motherhood

What Motherhood Means to Us

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My niece and fellow blogger on Common Cents Mom have spent a lot of time speaking this week about what Mother’s Day means and more importantly what motherhood means to us. We are both moms at different stages in the journey of motherhood.  For me the days of late night feedings, diapers and trips to the playground are behind and these days I am more about being an advocate and friend for my young adult daughter. That the thing with this motherhood journey, it changes and grows every day just as your child does.

So we both wrote about what motherhood means to us.

Jaslyn’s take on Motherhood

Being a mom means more than having given birth to a child. It’s loving and knowing a soul before you even see it. It’s carrying and caring for a life completely dependant on you for survival. It’s giving air to the lungs that grew within you, and sight to the eyes that will never see you as anything but mommy A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being. Being a mother means being completely and totally overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by love, joy, responsibility, and selflessness. Motherhood means sleepless nights, big belly laughs, caterpillars on the coffee table, finger-painting in the kitchen, stubbed toes, and gapped toothed grins. Being a mother means being an emotional blankie for your children. They snuggle with you at night, run to you when they’re hurt, and stand behind you in scary situations. Getting into the car, starting to buckle up, then getting out of the car and dashing back into the house for something you forgot. Usually multiple times. Every time you go anywhere. It has become a natural part of our culture to be sarcastic, to put things down, to be a complainer. It’s a blessing, a gift, a relationship that never ends and a love that never dies. It’s the best thing I have ever become, the greatest love I have ever felt and the best part about being me.

Hollie’s take on Motherhood

 

Motherhood is more than giving life, it is the raising of a child, it is the joys in the journey and all that entails. As a young mother, it meant late nights, co-sleeping, walks in the park, reading together and ensuring my child was healthy no matter what life threw at us. I learnt in time that I would become a teacher, a coach, a nurse, a finder of things, a friend and most of all an advocate for my child. Now, mostly as my child reaches for her dreams I find I am the advice giver, the advocate still, the nutritionist, and mostly I get to be her friend. Mother is a wild ride and I am blessed every day to be her momma.

Every mom’s journey is different but we are all moms. Hope you all have a wonderful time on this rollercoaster ride called motherhood.

 

The Dangers of Payday Loans

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I was on Facebook this week and I saw an Influencer campaign for a payday loan company.  A Canadian payday loan company was using mom bloggers to shill the benefits of payday loans.  Let me be very clear about my take on payday loans and why all Canadians should try and stay clear of them. first, these high-interest loans simply do not make economic sense.  I knew I had to write about this topic as well I have taken out several payday loans and getting out of that cycle of debt took hard work.

Payday loan companies say they are a quick and easy way to take care of an immediate financial need. They even tell you there interest rates which in Canada average anywhere from 15-23% per hundred dollars borrowed in 2019. They tell you it is an easy simple way to meet a financial burden. I am here to tell you they are wrong.

Payday loans are like gateway drugs, they can lead to a heap of trouble. Let’s look at the stats:

  • Most Canadians carry some sort of monthly debt forward every month. That number continues to grow.
  • 37% of all bankruptcies in Canada include payday loan debt.

The fact is those that take out these loans are often living payday to payday and can’t really afford the loan in the first place.  Like me, back in the day, I lived payday to payday and struggled to get by. Payday loans came into play when I had maxed out the credit cards and needed to survive.  A simple loan of $300 was repeated several times before I finally got wiser and started adding up the numbers.  Payday loans have the highest interest rate when it comes to loans in Canada and they prey on the poor, that is why in recent years most provinces have capped the interest rates. The law across Canada is currently a Canadian can not pay more than 60% per annum.  Here in Ontario for a $500 loan for 2 weeks, you will have to pay back $575.00 and if you are late there are fees on top of that.

So what can you do if you need money in a hurry instead of a payday loan?

Take a credit card cash advance. Yes, it still has an interest payment but it is far less than a payday loan.

Apply for an overdraft on your chequing account. Again, it has a far lower interest rate.

Already maxed out these resources?

Sell something. Find something you have of value and sell it.

