How’s Your Decision Making Skills

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Do you find yourself being indecisive with things in your life, and you don’t know what direction to go in? Does the simplest tasks become monumental? If going in circles has become a way of life or you find yourself throwing up your hands and dealing with the matter later, you may be suffering from indecisiveness.   Today, we’re sharing empowerment tips on how to make a decision.

 

decision making skills, organization skills, self-improvement tips

 

 

I have found myself in this position more than once. My livelihood is made from managing people. There are times when I have to step away and make a decision at a later time because I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. I know that I couldn’t continue managing in that way, so I had to reassess my decision making skills.

I have found that stress plays a major role in my indecisiveness at times, but you may be feeling something different. There are 4 major areas that keep us from being able to make a decision. If you’re finding yourself wavering on things ask yourself if you are feeling:


1.  Fear – Are you afraid of making the wrong decision?  If you’re not making a major purchase and nobody will get hurt go ahead and make the decision.  I do a pros and cons list.  If the pros outweigh the cons, I have learned to live with my decision.

2.  Over Analyzing –  Do you spend time gathering information and reviewing it over and over? At some point we have to make a decision. Set a date and time, when it arrives make your decision and stick with it.  It’s okay to reassess your decision later and make adjustments.

3.  Lack of Confidence – Are you confident with our skill set?  If you know that you have the skills to accomplish your endeavor, believe in yourself.  We’re not perfect beings and we won’t always make the right decisions, but we must learn to make them confidently.

4.  Stress – Are you stressed out all the time? Take time to relax and breath a little.  A walk with the children, your husband or a friend could be just what the doctor ordered.  Take time to soak in the tub, sip a cup of tea or give yourself  a home manicure.  When you feel good about yourself, you feel good about life.

Furthermore, as leaders in our homes, businesses, and social influencers, decision making is a way of life for today’s woman. We must lead not only with confidence, we must lead with conviction. Especially, if we want others to follow.  Perfecting your decision making skills is a necessity.  So, how do you handle indecisiveness?

9 Kid’s Patriotic Craft Ideas

We will be celebrating Memorial Day in a few weeks!  I love celebrating holidays with family and friends.  So,  I’m expecting 20 – 30 family members for my backyard BBQ.  I’ve been thinking of games and activities for the kids.  As a result, I have a few parenting tips on kid’s patriotic craft ideas to share with my readers.  I selected various activities for different ages, so I hope you will find 1 or 2 that you can use at your festivities:
 
patriotic craft ideas

 

1.  Patriotic Dish Brush Fireworks from Crafty Morning – First, a different twist on making firework crafts. If you don’t have old brushes around, a trip to the Dollar Store for a few dish washing brushes and the crafting can begin. It looks like this craft calls for a round brush.

2.  Patriotic Tee Shirt from Crafty Morning – This is a cute idea for the kids to make when they need a break from running and jumping or after drying off from the pool or sprinklers. Grab a few white tees, red and blue fabric paint, and a medium width paint brush from Michael’s.

3.  Patriotic Foot and Hand Print Flag from Sewing for Sanity – Second, this is an adorable idea using the kids hand and footprints.  This particular example uses a 16 x 20 artist canvass which you can purchase from your local craft or art supply store. Decide how large you want the end result to be. I wish I had room for this project.

4. Patriotic Hand Print Wreath from Decorating With Dodi – This little hand print wreath is adorable. The blogger doesn’t have instructions on her blog, but it seems fairly simple to make. The background is white and various degrees of paint was used to make some of the prints darker than others.

Also, it looks like the fingers are spread a little so you can cut between them when you’re cutting out the hands. I’m going to use a circle made out of cardboard to glue the hand prints to and regular printer paper to make the prints on. This is a good idea for 2 or 3 year olds.

 

kids patriotic craft ideas

 

 

5. Patriotic Hand Print from B-Inspired Mama – This is a cute craft for kids of any age. I love placing the name and year on the finished product. Great way to remember 4th of July fun with family.

6. Patriotic Bean Toss from Sugar Bee Crafts – Next, I love this idea for my grandson and his cousins. This will be a nice break from tossing the football. Find a shady spot in the yard.  I would suggest using a piece of cardboard under the plates to ensure the plates are stable.  Make the bean bags out of felt. You can find pieces at your local craft store.

7. Patriotic Luminaries from For The Love Of –  So, I’m going to use these luminaries for my table center pieces. I have a ton of mason jars in my cabinets from my canning sessions and a few bottles of Modge Podge in the craft corner. I’ll be pick up the tissue paper and flags at the Dollar Store.  Cute, Patriotic and Budget Friendly.  Just the way I like it.

8. Patriotic Word Search from Crayon Freckes – So, this word search is a great idea to use when you want the kids to get out of the sun and relax a little. Have one of the older children assist them in finding the words. They can feast on a treat of watermelon or a fruit salad while they’re searching for the words. This can be fun for the adults too.

9. Patriotic Fork Fireworks from Crafty Morning – Last, I love this idea or the kids and the little ones with a little help. Simply dip a fork into red and let the firework making begin. Dip a fork into the blue paint and fill in the blank areas or go over the red.  Just have fun.

