Archives for December 2014

Happy New Year 2015

December 31, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Where did the year go? It’s amazing that 2014 is about to come to end, but I’m looking forward to all that 2015 brings. Out with the old and in with the new, right. I’ve met some great people in 2014 that have become an important part of my life, and I remained consistent for the most part with my blog posts. Consistency hasn’t been one of my strong points throughout my blogging endeavors, and has caused me to not reach many of my goals in the blogging world.

I hope to stay on track with Mother 2 Mother in 2015. I will officially retire as a public servant in 9/2015, so I will be able to dedicate more time to my blog, my family, gardening, crafts, travel, and all the things that I love. The thought makes me happy, I love writing and sharing my life with my readers. I’m looking forward to moving on to the next phase of my life and hope you will continue to follow.

I want to thank each of you for supporting me in 2014. Your comments and following is what keeps me working on Mother 2 Mother. I wish each of you good health, happiness, and love in the New Year. May each of you be blessed.

Filed Under: Happy New Year, Uncategorized Tagged With: Life-Thoughts

Turn It Up Tuesday – Final 2014 Post

December 30, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

What a great year it has been on Mother 2 Mother. Thank you so much for joining us for another week of Turn It Up Tuesday – our last one for 2014!
We’re so happy to have you all here to help us to ring in the New Year, with great posts, great company, and great reads.

Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts (old or new) and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!

Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!

Are you interested in having your blog or website featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays? Do you want to offer a discount to Turn It Up Tuesday linkers?
Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month! Click here! It’s only $5 for an entire month!
We’re accepting sponsors for 2015!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

(from the top – left to right)

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for December!

It’s our last week for our December guest hosts!! But we’ll have some of them back for another month!

(from the top – left to right)

Interested in being a guest host for the month or becoming a permanent co-host?

Complete the form here! Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting guest hosts for January and February.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Angie chose Flourless Yule Log Cake from Reviews, Chews, & How-Tos. “[I chose this post because] my husband is trying again to eat Gluten Free (It’s been an off & on thing for him over the past few years).”

Tina also chose this post. “Looks amazing and delicious. A simple recipe and it’s gluten free!!”

Mari chose Egg Nog Fudge Recipe from Lou Lou Girls. “The idea of Egg Nog fudge! I know everyone is not crazy about Egg Nog in my house but I would just make it for myself and worry about working it off later. Looks amazing a must try indeed.”

Nancy also chose this post. “This recipe is something I would love to make for my hubby. It looks amazing, and I love recipes that I can look at and feel comfortable that I can make it.”

10-Books-to-Start-New-Year-Right-200x300

Jillian chose 10 Books to Start Off Your New Year Right from Earning & Saving with Sarah Fuller. “I love this time of year with all the top lists of items, and thought this was a great addition.”

Rhonda chose FABBY: CHRISTMAS Kitchen Tour 4 from Fabby’s Living. “I loved the festive colors in the tableware, the display of mugs in the window sill, and the yummy treats displayed in the background. Great way to get family and friends in the holiday spirit.”

Stacey chose DIY Scrabble Tile Coasters from Simply {Darr}ling. “These are an absolutely wonderful idea! They could even be personalized for special occasions! Thank you so much for sharing!”

Natasha chose First Attempt (at Fashion Blogging) from Laina Turner. “I am also so interested in fashion, and although I don’t dress fashionably, I would love to get into fashion blogging. However, I just don’t have the flair for it in my mind. I applaud Laina for attempting it. Great job…and great share!”

The post with the most clicks is Coke Bottle Reindeer and Santa Real Magic Tutorial from Summer Scraps.

Stop by and show some love to our featured bloggers this week! I’m sure they’d all appreciate it!

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

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And the Best of the Best is…

Flourless Yule Log Cake from Reviews, Chews, & How-Tos

DIY Scrabble Tile Coasters from Simply {Darr}ling

Show some love to our Best of the Best bloggers this week!!!!

As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!

Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy@gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details for the free ad space!

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So now that you’ve met our hosts and co-hosts, and our Featured and the Best of the Best…

let’s get started!

*Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.

*Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!

*Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

*Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

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Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!

**Disclaimer: Adding your link to this link party gives permission to Epic Mommy Adventures, along with co-hosts, guest hosts, and participants of Turn It Up Tuesday, to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features, roundups, etc. with an explicit link back to the original source.**

An InLinkz Link-up

Never miss another Turn It Up Tuesday! Sign up for reminder e-mails!

