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July 22, 2009

Mom’s Coffee Break Weekly Ezine

In this issue:

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Upcoming MCB Show

This week we are talking about Gratitude on the show.  Gratitude is such an important key to a happy and balanced life.   Gratitude is also am important lesson that we can teach our children.  Listen in as Jody, Mandy and I share our own personal experience with coming to terms with the importance of gratitude and how it has helped us change our lives.

Tune in to the show on Blog Talk Radio , Wednesday July 22nd  @ 8pm cst / 9pm est and listen LIVE as we talk about the advantages of creating a family team.

The show will also be replayed on Wednesday July 22nd @ 10pm cst / 11pm est at http://blogtalkradio.com/momscoffeebreak.com

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Personal Development with Coach Tonya: What can you do when your in-laws are the out-laws?

The saying goes, “You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family” this can be applied to in-laws as well.  It can be difficult as families blend.  Parents sometimes have a hard time just realizing that their son or daughter is now embarking on their own life. We are all unique, we hold different ideas and beliefs that may not always fall into line with what others may think.

Problems with in-laws can cause major family stress and ultimately can cause problems in your relationship.  Here are a few ways you can improve your relationship with your in-laws.

Stand United - One of the first steps is to make sure that you and your spouse stand united.  Discuss topics that might be an issue of contention with your in-laws and decide what you want to do as a couple and family.  There is pressure to live up to parent’s expectations, but your relationship depends greatly on making decisions that are best for your family.  Sometimes that is going to go against traditions or values that do not work for you, your spouse, and children.

To Get Respect You Have Give It - Personally, I have experienced problems with my in-laws during my first marriage.  It wasn’t so much that my in-laws felt that they had to inject their opinion into every aspect of our life, but it was more the way it was done.  Usually very sarcastically without regards to our feelings.  Respect is a two way street.  In the relationship to your in-laws respect is going to be key getting through the times when you may not see eye to eye.  Also keep in mind that your in-laws intentions are probably not rooted in evil - no matter what you want to tell yourself.

Handling conflicts with your in-laws in a respectful way is going to help build the bridge of communication.  The next time you are faced with a disagreement with your in-law try saying something like, “I realize that your advice is coming from a place of love and concern, but we have decided that this is what is best for our family.  You may not agree, but as family we need to support each other.”

There are certain topics that will bring you to an impasse in these cases all the arguing and fighting will not change the mind of either party involved in these situations you have to agree to disagree.

Communicate - It is important that as the in-law you are assertive and stand up for yourself.  It is equally important that your spouse is doing the same.  Talk with your in-laws, use “I” statements to let them know how you feel and what kind of relationship you would like to work towards.

Don’t Put Children in the Middle - Unfortunately, a side effect of adult turmoil is that children get dragged into the middle.  Even if it is not intended there are lots of passive aggressive statements or actions that kids can pick up on.  Don’t discuss problems with your in-laws in front of your children.  Refrain from negative statements about them in front of your children.  Remember they love you all and don’t understand the more complex (and even the simple) issues that can be at the heart of hard feelings.

You and your in-laws might never be best friends but, remembering some of the key points that I discussed may help to strengthen your relationship with them.  It will definitely help reduce tension during family gatherings and open you up to enjoying your time together more.

Tonya Ramsey

http://LifeByDesignEnterprises.com
Helping you build the foundation to your success!

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Business Buzz with Jody: Spam or Blam?

I recently just wrote an article for a Woman’s Monthly Newsletter to which I titled “Spam or BLAM!”

I guess the point I wanted to make is are you email driven? or personal contact driven.

Since I can’t physically talk to hundreds of my customers a week, I know the importance of sending out pertinent Newsletters and Emails that may help my clients even more…. but there is something about the personal touch too!

As many of you know I run monthly TeleSeminars with my new biz “Designed for Divine Destinations!” across Canada and the USA and I’ve been searching for my keynote speakers.  I was talking the other day with a friend of mine, Leigh LeCrux from Florida, and was telling her more of my Vision and my interest in amazing lady speakers.

She said, “hey, you should talk to this fellow named Bob Burg ” , so I sent Bob a message on FB and he mailed me back….Your vision sounds awesome give me a call! and left his phone number.

Most of you who know me well know I’m not shy, so I picked up the phone eager to talk to him.  He gave me some great advice for my Events…thanks Bob your awesome!…and also several names of some great ladies.  Now, I have a personal referral from Bob and am excited about the awesome ladies I’m lining up for the next 15 mths!

