Archives for January 2014

Table Lamp Review

January 27, 2014 by

I purchased 2 of these beautiful table lamps from Amazon for my office and I’m so glad that I did.  It was receiving a 5 star rating, and I understand why.  It was just as described and fits my décor perfectly.  The base is made of a brushed steel, which compliments the red lamp shade and the gray and black furniture in my office.  I placed one to go on my computer desk and the other on my scrapbook table.  I grabbed the lamps for $23.99 each with free 2 day shipping.  A bargain for these high quality lamps. 


These would great for a kids bedroom, dorm or den.  They’re medium in size, but they won’t produce enough light for a family or living room in my opinion.  They use 60 watt bulbs, which is why I ordered two.  If you’re looking for a bargain on a desk lamp, check it out.  They’re beautiful.   

Filed Under: Great Finds, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Jungle Themed Party Ideas

January 24, 2014 by
Filed Under: children's parties, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

My On-line Dating Experience

January 20, 2014 by

on-line dating

Would you join an on-line dating site?  Dating sites are everywhere.  There’s e-Harmony, Black People Meet, Christian Singles, Match.com, Single Parent Love and the list goes on.  Lets face it, so many things have changed.  Social media has changed the way we live our life.  We meet friends on Facebook, Twitter and blogs.  Why not a dating site.  Balancing life as a single parent, maintaining a full time job, maintaining a home, getting the kids to soccer, football, or ballet leaves little time for a social life.  It can actually leave you exhausted. 

Single parents or non-parents are turning to on-line dating.  Mainly singles who aren’t interested in going to bars or clubs or are finding it difficult to meet someone on their level are curling up with a glass of wine and their laptop and experimenting on-line.  There are many who are shy or have been out of the dating scene for some time and they are unsure of how to connect to another person who feel comfortable in the confines of their home.  There are many reasons singles are heading to on-line dating sites.  There have been many successful connections.  One of my co-workers met her now husband on line. 

I decided to experiment with on-line dating.  I’m past the bar and club scenes, I so decided WTH.  When joining, you’re required to set-up a profile. Of course it helps to add a picture, an up to date picture.  I followed the instructions and waited for the fun to begin.  You’re billed monthly for your membership and can access the site whenever you choose.  You can IM with other members and receive emails.  If or when comfortable, you can exchange phone numbers or agree to meet for a date.  I met several men, I’ll take you through my experience with each. 

The first man who expressed interest lived in my town.  We spent time getting to know each other on line, but I gave up on him after a week.   Getting to know him was like pulling teeth.    He revealed little about himself, and most of his conversation revolved around sex or sexual positions.  Now I’m all for good sex, but not while I’m getting to know you the first week.  Good-bye pervert! 



Next, I met someone who seem promising.  He lived about an hour away and we had great conversations via the phone for about a month.  We agreed to meet.  When I arrived it was clear that he had been drinking, I could smell the alcohol when we shook hands. This wasn’t someone who had a few at the bar waiting for my arrival.  I think he soaked in it the night before.  Did I mention he showed up at our meeting with 2 golf buddies.  Two immediate turn offs for me.  At this point in my life, I’m not interested in a grown man who still sucks the bottle.  Secondly, if you’re not man enough to go out on a date without a chaperon, you’re not man enough to be with me.  I left and stopped accepting his calls.   

The third and last man that I met on-line I actually thought there was potential.  The first date went well, and there was a physical attraction.  He actually excited me, and got the juices flowing.  He seemed to have himself together financially, he had helped to raise his 3 daughters, had a beautiful home, and attended church regularly.  We had many things in common.  We both loved wine tastings, antiques, dining out and traveling.  As time went on, he began to show his true colors.  None of which I liked.  He couldn’t make a commitment if his life depended on it.  He lied, asked me for thousands of dollars and became angry when I said no.  I couldn’t believe this fool thought he was that good or I was so stupid or desperate that I would give him my hard earned money.  His love was conditional, if you let me get into your pants pockets, I’ll love you.  He was pathetic.  He even lied about  his age.  Now when you lie about your age, you will lie about anything.   I asked him if he saw stupid tattooed across my forehead or if there was a sign in my yard that said Bank of Rhonda.

My first red flag was the lying.  He couldn’t keep his stories straight.  The second red flag was the fact that his children rarely visited.  Their flights would have taken 2  hours and he lived 20 minutes from the airport.  They didn’t show up for his birthday, Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Not even a visit during the summer.   When a man who you’re not married to or living with asks you for thousands of dollars.  Run as fast as you can.  Needless to say this went nowhere fast.

