How to Obtain Your Passport in 5 Easy Steps

Do you have a destination wedding on the horizon or plan to travel internationally?  You will need to obtain a US passport.  No worries, we have travel tips on how to obtain your passport in 5 steps

 

how to obtain your passport

 

Complete Your Passport Application –  You can fill out Form DS-11 Application for US Passport on-line and print it.  You will need to know dates of marriages and/or your date of divorce as well as your spouses or ex-spouse’s birthday and address.  Sorry, I’m just delivering information.

 

Obtain Passport Photo – You will need to get a passport picture.  I had mine taken at CVS.  However, Wal-Greens, Fed-Ex, UPS, Rite Aid, 1-Hour Photo Shops, Costco are a few places who offer services too.   Your local Wal-Mart may offer the cheapest service.

Before you have your passport photo taken, familiarize yourself with the rules.  For example, you can’t wear glasses, a hat, or obscure your hairline.  I learned that lesson the hard way.  So, I wore a headband for my initial photo.  But it was not allowed.  You can’t hid your hairline.  Obviously, the lady who took my picture at CVS didn’t know that.  She just knew how to use the camera.  The lady who took my passport application questioned it.  Back to CVS I went.  Fortunately, it was close by.

 


 

 

Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate – You will need a copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal.  A copy of your birth certificate will not be allowed.

 

Make a Copy of all Documents – Make a copy of your documents before you hand them over.  You may need the information if you have to make an inquiry about your application.

 

Find a Location to Take Your Application – The Post Office and the library accept applications in my area.  There is a $110.00 application fee for adults and $80.00 for children under 15.

 

It takes approximately 30 days to obtain your passport.  However, allow sufficient time to obtain your passport and to have any printing errors corrected.  They printed M instead of F for my gender.  Correct any printing errors, otherwise, you risk being allowed to board the plane or get through customs.  You will need to complete Form DS-5504 to have any errors corrected.

Finally, we hope that our tips on how to obtain your passport has been helpful.  You may also like Using Travel Checklist to Organize Packing.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #133

 

Sundays Best Linkup

Welcome to Week 133 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Let’s Go to the Beach theme.  We’re looking for anything with a beach or coastal theme.   Share your beach themed crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, 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:

Sunday's Best Linkup

Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains  Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone 
Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother  Jennifer at Making Our Life Matter and Brittany at A Mama Tale

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.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter 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.

Jennifer from Making Our Life Matter:  Please like Jennifer’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.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

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 Boys Industrial Red Toy Box  from Welsh Designs Studio  

toy box ideas

 

Debbie selected Classic Roast Beef Po Boy from The Bearded Biker     

 Classic Roast Beef Po Boy Recipe

 

Kim selected Gift Basket with Cookbook and Ingredients from Tschi Tschi      

gift basket ideas

 

Brittany selected Bouquet of Compliments from Howling at the Moon      

gift ideas

 

 Jennifer selected 35 Healthy Picnic Recipes  for Summer from Healthy Helper Blog

picnic ideas

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

Raspberry and Yogurt Popsicles from Bird’s Party     

popsicle recipes

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s)  – Lets Go to the Beach

 

5 Fun Sea Shell Decoration Ideas from Savings Sarah     

 

 beach crafts
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!


Kid Friendly Things to Do In Virginia

Today, I’m going to give a few travel tips on Things to Do in Virginia.  Washington, DC is the nation’s capital.  So, it’s full of history, galleries, restaurants, museums,  and more.  However, the state of Virginia is close by and is also full of history and things to do.  Furthermore, it boasts beautiful skylines, caverns, wineries and more.  It’s a perfect place to vacation or spend a few days of your vacation.  

 

Things to do in Virginia

 

 

Monticello –  First, the home of Thomas Jefferson is a must see.  Jefferson inherited land from his father when he was 26. He began building Monticello, and it became the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson. Monticello has approximately 5,000 acres, which 2,000 were tended by 150 slaves.  The grounds consists of slave quarters, gardens, a dairy, a washhouse, store houses etc. The house is approximately 11,000 square feet.

Skyline Drive  –  Second, Skyline Drive is approximately 105-mile road long with several entry points.  It has 75 overlooks, places to lodge and dine along the way.  It takes about 3 hours to drive the route at 35 mph.  It’s most popular in the fall with the colorful foliage, but it’s just a beautiful in the warmer months too.  There’s plenty of wildlife, hiking trails and waterfalls.

