Valentine’s Day Meal Deals for Couples and Singles

Posted on February 8, 2020

Valentine’s Day is one week away and if you still haven’t made plans, you can take advantage of some deals out there that won’t break the bank and keep more of your coins in your pocket.

Here’s a rundown of a bunch of deals from big chain restaurants . . .

1. Chick-fil-A is selling an entire Valentine’s Day dinner with 30 nuggets, six chocolate chunk cookies, and 10 Chick-N-Minis, all served in heart-shaped tins.

The offer is good the entire month of February, or while supplies last.

2. Hooters is bringing back the “Shred Your Ex” promotion this year.

Destroy a photo of your ex either in theue restaurant or on its website and get a BIGO coupon for 10 free boneless wings when you buy 10 wings.

3. Qdoba is also reviving its “Qdoba for a Kiss”dealwhich gets you a free entrée when you buy and share a kiss with someone on Valentine’s Day.

And if you’re single it still works . . . kissing your dog or even a photo on your phone counts.

4. Olive Garden. has a deal for those who want to avoid the hassle of going to a restaurant next weekend. Olive Garden is offering a three-course meal called the Valentine’s Day ToGo Dinner for Two.

It comes with soup or salad, dipping sauce for breadsticks, a sharable entree, and a dessert, starting at $35.

And you can get a breadstick bouquet too.

5. California Pizza Kitchen is also doing a $35 dinner-for-two promo as well.

And you can also get a heart shaped pizza for no additional charge for that special crust.

You can also take advantage of its buy one pizza get a gift card for one pizza on a return visit deal.

6. Burger King will give you a free Whopper just for bringing in a photo of your ex to stuff in a box.

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Eco Friday: How to Have a Plant-Based Vegan Pregnancy the Healthy Way {Plus Book Recommendations}

Posted on February 7, 2020

I’m one of those off ramp/on ramp vegans and currently I am just vegetarian, but for each of my pregnancies I didn’t dare stay away from dairy or meat because I feared iron deficiency knowing that baking a baby requires even more iron than normal.

Also, the fat from dairy, I thought was needed.

But for people who have been completely vegan for at least a decade straight, is it possible to have a healthy pregnancy while vegan?

The Examiner’s: The Vegan RD , Virginia Messina offered these tips for a Vegan Pregnancy recently:

Pregnant vegans can meet nutrient needs by following just a few simple guidelines:

Consume at least 5 servings per day of protein-rich plant foods. A serving is ½ cup cooked beans, tofu, or tempeh; 1 ounce of meat analog, or 1 cup of soymilk. (Fortified almond, rice, coconut or hempseed milk are fine to drink, too, but they are too low in protein to count as a protein-rich food.)
Include a good source of vitamin C at every meal to boost iron absorption. Good choices are cantaloupe, kiwifruit, mango, citrus fruits and juices, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, sweet peppers, and tomatoes.
Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables like collards, kale and spinach. They’re good sources of folic acid, a B-vitamin that is especially important in the very early stages of pregnancy. (Vegans typically have higher folate intakes than meat-eaters but still may not meet the needs of pregnancy.)
Include a serving or two of nuts and seeds in your daily menu to help meet zinc needs.
Emphasize calcium-rich foods in your daily menu: leafy green vegetables, calcium-set tofu, tempeh, soynuts, fortified plant milks and fortified juices are all good choices. If your diet falls short of the RDA (1,000 milligrams), a small supplement can help make up the difference.
Your doctor will most likely prescribe a prenatal vitamin supplement that includes iron and folic acid (usually recommended for all pregnant women). Make sure your supplement includes zinc, copper and iodine as well. Pregnant vegans (like all vegans) should be sure to have a chewable vitamin B12 supplement, too, providing 25 to 100 micrograms of B12 per day.

Talk to your doctor about the need for a supplement of the omega-3 fat DHA. The jury is still out on whether pregnant women need these supplements, but vegan versions are available.

