The Gift

I got a very nice present from my husband last Mother’s day, a pair of earrings. It wasn’t an expensive one, but sure it’s special because it comes from the love of my life. It was not really a surprise for me because my husband asked me what present I would want for Mother’s day. Initially, I said nothing. But then, I remember what my mother told me. She said that even if I am already a mother and that I should always put my children’s needs before mine, I also need to spoil myself from time to time. As a stay-at-home mom, most of my time and energy are focused on my kids, my husband and taking care of our home. I am also reluctant to blow money on myself since we are a single income family. I’d rather save the money or spend it for my children than for myself. But come to think of it, mothers need pampering too. Am I right? We have to remind ourselves constantly that sometimes we need to make an effort to rest and pamper ourselves. As they say happy mommy equals happy family.
Ultimately, it’s not really the earrings my husband gave me that made me feel delighted last Mother’s day. It is the opportunity to practice what my mother has taught me which I sometimes forget, and that is to LOVE MYSELF.

Eating Healthy on a Budget

One of the most challenging jobs of every mom is to stay within the budget limit and save with the grocery bill without compromising the quality of foods that she provides for her family. But the question is how to do it.
Here are some tips that I want to share to other moms to cut weekly grocery bills, save money, and eat healthy.
1. GO for the Basics
Basic foods such as fruit and vegetables, milk, meat, pasta, rice, wholemeal bread and beans or legumes are important nutritious foods to have in a healthy diet. ’Extras’ like snack foods and soft drink can push you over your budget and add no nutrition.
2. Compare Prices
Do not buy on impulse, compare prices and watch for items on special. Using grocery store sales to stock up on such important staples as whole grain cereals, breads, etc. is a great way to make even the most limited food budget stretch a bit further.
3. Buy in bulk
Buy in bulk or buy the biggest size. But only if it’s something you like to eat and if it has a long shelf life. Stocking up on meats, seafood and poultry during store sales is another great way to save significant amounts of money. Take care though, compare the prices of large packages with smaller ones.
4. Plan your meals
Careful meal planning is another great way to save money. To do this, make a shopping list of all items you need for the meals that you prepared to prevent those impulse purchases that are often unnecessary and not the best for your health or your wallet! Keep a pad on your fridge to jot down things when you run out.
5. Use coupons and loyalty cards
Cutting coupons is a great way to save money on products you already buy. In addition, apply for the loyalty cards the grocery store chains offer and use it as often as possible to gain points and rewards.
6. Buy fresh but in season
Another excellent way to save money while still eating a healthy diet is to buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season in your local area. Fruit can be expensive, so only buy what’s at its peak and cheapest. Have a bag of frozen peas or mixed vegies in the freezer as a stand-by. Nutritionally these are equivalent to fresh that have been cooked but remember to follow the directions on the pack and don’t over boil.

The beginning....

About 4 years ago, my life had a complete turn for I became a mother for the first time. A new creation that was in me came into existence and from then on I knew my life would never be the same again. The moment my child was born, I felt like I was a new person eager to embrace this new chapter of my life and ready to face the challenges of this beautiful journey... MOTHERHOOD!!
Now, I have 2 children, a three year old little man who thinks of himself as a grownup already as he always says so. And a three month old baby girl who is now looking at everything with curiosity and shows her delight with an all-out gummy grin.
By the way, I am a stay-at-home mom who enjoys surfing the net during my free time. I also love being around with friends especially with other moms like me. And that’s the reason why I created this blog. As a stay-at-home mother of two, it is difficult for me to find time to go out and spend time with friends or even meet new people. Through this blog, I hope to be connected with other moms out there, to start out as virtual friends and eventually become real friends.