This week I want to talk about the marriage and divorce rate in America and what we can do to keep our relationships intact.

Age has a lot to do with how we handle problems in our relationships.

 

It seems men and women who got married from age 20-24 had the highest rate of divorce in America. Why might this be? Well not speaking for everyone in this age group, but this age is usually when people are finding themselves and just discovering what they want in life. Many people change and if your relationship doesn't change to accommodate it you may just be closer to divorce than you think, as unfortunate as it may seem.

 

                                        5 Tips for surviving your marriage!

 

1) Always include your partner in any life altering decisions.

 

Discussing your plans show you are growing together and not on your own. Shows you are building a life with them not without them.

 

2) Never seek out another person to validate and coddle your hurt feeling.

 

As innocent as this may seem, do not do it. If you are having relationship problems the last thing you need is an emotional affair and or everyone knowing every problem in your relationship.

 

3) Always talk to your partner about your feelings

Yes ladies, we do like to talk about our feelings and our men want to run the opposite direction. Yet there are ways to talk without seeming crazy to our partners. Ease into things, try this for example

 "I feel as if we haven't spent as much time together, what about us having a date night next week just you and me."

 

4) Never compare your husband or wife to a relative

If you want to be married and stay married never ever compare a woman to their mother or your mother unless it is to say "wow, honey your peach cobbler is so much better than your/my moms." women and men are competitive and that's ok but no one wants to be less than someone else.

 

5) Always help with the house work

Whether you work outside the home or not, male or female. You live there and you should help. The stay at home partner is not your maid, butler, chef or secretary just because they choose to be at home. You would be doing everything yourself if it was just you, so do your part and NEVER complain about it! 

 

      Here are the statistics I found about marriage and divorce. According to http://www.divorcestatistics.org/



Age at marriage for those who divorce in America  

Age	Women	Men
Under 20 years old	27.6%	11.7%
20 to 24 years old	36.6%	38.8%
25 to 29 years old	16.4%	22.3%
30 to 34 years old	8.5%	11.6%
35 to 39 years old	5.1%	6.5%

Divorce Statistics in America for Marriage  

Marriage	Divorce statistics (in percent)
First Marriage	45% to 50% marriages end in divorce
Second Marriage	60% to 67% marriages end in divorce
Third Marriage	70% to 73% marriages end in divorce

  Children of Divorce Statistics
  According to discovery channel, couples with children have a slightly lower rate of divorce than childless couples. Sociologists also believe that childlessness is also a common cause of divorce. The absence of children leads to loneliness and weariness. In the United States, at least 66 per cent of all divorced couples are childless.

Divorcing Couples	Divorce Rate Statistics (in percent)
Couples With Children	40%
Couples Without Children	66%

 





Please take these things inconsideration and know these are just statistics and are not set in stone. I'll be back next Saturday with more relationship talk! Until then join us on www.facebook.com/mamastraumas

8 Ways to Use Leftovers

We have all been in a situation where we have leftovers, but we do not want to eat the same thing the next day.  I have a few ideas to turn leftovers into a whole new meal.  This is a fantastic way to save some money, and cut cooking time.


1.  Roast beef or Pot Roast-  You can take the meat potatoes and veggies from a roast and turn it into vegetable beef soup.  This is one of my favorite things to do with left over roast.  You dont want that expensive meat to go to waste.

2. Steak and Baked potatoes-  Sometimes we go out to dinner and we bring home lots of leftovers. If you take a little butter or olive oil, chop up the leftover steak and potatoes, and saute them together in a skillet.  It is just a heating process, and it tastes great for breakfast or lunch.  You could also serve the leftover steak over salad, or put it in a stir-fry.

3. Leftover Veggies-  You could do many things with leftover veggies, but one of my favorite things to do is make stir-fry...  In my home we never eat the full package of broccoli  and we all know that goes great in stir-fry.  Add a few more veggies to it, or have a broccoli and teriyaki chicken served over white rice.   

4. Chicken-  The possibilities are almost limitless.. One great idea with leftover chicken is chicken pot pie.  Just cut up the leftover chicken and make the pie.  Cheap and easy meal that the family will love.  We all love comfort foods.

5. BBQ Chicken-  If you make BBQ Chicken one night mane BBQ chicken sandwiches the next.  This goes great on just a regular hamburger bun or french bread, add a few pickles and sauce it up. If you have a chopper or food processor it makes for a great sandwich!

