Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

Why Am I Thankful For the Stumbles In My Life

November 12, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Thanksgiving is upon us. This time of year I slow down and take inventory of everything that I’m thankful for and why I’m thankful. I strive to give thanks throughout the year, but I know that I don’t sing praises as often as I should. When I started to write my list this week, I found that I was thankful for my stumbles.

Most people would find stumbles a strange thing to be thankful for. The definition of stumble is to trip or momentarily lose one’s balance; to almost fall. There have been times when I’ve stumbled and was able to catch myself or regain my balance. Other times, I hit the dirt, floor or whatever was beneath me.

So, why am I thankful for the stumbles in my life. Because the stumbles have contributed to who I am and where I am today. Stumbling is a part of the journey in this thing called life. Those stumbles and failures caused me to have to get back up, brush myself off and try again. You can’t reach the finish line of life without stumbling along the way. When I look back on my stumbles, I think about my attempt to walk in high heels. When I first started wearing them, I had to practice walking in them. I practiced, and eventually I became a master. As a matter of fact, I can still wear them. They may not be 4 – 5 inches at this point in my life, but I can still rock 2 – 3 inch heels.

I can also relate my stumbles to learning how to walk. I don’t remember learning to walk, but I do remember my daughter. When she was first learning how to walk, she stumbled a lot. However, she reached a point where she figured out how to pull herself up and made another attempt at walking. She saw the goal, and she was determined to reach it. Sometimes the goal was a doll, a treat or me reaching out to her. She saw walking as a means to get from Point A to Point B.

As a result, she learned to hold on to the tables, chairs or sofa. Whatever she could grab to steady herself when she needed to, she took advantage of. If there was nothing available, she learned to stop in her tracks so she could steady herself before she proceeded. Eventually, she was able to reach her goals without losing her balance.

The same technique applies to life’s journey. Another reason I am thankful for my stumbles is because our walk through life requires us to stumble so we can grow. We become stronger in our purpose and learn along the way. It requires us to assess our goal, steady ourselves when we become unbalanced, or pick ourselves up when we hit the ground. Why am I thankful for my stumbles? Because they have helped me learn the following:

Endurance – Staying the course until I reached the goal.

Strength – I am thankful for never giving up, even when I thought I couldn’t go on. My stumbles strengthen me and have made me a stronger person.

Compassion – Being able to relate to other’s struggles and misfortunes because I have stumbled, has taught me compassion.

Empathy – Over the years I have learning to understand and relate to the feelings of others. When you stumble, there are tons of emotions that go along with the struggle. I learned that I wasn’t the only person who has stumbled or who is stumbling. As a result, you learn to listen and empathize with others.

Determination – Adopting an attitude of never giving up. Determination is needed to live, love and learn.

Knowledge – Learning from the stumble. Why, how I regained my balance, and how I reached my goal in spite of the stumble(s).

Appreciation – You learn to appreciate everything you have because of the stumbles and struggles. You learn to embrace them all, because they are a part of your story.

So, why am I thankful for my stumbles? Many of us are embarrassed or ashamed of what we have gone through in life. Because I am thankful for my stumbles, I no longer feel ashamed. I encourage you to also embrace your stumbles and struggles. They are a part of your story.

Ask yourself, why am I thankful for my stumbles? Make a list of them and be sure to give thinks for your journey. You can download the worksheet here. You may also like: 6 Tips to Boost Your Self-Esteem.

Filed Under: Empowerment, Faith Tagged With: self improvement, self-confidence, women's self help

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #150

November 11, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 14 Comments

Welcome to Week 150 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re continuing our Stuffed Turkey theme this week. We’re looking for Thanksgiving crafts, recipes, decorating idea, mantel displays and more.