Luray Caverns  –  Next, discovered erroneously in search of a cave, the caverns were discovered in 1878.  The guided tour of the Luray Caverns are the most popular caverns in Eastern America. You will also find a replica of a frontier home and Car and Carriage Caravan Museum.  Feeling adventurous, enter the garden maze and attempt to find your way out.  In your in need of a few adult beverages, check out the wine tasting.  There’s also a café to satisfy your hunger.

 

Luray Caverns

 

Shenandoah Caverns  – The Shenandoah Caverns are around 56 degrees year round.  The guided tour takes about an hour through 17 rooms.  The Breakfast Bacon has been featured in National Geographic magazine.  Long View Hall and Grotto of the Gods as well as formations like Capitol Dome, Diamond Cascade, and Rainbow Lake.  The Yellow Barn,  American Celebration on Parade, and Main Street of Yesteryear provide great family photo opportunities.  My grandchildren love this place.

Arlington Cemetery – Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  You will find John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis gravesites at Arlington Cemetery as well as the Changing of the Guard.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens –  Next, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens was voted as one of the Top 10 Botanical Gardens in the country.  It offers 50 acres of gardens, dining and shopping.  It has more than a dozen themed gardens, which include a Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Flagler Garden and the Kroger Kitchen Community Garden.

Great Dismal Swamp – The Great Dismal Swamp is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  It inhibits 112,000 acres.  The area is occupied by bobcats, bears, white tail deer, an array of fish, turtles, lizards and more.

 

Great Dismal Swamp

 

Victory Rover Cruises – Last, be sure to add Victory Rover Cruises to your list of things to do in Virginia.  It offers a 2 hour narrated cruise by the captain.  The Norfolk Naval Station  is the largest Naval Base in the world.  You will see Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, Cruisers, Yachts and more.  Additionally, lunch boxes may be available.

Family Drive-in Theatre – The Family Drive-In Theatre is located in Stephens City, VA located off I-81.  It has two screens, and offers first run movies at affordable prices.  For example, the price for children ages 4 – 11 is $4.00 and $8.00 for adults.  Also, you can bring lawn chairs, blankets and pillows and watch the movies under the stars.  The concessions are great too.  They sell everything from Angus burgers to grilled chicken salads.  Kids will love the chicken fingers, fries and mozzarella sticks.

Colonial Williamsburg – If your kids like history, head to Williamsburg.  They can enjoy Fife and Drums or a  carriage ride through old town.  Add the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, African America Heritage Trail, Manchester Slave Dock or Government Island.

Kings Dominion –  Enjoy the 20 acre water park.  They also have

Busch Gardens – Great amusement park.  It has something to offer kids off all ages.  You can see bald eagles, Clydesdale horses and gray wolves.  Additionally, you can ride roller coasters or head over to Dragon Land for and enjoy rides geared to smaller children.

Water Country USA –  Furthermore, be prepared to get wet!  Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park.  Sound refreshing doesn’t it.

Ocean Breeze – If your further south, check out Ocean Breeze.  It’s located close to Virginia Beach.  You can cool off at Adventure River, Rides and Slides or the Little Buccaneer area.

Magic Mountain Farm – If you enjoy horseback riding, check out the Magic Mountain Farm.

 

 

polo

 

 

Polo Matches  – Last, Virginia is horse country, and no stranger to great Polo matches.  Check out  the Banbury Cross Polo Club or the Great Meadow Polo Club.  And, don’t forget to stomp some divots!

 

Finally, I hope that you liked my list of things to do in Virginia.  So, pick a few items and enjoy the day with your family and friends.  Additionally, you may also like 9 Budget Friendly Activities in Virginia Beach.

Using Travel Checklists to Organize Packing

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on using travel checklists to organize packings.  Going on vacation can be exciting and at the same time stressful.  Travel Checklists ensure that you pack the items that you need.  One of my travel tips is to place your travel checklists on a clipboard, and just leave it on top of your luggage or close by.

I start using my lists at least a week in advance of my trips.  Why, because I’m still dealing with running my household and everything that goes along with life.  As a result, I don’t trust myself to remember everything that I need to take or do.  The travel checklists help me remember where I am with my packing

Did you know stress can cause temporary memory loss or forgetfulness.  At least it does for me.  There’s nothing worst than reaching your destination, unpacking and realizing you forgot a bathing suit, PJs for the kids or a pair of sandals.

travel checklists

 

I have created a travel checklist for my grandchildren too.  What a lifesaver!  It’s hard enough packing your own luggage.  But, when you have to pack for the children, remember documents, hotel reservations, and securing transportation it can become stressful.  Checklist also help you save money by not having to purchase items that already have at home.

travel check lists

Since I have a granddaughter and grandson, I tried to make the Kid’s Travel Checklist neutral.  Too many lists can be as stressful too.  For the most part they need the same items.  Here’s my travel packing tips for kids:

  • Placing the kid’s luggage side by side.
  • Place the items on the list into both suitcases.  For example, they both need underwear, PJs, swimsuits, shorts, and tees/shirts.  Gather the items for both, and check them off the list.
  • Place a few items at a time into the luggage over a week.  This keeps you from becoming overwhelmed because you’re trying to pack everyone’s bag the night before.

