Blog Posts by ModernMom

Technology is a blessing and a curse. I love how much easier talking to a pal or organizing a meeting has become, but sometimes I just want to throw my computer and smart phone out the window- from the 10th floor. You know what I mean? It gets worse when I neglect my inbox for a few days to get away. Here are 10 rules of emailing organization and etiquette that will help you stay sane, be polite and save your computer from crashing 10 floors below.

1. Make it a Ritual

Check your email everyday. Don't let your inbox build up. Just think of how overwhelmed you will be when you turn on your computer in two weeks. I understand if you go on vacation (and I beg you- don't check your email 24/7 when you're trying to enjoy time with your family) but stay aware and plan ahead for times you will be away. Which brings me to my next point...

See also Is My Teen Texting Too Much?

If you go on vacation, let people know you won't be checking your email or

People are busier than ever between work, family, activities and volunteering to help others. Now add your blackberry, pager, internet, and other tech savvy gadgets. I once worked with a woman that was so busy with her life that she wasn't enjoying her life. She thought everything she had going on was so important, that keeping her cell phone attached to her hip every hour of the day was a necessity. She got caught up in the rat race of everything and needed some help taking a break and getting re-focused. Do any of you feel like your days just blend together with a lack of direction or purpose? Do you feel like you are in a hamster cage doing the same things over and over?

See also Tips on How to Love Yourself!

Take a Step Back

I think it is critical to take a step back every now and then in order to enjoy all of your hard work. I know from personal experience how easy it is to feel like you need to be near a computer or phone at all times. I also know that when there are times

While it would be nice if relationship endings were easy, cut-and-dried propositions, they rarely are. It is often quite difficult for parties in a loving relationship to end their union and sever their emotional connection. If you find yourself in the unenviable position of receiving a profession of love from someone you consider an ex, you may struggle with how to respond. To ensure that your response is both productive and appropriate, you must carefully consider your future plans as well as your past with the lovelorn ex.

See also Can Snoring Ruin Your Relationship?

Letting Go: Men vs. Women

While women may seem more likely to hold on to romantic feelings, the website for "Cosmopolitan Magazine" reports that the opposite is actually true. As many as 50 percent of men admit to still harboring feelings for a past partner; only 27 percent of women say that they still feel a romantic link to an ex-beau. This means that--as a woman--you are statistically more likely to receive an

Morning sickness can deflate any elation you had over becoming pregnant. Many women experience this nausea and vomiting during the firs trimester, though some experience it throughout the entire pregnancy. Knowing that it's a common pregnancy symptom doesn't always make it bearable. If you're looking for morning sickness cures, you may have to try a few before you find the one that works for you.

See also 10 Morning Sickness Symptoms

Ginger

Ginger is a common natural remedy for nausea and upset stomach. Try ginger pills, raw ginger or drinking ginger in a tea or soda. If you drink ginger ale, read the label to look for real ginger. Many commercial brands contain only ginger flavor, which doesn't have the same benefits as real ginger.

If your morning sickness is severe, your doctor may prescribe vitamin B6, but you can also purchase this over-the-counter. Chickpeas, fortified cereals and turkey also contain this vitamin. Alternatively, vitamin B6 is an ingredient in the

About 2 years ago, I planned on baking cookies for a friend's birthday, but I didn't want to bake the traditional chocolate chip cookie. So I searched online for some inspiration. I came across a recipe that caught my eye. I put my own twist on it and set off to bake! It is not too far from a traditional chocolate chip cookie, but adds a couple ingredients to create just the right blend.

See also Simple, Healthy Snacks for the Whole Family!




Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups white vanilla baking chips
• ½ cup butterscotch chips
• 1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

I didn't expect as big of a reaction as I got after all my friends had a taste. They all LOVED the cookies and tried

Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean you should throw out all your normal rules about healthy eating and binge on delicious bite-size treats. Here are some tricks to keep in mind for a healthier Halloween for you and your family:

See also Keep Your Kids Safe this Halloween!

1. Don't Buy Treats You Actually Like

If you buy treats that don't appeal to you, then you won't be tempted to snack on them before you give them out to trick-or-treaters. If you don't particularly enjoy coconut, then buy Almond Joys to hand out.

2. Don't Buy Treats Too Early

Think about it: why do you think grocery stores have Halloween candy sales starting early in October? Because they know you'll buy the candy early because it's on sale, eat it, then go and buy some more! Don't fall for this tempting trap!

3. Give Out "Healthier Treats"

But don't go too crazy. Don't be the one mom on the block who gives away boxes of raisins -- unless you like crushing little kid's

Life is crazy busy and many times, this craziness affects your mood and well-being. Whether work is dragging you down, or a relationship has gone sour, or you simply have no time to rejuvenate yourself, we all need a boost every now and then to put a smile back on our faces.

See also 3 Ways to Enjoy Your Life More

Know Yourself

I think it is most important to know yourself inside and out. Know what triggers your stress and then come up with options of what will help you combat them. There will always be situations you can try to avoid but life will throw you experiences that you can't predict. What you can do however, is try to be more proactive in how you respond and react to stress. Here are some simple tips to get you started:

See also Is Your Cup Half Empty or Half Full?

The first tip in boosting your mood is to make sure you get enough sunlight and fresh air. Open your shades. Pull your desk by a window. Take a ten minute walk in the

Before becoming a proud Momma, I never thought about food. I did occasionally think about my next meal or perhaps dealt with a bit of guilt after inhaling a "gotta have it" sundae with all the toppings, but food was a not such a big deal. However, as a mom in today's world, it has become one of the things I find myself constantly racking my brain with. When I do my weekly shopping I find myself struggling if I should buy the ding-dongs and Popems for my kids. I think to myself, "If they have it in moderation it's fine -- but if I don't buy it, they'll never miss it".

See also: Delicious and Healthy Family Recipe from The Hungry Duchess

Weekly Shopping is a Struggle

When I do my weekly shopping I find myself struggling if I should buy the ding-dongs and Popems for my kids. I think to myself, "If they have it in moderation it's fine -- but if I don't buy it, they'll never miss it". Just yesterday I broke down and bought a box of fruit rollups, the same fruit rollups I had in my lunch