See yourself in need of extra cash, pick up a side gig. Here in Toronto on the Bunz Employment page, I often see someone looking to hire someone for all kinds of temporary gigs. There are at least 50 different ways you can earn $100 online.

Ask to work overtime. Many employers will allow you to work up to their provincial maximums. Here in Ontario that is 44 hours.

Plan ahead. I have written time and time again about the need for an emergency fund and getting one started when you live payday to payday, its hard work. My suggestion, start small even $25 every pay is a start.

Negotiate a late payment.  If it is a car payment, rent payment or the like and you normally pay on time call the lender/landlord and see if you can work out a plan.

Last but not least you can ask for help from family and friends. Get a loan from them just make sure you pay them back in a timely fashion.

 

 

 

How to Celebrate Easter with a Preschooler

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My niece Jaslyn is joining me here at Common Cents Mom. This first blog post is all about how to celebrate Easter with a little one.  

My name is Jaslyn I’m a mother of one boy that is almost 4, with Easter around the corner, we love Easter Colours we are creative in the kitchen with tasty treats and we have plenty of fun with creative recipes for little hands. 

Time in the Kitchen

 

Having fun in the kitchen with little ones can be very easy. I put the recipe together and Xavier mixes and enjoys licking off the beaters while I get the cookies prepped to go in the oven when they are done and cooled I prep the icing and the sprinkles I get Xavier to do everything thing else. We often use a box mix. Yes, mixes are great to use when we are busy! We often use Betty Crocker mixes and well if you are industrious you may just want to check out this Peep recipe that is perfect for Easter. 

Craft Time 

 


We love arts and crafts. My preschooler, he loves decorating, I wanted to have the option to decorate eggs without having huge mess I purchased silicone eggs had we painted 12 eggs ( only $2 at the dollar store) he used his own imagination on the colours and design, I put 4 colours on a sheet of newspaper so he could mix the colours together or do whatever he wanted with them. This was so simple and no egg dying kits and no purchased art kit so it was great on the budget. 

 

Easter Morning Traditions 

 

Our tradition on Easter morning, include empty baskets on the table the night before so when we wake up the Easter bunny had filled them with presents and left a trail of eggs through the house. Xavier will try to make sure he has all the eggs, while my husband and I prep for breakfast. Xavier is either eating a couple of the Easter eggs or playing with his gifts. Later in the day, we will go to my husbands’ aunts. They have an outdoor egg hunt for all the kids and equal everything out at the end, while the kids are out playing or hunting for eggs the adults are prepping delicious Easter Dinner. 

 

 How do you celebrate Easter at your house?  

 

 

Image Credit: recipesbnb.com

10 Recipes You Can Make Just Using a Microwave Oven

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Image Credit: recipesbnb.com

Let’s face it – as fun as cooking is, it can get exhausting after a long day. Sometimes, it’s incredibly tempting to get takeout and call it a day. However, did you know that your microwave is the ticket for quick and convenient meals that don’t require much fuss? We often just use our microwaves to heat up leftovers or frozen foods, but these are some recipes that you can actually cook using just your microwave! Let’s jump into the recipes:

 

  1. 2 Minute French Toast in a Cup:

This easy-peasy recipe requires just 2 pieces of bread per cup (any type of bread at all will do!), butter, milk, egg and cinnamon (and your microwave of course!).

 

Click here to see the recipe.

 

For our busy lives, especially in the morning rush before school and work, there’s nothing better than a quick, easy-to-make breakfast. Using your microwave to cook French toast in it might be new to you, but it’ll soon become your staple! If you don’t have a microwave oven, look into purchasing one.

 

  1. Ropa Vieja

This Cuban dish of shredded beef in a tomato sauce is usually slow-cooked to get the unique flavour profile – something most people would never expect to obtain from a microwave! But this recipe shows exactly how you can achieve that, with only 10 minutes of prep time.

 

Click here to check out the recipe.

 

Slow cookers and pots can be quite pricey, so use what you have at home – your microwave! You get a healthy, exciting dish for you and your family, without the stress of hours of cooking and prepping.

 

  1. Lemon Bars

Dessert in a microwave? Yep, you got it! This amazing microwave lemon bar recipe will make you the star at bake sales, or potlucks. Easy, fresh and delicious, make a dessert favourite in your microwave.