After 3 strikes, I cancelled my membership.  For you ladies who are interested in on-line dating, don’t let my negative experience discourage you.  There are many ladies who have been successful.  I just didn’t have the endurance to continue meeting losers on-line.  I am thankful to say that I have met someone and not on-line.  I was introduced by a family member and it’s going great. 


As a single mother, I wanted to share my on-line experience with my readers. Not to discourage you, but to let everyone know that modern technology doesn’t always work.  Sometimes the good old fashioned way is the answer.  Have you tried on-line dating?  Let us know your experience or how you feel about the subject.  We would love to hear from.  

Filed Under: Black People Meet, Christian Singles, dating, dating sites, e-Harmony, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Product Review: Powerocks Portable Charger

January 14, 2014 by

Powerocks oh yes it does.  When Powerocks USA asked me to review this portable Super Magicstick portable charger I readily agreed.  I thought it would be perfect to test it while I was on the go, so I decided to use it while visiting my daughter.  It’s a 5 hour drive to my daughter’s, that would be plenty of time to charge the device and provide ample opportunity to use it.   

When I’m visiting my grandchildren remembering to charge my phone is not a priority, but I always regret it later.  I love the bold colors of this little device.  I’m loving the pink, blue, purple and red.  I also love that it’s small enough to stick in a pocket in my purse.  I received the hot pink charger to put to the test.  The charger comes with a USB-to-Micro-USB cable and a pouch for travel. 

Using the charger proved to be very simple.  It involves 3 steps:
  • Step 1 – Charge the Magicstick.  I used the charger that I carry in my car to power it up since I was on the go.  You can also charge it using your phone charger, your laptop or notebook.  It took about an hour to charge the Magicstick in my car.  The charger in my car is pretty powerful, so it may take longer if you’re charging it at home.   
  • Step 2 – Push the button on the bottom of the charge to ensure it’s fully charged.  The button should be blue if it’s fully charged, green if it has a 50% charge and pink if  less than 50%.
  • Step 3 – Once the Magicstick is charged, flip the USB cable around and plug into your Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, HTC, Motorola or whatever device you have.  It’s universal!   
 I love that I can charge my grandson’s games when we’re on the go.  I’ve lost track of the number of times he has had to turn off his game to save some juice for the ride home.  Keeping the kids occupied while I’m driving is a must in my car.  If the Magicstick is fully charged, you should be able to fully charge your devices twice.  This little baby packs power.     
This item is hot.  Don’t be caught without power again.  Check out your local or on-line retail stores and grab one.  I highly recommend it. 
Disclosure:  I was provided a Super Magicstick charger for this review by Power Rocks USA.  The opinions are my own.   
Filed Under: electronics charger, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

How To Get A Good Nights Sleep

January 12, 2014 by


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                                sleep tips
Do you know how to purchase a pillow?  Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper?   I’ve been purchasing pillows for years, and I never thought about how I slept while doing so.  For years my pillows have ended up on the floor by morning.  I concluded, I didn’t like them for some reason and sometime during the night I made my dislike known.  Not only where the pillows on the floor, my bed looked like a bomb hit it.  There times when I woke up, looked at the bed and asked WTH.  I obviously tossed and turned all night, which probably has been a big contributor to me waking up feeling like I had never gone to bed.  I decided to trash all of my pillows and make new purchases.  

While researching and trying to decide what kind to buy, I learned that I’ve been buying the wrong pillows.  There are pillows made specifically for side, back and stomach sleepers.  I am a side sleeper.  I’ve always purchased what was the cheapest, the end.  They always ended up as flat as a pancake, basically useless.  I checked out Web MD during my research, and the article confirmed my suspicion.  I had been purchasing the wrong pillows.   


Since I was going to redo my bed, I decided that I wanted it to be as delicious as the beds at the Marriott and Crown Plaza that I’ve stayed in during my travels.  I headed over to Bed, Bath and Beyond to check out their selection.  According to Web MD side sleepers need a firm pillow to fill in the distance between the ear and outside shoulder.  After discussing the pillow selections with the sales representative, I decided on Laura Ashley side sleepers.  I purchased 4 firm at $20.00 bucks each.  I originally went in with the intention of purchasing Down pillows, that’s what Marriott has on their beds.  The Laura Ashley pillows felt just as good.  I do have a Down bed topper and comforter, which adds to the deliciousness of my bed. 
According to Web MD, if you are a back sleeper you need a thin pillows so your head is not thrown forward and stomach sleepers need a very thin almost flat pillow.  Stomach sleepers usually don’t need a pillow for their head, but they should use one under their stomach to avoid lower back pain.  I found the article to be very informative. 
I have a habit of sleeping on one pillow and snuggling with the other. I know you’re thinking I snuggle with my man or my husband.  I may start there, but before the night is over I’m looking for coolness and I’ve drawn a line down the middle of the bed.  Don’t cross I’m hot!  That’s another story.  Stayed tuned for my post on that experience.    