 

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our kid’s patriotic craft ideas.  Bingo just happens to be one of my favorite backyard games.  It’s a perfect game for adults, and of course the good old sprinkler and water guns for the kids. Do you plan to use any of the above crafts?  So, what are some of your favorite 4th of July activities?  We may want to adopt a few of your activities too.  You may also like 16 Mom Approved Beach Crafts.

Inspirational Quote – Wisdom

21 Must See Girl Flicks

Do you have a stash of girl flicks?  If you don’t have one, you should start a collection. I love watching old  movies either with the girls, family night or on the week-ends while I’m relaxing. While I was dusting off my collection of old DVDs and VHS movies, I thought about the good times I had watching them with my daughter when she was growing up. I love looking back on those days, and I’m so glad I created those memories for her and me. 
 
Watching old movies is good for the soul? They make you laugh, cry and remember the time period when those movies were popular. For me, I remembered where I lived when I watch certain movies. Things were said or done when I watched them with family or friends. The last time I watched a few of the old movies, I remembered the old townhouse that I l lived in before I purchased the home that I live in today. I remember everything about that house and neighborhood so vividly. As you get older, you realize that so many things change. Unfortunately, we can’t stop change but we can always reminisce.  
 
I’m always adding to my collection. I check out the movie boxes in stores like Wal-Mart, Big Lots, Kmart and don’t forget yard sales. I have grabbed quite a few of my favs for $5.00 at these places. I also look for them used on Amazon. There’s a shipping cost of $3.99, but if I can get the movie in good to excellent condition for a few bucks it’s worth it. 
 
Here’s a few of favorite girl flicks from my collection:   

1. The American President – I love any movie Michael Douglas is in. Annette Bening stars in this movie as well as Martin Sheen and Michael J. Fox.  Who says the President of the United States can’t pursue a beautiful woman and run the country at the same time. That is exactly what happens in The American President, but not without hitting a few bumps in the road. My favorite line in the movie is Michael Douglas telling Annette Bening how he manages to give a woman flowers and be  President, “Well it turns out I have a rose garden.”

2. Baby Boom – Diane Keaton another great actress plays her role perfectly in Baby Boom. Diane stars as a Manhattan executive who inherits a baby. She buys a house sight unseen in Vermont and leaves Manhattan to raise Elizabeth, but not without problems. The house has so many issues that it nearly breaks her financially and causes her to have a nervous breakdown. She gets her bearings and decides to come up with a plan to sell the house and move back to Manhattan. In the mean time she makes homemade apple sauce for her little picky eater and decides to try selling a few jar in one of the country stores. It’s a hit. She starts selling the applesauce as all natural gourmet apple sauce and babies across the country love it. She also falls in love. Will she stay in Vermont or will she return to Manhattan? Best line in the movie Diane Keaton, “I can’t have a baby because I have a 12:30 lunch meeting.”
  

 

3. Boomerang – I normally don’t take pleasure in other people’s pain, but I don’t have a problem with a player when he gets played. That’s is exactly what happens when things are reversed and Robin Givens who is Eddie Murphy’s boss in the movie plays him like a fiddle. Yes Robin Givens dishes out the same treatment to Eddie Murphy that he has dished out to women over the years. Murphy finds her treatment humiliating. She leaves him in love and in despair. Halle Berry tries to help Marcus through his pain. They become close. Will he go back to Robin Givens or stay with Halle Berry? The best line in the movie is Halle Berry to Eddie Murphy, “What do you know about love? What could you possibly know about love? You know, I’m sick and tired of men using love as if it’s some disease you just catch. Love should have brought your ass home last night.”  Funny movie.   

 

 

4. Driving Miss Daisy – One of my favorite movies with Morgan Freeman who plays Hoke, an African American chauffeur in the movie. Jessica Tandy is Miss Daisy and Dan Aykroyd plays her son. Morgan Freeman is hired by Dan Aykroyd to drive Miss Daisy’s, Jessica Tandy, after she wrecks her car. Jessica Tandy is not receptive to the idea for various reasons and makes her feelings know in various way. She soon grows fond of Freeman. A wonderful relationship is formed. She teaches Freeman to read and tells him that he is her best friend. The story line also touches on racial tension in the country. You have to get the tissues out a few times for this one. It touches your heart. My favorite line in the movie is Dan Aykroyd telling Jessica Tandy, “You’re a doodle, Mama.”

5.  Fatal Attraction – I have one word to say about this movie, Psycho!  As far as I’m concerned this movie has to be Glenn Close’s best performance. She has an affair with Michael Douglas who is a married lawyer with a child. His wife, Ann Archer, is out of town with the kid for the week-end. Douglas thinks he can return to his normal life, but Close has other plans for them. She wants to take things to another level, and she does. She tells Douglas she’s pregnant. He wants nothing to do with her and tries to that make that clear. She can’t process it and she’s not willing to accept that heart breaking news. She breaks into their home, kidnaps the kid and tries to kill his wife. This movie will have you on the edge of your seat no matter how many times you watch it.  My favorite line in the movie is Douglas to Close, “I’ll pity you… I’ll pity you. I’ll pity you because you’re sick. Close – “Why? Because I won’t allow you treat me like some slut you can just bang a couple of times and throw in the garbage?”

