Category: Lifestyle

Posted on

Are They Entertained? Children Summertime

Follow me

As summer hits its midway mark and we have gotten into a groove.  I know as a parent I cannot wait until the school year begins again.  Since my little one is a toddler he will be going to daycare.  In the past he would just continue to go through daycare but because we moved across 2 states we want to give our wallets a breather.  So since getting our son back from his grandparents house the busy ness does not stop.  Along with his potty training our little one will be taking swimming lessons at our gym.  Which brings me to this blog topic today.

Since most parents work year round and only take vacations during the summer when the kids are out.  Which is why airfare and vacations are more expensive during this time of year.  One has to wonder, are we spending too much time and money trying to make sure that our kids are entertained and happy?  Also, will these be memories that they will be fond of?  In other words, are we as parents spending enough quality time vs quantity time with our kids?  Yes, I know we wish we could take more time and just let our inner kid come out and enjoy ourselves at least once a month.  But realistically due to economic importance.  We cannot.

In order to give our children the amenities that we didn’t have and to keep them happy.  We have to go to work and put in overtime.  Things have changed over the years of keeping children busy throughout the year.  When we were younger it was all about the summer vacation at grandma’s and grandpa or a week to a month with our older cousins.  Our parents were praising the heavens once a child became of age to babysit.  And this was with no pay.  As long as the house was not burned down and no one was hurt everything was okay.  Playing in the sun all summer was a sure way to tire your kids out.  Today it still is but there are modifications.

Thanks to perverts and people who just want to hurt children.  Parents now have to pay someone to watch their children at all times.  Our household uses grandparents, other family members for date-night, and the gym for when we go workout.  Granted that both of us work from home it is still difficult making sure that my son gets the maximum educational learning experience this year.  Not to mention the amount of food intake that now comes into play.  Usually, I will go all day without eating but since my son is back I now have to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  So I know parents with older children can’t wait until school starts back so the grocery bill can go down.  Along with your electricity bill, water bill, and gas bill for the house and car.

I can say that these summers are what kids live for just like parents who work Monday through Friday live for the weekend.  Just like we need a break from work children need a break from school.  Summertime is a perfect time for kids to showcase their creative skills more.  Think about it, instead of someone telling them what they can and cannot do and when to eat and use the restroom.  Children use down time to be creative and think for themselves to keep themselves entertained.  So instead of just randomly selecting something for your children to do all summer.  Try giving your child some freedom and let them explore their interest; they may just surprise you.  I mean what if your child is interested in art and portraits?  Then selecting a program where they take art classes may be better than just fun in the sun at a water park all day.  It may also cost less, more money in your pockets for those family vacations.

Well that is all for my thought today, thanks for reading… SimplyBetty101

Posted on

Being a Boss Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Follow me

Being a stay at home mom, blogger, and you-tuber, can be exhausting and have its challenges.  Sometimes you just don’t feel like, staying in bed that day sounds and feels like a grand idea.  But what about your business, will it suffer because of this break?  Will you miss an important opportunity to grow? Why do you want to take a break in the first place?  And most important question is, if you push yourself through it will your body force you to break at a crucial time?  These are very important questions one must ask themselves especially when you’re not feeling as bossy that day.  Sure you can push through and take a break when it’s all said and done.  But how long will it take you to get to that point?  Is pushing through worth it?

As a person who just started, I can say that there are times where I’m just full steam ahead for my business.  I even try to shut the world out, but then I remember that I am also someone’s mother, a newlywed wife, and Lord knows that if I don’t clean my house the way I want it, it will just be a distraction from work.  For me working at home is really challenging.  I have my son running around, we just moved across 2 states into a new town and house, and not to mention that my husband also works from home.  So there are constant distractions.