Interested in reading all of our favorite posts on Turn It Up Tuesdays – past or present? Or do want to know if your post was featured before we go live next week? Follow Natasha Peter’s board Featured on Turn It Up Tuesdays! on Pinterest.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: social networking, Turn It Up Tuesday

Inspirational Quotes – ProtectMe

December 29, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Filed Under: inspirational quotes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Printables, quotes

Inspirational Quote – InMyshoes

December 23, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Filed Under: inspirational quotes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Printables, quotes

Turn It Up Tuesday – Week 66

December 23, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Welcome to the 66th week of Turn It Up Tuesdays! We had an amazing week last week…and it’s all because of all of you!

Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

(from the top – left to right)

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for December!

(from the top – left to right)

Interested in being a guest host for the month or becoming a permanent co-host?

Complete the form here! Monthly co-hosts will be chosen on a first come first-serve basis. We’re now accepting guest hosts for January and February.

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Jillian chose Handmade Glittery Clear Glass Ornaments – Monthly DIY Challenge from Making It In the Mountains. “I chose this post because I love how beautiful the ornaments turned out. They’re beautiful and sparkly!!”

Angie chose Holly Leaf Christmas Tree Skirt DIY from Purple Hues and Me. “I never used to like silver Christmas trees but with this beautiful purple holly tree skirt & the dark purple ornaments – I’m now wishing for a silver tree!”

April chose 25 Awesome Bloggers Every New Blogger Should Follow Part 1 from Afro-Chic Mompreneur. “As bloggers we are always looking for resources to make us better bloggers. Nancy has compiled a great list to start using immediately!”

Natasha also chose this post. “One of the best things about blogging is the community itself. Bloggers are just so incredibly friendly and helpful. It’s so great to see this great list Nancy compiled – it really shows how helpful and friendly bloggers really are!”

This post also received the most clicks.

Ce Ce chose The Best German Chocolate Cake Recipe from Little House Living. “Great, non traditional Christmas dessert recipe for the holiday!”

Mari chose Shameless Decisions. from Sequins in the South. “I loved the bold honesty and share of learning experience. Anyone can be a mother or father but not everyone can be a great mom or dad. Changing our behavior to be better parents is always a wonderful step in the right direction. Our kids didn’t ask to be born.”

Nancy chose Handmade Gifts for Guys: DIY Home-Roasted Coffee Tutorial from Busy Being Jennifer. “Loved it because it was about a gift for our special men, during the holidays it can be all about the kids and mom. It was refreshing to see a special post for the great guys in our lives.”

Rebeka chose Stressing Over Christmas Traditions!! from Stuck In Your Rut. “This post spoke to me. I’ve struggled with keeping traditions, incorporating traditions, and making new ones of our own with our kids. This year was no different because I just want to do EVERYTHING. It was a gentle reminder that you can’t and shouldn’t try to do it all.”

Sister and brother looking at each other

Jessica chose Teaching Kids to Take Responsibility from Life from My Laptop. “This post was so greatly needed, especially with what is going on in the world nowadays. I feel that it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children early on how to take on full responsibility of their actions. We make them better people when we do and hopefully gain a lot of respect from others :).”

Tiffany chose 7 Tips to Being a Better Stay-At-Home-Mama from Seven Graces. “I think Kristy gives a great list of tips and ways to make sure that you are at your best even when you are at home. It can be easy to fall into a rut when you’re a SAHM but with these scriptures and tips it’s just as easy to get out of it!”

Chelsea chose Raspberry Mojito Recipe from Hairsprays & High Heels. “Mojitos are my drink of choice, and it’s so refreshing to see something that’s not cranberry or peppermint! It’s the holiday season and these raspberry concoctions are a nice twist on the usual ‘red and green’ festive drink. Love it!”

Silvie chose Red Velvet Popcorn from Lou Lou Girls. “I chose this as my favorite because in my house we love anything red velvet. The recipe is easy to follow and easy to make and sooooo delicious! I will also be making this yummy treat for the gift baskets I’ll be giving this Christmas!”

Elaine chose Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas with Ribbon from Fynes Designs. “So many great ones. This is my favorite because I am looking for cute ways to dress up my presents.”

Tina chose DIY Toile Christmas Ornament from Anastasia Vintage. “What a great craft!!So elegant and simple, I really love this fabric it’s beautiful.”