 

Recipe can be found here.

 

Trying to do everything can get really exhausting, so instead of feeling bad for buying dessert for your next party, make it yourself in your microwave.

 

  1. Ratatouille

Who doesn’t love a good ratatouille? While this dish is packed with veggies, the traditional version is definitely labour-intensive, with each vegetable requiring dicing and sautéing separately. Your microwave version needs just 10 mins of prep time, with the remaining 20 taken care of by your appliance.

 

Check out the recipe here.

 

We bet you’ve never loved your microwave more! Invite over a bunch of friends, crack open a bottle of wine, and celebrate good food made easy!

 

 

  1. Cinnamon Rolls

It’s another “mug cake” recipe that only takes 3 minutes to make! The next time you have a craving for something sweet and fluffy, don’t fret. Your trusty microwave can handle all your whims.

 

The recipe can be found here.

 

Requiring just a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home, keep this recipe handy for spontaneous dessert-cravings. It’s also a crowd pleaser when friends unexpectedly drop in, or when you’re in the mood for a treat. The best part? All you have to do is mix the contents and put in the microwave, with the actual cooking being done without you!

 

  1. Mac N’ Cheese

Macaroni and cheese in a mug – really? Another mind-blowing dinner staple that can easily be made, especially for a single serving. On those days when you’re tired from work or school, quickly whipping up this famous comfort food will renew your spirits and have you thanking the inventor of the microwave.

 

Click here for the recipe.

 

The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t use processed cheese, like the boxed kind. Thus, you’re getting a faster option that is also healthier! Win-win, don’t you think?

 

  1. Margherita Quesadilla

When you’re feeling a little Mexican-inspired but don’t want to spend the time standing by a hot stove, grab these 4 ingredients and your new BFF, the microwave, and boom, quesadillas like the pros. All you need is 1 flour tortilla, 1 sliced tomato, some mozzarella cheese, and 4 basil leaves!

 

Get the recipe here.

 

Quesadillas are a delicious meal that can be eaten for lunch or dinner. Making them in the microwave probably never occurred to you, but this Margherita-style recipe is great when you’re craving a good meal but can’t be bothered to put in the effort!

 

  1. 10-Minute Microwave Enchiladas

Speaking of Mexican food, how about some enchiladas? Another incredibly good, flavourful meal are enchiladas. Traditionally though, these guys can take quite some time to prepare, making them more of a once-in-a-while type treat. Your microwave eliminates all the fuss and gives you ready-to-eat, perfect enchiladas.

 

Click here for the recipe.

The microwave really is the best for this type of meal, seeing as once you combine all the ingredients, all you have to do is stick it in the microwave. When you’re hungry, have a family to feed, and are running short on time, the microwave couldn’t come in handier.

 

  1. Baked Potato

Is it still called a “baked” potato when made in the microwave? Semantics aside, a classic comfort food is the baked potato. What isn’t so comforting is the time it usually takes to make. With the microwave, you can make a baked potato in mere minutes, using all your leftover time for some Netflix binging.

 

Recipe can be found here.

 

The only things you need for this are the potatoes, a paper towel and your microwave! It couldn’t be simpler, and you still get the same amazing taste.

 

 

  1. Couscous Greek Salad

With all the freshness you could want, this is the perfect summer (or any time of the year) salad that is packed with veggies and good-for-you ingredients. Making the couscous is usually the cumbersome part, but thankfully, your microwave can handle it for you.

 

Check out the recipe here.

 

A healthy and delicious salad that couldn’t be any easier to make!

 

These 10 microwave recipes are sure to impress, whether it’s just you for dinner or your family and friends. Being tired from work doesn’t have to mean takeout or unhealthy frozen dinners anymore – your microwave can take your cooking to the next level while you get quality time spent with your family. If you don’t have a microwave, consider grabbing one to make life a lot easier!

