Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

How Attract Tufted Titmouse

May 22, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Today, let’s talk about how to attract the Tufted Titmouse to your backyard. Meet my Tufted Titmouse. I love these backyard birds. They’re a beautiful gray and white with a little tuft on top of their head. They are marked with a touch of orange on their sides. They’re abundant in my backyard.

So, I keep them coming back by providing them with lots of black oil sunflower seeds. They flock with Chickadees and nuthatches. Furthermore, they are funny birds. They don’t eat directly from the feeder. No, they take their sunflower seed and crack it on a nearby branch. After they consume the seed, they head back to the feeder. I enjoy watching them cling to the smallest branches while they wait their turn at the feeder. Tufted Titmouse will eat from the platform feeder as well as the tube feeders.

How to Attract Tufted Titmouse:

The Tufted Titmouse likes to nest in holes in trees or a vacated woodpecker nest although they will also use nesting boxes. I have plenty of woodpeckers around, so they have lots of holes to nest in. They are known to pluck hair from live animals or humans for their nest. They mate for life. The male does most of the singing, but the female will sing a softer version at times. I will continue to supply black oil sunflower seeds, as they are permanent backyard residents that I can enjoy year round. Their young are ready to leave the nest in 16 days.

I’m currently having problems with Starlings devouring the sunflower seed in hours. So, I’m in the process of purchasing a new feeder and Safflower Seeds. I’m thinking about a feeder that is enclosed in a cage, so only small song birds will be able to enter and eat from it. I will be filling the other tube feeders with black oil sunflower seeds and thistle for the finches. I’ll still use my platform feeder for the cardinals, but I will be mixing in the sunflower seeds with safflower seeds as well. Cardinals love Safflower Seeds, and they will eat from the platform feeder. Squirrels and Starlings don’t like Safflower Seed. I’ll keep you posted on this change at the feeding station, and how it works out.

Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds. You may also like Suet Feeders For Backyard Birds

Wisdom Quote: You Are Powerful

May 21, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Filed Under: inspirational quotes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Life-Thoughts, quotes, wisdom quote

How To Find Mentors When Mom or Dad Is Absent

May 21, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Are you a single parent who needs to provide male or female influence for your son or daughter? I’ve bee there, and I also know that parenting is a taxing role. But one that can be rewarding too. As single parents, we worry about everything because the majority of the time we do everything. Furthermore, having daily support from dad is rare. So, we must become the back bone when it comes to raring our children. However, finding resources is imperative. Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to find mentors.

My ex-husband was involved in my daughter’s life after we divorced, but it was on his terms. His priorities were all wrong. For example, the responsibility of getting my daughter up, providing clothing, feeding her, educating her, taking her to activities and turning her into a young lady was my responsibility. For the most part, he thought if he handed over money he had done his part. As a result, I ended up divorce and making it on my own.

Regardless of whether you have a son or daughter, they will need a male influence in their life. You can and you must provide a strong male figure. Speaking from a male perspective is something we as women simply can not do. However I do have a a few tips on how I accomplished that goal and provided male role models for my daughter. Here’s a few tips on how to find mentors:

First, call a trusted family member. A sister, brother, cousin aunt or uncle who has an established a home can make great mentors. I’m sure their husband or wife would be willing to spend time talking to and teaching your child how to become a positive person in our society.

Next, contact your local Big Brother and Sister organization – They have volunteers who wish to spend time with local children. Also, one of my male employees was a volunteer for a little girl. As a matter of fact, he was a huge supporter for most of her life and is still involved now that she is an adult.

Also, church activities are great. Preferably with someone who is trustworthy. We hear so much about Catholic Priests and ministers who abuse children. Take the necessary steps, and ensure your child is around those who can truly be trusted. Predators choose churches because we as parents make the mistake of thinking that everyone is holy.

Furthermore, camps are also a good way for your child to learn about leadership from both a male and female perspective. This can be a church camp, sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or whatever organizations you can find locally.

