Rhonda Gales, Author at Mother 2 Mother Blog

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #64

March 19, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 7 Comments

Welcome to Week 64 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. This will be the last week of our Bunny Trail theme. We’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.

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 parties and makeovers and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and link those too. They’re great for inspiration.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. 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 festivities too. Next week we will be starting our Spring Has Arrived theme.

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 my blog 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 the Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board.

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 featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the reader’s and hosts selections, 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 host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Hosts Are:

Rhonda – Mother 2 Mother Kim U. – Pinterested Parent Kim M. – Life In A House of Testosterone

Here’s the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please subscribe to my blog on the right, like my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin or before you leave.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin 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.

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger please let your readers and followers know. They may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. I appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now lets party!

The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

I selected Chocolate Pistachio Cake from The Silver Foodie

and

Easter Paper Birds Nest from Viral Upcycle

Kim U selected Stand Up Paper Eggs from Little Miss Celebration

Easter decorations, paper Easter eggs, kids crafts

The Post With The Most Clicks:

10 Easy Easter Cakes from Mommy’s Not Perfect

The Favorite Theme Posts

The Bunny Trail

Cadbury Mini Egg Cookie Dip from Oh My Creative

Easter Chicks Lemon Cookies from The Gold Lining Girl

Bunny Craft from Our Whimsical Days

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and I appreciate each of you linking up. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. I would like to invite all of you back to linkup your post(s) again, it 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. Be sure to connect on social media.

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An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

Dollar Store Easter Mantel

March 14, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

I finally got my mantel decorated for Easter. I decorated it with Dollar Store items. It’s nothing spectacular, but it feels like spring and the kids love the eggs and bunny. To them that means Easter Bunny will be hoping down the bunny trail soon. Colored eggs, marshmallow peeps, baby chicks, chocolate bunnies, egg hunts and a family feast are forthcoming. Excitement is in the air.

I made the wreath from Dollar Store Items last year. You can check out My Frugal Easter Wreath here. Additionally, I purchased the small buckets and plastic eggs from the Dollar Store. The Spring sign is from Target’s bargain bins. I actually purchased the buckets to house my herb plants this summer, however, I didn’t see the point of them just sitting around until summer. I loved the color, and they matched the Spring sign from Target.

Also, I had planned to paint the sign white, but decided to leave everything as it was and use the painted white branches in the orange buckets to offset some of the bright colors. The branches had been used in my winter mantel scene previously.

Now to put everything together. I thought I would keep the Easter egg theme going in the wreath. So, I decided to use the branches for egg trees. Furthermore, I also reuse the decorative grass from year to year. When Easter is over, I just scoop it up and put it in a grocery bag to store. I placed a layer over the mantel. Than I placed the Dollar Store gravel that I had used for another project in the pails and arranged the branches. They were perfect for making the egg trees.

I used ribbon to hang the eggs on the branches/twigs. I have yards of ribbon stored away to hang the eggs. You can use twine, yard or whatever you have on hand. I cut pieces about 6 inches long and hot glued them onto the eggs. Make sure you’re happy with the length, you will bending it in half to glue onto the egg. Glue one end to the egg and than glue the other end to the piece on the egg. Note: I tried using craft glue, it didn’t work very well. I love my hot glue gun. The scattered flowers fall off a wreath. Rather than gun them back on, I saved them with good intentions. Glad I did, because they make a great accent to the spring mantel.

I picked up this adorable bunny at Michael’s for 50% off. Bargains at 70% off are usually what I wait for, but they only had one so I grabbed it. Isn’t it adorable? I plan to fill the bucket, a Goodwill find for $1.25, with bunny treats. Stay tuned for that post. What are some of your favorite Easter decorating items?

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: crafts, Easter, frugal decorating

Printable – Easter Games Package

March 13, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

Today, I have parenting tips on printable Easter Games. Our printable Easter games includes matching, unscramble and word search. It’s a great mix for younger and older children. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for games or activities to occupy the kids while you’re fixing dinner or entertaining other guests.