6. The Body Guard – What a team, Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Hold on for a second, I need to make the steam off the TV screen.  Great performance and sound track for this movie. Whitney Houston stars as a singer in this movie who is receiving death threats and is being stalked. Her manager hires former CIA Agent Frank Farmer, Kevin Costner, to protect her. Houston and Costner get close and sleep together. Costner finds it hard to protect her because he’s emotionally involved, so he breaks off the relationship. Houston defies his strategies to keep her safe, but learns that she must rely on him to keep her safe. Great performances by both.  My favorite line in the movie is Kevin Costner to Whitney Houston, “I’m here to keep you alive, not help you shop.”









7. Legally BlondeI loved Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde. She plays a dizzy blonde who is dumped by her boyfriend. She’s crushed, she expected him to ask her to marry him before he heads off to Harvard Law School. She decides to join him at Harvard, hoping that he will take her seriously and they can rekindle their relationship. She finds out the he is engaged to his old girlfriend. After she comes to term with the fact that he will never take her seriously, Witherspoon decides to complete her journey through law school for her. She gets serious about her grades and lands a position on a team of law students who have been selected to defend one of her rich sorority buddies. Witherspoon ends up being the head lawyer, guided by a senior attorney on the team, and wins the case. She also wins the heart of the senior lawyer who guided her. Funny movie!  My favorite line in the movie, “Don’t stomp your little last season Prada shoes at me, honey.”

 

8. Maid In Manhattan – Jennifer Lopez stars as a maid, Marisa, working in a posh hotel. She is a single mother raising a son, and is working hard to get promoted. Her son often spends time at the hotel until she finishes her shift. A co-worker convinces her to try on a guest’s designer Dolce & Gabbana coat. Mean while her son has met and bonded with senatorial candidate Christopher Marshall, Ralph Fiennes. Her son wants to go for a walk with the candidate and seeks out his mother to obtain permission. She’s wearing the Dolce & Gabbana coat, and is mistaken for the socialite who’s room she is cleaning. She decides join her son and the candidate on their walk, and the candidate quickly falls for her. She continues to hide her identity and tries to avoid him, but he continues to pursue her. She is eventually exposed, but love conquers all and proves that dreams really do come true.  My favorite line in the movie is the candidate telling Caroline, who he mistakenly invites to lunch thinking she was Marisa, “The first lunch was a mistake. A second would be complete torture.”

 

9. Two Can Play That Game –  Vivica Fox, Morris Chestnut, Wendy Racquel Robinson, Monique, Bobby Brown, and Anthony Anderson star in this movie. Vivica Fox, an Executive, and Morris Chestnut, an attorney, are dating. Their relationship is threaten when it seems Morris Chestnut is crossing the line to straying. Vivica Fox considers herself to be a relationship expert and claims to know all of a man’s tricks. She develops a plan to get Morris in line. Let the battle begin. Funny movie with an all star cast. My favorite line in the movie is Anthony Andersonn, ” The CIA ain’t got shit on a woman with a plan!”

 

10. Monster In Law – Jane Fonda makes her return in Monster In Law along with Jennifer Lopez, Wanda Sykes, and Michael Vartan. Jane Fonda is a newscaster that has been replaced with a younger less intelligent girl newscaster. Wanda Sykes is Jane Fonda’s assistance. To put the icing on the cake after she is replaced her son, Michael Vartan, falls in love with Jennifer Lopez. Michael is a doctor, Jennifer is a dog walker, artist, and yoga instructor. Jane Fonda does everything in her power to sabotage their relationship. She fears losing her son to a younger woman. She works to make Jennifer’s life hell and almost succeeds, until Jennifer decides to fight back. Hilarious movie.  My favorite line in the movie is Wanda Sykes to Jane Fonda, “Fix your hair. You look like a damn cockatoo.”

11. An Officer and a Gentleman –  This is where I fell in love with Richard Gere.  Long before Pretty Woman. I do love a man in a uniform. Richard Gere stars with Louis Gossett Jr. and Debra Winger in this movie. Richard Gere plays an Aviation Officer Candidate who doesn’t see eye to eye with his training instructor Louis Gossett Jr. He also engages in a relationship with Debra Winger as he struggles to complete his 13 week training as a candidate. He’s been warned about the local girls who get pregnant or pretend they are pregnant in hopes of marrying a Navy pilot. He keeps his heart guarded, he doesn’t plan on being around longer than his 13 weeks. After graduating from the program, he plans to move on with his life and become a US Navy pilot. His heart won’t let him, he can’t leave without the woman he tried so heart not to fall in love with. Beautiful teary eyed ending.  My favorite line in the movie is Debra Winger talking to Richared Gere, “You know something, you ain’t nothing special. You got no manners, you treat woman like whores and if you ask me you got no chance of being no officer.”