Fathers and grandfathers have great influence on their grandchildren.

Recreational centers are another way to provide role models and mentors for your child.

Last, if you have positive nieces or nephews, have them spend quality time with your son or daughter. They will share things with each other that most won’t talk about in front of their parents. This will give your child an opportunity to hear things from a different perspective too.

In conclusion, don’t worry that your son will become a murder, rapist or bank robber because mom is not around. Don’t worry that your daughter may become promiscuous and bring home babies out of wedlock or marry the first man who comes along because dad was absent. The world is filled with people who fit into these categories who were raised in 2 parent homes. Most importantly, there are many people in the world who were raised by single parents, and they are successful.

You must talk to your child constantly, so they know what path to take and be honest. Let them know that being a single parent is not a glamorous job, but in fact hard work and you want more for them. Lead the way, they’re depending on you. We hope that you found our tips on how to find mentors helpful.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Parenting Tips Tagged With: parenting tips, positive role models, single parenting

Turn It Up Tuesday – Week 35

May 20, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Welcome to the 35th week of Turn It Up Tuesday!

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

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

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Angie from God’s Growing Garden

In addition to being our fabulous guest host this month, Angie is also an amazing blogger. With over 40 years experience gardening, cooking, baking & canning, Angie can definitely be considered somewhat of an expert in her field. Her blog, God’s Growing Garden, focuses on helping her fellow ‘backyard farmers’ and features some great blog hops including The Great Blog Train and Wake Up Wednesday Link Party. Angie is also celebrating her 3rd blogiversary with a big giveaway…make sure to sign up!

Are you interested in having your blog or website featured in this spot? Then, sponsor Turn It Up Tuesday for a month! Click here! It’s only $5 for an entire month!
Use promo code: MAYFLOWERS all month for 50% off!

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for May!

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

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

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Cindy chose Recharge Your Life: Unplug from Anni’s Bubble. “We are working hard to be unplugged in the evenings around here. My laptop no longer is a fixture on my lap in the living room while watching TV with the family. Unless I am home alone my laptop goes off at 5pm daily and I seldom check my phone, unless I get a text (since my youngest son is a missionary traveling the US, I always check my texts and phone calls). My unplugged evenings allow me to be in the moment with my family and I find I am more refreshed in the morning!”

Rhonda chose Scrapbooking (written by our very own Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise) on Katherine’s Corner. “I love preserving photos of my family and this blogger shares very creative ideas for scrapbooking those memories.”

Angie chose Turning Old Luggage Into A Works of Art from Simple Nature Decor. “I just love that suitcase planter & that is why I picked this post as my favorite this week – I’ve seen a lot of things used as planters but never a suitcase – totally original & cool!”

diy-chore-chart-blog-image-with-rounded-corners

Katie chose Work for Hire DIY Chore Chart from My Love For Words. “This is a great idea! It teaches kids about money, it gets them doing chores and helping out around the house AND its adorable! When my kiddos get a bit older, we’re going to implement this great idea! Love it!”

Rachel also chose this post. “I love how organized and cute this chore chart is! I also love that the chores can be changed out based on what it needed to be done.”

Karen chose Pretty Storage Box from Making Our Sustainable Life. “This project is very clever and something that anyone could try. Who would have thought a cardboard box could be so attractive and useful!”

Gurvy chose S’mores – 7 Recipe Variations! from Grandparents Plus. “S’mores 7 recipe variation because s’mores are my weakness so of course the picture caught my attention, the post shared beautiful yummy pics of various s’mores that are so simple to create and enjoy!”

Jillian chose Living a Minimalist Lifestyle from Snippets of Inspiration. “I chose this week’s favorite because I really want my family to start going down a path of living a minimalistic lifestyle. This post gives me good directions on how to get this started.”

