This Grandma Doesn’t Wear Depends

April 23, 2015 by
grandparents, grandmothers, grandma

Why do people associate grandmas with being old, gray haired, and wearing Depends?  Now I may have a few gray hair, but this grandma doesn’t wear Depends.  I’ve have some issues when I have coughed or sneezed, but when I do reach the point where I need Depends, will Depends define who I  am?  I think not. 

Here’s a picture of me that was taken of me last year during a promotion that I did for JC Penny’s Portraits, and the second picture with my daughter approximately 5 years ago at a family function. Do I look like an old, gray-haired woman who’s peeing on herself in either?

So you’re wondering what prompted this post, right? Another blogger, yes I said another blogger. Long story short, I was complimenting her and the fact that I liked various things about her site. As the conversation progressed, she stated that she had quite a few grandmas who visited her blog and she didn’t know why. She gently invoked Depends in the conversation. My initial response was is she trying to throw shade? I’m so glad that I have matured and handle things much differently than I did in my 20s, 30s even 40s because: 


1.  I’m the queen of reading your ass and it ain’t pretty. Yeah, Bye Felicia! 

2.  I would have left you with your mouth hanging open and words burned so deep into the recesses of your brain, you would be shaking your head for the rest of your life trying to get rid me. 

However, I don’t see a need to go there anymore so I responded by laughing and stating that I have a few creaks and some other things going on, but I wasn’t close to Depends. I also stated that I was on her site because I was looking for the same things that she and other mothers were looking for with their children. Do our positions or the differences in our ages change that?

 


I further stated that my responsibilities with my grandchildren are no different from her raising her children.  When my grandchildren are in my care and custody, I raise them as if I gave birth to them. It is my job to guide and lead them in the right direction just like their parents. The only difference between their parents and me, I have more money.  She seemed to get it after that, but did it really require an explanation?  

Being a grandmother is quite a prestigious position and one that I will wear with honor even when I reach the Depends stage.  As a grandmother I want to tell you a few things that you should not do with me:

1. Assume that I’m old and gray and ready for a rocker.  I have a lot of fire inside of me and I’m not close to throwing in the towel and rocking the rest of my life away just yet.  

2. Assume that I’m technically challenged and not cool. I have a smart phone, text, use a camera phone, have an SLR digital with long range lens, a laptop, a tablet, a GPS in my vehicle, flat screen TVs, and any other electrical gadgets on the market that I feel I want to buy and can use them. 

 3.  Assume that I don’t have any obligations to my grandchildren.  I’m just as obligated to my grandchildren as my daughter and son-in-law. I contribute to their upbringing, clothing and shelter too. I would die for those babies, wrap myself around a pole and shake my groove thing if I had to so that I could take care of them. Thank goodness, I don’t have to resort to those tactics. I know you’re as happy about that as I am. 

4.  Assume that I don’t know the likes and dislikes of my grandchildren or the latest on the market. I know their favorite cartoon characters, favorite TV channels, latest clothing fads, what sneakers are cool, up on the movies and games, know the great vacation spots, and can make their favorite foods and treats. More so than my 30 year old children. That’s right, they look to me for the information because they don’t know. They love coming to Mawmaw’s too. My grandchildren don’t want to go home because my house is the bomb.    

5. Assume you can say or do whatever you want to me. No you can’t, so be prepared to get a response that you may not like if you don’t come correctly. I require the same respect that I give you. 

As bloggers networking is important, we can all learn from each other. As bloggers and human beings, we all want to connect, build a following and interact. I really don’t think any of us want to talk to ourselves when we write and publish a post, so isn’t our goal to connect with readers and to share what we’ve written? I believe that we have the same goals as parents and grandparents.    

I understand having a target audience, and  a niche. Quite frankly, I write about what I love which is family, gardening, crafts, quotes and motivating others. My target audience is parents who are in the age range of 20 – 60 who are looking for parenting tips/advice, ways to save on food expense, budgeting, a little motivation and lots of laughs. Not once have I wondered why anyone was on my site because of their perceived age or position in life. I have worked hard to make Mother 2 Mother warm, inviting and inclusive!  Everyone is welcome.   