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.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!
The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

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

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

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 Be Thankful Door Sign from Blowing Away Out West

Kim selected Thankful Pumpkin from Burlap and Blue

Brittany selected School Paper Organizer from Simply Zal

The Post with the Most Clicks

Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains from Life of 2 Snowbirds

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Stuffed Turkey

Handmade Turkey from Purple Hues and Me

A Gathering of Gentlemen Thanksgiving Tablescape from The Sweet Sensation

and

Thanksgiving Place Cards from Just Measuring Up

and

Thanksgiving I Spy Games – Grandma Ideas

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; you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

An InLinkz Link-up

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

How to Enhance Conception: 5 Lifestyle Changes

November 9, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Conception can be tricky sometimes. Trying to get pregnant can be a hassle at times. Our bodies are not created equally, and may take extra work to get there for some.

When it comes to conception, most of us disregard important lifestyle choices. This includes diets, habits, lack of exercise, vitamin intake and so on. Not only do these factors improve overall health in both men and women, but they also regulate bodily functions, general mental health and promote fertility.

If you are having difficulties trying to conceive, here are a few lifestyle changes to enhance conception:

Keep a Healthy Diet

Keeping a healthy diet and maintaining a normal body weight is crucial. Especially, when you’re trying to conceive. For example, being overweight can impair your insulin. Which also interfers with your normal production of egg cells. So, you need to consider all the factors that might interfere with your hormonal balance and could possibly prevent you from ovulating.

Next, don’t assume that men have a free pass when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight directly hampers testicles and can lead to poor sperm production. Also, excessive fat contributes to high estrogen levels and low testosterone levels. This can impact sperm growth.

Numerous studies have linked processed meat with poor semen quality. Consider this: according to a Harvard School of Public Health study, women who had the highest intake of animal protein were 39% more likely to struggle with infertility. Whereas women who held a plant-based protein diet were substantially less likely to suffer from infertility.

If you want to promote fertility, try removing processed foods from your diet. Replace one or two meals per day with vegetable-based proteins. However, stay away from soy since it has a high concentration of estrogen. Choose beans, chickpeas, lentils, mushrooms, nuts and broccoli. Additionally, swap that bag of chips with a bowl of roasted almonds.

You should also cut back on trans fats (replace butter with avocado or high quality extra virgin olive oil), coffee, and alcohol. Drink lots of water, and most importantly give up smoking.

Exercise

What is a healthy diet without exercise? Being active not only improves your overall quality of life, it helps keep your weight under control. Also, it enhances your mood and regulates your bodily functions. Working out lowers your risk of heart diseases, improves your circulation, tones your body, and alleviates depression. Most importantly, an active lifestyle lowers the risk of ovulatory infertility in women.

According to www.dunyaivf.com, people who want to conceive should watch their weight and live an active lifestyle. These two simple changes alone could significantly impact your chances of conceiving.

Get to Know Your Cycle

In order to enhance conception, you must understand how your cycle works. It is essential if you are looking to conceive. The first day of normal flow represents day one of your menstrual cycle. Most women who have a normal cycle of 28 to 30 days ovulate around 13 to 14 days before their next period.

Using an over-the-counter ovulatory kit can be extremely useful. Especially, if you have an irregular cycle and are not sure when ovulation will occur. The kit will let you know 12 to 24 hours in advance when your chances of conceiving are the highest.

Once the kit turns positive, have sex that same night and the following two. Be aware that sperm has a longer life-span than an egg cell. Hence, good advice would be to start having intercourse five days before you start to ovulate.

Useful signals that can tell if you are ovulating are abdominal cramping and clear vaginal discharge that resembles the consistency of an egg white.

Use a Sperm-Friendly Lubricant

Many over-the-counter lubricants contain spermicides such as nonoxynol-9, which decrease sperm motility and affect conception. Look for a sperm-friendly lubricant that will facilitate the process instead of hindering it.

Relax and Meditate

Another way to enhance conception, is to learn how stress can affect you. Couples that are trying to conceive tend to become more stressed, worried and anxious. If you feel like stress is affecting your health or your relationship, try talking to a therapist or counselor. Activities that relieve stress and help you get more in tune with your mind and body are yoga, meditation, and massage.

Lifestyle changes alone might may not help with conceiving if you or your partner is suffering from a medical condition. If you have tried to get pregnant for more than one year or you are over 35 years old, you may want to check with a doctor for fertility tests.

