Manic Mama of 3

Making Life Just A Little Less Hectic Together

3 Steps to a More Productive You

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I am that person that loves to be productive in the morning. Give me some good strong coffee and a game plan, and I am all over it. I love colored pens and notebooks and spreadsheets. Working from home was always what I wanted to do. Being able to work at my own pace was so appealing, but then my kids made it hard for me to focus and be productive.

more productive you

Don’t get me wrong. I love my kids but they can bring my productivity mojo down. When you are having to give them attention and trying to whip out the best work that you can, it can be hard. I definitely needed a game plan to make the most out of my day. I was working what seemed like all day long.

Getting into a routine that works with you and your kids is what is going to prove to be the most successful. If you have school age children, like me, the start time of the day can be easy. When other smaller children are in the house, it can be a little more tricky. Having “you time” in the morning can be nothing but beneficial to start off your day to be as productive as possible. I would like to think of myself as a morning person (once I get a good strong cup of coffee!). Some of you are not morning people and I get that! Still, the first step to a productive day is to get up early and gather your thoughts.

STEP ONE: GET UP EARLY

You have no idea what you can accomplish if you get up early. My thing is to get up, make my coffee, and then I will change the laundry or something small that doesn’t make a lot of noise. I know that it is something that I will have to do during the day regardless, so why not do it when the little ones are not at my feet trying to tear apart my hard work? Do not check social media or anything of the like during this time. This is the time to get yourself together!

Schedule out your day and figure out what you want to accomplish. Your brain is focused and you answer to no one during this time but yourself.

STEP TWO: MAKE A SCHEDULE

I am a virtual assistant so work for blogging clients takes up a lot of my day. I also promote and write for my own blog. These are the two big tasks for me during the day. I find that I can get the most work done in the morning for blogging clients and then again during nap time. I also take the time 2-3 times a week to write up a blog post of my own. I usually will write these in the morning when my brain is fresh thinking. I then promote it in the afternoon. It’s that simple.

If you are a super busy blogger or you work outside the home, link parties can be one of the best things to promote your posts. Your content is then shared with multiple other bloggers and you can even find inspiration from others’ posts. I also make sure that I take the time to put my post in my favorite blogging groups on Facebook to be given some love and shares.

When it comes to being productive with my blogging clients, I have a schedule in which I complete that work. I mostly do chore threads in blogging groups for other bloggers, so I figured out which threads took the longest. Doing half of those first, then some that took less time and then back to the ones that took longer, was best for me. Having a rhythm like this helped me stay productive. Everyone has their own thing that works for them.

Your brain is fresh when you divide up your work. Do not let everything clump into monotonous tasks. Even though you may enjoy your work, your brain can use a little change of pace every once in a while.

STEP THREE: KEEP LISTS OR A JOURNAL

I absolutely love having a notebook to write things down in that I want to accomplish during the day. Whether it be for clients or in my personal life, it feels great to see everything written down in one place. I use different colors and sometimes I even doodle in the margins. Your journal or planner should be a happy place and not intimidating.

I also love to be able to cross things off my list as I accomplish them. This is the pride part of being productive. Crossing those bad boys out always feels good! Even with my journal, I also have to keep spreadsheets with my tasks that I am doing for my clients. It is something that we both have access to and it puts us both at ease. I make these as colorful as I possibly can by highlighting the tasks I have done with a bold color.

RECAP

Being productive accounts for three real things to get you started and to stay that way. Get yourself up early so that you are ready to go in the morning before the hustle and bustle of the day starts. Make a schedule that works for you and try your best to stick to it. Life can throw things at us that will change that schedule sometimes, but be as productive as you can. Reschedule things as quickly as possible, too, so that you can stay on track. Lastly, lists are a lifesaver to my productivity. Keeps me in check and feels so good to cross those items off when they are done.

What tips do you have to be the most productive you that you can be?

Does Your Parenting Strategy Suck?

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We all have to face the facts from time to time, and that may mean asking yourself if your parenting strategy sucks. Parenting is tough, but when you have the wrong strategy, it can really suck. Here are 6 parenting habits that may indicate if your parenting strategy sucks!

parenting strategy

I can truly tell you that as a parent of three kids, I have questioned whether or not my parenting strategy just down right sucks. I am guilty of more of these than I am not with gathering whether or not it does. A a mama struggling with anxiety, I tend to be really hard on myself more times than not. My saying is always to “pick your battles”. I am sure that a lot of other parents are right there with me. Whether you have one child or multiple, there are times where you just feel like you want to throw in the towel on even having a parenting strategy.