Now this may just be me and I may just have a problem but for some reason I cannot get any work done when I know that there is laundry, dishes, and errands that need to be done.  I literally have to prep the house the day before in order to get work done.  As well as advise my husband who gets up way before me that I will be working late so therefore do not disturb.  And my son, well I just have to work that in all day until he goes to daycare in August.  My point is I have to schedule how my day is going beforehand so that I don’t get burned out.  Yes life throws curve-balls but for the most part I control my day.  So if I have been running around weeks on end and can feel my body shutting down, I schedule me time.  This is the most important thing to schedule.

Scheduling me time is a blessing.  It not only recharges you but it also gets you ready to be in full boss-mode at all times.  Think about, if you don’t schedule a girls night, date-night, day at the salon, go to the nail shop, or do whatever it is you enjoy doing that causes the least amount of stress.  Eventually your body will shut down for you.  And believe me no one wants that or to be around a depressing Patti.  Think about it, being a boss is really being able to juggle business life and personal life.  You have to be creative at all times and this will show your ingenuity.  This level of bossy-ness is fun for me because while my husband is exhausted from just one job I get to rub in his face that I am a Jack of all trades.  And the list of things that I have finished for the day is the icing on the cake.  Now, I’m not saying be a pain to your spouse because we know that there are some who do just as much.  But let’s be real, women do so much.  Even when we’re quiet and thinking.  LOL

All I’m saying is that in order to be a boss you have to delegate what is important and schedule everything else around that.  Even if your schedule changes or life changes.  Just breathe, think, and execute.  Believe me it will go a long way and you will be in boss-mode even longer and appreciate it more.

 

Thanks for reading… SimplyBetty101

Posted on

Waxing: What You Need to Know About Them- Hard Wax Vs Soft Wax

Follow me

For some ladies and gentlemen, waxing can be a wonderful regular maintenance that can keep our bodies looking its best at all times.  For others, the shear mention of waxing makes them cringe.  But if you are wondering how and why people get them you first need to know that there are different forms of waxing.   While there are different styles you may be familiar with such as bikini, Brazilian, and the Au natural.  The wax that is used can be the difference of you want to keep doing this or this is painful and who in the right mind constantly does this.

One way is soft wax, which is the norm that most people see in movies where wax is applied and then immediately removed with either paper or a muslin strip.  This way is often perceived as extremely painful and deters a lot of people.  But there is an alternative, which is hard wax.  In this case hot/warm wax is applied, then allowed to dry and then the removal of hair by pulling the dry wax off.  Now looking at the names one would think that the hard wax is the most painful and soft wax is more appealing.  The name is only in reference to how the wax is used.  Soft wax stays soft and does not get hard, whereas hard wax has to dry or get hard in order to be removed with the hairs attached.

Now I will reason with you, if you are tender person or have a low tolerance of pain than waxing may not be your cup of tea.  If you are a frequent shaver of any place you plan on waxing.  Be aware it will cause some discomfort.  But this is not to deter you just to inform you.  If you are not sure of the pain, just think of it as someone ripping off a band-aid on a hairy part of your body.  Like a band-aid rip the pain is only temporary.  And if you have a professional doing your waxing and they are good they will gauge and coach you on how to handle the process.  Now please do not think that the process is forever because with a good waxer even if you’re getting a Brazilian or the Au natural, the process may only take up to 15 mins.  If its your first time maybe 20 to 30 mins depending how well you’re doing.

Next, if it is your first time getting a wax especially if you usually shave it will hurt more.  This is only because your hair is growing back thicker and more course so to speak.  Rather than the hair being removed from the root and pull out.  When the hair is pulled out from the root the hair will either not grow back or if it does it will grow back softer, which means it won’t be as thick.  This also means less painful.  It is true that if you continue to get waxes on a regular basis then you will get use to the pain.  There are places such European Wax Center, that mostly use their own mix of hard wax for most of their waxes and even sell wax passes.

