I am feeling very tapped out these days. I thought that I could do all of this and I am starting to question why I signed up for all of this stuff. Does anyone else feel like this?
I need to come up with daily entries for the blog, conduct a giveaway and a few reviews each month for the product reviews, I should be updating the Aldi blog (although I haven’t in awhile), and I am trying to come up with a well-researched article monthly to add to our content.
I guest blog for two blogs, I write monthly for a print publication, I represent Kenmore and help them put together a monthly entry for that and promote whatever it is going on, I film four-five segments each month for our local news… and I am tired.
I don’t have any new material and I feel at a loss this month for what I can do. Can you guys please help me and tell me what would be some good topics to cover? I just have nothing in me and I feel like I am doing the same tired tap dance over and over again. I am human and I know it is normal to feel like this at times, I just seem to be in a funk and can’t get out of it. I would appreciate any help you can offer!
Okay, so I know this isn’t the kind of comment you are looking for, but can I just say how nice it is to hear this?
I was starting to wonder what was wrong with me because I only can keep up with my two blogs–and just barely at that. I’ve been wondering how on earth you were constantly coming up with so much great content all the time and it was making me dizzy! It’s nice to know you sometimes feel zapped out, too.
So yeah, not any kind of helpful content ideas here, but I just had to post and say I think you’re amazing and doing an excellent job. But it’s also a relief to know you get tired every once in a while, too.
My best solution for being tired/burned out is to take a day or two off–completely off–and just enjoy life and spend some time re-evaluating things. I usually come back refreshed and full of ideas and I also usually decide to cut a few things, too.
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Aww, I’m sorry. It can be hard to do the same things over and over, and I’m sure it’s even harder to try to come up with new stuff all the time.
How about a series on kid food/getting kids to eat healthy stuff? I just posted a menu of kid food last week and a fun recipe today that you’re welcome to try.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I’d also like some ideas on crafts and activities I can do with a toddler.
I hope that helps a little. Good luck!
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I understand. I don’t know how you do it all!
Perhaps you could chunk some of your planned long posts into a series of shorter, daily bites.
Do some Q and A from readers.
???
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I feel your pain! I am just starting to get too many irons in the fire and for everything I say “yes” to I have to learn to say “no” to something else. It’s hard…if you’re like me, you want to please EVERYONE and it’s just not possible.
Right now, my house is the main culprit falling behind. You just have to learn to juggle, I guess…
As for ideas, well… what about great ideas of things to do with kids on a budget? You’ve sort of gotten that started with your Spring Break posts…perhaps expand upon it?
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Hey Amy! I’m Jane’s sister from Pinks & Blues. She loved meeting you this past weekend… wish I could have been there! I love your blog… I always have, you are such a great writer… !!
OK… let me see… some ideas to write about. Any summer tips for mamas out here? Bathing suits. Sun tan lotion. Really good beach towels? The best pails and shovels. ANything summer to get people in the mood!… As you can see, I am anxiously counting down for some WARM weather!
Best,
Audrey
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I have to admit, you totally had me fooled because you make it look so easy to do everything – your blogs, your entire website, Kenmore, your local news, etc. So when I started my own blog, I was in for a real shock at how tough it is to find the time to write something, let alone something meaningful! In my estimation, you’re superwoman.
But if I can do it, anyone can!) You’re doing awesome – just don’t give up! We all understand!!!
My suggestion is to do what Crystal said, and just take a day or two totally off. After that, I would say to do some entries on things you know well or even ask some of your devoted readers to research some entries on things they know. I really like the idea about kid foods. Or maybe quick meals. What about a series on home preserving? (Freezer jam is the easiest thing ever! I actually was a second place winner in the Ball World Freezer Jam contest last summer…not to brag or anything
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Crystal- OK, I have NO idea how you do all you do. You constantly amaze me with your deal tracking and I am always looking to you for guidance. I understand that it is good to know someone else is feeling the same way. I am in constant awe that you are able to crank out all you do. You are right, maybe I just need more of a break from stuff.
Mrs. Mordecai- You are right, there are not enough craft ideas on here. That would be a great topic to share.
Meredith- Maybe I am too lengthy- you are right, smaller bites. Moms like smaller things they can read too.
Allison- That is a great idea too- I was hoping our Spring Break would showcase some ideas for things to do, but maybe I could take that a step further.
Audrey- Jane was one of my favorite new friends I met. I wish I could have met the rest of the team!! You guys are so amazing. Beach ideas….I never thought of that!! Thank you!