25-Handmade-Christmas-Ornaments-to-Enjoy-Creating-300x300

Stacey chose 25 Handmade Ornaments to Enjoy Creating from Earning & Saving with Sarah Fuller. “So many wonderful and easy ideas, that would be great to do with the kids. I made dough ornaments with them, when they were younger. Maybe it is time to make some new ones for years to come! Thank you so much for sharing!”

Yolanda chose Dream Big-Vision Board 2015 from The Mompreneur 2013. “I selected this post because I am gearing myself up for 2015. What will the upcoming year hold for me? Will I accomplish big things? Not if I don’t have a vision, or plan, for the future. This post gave me a great idea of a little self-reflecting project for the next week.”

Rhonda chose Wrapping Up your Christmas Baking Gifts from Fynes Designs. “I love making baked and home made gifts for Christmas. I just made a huge batch of Christmas Crunch and love the idea of using jars with ribbons in my gift baskets versus the cellophane bags. Nice touch.”

Stop by and show some love to our featured bloggers this week! I’m sure they’d all appreciate it!

If you were featured above, feel free to share the badge below with pride on your blog or website!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonfeature1_zps09bd5c75.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And the Best of the Best is…

.25 Awesome Bloggers Every New Blogger Should Follow Part 1 from Afro-Chic Mompreneur

7 Tips to Being a Better Stay-At-Home-Mama from Seven Grace

Show some love to our Best of the Best bloggers this week!!!!

As the Best of the Best, you win free ad space on Epic Mommy Adventures for 30 days! Please showcase the badge below with pride on your blog!

Please send an e-mail to Natasha at 1EpicMommy@gmail.com and she will provide you with all the details for the free ad space!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitupbuttonbest_zps00692ef1.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

So now that you’ve met our hosts and co-hosts, and our Featured and the Best of the Best…

let’s get started!

*Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.

*Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!

*Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

*Grab the button below and showcase on your sidebar! Invite your fellow bloggers to join the fun!

<div align="center"><a href="http://epicmommyadventures.com" title="Epic Mommy Adventures" target="_blank"><img src="http://epicmommyadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200pxturnitup1_zps05216d89.png" alt="Epic Mommy Adventures" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured or become the Best of the Best on Turn It Up Tuesday! We will feature the favorite posts each week!

An InLinkz Link-up

Never miss another Turn It Up Tuesday! Sign up for reminder e-mails!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: social media, social networking, Turn It Up Tuesday

Christmas White Trash Recipe

December 20, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Today I’m sharing my Christmas White Trash recipe. It’s one of the items that I place in my Christmas Gift Baskets or give as tokens of appreciation for attending my holiday gatherings. It’s also a great snack for those Hallmark Movies or curling up in front of fireplace during a winter storm.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and I love munching on it during the holidays. I’ve seen several different names for it, White Trash or Christmas Crunch. Whatever you decide to call it just make it. It’s a great mixture of salty and sweet, it’s so easy to make and delicious to eat.

What you will need to make this recipe:

9 cups of unsweetened cereal (I use Rice Chex and Cheerios)
3 cups of salted party nuts (I use peanuts with sea salt)
2 – 2 1/2 cups of stick pretzels
1 – 2 cups of Christmas M&Ms (Optional)
2-12 oz. bags of White Chocolate (I use about 1/4 of a bag more when I add the M&Ms)
Wax or Parchment Paper

Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Next, melt chocolate slowly in the microwave. First, start the melting process for 1 minute and than 50 second increments until it’s melted. Stir the chocolate thoroughly after each 50 second increment.

I do not recommend using a plastic container to melt your chocolate. From my experience, it won’t sustain the heat and the chocolate tends to scorch in them. I recommend using Corning Ware Bowls for the job. However, if you don’t have Corning Ware make sure that your bowl is microwavable and it will sustain the heat.

This step is important, use small bowls to mix the dry ingredients and chocolate together. I’ve found that the smaller ingredients (Cheerios and peanuts) tend to fall to the bottom of the bowl. Mixing in smaller batches allows you to control the ingredients and ensures a more even coverage of chocolate.

Once your ingredients have been covered with the white chocolate, spread it on the wax or parchment paper to dry and set. I allow mine to set for at least an hour. Once it is set, break into pieces and place in a festive bowl or airtight container. Finally, if you are making the Christmas White Trash recipe as a gift, place it in a plastic or cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon. Also, if you’re having a holiday gathering or office party, place this mix in a festive bowl. Sit back and enjoy your family and co-workers devouring this festive treat.