Jessica chose My Grocery Shopping Time-Saving Strategy from The Brown Girl with Long Hair. “I HATE grocery shopping! Especially with a 3 year old! Yuck!! That’s why I love Courtney’s solution :)). Not only do I have to step into another grocery store again, but free delivery?!? Woo-Hoo! Thanks for the tip!”

Stacey chose Ultimate Crumb Brownies from Bakewell Junction. “Brownies happen to be one of my addictions and I love to find new ways to have them. And I have always preferred pies with a crumb topping. These look absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing!”

Ranjani chose Your Blog Needs Social Sharing Buttons from Mom Maven. “This is such a great tip and I am sure it will be of great help to new bloggers.”

Carolyn chose Old Fashioned Rhubarb Bars Recipe from Little House Living. “I chose this post as my favorite because even just the word, “rhubarb” reminds me of the fabulous desserts my grandma used to make. This dessert looks amazing, I can’t wait to try it out!”

Natasha chose How do you curb your enthusiasm? from The Brown Girl with Long Hair. “Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot curb my enthusiasm. If something is even remotely amusing, I will fall out of my chair laughing almost immediately. Plus, I’ve been told that my laugh is highly contagious, so it just makes it even worse to hurt the person’s feelings. After I laugh for about 15 minutes and finally catch my breath, I do ask for forgiveness though. If I was in this situation, I would literally pass out laughing. This is too funny! Great post Courtney!”

The post with the most clicks is Eating on a Budget from Snippets of Inspiration.

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

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And the Best of the Best is…

Recharge Your Life: Unplug from Anni’s Bubble

Eating on a Budget from Snippets of Inspiration

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

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

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Just one more thing…

Natasha at Epic Mommy Adventures has been nominated for voiceBoks Top Single Parent Blogs!!! She is in the top 50 right now, but would really appreciate your vote to help her be in the top 10!

Click here to vote for her! It would be greatly appreciated!

So now that you’ve seen the Featured and the Best of the Best, met our hosts and co-hosts, and heard about Natasha’ nomination…

let’s get started!

Show some love to your hosts and co-hosts simply by following them on social media and leaving a comment so they can follow you back.
Link up as many posts as you’d like! The more, the merrier!
Check out some of the other posts and make some new friends!

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

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

An InLinkz Link-up

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

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: social media blog linky

Inspirational Quotes: Do You Stand By Your Decisions

May 18, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Filed Under: inspirational quotes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Life-Thoughts, making decisions, quotes

How To Build A Green Bean Trellis

May 18, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Last year I used a teepee trellis for my pole beans and it worked well. So, I want to share with you How to Build a Green Bean Trellis so you have a cool trellis for your beans too. Planting both bush and pole beans were on my backyard vegetable gardening list of things to do. Well, time is not always on my side. So, I decided to go another route.

home gardening, vegetable gardens, bean trellis

I had made a trellis for my green beans in an earlier growing season. But, I decided to modify it to maximize my green bean harvest rather than plant bush beans. My goal was to add bars to the trellis teepee so I could plant beans completely around it. However, one side was left open. I wanted my grandchildren to have a seat inside of the teepee while I’m gardening. So, an adorable miniature chair will be placed inside the green bean trellis for them to sit.

Making a bean teepee can be simple and inexpensive. I used the bamboo poles from last season and cuttings from my bamboo squash trellis. I found left over string from other projects under my sink and used it to tie the smaller bars around the legs of the teepee. String is great for the tendrils of the plant to latch onto. Lowes and Home Depot sell bamboo poles that won’t break the bank if you can’t found a resource locally. The Dollar Store sells string. My brother has a yard full of bamboo, so I luck out.

Here’s what you will need to build a green bean trellis:

The poles should be 6 – 8 feet tall and you will need 4 pieces.
I used (4) 7 foot poles and 5 bars across.
1 5 ft. fence T-post
Be sure to secure the poles tightly at the top and get them deep into ground before you tie on the horizontal poles.

