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I’m pretty sure by now many of you have seen this Burger King commercial advertising their new Kid’s Meal. Burger King has launched a nutrition program, BK Positive Steps, which works toward creating healthier food choices. Now offering a new kid’s meal made of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, apples cut in the shape of fries with low-fat caramel dipping sauce and Hershey’s 1 percent low-fat milk, parents don’t have to feel apprehensive about giving their children fast food.The meal is 350 calories, and less than 25 percent of those calories are from fat, with 9 percent from saturated fat.

Yes, this is a simple meal that can be prepared at home. Let’s put yourself in the shoes of a parent out and about with munchkins screaming that they are hungry. Burger King is nearby. Rather than order them a burger and fries and feel bad afterwards, order something that they’ll love which happens to be more nutritious than the typical kid’s meals.

Some parents don’t like the fact that the apples are shaped like fries. They feel it’s a way of trying to trick children into eating fruit. So lets say they were in the shape of a crown or even cut into cubes. Would it make a difference? Children like their food prepared in mini fun shapes. I don’t see any harm in the apple fries. It isn’t tricking at all, just making the apples fun and appealing. Ever had Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes or star shaped ice cubes?

Enjoy this guest post while I try to dig myself out of overwhelment. Is that a word?

I think most of us would agree that procrastination is probably the biggest waster of time that there is. Quite often the job takes less time than the procrastination itself.

The problem with constant procrastination is because it creates a psychological mountain out of a mole hill, by the time we start the task we are probably feeling stressed and uptight. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies as we do not even recognize we are suffering from this time stealing habit.

Alongside procrastination there is the busy mentality we buy into. Let’s face it there is a sort of kudos in today’s world about having so much to do. It makes us feel important and needed. What is also interesting is that the definition of one persons business compared to another can be quite different.

Having spoken to lots of people and done a little research on the subject here are some ideas to eliminate the procrastination habit, which in turn may help to free up some precious time.

1. Get into the habit of keeping a daily “To Do List”. That way you are less likely to forget something that is urgent and important.

2. Those of us that procrastinate often have an unrealistic sense of time. We either start believing that a project will take forever. (So we never can find the time to start it). Alternatively, we do not allow enough time to get the task completed comfortably. Remember even five minutes is enough time to complete something. This could be some filing at work or sorting out the cutlery cupboard or making a telephone call.

3. If you are finding “starting” the task difficult - remember not all tasks need to be started at the “beginning”. If it is a difficult letter or a report which needs your attention - make a start and go back to the beginning later.

4. Try to action things as they appear, this way you will end up with less of a backlog.

5. Are you making the task more difficult? Sometimes there is a simpler, quicker solution. Try to be flexible in how you approach tasks. Think delegate, fake not bake. Not so much finite detail. Most importantly stop aiming at perfection.

6. If there are particular types of projects you consistently procrastinate over, think about why. It could be that the information you need is not conveniently accessible. Or maybe there is an emotional reason for your reluctance to action your task or project e.g. confidence.

7. If you can not establish why you continually procrastinate over a particular task. Ask yourself if you really want or need to do it.

8. Schedule for problems and setbacks. By expecting problems and difficulties you may find yourself motivated to start the project earlier.

9. Plan a reason to motivate yourself into action. If it is a home based activity that you have not managed to get around to. Invite friends around and use this as your motivation to complete the tasks before their visit.

10. Tell someone else your deadline and give permission for them to remind you.

11. Listen to your moods. Use your energy to get tasks completed. For example gardening, washing the floor are great when you are frustrated or angry. Feeling overwhelmed - have a clearout.

12. Be opportunistic. Utilize “dead” time. If someone is running late, is there a phone call you can make. What five minute task can you do while you are waiting. Not only will you be able to tick something off your to do list you are less likely to be irritated by their lateness.

Diana Groves is the Editor of the Website Help For Busy Mums. We aim to provide time saving tips and simple solutions for busy mums. Visit us and join our community.

Etsy.com is full of gorgeous handmade items that will have you spending your bank account dry. A few days ago I decided to look around for some small accessories for myself. Mama deserves a treat every once and a while, right? I am addicted to anything with a cowry shell on it. I love wearing jewelry made with cowry shells. I love stringing cowry shells in my hair. So what did I search for on Etsy? Cowry shells! In the first page of results I found a delicious pair of Fatigue Cowry Hoop Earrings that I HAD to have. They were from seller KeeyshasKreations. I quickly snatched them up and she quickly sent them over and included a hair adornment as a bonus! I am too cute now! Thanks Keeysha’s Kreations!