What A New Mom Needs

The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the baby and ends when the mother’s body has returned as closely as possible to its pre-pregnant state. This period usually lasts six to eight weeks. Sociologically, she has other needs. See the soft reminders below.

1. Save me some money. Offer to take my baby pictures. You know those hospital pictures as overpriced. I may have something cute to put my lil one in & I’d rather pay you.
2. Ask me if I mind recycled gifts, like a stroller, car seat, crib, clothes, diaper bag, etc. I just might need it.
3. Make us a big salad, a big pan of lasagna with a nice homemade dressing on the side and a gallon of mint tea and clean the kitchen completely afterward. Drop it off, wash your hand if you want to hold the baby, do that and leave shortly afterwards.
4. Come over about 2 pm in the afternoon in your work clothes to water my plants, feed the dog and dust my house. Hold the baby while I have a hot shower. Let me take a nap, while you fold all of the laundry or do some.  
5. Put a sign on my door saying “Dear Friends and Family, Mom and baby need extra rest right now. Please phone first. All donations of casserole dinners would be most welcome. Thank you for caring about our family.”
6. Remind me to keep myself up. If you gotta find my black yoga/leggings pants or scarf, high lyrca -cotton cami, please remind me to wear it. If we’re going, remind me to grab  my cover up or
7. Take my older kids for a really fun-filled afternoon to a park, Imaginon or Monkey Joes and feed them healthy food from Earth Fare.

 Never be afraid to ask for help. These are the kindnesses that new families remember and appreciate forever. Things that really make a difference are the services for the body and soul. Most of your friends and family members don’t know what they can do that won’t be an intrusion.

Friday Four: The Elephant in the room is nursing!

The number one weapon we have against bad information and advice is to SQUASH IT LIKE A BUG! By perpetuating myths, we only continue to make things harder for black breastfeeding moms in the future.

When we think about breast-feeding, we imagine an infant at her mother’s breast. But in previous eras, mothers who could afford to do so enlisted other women (poor women, slaves, immigrants) to breast-feed their babies. This was the “natural” order of those cultures. But something went wrong. It seems that somehow we’ve lost our way. Black Breastfeeding Week is not, I repeat, is not a week to have more of the white versus black argument. It’s not a week to get white women to notice black women breastfeeding, or even to get white women to acknowledge the fact that black women do breastfeed. It’s a week for us black women to bring awareness to other black women that, yes, we need to no longer let historical trauma hold us back.  Now about smashing them bugs… here 4 myths that need to be smashed!

“There is no money to be made in breastfeeding. The infant formula industry is run by the pharmaceutical companies, and there’s a huge profit motive,”

1. Myth: Moms with small breasts can’t make enough milk.   Truth: Breast size doesn’t matter.  Milk production has nothing to do with breast size.  It’s even possible for women with smaller breasts to have an oversupply of milk! Following your baby’s lead and nursing whenever your baby cues to feed will help to ensure adequate production of milk.

“My baby was allergic to my breastmilk.”

Now, before I outright say this isn’t true, it can be — but the chances of a baby having the only true allergy to human breastmilk or lactose in any form, called galactosemia, affects only 47 babies in the US per year… however, 150 people die annually from a falling coconut hitting them on the head. – The Stir

2.Myth: It’s Normal for Nursing to Hurt. Although it’s common to feel discomfort at first, pain is a sign that your baby isn’t latching onto your breast properly. Instead of focusing only on your nipple, she should be opening wide and pulling your nipple and breast deep into her mouth, using her jaw and tongue to massage milk out of your breast. Keep changing positions until your baby feels safe and secure. With a little time and patience, you’ll both get it right. (10Myths about breastfeeding added here for you to read later!) 3.Myth: Many moms can’t produce enough milk. Truth: The vast majority of mothers can make more than enough milk for their baby (or babies!). It is estimated that only 2-5% (some believe this number is lower, closer to 1-2%) of women are truly unable to produce enough milk for their baby. Our species never would have survived if we weren’t able to provide for our young. Low milk production is usually the result of not enough stimulation of the breast from nursing or pumping.

