Archives for March 2016

Easy Kitchen and Bath Upgrades

March 29, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Have you been dreaming of updating your kitchen and or bathroom? You can find everything you need at Plumb Tile. It’s an online store that sells various Brands and has a large selection of everything imaginable for bathroom and kitchen upgrades. This site sells products from Moen to Watermark in the latest styles and finishes. You will certainly find products to fit every need and budget.

I upgraded two bathrooms and my kitchen. I spent months running here, there and everywhere checking out items and prices. Save yourself a few trips and head to this site.

Small touches can made a big impact. Here’s a few ideas to consider for your upgrades:

Faucets, towel racks, and your toilet paper holder
Lighting
Mirrors
Shower head
Flooring
Counter and shower tile
Sinks
Shelving

A fresh coat of paint, changing the faucets and sink, towel racks, lighting, mirror and the shower head can change the look of your bath. If the budget allows add tile and a new tub. Plumb Tile has awesome bathroom selections from faucets and accessories to bidets and other luxury items. The large Sunflower Rainfall Showerhead with 108 Spray Nozzles below should be at the top of your list to check out. It’s the perfect eye opener. My upgraded master bath became one of my favorite rooms in the house. At the top of my upgrade favorites is the rainfall shower head. What a way to refresh each morning.

I also upgraded my kitchen. Again, small touches can make a big impact. Along with a fresh coat of paint I upgraded:

Lighting
Sink
Faucet
Switch covers
Appliances
Tile for my floor and counter

Plumb Tile has a nice selection of kitchen sinks. I found my dream sink while browsing the site. This farm house sink is on my wish list.

I love this sink. It’s unique, most farmhouse sinks don’t have two compartments. It reminds me of my grandparents farmette when I was growing up. I’m also loving the faucet and sprayer.

Last but not least, Plumb Tile offers free shipping and a Price Matching policy. If you see a competitor with a lower price, they will try to meet or beat the price. This site is worthy of a visit, head over and check it out.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: bathroom products, bathroom upgrades, home improvement, kitchen products

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #65

March 26, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

Welcome to Week 65 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We are starting our Spring Has Arrived theme this week. We’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard parties and makeovers and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and link those too. They’re great for inspiration.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends they will want to join the festivities too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on my blog the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best featured blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts Pinned to the Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board.

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the reader’s and hosts selections, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Hosts Are:

Rhonda – Mother 2 Mother Kim U. – Pinterested Parent Kim M. – Life In A House of Testosterone

Here’s the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please subscribe to my blog on the right, like my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin or before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin, or Instagram before you leave.

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger please let your readers and followers know. They may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. I appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now lets party!

The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

I selected Baseball Bookends from Virginias Sweet Pea

Kim M. selected Espresso Crepes from Gold Lining Girl

The Post With The Most Clicks:

One Pan Chicken Bake from Growing Up Gabel

The Favorite Theme Posts

The Bunny Trail

Easter Peeps Bunny Bags from Nap Time Creations

Sweet Easter Popcorn from Grandma Ideas

Easy Bunny Cupcakes from Sunny Sweet Days

and

Easter Bunny Cookies from Of Mice and Ramen

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and I appreciate each of you linking up. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. I would like to invite all of you back to linkup your post(s) again, it could be selected next week. While you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love. Be sure to connect on social media.

An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

Tips On Buying the Best Coffee Maker

March 21, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

If you are a big fan of coffee, it is certain that your morning starts with a cup of coffee. Many of us understand the meaning of quality coffee. Even if we grab a cup of coffee from the nearest café. But, what if you want to buy a coffee maker for your home. There are some facts that you should consider before buying a coffee maker. Keep one thing in mind, though, everyone looks for different traits in a coffee machine. Different features attract people differently. That’s why I am going to explain some “must know” facts so that you can buy a desired as well as a great coffee maker.

The Cost of the Machine

If you are a coffee fanatic and you have money to spend, then there is no doubt that you can have any kind of coffee maker. In some cases, the expensive coffee machine is a good choice. If you do not have much money to spend on a coffee maker, then go for a reasonably priced machine. Some brands are very popular and have different models. You can research information about those brands on the internet. Select the model that fulfils your budget. If you want to learn more about the cost factor, then check out www.CoffeeMakersList.com. It is a great resource for finding great models.

The Popularity of the Machine

Before buying a coffee maker, check out the different types of makers that are available. Go for the best coffee maker brand for that particular type of coffee maker. Also, explore the different models for that brand. Be sure to thoroughly research the model you have selected. Selecting a coffee maker should include cost, design, and the material. Furthermore, do not forget to read reviews on different websites and forums about the model you are interested in. Asking reviewers/users questions about a particular coffee maker can help a lot.

