Inspirational Quote – Your Worth
July 9, 2015 by
Brownie Trifle Recipe
July 8, 2015 by
First, are you a dessert person? Normally I am not. However, when I entertain I like to have a fabulous dessert on hand. So, finding a great trifle recipe goes to the top of my list. I’ve come to love trifles. They’re easy to assemble and look great in Trifle dishes. This dessert ended differently from the way I originally planned. Normally I use chocolate pudding, but time was not on my side so I skipped it. Needless to say, I was worried about how it would turn out. Thankfully, it turned out better than I expected. As a result, I’m going to by-pass the pudding in this trifle recipe from this point on.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 Trifle Bowl
- 2 boxes of fudge style brownie mix
- 2 containers of Cool Whip
- Sliced Strawberries
Next, bake the brownies according to directions on the box. However, you will need to allow them to cool completely. I usually bake them the night before I assemble the trifle. After the brownies have cooled, cut them into bite size squares. Layering is key to this dish. Place a layer of brownies on the bottom of the dish. Add a tablespoon of Cool Whip to the center of the brownies. Repeat this process. Carefully spread the Cool Whip toward the edges.
Be careful with this step. Most importantly, if the cool whip splashes against the sides of the dish it will affect the presentation. Add more Cool Whip and spread toward the edges. Be generous with the Cool Whip. You want guest to have plenty with the brownies and strawberries. Add sliced strawberries around the sides of the entire dish.
Add another layer of brownies, another layer of Cool Whip and strawberries. Top the dish off with Cool Whip and fresh strawberries as shown.
Last, this dish was devoured. I even had one guest say “you can keep the food, just pass me that dessert.” Make this Brownie Trifle your go to dessert. I promise, you won’t regret making this trifle recipe. Finally, do you have a favorite dessert that you like to serve when entertaining or take to an office party?
How To Make a Mickey Mouse Pizza
July 7, 2015 by
Do you have a picky eater? You know those adorable little kids that won’t eat anything that you place in front of them or one will eat a particular food one day but won’t eat it another. We strive to give them healthy foods, but it can turn into a battle.
Check out my solution to this problem. I create fun foods. Kids get bored easy even with food. My daughter is amazed when she sees them eating various foods that I create. Now stop questioning your ability as an artist. I’m not an artist either, but I can create fun foods. Kids aren’t looking for perfection, they want fun. They want things that make them happy.
I made these Mickey Mouse pizzas this week-end for the kids. What child doesn’t want to eat up Mickey Mouse. I had to make two. My grandson is very particular, he just likes cheese pizza. My granddaughter wanted Mickey Mouse to have eyes, a nose and a mouth. These are our creations! They’re cheaper than calling Pizza Hut or one of the other local pizza delivery services, and they were simple and fun to make as a family.
Here’s how we made the Mickey Mouse pizza:
- 1 medium size pizza for the face
- 2 mini pizzas for the ears
- Pepperoni for the facial features, olives, tomatoes, green peppers or whatever you like.
Bake on a cookie or pizza sheet according to the directions and enjoy! These are great for movie night or the week-end when you’re just relaxing. Serve with a juice box, a few apple slices and you’re good to go.
You may also like: Kids Breakfast Ideas: Oatmeal Funny Face
Snowman Pancake
Sunday’s Best – #27
July 5, 2015 by
Welcome to Week 27 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. This will be the last week of our Hail To The Red, White & Blue theme. I thought this would be a great time to share festivities from your backyard BBQ this week-end, recipes that you created, fireworks, cocktails, games and fun activities. Any crafts and decorating ideas would be great so we can PIN them for next year’s inspiration or for those who like the Red, White and Blue theme all year.
We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover and gardening tips, SEO and blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeovers, spring organization tips, and ideas for indoor flower arrangements 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, 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.
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.
What’s New: We would like readers to select their favorite posts. Voting will start at noon every Friday until mid-night. We will be adding the post with the most votes from our readers to our Sunday’s Best featured bloggers. Be sure to have your blog readers and social media followers head over to vote for your post on Fridays.
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 like my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin or subscribe/join my blog on the right 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:
Kim U. selected the Glow in the Dark Water Balloons from The Scrape Shoppe Blog
I selected Rainbow Painted Kitchen Set from Albion Gould
and
Kim M. selected 16 Nifty USB Gadgets from Life With Lorelai
The Readers Selected:
21 Patriotic Treats For Kids from Mommy’s Slice of the Pie
and
Strawberry Applesauce from Best of Long Island and Central Florida
The Favorite Theme Posts
Hail To The Red, White, and Blue
Patriotic Party Decor by Kyrstal’s Kitsch
and
Patriotic Nautical Flags from Atta Girl Says
Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and I appreciate each of you linking up. I would like to invite all of you back to linkup your post(s) again, it could be selected this 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.