You may also like: Creating Family Traditions

  How To Establish Boundaries For Grandparents

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Guest Post – 5 Frugal Ways To Update Your Home

April 20, 2015 by

 

 
Spring is here – finally! And with all of the new life  and green breaking through the gray of winter, it’s time to celebrate. Spring  brings a fresh perspective, a new beginning. Jump on board by freshening up your  own surroundings. It’s time to update your home for the season. There’s no need to spend a lot of money. Take on a few
simple projects to enjoy a brightened home and a brightened future.
Here are five frugal ways to update your home for spring:
1.  Hit the Yard Sales – There’s nothing like scanning a good yard sale on a crisp Saturday morning in April. Yard sales are the perfect places to score a  big ticket item at a fraction of the price. Be on the lookout for hidden gems among the clutter. Vintage dishes make great wall art, and mirrors add light and depth to any room. Glance at your local paper for upcoming sales and plan your route to get the most bang for your buck. Don’t forget to take cash, and have a vehicle for hauling all of your amazing finds.
2.  Freshen  With Paint – A new color for your front door or your favorite decorative accent can add a little life back into your home. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your choice; you can always repaint it later.  For a more dramatic update, try a new color on the walls or kitchen cabinets. All white is trendy now, but you can spice it up with an unexpected pop of color, like a bold green or fiery red on an accent wall.
3.  Plant Some New Greens – Plants can be an inexpensive way to add color to the  outside (and inside) of your home. Annuals tend to be a little cheaper than perennials, but a combination of both will mean you’ll be investing in your greenspace for years to come.
 
Try hanging a planter from your front porch, and you’ll see an instant boost in your home’s curb appeal. If space is a little more limited and a full garden isn’t your calling, try adding a few flowers to some pots at the front entrance of your home.
4.  Move Things Around – One of the easiest and least expensive ways to get a new look in your home’s décor is to switch some things around. Move artwork to a different room or try a new arrangement of your favorite collection. Swap out pillows on your couch or bed, and weed through your bookcase.

If, through this process, you find that pieces of your décor are in need of replacing, you can make a list of what you need and start to budget accordingly. For extra savings, check out home décor wholesales online for some fresh spring décor. 

5.  Your Pictures – If the pictures on your walls haven’t been changed out in a few months – or a few years – it may be time to display new ones. Break out your digital camera so you can go through pictures of events that happened  in the last year.
 
Ordering prints online is easier than ever now, so you can customize your prints to fit the frames you have on hand. No pictures you’d  like to print? Do an impromptu photoshoot with your family.


Updating your home for spring doesn’t have to wreck your
budget. Try these five frugal ways to boost your home’s décor in no time!

Savannah Hemmings is a personal stylist and lifestyle blogger with a
passion for beautiful spaces and great deals. To read more of her tips on home
decor and fashion, check out her blog SincerelySavannah!
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Why You Should RSVP

January 23, 2015 by

Do you RSVP?  Maybe you heard about the story of the parents who were billed for a portion of a party because they failed to attend a party?  Apparently they sent an RSVP stating they would attend; however, they didn’t show up.  But they failed to contact the hosting parents to let them know of their change of plans.  Since the host parents paid for accommodations for their child, they wanted to be reimbursed for the expense. So they sent the parents a bill and threaten to take them to small claims court if they didn’t pay up. You can read the details here.

I laughed when I read the story.  Because I remembered all the times that I sent invitations and asked guests to RSVP.  And they never bothered to  respond one way or the other.  I have never thought about sending a bill to those who did RSVP, but never showed up.  I most admit, I like the thought.

When I send out an invitation for an informal or formal event, I ask guests to RSVP.  For example, if it’s an informal events I always ask the guests to call me. I give a date that they must call by and my phone number.  Additionally, I expect them to call and say yes they are coming or no they are not coming.

I ask for the RSVP to be mailed to me when I send out a formal invitation.  Furthermore, I include the RSVP card and a stamped return envelop.

I ask guests to RSVP because I need to know how much food to prepare, how much liquor to purchase, or how many party favors to purchase. To me it’s just disrespectful when a guest does neither. RSVP means respond/reply please. I never do Regrets Only, I want to hear yes or no from the invited guests.  I’m not unique, other people who are hosting parties expect the same.

I hosted my grandchildren’s birthday several years ago. It was a huge backyard event with clowns, magicians, a bounce house and everything else that goes along with a carnival themed party. I had 10 people show up with their children and they never bothered to RSVP.

Needless to say, I had not planned for 20 extra people. One of the guests had 5 children. It left me scrambling. I had to purchase and cook more food, put more party favor bags together and accommodate more children and parents. I should have billed the parents for the stress alone. That would teach them the meaning of RSVP.

Proper etiquette requires those who receive an invitation to not ignore it. It is not up to the host to call you to find out if you’re coming or not. If they thought enough of you to send an invitation, you should think enough of them to respond one way or the other.

