Archives for January 2017

Fun Crafts You Can Do Once The Kids Have Gone To Bed

fun crafts

 

It’s always a nice time when the kids go to bed. After all, it gives you some time to rest and prepare for the next day. But rather than spend the night in front of the television get creative.  After all, being creative is a great way to relieve some of the day’s stress.  And you will feel a sense of achievement.  Here are some fun crafts you can do once the kids have gone to bed.

Start Knitting

One of the best things about knitting is you can do it anywhere. You might spot people on the bus or even at the movies with their knitting needles. For one thing, knitting is highly therapeutic. And it can be a lot of fun when you are trying to create a masterpiece. Therefore, hunt down some great patterns, buy some needles and yarn and get started.  You might want to attempt to make something for one of the kids.  After all, a lovely knitted scarf or hat will make a great gift or treat.   Start with something small, and then you can go for a harder pattern once you become more experienced.  If you want to make it more social, look into attending a knitting group.  Or start your own. Get a few of your friends over, and you can knit to your heart’s content.

Become a Sewing Whiz

Sewing can be a vital skill for moms.   After all, there are bound to be times that your kid needs a costume or you want new throw pillows or curtains.  With basic sewing skills you can make both.  However, sewing doesn’t just have to be a handy skill.  For a lot of women, they do sewing as a hobby or use the skills for their business. After all, it can be quite relaxing sitting in front of a sewing machine making your next project.

Use the time to create once the kids have gone to bed.  Hunt down a good sewing machine to make your dreams a reality. Before you go to the shop, you can read reviews online such as this brother cs6000i review. That way, you know you are investing in a good sewing machine that will last you for years to come.

Start Drawing or Painting

For a lot of people, they find drawing and painting therapeutic as wel. After all, it’s a good way to get your emotions out after a long stressful day. You can paint how you are feeling, and it’s good for easing some pressure.  It can be a fun experience. After all, you might create some beautiful paintings that you can either put up in your home or sell to the public. Therefore, it’s worth doing some of this in your spare time as a fun new hobby. And you will be much more creative when you are next doing crafts with the kids!

And some jewelry making should also be on the cards too. Not only could you make some for the kids, but you could create some to sell online for some extra money. As this article says, there are lots of tutorials online which can make it an easy process.

We hope that our fun craft ideas have you thinking about getting creative and using your down time to utilize your skills.

 

Kid’s Birthday Ideas For An Extra Special Year

Most parents know how great birthdays for kids can be for little children.  Many parents go out of their way to make birthdays as special as possible. After all, you do want your kids to enjoy themselves on their special day.  Extra special birthdays could be their 10th, 13th or 16th birthdays.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on kid’s birthday ideas for special birthdays.  

 

 

kid's birthday ideas

 

 

The Right Presents

It is important to teach your children while young that receiving presents is not the most important thing. Still, on their birthday you do want to treat them to something special.  So, it is worth putting some effort into getting there gift right.  If you are lucky, you will know exactly what they want.  If that’s the case, you can be sure there will be laughter and joy rather than tears.  It helps to shop around early, and perhaps ask for some help from a family member or one of their friends. You should also think about the card.  Getting the right birthday card is surprisingly important as well. You could even use an online card maker to create one yourself.  This will have the positive bonus of being personal and genuine compared to a normal card.

The Perfect Party

If you are throwing a party for your child, early planning is probably a good idea. The earlier you get started, the more likely it is that you will throw the ideal bash.  There is plenty to bear in mind when you are throwing a birthday party for a child. First, you will need to prepare plenty of food.  Keep in mind that you will be feeding both children and adults.  Therefore that is important to remember if you want to keep everyone happy.  You also need to make sure that the decorations are appropriate and that you have enough.  Free enough time for other concerns as the party date approaches.  Throwing the right party will ensure that your children will really enjoy their day.

 

kids birthday ideas

 

Interesting Activities

Whether or not you throw a party, it is a good idea to have some kind of interesting activity.  You might even decide to take your child somewhere special.  Or the whole family can take a weekend holiday away somewhere. If you fill the time with interesting and fun activities, you make the whole experience a lot more fun.  As a result, much more memorable for the birthday boy or girl.

We hope you find our kid’s birthday ideas helpful, and will implement a few to help make you child’s birthday special.

 

20+ Mouth Watering Game Day Dip Recipes –

Today, I’m sharing game day dip recipes.  My game day dip recipes will put your party over the goal line, and make make you the MVP of the game.  Dips whether hot or cold are always welcome at parties.  They can be prepared in crockpots, casserole dishes, serving bowls or in bread bowls.  Just serve them.