 

travel checklists
I use the travel checklists above.  I figure out the activities or possible activities that I may participate in and make notes.   For example, I purchased a flowing skirt with an off the shoulder blouse to wear on trip to Mexico.  It’s perfect for dinner or a theme party.  I do this for other events as well.  If I’m traveling for business, a family reunion, wedding or whatever.  When I’m packing, I make sure that I pack what I want to wear along with accessories, shoes etc.  Again, I hate having to purchase items that I have at home.

I hope these travel checklists will be beneficial to you.  Feel free to download them here.

 

Why You Should Avoid Asbestos During Home Improvement

 

avoid abestos

 

Have you seen those home improvement shows on TV where the people take sledgehammers to walls and cabinetry? It looks pretty dramatic. Unfortunately, it is also very dangerous.  It is dangerous because they could be releasing millions of asbestos fibers.  However, if it is an older home the practice may not be safe.

What is Asbestos

Unfortunately, asbestos causes diseases like lung scarring and deadly cancers like mesothelioma.  Many companies used asbestos in many products.  Furthermore, many companies continued to use asbestos.  Even though they knew that it was toxic to human beings.  For example, products like insulation, joint compound, roof shingles, “popcorn” ceilings, and floor covering contain asbestos.  September 11, 2001, the twin towers in New York came down.  Four hundred tons of asbestos was estimated to have been released.

Danger Danger

It became widely known in 1970’s, that asbestos was dangerous.  So, in 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most asbestos-containing products.  However, this rule was essentially overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1991.  As a result, there is still no comprehensive ban on the manufacturing or distribution of asbestos products in the U.S.

Fortunately, most companies were voluntarily taking asbestos out of their building products.  Around 1977, asbestos was removed from most building products.  There is a good chance that some building products contain asbestos.  For example, if you live in an apartment, house or work in a building built before 1977.

Does this mean that all these structures are dangerous?  Yes and No.  The problem is that asbestos fibers are so small.  Millions can sit on the head of a pin.  So, unless you examine them with a microscope you won’t know they are there.

Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma, did more than simply live and work in old homes or buildings. Nearly all victims either worked around asbestos or their spouse did.  Asbestos fibers be carried home on clothes.  This suggests that living in an old house or apartment is not sufficient to cause mesothelioma. However, approximately 30 million homes in the U.S. still contain some asbestos products.   Yet, there are only approximately 2,000 cases a year of mesothelioma. However, some health professionals believe that even small amounts of asbestos exposure can set the stage for disease.

So How Can I keep Safe From Any Asbestos

Before you start any home improvement in a home built before 1977,be aware that you run the risk of releasing asbestos fibers .  So, what should you do?  Take precautions.  First, contact an asbestos professional.  Most importantly, they can test for the deadly fibers.  Additionally, they can provide safe ways to help you do the home improvement project.

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #132

Sundays Best Linkup

 

Welcome to Week 132 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Let’s Go to the Beach theme.  We’re looking for anything with a beach or coastal theme.   Share your beach themed crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, 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:

Sunday's Best Linkup

Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains  Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone 
Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother  Jennifer at Making Our Life Matter and Brittany at A Mama Tale

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.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter 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.

Jennifer from Making Our Life Matter:  Please like Jennifer’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.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

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 Redefine Compliments from Heathy Helper Blog 

 

self esteem advice

Debbie selected DIY Christmas Tree  from My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies    

 

DIY Christmas Trees

 

Kim selected Strawberry Jello Poke Cake from Marilyn’s Treats     

 

patriotic recipes

 

Brittany selected DIY Rustic Tic Tac Toe Board from Welch Design Studio     

 

DIY ideas

The Post with the Most Clicks

 June Thrift Polish Share from A Vintage Green    

Thrift Finds

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s)  – Lets Go to the Beach

 

Coastal Jar Makeover with Sea Glass Paint from Across the Blvd.    

beach theme 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!


Fixing Problems With Your Teen’s Braces

If your teen or tween has brand-new braces, they may be experiencing more than a bit of discomfort. Orthodontics promise a better future, but living with teen’s braces in the present can present problems.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on DIY solutions that may ease your child’s discomfort from braces.

