How To Start A Home Vegetable Garden

April 12, 2011 by

Yep, this diva is turning into a gardener.  I’ve staked off my vegetable garden, purchased a compost bin, and drawing plans to install additional flower gardens over the course of the next year.  I’ve decided to start small and gradually add in various gardens. 

Right now I’m going to start with the beds around my house and the vegetable garden.  The soil is great for edging my beds and clearing out weeds, so that will be my week-end chore depending on the  weather.   I pulled out a spade that I had in the storage building to see if I had the stamina to make the edging around the beds, this is something that I normally pay to have done, snap – I’ve figured it out.  I must also say, that my trench is better than the landscaper’s too.  I’m so glad that I tried this spade, I was heading to Lowe’s this week-end to buy one of those half-moon edgers.  This will do just fine!  Oh, please disregard the weeds, I’m getting to them.  Can you believe that I’ve had this tool in the storage building for 20 years, lol.  I’m debating on whether I should pull up this Alberta Spruce.  This is suppose to be a dwarf.  I didn’t know that a dwarf would reach 6 feet, lol.  I love it, but it has become too big for the spot that it’s in and it’s overshadowing my Azalea.  I would love to relocate it, but I don’t know if it would survive the shock of moving it.  I want to place Double Knockout Roses on that corner and a few other places in the border. 

I’ve staked off my vegetable garden.  I’m using the tarp to kill the grass, but it is as green as ever underneath.  I may have to resort to Roundup.  I debated on a raised bed, but decided to go with the rich soil in my yard.  My development used to be a farm, and my little acre of ground used to be a pig pen.  Everything grows!  I’ve decided to do some container gardening as well.  I’m going to plant a few tomato plants, cucumbers and herbs in pots on my decks.  In the garden I’ll plant squash, zucchini, lettuce and a few pumpkins.   

Another project that I will be working on is putting up a privacy fence.  My neighbors have a dilapidated barn behind me, which is another story.  I want to hide the ugly barn and use the fence as a backdrop for my gardens.  As soon as the rain stops, we’ll clean the fence line, till the garden and install a 6 foot wooden fence.  I’ll be planting shade, butterfly and a cutting garden as well as a little reading area where I can admire the fruits of my labor.   I’m going to use field stone to use as a border.  I got lucky, there’s a couple who has a retaining wall made out of field stone and they no longer want the walls.  I can take as much as I want for free.  I’m having a few garden benches, birdhouses and a tree house made for my grandson.  I’m in search of old benches, bird baths, and old watering cans so I’ll be attending auctions this summer in search of a few fabulous finds.  As a matter of fact, I’m heading to a flea market in Amish country next month.  I love Lancaster, Pa. and try to spend a few days there every year.  It’s such a peaceful way of life, the food is great and I always find a few treasures.   

Stay tuned for my adventures in gardening.  I’m actually thinking about starting a gardening blog to chronicle my growth as a Zone 6 gardener?  Do you garden?  If so, please leave me a comment with a name for my gardening blog.  If you have a gardening blog feel free to leave a link.  If you don’t garden, please leave me a comment/suggestion anyway.  I love them!

 

Filed Under: beginner gardening, home gardening, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Reuben Casserole

March 26, 2011 by

Do you like Reuben sandwiches?  If you do, you will love this easy and delicious casserole.  It has the makings of a Reuben sandwich, corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, but you bake it.  

Ingredients

  • Package Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes (24 oz)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/3 pound thickly sliced corned beef cut into 1/2 inch pieces (available at grocery deli)
  • 1 can sauerkraut, drained (4 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 400F. In large bowl, stir together potatoes, eggs and milk until well combined. Stir in corned beef, sauerkraut and mustard. Set aside 2 tablespoons of cheese. Stir in remaining cheese into potato mixture. Pour into a greased 8 x 8 inch oval baking pan. Top with 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is golden.  Serve with a tossed salad.  Yummy!  Recipe compliments of Bob Evans. 
 
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Would You Wear A Lettuce Dress?

March 25, 2011 by

Yep, it’s made from lettuce!  I had to do a double take when I saw this advertisement for PETA.  Quite creative.  First Lady Gaga and her dress made from raw meat and now a lettuce dress from PETA.  What’s next bread, lol?   This advertisement is for PETA’s vegetarian and vegan starter kits.  PETA is encouraging people to go vegan.  Whoever created the dress should head over to Project Runway and sign up for the next season.  It’s adorable. 

Don’t miss what’s happening on Mother 2 Mother.  Be sure to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr or Linkedin by clicking one or more of the Social Media buttons in the upper right hand corner and subcribe to Mother 2 Mother for future posts and give aways. 

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Did You Know – It’s National Potato Chip Day!

