Stop Wasting Money…

Things are getting tight! Congress is cutting even more resources for families, from wages, child care resources to SNAP. It’s okay. Be proactive and start spending more wisely. Life is full of stress & drama. Don’t let the stress of money be the down fall of your happy home. Will Smith said it best:      Too

Our boys bathroom decor!

many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want to impress people they don’t like. You don’t have to be that way!

Here are some simple money saving tips that anyone can do!

• Use more cloth– do away with paper towels, and paper napkins.
• Make your own household cleaners – I use vinegar and baking soda for almost everything!
• Use your local library – I can pretty much request any book I would like to read and my library will let me know when it’s available!
• Borrow items – barter, borrow and exchange almost anything & everything,etc with friends and family
• Hang dry your clothing – Easy and they smell so good from being in the sun!
• Turn down your heat – there’s no need for your heat to be as high at night time and while you’re out of the house for an extended period.
• Make your own baby food – when you’re serving vegetables for your family, set some aside to make your own pureed/mashed baby food.
• Shop clearance racks – If you’re in need of some clothing, wait until you find something great on the clearance racks!
• Reuse your sandwich bags – Of course, I throw out the ones that held raw meat.

It’s easy to impress me. I don’t need a fancy party to be happy. Just good friends, good food, and good laughs. I’m happy. I’m satisfied. I’m content.-Jabela Ledsi

 

• Use your plastic grocery bags as garbage bags – Occasionally I’ll end up with some plastic bags that I put to use in our kitchen and bathrooms!
• Menu Plan – I know, I know, but it really does save us huge amounts of money! Try it and see how it works for you!
• Think about your purchases before you make them – Walk away, if you find
  

          A friends bedroom wall. Yes, I LOVE Dr. Seuss!

  you still need it or really love it after a period of time, then buy it. I don’t know how many times I’ve walked away and ended up not purchasing an item because I realized that I didn’t need it or want it that badly.

Here’s a few more resources:

Party at home.

More money advice from pigs. 🙂

LOWER YOUR mobile phone bill like I did- for real-Try Solavei

5 Extreme Ways to Go Frugal and Save
Make your own laundry detergent & other ways to stop throwing away money.

What are some tips you use?

Friday Four: Disney On Ice “Let’s Celebrate”Contest

Remember I said that I was giving away a family four pack to see Disney On Ice  “Let’s Celebrate!” two weeks ago? Well, I did it and we had so much fun!

Winner from last year and my kids!

This has to be the best contest we have had in a long time! We asked question like -How do Tiana and Prince Naveen meet and what is Belle’s favorite book, to over 1600 people and they answered!

The rules: 21 questions will be disbursed in sets. Winner will be the one with the most correct answers. AND post a picture of you/your child in costume.All answers must include a friend tag and the QC Supermom page tag. Look for questions at 8am….12noon….4pm…….8pm. Ready?  Let’s go & have fun!

The entrants: We started with 128 entrants, and 1615 views

Here is the winner: Mother, wife and member of QC SAHM.

Sekeitha & Family

Why did she win:

Thank you Feld Family Activator program for the opportunity to share this amazing experience with my moms, friends and supporters. Can’t wait to do see the show next week. I’ll share my thoughts of the show Thursday, and you know that it’s gonna be all me! So if you want to see what my crew and I think of the live show on Wednesday,Oct. 2nd, come back on Thursday for a special edition review  to read it for yourself!  ( http://youtu.be/jBmhYrxMatI )

Disney On Ice presents “Let’s Celebrate!” is coming to Time Warner Cable Arena from Oct. 2 – 6, 2013. Get your tickets now. Till the next  trivial quest, take care! ~QC Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Teens should Volunteer

My teens are always looking for ways to stay busy. We left off on Monday talking about ways teens can volunteer, make a difference and even learn something while helping others. The list continues here:

Hospitals

Many hospitals have volunteer programs to help patients both inside and outside the hospital.

ore medical careers and gain work experience. Contact local hospitals to learn more about opportunities in your area.