Tips To Plan Your 4th of July Festivities
July 1, 2015 by
Planning your 4th of July festivities can be stressful, right? The 4th of July is one of the biggest summer celebrations for most of us during the summer. So, if you’re like me you want to serve great food, have plenty of drinks, play games, and put on a great fireworks display. However, hosting family gatherings can get overwhelming.
I have learned over the years to plan my summer celebrations and make lists to ensure I don’t forget anything. Here’s a few other tips that have helped make my 4th of July festivities successful:
Plan Your Menu –
Meats – First, if you’re serving food that will take longer to cook, start cooking those foods on your grill or smoker at least an hour before the guest are scheduled to arrive. Also, burgers, hot dogs and sausages can be started shortly after guests start arriving. Because they don’t take as long to cook, reserve them for later. For my 4th of July festivities, you will always find these items on my grill/smoker:
- Burgers
- Hot Dogs
- BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Ribs
- Sausages
Side Dishes – Next, I fix as many of my cold dishes the night before and refrigerate them. Furthermore, I start anything that I can fix in the crockpots on low the night before too. The house smells great in the morning. I love getting everybody excited about the day and their mouth watering for great food. Here’s a few ideas for side dishes:
- Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Deviled Eggs
- Pasta Salads
- Steamer Meat
- Baked Beans
- Corn On The Cob
- Green Beans & Corn
- Greens
- Grilled squash and zucchini
- Salad -(I set out various bottles of salad dressing for guests to choose from)
Veggies/Chips and Dip – Also, I make a dip for veggies and a dip for chips. If I serve a salad, I don’t do a veggie tray. But, I do make this Spinach Dip for my vegetable tray when I do make it. It goes well with crackers too.
Fruits – Additionally, everybody likes something refreshing on a hot summer day. I love to put a fruit salad together or do fruit skewers.
Desserts – Berries are big in the summer. As a result, I do several trifles this time of year using fresh strawberries. Be as simple or elaborate as you would like. But, I have been known to do a tray of brownies or cupcakes and little cups of ice cream too.
Drinks – It’s important that everyone stay hydrated. Because liquids are important, make sure you have plenty of water and drinks. If you’re serving alcohol, beer and cocktails, please have a designated driver for those indulging.
Plan Your Games – Also, I make sure I have plenty of activities for the kids and adults. Here’s a few 4th of July ideas that I have used in the past:
- Patriotic Crafts for the kids
- Sack Races
- Turn on the sprinkler
- Have a water balloon fight
- Use printables/coloring pages for the kids
- Horseshoes
- Badminton or Croquet
- Bingo
- Cards
- Charades
Solicit Co-Hosts – Most importantly, I have learned that I can’t do everything and do it well. As a result, I ask my family to help with keeping the food flowing, grilling, assisting with children’s crafts, games, music etc. Things go much smoother and it takes some stress off me when I have help.
Last, I like to decorate on a budget. So, I head to the Dollar Stores to buy items that I didn’t pick up on clearance the prior year. If your crafty make your own center pieces and luminaries to add festive touches. Also, the Dollar Store sells festive plates, napkins, mini flags etc. Don’t forget to head to Michael’s or AC Moore for paint and other supplies that you can’t find at the Dollar Stores for the kid’s activities.
Finally, I hope these 4th of July festivities will help you remove some of the stress of entertaining. And, I hope they help you plan a great backyard BBQ with family and friends. Also, what are some of the dishes you prepare or activities you use to entertain guests?
You may also like: 9 Kid’s Patriotic Craft Ideas
How To Host A Great Baby Shower
June 29, 2015 by
Thinking of hosting a baby shower for a relative or friend, but you don’t know where to start. Today, I’m sharing tips on hosting a baby shower. Furthermore, are you not sure of the proper etiquette on how to host the event? Taking on the responsibility of hostess requires time, energy and creativity. It can become stressful if you’re not organized or plan effectively. So, we’re going to help you be a great baby shower hostess. Be sure to check out our other parenting tips before you go.
I’ve hosted several baby showers over the years. Two for my daughter and several for family members. I sure wish I had a few tips on how and when I should do various steps before I took on the responsibility. I put together a few tips for you on how to host a great baby shower. Here’s my tips:
Planning The Event:
- A relative, co-worker or friend can host the shower. It’s considered improper for the parents to be to host their own shower.
