Ms. No Single Mama Drama’s Blog

Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Love parties, people and fun? Why not combine them all for the ultimate side hustle that you can start today from the comfort of your own home. And, what’s better still? Your kids can help!

Here’s a video on “How to Become an Event Coordinator.”

Here’s an “A Day in the Life of an Event Planner”

In this economy, earning money from a side-hustle is not only imperative to a single mother’s survival, it has become increasing difficult. Trust me, I know. Over the past several months, as gas prices have steadily increased, the amount of projects that are available to me have dropped significantly.

But the amount of extra money I’ve earned from my side hustle has remained the same–and sometimes, I’ve managed to earn more.

How? Well, I’ve had to get creative and serve a different customer base, which allowed me to charge higher prices for my services. Now, I’m working fewer hours–and spending more time with my son–while earning the same amount of money–and sometimes a bit more.

Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. If so, don’t get discouraged. Instead, take action. Get creative.

If you’re having a hard time generating enough revenue from your side hustle, you may have considered taking on a work-at-home part-time job–if only you could find a real opportunity, right?

Well, look no further. There are still viable work-at-home part-time (and even full-time) jobs available to you, where you can earn a significant amount of extra money to counter the increased gas prices, grocery bills and more.

But where?

At FlexJobs.com, you can find real work-at-home (telecommute) jobs. There, you can find a wide range of part-time work-at-home jobs, everything from customer service, to freelance writing, to medical transcription, to Web design. There are even virtual assistant opportunities, too.

Go ahead, check it out.

Until next time,

Peace and blessing and, as always, remember to keep it drama free.

Ms. No Single Mama Drama

In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t written any posts since January.

But, I’m back now.

Thanks for all your comments, questions and support of all my posts, especially the Side Hustle posts.

I’ve been gone because I’ve been working on writing an eBook on HOW single mothers, or, anyone for that matter, can make extra cash–WITHOUT getting a second job.

If you, or anyone you know, is making at least $500.00 cash with a side business, moonlighting or a side hustle and would like to be featured in this book, please send me an e-mail at askme@nosinglemamadrama.com.  You must be willing to state your full name and how much you’re generating with your sideline business.  I’m especially interested in those that involve your children as well.  Please include your e-mail address, Web site address/blog name and phone number, if you would like that information included. This is great way to promote your business!

The book will be priced at $19.99 but will feature 101 ways to make extra cash with real-life examples and information on how to market you side business–a great value, if I say so myself.

Anyhow, please feel free to write me or ask me any questions.

As always, peace and blessings and, of course, keep it drama free.

Ms. No Single Mama Drama

Got dirty dishes? Well, get Dawn Direct Foam?

If you’ve got to wash dishes by hand–and, yes, some of still have to; or, in my case, some of still want to–Dawn Direct Foam is an excellent new product to use.

Though I have a dishwasher, as a self-professed neat freak and germ-a-phobe, I prefer washing my pots and pans by hand, so when I got an offer for a FREE new product to try, I was game.

The specs:
Dawn Direct Dishwashing Foam
400 mL
12.5 Fluid OZ
250 pumps

Get a free coupon here, plus an additional $29.00 in savings.

Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly:

The Good:
It smells fantastic and does an excellent job on cutting grease. Your pots will be squeeky clean with very little effort.

The Bad:
It’s a bit more expensive than a regular dishwashing liquid.

The Ugly: (At least, for me)
Because I’ve got OCD (Obssessive Compulsive Disorder), when it comes to pumping dishwashing liquid–I’m afraid I can resist the pump. Something inside of me–probably the germ-a-phobe–says pump, girl, pump. And, when I do, it is exhilirating. Therefore, the fact that you “don’t need to pump” but once, doesn’t exactly do it for me. However, if you’re not a pumper, I can see this product being a dream come true. Me, I’m use to pumping, so I will probably stick to a cheaper product…simply because I’m a cheap thrills kind of girl.

Peace, Love and Blessings
Ms. No Single Mama Drama

I hate child abuse–as a child, I experienced various degrees of abuse, so I can’t stand to see any child abuse in any way.   And, there’s absolutely no excuse in the world for it, except in cases like mine where my abuser was/is mentally ill.  However, even then, there are resources availble to families of the mentally ill to ensure the child(ren’s) safety. And, if a child is being abused, by a mentally ill parent, they should be removed from the household. Period. Why? Child abuse leaves emotional and mental scars that remain long after the physical wounds have healed.

Please watch the video below. Please note: The video is not suitable for children:

Imagine what a wonderful world it would be if no child were abused.  Would we rid ourselves of career criminals, serial killers, etc.? Sandra Hanks Benoiton blogged about an Web site that makes the assertion that kids that are adopted (and probably those that have been victims of child abuse), have a higher rate of becoming serial killers than the general population. 

If that’s true (and I’m not saying it is), but if it’s true, could we completely change criminal behavior by just protecting our children from abuse?  Tell me what you think? 

Also, I’m looking for information related to single parenting and child abuse stats and, more specifically, infanticide (where the parent takes the life of his/her child(ren).  If anyone has information, please send me the link by leaving the informaiton here.