6. Baked Chicken Breasts-  We always bake a large amount of breast meat at a time.  Taking the leftovers to make chicken salad is amazing.  Add a little vinegar, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, onion, bell peppers, diced pickles, celery and celery salt.  This is the way I love to make my chicken salad.. Usually with baked or grilled chicken breasts.  Each time it comes out different based on the seasoning used on the chicken itself the night before.  Teriyaki and Lemon Pepper Chicken are my two favorites to add to this recipe.

7. Mashed Potatoes-  You could bake them in little pies, or fry them in a pan.  Add a little onion and a little extra milk to loosen them up again.  Kids love these!!!

8. White rice-  If you have quite a bit of rice left over from the night before, cold rice is the best thing to use for fried rice, and it taste completely different.  Put some butter in a Wok or Frying pan, scramble two eggs, add rice and some veggies (onion, peas, carrots your choice), add soy sauce, onion powder, and a little garlic powder, salt and pepper, and it makes a great cheap fried rice.  I even make it without the veggies if I don't have them on hand.  Just make sure you don't overdo the soy sauce it will be very salty.

Technology Tuesday Tips

Everyone knows that in this day and age technology is a big role in our lives. So why not use technology to your advantage and make you life a little easier.

 

Here are Amanda's Technology Tips for the busy mama!

 

 

 

• Are you going to a new doctor for the first time?

 Many doctor offices now have websites. Go on to your doctors website and print out their new patient forms and fill out before you have your visit. This is so much easier than trying to contain a toddler and filling out paperwork with out scribbles all over the page. Some website's even offer the paperless route with Patient Portal. Just Create an account and fill out all the information they need before ever stepping into their office!

 

• Did you forget to write down in your check book the last thing you spent and now you can't find your recite?

No worries, most banks now have applications for your smartphone! With the banking app you can check your available balance, view recent transactions and transfer funds. This makes life a little less stressful knowing you have a back up incase you lose that recite!

 

• Do you run around to store after store pricing the same item?

Run around no more, there's an app for that! RedLaser has many features as I have displayed below. You can download the app for free. It's available for Iphone, Android and Windows Phones. http://redlaser.com/ 

Buy it!

Easy to buy! Buy directly from your phone, and our partner retailers can have your items waiting for you at a nearby store.

Find local prices

RedLaser knows what’s nearby. When you scan with us, we’ll share prices from stores right down the road.

Avoid allergens

RedLaser can help identify allergens! Scan a food with RedLaser, and we’ll let you know about many allergens.

Price Comparison

RedLaser can save you money! Scan a barcode (or search by voice or image), and then compare prices between thousands of online and offline retailers.

 

• Are you making trips to the grocery storing and realizing you forgot your list at home?

 

Don't fret there are many free apps for your phone that can make grocery list and you can check the items off as you shop. I personally use MobisleNotes and absolutely love it! Go to https://mobislenotes.com/ and download the app for free. Create an account and you can add to your notes from anywhere! Does the husband keep asking for a million things while you're at the store? He can simply log into the MobisleNotes account and add to the list and you have it instantly!

 

 

Next week I'll have more of my Technology must haves to make life simpler. In the meantime check us out on Facebook. www.facebok.com/mamastraumas

 

 

 

Makeover Monday

As busy mom's we don't have all the time in the world to get beautiful every morning like a Kardashian does. So I have some tips and tricks to make your morning/ afternoon and or night time preparations just a tab bit easier!


Morning:

• If you shower in the mornings put your toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower. It becomes part of your daily shower routine and you wont be pondering "did I brush my teeth this morning?"
• You have bed head but not enough time to wash your hair but want your hair to look better. Section hair into 5-10 big sections then braid each in a loose braid. Run a flatiron over each braid, let them cool down, spray hairspray and undo the braids.....Wave's in 15 minutes!

• While your hair is cooling down start applying your makeup. Remember the basic essentials: Eyelash curler, Eye liner, Mascara and some lipstick or gloss. Those few things spruce up the natural look with less than 5 minutes to apply.

Afternoon:

• Before heading any where take a swig of mouthwash and rinse. Clean breath and sparkling teeth.
• Touch up your make up on the go. Always have lip gloss and eyeliner in your purse!
• Has your hair lost luster throughout the day? Take and pull your hair to the side and put it in a lose braid, less than 2 minutes to do!

Nightime:

• Going out for dinner and in a rush? Take your daytime look to night by applying a darker shade of lipstick, throw on some earrings and change your shoes! A little bit adjustments that take less than 5 minutes can do wonders!
• Before going to bed at night time pick out your outfit for the next day. This is a life saving tip for mom's. Have all accessories, shoes, socks/pantyhose and clothing together so you aren't searching the house for your missing shoe in the morning!
• Make up and utensils you plan on using the next morning take and sit together in a pile on your sink counter before going to sleep.