 

12. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion – Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino star as Romy and Michele in this comedy. They’ve been Besties since high school and they’re heading back to their 10 year reunion, but not before they reinvent themselves. Neither have been ambitious, so they’re not pleased with who they are or what they’ve accomplished in the last 10 years. They borrow a friend’s jaguar and head to Arizona to celebrate with old schoolmates. While in route they decide that they will tell class-mates that they invented Post its. Mira Sorvino wants to take credit on the invention and thinks Lisa Kudrow should take credit for them being yellow. Lisa thinks that is an insult to her intelligence and by the time they arrive at the reunion they aren’t speaking. Making it through the reunion and living up to the Post it scheme proves difficult. Will their friendship survive? My favorite line in the movie, Mira Sorvini mocking the movie Pretty Woman – “Aw, look, poor thing – they won’t let her shop. Yeah – like those salesgirls in Beverly Hills aren’t bigger whores than she is.” 




13. Waiting to Exhale – An all star cast stars in Waiting to Exhale. This includes the late Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Gregory Hines, Michael Beach and Wesley Snipes. This story revolves around 4 African American women who share friendships through divorce, affairs with married men, an unwed pregnancy, and single parenting. They truly demonstrate that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. My favorite line in the movie, Loretta Devine to Gregory Hines, “Would you like to have dinner with us tonight? It’s just leftovers. Collard greens and corn bread, some candied yams, a little potato salad, fried chicken, peach cobbler and a few slices of ham.”

 



14. Sabrina – Harrison Ford just gets sexier with age. Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond and Greg Kinnear star in the remake of Sabrina and do an excellent job. The movie revolves around the Larrabee family and their million dollar business. In the movie Julia Ormond is in love with Greg Kinnear; however, Julia’s father is the Larrabee family’s chauffeur. Although Julia is in love with Greg, Greg likes to play the scene. Sabrina is not on his radar. She decides to accept an internship at Vogue and travels to Paris. Once competed, she returns home a new woman in more ways than one. She attracts the attention of both David Larrabee and his older brother Linus. She also finds out that her father, the chauffeur, is worth $2.5 million dollars. Who will win Sabrina’s heart? My favorite line in the movie is from Julia Ormond to Greg Kinnear, “They say you think morals are pictures on walls and scruples is money in Russia.”

 

15. Steel Magnolias – What do you get when you have Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, Daryl Hannah, Julia Roberts, Olivia Dukakis, and Shirley MacaLaine? Fabulous!  Everyone of these ladies gave a stellar performance in this movie. They will make you laugh and they will make you cry as the prepare for Julia Roberts’ wedding day and all the festivities that go along with it. They also come together for the birth of Robert’s son and her death after her kidney transplant fails. My favorite line in the movie is Dolly Parton, ” Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin’ across your face.”   

16. Why Did I Get MarriedAnother great Tyler Perry movie starring Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, and Tasha Smith to name a few. The movies revolves around four couples, who are also best friends. The rent a house in the mountains for a week to help work out any marital problems and answer the question “Why did I get married?” It ends up being a bumpy ride, the couples don’t make it a week. Ugly revelations are spewed from one having a sexually transmitted disease and giving it to her husband, a husband having an affair with his wife’s cousin, one wife being called stupid for not have a child seat belted in correctly and the child dying, to another having her tubes tied and her husband not knowing. I loved it. My favorite line in the movie from Tyler Perry, “You women are so used to losing that you don’t even realize when you have won!”





17. Working Girl –  Harrison Ford teams up with Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl. Melanie Griffin is trying to work her way up the corporate ladder. She shares an idea with Sigourney Weaver who plays her boss. Sigourney tells Melanie that she discussed her idea, but the executives didn’t buy it. Melanie Griffith finds out that Sigourney plans to pass the idea off as her own.  She contacts Harrison Ford to hear her idea and help her sell it. He agrees. They also feel an attraction for each other and mix business with pleasure. Things get sticky, Sigourney Weaver has her hooks in Harrison Ford and wants to take things to the next level. He’s not buying, he’s into Melanie Griffith.  Melanie and Sigourney butt heads over Melanie’s idea, but Melanie is able to convince the executives that the idea was hers. Sigourney is fired, and Melanie and Jack continue their relation.  My favorite line in the movie is Melanie Griffith telling Harrison Ford, “I am not steak. You can’t just order me.”



18.  Pretty Woman – Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are magical together.  This movie made Julia Roberts a star. Julia Roberts stars as a prostitute who is picked up by Richard Gere on Hollywood Boulevard driving a Lotus.  He initially asks her to spend the, which turns into a week which turns into a lifetime. I could watch this movie over and over, which I do. Nice soundtrack and also stars Jason Alexander as Gere’s lawyer and Hector Elizondo as the Beverly Wilshire hotel manager. My favorite line in the movie is Julia Roberts to Richard Gere, “I want the fairy tale.”