- Start planning the shower 2 – 3 months in advance. This should include selecting a location, theme, and your invitations. Your invitations should reflect the theme of the shower if possible. Your invitations will let guests know what to expect.
- Send out invitations 6 – 8 weeks in advance. You should include the Hostess’ name, location, time and the guest of honor’s name. You can also ask your guests to RSVP. Give an RSVP By Date and a Phone Number where they can call.
- Plan activities for at least 2 hours. Most people prefer late afternoon or early evening showers. It gives than an opportunity to do things at home or run a few errands before dedicating time for the shower.
- About 4 – 6 weeks in advance of your shower select your party favors, colors, decorations, games etc. This is a good time frame, it will give you time to browse stores, google information and figure out other aspects of the event. Make a list of what you want to do and stick to it.
- Decide on a menu about about 2 – 3 weeks before the shower. You can do finger foods, buffet or a sit down dinner. I love doing buffet style events.
- Choose your center piece and decorations. Diaper cakes are fun and practical gifts for mom. (I made the Snoopy diaper cake above for a Snoopy Themed Shower). This was one of my favorites.
- Ask a friend or relative to assist with tracking the cards/gifts, food table, drinks and games. Turn the list of names and gifts over to the mom to be for thank you cards.
- Capture the day in photos – Ask a friend who has great photography skills to take plenty of pictures of the mom to be, festivities and friends.
- Select Door Prizes – Giving out door prizes is a great way to thank guests for participating
You planned and consulted with the mother to be about the menu, guest list and games if the shower isn’t a surprise and now the big day has finally arrived. It’s time to take your place as the hostess of the event.
Hosting The Shower:
- Greet all of your guests when they are arrive.
- Next, once the shower gets under way, introduce the Mother to Be, and tell the guess how she is related to you or a funny story about her to break the ice.
- Have each guest introduce themselves and state how they’re related or connected to the mother to be. This is a nice Ice Breaker and a fun way to make everyone comfortable.
- Play the games that you have selected. (Normally 2 – 3 are good). Also, be sure to include a few door prizes throughout the event.
- Serve your meal or appetizers and allow guests to mingle and chat for awhile. Be sure guests are comfortable and have everything they need.
- Have the mother to be open her gifts. You may also serve the cake during this time.
- Have guests mingle, look at the gifts and take pictures with the mother to be.
- Last, thank guests for coming and give out baby shower favors.
Last these baby shower tips will eliminate stress and elevate your confidence in hosting a great baby shower. Furthermore, I also suggest using a planner or notebook to keep track of ideas and where you are in planning the event. Finally, be sure to leave a little time to relax and enjoy the event as well.
What hosting a baby shower tips can you add to make the hostess job a little easier? Please leave a comment. You may also like: 15 Door Prize Ideas For Baby Showers and Baby Shower Game Ideas
Sunday’s Best – #26
June 28, 2015 by
Welcome to Week 26 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re continuing our Hail To The Red, White & Blue theme this week. It’s the time of year to celebrate the Indepedence of our great country. There will be backyard BBQs, fireworks, cocktails, games and fun with family and friends. We would love for you to share your 4th of July recipes, cocktails, decorations, crafts and other patriotic ideas on Sunday’s Best.
We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover and gardening tips, SEO and blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeovers, spring organization tips, and ideas for indoor flower arrangements 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, 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.
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.
What’s New: We would like readers to select their favorite posts. Voting will start at noon every Friday until mid-night. We will be adding the post with the most votes from our readers to our Sunday’s Best featured bloggers. Be sure to have your blog readers and social media followers head over to vote for your post on Fridays.
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 like my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin or subscribe/join my blog on the right 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:
Kim U. selected the Summer Red, White, and Blue Wreath from Call Me Creative
I selected 25 Ice Cream Sandwiches – from Practical Mommy
and
Minions Frozen Fruit Pops from Moms Messy Miracles
Kim M. selected The Rose Julep from Life With A Side of Coffee
The Readers Selected:
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream from Marty’s Musing
and
Photo Clip Frame from Fynes Designs
The Favorite Theme Posts
Hail To The Red, White, and Blue
Patriotic Pudding Popsicles by Kenarry Ideas For The Home
and
15 DIY 4th of July Patriotic Wreaths from Jenny Evolution
Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and I appreciate each of you linking up. I would like to invite all of you back to linkup your post(s) again, it could be selected this 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.