For those who RSVP and don’t show up, you have cost the host money.  Because they have included you and/or your children in the food, beverage and party favor count.  The cost is even more profound for weddings and other formal events. Those events normally require a cater who charge by the plate.  Additionally, if alcohol is involved it’s per bottle and bartenders must be paid.  

Finally, now that you know the meaning and importance of RSVP, please respond.  In conclusion, you may find that family, friends, co-workers and neighbors are leaving you and your family off the party list. Better yet, you may find an invoice in your mailbox if you end up being a no show.

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My Favorite Christmas Decorating Items

December 18, 2014 by
Christmas decorating ideas, Christmas decorationsdeo
Today I’m sharing my favorite items that I use in my Christmas decorating displays.  I love, love, love nutcrackers. I started collecting them years ago, and I use them in every nook and cranky that I can find. I did scale back this year, but many found their way out of storage.  
 
These little fellows found a place on my dining room table. I’m not hosting a formal dinner this Christmas, I’ll be serving a buffet style gathering after Christmas, so I decided to do a simple center display using the nutcrackers, over sized ornaments, and a simple table runner.    

 

 

I added additional nutcrackers on my coffee and end tables.  As you can see I also love adding ornaments to my displays. The vintage glass bowl is a gift from one of my aunts who passed away this April.  I put a together a cook-book in her honor that I will be giving as a Christmas gift to her siblings.  Stay tuned for that post.  
Christmas Table Settings
I did bring out a set of my informal Christmas dishes that I use in my breakfast room. I like for my rooms to feel festive during the holidays. I picked up the miniature stockings to house the utensils at Walmart. Great price, 4 for a $1.00.  I thought they added a festive touch.  I gathered some greenery from the backyard to add to the centerpiece, I love how the greenery smells in the house. I added a few sprays of berry pics that I picked up at Michael’s for $.99 each. The pine cones were picked up on a trip to North Carolina when we were scouting colleges for my daughter, and the dish is a vintage milk glass cake plate. I like to use it with the Christmas dishes.  I love how the white makes the red pop.  
Christmas Place Settings
 
 
 
My artificial tree. Yes, I finally purchased one after struggling with the idea for several years. I softened the blow of not having a live tree by purchasing new ornaments.  I love the color, I went with chocolate and gold this year. The tree is starting to grow on me.  I have to say that I was completely lost when it came to shaping the tree, but once I got the hang of it I moved pretty quickly.  If only I had room to store it put together, lol.  
 
 
 
Now, I want your honest opinion.  Which do you like, the artificial or the live tree at the bottom.  I may revert back to the live tree next year.  Do you have a live or artificial tree? What are your favorite decorating items, and do you use a color combination on your tree.  Please leave me a comment, I love them.   
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Dollar Store Holiday Deals

December 15, 2014 by

dollar deals, dollar store bargains

Need party or craft supplies for Thanksgiving or Christmas?  Dollar store holiday deals await you. I’ve always been able to find cups, plates, napkins, and table cloths to compliment my theme whenever I host a party or family gathering. Buying items from the Party Supply Store can get expensive, so I get creative and add complimentary items from the Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, Dollar General.  If it says Dollar, I’m there. Why should I spend $5.00 on a plastic table cloth when I can get it for a $1.00. This momma works hard for the money and I don’t just throw mine out the door.  
 
The Dollar stores always have a nice selection of holiday table items, cookie tins for gift giving, and trays to hold your delicious treats.  I get major compliments on my table displays when I’m hosting a party.  I accept them with a giggle, the Dollar stores never fail me.   

I have found good deals on:

  • wine glasses
  • seasonal decorations
  • picture frames
  • craft supplies
  • gift wrap
  • party supplies
  • holiday items

I love filling wine glasses with chocolates and other candies as a little token of my appreciation for my guests time during the holidays. If you’re into making your own holiday wreaths or center pieces check out their supply of berries and other greenery.  I stock up on items for stocking stuffers too.  I found flash cards, games, candy canes, Golden Books, coloring books you name it.   

Big Lots and the Christmas Tree Shop are other stores that I love.  I’ve found great gifts for baby shower prizes there as well as wall art and throw pillows.  If you’re a bargain shopper, head to your local Dollar Stores and get your hunt on.  I’m sure you’ll find a bargain or two as well.  