19.  Something To Talk About  –  Stars Julia Roberts, Robert Duvall, Dennis Quaid, Gena Rowlands, and Kyra Sedgwick. Julia Roberts discovers that her husband, Dennis Quaid, is having an affair. They separate and struggle to keep their marriage together. Robert Duvall and Gena Rowlands play Julia Roberts’ parents who own a horse hunting and jumping farm also have problems. My favorite line in the movie is Julia Roberts asking, “Yeah, I just want to ask how many people here has NOT had sex with my husband?”



20.  Touch & Go – Stars Michael Keaton, Maria Conchita Alonso and Ajay Naidu. Michael Keaton stars as professional hockey player who is mugged by a local gang. He catches gang member Ajay Naidu, and takes him home to his mother, Maria Conchita Alonso.  Alonso offers to take Keaton to lunch for his troubles. He accepts and they become close, but not without a few struggles. Ajay Naidu follows him to an away game as a stow away on the bus and Maria Conchita Alonso is attacked by one of the gang members. Keaton returns to confront the gang member who attacks her. He brings her home from the hospital, sets her up in her own business and takes their relationship to another level.  Nice ending to an unlikely love story, great love story. Favorite line in the movie, Keaton telling Naidu, “I’m going to knock on all of the doors with your head.”  

21.  Gloria –  This movie is more of a drama than a love story. I love Gena Rowlands, so any movie she plays in is a girl flick for me. Rowlands stars as a girlfriend of a mobster in Gloria. She ends up with the son of an accountant and his wife who have a hit placed on them. The accountant is an informant for the feds, but he’s also an accountant for the mob. The wife knows they’re going to die, so she asks Rowlands to take the children so they can live. The daughter won’t go with Rowlands, but the son goes with her. She vows to protect the little boy at all cost. Gena Rowlands to the mob, “You let a WOMAN beat ya, huh?”

These are fun movies to watch no matter your age. It’s nice to see some of the veterans actors at their best. Hope you can find 1 or 2 that peeks your interest or that you already love enough to curl up and watch again. Are any of the movies listed one of your favorites? If not, what’s one of your favorite girl flicks?  Stay tuned for my list of all time favorite movies, which is a series of drama, additional girl flicks, and westerns. Yes, I said westerns. 




Sunday’s Best Linkup – #25



Welcome to Week 25 of  Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup Our theme this week is Hail To The Red, White & Blue. 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. 

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+, PinterestBlogLovin 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. 


Mother 2 Mother Blog


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  Deep Dish Pierogi Pizza from Frugal Foodie Mama   





I selected Creating My Craft Room – from USS Crafty  










Kim M. selected Boozy Watermelon Cherry Slushy from Pink Heels Pink Trucks  

The Readers Selected: 




Strawberry Cheesecake Sweet Roll from Best of Long Island and Central Florida 

and


Spinach and Ricotta Tart from Treat Yourself Sweeter 







The Favorite Theme Posts 

It’s All About The Strawberries  

Banana Split Kabobs from All She Cooks 

and 

Our Father’s Day Post

Nailed it! Bacon Bouquet by Pretty Simple Ideas 

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. 




Fun Summer Activities For Kids

So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on a list of fun summer activities for kids that won’t break the bank. School’s out, and it can become stressful for parents.  However, it is a joyful time for the kids. They can sleep in, they will be home all day, and they will need to be occupied in a fun and healthy way.

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

 

Note:  This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase, I may be compensated.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

Furthermore, checking the local newspaper, subscribing to local sites like the zoo, the aquarium, family fun centers, can help you come up with activities and get discounts.  Getting off the electronics and outside getting fresh air and enjoying the sunshine should be at the top of your list.

 

 

Fun Summer Activities for Kids: 

Crafts and Coloring – First, I occupy the 6  year old with crayons and printables that I collect all year. My grandson loves to do printables too.

Paint Party  – Next, invite a few of their friends over.  Set-up a table outside in a shady spot and let them paint, color and draw until their heart is content.  Serve snacks and fun drinks.

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

Matinee Movies Matinees are a great summer activity with the kids. They’re much cheaper than evening shows.  Also, theaters in my area offer free movies once a week until the end of the summer.  Check out your local theater for freebies.

Family Fun Center – Next, add a water park to your list of summer activities for kids. You can also include arcade centers, paint ball fun and more.

We’ll spend a day at Shenandoah Caverns in Virginia – They have beautiful caverns, an area that houses props from Presidential Inaugurations, floats from Macy’s and the Rose Bowl parades, and an original 1957 Cafe that serves old time shakes, burgers and fries.  So, check out your local area for unique places to visit.

Day At The Park – Furthermore, I will be planning an old fashioned picnic.  Something most parents have lost sight off these days. I will be packing a picnic basket with sandwiches, drinks etc. and find a spot where we can just enjoy nature. The park also has swings, ducks, and paddle boats  Adding in a walk will be the perfect way to get exercise with the kids too. No grilling on this day.

Story Hour At the Library –  Just as important, I’m still partial to actual books and I’ve started a library for both of my grandchildren. I think it’s important that the kids be exposed to books and family friendly stories.  Our local library also offers activities, so I’ll have to see what’s on the calendar during their stay.

