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It’s Saturday morning, you’ve just gotten the kids ready, fed and heading out the door. Once in the car, it begins; the oldest fussing about her having to be with the family on errand day instead of with friends, the middle one is teasing the oldest because she has to go with them and the toddler has learned how to unbuckle the seat belt to his car seat and jump to the floor for a fruit snack he dropped yesterday. All while you’re driving. Whew! You have already called this a day of headaches before reaching your first destination!

Single Mom, know that you are not alone when it comes to this weekend routine. This is happening all over and most of us are handling it the same, stressfully. It is time to change that! Know that kids will be kids and we have to allow them the time and space to be who they are. (Once we realize this, the quirky things our kids do won’t affect us as much). Here are a few tips you can try:

1). Prepare before every outing: that means figure out how long (approximately) the errands will take then add two hours to that time (we know things never go the way they should when the kids are with us)

2). Make sure each child has a book, toy, favorite snuggie to keep them occupied during those down times. Begin or join in with the discussions of the items they have chosen to bring on your errands. Don’t forget to allow conversation and exploration to happen often. When you feel that you have run out of topics, let your immediate surroundings be your guide.

3). Plenty of snacks are always necessary on your “trips” and they are a money-saver. Many times the kids get cranky if they go too long without that granola bar, piece of fruit, milk or crackers (try to stay away from s-u-g-a-r…that may increase that “busy” activity). The snacks will hold them over until the next meal.

4). When in public, be confident with the fact that children will be active, talkative and want to express themselves (we won’t even tolerate negative actions from our kids). Be firm but understanding with all behaviors. (Don’t worry too much about others noticing your kids being kids. Who cares what they think anyway, right?)

5). Lastly, if you have older children, give them a bit of responsibility or even a reward (not a bribe) to sort of keep their younger siblings occupied while on the errands. They may give your older child(ren) a sense of responsibility, hey and a little cash for their piggy bank wouldn’t hurt either.

Since we know that errands with the kids are inevitable, we can be fully equipped and ready for all of their questions, concerns, activity, disappointments, explorations in and out of the car, grocery store and more as we continue our journey as single moms. Each day I say, “Be encouraged in all you do as a mother and as a Woman!”

Everyone knows about the sexy and love-wrecking show “Being Mary Jane” that airs on BET on Tuesdays at 10pm. So people may say this isn’t the Gabrielle Union that we have seen on movies! True, but this diva who wants love in a whole another way can be love-wrecking….only when it deals with a married man!  She has her ways with the sexy lingerie, long flowing hair, chocolate body skin tone and the ass that makes guys say “WOWWWW” So what married man wouldn’t wanna tap that? LOL

But in reality, messing with a married man ladies can be pretty dangerous.  Only if you are playing your cards right and don’t get caught, but this brave Mary Jane confesses to his wife in the pet store that she was having sex with her husband on the movie last year when it was first aired.  Wow! How many women would actually be brave enough to do that?  Ladies, I know sometimes we get caught up with the scent of a man and the way he looks, the car he drives and how good he is with foreplay, but if he’s married, then its showing red stoplights everywhere.  In this case, Mary Jane didn’t find out he was married right away until after they made love and his wedding ring just happened to fall out of his jean pocket and she stepped on it! When that happens, you have two choices, to either continue seeing him or stop seeing him.

You never know what type of wife she is until you see her up in person.  Although Mary Jane can be slick in getting what she wants, he is still in between two women who both loves him dearly.  One thing you don’t want to do ladies is to break up a marriage between a man and his wife….especially if he has kids.  Even though this is a reality show, it teaches us about how much we can be blinded by love without even considering the real consequences behind our temptations!  On Valentine’s ladies, enjoy yourself and make the most of it! If you are single, please be smart about it.  There are plenty things to do on Valentine’s Day as singles; hang out with other singles at an event or if you have other single friends, go hang out with them.  But never be so desperate to give a temporary man a fling and your goodies for one night when you are only going to regret the decision later on in life.  Be smart about your decision and have fun.

As far as Mary Jane, the show is a great show that teaches us a lot!  Just Being MaryJane!

Peace and Blessings!

Lil Woman on A Mission

Sexy Shrimp Scampi

Rated: Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 2

You’ll fine that with this meal you can make your dinner as romantic as you want. You can feed each other shrimp and even do the classic “Lady and the Tramp” scene  but end yours with a kiss of course.

Umm maybe not, unless it’s a peck. You’ll have food in your mouth…yuk! Better save the kissing for later.Any way Enjoy!

I’m a lover. I love all holidays. I really get into the themes of the holidays. We have Valentine’s Day coming up so I decided to revisit my 30 Minute Meal Blog to share some Recipes with you for the holiday. Some will be for the kids and others will be perfect for an intimate dinner for you and your mate Valentine’s night! I hope these give you some good ideas for your special night. So let’s start with the hors d’oeuvre.

This lil delicious bites are the perfect way to begin to spice up your special date night! Enjoy!

Good Day Readers! I hope that my blog is helping in your venture to finding happiness. I’ve found that some uplifting music always does my spirit good. I do gospel but if you all have noticed by this blog my favorite is India Arie. This sister sure knows what life is all about. She sings all of this beautiful melodies that really reel her listeners in to her philosophical idealisms which is a good thing because she has a great outlook on what life is really all about! So I decided to share a song of of her 1st album with you today.

Next I found a list of 20 things that one needs to let go of to live a happier lifestyle. I hope you find it useful in your voyage!

1. The Approval Of Others

Who gives a sh*t what other people think? If you are happy with the decisions you have made, then whose business is that but your own? Think of how much you could achieve if you stopped letting other people’s opinions dictate the way you live your life. Do you, and engage in whatever actions you think might better your life.