If you are having problems conceiving, we hope that you try a few of our suggestions to enhance conception .

Filed Under: Empowerment, Pregnancy-New Mom Tagged With: concept techniques, pregancies, pregnancy expections

Gift Ideas for Pets: Holiday Edition

November 9, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

If only you could ask your four-legged family members exactly what’s on their holiday wish list. Luckily, there’s a good amount of empirical evidence that they’re partial to treats. Furthermore, cozy places to snooze and games that channel their sense of fun. We’ve compiled a few gift ideas for pets that will help you show them your love:

Give your cat a spa treatment

With this facial massage roller. It’s specially-designed for kitties.

A pet-loving pinch-hitter for when you’re not around

Also known as a Rover.com pet sitter. Hate leaving your four-legged friend at home alone during the day? Hire a Rover sitter to take your pup for a walk, provide daycare, or even take them in for a weekend. There’s nothing your little love digs as much as attention. Well, maybe treats, but we’ll get to that later. So, during the times when you won’t be available, treat them to some extra love, exercise, and care from the experienced, thoroughly-vetted pet sitters at Rover.

A cozy new bed or blanket

Additional gift ideas for pets is to make a customized bed or blanket. You can match it to your decor, the season, or whatever pattern or color your heart desires. Purchase super soft fleece from your local craft or fabric store. Cut two pieces the size you’d like the bed or blanket to be. Next, cut fringe-like slits all around the border. To make it into a bed, insert a pillow between the two pieces, then tie corresponding fringe pieces from each fabric piece together. To make it a blanket, simply tie together without the stuffing.

Catnip bubbles

Sounds too good to be true when it comes to kitty entertainment, but these bubbles combine the irresistible combination of catnip scent with the fun of bubbles, meaning you get to drive your cat crazy as they bat away at the smell of their favorite treats.

We hope you enjoyed our gift ideas for pets suggestions, and you will choose 1 or 2 ideas your pet or as a gift.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Pets Tagged With: family pets, gifts for pets, holiday gifts for pets

Smoky Mountains Vacation Tips

November 5, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 5 Comments

Looking for a great fall get away? I have Smoky Mountains vacation tips that you can’t resist. The Smoky Mountains have been added to my annual travel destinations. They have become a part of my heart and soul. I spent a week there several years ago, and fell in love. I’ll be heading back annually, and staying for two weeks when I can. Dolly Parton and other western singers praise the Smoky Mountains; I understand why. They are truly one of the most beautiful creations on God’s green earth. It’s a great place for a family destination or weekend get away.

Smoky Mountains Vacation Tips

I stay at the Fairfield Glade Wyndham when I’m in the area, which is approximately 60 minutes west of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. The Fairfield Glade Wyndham is located in a retirement community. It sits on 12,700 beautiful, wooded acres with a marina nearby. Since I’ve joined the retiree club, it’s perfect for me.

There plenty of amenities, which includes a marina, indoor/outdoor pools, several lakes and golf courses. There’s a 36-hole and three 18-hole golf courses. They are listed among Golf Digest’s 75 best resort courses in America. There are daily activities sponsored by the resort and a concierge to assist you with other activities. You will also find walking trails and tennis courts. The marina has a variety of boats available for your pleasure, and provides an opportunity for a great photo opp.

Additionally, there’s a community center where the kids can play basketball, an arts and crafts center, a game room, and a media center. There’s a post office, gift store and a Kroger’s grocery store located on the premises too. With views like this, it makes a fall trip so worth it. Don’t forget your boat, there’s a boat launch.

So, our unit had 2 bedrooms, a fireplace and a full kitchen. There was plenty of room to gather around the table for a meal, or to play board games. Additionally, there was a counter that could be used for additional seating. The beds are delicious, and the fire place made the condo cozy. I came home well rested.