 

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

 

Baking Day – We’ll make funnel cake and bake cupcakes.  The kids love to cook.  I found a kit that has flower pots that we can bake the cupcakes in.  Delicious Blooming Cupcakes baked in a flower pot makes a yummy day.

Visit a Farmer’s Market – We’ll spend a few hours at a local farm picking berries to make homemade jam.  They love it on toast and biscuits.  Many also have farm animals, fields of flowers, hay rides and other activities.

Home Movie Day – We’ll spend the day watching movies from the home DVD collection and eating popcorn. I also have Infinity on Demand.  I can found shows or movies that we didn’t see at the theater.

Backyard Movie Night –  Purchase a King size white sheet and a movie projector.  Set up the backyard with strings of lights, chairs and snacks.  We purchased a movie screen from Amazon at a reasonable price.  We found that it saved us time from having to put together a screen each time we wanted to use it.  Additionally, we purchased a outdoor movie projector, which we absolutely love.  It’s easy to put up and take down.  It stores perfectly in my outdoor storage building.

Sprinkler Day –  I’ll invite a few friends or cousins over to spend the day running through the sprinkler.  The kids have a great time.  I purchased an outdoor dressing room, which is perfect for drying off and changing clothes before heading home or in the house.  I love it, it can be used for camping too.  

Sleep Over – I’ll invite a few of their cousins over to spend the day running through the sprinklers and a sleep over.  I have issues with public pools and the things that happen in them.  They can’t add enough chlorine for me! I’m debating on whether or not I want to put a pool in my backyard.  Once I retire, we’ll be able to enjoy it during the summer.

Fishing  – We’ll spend the day fishing and throwing back the fish at one of the stocked ponds in the area.  Life jackets for this one.

Summer Reading List –  We’re all avid readers in my family, and this summer I will be adding to my grandson’s summer reading list.  I will be downloading a few books on his Kindle, but I also want him to enjoy handling a good old fashion book.

Nature Hike – Summer activities for kids should include a day with nature. Set up a day to go on a small nature hike.  Give each kid a backpack with water, snacks, a magnifying glass, and disposal camera. You can look for bugs, birds, and flowers.

Bird Watching – Add birding to your summer activities for kids. Buy inexpensive binoculars for the kids and find them a shady spot in the backyard where they can watch the birds from a feeding station. Let them fill up the feeders, and than wait for the birds to retrieve the treats.  This is an excellent way to have them engage with nature.

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

Sea Shell Hunt – If you live close to the beach, set up a day to go on a sea shell hunt. You can use the shells to make crafts or to use in your decor.

Garden –  Start a flower or vegetable garden with your kids.  A few pots on the patio or deck is a great place to start.  Carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes are great vegetables.  Petunias and marigold are great flowers to plant.

Write Letters to Soldiers – Our troops are always receptive to hearing about what’s happening at home.  Making a Pen Pal can be a great experience for the soldier and child.

Organize a Care Package Drive for Soldiers – Our soldiers always need items when they are overseas.   Organize a neighborhood care package drive.  As a result, be sure to add this one to your summer activities for kids.

Volunteer for Day Camps –   This is a great job for a teen.  It helps with leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, which look great on your college resume.  Colleges appreciate students who volunteer.

 

 

 

fun summer activities for kids

 

 

 

 

Roast Hot Dogs and Making S’mores – My grandchildren love hot dog roasts and making s’mores.  I never got around to building one.  Although it is currently unavailable, I purchased this fire pit several years ago.  It’s a great addition to the backyard.  Building one is still on my list though.

Volunteer to Read at the Nursing Home – Interacting with our elderly is so important.  Reading can be a great pass time for our senior, and a great way to knock out the books on your kids reading list.

Volunteer at the Local Boys and Girls Club – Many boys and girls clubs help under privileged children participate in sports and learn other skills to help them overcome any disadvantages.  It’s a great way to meet other children and enhance skills.

Camp In the Back Yard – If your children have never been camping, start in the backyard.  It’s a great way to bond with dad too.

Volunteer at Your Local YMCA – Volunteering at the YMCA is a great way to give back to the community, and help children learn new skills.  Additionally, they offer swimming lessons.  If you want to strengthen your child’s swimming skills, the YMCA is a great place.

Assist at a Local Food Bank –  Sorting and putting together boxes for those in need is fulfilling.  It gives kids a chance to see and appreciate what they have at home.

Horseback Lessons –  Last, many equestrian centers offer summer activities for kids.  Many offer riding lessons during the summer months.  Additionally, it’s a great way to learn about horses and their care.  So, be sure to check with private farms/ranches for activities too.

 

Finally, we hope that you find a few of our summer activities for kids inspirational.  Start planning with your kids, and get your kids off to a great summer. What activities do your children like to do or participate in during the summer?

 

Potting Training, Weening, and First Awards

How important are memories to you? At certain times I go through pictures and look back over various events or remember things that have either made me laugh or cry. You know like the birth of your children, my divorce (that was a combination of laughter and tears), my grandchildren’s birth and things that your children have said or done. I came across these pictures and thought about my grandson’s special day.  It was so adorable, and remains one of my favorite memories.   