Whether you will be able to breastfeed after breast-reduction surgery also depends on how the procedure was performed. “If the nipple is left partially attached during the procedure and then reattached once the unwanted breast tissue has been removed, it’s more likely that you’ll be able to breastfeed”-Fit Pregnancy 

4. Modern formulas are almost the same as breastmilk. Not true! The same claim was made in 1900 and before. Modern formulas are only superficially similar to breastmilk. Every correction of a deficiency in formulas is advertised as an advance. Fundamentally formulas are inexact copies based on outdated and incomplete knowledge of what breastmilk is. Formulas contain no antibodies, no living cells, no enzymes, no hormones. They contain much more aluminum, manganese, cadmium and iron than breastmilk. They contain significantly more protein than breastmilk. The proteins and fats are fundamentally different from those in breastmilk. Formulas do not vary from the beginning of the feed to the end of the feed, or from day 1 to day 7 to day 30, or from woman to woman, or from baby to baby. Your breastmilk is made as required to suit your baby. Formulas are made to suit every baby, and thus no baby. Formulas succeed only at making babies grow well, usually, but there is more to breastfeeding than getting the baby to grow quickly.

-Other breastfeeding myths-

Enough on the soapbox, goodnight all! QCSUPERMOM 🙂

 

Wednesday Wow: Black Breastfeeding Week- YES!

NOTICE: To be clear, this is not about YOU — this effort does not exclude or preclude anyone else from joining in. Please hear me, every time black people get together in solidarity to address problems in their own community, it is not a statement or action toward YOU. In fact, your energy would be better spent thinking about how you can support such a life-saving effort. PLEASE CONTINUE…..

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and a group of nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates have declared August 25-31st as Black Breastfeeding Week, marking the inaugural celebration of black life with community events in key cities, an live interactive webcast and several social media campaigns.

 I agree that a special light should be given to mothers of color. Study’s suggest that although more moms of color are nursing, we still have a long way to go.75% of white women breastfed versus 58.9% of black women. ,

 As I write, I am nursing my lil one and thinking to myself, how fortunate I was to have been pulled over 16 years ago in dialogue by my then baby father. When we found out that we were expecting, although NEITHER of us was too excited, he went into Super dad mode.  He said “you’re gonna breastfeed. No child of mine is drinking that {explicit}.” So I fed her.

I was surprised that he was that interested in what our soon to be baby would be fed.  We never talked about it. I know that my mother didn’t nurse us and not sure if his mom nursed him, but it was something he knew was great for our

When she was born it took a lot of trial and error. She bit me many times. I remember crying when it seemed like she wasn’t getting enough to eat.  My mom and other women, both young and old thought I was crazy for not accepting WIC’s offer for formula. To her nursing wasn’t worth the trouble because that darn formula was just sitting, waiting on me, in a can to pop open, drop in a bottle and shove in my lil ones mouth. But I kept right on feeding her.

After that daughter, we had 5 more babies. All of whom were breastfed for . I continues to get the looks, comments from strangers, family and friends, but I knew that it was working. The kids only went to the hospital for checkups and after a few accidents. My daughters have skipped an entire grade level, and my now 6yo reads on a 2^nd grade level. So YES! I am an advocate for Black BreastFeeding. 

When black mothers are given more support, guidance, and solid education I guarantee you- nothing more than a physical obstruction will stop a mom from sharing her gift that only a mother can share. So feed on!

 Leaky Boob said:For those of you who are offended by Black Breastfeeding Week, I have great news: it’s not for or about you. If you are offended by a group of people supporting each other and providing a safe space for dialogue about problems relevant to themselves, don’t worry, it has nothing to do with you. If you are unwilling to listen and provide support and solidarity, then don’t involve yourself in the discussion…..

 

 

Because too many moms of color think this way, here’s why Black Breastfeeding Week is needed :

My mother and grandmothers don’t support it.

It doesn’t seem to be something folks like me do.  I just don’t see enough of  “us” out there.

My man thinks my boobs are only his. I can’t imagine sharing them.

No one else will be able to feed the baby but me, what if I need to leave the baby?

Most people I know use formula, and they are just fine.

I am not going in a bathroom to feed my child!

(Heard of any others?)

Let us have our week please! Like it or not, Black Breastfeeding Week is here! It’s the first one and we’re proud to be part of launching it. Like the page to get updates about this week’s events and SHARE with your peeps to help spread the word.

Nipples up for all breastfeeding moms! QCSupermom

Teach Me How To Breast Feed [MUSIC VIDEO]

Join the conversation. Leave a comment here.

Sh!$ people say to breast feeding moms! (too funny)

Babies LOVE our milk. No formula can compare.