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How about ideas on saving money on gifts? All those gifts for coworkers and coworkers kids and soon all the kids in my child’s classes are going to add up. Ideas for frugal, meaningful and wanted gifts would be nice.
My child is also starting on solids and it won’t be long before she is eating lunch at daycare. Some of the school lunches are dreadful. Easy plan-ahead alternatives would be a great resource.
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take a break!!
and after you do that, how about a series of posts with ways that you have tested to relax frazzled moms. each post you could try techniques to unwind, be it meditation, taking a walk, getting a massage, etc. hey, at least that way you are unwinding AND you have material for your blog.
Love to you girl!
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I for one, think you are doing SO much. And we are all so very grateful. But remember to BREATHE, Amy. It’s like paying yourself first. Take care of YOU. The blogs will wait.
In fact, why don’t you do a in-depth segment on how to REALLY relax, and pamper yourself. How to distance yourself when a problem (like forced frugality) is eating up your every thought? Or why don’t you ask someone to “guest” for ya?
I love your blogs. I love how you make things seem so reasonable and approachable. But please, don’t wear yourself out for us.
Either that or you’ll have to post your address so we can all send you bubble bath.
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Amy: With the economy in a downturn I am surprised you aren’t focusing on how you and your husband got through the job loss you experienced years ago. Think back to all of the life lessons you learned and see if you haven’t already covered some of them. Your health care articles were great.
I plan to start a blog myself for those that are going through lay offs, but I want it to be more focused on the area I live in.
Also: have you tried the community shared agriculture programs yet (CSA)? We are giving it a try. I remember you posted about not liking the quality of meat your grocery stores provide. I am in the same boat, and we are considering doing a meat and vegetable one.
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also, i think it’s kinda fun when bloggers refer to their own archives to showcase really cool crafts/tips/recipes from the past that newer readers may have missed or long time readers may have forgotten. we all so understand everyone needing downtime-no one would be offended by that sort of post every once in a while. you rock by the way!
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Certainly you should give yourself a little break. But, really, the constancy of your blog is – well – great! Don’t feel that you need to pull out new tricks for us ’cause we love what you do. Your work really is a blessing to all of us. Thank you for all the work it takes and your willingness to share with total strangers.
Go sit by a lake and daydream for an afternoon. You deserve it!
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I would love to see an entry on ethical CVS shopping. I am amazed a the number of bootleg coupons that specifically state “one per person” or “intended for use only by the person this was sent to” that are posted on the web for anyone to print and use. CVS offers so many great deals and bargains, that it is a shame for people to “steal” from them by using coupons and offers that are not intended for them. I feel strongly on this issue and would be curious about how others feel about it.
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Believe me I can soooo relate as well. I really feel like sometimes my family gets the short end of the stick and I have to stop and remind myself that they come first. That’s when I back off on the blog a little bit. Some weeks I get three posts up some weeks more, I just do what I can. I have so many things that I’m excited to do with my blog but have to reign myself in all the time. It’s hard because it’s my passion but I know I’ll have more time when my little guy is in school.
It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Your blog is great!
Laura
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Well I can honestly say it never shows that you are feeling tapped out…I think you do an awesome job here and elsewhere! You had me fooled!
It is sorta cool to hear someone else (especially someone who seems so “together”) say that they are feeling the burnout of being a busy mommy.
As for ideas-spring and summer are coming, so how about: shopping at outdoor flea markets, something about farmer markets, how being a mother makes you appreciate your mother (mother’s day), BBQing tips, picnics, exercising outdoors, recipes to compliment what you’re growing in your garden.
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Amy -
You sure do a lot! Take a few days off, we’ll understand. When you recoup, maybe do a post called, oldies but goodies recapping somethings you’ve already posted on – I know I have yet to read everything you post!
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I agree, you make it look easy! But you need to take care of you and your family first. Personally I’ve been struggling with keeping my posting up-and I only run the one blog and my own life.
Here is a suggestion-you might want to consider going to a summer posting schedule when the kids are out of school etc. During the summer I cut back my blog to MWF in order to spend more time outside with the kids. Have you considered doing something like that?
I mean, I love your blog-and I love to read you every day. But I’d totally understand if you took to posting 3 or 4 times a week instead.
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I agree – take a break! Declare a “Break from Blogging Week” and rest!
