Sunday’s Best Linkup #41

linky party, blog hop, linkup

Welcome to Week 41 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. Things have dried up and the sun is shining in my part of the world. I’m looking forward to seeing the leaves turn and the beautiful color fall put on a show. We’re still enjoying our Spooktacular theme this week. We’re looking for fall and Halloween posts, crafts and decorating, recipes, photos with fall colors, and anything you would like to share on the season.

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Moscow Ballet Performs The Nutcracker

Image-Moscow-Ballet-Nutcracker1

 

I love the ballet. I’ve big a fan since my daughter starting dancing 25 years ago, and I am excited to share that the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is coming to town!  The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker s coming to Baltimore Dec. 18-19! My Readers Can Save on Tickets Now with this exclusive offer from US Family Guide.  The Nutcracker is one of my favorite ballets, and we have a special offer for our readers for the ultimate holiday tradition.  The Nutcracker is the perfect holiday family outing. Right now you can receive the Deepest Discount of the Season (up to $30 OFF!) with this exclusive PROMO CODE for US Family Guide Readers: CODE: JOY  CLICK HERE for ShowTimes and Ticket Information. Order your family’s tickets today and fell free to share this exclusive savings with your friends.
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Disney’s – The Good Dinosaur

 

A TRIO OF T-REXES — An Apatosaurus named Arlo must face his fears—and three impressive T-Rexes—in Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur.” Featuring the voices of AJ Buckley, Anna Paquin and Sam Elliott as the T-Rexes, “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 25, 2015. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

A TRIO OF T-REXES — An Apatosaurus named Arlo must face his fears—and three impressive T-Rexes—in Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur.” Featuring the voices of AJ Buckley, Anna Paquin and Sam Elliott as the T-Rexes, “The Good Dinosaur” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 25, 2015. ©2015 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.


“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

Young children will be able to relate to Arlo.  Arlo has been afraid of everything since he was born.  He has two siblings, Libby and Buck.  He was the runt of the three.  Libby and Buck are successful on the farm, but Arlo’s timid nature causes him to have trouble adjusting to farm life.

Henry, Arlo’s father, tries to build up Arlo’s courage and gives him a task to help boost his confidence and self-esteem.  He puts him in charge of guarding their silo.  He helps Arlo set a trap.  It catches a cave boy, but Arlo doesn’t have the heart to kill him. Instead he sets him free.  Henry is disappointed in Arlo.  He decides to take Arlo with him to catch the cave boy.

During their journey, Arlo and Henry get caught in a flash flood.  Henry saves his son, but he is swept away and dies.  After his father dies, Arlo finds alone.  He becomes more responsible on the family farm.  One day he spots the cave boy in the silo.  He chases the cave boy, and they both fall into the river.  This time Arlo is swept far away from his home.  He must find the courage to face his fears and find his way home.

Save the date and head out to see the Good Dinosaur.  Until than enjoy the Good Dinosaur activity pack. Print, color and enjoy. Print the activity sheets here.

 

 

 

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Image-The-Good-Dinosaur-Nash

 

Image-The-Good-Dinosaur-Ramsey

 

Image-The-Good-Dinosaur-Spot-Arlo

 

 

Good Dinosaur coloring pages

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #40

 linky party, blog hop, linkup

Welcome to Week 40 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best LinkupThanks to  Hurricane Joaquin, we’re getting lots of rain in my part of the world. It’s been raining for a week. I’m looking forward to sunshine and the beautiful colors of fall. We’re still enjoying our Spooktacular theme this week. We’re looking for fall and Halloween posts, fall crafts and decorating, recipes, photos with fall colors, and anything you would like to share on the season.

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Outside Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on outside scavenger hunt for kids. Fall is here, and it’s a perfect time to go on a nature hunt with the children.  Leaves are changing colors, pumpkin patches have come to life, and corn mazes await you.   Also, it’s a great way to get the children excited about Halloween. You can talk about customs, parties and treats.  Lets not forget about football season, tailgating and delicious recipes for parties and family gatherings.