Healthy Go To Breakfast Smoothies

Some mornings will not go as planned. Although I don’t see myself ever being a “big morning breakfast spread “type of mom, I do see cereal bowls for all sitting on the beautiful solid wood table with cute bowls and coordinating spoons.

“Like many other parents, sometimes  we get up late and have to run out of the house as quickly as possible. I won’t dare tell you that we don’t end up at McDonalds, because we do.But if I have 20 minutes and straws, I have time to blend, juice my crew a yummy, healthy, fast smoothie.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups orange juice
1 banana, cut in pieces
½ cup almond milk
Add ingredients together in blender and blend until smooth.

Blueberry Fruit Smoothie
Carton of Blueberry greek yogurt
1 Cup of rice milk
1 Cup frozen or fresh blueberries, strawberries or peaches
½ cup ice cubes
Add all together in blender and blend until smooth.

Healthy Orange Smoothie
1 orange peeled and separated
¾ cup sliced peaches (if canned use juice also)
1 cup orange yogurt
½ cup ice cubes
Blend in blender until smooth. Substitute peaches with different fruit such as banana or a can of mandarin oranges, if desired.

Tofu Smoothie  (only give tofu to my girls)
For an extra healthy smoothie recipe try adding tofu.
½ Cup tofu
1 banana or 1 peach
2 Cups fruit juice, whichever you would like
8 oz. Crushed pineapple, with juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
Substitute banana or pineapple for a different type of fruit if you would like and experiment with different juices. Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

Protein Smoothie Recipe
Add a scoop or 1 oz. of protein powder to any smoothie recipe.

Grape Smoothie

½ cup white grape juice
¼ cup seedless grapes
¼ Cup pineapple with juice
½ Cup rice milk
½ cup ice cubes
Add all together in blender. Make any substitutions you’d like for the fruit juice or in place of pineapple. Blend.

Yogurt Smoothie Recipe
1 Cup greek yogurt plain, vanilla or flavored
1 banana or other fruit
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup ice cubes
All ingredients together and blend.

Kiwi and Raspberry Smoothie
2 kiwis peeled and cut in half
1 cup raspberries
1 cup yogurt
½ cup coconut milk
1/2 cup ice cubes
Add all together and blend until smooth.

Cherry Simple Smoothie Recipe
1 Cup pitted cherries
1 cup flavored yogurt
½ cup coconut milk
1 cup ice cubes
1 cup strawberries, one banana or 1 peeled orange
Add ingredients together in blender and blend until smooth.

Amen’s “Hulk” smoothie

Kids Simple Smoothies Recipes

Banana Split Smoothie

1 banana
1 Cup frozen cherries
1 Cup almond milk
1 Cup banana, vanilla or cherry yogurt *
*You can replace yogurt with vanilla ice cream if desired. Add to blender and blend together. Top with a frozen cherry or banana slices.

Purple Cow

2 Cups grape juice
1 Cup blueberries
2 Cups plain or vanilla greek yogurt
Add to blend and blend until smooth. Top with a dollop of whip cream and purple sprinkles if desired.

PB and Chocolate Healthy Smoothie

2 Cups coconut  milk
1/4 Cup peanut butter
1 Cup vanilla or plain greek yogurt
1-2 bananas
1/4 Cup chocolate protein powder
Blend until smooth.

Apple Smoothie

1 Cup applesauce
dash of cinnamon
1 Cup almond milk
1 banana, cut in chunks
Blend ingredients until smooth.

Banana Blueberry Smoothie

2 bananas, sliced
1 Cup blueberries
1 Cup blueberry yogurt
5-6 ice cubes
Blend ingredients until smooth.

Breakfast Oat Smoothie

1 Cupalmond milk
1 instant oatmeal packet
1 banana, cut in chunks
1 Cup apple or orange juice
Blend ingredients until smooth.

Simple Strawberry Smoothie

5-6 strawberries
1 Cup strawberry greek yogurt
1 Cup orange or apple juice
Blend ingredients until smooth.

Blackrazzleberry Smoothie

Put 1 cup of blackberries into a blender along with 1 cup of raspberry sorbet.
Then add 4-5 ice cubes, then blend until smooth…enjoy!

Kids Berry Smoothie

This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t use that many kitchen appliances so it’s safe for children.
You Will Need:
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries
3/4 cups blackberries
3/4 cups almond milk
teaspoon of vanilla (if desired)
1/2 cup vanilla soy ice cream
a blender

Directions:
Put all ingredients in the blender in any order. Blend ingredients until a thick liquid then pour in a glass and enjoy!

