Real Life Solutions

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2006-07-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

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Healthy Living & Eating Tips

2006-07-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let you know about the awesome information that has recently been added to the 'Tips For A Healthier Life' section of Real Life Solutions. Many of you have written to me asking for information on How to look younger, Weight Loss and even suggestions on how to get rid of a nasty common cold. Visit Healthy Living - Your resource for information, products and articles as it pertains to healthy living. If you want to serve healthy, home-cooked meals, but are too busy to spend very much time in the kitchen -- Check out the Healthy Express Cookbook: 101 Fresh, Light & Quick Dinners. Aurelia

Stress Relief Tips

2006-07-05T19:57:00.000-05:00

When you feel the need to escape and take a few minutes to yourself to de-stress, follow some (if not all) of the tips below. Put yourself in time out: Allow some alone time for yourself. Use this time to focus on you. Find a place in your home that you can go to and find privacy. You can ask your partner or a friend to take the family out for a few hours while you enjoy your alone time. Do nothing, sleep, read, watch a movie, and just enjoy your solitude. Call a Friend: Rather than yelling at your husband or your children, try picking up the phone and vent to a friend. Be sure not to vent AT her, but rather tell her about your day and get it all out. If she offers you some advice, listen and soak it in. This mini-time out session will leave you feeling heard, de-stressed and you will find that by the end of your call some of you anger will have dissipated. Play: As adults, we sometimes forget the beneficial value of play. Play stimulates our imagination, encourages our creativity, boosts our energy, and best of all, it is fun. Try a game of tennis, a game of cards online or perhaps invite some friends over for an evening of adult board games. Meditate: Meditation has been proven to reduce your blood pressure, and helps to dramatically reduce your stress level. Meditation and/or prayer will help you to keep in touch with your spiritual side. Meditation is a very effective method of relaxation. To meditate, quiet your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breath. Find a relaxed comfortable position where Try visualizing good health and peace as you inhale. While you are breathing out breathe out all of your stress. Set aside approximately 20 minutes for this exercise. Upon completion, you will see just how much more relaxed your mind and body is. Take a nap: Find a quiet, comfortable spot and take a nap. Even a short power nap can leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and more focused. Studies have shown that people who spent 30 minutes each day napping had one third less heart disease than those who didn't nap. Eat: Not just anything but certain things. Studies show that certain foods can help reduce stress. Carbohydrates will actually soothe you. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, air-popped popcorn and low-calorie cookies. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in just one baked potato or a cup of spaghetti or white rice, is enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day. Movie Time: If you don’t have anyone to watch the children for you while you de-stress. Put in one of their favorite movies, supply your children with a few healthy snacks, and have them occupy themselves for a little while so that you can take a breather. Don't feel guilty for taking time out to rejuvenate your mind and body. Being a mom is not an easy task and it is a full time job. Take a break when you need it and be sure to ask for help to keep the stress at bay. Be sure to take a look at the following Resource: Why Make Yourself Crazy: 300 Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips. Aurelia

Business Coachng for WAHM's Free Tiral!

2006-07-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

Mom Masterminds™ is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. They offer a free 9-day course that gets right to the nitty-gritty of creating a thriving online business. When you sign up for our 9-day course, you'll also receive an exclusive invitation to a free 7-day trial at Mom Masterminds. I have been a MM Member for 9 months now and my business has grown by leaps and bounds! I hope to see you all there. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Reduce your Stress - Your Kids Are Waiting

2006-07-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

Summer Reading For your Animal Loving Child

2006-06-27T17:28:00.000-05:00

If your child in an animal lover then why not turn that love of animals into a love of reading! My 6 year old Isaac is a animal lover. From snakes to bears he just cant seem to get enough. I subscribed him to Zoobooks about 3 months ago and he loves it. When it arrives in the mailbox he gets so excited and immediately flips it open. The great thing about this is that he is expanding his reading and learning about animals. If you have an animal lover in your home, I am sure Zoobooks will be a hit. For all of you out there that are already subscribers, I'd love to hear your input. Happy Reading, Aurelia

Arts And Crafts for Kids (Easy & Fun)

2006-06-24T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hi Moms. I searched around for some great arts and crafts books and projects to keep my little one busy and I wanted to share my great finds with you. I don't know who had more fun... me or my son Isaac (smile) Hands On Crafts For Kids - An amazing collection Crafts for kids. Over 100 Pages. Makeit & Bakeit Glittering Frames - Fun to Make! Stained Glass Suncatchers add sparkle to window decorations. Great for room decorating or to give as gifts. The Busy Moms Book Of Quick Crafts For Kids - Quick and easy crafts, including shaving cream sculptures, ghost-it-notes, and tin-punch laterns. Over 140 pages. Aurelia Free Craft Projects for Kids

Childhood Depression Symptoms

2006-06-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

In order to recognize when a child is depressed, it is important to become aware of the symptoms and the signs to look for. Because children are not as articulate as adults in expressing their emotions, it is unlikely that they will come to us and say "I'm depressed" as an adult might do. In fact, they may not even realize themselves that something is out of the ordinary. Children live in a world controlled by adults and can easily feel powerless over what is happening to them. This puts the responsibility upon us as adults to look for signs of trouble and help children cope. The warning signs of depression fall basically into four different categories: emotional signs, cognitive signs (those involving thinking), physical complaints, and behavioral changes. Not every child who is depressed experiences every symptom. Emotional Signs Typical moods or emotions experienced by children suffering from depression include: Sadness - The child may feel despondent and hopeless. They may cry easily. Some children will hide their tears by becoming withdrawn. Loss of pleasure or interest - A child who has always enjoyed playing sports, for example, may suddenly decide to not try out for the team this year. They may complain of feeling "bored" or reject an offer to participate in an activity, which they've always enjoyed in the past. Anxiety - The child may become anxious, tense, and panicky. The source of their anxiety may well give you a clue to what's causing their depression. Turmoil - The child may feel worried and irritable. They may brood or lash out in anger as a result of the distress they are feeling. Cognitive Signs A depressive mood can bring on negative, self-defeating thoughts. These skewed thought processes may help perpetuate the problem because they make the child resistant to words of encouragement or advice. Once the depression lifts, the child will be much more receptive to help. The signs to look for are: Difficulty organizing thoughts - People with depression often have problems concentrating or remembering. In children, this may be evidenced by problems in school or an inability to complete tasks. Negative view - People with depression may become pessimistic, perceiving themselves, their life, and their world in a very negative light. Worthlessness and guilt - Depressed children may obsess over their perceived faults and failures, feel tremendous guilt, and declare themselves worthless. Helplessness and hopelessness - Depressed children often believe that there is nothing they can do to relieve their feelings of depression. In particular, a child with dysthymia may perceive that this is "just the way it is" because this is their only experience. Feelings of isolation - A child who has been picked on frequently may become very sensitive to slights from his peers. Suicidal Thoughts - Thoughts of death are not limited to adults. Children may also wish that they were dead and express these thoughts. Physical Signs Depression is not just an illness of the mind. It causes changes in us physically as well. Changes in appetite or weight - Many people with depression find that their appetite either decreases or increases. Children who usually have a healthy appetite may suddenly lose interest in eating. Children may also respond in the opposite way, but eating too much to self-medicate their feelings. Sleep disturbances - Children with depression may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep once they do. They may wake too early or oversleep. They may have trouble staying awake during the day at school. Sluggishness -Children with depression often talk, react, and walk slower. They may be less active and playful than usual. Agitation - Depressed children may show signs of agitation by fidgeting or not being able to sit still. Behavioral Signs These signs will be the most obvious and easy for your detect. Avoidance and withdrawal - Children with depression may avoid everyday or enjoyable activities and responsibilities. They may withdraw from friends and family. The bedroom can become a favorite place to escape and find solitude. Clinging and demanding - The depressed child may become more dependent on some relationships and behave with an exaggerated sense of insecurity. Activities in excess - A depressed child may appear to be out of control in regard to certain activities. He or she may spend long hours playing a video game or overeat. Restlessness - The restlessness brought on by depression may lead to such behaviors as fidgeting, acting up in class, or reckless behavior Self-Harm - Depressed individuals may cause themselves physical pain or take excessive risks. Self-injury is one example of such behavior

Ways To Reduce Stress & Help Your Children

2006-06-21T18:28:00.000-05:00

Mothers are expected to possess huge hearts, big shoulders, a minimum of 3 hands, all the answers and the list goes on! What many mothers forget is they are not born with super hero powers to handle all of those things at once. Mom=Stress. It’s a fact of life. Reducing stress is of the utmost importance to everyone, but especially mothers. You know stress can lead to depression, heart disease, and an unhealthy mom. Did you also know your stress, if not handled correctly, can have a negative impact on your children too? The most important things in a mother’s life, her children, are also the most influential. Children are sponges and everything Mom does they will, at some point in time in their lives, mimic. If children see their mother constantly stressed out, they will be more inclined to follow those patterns. What you do today can determine the kind of life your child will lead tomorrow, including how you make it a point to reduce stressful situations. Mothers tend to overload themselves, which in turn overloads their children. Adults move at a much faster pace and their bodies are more adept to handle the speed of life. Children, on the other hand, are not able to function this way, which can lead to developmental and behavior problems in the long run if constantly pushed to keep up with an adult’s quicker pace. Studies have shown a mother who is under excessive amounts of stress will hand out harsher punishments than one who is not. Prolonged stress can cause a mother to get to the point that she feels overwhelmed and will not stop to think before handing down discipline. This type of behavior teaches children it is ok to let your mood control your life as a parent Children need to feel a sense of security and know that their mom is there to help them work through and understand the stressful times in their lives. If children are not taught what stress is and why it is a part of their lives, they will never learn how to reduce it, therefore leading them down a path of unhappiness and unhealthy choices. Give them the tools early about how to deal with stress and more importantly, how to reduce the amount of stress that occurs in their lives. There is no one who lives an entirely stress free life. In fact, you shouldn’t want your children to have a life with absolutely no stress. The day will come that a stressful situation occurs and they will have no idea how to cope with it, which is cause for an extremely negative outcome. As a mother you must show your children that stress does not have to control your life. Mother’s have a tendency to try and do it all; even when they know they are not capable. STOP! Make a point, each day, to reduce your stress levels. Eliminating just one stressful situation can make a world of difference in the way you feel and how your children handle stress as adults. ------ Aurelia Williams, Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching. Are you looking to reduce your stress? Join our Stress Less program. Free Consultation included.

WAHM Resources - Free Trial

2006-06-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

Mom Masterminds™ is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. They offer a free 9-day course that gets right to the nitty-gritty of creating a thriving online business. When you sign up for our 9-day course, you'll also receive an exclusive invitation to a free 7-day trial at Mom Masterminds. I have been a MM Member for 8 months now and my business has grown by leaps and bounds! I hope to see you all there. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

How To Save Money On Gas

2006-06-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hi there - I hope this message finds you well. I was shocked when I pulled into the gas station this morning to fill up my vehicle to find that it took a total of $54.32 to fill up my tank. I had to look that the pump 3 times to be sure that my eye's weren't playing tricks on me. With the cost of gasoline rising and with the summer months here and expected family travels just around the corner, I wanted to share with you these ten tips to Save On Gasoline. For additional personal finance and budgeting tips, visit Here soon. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Setting Goals And Reaching Them...

2006-06-13T16:04:00.000-05:00

One of the hottest topics lately seems to be Goal setting & Goal Getting. Setting good, clear goals is a powerful process for both your personal and professional well-being. By setting goals on a routine basis YOU decide what you want to achieve and then move step-by-step towards achieving these goals. I always encourage women to make an effort to spend time setting sharp and clearly defined goals. One of the beautifully empowering things about goal setting is that you can measure and take pride in the achievement you make as you get closer to your goals. By setting goals, you will also raise your self confidence as you recognize your ability and competence in achieving the goals that you have set. The process of setting goals allows you to choose where you want to go in life. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know what you have to concentrate on to do it. Remember, your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life. =============================== Action Steps =============================== Here are a few action steps for you to take into consideration when working on setting and pursuing your goals:

Make sure you set goals that you can realistically reach. Striving to be perfect is not a realistic goal. Striving to eat healthier, exercise more..etc. is a realistic goal.

Break your big goals up into bite-sized chunks. If your ultimate goal is to launch a new website before September, break the goal down. Work 1st on asking for others to give you the opinions on possible webmasters, make a list of what you want your site to look like, contact certain webmasters, ask for price quotes etc. The key is to take small, thought-through steps to reach that ultimate goal.

Set a specific time-frame to achieve your goals.

Write your goals down and force yourself to be very specific about them. You can then refer back to your goals list and you can see how you are measuring up. It is an empowering feeling to set goals and achieve them.

Celebrate! When you achieve a goal or overcome a hurdle that brings you closer to that goal, CELEBRATE you and your accomplishment! Aurelia Real Life Coaching

Chores For Children

2006-06-10T20:59:00.000-05:00

Chores for children I know that many mom's dread trying to get their children involved in doing some household chores and it can be a never ending battle. Well, I am here with a few tips and insight on this matter that hopefully will make the weekend chores go a bit more smoothly. Many of us have chores that must be done on the weekend and with a little incentive and the right attitude, you can get your child happily involved in them (Ok, well maybe not happily, but involved). Even young toddlers can play a significant role in participating in household chores. Your children can help separate the laundry, sweep the kitchen, dust off furniture and even help prepare meals. Explain to your children that chore time can be family time. You can turn on the music in your home, assign the household members a task and get busy. For children, they feel a sense of ownership and accomplishment and for the parents we now don't have to do it all on our own and we can relish in the fact that our children are being responsible. Be sure to limit the number of chores that you assign to your children and try to build in some fun into the process or offer small rewards for a job well done. Click here for more Parenting Tips Be sure to check out my friend, Nicole Dean's awesome article titled Chaos, Children and Chores. Warmly, Aurelia Real Life Coaching

Are You a Mother To Teenage Children...

