Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #180

June 23, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 9 Comments

Welcome to Week 181 of Sunday’s Best. We’re continuing our Let Freedom Ring theme. So we’re looking for all things red, white and blue to celebrate the 4th of July and patriotism. Recipes, crafts, games, gift ideas, tools, tablescapes and more. So blow the dust off those old posts that you might have that will help us celebrate our nation’s Independence Day.

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

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

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Additionally, a post for our Monthly Themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

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

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

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

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

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

Rhonda selected Fresh Fruit Ice Cream and Sorbets from Gluten Free with Judee

Kim selected Patriotic Lei Wreath from Across the Blvd.

patriotic wreath

Brittany selected Repurposed Curb Side Find from Fresh Vintage by Lisa

The Post with the Most Clicks

Patriotic Snack Mix from Play Dates to Parties

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Let Freedom Ring

Patriotic Backyard Activities from Busy Being Jennifer

and

Patriotic Pinwheel Wreath from Coffee Cookies and Crafts

Last, congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week! Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media.

An InLinkz Link-up

Thinking Beyond Sunscreen: 3 Ways to Protect Your Skin at the Beach

June 22, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

The 2018 summer season is expected to be hotter than normal in most parts of the country. As a result, families will be finding ways to cool down and seek some relief from the scorching heat. One way to do this is to go to the beach. Not only do kids have fun playing in the sand and surf, but adults get to relax and work on their tan. Additionally, they may take a dip every now and then to cool off. However, while you’re having fun in the sun, it’s important to protect your skin. Especially, if you’ll be staying all day at the beach.

While most adults take active measures to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, there are other things that you can do to care for your skin and keep it healthy while you’re outdoors. You’ll need more than a bottle of sunscreen to protect our skin though. So, here are the 3 things to bring to the beach to care for your and your children’s skin.

A Sweat-Proof Sunscreen Stick

Getting excited children to sit still while you reapply sunscreen can be a challenge. As a result, stashing one or two sweat-proof sunscreen sticks in your tote bag is a must before heading to the beach. With just a few swipes, you can get the entire face protected. Furthermore, it stays on longer than conventional sunscreens. This is ideal way to protect your skin if you’re going to play watersports or beach volleyball.

Apart from helping to avoid getting sunburn, applying a good coat of sweat-proof sunscreen also prevents you from getting Actinic Keratosis. Actinic Keratosis is a pre-cancerous condition that appears as small, red, and flaky patches on the skin. If you’ve been spending lots of days in the sun and see this type of spots, you can get professional treatment to restore the health of your skin. Skin care is important throughout the year, but when the sun’s out, the risks increase.

All-Natural Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera has long been used as a natural way to soothe sunburned skin. But, it can be difficult to bring to the beach. The good news is that there are lots of readily-available Aloe Vera gels available on the market. And, most of them cost less than $5 for a small tub or tube. However, check the ingredients list first to see if what you’re buying is the real deal. Make sure that Aloe Vera is the very first thing that’s listed. Also, keep in mind that the first thing on the list is the most potent ingredient.

If you truly want pure aloe gel, you can make your own by pureeing the flesh of several aloe leaves in a blender. Add a teaspoon of Vitamin E if you want your gel to have additional moisturizing properties. Pour into a clean plastic container with a screw top lid and place in the refrigerator—the watery mixture will turn into a gel after a few hours.

A Lip Balm with SPF

That cherry-flavored lip balm might taste good, but you and your kids may be better off choosing a formula with SPF. Especially, if you’re spending a day at the beach. However, you don’t have to pick a plain variant. A balm formulated with mint will feel soothing on the lips. Also, a lip balm with a hint of tint makes you look healthy and naturally beautiful too. Each member of the family should have their own lip balm as any product that touches the lips can be a source of infections such as the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

Keeping the entire family’s skin protected at the beach is a cinch. So, make sure you have the right products on hand. It’s imperative that you bring all three of these suncare staples to the beach to protect your skin properly. You can have fun times under the sun without risking your skin health.

Filed Under: Health, Parenting Tips Tagged With: beach safety, beach skin protection, beach tips

13 Fun and Healthy Apple Snacks for Kids

June 17, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on healthy apple snacks for kids. So, finding healthy snacks that kids will eat can be daunting. My granddaughter loves green apples. She will eat red apples, but Granny Smith green apples are her favorite for sure. Personally, I love Honey Crisp.

