LilSugar

10 Reasons I Will Never Be a Perfect Mother

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:01:19 PDT

Everyone has a vision of the perfect mom, particularly new mothers who just want to be the best for their children. I was no different when my daughter was born - I tried to juggle it all without breaking a sweat. And then my son arrived, and my life fell into perfectly magical disarray. So I cut myself some slack and learned to live in the moment rather than worrying about what I wasn't achieving in my role. To see a few of the reasons why I will never be a perfect mother, check out the slideshow.

9 Ways to Earn Extra Cash When Money Is Tight

Wise Bread — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:51:58 PDT

I'm sure everyone can do with a little more cash in their wallets. Here are some great suggestions by Wise Bread for you to make extra money.

Even though I'm self-employed full-time, I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to make more money.

Earlier this year, I wrote a Wise Bread post on websites that can help you earn extra cash. More recently, I came across a blog post on Zaarly titled, "10 Ways to Make Money Without a Job." After reviewing the latter post, I thought it was time to revisit the topic and let you in on a few more ways to get paid.

The ideas that Zaarly presents are perfect for the unemployed or those who just want to pad their pockets a little more. In addition, there are moonlighting jobs that I do that I thought you should know about. Thus, if you're without a steady paycheck or you just want to build up a rainy-day stash, here are some of your options.

1. Offer Experiences to Strangers

I recently learned about a new site called Vayable, which allows people with specialized knowledge and talents, local info, and time on their hands to create experiences that others can purchase. It's basically a touring and activity company without the company. Anyone can join the site and set up an experience. For instance, the Kan Brothers offer motorcycle tours of San Francisco - which include helmet rental, a drink at a local hot spot, and a city map - for two to four people at $75 per person. In New York City, Kim G. is offering a personalized painting lesson for groups of two to six for a flat rate of $300; the experience includes acrylic paints; canvas board and supplies; studio space; wine, cheese, and crackers; and Kim’s undivided attention. Consider this tip if you're interested in joining Vayable: Browse the site to see what other people in your area are offering. By creating a unique experience that no one else has established, you have a better chance of getting booked.

Read on for more.

Bachelorette Breakdown: The Week's Biggest Whoa!-ments

Maggie Pehanick — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:13:48 PDT

Week two on The Bachelorette brought plenty of action, and I'm not just talking about the chemistry between Emily and Kermit - though that was slightly uncomfortable. No, I'm referring to the first one-on-one dates, the first group date, and all the poolside drama. It looks like we've got a veritable Real Housewives of Charlotte on our hands, only in this case the housewives are men and Botox is replaced by Muscle Milk.

I'm recounting the good times, and the especially bad times, from this week's episode when you

When Emily told Ryan they'd be baking cookies for her daughter's soccer team on the show's first one-on-one date, I was like, Whoa. No doubt this guy thought the only food preparation he'd have to do on The Bachelorette would be stomping his own grapes when producers flew him and his date to the scenic Napa Valley, and even then it would all just be for show and they'd get to drink perfectly aged Merlot by the fire while staring into each other's eyes. Not this season, buddy!
When Ricki showed up in the audience of the group date, I was like, Whoa! Wasn't the whole purpose of bringing the show to Charlotte so that Emily could still maintain some semblance of normalcy in her daughter's life? First she brings Ryan to soccer practice (but makes him wait in the car mere yards away from her daughter) and now this? (Side note: I kept thinking they should have rolled up the tinted window, lest Ricki see the strange man in her mother's car, but then it occurred to me that he might suffocate in the South Carolina heat.) Actually, come to think of it, watching your mom be the ringleader in a variety show starring the Muppets and a dozen suitors (one of which will be your new daddy!) is pretty commonplace nowadays.
Whilst lounging in the hot tub, Kalon let slip that he thought Doug "put being a dad on hold" to be on the show, and Doug was all, Whoa. Despite the fact that Kalon is coming off like a tool and clearly making no friends, Doug overreacted a touch and told him to "check it," but in a much more serious way. Kalon tried to interject, and again Doug was like, "Check it." I believe the phrase he's looking for is actually "Check yourself before you wreck yourself, bro." It also appears that Kalon is no longer "Helicopter Guy" and has now been given the nickname "Chopper," which the guys think is derogatory, but which is actually really cool and something I might try to get my friends to call me.
Meanwhile, Emily went on her date with Joe. The two dined at her local cotillion venue and put their hopes and dreams in the "love clock." After laying out his wishes to come back to Charlotte to marry her, Emily told Joe he wasn't the guy for her, and Joe was like, Whoa. It was brutal, but it was necessary.
After the loads of private time he got with her this week, Ryan still thought it would be kosher to monopolize Emily's time before the final elimination. He did this by writing her a seven-page letter and then making her read it to him out loud. It took 15 minutes, which is about two weeks in Bachelorette hours. This wouldn't be quite so bad if Taylor wasn't awkwardly waiting in the wings, caught in the unfortunate position of either backing down or breaking mid-letter-read. All the guys who were watching from outside were like, Whoa.