Here’s my printable Easter games package:

We have created an unscramble and word search game for older children. Our printable Easter Games for preschool and kindergarten will help children recognize differences and similarities. Word Search and Unscramble games can help older children with letter and word recognition, vocabulary and spelling.

Early childhood development is essential in a child’s education. Matching items/objects helps to develop their logic and helps them learn how to make connections as well. It also helps children to develop the desire to learn and builds a solid foundation for success. Early childhood development sets children on a clear path for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Our Easter Games are filled with fluffy bunnies, cute chicks, brightly colored eggs, and chocolate eggs. But, lets not leave out the carrots for Easter Bunny. Our matching game is sure to grab the attention of any preschooler. However, our Word Search and Unscramble games will challenge the older children. Furthermore, I hope your Easter includes lots of colored eggs, cookies, and chocolate bunnies. So, be sure to reward yourself too.

In conclusion, use our printable Easter Games activities sheets. They can be downloaded here. How are you helping your child to develop logic and problem solving skills? How about older children? Do you challenger their vocabulary, spelling, or word recognition skills. These games are a great start.

You may also like: Kindergarten Super Heroes and Sports

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Easter Activities, educational activities, preschool activities

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #63

March 12, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 9 Comments

Welcome to Week 63 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re continuing our Bunny Trail theme this week. This week we’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. 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 festivities too.

The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

I selected Girly Glam Nightstand from Redo It Yourself Inspirations

Kim M. selected Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage from Marilyn’s Treats

crockpot recipes, Irish meals, corned beef recipes, cabbage recipes

Kim U selected 15 Starbucks Warm Winter Drinks from The Jenny Evolution

The Post With The Most Clicks:

Rainbow Sprinkle-fetti Cookies from Frugal Foodie Mama

Stained Glass Butterfly Pancakes from The Pinterested Parent

The Favorite Theme Posts

The Bunny Trail

Easter Rolo Pretzels from Nepa Mom

Roly Poly Fabric Easter Bunnies from Flamingo Toes

An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

A Working Mom’s Guide On How To Be Happier

March 9, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 1 Comment

As mothers, we often work hard to make sure everyone around us is happy. We want our kids to be happy, as well as our spouses and our employers. But, how often do you do things that make you happy? Your happiness and well-being affect the rest of your family. Just because we’re mothers, doesn’t mean that we can’t take time for ourselves. Working mothers need to make an extra effort since they are pulled in multiple directions every day. Today, we want you to start empowering yourself to live your best life. Here are a few tips on how to be happier:

Schedule Everything

Invest in a daily planner that you love, or just really utilize that smartphone, because planning out your week will really help you be happier in your day-to-day life. Don’t just use your schedule as a way of staying on task, but write down things you want to accomplish each day, like spending time with your kids. It may seem weird to check things like that off your to-do list, but you won’t view it as a chore.

Get in Sync With Your Spouse

Compare schedules with your spouse and make sure you are both taking the time you need for yourselves. Trade off kid-watching duties so you can go grab some caffeine at Starbucks by yourself and he can hang out with his friends. You both need time to do things that are important to you. In the end, you will both be happier.

Make the Most of Your Commute

We are happiest when we are productive, both at work and at home. Don’t waste your commute to work, especially if it’s long. Use it as time to listen to podcasts, audiobooks or even learn a new language. You may find a new hobby that you love and make the most of time that is precious.

You can also use your commute as a way to cool down after a long day at work by going through pros and cons of the day. Also, try getting into the mindset of going home after work. When you get home after working all day, you should be present with your kids. So instead of thinking about all the things you need to get done at your job, think about how you can spend quality time at home with them.

Learn How to Say No

No could become the most important word in your vocabulary. If you feel like you didn’t spend enough time with your spouse and kids this week, feel obligated to drive them to birthday parties or play dates. Don’t feel guilty if you have to tell other no, even if they don’t like it. Your family is what is most important.