I also like your readers’ idea about reposting some of your most popular articles. Or cross post info you’ve used from aldi queen or Kenmore.
As far as new topics: frugal gardening, frugal flowerbeds, ask friends to guest post on their best topics, keeping cars clutter-free, managing papers around the house, favorite springtime activities, and I love your reader’s idea about posting on rest!
Sending you a breath of fresh air that rejuvenates down to your toes,
ann
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First, let me say that your blog is in my favorites. It’s one that I log into daily and one that I’ve directed others to view. It’s great.
I kind of think this might be a good week to take ‘off’ and veg out with your family since it’s spring break and all. Just my opinion. We’ll all survive if you want a vacation. : )
From a selfish perspective, I would love it if you would consider doing a post on baby items made in the USA. I have a 6 month old and everything goes into his mouth. I have several teethers and toys, but I noticed that they are all made in China. Given the string of lead paint issues with toys made in China, I’m not too keen on letting my baby chew on those toys. I’ve searched a few times for toys and teethers made in the USA, but I’ve come up short. I can find organic toys (usually stuffed animals) which is better, but often times those are not US-made either.
Thanks so much for all you do!
Laura
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First, let me say that your blog is in my favorites. It’s one that I log into daily and one that I send friends to often. It’s great.
That said, I’m thinkin’ this might be a good week to take off and veg out with your family since it’s sppring break and all. We’ll survive without you for a few days. : )
From a selfish perspective (you asked for ideas!!), would consider doing a post on baby items made in the USA? I have a 6 month old and everything goes into his mouth. I have several teethers and toys, but I noticed that they are all made in China. Given the string of lead paint issues with toys made in China, I’m not too keen on letting my baby chew on those toys. I’ve searched a few times for toys and teethers made in the USA, but I’ve come up short. I can find organic toys (usually stuffed animals) which is better, but often times those are not US-made either.
Thanks so much for all you do!
Laura
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Amy you are doing a great job with all of your blogs!
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Amy,
I love your blog and appreciate all your hard work! What about recycling “vintage” posts like last week’s WFMW theme? Since I just started reading your blog a year ago, I’m sure I missed tons of great stuff. That would be less time consuming yet still inspirational. And I’m sure people wouldn’t mind re-reading stuff, especially when it’s so great. =)
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Many of these ideas have already been covered, but I’ll pile on in an effort to be helpful. First of all, I love your blog and it is a daily read for me.
+ Ask for a couple guest posts to buy you a couple days off.
+ Celebrate an upcoming blogging milestone with a “Blast from the past” theme, or a “Best of…” Link to five of your most popular posts from the past.
+ Declare a “mental health day” and don’t go near a computer. Just completely unplug from everything you are doing.
Whatever you decide, we’ll be here when you get back. Thanks for all you do!
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It’s perfectly normal. We all go through this at one point or another. I usually “desert” my blog for a couple of weeks every few months.
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Amy, you do an amazing job and ditto everyone else – just take a break. It is spring break, after all right? Heak, I’m still on my spring cleaning, and how long ago did ya post that one? Stop and smell the roses, or printer ink, whichever is closest
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I agree with Frugal Dad…work with your blogging friends -building relationships with bloggers to host different events.
It helps a lot to have a day off.
That said, we have a different situation. Two kids (under 3) each but there are two of us! So – maybe it evens out??
I think the ideas mentioned were great – post on job loss, how to pick up the pieces financially, maybe a series on saving money over the summer when the kids are out of school. Day trips, cheap entertainment (guests can post in on this based on their geography!) and some tips for saving money on summer camps/vacations???
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What a refreshing post. I feel the exact same way! I’m sorry I don’t have any advice for you, but I am definitely sending prayers your way.
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amy ~ i just love your heart.
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I absolutely love your site — and included you in a “bloggy roundup” post I did on Friday: http://topaztook.livejournal.com/125017.html. But I can certainly understand why you’re tired, since you’re being such an online superwoman! Ideas for things to write about? I loved your spring cleaning printables (even though it’s sooo not spring-y here that I haven’t used them yet. Ehem.) Maybe you could cover other cleaning tips? Or the rest of the house? Or, err, you could read appliance manuals and post tips for those of us just don’t get around to that…if you enjoy that sort of thing. (Which you must, because you solved the mystery of why there’s a drawer at the bottom of my stove for me. I thought it was storage. Who knew it was a warming drawer?)
