How Successful Women Balance Work and Life

By Marcia Greer

Successful women balance work and life with the knowledge that there can be no alternative. If they want a challenging career while staying dedicated to their family, then woman must be willing to make some sacrifices. No one said it would be easy, but the balance is possible! You just need a solid support system and time to yourself occasionally. The following list will give you a better idea on how to make some sense of the work/ life balance.
Make Your Priorities 
The first thing you need to do long before your children are born or before starting a new job is to make a list of your priorities. Do you want to be a partner by 38? Are you determined to attend every recital performance of your child? Success will not come without some sacrifices. As a result, you don’t want to be caught in the middle of a struggle between of an important business meeting or your child’s birthday without understanding the risks in avoiding either.
Dedication is Key
Your dedication to balancing your life and work is pertinent. You need to make sure that you are willing to do anything it takes at work and at home to make everyone happy and satisfied. That said, you also need to make sure those around you know you’re dedicated to them as well. If you have to miss a child’s soccer  game or a spouse’s art showing, communicate why. Assure them of your love and support. Promise to make it up to them, and then follow through.

Time for Your Self 
You need to find at least a couple hours for yourself each week. This can be as little as a spa treatment or an hour watching trashy TV. You need a moment alone to rejuvenate and feel ready to take on the challenges of the week ahead – don’t feel bad about that – everyone does!!A Solid Support System
Nothing can be accomplished alone. If this means relying on your partner or hiring a nanny, do it! Do not be afraid to ask for help. Hiring a nanny your trust will keep your kids safe and secure. There is no reason for you to feel guilty as long as you make time for each child. It could be as simple as making dinner and eating as a family when you get home from work. Hiring someone does not mean you are failing. On the contrary, a solid support system will make you feel better about your decisions in the long run.Be Prepared for Anything 
You never know what will happen. An emergency at home could tear you away from a business trip. An important work party could be on your anniversary. You have to be prepared to roll with the punches and expect things to get sticky at times. Life is not perfect, and you do not need to expect it as such. As long as you understand the risks involved by balancing a full time job and motherhood, then you will be fine.As you can see, the balance is not possible when you use a combination of the above. If you are willing to accept the given challenges, then anything is possible. Just remember that family should come first in times of need and special occasions.

Marcia Greer is a therapist who writes all about self-help and happiness. Her recent work is on the 10 Best Accredited Online Social Work Degree Programs.

Mom..It’s OK To Take Care Of You

Where are you on your daily to-do list? If you’re like a lot of moms these days, you probably fall somewhere near the bottom, or perhaps you’re not even on the list at all. The thing is, if you want to be able to continue to function at your best, to tackle your to-do list, day after day, tuning into and honoring what you need is absolutely essential.

Let’s take a moment to consider the regular maintenance that you extend to the car that you drive. Do you make sure that it is filled up with gas when needed? Do you make arrangements for the oil to be changed on a regular basis? If you car starts making funny noises, do you have someone check it out?

Now, what if you chose to ignore your car’s signals, because you were too busy with everything else? Would you expect your car to continue to perform for you? Of course not. But for some reason, we moms expects our bodies to keep going and going, even when we’re not providing any regularly scheduled maintenance for them. Should we really be surprised, then, when our bodies stop performing at their best?

Just like your car has signals to communicate its needs (gas gauge, oil light, etc.), our bodies have signals, too. Stop and think about a time when you were feeling stressed, frazzled, run-down, or even experiencing a cold or other symptoms. Chances are there were some moments, over the previous few weeks leading up to this state, when your body asked you to slow down, to rest, to take a break…these are the whispers I’m talking about.

When you don’t hear these whispers, eventually your body has to kick it up a notch. This is exactly what used to happen with me. I would end up getting sick, and then I wasn’t able to get anything done and I was definitely a lot less pleasant to be around. I convinced myself that I had to do everything and take care of everyone else. Most moms can certainly relate to this.

But when I would think back to the weeks leading up to a cold or whatever I ended up experiencing, I could recall moments when my body whispered to me, requesting that I go to bed instead of staying up late again, asking me to sit still for a few minutes, reminding me that the sugary snack I was reaching for wasn’t really going to sustain me. But I didn’t listen. I pushed through, again and again. I ignored the signals, and time and time again I would come down with a cold or something worse. This was my body’s way of forcing me to rest.

