Great Find – Mother and Grandmother’s Bracelet

December 1, 2013 by


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We found the perfect gift for your mom or mother-in-law.  I designed this mother/grandmother’s bracelet at Pearls by Laurel.  The center pearl is, Zarriah’s birthstone, August and the Sapphire is Xavier’s and mine, September.  I love it. 

The price is excellent, $33.90 for the 3 stones which includes shipping.  The bracelet is handmade from Swarovski pearls (not fresh water pearls) and rhinestones.  It’s also made in the USA.  You can order sizes small – XX large.  For those who have a high PH, the company offers an alternative silver component which prevents the silver from touching the skin and causing a reaction.  I would recommend measuring your wrist to ensure a proper fit.  If the size is off, the company will resize for free.  In addition to free resizing, if the bracelet breaks the replacement is free.  This company vigorously stands behind its work.   

You can design the bracelet on-line using up to 6 pearls; otherwise, you must contact the company.  The site is easy to navigate and designing the bracelet is quick and easy.  You just drag the pearl that you choose to where ever you wish to place it on the bracelet.  You can play with it until you’re satisfied with design/color placement. 

If you click on this link, Pearls by Laurel and make a purchase of more than $20.00 you will receive free shipping.  This is an elegant gift that every mother or grandmother would love.  It’s a great gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day, birthdays or just because.  If you get in a bind for a last minute gift, you can order up to December 17 for delivery by December 24.  They have Priority Mail shipping for $6.95. 
                                                                  

Filed Under: family, grandmothers bracelets, holiday gift ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Is Your Teen Sexting On Their Phone?

December 1, 2013 by

Is your teen sexting or participating in the “hook up culture”?  Statistics show that 22% of teen girls and 20% of teen boys have sent nude or seminude photos of themselves over the Internet or their phones.  Why, they don’t think about the repercussions.  They want to show off their bodies.  Girls want to entice the guys they’re attracted to or they think they’re proving that they’re committed to the young man they’re dating.   Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on teen sexting.

 

In reverse, boys think it’s cool to approach girls via text using sexually graphic content.  Social grace is nonexistent.  There are sites set-up to give examples of how to send a sexting message.

 

parenting tips

 

Times have changed and Teens are Sexting.  We live in a world that revolves around modern technology and it’s here to stay.  Teens don’t realize that the person they sent the picture or text to is now in possession of material that can prove damaging.  Too many times we have heard about the text or image being sent to others or being posted on a social networking site.  Unfortunately, once it’s sent you can’t retrieve it.  Both teenage boys and girls have forwarded the images to others.  They in turn have passed the image on which has lead to humiliation in school, parties or other social situations.  Sadly, it’s hard to undo the damage.  And, people are revengeful.

So, many teens have said they felt pressured by their boyfriend or girlfriend to send the picture.  Teen pressure is not unusual.  Also, they feel the same pressures with drinking and doing drugs.  As a result, sexting is just another social pressure.  What can you do to prevent your teen from sexting:

 

 

parenting tips

 

 

 

  • Set aside time to have a serious discussion on the damaging affects of sexting.
  • Let them know that they’re in control of their body and reputation.  They should never allow anyone to pressure them into sexting.
  • Give them an example.  A great one would be the beautiful and talented Vanessa Williams.  She posed nude in college and the photos came back to haunt her when she won the Miss America Pageant.  She resigned her crown as a result.    Don’t want to use Vanessa Williams, Google to find other examples of teens who have been harmed.
  • Set rules on phone use.  Kids need structure and guidance and a cellphone shouldn’t be an exception.
  • Discuss the meaning of privacy and intimacy.  Would they want family members or friends to see the photo?  If not, they shouldn’t want the world to view it either.
  • Discuss dating etiquette and what’s acceptable.  You set the rules or assist your teen in setting rules.
  • Discuss the legal ramifications.  Since I am not an attorney, I would suggest that you consult a family lawyer in your state for advice.