2006-06-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

Hi there Moms of teenagers!! I had to let you know about a new blog dedicated to mothers of teens! It is a wonderful place where we can talk about our teenagers and perhaps help each other understand the many things they are going through. It is a great place to support and encourage each other. As you know, mothering teens is a difficult task - let us go through this journey hand in hand. Mother Of Teens

Quick and Easy Exercises for Moms

2006-06-06T20:45:00.000-05:00

Even if you only have five minutes to spare, make sure you squeeze some exercise into the day. Exercising not only tones your body and helps you look great, but it releases endorphins that make you feel great, too Here are some great resources for you: Get Fit While You Sit - 36 Exercises you can do almost anywhere, anytime! Healthy Living - Your resource for information, products and articles as it pertains to healthy living (mind, body & soul).

Young Animal Lovers Will Love This

2006-06-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

ZOOBOOKS MAGAZINE: is a great way to start kids off on a life-long passion for reading. Zoobooks uses creatures as teachers. Turn a youngster's love of animals into a love of reading! I started my 6yo son off with a subscription to Zoobooks 6 months ago and he loves to read the magazine and cut out the posters. The monthly subscription fee is low and the magazines are delivered quickly to your home. Real Life Solutions:

Free Support for Work At Home Moms!!

2006-06-03T13:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been a member of Mom Masterminds now for a ABOUT 7 Months and I've seen a steady increase in my website traffic and affiliate income. Mom Masterminds is a woderful support community that offers very valuable support, resources and tips to the members and now is the time to join! Here is your invitation for a free 7-day trial. Free? What can be better than that? So, what are you waiting for? I'll see you there!! Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Managing Time and Stress when Working at Home

2006-05-30T13:22:00.000-05:00

Managing Time and Stress Stress is anything that disturbs your healthy mental or physical well being. Isolation, overwork and poor time management all breed stress. Here are some guidelines to make it a little easier on yourself. Work, whether in a corporate setting or in your own home office, is stressful. Sad to say, there is no escaping stress. Doctors define stress as anything that disturbs your healthy mental or physical well being. Isolation, overwork and poor time management all breed stress. Having trouble getting motivated? Chances are you are stressed out. Or maybe you can’t handle setbacks? That’s stress! It could also be a looming deadline, a demanding client, delayed shipments and deliveries, or even the barrage of emails and phone calls that you receive. As an entrepreneur, the constant need to generate income and maintain the financial health of your business can create more stress than some people can take. Sustained long-term stress can make you feel anxious and frustrated, resulting in a downslide of your work quality. It can also give you a feeling of a sense of failure, and your health may begin to suffer. You either have to live with stress, or learn to deal with it. Here are some guidelines to make it a little easier on yourself: Effective time management. Plan your time and establish priorities on a daily "to do" list. By preparing a daily list of things to do you’re ready to act when the time comes, with no need for further thought or preparation. You’re ready for action. Decide what your "prime time" is and do your most important or difficult tasks. Get the tasks done the first time. Set "business hours," specific times when you are at work and times when you turn on the answering machine because you are "on duty but off call." You, your customers, and your family will appreciate knowing your set routine, even though you know that for special events or emergencies you can break that schedule. Focus on the urgency of the task. Make a habit of completing every task you start without having to go back to it. Efficiency, or doing things with as little waste motion as possible, is important to the success of every business venture. Eliminate distractions. Notice what your four or five big time-wasters are and learn techniques to eliminate them or compensate for them. Some common ones are: telephone interruptions, visitors, socializing, excessive paperwork, lack of policies and procedures, procrastination, failure to delegate, unclear objectives, poor scheduling, lack of self-discipline, and lack of skill in a needed area. Stay in contact with people. Home alone with the job you love – it’s the new American dream. Unfortunately, it’s the alone part many must learn to handle. Even though you prefer to work at home, you should plan work-related or social activities that provide frequent contact with others. This will help your morale if you feel isolated. Even for home-based business owners who like feeling isolated, keeping up with business and professional contacts is a must. Build a fitness program into your day. Many successful entrepreneurs exercise in order to think creatively. Exercise is a great way to relieve anxiety, stress, frustration, and daily pressure, as well as to recharge emotional batteries. Physical activity sends oxygen to the brain and helps the mind function better. Take time off to exercise or simply relax. Jog, do brisk walking, play with your dog, tinker in your garden, or join a structured program at the gym. Don’t consider the time wasted; it pays HUGE dividends. Give your home business as much of a separate and distinct physical identity as possible. While a home and office may exist under one roof, remember that an office is not a home, and vice versa. Although you might save a few dollars by using the ironing board as a bookshelf and a cardboard box as a file cabinet, the stress and strain of operating without proper space and supplies will take its toll. Have a separate room or area for your business, with a separate entrance if customers or suppliers visit. Deliberately and consciously entering an area explicitly designated for work separates “being at home” from “being at the office.” One space must not be allowed to invade the other. (In addition to the psychological and physical comfort of having a separate office, the IRS requires it in order for you to make a legitimate claim for tax deductions.) Take care of your major business asset: YOU. Being the boss can be exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding. It can also be lonely, stressful, and demanding. Learn to balance your professional and personal life. Make yourself a concerted effort to schedule periodic “rewards” into your daily and weekly routines for a job well done: lunches or dinners with friends, regular workouts at the health club, or a weekly massage. Your business depends on you to be at your best. About The Author: Isabel M Isidro is currently the Managing Editor of Power Homebiz Guides. For a step-by-step guide to starting a business, order the CD-Rom "Power Home Business Ideas" from PowerHomeBiz.com

5 Steps To Build Up Your Self Esteem

2006-05-29T12:58:00.000-05:00

Building up your self-confidence takes time and commitment but it is well worth it! You will soon find yourself embracing your new image and giving off a very positive energy that will surely come back to you. 1 - Start each morning and end each day with a positive statement or thought. Create your own mantra (i.e. "I am intelligent", "I will have a positive day", "I will succeed"). 2 - Get to know the TRUE you and accept yourself. The more you accept your true self the more others will do the same. 3 - Make a list of all your positive characteristics and achievements. Keep adding to this list as time goes on and be sure to keep your list in a place where you can access it and read it at will. 4 - Choose your words/thoughts carefully; Take time to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. If you are faced with a challenging task -- instead of saying, "I will never get this done on time" rephrase your word/thoughts into positives: "When I finish this task I will treat myself to something nice" or "This may be challenging but I can do this". 5 - Take what you are good at and enhance it. Let others know about it! Hold your head up high, be proud and know that you have a special gift inside of you. =============================== Free Related Resources ===============================

Building Self Confidence

Live Coaching Session on Self Esteem =============================== Journey to Joy! =============================== Journey To Joy: Simple Tips, Resources and Tools for Living a Happier Life. I personally wrote this wonderfully organized eBook that discusses many topics and obstacles that face women today. The information in the eBook contains actual steps that I have personally followed and they have proven to change my life in a positive way. Not only do I discuss the issues but I also provide you with essential action steps and worksheets that will help you on your Journey to Joy! I cover topics such as: ==> How to reduce stress ==> How to find time to dedicate to you ==> How to build up your self esteem ==> How to stop negative self-talk and use positive self-talk If you are ready to find your way to a more balanced you, I am sure that you will fully enjoy this book. One of my favorite quotes is from Oprah Winfrey and she says,"Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance." Isn't it time you started dancing? Journey To Joy Warmly, Aurelia Williams Real Life Coaching Start Your Jounrey to Joy!

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

2006-05-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. I know this is easier said than done, but learning to let things go once in awhile is key to finding some more time for yourself to just relax or do something that you truly enjoy. So what if the house goes 1-2 days without getting vacuumed or the laundry is put on hold for an extra day. It is important to elieviate some stress that we put on ourselves to get ALL of those little things done at once. Be sure to check out our resource for self motivation tips, motivation articles, information and products to help you reach your goals: GET MOTIVATED. If you are looking for a breakthrough program that relieves the symptoms of stress and eliminates the causes you will truly be impressed with this program: STRESS LESS. Warmly, Aurelia Williams Here.

MommyFest Is Coming!

2006-05-22T11:06:00.000-05:00

MommyFest, is coming! The 3rd Annual MommyFest is on May 23-25, 2006 Mark your calendars - it is going to be an info and FUN packed event. There are lots of informative workshops both via audio and online chat.Some Topics covered are: - Blogging Basics - Adsense - How to Drive Traffic to your Website - Teaching your Baby Sign Language - Establishing a Web Presence - Resilience Training for Moms - Effective Communication for Moms - How to Host an Online Event and so much more ... To see audio Workshop schedule, visit Here, To see our Interactive Online Chat schedule, visit Here. Make sure to MARK your calendars! There will also be Games, Contests, Freebies and networking opportunities. Take a virtual tour of MommyFest when you visit the site so you know what to expect - Mommy Fest.

Cheap Summer Fun For Kids

2006-05-21T18:41:00.000-05:00

Cheap Summer Fun for Kids Entertaining your children when school is out for the summer can become quite expensive, especially if you enroll them in pricey summer camps for a large portion of the time. However, many parents feel that the alternative is to have their children sulking on the couch while moaning about how bored they are, especially if friends are all attending camps. Actually, there are plenty of ways to have cheap summer fun with your kids. Why not try a few of these budget friendly ideas? Your local YMCA is a family oriented place with plenty of great activities. Your children can go swimming, take a variety of classes and even attend day camps for a very reasonable price. Most YMCA’s have family memberships, which makes the classes more affordable for families with several children. If you don’t have a YMCA close by, check with your local parks and recreation department to see if they are offering events for children and families during the summer months. Many times, they offer low cost art, sports and even cooking classes for kids. Another great way for your kids to have fun this summer is to set up events in your own backyard. Have them put together a circus. After they’ve practiced the event and have the ring set up, friends and family can make up an audience to view the final result. Don’t forget to add some games and serve some refreshments that match the theme, such as popcorn and corndogs. If your children don’t like the circus, suggest that they put on a play, hold a pet show or set up a fair. If your children like collecting things, they can make a natural history museum in a spare corner of the house. Then, you can take field trips to local places so that they can create their museum exhibits. Take them on nature hikes so that they can make rubbings of tree bark and leaves. Let them take photos of local wildlife and flowers, but be sure that you don‘t actually take home any wildflowers, since these plants may be endangered. Go to the beach and collect interesting shells and bits of sea glass or visit the areas where your local rock hounds hang out. If you have prolific gardens or you can get permission for them to pick some flowers in someone else’s garden, your children can also press flowers and mount them as part of the display. If your children are budding entrepreneurs, they may have more fun making money. Why not try a good old-fashioned lemonade stand? Just be sure your town or city doesn’t have any ordinances that would prohibit it before the kids set up. If they need to clean out their closets and toy chests, suggest that they combine the lemonade stand with a yard sale. Finally, don’t forget about gardening. Growing their own produce can be fun for kids, especially when they discover a two foot long zucchini hiding in the garden bed. ----- Aurelia Williams is the owner of Real Life Solutions, your resource for free positive parenting tips and information.

Moms? Are You Ready to Party Hearty?

2006-05-19T09:44:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year! The weather is warming up, children are graduating and families are firing up the Grills. Putting together a nice party is a great way to celebrate special events in our lives. If you haven't visited Real Life Solutions lately, then you may have missed all of the new and informative resources that is located at the If so visit 'Party Planning' section: We have tips from how to plan a party on a tight budget to how to throw the best Toddler Birthday Bash! Be sure to visit us soon and I love hearing from you so please keep your comments coming. Warmly - Aurelia

Reduce Your Stress Now

2006-05-15T18:34:00.000-05:00

Free Resourses for Everyone!

2006-05-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

Last month, I passed along some great free resources for you and the response was wonderful so here I am again with more free resources that I hope you will enjoy. You can use these free resources for your business and personal life. ================ Mommy Fest 2006: Interactive Online Convention for Moms held on May 23-25, 2006. Join us for Celebrating Motherhood 365 days a year! You can register now and it is totally free. ============== Smead Organizing University: Smead courses are informative, free, and practical. They fit easily into any schedule. Smead Organizing U courses are online 24/7. ============= Mom Masterminds: Mom Masterminds is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. They offer a free 9-day course that gets right to the nitty-gritty of creating a thriving online business. When you sign up for our 9-day course, you'll also receive an exclusive invitation to a free 7-day trial at Mom Masterminds. ========================== Free Goals Report: Clarify your top 3 goals and then get your personalized, customized, Free Goals Report! This is a wonderful way to start off on the path to reaching your goals. ======================== Tips For A Healthy Life: Your resource for information, products and articles as it pertains to living a healthier life. ======================= Enjoy the free resources and events. I love hearing from you so be sure to send along your comments! Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Free Trial At Mom Masterminds

2006-05-07T12:21:00.000-05:00

Mom Masterminds™ is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. They offer a free 9-day course that gets right to the nitty-gritty of creating a thriving online business. When you sign up for our 9-day course, you'll also receive an exclusive invitation to a free 7-day trial at Mom Masterminds. Hope to see you all there. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

10 Tips to Avoid Work At Home Mom Burnout

2006-05-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

Working from home is a great way to stay home with your kids while still supplementing the family’s income. On the flipside, it can be challenging to be mother and employee at the same time. Your stress level will rise quickly when you have deadlines to keep or phone calls to make while your little ones are acting out. Implement a few of the ideas below to prevent Work at Home Mom Burnout. 1. Don’t work more than you have to. Money isn’t everything. You family needs a happy and sane mom. 2. Create a schedule or to-do list both for work and your personal life. Just realize that you won’t always get everything done and don’t worry if you don’t. There’s always tomorrow. 3. Designate an errand day. Spend one day a week running around town getting everything done for the week. This is when you will grocery shop, drop things off at the drycleaner, go to the post office and anything else you need to do. 4. Enjoy your kids. Take some time to play with them every day. Have a picnic lunch in the yard, take them on a little field trip or just play catch for a while. You’re a work at home mom because you want to spend time with your kids. Work and house chores can wait while you play. 5. Go out on a date with your spouse. Make date night a regular occurrence and connect with your lover. 6. Have lunch with a girlfriend. We need some adult conversation every now and then. Make time to stay in touch with your friends. 7. Call a friend. If you are having a bad day, call a good friend and just talk for a little while. You’ll be relaxed and rejuvenated when you get back. 8. Get some exercise. Go for a walk, join a gym, or try a Pilate’s class. Exercise will not only keep you in shape, it’s also a great de-stressor. 9. Play some upbeat music and dance around the living room. Who cares if your kids and the neighbors think you’ve lost it? You are having fun and are releasing all that build up physical energy. 10. If you own a business, stick to one until it more or less runs itself. Don’t burn yourself out by trying to run several businesses at the same time. Start implementing a few of these ideas today and watch your stress level go down. You will prevent work at home mom burnout and get to enjoy life more. Your family will appreciate spending time with a fun and relaxed mom. That’s what it’s all about – spending quality time with your family Author: Nell Taliercio is the owner and founder of TelecommutingMoms.com – which is a leading resource website with work at home jobs and everything a telecommuting mom would need. Come visit us today!