March 14, 2011 by

It’s National Potato Chip Day!  Yep, March 14 is the day that American indulges in their favorite bag of chips and feels no guilt.  I love chips, so I love this day.  I confess, chips are my weakness.  I haven’t met a chip yet that I didn’t like.  My favorite store brought dip is Heluva Good French Onion,  but I have a yummy homemade dip that is much better.   I’ll take it either way.  My Xavier is a chip off the old block, he loves to eat chips and dip with Mama.  Here’s Xavier helping me make dip for our chips awhile back. It’s amazing how much he has grown since our last dip making session.  No more Nip Nip or Pull Ups.  

I love Martins and Grandma Utz chips.  If they are not available good ole Lays or Utz will do.  If they’re thin, crunchy, and flavorable you won’t get a complaint from me.  Did you know that potato chips were first created as a joke?  The history behind these delectable artery clogging goodness is that they were invented in 1853 by Native American George Crum.  Mr. Crum was a chef at a resort in Saratoga Springs, New York.  A dinner guest ordered french fries, but complained that the fries were too thick and sent the order back.  Well we all know that chefs don’t like their dishes returned.  Mr. Crum decided to get even by producing fries that were too thin and crispy to stick to the dinner guest’s fork.  It backfired, the guest loved the potato slices.  The rest is history, the slices became a hit and known today as potato chips.

I don’t know exactly when I fell in love with these potato slices.  According to the width of my belly, I’ve been loving them for many years.  I’ve given up many things over the course of the years, but I refuse to give up my chips.  I have learned to savour them rather than devour the entire bag at one setting.  Leave us a comment and let us know what you’re favorite snack is.  We would love to hear from you.    

Filed Under: children's snacks, dip, french onion dip, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Fabulous Baby Finds – Carter’s Tunics & Capris

March 13, 2011 by

Spring is here!  Yes, it’s time for me to get over my winter blues and start searching for what’s hot this spring and summer for our toddlers.  As my readers know, I’m a bargain shopper.  I want quality at a good price and one place that I find it is at Boscovs Department Store.   This establishment has been in business since 1921.  You can find a diverse selection of goods for purchase.  I shop at Boscovs for Xavier.  I’ve been purchasing bargains for him for the past 3 years.  The price is reasonable, the cloths are of quality and they wash up well.  

I’ve found these adorable capris and tunic by Carter’s while I was browsing and thought I would share my finds with you.   It’s so cute and bright.  The capri’s can be purchased in sizes 2T – 4T.  They’re regularly $14.00, but they’re on sale for $5.60.  No, $5.60 is not a typo.  It’s the real deal.  They come in turquoise, lime, gray, and pink.   The tunic is on sale for $5.60 too.  If I was a gambler I would play that number. 

This tee can be found at Boscovs too.  Isn’t it refreshing!  Guess how much is it?  You got it $5.60, lol.  You can be assured the items are quality.  I wouldn’t put anything less on my Xavier.  They’re made by Carter’s, a name that speaks for itself.   Hurry over and check everything out.  You won’t be disappointed.  I’ve purchased London Fog jackets for Xavier that are regularly $50.00 – $60.00 retail for $19.00.  He out grew the jacket before it wore out.   Carter’s offers a great selection of PJs for toddlers on this site too.   If you’re lucky they may have free shipping on orders over $59.00.  They offer this deal often too.  Stay tuned for more Fabulous Baby Finds from Mother 2 Mother.

Filed Under: Boscovs, Great Finds, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

My Money Is On Sugar Ray or Kirstie Alley

March 12, 2011 by

I can’t wait for the new season of Dancing With The Stars to start March 21.  I said I was going to boycott the show after Bristol Palin beat out Brandy last season, but all is forgiven.  When the lineup came out last week, I knew that I couldn’t resist.  The new cast includes Kirstie Alley from Cheers, Kendra Wilkinson from the reality show Kendra, talkshow host Wendy Williams and the Karate Kid Ralph Maccio.  Sugar Ray Leonard, rapper Romeo, and wrestler Chris Jericho will also compete.  I love me some Sugar Ray Leonard.  I used to have dreams about that man when he was boxing.

I also like Kirstie Alley.  I loved her when she was on Cheers and the in movie Madhouse.  That movie cracks me up.  I can also relate to her weight lose struggles although at times I’ve seen pictures of her when she was at her heaviest and I almost didn’t recognize her.  I hope and pray that I never reach that state.  Through it all, she remains one of my favorite actresses.   

I hope this season America votes for the best dancers rather than voting based on their political views.   The show is very entertaining, but when it becomes just downright unjust, it  leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  Yep, I’m talking about Bristol Palin.  On the dance floor, Brandy made a meal out of Bristol Palin and there’s no way she should have landed in the final three.  In the end America proved that they are just people.  They put her in her place, last.   

Are you a DWTS fan?  Leave us a commment and let us know who you will be rooting for. 