Here’s the steps for building a green bean trellis:

1. Tie your 4 poles at the top securely.
2. Your poles should look like A-frames.
3. Place the frames in the ground deep enough to hold them securely.
4. Tie the smaller pieces (20) across the bars to form 3 sides. Leave an opening to place a chair for the kids or spacing for growing lettuce through the summer, which requires shade. The leaves of the beans will provide the shade.
5. Plant your choice of pole beans completely around the bottom of the teepee and watch them climb.
6. Place a 5 foot garden t-post on the rear of the teepee. Re-enforce the teepee by tying string from the top of the teepee to the T-Post. This will give the teepee strength when it is covered with vines and green beans.

Last, I use Blue Lake pole beans. I believe they are more flavorful and less stringy than other beans. However, planting Jade Bush Beans along with the pole beans will prove beneficial. Also, companion plant green beans with tomatoes and cucumbers. Place your green bean teepee close to your tomatoes and cucumbers. Here’s a picture of the teepee covered with green beans. It was so heavy with beans it started to lean forward. We pulled it back and re-enforced it with a fence t-post stake in the back of the teepee.

It is now straight and loaded with enough of green beans to freeze several quarts for winter. Perfect for soup and green beans and corn.

You may also like: Using Eggshells In The Garden

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: bean pole supports, bean poles, kitchen gardening, vegetable gardens

5 Health Reasons To Garden

May 17, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Summer is around the corner and I’m looking forward to having fresh and chemical free vegetables. Backyard Vegetable Gardening has become a part of my soul. My grandfather was a gardener, and I guess it seeped into my heart when I visited his farmette during the summer. There are many reasons to garden, but the health benefits alone are a good enough reason to at least have a small garden.

Backyard Gardening

I’ve been backyard gardening for several years and wanted to share the health benefits of having a kitchen garden:

1. High In Antioxidants

Garden herbs help reduce heart attacks. Additionally, they are high in antioxidants according to Fitness Magazine. Oregano, basil, rosemary and parsley are a few of the herbs that you will find in my backyard kitchen garden. I love using oregano and basil in my sauces, parsley on potatoes and rosemary on chicken and in stuffing dishes.

2. Exercise

Having a backyard kitchen garden provides an opportunity to get moderate exercise. It required you to use your arms to rake and hoe, bend and stoop to plant vegetables, herbs and flowers. Furthermore, you stretch and use muscles that you haven’t used for some time. Personally, the first few days in my backyard garden leaves my muscles sore and helps for me get a good night’s sleep.

3. Boosts Vitamin D

Sunshine is the best way to boost Vitamin D intake. I could be in my garden for an hour or two several days a week. So, I wear a sunhat and plenty of sunscreen while gardening. Bug spray helps too.

4. Reduces Stress

Gardening reduces the Cortisol level, which is produced when you’re feeling stressed. Pulling weeds and nurturing your backyard garden plants can be therapeutic. It provides an opportunity to clean your head, think about life and make future plans.

5. Better Nutrition

Home grown vegetables, herbs and fruits provide better nutrition and are more flavorful than most store produce. Most importantly, my backyard garden is organic. No harmful chemicals are used in our around my garden.

So, home grown herbs and vegetables have become an important staple in my home. Additionally, I look forward to picking fresh lettuce, tomatoes and herbs for my dishes And, preserving them for use during the winter. The flavor versus what is purchased in a grocery store is beyond comparison. I enjoy walking into my garden and retrieving peppers and tomatoes straight from the vine when I’m cooking. The fresh herbs provide a wonderful enhancement to sauces, stuffing and salads. Fresh cucumbers straight from the vine, basil and spring water makes a refreshing drink on hot summer days.

Start planting and reap these health benefits as well as a new found flavor and perspective on fruits and vegetables. Start with container gardening. Plant a few herbs and tomatoes in containers, and than start planning for next year’s raised bed or roll gardens.

