One Secret to a Working Mom Success: Minimize Expenses

Following Instagram posts can make you feel like other moms are either made of money or have sugar daddies funding their lifestyles. I can assure you. I have neither. There is nobody funneling money into my household except for me. And because I was an economics major and my dad was a banker, I am keenly aware of cash flow, assets and liabilities, and expenditures. Still, sometimes, I forget how expensive life can be. It's not because I lied about having a sugar daddy or have a trust fund.  It is because I am frugal. Indeed, being conscious of expenditures is integrated into my lifestyle.  I know that it is gauche to discuss money and yet, I feel compelled to share some thoughts.

Comments from a Working Mom: Happiness in the Holiday Season


It’s the holiday season, which means that there is shopping, baking and cleaning to do. At the end of it is a pile of gifts, lots of cookies and a clean home. In the meantime, there is a lot of work to be done. Sometimes, in the midst of it the frustration can distract us from the fun.

As I mentioned in a prior post, this season I am committed to finding the in the standard and stressful parts of the holiday preparation.

Tree trimming is one of the most pleasurable parts of the holiday season. This photo captures the toddler putting a star at the top of the tree. She made it somewhere. It's paper, but somehow it still shines brilliantly.


Tree trimming

 

Holiday parties make the season worthwhile. You get to get dressed up, party around pretty lights and dance. I only tend to visit the Fox Chapel Country Club during the holiday season, but I always enjoy it. They do a great job with the food and the decorations.   Even with Andre's big hands you can see the baby bump peeking out.



Andre and I attending a holiday party at Fox Chapel Country Club

Every year with the help of Hallmark I send out Christmas cards to about 150 of our closest friends. In years when I am really organized, I also send out separate blog cards. This is not one of those years! For those who struggle with sending out cards, Hallmark makes it super easy. You load your addresses in once, select your card, upload your photo (if that floats your boat) and Hallmark mails the cards for you. It is super easy and it gives the illusion that you're really organized. It's a working mom's dream! (If only wrapping gifts were that easy...) 
 
Christmas Card 2013
 

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