Filed Under: Bristol Palin, DWTS, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Tom Hanks Take on Toddlers and Tiaras

March 8, 2011 by

As my readers know, I’m not a fan of children being in beauty pageants. I’ve watched several episodes of Toddlers and Tiaras and quite frankly found it appalling.  I have a problem with parents spray painting tans on children,  making them up to look like painted dolls, and than claiming they’re doing it all for the child..  Do I have stupid tattooed on my forehead?  If you can find the tattoo, I’ll accept that it’s all being done for their daughter.  

Anyway, I came across this video with Tom Hanks and his take on parents and the Toddlers and Tiaras show while watching Jimmy Kimmel.  Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so watching his take on pageants just made my day.  He is brilliant in the video.  Also, the little girl shown in the video is an actress, she is not Tom Hank’s daughter.  Hope you enjoy the video. 

Filed Under: children's beauty pageants, children's pageants, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Is 4 Too Old For A Pacifier?

March 8, 2011 by

Is 4 too old for a toddler to suck on a pacifier?  Check out little Suri Cruise.  She goes from Little Diva with high heel shoes and a Starbuck drink one day to a toddler needing to suckle the next.  I struggled with my grandson and whether he was too old to continue with his Nip Nip at age 2.  I can’t imagine him walking around at age 5 with a pacifier in his mouth.  Anyway, we decided that we should wean him from the Nip Nip at 2.5 years.  I’m happy that we did.  Most doctors recommend that parents wean their children from the pacifier before they turn 1.  Miss Suri will be turning 5 next month. 

My grandson lived his Nip Nip.  He used it to sooth himself often.  We gradually switched to giving it to him at nap and bedtime only.  We weaned him altogether when we moved him into his big boy bed.  When I see children Suri’s age breastfeeding and still using a pacifier, I wonder what’s up with the parents.  Is it laziness or just not wanting to hear their child cry if they wean them?  Could it be that they can’t tell their children no?  Reminds me of the parents who are suing McDonalds because their children want a Happy Meal and they have to tell them no, lol.  Not being able to say no to your child is a problem in itself, and the problem is with the adult.   

If Suri was attending public school, she would have to leave her pacifier home.  If not, she would be a target for bullies or the butt of jokes by her schoolmates.  Yes there are 5 year old bullies,  but that’s a conversation for another time.  It’s doubtful that school adminstrators would allow a 5 year old to bring a pacifier to school either.  The fact that she will be privately tutored may be a reason why Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise don’t see a need to wean her at this time.

Regardless of whether you’re a star or not, some parenting skills are universal.   When we lack the ability to tell our children no we aren’t doing them any favors.  Take a look at Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie before she matured and became a mother. Drew Berrymore was another troubled teen and I could go on, but I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from.  Children need limits and guidance.   I wonder what Katie Holmes’ explanation would be if asked why she’s allowing Suri to use a pacifier at age 5. 

Would her explanation be acceptable to me.  No.  Would it be acceptable to you?  Do you believe age 5 is appropriate for a child to still be using a pacifier?  Please leave us a comment.  We would love to know your opinion.   

 

Filed Under: breastfeeding, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Who Ate My Thin Mints?

February 23, 2011 by

It’s that time of year!  Yep, girl scout cookies are on sale.  As you know I’m a lover of the Peanut Butter and Thin Mint Patties.  I purchase at least 10 – 15 boxes of cookies each year.  I love to freeze them and pull them out on a hot summer day while I’m curled up reading a good book or watching a good movie. 

My sister knows that I’m a lover of girl scout cookies.  She sent me a link to a newspaper article this evening that had me in stitches.  The article was about two roommates fighting over Thin Mint girl scout cookies.  Apparently one roommate woke the other up early Sunday morning accusing her of eating her cookies.  An argument ensured, and the roommate whose cookies were missing assaulted the other with a pair of scissors, a board and then a sign.  I wonder if the sign read, “Who Ate My Thin Mints?”  

As much as I love my girl scout cookies, I don’t think that I will go to jail on an assault charge for them. 

 

Filed Under: cookies, Girl Scout cookies, Girl Scouts, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Fabulous Baby Finds – Baby Uggs

February 12, 2011 by

Are these baby Uggs adorable or what?   Mother 2 Mother has found another  fabulous find for you.  The baby Uggs are available at www.shoes.com  They are available in sand, chestnut, pink and blue.  Sizes range from   Small: age 0 – 8 months, Medium: age 9 – 16 months, Large: age 17 – 24 months and they’re the real thing.  They’re made in Australia and feature the same sheepskin suede and and they’re lined in fleece just like the women’s Uggs.  These have a velcro closure to ensure they fit snugly.  The miniature Uggs are available for $49.99 with free shipping.  Great price!    

These boots would make a great baby shower or Christmas gift or picture yourself and your daughter rocking Uggs at the next family gathering.  What a great fashion statement these boots will make for the little diva.  If I had a little girl, the purchase would have already been made, lol.  I can’t resist trendy fashion finds for myself, I know I would weaken for a little girl.  Since I have no need for them yet, why don’t you hurry over and make the purchase!

Filed Under: children's fashion, girls boots, Great Finds, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,