Unfortunately, kids can find food boring. As a result, I try to make fun food. I’m not an artistic person, so I look for healthy and happy foods that I can make without too trouble. Feel free to modify them, I do.

Here’s my Healthy Apple Snacks:

Pair these healthy apple snacks for kids with my A is for Apple activities. They’re a great way to entertain the kids this summer, and keep their education going.

Apple Crab – First, that apple crab is adorable. Unfortunately, there was no link associated with it. It doesn’t look difficult. Slice a red apple in half. Insert 2 chocolate chips or attach 2 raisins with peanut butter. Slice the other half of the apple to make the legs.

Apple Snail – Unfortunately, the apple snail didn’t have a link associated with it either. It does contain the directions on the Pinterest picture. It looks like the most difficult task will be the design on the apple.

Apple Ladybugs – Next, this apple is healthy and cute. Red apples, pretzel sticks, raisins and peanut butter will have you on your way to creating this healthy apple snacks.

Apple Boats – So, these boats are the perfect apple snacks for kids. Apples, peanut butter, a cheese sail and a Rice Krispies boat is are all you need to turn snack time into fun time.

Wise Ole Owl – Who wouldn’t want to eat this apple owl to help generate some brain power. Furthermore, the green apples, a pretzel rod, marshmallows, chocolate chips and either cheese or oranges for the feet and beak are the ingredients for this adorable snack.

Chocolate Covered Apples – So, these chocolate covered apples look yummy. You can cover them with nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy. Use your imagine to make these healthy apple snacks for kids.

Apple Cookies – My granddaughter loves green apples and peanut butter, so they will go on my snack list. Add chocolate chips or raisins to the apples and peanut butter and you are good to go.

Ant Apple – Ant Apple I think? Whatever it is, it’s adorable. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a link for it. It doesn’t look difficult to make. Red and green apples for the body and wings and creativity for the eyes. Large candy eyes would be perfect and black licorice for the mouth.

Peanut Butter Frogs – So, what’s a summer vacation with an apple snack frog. Easy to make too, green apples, peanut butter, raisins and a slice of strawberry.

Ninja Turtle Apples – Fun and easy to make. My granddaughter is a big Ninja Turtle fan. Ralph who wears the red mask is her favorite. You can get the large candy eyes here (affiliate link). Walmart has a great selection of Betty rocker’s Fruit by the Foot in Different colors. I’ve seen purple, red, blue. Not sure about the orange.

Caramel Apples – Try this caramel apple snacks for kids. You can use red or green apples, caramel and nuts to make this yummy treat. Reminds me of the carnival in my small home town during the summer.

Cinnamon Apple Snacks – If healthy snacks are high on your list, you kids will love these baked cinnamon apple slices. Great snack ideas for big kids too.

Apple Nachos – Who said nachos have to consist of chips and cheese? These apple nachos are covered with peanut butter, caramel, and chocolate chips.

We hope that you find a few healthy snacks for your kids. Be sure to check out our A is for Apple Activities too.

Filed Under: Meal Time, Parenting Tips Tagged With: apple recipes, fun kid's food, healthy snacks, kids food ideas

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #179

June 16, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 6 Comments

Welcome to Week 179 of Sunday’s Best. We are beginning our Let Freedom Ring theme this week. So we’re looking for all things red, white and blue to celebrate the 4th of July and patriotism. Recipes, crafts, games, gift ideas, tools, tablescapes and more. So blow the dust off those old posts that you might have that will help us celebrate our nation’s Independence Day.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

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

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

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

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

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

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

Rhonda selected Frozen Strawberry Basil Margaritas from Dizzy, Busy and Hungry

Kim selected No Cook Summer Recipes from The Kitchen

Brittany selected Anti-Aging Berry Breakfast Smoothie from Ask Dr. Ho

The Post with the Most Clicks

Amazing Wall DIYs from Just Measuring Up

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day Fedora from Sew Crafty Crochet

and

10 Times Dads are Better from My Stay at Home Adventures

An InLinkz Link-up

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

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #178

June 9, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 8 Comments

Welcome to Week 178 of Sunday’s Best. This is the last week of our Happy Father’s Day theme. So, we’re looking for all things dad. Recipes, crafts, games, tablescapes, and more. So, blow the dust off those old recipes, crafts, and any other posts that will help us celebrate and remember our heroes.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