As for the cost, you can get around that especially if you’re a student.  There are plenty of companies that have discounted prices for students, as well as first time waxers.  You may be able to get a wax 50% off or free depending on the specials.  I would look for coupons and deals on Groupon for places in your area.  Also, some places that are setup near a university can only have low prices based on their location.  If you’re wondering about price depending on the places, waxes can range from $20 to over $100.  The most expensive price I paid was $80 but I did have a $60 gift card.  My next price was $35 for a Groupon coupon and then that set price because I was a student.  I then switch to the company European Wax Center where a Brazilian is only $50 and if you’re a first timer its half off.  So though EWC is located in several states, I recommend that you do your research and find a subtle place and waxer.  This is your private area or body and it is a temple.  Just like you watch what you put in it I suggest to watch you does anything to it.

Now this is not an advertisement to my place which is EWC, I’m not getting paid to suggest them.  I’m just mentioning them because I have and currently using them and I love it.  Within 20 mins of arriving I’m paying and leaving.  So in short if you are just starting out I would suggest to go with a small wax session such as, bikini line, or strip.  You can even try a butt strip just to see how you feel about it or just get another part of body waxed altogether.  And then if it is something that you want to pursue long-term then go for it.  Below is a link of wax types and areas that they pertain to.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/g3225/bikini-wax-styles/

Finally, if you did decide to get a waxing, it is of utmost importance to properly take care of skin afterwards.  That means no swimming, no harsh chemicals, and if you waxed your private area please bath in lukewarm water with anti bacterial soap for the next couple of cleanings.  I suggest this to help kill any bacterial and help heal the skin.  No fragrances or fragrance washes as well.  You want to treat this as if you have a new tattoo or if you’re trying to keep a wound from getting infected.  Upon, doing research on your wax therapist, make sure they have a reputation of being clean and you want to make sure you watch them on sanitary.  After you have covered your basis with them now it is your turn to make sure your body can handle it.  After care is just as important as before and during care.  If they sell products, look them up and read reviews.  Ask what’s in the product.  Because the last thing you want is for everything to go well and you use a product that does not react well to your skin.  If you have been using a product that helps with razor bumps and it works, continue using that you do not have to buy their products.  Now I hope this blog helps with any questions or fears you have about waxing and good luck.

Thanks for reading… SimplyBetty101

 

 

Posted on

Coloring Hair: Permanent or Semi-Permanent/Rinse Which Method is Better For Your Hair

Follow me

People have been dyeing hair since before it was a popular thing to do in today’s society.  There is evidence that natives in other cultures and countries that shows the nature ingredients that are used also plays a part in coloring their hair.  But this blog is not about the history of dyeing hair but differences in ways you can achieve color without damaging your hair.

Coloring your hair can be tricky especially if this is your first. The risks are high but the beautiful outcome is even better. But it has to be done right. Here are some do’s and dont’s of coloring hair. Rather than just jumping in and dying your hair red or blonde or pink or whatever that color is you’re trying to achieve make sure you know all the risk.  After you have made your selection on color, now research on how your going to achieve that color. You have 2 options of coloring, permanent or semi permanent which is a rinse.

Now if you have selected permanent hair dye you have to be careful on the product chemicals and harshness it can cause to your hair.  Permanent hair dye has a lot of chemicals and can cause damage especially on already processed hair.  For instance, if you have relaxed hair or perm you will need to give your hair time to adjust to the chemicals and retain some strength. Waiting more than 6 weeks is the recommended time. But if you have relaxed or permed hair and you still want to dye your hair.  It is recommended that a semi permanent or rinse is used. Since after a couple of weeks or washes the color will fade and come out.  And if your still not sure you can always consult a coloring specialist.  Notice I said coloring specialist, because there is hair stylist that can give your wrong advice or damage your hair even more.  You want to make sure you have someone who not only cares about achieving the color desire but also the health of your hair.  If a coloring specialist advises you not to use permanent hair coloring, listen to them.  If not you can’t blame anyone but yourself if your hair comes out.