Next, you will need a car to venture out to the surrounding areas. If you head down I-40E, you will head toward Sierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, TN. The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Theatre in Pigeon Forge is a great place for an all you can eat dinner. It’s based on the Hatfield and McCoy feud that took place in Gilbert, WV, my home state. Take a stroll around the building to check out the country items on display. We weren’t disappointed, and had quite a few laughs. There were humorous signs, an outhouse, replica of a moonshine distillery, and more. If you’re in the area, make reservations. It’s worth a visit.

This truck is everything, lol. It reminded me of the truck on the Beverly Hillbillies. Great advertising I may add.

Check out this crooked, upside down building, Wonderworks. We had to pull over to check it out. Your kids will be happy that you did. They have an indoor Rope Course and Laser Tag for the thrill seekers. They also have unique programs for students K-12 to learn about Physical Sciences. There’s Earth Science, Physics and Astronomy. Block off several hours for this visit.

Afterwards, we headed toward Cades Cove to check out the wild life in the Smoky Mountains. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The mountains in their fall foliage is stunning. Majestic, bold, beautiful and mighty are a few adjectives that describes them.

Cades Cove is an 11 mile loop through the Smoky Mountains. Additionally, there are streams, wildlife, churches, vacant cabins dating back to the 1800s and a peace that we often forget. Through our journey we spotted this mama black bear and her 2 cubs. Fortunately, we were able to watch them for about 10 minutes before they headed back into the woods.

It was truly an amazing experience to get this close. They seemed to be oblivious to the cars and people watching them. Their fur is so shiny and coal black. The one cub on the far left was adventurous; however, the other club stayed close to mommy. When we first spotted them, the adventurous club was playing in a tree not far from mom.

We spent several hours just taking our time driving the Cades Cove loop and enjoying the views. I suggest that you pack a picnic and enjoy your time there. At the halfway mark, there’s an area to enjoy a lunch and restrooms if you need a break.

Surprisingly, we didn’t see any deer. Especially, since it’s deer season. So, the time spent observing the black bears more than made up for the deer not entertaining us.

Last, on our way home we made a quick stop at the Russell Stover Candy outlet. As a matter of fact, I picked up a few Christmas gifts dirt cheap. So, be sure to treat yourself to some sweets before you head home.

Finally, I hope you enjoyed my Smoky Mountain Vacation Tips, and will consider visiting the Smoky Mountains for a family vacation in the summer or fall. There are water parks and Dollywood Amusement Park if you decide to visit in the summer. You may also want to visit Parrot Mountain in Sevierville, TN.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family travel tips, Smoky Mountains attractions, travel in Tennessee

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #149

November 4, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 19 Comments

Welcome to Week 149 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re continuing our Stuffed Turkey theme this week. We’re looking for Thanksgiving crafts, recipes, decorating idea, mantel displays and more.

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

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

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 10 Fall Travel Ideas from Seasonal Family Fun

best states for fall foliage

Kim selected Pumpkin Spice Sweet Rolls from Intelligent Domestications

Brittany selected Thanksgiving Tradition Ideas from Simply Well Balanced

The Post with the Most Clicks

Pumpkin Strudel from Craft Beering

and

What to Pack for an Overnight Wedding Trip from A Bride on a Budget

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Stuffed Turkey

DIY Harvest Porch Sign from Intelligent Domestications

Spicy Italian Sausage and Apple Stuffing from The Mad Mommy

and

Thanksgiving Tablescape from The Sweet Sensation

An InLinkz Link-up

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

6 Ways to Create a Garden Winter Wonderland

October 31, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Christmas is fast approaching, and soon enough there’ll be frost on the sidewalks and carols playing to sound Christmas cheer. If you’ve been nicer than naughty this year, I’m sure you have, there’ll be sleigh bells ringing and the pitter patter of reindeer on the roof one special night. Christmas isn’t just a magical time for the kids, but a magical time for the whole family. What better way to make it special than turning your garden into a Winter Wonderland! Check out ideas on how you can create the perfect winter wonderland in your yard:

1. Winter plants

First, a garden in full bloom isn’t only for the Springtime. In winter there are many beautiful flowering plants for your garden. So, you are guaranteed more foliage than just a Christmas tree! Both Heather and Japanese Quince bloom in winter. Their pink and red blossoms say Christmas. If you’re looking for a plant which flowers in spring but is still decorative at Christmas, check out the bare stems of a Red-Osier Dogwood. They turn a fiery red. Quite like the suit of a certain Mr. Claus!