Thank you,

Peace, love and blessings
Ms. No Single Mama Drama

Single parenthood isn’t something that comes highly recommended. In fact, I wouldn’t recommended it for most people.

And, throw in single parenthood adoption and most might think that it is an invitation to drama. And, you would be right–partly, that is. The other part would be dead wrong.

So, why am I –as a single mother–considering “inviting” drama into my life. Well, the answer is really simple and really complex. First, I absolutely love being a mother–there is no greater reward than loving a child –through good and bad times–and being loved back unconditionally. Second, I’m not ready to give up my title as mother. Though I can’t physically have any more children, my biological clock is a tickin’, if you know what I mean. Third, motherhood gives me a sense of purpose that I can’t get from a job or a relationship with a mate. Fourth, I love children and want more; in fact, I’ve always wanted to have six (6) kids or more. Fifth, I feel that I’m at a point in my life that I can give a child, especially a child with special needs, (that is, one that has been abused by their biological parent(s) and, as a consequence, has severe emotional and behaviorial issues) love, comapassion and a safe and secure home.

So, this week, I initiated the process and expressed interest in three children: two siblings and another non-related child. Today, I received a referral and some other related information on the process, which can take 4-6 months, just to become approved.

I’m not naive to child abuse or emotional and physical behavioral problems. I’ve dealt one-on-one with children with severe emotional trauma–so I’m not scared of the challenge. I’ve seen a few of these children–with love and attention–develop into productive people, and I was glad that I was a part of their lives when they needed me. Additionally, I was a troubled child with emotional issues that developed into a productive person, so I know what the right love and attention can do to someone’s life.

I’m not sure what the future will hold–but I know that I am doing the right thing.

And, my fifteen-year-old son is excited about possibly expanding our family.

If you are a single parent that has adopted a child/ren or know someone that has, please feel free to share your/their experiences.

Peace, love and blessings,
Ms. No Single Mama Drama

Happy New Year (and, Happy Birthday to me!)  Yup! I’m one of those unfortunate holiday babies–but for the first time, in a long while, my mom actually remembered to call me for my birthday (without me having to remind her, like I do everyone else. I chock it up to alcohol-induced parties from the night before and not that people don’t love me–well, at least it makes me feel better

Like most people–I usually make resolutions, only to lose steam before Valentine’s day.  Not this year.  This year, I’m not making a single resolution; instead, I’m just setting goals–small, do-able goals.  Nothing fancy or too grand to accomplish.  For instance, one of my goals will be to excercise three times a week (one (1) weekday and Saturday and Sunday), which is much more realistic for my single mom lifestyle. 

Here’s is a list of my top goals for 2008:

(1) Spend more quality time with my son, if he lets me.  
Since he’s teenager (15), he’s not spending too much time with mommy; most of his time goes to the fabulous PS3 I bought him for x-mas, his sports and his friends–go figure!

(2) Adopt a child, preferably a girl. 
I’ve got the kid, who’s going off to college in two years–and, I’m not ready to give up on motherhood–heck, I’m not even 40 yet.  But, most of all, I really enjoy motherhood–it has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done, and I still have a lot of love to give.  I’ve already initated the process, so I’ll keep you posted on how the adoption process goes, especially for a single mother.

 (3) Respect God’s Temple
Besides excercising three (3) days per week, I also want to try to drink more water and eat more veggies.  I’ve had a host of minor health-related issues that I’m determined to avoid this year.

(4) Blog more often.
For some reason, I feel really good when I blog.  Maybe it has something to do with having some alone time and a purpose; whatever the case, I really enjoy the connection with people and words, so I need to find the time to do it more often.  Today starts my 30 posts in 30 days challenge. 

(5) Be more social.
I’m not a social butterfly, but I think I need to be.  I do enjoy other folks company–just not all the time.  However, I do really value the relationships I have in my life. So, I need to show it by spending time with the people that I love.  And, that’s what I aim to do.

(6) Pay off my car.
I’m determined to pay off my car by June.  I’ve started looking for a job that pays more money and for positions within my organizationm where I can make more money. I’m already earning extra money with my side hustles. But I also want to pay off my house in five years, so I know I’ll at least be working five more years and need a bigger paycheck to make that happen. Also, I’ve cut out a lot of unnecessary spending –and guess what? I feel a sense of accomplishment that is unreal.

These aren’t all of my 2008 goals, of course, but enough, for now.

So, what are your goals for 2008?

Single motherhood is full of challenges all by itself! Throw in a full-time job, the kids’ extracurricular activities, and a social life and the dream of owning your own business can seem daunting, at best.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some tips to help you turn an idea into the business of your dreams:

# 1 Start With a Plan
You know the old adage: Failing to plan is planning to fail. Well, a good business idea can only be achieved through a well-thought out plan. Initially, it doesn’t have to be fancy–it can be something really simple and basic as a bulleted list on a scratch piece of paper. The point is that you have a plan. Remember, it can always be fleshed out later.