Avoid super-restricted types of vegan diets. Diets that are too low in fat or are based on mostly raw foods can reduce nutrient absorption and make it harder to meet nutrient needs.

Finally, here are some Vegan pregnancy books to get you started:

heck them out:

The Kind Life

Vegan Pregnancy Survival Guide by Sayward Rebhal

The Everything Vegan Pregnancy Book by Reed Mangels

The Vegan Pregnancy Cookbook: Over 200 Recipes to Keep You and Baby Happy and Healthy for All Three Trimesters (and Beyond)!by Lorena Novak Bull

The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start by Jennifer Lang MD

Disease-Proof Your Child by Joel Fuhrman

Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven by Rory Freedman

Creating Healthy Children by Karen Ranzi

Feeding Baby Green by Alan Greene

Rawsome by Brigitte Mars

Happy Healthy Pregnancy!

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Becoming a Parent via Adoption: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on February 6, 2020

Becoming a parent is an exciting, transformative time in one’s life, and that is true whether you’re carrying your own baby, working with a surrogate, or adopting a child into your home. For would-be parents looking at the wide range of options out there for expanding their families, adopting a baby or a child can be a controversial decision because of widespread social attitudes about biological heredity.

The fact is, adoption represents a way to put children with loving families and to make lives better for the biological parents, the adoptive family, and the kids themselves. If you are ready to move forward with the process, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

Understanding the difference between adoption systems, as well as the fact that they vary from state to state in their requirements, is vital to making sure you know how to navigate this process before you plunge in.

Voluntary vs. State-Sponsored Processes

In most states, there are separate resources for would-be parents who are looking to adopt an infant through a voluntary process and those who are looking to adopt through the foster care system after parental rights are terminated, because generally speaking the state’s child welfare resources do not concern themselves with voluntary adoptions. Instead, the transfer of legal parenthood happens through a court petition.

While adopting a baby from a voluntary biological parent is generally a smooth process because both parties are seeking the arrangement, there are details to negotiate that can represent some sticking points. By contrast, when seeking an adoption through state placement, the process involves weighing the best placement choice for the child. In the U.S., 59% of all placements are through the child welfare system.

Here’s what you should know about the two systems:

State welfare agencies seek to act as quickly as possible after parental rights are terminated, provided placement can be found and proven to be in the best interests of the child
Some states include placement subsidies to help cover the costs of children adopted through the system, especially older children
Most state placements will not be infants, although many are very young children
Placement takes longer when you have more specific requirements, whether those are related to age, genetic background, or other factors, and regardless of the type
Voluntary adoptions can be open or closed, with several degrees of compromise, if parties want the biological parent to be involved

If you do choose to use the voluntary system, then you need to know how to navigate it, because there is not a centralized system for administering placements when you are adopting a child who is voluntarily placed with a family. Luckily, there are information networks to avail yourself of if you’re looking.

You might need to put more time and effort into the search, taking on a few processes for yourself that state placements handle for you. On the other hand, you have additional options, including international adoptions, which can increase your chances of finding the perfect fit for your new family much more quickly.

Networks for Parents Adopting Privately

Private placement agencies are operating around the country to identify and facilitate these processes, and some lawyers even specialize in this niche as part of a family law practice. They tend to have resources for finding available parents looking to place children soon after birth, so they can help. Lawyers do have costs, though, as do agencies that do the legwork to bring people together.

Private religious institutions are also known for both placing children through voluntary processes and also for maintaining larger networks with other organizations looking to place kids.

Catholic organizations are especially good at this, in part due to the church’s international efforts toward child welfare and in part because of its traditional investment in institutions like hospitals. If you are seeking a private process and you’re intent on adopting an infant, these networks can be a huge help. Luckily, for those who are considering adoption as a biological parent, the demand is high enough that working with a good agency that has an established reputation should be all you need to find a range of possible placements for your child.