 

 

teen's braces

 

 

What are orthodontic braces

First, wire-based dental braces are utilized to correct misaligned teeth.  They are typically installed during the tween or teen years.  Furthermore, dental braces may also be used to ease an uneven bite into proper position, explains Mayo Clinic. Additionally, orthodontics may be employed to eliminate gaps between teeth or move too-crowded teeth farther apart.

Adults can take advantage of dental orthotics, but the straightening process may require more time for persons with mature jawbones and teeth.

Kids will be kids, and things will happen to their dental apparatus.  In most cases, a broken orthodontic device is not an emergency.  However, you’ll want to deal with it as soon as possible per a Wisconsin dentist.  Contact your orthodontist during normal business hours and tell them what happened.  Second

When braces are new

Second, brand-new braces can be quite irritating.  Soft food are recommended during the first few weeks of wearing braces. For example, mac and cheese are good foods for this breaking-in period.  Additionally, soups and stews and scrambled eggs.  Just be sure to give the mouth a good cleaning after eating.  Your orthodontist may suggest over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Be sure to let your doctor know of any medicines your child may be allergic to.

A topical anesthetic like Orajel or Orabase can alleviate mouth sores associated with braces. Reapply the medicine as directed.  Your dentist may provide a special ‘relief wax’ that can be applied to the part of braces that is causing irritation. If this wax is not available, ask about an alternative. The point is to maintain a small buffer between braces and tender mouth parts until the patient gets used to wearing braces.

Causes of broken brackets

With a teen’s braces, a number of mishaps may result in broken braces brackets. Among the commonest are sports injury, too-vigorous tooth brushing, and eating the wrong sort of foods.  Flossing and tooth picking the wrong way can also cause damage to orthodontic devices, say the makers of Colgate toothpaste.

If you need to find a local dentist who can repair broken braces or make ill-fitting braces more comfortable, Emergency Dentists USA can help you. They can assist in finding a dentist who accepts payment plans, too.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of foods that someone wearing braces can enjoy without damaging their dental device.  However, popcorn, hard taco shells, pretzels, and hard corn chips are not among them. Neither are sticky candy, ice cubes, or chewing gum. Wearers of braces must be extra diligent about keeping food particles out of their dental work. Good foods to enjoy while wearing braces include fruity yogurt, melons, grapes, and pasta dishes.

DIY braces fixes

Check to see if the wires are still attached to the bracket if any are broken. If attached, gently press the wire back into place with a soft cotton swab.  Relief wax used to prevent pain in new braces may be employed to hold a loose wire in place.  Snip wires that are too long with a pair of sharp nail clippers.  However, clip as close as you can to the side that touches the teeth.  Additionally, press pieces of wire that are too into place with a soft cloth or swab. Cover the wire with a small ball of relief wax.  Of course, these are temporary repairs for your teen’s braces.  See your dentist as soon as problems occur.

Food stuck behind braces can feel terrible.  So, keep minty dental floss on hand and use it to remove stuck food particles.  Also,  in lieu of floss use a toothpick.  But, be careful not to break it.

Finally, a teen’s braces and orthodontics can be challenging to any parent.  Fortunately, the relatively small amount of time spent wearing braces can provide a lifetime of happy smiles.

 

 

Family Pets Without The Mess

 

family pets

 

Are you thinking about purchasing family pets? It’s a great idea, especially if you have children.  Owning family pets teaches children about responsibility.  Furthermore, it gives them something to bond with.  The animal often becomes a beloved, treasured member of the family.  However, there’s just one problem, and that’s the mess.

Like it or not, animals do come with mess. Dogs, tend to drop hair wherever they go. While there are breeds that don’t shed quite as much as others, you’ll still have issues with muddy paws and wet dogs wandering into the home. Oh, and don’t forget that you’ve also got about three months before they are fully house trained. Unfortunately, there can be accidents and incidents after that time too.

Of course, dogs aren’t the only animal that makes your home quite messy. Cats will often bring in whatever they collect from outside.  Even small animals like hamsters tend to make the home smell.  That said, there are animals you can keep as pets that aren’t nearly as messy.

How About A Horse

Horses are large, beautiful and majestic creatures.  If you want the pet without the issue of mess around the home or in the garden, horse is an option. However, horses are expensive.  Even after you’ve paid a couple grand for the animal, you’ll also need to rent a stable to keep the horse in and a pasture for it to run and graze in.  Once you have that, you then need to think about the type of care and attention a horse needs.  Like any animal, horses are very sociable creatures.  As a result, they’ll need regular visits.  Additionally, there will be vet bills.  Consider the distance between your home and the stable when you’re looking for places to board your house.

