I know 1st hand how frustrating it is return home after a busy day then slave over the stove or to rummage through the cabinets when you have hungry, impatient tummys waiting.  Visit http://reallifesolutions.net/personal/quick-dinner-ideas.html for your quick and easy dinner ideas.

A nice tie into this is learning how to do a little meal planning so that you actually spend less time cooking and more time really enjoying yourself and your familly. I am an avid meal planner and wrote this easy to follow article on how you too can plan your meals and free up your precious time: http://reallifesolutions.net/personal/meal-planning.html

As you know, I love hearing your feedback. Do you have any of your own personal tips that you’d like to share with me?  If so, just e-mail me and I am all ears

Here is a great resource - The Healthy Express Cookbook: 101 Fresh, Light & Quick Dinners.  Offers you healthy, home-cooked meals that are super fast to prepare — visit http://reallifesolutions.net/Cookbook.HTML to learn more

If you have been watching the news, reading magazines, or even overhearing conversations while in line at the post office or grocery store, you may have heard about something called a “personal coach”. More and more people are turning to personal coaches each day; if you have ever wondered what one is and what they can help you with, read on!

Simply put, a personal coach helps you become the best “you” possible. Just like a sports coach helps athletes work out their problem areas and achieve new records with their strengths, a personal coach can help you set and meet goals that apply to many areas of your life.

In today’s society, many people over-book themselves with work, family, and social obligations. A personal coach can help you learn to manage your time effectively, and teach you new ways to calendar your time. You will work with your coach to find a system that works for you, and you’ll be able to meet all of your commitments. They’ll even help you carve out some personal time for yourself.

A personal coach can also help you with your parenting issues. It is no secret that being a parent is the toughest job you will ever have. A personal coach can help you work through any problems you have been having and help you learn new parenting techniques, as well as open the lines of communication between you and your child.

Stress is a common ailment that is shared by almost everyone. Some of the side effects of stress include aches, pain, fatigue, high blood pressure, anxiety and overeating. A personal coach can help you manage your stress levels. This alone can help you in all areas of your life. When you feel less stressed you will be happier and ready to take on new challenges.

Simply talking to a non-judgmental third party can do wonders for you. When people face problems, they are often too embarrassed to ask for help. They may not want their friends or family to know they are struggling with something. This can lead to further feelings of isolation and depression. A personal coach is there to listen and help you find solutions for your problems.

Working with a personal coach is actually more affordable than you think. Most offer free consultations. It is important for you and your potential coach to get to know each other; after the initial consultation, you can decide if this coach is the right coach for you. Likewise, the coach can tell you openly and honestly if they can help you. If they can’t, they will refer you to someone who can.

These are just a few of the benefits of having a personal coach. Think about how great it would be to have someone on your side, rooting for you, giving you honest feedback, and helping you achieve new goals. If you have been struggling with reaching a goal, it is time you experience a free consultation with a coach, and find out how they can help you!

Aurelia Williams is a certified life coach that invites you to visit Real Life Coaching to sign up for your free coaching consultation today.

As many of you know my Grandson  (Kevin) was born last Saturday, May 10th at 12:04 pm in Tallahassee, FL.  I live in Washington, DC and flew down for the birth and I am staying with my Daughter for few weeks to pitch in.

Here are just a few pictures of my daughter Shayna, her boyfriend Kevin and the baby just before the stepped out to head to the Doctors office today.  

Real — (Proud  Mother of 3 and Nanna to Kevin )

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

New mothers often feel overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities thrust upon them. Between bottles and diaper changes, you can easily lose yourself amongst it all. What’s worse is that moms often feel like they have to do it all on their own. If you’re tired of being Super Mom, let me share with you a few reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

Reason #1: You deserve a break. Moms are busy people. We take on a lot of tasks and often don’t get much credit or recognition for them. Moms work 24 hours a day, rarely getting breaks. Allow yourself to take a break every now and again.

Reason #2: You can’t do it all by yourself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s just the opposite, a sign of strength. Someone once said that no man (or mama) is an island. Oh how true this is! There is no way you could do everything by yourself, and if you did you would be exhausted so ask for help and feel good doing it.

Reason #3: They want to help you. If there is no other reason for you to ask for help, remember this one: your family and friends want to help you. That’s right—they want to. I’ve heard family members of so many new mothers say that they would love to help, but the mom never asks for help. Sometimes people don’t want to feel like they’re intruding so be proactive in asking for help.  When friends and family ask if there is anything they can do to help say yes.  If people ask you what you would like as a gift, mention housecleaning vouchers (or ask a close friend or relative to spread the word for you).

Reason #4: Being a “good” mom means taking care of you. Last, but certainly not least, asking for help does not mean that you are a bad mother. Lots of moms refuse help because they think others will view them as terrible parents for doing so. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A good mother knows when she needs help and isn’t afraid to ask for it. She knows when she needs a break. A good mother also knows that she needs to take care of herself first in order to keep the family going.

Throwing a Graduation Party without Going into Debt

Unlike years ago, when we graduated and simply had a small gathering at our home or invited close family members out for dinner, today, the sky’s the limit, when it comes to graduation parties.  But it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to give your child the best graduation party ever!  Throwing a graduation party, without going into debt, is the subject of this discussion.

Instead of hiring a catering hall and having to invite the immediate world, think of having an open house graduation party at your home.  Work out a budget that is reasonable, and then send out invitations to friends and family.  You can easily arrange a buffet, which is not only affordable, but allows the guests to come; offer their congratulations, and have a bite to eat.  This way, there would be less work for you afterwards.  All you would need to buy is, paper plates, napkins, paper cups, sturdy plastic spoons, forks, and knives; a few decorations, and the party can go into full swing.  

If you have a large family, your invitation list may be quite long.  For large groups, you may want to consider renting a hall for the occasion.  When renting a hall, research local community centers to determine the cost factor.  You can also use the buffet style in these types of places.  Furthermore, if your son or daughter has a close friend who is graduating with them, you may want to approach their parents, and decide if a joint party is feasible.  In this way, the costs can be decreased.  Both families can work out the details, and split the cost down the middle.

With college tuition, boarding, and all of the peripherals needed for college life; your funds may be a bit low.  If this is your case, the last thing you need is to give an extravagant party that will put you in debt. Instead, consider having a dinner party at a local restaurant for immediate family members only.  In this way, you are saving quite a bit of money, yet still celebrating this important event.  Most kids would appreciate this gesture, especially if they understand you can’t afford a grand affair.  Have a conversation with your son or daughter; you may be surprised at their response.

What a weekend!  My daughter and grandson have been released from the hospital and they are both healthy, happy and home. 

Here is a shot of his 1st nap in his own bed

Good Morning.  This is Tricia.  I just wanted to let everyone know that Mom, Dad and Baby are going to be coming home this evening and everyone is doing wonderful.  Aurelia has yet to get the internet fixed out there so as of right now she is on her blackberry and that is it.  Aurelia says thank you to everyone for your kind words and all the support they received.  I will update you as I hear more.

 Tricia

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

If your child in an animal lover then why not turn that love of animals into a love of reading!

My 8 year old Isaac is a animal lover. From snakes to bears he just cant seem to get enough. I subscribed him to Zoobooks about 2 years ago  and he *Still* 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

Shay is recovering nicely baby is fine, mom is fine, dad is fine