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Tips

10 Rules of Email Communication With Your Ex After Divorce

Posted on February 4, 2020

Although this is a celebrity pregnancy blog, the fact of the matter is a lot of couples do not last the pregnancy. As blogged before, Kelis, Amber Rose, Christina Milian, Heidi Klum, January Jones, Melanie Brown, Denise Richards and Shar Jackson and several other high profile women’s relationship and marriages fell apart before baby could arrive.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow but many times, the separation is best for all parties involved including baby. In the case of divorce, or in other scenarios, the child usually binds the couple together for life.

Communication becomes a touchy subject, and to help exes navigate this area, matrimonial lawyer Jacqueline Newman has penned a new book called “The New Rules of Divorce“, available now from Simon & Schuster, matrimonial attorney Jacqueline Newman recently shared her 10 practical tips for communicating with an ex during this tumultuous period.

1. Try to limit the topics to no more than three issues in an email. I find people do not tend to read or retain more than three points at a time.

2. Number the points and separate each point by a space. If you number the points, you increase the odds of all three questions being answered, and spacing makes it seem less overwhelming than a huge ranting paragraph.

3. Try to phrase your questions so answers of yes or no are possible. If you can get back a simple yes or no, you increase the odds of your questions being answered.

4. Keep the three points short. If it takes someone more than one thumb swipe on their phone to read the whole email, the odds drop that your full email will be read.

5. Try to use email for issues that do not need an immediate response. Use the phone for emergencies and figure email should have a window of twenty-four to seventy-two hours for response.

6. Try to use neutral words because you need to assume that the written word will be taken in the worst tone possible.

7. Don’t cc other people on the emails and suck them into your drama. That gives the response a bigger audience and will cause more reaction. (You can just forward it to your sister to read after you send it instead.)

8. Try to write your emails at times of the day when you know he/she will read them. If you know your ex has a manager’s meeting every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., do not write your emails during that time.

9. Do not write an explosive email while he is spending parenting time with the kids.

10. Try to end all emails on a positive note—even if you don’t mean it.

Good luck!

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Tips

25 Date Night Ideas for Valentine’s Day and Every Month

Posted on February 3, 2020

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. For those of you with partners or spouses, this day is usually a day for going out on a date.

My husband and I date regularly and routinely all year long so I think this Valentine’s Day could be a great opportunity to make dating more often a priority.

In my opinion, it is essential for keeping the spark alive and making sure you remain a couple even after children start to take precedence over your time, resources and energy.

Whether you are pregnant, have a new baby, or a vet parent, going out with your partner or spouse without the children (if you already have them) is essential to keep the spark in your relationship alive!

Here are 25 Date Night ideas of things to consider for a night soon with your sweetheart!

Go dancing at a night club
Get Dinner and a go to a movie at the cinema
Go shoot some pool and grab beer at a local watering hole and chill
Plan and go out for dinner with other couples
Go see an exhibit at the art gallery and grab lunch afterwards
Find a drive in or second run theater and catch an old movie on the big screen
Go Rollerskating or Iceskating (if its’ winter) at a rink
Go to the Driving or Shooting Range
See an outdoor concert on the lawn when a favorite act comes to town
Go Bike Riding (or Running, Jogging or Kayaking or whatever active sport you both enjoy)
Check out a local jazz club and sip wine while enjoying the performance
Test our your own vocal skills and go to Karaoke night
Go Bowling
Go on a road trip to a nearby town, book a room and stay overnight (if you have a sitter for that long of course)
Check out a Comedy Show, Order the 2 drink minium
Go Miniature golfing
Go Go-Kart racing
Check out a professional sports game like Baseball, Basketball, Hockey or Soccer
Have a picnic in the living room after the kids are asleep
Go for a walk on a beach
Have a movie night in the basement and pop your own popcorn
Use a Living Social or Groupon deal for a cooking class or rock climbing or something else you wouldn’t ordinarily do unless you got it at a really good price
Go RockClimbing in an inside rock climbing center
Go for drinks at a lounge and chill
Find one of the highest elevation points in the city, get out a blanket and star gaze

There you have it! Plenty of ideas to get you thinking! Enjoy!