 

game day dip recipes

 

Game Day Dip Recipes:

 

 

 

game day recipes game day recipes

 

 

 

Vidalia Onion – This recipe uses sweet Vidalia onions in a creamy, cheese sauce.  Serve it with crusty bread or Bruschetta Toast.

Crockpot Zesty Corn – This recipe is for my heat and bacon lovers. Yep, you can use the entire pack and satisfy your love for jalapeno and chili craving.  It’s definitely good for a first down.

French Onion – Great for dipping chips.  This dip is made from fresh ingredients, no packets of mixes for this dish. This is a Blitz recipe.

Crack Dip – Ranch dressing, sour cream, bacon and cheddar cheese are the key ingredient to this creamy dip. Cut up those veggies, you will want to have plenty on hand to dip.

Best Dip for Doritos – Throw a Hail Mary!  This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be used with veggies, crackers or Doritos.

Creamy Avocado – This is a different version of Avocado.  It uses Greek Yogurt to give it a creamy texture.  Serve with Taquitos.  You can find them in the freezer section of your local market.

Amazing Avocado – My daughter is an Avocado lover.  Me not so much, but many of my friends are as well.  This recipe uses fresh ingredients and can be prepared in 15 minutes.  Just refrigerate so the flavors can jell before serving.

Spinach Dip – Unfortunately, the page leading to this spinach dip has a recipe other than the one shown.  No worries.  Try mine.

Texas Trash (Warm Bean Dip) – This bean dip is baked instead of using the stove top.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Philly Cheesesteak –  You will get the touch down signal for this dip.  Roast beef,  Land O’Lakes white American Cheese, and zesty Italian Dressing are a few ingredients that make this dip a hit.  Served with French Bread or raw veggies.

Mexican Spinach – Frozen spinach, jalapenos and lots of cheese are the star attractions in this dip.  Serve with Tostitos or Bruschetta toast.

Spicy Chicken Ranch Dip – Give the fans a little meat.  They’re hungering for a win, and this spicy dip served on chips should do the trick.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cheeseball  – The star in this dip is Pace® Picante Sauce.  What’s your heat, mild, medium or hot?  The hotter the better for me, but you decide.  Perfect with crackers or toast.

Low Carb Dill Cucumber –  You can score and help your friends stay on track with their weight goals with this low carb veggie dip.

Zesty Refried Beans – Refried black beans, salsa and Cantina Tortilla Chips will help you reach a 1st down.  Add a few chili or jalapeno peppers to help put some pep in your step.

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip – Kick a field goal with this bacon, cheesy,  jalapeno dip.  Don’t like hot, adjust the recipe and leave out the jalapenos.

Bacon Jalapeno Corn Dip  – Yes, I love jalapenos.  However, I do leave them out of dishes that call for them at times.  Not everyone likes things hot.  Grab your cast iron skillet, bacon, corn, basil and cheese.  Don’t forget the toast and nachos.  Best served hot.

Ultimate Bean Dip –  Don’t get caught off-sides. Add this dish to game day menu. It requires 6 ingredients and 10 – 15 minutes to make. Serve with nachos or Fritos.

 

 

game day dip recipes

 

 

 

Football Bread Bowl – Perfect for game day.  A sour dough bread bowl filled with a delicious Queso Dip with a lines of crispy bacon.  Sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Cheesy Hamburger Dip – Who doesn’t love hamburger.  Hamburger, cheese, salsa and garlic.  Crusty bread, Fritos, or Bruschetta  Toast will be great for this meaty number.

Loaded Bake Potato –  Who has time for loaded baked potatoes on game day?  You can deliver the same flavor with this baked potato dip.  Serve with waffle potatoes or chips.

Blue Cheese –  Simple recipe with blue cheese crumbles are the star.  Perfect for those hot wings.

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip – If you’re a crab lover, this recipe is sure to please.  Serve with Melba Toast.

Bacon Cheddar Cheeseball – Simple cheeseball with bacon or turkey bacon and pecans.  Allow the flavors to jell before serving.  If you’re allergic to nuts roll the cheeseball in bacon pieces instead.

You may also like Game Day Chicken Wing Recipes

 

 

 

3 Tips For Your Winter Beauty Detox

Today, I’m sharing tips on winter beauty detox.  Another year is just around the corner and it’s time for some New Years’ resolutions. Taking care of your health and beauty should definitely be among them.  It’s hard for busy moms to find time for themselves.  But, taking time for yourself will empower you.  Furthermore, it’s important for all moms to squeeze a few moments in for a beauty detox.  