I have 3 days to use the Laura Ashley pillows, and if I’m not satisfied I can return them.  So far so good.  Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper?  Do you buy your pillows accordingly?  If not, you may want to change how you make your selections too.  Buying the right pillow can contribute to a good night’s sleep.  Who knew. 
                                                                          
                              

Filed Under: back sleepers, Bath and Beyond, Bed, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Guest Bloggers Wanted

January 12, 2014 by

 

Mother to Mother is looking for guest bloggers.  If you’re interested in being a guest blogger, please contact me at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com  I’m looking for posts on parenting, tips to overcome life’s struggles, recipes, budgeting, tips on furniture makeovers, decorating, travel,  gardening etc.  
 
Mother 2 Mother has high standard for guest posts.  Articles/posts must be professional, grammatically correct, the content must flow and the post must be a unique (not be published on another blog).  Bloggers must be established.  
 
For additional information, please contact me at the email address above.  Looking forward to working with you.  

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

Remembering King Syrup and Fried Bologna Sandwiches

January 11, 2014 by
King Syrup

Source

Do you remember King Syrup or was that before your time?  I’m telling my age, but I used to eat this stuff by the gallon when I was growing up.  We ate it on pancakes, waffles, biscuits and made syrup sandwiches.  They were the best.  Aunt Jemima may reign supreme now, but King Syrup roared back in the day.  It was so thick it took forever to pour it out the bottle.  We actually turned the bottle upside down once and went outside to play ball.
Our thinking was when the game was over, the syrup would be ready to pour.  We complained so much, daddy started buying the syrup in the can.  Dipping a spoon into the syrup eliminated that problem.  We loved it, and we loved daddy for the new purchase.  We sang Long live the King to him!  I think we could have gotten King Syrup out of him for the rest of our lives after that.  I miss you daddy!
As the years passed, King Syrup lost its popularity in our household.  I was visiting a friend, and we decided to go to iHop for breakfast.  As we were walking out the door, I noticed that he had a can of King Syrup in his hands.  I couldn’t believe that he was actually going to take his own syrup into a restaurant.  But I was truly in disbelieve that he had a can of King Syrup.  I hadn’t seen a can in years.  He told me that he had it shipped to him and he never ran out.  He stated the neighborhood iHop allowed him to bring his own syrup for years.  His wife verified his story, and I got to see it for myself.  He ordered his favorite pancakes and covered them with his favorite syrup.   Just when you think you’ve seen it all.   We had a great time reliving our childhood and reminiscing about all the foods that we ate as children.
Fried bologna sandwiches, known as the poor man’s meat, was another favorite.  Daddy would go to the deli and have Johnny, the butcher, slice it thin for us.  For those who didn’t indulge in fried bologna sandwiches, you don’t know what you missed.  Half the fun was in eating it and the other half was frying it.  If you didn’t put a slit around the edges of the bologna, it would curl up.   For some reason, we found that hilarious.
I loved my childhood for the most part.  It was carefree and the memories are great.  What are some of your favorite childhood foods?
Filed Under: fried bologna sandwiches, Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

Plus Size Barbie

January 10, 2014 by


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Plus-size... or obese? A mocked-up image of a plus-size Barbie beside a traditional Barbie by Worth100 has sparked a debate about the doll's impact on female body image
Would you buy a plus size Barbie doll for your daughter?  Apparently the idea is being looked at; however, the plus size Barbie shown is drawing controversy.  Facebook group, Plus Size Modeling, generated the question “Should toy companies start making plus-sized dolls?  They have gotten 36,000 likes and 1,600 shares on the idea. 

Personally, I think it’s a great idea.  Most women are not pencil thin.  Most have curves and are proud of them.  The plus-size Barbie shown was produced by artists at Worth1000.com, not Mattel.  Mattel has not stated, to my knowledge, that they are entertaining the idea of a plus-size Barbie.   


This plus size Barbie has come under fire by many.  Many believe the image created is not how plus size women should be portrayed.  In fact, many think the Barbie shown is obese not plus size.  There is a difference.  Not all plus-size women are obese.  Did you notice that the plus-size Barbie has a triple chin and is basically three times the size of the original Barbie.    

When I first saw the doll, my response was WTH.  I am a plus size.  Yep, size 12/14W and I am comfortable in the skin that I’m in.  My goal is to be healthy and if I can accomplish that at a size 12/14, than I’m happy. I don’t have 3 chins and I’m not three times the size of a pencil thin woman.   Most of the women in my family are plus size.  My daughter however is petite.  Imagine that.