Gone get your yum on!  QC Supermom

2013-14 School year is here!

It’s that time of year again. Your child will leave your home with anticipation. They will be surrounded with all types of influences. The good, the bad and the down right ridiculous. Are you worried yet?

  YOU SHOULD’NT BE. BUT BE READY!

Although most of my children are home schooled, I cannot help but release this prayer. Right now I have one in college.Three are in high school. As a mom, I have to trust the work that we’ve instilled in them to see them through and look for opportunities to suit them up with the word!

There IS Power in the tongue. Never lose a opportunity to speak positive thoughts into your child.

We have to build our children. If you don’t who will? The very things you think you’ve said to them or think that they know, repeat it to them. They can never hear it enough. Slide notes in their lunch bags, Facebook page, whatever it takes. Don’t let them EVER think they do not matter. Íf you have never reached out to your child- so what- start NOW!’ I can’t believe that it’s ever too late. Every child wants to know that they are important to their mother.
I pray that your show kindness to others as needed.
I pray that you have a successful year.
I pray that you know that you have enough.
I pray that you walk into the school knowing who you are whose you are.
I pray that you don’t fall for the unrighteous.
I pray that you become more conscious of what is going on around you.
I pray that you carry yourself as if every and anything you do matters.
I pray that you focus on your goal(s).
I pray that you refuse the thoughts that you aren’t smart enough.
I pray that you will put your personal wellness as a top priority.
I pray that you realize the scarfices your family has made for you.
I pray that you show gratitude for anything that has been done for you.
I pray that you always speak the truth.
I pray that you speak up for yourself.
I pray that you  achieve a clear mind while studying.
I pray that you guard your spirit.
I pray that you watch your body language.
I pray to you select positive company to hang out with.
I pray that you don’t want what someone else has.
I pray that you excel in your studies and connections.
I pray that you have patience with your teaches and the student that will urk you.
I pray that you meet wonderful friends
I pray that you remember that you can always call home.
I pray that you know that your education is more than just a grade.
I pray that you know your family is counting on you to do well.
I pray that you remember what you’ve been taught about protection.
I pray the you remember to stay focused on the prize.
I pray that you never get tired of doing the right thing.
I pray that you never waste an opportunity to learn.
I pray that you will call on your power of discernment.

I pray that you always remember to prepare yourself for greatness every day, via rest, dress, and general hygiene!

Sweetie you were designed for greatness! You really are. What you do today, your future self is gonna either have it much easier or you’re gonna wish you could time travel back into the future and kick yourself. Let me kick you now by engraving these reminders in your spirit. GO* DO* EXCEL!

Have your student say this:

I AM fearless because I have placed my faith in God
and I know that with God all things are possible.

– QCSupermom

 

I hope this is a blessing to someones heart. I started typing the opening, not know what I was gonna share and the words just poured out. Go kiss those fore heads and let’s get this year started!

Friday Four: Dogs have super powers!

Why we love Star Pressley, the super terrier albino.

6 years ago we got Star from my sista’. She is a terrier. Not sure what type, but she’s amazing!

Right off the bat, our little albino terrier stole our heart. She was obedient, fast, tiny and just a real sweetheart. You couldn’t ask for a better play mate for the boys out side and a petting buddy for the girls in the house. Even my hubby liked her, even though he has yet to admit it.

She kept us laughing and on our feet. The kids loved feeding her and even grew to love grooming and picking up after her. Some of the lesson we learned from star could only be taught by a non human. Like compassion, non verbal communication,coping skills and yes even self esteem.

Star was our first family dog and we loved having her! I would catch the girls reading, talking to her like a true friend. When we moved, we had no where to put her, but my dad helped out so off to South Carolina she went.

She looked a mess when we picked her up. But my 15 year old looked GREAT. 1 out of two aint that bad. As my daughter was staying down there also. Fast forward- once we got back to Charlotte, we couldn’t wait to roll in the grass, race,play tug-n-drag with our smallest bundle of joy.

Instead, she growled at the neighbors and boo-boo in front of the dogs next door fence,then scratched our 3 year old in the face. At that point, I WANTED to escort her myself to the time out pound. When it a choice between my lil ones and a pet, my children’s safety will always come first. I just wish that he didn’t interfere with her lunch at that time.

