Mothering the Motherless

When you do not grow up with your biological mother you are motherless. So many have a stand in mother or mothers but deep down you are motherless. I can't speak for those who were adopted at birth or for those who were too young to have remembered their biological mother but for those who knew their mom and then didn't have her during their childhood years are motherless women. Many become motherless moms. The loss could have been intentional, by death or even unintentional. I'm speaking  my perspective here so if you have something to share, please leave a comment. 

I'm one of those motherless moms. I was old enough to know that I had a mother who chose a life without me. I never felt like I was enough for anyone or for anything I did because I was given away by the person who gave birth to me. Who would do this? Years ago when I was in college and at a counseling appointment, the counselor told me that by giving me away it was her act of love. She knew that she couldn't mother so gave me away. I have never agreed with that statement and I never will. I think she was extremely selfish and ran away and tossing away her commitments. I've been motherless for well over 35 years. If she is reading this blog, please do not try and reconnect with me. I've forgiven you and your actions well over 20 years ago. I have no desire to know you as your past has taught me to never trust you. (Oh don't worry my father gave me away, too and I have zero trust in him as well!) So his action hurt me in other ways but that of course isn't for a mother's day post. 

So that is why I am who I am today. Today is "Mother's Day" which has always been bittersweet to me. Sure I had women in my life who were like a mom but I didn't have a mom. So being a mom didn't mean much to me until these humans were born (see above photo). Now that I know what a mom is,  I'm better for it. It is true on the job training 24/7 365 a year for the past almost 21 years. These women haven't fired me, yet and I hope that they never do!

Giving thanks and praise to God today and every day since their birth and for my husband, Mark with whom these 3 bouncing baby girl blessings came about.

So motherless moms can turn out ok! They can still care for those little ones they give birth to. No matter what, do give forgiveness to the one who is no longer with you. It will give you so much peace. How do you mother the motherless moms? Motherless moms can and will  find mom role models in those around them. I know that I did. If anything, it taught me to keep my commitments to at least 4 people.

Read Mom: The Unwritten Letter, too!

If you can relate to any of this and want to be in a safe group with like minded people who are struggling then leave a comment with email contact, email me at cafescrapper @ gmail.com, follow me on my Private Facebook Group Mirror Mirror  as I have an online group for you or I can work with you one on one online or locally. Together we fight back.

Sometimes women have body image issues related to childhood loss. I know this personally. Here are some of my tips. 

12 Successful Weight Loss Tips:

1- You are NOT Alone with your Body Image Struggles

2-  21 Day Fix - learn to eat what your body needs
3- Make Time to Walk #MakeTime
4- Nutrition and Exercise Tips
5- How to Start Walking Tips #MakeTime 
6- Weight Loss Tips #MakeTime
7- Top 10 Healthy Changes to Make Today
8- Top 10 Ways to Make Exercise More Enjoyable #MakeTime
9- Follow my SusieQTpies Cafe for daily updates on Facebook
10- Join the Make Time Healthier Lifestyle Community on Facebook
11 - Join my FREE email list for at least 1-2 times a month updates on healthy living. 

12 -Is your eating out of control?

Bonus - Fight Body Shaming! 

Top 10 Gifts Mom {REALLY} Wants for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just a few days away. I asked some of my mom friends what they really wanted for Mother's Day and here are the top 10 gifts requested. If you are a mom, do you agree with anything on this list? What would you add to it? Is there anything on the list you do not agree with? I'd love to know.  I've been a mom for over 19 years and do agree with the below list. We all did agree that everyday is Mother's Day because all of us are so blessed to be the mom to our children. None of us felt that we needed a "mothers day" to make us feel special. With that being said and since there is an official American holiday for us, here are our top gift giving idea! These ideas and gifts can be given to mom at anytime, not just Mother's Day! This is a sponsored post and my own personal opinions are expressed here as always on my blog. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the real moms out there. You know who you are.