Easy to Follow Healthy Diet Tips

2006-05-01T17:38:00.000-05:00

I have recently added more resources to the Real Life Solutions Healthy Living page at Real Life Solutions. Starting a weight loss diet is one of the easiest things a person can do. Staying with it, well, that's another thing entirely. There are so many reasons that people just can't seem to stay with their weight loss attempts. Stop by and read our article on How to Make Losing Weight Easier. =================== Related Resource =================== Your Very Own Personal Assistants That Plan the Meals and Make out the Grocery List For You While You're Spending Time with Your Family! You will get delicious, healthy meal ideas by e-mail each week and your 1st week is free. Healthy Menu Mailer. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

5 Ways to Organize Your Summer Fun

2006-04-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

Have a Summer Plan! Decide in advance what you’d like to do. Instead of rushing around madly trying to accomplish an undefined set of goals, or constantly “intending” to take that trip, make a plan! List your choices in your Day-Timer planner according to preference, and then plan your summer accordingly. Learn to Multitask: Organized people can do more than one thing at a time. Suppose you need to conduct business in another town. Is there a way for you to add some fun to the trip? Are there theme parks, museums, or sites of natural beauty in the area? Investigate the possibilities! You may end up packing a swimsuit in your briefcase! Organize Weekend Vacations: Some of the most pleasant vacations take place over long weekends. Leave on Friday and return on Monday night. If you live near a “hub” airport, you may be able to jet to Key West or New Orleans for the weekend. You’ll return to work on Tuesday, refreshed and rejuvenated… ready to plan for your next long weekend! Make Time for Family: Vow to get the family active this summer! Winter tends to lull most of us into a lazy pattern that often includes television and junk food, but little real bonding time or fitness-related activity. Think about how much closer your family could be after a white-water rafting trip or a visit to a rock-climbing gym! Then again, simply adding a family game night to your schedule could serve the same purpose… without ever leaving the house! Try New Things! Have you always wanted to try water skiing or rollerblading, but never had the opportunity? Create your own opportunities this summer! Do research on the internet about a sport you never played (but always wanted to try)… grab the phone book… and call about taking lessons! Read the entertainment section of your local newspaper – it’s usually overflowing with fun ideas. Promise yourself that you’ll experience something new this summer, whether it’s guitar lessons, skydiving, cooking classes, or learning to speak another language. Come autumn, you might discover a whole new you! Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Help boost your child's self esteem

2006-04-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

Self esteem in an important quality for all children to have. As parents, you can help to boost your child's self esteem by following the steps below: • Model good self-esteem: Express through your actions and words that you respect yourself. Children are wonderful at imitating what they see and hear. Remember, you are your child's best role model. • Create positive routines: Young children need routines to help them to feel secure and competent. Try to set a good schedule for bedtime, rest/naps, meals, etc. Try to keep exceptions to the routine to a minimum and explain any necessary changes if/when they occur. • Allow many opportunities for children to contribute to the family: Give your child a job/chore that only he/she does for the family. Even a small job can have a positive lasting impact on your child's self esteem. • Spend time with your child: Remember quality is more important than quantity. Even if you spend just 30 minutes with your child one on one -- playing games, taking walks, having long bedtime chats, or just snuggling in front of the TV, spending time with your child shows them that you value their company. • Give your child choices: Giving your child choices between a reasonable set of options that are already predetermined by you will make them feel empowered. ========================== Featured Resource ========================== Self-Esteem Games: 300 Fun Activities That Make Children Feel Good about Themselves These joyful activities help children learn how to make friends, express feelings, trust others, accept themselves, use their imaginations, and more. The book combines upbeat, positive advice—including tips for better parenting—with step-by-step directions for each activity. Helping Children Conquer Their Fears

Creating Work Life Balance

2006-04-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

Balancing Your Home and Business Life without Having Super Powers For moms who work from home, balancing the home and business sides of their lives can feel downright impossible, especially when the reason they began working from home was so they could spend more time with family. However, many home businesses actually fail because moms don’t manage to balance business and home life. How can you juggle your family’s needs, your business needs and occasionally find some time for your needs without being a super hero? The first thing any mom should do to achieve balance is to get the family involved. If your children and husband support you, you will find that they interrupt less often and are more likely to pitch in to get household chores done. You’re probably thinking that will happen the day the moon turns to blue cheese, right? However, if you mention that you need to get a major project done and will be able to buy a pizza and rent a video when you are paid, you may be surprised at how quickly everyone pitches in to help out. If you have young children, they may not be able to understand the concept of waiting for a reward. To get your younger children involved, try explaining what you are doing in very simple terms and having them help you. Set up a small desk or table for your toddlers and add crayons and paper so they can help you with your work by drawing some pictures or writing a letter. Children that are a bit older can put stamps on envelopes and seal them, paperclip papers together or do other simple organizational tasks. Of course, no matter how supportive your family and friends are, they are not going to be happy if you work 15 hours a day. Make sure that you ask for uninterrupted time to do your job or run your business, but also make sure that you schedule time for your family and friends. While you are making up that schedule, don’t forget your significant other. If you sit at your computer all evening after the children are tucked away for the night, you may end up with some serious relationship issues! Once your family and friends are involved and you’ve scheduled time for them in your life, it is time to consider a few ways to make the most of your valuable work time. While you may be tempted to work non-stop during the time you have dedicated to your business, you should actually try to take some breaks. Taking a half-hour walk or having lunch away from your desk can really help you recharge your mind and keeps your body from growing stiff and tired. When you sit back down, you can do so with a clearer view of your goals and fresh energy and focus. Also, don’t be afraid to make a “to do” list for your business. Write the four or five items you absolutely must do on your list and promise yourself that you will get them done before you visit your favorite forums or check your email. This can really help you get more work accomplished in less time. So, although you may not have super powers, you can still have a home life, a business life and some time for yourself. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, ask your family for some help and try out a few of these great ideas for balancing your life. ------- Aurelia Williams is dedicated to helping moms maximize their time and find more time for themselves. Visit her at Real Life Solutions, a Family Resource site that helps you lead an emotionally, more productive and less stressful life.

Work From Home Extra Income Idea's

2006-04-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

If you are finding yourself in a pinch each month, you may want to have a work from home extra income coming into the household. Alice Seba, an Internet Marketing Expert, tells you how you can accomplish this in the following Article. Also visit our 'Work at Home Ideas'. This is your resource for articles and information on work at home ideas, direct selling opportunities and earning a living at home. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Easy to Follow Healthy Diet Tips

2006-04-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

Starting a weight loss diet is one of the easiest things a person can do. Staying with it, well, that's another thing entirely. There are so many reasons that people just can't seem to stay with their weight loss attempts. Dieting can be challenging at times so take time to read these easy to follow Healthy Dieting Tips and be sure to comment here and let me know your thoughts on these great tips. Here's to a healthier life Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Does your child love animals?

2006-04-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

Feel Empowered and Happy About Yourself

2006-04-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

In a search for happiness, many people look for it in other people and not within ourselves. Many people feel that things like money, a better job, better relationships..etc will make them happy. In reality, to find true contentment you must look inside yourself and learn to be your own best friend. That means you have to trust, love, and care for yourself just as you do the people you consider to be close to you. Following are steps that you can incorporate into your life that will help you to feel more empowered and happy about yourself! * Begin to lift yourself up, not put yourself down. If you don't like something about yourself, work to change it. If you can't change it, simply accept it. Don't beat up on yourself with negative self-talk. You're not likely to change for the better when you fill yourself with negative thoughts. * Give yourself positive rewards. When you do something that you are proud of give yourself a small reward. Try not to wait for others to praise you because you may grow resentful if the praise doesn't come. Pat your own back, it is a great feeling that can stay with you for a long time. * Forgive yourself. I doubt that you would keep scolding a child over and over for making a mistake so don't do that to yourself. Give yourself the gift of forgiveness when you make a mistake. After that, work to figure out what lesson you can learn, and use it to make better choices the next time around. * Enjoy your successes. Most people can remember all of the details of depressing, painful or even embarrassing events that happened many years ago. What if you did the same thing with all of your wins? Try to remember all of the triumphs and accomplishments that you've made and keep that memory with you and think about it at least once a week. =============================== Real Life Coaching =============================== I offer wonderful support, guidance, motivation, encouragement and mentoring via online instant messaging, e-mail or telephone. I coach individuals on a wide variety of topics such as how to lead a more organized life, stress and time management and also how to reach a variety of goals. If you are interested, simply visit my site and look at the Coaching Packages that are available. I also have a few short Audio's there that you can listen to. =============================== Helpful Links & Resources =============================== Stress Relief Tips 300 Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips: A breakthrough program that relieves the symptoms of stress and eliminates the causes, actually reversing the stressful habits, attitudes and mindsets you've developed over the course of your life! Here are your 5 Steps to create a better attitude Enjoy!! Aurelia

Free Parenting Tips

2006-04-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

I have added so many great resourses to the Free Parenting Tips section of Real Life Solutions. Your resource for Free Positive Parenting tips and information. Tips from how to help your toddler sleep through the night to how ways to organize your teenager for a positive 'off to college' experience. We have many informative articles for you. Aurelia Williams Real Life Solutions

Free Audio re: the Fear Of Failure

2006-04-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

I am sure that each of you at one time has felt as if you did not quite 'measure up' to a certain challenge or task but try to remember that 'measuring up' is not the goal. The goal is to learn from what you do. See, to me, there is no such thing as failure! It is just an opportunity to grow, learn, and proceed! Do not let fear get if your way of success. Look it your fears right in the eye with love, encouragement, compassion and dedication and work through it! You will be amazed at the power you have within yourself. Take a moment to listen to my short, free and informative audio on overcoming the fear of failure. I hope that you find some tips and ideas to get keep you motivated. Tune in Here Warmly, Aurelia Williams Real Life Solutions Start Your Journey to Joy

Tips on Parenting an Only Child

2006-04-05T23:48:00.000-05:00

Parenting An Only Child - The Joys And Challenges Of Raising Your One And Only: Looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the single-child family, and offers tips on raising an only child. Free parenting resources Here. Aurelia

An Awesome Free Magazine for Moms

2006-04-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

I just love sharing great resources with you all and I have to tell you about this awesome magazine called Mommy Today Magazine. This online magazine is dedicated to today's mom at home. Their unique goal is to enhance the lives of today's mom at home through timely, insightful and useful articles. It is filled with wonderful information that I am sure you will find useful. Best of all, you can subscribe to this magazine free of charge. Happy Reading and be sure to check back here and let me know what your thoughts are on this Magazine! Aurelia Real Life Solutions.

Want to meet with other Moms?

2006-04-04T00:17:00.000-05:00

Hi there - I love talking to other moms and there is an awesome forum that is set aside just for Moms to come and chat. If you looking for a place to chat with other Moms, then be sure to visit check out MomsTalkForum. I is a new forum created for moms to talk about all aspects of motherhood and more. Aurelia

A Free & Short Audio to Stop Procrastination

2006-04-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

We've all been there. We look at our long list of things to do and we just can't muster up the energy to do it. Take a moment to listen to my short, free and informative audio on Procrastination, Keeping your home clean as you stay on top of all your many jobs and how to have FUN while you work. I hope that you find some tips and ideas to get you motivated and to keep that procrastination bug away. Tune in here: Stop Procrastination

How Can I serve you better!

2006-04-02T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hi- This message is all about you! My loyal subscribers and visitors! As you know, I have a passion for supporting women through their personal journeys by helping them live lives that are less stressed, more organized, and filled with more self-confidence. I would love to hear your questions and I would also love to know what you would like to see here in the Real Life Inspiration and Tips newsletter. I truly love getting to know my visitors, I value all of my subscribers and I am searching for ways that I can serve you better. I appreciate all of the feedback that I receive and I really want to hear from you! Here is your chance to ask me about balancing your life, organizing your time and developing a stronger sense of self (self esteem and self confidence boosting) or you can use this chance to make suggestions and ask that I cover certain topics. I am very excited to send out this 'Call for Requests' and I hope that you feel comfortable in sharing your thoughts with me. If you grant me permission, I will also be using your specific questions and answering them here in the newsletter so be sure to include your name, website address or any other information you would like to share. If you prefer to submit your questions and/or comment yet you wish to remain anonymous, I will respect your wishes. Feel free to e-mail and you dont have to limit yourself to just 1 comment. Keep them coming. I am looking forward to the question to come and I would like to take this time to extend a big Thank You for your loyalty! Warmly, Aurelia Williams Real Life Coaching http://www.reallifecoaching.net

Free Tips to Get Moms Organized

2006-04-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

GO (Get Organized) Your resource for free tips, ideas and articles to help you get organized. Learn how to organize your work, life, home and business and your home office. Start to live clutter free! GO (Get Organized)

Mom, do you want more me time?

