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Mother-2-Mother Followers

Is This Water Blue Enough For You?


I need a vacation, and I've decided that I'm going to lay on this beach and enjoy the blue water in June. I own a condo in this building, top floor, far right facing the ocean, and I can't wait to utilize it this year. I don't always use it, there's either something going on or I want to head elsewhere. It's been on my mind recently, so I'm taking that as a sign that I need to pack my bags and make use of it.
My condo is approximately 1 hour from Orlando and 1 hour from Fort Lauderdale. A 2 - 3 day cruise to the Bahamas while I'm there is sealing the deal for me. My doctor told me that I need to relax. High blood pressure runs in my family and I'm borderline. He said I just need to spend time around the pool or on the beach and just let my stress go. I have a tendency to need a vacation when I come back from a vacation. I love to take pictures, so I spend time running around site seeing and snapping pictures as well as finding activies for everyone to enjoy. I've decided to take the doctor up on his advice this year. I'm going on vacation with a suitcase full of books, sunscreen and a wireless card for my laptop instead of my camera. .
I'm also going without kids and my man, woo hoo. Do I feel guilty? A little, but that too shall subside. I have to admit it's looking pretty good to me. I'm going to sleep late, eat when I want and shop as long as I want. I'm making reservations for a Spa Day too. A full body massage, facial, manicure and pedicure are on my list.
I vacationed by myself several years ago, and I loved it. I felt so rested and peaceful when I returned. I missed my family, but no screaming kids, no worrying about dinner, doing laundry or piles of dishes soon replaced the ache for my family. I'm learning that I should be able to take time for me and not feel guilty. There are 365 days in a year, I should be able to take 7 of those days for myself.
I've found over the course of the years that I pour everything that I am and everything that I have into everyone else and everything else, and at times I came up exhausted. There was a time in my life when I would not have allowed the thought of me vacationing alone to enter my mine. As I've gotten older I've become much more independent, and as a result fears have disappeared and my priorities have changed. I'm learning to take care of me.
If you find me MIA for a week in June, you know where I am.

6:10 AM
Categories: , , , . Author: rmgales

3 comments

 

Tom Cruise's Spaghetti


Ingredients:Makes 4 servings

  • 1/2 inch olive oil (for frying pan)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 8 to 12 thick slices Italian bacon
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 packages spaghetti
  • 2 cups grated parmesan cheese

In a frying pan, combine 1/2 inch of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, one chopped onion and the Italian bacon cut into small squares. Let simmer for about a half-hour, being careful not to let the oil get to a boiling point.In a bowl, beat 4 eggs with lots of salt and fresh ground pepper.Bring a pan of salted water to a boil. Cook both packages of spaghetti until al dente, drain and immediately add egg mixture to pasta. The eggs are actually cooked by the pasta. (Make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked before proceeding.) Stir the egg mixture until it is well mixed. Pour in the mixture from the frying pan and stir. Finish with the parmesan cheese and serve!

I plan to serve this dish tomorrow for a luncheon that I'm having. A salad and bread will be served as well. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I'm going to.

8:29 AM
Categories: , , . Author: rmgales

1 comments

 

Quotable Sunday

It's Quotable Sunday. I love quotes, and I thank Toni at A Daily of Toni for creating the opportunity to share a few of my favorite quotes. This week I decided to focus on Success. I chose Success because I've had to make a decision regarding my mother, placing her in a Nursing Home temporarily for rehabilitation. I lost my father 10 years ago.