This pattern was repeated so many times in my life. I wasn’t keeping up with my body’s maintenance plan, but I was still surprised when it would break down. After this happened again and again, I finally got the message: I wasn’t paying attention to my body’s signals and honoring my own needs. Once I became aware of this pattern, I was then able to make some changes. I’m still a work in progress, but I am definitely more in tune these days with the whispers, so my body no longer has to knock me over the head in order to get my attention!

It hasn’t been easy, but the guidelines below have really helped me with this process. I encourage you to give them a try, especially if you’re missing the whispers in your own life.

*Offer gratitude on a daily basis for your body. *Acknowledge and appreciate the wisdom that it offers.
*Begin to consciously tune into your body throughout the day. Become more aware of its maintenance needs for sleep, healthy food, exercise, and relaxation.
*Create space in your day so that you can regularly check in with your body and hear what it’s saying. *Allow for some slow, quiet time.
*Start to identify your body’s communication patterns: does it speak to you with aches and pains, cold symptoms, headaches, knots in your stomach, etc.?
*Realize that it’s about more than just physical needs, too. For example, a knot in your stomach might indicate that just having said yes to yet another committee at school was really not in your best interest.
*Pay attention to the whispers and make the changes necessary. (Go to bed earlier, eat a real meal, step away from your computer, start saying no, etc.).

As moms, we serve as important examples for our children. Honoring our bodies and taking time for self-care serves as a model for our kids; they’ll be able to learn at an early age how to tune into their own signals and what they can do to honor their needs.

If you are a mom who needs a release and needs to know how to experience self care and why self care is important we (Ayize & Aiyana) invite you to join us as we take you through an inner work process that will prove to be enlightening and healing.  CLICK HERE to join us.

6 Steps To Help Working Mothers Find Work/Life Balance

By: Azarel Smallwood

The brass ring of being one of America’s millions of working mothers is finding that elusive work/life balance. Historically, women have been the ones responsible for keeping up the housework, making dinner, and raising the children. Today, despite changing gender expectations and more helpful spouses, it can still be quite overwhelming to achieve everything, every day. It is indeed possible for working mothers to be successful business women at the same time. All it takes is some planning, communication, and boundaries.

Step One: Organize And Prioritize Your Tasks

Do the dishes and the laundry. Get that spreadsheet finished. Take the kids to baseball practice and piano lessons. Send out that email before you forget. The number of tasks flying through working mothers’ heads is incredible! It’s no wonder you feel frazzled. Take an hour each week to plan and schedule the activities and expectations for the coming days. With a good day planner, you can set time specifically for work, family, and you time. Don’t forget to schedule break time in there, to recharge your mind and help refocus on the next thing on your list.

Step Two: Give Yourself A Break

You’re Supermom, and are doing your best at being a successful business woman. But when there is more than one goal to focus on, occasionally some things might not get done. And that’s okay! Explain the importance of your job to your family, and the importance of your family to your boss. While you might be holding yourself up to the level of perfection on every single task, there will come times when you need to accept that something is good enough and to move on. Communicate with your spouse, your children, and your boss when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Include them in your planning and time management, so that everyone is on the same page with expectations. And when you’re falling behind? Ask for help. No one will think less of you for it.

Step Three: Moms in Business Need To Set Boundaries

For successful business women, communication is key. When you’re also juggling a family, it’s even more important. Setting boundaries between work and home will help stop the two from bleeding into each other. The first boundary to set is between work people and your family. Make sure that work people can only contact you during certain hours, and outside of that, it has to wait until tomorrow. The same goes with your family: during scheduled work time, unless it’s an emergency, it can wait. The next boundary is to segregate your time. Hours spent at work are focused career time, whereas time at home is dedicated family time. The last boundary for working mothers is separating your work space. If you work in the home, designate a room for your office, and while you’re in there, it’s as if you’re not even home.

Step Four: Connect With Other Working Mothers

Sometimes, it feels like no one gets it. Do a bit of searching to find a network of like-minded working mothers, either online or in your neighborhood. Even if you can’t fit in attendance to an event, having the chance to connect with other working mothers, who are also trying to juggle being successful business women, will be a great help to your sanity. When we’re at our most frustrated, it’s comforting to realize that we’re not the only ones going through it. Groups and online communities such as these offer friendship, advice, play dates, and even business networking.

