The other day, I mentioned that Baskin & Robbins is selling $0.31 scoops of ice cream! You can purchase up to 3 scoops per person. I took my children to the local B&R and the line was not long at all! When we came out it was getting there! There are other specials B&R have as well. Check out their site for Mother's Day specials: www.baskinrobbins.com
Tomorrow, April 3oth, Carvel Ice Cream Stores is celebrating their 75th Anniversary! Wow, that is something! To honor their loyal customers, they are offering a Free Iceberg. An Iceberg is a somewhat like an ice cream float. It is blended with soda, vanilla flavoring and soft serve ice cream.
I know children do not need all of this sugar (I know mine don't). But with all the uproars and worries about the economy, job loss, foreclosures and now most recently, swine flu, I think everyone deserves a treat. Give yourself a pat on the back for making it through to the end of the work week or if you're a SAHM (stay-at-home-mother), for taking care of the kids and house! We all deserve a break...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Deals for Today
Good morning everyone!
A heat wave has struck the East Coast and some parts of the Midwest and if you're a single mom like me, that means no cooking! I do not like to cook in the heat. The best foods to eat when it is hot like this are fruits, tuna salad, pasta salad, smoothies, and plenty of water!
I wanted to share two upcoming deals from fast food restaurants happening this week.
1st-Kentucky Fried Chicken is offering a free piece of their new Unfried Chicken! KFC has stepped outside of their box (or should I say bucket) and are serving grilled chicken! I think I may go try this out today. Check out their site or your local KFC for participation details.
2nd-On April 29th, from 5pm-10pm, Baskin and Robbins are offering one scoop of their ice cream for only 31 cents! Now that is a bargain! This is to raise money for local fire service organizations. But I must warn you, the lines are going to get long! Check your local B&R for participation as well.
So stay cool, wherever you are or warm if you're experiencing cooler temps!
A heat wave has struck the East Coast and some parts of the Midwest and if you're a single mom like me, that means no cooking! I do not like to cook in the heat. The best foods to eat when it is hot like this are fruits, tuna salad, pasta salad, smoothies, and plenty of water!
I wanted to share two upcoming deals from fast food restaurants happening this week.
1st-Kentucky Fried Chicken is offering a free piece of their new Unfried Chicken! KFC has stepped outside of their box (or should I say bucket) and are serving grilled chicken! I think I may go try this out today. Check out their site or your local KFC for participation details.
2nd-On April 29th, from 5pm-10pm, Baskin and Robbins are offering one scoop of their ice cream for only 31 cents! Now that is a bargain! This is to raise money for local fire service organizations. But I must warn you, the lines are going to get long! Check your local B&R for participation as well.
So stay cool, wherever you are or warm if you're experiencing cooler temps!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Why don’t we go out anymore?
My ten-year old son asked me this question the other night en route to picking up my thirteen year old son from his all day school trip to Philadelphia. I had to talk to him in a kid friendly way without bringing up the real reason why we don’t "go out" anymore.
I love the fact that DC has a slew of museums to visit, most of them free. The vendors in the downtown area sell all sorts of souvenirs, including the huge wave of “Yes We Can” items courtesy of our President, Barack Obama. I used to take my children to these places quite often, the weather really disturbing our weekend visits. However, things have changed.
Motherly instinct, especially for single mothers, has to be used in such a way that we do not scare our children. My fear of the recent events of suicides over the turmoil of the economy has led me to sort of “stay inside” for a while. I am not a psychic here, but if I can avoid some kind of danger, then so be it. But it’s only temporary.
As single mothers, we have to salvage and save every dime. It is hard work. The economy these days does not make it any easier for us or anyone, to forget that there are such issues at hand. I believe as mothers, particularly single mothers, you need to tone it down a notch. By that I mean:
-Stop watching the news with your children when you hear about tragedies that have occurred due to the turmoil of the economy. Explain to them what is going on and why we must still be aware without being overly paranoid.
-Look for warning signs in your children in terms of depression, if you suspect a change. They could either be not eating, getting out of bed, not smiling, chatting on the phone with their friends. Simply not wanting to do the normal things they would normally do.
-If you are in debt, you do not need to let your children know this. They are kids and need to learn about money, but you shouldn’t broadcast the fact that money is hindering the family. Perhaps going over bills and budgeting after the children are asleep is best.
-Let your children know that there is a better way and things are only temporary. Assure them by eliminating that extra video game per month to a bi- monthly rental instead or perhaps get your children involved in other activities. Volunteering is a great way to start. Libraries are free.