I've spent hours this week-end thinking about who I am, where I've been, and where I intend to go. I looked at the pictures of my beautiful daughter and grandson, my most precious possessions. I know that my mother and father are the foundation of my Success. How else could I end up here from where I came from. They never stopped encouraging, supporting or loving me, and that has truly been the reasons for my success. Here's to you Mom and Dad:

No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.
Althea Gibson

If you have achieved any level of success, then pour it into someone else. Success is not success without a successor.
Jesse Jackson

Most people search high and wide for the keys to success. If they only knew, the key to their dreams lies within.
Heram Cain

I just try to be the best I can be and hope that is the best ever.
Tiger Woods

There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained.
W.E.B. Dubois

You're not obligated to win. You're obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day.
Marian Wright Edelman

I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.
Michael Jordan

The first quote by Althea Gibson and the last by Michael Jordon are my favorites. Leave us a comment and let us know your favorite Success Quote. We would also like to know who has been a major contributor to your success. Be sure to visit A Daily Dose of Toni for quotes.


4:59 AM
Categories: , , , . Author: rmgales

6 comments

 

Lunch With A Friend

I had lunch this week with friend at one of my favorite restaurants, The Bavarian Inn. I absolutely this place. It's a local restaurant that specializes in German crusine, but they have the best crab cakes and whipped potatoes. The decor is wonderful and they have a great view of their chalets, which have great paintings.


While having lunch with a friend a question crossed my mind. Have you found that food tastes better when you're enjoying it with a good friend? I've taken a look at my friendships over the last few months, and I have few people that I consider a friend. Now to some that may not be a good thing, but to me it shows that I've matured and I've learned that you can only have a few friends. I have associates, but I can count my true friends on 1 hand.

The majority of them have been in my life for a long time. They've stood by me through marriage, motherhood, divorce and now my current relationship. They were there to hold me and wipe my tears when I lost my father to cancer. They've fixed soup when I was sick and vowed to take care of my daughter if anything ever happened to me. They've stood by me when I've made a complete fool out of myself and said things that I later regretted. They've stood by me when I've made brilliant decisions and not so brilliant decisions. At every turn of my life, they've been there. These people have made my life easier with a kind word, a hug, or a pat on the back. These are the people who I call my friends.


What's your definition of a friend? Leave us comment and tell us about your friendships.





3:45 AM
Categories: , . Author: rmgales

1 comments

 

Lunch Tote Give Away

Is this not adorable! Say good bye to the little brown bag, you can carry your lunch in style. We found this fabulous tote at Tote Town. Not only do they have great lunch totes, you can find bible cases, garment bags, diaper bags and cosmetics bags. They also monogram or you have the option of personalizing the item with your name.

The laptop bags caught my eye too. The colors are fun and bright. They're perfect for Today's Woman. I travel, and leaving my laptop behind is not an option. These laptop bags would be so much easier for me to get through the airports than my bag on wheels. I would make a line of people behind me so happy if I would leave that piece of luggage at home, lol. This grandma gives Tote Town 3 snaps and a booty shake.

If you're looking for a great baby shower gift, you must check out their diaper bags. They're trendy and the prices are great.

Tote Town is giving one of our readers a Lunch Tote. You get to choose your favorite. Don't you love these sponsors. I guarantee you will receive lots of compliments on this fabulous find. Here's how you can win: Visit www.totetown.com. Leave us a comment on your favorite lunch tote. Be sure to browse the other bags while you're there. These bags will make great gifts.

Want extra credit:

Follow our blog (Upper Left)
Follow me on Twitter and tweet about our give away (On the right)
Subscribe to our Giggles & Sugar Kisses' Newsletter www.gigglesnsugarkisses.com
Subscribe to our Blog (Upper Left)
Add my button to your blog. (Left Side)

This give away will end April 23, 2009 at mid-night. The give away is open to US and Canada residents 18+ only.

Good Luck!

5:11 PM
Categories: , , . Author: rmgales

296 comments

 

KaNoodles Crochet Hat Give Away



Is this hat not adorable or what? I absolutely love it and just had to contact KaNoodles Kids to voice my admiration. This little bouquet specializes in handmade crochet and knit boutique apparel and accessories with a vintage flare.