That said, the benefits of having a horse speak for themselves. They are wonderful companions, and your child will be able to learn to ride it as well.

Beautiful Marine Life

Photo Creditfamily pets

 

If you want animals that require a little maintenance, garden fish might be the perfect option. You can build a pond in your garden to house a group of fish. The important part is making sure that the pond is waterproof. You need a pond liner for this.  So, you’ll be able to find a wide range of pond liners online. Remember, you should have more than one fish in your pond because they do like company. Kids can still name their fish, and they can still be given lots of key responsibilities such as feeding them. While you can’t play fetch with fish, some people do find them quite mesmerizing to watch.  Particularly exotic fish in brilliantly bright colors.

 

Cottontails

Image Sourcefamily pets

 

Or finally, how about keeping some rabbits in your backyard. While these do require slightly more attention than fish, your home won’t smell because they’ll live outside in a hutch. The only thing you’ll need to watch out for are foxes. Keep rabbits in elevated hutches so  predators can’t get to them.  Also, the hutches will need to be cleaned out weekly.

So, what do you think? Would you like to make any of these animals family pets?

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #131

Sundays Best Linkup

 

Welcome to Week 131 of Mother 2 Mother Sunday’s Best Linkup.  This is our first week of Let’s Go to the Beach theme.  We’re looking for anything with a beach theme.   Share your beach themed crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, 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:

Sunday's Best Linkup


Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains  Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother  and Brittany at A Mama Tale

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.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter before you leave.

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

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

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

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 Upcycled Canner Flower Pot from Intelligent Domestications

DIY projects

 

 

Debbie selected Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce from Bearded Biker     

crockpot recipes

 

 

Kim selected Patriotic Candle Holders from Two Chicks and a Mom    

patriotic ideas

 

 

Brittany selected Freezer Meal Boot Camp from Lambert’s Lately     

meal preparation

 

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

 Milk Paint Storage Cube Makeover from Welsh Design Studio    

DIY project ideas

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s)  – We the People

 

18 Ideas for the 4th of July or Any Summer BBQ from on Lazy Gastronome   

patriotic ideas

and 
Patriotic Mug Rugs from Sew Crafty Crochet    
 patriotic ideas
                                                                                                and 
DIY USA Patriotic Banner from Dazzled While Frazzled
 patriotic 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!


Thrift Store Find – Hand Carved Teak Bowls

Today, I’m sharing tips on finding thrift store teak bowls. I’ve always loved thrift stores, yard sales, and auctions.  Unfortunately, I had to set that passion aside over the years because of my career and other demands on my time.  I have gradually returned, and decided to share my thrifty finds with you.

 

teak bowls

 

When I was raising my daughter as a single mother, I had to figure how to budget and stick to it.  This included decorating my home, purchasing clothing, food, vacations and everything else that came along.   The solutions to these demands were growing my own food, second hand stores, clearance racks, and yard sales.  I truly believe that someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Browsing thrift shops was a way for me to relieve stress too.  A little retail therapy goes a long way.  And, I didn’t have to pay a fortune for my therapy.  I visited one of the local thrift stores recently, and found these 4 teak bowls.  They appeared to be hand carved, because their shapes were irregular. They just appealed to me, and called out my name.  The price was $.99 per bowl.  They may have been priced so low because of their imperfection, but to me that uniqueness is what makes them valuable.

 

Thrift Shopping

 

As a single parent, buying things and figuring out how to use them later was not an option for me.  Everything purchased had to be a price within my budget and have a purpose.  That thought process is still in my DNA, even though I have reached a stage in my life where I can afford pretty much what I want.  For some reason, I have no desire to change that thinking.  It keeps me from overspending, and helps me stay on track with my finances.

 

Thrift Shopping

 

As I admired the teak bowls, I thought about how I would use them.  Ice cream with the grandchildren came to mind immediately.  Sold!  I could also use them for salads, spaghetti, chili, cereal, and the list goes on.

When I flipped the bowls over to check the price, I found this label on the bottom.  Teak is native to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh.  It is also used to make boats, furniture, carvings and other small wood projects.

Knowing the origin of the teak bowls increased the value for me.  It made me want to preserve the uniqueness and irregularity of the bowls.  So, they became more of a bargain from a thrift shop.  One of the things about thrifting is being able to see the beauty in an item that another person no longer sees. The fact that I found a set selling on Etsy for $62.00 helps too.

If you’re a thrifty shopper, I hope that you will appreciate my hand carved teak bowls too.  If you’re not, I encourage you to check out a few shops, flea markets or auctions.  You may also like: Auction Tips for Beginners.