Did I miss any whoa!-ments?

Photo courtesy of ABC

What to Expect When You're Expecting: Brings a Surprising Amount of Belly Laughs

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:00:00 PDT

Ever since Love Actually captured hearts and audiences with its huge cast and sweet intersecting story lines, there's been an overflow of ensemble comedies, and fatigue has officially set in. There are usually too many characters and subplots, and while What to Expect When You're Expecting does have a star-studded cast and a lot going on, it's funnier and more engrossing than most of the movies in the genre.

The characters are all dealing with some aspect of parenthood: there's Cameron Diaz as Jules, a trainer on a Biggest Loser-like show who gets pregnant by her dancing partner (Matthew Morrison) from a Dancing With the Stars-like show. There's Holly and Alex (Jennifer Lopez and Rodrigo Santoro), a couple who resorts to adoption, while Rosie and Marco (Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford) have a fling that leads to her pregnancy. Elizabeth Banks plays Wendy, a woman who's grateful to finally be expecting but is disappointed when she feels more gross than glowy, and in contrast, her younger mother-in-law (Brooklyn Decker) is having the most effortless pregnancy in history. Sure, it's way too perfect that everyone conceives their children around the same time, but the movie is filled with enough humor and warmth to compensate. To find out what else I thought about What to Expect When You're Expecting, just keep reading.

Casa Capsule: A Miami Kitchen Update, Mother's Day Gift Options, and Philippe Starck's New Design Hotel

Elka Karl — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:00:52 PDT

Take a tour of this Miami kitchen's rocking update.
This classic country wedding is absolutely lovely.
The lovely lilac inspired this roundup of lavender decor pieces perfect for Spring.
There's still time to make one of these DIY Mother's Day gifts.
Get some great ideas for eco flower arranging, perfect for Mother's Day.

The flowering branches and table settings at this David Stark-designed gala is absolutely dreamy.
This terrarium DIY is a great option for Mother's Day.
These amazing designer bespoke lights also benefit a great cause.
See what Pixar's cofounder's home looks like.
Take a look at Philippe Starck's design for the new hotel Mama Shelter Marseilles.

Geeky Gifts and Tips to Give Mom For Mother's Day

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:31:47 PDT

It's difficult for moms to stay up-to-date in this fast-paced digital world - which is why she relies on you to break it all down for her. Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to teach Mom about the latest gadgets and trending websites and apps. Plus, there's always room to teach her the basics of her DVR and the iTunes store, too!
Source: ThinkStock

Link Time: Splendid Summer Outdoor Decor and Free Mother's Day Cards

Elka Karl — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:30:20 PDT

These warm weather decor finds are perfect for lounging. - California Home + Design
What does it mean if you like soft, warm paint colors? Find out! - Real Simple
These gifts for grads are all under $25. - House Beautiful
Download one of these free, printable Mother's Day cards now. - Stylelist Home
Get inspired to turn doors technicolor with these photos. - Houzz
Tour an absolutely dreamy glass house. - Elle Decor

Savvy Links: How to Write an Eye-Catching Résumé

Emily Co — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:05:47 PDT

How to write an eye-catching résumé - Free Money Finance
You could have been a professional mermaid, you know - The Jane Dough
How a $45 stock turned into $60,000 - LearnVest
25 ways to have cheap Summer fun - Wise Bread
The perfect DIY Mother's Day gift - HuffPost Women
Ways you could be hurting your credit - Credit Karma
Get freebies with help from the pros - AllYou
5 fixes for money worries - Real Simple
Things your mom would say if she came to work with you - The Grindstone

Healthy Dose Link Time: Healthy Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

Michele Foley — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:36:41 PDT

Surprise mom with a healthy brunch this weekend - Daily Spark
Soothe sore muscles in these six unexpected ways - Shape
FDA close to approving a drug that may prevent HIV - Blisstree
Get your protein fix with these nutrient-rich vegan foods - Mind Body Green
A smoothie for every day of the year - Healthy Happy Life
Back to basics: how to do the perfect push-up - HuffPost Healthy Living
A cougar workout for Mother's Day - totally awesome or poor taste? - Fit Celeb

6 Tech Gifts For Mom That Don't Break the Bank

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:32:06 PDT

With Mother's Day this weekend, you're surely racking your brain for the perfect gadget to give to show appreciation for everything dear Mom's given you in life. There's one caveat - Mom doesn't want (or need!) you draining your finances as a token of your love. Our tech picks will tell Mom you care within a budget you'll both appreciate - and yes, price-conscious can include cameras and ereaders!