#Perfection Will Get You No Where–Fast
Too often, as mothers, we want to do everything just right; so much so, in fact, that we sometimes miss opportunities that could have taken us to the next level in our careers or our businesses. Don’t let perfectionism steal your opportunities to succeed. Sometimes, it’s just better to get the thing started than it is for it to be perfect. You can always perfect it later, if necessary.

#3 Believe in Yourself When Nobody Else Does
Just because you’re a single mother, it doesn’t mean you have to put your dreams on hold, especially your dream of entrepreneurship. Even if no one else believes that you can do it, believe in yourself. Soon enough, after people see that you have an unfaltering determination to make your business succeed, they will jump on the bandwagon and offer support. But it all starts with YOU believing in YOU, your IDEA, your SKILLS, your EXPERIENCE, your BACKGROUND and what YOU want to accomplish for YOUR CHILDREN.

Got more tips on how to make Single Mompreneurship happen? Discuss them here.

Are you single mother new to Atlanta with no friends or family and NO THANKSGIVING PLANS?

As a single mother, who was in the same situation five years ago, I know how you feel. In my case, my son and I ended up homeless–in a new city with no friends or family, just angels! Recently, God blessed me with a home (yes, it’s possible to go from homelessness to homeownership in five years! with God’s help, of course), and I would like to share my new home with 10 single mothers and their children for Thanksgiving.

Warning: I don’t have much, but what I do have I’m willing to share with you. That means, I only have two couches, so most will have to sit on the floor. I don’t have any dining/kitchen tables or chairs, so again, you have to not mind sitting on the floor. Also, because I’m a single mother on limited budget (sound familiar), I am asking you to bring store-bought side dishes (to ensure health and safety), drinks or paper plates and utensils. I have a list of what is needed.

You’re welcome to bring movies and/or games for the kids to play. You’re also welcome to bring your own chairs (lol).

If interested, e-mail me back (with a one-paragraph description of your story), and I’ll register you for the Thanksgiving dinner. Sorry, my house is not big, so I can only accommodate 10 single mothers and their kids.

DONATIONS: For those interested in donating food, chairs, games and/or time for this event, please e-mail me. Thank you in advance!

Can’t wait to meet you!

Ms. No Single Mama Drama
And remember, as always, keep it moving and keep it drama free!

As temperatures start to dip, finding ways to stay comfortably warm, while keeping winter utility bills in check is my latest mission. Because I’m anemic, I’m always cold anyway, so when the temperatures in Atlanta dip (I’m a native So-Cal gal), my body can’t take it—even though I’ve lived here for five years!

For me, cold weather is something I just can’t get used to—until I get that high utility bill, that is. Then, the cold doesn’t seem that bad (wink, wink).

If you’re looking for ways to stay warm and ensure that you don’t have a $400 utility bills (I’ve had those in the past and that’s straight ugly), here are some tips:

Don’t Use Your Central Heat and Air!
This is about common sense, really. Why warm up your entire house when you’re only using a few rooms. Unless you live somewhere where temperatures are at freezing or below, there’s no need to use central heat every day. Central heat is the most expensive type of heating you can use, so if you can’t afford to heat your entire house, don’t do it. That money could be used for something else, like extra blankets…lol.

Wear Extra Clothing.
I used to think my mother (a single mother, too) was out of her mind when she refused to turn on the heat and made us put on extra clothing during what I now know are southern California’s mild (well almost non-existent) winters. Now, as a single mother, my mission is to make my money stretch, so I’m glad my mother taught me how to feel good in raggedy pair of sweats and furry house shoes…lol. You’ll be surprised how adding few layers of clothing can stave off the cold—to a certain extent.

Use Space Heaters
For me, space heaters are the best thing in the world. Because I’m always cold, it allows me to heat up the area or room I’m in, without making anyone else uncomfortable. Additionally, the savings realized in comparison to heating the whole house versus just the rooms that are in use is significant. Click here to read Mr. Electricity’s take on how to heat your home efficiently with space heaters.

Here is my favorite space heater in the world; this space heater heats up a room like nobody’s business and adds less than $10.00/per month, per room to my electric bill! However, your bill may vary, depending on your usage. I bought two (one for my son’s room and one for mine) for $34.99 each at Lowe’s (online prices vary). Though they’re kind of large, they are small enough to tote from room to room, if needed. I highly recommend this space heater:

Click here to read the details.

Weather Strip Your Windows and Doors.
I recently bought some window weather stripping for $2.94 (2 rolls/20 ft., enough to do several windows) at Wal-Mart. I had a severe draft in my bedroom from the windows, so I decided to see if this would work – well, it’s not 100% but it significantly decreased the draft, which makes sleeping in my room much more comfortable–and it was incredibly easy to do!

Drink Hot Liquids.
This is a no-brainer, too. I love my cold drink as much as the next person, but when it gets cold, I swap my Crystal Light (love that stuff) for hot tea or sugar-free hot coco. And, best of all, it keeps me nice and warm.

Here are some articles on how to winterize your home or apartment:

About.com Winterization Tips

Get Rich Slowly’s Tips