I believe in diversity and want to expose my granddaughter to a variety of doll images.  I purchase Black, Hispanic and Caucasian dolls for her.  After all, the world is made up of many people from many backgrounds in a variety of hues.  I want her to see the world for what it is and know that it’s okay to not be pencil thin.  I want her to know that women of color are beautiful, intelligent and successful.  I want her to know that not everyone looks alike, has the same shape or is the same size.  That’s the beauty of the human race.  I don’t know what genetics have in store for her, so I want her to have this knowledge at an early age. 

If a plus size Barbie is to be marketed, plus size women should be on the team while she is being developed.  I wonder who was behind the development of this doll at Worth1000.com, but more importantly who approved the final plan.  They obviously need to return to the drawing the board and take some time to learn about healthy full figure women.         
Filed Under: Barbie dolls, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Caring For Baby Teeth for New Parents

January 9, 2014 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on caring for baby teeth.  First, should children brush their teeth and floss? The answer is yes.  Oral hygiene should start early.  Most importantly, caring for your children’s teeth and gums should be a priority. Teaching your children to care for their teeth will eliminate tooth decay and gum disease down the road.

Furthermore, we have great tips on how you can help your child promote healthy teeth and gums.  So, follow these tips and you will be on your way:

 

caring for baby teeth

 

Caring for Baby Teeth:  

 

  • Do not give your child any product that contains sugar when putting them to bed. The sugar causes tooth decay.
  • Encourage your baby to start drinking from a cup around 9 months or shortly thereafter.
  • Clean your child’s teeth with a gauze pad or soft cloth when they first surface. Once they break through, use a soft toothbrush with water only
  • Encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb or fingers. See your dentist if you’re unsuccessful.

 

 

 

 

  • Around 1 – 2 years of age a dot of toothpaste may be used on the child’s toothbrush. (Check your stores for training tooth pastes).
  • Encourage your child not to swallow the toothpaste and rinse well with water.
  • By age 3 or 4, children should be able to brush their own teeth. You should check your children’s teeth to ensure proper brushing. Chewable Disclosing Tablets can used to determine if any plaque is on your child’s teeth. The Disclosing Tablet will leave a color on the teeth when plaque remains.
  • Have your child brush their teeth twice a day.
  • Gently floss between your child’s teeth until they learn the proper technique.
  • Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child as early as 2 years of age. (Make sure your dentist and hygienist work well with children).
  • Be an example, brush and floss regularly and maintain regular dental appointments.  Allow your child to watch you brush and floss.  My grandson loves to watch me use my electric toothbrush.

 

Last, if you follow these tips, you’re leading your child toward the goal of healthy teeth and gums.  Additionally, a toothbrush, Child Life Toothpaste Tablets, Plackers Kids 1st Flossers , and Tooth Brushing Sand Timer for Kids are the proper tools for the job.

You may also like Tips for Toddler Emergencies. 

Filed Under: Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Don’t Slap My Child

January 7, 2014 by

A passenger accused of slapping a 2 year old toddler on a Delta Airlines flight to Atlanta is sentenced to eight months in prison.  According to the mother, Jessica Bennett, Joe Rickey Hundley, 60, former president of an aircraft parts manufacturer based in Idaho was seated next to her and her son on a flight to Atlanta.  Her son became frightened upon decent and started to cry.  Hundley yelled at her to shut the “ni**** baby up.  He than slapped the toddler.  The adorable baby suffered a scratch below his eye after the assault.  

Thankfully, other passengers witnessed the assault and came to her rescue.  Passengers 12 rows up heard the racial slur.  I wonder if people were raised under rocks at times.  Ms. Bennett stated that Mr. Hundley reeked of alcohol during the flight and his speech was slurred.  According to Ms. Bennett, Mr. Hundley had been complaining about her son prior to the incident.  Earlier he had asked the stewardess about the regulations for holding children on laps.  Ms. Bennett also stated that he told her the toddler was too big to be sitting on her lap.  She said she spent most of the flight in the rear with her son, so she could stay away from Mr. Hundley. 

According to Mr. Hundley’s attorney, he was on his way to Atlanta to remove his son from life support and he was distraught.  Although I understand his pain for having to make such a heart wrenching decision, nobody has the right to slap another person,  Especially a child.     

Mr.  Hundley apologized in court for his disgraceful behavior.  He admitted that he had an alcohol problem and was attending AA meetings and had enrolled in an anger management course.  He will be spending the next 8 months behind bars, so he will have plenty of time to reflect on the incident and how he will re-enter society.  Hopefully, he will be rehabilitated and will have made peace with the death of his son . 

Photo courtesy of Daily Mail.  

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,