These are just a few tips for getting ready in less than an hour. As a mom I know getting the kids ready is already time consuming and I would rather my part take just a few moments because I'm already exhausted by time I need to get ready.

Next Monday I'll have more tips & tricks to try in less than 1 hour! Until then visit us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/mamastraumas

Sunday Funday DIY Ideas for the Kids

There are a lot of great DIY projects that will help save some money, and the kids will love them!!  I have listed 5 great ideas which when I were a kid I know I would have liked.  Check them out!!

1. Did you know you can turn that old pack-in-play into a tent.  I am a huge pinterest fan, and I came across a great idea there which I know that many little ones would love.  A tent!!  Customize the fabric and blankets to satisfy your child.  There are so many options Barbie or Spider-man, Dora or Diago, or any other character your child loves.  Universal fabric such as in the photo also looks great.  Just remove the mesh from one side and use a fitted sheet on top!! 

2. For the Girls...  Make your own Tutus.  I came accross this idea on a website which I will list, but the little girls I am sure would be so excited about this project.  Make a Colorful tutu or just solid, so many possibilities.  This is a very easy method!! It could save you a lot of time and money!! 
Go to Treasures for Tots for step by step instructions.  These little tutus should keep your little one busy for hours.



3. Have you ever thought of all the possibilities using chalkboard paint?  Well someone has paint a table, an old picture frame with a board in the center, a wall, a door, an old chair.  There are many possibilities, and if you take yourself back in time do you remember how fun it was to draw on a chalk board?  I use to spend a lot of time playing school, and practicing my writing on a chalk board.  Check out more ideas here.  I love the table idea!! 

4. Have you ever thought about making a kitchen play set out of an old table or nightstand!!  There are so many possibilities, let your imagination run wild.  You could also use multiple tables and come up with a whole kitchen area.  That sould keep the little ones busy for hours! 

Old Table

Old Night Stand

Old Entertainment Center

5. When I was searching for DIY projects I came accross a website which has 100 things you can purchase at the dollar store for play!  There are a lot of great ideas at Growing a Jeweled Rose

Well that is all for now, I hope that you have enjoyed this weeks DIY projects and Ideas with Kristen.  I will have more for next week!!  If you havent done so already please check out Mama's Traumas face book page www.facebook.com/mamastraumas Later Mamas!! 



Significant Other Saturday

Significant Other Saturday is all about providing you with relationship advice, venting and us answering your questions!

Amanda's 10 do's and don'ts in a relationship....

1. Never go to bed angry. No matter how pissed off you are it's always better to resolve your issue before falling asleep and waking up pissed off.
2. Never EVER bring up the ex unless it's a baby mama/daddy and it's an important conversation.
3. Always tell your significant other that you are proud of them. Even if its " hey honey, I'm so proud of you for not riding on the bumper of that guys car when he cut you off!"
4. Always compliment your significant other. The smallest thing can make their day. Try saying "Those jeans really make your butt look nice" or "You smell good."
5. Always be honest. Yes this may seem like a tricky one but there's different ways to be honest. The rude way and the polite way. If your SO asks "do I look ugly today" there's 2 ways to respond... The rude way " Unfortunately yes, but blame your mother." or The polite way "I think you're handsome/beautiful even when you are at your worst."
6. Never tell your SO that they can't do something. Telling people you can't is like saying "hey, I double dog dare you to run into traffic blindfolded or i'll shoot you." If there is something you don't want them to do rephrase the way you say it. For example instead of saying "No you can't buy a motorcycle." say "I would rather you not buy that and hurt yourself. Plus is that really financial responsible right now?"
7. Never EVER compare your SO to anyone, Famous or not don't do it! Comparison at the time can seem innocent or playful but really all it does is make the other person jealous and angry.
8. Never say "I hate you" or "I regret ever dating/marring  you" when in a fight. This my friends will come back to bight you in the butt later on. Once those words are said they can not be taken back no matter how much butt kissing you do. So never say them, ever!
9. Always ask for your SO's advice whether you need it or not! Asking for advice make's the other person feel important in your life. The simple "I need your advice, which shirt looks better with these pants?" will work.
10. Always treat your SO with respect. Would you like to be put down and called a lot of nasty names? No, most likely not. It's the golden rule effect.

I hope these can help your relationship blossom and not wilt! Next week I'll have more Do's and Don'ts for you love birds!