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

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

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

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

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

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

Rhonda selected Why I Love My Sliding Barn Door from Create and Babble

Kim selected 50 Cake Mix Cookie Recipes from 3 Boys and a Dog

cookie recipes

Brittany selected Summer Bucket List from The Mandatory Mooch

The Post with the Most Clicks

Wire Spool Coffee Table from Penny’s Vintage Home

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Happy Father’s Day

Top 6 Things to Get Your Husband for First Father’s Day from Life in a House

and

Dad Mows Best Hat from Scrappe Play Dates to Parties

An InLinkz Link-up

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

10 Natural Ways To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

June 5, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

One of the biggest concerns for new mothers is whether they are producing enough milk for their baby. Luckily, a low milk supply can easily be remedied by following a few simple steps. The following is a list of the ten things every breastfeeding mom should know about to increase your breast milk supply. The inclusion of a supplement into your routine could help you make a dramatic difference to the amount of milk your body produces. For more information about supplements that can help you to increase your supply, the review site Research and You is a great first stop to look at what is out there. This is an excellent resource for people who are looking for reviews to compare the latest products. Most importantly, discuss any concerns or products with your doctor before use.

Skin To Skin Contact

One of the best things you can do for yourself and for your baby is to keep them close. Studies have shown that skin to skin contact can dramatically increase your milk supply. Not only is it comforting for your baby, but it also triggers the release of hormones such as endorphins and dopamine which support breastfeeding. Also, drink plenty of water

Dehydration can have a significant impact on the amount of milk your body produces. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers drink at least ten glasses of water each day to ensure an adequate supply. Breast milk is primarily made from the mother’s blood so it is vitally important to keep fluid intake high.

Include The Right Vitamins And Minerals In Your Diet

Unfortunately, most people are not getting enough nutrients from the food they eat. For breastfeeding moms, it is even more important that you are getting the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and folic acid. These nutrients are important because they nourish your body meaning you are able to produce nutritious milk for your baby.

Try Taking Fenugreek

The oil present in fenugreek seeds is often revered for its incredible ability to support the mother’s body to produce more milk. Mothers who regularly use fenugreek often report an increase of up to 900% in the amount of milk they are producing. An easy way to include fenugreek into your diet is by taking a supplement.

Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is probably one of the easiest things you can do to increase your breast milk supply for your baby. Your baby will be able to feed on demand, you will both be more comfortable and you will be able to get more sleep. The more stimulation your breasts receive the more milk they produce to keep up with the needs of your baby.

Brewer’s Yeast

This healthy natural supplement is safe for mothers to take while breastfeeding. Brewer’s yeast is naturally high in vitamin B, protein and iron. These are all nutrients that your body needs to make milk. Additionally, many people believe that taking brewer’s yeast can alleviate fatigue and symptoms of depression. People who regularly use this supplement also say that the condition of their hair and skin improve after continued use.

Have Oats For Breakfast

Studies have shown that oats are a powerful galactagogue. In other words, this is a food which stimulates and increases the flow of milk. Additionally, oats are high in iron, zinc, manganese, and calcium. It is an excellent source of fiber and it contains plant estrogen. Plant estrogen has been found to stimulate breast tissue and increase your breast milk supply.

Avoid Formula Top-Ups

Giving your baby additional bottles of formula when you think you do not have enough milk for your baby could be the beginning of a low supply spiral. Formula leaves babies feeling fuller for longer than breastmilk does as your baby can not metabolize it as quickly as your milk. So your baby is not hungry as often which means that you are not putting your baby to the breast as often and so your body begins to make less milk. Although no one wants their baby to go hungry, formula should only be seen as a last option.

Trust Your Body

Stressing over the amount of milk you are producing will not increase your supply. Rather focus on things that you can do to boost your milk supply and remember that the sole purpose of your breasts is to feed your baby. Your body knows what to do and with adequate support, you will increase your breast milk supply in no time.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: breast feeding tips, nursing mothers, nursing tips

13 Places You Can Donate Old Books

June 4, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 6 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on places to donate books. If you have tons of books stashed in your basement or attic, this post is for you. Especially, books that have been sitting in boxes collecting dust for years. If your children have outgrown many of their books, they can benefit others. There are non-profit organizations that would love to have your used books. Yes, they will send them to third world countries to under privileged children, Vietnam Vets and more.