Step Five: Take Care Of YOU

When planning your week, plan at least an hour, twice per week, that is yours alone. This might be to get a pedicure, take a long bath, or have a glass of wine while reading a novel. A critical part of balancing being a mother and a successful business woman is time to unwind. There may be other things that you could be doing, and it may seem counter-productive. However, working mothers need time where they are not a mother, not a business woman, but just themselves.

Step Six: Family Still (And Always) Comes First

Make your family time non-negotiable. When there is a struggle between choosing family or work, you can always make your family your number one priority. If you have a boss, express the importance of your family, and that you will need to be available for emergencies. If you work for yourself, or from your home, it can be incredibly difficult to know when to shut down and stop working. With proper planning and time management, as well as a supportive family and boss, you should be able to feel fulfilled as part of both groups: working mothers and successful business women.

Frustrated after trying to get her novel published, Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood took matters into her own hands and began her own publishing company, Life Changing Books. With 60 titles and 30 authors published, she now helps turn working mothers into authors and successful business women.

 

Listen In As BLAM’s Aiyana Ma’at Talks About How To Finally Love & Accept Yourself

By Aiyana Ma’at

This past weekend I had the awesome opportunity to join with women in the Washington, DC metro area and celebrated our Divine Feminine—Mind, Body, & Spirit. It was awesome! I spoke about how we as women can truly love and accept ourselves for all of who we are. I was blessed by all that was shared. We dealt with Abuse, Loneliness, Rejection, Low Self Esteem, and so much more. I never take it for granted when the Creator allows me to be in the presence of other like minded sisters reaching for their truest and most authentic selves.

Listen in for a clip with me talking about how to truly love and accept yourself once and for all…..

Stop Playing. Start Pushing.

6 Common Causes For Hair Loss In Black Women

By Brittany Gatson

What are the most common causes of hair loss for black women?

The idea that thinning hair is a guy problem is simply wrong. Forty percent of people who experience temporary or long term hair loss are women. Some have hair that is thinning all over, while others see the center part gradually widen. Still others develop distinct baldness at the crown of the head. Unlike men, women rarely develop a receding front hairline.

The average scalp has 100,000 hairs. Each follicle produces a single hair that grows at a rate of half an inch per month. After growing for two to six years, hair rests awhile before falling out. It’s soon replaced with a new hair, and the cycle begins again. At any given time, 85% of hair is growing, and the remainder is resting.

So what are some common reasons for hair loss in women?

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate many processes throughout the body. If the gland makes too much or too little thyroid hormone, the hair growth cycle may falter. But hair loss is rarely the only sign of a thyroid problem. Other symptoms include weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart rate.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a chronic hormonal imbalance. The body makes higher levels of androgens than expected. This often causes extra hair to sprout on the face and body, while hair on the scalp grows thinner. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain. But sometimes thinning hair is the only obvious sign.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata causes hair to fall out in startling patches. The culprit is the body’s own immune system, which mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. In most cases, the damage is not permanent. The missing patches usually grow back in six months to a year. In rare cases, people may lose all of the hair on their scalp and body.

CLICK HERE to read more.

How To Have A Healthy Pregnancy After 35

By Felicia Vance

Getting pregnant after 35 may be more difficult than at age 25, but it’s not necessarily impossible. What are your chances for getting pregnant after age 35? Why is it more difficult than in your 20s and early 30s, and why do doctors recommend seeking help getting pregnant sooner than later if you’re past age 35?

Rest assured, most healthy women who get pregnant after age 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies. That doesn’t mean, though, that that you shouldn’t think about smart steps you can take to maximize your health and your baby’s health during pregnancy.

Get early and regular prenatal care. The first eight weeks of your pregnancy are very important to your baby’s development. Early and regular prenatal care can increase your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Prenatal care includes screenings, regular exams, pregnancy and childbirth education, and counseling and support.

Getting prenatal care also helps provide extra protection for women over 35. It allows your doctor to stay ahead of health conditions that are more common in women who are older when they get pregnant. For instance, your age may increase your risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure along with protein in the urine. During prenatal visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure, test your urine for protein and sugar, and test your blood glucose levels. That way, any potential problems can be caught and treated early.