1. Libraries

Many libraries need help reshelving books, running children’s programs, making books available to the community, and so on.. Contact a local library for volunteer opportunities in your area.

1. Senior Citizens Centers

Many senior citizen centers offer volunteer programs to provide friendship and community activities to senior citizens. If you would like working with senior citizens, call a senior citizen center in your neighborhood and see what kinds of volunteer programs they have available.

1. Animal Shelters

Many animal shelters are non-profit or government organizations, and therefore they welcome volunteers to help take care of animals, keep facilities clean and work with the public. Call a local animal shelter for more information.

The United Way

is a nationwide umbrella organization for thousands of charitable organizations. The United Way raises billions of dollars and distributes it to these charities. There are local United way affiliates across the country and they need volunteers. Contact your local affiliate for more information.

Red Cross The American Red Cross

helps people in emergencies – whether it’s half a million disaster victims or one sick child who needs blood. Volunteer opportunities exist across the country. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.

The Salvation Army

provides social services, rehabilitation centers, disaster services, worship opportunities, character building activities for all ages and character building groups and activities for all ages. Volunteer opportunities exist across the country.

Environmental Organizations encourages volunteer support to help with environmental activities. You can help in many ways: by helping lobby on conservation issues, by leading hikes and other activities, or by lending a hand at the Chapter Office. Contact the local office of an environmental organization near you.

Political Campaigns

If it’s an election year, there are thousands of opportunities to volunteer in political campaigns around the country. You can learn more than you imagine by helping a candidate win election.. Pick a candidate whose ideas you believe in (either on the local, state or national level) and volunteer to be a part of his or her campaign.

Web site creation

Many small charities and organizations do not yet have web sites. You can help by learning how to create a web site and volunteering your services. You could also raise money to pay for the web site, or seek help from a local company in the form of a donation.

After all that volunteering. Be sure to reward your teen. Mine still LOVES Disney On ice! They will be here next week! Get your tickets!!!!

Visit us them Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce or themed pictures for ticketing information.

(We gave away a family four pack. Winners= will be announced THIS Friday in the Friday Four Blog post)

Cassie helps Ms Artie!

Teens Can Volunteer

1. Homeless Shelters

If you live in a city of any size, then there is at least one homeless shelter that helps homeless people with meals, beds and other services. Most homeless shelters welcome volunteers and have a variety of programs through which you can get involved. You might help prepare or distribute meals, work behind the scenes in the business office, help organize a food drive to stock the pantry, etc.

. Look in the phone book for a local homeless shelter if you are interested.

1. Food Banks
   Food banks often work with homeless shelters, but they also serve

   

   poor people living in the community (especially around the holidays). Food banks collect food, manage their inventory and distribute food to those in need.

   Any food bank will offer similar opportunities in your area. Look in the phone book for a local food bank if you are interested.

2. The Sweater Project
   If you would like something to do in your spare time at home, one innovative way to volunteer is to get involved in
    People around the country knit sweaters that are then sent to needy children around the world.

    

3. Ronald McDonald House   There are Ronald McDonald Houses around the country – almost every major city has one. The idea behind all Ronald McDonald Houses is very important. When a child is seriously ill, the child is frequently treated for long periods of time at a hospital or university medical center. Many families have to travel long distances to get to the hospital, and “where to stay” becomes a problem. Staying at a hotel becomes extremely expensive, and a hotel can be a lonely and sterile place. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a low-cost “home-away-from-home” for parents and children to stay during treatment. Volunteers help prepare meals, talk to families, take care of the house and so on.
4. Special Olympics“Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental retardation.” The site also describes a wide variety of volunteer activities, including sports training, fund raising, administrative help, competition planning and staffing, etc.
6. Habitat for Humanities
   Habitat for Humanities builds and gives houses to poor people in local communities. Volunteers not only help others, but can learn a great deal about building houses by getting involved.