 

Filed Under: Teens Tagged With: , ,

Hunt Club Farm Christmas Displays

November 30, 2013 by

 

 

Hunt Club Christmas Displays

The holiday season officially starts for my family Thanksgiving Day.  The tree goes up and we’re planning holiday activities.  My daughter lives in Virginia Beach, VA.  A mile down the road is Hunt Club Farm.  They sit on 23 acres and cater to children all year.  Each year we take the grandchildren to see the Christmas displays.  Their displays are amazing.  They are full of automated elves, soldiers, reindeer and everything else you can image.  It’s a child’s delight.  Here are some of the displays from last season: 

 

Virginia Beach Hunt Club farm

 

It’s a great place for photo opportunities as you can see.  My granddaughter is not into picture taking for some reason.  She doesn’t like to cooperate for the camera, so I’m hoping I can get a few good shots.  This is my grandson last year in front of their Christmas tree.  Amazing how much he has grown in a year.  Precious I might add. 

 

If the weather is nice we move on to the Petting Zoo.  This is Mr. Llama.  He was on display last year.  The great thing about the Petting Zoo is you never know what animals you will come across.  The have great displays there too.  Last year they had an adorable little building that housed Santa.  Xavier was a little shy, but he gave Santa his wish list.  

 

We end our trip at the fire pit roasting hot dogs and making S’mores.  They have a stand that sells the hot dogs and buns and everything needed for the S’mores.  The roasters come with the package.  You can pick up hot chocolate or apple cider to wash it down.  If you live in the Hampton Roads area, plan a trip.  It’s a great way to start the holiday season and makes great memories for the kids.  

 

 

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Calendar Gift Ideas

November 27, 2013 by


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2014 Calendar

I just made a calendar for one of my daughter’s Christmas gifts at Shutterfly.  I had so much fun going through pictures and finding ones that fit perfectly into each month of Xavier and Zarriah.  Although it’s not clear, this is the cover of the calendar.  The picture was taken at Zarriah’s Christening.  About 20 family members from my daughter and son-in-law’s side of the family attended.  The picture is a beautiful memory. 

This calendar will make a beautiful keepsake.  I’m thinking of making another for my office.  For January I selected a picture of Xavier playing in his first snow.  It was a great moment, January 2009.  My daughter and her family were visiting for a week-end and it snowed.  Xavier had just turned 1 the previous September.  I had a great time watching him play and trying to figure out what that white stuff was.   

                                                                 

                                                                       

How could I leave out Zarriah’s first birthday party, August 2012, and her looking at the clown.  OMG, it was hilarious.  The pictures brought back so many memories.  I’m hoping the calendar will do the same with daughter and son-in-law. 

I’ve been thinking of this calendar for years as a gift, but never made the effort to complete the calendar.  Finally in 2013 I do just that.  The Shutterfly site is easy to navigate.  To cut down on time, I would suggest that you go through your pictures and make a note of which ones you would like to use for what month.  If you’re like me, you have thousands of photos to choose from, so it can become time consuming. 

Shutterfly is currently offering free shipping.  Use Promotion Code SHIP30.  Also, new customers get 50 prints free.  The free shipping offer ends 12/23/13.  This is a great idea for your mom, a friend or yourself.  The calendar comes in 2 sizes:  8 x 11 and 12 x 12.  I choose the 8 x 11 for $21.99.  The 12 x 12 is $29.99.  They have numerous designs and layouts to choose from.  Check it out. 


                                                                    

Filed Under: calendar gift ideas, family memories, Great Finds, holiday gift ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Holiday Gift Ideas for Gardeners

November 24, 2013 by

Today, I’m sharing holiday gift ideas for gardeners.  Any gift that I can use in my backyard vegetable garden is a great gift to me.  They will help you select the perfect gifts for your gardening friends.  I’ve found that my most memorable gifts have been homemade items and gift baskets that I’ve put together for my family and friends.  Furthermore,  I’m a huge garden and birding lover.  I assure you, if your family and/or friends are garden and bird lovers, they will love these gifts too.

 

gift ideas for gardeners

 

 

 We have put together a list of holiday gift ideas for gardeners:

  • Packets of seeds – You can’t go wrong here.  Sunflowers, flowers for borders, and vegetable seeds are great gift ideas.
  • Garden Tools – Every gardener needs tools.  Pruners, hand trowel, hand rake, hand shovel, and a bulb planter are ideal.
  • Kneeling Pad – I use mine regularly.  Helps protect the knees when planting and pulling weeds.
  • Gardening Gloves – I go through several pair each season.
  • Gardening Hat and Sunblock – Protecting yourself from the sun is a most for the gardener.
  • Gift Certificate to a Local Nursery – We love to browse any place that has vegetables and flowers for sell.  I’ve found that nurseries have unique items that you can’t find at most garden centers such as Lowes, Wal-Mart and Home Depot.