When you throw in having another parent in the picture, there are so many times where you say one thing and they say another. I have gone through this one multiple times. There are a few telling signs that your parenting strategy just sucks, and I am right there with you!

6 Reasons Your Parenting Strategy Sucks

1. You don’t follow through on what you say. This is a tough one for parents. You don’t want to punish your kids, but not following through on the consequences you say only teaches your children how to get away with things.

This is definitely the rule that is broken most often by me as a parent. I threaten and threaten again, but the follow through is rarely there.
2. You give into your kids demands. No parent likes to hear the screaming tantrums of a child, but you can’t give in. Giving in only shows them they can get their way when they throw a fit which means more fit throwing will happen.

When I mentioned above to pick your battles, that doesn’t mean concede to every little thing that your child wants, but when they want to wear that crazy outfit and it’s driving you crazy, just let them.
3. You do everything for your child. At some point your children will be adults. They will have to figure things out on their own, pay bills, and clean up after themselves. Don’t be a servant to your kids. Make them responsible by giving them chores and responsibilities.

I try and try to make my kids into independent little people, but they still come to me for things that I know they can do. This one I can be proud to say that I do not give in on. You can put on your own clothes and pick your toys up. I know that you can 😉
4. You compare your child to other children. No one is the same, and children are just little people. If you compare them to other children, they will eventually give up trying.

This one can be tough! If you are part of play groups or your child goes to school, don’t compare. All you have to know is your child is their own individual and will do things at their own pace.
5. You don’t set boundaries. Many parents struggle to set limits and boundaries. Though it may seem harder, children actually like having limits and boundaries. It makes them feel safe and secure.

In this house, we definitely have boundaries set. As the parent that is here most of the time with all three of the kids, my boundaries can get trampled on a lot of the time. Don’t get discouraged with this part of the parenting strategy and just hold firm.
6. You are being a friend not a parent. All parents want their kids to come to them and talk to them, but you are still the parent. If you want your child to listen to you, you have to set the standards straight and be a parent not a friend.

I had my son when I was just barely 20, so this is a rule that I have definitely had to work on for myself. With my girls it is different. I had 4 plus years of experience with this parenting strategy thing going when I had both of them. Being your child’s friend more than their parent is not going to let them know that you mean business.
Just because your parenting strategy sucks doesn’t mean you are a bad parent. However, if you find your parenting strategy sucks, you can make steps to change it and ultimately have a healthier relationship with your child. I know that I am learning on working on myself more and more every day!

It’s Candy Corn Jell-O, Y’all!

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Candy Corn Jell-O is a super fun way to celebrate fall! When I think fall, I immediately think of all of the changing colors of the leaves and the crisp air outside. Who doesn’t?! Fall is seriously my favorite season and celebrating with this Candy Corn Jell-O snack is one of those ways to get in the mood. Halloween is right around the corner, y’all!

 

Candy Corn is one of those fun treats that can be used in so many different ways. I have seen candy corn used in lots of different desserts and treats, but this one has to be one of my favorites. It is seriously amazing and so much fun to make. The kids really love it and I am sure that it will be a hit in your house too.

How pretty is the orange, yellow and white in this Candy Corn Jell-O cup? I absolutely love this color combination. I love red, too. Fall is THAT season that just brings all those colors out and I love every minute of it.

Mini glasses were used in this recipe, but you can really use anything as long as it is see through so that you can get the candy corn effect. My kids love watching the colors come together in the cup and then adding the whipped topping and then of course the Candy Corn treats. We eat these by the bagful around this time of year, so to find another way to incorporate them was so much fun!

Candy Corn Jell-O
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Ingredients

  • 1 pack lemon Jell-O
  • 1 pack orange Jell-O
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 container whipped topping
  • Candy corn, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place lemon Jell-O powder in a medium bowl, and add 1 cup boiling water.
  2. Stir to dissolve, then 1 cup cold water. Stir well.
  3. Fill serving containers 1/3 of the way full with the lemon Jell-O and set in the fridge for 1 hour.
  4. Next, repeat process with orange Jell-O powder, filling the containers another 1/3 of the way full.
  5. Let set another 2-3 hours in the fridge.
  6. Top last third with whipped topping and add candy corn garnish just before serving.
  7. We used mini-wine glasses for serving.
http://manicmamaof3.com/2016/09/22/candy-corn-jello/

 Jell-O desserts are one of those fun ones that are also simple and literally you just have to wait for the dessert to be ready in the fridge. These can be made ahead of time to be enjoyed either after school with the kids, as a treat after dinner or even at that Halloween/Fall party!
Hope this becomes a tradition in your house. Share with me other ways you use that Candy Corn!

