain a lot of sugar and are likely to make you feel bloated or sleepy by the end of the day. You could add fruit infusers to water in case you want to make it more palatable or crave flavored drinks.

Teach your kids to clean up

Cleaning up after kids can be a massively tasking affair and after a long day of work it might just seem like the hardest thing to do. This is why it is important to teach your kids to clean up after themselves. In this way, they will learn good habits and you will have less work to do around the house. Even if you have a cleaning service, it does not hurt to teach your kids to clean up after themselves, since it teaches them to be more self-reliant.

Take out time for yourself

As a working mom, all your time and energy probably go into making sure that you complete all your responsibilities at work without compromising on the well-being of your family. Over time, it can lead to a serious case of burnout and can leave you feeling tired and drowsy all the time. Self-care is very important for busy moms, since it gives you a breather from all the tasks and duties you perform throughout the day, and lets you just be yourself for a while.

Self-care does not necessarily have to be grand. It can be something as simple as a warm shower, spending some time alone with your favorite book, or even listening to your playlist. Anything that keeps you fresh and rejuvenates you can be a form of self-care. This will not only prevent burnout, but it will also make you more productive and energetic.