Additionally, it’s still warm enough for the children to go outside and play.  So, a fall nature hunt is a great way to get together as a family, get some exercise and explore nature. Plan a day of hiking, walking the neighborhood or spending the day at your favorite park is the perfect place to play a nature hunt game.  It can be a great opportunity for the children to ask questions and learn about nature.

 

 

Outside Scavenger Hunt for Kids

 

 

outside scavenger hunt

 

 

 

If you decide to visit the park to find your nature hunt ideas, pack a lunch filled with our fall snack items ideas.  You can enjoy each other’s company after the nature hunt.  Talk about a funny moment that you encountered during your walk.  You can also take pictures of the kids hunting for items or other scenic items that you find along the way.

Furthermore, you can drive away the neighborhood or town if it’s cold.  The kids can still get out of the house and you can enjoy other in a nice warm vehicle.

While you’re walking and taking pictures look for the items on the Nature Hunt list. We’ve added different color leaves, pumpkins, a stick, acorn, pinecone and more.  They’re all  easy to find and common in all most areas across the country.  If you need materials for a fall craft project, this would a great time for you to gather items as you walk along too.  So, this can include fall leaves of various colors, acorns, pinecones and more.

 

 

 

Scavenger Hunt Printables

 

 

Fall Nature Hunt Game
outside scavenger hunt printables

 


    
Finally, feel free to print our fall nature hunt ideas on cardstock.  You can place the printables on a clipboard to make it easier for the kids to check off items.  Download the Fall Nature Hunt Ideas Printable here.  Also, you may also like:  Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Game



Get Your Picky Eater to Eat: 12 Picky Eater Tips

picky eater tips

 

This post contains affiliate links.  Because I make many purchases from Amazon for my grandchildren and myself, I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program.  If you make a purchase, I may receive compensation for the referral.
Do you have a picky eater?  Picky eaters begin their careers early, but there are solutions that may help.  So, check out our picky eater tips.  My grandson is a picky eater, and my granddaughter is even worst.  Needless to say, meal time can be a struggle. His mother, my daughter, was a picky eater too.  Lets add in the fact that she couldn’t stand for her food to touch.  If it did, I had to fix another plate if I wanted to get some nourishment into her.
As a result of my picky eaters, I had to come up with a plan to get my children to eat.  So, I thought I would share tips that I used for my picky eaters:
    1. Get your child involved in the meal preparation.  Kids love to help, so why not let them help with preparing the meal. They’re more likely to eat what they’ve helped prepare.
    2. Incorporate 1 – 2 items that you know they will eat into the daily meal plan.    
    3. Serve fruits and veggies for snacks instead of chips and cookies.  I serve apple slices and peanut butter or ranch dip and celery or carrots.  My grandson loves to dip things and my granddaughter loves peanut butter.  Also, I invested in a vegetable cutter that will make crinkles in vegetables.  Carrots, cucumbers and celery are perfect for crinkle cutting.fun kids foods
    4. Kids love animals or alphabet shaped foods.  Additionally, cutting foods into various shapes and patterns is more exciting than regular food and vegetables. I now have a cabinet full of molds for pancakes and waffles.  What kid doesn’t want a cow, pig, dinosaur or zoo animal on their breakfast plate.  If you want breakfast to be fun and delicious, purchase the Zoo Animal Waffle Maker.  There is also an Animal Pancake Maker available.
    5. If your child is a pasta lover use wagon wheels, corks, or spaghetti.  I remove the green from cucumbers and finely chop them before placing them in the pasta.  My grandchildren love pasta with Zesty Italian dressing.  Get creative with the pasta.  I get a “Happy Plate” every time I serve it.
    6. Make zucchini or banana bread and muffins instead of cakes and cupcakes.  I invested in Top with a little whipped cream.  I purchase Nordic cake and muffin pan.  This is my latest purchase Nordic Ware Sweet Rides Classic Car Pan.
    7. Invest in sandwich cutters for P & J or grilled cheese sandwiches.  Kids love interesting foods.
    8. Limit snacks before meals.
    9. Make eating out and fast foods a treat rather than the norm.      
    10. Eat meals together rather than placing your child in front of the TV.  They’ll see you eating and may be willing to try something new.
    11. Encourage your child to try new things.  Start with getting them to taste rather than forcing them to eat anything.  After all, they are picky eaters.
    12. Make fresh fruit smoothies together using Almond milk.  My grandchildren love Almond milk.