2006-03-30T16:34:00.000-05:00

Let’s see. You did the laundry, dropped the boys off at Karate and the girls at dance class, stopped at the grocery store for a few last minute dinner items...What’s missing? As you were taking care of everyone else all day long, did you remember to take care of yourself? I know it can be hard to carve out space for you, since being a mom is a full time job, but taking care of yourself helps you have the strength and energy to keep taking care of everyone else, from your children to the snake your son left in the pocket of his dirty jeans. If trying to squeeze out a few more hours a day just for you seems impossible, why not try one of these ideas: 1. Don’t be afraid to start small. It’s better for you to take five minutes to read the funny pages or your favorite inspirational poem than it is to not take any time at all for you. 2. Get up twenty or thirty minutes earlier than usual and spend some time doing something you enjoy, such as reading the paper while you sip your coffee or meditating. By the time the children wake up, you will be ready to start your busy day. 3. Talk to the other moms at your children’s classes and find out if any of them live nearby. See if several of them are interested in forming a carpool, so you don’t have to make every trip to drop off and pick up the kids. 4. Find another mom who has children that get along well with your kids. Alternate babysitting services with her, so that you each have a few hours of free time every week to go to the gym or get your hair done. Don’t be tempted to do chores instead. You need this time for you and you won’t feel very rested and refreshed if you pick up the dry cleaning, do the grocery shopping, and run the car through the car wash instead of relaxing. 5. Delegate evening chores like setting the table, washing the dishes, and packing the next day’s lunch. If everyone does ten or fifteen minutes of work, you will have enough free time to soak in the tub or read a chapter of the newest best seller. 6. If you cook all of your family’s evening meals and always pack lunch for your children, don’t be afraid to give yourself a break once a week. Pizza every night may be unhealthy, but an occasional slice isn’t too unhealthy for the kids. Eating the occasional school lunch can actually be a fun treat for children, even if it doesn’t taste that great. Finally, make sure your family realizes the importance of letting you find some time for yourself. Speak with your children about respecting your quiet time, whenever and however you manage to fit it into your day. ------ Aurelia Williams is a Personal Life Coach that is dedicated to helping moms maximize their time and find more time for themselves. Read about her More Time For Moms program and find out how it can help you to carve out more time for yourself.

Hey WAHM's.. Here is a Freebie for you

2006-03-29T23:10:00.000-05:00

Need a Kick Start for Your Online Business? If You've Lost Direction or Just Aren't Sure What to Do Next... Your ANSWER is Here. Best of All...It's FREE! Mom Masterminds has re-opened their doors to new community members and now is the time to join! Here is your invitation for a free 7-day trial. Free? What can be better than that? So, what are you waiting for? I'll see you there!! Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips

2006-03-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

Freebies for you & your children

2006-03-25T00:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks to your requests for more information on getting organized at home and at work, I have recently added new resources for you. Visit our Get Organized at Home and Work page and take a look at the great resources we have from organizing your children, meals and your business. Also, don't forget to request your Totally Free Goals Report . Simply visit This report will help you to clarify your top 3 goals and then you will receive a personalized, customized, goals report! Lastly, if you find yourself in the house with bored children, take a look at our article on 20 Easy Crafts to do when your children have the "I'm Bored Blues"! We have GREAT Crafts that you can do with items that you already have in your home. Take care and have a lovely weekend. Aurelia

Free Affiliate Program Info

2006-03-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

Internet Marketing Affiliate programs are online arrangements whereby a merchant website pays you (the affiliate) a commission for sending traffic (customers) to them. In essence you are promoting whatever product(s) that merchant is selling. The beauty of this system is that it does not involve: stocking merchandise; shipping and handling; processing credit cards or any kind of customer support. And an added bonus is that you don't even need a website for this type of internet marketing. Read more about Affiliate programs Here.

Yippee! I've Been Tagged!

2006-03-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Niki of Primitive News, so here is some info. abou me Four Jobs I’ve Had: 1) Owner of a Home Day Care Center 2) Cashier at a Pharmacy 3) Receptionist at a law firm 4) Executive Assistant of a Consulting Firm Four Movies I Can Watch Over And Over: 1) The Color Purple 2) Armageddon 3) Crash 4) Malcolm X Four TV Shows I Love To Watch: 1) 24 2) Law & Order (All of them) 3) The Apprentice 4) Oprah Four Places I’ve Been On Vacation: 1) Deleware 2) Bahamas 3) Miami 4) New York Four Tunes That Play In My Head: 1) That Annoying Spongebob Jingle (smile) 2) Power or Love - Stephanie Mills 3) Anything by Earth Wind & Fire 4) She's a Bad Mama Jama Four Favorite Dishes: 1) A Juicy Steak Sautee'd in Onions courtesy of My Husband 2) a bowl of fresh fruit with whip cream on top 3) A Tender Chicken breast served over rice. 4) Pinto Beans served with Rice Four Websites I Visit Daily: 1) Mom Masterminds, 2) Google.com/adsense 3) My Sites Real Life Solutions, Real Life Coaching. 4) Internet Based Moms Four Books I Really Love: 1) The Bible 2) Anything by James Patterson 3) anything by Stephen King 4) Books on African American History Four Places I’d Rather Be: 1) Laying in the bed 2) On Vacation 3) Playing with my children 4) Hmm can't think of a fourth Four Bloggers I’m Tagging: 1) Stacie 2) Heather 3) Susan 4) Deb

Free Homeschooling Information

2006-03-18T01:44:00.000-05:00

No matter if you are new to homeschooling or have years of experience, there are several important considerations to ensure a successful homeschool year. Read this informative article on Homeschoolingand gain some helpful tips.

Build Self Confidence In 3 Quick Steps

2006-03-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

Would you like to feel better about yourself? Do you need to find simple ways of building your self esteem so that you can make more money, look and feel better physically, and have better communication with other people? Below we have three simply techniques that have been proven to help build self confidence. 1. Talk to yourself. All of us have a running monologue constantly running in our heads, whether we realize it or not. Everything we see, hear, or touch sparks off immediate dialog in our thoughts. And if we are not careful, this monologue can be filled with many negative messages that are received from television, radio, advertisements, newspapers, and overhearing other people talk to each other. Negative thoughts literally deplete our mind and body of energy and block the flow of attracting self confidence and self esteem into our lives. Take control of this by using your thoughts to talk to yourself in a positive manner, as often as you can. For example, one my favorite things to say to myself is “I like myself, I like myself, I like myself”. Now before you think it is cheesy, just try it. I bet that if you go to the mirror right now and repeat out loud “I like myself!” 50 times, it will be impossible to keep from smiling. 2. Be at your best. You will be shocked at just how much more confidence you will have just be looking your best. It just plain feels good when you are wearing your best clothes, are well groomed, and are surrounded by a clean environment. So what if it Saturday? Put on your nice clothes, get the car washed, style that hair! A hairdresser once told me “Everyday is show time!” Increase your self esteem even more by giving thanks to what you are, how you look, and what you are doing. Say “thank you” to yourself to everything you see, all whom you meet, and each smile that you receive. 3. Fix your posture: How you stand definitely sends out a message to the world, and in turn, you will feel what message internally. There is even scientific evidence that shows how posture affects our mood. Slouching produces a down-low mood. Standing tall and upright will actually life your mood. Help build up your confidence by pulling back those shoulders, stop that slouch, and walk proud. Oh, and a smile won’t hurt! ----- From the Self Improvement Articles Portal

Tips to get un-stuck!

2006-03-15T19:10:00.000-05:00

Hello there, I hope this message finds you all well. Rut (noun): boring situation: a routine procedure, situation, or way of life that has become uninteresting and tiresome Get your hiking boots out because we are going climbing. Yes, we are going to climb out of our RUTS! Don't laugh; just sit back, read, and soak this all in. We all have things that we do out of sheer comfort, routine or habit that we know we should stop doing. Breaking the habits, traits and ways of life that hold us back or keep us stuck can be done with perseverance, practice and a slight change of pace. If you are stuck in a rut, start by taking a good look around you to examine the behaviors and mindsets you need to change. Next, commit to taking the necessary steps to get out of that rut and start living a more tranquil and liberated life. =============================== Today's Reading =============================== Just because you've always done it, doesn't mean you must continue. Be willing to change, and you'll open up a whole new universe of possibilities. =============================== Action Steps =============================== Here are a few action steps for you to incorporate into your life. 1 - Do something differently - With all of the things that you do daily, I am sure that most of it becomes the norm and seems to run on autopilot. Start incorporating one or two small changes into your day; perhaps it's something new at dinnertime, a switch in our lunch routine, or a scenic route to the grocery store. Don't worry about what the changes are or whether they are right or wrong. By stepping out of your routine, you are in a position to see things differently and to experience different results. 2 - Add the Three F's to your day - Fun, Fulfillment and Freedom! By adding the Three F's to your day, you will become more empowered in your life. The feelings of having fun, being fulfilled, and enjoying freedom are powerful and can help you maximize your current position in life, move ahead, and become more alive. 3 - Identify your obstacles - Ask yourself, "What obstacles are blocking me from moving forward?" Are the obstacles of your own making? Are there any external obstacles? Identify the factors over which you have no control and put them aside. Focus your energy and attention on the factors that you can control and make a point to address them. Too often, we are caught up in fighting issues that we simply have no power over and this can lead to feelings of discouragement, depression and frustration. Put your energy into what can be changed, and you will be encouraged and rejuvenated by the progress you will then be able to make! =============================== Real Life Coaching Freebies =============================== There really is nothing like coaching. The best way to learn about it is to experience it yourself! I would love to introduce you to the world of coaching in a free, no strings attached session. If you are interested, simply e-mail me at info@reallifecoaching.net to set up an appointment or visit Real Life Coaching and fill out the contact form and I will get in touch with you immediately. =============================== Helpful Links & Resources =============================== Warmly, Aurelia Williams

============ Real Life Coaching P.O. Box 92439 Washington, DC 20017 aurelia@reallifecoaching.net Tel: 202-744-2676 To receive these messages directly to your e-mail, simply visit Real Life Coaching and sign up! Thanks!

Mom, Do You Want More Me Time?

2006-03-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

How to Optimize and Free up Some Time

2006-03-10T17:58:00.000-05:00

How To Optimize and Free Up Your Time Time is one of the most important resources that we have. Time is one thing that you can’t swap, borrow or purchase. We are all given the same 24 hours to each day. Even with all of our modern day time saving conveniences such as e-mail, fax machines, microwaves and dish washers, there is no way to get more hours into your day. It is up to each of us to make the very best use of our time since we can’t get it back. Here are some time saving tips that you can use to optimize and free up your precious time: Double Up. One way to maximize your time is to double it up. Try exercising while vacuuming or while watching TV. While you are talking to your children, use that time to go through their back packs and ask them about their day. During your down time chats with your girlfriend on the phone, why not clip coupons or browse through the sales paper. Make Use of Services Available To You. Take advantage of pick-up and delivery services offered by neighborhood stores, dry cleaners and restaurants. One wonderful service to look into would be to hiring a teenager or an errand service to run certain errands for you. Schedule Like Tasks at The Same Time. Instead of sitting in front of your computer all day returning e-mails as they arrive, try to return all e-mails during the same block of time. Set aside an hour or so to return multiple e-mails as opposed to doing it sporadically all day. Combine your outdoor errands. When you are out grocery shopping also pick up your needed prescriptions, run to the post office and fill up your gas tank. By doing this you will not have to leave the house 3 – 4 times in the same day. Organize your Home. We spend so much time looking for things, trying to re-create things that have been lost and cleaning up clutter. Create a spot in your home where you keep, record and pay your bills, store your stamps, envelopes and other things that you use frequently. Don’t forget about your children. How many minutes or hours a day do you spend looking for shoes, socks, toys or that favorite stuffed animal? Arrange things so that your children can take care of some of their everyday needs. Try using shoe racks that hang on the closet door so that your children can hang up their shoes. Use clear storage containers for small toys and a desk for storing all of the arts and crafts supplies. Make Use Of Small Bits of Time. Take care of small projects during waiting periods. For example, if you find yourself waiting in the doctors office, why not use that time to plan and write out your grocery list or “To Do” list. If you use public transportation use that time to read those magazines that have been piling up. Plan Ahead. We can’t always foresee what will be needed but we can be prepared for certain things. Pick and set out your children’s clothes the night before. When you are cooking dinner – double the recipe and freeze half of it to be used for a meal in the upcoming weeks. Before you go to bed, create a short list of the things that you have to do the next day. Be sure to allow for some flexibility in your schedule. If the sun starts shining on what you thought was going to be a rainy day, grab those children and head to the park or take an impromptu trip to the Zoo! Just make sure to take care of yourself and be wise about your time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions. She's the author of Journey To Joy, an empowering and life changing eBook.

Come Celebrate Women's Day

2006-03-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

Celebrating Women's Day Free Online celebration for Women on March 9-10, 2006. It's a fun 2 Day event - 2 Days of Empowerment for Women. There will be FREE downloadable resources, networking opportunities and even goodie bags!! Learn more about the event by visiting the event site above. We look forward to celebrating with you. See you there. Aurelia

Free Resourses for Everyone!