Make Time to Exercise

We all know that exercise can boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself. Carve out at least 10 to 15 minutes each day to get some exercise. Take a walk, pop in a workout DVD or just do some pushups and sit ups each night. You will feel happier and your body will thank you for it.

Plan Intentional Time With Your Spouse

If you want to be happier, make sure your spouse is happy, too. Weekly or biweekly date nights are a must for a married couple. Be intentional with your time together. Turn off your cellphones and don’t talk about your kids’ schedules. Have fun!

Don’t Compare Yourself With Other Moms

Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to other moms because it will just drag you down. It isn’t fair to you and it isn’t fair to those moms, either. You may think they have it better because they get to stay home with their kids, but you don’t know the whole story. Instead, know that you are setting a great example of a hardworking parent for your kids. Know that you are helping to provide for them and don’t take the time you get with them for granted.

Your happiness depends on you making time for yourself and for your family. Learn how to be happier, and you will live a more productive life. You may also like 6 Tips to Build Your Self-Esteem.

Jennifer Landis is a hard-working, distance-running, yoga loving mama, health journalist, and blogger. Find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama or follow her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

Filed Under: Confidence, Empowerment Tagged With: self-confidence, self-esteem, stress relievers

Inspirational Quote – Matthew McConaughey

March 6, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

inspirational quotes, fatherhood quotes, Matthew McConaughey

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: celebrities, inspirational quotes, quotes

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #62

March 5, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 5 Comments

Our linkup is live. Welcome to Week 62 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. This is the first week of our Bunny Trail theme. This week we’re looking for crafts, recipes, party ideas, decorating inspiration, gift ideas, love stories and anything else you would like to post relating to Easter.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. 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 festivities too.

The Sunday’s Best Posts are:

I selected Rainbow Mason Jars from The Scrape Shoppe Blog

Kim M. selected Easy Kitchen Organization Ideas from Clean and Scentsible

Kim U selected 37 Epic Ways To Dye Easter Eggs from Crystal and Comp

Easter egg ideas, Easter, egg decorations

The Post With The Most Clicks:

Plans for My Dining Room from Worthing Court Blog

The Favorite Theme Posts

Luck of the Irish

St. Patrick’s Day Glitter Shamrock Moss Art from Oh My Creative

Green Velvet Cupcakes from Marilyn’s Treats

Saint Patrick’s Day Ribbon Skirt from Bombshell Bling

An InLinkz Link-up

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: blog hop, linky party, social networking

Tips For A Successful Easter Egg Hunt

March 5, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 3 Comments

Let the Easter egg hunts begin! It takes time and organizational skills to put together a successful and budget friendly Easter egg hunt. We have a few tips that will ensure you’re an eggcellent hostess. And the children will have a great time if you follow these 4 easy steps:

Plan For A Day Of Shopping – First, you will need to plan time to shop for your items. Make sure you leave sufficient time just in case you have to make another trip for additional or forgotten items.
Make a List of Items Needed– Second, decide how many tables and other areas you will be decorating. How will the Easter egg hunt be conducted. How many plastic eggs will be needed? Furthermore, will you be dying eggs? How many baskets/buckets will be needed for the children, how much decorative grass, signs etc. Making a list ensures that you don’t forget anything while shopping. It also reduces stress and eliminates additional trips to the store. Use that time for preparation. Head to the Dollar Store for your decorations. The table clothes, tableware, plastic eggs and just about everything else you will need for your Easter Egg Hunt can be found there. You can use your saving on delicious food/treats.
Decide What Games You Will Play – Next, will you be playing games? Will the games be for younger, older and family or one or the other? I would suggest that you narrow it down to 2 – 3 games. However, you will need to decide if they will be played before or after the egg hunt.
Decide What Food/Treats You Will Serve – Will you be serving a hot meal, finger foods or just take home treats? You will need know to know how much food to purchase. So, try to calculate how many guests will be coming. You will need to make a grocery store list.
Decide How Your Hunt Will Be Conducted – What are the rules of the egg hunt? For example, will you have different age groups? If so, will you color code the eggs and have the smaller children looks for pink and blue eggs and the older kids other colors? Will you divide the hunting areas in age group areas? Deciding the rules up front will help you decide what items you will need and how many.
Preparation Time – Last, prepare as many items as you can the day/night before. This includes food, filling the eggs, personalizing baskets or buckets, decorating. Whatever you can do, do it. Not having enough time for preparation and activities can be stressful. Most importantly, invited guests shouldn’t suffer because of your lack of planning.