Places to Donate Old Books:

Books for Soldiers – First, both Books for Soldiers and Operation Paperback connect volunteers directly with soldiers stationed overseas who have requested specific book titles or genres. But, you are responsible for shipping the books overseas. The average cost is approximately $20 per care package. Add in a few homemade cookies or letters, cards or pictures drawn by your kids.
Books for Africa – Second, Books for Africa collects, sorts, ships, and distributes books to students of all ages in Africa with the goal of ending the book famine. Children’s books are a perfect donation.
Kids Need to Read – Fortunately, Kids Need to Read provides books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States. The books provide reading opportunities for disadvantaged children. Like new books are always welcome.
Donation Town – Additionally, Donation Town helps charities and donors connect. They pick-up your donations, and distribute them to charities in needs. Just enter your zip code on the Donation Town website, and schedule a pickup. Pickup may not be available in all areas.
Day Care Centers – Contact your local day cares or After School Programs to see if they need books.
Vietnam Veterans of America – Also, Vietnam Veterans of America is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of veterans. Contact your local office for needs and pick-up.
Books to Prisons – Next, volunteer-run nonprofits like Books Through Bars and Books to Prisoners connect your old books with incarcerated individuals across the country. The program has hopes of fostering a love of reading behind bars and breaking the cycle of recidivism through education and empowerment.
Books Through Bars – In addition, Books Through Bars works to provide quality reading material to prisoners in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. If you live in Pennsylvania or the surrounding area, this is a good charity to contact.
Women’s Shelters – Women’s Shelters always need donations. As a result, contact your local Women’s or Men’s Shelters to see if they would like to receive old book donations. Many Women’s Shelter’s have mothers who have their children with them. So, they take children’s books too.
Goodwill – Next, Goodwill is one of my favorite stores. I browse their book section to find books for my grandchildren. I can always find a book or two for my thrift haul. Most importantly, Goodwill provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs. The training helps people who have barriers preventing them from obtaining a job.
Salvation Army – Additionally, the Salvation Army is another one of my favorite thrift stores. They have a great book section in their resell stores too. Proceeds from their stores are used to fund Rehabilitation Centers. The Rehabilitation Centers help people who are in the grips of addiction to find help, hope, and a second chance at life.
Habitat for Humanity – Habitat for Humanity has resell stores, so inquire as to whether they are in need of books. Unfortunately, the Habitat for Humanity store that I visit always has a small selection of books. Donating could really help them out. Maybe your local store is in need too.
Local Libraries – Last, most libraries have a Friends of the Library Society. They accept Like New or Gently Used Books for fundraisers/resell for the local library. So, contact your local library for information.

Finally, every charity needs certain types of books. So, you may have to donate to more than one organization to get rid of your entire stash. Check with each charity to determine what their needs are before making a trip to drop the books off or arranging a pickup.

Filed Under: Organization Tagged With: book activities, book donations, charities, fundraising ideas

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #177

June 2, 2018 by Rhonda Gales 10 Comments

Welcome to Week 177 of Sunday’s Best. We’re continuing our Happy Father’s Day theme this week. So, we’re looking for all things dad. Recipes, crafts, games, tablescapes, and more. So, blow the dust off those old recipes, crafts, and any other posts that will help us celebrate and remember our heroes.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

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

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

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

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

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

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

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

Rhonda selected How to Make the Ultimate Red, White and Blue Milkshake from Celebrating Every Day Life

Kim selected Potting Shed Makeover from Scrap Shop Blog

Garden Shed Updates

Brittany selected Kale Zebra Cupcakes from Sew Historically

The Post with the Most Clicks

9 Ways Busy Moms Make Time to Read from Blessed Simplicity

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Happy Father’s Day

First Father’s Day with Shutterfly from The Style Safari

and

Father’s Day Crab Feast from Play Dates to Parties

and

Words for Father’s Day from Water Cress Words

An InLinkz Link-up

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

Unique and Thoughtful House Warming Gift Ideas

June 2, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

house warming gift ideas

When your friends or relatives move into home, it is always nice to present them with a housewarming gift. Especially, a gift that will show that you have put a lot of thought into it. Unless they have specifically requested a gift card, giving one may show last minute shopping or little thought. So, make sure that your gift shows how much you care. Here are a few house warming gift ideas:

Inscribed Decanter

For those homeowners who enjoy relaxing with a nice drink, a beautiful decanter with a personal inscription would be a good gift idea. You could write a message like ‘Good luck in your new home’ and the date below it so that they can always remember the date that they moved into their home.