Praise, praise, praise your children when they eat a good portion of their meal.  Children need and love encouragement in all areas of their life.  When my grandchildren eat all of their meal, I shout “Happy Plate.”  They giggle with joy.  What tips do you use for your picky eater?  We would love to hear from you.  

18 Places To Travel Off Season

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on places to travel off season.  I love to find travel bargains.  First, off season travel gets you the most bang for your travel buck.  So, I start planning my summer vacation off season.  As a result, planning is essential. Deciding where I want to go, and then coming up with a ball park figure on how much it’s going to cost are essential in my planning. Enduring crowds is bearable, but my preference is for the crowds to be small and the prices reasonable when I travel.

 

 

vacation destinations

 


I put together a list of 18 Places To Travel Off Season and when the best deals are offered:

 

New York in January – It’s the city that never sleeps. You can find great shopping, Broadway shows, sight-seeing, and dining in so many places.  For example, Harlem, Manhattan, China Town, Soho and the list goes on.

Montreal in February – Brush up on your French.  Because Montreal is considered to be cosmopolitan and is the second largest French speaking city in the world.  Also, it is second only to Paris.  Montreal is known for its museums, shopping and great food.

Italy in March – Next, Rome, Sicily, Naples, Venice, and Milan are places that I wish to see.  Milan is famous for it’s designer shops and Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper.  Also, there’s the canals in Venice.  Italians are known for great pizza and pasta.

 


 

Rio de Janeiro in March –  Rio is known for it’s world famous Carnival, beautiful beaches, and the infamous Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Rocky Mountains in April –  You can enjoy the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada.  This includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico in the U.S.  The mountains are approximately 3,00o miles from Canada to the U.S. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in April.

Australia in May – If you like wildlife, Kangaroo Island is the place to go.  Additionally, you can meet sea lions on the beach, kangaroos, koalas, penguins and more on the beach.  Furthermore, you can also snorkel, dive or swim on one of the beaches. While you’re there, head to the Australian Alps and spend your time hiking.

Lake Tahoe in May –  For me, either North or South Lake Tahoe will suffice.  The choice is yours. Lake Tahoe borders the Sierra Nevada, state borders of California and Nevada. Tahoe South is great for skiing, boating, bike trails, and bar hopping.  Tahoe North is great for biking, hiking and golf.  Either way you will enjoy this freshwater lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and alpine trees.  Lake Tahoe is the 6th largest lake in the United Sates.  Great family vacation spot.
 
Dallas in June
– So, if you’re a Cowboys fan this is a perfect city to visit.  And there’s plenty of beef and history in Dallas too.  To name a few, Sixth Floor Museum and Southfork Ranch, which is about 25 miles north of Dallas.

Thailand in June – Thailand is located in Southeast Asia’s Indochina peninsula. Known for its tropical beaches, royal palaces, ancient ruins and displays of Buddha.  Add Asia to your vacation list.

Palm Beach in July – Great beaches, shopping on Worth Avenue and a tour of celebrity homes.  Howard Stern, Tiger Woods, Serena & Venus Williams, and Rush Limbaugh are a few celebrities living in the Palm Beach area.

Caribbean in July
– Choose from the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas or Aruba to name a few. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches snorkeling, diving and great food for reason enough to vacation in the Caribbean.

Las Vegas in August –  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  There’s plenty to do in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Gambling on the Las Vegas strip, catch one of your favorite celebrity’s show, visit Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon or the Colorado River.

New Orleans in August –  Looking for a diverse city with plenty of French, African, and American cultures?  Head to New Orleans.  It is located on  the Mississippi River and near the Gulf of Mexico.  It provides plenty of action around the clock.  Likewise, if you like it hot, there’s plenty of spicy food to be found there as well.