2006-03-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

I enjoy passing along free and helpful information to you so here I am again with some great free resources that you can apply to both your business and personal life. Celebrating Women's Day Free Online celebration for Women on March 9-10, 2006. It's a fun 2 Day event - 2 Days of Empowerment for Women. There will be FREE downloadable resources, networking opportunities and even goodie bags!! Learn more about the event by visiting the event site above. We look forward to celebrating with you. ========================== Free-Ed.Net Free-Ed.net provides free, quality education over the Internet for a global audience. Free-Ed.Net is the number-one Google listing for free education and serves nearly a half-million users each month. ========================== Mom Masterminds Mom Masterminds is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. They offer a free 9-day course that gets right to the nitty-gritty of creating a thriving online business. When you sign up for our 9-day course, you'll also receive an exclusive invitation to a free 7-day trial at Mom Masterminds. ========================= Free Goals Report Clarify your top 3 goals and then get your personalized, customized, Free Goals Report! This is a wonderful way to start off on the path to reaching your goals. Enjoy the free resources and please let me know what you think of the resources above. I love hearing from you. ========================= 20 Easy Crafts to do when your children have the "I'm Bored Blues"! GREAT Crafts that you can do with items that you already have in your home. Warmly, Aurelia Real Life Solutions

A Mom's Guide to Working at Home- 40% off

2006-03-06T22:44:00.000-05:00

I Love My Life: A Mom's Guide to Working at Home Imagine rush hour being the time it takes to snuggle up with your kids, boot up your computer and pour a cup of coffee. In 20 minutes, you have accomplished more (and had much more fun) than your counterparts still sitting in the smog of exhaust on the freeway. The ultimate dream of working from home with your kids! You are about to discover a system that is revolutionary yet so simple. Kristie Tamsevicius' I Love My Life is designed as a primary resource for work-at-home moms, but is useful to any home-based business owner. She shows how to manage business financials, build an effective business web site, market effectively online, grow your business, and earn in your sleep--and much more. She describes it as "a motivational, start up and high power business strategy book all-in-one.

This Book is regularly priced at $14.95 - $19.95 but if you order it through Real Life Solutions via e-mail you can get this awesome book delivered to your door for the low price of $10.95 (that includes shipping).

Be sure to check out the reviews of this book at Amazon.

Share your Goals with me...

2006-03-05T15:24:00.000-05:00

Hi there eveyone - I am really curious to know what your goals are. I know many of you stop by and post your comments and I really appreciate it and would love to know a bit about what you are working on in your business and/or personal life. Don't be shy - Post away and share. Lets support eachother. One of my immediate goals is to add at least 2 new pages to my Real Life Solutions site each week! Who else would like to share? Aurelia

Five Tips for Guiding Children's Behavior

2006-03-02T20:24:00.000-05:00

"How many times have I told you?" "Can't you see I'm trying to ...?" "You are a real troublemaker!" "That's enough - I've had it!" Do any of these sound familiar? Guiding children to behave in appropriate and acceptable ways is challenging for many adults. There are no quick, easy answers because every child is unique. Differing temperaments, personalities, needs, growth patterns, home environment, and family settings affect children's lives. The following five points should be part of your general plan to guide children's behavior. PROMOTE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR Both parents and caregivers who use positive reinforcement find it a "self-fulfilling prophecy." Children become what we expect of them. Be very specific about the compliments and praise you give. This lets the child know exactly what behavior, actions, and words you liked. For example, "I really like the cooperation I saw between June, Steve, and Siron in cleaning up the dress-ups." Or, "I really appreciate how well you listened to the directions for this activity. It helped things to run smoothly." Or, "I noticed how helpful you were to Terrence today outdoors. I know he appreciates that, and I do too." The child is then more likely to repeat the positive behavior. Caregivers can build a child's self-esteem in many other small ways. Share hugs, smiles, and kisses. Tell a child s/he is important to you. Praise a child within the earshot of others. Give a child your undivided attention. For those children who seem to get your attention for their misbehavior only, try shifting the focus of your attention. Try writing down a list of the things you like or appreciate about that child. Give that child at least as much attention for his or her positive behavior as for misbehavior. EXPECT CHILDREN TO OBEY Be very clear about rules and expectations. Give children an option unless there is a question of personal safety or health, when there is destruction or aggression involved, or when, you as the adult, decide the situation calls for prompt action. Demonstrate your confidence by using short, clear, positive statements. Use a tone that says you expect compliance. MAINTAIN FAIRNESS AND CONSISTENCY Deal with challenges in a matter-of-fact, calm manner. Consider the child's age and "normal" behavior for this age range. Learn about developmental stages of children and their accompanying physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. For example, it is unrealistic to expect a child who is 18-months-old to do much sharing, since toddlers, by their nature, are very self-centered. Communicate rules and their consequences in words that children understand. When a child breaks a rule, follow through with a fair, appropriate, and meaningful consequence right away. When you are fair and consistent in your response to misbehavior, the child's sense of security and knowledge of right from wrong will be reinforced. ALLOW THE EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS Allowing a child to express his or her feelings does not mean allowing such inappropriate expressions as hitting or hurting others. Sometimes, providing quiet time along with a favorite toy or blanket will help a child to relax and calm down. Some children express anger, resentment, and frustration by pounding with a hammer on a pegboard, punching an old pillow, kicking a soccer ball in the backyard, creating a picture, or using self-talk with their stuffed animals. Offer to take a walk with the child or to read a story together. These activities may help diffuse strong feelings of anger or frustration. It is important to provide a range of acceptable avenues for children to release these very strong, yet natural emotions. THINK AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Look past today's difficult moments. Remember that your goal is for the child to achieve self-discipline. When problems do arise, step back from the scene if you can. Count to ten, or do whatever helps you maintain your composure and your perspective. Keep in mind the example you set through your own behavior. The way in which adults treat children and each other in your program serves as a model for children. For example, the use of phrases like, "Thank you," "Please," or "Can I help you?" should be a part of everyone's routine behavior. Guiding children's behavior is a major commitment from caregivers. Progress may seem slow at times. Regression and setbacks are likely to occur. Through it all, keep your sense of humor, and remind yourself of your successes and of the important role you play in caring for children. ----------- Better Behavior Wheel Parenting Tool! An upbeat, fun parenting tool for parents wishing to manage their behavior challenged kids. Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Goodwin, E. (1994). Five tips for guiding children's behavior. In Todd, C.M. (Ed.), *Day care center connections*, 3(6), pp. 1-2. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.

Parenting Tips: Over 1,500 For the cost of 2 Happy Meals!

2006-02-28T00:32:00.000-05:00

Parenting Tips: Over 1,500 For the cost of 2 Happy Meals! Practical Parenting Tips is a treasured classic of time-tested tips and advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics and from parents "in the trenches." Now updated for the twenty-first century, Practical Parenting Tips is perfectly positioned to address all the changing needs and concerns of today's parents. Practical Parenting Tips: Over 1,500 Helpful Hints for the First Five Years

Baby Talk Magazine - FREE Subscription.

2006-02-26T23:06:00.000-05:00

Free Subscription to Baby Talk Magazine Babytalk has all the information expectant and new parents want and need – from health and safety issues to the latest and greatest products for baby. Hurry while this special lasts. Aurelia

Stress Management Tips for Moms

2006-02-26T15:14:00.000-05:00

Let's Face it, every mom has had one of "those days". The baby is feed and dry but very fussy, your child forgot to tell you about a science project that is due tomorrow and hands you a list of 10 things that you must get from the store, you forgot the roast in the oven and now it is dry and your husband just called to say that he is stuck at the office... again! After a day like this, it can be very hard to keep your stress level low. With each passing minute you may feel your stress and irritability rising, your patience getting shorter and your fuse about to blow! Calgon Take Me Away!! When you feel the need to escape and take a few minutes to yourself to de-stress, follow some (if not all) of the tips below. Put yourself in time out: Allow some alone time for yourself. Use this time to focus on you. Find a place in your home that you can go to and find privacy. You can ask your partner or a friend to take the family out for a few hours while you enjoy your alone time. Do nothing, sleep, read, watch a movie, and just enjoy your solitude. Call a Friend: Rather than yelling at your husband or your children, try picking up the phone and vent to a friend. Be sure not to vent AT her, but rather tell her about your day and get it all out. If she offers you some advice, listen and soak it in. This mini-time out session will leave you feeling heard, de-stressed and you will find that by the end of your call some of you anger will have dissipated. Play: As adults, we sometimes forget the beneficial value of play. Play stimulates our imagination, encourages our creativity, boosts our energy, and best of all, it is fun. Try a game of tennis, a game of cards online or perhaps invite some friends over for an evening of adult board games. Meditate: Meditation has been proven to reduce your blood pressure, and helps to dramatically reduce your stress level. Meditation and/or prayer will help you to keep in touch with your spiritual side. Meditation is a very effective method of relaxation. To meditate, quiet your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breath. Find a relaxed comfortable position where Try visualizing good health and peace as you inhale. While you are breathing out breathe out all of your stress. Set aside approximately 20 minutes for this exercise. Upon completion, you will see just how much more relaxed your mind and body is. Take a nap: Find a quiet, comfortable spot and take a nap. Even a short power nap can leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and more focused. Studies have shown that people who spent 30 minutes each day napping had one third less heart disease than those who didn't nap. Eat: Not just anything but certain things. Studies show that certain foods can help reduce stress. Carbohydrates will actually soothe you. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, air-popped popcorn and low-calorie cookies. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in just one baked potato or a cup of spaghetti or white rice, is enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day. Movie Time: If you don’t have anyone to watch the children for you while you de-stress. Put in one of their favorite movies, supply your children with a few healthy snacks, and have them occupy themselves for a little while so that you can take a breather. Don't feel guilty for taking time out to rejuvenate your mind and body. Being a mom is not an easy task and it is a full time job. Take a break when you need it and be sure to ask for help to keep the stress at bay. ---- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching. Are you looking to reduce your stress? Join our Stress Less program. Free Consultation included. Feel free to reprint this article using the byline above -------------------------------------------------------------- Related Product: 300 Breakthrough Stress Relief Tips: A breakthrough program that relieves the symptoms of stress and eliminates the causes, actually reversing the stressful habits, attitudes and mindsets you've developed over the course of your life!

Simple Ways To Stay Positive

2006-02-24T21:40:00.000-05:00

The life you experience is nourished by the thoughts you think. What kind of nourishment are your current thoughts providing? It is amazing how our thought process and our words can keep us stuck in an uncomfortable place if we aren't careful. Life will always be filled with a few curve balls and surprises and I encourage everyone to really work at being more positive (in your thoughts, speech and actions). Work at this daily until it becomes so much of a habit, that you won't even have to think about it. Positive thinking is infectious and leads to a 'can do' attitude within any individual that adopts this approach to life. =============================== Action Steps ===============================

Stop negative thoughts in their tracks. Whenever you hear yourself "thinking" a negative thought ~ STOP and replace it with a positive thought. Instead of saying to yourself, "I'm not good at this." Stop yourself and say, "I am getting better at this with each and every try."

If you catch yourself visualizing failure, switch to visualizing success.

Look for the positive. No matter what the situation is, there is always a negative and a positive side of it. Sometimes, the positive side may not be easy to see right off the bat, but if you look deep enough it is there.

Decide that from today, you are leaving negative thinking behind, and starting on the way towards positive thinking. It is never too late to start this process and soon you notice things changing for the better. I offer wonderful support, guidance, motivation, encouragement and mentoring via online instant messaging, e-mail or telephone. I coach individuals on a wide variety of topics such as how to lead a more organized life, stress and time management and also how to reach a variety of goals. If you are interested, simply review my visit Coaching Packages and read about how I can be of help and also listen to the short audio's that I have. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Quick Tip: Share Your Load

2006-02-22T12:06:00.000-05:00

Even though we may feel that we are the only ones capable of doing something (work or family related), it’s usually not the case. Make an effort to get your partner, family members, Virtual Assistant or others to help you with your work and home responsibilities. You will soon find yourself happier, less stressed and with more time on your hands. AureliaReal Life Solutions

Ways To Plan Your Meals & Free Up Your Time

2006-02-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

Meal planning and bulk cooking are both wonderful techniques you can utilize and modify to fit your families needs. The idea behind this is simple. The principle is that you cook and or prepare your meals ahead of time and then preserve them by either freezing or fridgerating them. Also, meal planning you can cook one large meal and get 2-3 other meals out of it! The key here is to make every meal you cook count! When you are going to prepare a family favorite, double, triple, even quadruple the recipe if it will keep in the freezer. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? Why not give yourself a much-needed break -- cook ahead today so you can relax tomorrow! Real the full, easy to follow article Here ===================== Related Resources ===================== Healthy Menu Mailer : Your very own personal pssistants that plan the meals and make out the grocery list for you while you're spending time with your family! You will get delicious, healthy meal ideas by e-mail each week! With each Healthy Menu Mailer you will get...

7 healthy dinner recipes your family will love.

a grocery list to go along with it.

a personal note from us to encourage you.

access to our breakfast, lunch, side dish, dessert and snack recipes

access to our members only forum to meet other like minded moms, exchange ideas and recipes and of course we will be there to help you along the way as well. Your 1st week is FREE Here's to a less stressed and healthier meal time! Aurelia Williams Click here for Real Life Solutions.

Fun Indoor Activities for Children

2006-02-20T00:38:00.000-05:00

When it's raining, snowing, or just plain too cold to play outside, your household can fall victim to the "I'm Bored Blues". With a little creativity and imagination, you can turn the tables and find fun things to do without running to the store or turning on the television. Keep this list of ideas handy, or write each idea on a slip of paper and put them in a hat. The next time the kids are bored, let them draw a slip of paper from a hat to decide which activity to do first! Click here for Fun Indoor Activities for Children.