Shot glasses are great warming gift ideas. Furthermore, a set of nice shot glasses, along with an LSA shot glasses warmer is perfect. If your friend is a tequila fan then this could be the perfect gift.

Cutlery Set

Determine if they have replaced their cutlery set recently. If possible, find out the style and colors of their new dining room. Try to select a cutlery set that will go nicely in the new place. You can even get a black cutlery that looks sleek or a mirror-finish copper set. These sets make great house warming gifts. Matching tableware is a great option too.

Luxury Food Hamper/Basket

Moving can be a very stressful time. Doing the usual tasks like grocery shopping are going to be difficult while moving from one place to the other. As a result, give a hamper/basket filled with some nice food and drinks. A nice bottle of wine with two glasses will also go over well.

Buying their favorite foods will also show that you have put thought into making a personalized basket. A luxury hamper from a store will make a perfect house warming gift.

Personalized Bathrobes

Buy a personalised bathrobe with their name stitched across the front. If possible, purchase matching personalized robes for the entire family. A fluffy bathrobe is the ideal house warming gift.

Candles and Infusers

Help make their new home feel familiar with scented candles. Either candles or infusers help make the home smell heavenly,

Alexa (Amazon Echo)

For the homeowners that enjoy technology, give them an Amazon Echo. If the house is fitted with smart appliances then this will be a particularly useful gift. They can control their appliances through voice control. Furthermore, they can ask Alexa to play some music while they’re unpacking boxes or enjoying a glass of wine.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts, Shopping Tips Tagged With: gift ideas, house warming gifts

Letter A Activities – A is for Apple Activities

May 31, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Warm weather has arrived, and gardeners will be planting fresh herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and other fresh produce. I love teaching my grandchildren about different fruits and vegetables, and how they grow. My grandchildren are as a different as night and day. One loves fruits and vegetables, the other not so much. So, we have to be creative in getting him to eat vegetables. It’s important to be able to feed them healthy foods. Growing them is just as important. I believe that if we educate and involve children in preparing food, they’ll be more receptive to eating it.

I’ve developed a series of coloring sheets, writing challenges and other facts about various fruits and veggies. Our first letter is A. A is for Apple. Coloring is fun, and very relaxing. I admit that I enjoy coloring with my granddaughter. Furthermore, we have this beautiful coloring sheet to start off our Fruits and Vegetables series. You can download the coloring page here.

We’ve added a writing sheet so preschoolers and kindergarteners can practice their writing skills. Additionally, we added a few facts about apples. I suggest taking your child to a farmer’s market and showing them the various types of apples. Hopefully, they will have samples. There are 7,500 varieties of apples in the world. April and May are great times to visit orchards when the trees are blooming. You will find a wonderful display of pink and white blooms for miles. We have a week-end of Apple Blossom celebrations in my area. There’s 2 nights of parades, carnivals, food vendors, a circus and the list goes on. This is a picture of one of the apples trees in bloom at one of our local farmer’s markets. The blooms are transitioning from pink to white.

Additionally, a trip to a local orchard while the apples are being picked and placed in crates makes a nice lesson for the children too. Most orchards have signs indicating what type of apples are planted in each area.

We have another activity, Lets Bake a Pie maze. This activity requires the child to take the apple to the pie. If they love apple pie, reward them with a slice when they’re successful.

We’ve also included the Top US Apples in the United States. The goal is to unscramble the names. An answer key is included. Discuss characteristics of each apple variety. Additionally, we’ve included facts about U.S. apples. The activities are great for homeschooling or additional educational activities at home.

You will also find tracing and writing activities. Great for preschool and kindergarteners. You can download the activities sheets here.

Filed Under: Kid's Printables Tagged With: homeschooling, kindergarten activities, preschool activities

Thinking Beyond Sunscreen: 3 Ways to Protect Your Skin at the Beach

13 Fun and Healthy Apple Snacks for Kids

Here’s my Healthy Apple Snacks:

10 Natural Ways To Increase Your Breast Milk Supply

13 Places You Can Donate Old Books

Places to Donate Old Books:

Unique and Thoughtful House Warming Gift Ideas

Letter A Activities – A is for Apple Activities

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