   

7.  State Parks   Many state parks offer volunteer programs, and in these programs you can try anything from educational programs to trail construction and maintenance.
    Contact a state park near you and see what options are available if you are interested.
8. Helping Others Learn to Read
   When you think about it, reading is one of the most important skills an adult can have. Many adults, however, have never learned how to read. Literacy volunteers act as tutors who help illiterate children and adults learn this important skill. There is probably a literacy program in your area.
   • When you’re done with ALL of that or just one of them reward  ourself with something fun like Disney of Ice. This year’s theme is Let’s Celebrate!Show Times:Wednesday  ( 1 show ) Thursday (1 show) Friday ( 2 shows) Saturday ( 3 shows)   Sunday (2 shows)

Venue/Ticket Information:Tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via www.ticketmaster.com;

Time Warner Cable Arena is also offering a special discount to QC Supermom  subscribers when purchasing tickets.

Use promo code: SKATE
Promo is good for shows on: Thurs. 10/3 7:00 pm, Sat. 10/5 6:30 pm and Sun.10/6 4 pm

Offer Expires: 10/06/13

Pricing starts at $20.00 and they are going fast! Check out this discount offer –

We are able to give away to one reader a 4 pack of tickets. Stay tuned for details!

Friday Four: So why did I get married?

Today is my wedding anniversary! Whoot Whoot! Time for our our yearly review. Sounds weird to you? Hmm, if so think of it this way, today is for validating why we got married and it’s still worth it staying that way.

09.20.13 Perkins-Pressley Wedding Anniversary

Last week I asked myself do I really want to do a post called “Why did I get Married?” Then it hit me why not? My husband and I fight like siblings, make up like lovers and push each other like competitors and inspire each other as only true frienamies could do. We’re far from normal but we are so good together.

Rog “Mr Fix it”: 10 years my senior. Engineering student. 20 year Jack Of All Trades. (carpenter, mechanic & musician) Very neat and organized.”Universally Spiritual”. Super fit; athletic. Oldest of his 5 other siblings. Major Crap talker.

I SAY: (He wants me barefoot & pregnant in the kitchen)  

Hubby & FIL

 

Me feeling bright and shiny

Kelle “Mama Of All Mamis”: Johnson & Wales graduate. Never lived on my own. Not Laura Ingles. Love being different. Used to be a gym rat.NEEDS ANOTHER MINI VAN!!!! 🙂

HE SAYS (She’s so spoiled. She thinks money grows on trees! )

We:   Were told to get a reality show FAST!  9 kids (8 living) busy household, enjoys open family discussions. Homeschooling, & the funniest thing ever is when we moved our entire household,washing machine, dressers, yard tools and all with one minivan.

First Attraction

We met in a night club!  Yup! I know what “they” say, but it’s true. He was skipping from the bar to dance floor. He wasn’t what I was used to,so I didn’t pay him much mind. But that Halley Berry Catsuit I had on some 15 years, 70 lbs ago hooked him.He wouldn’t let up for anything. Of course he didn’t get my number. I took his and played the waiting game for a few weeks.

I KNEW that I was committed to him when

Our savings got so low that he took a job that required him to leave out at 4 am and paid minimum wage. One day out on the town, with the kids, I seen an ex and he was doing well. Living Large Legally at that!!!! Sure I was tempted but it hit me “Girl, your man is out there working like a slave to provide, gone bout your business and cut “your own grass”! That was the smarted move I ever made. There has been countless times that he came through in action, proving that I married the right person for me – for life.

Talking Walls 

Family…..Love…..the end.

One day he will realize that I, his Scorpio, baby girl, wife, mother of all his children, is always right, and that he should drool after every word that I speak. — sike—- I actually love that he has a strong mind. Him being a oldest child, veteran and leo has it’s perks. He’s a leader for sure. I admire that about him. BUT GOODNESS!!! We go at it! Sometimes it IS in front of the kids. Yes, that’s not good at all. When it happens we make up in front of them as well. (Did I just admit that you my 40 readers lol?)