How to Prepare Your Backyard for Spring

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After one of the harshest Canadian winters I have faced in several years, I am so glad that spring is here. Now I am thinking of my backyard, the garden and all the things that are on my list as I prepare my backyard for the hopefully warmer days soon ahead. Have you gotten into spring thinking yet? Have you thought about how you will prepare your backyard for the spring/summer season? One of the easiest ways to prepare your backyard for warmer weather is to make a list and check it twice. Yes, I make lists for everything.

backyard furniture

How to Prepare Your Backyard for Spring

  1. Clean the backyard: First on my list is to clean the yard. You know, get rid of the leaves and garbage that magically appear after the thaw of a Canadian winter. This is also my time to assess what needs to be fixed, repaired or replaced.
  2. Clean and repair the deck: After a long Canadian winter, it is important to inspect your deck to determine whether or not it needs work.
  3. Tackle any repairs that need to be done: We usually have this done by the Easter weekend. We host a small egg hunt in the backyard so it is important that the yard is safe and ready to use.
  4. Create functional zones in your backyard: We love our garden—there is a play area for the kids, we have a grilling station and two areas for entertaining. With three families in our house, a multi-purpose backyard is a must.
  5. Decorate your backyard: We love adding pops of colour. Our flower beds add colour, and each season we head out and buy a few new pieces. New dishes for the eating area, a new table cloth, placements and pillows are all considered.
  6. Check the toys and play structures: We want to ensure the kids are safe so we always check these out and ensure they are cleaned and replaced when necessary.
  7. Check your cooking area: Does it need anything? Is everything clean? It might be a great time to start looking at the newest grills, or perhaps you want a smoker or a new backyard fire pit.
  8. Make sure the backyard is well lit: We loved adding some cute lanterns we found last year on sale.
  9. Check out flyers, articles and Pinterest boards for inspiration: Also be sure to take a walk through some stores with great outdoor spaces for design inspiration. Do you want a luxe look? You can have that. Do you want a casual space? You can have that too. Check out this article on how to make a statement with your patio.
  10. Make your backyard shopping list: Have you always wanted a great seating area? A new table and chairs? Multiple seating areas? There are so many ways to create a fun and functional space. With all this inspiration, I am sure you will find something new that you will want to try.

This weekend you will want to check out the Leon’s flyer for some great inspiration and sales.  There is nothing better than preparing that perfect spring backyard on a budget.

 

 

 

 

The Standard for Success: How to Look for a Great Tutor in Canada

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In today’s hyper-connected world, digital distractions abound and your child may find themselves distracted. Perhaps they have trouble concentrating within a large classroom setting, or they simply don’t find the curriculum interesting. Whatever the case, if your child is disinterested or falling behind at school, they’re not likely to get much out of the process.  

 Private tutoring can prove a useful resource to help your child reach his or her full potential. However, just as you would research schools or any program for your child, it’s equally important to ensure you take the time to research and choose the right tutor for your child. While there are many qualified individuals working as tutors who certainly know a lot, not all purport the ability to teach.  

 This article will aim to provide you with a list of four key characteristics you should look for in a tutor if you’re considering this as an option for your child. 

 Subject Matter Mastery 

This one is probably a given, as you would reasonably expect the tutor you hire to be an expert on the subject for which you’re hiring them. If you decide to hire a tutor independently, without the aid of a tutoring company, you may consider administering brief math and reading comprehension test as part of the interview process, which can be found online.  

 Feel free to also ask your potential tutor a few questions on the subject matter. Delving deeper, your tutor shouldn’t only know Newton’s Three Laws or the definition of a hanging participle; they should be able to provide real-world applications to anything they teach, engaging their students. They should be able to provide training that is rigorous enough to keep their students interested and challenged, but not so difficult that it becomes discouraging.  

 Often, mainstream school curriculums fall to the clutches of tradition and old, dusty textbooks. A good tutor will revitalize this curriculum, and a benefit of small group tutoring is that tutors can tailor their lesson plans to your child and engage them based upon their level of knowledge and their interests.  