Easy to Use

Some people believe that the more buttons and controls a machine has, the more superb the machine is. But that is not the true. Unfortunately, controls can be confusing. If you are good mechanically, then you will be happy to have a coffee maker with great control options. Otherwise, do not purchase a coffee machine which is full of different buttons. The best coffee maker is one that makes you happy and is easy to use.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: coffee makers, home appliances, kitchen products

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #64

March 19, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 7 Comments

Welcome to Week 64 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. This will be the last week of our Bunny Trail theme. We’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends they will want to join the festivities too. Next week we will be starting our Spring Has Arrived theme.

The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

I selected Chocolate Pistachio Cake from The Silver Foodie

and

Easter Paper Birds Nest from Viral Upcycle

Kim U selected Stand Up Paper Eggs from Little Miss Celebration

Easter decorations, paper Easter eggs, kids crafts

The Post With The Most Clicks:

10 Easy Easter Cakes from Mommy’s Not Perfect

The Favorite Theme Posts

The Bunny Trail

Cadbury Mini Egg Cookie Dip from Oh My Creative

Easter Chicks Lemon Cookies from The Gold Lining Girl

Bunny Craft from Our Whimsical Days

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An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

Dollar Store Easter Mantel

March 14, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

I finally got my mantel decorated for Easter. I decorated it with Dollar Store items. It’s nothing spectacular, but it feels like spring and the kids love the eggs and bunny. To them that means Easter Bunny will be hoping down the bunny trail soon. Colored eggs, marshmallow peeps, baby chicks, chocolate bunnies, egg hunts and a family feast are forthcoming. Excitement is in the air.

I made the wreath from Dollar Store Items last year. You can check out My Frugal Easter Wreath here. Additionally, I purchased the small buckets and plastic eggs from the Dollar Store. The Spring sign is from Target’s bargain bins. I actually purchased the buckets to house my herb plants this summer, however, I didn’t see the point of them just sitting around until summer. I loved the color, and they matched the Spring sign from Target.

Also, I had planned to paint the sign white, but decided to leave everything as it was and use the painted white branches in the orange buckets to offset some of the bright colors. The branches had been used in my winter mantel scene previously.

Now to put everything together. I thought I would keep the Easter egg theme going in the wreath. So, I decided to use the branches for egg trees. Furthermore, I also reuse the decorative grass from year to year. When Easter is over, I just scoop it up and put it in a grocery bag to store. I placed a layer over the mantel. Than I placed the Dollar Store gravel that I had used for another project in the pails and arranged the branches. They were perfect for making the egg trees.

I used ribbon to hang the eggs on the branches/twigs. I have yards of ribbon stored away to hang the eggs. You can use twine, yard or whatever you have on hand. I cut pieces about 6 inches long and hot glued them onto the eggs. Make sure you’re happy with the length, you will bending it in half to glue onto the egg. Glue one end to the egg and than glue the other end to the piece on the egg. Note: I tried using craft glue, it didn’t work very well. I love my hot glue gun. The scattered flowers fall off a wreath. Rather than gun them back on, I saved them with good intentions. Glad I did, because they make a great accent to the spring mantel.

I picked up this adorable bunny at Michael’s for 50% off. Bargains at 70% off are usually what I wait for, but they only had one so I grabbed it. Isn’t it adorable? I plan to fill the bucket, a Goodwill find for $1.25, with bunny treats. Stay tuned for that post. What are some of your favorite Easter decorating items?

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, Easter, frugal decorating

Printable – Easter Games Package

March 13, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

Today, I have parenting tips on printable Easter Games. Our printable Easter games includes matching, unscramble and word search. It’s a great mix for younger and older children. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for games or activities to occupy the kids while you’re fixing dinner or entertaining other guests.

Here’s my printable Easter games package:

We have created an unscramble and word search game for older children. Our printable Easter Games for preschool and kindergarten will help children recognize differences and similarities. Word Search and Unscramble games can help older children with letter and word recognition, vocabulary and spelling.

Early childhood development is essential in a child’s education. Matching items/objects helps to develop their logic and helps them learn how to make connections as well. It also helps children to develop the desire to learn and builds a solid foundation for success. Early childhood development sets children on a clear path for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Our Easter Games are filled with fluffy bunnies, cute chicks, brightly colored eggs, and chocolate eggs. But, lets not leave out the carrots for Easter Bunny. Our matching game is sure to grab the attention of any preschooler. However, our Word Search and Unscramble games will challenge the older children. Furthermore, I hope your Easter includes lots of colored eggs, cookies, and chocolate bunnies. So, be sure to reward yourself too.