After I got my whoosaaah on to control the anger. I realized that she being with my dad with little to no human interaction has taken a toll on her.

A year, salon visit, 2 hair bows, a bandanna  green tea and potato soup later, she’s back happy here with us again.Over time with patience, I know she’ll get back to where she was  a year ago. We love our all in one exerciser, clown, dress up doll, play-buddy, stress relieving, feisty little girl and can’t wait to declare her our best friend again.

If you are looking to get a dog for your family and is wondering which breeds are best, here is a list of the top 10 breeds for kids. Please consider going to the shelter first to find one.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids*
1. Golden Retriever
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Poodle
4. Irish Setter
5. Vizsla
6. Newfoundland
7. Collie
8. Bull Terrier
9. Beagle

10. Bull Dog (that one shocked me I must say)

Read more:

Pets good for kids’ immune systems, researchers find

How pets benefit child development

The EleFun toy Product Review

My 4th son got one of the blue elephants last summer for his 2nd birthday. It was the cutest lil thing.

Tehun’s Birthday gift.

He received it as a birthday gift from his big brother and his girlfriend.I was so careful with it & wouldn’t let him open it. Eventually, we got around to opening the sealed box this July and to our surprise the blue plastic nose never expelled any butterfly’s. We had to take the nose off, but then the butterflys would have the worst blow out ever.

A proper product would have forced the plastic butterflys out from the nose for he and his brothers to catch it in the net.  TeHun was so confused. Yet he still played with it. It wasn’t the work out I expected but it made the cutest fan. Note to self, always get a receipt or at best secure an option to return items.- Lesson learned there.

When I heard about this product sharing opportunity I jumped at it.  I thought to myself, time for a come-up. We can’t get two duds in a row can we? I haven’t told him yet. What a great surprise it would be to have an improved product that actually works.

If I get chosen for the ” CHASIN’ CHEEKY Playdate” house party, I’m inviting everyone!

Friday Four: Order, Order Order in the house!

4 Benefits of Using Routines with Your Kids

We have a large family. For us to function, we must have order. Over time I realized that for me to even think of any morsel of semi private bath time, I needed more structure. Alas…. routines became a must. And when it did, it was like a light switch came on. Now not only do our home run smoother, there’s less melt downs, and more happy time. Here are my four tips for creating and using routines.

1. Routines eliminate power struggles This activity (brushing teeth, napping, turning off the TV to come to dinner) is just what we do at this time of day. Another example, he may want to go to the playground now, but he can learn that we always go to the playground in the afternoon, and he can look forward to it then. The parent stops being the bad guy, and nagging is greatly reduced.

2. Routines help kids learn to take charge of their own activities. Over time, kids learn to brush their teeth, pack their backpacks, etc., without constant reminders.  Kids love being in charge of themselves. This feeling increases their sense of mastery and competence.  Kids who feel more independent and in charge of themselves have less need to rebel and be oppositional.

4.. Schedules help parents maintain consistency in expectations. If everything is a fight, parents end up settling: more TV, skip brushing teeth for tonight, etc.  With a routine, parents are more likely to stick to healthy expectations for everyone in the family, because that’s just the way we do things in our household.  The result: a family with healthy habits, where everything runs more smoothly!

2 of my daughters & youngest son 

 

Here are more help with the benefits of providing structure.

Listen to what General Colin Powell says about maintaining structure in young people.

Don’t you just LOVE routines? Till the next regular post, QC Supermom

Wednesday WoW! She’s Here! JC is here!!

Excitement isn’t the word. Humbled isn’t either. Blessed ….”Yes!”,that sounds more like it. After 15 years my daughter is here. Lots of lesson learned and even more to discover during this new chapter in our live. One bit of advice hat I can pass on is to Never -EVER- allow family to help take care of your child. It was wonderful of them  to help me when I needed it the most, but it’s my turn to truly bond with her. She needs to know that she belongs and that I need her as much as she needs me. It has taken me 15 years to get her back. Sure, I had her for breaks  and what not not but it’s not the same. Do I have work to do or what? Lord be with me on this one, but I am so ready to welcome her full time into our home…..OUR HOME…. gosh that sounds good!

JC and her brother Eaim

JC and her brother Jervon

She doesn’t have to call me mom

I will try my est to keep her in her previous standard of living.