 



 

  • Tool Caddy – We love organization, a tool caddy keeps our gloves and tools in one place.
  • Garden Cart – It’s easier on the back when you can sit and pull weeds.  Check out the Garden Hopper at Amazon, I’m sure this item is on every gardener’s wish list.
  • Flower pots – We love to place geraniums in clay or decorative pots. I also love large pots on my deck for petunias.  They won’t fit into a gift basket, but they will look wonderful with a pretty bow.  My favorite pots came from Big Lots and Dollar General.
  • Indoor Heat Pad and Grow Lights – I sow my seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season.  For successful germination, heat is a most.  Seed germination heats pads and indoor grow lights will make excellent gifts.
  • Peat Pots or Seed Starting Kits – Gardeners love to germinate their seeds in peat pots.

 

Last, we hope that you find one or two selections from our holiday gift ideas for gardeners beneficial.  Also, check out my ideas for a bird lovers gift basket.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Cabbage and Sausage Recipe

November 23, 2013 by


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cabbage recipes

I love cabbage.  If you’re a fan, here’s a recipe that you must try.  Did you know that cabbage is great for your health?  It’s actually considered to be one of the best health foods.

Besides being delicious, here a few reasons to try this recipe:  

  • Cabbage contains the least fat and the fewest calories of any vegetable
  • It helps lower cholesterol
  • It’s loaded with Vitamin C
  • It’s a great natural source of fiber
  • It’s a great source of antioxidants  
  • It’s expensive to eat 

 Now that we have the health benefits down.  Here’s the recipe: 

  • 1 stick butter or margarine
  • 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 pound polish sausage, sliced into round pieces (I use smoked sausage)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes  (Pull out a quart of your canned home grown tomatoes and chop) 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 of chopped green pepper
  • few drops of hot sauce (optional)
  • chopped garlic clove (optional)
Melt butter in large skillet.  Add cabbage, onion, and green pepper and cook on medium high for about 5 minutes stirring to keep from sticking to pan.  Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.  Season to taste. 
Note:  I brown my sausage in the oven and have it ready to add to the simmering ingredients.  I found the recipe rather bland, so I added garlic.  Serve with diner rolls and apple sauce.   Makes about 8 servings.

Filed Under: benefits of cabbage, cabbage recipes, cooking, dinner, easy recipes, family, Food-Recipes, free recipes, healthy meals, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Toddler Girls Garanimal Sets

November 21, 2013 by


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Garanimals Baby Girls' 2 Piece Graphic...
We found these adorable 2 piece Garanimal sets at Wal-Mart on-line.  I’ve been a big fan of Garanimals since Xavier was a baby.  I purchased these for Zarriah to knock around in on the week-ends or lazy days.  They’re great for everyday play wear and adorable enough to head to the mall or grocery store when you have to run errands. 

I have found that Garanimals hold up well on the playground, lounging around the house and through the wash.  This I’m so Sweet set include a fleece top and pants, so Zarriah will be nice and toasty this winter while playing with her Disney Princesses. 


Garanimals Baby Girls' 2 Piece Graphic...

I fell in love with the Double the Fun set too.  This set is made of fleece as well.  Both will look adorable with a pair of sneakers or flats if your heading to the mall or grocery store.  I purchased both sets for $7.76 each.  I ordered additional items, so I was able to get free shipping to my house.  I love a bargain, especially when I don’t have to pay a fortune for cloths that my little sweeties will grow out of in months. 

Filed Under: Garanimal clothing, Great Finds, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Great Find – Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel

November 19, 2013 by


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Melissa and Doug easel

Christmas is around the corner and Mother 2 Mother is in search of great finds.  I purchased Melissa and Doug’s Deluxe Standing Easel for my little Picasso Xavier for $57.00.  As a Prime member, shipping was free.  Xavier loves to paint, so this will be a perfect gift for him.  The easel is listed as one of Amazon’s 2013 best gifts for kids.  I agree. 


The easel includes extra-large chalkboard, dry-erase board, and easy-load paper roller.  You will need to buy the accessories kit for an additional $27.00.  The kit includes: 

  • 4 Bottles of Poster Paint and 4 Spill-Proof Paint Cups
  • Easel paper roll, chalk, paint brushes, dry-erase marker and eraser


    • The easel alone usually runs around $80.00, so this is a Great Find.  If your child enjoys drawing and writing, I encourage you to check out this deal and have Santa deliver this great gift Christmas Eve.  Your child can look forward to hours of entertainment on those cold, snowy, winter days.  This item is appropriate for ages 3 and up. 