Consider optional prenatal tests for women over 35. Your doctor may offer you special prenatal tests that are particularly applicable for older moms. These tests help determine the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Ask your doctor about these tests so you can learn the risks and benefits and decide what’s right for you.

Take prenatal vitamins. All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first three months of pregnancy can help prevent birth defects involving a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds an important level of protection for older women, who have a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects.

You deserve the same TLC as your baby. Taking care of yourself will help you manage any existing health problems and protect you from pregnancy-related diabetes and high blood pressure. And the healthier you are the better it will be for your little one.

Keep up with other doctor appointments. If you have a chronic health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure, be sure you keep up with your regular doctor appointments. Managing your condition before you get pregnant will keep both you and your baby healthy. Be sure to see your dentist for regular exams and cleanings too. Having healthy teeth and gums lessens the chance of preterm birth and of having a baby with a low birth weight.

Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods will help you get all the nutrients you need. Choose plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. You should eat and drink at least 4 servings of dairy and calcium-rich foods every day. That way you’ll keep your teeth and bones healthy while your baby develops. Also be sure to include good food sources of folic acid, such as leafy green vegetables, dried beans, liver, and some citrus fruits.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sheree Whitfield Talks About The Realities Of Being A Reality TV Mother

If you’ve ever wondered what the experience is like trying to raise a child while you’re a reality TV star….well wonder no more. : )  Here’s some insider information.  Former “Real Atlanta Housewives” star Sheree Whitfield chatted with HLN’s “Raising America” about what really happens when you are raising children as a reality TV show mother.

 

President Obama Signs The Violence Against Women Act

By Whitney Greer

President Barack Obama signed the renewed Violence Against Women Act in March 2013, which expands the government’s ability to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence.

March is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, as well as National Women’s History Month.

The revitalized Violence Against Women Act hands a long-awaited victory for women’s groups and women everywhere. particularly black women: while they comprise 8% of the U.S. population, Black women account for more than 22% of intimate partner homicide victims.

The Violence Against Women Act has set the standard for how to protect women, and some men, from domestic abuse and prosecute abusers and is credited with helping reduce domestic violence incidents by two-thirds since its inception in 1994.

“This is your day. This is the day of the advocates, the day of the survivors. This is your victory,” Obama said. “This victory shows that when the American people make their voices heard, Washington listens.”

Black Women & Violence

According to reports, 1 in 5 women will be raped during their lifetime. Also, the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community reports that black women who are battered have more physical ailments, mental health issues, are less likely to practice safe sex, and are more likely to abuse substances during pregnancy than black women without a history of abuse.

They are also at greater risk for attempting suicide, particularly if they were physically abused as a child, for being depressed, and to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Other facts:

• Intimate partner violence among African Americans is related to economic factors. Intimate partner violence among blacks occurs more frequently among couples with low incomes, those in which the male partner is underemployed or unemployed, particularly when he is not seeking work, and among couples residing in very poor neighborhoods, regardless of the couple’s income.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Men Listen Up. Here’s What Women Really Want

By James Brito

It’s a question every guy asks himself, every guy struggles with at some point or another, every guy desperately wants to know the answer to:

WHAT DO WOMEN WANT?

The answer isn’t easy to come by. There are as many answers as there are types of women: young, old; fat, skinny; talkative, quiet; beautiful…not so beautiful. They all want different things, different men for their different personalities. It’s enough to drive a man crazy! We want to know so badly what it is women desire that Hollywood addressed the age-old question with the movie “What Women Want” (which, I’m embarrassed to say, I enjoyed).

So, surely…there must be something ALL women want?

That’s the good news: There are certain qualities every woman can appreciate. And as men, that’s what we need to focus on most.

Not on what we THINK they want, but on what we can KNOW they want.

Maybe we think being 6′5″, wealthy, and built like a football player is what every woman wants, but (thankfully) it’s not. Only certain women want that, and the groupies who only want a millionaire athlete on steroids usually aren’t even worth your time.

It’s better to focus on the women YOU really want: the women who make you feel good, and make you a better man. Empower yourself with a sense of choice, so that you don’t waste your time (and theirs) hitting on girls who don’t fit with your personality and purpose. The great news is, if you can provide the basic qualities that all women REALLY desire, then getting the girl of your dreams will be easy!