Then, if you decide to color your hair on natural hair, you may just come out better than a person with processed hair.  Since your hair is in a natural state and has little to no chemicals your hair strains are way stronger than those who have processed hair.  Therefore, permanent hair color takes better to natural hair in most cases.  There are cases where natural hair strains are just not strong enough to handle the harsh chemicals in coloring products.  Which is why it is also important to test a couple of strains before applying color.  It also may be even more beneficial to consult a natural hair coloring specialist.  If you are unable to find one in your area I suggest doing a ton of research.

Next, you go the safer route which is semi-permanent route or rinse.  Then you my friend are making a great choice.  I prefer rinse just because I like to change my hair color often.  Like a couple of colors per year often and applying a rinse is much easier.  The only danger for applying semi-permanent dye is the possible use of creme developers and bleaching agents.  Now these are chemicals that help either lighten up your natural hair color or help the new coloring bond with your actual hair.  Now these agents are usually used on dark-colored hair.  For instance, say you have black or dark brown hair and you want to go a bright red or pink.  Well just dying your hair that color will only result in a dark version of the color you wanted.  So again be careful with these developers.

Now if you are opposed to taking any advice about hair coloring and the serious effect it can have if not done properly you can always start completely over.  Yes, cutting off all damaged hair and starting completely over.  Rather you have to go bald or rock a cute pixie cut, believe me it is not the end of the world.  Unlike other things that don’t grow back like fingers and eyes.  Your hair will grow back.  It may take some time but it will grow back.  Besides if you are in need of length there is always wigs and weave.  So rather you’re dyeing your hair yourself or getting a professional.  Remember, to ask what chemicals are used, rather your hair can handle the chemicals, and is it worth the hassle?

 

Thanks… SimplyBetty101

Posted on

IGTV: Instagram TV vs Youtube

Follow me

So if you haven’t heard by now Instagram has rolled out a new platform that is similar to YouTube. Rather you’re just starting off or thinking of expanding your platform, here are some differences between IGTV and YouTube.

Instagram TV/IGTV

  1.  Tough IGTV does not pay right now, the app is expected to be monetized for some users in January 2019.
  2. When recording videos is best to record via phone vertically; this gives the videos a more personal feel.
  3. Now smaller non verified accounts can only record up to 10 minutes while accounts with larger following and verified can record up to an hour.
  4. If you are not a fan of editing then IGTV might just be your best bet.  Since most videos will probably be uploaded via phone editing will be very minimum.
  5. IGTV does not have a live feature but since the account can be linked to your Instagram account which does have a live feature and since your followers are automatically linked to the new account it makes it easier to build an audience.

YouTube

  1. With this platform you can have a monetized channel after you meet the current requirements which are at least 1000 subscribers and 4000+ watch-time minutes.
  2. When recording videos is does not matter if you record on your phone vertically, horizontally, or via camera.  If you do record on your phone via vertically then your videos will have black bars on both sides.  Whereas, horizontally and camera versions will fill up the entire screen.
  3. Also there is no time length requirement for videos but it is advised that once you meet the algorithm and requirements to be monetized, it is best to have a 10+ minute video
  4. Major channels and some smaller channels that provide the best videos can spend hours editing one video which in turn can lead to a full-time job.
  5. YouTube does  have the live feature for more personal non edited videos.

Now if you have a YouTube channel already and you want your fan base to get more personal with you on a daily basis then signing up for IGTV is a great tool.  If you love more personal videos, with little editing, and just starting off with media content then IGTV is a great starting platform to start.

You can follow my IGTV for examples @simply_betty101 or my YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP8MiC1IgP4a3f7TNjTxEIw?view_as=public

 

Thanks SimplyBetty101

Posted on

To My Son: The Promises I Make to You

Follow me

As father’s day draws near and the day that you will once again be in my arms; I just wanted to take the time to write this. If over the years you feel discourage in my capabilities as a mother to you. Or you feel at any point I have failed you. Know that I did my best and most importantly I LOVE You more than anything the universe could ever offer me. Everything that I accomplished in life is nothing compared to bringing you into this world. Even though this world will do a lot of damage, please never give up and remember all the good things in life. Especially, those who truly love you… God and your parents. Yes, there will be times where you question everything in life. But I promise there is always light after the darkness. With that being said…

I will promise to do my best at all times to being a great parent to you.
I promise to provide you with what you need and strive for what you want.
I promise to be your backup when you are in the right and just.
I promise to guide you when you are lost.
I promise to protect your heart and soul from the evils of the world until you are strong enough to guard them yourself.
I promise to love you until the end of time.
I promise to give you the tools you need to survive and strive and conquer the world.