To me, email is a way of Connecting, while a personal call is a way of being CONTACTED!  I personally believe that once people talk to me on the phone we remain more in that person’s eye!  Connect Vs CONTACT!  Spam Vs BLAM!

If right now you feel your not making much of an impact, either in your personal or professional life, I encourage you to reach out and make that Personal Connection!

I admit that I’ve used FB to make some great connections, but the people that I’ve taken the time to personally phone  have brought so much into my life and I’m very thankful to call them friends!

Things like: being interviewed to be in a book about Empowered Women, consistent co-host on a radio program, starting my own biz, being named several times on huge multi-media platforms (most recent on SelfGrowth.com by David Ricklan), chosen to be an Envision Circle Director (one out of first 7 in USA and Canada) with the AmazingWomansDay…..this has all been made possible because of PERSONAL INTERACTION and Connecting!

Jody Maley

www.DesignedforDivineDestinations.com
“It’s not just about the Destination, it’s the Journey to Get There!”

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The Domestic Goddess Corner: Recession Parents

It seem that every year when spring arrives, so does something else new and exciting… babies! I am surrounded by new babies, pregnant women about to give birth. It is so exciting and such an awesome experience to become a parent. However, several of these mommies and daddies have expressed concern to me about how they are going to pay for their  babies/children’s expenses when money is so tight. So this article is dedicated to all parents, present and future, and I hope it helps.

First off, babies do not need brand new, expensive, designer stuff. Babies need clean, safe, functional stuff. More than likely we, as newborns on up, did NOT have $200 - $500 car seats. That price is absolutely ridiculous. Check out stores that are cheaper, like Wal-mart, Target, etc. OR maybe someone you know has one they are selling or getting rid of. Always  make sure the car seat of your choice meets current safety guidelines. I got my son’s newborn carrier at my baby shower, the others we used were given to us or bought at rummage sales. All were safe, he was never injured (this was tested by me getting into a nasty car accident with him in the back seat, his car seat worked-he didn’t even have a scratch). Check garage sales, thrift stores, consignment shops, etc to see if they have carseats for sale. Usually they sell for $50 dollars and lower

Baby clothes can be bought by the ton at rummage sales and second hand stores. Since babies outgrow their clothing so quickly, it is not uncommon for babies to have clothing they never even wore. That is where people like us come in, to snatch up those great deals. Never pay more than a couple bucks at most for a baby outfit. Check for stains or areas that need repair and offer a price accordingly or bypass that item. Most of my son’s, neices and nephews clothing came from second hand sources, and still do. There is nothing wrong with reused clothing. Just wash in hot water and dry before wearing.

Babies do not need special bowls, silverware, or cups. They can use adult sized dishes just fine. Anyone ever notice those small spoons in your drawer? What a better use for them. What about the small toast plates that came with your dish set?  They work perfectly for small childrens’ sized meals. No added expense needed! Need I say more?

Diapers are a tricky subject to write about, but I wanted to include it anyways. Disposables are very convenient, easy to use, and highly accessible. However, disposable diapers are one of the United States largest land fill problems. Cloth diapers are a little messier but not as much as most people think. After changing baby, shake the “nasties” into the toilet and immediately drop soiled diaper into a bucket of soap and water. Keep bucket out of children’s access, not only for cleanliness issues but small children can drown in ONE inch of water. When you are ready to wash the diapers, just dump the entire contents of bucket into the washer and set on spin. When done wash as usual. So think carefully about all aspects of whatever diaper you choose.

Special baby food and toddler foods are not necessary. These items are simply made up “needs” from the manufacturers to fill their pockets! You can make your own baby food by processing unseasoned food in a blender or food processor to puree into baby food consistency. If you are unsure of what kinds of food to start with, check out jarred baby food at the grocery store then replicate in your own home. This one idea will save you thousands of dollars over the course of your childs infant and toddler years. To make foods ahead of time, process foods as stated above, then freeze into ice cube trays. When frozen transfer frozen food cubes to a labeled ziplock bag. Take out 1 - 2 cubes and thaw, then feed baby. You can take out an entire days worth in the morning to avoid defrosting before every meal.

I hope these ideas help all parents out their of babies and small children. Remember to always think of your child(ren)’s safety first. As always, please leave your comments so we can all learn how YOU save money!

Mandy Sly, The Domestic Goddess

http://embraceyourdomesticgoddess.com
“The quality of our life should not depend on the quantity of our possessions”

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~ Mom’s Coffee Break ~

Helping working mothers not just survive, but thrive!

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