Easter Reminded Me of the Miracles That Are My Children

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Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three, working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share them on this blog so that we can learn together. Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world. Below is a tale of my road to becoming the mother of three. It was a road filled with joys and disappointments. However, I wouldn't giving nothing for my journey now. Here's to embracing every step of the journey, even the painful ones, and embracing the lessons learned along the way.
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We Survived Another Pandemic Year, Now Here Comes Christmas!

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Working Mom
     Even though last year was hard, one benefit of being on lock down during the pandemic was the relief from many of the social expectations that make the world go 'round like, holiday presents for those who help you but aren't family or dear friends. Who are these people? They are bus drivers, housekeepers and teachers. Perhaps I shouldn't assume though. Perhaps others were mailing presents to teachers during the pandemic. However, most of us were a bit salty about having to watch our kids all day so we passed. Or, they did like I did, I sent a present to the teacher I really liked and sent the other nothing, cause you know, it was a pandemic.

This year though, things have returned to some sense of normalcy and with that normalcy comes expectations. And the stay-at-home moms have been planning for this since Labor Day. So, the pressure can be intense. 

And if you celebrate Christmas, right about now, it is about to get super real! That said, there are tips that can make you ace this season like a pro, even if you are just getting started. 

Five Tips to Rock Christmas Gift Giving Like a Pro

  1. Get up early: We are in the home stretch and you need to approach shopping like it’s your job. The only way to get everything done is to start now. If you insist on going to the mall, go early. You want to be the one at the beginning of the line. You want to have as much time as possible to find what is left at the stores.
  2. Make a list: Nothing is worse than wandering through the mall or surfing the internet without a purpose. Both are huge time wasters. Since you have waited until December 22nd to prepare for December 25th time is not on your side.
  3.  Consider gift cards: Gift cards are not the most personal gifts, but they are effective. If you're too overwhelmed to pick out a personalized gift, find a store that the recipient might like and get them a gift card. Nobody objects to the gift card. And secretly people love them because they can get exactly what they want and they know it will fit. Giving a gift card doesn't make you a failure, it makes you a rock star! Also, you can even buy them online and print them out on your computer. So, you don't even have to go to the store. Pair it with a candle, chocolate or trinket and you'll look like a complete pro!
  4. Check out Neiman Marcus: You can’t go wrong with Neiman Marcus. They also understand what you need. You can visit their website and still get your presents in time for Christmas. And lest you believe that Neiman Marcus is only for those who are ballin’ like Oprah and Beyonce, they have a link to gifts that cost under $100. However, you need to act soon.  You only have until 6:00PM to order your gifts. Visit: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/ for more information.
  5.  Visit the Liquor Store: If you are shopping for children, ignore this tip. However, if you are shopping for adults and they drink alcohol, buy them a bottle of their favorite spirit.  Alcohol is the gift that keeps on giving! Every time they pour a glass they’ll think of you. They can also serve the alcohol to guests who stop by for the holidays, which will make them. look like a rock star!

Be sure to tell me about your successes. Until then...

Happy Holidays!

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