 

 

 

 

winter beauty detox

Here are several tips on how doing winter beauty detox:

Food for Your Soul

According to that proverb, you are what you eat.  Your beauty detox must start from within. The food has an immense influence on the overall health and beauty.  Many moms prepare healthy food for their kids. But they only manage to grab a bite or two between doing the dishes and laundry for themselves.  Establishing a regular eating pattern is essential.

Detox doesn’t mean reducing your meals to various juices or shakes.  Instead of juice cleanses, you can also choose a more nutritious option.  Soups and broths are nutritious options.  You can make them with a wide variety of vegetables and seasonings, which means that they can be both tasty and healthy.

There’s no better way to warm up when it’s cold than enjoying a bowl of hot soup.  It’s excellent for digestion, so you won’t feel bloated.  Soups and broths can do wonders for your metabolism.  This means you’ll be able to shed a few pounds.  Additionally, they will improve your immune system and boost your energy levels.

 Cosmetic Changes

When you’re a mom, staying up late every time your kid has a cold or flu is inevitable. No wonder so many moms have dark circles under their eyes.  In addition to a lack of sleep, there are other factors that affect the skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles and spots.  This includes smoking, too much sugar, and sun exposure.  In many cases, inadequate and stale makeup is a frequent culprit for various skin problems too.

Since we’re talking about seasonal cleaning, maybe it would be a good idea to look through your makeup cabinet and get rid of everything that you haven’t used for a while. It’s time to turn to natural cosmetics which are adjusted to your skin type. Carefully selected skincare products such as highly effective Skinstitut masks, scrubs, cleansers or peels will help your skin.  Shea butter and coconut oil can be used instead of chemical moisturizers.  And just one more piece of advice – drinking a lot of water is a must when it comes to youthful looking skin.

Me Time

Being a mom is the most important role in a women’s life.  Everyday chores can be tiresome, and in the long run, a hectic lifestyle has numerous bad effects.  That’s why it’s essential to snatch at least a couple of moments every day to relax and do something that will make you feel good.

Taking a brisk walk will both clear your mind and help you stay in shape. No matter how busy you are, you can treat yourself to a de-stressing hot bath with mineral salts every now and then.  Don’t neglect yourself as that’s the only way to stay energized, positive and satisfied.

Winter is an excellent time to ditch some bad habits and detox your skin and mind. It may seem like a complex task, but sometimes it’s enough to change a few details and achieve amazing results.  Start implementing these winter beauty detox tips into your busy schedule now.

Author BIO:

Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger. She is also very passionate about DIY projects, latest fashion trends and organic beauty products. Sophia writes mostly in beauty and fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She is regular contributor at High Style Life.  Find her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google +

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #106

Sunday's Best Linkup

Welcome to Week 106 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  The Sunday’s Best team wishes each of you a Blessed and Happy New Year. We’re continuing our It’s A New Year theme.  The parties may be over, but we can still focus on new resolutions, new goals, and renewed hopes and dreams.   Share recipes, cocktails, food planning, organization tips and more. Moms will be looking for new decorating ideas, shopping tips, craft ideas and more.  I’m looking forward to 2017.  The Sunday’s Best team wishes each of you a blessed and prosperous New Year.  

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 hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

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 our linkup post 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 Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

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 Linkup featured bloggers.

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

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, 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 Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

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

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Kim M. selected Cherry Cheese Danish Braid from Reviews, Chews and How Tos

desserts

Rhonda selected Top 10 Recipes For 2016 from Silver Foodie 

 recipes

Kim U. selected Crocheted Owl from Ann Marie’s Haak Blog

crochet projects

The Post with the Most Clicks

Crockpot Meatballs with Hickory & Brown Sugar Sauce from Mother 2 Mother

     crockpot meatball recipe

                                                                                                     

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  It’s a New Year:

Shedding the Old and Building Anew from Living In Mommywood

New Year Inspiration


Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choo
se a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you 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 and be sure to connect with others on social media!


Sites From TV Shows In New York City

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on sites from TV shows in New York City.  New York City has been the backdrop for many popular TV shows and movies.  In fact, you may have grown-up watching some tv shows featuring sites in New York City.   

 

sites from TV in NYC

 

 

 TV Shows in New York City: 

 

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

First, you must have seen how 5 of the main characters of this popular TV show, and how they spent so much of their spare time at a bar. That bar was real. The real NYC pub or bar – MacLaren’s – is at 240 W. 55th Street.  Furthermore, some menu items have been renamed after scenes from the show.