2. Make it Snow

Second, not everyone is lucky enough to live in a place where it snows, and it naturally turns into a Winter Wonderland! But that shouldn’t stop you from having that perfect Christmas card snow scene. There are plenty of options for snow without the sky opening. You can buy or make artificial snow at home. Even a snow blanket that you simply roll across your lawn will do the trick. Your kids will be thankful to have a little slice of a winter wonderland in their own backyard. It will be a festive season they’ll never forget!

3. Lights

Additionally, with cold nights rolling in and the days getting shorter, it’s good to add some shine to your Christmas garden. We decorate our trees with lights and sometimes our houses, but lights in a garden can add Christmas magic. A good way to do it without breaking the bank is just to add lights on the trees and shrubbery. If the understated look isn’t your thing, go for a Santa, reindeer and little elves that light up. They’ll make the kids eager for the magic of Christmas morning.

4. Magic Touches

It’s nice to decorate the Christmas tree in front of a roaring fire, while you and the kids choose your favorite ornaments to hang on the tree while you’re listening ten to your favorite Christmas songs. Spending time with family is truly the best part of the Christmas season. It’s a great way to make memories you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Decorating your garden is another way to share the magic of the season with your loved ones. Kids will love to hang tinsel upon the plants outside. Helping to transform the garden into something like Santa’s Grotto will be something your kids will never forget! It’s nice to put Candy Canes along the footpath if you have one, or around the border of your lawn, as they are an easy and affordable way to make the garden all Christmassy. A Santa Please Stop Here! sign will remind your children of the joy of Christmas morning, and cut- outs of reindeer keep the magic of Santa alive.

5. Get Out and In it!

Next, winter plants are blooming in fantastic reds, the Christmas tree is up and sparkling in your garden and fake snow has made everything Christmas Card perfect. And, those special little touches truly add the famous seasonal magic. Looking at your garden through the window is nice, but it’s much better to get out and in it. Bundle up and go outside and enjoy your winter wonderland. Tell your children Christmas stories and sing Christmas songs. You’ve created the perfect setting, making it truly the a real live Winter Wonderland!

6. Make it Cozy It

It certainly gets cold outside this time of year. The best way to enjoy your Winter Wonderland is to use a patio heater like those from Best of Machinery. That way you’ll be cozy in the magical winter wonderland your family created. Finally, when the little ones go to bed, you and your husband can enjoy a glass of eggnog or two in the perfect seasonal setting!

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening Tagged With: Christmas decorating, winter decorating ideas, winter wonderland creations

Choosing the Right Medical Mattress: Managing Pressure Injuries

October 30, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Res

A good medical mattress is indispensable in the prevention and management of pressure injuries. A medical mattress is particularly important for bed-bound patients. Especially, overweight and limited mobility patients. Additionally, people with multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and those suffering from burns can benefit from a good medical mattress too. Each of these patients are at high risk for developing pressure injuries or ulcers also known as bed sores.

There are various types of medical mattresses. As a result, before buying one consider the needs of the user. For example, what is the current state of the patient’s skin integrity. Patients with more severe skin issues will usually require a mattress with extensive therapy options.

A patient with intact skin, a small blister, or shallow open bed sore is likely to only need a gel overlay or entry level foam mattress to manage the pressure injury. More advanced pressure wounds may require a specialized mattress to facilitate healing.

Various Types of Medical Mattresses

The most common medical mattresses include the alternating pressure mattress, low air-loss mattress, therapeutic foam mattress, and innerspring mattress. Each has a different set of features that provide support, ease, and relief to patients at risk.