I will help her become who she wants to be as an adult and professional

I promise to share her with her dad, as she is a daddies girl.

I will continue to try to put myself in her shoes when she does something out of our so called norm. Am I missing anything? This is a new dance I’ve never done before. Do I take her to Chuckie Cheese or have a spa night with cucumbers? Oh my, I  love my LARGE family and is so very proud of it!

Till I hear from you, take care, QC Supermom  

Friday Four: Cruise for 10 or BUST!

Sure the summer is slowly but surely rolling out, but I am So ready to take my family on a cruise! We’ve NEVER been on one.

I had to meditate before writing this. Seriously. My friend just came from vacation with her family and I just can’t seem to make it past the Carolina’s, but they were on a international themed cruise.Talk about awkward. I was super excited for her; smiling from ear to ear while looking at each picture, and envious at the same dang time! Thinking to myself, now how will I get my crew on deck.

My friend, lady “S”, is the sweetest. Her husband is the kindest. Her son’s are 2 of the most charismatic little fellas ever. I love being around them as a family, because it reminds me how celebrating family times together is so important.  She often says that I inspire her, but she inspires me as well.

She and I met almost two years ago at Story time. Even then, she was telling me about money saving travel strategies. She knew  EVERYTHING, including the Secret Verandah and Porthole rooms.

I clare the grass can be just as clean with a little work. So, this year I will begin planning a cruise for my family. I already know that it will be incredible to impossible to get it done within the next 12 months but my plan is to have ours booked by the time the girls graduate from high school in two years. 

I do know that I don’t want to have to sit through any presentations to get it….On second thoughts, why not? Anyhoots here are a few tips I got from her: She first told me that the cost of the trip really depends on time of year, which ship you are cruising on, length of the cruise, the itinerary and what type of accommodations you are looking for. She suggested that cruses were actually less expensive than other options by the time they figured hotel, meals, entertainment, etc.for her family of four. Hmm, I wonder what I can do with my family of 9?

1. Turn on auto pilot. “The very best way to save money is to take it off the top before you even see it and pitch in as a family. Contributing allowances, gift money and spare change as a group helps everyone take responsibility for the expenses of an exciting travel adventure. Save, Save, EVERYONE  SAVE and throw it in the pot!

The very first rule of thumb is to book in the less cruised months (November – March EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS).

2.Check to see if you can save money by purchasing tickets to attractions in advance. Many amusement parks offer up to 20% off for advance booking. Check to see how far in advance you must book to qualify for the discount.

Get their Special Deals Newsletter: Go to their website and search for deals and sign up for their newsletter. This will keep you in the loop about all of their specials and deals

3. Sign Up for Flash Sale Groups – Online marketing groups that offer flash sales generally have big-ticket items available at bargain-basement prices for a very short time. Signing up for these groups can help you save big and you can put the money you would have spent away for your family trip.

Disney gives Military Discounts to those who are active duty in the United States military. –

4. Visit Professionals in Training – Rather than spending a small fortune on haircuts, teeth cleanings and other basic services, consider visiting your local training center. There, professionals in training will perform these services with the supervision of a skilled instructor at a fraction of the cost!

Book Adjoining Cabins: Sometimes if you are traveling with a large family, it is actually cheaper to book 2 adjoining rooms in a lower category rather than booking an expensive suite category. You will also have an extra bathroom this way, which is SO important when traveling with a lot of passengers.

Bonus tips-  Get DIY Savvy – There are so many things you can do at home for a fraction of the price of purchasing store-bought goods, all you need is a bit of know-how. Online tutorials for everything from making butter to building furniture are plentiful.

Hold a Garage Sale – The garage sale is a time-honored tradition that can help you create more space in your home as well as collect a bit of pocket money. Holding a garage sale with the intention of putting 100% of the proceeds towards your vacation is a great way to jump-start your vacation savings account.

See, with a little work my grass will be just as green over here! I thank my friend for inspiring me to do something this special for my family. Love you “S”!

See these tips to help you plan your next cruise:

20 Creative Ways to Save Money for a Family Vacation

Booking with a Mouse Counselor can ensure your cruise is a magical one.

The very BEST tips I have ever seen on cruise strategy’s

5 ways to pay for next year’s family vacation

MimiTime Personal Vacation Reviews

 Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
WeJustGotBack.com

Till the next booking, Take care, QC Supermom.

 

PS.- I will blog for travel…..(just putting it out there ya’ll!)