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My Favorite Family Holiday Traditions

December 1, 2014 by
holiday traditions, holiday family fun
holiday traditions, Virginia Beach activities

Today, I want to share a few of the holiday traditions that I started with my grandchildren.  Each year we visit the Parade of Lights in Virginia Beach. I started this tradition six years ago with my grandson, and it’s something that we look forward to now.  

We drive on the boardwalk, which is only allowed once a year, to see these brilliant displays. We order hot dogs and hot chocolate, while we’re waiting our turn to get on the boardwalk.   We’re able to tune-in to a local radio station that plays Christmas music while you’re making the drive. I love the fact that nobody is in a hurry.  Everybody takes their time making the drive and allows visitors to hop out and take pictures.  There are jumping fishing, soldiers, surfing Santa, dinosaurs, you name it. It is truly a treat for the kids, they are in awe. Those brilliant lights have that kind of effect even if you have seen them year after year.  They do change several of the displays from year to year, so part of the fun is seeing what’s new.    

 

Another family tradition is visiting Hunt Club Farm to see their animated displays.  Totally cool!  Santa’s elves are at work making dolls and other great toys, bears are fishing, reindeer are checking Santa’s Naughty or Nice List, and Santa waits at the end of the tour for a photo opp.  

 It’s important for my grandchildren to look back over the years when they believed and remember holiday traditions.  Hopefully, these traditions will inspire them to create a few of their own when they have a family.  What traditions have you started with your children or grandchildren?  



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My 15 Favorite Christmas Songs

November 29, 2014 by

              Christmas songs, holiday songs, Christmas music

Welcome to the third day of my 12 Days of Christmas posts.  I have favorite songs that I like to play during the holiday season, so I’m focusing on my favorite Christmas songs.  Shortly after Thanksgiving, I blow the dust off the CDs and crank up the volume on the CD player. Christmas music just puts me in a festive mood, and motivates me to start decorating for the holiday season. I start off the season with Merry Christmas To All of You by The Temptations. It’s my all time favorite Christmas song, and by the time the holiday season is over everyone in my house is hoping that I will never play it again.  I do play others, by that particular song is at the top of the list. Here’s my top Christmas songs:

  • Merry Christmas To All of You  – The Temptations
  • O Holy Night – Celine Dion 
  • All I Want For Christmas – Mariah Carey
  • Please Come Home For Christmas – Aron Neville
  • Up on the Roof Top – Jackson Five
  • Carol of the Bells – Celtic Woman
  • Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
  • Some Day At Christmas – Jackson Five
  • Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
  • Silent Night – The Temptations
  • Merry Christmas Baby – Bruce Springteen
  • Merry Christmas – Rod Stewart 
  • Christmas Through Your Eyes – Gloria Estefan
  • White Christmas – Kenny G
  • What Christmas Means – Kem
Are you familiar with any of them?  If not, you should check them out. They’re perfect for an open house or holiday gathering too.  Personally, I love to listen to Christmas music while I’m decorating the house, Christmas gifts or sipping a little eggnog.
Music gets everyone in a festival mood.  We could all use a little holiday inspiration, right.  Download a few tunes, and get in the holiday spirit too.  Leave a comment on your favorite Christmas songs, we may want to add it to our playlist. You may also like:  12 Days of Christmas – Family

 

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9 Favorite Holiday Movies

November 19, 2014 by

 

favorite holiday movies, holiday movies, Christmas movie, favorite Christmas movies

 

Watching holiday movies is a great way for me to get in the holiday spirit.  So, I thought I would share some of my favorites with you.  Hopefully, my posts will motivate you to get into the Christmas spirit too.

Watching holiday movies is my first step toward preparing for the holiday season. I watch the movies while I decorate the house and trim the tree. My favorite Christmas movie list changes from year to year.  I always seem to find another movie or 2 to add to the list.  Most importantly, they have become a holiday tradition for me.  So, the first movie on the list is a must for me. You guessed it, A Christmas Story with Ralphie.  You know the adorable little boy who wanted the Red Ryder BB Gun from Santa.  I watch this movie all day and laugh. The Eggnog and Bacardi contribute to the laughter too I’m sure.  But, the movie is a great holiday treat.