4 Easy Way To Be Good To Yourself!!

2006-02-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

Here are a few action steps for you to incorporate into your day. 1 - Be sure you are getting enough rest. Inadequate or poor quality of sleep can lead to feelings of daytime tiredness. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep so that you are ready to tackle the day. 2 - Take short breaks during your day. Try doing something for yourself periodically throughout the day. You can close your eyes and daydream, browse through the paper, or simply have a short friendly chat with a friend. 3 - Try exercising. Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress and to be good to your body. Exercising releases endorphins and gives you a natural "high". 4 - Practice Daily Relaxation Exercises. A few good relaxing exercises include deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and visualization (imaging a relaxing scene). =============================== Real Life Coaching Freebies =============================== There really is nothing like coaching. The best way to learn about it is to experience it yourself! I would love to introduce you to the world of coaching in a free, no strings attached session. If you are interested, simply e-mail me at info@reallifecoaching.net to set up an appointment. Warmly, Aurelia Williams

5 Easy Steps To Build Up Your Self Esteem

2006-02-16T23:24:00.000-05:00

Building Self Confidence

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T12:11:00.000-05:00

I just had to share this article by my Friend Nicole Dean it is titled: Orgin of Valentine's Day Each February, in places around the world, friends exchange flowers, gifts, and candy in celebration of Valentine's Day. The name of St. Valentine is known across the globe as a patron saint. Most of us however, do not know the true origin of St. Valentine and how this special day came to be. What we do know is that February is the month of romance. As we know it today, St. Valentine's Day contains elements of both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three martyred saints names Valentine or Valentineus. Read the rest of this wonderful article Here

Free Resourses for Everyone!

2006-02-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

I enjoy passing along free and helpful information to you so here I am again with some great free resources that you can apply to both your business and personal life. Mom Masterminds! Mom Masterminds is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. They offer a free 9-day course that gets right to the nitty-gritty of creating a thriving online business. When you sign up for our 9-day course, you'll also receive an exclusive invitation to a free 7-day trial at Mom Masterminds. ========================== Free Online Classes at HP Free online training that brings the classroom to you. They offer courses on a variety of popular topics. ========================== Free Reprint Articles Over 25 articles on self worth, time management and personal development. ========================= Free Goals Report Clarify your top 3 goals and then get your personalized, customized, Free Goals Report! This is a wonderful way to start off on the path to reaching your goals. Enjoy the free resources and please let me know what you think of the resources above. I love hearing from you. Warmly, Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Free Trial At Mom Masterminds...

2006-02-12T23:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been a member of Mom Masterminds now for a ABOUT 3 Months and I've seen a steady increase in my website traffic and affiliate income. Mom Masterminds has re-opened their doors to new community members and now is the time to join! Here is your invitation for a free 7-day trial. Free? What can be better than that? So, what are you waiting for? I'll see you there!! Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Free Online Courses To Keep You Organized!

2006-02-10T17:51:00.000-05:00

Hi - I had to share this with you! I found these great online classes that focus on many aspects of organization. The classes are being offered by Smead Organizing University. The courses are informative, instructor-led, free, practical -- and they fit easily into any schedule. Be sure to visit Smead Organizing University and take look at the great free sessions that are offered and see if there is one that interests you! Happy Organizing

Creating an Easy Houshold Budget

2006-02-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

If your financial situation seems to be getting worse with each passing month, don't despair; with the aid of a household budget you should be able to quickly get things under control again. Take a look at these great Houshold Budgeting Tips and get back on track

A Free eCourse From Mom Masterminds

2006-02-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

As you all know -- I tell it like it is and I have to say, that Mom Masterminds is the Place to be if you are ready to get down to business and start earning more money! Mom Masterminds is a hands-on mentoring community for mothers who are ready to work past the fluff and re-focus on making real money from their online businesses. Well, I grew tired of the fluff and I am ready to make REAL Money. In just a hte 1at month, I was able to DOUBLE my Adsense Affiliate income and I learned more about SEO and other key business issues. Also the networking is priceless!! The community is hands on, friendly, helpful and HONEST! What more can a business woman as for in amentoringg program. Sign up for the Mom Masterminds Free 9-Day Marketing CourseBe Added to Our Priority Notification List. Aurelia Real Life Solutions

WAHM's and Stress & A FREEBIE for you ALL

2006-02-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

The new edition of the Real Life Solutions Newsletter is up and ready for you to enjoy. I hope this message finds you all well. I am so excited about this issue and I am thrilled to be able to invite you all to a Totally FREE Teleseminar on how to help balance, organize and live the life that you want. You can read the newsletter Here. Thanks & have a wonderfully productive and fulfilling week! Aurelia Williams Real Life Solutions Real Life Coaching

Free Teleseminar on Life Balance & Organization

2006-02-04T22:41:00.000-05:00

Hi - If you'd rather listen to this email, please Click Here Remember last week when I asked you to submit your burning questions about balancing your life, organizing your time, and developing a stronger sense of self? Well, the questions have been coming in and now it's time for you to hear the results during a LIVE! 65-minute teleseminar on February 8, 2006 at 9pm ET! During this teleseminar I will answer your most frequently asked questions and the best part is, you may attend at zero cost! Yes, that's absolutely FREE! If you would like to attend, please register early because I've only reserved 100 tele-slots. Click here to Register After you attend this LIVE! 65-min. teleseminar, you'll discover... * How to balance your life * How to organize your time * How to develop a stronger sense of self * And much, much, much, more!!! REMEMBER: This teleseminar is limited to the first 100 who register. And registrants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to register for the call by visiting: Here You don't want to miss this. I hope to hear you on the call! Aurelia Williams, The Real Life Coach Real Life Coaching Aurelia Williams invites you to visit Real Life Solutions for free tips and ideas to help you get organized.

Time Saving Tips for ALL Moms

2006-02-02T00:19:00.000-05:00

It is no surprise that moms feel overwhelmed when they try to fit everything into their busy days. After all, few single people can manage to juggle work, home life, and fun successfully. On top of these responsibilities, moms add car pool duty, cupcake emergencies, and last minute science projects to their to do lists. So, how do moms manage to fit all of those tasks into their lives and still keep their sanity without resorting to cloning? First, you may want to consider making a list of tasks that need to be completed. Then, take a hard look at that list for anything that could be simplified or eliminated. For example, do your children really need home baked cupcakes for the school party? The bakery up the street will be happy to box up 24 cupcakes and have them ready for you to pick up the next morning, saving you at least a half hour. Next, look for tasks that really take a lot of your time, but could be done by someone else. If your children are too young to help walk the dog, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker to give your pooch his daily exercise. Errand services are also a great time saver. You can have your errand service shop for back to school supplies, pick up groceries, or get the dry cleaning. A maid service can come in once a week to do some heavy duty cleaning. Another task that takes a lot of time is cooking. However, you can stop cooking a meal from scratch every evening and still feed your family without hitting speed dial for your favorite pizza with bulk cooking. Pick a weekend and cook enough food for an entire month of meals. Freeze the food in dinner size portions and simply reheat a dinner each evening. Of course moms who work from home have a flexibility that other moms don’t have. If you become overwhelmed with all that you have to do, give yourself permission to take some time off to catch up. If you simply can’t take time off, you may want to find a mother’s helper to watch the children and do some basic household chores while you work. Finally, if it seems you are always spending your evenings helping your children complete big assignments that are due the next day, give each of your children a homework notebook. If they neglect to write assignments down, ask their teachers to initial the assignment book, so you will know that all assignments are listed. This will eliminate all of those last minute posters, science fair projects, and reports that moms seem to end up helping with until midnight the night before they are due. ----------- Aurelia Williams invites you to visit Real Life Solutions for free tips and ideas to help you get organized.

Keeping Your Children Busy When WAH!

2006-01-30T12:33:00.000-05:00

Juggling children and work can be a challenge, whether you work outside the home or you are a work from home mom, but, in some ways, work from home moms face more challenges than moms who work outside the home. After all, when you’re in a traditional office, you don’t need to worry that a coworker will burst into the room and scream “Mommy, he took my doll,” just as you are beginning an important conference call. So how does a work from home mom manage to keep her children happy and busy while she is trying to get her job done? First, you need to let your children know when you are not to be disturbed. Set up a schedule that includes playtime and work time and remind them that if they don’t disturb you while you are working, you will be able to give them your complete attention during playtime. As a reminder, use a do not disturb sign on your office door when you absolutely cannot be interrupted. Of course, it is easy for your children to behave while you are working if they have something to do. Fill a box with games and toys that can only be used while mom is working. Make sure you add a new puzzle, coloring book, or small toy on a frequent basis, to keep your children interested. If you don’t work on the phone, it is a bit easier to keep your children content when you are working. Set up an office space just for them, complete with a small table and chairs. Fill a lunch box with some of their favorite snacks and a few juice boxes each morning, so you aren’t inundated with requests for food and drinks. Add a children’s magazine, simple puzzles, coloring books, and art supplies. When your children are able to work along side you, the number of interruptions should decrease drastically. For moms who really need peace and quiet, but have small children, a mother’s helper can be a great solution. Since you will still be in the house, you do not need a fully trained baby sitter to help out. Instead, look for a teen who has little babysitting experience, but likes kids. She will probably be happy to watch your children while you work for the cost of a few good after school snacks and a few dollars. Finally, sometimes it’s just not possible to keep your children quiet and content while you are working. If your child is ill, you may just need to decide to take the day off. After all, the reason you are working from home is to have the flexibility to be there for your children when they need you! Be Well, Aurelia Aurelia Williams, is a certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Solutions a Family Resource site that helps you lead an emotionally & physically healthier, more productive and less stressful life.

Knock Out Negative Thoughts

2006-01-28T19:31:00.000-05:00

Whether you're a glass-half-full or half-empty type, chances are you get caught in a cycle of negative thoughts from time to time. But once you're mired in misery, how do you restore your inner Pollyanna? "It's all about perspective," says Judith S. Beck, PhD, director of The Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research in suburban Philadelphia and author of Cognitive Therapy for Challenging Problems: What to Do When the Basics Don't Work (Guilford Press). Here are her tips on how to get your thinking back on track and regain a sunnier outlook. Pay attention to your feelings Your ability to fight negative thoughts hinges on identifying them as soon as they appear, says Beck. If you're feeling distressed, ask yourself "What was just going through my mind?" Often, it's something like "I'm not doing a good enough job" or "I'm not as good as other moms." Once you've identified the thought, look for evidence that it's accurate or inaccurate. Take the example of a mother who, at the end of a long day, doesn't read her toddler a bedtime story and later thinks "I'm such a terrible mother." Once you recognize that thought, you can evaluate it and change it to more accurately reflect the truth, Beck says. If there is a problem, like never reading to your child, you can take steps to change that behavior. But more likely you'll be able to say, "I wish I had the energy to read to him that night, but I was so tired and missing one bedtime story does not mean I am a bad mother." De-catastrophize your thoughts Many mothers have the tendency to think of the worst possible outcome, says Beck. Using the example from above, that mother might expand the original thought to something like: "I'm sure I have hurt my child's feelings by not reading him a story. I've scarred him for life and he won't meet his greatest potential." This is called catastrophizing. It can be difficult to step back from that perspective and see things more realistically. Beck suggests jumping to the other extreme, the best that could happen -- maybe he'll exceed his potential. Seeing the two extremes can help you find the more likely outcome: that he'll be fine and this one incident won't have a far-reaching impact. Adjust your expectations "Often moms have unrealistic expectations for themselves. They feel like they have to be the perfect mother or somehow they will harm their child," says Beck. To help set reasonable expectations, talk to mothers with grown children to remind yourself that most kids grow up to be fine. "Trying to be perfect will always leave you feeling frustrated and guilty," says Beck. Instead of focusing on the one thing you feel you did wrong, give yourself credit for all the things you do right. Protect your personal time "Moms must take care of themselves," Beck insists. On Beck's essential list is getting plenty of rest and exercise, eating nutritiously, and spending time with your spouse, friends, and family. Taking time to participate in activities that nourish you helps you keep a realistic perspective, and you may get helpful input from others you trust. "Simply getting out of the house every day can help keep you from dwelling on negative ideas," says Beck. -------------- Julia Tolliver Maranan, a former editor at Natural Health magazine, is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health and fitness.

Relaxation & Stress Reduction

2006-01-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

Hi there - I just wanted to share this with you. I am a proud owner of The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook and I have just worked through the entire book. I've been curious about this book for some time now and wanted to experience it 1st hand before recommendating it to my clients and friends. I found this workbook to be very appropriate for anyone looking to find ways to reduce the amount of anxiety and stress they feel. It is formatted very nicely and comes with many self tests, stress reduction techniques and tips on reducing stress. The thing that I loved the most about this book is that it wasn't a One Size Fit's All workbook. It offered many different techniques that I am sure will help many different people! If you have been looking for ways to work on your Relaxation and Stress Reduction then this workbook is for you. Be Well, Aurelia Real Life Solutions

Submit your Life Balance & Self Care Questions

2006-01-25T14:16:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone As you know, I have a passion for supporting women through their personal journeys by helping them live lives that are less stressed, more organized, and filled with more self-confidence. Well the reason for this special message to you is that I wanted to share some exciting news. I was recently contact by Cindi Dawson of www.IdRatherWorkAtHome.com and she wants to interview me! Yes, me! I will be interviewed during a LIVE 70-minute teleseminar! Where do you come in you may ask? ***Here's My Small Request*** Well, I value your opinions, suggestions, comments and questions and I really want to hear from you! Here is your chance to ask me about balancing your life, organizing your time and developing a stronger sense of self. Here's your chance to ask me as many questions as you'd like and also get registered for the interview. (The time and date will be announced after the questions are compiled). Below is the link to the site where you can ask your question(s). Your information will be kept in order to notify you about how to get phone access to LIVE teleseminar. Ask Aurelia. I can't wait to see your questions, ----------- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions. She's the author of Journey To Joy, an empowering and life changing eBook.