The Best Song I think of dealing with him would be Jill Scott’s “I AM Not Afraid”

Ssssh!

There are parts of our life no one will ever know. Everything isn’t everyone business. Even as a blogger, there are just some things the public,including family and friend don’t need to know. HOWEVER, I gotta tell you about this awful storm back in 2004 or so. The power went out. We had no heat, or lights. The girls were 3 and 4. We knew that we had to do something quick to keep them warm and safe. We decided to take them to my aunt and uncles house in South Charlotte. When we got there neither of us want to leave the other in the cold house. So we left the girls, happy, warm, well cared for and left to face the cold house together. He hated that I was about to freeze with him. I hated the idea of him freezing alone.When we got back home we barricaded ourselfs in our bedroom with steam from our bathroom shower.

Visit  The Nest for more intimate resources.

What’s up for Review  

More “us” time. At times I wonder if we could be as content if the kids were not around. Our strong personalities clash like a brass cymbal at times but going to the car auction, grocery store and hospital for childbirth does not count. I guess we enjoy our own craziness.We get us, and that’s enough!  Lately we’ve tried to do better a couple of plays here and there. For them  and the hope of more to come is enough for now.

This Dr Lee says that he can help couples.

Till the next shopping trip with the hubby, I’m off to enjoy the day with my husband. ~The Queen City Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Falls here, EAT UP!

Happy Fall. I LOVE this time of year – the chill in the air invigorates me – this season calls for warming foods, and foods that boost our immunity.

Everything is a potential breeding ground for colds and flu. However, it is absolutely possible to protect ourselves and our families from all the bugs and viruses out there with powerful immune building foods.

Nutmeg, clove and cinnamon are some of the strongest anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal foods available.

Good nutrition provides the building blocks of a strong immune system. Kids that eat poorly are far more likely to pick up every bug going around, and when they do get sick they will tend to be sicker for longer than healthier kids. There are of course other reasons why immunity can be affected, but there is no doubt that being well nourished is key to staying healthy.

Avoiding white sugar is another important element in keeping our kids healthy this fall and winter. Sugar feeds most aliments; so being mindful of our sugar intake makes all the difference in our health.

Having a small amount of sugar three times a day is too much. Sodas have HUGE amounts of sugar and should be avoided entirely. This affects their moods and certainly their biology and health.

Adequately feeding your immune system boosts its fighting power. Immune boosters work in many ways. They increase the number of white cells in the immune system army, train them to fight better, and help them form an overall better battle plan. Boosters also help to eliminate the deadwood in the army, substances that drag the body down.

To get you started here are my top 10 immunity boosters for kids:

Train them to eat well.

1. Carrots – one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, an antioxidant in its own right and can also be converted to vitamin A in the body. Try grating or finely chopping them into stews, soups, or serve them raw as batons.

2. Onions, leeks and garlic – from the same family these vegetables contain the antioxidant quercetin which is antibiotic and anti-viral. It is not destroyed by cooking -So eat up!

3. Avocado – although not as high in vitamin E as seeds, what they do contain is far more available since it is not taken up in protecting the polyunsaturated fats in the food. Vitamin E is critical to the anti-viral defense mechanisms of the body.

4. Dark leafy greens – including spinach, watercress and cabbage. OK so you’re thinking there is no chance your child will eat any of these. But there are So many ways to sneak it in.

5. Cauliflower – often ignored in flavor of its greener cousin broccoli. Cauliflower contains a group of phytochemicals called glucosinolates, as well as B group vitamins and fiber, all-important for immune function.

6. Beans, chickpeas and lentils – 70% of the immune system is in the gut and so good gut health is at the core of strong immunity. Legumes are rich in soluble fiber and resistant starch, both of which fuel the good bacteria in the gut and in turn boosts immune function. They also provide plant protein and an array of nutrients.