 Sweating the Small Stuff 

Not every child learns the same way and comes from the same background with the same experiences. A good tutor will assess their student, their needs, and their learning styles in order to formulate a suitable lesson plan and learning approach. They will also adapt as they move through the learning process with your child to meet changing needs. Sweating the small stuff, or keen attention to detail can prove valuable in your child’s tutoring experience. Not only as they first get to know your child and develop a lesson plan, but throughout the tutoring process and in their reporting to you on your child’s progress. Large class sizes in schools don’t leave much room for nuanced, personalized conversations with students to track their progress and deal with concerns should they arise, so a tutor can fill this gap. 

Experience & Empathy 

 Like any skill or talent, the more you teach the better you get. With all of this experience, it’s likely a good tutor will also have picked up some humility and empathy for their students.  

 Striving to ensure your child reaches his or her potential will require an experienced tutor who has taught the subject matter extensively and who has catered to a variety of learning styles and needs. The importance of being able to understand their students and how to best tailor their teaching methods cannot be exaggerated and often comes with experience. When assessing a potential tutor’s proficiency, it’s important to consider the number of hours they’ve spent teaching rather than the number of years. 

Communication 

Good communication should permeate every aspect of the tutoring experience. From the student to their parents and teachers, a good tutor will ensure open lines of communication with all stakeholders. Initial goals and benchmarks should be established and communicated upfront, while frequent status updates on your child’s progress should be shared with both you and your child’s teacher. These updates should include positive accomplishments as well as any concerns or areas for improvement. Working in tandem with you and your child’s teachers will often result in a more effective teaching model that feeds off the key adult figures in your child’s life and sets a course for lifelong learning and accountability. Of course, effective communication between tutor and student is invaluable as it fosters a fruitful professional dynamic, trust and rapport.  

 There is no shortage of individuals offering their tutoring services, which can make it difficult to decide on one. If you find yourself struggling, choosing to go with a tutoring company, such as Scholars Canada can help make your decision easier. Such companies will vet all of their tutors to ensure they have the best. This includes rigorous testing on subject matter knowledge, as well as imparting the best teaching practices and tutoring techniques.  

 Ultimately, your decision needs to benefit your child, so whether you choose to independently hire a tutor or go through a tutoring company, ensure to keep the aforementioned points in mind. Just as you expect your child to complete their homework thoroughly and to the best of their abilities, so too should you when searching for a suitable tutor for them.  

 

 

 

 

Join us this Fraud Prevention Month for the #BeFraudSmart Twitter Party

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Disclosure: This is a partnered post with Tangerine Bank. However, all opinions and views on this post are 100% my own.

March is Fraud Prevention Month.

The fraud problems in Canada are an issue. Even my mother has fallen victim to scammers. It seems the find new ways to gain access to our funds on an ongoing basis.  Throughout the month of March, the Competition Bureau and its partners will give Canadians the tools they need to recognize, reject and report fraud. We can it Fraud Prevention Month.

Scammers do target anyone, from youngsters to retirees. I have read stories from college students to those like my mother who thought she was dealing with the CRA. Their scams can be complex or simple, both do damage. So it is important to know the signs and what to do if you spot it.

Did you know they can also target businesses? In 2018 alone, Canadians lost approximately $ 97 million to fraud, which only accounts for the estimated 5% of cases that were reported to the authorities. With videos, interactive online tools and in-person events, the Bureau will show Canadians that while no one is immune to fraud, anyone can join the fight against scammers! Are you ready to join the fight?

How to best Equip Yourself this Month

“By reporting scams, you can assist the Bureau and its partners in the fight against fraud. Be the first line of defence for yourself, your loved ones and all Canadians. Recognize, reject and report fraud!” Josephine Palumbo, Deputy Commissioner of Competition, Deceptive Marketing Practices

Join in the conversation and learn more.

Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm ET
Host: @TangerineBank
Guest: @KelleyKeehn
Moderators: @ShesConnected
Hashtag: #BeFraudSmart
Prizing: $500 in prizing
No RSVP Required
Anyone can participate in the Twitter Chat, however, only those who live in Canada, excluding the province of Quebec can win prizes.

Tidy Your Finances to Avoid Identity Theft Infographic

Tidy Your Finances to Avoid Identity Theft Infographic

Get Your Essential Oils During doTTERA’s BOGO Week!