Reminiscing is a good thing don’t you think? I decided to revive one of my post from several years ago, because the memories are so near and dear to my heart. Here’s one of the fondest memories of my grandson: I attended the graduation and preschool ceremony at my grandson’s school last week-end. It was adorable. We decided to put him in nursery school last year, because he’s an only child and sharing was not a part of his repertoire. We thought it would be an excellent way for him to interact with other children and enhance his education. It was money well spent.





Here’s another thing that I will always remember. Have you ever been truly impressed by someone that you met? It doesn’t happen often for me, but Miss Joy the Director shown in the purple dress will always have a place in my heart too.  She became so emotional in her opening speech and she knew each song that the children performed. She truly adores them and it shows. There’s nothing like walking away and knowing that your child will truly be loved. Miss B., one of the teachers is assisting her.  Miss B. has a twin sister who is also a teach at the school, Miss T. 

Decisions can be difficult, but if you do your homework and research things it helps to put things into perspective. When we decided to put Xavier in nursery school, we did a thorough investigation. We read reviews, visited schools and talked to other parents before a decision was made. Maybe I’m strange but it gives me comfort knowing that the money being paid is not just going into someone’s pocket. I want to know that it’s used to enhance the education of the children. This school doesn’t have a problem demonstrating that education is their number 1 priority. Not only did they focus on helping the children with social skills, sharing, potty training, weening them and helping with a schedule nap time, they learned colors, numbers, the alphabet and even had homework assignments. A banquet room overlooking the beach was used for the graduation and ceremony, the Director presented each of the teachers with beautiful gifts, the entertainment from the children was delightful, and refreshments were served to all in attendance. I don’t know how it could ever be topped, I understand why the school has a 5 star rating. 


Think about one of your proudest moments with your child or children and how you felt. That is exactly how I felt watching my Sweetie Pie and all that he had accomplished in the year that he has attended. I was able to see why he had grown so much, the school definitely puts the focus on the children.  

As you can see in the second picture above, my grandson is not shy. He had no problem grabbing the microphone and he knew all the words to the songs. He also won the Potty Training Award. My big boy is wearing big boy pants now. Good by pampers and hello potty! 




He adores his daddy, so daddy was the recipient of his Big Boy Award. The students in the background are graduates from the Kindergarten class. My big boy moves up to the young 3 year old class in the fall. Another aspect of the school that I like is the fact that they have 2, 3, and 4 years; however, each age has two classes. They integrate the children into the young class and gradually prepare them to move with the more mature students within the year. 


If you’re considering nursery or preschool, I would highly recommend it. I believe my little Sweetie Pie has enjoyed the experience as much as we did. He looks forward to going to school each morning to see his friends and teacher. That in itself speaks volumes.

You may also like: 9 Benefits of Preschool 

Printable Father’s Day Scrapbook Pages: Best Dad Award

father's day layouts

Father’s Day is around the corner. Let dad know that he’s the best by giving him the Best Dad Award with favorite pictures of him and the kids. 


We’ve already done the work, we’ve designed these Best Dad Award pages just for you.  We’ve awarded dad with an ice cold beer and a pretzel along with trophy frames for his favorite pictures.  These layouts simply require you to add your favorite photo and print. 


Now start searching for those favorite pictures and give dad a gift that he will always remember 

Sunday’s Best – #24



Welcome to Week 24 of  Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup Our theme this week is It’s All About The Strawberry.  It’s the time of year to pick fresh strawberries from backyards and strawberry fields. If you’re like me, you will be looking for ways to use these these mouthwatering and healthy treats. We would love for you to share them on Sunday’s Best. It’s also the time of year to plant vegetables and flower gardens, open pools, fire up backyard grills, makeover outdoor spaces, and turn the kids loose in the back yard. 

We need  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.  

We would like to continue our Father’s Day posts this week and say Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads. We’re looking for stories about your dad, your husband and his relationship with your child or children, crafts, dad’s favorite dessert or dinner recipes, scrapbook ideas, cards and any other Father’s Day posts you would like to share. 

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. 

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+, PinterestBlogLovin 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. 


Mother 2 Mother Blog


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  No Bake Mini Key Lime Pies  from Spoonful of Flavor  





I selected DIY Tikie Torches –  from The Scrap Shoppe Blog 










Kim M. selected Fresh Peach Pretzel Dessert from Best of Long Island and Central Florida 

The Readers Selected: 




Strawberry Muffins from Gluten Free A-Z   

and



Condoms and Bananas from Living In Mommywood



The Favorite Theme Post 

It’s All About The Strawberries  

Chocolate Chocolate Waffles from All She Cooks 

and 

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day Gift Ideas by Ramblings of a Bad Domestic Goddess

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 On How To Pack For Vacation