Martha’s Vineyard in September – Martha’s Vineyard is only accessible by boat or air. Namely, vacationers head to Martha’s Vineyard for its beaches, lighthouses,  farmland, and celebrity sightings.

Vancouver in October – Known for whale watching, Grouse Mountain, ziplines, Capilano Canyon  and horse dawn carriages.

Riveria Maya in November – Next, Riviera Maya extends along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.  Notably, its beautiful white beaches and the bluest water that you can imagine is a major attraction too.

Napa Valley in December –  Last, San Francisco has hundreds of vineyards.  Take a ride on the infamous Napa Valley Wine Train.  In fact, it’s actually a restaurant in vintage Pullman railcars with views of the vineyards.

 

Finally, select your dream destination and start planning your next vacation today.  Most importantly, you can save hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars with our list of places to travel off season.  In conclusion, check out my post how to pack light for vacation and enjoy your time relaxing and enjoying the sights.  So, what’s your dream vacation destinations?  You may also like:  15 Things to Do in Palm Springs.  

 

 

Teaching Children Responsibility

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on teaching children responsibility.  Teaching children responsibility starts at an early age and it starts at home.  A child learning to be responsible will increase their chances of being successful. So, my daughter and I had many conversations on why it was important.  Furthermore, I demonstrated negative results when being responsible wasn’t taken seriously. 

You can teach your children how to be responsible for with my tips.  They been tested with my own child, and they work.

 

 

tips to teach children responsibility

 

 

Teaching Children Responsibility:

 

Assigning Chores

First, this task includes putting toys away, helping with dishes, cleaning their room and eventually getting a job round the age of 16 for the summer.  Yep my daughter had a job. Did she need to work, no.  I could financially support us without a struggle.  However, it was a great way for her to learn about what it takes to hold down a job and build confidence. Getting to bed timely, getting up timely and reporting on time is a life long lesson.  Additionally, these skills need to be learned and embraced. Doing chores also included going to school and doing home work. In my home you  either go to school or get a job.

 

Playing Team Sports/Activities

Next, I put my daughter in organized activities at the age of 3. It was a little majorette group with drummers, so cute. At the age of 5, we switched to ballet. Ballet dancing requires discipline, and so does being successful in life. Organized sports or activities can include football, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, whatever your child likes.  If your child is not into sports, try a painting or karate class. The important thing is that they learn about discipline and being a team player.

 

Volunteer Work

Also, doing volunteer work is a good way to learn about responsibility. Feeding the homeless, working at a food bank, reading to seniors at a nursing home is a good start. If they like farming, horses or gardening, have them volunteer on a farm or equestrian center. And, doing community service is a plus on college applications too.   

 

Serving As A Role Model

Furthermore, being a role model can be rewarding. Children learn about leadership, and the importance of setting an example so others will want to follow their lead. Being a tutor, mentor, active in the church etc. makes a great community role model.

 

Having A Role Model

Most importantly, being your child’s role model is just as important as teaching them to be a role model. Children look at everything we do. We just think they aren’t listening.  Furthermore, it’s important that your child see you doing the things that you wan them to do.  For example, reading, taking courses on-line or at your local university, cleaning, cooking, handling money wisely, and most importantly spending time with them. It’s important that boys have a positive male as a role model and girls have a positive female as a role model.

Finally, how do you teach your children responsibility?  Do you use the same techniques for your sons and daughters?  We would love to add your tips to our list.  As we know, what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other. 

 

 

 chore charts for girls football-chore-chart-1 super-heroes-chore-chart-1

Finally, motivate your child with our chore charts.  We have ballerina, football, basketball, a princess, princess castle and superman.  You can download the charts here.  So, print them and lets start getting those room cleans, toys put away and everything else on their lists.  Check back, I will be adding other charts.

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #39

linky party, blog hop, linkup

Welcome to Week 39 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. It’s hard to believe that school is back in session and fall is around the corner. We’re beginning our Spooktacular theme this week. We’re looking for fall and Halloween posts, fall crafts and decorating, recipes,  photos with fall colors, and anything you would like to share on the season.