7. Nuts and seeds – these foods are serious nutritional powerhouses. It’s such a shame that with the risk of allergy many kids are not eating them. They provide vitamin E, fiber,healthy fats, magnesium, zinc and healthy fats.

8. Kiwi fruit – berries become so expensive over winter I stop buying them fresh. Kiwi are great at this time of year however and in terms of vitamin C content.

9. Probiotics – a good body of evidence now shows that children given a good probiotic experience fewer respiratory infections and when they do catch a cold they get over it faster. You can choose from giving them a probiotic supplement drink or supplement or a probiotic yogurt.

10. Turkey leg – most kids love poultry but we tend to rely on chicken.. It provides more iron and zinc than the breast, and provides selenium, B group vitamins and other immune-boosting nutrients. It’s also cost effective with a couple of turkey legs easily feeding the whole family.

– Munch on, QC Supermom

Friends don’t let friends take bad cough medicine

Homemade Cough Syrup

 

You won’t need loads of crazy chemicals to get better!

Because our family eats MOSTLY whole, nutrient-dense foods, and because we have been blessed with healthy immune systems, we rarely catch the bugs that make the rounds. (For this I’m definitely grateful!)

But when sickness does overtake us, we reach for natural and traditional remedies to heal our bodies whenever possible. The original version of this recipe appeared in the 1982 edition of Herbally Yours.

Cough Syrup

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp fresh grated ginger OR 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1 clove garlic, grated (optional) 2 Tbls raw honey 1 Tbls apple cider vinegar 2 Tbls water (optional)

Place all ingredients in a small jar with a tight lid and shake to combine or whisk vigorously in a medium bowl. The mixture will stay fresh for several days, especially if stored in the refrigerator, but try to use it all with in the first two days.

Take 2-3 spoonfuls every few hours or as needed.

The Ingredients

The cayenne pepper has capsaicin, which acts as a pain reliever. Even though it’s also what makes hot peppers spicy, capsaicin interrupts the pain message between the nerves and the brain, thus alleviating the pain sensation. It is warming and stimulating to the nerves, thus increasing blood flow and promoting healing.

Ginger is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-nausea agent. It likewise is warming and stimulating to the nervous system and is helpful in relieving chest congestion. I prefer using fresh ginger because it is more potent and the juice is especially helpful in this recipe, but ground ginger is certainly a worthy substitute.

Garlic is known for its anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system. Include the garlic in this recipe if you are fighting a particularly nasty viral infection.

Honey is soothing, tasty, and coats the throat. Raw honey is packed with nutrients and enzymes and is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial substance, due to the propolis, which is what the bees themselves use to seal the hive from bacteria and infection. One study has shown that buckwheat honey is especially effective for cough relief.

Apple cider vinegar has a plethora of beneficial uses and in this case provides antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It also provides a large number of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids, which boost the immune system and promote healing in the body.

Note: And obviously, due to the honey content, this syrup should not be used with an infant under the age of 12 months.

 

I hope this helps Jennifer & others!

Good Old Fashion Hair Tips!

      It has taken me over 37 years to figure out how to best take care of my hair. At one point I was putting lotion in my hair to make it look like something! I really had no clue. My mom hot combed our hair as little girls. It looked nice but it was breaking our hair off. We’ll to think of it, it only broke my hair off. But yet I got it done because to us it looked good once done.

Well, as they say, when you learn better, you do better!

I don’t want my children to have the same hair challenges. I really don’t. So I’ve been talking with people and watching videos, and so have my 13 yo daughter. her hair has grown 5 inches over 6 months.- That’s really good!

I remember doing a product review for Paul Mitchell a few weeks ago. The stuff was really good. My hair loved it. 

She surfs up everything online!