To my baby boy, my third pregnancy, my first born, to my blessing, I most importantly promise to be your mom.

Love Always,
Mom

Thanks for reading…. SimplyBetty101

Posted on

In Home Dinner Date….

Follow me

12 oz. Ribeye Steak seasoned with Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic

Spring salad with bleu cheese salad mix with creamy ceasar dressing

Brown rice made with velveeta cheese, spinach, mushrooms, and sharp cheddar cheese

Hawaiian roll

Posted on

Protein Smoothie

Follow me

So in my current protein smoothie, that I make after workouts consist of…

1 scoop of Chocolate Raw Organic Protein from Garden of Life (Link Below and also sold at H-E-B)
2 small organic bananas
1 gala apple
10 oz. of Dark Chocolate Almond Milk by Silk (so far Kroger is the only place I found store wise, link below)
https://amzn.to/2J8MhSR — Amazon link
Ice is optional

Blend altogether in your cheap or expensive blender and BAAM…delicious and nutritious smoothie

Protein powder is to my liking and use with caution if you are allergic to chocolate…this is my protein smoothie that I drink and I am not a dietitian. I created this smoothie for my needs of food supplement, repair and build of muscles.

Comment below with some of your suggestions….Thanks SimplyBetty101

Posted on

Random Thought…JUMP and Take the RISK

Follow me

Why are you so scared to jump? Starting something new isn’t going to be easy and you may not have the support that you are used to. But ask yourself these questions

1. What can you sacrifice?
2. Can you live with that decision?
3. What scares you about this decision?
4. Is it worth your happiness for the rest of your life/ is the decision based on the betterment for you?

Yes, taking a leap of faith on yourself to pursue something that has always been a dream is scary and maybe dangerous. But do you want to be one of those people who always wondered what life would’ve been like? Or do you want to say I tried and conquered. Or maybe you didn’t conquer but it took you on a different route to satisfaction. No one can decide your life but yourself. And yes you may lose those you hold and cherish, but if they cannot support or understand, did they really cherish you? Don’t be surprise if those you look up such as family, best friend, or even ideals walk away or discourage you. Everything will come full circle and life will proceed with or without them. Look even if you’re doing things to help others, wouldn’t you be in a better position to help those if you were happy?

Think about it….SimplyBetty101

Suggested Reading

Posted on

Transitioning….?

Follow me

What if your transitioning into a new you whether it’s for work, new home, parenthood, or just phasing out if the party life. What is now the new norm for you? What else fun is there to do that is more your speed?

I’m currently going through that transitioning as I type this up. Now that I am married, a parent, and focused more on my career of being my own boss. Things that use to interest me just don’t do it for me anymore. The fact that I am more excited to buy decor and furniture for our new place than for me to go out and party, is way more exciting. Like a kid in a candy store excited. Going to family events and being in a calm environment that’s more controlled and stable is wonderful. Don’t get me wrong I love a good turnup just like the next person but only on my own terms with like minded people as well. When you surround yourself with people that are also transitioning, you find that very similar bond and growth that you may just need. A support group. This also means new friends.

But if you can transition with those you have been friends with it can be an awesome feeling and experience. But if you can’t, don’t give up so easily. So just because you are now in a different space than those you cherish doesn’t mean you have to abandon them. Try coaching or encouraging them to get on your level or higher. You may be surprised at what you find. Sometimes people just need others to lead so that they can fall suit. Not all leaders start off as leaders and not all followers will stay followers.

Thanks SimplyBetty101