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The Journal That’s Helping Me Beat Procrastination {Review}

Posted on February 1, 2020

I was watching social media coach Vanessa Lau on YouTube who recommends among other tools for keeping her business Intelligent Change ‘s Productivity Planner which incorporates elements of The Pomodoro Technique or method for achieving optimum progress in your day.

As a compulsive list maker who is addicted to planners and journals, I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time, money and effort trying to be more productive, procrastinate less and advance my goals efficiently.

From bullet journaling to digital online tools like Evernote and Trello, I’ve tried it all to varying levels of success… or non success.

I purchased the 5 x 8 journal from Amazon and it cost just $24.99 which is quite reasonable compared to many other similar journals I’ve found out there.

The Pomodoro method requires you to set a timer for 25 minutes and breaking down tasks into 25 minute intervals separated by short breaks.

Each interval is known as a pomodoro, from the Italian word for ‘tomato’, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that creator, business coach Francesco Cirillo, used as a university student.

To put The Pomodoro Technique into effect you’re supposed to:

decide what task needs to be accomplished (it can be school work, house work, business or anything)
disable all distracting alerts, pop ups and possibly uninstall or delete addictive social media apps like
Set the pomodoro timer, ususally using an app or your mobile phone or Alexa or whatever
Work on the task.
End work when the timer rings and check it off
If you have fewer than four checkmarks, take a short break (3–5 minutes), then go to step 2.
After four pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes), reset your checkmark count to zero, then go to step

A goal of the technique is to reduce the impact of internal and external interruptions on focus and flow. A pomodoro is indivisible; when interrupted during a pomodoro, either the other activity must be recorded and postponed

Intelligent Change’s planner offers two different types of methods for checking off tasks: the “Get It Done” and the “Hit the Target” methods.

In the former, your job is to do the task, in 25 minute breaks, no matter how long it takes. You just keep working until it’s done. With the latter, you predict how long it will take or assign a specific number of pomodoros to the task. As you complete one, you fill in a bubble then when you’re done, note down how long it actually took you to complete the job.

At the end of the week, there are pages that let you jot down weekly wins, what tasks were accomplished and which were not and what learned, then goals and targets for the next week.

There are also inspirational quotes, mini motivational passages interspersed in between the daily journal pages.

I had a rough start and struggled to complete my list each day, but am still working through it. I’m determined to get better each day.

What I love about the planner so far is the accountability. It forces me to track how much time I spend on my tasks and forces me to be more efficient.

Each day has a rating system for you to give yourself a 1-10 rating on how well you did with a few lines for you to explain what happened. It’s great for keeping yourself honest.

And also, you don’t even have to use the method if you don’t want. I love it!

Consider investing in your own! Get it at Amazon for just $24.

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Tips

7 Ways to Do You and Do Valentine’s Day Differently This Year

Posted on January 28, 2020

Valentine‘s Day is just around the corner, and we all have our feelings about it. If we’re dating or (happily) married, we may be excited about the flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. If we are single, we may feel dissatisfied, sad, or annoyed. (We may even retitle the holiday “Singles Awareness Day.”) Either way, is our tendency to define love in terms of romance making us miss a much bigger picture?

Karen McGregor, author of the upcoming book, The Tao of Influence, says yes and offers this list of relatively simple things you can do on Valentine‘s Day—and afterward—to start reconnecting with your pure love-power:

1. Take a Valentine‘s Day meditation break.

Just set aside 15-20 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. If your mind wanders, that’s okay: The point is not to judge the thoughts that stream endlessly into your consciousness but to allow them to ebb and flow without getting emotionally hooked.

“Successful meditation occurs when there is no war between your head and your heart,” says McGregor. “This state is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. If you’ve always ‘meant’ to try meditating but haven’t yet done so, Valentine‘s Day is the perfect day to start.”