So let’s look at some things we can safely say women want in a man–regardless of his size, regardless of his looks, regardless of his wealth.

1. A demonstrative value.

That is, women want to know that their man is someone other women would want. They want a certain “gotta have” quality about their man. This is why, when we go out with a girlfriend, women give us looks and always seem more interested. It’s annoying but true: the easiest way to get a girl, is to have one already!

Naturally, that doesn’t mean that you should be hitting on girls when you have a girlfriend. No way! But when you are single, it’s important to know how to show value. I’ve got a great lesson on this in my e-book that will show you everything you need to know: how to make her laugh, how to show a talent, and how to make sure she never leaves you.

There’s so much to learn, but in short, you want to be a guy girls love to be around, and that other girls want to have! If you don’t feel like you’re there right now, do your best to be a fun-loving guy who people enjoy being around. Be quick with a smile, and quick with a joke. Even a guy who smiles a lot can be someone girls want. Who doesn’t enjoy being around someone who’s happy, who lifts the mood of the room?

2. A man who needs her…but not too much.

This can greatly value from girl to girl, but basically women DO want to feel appreciated. They just don’t want to be obsessed over. Guys, show interest in a woman, and make her feel beautiful and wanted…but don’t slave over her and make her feel like you can’t live without her. That’s just pathetic, and drives women away.

I wrote a blog on how women want to feel needed. Check it out now if you want to find out how to show your woman the right amount of love.

3. A feeling of security.

Women want to feel safe with a man. They want to know that everything’s gonna be all right. This doesn’t mean you have to be huge and strong, or have millions in the bank. It just means you have to talk reassuringly to her, look after her safety, and assure her when she needs it that things are going to be OK.

It also means coming to her protection, when she needs it. If someone is being a jerk to her, stand up for her. If she’s being threatened, fight for her. Let her know that you will fight for her, and nothing will get in your way.

One of the best ways to make her feel confident that you will protect her, of course, is to be…

4. A guy who’s in shape.

Okay, I said that you don’t have to be a professional rugby player to attract women, but that doesn’t mean you should let your body slide! Part of a woman’s evolutionary mechanism says that a man who is strong will protect her and the children, as well as produce strong children. Likewise, a man who is weak will produce weak children, and not be able to protect the family as well (if at all) It may occur subconsciously, but it’s there.

So show her your value by being a guy who’s well-built, healthy, and athletic. Join a gym, not just to get women but to improve your health and the way you see yourself. Join a martial arts class–who doesn’t like a guy who can kick some ass? You’ll feel better about yourself, making it easier to pick up girls, and her mating drive will only naturally attract her to you. It’s a win-win situation!

5. Someone who’s not boring.

Doesn’t matter how good looking you are…if you bore a woman to tears, she’s not gonna stick around–or even give you a chance, for that matter. Be someone who smiles. Someone who’s quick with a laugh. Someone who doesn’t take life too seriously, who lets loose. That shows a lot more value than a guy who’s stiff and serious–even if he is good looking or wealthy. Believe me, there are lots of guys who have money, who have good looks–but are single, because they’re dull and not fun to be around.

6. Someone who’s good with her friends.

You’ve seen it at bars: girls always look to their friends for their approval. Get their friends’ approval, and you get the girl’s approval.

Oftentimes it’s actually best to concentrate on getting to know the girl’s group of friends before you spend time talking to her. If you can make her friends laugh and enjoy your company, getting the girl you want will be a piece of cake!

I really like this piece of advice from Joseph Matthews, aka Thundercat, author of The Art of the Approach, in his free e-newsletter: “Meeting women when they are with their friends is WAY easier than waiting for when they are alone! This is because women with friends feel safe and relaxed, so their defenses aren’t up.”

Furthermore, he warns that you’re not doing your chances any favors by waiting til she’s alone: “If you wait until she’s by herself to meet her, you’re walking into a situation where she’s going to be WAY more defensive than usual.” So learn to be sociable, and just have fun with her friends! If you can make them enjoy your company, getting your “target’s” approval will be a piece of cake.

This is also where it’s good to go with girls in the same social network as you…you already have the approval of mutual friends. The book, Sex in America, says that 60% of married couples meet through friends, work, or mutual activities. For more information on using networking to your benefit, click here.