-Last but not least, let your children know the consequences if they seek other measures of getting money. We still need to teach our children the value of a dollar and the value of life. And freedom.
Single mothers should take it easy on themselves if they cannot afford a certain brand of shoes, entertainment, clothing, or that concert ticket for their budding teenager. It is not the end of the world. There will be other times to get these things. I have to cool it myself when I take my children places and not overspend. Emotional spending is the worse kind, it is a hole that can sometimes take a year to get out of. It is best to keep your emotions about money in check.
I answered my son simply by letting him know that we do go out, it is just in our neighborhood instead of me driving eleven miles into DC so I can save gas. I also let him know that things happen everywhere and we are not always safe from it, but in these times, you never know. He understood that we can have fun right in our own backyard. And he also understood that things can happen anywhere and we have to be aware of our surroundings at all times.
After we had our talk, he didn’t ponder anymore; was just happy to see his brother come back safely from his trip to Philadelphia. And I am proud to say that my son spent half of his spending money, explaining that the sights were more glorious than spending money...
I love the fact that DC has a slew of museums to visit, most of them free. The vendors in the downtown area sell all sorts of souvenirs, including the huge wave of “Yes We Can” items courtesy of our President, Barack Obama. I used to take my children to these places quite often, the weather really disturbing our weekend visits. However, things have changed.
Motherly instinct, especially for single mothers, has to be used in such a way that we do not scare our children. My fear of the recent events of suicides over the turmoil of the economy has led me to sort of “stay inside” for a while. I am not a psychic here, but if I can avoid some kind of danger, then so be it. But it’s only temporary.
As single mothers, we have to salvage and save every dime. It is hard work. The economy these days does not make it any easier for us or anyone, to forget that there are such issues at hand. I believe as mothers, particularly single mothers, you need to tone it down a notch. By that I mean:
-Stop watching the news with your children when you hear about tragedies that have occurred due to the turmoil of the economy. Explain to them what is going on and why we must still be aware without being overly paranoid.
-Look for warning signs in your children in terms of depression, if you suspect a change. They could either be not eating, getting out of bed, not smiling, chatting on the phone with their friends. Simply not wanting to do the normal things they would normally do.
-If you are in debt, you do not need to let your children know this. They are kids and need to learn about money, but you shouldn’t broadcast the fact that money is hindering the family. Perhaps going over bills and budgeting after the children are asleep is best.
-Let your children know that there is a better way and things are only temporary. Assure them by eliminating that extra video game per month to a bi- monthly rental instead or perhaps get your children involved in other activities. Volunteering is a great way to start. Libraries are free.
-Last but not least, let your children know the consequences if they seek other measures of getting money. We still need to teach our children the value of a dollar and the value of life. And freedom.
Single mothers should take it easy on themselves if they cannot afford a certain brand of shoes, entertainment, clothing, or that concert ticket for their budding teenager. It is not the end of the world. There will be other times to get these things. I have to cool it myself when I take my children places and not overspend. Emotional spending is the worse kind, it is a hole that can sometimes take a year to get out of. It is best to keep your emotions about money in check.
I answered my son simply by letting him know that we do go out, it is just in our neighborhood instead of me driving eleven miles into DC so I can save gas. I also let him know that things happen everywhere and we are not always safe from it, but in these times, you never know. He understood that we can have fun right in our own backyard. And he also understood that things can happen anywhere and we have to be aware of our surroundings at all times.
After we had our talk, he didn’t ponder anymore; was just happy to see his brother come back safely from his trip to Philadelphia. And I am proud to say that my son spent half of his spending money, explaining that the sights were more glorious than spending money...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Happy Tax Day!
In honor of Tax Day, the deadline for people to file their taxes, Maggie Moo's Ice Cream Shop is giving away free scoops of ice cream today, April 15th! Visit their site at: www.maggiemoos.com for more details!
Also honoring Tax Day is Cinnabon! Starting at 5pm-8pm, Cinnabon is giving away free Cinnabon Bites!
How about that? Single moms, get those taxes done so you will NOT get penalized. Don't forget to ask about the Earned Income Tax Credit, claim your childcare expenses, summer camp included and include all expenses if you are a single mother with her own business!
Happy Tax Day everyone!
Also honoring Tax Day is Cinnabon! Starting at 5pm-8pm, Cinnabon is giving away free Cinnabon Bites!