2. Gift yourself a lovely journal.

Journaling is a powerful practice that can help you get in better touch with your thoughts and feelings, recognize goals, enhance gratitude, and pinpoint areas in your life that need work.

Find a journal that speaks to you (pick a gorgeous one that inspires you to write). Then set aside some time alone (even just 10 minutes) to write each day.

3. Sing and dance your way to gratitude.

As mentioned, many people keep a gratitude journal. The problem is, it can turn into a mindless checklist that simply creates the illusion of gratitude. If that happens, try singing and dancing instead. I

In his book The Mastery of Love, Don Miguel Ruiz says this is a natural expression of our love-power—which is why little children sing and dance. They haven’t yet developed the filters and fear that they’ll be judged. You can dance and sing in the privacy of your room or as you clean your house.

If you want to take it to the next level, suggests McGregor, consider signing up for a hip-hop or salsa class or joining a local choir.

4. Get rid of something that isn’t serving you.

Often without realizing it, we clutter and complicate our lives with things that create chaos and drama. It can be anything from too much “stuff” in our homes, to too many commitments, to the wrong job or relationship.

A great expression of self-love is to pinpoint something to purge.

Do a closet clean out or a social media detox.
Turn down a project.
Draw a much-needed boundary.
Just take one step to simplify your life and free up your energy.

5. Grieve losses.

This may not feel very Valentine-y, but when we’re changing our life for the better, we must first release what was. Otherwise we’ll get stuck and block the clarity we need to move forward.

“Pain can be released through the portal of the heart,” says McGregor. “When you focus on your heart, a desire to release the pain of the past may arise. Even better, your heart knows how to do that without your mind interrupting.”

6. If you’re single, stop searching for “the one.”

It’s common to believe that there’s one person out there who can finally see us for who we really are. But searching for our perfect match is a chase that’s based on an illusion.

“I love romance, but I’ve come to believe that it’s usually founded in the need to be special,” says McGregor. “People search for ‘the one’ their entire lives, never escaping the constant craving for specialness. Never confuse love with specialness. Love supports a life of joy and love-power; ‘specialness’ impedes it.

“In that same vein, it’s time to revisit the definition of ‘soul mate,'” says McGregor. “Soul mates are actually not romantic partners but people destined to help you grow by presenting you with challenging personality traits and actions you don’t like..”

7. If you’re in a romantic relationship, start working toward a cause you believe in, together.

There is no greater calling for a romantic relationship than to create a better world. In fact, many millennials are moving in this direction.

Rather than being absorbed by one another, they are breaking the old paradigm of romantic co-dependency and choosing instead to be inter-dependent, working together for causes that uplift humanity.

This new paradigm of relationship lets people shift from a state of isolation within their own dramas, fears, and wounds, which are experienced as they get to know their partner, to becoming a presence in the world.

“Talk with your partner and choose a project to participate in,” says McGregor. “Maybe arrange to visit an orphanage to play games with or tutor school children, or plan a fundraiser event to benefit the homeless. Think about the passions you both share and start there. You will be amazed by how deeply a project rooted in love-power can transform your lives.”

While Valentine‘s Day is a good time to think about connecting to your love-power, or even take a symbolic first step, it’s actually a journey you take every day, all year long.

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Eco Friday: This Vegan SakRoots Crossbody Is A Mom’s Best Accessory {Review}

Posted on January 24, 2020

It’s been a while since I blogged an Eco-Friday, my series when I used to highlight eco -friendly products.

I’m bringing it back today with my recommendation of the Sakroots Crossbody Bag.

It is totally VEGAN and made of all man-made material.

I think it’s the perfect bag for a new mom or any one who need their hands free.

The best part of this bag is the compartment in the front that can hold a mobile phone.

It fits my iPhone 11 perfectly.

I wear mine in the front so I can keep an eye on my phone and wallet.

It has loads of compartments inside for holding all your credit cards, business cards, receipts and more.