An alternating pressure mattress has individual air cells that inflate and deflate. This type of mattress helps to effectively manage pressure and skin moisture. Additionally, it is good for relieving various pressure points. It also improves blood circulation at the same time. This mattress can effectively prevent the formation of pressure injuries. Also, they promote the healing of existing ulcers.

Similar to an alternating pressure mattress is the low air-loss mattress. It also contains individual air cells that alternate pressure to stop wounds from forming. Additionally, it has a cooling function. Each cell has a tiny hole that releases small amounts of air that targets hot spots on the body. It also regulates skin moisture and provides adequate support.

Meanwhile, a therapeutic foam mattress relieves pressure in specific areas of the body. It features soft foam in areas where pressure injuries are most likely to start. This includes the head, elbow, and back of the legs. The surrounding parts of the mattress have a more rigid foam.

Lastly, there is the innerspring mattress. This is similar to a traditional mattress and offers no protection against pressure sores. In fact, it can even cause the development of pressure injuries by adding pressure and increasing the temperature of the skin surface. Most importantly, while it is cheap, an innerspring mattress is NOT recommended for a patient who spends more than 10 hours a day in bed.

Important Considerations

Purchasing the right mattress can help in the prevention, maintenance, and healing of pressure injuries. However, that’s not all it takes. While a good mattress will lessen the manual work needed to control a pressure injury, a caregiver must still take responsibility for ensuring the health and daily care of the patient.

Just as important, special care must be given to patients who are incontinent. The added moisture can aggravate pressure sores. Restless patients should use perimeter guards. These accessories can prevent falls. Plus they help keep the mattress cover smooth to prevent shearing.

Finally, pressure prevention doesn’t stop with the mattress. If the patient spends a long time in a wheelchair, ensure that the seat is also adequately equipped to discourage the formation of pressure sores.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: home health care, mattress advice, medical tips

9 Halloween Drinks for Kids

October 30, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Having a Halloween party or just want to treat the kids? Serve a few of these Halloween drinks for kids. Some are funny, some spooky, some creamy and some healthy.

Halloween Monster Floats

This drink is sure to bring shrills, thrills, and giggles. Eyeballs, ears, and fangs. It’s scary good. And, it only uses 3 ingredients: 7UP, lime sherbet, and ginger ale. I purchased the body parts from Amazon.

Monster Hot Chocolate

Perfect drink to take the chill off on the upcoming fall and winter nights. Green is the name of the game in this monster cup of hot chocolate. Thick, creamy and fun.

Apple Monsters

Apple and apple juice are the stars in this drink. There’s no recipe, this picture was Pinned from Pottery Barn. This is a great menu idea for my artistic followers. Peel and carve monster faces on the applies. Place in a see through container and fill with apple juice. Enjoy!

Water Jack-O-Lanterns

My grandchildren love water, so this would be perfect in my home. They would drink every bottle. If you have kids that are involved in sports or having a party, this would be a great option. It’s also a great option for those who like clear liquids or not wanting a sugary drink. Find a template or get creative, remove the labels on the bottles and draw faces on the bottles.

Frankenstein Potion

Spooky Fog Drinks

Dry ice is the key to making this Spooky Foggy Drink. This drink is sure to bring lots of awes!

VooDoo Punch

A Syringe of VooDoo Poison in a glass of Punch is the perfect drink for a Halloween party or for a Who Done It dinner. Who will end up with the poisoned glass of punch?

Halloween Party Drinks

Purchase a piece of black vinyl and cut out faces for the bottles. You can find the bottles here.

Mad Scientist Halloween Drink

We hope you enjoyed our selection of Halloween drinks for kids, and will whip a few for your party or a treat for the kids. You may also like 9 Halloween Food Ideas for Kids.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Halloween foods and drinks, Halloween Party Ideas, Hallowen ideas

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #148

October 28, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 15 Comments

Welcome to Week 148 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re starting our Stuffed Turkey theme this week. We’re looking for Thanksgiving crafts, recipes, decorating idea, mantel displays and more.

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

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

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 Tumbleweed Christmas Tree from Penny’s Treasures