Or, and this might be more fun: what are some ideas of things/projects/whatever you do with your daughter? You talk a lot about your son, who I realize is older and able to do more things…but I’m selfish, and my daughter is closer to your daughter’s age.
Or, and here’s a radical thought: you could take a rest! Take a couple of days off! Just post a note so people don’t worry about you. If you need a good excuse, and you want to make it part of your online life, http://www.unplugyourkids.com is hosting the “TV (or whatever screen) turn-off challenge” the week of April 21-27.
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Hey Amy! Ditto to all of the above comments! You do a great job and I love reading all your tips!
As a suggestion for a series- I was really excited to see your links for the gardening stuff a few days ago. I’m thinking of starting a small veggie/herb garden and I have no idea where to begin! Some posts or additional info on your garden would be great! Keep up the great work and take some time for yourself!
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Hi,
I came across your blog for the first time. I really love the way you relate yourself in your writing.
Reading your current post, seemed like reading an episode of my life a few months back! I can relate to what you might be going through right now. I don’t know whether this will help you but it worked for me.
I took about a week from my full time job and went on a vacation. During the time I didn’t do any writing, even though I from time to time I had a few ideas. Towards the end of the vacation I was actually missing writing!
After I came back, I organized myself a bit more. I tried to stick to my schedule. You know what.. so far its working!
Good Luck!
Shamelle
HREF=”http://enhancelifethinktank.blogspot.com”>Enhance Life
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Hi, Amy:
I think it would be great to find out ways to take a family vacation for less money. Also, inexpensive day trips during the summer. How about ways to keep our children safe during the summer months, or making our own first aid bag, or children’s movie reviews (I know from my own experience just because a movie is rated PG doesn’t mean there won’t be any bad words in it… so maybe with this one, you could get all the readers involved and ask if anyone has seen the __________ movie and if they liked it, if it is indeed a movie for kids or not, and so on.
Enjoy your day today with your kids.
Jodi
“When you are down to nothing, God is up to something!” This is one of my favorite sayings.
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I like the suggestion for Toddler activities/crafts.
You are doing great! Thanks for all your great posts!
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You’re not alone! Hang tight and look to HIM. You’re dong a terrific job! Hugs & Blessings!!
Love you sweet friend!
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hey, I did not have time to read all the comments so I hope I am not saying the same thing……but I LOVE EVERYTHING you do…..take a break dont look at the computer for 4 or 5 days and dont even think of it…
then come back and do post on stuff you are doing out side…fun stuff….the best kind of sand for the sand box..bushes or flowers you are putting in….what you are planting…and why…maybe some ways to go green and save green with kids..
Have a great week off!!! he he!!
PS…I think we are all tapped out from something…doing home work with kids, husbands that work a ton or just this never ending winter…do a whole tapped out series… or a weekly entry on being tapped out or ways to not be…
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Do you want to come over for lunch? We could moan about it together, I’ve been feeling the same way–for some reason my traffic took a dip the last two weeks and that coincided with feeling that I wasn’t satisfied with what I was writing and then being interested in other things and then everything made me swear a blood oath to Andrew I’d never blog again. Of course that just proves how effective my blood oaths are . . .
If it helps, he gave me the “You’ve got to push through this” pep talk which kind of helped. But ultimately I just had to decide if I was ready to cash in or not. I hope it gets better for you because I love your blog and would hate to have that gone.
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ALso, I’m reviewing Mint.com in two weeks–not to give away my secrets or anything but you might take a look at that and see if it inspires.
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Single best tip I have gotten: Do your PAID work first. (which is exactly what I AM NOT doing right now). After that, one thing at a time … and probably a nice vacation. I think Frugal Dad’s ideas are great.
I’ve also found that Mr. Linky projects are an easy way to build readers, with less work! More projects for you.
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How about ideas for inexpensive outings with kids? I have a 6 yo, 3yo, and 4 month old and am starting to wonder what we can do with ourselves with the warm weather coming.
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Amy, we’ve never met but we have a lovely mutual friend who you happened to be on an airplane with the other day. I just had to pop on and offer you both encouragement and an “I understand” pat on the back. Thank you for being so honest.
When I’m lost for inspiration, I a) simplify [ie., take as much off my plate as I can] and b) take some time to remember what I truly love about what I’m doing.
In my case, it’s the people who hang out at my site, so when I start feeling tapped out I get more active in the comments, email readers, and write more personal pieces. I love the conversation and it always inspires me to reboot.