Finally, the big day has arrived. So, be sure to greet your guests and keep things moving. Don’t forget yourself, have a good time too. And be sure to thank guests for coming.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips Tagged With: Easter, Easter egg hunt, egg hunt

Soft Versus Hard Kitchen Garden Herbs

March 3, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

First, backyard vegetables gardening must include kitchen garden herbs. They enhance the flavor of sauces, salads and other dishes. But, before you plant or purchase your herbs, learn the difference between soft and hard herbs. Also know their uses. For example, soft herbs are leafy, tender and best used fresh. Fresh herbs enhance the flavor and appearance of dishes. Soft herbs can be used in sauces, salads, potatoes, and greatly enhances the taste, appearance and nutritional value of the food.

Here’s a list of soft herbs:

Basil (Sweet, Spicy, Genovese, Lemon, Lime, Cinnamon, Dark Opal and Thai to name a few).
Parsley – (Curly or Flat)
Cilantro
Tarragon
Fennel
Chives
Mint

Hard herbs are considered more flavorful than soft herbs. Additionally, these herbs are added to dishes that require long, slow cooking, such as soups, stews, casseroles and roasts. Hard herbs are removed before serving the dish. Here are a few herbs that fall into this category:

Rosemary
Thyme
Marjoram
Oregano
Dill
Bay Leaves
Sage
Mint (Chocolate, Orange, Strawberry, Julep)

Most importantly, if you are planting mint remember that it is invasive. So, I recommend that you plant this herb in a container to keep it from spreading. You should know, dill is know to reseed year after year. So, be selective on where you plant it as well. Additionally, you can plant various herbs in mason jars or small containers for use during the winter. Find a few small pots, and place them in your window sill.

Another idea, use fresh basil, oregano, sage and rosemary in the winter from your window sill plants. As a result, use them when cooking soups, stews, casseroles and roasts. Also, herbs are perfect in these dishes. I freeze and dry my basil and parsley.

Last, if you have limited space decide which herbs you will most likely use. In conclusion, plant plenty and preserve them for later use. What herbs do you use most? These are the herbs you should grow.

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: backyard vegetables, garden herbs, herbs

Jungle Book Printables For Kids

February 28, 2016 by Rhonda Gales

Disney’s Jungle Book will be opening in theaters April 15, 2016. We have 2 Jungle Book printables for your children to enjoy, Spot The Differences and a Maze. Feel free to print and have a little fun.

The Jungle Book” movie is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. The main character, Mowgli, finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turnedstern mentor Bagheera, and the free-spirited bear Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie, who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The characters and stories of “The Jungle Book” have reached people from all parts of the world. Bombay-born English writer Rudyard Kipling channeled his love of India in 1894’s “The Jungle Book,” following with “The Second Jungle Book” in 1895. Though considered children’s books, the stories—with their lush landscapes and talking animals—sparked interest in young and old alike—often introducing readers to India for the first time. Kipling, who wrote the stories while starting a family in Vermont, published additional books and short-story collections, and ultimately became the highest-paid writer in the world at age 32. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907.

Be sure to mark your calendar for April 15. Make movie night a family affair and enjoy the printables.