How about that? Single moms, get those taxes done so you will NOT get penalized. Don't forget to ask about the Earned Income Tax Credit, claim your childcare expenses, summer camp included and include all expenses if you are a single mother with her own business!
Happy Tax Day everyone!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
How Old Is Too Old To Participate in Easter Activities?
I have lived in the DC area for several years and around springtime, I always have one heck of a pity party because I have never been able to get tickets for the White House Easter Egg Roll. In prior years, we witnessed lines for days only to get turned around and my youngest son asking me, "But why?" This year, the tickets were given away online and although I couldn't see the long line in cyberspace, I still couldn't get through. My son, who is ten (the oldest wanted to attend just to see the Obamas), was upset that I couldn't get the tickets. Again.
"This may be my last year to celebrate Easter," he said to me when I came home from work that evening.
"Why? You're only ten, next year you can get tickets," I answered, scrambling to fix dinner at the same time.
"Mom, you know the website said for 'kids up to age ten only'," he explained. He walked away.
It finally hit me. My kids are growing up! Hooray! Oh, sorry, was having a moment there. I did feel a little guilty about not getting those tickets again, but, I did take him to an event to celebrate Easter activities for kids.
The National Zoo, home of the Panda in the historic Woodley Park in Washington DC, had a wonderful event for us to attend. The zoo is not far from my job, so it was easy to get to, being Metro accessible and all. I took him to the Annual Easter Monday: Celebrating the African-American Family event. Glad I went early!
The event started at 10:00am. Sponsored by radio station WHUR 96.3 FM, my son participated in an Easter egg hunt where he and a bunch of other age eleven and under kids were scrambling for wooden eggs. At the end of let's say, five minutes, they had to go to a table and trade in their eggs for prizes. My son picked out a soccer ball keychain to match his soccer ball themed basket.
He played games such as beanbag toss in the meerkat's mouth, ring toss on the flamingo's beak, and Frisbee toss in another kind of mammal's mouth (sorry, I don't remember). There was a man dressed up as the zoo's traditional panda, sitting and waving inside of an Easter egg shaped bubble. People snapped pictures, even yours truly.
Watching my son act a little shy when it came time to create a crafty bag so he could receive candy gave me the uh-oh chills. I thought, "He just might be growing out of this." But then when I glanced around the table spread with glues, pictures, festive decals and markers, I realized there were a host of parents with toddlers and kindergartners providing assistance with their bags. My son did make a bag after I explained to him that he wouldn't receive candy if he didn't. I even helped by writing his name in 80's graffiti style!
The Hoola-Hoop contest he did not participate in, although I did see boys wanting to win the prize. I looked over at my son who shook his head, "No way Mom." Okay, maybe five years ago he would have won this competition.
After exhausting the events and noticing a semi-large crowd, we decided to leave. What was priceless about this outing was hearing my son say, "Mom, I can't wait to come back next year."
I smiled as I snapped a picture of him standing proudly near the sign that read, "Easter Monday: Celebrating the African-American Family."
Perhaps we are all never too old to participate in Easter activities.
"This may be my last year to celebrate Easter," he said to me when I came home from work that evening.
"Why? You're only ten, next year you can get tickets," I answered, scrambling to fix dinner at the same time.
"Mom, you know the website said for 'kids up to age ten only'," he explained. He walked away.
It finally hit me. My kids are growing up! Hooray! Oh, sorry, was having a moment there. I did feel a little guilty about not getting those tickets again, but, I did take him to an event to celebrate Easter activities for kids.
The National Zoo, home of the Panda in the historic Woodley Park in Washington DC, had a wonderful event for us to attend. The zoo is not far from my job, so it was easy to get to, being Metro accessible and all. I took him to the Annual Easter Monday: Celebrating the African-American Family event. Glad I went early!
The event started at 10:00am. Sponsored by radio station WHUR 96.3 FM, my son participated in an Easter egg hunt where he and a bunch of other age eleven and under kids were scrambling for wooden eggs. At the end of let's say, five minutes, they had to go to a table and trade in their eggs for prizes. My son picked out a soccer ball keychain to match his soccer ball themed basket.
He played games such as beanbag toss in the meerkat's mouth, ring toss on the flamingo's beak, and Frisbee toss in another kind of mammal's mouth (sorry, I don't remember). There was a man dressed up as the zoo's traditional panda, sitting and waving inside of an Easter egg shaped bubble. People snapped pictures, even yours truly.