 

GOSSIP GIRL

So, the popular TV series “Gossip Girl” used many real-life New York City sites, which you can visit to feel the magic once again.  Do you recall how the characters in the series, including Serena, Blair and friends had lunch on the steps of the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art?  To see where Serena lived with her family, visit the Palace Hotel.  And, to see Chuck Bass’ home, you can visit the Empire Hotel.

 

Girls 

Remember Café Grumpy’s from the hit HBO show, Girls? This coffee spot is for real with locations throughout New York City.  The locations include Greenpoint, Chelsea and the Lower East Side.  You can see people hang out, read and get their morning cup of caffeine at this popular coffee shop in the city.

 

Mad Men

Next, Mad Men was shot at the Oyster Bar in New York City.  The Oyster Bar seafood restaurant has been located on the lower level of the Grand Central Terminal since 1931.  It has been quite popular among locals as well as visitors. If you were a fan of the TV series, “Mad Men”, you must have seen how Don Draper sabotaged his boss at the bar.

 

Sex and the City

When the Magnolia Bakery made its way in the TV series, Sex and the City, its popularity has reached a new level. The bakery in Greenwich Village still sells delicious cupcakes for visitors.  Furthermore, did you notice how Carrie and Miranda spend a lot of time here sitting and chatting about many things?

 

Seinfeld

Last, in the popular sitcom, “Seinfeld,” you must have seen Monk’s Café which served as a hangout spot for Elaine, Jerry, Kramer and George. The café was actually fictional using the real exterior of Tom’s Restaurant in the Upper West Side.  Locals have favored this restaurant since 1940.  Visit and recreate the magic of this popular TV show all over again.

We hope you enjoy our sites from TV Shows in NYC travel tips.  Finally, use the hop-on hop-off New York  for sight seeing and tours.

Spiralizer Review: The Brieftons

 

Today, I’m sharing my review on the Brieftons Spiralizer.  This post contains affiliate links.  If a purchase is made, I made be compensated.  So, I was offered this Brieftons Spiralizer in exchange for an honest review.  I love hosting family gatherings and thought this would help create nice salads and party platter presentation.

 

 

Brieftons spiralizer review

 

 

 

This is my first Spiralizer.  So, I was excited when I received the product.  Unfortunately, it had to be put together.  Putting items together can be overwhelming for me at times.  But I had this baby assembled within 5 minutes.

The next step was figuring out what veggie to use with the spiralizer.  I decided to use a cucumber since I had a few on hand.  Because I cut the cucumber in half, my biggest struggle was figuring what end to put on the base to spiralize.  It left me wondering what end was up.  I finally realized that I needed to put the small end on the bottom and the larger end pointing toward the top.

 

Spiralizer Reviews

 

The Spiralizer  left me with a beautiful ribbon of spiralized cucumbers.  The trick is to use firm veggies or fruits and to cut off both ends. The flat end of the fruit or vegetable must attach to the slicer; otherwise, the grabber won’t hold it.  The spiralizer recommends English cucumbers.  They’re a little firmer than regular cucumbers.  Guess what I will be adding to my summer garden?

First, lift the handle on the spiralizer and place your fruit or vegetable beneath it. Process the fruit or vegetable by turning the handle.  The plastic tray will catch your spiralized product.  I can’t wait to try other fruits and vegetables.  The spiralizer is great for garnishes, onion rings, spaghetti strands and more.  I love infused water, so spiralized fruits and veggies will look beautiful in my carafe.  My mouth is watering for a fresh cucumber salad this summer too.  Some of the fruit and vegetables recommended are: potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchinis, cukes, apples, and carrots.

 

 

Brieftons Spiralizer reviews

 

 

The box contains a small brush for cleaning. It’s great for cleaning the blades and getting into corners of the spiralizer.  I rinsed with hot, soapy water.  Be care while cleaning, the blades are sharp.  Since I don’t have room on my counter for another product, I had to store the unit back in the box.  Removing the handle made it easy to store back in the box.

Also, the unit has suction cups on the bottom.  They help keep the spiralizer stable while your turning the handle to spiralize your veggies/fruit. I have one con from this Spiralizer review, I wish there was a storage cover for the blades when not in use.

The system is easy to wash.  I simply rinsed and than hand washed in soapy water.  Last, I recommend Brieftons Vertico Spiralizer. Head over and make a purchase today.  You may also like Brieftons Chopper.