The hat shown is my favorite. It's as adorable as the model wearing it. Imagine your little princess in this number this spring. I guarantee, she will be the center of attention as well as chic. KaNoodles caters to their customers, they offer custom orders and their apparrel can be made in a variety of colors. This boutique offers upscale service at a fraction of the cost.

My niece will be sporting the Springtime Hat, shown, in white. I love finding the lastest children's fashions on the net and showering my girlie girls with these fabulous finds. We thought you would want to know about this great boutique too. KaNoodles gets a Snap and a Booty Shake for their collection.

Your angel could be the winner of this hat. KaNoodles has been gracious enough to offer our readers this little number. Here's how you can win: Visit our sponsor, KaNoodles, and browse around. Leave us a comment telling us which of the hats or sweaters is your favorite and who will be wearing the KaNoodles Springtime Hat if you win. Give Away ends April 5, 2009 at mid-night. Give Away is open to US and Canada Residents 18+ only.

Want extra credit:
  • Subscribe to our blog
  • Follow our blog (top left)
  • Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this give away (right side)
  • Blog about this give away
  • Place my button on your blog

Enjoy browsing KaNoodles and good luck!

2:57 AM
Categories: , , , , . Author: rmgales

111 comments

 

Sylvan 3rd Grade Books Give Away

As my readers know, Giggles & Sugar Kisses is an advocate of reading. In order to read, you must have a good concept of reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. Good reading skills start at home and at an early age. As a lover of books, I started my daughter reading by taking her to the library and later joining book clubs and visiting book fairs.

I decided that I would promote more books on my blog in 2009 and encourage parents to start reading and working with their children early to ensure a successful future. I believe we as adults should be examples for our children.

I was thrilled when Meg Rushton, Associate Publicist, from Random House asked me to review 3rd and 4th grade vocabulary/spelling activity and exercise books on my blog. I decided to use my niece and nephew to test the books. Both are in the 3rd grade.

They both enjoyed the activities and both did well. The books allow children to check their answers, they have Check It, the answers on various pages. What's interesting is my niece is in a private school and getting a first rate education. Her tuition is more per year than some people's salary. Her environment is small classes and unlimited attention from her teachers. My nephew attends a public school with classes of 20 - 25 other children and limited attention from his teachers.

My nephew did well because he receives unlimited attention at home and is encouraged to spend time reading, doing his home work daily, and being challenged with activitiy books and computer games that support education.

The books we tested are used by Sylvan Learning. Sylvan has been in business for thirty years and is a trusted partner with parents across the country. Their workbooks are fun, feature activities, stories, and games for all ages. Students have proven that they can develop skills needed to achieve the highest academic levels by using their books.

We're giving away two 3rd Grade workbooks, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Success. You could be a winner. Here's how: Visit Sylvan Learning and browse their site. Leave a comment on what books would benefit your children and a valid email address. Give Away ends April 1, 2009 at midnight and open to US Residents 18+ only. Posts with invalid email addresses will be disqualified.

Want extra credit:
  • Subscribe to our blog
  • Follow our blog (top left)
  • Blog about this give away
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about our Give Away (right side)
  • Place our button on your blog

Good luck!


5:38 AM
Categories: , , . Author: rmgales

85 comments

 

Quotable Sunday

It's Quotable Sunday thanks to Toni at A Daily Dose of Toni. She's so cute and creative. I love quotes, and as a manager in an organization of 1200 employees I try to start my day reading a quote each morning. Leadership Quotes are my favorite, but I'm partial to Famous Quotes too. Here's a few of each:

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be."-Grandma Moses

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."-Oprah Winfrey

"Woman will always be dependant until she holds a purse of her own."-Elizabeth Cady Stanton

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens;but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."-Helen Keller

"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." - Ray Kroc

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." - Rosalynn Carter

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices." - William James

I hope you enjoyed my quotes this Sunday. Please leave us a comment and let us know which is your favorite. Visit A Daily Dose of Toni for more quotes.





1:13 AM
Categories: , , . Author: rmgales

9 comments

 

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