Favorite gift ideas for moms by moms

Top 10 Gifts Mom {REALLY} Wants - (These aren't in any particular order)

1-Family Peace: Mom wants everyone to get along and play nice.

2-Pedicure/Manicure: Mom wants to not feel guilty to want an occasional trip to the salon to get her nails done. The guilt is from using precious family time and funds.

Mom wants her own headphones

3-Headphones: Mom wants a good pair of headphones and she doesn't want to share them...so don't ask! I personally LOVE my SOL REPUBLIC Relays. If you have a mom on the go, these are perfect for active moms! For me, they fit perfectly in my ears and do not fall out when I'm at the gym. The headphones are flexible, stylish and down right cool! Best features: 3 button mic and music control, come with a small storage case, light weight and sweat/water resistant. 

4-Homemade anything: Mom really does love your homemade cards and gifts no matter what others say or think. It is the thought that counts all year long. All the moms said that they love letters and pictures given to them from their kids. These are priceless and can be pulled out and enjoyed all year long.

5-Family time: Mom loves family time and is thrilled when everyone can actually be together for eating, playing or even just relaxing and chatting. Do not cause family arguments on Mother's Day.

6-Food: Make food for mom or plan food for the day for Mom. Give her at least one day to not have to concern herself with making food or making plans. Don't ask her where to go or what she wants to eat, you should already know this information. Not sure what to make? Find a new recipe!

7-Flowers: Mom really does love flowers. If she loves fresh flowers, get them. If she would prefer potted flowers to keep all season, get them. 

8-Dishes: Do not make mom do any dishes on Mother's Day or any special day for her. Give her a break. She would also love if this daily chore was done by someone else once a week. So why not give her a gift that last all year? 

9-Hugs: Hug your mom every day, especially on Mother's Day. 

10-Just Ask: All moms want you to just ask what you can do to help. Even if she doesn't need your help, she just wants to know that you care and appreciate her. So just ask!

What mom really wants!

Share your ideas below! I want to know what you really want. Happy Mother's Day!

Enter in these 3 giveaways and win something for Mom!

1. $50 Amazon GC Giveaway & other Mothers Day Giveaway 
2. 3 Winners Mothers Day Gift Pack Giveaway
3. 8Ft Uncle Sam Giveaway

Make Easy Smart Phone Videos with the Magisto Moblie App #MagistoMoms #sponsored

Do you ever create videos with your smart phone but not sure what to do with them? I just found out about Magisto Mobile App which I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Magisto. I received a promotional code for premium features to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating. This app easily creates videos using what is on your smart phone.

Within minutes I was able to download the Magisto Mobile App to my iPhone and set it to grab video from my Camera Roll and turn it into a fancy video to share with family on Mother's Day. You can download the app here:

• iPhone app: http://bit.ly/RzXtcp
• Android app: http://bit.ly/On2nGz
• Web: http://magisto.com

Want free downloads? 

• Once you’re in the app, go to Settings & Get Free Downloads & Redeem Coupon; Put in code MomsRule
• This promotional coupon code is good through the end of May and will allow you to redeem 3 free downloads

Besides video, you can include photos on the video. I did try that feature and it worked. The best feature is how easy this app was to use! With these easy steps I had a quick little video:

• Login in
• From the create screen, select photos and videos
• Select a theme for the video- which included a lot of choices
• Select a song for the video- which also included a lot of choices
• Give your Movie a title- I forgot and it reminded me
• Within 5 minutes my video was complete

During the making of the video you do not need to be in the app. It will let you know when it is finished. I loved that! Depending on your internet connection speed I'm sure the video completion time varies. 

The app was simple, created a beautiful, professional quality video and if I didn't say this already I will say it again- it was SUPER SIMPLE to use! The app uses technology to edit the video capturing what the video is about and weaved it together with the theme and music. I have an iPhone but I'm thrilled that the developers made this for iOS, Android and the Web. It is frustrating when you come across awesome apps like this and you can't share it with family and friends. 