    Filed Under: children's easels, Great Finds, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

    Cheese Ball Recipes

    November 18, 2013 by


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    Holiday cheese ball recipes from Michelle Buffardi

    Cheese balls are back and just in time for the holidays.  I watched Access Hollywood, my first time, and they were making these adorable cheese balls which I love.  I’m a big cheese and cracker fan, especially during the holidays, so these are going on my menu this season. 

    Here’s the recipes that were used on Access Hollywood:

    Herbed Turkey
    • 8 oz. cream cheese
    • 6 oz. goat cheese
    • 1 1/2 tbsp. herbs de Provence
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 1 tsp. mustard
    • 1/4 cup slivered almonds

    Note:  I will be substituting my Chipped Beef and Green Onion cheese ball recipe instead of the herbed.  Not a big fan of goat cheese, but I love the turkey idea. 

    For decorating:

    •  dark raisin for eyes
    • 1 whole almond for nose
    • 1 small piece red pepper
    • Thin pretzel sticks for feathers
    • Dried papaya for feet (I will be using an orange pepper)
    • Chopped almonds to roll cheese ball in.  (I’m going to substitute chopped walnuts)
    Using a stand mixer or a bowl and a spatula, mix together the cream cheese, the goat cheese, the herbs de Provence, garlic, mustard and salt. Form the mixture into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
    Making the Turkey Cheese Ball: 
    Before serving, pinch a walnut-sized portion of cheese mixture from the ball; you will use that for the head. Re-form the remaining cheese ball and roll the ball in the almonds. Roll the remaining portion of cheese into a small ball and set it on top of larger ball – this is the turkey’s head. Cut the raisin in half and place each half on the head for the eyes. Place the almond in the middle for the beak, and arrange small piece of red pepper under the beak for the turkey’s wattle stick dried papaya slice into the bottom of the cheese ball for the feet. Last, arrange pretzel sticks on the back of the cheese ball to look like tail feathers

    Chilly Penguin

    • 16 oz. cream cheese
    • 4 oz. blue cheese
    • 2 tsp. chopped shallots
    • 1/4 tsp. coarse salt
    • Dash hot sauce
    • 1/2 cup poppy seeds, for coating
    For decorating:
    • 2 dark raisins
    • 1 almond
    • 1 carrot
    • 1 red bell pepper
    • 1 scallion
    Using a stand mixer or a bowl and spatula, mix together the cream cheese, the blue cheese, shallots, salt and hot sauce. Form the mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
    Before serving , remove a 2-inch piece of the cheese mixture, roll into a ball, and set aside, this will be the head. Re-form the remaining cheese mixture into an egg shape. Cut out a triangle shape roughly the length of your cheese ball from a sheet of wax paper. Press the wax paper into the cheese ball , with the widest part on the widest part of cheese ball. Roll the cheese ball in the poppy seeds and set the ball on a plate.
    Slowly remove the wax paper; the ball should be covered in poppy seed, except for the penguin’s breast. Set the head on top of the penguin’s body and add the raisins for the eyes and almond for the beak. Slice off 2 equal sized rounds of the carrot and arrange them on either side as earmuffs. Connect the earmuffs with the green part of the scallion. Using a vegetable peeler, peel 1 long strip off the carrot; winds this around the penguin’s neck as a scarf. Slice the remaining carrot into toes and arrange at the bottom of the penguin’s body to make its feet, or use two red bell pepper slices.

                                                                   

    Filed Under: appetizers, cheese ball recipes, cheese balls, cooking, Food-Recipes, free recipes, holiday appetizers, holiday menu ideas, holiday recipes, how to make cheese balls, Uncategorized

    Holiday Decorating Ideas

    November 18, 2013 by

     

     

     

    holiday decorating


    Entertaining this holiday season?  Looking for holiday decorating ideas?  Mother 2 Mother found these center pieces and wanted to share the ideas.  If you’re like me, you have tons of extra Christmas ornaments in storage that you don’t use.  These center piece ideas will make a great conversation piece if you set them in the center of the dinner or buffet table.  How about the center of your coffee table.  You can use wooden or glass bowls or wood crates.  Be as creative as you like. 
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    Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,