I was a bit upset with the amount of hair loss I had. The hair

dresser at Wal-Mart

 give me some great tips on how to take care of my hair. He was is smart!!! Male hair dress

ers RULE!!!

Today, I know that to have hair and to have it abundantly, you must give it time! Unless of course you want a wig.  

With all that hair….why is she mad? Her mammy should be crying!

Have a routine he suggested!-

A. Do not detangle dry hair. Spray the hair with just water then add some detangling cream or a leave-in conditioner or even a rinse-out conditioner to soften the hair further, even if you’re about to wash. Better yet, use your fingers to detangle!

 B. Shampoo  just once (every 10 days with shampoo & then  rinse with peppermint oil )  then

C. Condition  Detangle in sections and the condition. D. Moisturize and plait or twist each section. That’s it!

DAILY-

1. Spritz some water on
2. Cover head in a shower cap while getting ready if hair is  very dry
3. Add a little creamy moisturize and an oil to seal
4. Style. Simple right?

I can’t wait to try a few of the products that just arrived in the mail for product review! Oh well, time to go grow some hair! QC Supermom

 Check this page out. This lady is awesome! Don’t forget this page. She has the best tips ever. Last but not least the petroleum issue.

Till the next big coil, QC Supermom

Big Hair Don’t care!’Beautiful right?

Friday Four: Win Tickets to Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! in the QC!

I am so excited because Disney on Ice is on their way back in October! We have been going to Disney on Ice for the last 4 years or so, and it is one of my children’s favorite events! TeHun loves to get all decked out in his prince attire and then just

sit in awe, as his favorites come to life right before his very own eyes! If you have never been to a Disney on Ice show, now is your chance!! I have posted a discount code below!

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! 

It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends!

Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince

Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.  Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits the Queen City, Charlotte NC!!

Show Times:

Wednesday  ( 1 show ) Thursday (1 show) Friday ( 2 shows) Saturday ( 3 shows)   Sunday (2 shows)

Venue/Ticket Information:Tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets via www.ticketmaster.com;

Time Warner Cable Arena is also offering a special discount to QC Supermom  subscribers when purchasing tickets.

Use promo code: SKATE
Promo is good for shows on: Thurs. 10/3 7:00 pm, Sat. 10/5 6:30 pm and Sun.

10/6 4 pm
Offer Expires: 10/06/13

Pricing starts at $20.00 and they are going fast! Check out this discount offer –

We are able to give away to one reader a 4 pack of tickets. I’ll have those details listed on Mondays post. So be sure to check back then. 🙂

Here is also a great Disney coloring page & maze for your children to enjoy!

Wednesday Wow: Fitness for non-exercising moms-like me

I must do better I clare I MUST! I think my husband and children have it out for me. They are in great health. Some would even go far as calling them fit and trim. The crazy thing is that I love a good workout. I love to sweat & have post workout pains.

For as much as I am out with the kids one would think I’m slim and trim. But I am not. Right now, I’m a curvy, tall mama looking for a routine that works for me. I have tried the supplements and gotta admit, there are some really good one out there.

I want to drop 50 lbs. This time I’ll do a lil mix up of diet and exercise. Yes, I know that’s what the pros suggest. ( I’ve always did a 90% diet 10 exercise mix- it could be better)

I love working out. As for these pants…..the kids hate them, I say they are total swagged out.

To my defense, there simply isn’t enough hours in the day to invest more than 30 minutes. So I guess it’s my starting point. A great friend suggested this: “Kelle you gotta elevate your heart rate and give your metabolism a little jump start so that your body is burning more calories throughout the day.”  This sounds too easy. We’ll see.

This months mission:

Create an obstacle course with the kids that I can participate in too. I can set it up on our own house, yard or park, using items you find around the house. Set up things to climb over, crawl under and move around  – I was told to make it as challenging as possible so the children feel like they’re achieving something and I feel like I’m getting a workout.

Cotton Candy is not the norm!