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If you are wondering why the blog has been really quiet, I must admit I have been thinking about how to rebrand. I am still very much about how to live your best life on a budget but I am also preparing for that next chapter in life as well as continuing my efforts to health and fitness.

One of the things I am doing is network marketing. I am a doTERRA health advocate because over the last 4 years oils have helped changed my life. Oils have also changed my daughter’s life.

You’re invited to a week of abundant living! All week long I am going to be sharing the best essential oil tips I know and sharing the daily deals that doTTERA is offering all week long. If you follow me, you know oils have changed our lives over the last 4 years and they continue to do so on a daily basis!

You will learn lots, I promise! You can also score some great deals on oils!

Want to learn more about the oils that are the deal of the day? Follow my Instagram Stories  and Facebook page.

I will also share facts and tidbits on the CommonCentsMom Facebook page.

Next week starts doTERRA’s BOGO week. (BOGO means buy one, get one.)…that is right every day there is a different deal!

Each day a new BOGO will be announced for 1 day only. Once the day is done, the deal is gone. Here is a voice of warning, they can and often sell out.  Check out each deal early in the day.

 

There are 2 ways to participate in each day’s deals:

1- Retail: You can get the deal of the day at retail pricing. If you are interested in that day’s deals DM me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram…I will tell you the cost. You PayPal or transfer that sum and I place the order for you. For local orders, I will also deliver, that way you will also receive a free health consult.

2- Wholesale: You can use your own doTERRA account or sign up for a new doTERRA wholesale account to get 25% off everything. (These wholesale accounts are no strings attached. No minimum order. Use as much or as little as you want.). It costs $35 US and lasts a year and comes with oil included in the membership. If you order a kit that fee is waived! I love getting my oils at wholesale! Interested? You can learn more here.

Message me to get set up before BOGO’s start or anytime during the week.

Sipping Tea

How to Use Natural Solutions to Beat the Cold/Flu

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Sipping Tea

This has been a very rough year for the flu and colds for many of us. Luckily, for us, natural solutions have kept them at bay for my daughter and me. My mom, sister, nieces and nephews were not so lucky. My mom even ended up in the hospital for 11 days. The reality is as you age even something like the flu can have serious consequences.  For us having my mom in the hospital was scary. Thankfully, she is home now and on the road to recovery.

This got me thinking about how my daughter and I have been pretty lucky the last few years especially when it comes to things like the flu and the common cold.  How have we been using natural solutions to support good health?  I have been eating much better than in previous years, talking a great supplement and using my essential oils to give me a boost.

Here are 5 ways to use natural solutions to beat the flu/cold season

  1. Drink water. Hydration is so important for a healthy body. In the winter we often turn to caffeine and other non-hydrating drinks. Water consumption often decreases in the winter. We love to flavour our water with lemon oil, slim/sassy oil or lime oil from doTERRA. For me, that drop of oil has helped me hydrate more.
  2. Sleep is critical. Rest is good for the body especially if you feel a cold or the flu coming on.
  3. Diffuse oils. My favourites to diffuse in the winter are Onguard ( a blend of great oils), Balance, Lemon, and Eucalyptus.  Eucalyptus is used in many over the counter medicines you may already buy. Frankincense is another wintertime favourite of ours as it has often been used to support those with colds and even asthma.
  4. Clean with oils. Our favourite cleaning oil is Onguard.  We love the doTERRA On Guard Cleaner Concentrate as it is designed to be the ideal natural cleaner. It is a blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils. We appreciate that it helps fortify our home against some of those environmental concerns, especially in the winter. Science has proven that these oils especially clove and cinnamon definitely help.
  5. Take Onguard protective safeguard gels or sip my “Onguard Tea”. Yes, you can safely ingest some essential oils. I have been doing so for 3 years now. If I know I am going to be around others who have colds or the flu I take one to ensure my own immune system is supported and I often sip tea in the morning.

Want to know how to make “Onguard Tea”?

Enter to Win the Beat the Flu Naturally Giveaway

I would love to share my favourite natural solutions with one of my readers. Here is what you will win.