There is a coin purse in the middle and two sections on the outside where I put my cash.

For me, this is a great option because I can separate cash I set aside for miscellaneous petty spending and for specific purposes like school lunch, game snacks, tutors etc.

There is a wristlet strap so you can also easily and quickly convert it to a wristlet.

Take off both and use it as a clutch.

I love the pattern on the one I got. It features Black women with an Afro along the bottom.

It is soooo me!! There are other patterns too!

And for about $44, you cannot beat it!

Buy yours at Saks’ website or Amazon!

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The One Piece Of Jewelry Every Woman Needs to Wear, especially New Moms

Posted on January 23, 2020

If you’re expecting or a new mom, chances are a lot of your income will be going to the cost of raising your baby.

Expectant and new moms who are used to wearing fine jewelry may have to table their urge to splurge but there are other options: silver jewelry is one!

I personally prefer silver jewelry to gold and other more expensive metals anyway.

By way of background, sterling silver, which is an alloy of silver is used to make most of the available silver jewelry. On its own, silver is too brittle and malleable to be formed into anything.

That may be why thicker pieces like Bangles are are faves and is being worn by men even.

Here are a few other factorsto keep in mind when buying silver bangles.

Need proper care and maintenance

Silver bangles for women need proper care and maintenance.

The best form of caring for your silver bangles is by wearing them often. When you wear your bangles, oils from your skin helps protect them from reacting with air to form another layer on the silver surface.

When not on your wrist, it is important that you keep your silver bangles locked up.

Put them in an airtight container. Ensure that it is clean and well shut.

Also, ensure that your bangles do not touch other jewelry to avoid rusting.

Proper maintenance ensures that your silver bangles will last long and keep their shine for a long time.

About the health benefits

It is believed that sterling silver has numerous health benefits.

Sterling silver is an effective anti-fungal and sterilization product that has been used for this purpose for thousands of years. Research is still ongoing but it is also believed silver bangles help reduce and cure the effects of arthritis.

Can be worn with other types of bracelets

When you wear silver bangles, you do not have to wear them on their own. If you have other types of bangles, say gold, you can wear them together with the silver bangles.

A mix of bangles is stylish and ensures that your jewelry stands out when worn.

Its hypoallergenic

This means that it is safe to be worn. There are people who often have allergic reactions to different types of jewelry material. Sterling silver that makes silver jewelry is safe and will not lead to allergic reactions on the wearer.

Available in numerous designs

Due to its malleability, sterling silver is easy to mold into different shapes and designs. You can therefore find silver bangles that have unique shapes and designs on them. You can also have your bangles custom made with unique engravings on them.

Versatility

Silver jewelry is highly versatile. It is accepted in numerous social situations. It can be worn to work and to numerous social events. It can be worn to the beach and to church and other social occasions.

Ensure its a right fit

When wearing your silver bangles, ensure that they are a right fit for you. Measure your hand to ensure that your bangle will fit perfectly. When measuring your hand, measure at the the tips of your fingers while your thumb touches your pinkie finger. This ensures that it will be easy to wear and it will fit perfectly.

When you wear a large bangle, it will be uncomfortable as you will always feel as if it is falling off. It will distract you and lead to you getting some undue attention. Further, like every other bangle, ensure that it is not too tight.

Great gifts to give

Silver bangles for women are also quite appropriate as gifts. A silver bangle can be offered as a gift to a significant other or to a work colleague or a friend.

Silver jewelry is durable and beautiful. It will therefore be appreciated by the one who accepts the gift. It is also easy to use the gifts of silver bangles to create a collection of jewelry.

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What to Add To Your First Baby Registry

Posted on January 22, 2020

It has been a long while since I have highlighted what’s popular and most wanted on Baby Registries these days so I searched the web sphere and revisited my past posts then cross referenced to determine a List.

Now this is not necessarily the essentials.

Below are some of the top items and I urge Moms-to-be to still consider my list of things you do not need no matter how many books or ads tell you that you do