Some people think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  I agree, but so is packing for a vacation.  In the past, I tried to pack everything that I owned.  For some insane reason, I really thought I needed 2 – 3 outfits per day and 10 pair of shoes.  I remember when I used to carry a garment bag.   Seriously, I had bruises on my shoulders because the bag was so heavy.  You think I would have learned, but no I didn’t pack less.  I purchased new luggage and filled that to capacity too.  Today I have travel tips on how to pack for vacation.  Lets get started!  
how to pack for vacation

 

I had the nerve to look at people at the airport and wonder how they traveled with so little.  Now I realize that they were probably looking at me and wondering why I was dragging around my closet.  Want to know what turned me around?  When I traveled for business.  I usually drove myself to the airport for business trips.  Additionally, I was on per diem when I traveled.  As a result, my company would not pay for daily parking.  So, I was forced to park in the satellite parking lot.  When you park in satellite parking, you have to take a shuttle to the terminal to catch your flight.  I soon realized that the world isn’t full of gentlemen who jump up to assist you.  No sir, I was on my own getting everything in the car, out the car, on the shuttle, off the shuttle through the airport and back into my car.
I realized that it was unnecessary for me to take so much.  I realized that I had to learn how to pack for vacation and business trips like a pro.  Have you noticed that we’re the cause of the majority of our own problems? The light bulb finally came on and I accepted that I didn’t need half of what I packed. I don’t know what took me so long, but I’m glad I arrived.
Here’s a few of my packing tips and tricks on how to pack for vacation:
1.  Make a list with 4 columns –  One column is for what I have to take like medicines, phone charger, tickets, address for the hotel/resort and confirmation numbers.  Another column is for things that I would like to take like my laptop, Kindle, camera, additional batteries etc. The third column is for activities that I have planned and the fourth column is for clothing, shoes and accessories based on what I have planned.  If I’m on vacation, I check out sights that I would like to see prior to my trip so I can plan accordingly.
2.  Assess your luggage – Most airlines will allow 2 bags on the plane.  So, I will have my tote with my laptop and another carry on. The tip here is to place your small purse into your tote.  I use a cross body bag. It holds the essentials: money, hairbrush, keys, lipstick, a credit card, drivers licence and money.  I pack a larger bag in my suitcase if needed.  If you’re checking your bag, remember the weight limit so you don’t incur additional expense.
 
3. Decide on a color theme – I lay everything that I want to take based on the activities on my list. I cut everything down to half and place the excess back into my closet and drawers.  Mixing and matching pieces has become second nature for me.  Using the same shoes, but different accessories will give you the change you need with your outfits.  For example, I take a black skirt that I can wear with 2 different blouses.  I just use different accessories.
I also pack sundresses that I can wear casually or dress up with a necklace, scarf, and cute sandals or pumps. They’re light and don’t take up much space. Leggings are great too. You can wear them under a casual dress or skirt from the above group, pair with a shirt or wear with a tee to lounge around in for the day. Throw in a few pair of shorts and tees. You can pair these with sandals.

4. Pack toiletries in zip lock bags –  Pack body wash, hand wipes, toothbrushes, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, tanning lotion etc. in gallon zip lock bags. Take extra bags with you too. I always have one handy for my wet loofah after showering the  morning on my return trip. It’s never dry enough to just toss in the luggage.  Additionally, zip lock bags are great for your lotions and wipes on the beach or by the pool.

5.  Shoes –  I take a pair of black pumps to wear if I want to dress up, a pair of walking shoes for sight seeing, and a few pair of sandals or two that will go with my final selection of clothing.

6. Neutral hat  – When I’m heading to the beach or a tropical location, I always take a neutral hat that’s made specifically for travel. I can pack it and not worry about it losing its shape or getting damaged. Make sure that it will give you UV protection that you will need as well.

7. Pack neutral custom jewelry  –  Learning how to pack for vacation includes zip lock bags.  Using zip lock bags to pack my custom jewelry allows me to see what I have.  I place the zip lock bag in a cosmetic bag for extra protection. With the exception of my rings, I do not take my gold jewelry with me.  I also don’t remove my rings when I’m traveling.

8. Take 2 swimsuits and a plastic tote – How to pack for vacation includes a tote, which I place the tote on the bottom of my suitcase.  I use the plastic tote as my beach bag. I’ve been carrying the same plastic tote for years. It can withstand the sand and I can wash it off to repack on the return trip.

9.  Pack a wrap or blanket  – I always pack a wrap or light weight blanket in my carry on.  I don’t like to be cold on my flights, so I just fold it and place it back in the bag after I land.

10.  Roll your clothes –  Roll your clothes instead of folding them. It give you more room and less wrinkles. Rolling your items in tissue paper keeps down the wrinkles too.  If you don’t want to deal with tissue paper.  Get a travel spray bottle, and fill it with Downy Wrinkle Releaser.  This stuff is great.

11. Buy sturdy luggage  –  Purchase or use luggage that can endure your flight.  Make sure your address and cell phone number are on your luggage tag.  I also tie a piece of red ribbon on the handle of my luggage. The ribbon helps me to identify it on the carousal.

 

 

I hope these tips on how to pack for vacation will help you pack more efficiently too. They certainly have helped me to keep it simple when I travel now.

You may also like:  Traveling Solo As A Female