Watching my son act a little shy when it came time to create a crafty bag so he could receive candy gave me the uh-oh chills. I thought, "He just might be growing out of this." But then when I glanced around the table spread with glues, pictures, festive decals and markers, I realized there were a host of parents with toddlers and kindergartners providing assistance with their bags. My son did make a bag after I explained to him that he wouldn't receive candy if he didn't. I even helped by writing his name in 80's graffiti style!
The Hoola-Hoop contest he did not participate in, although I did see boys wanting to win the prize. I looked over at my son who shook his head, "No way Mom." Okay, maybe five years ago he would have won this competition.
After exhausting the events and noticing a semi-large crowd, we decided to leave. What was priceless about this outing was hearing my son say, "Mom, I can't wait to come back next year."
I smiled as I snapped a picture of him standing proudly near the sign that read, "Easter Monday: Celebrating the African-American Family."
Perhaps we are all never too old to participate in Easter activities.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Welcome to Sheography!
Welcome to Sheography! I created this blog with the single mother in mind. As a single mother, I do everything. I have to find the time to do everything! And at one point in time, I used to beat myself up when I couldn't get everything done in a day such as wake my kids up in the morning, feed them breakfast, take them to school, not yell at them or pull out my hair because I was always asked, "But why Mommy?" on the way to daycare/school (they're three years apart), go to work, pray that I do not receive a "Come get your son" phone call, although I never received too many of them, thank God. Let's see, oh yes, then I had to come home, prepare dinner or warm up leftovers, help with homework, ask about their day, say "Stop" a gazillion times, bathe them, then read or watch TV with them before kindly tucking them to bed. All of this before 7:30pm.
At that time, I literally thought I was going to lose my hair. But thank God, I haven't. It is all there, and now my ten-year old has taken things back to my year of birth era by growing an Afro. Literally...
Ladies (and sometimes Gents), I want to say that life does not have to stop. I had to learn this the hard way. I was a functioning Mom, never going out to have fun, feeling frumpy at times because I had gained weight in places I didn't know existed, and found myself carrying a Tote bag versus my cute leather bags that I always shopped for in NYC. Yes, motherhood can be a shell shocker for some, however, it is double the work for those that are single. I have two children and in the next decade, they will be grown men, hopefully, prayerfully not still calling my name 50 million times a day, like they do now!
So I dedicate Sheography, my own creative name for the single mother who does it all. For the single mother who loses her faith one minute and restores it the next when she sees her toddler take his/her first step. For all the single mothers who does not know how they are going to feed their children one week, but somehow they miraculously find out about Sheography and see that I have listed resources for women to go to food pantries for free or low-cost perishables and produce.
Last but not least, I NEED to display, portray and put on blast, all of the single mothers who actually made it with little or no support. I have read about and heard countless success stories of single mothers who either stepped out on faith and went for their dream, be it starting a business or non-profit organization, working in the entertainment field, writing a book or starting a blog and/or website dedicated to single mothers just like this one.
Welcome to Sheography. There is more to come!
And a special thanks to the following sites:
At that time, I literally thought I was going to lose my hair. But thank God, I haven't. It is all there, and now my ten-year old has taken things back to my year of birth era by growing an Afro. Literally...
Ladies (and sometimes Gents), I want to say that life does not have to stop. I had to learn this the hard way. I was a functioning Mom, never going out to have fun, feeling frumpy at times because I had gained weight in places I didn't know existed, and found myself carrying a Tote bag versus my cute leather bags that I always shopped for in NYC. Yes, motherhood can be a shell shocker for some, however, it is double the work for those that are single. I have two children and in the next decade, they will be grown men, hopefully, prayerfully not still calling my name 50 million times a day, like they do now!
So I dedicate Sheography, my own creative name for the single mother who does it all. For the single mother who loses her faith one minute and restores it the next when she sees her toddler take his/her first step. For all the single mothers who does not know how they are going to feed their children one week, but somehow they miraculously find out about Sheography and see that I have listed resources for women to go to food pantries for free or low-cost perishables and produce.
Last but not least, I NEED to display, portray and put on blast, all of the single mothers who actually made it with little or no support. I have read about and heard countless success stories of single mothers who either stepped out on faith and went for their dream, be it starting a business or non-profit organization, working in the entertainment field, writing a book or starting a blog and/or website dedicated to single mothers just like this one.
Welcome to Sheography. There is more to come!
And a special thanks to the following sites:
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