There is still time for you to create a video (through 5/13) and enter their Mother's Day Contest. I entered using Charitable Partner Joan Osborn's new song, "Born To See You Through." All movies Magisto-created which include the hashtag #MagistoMoms in the title will be entered to win special prizes. These videos will be hosted on the Magisto website. So are you going to create a video? If you do, you will be entered to win

• Grand Prize: Samsung Galaxy Note Tablet
• Second Place: Joan Osborne's new CD + handwritten lyrics to 'Born to See You Through'
• Runners up: 50 runners up will receive 1-year Magisto Pro upgrades

Here is my Video. It is from my daughter's College band concert. I thought family would enjoy the little video and extra special Mother's Day twist.

Magisto's Mother's Day challenge coincides with the first annual Mother's Day benefit concert hosted by Osborne with special guests Ollabelle and Elizabeth Mitchell at NYC's City Winery on May 12th. This concert will help benefit these two charities: Somaly Mam Foundation and Save the Children. 

The Magisto team will be at the concert to create and share videos of the special evening and the company will make a donation to the two charities. Osborne’s song will be available for listening on the Magisto site and available for digital sale at www.joanosborne.com with proceeds going to both charitable organizations.  You can watch the Magisto Joan Osborne created here:http://www.magisto.com/video/agZCZwJSS2IKDUBl

{Mother's Day} Cream of Asparagus Soup with Soymilk

Just a few days left until Mother's Day! This cream of asparagus soup would be perfect to make Mom for brunch. What are your plans? Click around to get more recipes here on my blog to help you plan the most perfect for mom.

Here is a tasty soup to make Mom!

Cream of Asparagus Soup with Soymilk

Ingredients

2 pounds asparagus, tips reserved

4 tablespoons  Plenish™ Soy Oil

1 medium diced onion

½ cup diced leek

½ cup diced celery

5 tablespoons flour

4 cups vegetable stock

1 cup soymilk
Salt, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne pepper to taste

Directions

In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the asparagus tips until tender – no more than a minute or two – and shock in ice water. 
Reserve tips to garnish the soup.
In a large saucepot add oil, heat. Add onion, leek and celery, stir over medium heat until translucent. 
Add the flour, stirring constantly, to incorporate. 
Slowly whisk in the vegetable stock, whisking thoroughly until smooth. 
Once all of the vegetable stock is incorporated, add the asparagus stalks. 
Simmer for 30-40 minutes.
In a blender, add soup in small batches, purée.
Using a fine strainer, strain soup to remove any vegetable pulp.
Return the soup to the saucepan, bring to boil, then simmer.
Add soymilk, stir. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne pepper to taste.
Divide equally into soup bowls. Garnish with reserved asparagus tips.
Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings

The Soyfoods Council is your one-stop resource. You’ll find recipes, cooking tips, instructional videos and the health and nutrition information you’re looking for.  Visit www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com. Bookmark the site and visit it often, because new recipes are constantly being added.

More Mother's Day Ideas

Check out the #SocialBlackOut for Mother's Day

• Grilled Sweet Corn with Lime Chive Butter
• Sweet Mexican Corn Cake
• Robert's Corn Dip
• Mexican Deep Fried Ice Cream
• Easy Cheesy Enchiladas
• Pineapple Chile Margarita
• Gazpacho dip
• Chilled Avocado Soup with Roasted Corn and Pico de Gallo Garnish
• Mexican Fiesta Pinterest Board

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What are your Mother's Day Plans? #sponsored #SocialBlackout

What are your plans for Mother's Day? Do you have to make plans for the females in your life or do you have kids who are making plans for you? If so what are they? Have you heard of the #SocialBlackout campaign? 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

I wonder, if given the choice as the mom, if you would choose to be taken to a delicious brunch or maybe lunch after Church on Mother's Day? Would you prefer to stay home and have family cook you breakfast or dinner while hanging out all day with the family? I would love to hear what your family will be doing to celebrate your day!