Additionally, I probably have every word memorized from the movie.  I’ve watched this movie during the holidays since my daughter was a little girl.  She’s approaching 39 years.  If my daughter and I are not together, my daughter calls me on Christmas day and says “Mom, Ralphie is on”.  Do you ever wonder how they choose the people to play the roles in movies?  They couldn’t have found better people to play the Parker’s in A Christmas Story.  My grandson is following in my footsteps.  He watches the movie with me and has received his own DVD so he can watch it when his heart desires. Here’s the remainder of my Favorite Christmas Movie List:

  • A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley and Melinda Dillion.  My all time favorite Christmas movie.  One of my employee’s has a miniature leg lamp in her office.  Too funny.
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas with Chevy Chase.  What an idiot!  Need I say more.
  • Deck the Halls with Danny Devito.  Great music and light shows in this movie.
  • Christmas With The Kranks with Jamie Lee Kurtis, Tim Allen and Dan Aykroyd.  I love how the neighbors come together in this movie and demonstrate that giving is better than receiving.
  • Home Alone with Macaulay Culkin in this movie, but I have to give Joe Pesci and his side kick their props too.
  • Bad Santa with Billy Bob Thorton, Bernie Mac and John Ritter.  How can you go through the holiday season without seeing a drunk Santa.
  • A Boyfriend for Christmas – This is one of favorite Hallmark Movies with Patrick Muldoon and Kelli Williams.  Who doesn’t love a romantic Christmas movie. Kelli Williams wishes for a boyfriend for Christmas. Santa delivers, but things don’t go as planned.
  • Undercover Christmas – Another romantic Christmas favorite from Hallmark with Jamie Gertz and Shawn Christian. You like eye candy, Shawn Christian doesn’t disappoint in this FBI undercover agent type movie who falls in love with the prime witness in a major case.
  • Last Holiday with Queen Latifah and LL Cool J star in this movie.  I love Queen Latifah and how she demonstrates courage when she believes her life is coming to an end way too soon.
  • It’s a Wonderful Life – Jimmy Stewart was wonderful in this movie.  Sometimes when we think we want more, something happens in our life that teaches us that we should appreciate the one that we have.   

Finally, I regress back to my childhood during the holiday season.  I love the movies, the Christmas tree, the lights and spending time with family and friends. What are your favorite holiday movies, I may want to check them out and add them to my list.  You may also like 13 Fun and Frugal Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas.

 

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10 Reasons I’m Thankful

November 16, 2014 by

Thanksgiving, how to be grateful

 
The holiday season is approaching. It’s the time of year when families gather and thanks are given. I always start Thanksgiving morning with the preparation of the turkey, breakfast and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade as I’m preparing the other dishes. For some reason that parade puts me in a festive mood.   

Later that day my  home will be filled with children, laughter, conversations of days gone by and the Sports channel will be envied by every other station on TV. An abundance of food and drink will be consumed, which will be followed by a much needed nap. Slice of pumpkin or sweet potato pie filled with scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream will push the turkey and stuffing down and a wish for another nap will follow.  

Last, the arguments over who ate the last homemade roll or who drank the last of the sweet tea will surface, and that argument will be followed by who will be cleaning up the kitchen and putting away the leftovers. I love the holiday season.

It’s a tradition in my family for everyone to give thanks to someone or something during the blessing of our meal each Thanksgiving. Here’s the top 10 reasons that I’m thankful in no particular order:

  1. I’m thankful for my health and being able to live another year.
  2. I’m thankful for my daughter, grandson and granddaughter.  They have made me the proudest mother and grandmother in the world.
  3. I’m thankful for a roof over my head and food in my mouth.  
  4. I’m thankful for a family who loves me unconditionally.   
  5. I’m thankful for the fresh air that I take in everyday and the beauty that surrounds me.
  6. I’m thankful for friends who put up with me even when I’m on their last nerve.
  7. I’m thankful for parents who gave disciplined me, gave me an education and prepared me to survive in this world.  
  8. I’m thankful for the struggles that I have endured in my life.  They have made me a better and a stronger person.  
  9. I’m thankful for great neighbors who look out for me and my home.  
  10. I’m thankful for still having all my siblings and grateful that the circle remains unbroken.    

I would like to thank each of my readers for the follow as well as your comments and I wish each of you a very Happy, Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving. What will you being thankful for this holiday?  


You may also like:  11 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

 

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11 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

November 13, 2014 by

 

holiday stress, Thanksgiving


Gobble Gobble!  The holidays are around the corner and holiday stress levels will start to rise. Thank goodness we no longer head out to the woods to catch our turkeys, pound corn or cook on open fires.  We already have enough things to stress over like what will be on the menu, who’s coming to dinner, what size turkey to buy, who should sit where and the list goes on. 

The holidays can  be a joyous time, but they can be overwhelming at times too.  To avoid unnecessary stress, I use the following tips to reduce holiday stress in my home: [Read more…]

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