Reading Success: What You Can Do To Help Your Child Read Better

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Did you know that many kids struggle with reading? I know that my son really didn’t want to read when it was first introduced to him. Reading just wasn’t fun to him. He would get distracted easily and then get frustrated over things that he did not know.

Reading is a fundamental concept that stretches across multiple skills levels. Not only is it crucial for your child to know how to read, but it is crucial to help your child be a better reader over time. Reading won’t go away, but skills learned can be lost over time. Finding fun and encouraging ways to get your child engaged in wanting to learn to read and continuing to build on their skills they have already learned doesn’t have to be so hard. Here are some tips to help you out!

Celebrate their Success

Kids don’t necessarily like to read, and that is something you can change by celebrating their success. Get excited when your kid learns a new word, reads without stuttering, or gets through a chapter book on their own. Celebrate these times with ice cream, praises, gifts, or special outings. Getting your child excited about reading is a key component to reading success.

Read, Read, & Read More

The only real way your child is going to get successful is to read and read often. This is the one thing that can’t be stressed enough. However, your kids don’t have to read boring books they don’t like. All you need to do is make sure they are reading…..something! Give your child the opportunity to read a recipe to you, read a magazine of choice, enjoy a superhero comic book, or read a fun picture book to their siblings or friends.

Use Reading Apps to Encourage Interactive Reading

Technology has become the way of engaging children both educationally and socially. Foster their joy of apps and games by downloading reading apps. Here are some of the best reading apps for reading success:

When it comes to finding games and activities that fit your kids’ reading levels, apps are the perfect resource.

Read Aloud to your Child

Many parents don’t know that reading aloud is a really great method to helping your child learn to read. I would even suggest getting two copies of the book you are reading, so your child can follow along or you can take turns reading the story. Reading aloud helps children hear a variety of different words and picture them in their minds. This gives them the knowledge they need to sound out words that are familiar to their brains. Even if your child struggles with reading, you can always read to them.

Take Time to Go to the Library

Although you can find a ton of reading sources online, there is just something about picking out a book that is intriguing to kids. Take your child to the library and let them choose what they want to read. This may take a while, but your child is more apt to read something if they are interested in the topic. A good rule of thumb to teach your child is to read the first page of a book they want. Every time they don’t know a word on that page, has them hold up a finger. If all 5 fingers are up by the end of the page, that book may be too difficult to read on their own. Suggest your child finds a book that is a little less difficult or reads the difficult book together.

What do you think would help your child read better or love reading more?

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

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Are you looking for a yummy dessert that also uses fresh fruit? You have come to the right place. I am about to share with you a recipe for Cranberry Upside Down Cake that is out of this world!
cranberry cake 6-1
 The holiday season is fast approaching and you may be looking for a dessert that is going to blow the minds of your guests whether it be for Thanksgiving or Christmas. This easy Cranberry Upside Down Cake is sure to knock the socks off of all of your guests and have them asking for the recipe.
Make sure that your spread is complete with the perfect dose of cranberry this holiday season and give this amazing dessert a try.

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Ingredients

Cranberry Topping:
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 C of unsalted  butter
1 bag of fresh  cranberries
Cake:
1¾ C flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cinnamon
Pinch ground cloves
1½ C sugar
½ C unsalted butter, room temp
3  eggs, room temp
½ C Greek yogurt
¼ C  whole milk
Pam baking spray
9-inch cake pan with a 2-inch high sides.
Topping Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prep cake pan with Pam spray.
-Combine  the  butter and  brown sugar into a small sauce pan.
-Using medium heat,  continue to stir the sugar as the butter melts. Mix well.
-Stop stirring once the butter and brown sugar have blended.
-Allow the mixture simmer for  around 15 seconds.
-Spoon that  mixture into the cake pan.
-Spread the cranberries on top of the  mixture.
Cake Directions:
-Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
-Use  an electric mixer beat the butter until light in another bowl.
-Slowly  add  in the sugar, beating  the sugar and butter until fluffy.
-Beat in the eggs one at a time.
-Gradually mix in a third of the dry ingredients into the sugar, butter and egg mixture.
-Mix in half of the yogurt. Fold in the second third of the dry ingredients. Add in the rest of the yogurt.
-Scoop in the rest of the dry ingredients and then pour in the milk, mixing well to blend.
-Spoon the batter over the cranberries in the cake pan, and using a spatula smooth the surface of the batter.
-Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
-Place the cake on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
-Using a knife around the inside rim of the cake pan to loosen the cake from the sides of the pan.

-Place a cake over the cake side of the pan.  Flip it over and carefully move it onto a cake platter.

Lastly, all you have to do is enjoy!

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