Don't forget to Like us on facebook! www.facebook.com/mamastraumas

Shepherds Pie

Shepherds Pie

1 lb ground beef
2 cans of corn drained
About 6-7 large Potatoes boiled and mashed (add milk, butter, salt and pepper)
1 bag of shredded cheese (I use sharp)

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet 
3. Peel, boil, and mash potatoes (however you personally make mashed potatoes)
4. Put one layer of mashed potatoes on the bottom of a large rectangle cake pan (about 1/2 of the potatoes)
5. Put ground beef on top of the potatoes (spread out)
6. Add corn layer on top of the meat layer (or other veggies)
7. Spread the rest of the potatoes over the top 
8. Cheese is optional but it is great with the cheese. Sprinkle cheese over the top layer
9. Bake until cheese melts and begins to brown. 
10. Serve and enjoy!!

 I always use corn but some people use green beans or carrots or mixed veggies. 

Thank You Christiine for asking about the recipe! 

Cheap Meal Ideas

In my family we are always looking for ways to save money.. Cheap meals means cheaper grocery bills.  In my house we try to eat foods that are healthy, yet sometimes we slip up.  I have come up with a few meal ideas that are cheap on the pocket.  If you create cheap meals a few times a week, you will be amazed at the amount of money you will save at the grocery store.

1. Hamburgers 1 time a week (I use very lean meat).  Add a side of veggies, or baked potatoes.  We use romaine lettuce in place of iceberg as well.  This can be healthy and cost effective.

2.Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup.  We like to add a meat to our grilled cheese sometimes.

3. Beans Beans and more Beans-  Beans and rice is a great cheap meal, add some chicken in the beans and you have a full meal (or whatever meat your heard desires).

4. Salad- I know most people do not want salad for dinner however there are so many salad ideas.  You will find one you like.  Top it off with some grilled chicken.  We like to use leftover grilled Chicken or Steak.  You can also do a wrap instead of salad same ingredients you just need the wrap.

5. Chicken and Rice soup- This is a very easy meal.  Boil some chicken, add low sodium broth and cooked rice.  Boil some carrots, celery, etc to add also.

6. Breakfast for dinner- Have some pancakes on hand they are very cheap, eggs, toast, bacon, etc.  Very good idea once a week.

7. Shepherds Pie- This is one of our family favorites, everyone adds their choice of veggies, mashed potatoes, and hamburger meat.  Not expensive especially if you buy 10 lbs of potatoes from Aldi, they are usually under $3 and I save a lot of money shopping there.

8.Frozen Pizza- We often like to add some toppings, but that depends on the pizza we buy.  Aldi has pizzas that are very similar to tombstone for $1.99 each.  These save us a lot of money!  1 time a week feed your family for under $5.  You can also make small pizzas with bagels or english muffins for something different.

9. Veggie Night- If your family loves veggies have a no meat night.

10. Chicken Salad Sandwiches- I like to make a large amount of chicken at times and used the leftovers for dinner the following night.  You could also use the chicken salad on salad as well.

Well, that is a few of my ideas I will work on a list for next Friday.  Enjoy your weekend, and dont forget to "like" us on Facebook.  Facebook Link (click here)

Gevalia Coffee Freebie!!

It is food Friday and I found a great deal!!  Get them while they last!!  Just like their Facebook page and answer a few short questions.  Click here to get your free 4 pack Sample ..  Limit 1 sample per address.

Just a bit about Mama's Traumas

Mama's Traumas was started by Admin Amanda, and she was joined by Admin Kristen in order to help other mothers with questions, concerns, and just everyday Mama life.  We may not be the kind of page everyone likes, however we really enjoy our fans, and the support of our other admins.  Each parent goes through different difficulties in everyday life.  We all want to know about that, and we want to help our fans if they have ANY questions regardless of what they may be.  We love to share stories, ask our fans questions, play games, have a daily subject, and photo contests.  You will find no other Mama's page like ours.  Our blog will also be for venting, or sharing stories.  We do have a daily subject which includes:

Makeover Monday's- All about beauty tips, makeup, nails, hair, clothing etc.. 

Technology Tuesday's- The inside scoops on the best baby technology, gaming systems, games, cell phones,  movies, music,  and more!! All Techno! 

Whatcha Think Wednesdays- This is a day dedicated to fans questions, opinions, and shares.. This or That questions.  Whatcha think about that??

Trauma Thursdays- A day for sharing traumatic events in our lives, or others lives, such as in the news.  

Food Friday- It is all about food... Food Allergies, Recipes, Diets, etc.  

Significant Other Saturday-  Relationship advice, questions, and issues with your significant other.  

Sunday Funday- We share DIY projects, Fun things to do with the kids, and other family related topics.  It is all about the fun!!  

If you have not done so please like us on facebook.  We always keep an open mind and hope that you will too!  www.facebook.com/mamastraumas