2. Anger/Resentment

Anger will eat at you from the inside. Learn how to make peace with those who have wronged you. This isn’t about letting the other person off the hook; it’s about alleviating the pain that resonates within you. Keep in mind that he who angers you, controls you.

“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.”

3. Negative Body Image

There is only one person’s opinion you should be concerned with when it comes to your body and that is you. No one person determines what the “correct” body type is. If you are comfortable in your own skin, and you are healthy, then that should be the only thing that matters. Do not let others tell you that you’re not beautiful because if you believe you are, then you are.

4. Idea Of A Perfect Partner

There is no such thing as a perfect partner, so throw your checklist out the window. In life, what prevents us from moving forward is looking at the perfect image of a partner we concoct in our minds. Find the right person for you: one that you can love with all your heart, one you feel comfortable with and one that accepts you for the person you are. The sooner you realize there isn’t one perfect person out there for you, the better off you will be.

“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.” – Bob Marley

5. Perfect Life

Just like there is no perfect partner, there is also not a perfect life. Life is what you put into it, so if you are not willing to work hard and put forth effort, you will most likely end up miserable. The choices you make will directly reflect the life you lead. It is up to you to create the best possible world for yourself.

6. You’re Going To Be Rich

Too many people live their lives with the thought that they will be millionaires. While this can be a realistic goal for some, it is not something that can be achieved without hard work and dedication. Stop letting money be your sole motivator; find a career you are passionate about and immerse yourself in it completely.

7. The Idea That Good Fortune Will Arrive At Your Doorstep

You need to go out into the world and actively look for fulfillment. You cannot take a backseat in life and expect things to happen for you. Appreciate the life you live, and be grateful for what you have. Value each minute of every day. Live like there’s no tomorrow, and make the most out of any situation.

8. Excuses

Make no time for excuses. You want to work out, but you don’t have the time? Wake up early and get your gym on. Excuses are only rationalizations that make you feel better about yourself for not doing something you want/need to be doing. You desire results? Stop bitching, and start doing.

9. Thoughts Of Your Ex

This person is your ex for a reason. If you are going to think of him or her at all, try and think only about the lessons the experience taught you. Do not linger on any old feelings, as this will only prevent you from being happy with someone else in the future.

10. Stubbornness

I know it’s hard to admit, but sometimes you are just wrong. Other people have just as much capability as you do in providing the correct answer, so stop being stubborn and just embrace it. The less stubborn you act, the more open you are to learning new things. Think of all you could be exposed to if you stopped believing in opinions other than your own.

11. Procrastination

Stop thinking you will finally get to whatever task is at hand tomorrow. Live in the present, and get your sh*t done when it needs to be done. Maximize your time to the best of your ability. Complete each task you need to as soon as you can. This allows you to feel free from worry and stress by getting things out of the way as soon as possible. You also allow yourself more free time to enjoy the things you love.

12. Your Baggage

We have all been hurt one time or another by someone we loved, or we thought we loved. Carrying negative feelings into future relationships will only prove to be disastrous. No two people are the same, so it’s unfair to hold a future partner to a standard set by an ex. Try to begin each new relationship with a clean slate.

13. Negativity

What you put out into the universe will come back to you, so change the way you think, immediately. Stop thinking of life as a glass half empty, but rather, half full. You have so much to be grateful for, if only you took a moment to appreciate it. Anything is possible in the mind of a positive thinker.

14. Judgmental Thoughts

Why do people feel the need to constantly worry about what is going on in other people’s lives? If we spent as much time worrying about our own behaviors as we do worrying about those of others, our lives would be a whole lot more meaningful. You have no idea what is going on in another person’s life, so who are you to pass judgment on the way they act?

15. Jealousy

Happiness is not having what you want; it’s wanting what you have. Stop envying others and learn to appreciate what you have. Everyone’s life is unique; you have certain things to offer that others cannot. When we act in a jealous manner, all we do is bring negative feelings into our lives. There is absolutely nothing to gain from behaving this way.

16. Insecurity

Happy people tend to have extremely high levels of self-esteem. They accept who they are and work it everyday of their lives. They radiate confidence, flaunt their pride and give off positive vibes. There is no reason to be insecure in life. If there are things you are self-conscious about, go out into the world and seek to change them. Only you have the ability to create the best version of yourself.

17. Depending On Others For Happiness

At the end of the day, the only person you can count on 100 percent of the time is yourself. Do not make the unfortunate mistake many people do and put your happiness in the hands of others. A relationship is not going to fulfill the void if you can’t even make yourself happy. You need to achieve happiness on your own before you can find someone else to share it with. This creates a detrimental dependency that will prevent you from becoming self-sufficient.

18. The Past

Stop living in the past! There is virtually nothing you can gain if you wallow in mistakes you have previously made. Take past mistakes as lessons learned, and move forward. You cannot wholeheartedly move on to a better future if you are constantly looking behind you. Things happened, and that’s that. Take them with a grain of salt and move on.

19. The Need For Control

Sometimes you just need to let life happen the way it is meant to. You cannot spend your life stressing about things that are outside of your control. Try to relax, and let things play out naturally. Embrace the unknown, as this is where you will be surprised the most. Let yourself be whisked into unforeseen endeavors, and relish in the excitement they bring.

20. Expectations

Managing your expectations is the key to happiness. If you let go of expectations, you will never be disappointed. Often, we tend to believe that the way we treat others will be the way we are treated in return. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Do not expect a certain result from any given situations. Go into an experience with an open mind. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself, without the pressure of living up to preconceived notions.