You do amazing work, and it’s ok to take a break!
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Hi Amy,
I would love to hear how you normally get so much done though. What are your time management tricks? I am fully aware there aren’t any magic answers but am curious how you manage to make so much food from scratch, do fun things with the kids, manage so many blogs and other online projects, spring clean your house, etc. 
As a younger Mom I have a lot to learn about this area!
Love your blog and also as many other readers said it’s great to hear you are “real.”
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You do SO much Amy! Seriously, you have a lot on your plate. Plus you got back from your big trip and now you’re doing all the busy (but fun) family time for spring break AND trying to do your writing, etc.
Any way, do not be too hard on yourself. You’re a very busy woman!
Occasionally on other blogs I’ve read I’ve seen writers just pitch out to the crowd the old standby, “Ask me anything” type thing. Of course you might not want to “answer” anything but hey, it’s an idea.
p.s. how about cheap alternatives to summer camp?
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Oh, Amy – I wish I could just “pop through the hedge” (have you read Mitford? If not, you won’t get this!) and give you a hug!
I DO know how you are feeling and I feel this way myself sometimes. I love what Crystal said about taking a day or two off. I was feeling completely overwhelmed with life around her until we went on a family vacation for a week. Now, I know that is not possible for everyone or even us every time I feel this way! But, time off did the trick for me.
I find that often, I’m putting the pressure on myself and it isn’t real pressure that I should have – it’s just self-imposed pressure of what I “think” others are expecting.
Thinking of you, my friend!
Monica
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Having done my own blog for the past 6 months now, I completely sympathize. You are doing a lot, girl! I am amazed that you have not felt burnt out until now (or have you?).
I also agree with Crystal (another one who amazes me!), that sometimes a break is just the very best thing, and you come back refreshed with so many more ideas.
After spending the last few weeks pouring into my blog transfer and new design like crazy, I am struggling a bit to come up with anything that I am interested in. I feel blogged out.
I think I am going to just give myself a bit of time next week to back off a little, write shorter posts, do some simple Q&A; or provide some great links, etc. Or even (gasp!) take a day or two off from blogging!
Hope that you get the rest and refreshment that you need, and that inspiration soon follows!
Blessings,
Stephanie
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Amy, as everyone else has commented, we really do appreciate all the things you bring to us! I have learned so much from you and others like you! My advice is to get back to the basics…why did you decide to start the blog…what things were you planning on doing with it…and then maybe revisit some of your early posts with a little more detail?! Just a thought!
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I want to echo everything that everyone else has said: you are just amazing in all that you do! I also wanted to echo the guest post and cross-posting suggestions, as well as re-posting some old favorites – hm, that’s something I should consider doing myself!
A natural topic that comes to mind is time management – how *do* you manage to do so much?
Hugs, and whatever you decide to do will be the right decision.
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I didn’t read all the comments (sorry) so this may have been suggested. Perhaps you could “hire” (obviously not pay, but choose) some other bloggers who could rotate as guest bloggers on your site. If you had 5-10 volunteers they could write and submit posts and you could choose which to post. Just a thought…
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I love your blog and would love to get some ideas for homemade (inexpensive) “convenience” foods. Lately I’ve come across several recipes that call for things like refrigerated bread dough or premade piecrust or crescent rolls or expensive storebought salad kids, etc. I make almost everything fresh from scratch because of my son’s dairy allergy, but sometimes I wish I could just pull something out of the freezer and whip up dinner in 10 minutes like these recipes promise. Or if you’ve already done an article on this and I’ve missed it, could you repost it? =)
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I’m not sure if this is a legit suggestion for a topic but, honestly, I loved this post.
I think many moms are dying to hear more about exactly what you’re talking about here: what, exactly, do you do when you’re feeling beyond maxed out and overwhelmed?
If it’s helpful at all I blogged about my own moment of feeling like this here.
Best of luck!
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Lately I have been interested in setting up a pantry and we’re thinking about getting an upright freezer.
Another topic I’m interested in is getting ready for summer, specifically what a mom should carry in her summer bag or in her car. I’m thinking of writing about this but haven’t got to it yet.
I’m also interested in creating private blogs for my kids but have been having a hard time getting started. I want to to do them like online scrapbooks, but am having a hard time figuring out sorting out what I should record.
I also want to garden with the kids this summer.
Hope that helps. I’m a total amateur blogger and only do it for fun, when I feel like it. I admire your success!
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