How To Optimize and Free Up Your Time

2006-01-22T13:37:00.000-05:00

Give your Self Esteem a KICK in the pants

2006-01-21T19:48:00.000-05:00

Is your self confidence affecting the way you view life? Are you ready to make small changes that can have a lasting positive impact on your life? If you can relate to the above statements then you will love the Feel GREAT about Yourself Coaching package. This package will help you to develop your motivation and confidence, improve the quality of your life and achieve your goals. With this package you will begin unleash the tools within yourself to build more self-esteem!

This option includes a free initial 30 minute phone session.

One 60 minute session = $45/month
Two 45 minute sessions = $80/month
Three 45 minute sessions = $130/month
Four 45 minute sessions = $150/month

Outside of our phone sessions, this plan also includes up to 5 e-mail responses per month. This Coaching Package Includes:

A Welcome Packet before the first scheduled session. This packet will contain materials designed to get you off to a strong start.
Periodic e-mail contact in between sessions, to share good news or ask for quick advice. This ensures that you stay on track. Quick phone call sessions can also be arranged at no charge.
Additional materials and/or assessments, based upon your situation and need.

Visit Real Life Coaching Today!

Here is a time Saving Idea...

2006-01-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

We all lead busy lives and I have a wonderful idea that anyone can use to help them save time during the Dinner Rush. Meal planning and bulk cooking are both wonderful techniques you can utilize and modify to fit your families needs. The idea behind this is really simple and saves you so much time! You can Read more here in my article on Quick Meal Planning Tips.

Are you STUCK? Need a Push?

2006-01-19T20:52:00.000-05:00

I've Fallen and I Can't Get UP! Coaching package This package will help you get 'un-stuck'. No matter what the situation is, if you are ready to break free, I will be your accountability parnter and your coach through that time. Together we will explore where you might be stuck or struggling, and begin creating specific strategies for you to get un-stuck and move forward confidently! You can choose from:

One 60 minute session per month

Two 45 minute sessions per month

Three 45 minute sessions per month

Four 45 minute sessions per month All telephone coaching plans include up to 14 e-mail responses per month. Between sessions, if you need to ask questions, tell your story, bounce some ideas around, you can e-mail me and we can set up a short appointment. I do not bill for this time, but we will need to keep these "impromptu" calls to approximately 15 minutes. You will also receive:

A Welcome Packet before the first scheduled session. This packet will contain materials designed to get you off to a strong start.

Periodic e-mail contact in between sessions, to share good news or ask for quick advice. This ensures that you stay on track. Quick phone call sessions can also be arranged at no charge.

Additional materials and/or assessments, based upon your situation and need. Feel free to read more about my Coaching Packages. Take Care. Aurelia Williams Real Life Coaching.

7 Ways to Stop Procrastination

2006-01-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

There are a number of techniques to help you stop procrastination once and for all. If you can stop procrastination in your life just think about what you could accomplish and how much better you would feel. Read more about the 7 Magical Ways To Stop Procrastination . ---------- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions.

Tend to Your Wildflowers as They Bloom

2006-01-17T22:20:00.000-05:00

Tend to Your Wildflowers as They Bloom by Aurelia Williams Whether we see them or not, wildflowers bloom with each passing year. They blanket uninhabited mountainsides with carpets of beautiful color with each season. Our children bloom with new attributes to their personalities with each passing day as well—whether we take notice or not. Time has a funny way of slipping away from us right under our noses, and we must be careful not to miss out on the beauty of everyday. Sure, we all have floors to clean, laundry to wash, bills to pay and running around to do day after day. All the chores we do are for the purpose of providing a safe and clean environment for our families, but the more important task at hand is to take notice of our children’s emotional and spiritual needs. It’s very easy to get into a strict schedule—off to school, do chores in between, home from school, homework, dinner, bath, and then bed. Day after day we stick to our schedules and rely on things remaining the same for the sake of sanity. Having a schedule is wonderful; in fact it’s a great way to provide stability for our children. However, there are times when we need to break away from our schedules; be free to have fun and spend time sharing in our children’s childlike spirit! Make time to enjoy your children—play tea party, army men, board games or whatever suits their fancy! Playing with your kids is not only fun for them, but it’s also relaxing for you. For a brief moment in time, you’re not the waitress, disciplinarian, dietician, or taxi driver—you’re just “ma” having a good time with your children. Just this once, don’t yell at the kids for running down the hall laughing out loud because your favorite television show is on—turn off the T.V. and run down the hall with them and play a game or two of hide and go seek! Loosen the bun from the back of your head and get some dirt under your fingernails and dig for worms on a hot summer day; and then go rinse off under the sprinkler with them, clothes and all! I challenge you to have more fun being a parent and interact with your child’s playtime more often. Although it can be difficult to manage a household, raise kids and take time for yourself on a daily basis; you should enjoy your little wildflowers while you can, for someday they will bloom into adulthood and tend to their own wildflower gardens! ---------- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions. She's the author of Journey To Joy, an empowering and life changing eBook.

Cleaning Tips for Busy Moms

2006-01-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

The 3-Step Solution to Cleaning for Busy Moms Children need picking up after soccer practice? Super Mom to the rescue! Dinner needs to get on the table? Once again, Super Mom is there! A task at work that no one else wants to tackle? You already know who will deal with it - you. With the stresses of your day-to-day life, housecleaning is likely the last thing on your mind. And yet, it’s hard to ignore, since the proof of it equals a cluttered, messy house – definitely not the happy haven you want your home to be. Here, then, is a simple 3-step solution to help finally solve the hassle of housecleaning. If you’re a ‘happy slob’ like me – just a laid back, fun natured person who’d rather be doing anything but cleaning – then it might be exactly the solution you’ve been looking for. The 3-Step Solution Simplified: 1. Two daily cleaning bursts. What is a cleaning burst? A cleaning burst is an intense burst of cleaning – getting maximum results in minimum time. Try to do one cleaning burst in the morning and one in the evening. You decide how much time you can budget for each burst. Only five minutes? Fine! If you’ve got twenty, great! Use a timer to keep track, and when it rings, you’re done. During your cleaning bursts, stay focused on cleaning – and clean your impact areas first (the areas that people see the most in your home.) Get family involved, even if they only help for a few minutes. 2. One daily Focus Room: The daily focus room is an area where you do more in-depth cleaning. Create a list of focus rooms that includes storage areas. I recommend 10-15 minutes a day in your focus room, but if you don’t have that much time, then just spend the time you can afford. If you have more time, then go for it! 3. One weekly Clean-for-All: One day a week, you and the family finish up the rest of the housecleaning that didn’t get done during the week, or any larger jobs. Keep track during the week of areas that need more work during your clean-for-all. Assign tasks to all members of the family. Again, set a time budget and use your timer to stick to that budget. Anything that doesn’t get done this week will get done next week – so don’t stress! Reward everyone for helping out, including yourself. Why does it work? It’s simple, flexible, fast, and keeps you focused on the tasks at hand while you are cleaning. And, it’s surprisingly effective – after doing this for only a few days, you’ll see a big difference. Just remember: do what you can, and then carry on with your life. Cleaning Formulas - Cleaning formulas aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. You’d think, for instance, that anti-bacterial cleaner would be your best friend. If it cleans and kills nasty bacteria, it must be good, right? Wrong-o my friend! In fact, these cleaners can make bacteria more resistant and cause more harm than good in the long run. Plus, the chemicals in many commercial cleaners are dangerous for children and pets. Natural cleaners are an excellent option – they’re easier on you, your family, your wallet, and the environment. Here are two simple ones to get you started… Very Vinegar Cleaner - A fantastic all-purpose cleaner. In a clean spray bottle (not a bottle that has contained other chemicals) pour 1 part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts plain cool tap water. Give the bottle a good shake. This stuff is amazing on glass, mirrors, and all other surfaces in the home. And don’t worry, the smell dissipates quickly. If you want to add extra cleaning power, add a few drops of natural liquid soap.

Powder Cleanser Substitute - One ingredient – baking soda. This will replace any powdered cleanser you usually buy. Baking soda is inexpensive, safe for you and your family, and a lot friendlier to the environment. Plus, it gets sinks, tubs, and tiles really nice and clean. Cleaning no longer has to be a much-hated chore. Using the Happy Slob’s techniques, you can finally clean in less time, while having more fun! Try today – just start with the cleaning bursts, then when you’re accustomed to that, add a bit of focus room cleaning. Your home will thank you for the attention! ------- About the Author: Christina is the author of: “The Happy Slob’s Guide to Housecleaning.” Drop by her website at www.happyslob.com for more information on the book and join her fun, FREE weekly newsletter. Even more laid back ‘Happy Slob’ cleaning tips at Christina’s Blog.

Well Balanced Moms Have More Fun

2006-01-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

Or should I say “Well Balanced Moms Are More Fun”? Let me ask you… When was the last time you had lunch with some girl friends, or went on a girl’s night out? When was the last time you went on a romantic weekend getaway with your spouse? If you can’t remember, we definitely have to talk. It’s so easy to fall into the mommy guilt trap. We feel guilty if we take time for ourselves, so we end up taking care of everyone in the family but us. It’s easy to lose ourselves in the quest to become SuperMom. Along the way we get stressed out and aggravated. It’s important to do something just for us to stay balanced moms. Here are some ways for you to get started on your journey to rediscover YOU. 1) Get together with some girlfriends. One of the best ways to rediscover yourself is to spend some time with your girlfriends each week. Have lunch together, go to the movies to watch the latest chick flick, or plan a girl’s night out every once in a while. If you are having a bad day, call one of your girlfriends to vent, or just chat. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel and how it puts things back in perspective that seemed like the end of the world a few minutes ago. 2) Spend a romantic weekend with your spouse – anywhere but at home Go away for a romantic weekend with your spouse a few times a year. Rekindle your passion for each other and feel in love again, instead just partners in dealing with the everyday “stuff’ involved in raising kids. 3) Go on a date every week Get a sitter once a week and go on a date with your significant other. Spend some time reconnecting with each other. If you have an activity that you both enjoy, take a class together. 4) Pamper Yourself Do something every week to pamper yourself. Go get a new haircut. Visit your favorite nail saloon for a manicure, pedicure or to get your nails done. Call your favorite day spa and schedule a facial. Get a massage. If you are on a budget, pamper yourself at home. Send Dad and the kids to the park. Take a hot bubble bath and paint you toenails. Honey makes a quick facial. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself a few times a week. Your kids will appreciate it when they get a balanced and fun mom in return. You will be more relaxed, happier and actually be able to enjoy your family. After all, that’s why you had kids in the first place, didn’t you? ----------- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions. She's the author of Journey To Joy, an empowering and life changing eBook.

Stress-busters for Moms

2006-01-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

Are you stressed out? Could you use a break? If I gave you a nickel for every time you heard the word Moooommmmmyyyy - would you be rich? Well, we have all been there! With babies, toddlers and older children to care for along with cooking meals, paying bills, cleaning and playing taxi, finding time for yourself may seem impossible and when you do find a few quiet minutes, many of us are at a loss for what to do. Taking time out to recharge your batteries is just what you need. So, what's stopping you? Leave your chores behind, just for a little while, and give yourself permission to take a much needed time-out. Here are just a few of my favorite Stress-Busters: Put yourself in time out: Allow some alone time for yourself. Use this time to focus on you. Find a place in your home that you can go to and find privacy. You can ask your partner or a friend to take the family out for a few hours while you enjoy your alone time. Do nothing, sleep, read, watch a movie, and just enjoy your solitude. Talk to a friend: When you are feeling stressed, lean on a good friend. Sit down and enjoy a good conversation, a cup of coffee or a girls day out pampering yourself. Moms find great comfort, support and love in the company of close friends. Play: As adults, we sometimes forget the beneficial value of play. Play stimulates our imagination, encourages our creativity, boosts our energy, and best of all, it is fun. Try a game of tennis, a game of cards online or perhaps invite some friends over for an evening of adult board games. Meditate: Meditation has been proven to reduce your blood pressure, and helps to dramatically reduce your stress level. Meditation and/or prayer will help you to keep in touch with your spiritual side. Meditation is a very effective method of relaxation. To meditate, quiet your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breath. Find a relaxed comfortable position where Try visualizing good health and peace as you inhale. While you are breathing out breathe out all of your stress. Set aside approximately 20 minutes for this exercise. Upon completion, you will see just how much more relaxed your mind and body is. Take a nap: Find a quiet, comfortable spot and take a nap. Even a short power nap can leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and more focused. Studies have shown that people who spent 30 minutes each day napping had one third less heart disease than those who didn't nap. Eat: Not just anything but certain things. Studies show that certain foods can help reduce stress. Carbohydrates, will actually soothe you. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, air-popped popcorn and low-calorie cookies. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in just one baked potato or a cup of spaghetti or white rice, is enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day. ---------- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions. She's the author of Journey To Joy, an empowering and life changing eBook.

Your Turn to Speak Up & Out

2006-01-13T14:12:00.000-05:00

Moms Have More Fun!