In conclusion, use our printable Easter Games activities sheets. They can be downloaded here. How are you helping your child to develop logic and problem solving skills? How about older children? Do you challenger their vocabulary, spelling, or word recognition skills. These games are a great start.

You may also like: Kindergarten Super Heroes and Sports

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Easter Activities, educational activities, preschool activities

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #63

March 12, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 9 Comments

Welcome to Week 63 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re continuing our Bunny Trail theme this week. This week we’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.

The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

I selected Girly Glam Nightstand from Redo It Yourself Inspirations

Kim M. selected Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage from Marilyn’s Treats

crockpot recipes, Irish meals, corned beef recipes, cabbage recipes

Kim U selected 15 Starbucks Warm Winter Drinks from The Jenny Evolution

The Post With The Most Clicks:

Rainbow Sprinkle-fetti Cookies from Frugal Foodie Mama

Stained Glass Butterfly Pancakes from The Pinterested Parent

The Favorite Theme Posts

The Bunny Trail

Easter Rolo Pretzels from Nepa Mom

Roly Poly Fabric Easter Bunnies from Flamingo Toes

An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

A Working Mom’s Guide On How To Be Happier

March 9, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

As mothers, we often work hard to make sure everyone around us is happy. We want our kids to be happy, as well as our spouses and our employers. But, how often do you do things that make you happy? Your happiness and well-being affect the rest of your family. Just because we’re mothers, doesn’t mean that we can’t take time for ourselves. Working mothers need to make an extra effort since they are pulled in multiple directions every day. Today, we want you to start empowering yourself to live your best life. Here are a few tips on how to be happier:

Schedule Everything

Invest in a daily planner that you love, or just really utilize that smartphone, because planning out your week will really help you be happier in your day-to-day life. Don’t just use your schedule as a way of staying on task, but write down things you want to accomplish each day, like spending time with your kids. It may seem weird to check things like that off your to-do list, but you won’t view it as a chore.

Get in Sync With Your Spouse

Compare schedules with your spouse and make sure you are both taking the time you need for yourselves. Trade off kid-watching duties so you can go grab some caffeine at Starbucks by yourself and he can hang out with his friends. You both need time to do things that are important to you. In the end, you will both be happier.

Make the Most of Your Commute

We are happiest when we are productive, both at work and at home. Don’t waste your commute to work, especially if it’s long. Use it as time to listen to podcasts, audiobooks or even learn a new language. You may find a new hobby that you love and make the most of time that is precious.

You can also use your commute as a way to cool down after a long day at work by going through pros and cons of the day. Also, try getting into the mindset of going home after work. When you get home after working all day, you should be present with your kids. So instead of thinking about all the things you need to get done at your job, think about how you can spend quality time at home with them.

Learn How to Say No

No could become the most important word in your vocabulary. If you feel like you didn’t spend enough time with your spouse and kids this week, feel obligated to drive them to birthday parties or play dates. Don’t feel guilty if you have to tell other no, even if they don’t like it. Your family is what is most important.

Make Time to Exercise

We all know that exercise can boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself. Carve out at least 10 to 15 minutes each day to get some exercise. Take a walk, pop in a workout DVD or just do some pushups and sit ups each night. You will feel happier and your body will thank you for it.

Plan Intentional Time With Your Spouse

If you want to be happier, make sure your spouse is happy, too. Weekly or biweekly date nights are a must for a married couple. Be intentional with your time together. Turn off your cellphones and don’t talk about your kids’ schedules. Have fun!

Don’t Compare Yourself With Other Moms

Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to other moms because it will just drag you down. It isn’t fair to you and it isn’t fair to those moms, either. You may think they have it better because they get to stay home with their kids, but you don’t know the whole story. Instead, know that you are setting a great example of a hardworking parent for your kids. Know that you are helping to provide for them and don’t take the time you get with them for granted.

Your happiness depends on you making time for yourself and for your family. Learn how to be happier, and you will live a more productive life. You may also like 6 Tips to Build Your Self-Esteem.

Jennifer Landis is a hard-working, distance-running, yoga loving mama, health journalist, and blogger. Find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama or follow her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

Filed Under: Confidence, Empowerment Tagged With: self-confidence, self-esteem, stress relievers

Inspirational Quote – Matthew McConaughey

March 6, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

inspirational quotes, fatherhood quotes, Matthew McConaughey

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: celebrities, inspirational quotes, quotes

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #62

March 5, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 5 Comments

Our linkup is live. Welcome to Week 62 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. This is the first week of our Bunny Trail theme. This week we’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.