You may also like: 11 Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards. Be sure to check out the holiday movie lineup on Hallmark. You’ll want to have this snack on hand.

Filed Under: Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas gift ideas, Christmas recipes, holiday gifts, recipes

Fulcrum Gallery Art Review

December 19, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Are you a lover of all things Paris or dreaming of taking a trip one day? Me too. I just did an office make-over using a Paris theme. I love, love, love it. I had one wall left in my office that needed a picture and Fulcrum Gallery asked me to do a review on their artwork. I jumped at the chance and selected the Travel Paris Fulcrum Gallery artwork. Ladies, it is beautiful. The gold frame really makes the brown tones in the picture pop. The artwork is quality, shipment is fast and the prices are great. I couldn’t believe how low Fulcrum’s framed pictures are for a gallery.

They have a large selection of artwork to select from in various sizes and prices to fit every budget. If I had not already had a theme in mind, I would have been spinning trying to make a selection.

I love that Fulcrum had several colors of frames to choose from or you can get the print on canvass. I debated between the gold frame or canvass. As you can see, I didn’t make a mistake with my choice. Regardless of the type of print you are looking for, this gallery will have it. The site is easy to navigate and they have their artwork listed by room or subject to help make finding your favorite print easy.

They are running a special, 50% off all prints that ends Monday, December 22. Use the promo code, 50Prints. This would be a great time to purchase a new print for your home or office, an upcoming birthday, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. How often does a gallery run a special for 50% off their prints, really. Check the site often or sign up for their mailing list so you don’t miss their promotions.

Every time I look at this print in my office, I smile. I encourage you to head over and check out Fulcrum too.

Filed Under: artwork, Fulcrum Gallery, Uncategorized Tagged With: Product Review

Inspirational Quote – Don’tBlockTheExit

December 18, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Filed Under: inspirational quotes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Printables

My Favorite Christmas Decorating Items

December 18, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Christmas decorating ideas, Christmas decorations

deo

Today I’m sharing my favorite items that I use in my Christmas decorating displays. I love, love, love nutcrackers. I started collecting them years ago, and I use them in every nook and cranky that I can find. I did scale back this year, but many found their way out of storage.

These little fellows found a place on my dining room table. I’m not hosting a formal dinner this Christmas, I’ll be serving a buffet style gathering after Christmas, so I decided to do a simple center display using the nutcrackers, over sized ornaments, and a simple table runner.

I added additional nutcrackers on my coffee and end tables. As you can see I also love adding ornaments to my displays. The vintage glass bowl is a gift from one of my aunts who passed away this April. I put a together a cook-book in her honor that I will be giving as a Christmas gift to her siblings. Stay tuned for that post.

I did bring out a set of my informal Christmas dishes that I use in my breakfast room. I like for my rooms to feel festive during the holidays. I picked up the miniature stockings to house the utensils at Walmart. Great price, 4 for a $1.00. I thought they added a festive touch. I gathered some greenery from the backyard to add to the centerpiece, I love how the greenery smells in the house. I added a few sprays of berry pics that I picked up at Michael’s for $.99 each. The pine cones were picked up on a trip to North Carolina when we were scouting colleges for my daughter, and the dish is a vintage milk glass cake plate. I like to use it with the Christmas dishes. I love how the white makes the red pop.

My artificial tree. Yes, I finally purchased one after struggling with the idea for several years. I softened the blow of not having a live tree by purchasing new ornaments. I love the color, I went with chocolate and gold this year. The tree is starting to grow on me. I have to say that I was completely lost when it came to shaping the tree, but once I got the hang of it I moved pretty quickly. If only I had room to store it put together, lol.

Now, I want your honest opinion. Which do you like, the artificial or the live tree at the bottom. I may revert back to the live tree next year. Do you have a live or artificial tree? What are your favorite decorating items, and do you use a color combination on your tree. Please leave me a comment, I love them.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: Christmas decorating, Christmmas

Archives for December 2014

Happy New Year 2015

Inspirational Quotes – ProtectMe

Inspirational Quote – InMyshoes

Christmas White Trash Recipe

What you will need to make this recipe:

Fulcrum Gallery Art Review

Inspirational Quote – Don’tBlockTheExit

My Favorite Christmas Decorating Items

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