2006-01-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

Repeat after me... "Moms have more fun!" Doesn't that feel and sound good? As moms, we work hard keeping our family happy and healthy but what about ourselves? Do you realize how important having a little fun is? By incorporating fun into you life, you will notice a more positive attitude beginning to emerge and you will also see that adding more fun into your life ultimately lowers stress. You can increase the fun in your life by focusing on the activities you enjoy the most, spending more time on fun activities, or increasing the number of fun activities that you participate in. Taking the steps to adding more fun into your life is as easy as: 1- assessing the current activities that you enjoy 2- adding new fun activities to your life 3- allocating more time for fun activities Following are a few easy steps to take if you are ready to add more fun into your life: Make a *FUN* list. Make a list of the current activities or hobbies that bring enjoyment to your life. Also be sure to include the hobbies or activities that you have never tried but you think would be fun. Set aside time. Make a point to schedule at least 2 hours to do one of those activities on your Fun list. I know that your lead a busy life but out of your 168 hour week, just set aside 2 hrs to devote to your fun. You wont regret it. Make having fun a habit. Having fun should be a priority in your life. Here are some simple suggestions that you can follow in order to add some fun into your life without eating up a lot of time: Read a funny book, story or the comics, share a joke, watch a funny TV program or movie, laugh out loud at something silly that one of your loved ones did or do something silly yourself. Make your own fun. Take a chore that you normally don't find enjoyment in and spice it up. Instead of just vacuuming, why not turn that chore into something fun and turn on some music and dance while you vacuum. You can do the same with just about any chore or daunting task. You will find that by adding fun activities into your lifestyle that you will begin to feel happier, more relaxed and less stressed. Try it this week! You owe it to yourself. ----- Aurelia Williams, certified Personal Life Coach and owner of Real Life Coaching and Real Life Solutions. She's the author of Journey To Joy, an empowering and life changing eBook.

7 Tips On Looking Younger - Free

2006-01-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

By following these 7 Tips On Looking Younger, you will be on your way to a more youthful appearance for longer. And remember it is never too late (or too early!) to start a good anti aging routine. Aurelia

Fun on Wheels!!

2006-01-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

I (standing on the right) really needed to add some FUN to my week so called up a girlfriend and asked her to come skating with us. So we loaded up my van and we took our little ones (My 6yo -in the middle- and her soon to be 6yo Twins) out for a day of Rollerskating. What a BLAST and mind you, neither myslef now my friend have been on skates in a few decades but like they say - it is just like riding a bike. I was twisting, turning, skating backwards and having a ball.. ohh yeah - the kids had fun too. We spent about 2.5hrs. Skating, playing games and just having a good time. All of the kids had a great time and they all did well (Isaac finally got the hang of it and let go of the Wall..lol). My Friend and I both left with sore backs and right arms from helping the kids skate and from TRYING to keep them off the floor and hurting themselves.. I think Isaac got the award for the Hardest Fall (OUCH). I am sharing this with you all to give you a peek into my personal side and I hope that it does encourage those that need more fun in their lives to reach out and grab it! ----------- Aurelia Williams is the mom of 4 busy children, a Personal Life Coach and the owner of Real Life Solutions, which is an informational site that also offers products, low cost advertings and a great newsletter.

Time Management Tips For Busy Moms

2006-01-06T22:58:00.000-05:00

I love to organize and with working Part Time outside of the home and FULL-TIME at home with my business, 4 children and Husband I really rely on a schedule and many time management tips to keep my sanity (ok, so some of you think I am already insane, I won't argue with that) but at least I am organized ;) Here are a few of my favorite Time management Tips: 1. Meal Planning: Try planning 1 - 2 weeks worth of meals at a time and write them down on a calendar. Do your shopping accordingly and prep tomorrows dinner today. You will be AMAZED at what a time saver this is. 2. To-Do Lists: I know most people HATE them but they actually do work. Just take a few moments out of your day (either in the morning or in the evening) to make a list for that day or the following day. Be sure to only put down the items that you MUST finish on this list. 3. Delegate: Do you have friends, a husband, children that can pitch in and do a few things for you? If so, be sure to use all of your resources. 4. Morning Rush: Scooting the children out of the door can be a huge time eater! Be sure to prepare lunches, lay out clothes and plan your breakfast the night before. This will make your mornings run a tad smoother. 5. Just say "NO"!: Such a small word that carries a might punch! If you truly can't fit something into your schedule and it is not urgent, just say No!. Keep a list of non-urgent things that you can do on hand for when you do have some down time. Well, those are just a few of my time management tips. I personally set aside about 15 minutes a night and sit down with my Palm Pilot and make a short TO-DO list for the following day and it is amazing at the time this save. Also be mindful of your own body. Are you a morning, afternoon or night person? Try to schedule your most time consuming tasks when you have the most energy. Take Care! Aurelia ===== Aurelia Williams is the mom of 4 busy children, a Personal Life Coach and the owner of Real Life Solutions, which is an informational site that also offers products, low cost advertings and a great newsletter. You can visit her site here: www.reallifesolutions.net

Treat Yourself...C'mon!

2006-01-05T23:07:00.000-05:00

Hello there, Most of us I am sure have been taught at an early age to be caregivers and nurturers, and I bet most of us often forget to care for ourselves. As challenging as it may seem during the course of our already busy day, it is very important that we take time out to be good to ourselves. I'm sure that if you have children that you spend time making sure that they eat right, get enough rest, have plenty of play time, relaxation time and you are sure that their needs are met. Well, what about you? What about your needs and your rest? When we fail to take proper care of ourselves and put our minds, bodies and spirits on the back burner, it can cause many physical symptoms such as tense muscles, anxiety, dizziness, and rapid heartbeats. We all encounter various stressors (causes of stress) in everyday life, which can accumulate if not released. Subsequently, this can compel the mind and body to be in an almost constant alarm-state in preparation to fight or flee. Taking care of yourself is important, you are important! Be sure to carve out some time each day to be good to yourself. Whether you just sit and enjoy a nice nutritious meal or you decide to pamper yourself with a leisurely bubble bath, remember that being good to yourself is just as important as being good to others. You will be amazed at how energizing it is to care for yourself and to give yourself the attention that you truly deserve. Enjoy today's reading and the action steps! =============================== Today's Reading =============================== Do something nice for yourself today. Take time to give yourself a special treat. In order to contribute to life and provide value to others, you must first connect to the value that is within you. To connect with and appreciate that unique inner value, be good to yourself. -- Ralph Marston =============================== Action Steps =============================== Here are a few action steps for you to incorporate into your day. ==> Be sure you are getting enough rest. Inadequate or poor quality of sleep can lead to feelings of daytime tiredness. Make sure you are getting sufficient sleep so that you are ready to tackle the day. ==> Take short breaks during your day. Try doing something for yourself periodically throughout the day. You can close your eyes and daydream, browse through the paper, or simply have a short friendly chat with a friend. ==> Try exercising. Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress and to be good to your body. Exercising releases endorphins and gives you a natural "high". =============================== Journey to Joy! =============================== Journey To Joy: Simple Tips, Resources and Tools for Living a Happier Life. I personally wrote this wonderfully organized eBook that discusses many topics and obstacles that face women today. The information in the eBook contains actual steps that I have personally followed and they have proven to change my life in a positive way. Not only do I discuss the issues but I also provide you with essential action steps and worksheets that will help you on your Journey to Joy! I cover topics such as: ==> How to reduce stress ==> How to find time to dedicate to you ==> How to build up your self esteem ==> How to stop negative self-talk and use positive self-talk If you are ready to find your way to a more balanced you, I am sure that you will fully enjoy this book. One of my favorite quotes is from Oprah Winfrey and she says,"Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance." Isn't it time you started dancing? Journey To Joy =============================== Real Life Coaching Freebies =============================== If you are considering working with a coach, here is your chance to try my service for free and with no obligation to continue. I offer a free 45-minute session (valued at $45); by telephone, instant messenger or in person to help you decide if coaching is for you. If you are interested, simply e-mail me at aurelia@reallifecoaching.net to set up an appointment. Warmly, Aurelia Williams

Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings

2006-01-04T18:03:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings Copyright 2004 by CoachVille & Dan and Suzanne Bond. Duplication, with attribution, permitted and encouraged 1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a closer family. In this very busy world, designating this time every week is one way to ensure that family members stay connected with one another. Relationships are living things, and must be nurtured. Family meetings are about nourishing our relationships with the most important people in our lives. Form the habit of connecting regularly. 2. Create family value statements and operating principles. Family meetings give you a chance to discuss what’s important to you as a family and to create family value statements, which reflect your collective thoughts. Similarly, they give you a chance to talk about how you want to operate together as a family and treat one another, by developing family operating principles. 3. Share appreciations and give thanks for our many blessings. This is a way to give children and adults permission to let one another know how much they are appreciated, and to share the many things they have to be thankful for. It is far too easy to take the blessings in our lives, and our loved ones, for granted if we do not form the habit of appreciating on a regular basis. 4. Improves family communication More and more today, family members are going in different directions and at break-neck speed. Add to this the fact that each person is unique and perceives the world in his or her own way. Miscommunication can cause hard feelings. It is crucial to never assume that what you are saying is being understood the way you intended it, or that you are understanding what others are trying to tell you. Always take the time to check perceptions. The family meeting can be a “rest area” where time is set aside to make certain that communications are clear. 5. Provide leadership experience Everyone gets a turn at leading the family meetings. This is a great way for children to get early leadership experience. Be certain that their contributions in this regard are honored and respected. You will be building a confident future leader, who will experience the joy of positive leadership. 6. Offers an opportunity to stay current regarding upcoming commitments, activities, and events. Family meetings are wonderful opportunities to review the family calendar, clarify who needs to be where and when, as well as who will be taking responsibility for what. Once again, clear communication and joint planning can relieve the ongoing stress of busy lives. 7. Gives an avenue to celebrate each other’s successes. This is most important. Family meetings should always contain a time to celebrate successes of each family member during the week. These need not be big, monumental events but can simply be every day successes. This not only creates pride and joy in daily life, but also forms the habit in each family member of looking for the positive in one another. 8. Provides time to plan family vacations, activities, and special events. This gives everyone in the family a chance to give their input into a family trip or experience, rather than the adults always doing the planning. When the whole family is involved, everyone is much more likely to enjoy the event. Investment in family activities, for each member, is often directly proportional to his or her involvement in the planning. A richer shared experience is most often the result. 9. Establish a safe, respectful environment to problem solve. By following the family’s operating principles, and with open and honest communication, children will learn that problems can be discussed openly and solved respectfully together. Creating win-win solutions takes practice, for adults as well as for children and youth. 10. Have fun together These meetings provide a great opportunity for the family to participate in fun family activities. As family members get to know one another better, share stories, laugh, and problem solve together, deeper relationships develop. Try to weave fun into every family meeting. Aurelia Williams Real Life Solutions Real Life Coaching

10 Tips For Happier Parenting

2006-01-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

Hi - Parenting has got to be the most rewarding and most stressful job in the world. Have you seen the "Cheaper by the Dozen" Movie (the 2003 version)? Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt play the parents of 12 kids. There is definitely lots of stress and chaos in their fictional family. The Movie makes a great point though. We need to enjoy our kids and laugh at some of the stuff that happens around the house. So what if your youngest turned your living room wall into a canvas. In the bigger scheme of things having to paint a wall really isn't so bad. And on the bright side, you'll get to rag on him or her for years to come (smile). My point is, a lot of these parenting mayhems can be turned into fun memories instead of stressful moments. It's all in how we look at the situation. Make a choice today to enjoy your kids. ================================== Action Steps ================================== * Take a time out. If parenting stress has a strong hold on you, take some time off. Put yourself in a time out. Go for a walk, a run or a drive. This will prevent you or other family members from saying or doing things that they may regret. You may run the risk that your family members will not like you taking a time out and follow you around the home. When and if this happens, politely ask them for a specific number of minutes and reassure them that you will come back out to discuss the situation that is causing you stress. If that doesn't work, lock the door and tell them you will be out soon! *Create a self-care plan. If you are guilty of putting other family members first all of the time and neglecting yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually, then you need a self-care plan. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise at least 2 times a week. *Family Meetings. Set up a regular time each week to talk about the problems that you and your family members are experiencing and work together to come up with solutions. *Find support. Find other adults who will validate your feelings and support you when you need it. This could be a relative who babysits for a couple of hours or close friends who sit and have lunch with you while the kids are in school. If you don't have a close friend or relative, perhaps look into joining a group or enroll in a class. Sometimes, just building up a network of people so socialize with in a supportive environment is just what is needed. ================================== Free Helpful Resources ================================== 10 Tips to Happier Parenting Does Your Child Need A Bedtime Routine? - Yes! =============================== New Year, New You Special =============================== 10% off Coaching Special! During the month of January, I am offering my subscribers a 10% discount on any of my coaching packages. You can view the Packages and then sign up for the package that best suits your needs. Be sure to mention this special when you sign up! =============================== Freebies =============================== To read more about how my services may be of help to you, please visit My Coaching FAQ's. If you are considering working with a coach, here is your chance to try my service for free and with no obligation to continue. I offer a free 35-minute session (valued at $45); by telephone, instant messenger or in person to help you decide if coaching is for you. Warmly, Aurelia Williams Real Life Coaching ------------------------------ Real Life Coaching P.O. Box 92439 Washington, DC 20017 Tel: 202-744-2676

A Free Opportunity To Earn Money....

2006-01-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

The new edition of the Real Life Solutions Newsletter is up and ready for you to enjoy. It is packed with a great WAHM Feature, a free opportunity to earn some extra money and a very informative article filled with ways to show your partner how much you appreciate him without going broke. You can read the newsletterHere. Thanks & have a wonderfully productive and fulfilling week! Aurelia Williams Real Life Solutions Real Life Coaching

Don't Be Too Quick To Say Yes

2006-01-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

Hi there - Take a moment to think about something. The next time you're asked to do something that doesn't normally fall into your regular schedule --such as volunteering to help out at a function or being asked to babysit for someone -- force yourself to say, 'I'll have to check my schedule and get back to you.' By doing this, you will have a little bit of time to decide whether or not:

A - this is something you truly want to do and

B - whether or not it fits into your schedule If you determine at a later time that you want to do it, call and tell the person YES. However, if you determine that doing this extra project or task won't work for you, be strong and call the person to let him know you can't over-extend yourself this month. People won't respect your schedule, until YOU respect your schedule. Aurelia Personal Life Coach and the owner of Real Life Solutions.