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Amish Country: Quilts, Transportation & Great Food

The Amish

 

This is Part II of my posts on the Lancaster, PA, The Amish community.  Today I’ll be focusing on art, great food and unique transportation used by the Amish. Lets start with the quilts. I consider them a work of art. Finding beautiful quilts in Lancaster is not difficult. You can find them in shops or hanging on clothesline in the backyard.

First, Sylvia’s Quilts, in Bird In Hand.  It is one of my favorite places to visit.  I’m always in awe of what awaits me on her front porch and clothesline. Her quilts are handmade and flawless.  Furthermore, they start around $500 and up.  This type of artwork doesn’t come cheap.  Amish women invest hundreds of hours making quilts.  So, it is not uncommon for a mother and daughter to work on a quit together during the winter.  Also, it’s a great way for widows to occupy themselves during winter months.  Once you have admired the artistry outside, head inside her shop.  You will find hundred of quilts in every size as well as wall hangings, fabric and more.

 

Amish, Amish quilts, Amish handmade quilts, Dahlia quilt, Lancaster PA quilts

Dahlia

 

amish quilts, Lancaster Pa quilts, spinning star quilt, Sylvia's Quilts

Spinning Star

 

Additionally, murals can be found on the side of various buildings in Lancaster. This particular mural was on the side of a business in the Kitchen Kettle Village.  Quite frankly, I think it sums up Lancaster nicely:  yesteryear, rolling hills, and the warmth of beautiful art.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Most importantly, the main mode of transportation for the Amish is the horse and buggy.  Additionally, they use scooters and do plenty of walking.  Just like an automobile, their horses are groomed and brushed to perfection. You will spot several types of Amish buggies and wagons.  As a result, they have buggies for every day transportation.  They have buggies for church or wagons that are used to pickup supplies and the harvest.

Furthermore, most of the buggies are black.  However, the Lancaster Amish drive gray buggies as well.  You will find brown buggies in New Wilmington, PA. and yellow buggies in Mifflin County, PA.  However, the Nebraska Amish drive white buggies. In addition to horse and buggies, scooters that are used by youth and adults can be purchased for a starting price of $200.00.  Although they are not allowed to own motor vehicles, they are allowed to ride in cars, buses and trains.  No airplane rides are allowed.
 

 

Amish, Amish Shetland Ponies, sheltland ponies


Also, you can also find the unexpected in Lancaster.  What’s the chances of finding mules in that order or a young Amish boy riding a miniature pony up and down the road.   There’s definitely photo opps in Lancaster.     

So, if you’re hungry and you’re near the Kitchen Kettle Village, check out the Kling House Restaurant.  It’s located in Intercourse, PA. It’s a great place to eat lunch.  Somehow, I’ve never managed to get there in time for breakfast.  But the restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch.  Depending on what you’re craving, their sandwiches are great.  And they have a nice selection of salads.  You should know, the restaurant was actually a farm house.  And the surrounding area acreage. The front porch, living room, dining room and office remain a part of the restaurant. Service is great and so is the ambiance. I was lucky enough to get a seat by the window.  Saturday’s are great days to watch the action.

In addition, across the street from Kitchen Kettle Village are a few vendors that sell pizza, wings, Whoopie pies etc. The wings alone are worth the trip.

Finally, the smorgasbords in Lancaster are worth a trip too.  So, if you have a hardy appetite, check out Bird In Hand Family Restaurant and Smorgsbord, Millers and Shady Maple buffets to name a few.  They serve everything from Prime Rib to homemade apple pies. Oh, the apple pie alone is worth the trip.

 


Not far from the Kling House Restaurant in Kitchen Kettle Village is Lapp Valley Farm. Their specialties are homemade ice cream and kettle cooked potato chips!  Because I have a weakness for kettle cooked potato chips, I always buy a bag to munch on later.  In Lancaster, Whoopie pies are big among the Amish. Unfortunately, they are little too sweet for my taste.  So, I leave them for others to enjoy.

Finally, I hope that you have been inspired by The Amish series.  In the future, I will be posting on fall foliage, places to stay & more in future posts.  Until then, you may also like Why You Should Visit Amish Country.