Finally, the trait all women REALLY want:

7. A man with a purpose.

Believe me, women don’t expect every guy they meet to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, have more power than the mayor, and be more handsome than Brad Pitt. They don’t expect you to be wildly successful. But they DO want you to be headed towards success. They DO want you to have direction. They DO want you to be living up to your potential. And those aren’t bad expectations to have! Remember, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” You may not be at the top just yet, but as long as you’re heading there, with goals in life, you’re bound to attract women. And more importantly, reach your own personal success.

I highly suggest you read “The Way of the Superior Man,” by David Deida. It details the importance of having a life purpose, both for you and for your girlfriend or wife. The book also explains the very important idea that if someone doesn’t fit into your purpose, or detracts you from it, then she isn’t worth your time. As I said above, don’t just go for any old girl: go for the ones who fit YOU, and who make YOU a better person. That’s what we men should really want!

I hope all of this advice helps you out as you seek to improve yourself and attract the women who matter to you. Remember that it isn’t important to know what the bimbo who wants to spend all your money wants: it’s important to know what women who want to be with you want. Empower yourself by being choosy, and you’ll be sure to attract the woman who’s right for you.

Finally, for more information on attracting the specific women you really want, check out my e-book and audio series. Thanks for reading!

James Brito is the author of “How to Be Irresistible to Women.” His years of dating experience and international travel have tutored him in the art of meeting and seducing women the world over. His immersion in international dating circles brings forth a gritty, no-nonsense approach to dating and developing relationships necessary for the modern single man. Learn more about how to attract the woman of your dreams at: http://www.000relationships.com 

5 Things Every Woman Should Know

By Lana Moline

I love all the new technology in our ever evolving world.  I find it fascinating that I can video conference in a matter of minutes.  I remember watching movies way back when thinking “wow” when the actors flashed some futuristic gadget.  The ideas seemed so far away and it was hard to imagine technology catching up to the on-screen projections but it has.  Not only has reality caught up but the rapid pace surpasses itself and the latest and newest becomes obsolete in no time.  I try to stay current in part to keep up with my kids because they are absorbing it all quickly but what I have found is that there are still certain basic things that we must know.  Here’s my little list, my soap box of things that every woman should know and none of it has anything to do with fast pace and changing technology.

One of the things that every woman should know is what to do if you blow a fuse.  Locate the fuse box and determine the circuits that are protected by each fuse.  If a coding map isn’t provided for you then create one yourself so you will be prepared for future outages.  Make sure you have the replacements nearby so that may be a trip to Lowe’s or Home Depot to understand exactly what you need.  Take a picture and bring it with you so that the sales person can correctly identify what you need.

Another thing that every woman needs to know is exactly what insurance coverage your family has.  Often times we sign up for a variety of coverage with the intent of sitting down to really “see” what we signed up for.  That’s fine but we can’t forget to get around to doing just that.  It is so important to have clarity when it comes to insurance policies for automobiles, homes and health.  Sometimes you may find that you may not need the type of coverage that you have and can save some money.  Or you may discover that you don’t actually have what you intended to get as companies and carriers change.  Just make sure to spend some time reading the fine print.

Knowing how to change a flat tire can make the world of difference if we find ourselves on the road alone.  A quick change can have us back on the road in a matter of minutes.  Again, visit your local Lowe’s or Home Depot to find a tool kit (I’ve seen pink ones) that will have everything you need in order to change the flat. Keep it in the trunk of your car at all times.

If you have kids then you understand all the expenses that arise in raising them.  Knowing how to cut your son’s hair or style your daughter’s hair can be a huge savings.  Don’t be afraid to give it a shot.  Start off small and do a simple hair cut on your son.  There are a ton of youtube videos that walk you through step by step and the more you do it the better you will become.  It’s also a great way to bond.

Lastly, there is one single thing that I think is one of the most important things that we as women can learn and that is how to cook gravy from scratch.  If we can cook gravy or anything from scratch for that matter, we will never, ever starve.

Lana Moline is an integral part of the Blackloveandmarriage.com writing team, freelance writer and poet who lives in Ft. Worth with her three kids and husband Emile. Married 11 years, both media professionals have vowed to maintain integrity in all aspects of print and broadcast journalism.Visit her atLana Moline Speaks.