  • One bottle of Onguard Essential Oil
  • One bottle of Onguard Cleaning concentrate
  • One bottle of Onguard Protective Blend soft gels
  • One bottle of Lemon Oil
  • A mug to have your tea in.

Along with samples of three of my favourite oils Frankincense, Peppermint, and Wild Orange.

RETAIL VALUE of PRIZE $100

To enter the giveaway, please fill out this Entry Form.

  • Please Note Giveaway is open to residents of Canada, the United States and the UK over the age of 18.
  • Filling out the form is mandatory for entry.
  • For additional entries please share this giveaway on your social channels. ( Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) and use the Giveaway hashtag #NaturalSolutionsGiveaway and leave a comment on this post letting me know where you shared. You can share on your channels up to 5x.

****GIVEAWAY ENDS FEB 15th at 5pm EST.  Winner will be announced on Facebook and Instagram lives on Monday, Feb 18th.

 

 

Goal Setting for 2019

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Do you start your year with resolutions or goals? I normally do. I have learned over the years it is great to be as specific as you can when it comes if I want to get anywhere. When I am goal setting I look at my history, I also give myself breathing room and realize things can and do shift sometimes in an instant but it always better to go in with a plan and an idea. So how am I goal setting in 2019?

I have started with some good books, some inspiration from favourite podcasts and self-improvement leaders and I even have a coach/mentor. A good way to start the year, right?

As I started to write out my goals I also took a look back at a Strength Finders test I did in 2018. It definitely in bring clarity about what I am good at.

So as I approach 55 this year I have some real concrete goals and objectives that I need to see happen. I thought I would share them with you as a way of keeping myself accountable!

My goals for 2019

Financial Life

  1.  There are some major purchases and obligations this year. We are yet to give my dad a proper resting spot, my sister and I want this to be the priority for 2019.
  2. I will be getting a new bed. I am already on the hunt for this and hope to have one by the end of the month after breaking my old bed in late 2018.
  3. Rachel will get a new cell phone.
  4. A new laptop for Rachel is also a need but she will pay for this out of her college funds.
  5. I will restore my emergency fund that was depleted in 2018 as I looked for work, I went through these funds faster than I had wanted.

Career/Business

  1. I have a full-time gig with benefits, that is a blessing! With that said though, I am very underpaid for my skill set.  I will work on finding a new job.
  2.  Rebuild the CommonCentsMom community.   Make it about helping you more.
  3.  Share more about essential oils, something I have been learning about for 3 years now. Help at least 50 people use oils in a way that benefits them.

Relationships

  1.  Have fun with friends at least once a month.
  2. Go on at least 10 dates. I am not currently dating anyone special. I haven’t been in a very long time. I will get out of my comfort zone and date.
  3.  Have a mom/daughter night with Rachel at least once a week.

Fun

  1.  Go to Niagara Falls with Rachel
  2.  Take in at least 4 musical concerts or festivals!
  3. Go to the beach more often
  4. Take at least 4-day trips to explore more of Ontario with Rachel.
  5. Canada’s Wonderland seasons pass. Looking forward to the Halloween Haunt and Winterfest.

Health

  1.   Walk 6x a week.
  2.  Drink more water– at least 4 glasses a day.
  3.  Make appointments for my colonoscopy and mammogram.
  4.  Go to the dentist
  5.  Eat a vegan meal at least once a week
  6.  Eat a meatless meal at least once a week.
  7. Participate in a half marathon in the fall.

Personal Goals

  1. Read 12 good books that can help me grow.  I started with Becoming and now reading The Success Principles.
  2. Read 12 novels just for enjoyment.
  3. Get back into scrapbooking.
  4. Do more family history research, a renewed passion in 2018.
  5. Go for more photo walks. I loved birding and exploring my city in 2018.
  6.  Cook 10 new recipes.
  7.  Go to Nova Scotia on vacation to see family.

Blog Goals

  1.  Grow the CommonCentsMom brand in a way that is genuine and real. In a way that helps families with their day to day lives.
  2.  Partner with brands that I love only.
  3.  Share more useful info on how to save to money, how to earn money and I also want to talk about preparing the future.

If you are a goal setter like me, would love to know what goals you are setting for 2019!