Mama's Musings

[Slow News] Ibiza Time http://ping.fm/ZDOPF

Study says women multitasking more rather than less - but at home

A cool new study on women and digital life conducted by SRG has come up with some interesting findings. According to the research study, which was based on over 2,000 in-depth interviews with 'women' 12 and up, women's time on household duties has increased.

Forty-one percent of those surveyed claimed they are spending more time cooking in the home. TV time has also increased, and the Internet, in an entertainment context, is siphoning more leisure time from women. Fifty-eight percent say they are spending more time with the Internet and 38% say the same for TV. The losers in the equation are: going out for shopping (52% saying they are doing less); exercising or sports (33%); or sleeping (27% saying less).

Television has become 'ambient noise' as women engage in other things. Gone are the days you'd fold laundry while watching soaps. Now women are engaging in social networking sites on their laptops or hand-helds while the TV blares in the background.

Half of women with laptops say they have their laptops with them ‘almost always’ or ‘frequently’ when watching TV in the evening. Another 18% use their laptops when watching TV in the evening ‘occasionally.’ In addition, 52% say they are using their wireless device while watching TV at least occasionally.

I used to be guilty of that. Now I shut my laptop down before flipping on the tube. But not before I check the listings to see what's on. And most days nothing is!

[Slow News] In favor of distraction http://ping.fm/KRsVp

[Slow News] Whoopee Moment Shared http://ping.fm/bnxce

Slow Parenting on the Today Show!

This is a really cool segment worth watching. As we enter the summer months, most parents get crazed. You don't have to. Here's why.

Slow Parenting

Shared via AddThis

[Slow News] Right on Time http://ping.fm/PEAKD

[Slow News] Battery Recharge http://ping.fm/H9l1U

Thrifty Living

I dug out this article I wrote quite a while ago for your reading pleasure. It applies today as we struggle to make ends meet.

7 Tips for Thrifty Living

by Christine Louise Hohlbaum

It is no secret that life is more expensive today than when our parents were growing up. How can we offset soaring prices without sacrificing quality of life? Here are a few tips to help you save more:

1.) It is no surprise that credit cards represent a trap for many people. Incentives such as “earning” frequent flyer miles or free internet access are only “free” if you can pay off the balance every month. Otherwise, you end up on the losing end of the stick, paying interest rates in the double digits. It makes more sense to save for that ticket to visit the Carribean or your relatives than to rack up frequent flyer miles on a card you can never pay off. Tip: Only use credit cards if you know you can pay off the balance at the end of the month.

2.) Electricity doesn’t come cheap. Heat-producing appliances such as dryers and refrigerators burn up enormous amounts of energy. Tip: Consider purchasing an energy saving appliance. Turn down the refrigerator in the cooler months. Hang your wash outside instead of using the dryer. It will save you money, and the clothes smell fresh!

3.) It is tempting to spend a lot of money on the weekends “because you deserve it.” That may be true, but you may not be able to afford it, too. Tip: Instead of that expensive weekend at an amusement park or that ski trip that costs a bundle, take a bike ride with your kids or check out a new park to go sledding. You’ll get some exercise and needed fresh air while creating memories with the kids.

4.) Children usually like to draw. If your little Picasso is eating up all of your expensive computer printer paper, think about this. Tip: Consider using paper bags or recycled office paper for some of their artwork. They work fine for collages, and they are free. An added plus? You’ll reduce that pile of bags in the pantry that keeps growing, and you’ll save several trees.

5.) Spending time away from the kids is essential, but babysitters can be expensive. Tip: Consider swapping babysitting with a neighbor, at least some of the time. It will reduce the cost of going out with your partner, and you’ll benefit from a night on the town for less.

6.) Good picture frames can be very pricey. Tip: Purchase one stable picture frame for the kids’ annual school photos. Keep the old photos behind the frame to compare prior years’ pictures. An added benefit? You have all of the school pictures in one place!

7.) Entertainment need not be expensive. Tip: Rent a video instead of attending a movie in a theater. Invite your friends and have a potluck supper. Now you’ve multiplied the fun without the extra cost of parking, movie tickets, and refreshments!

Life can be beautiful. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

~Christine Louise Hohlbaum is the author of DIARY OF A MOTHER: PARENTING STORIES AND OTHER STUFF.

Stressed spelled backwards

My sister sent me this ~the author is not known, but the message certainly is!

 

Can't eat pork,

Swine flu...

Can't eat chicken,

Bird flu.

Can't eat Beef,

Mad cow....

Can't eat eggs,

Salmonella.

Can't eat fish,

 heavy metal poisons in their waters.

Can't eat fruits and veggies,

insecticides and herbicides.

Hmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

M

I believe that leaves Chocolate and ice cream!!!!!!!!

Remember - - - 'STRESSED'

spelled backwards! is

'DESSERTS'

Taking Care of the Caretaker

A long while ago I wrote a piece called 15 Ways to Nurture the Nurturer. We moms are particularly susceptible to burn-out. As our parents age, our children grow, and our lives become more and more demanding, we seem to be on an endless treadmill of stress-induced activity.

That's why vacation is so important.

CNN recently interviewed me about how many Americans fear taking a vacation at all. The reporter and I had a long chat about productivity and how we ultimately get our best ideas while doing something completely unrelated...such as daydreaming or taking a walk through Nature.

So tomorrow I am taking my own advice and unplugging for a week of fun on a Spanish island with my two very best friends in the world - my girlfriend from way back and my husband.

Taking care of the caretaker is as important as the air we breathe. And I'm going to enjoy every sun-drenched, ocean breeze-enriched gulp of it!