Inspirational Quotes: My Destiny

May 14, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

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

Turn It Up Tuesday – Week 34

May 13, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

What did you moms out there do today? We’d love to hear it! Share it here on Turn It Up Tuesday!

Welcome to the 34th week of Turn It Up Tuesday!
Thanks so much to everyone that joins us each week and makes this blog hop the best that it could be!

SPONSOR OF THE MONTH

Angie from God’s Growing Garden

Welcome the lovely ladies of Turn It Up Tuesday!

Unfortunately, Angel has left us as a co-host due to her hectic schedule…and we can completely understand! We look forward to having her back…and soon! Love ya Angel!

And welcome our awesome guest hosts for May!

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

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

Here are the Featured posts from last week!

Debbie chose Five things I would rather do than fold laundry from The Brown Girl with Long Hair. “I love this post because I can relate completely. It seems laundry is never ending and I want to run away and do anything but look at it or think about it.”

Angie chose Homestead Tips on Tuesday: Heed the Frost Date from The (mis)Adventures of a “Born Again” Farm Girl. “I have had to learn the hard way by not heeding the Frost Date & losing tender seedlings. If you are a gardener this date is essential for successful crops.”

Cindy chose The Day My Husband Was Drafted into the NFL from The Brown Girl with Long Hair. “I am a football fan and we have watched the draft for years. I found it interesting to read the story from someone who has been there. I can’t imagine the emotions and stress of having your career path being defined in such a way.”

Carolyn chose Jewelry Storage and Organization from Woods of Bell Trees. “I thought it was a really creative, lovely way to store your jewelry.”

Ranjani chose Cherry Lemonade Jello Popsicles from Organzier by Day. “I found this simple yet refreshing. It is definitely on my to-do list for this summer now.Cant wait to have a summer party with these cute lil popsicles.”

Jillian chose DIY Wood Photography Background from Sew Crafty Cat. “I chose this post because it is a brilliant idea for those of us who get involved in any sort of crafts that need pictures. Plus, it’s not something I’ve seen done before.”

Karen also chose DIY Wood Photography Background from Satisfaction through Christ. “I love this project, it’s so simple yet so effective as a background. I am in need of something like this, so it’s given me food for thought.”

April chose Self-fulfilling Prophecy from Blossom Family. “Being a parent, can often drive you crazy. Once the child starts behaving in a certain way, you start to attribute that trait to them (i.e., he often doesn’t listen, therefore he’s a “bad listener”). But you know what, Marwa tells us about how we can change how we see it and how it can change them too.”

Stacey chose Fruit Pudding Salad from Mommy on Demand. “This looks absolutely delicious! I am always looking for cool treats to combat the hot summer months. I will definitely be adding this to my recipe list! Thanks for sharing!”

Rachel chose The Little Moments – Transforming Ordinary Moments Into Unforgettable Memories from Satisfaction through Christ. “I love her perspective and how she takes a chore and changes it into a cherished moment. I enjoyed reading her story because it reminded me how much I treasure those little moments with my son.”

Katie chose DIY Map Art from Satisfaction through Christ. “I love the colors she used for the map and frame, and the stenciled burlap makes a great background! I also LOVE maps, and have yet to decorate with them (but that just might change soon, as Abby has my DIY mind going now). I think it would also be fun to paint your home state in an accent color, too! Great project!”

Rhonda chose My Child’s Education Is Not Your Fall Back Degree from British Mum USA. “A mother discusses her displeasure of our educational system, and the fact that is seen by many as a fall back career if they’re unsuccessful in their chosen occupation.”

Natasha chose Time Management for Bloggers Part 1-Writing from Mom Maven. “I have been working on managing my time better everyday. With all of the things that I’m juggling, time management is an important factor for me. Great post!”

The post with the most clicks is Free 20 Page Blog Planner Printable Pack from The Organized Dream.