We head to Church on Mother's Day and then I can guarantee you that my family will be taking me out to lunch. None of them will cook for me because no one thinks that they can cook like me. I tell them to do their own thing and I would LOVE anything that they cooked, seriously I would love it. For rest of the day we will probably hang out at home and watch a movie. If the weather is nice we might go to one of our local parks and hang out or even go on a small family hike. 

The big thing this year by MetLife is to join the #SocialBlackout Movement which has put out a challenge for all of us to LOG OFF of social media on Mother's Day, May 12th. So not only are they asking Mom to not be online, but for the family to give all that extra time to mom! Can it be done? I think so! I do know that the only site I could see being used is Instagram because of all the fun food and hanging out with mom shots. Maybe pictures can be taken and shared the next day? That seems like a good solution and still lets us share our Mom!

Want to know more about this #SocialBlackout movement? Check out the MetLife Facebook page for more information and join the ever growing give mom your time and attention campaign! 

I do know, as a Mom, that sometimes our kids are talking to us and we don't hear them when we are on our computer or smart phone. The same goes for our kids. They do not hear us if they are texting, face timing, playing games on their computer or tablet. There have been many times I will say things that I KNOW will totally embarrass them just to see if they are listening. I can tell when they are in the electronic online zone and can't comprehend anything else around them. Can you relate?

As part of the #SocialBlackout you can use this adorable Snoopy button on your social media sites and encourage your family and friends to do it, too! If you are on Twitter or Instagram check the hashtag #SocialBlackout and @MetLife to see what others are saying. So will you join the fun and share this post with your family? Your friends? I'd love to know your thoughts on this. Is it necessary?

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MetLife. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

{Mother's Day} Mom Mango Tango Margarita

Make Mother's Day fun and cook a themed meal for mom. Does she like Mexican recipes? How about Chinese Recipes? Japanese Recipes? Thai Recipes? Italian recipes? Whatever it is make sure you make a special drink recipe with or without alcohol to go with her meal! Make it one Mother's Day meal she will never forget.

If Mexican is your choice, try this yummy drink just for mom!

The Mango Margarita or aka Mom Mango Tango Margarita

1 1/4 ounces silver tequila

1-ounce triple sec

1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 ounces simple syrup

3/4 cup partially frozen mangos, unsweetened (prefer individual quick frozen or fresh)

Garnish with leftover mango slices

Place all of the ingredients in the blender and use “whip” setting until smooth. 
Pour the mixture into a margarita glass. 
Garnish with a slice of mango.

More Mother's Day Ideas

• Grilled Sweet Corn with Lime Chive Butter
• Sweet Mexican Corn Cake
• Robert's Corn Dip
• Mexican Deep Fried Ice Cream
• Easy Cheesy Enchiladas
• Pineapple Chile Margarita
• Gazpacho dip
• Chilled Avocado Soup with Roasted Corn and Pico de Gallo Garnish
• Mexican Fiesta Pinterest Board

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{Mother's Day} WHITE BEAN CHEDDAR BACON DIP

Have you made your plans for mom on Mother's Day? Are you cooking for her or taking her out for dinner? If eating in, consider trying some new recipes and WOW her with your culinary skills! Bacon recipes like this one would sure become a new favorite.

WHITE BEAN, CHEDDAR AND BACON DIP

Ingredients

6 slices bacon

1 cup minced onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons ground toasted cumin, or to taste

1 teaspoon chili powder

1(19-ounce) can white beans, such as cannellini, rinsed and drained

1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

1/4 to 1/3 cup sour cream or yogurt, or to taste

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and cayenne, to taste

Assorted raw vegetables, such as carrot sticks, broccoli florets,

Bell pepper strips, etc. and/or tortilla chips as accompaniments

Directions

In a skillet cook the bacon over moderate heat, until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat. 

Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. 

Add cumin and chili powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add beans and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to the blender and use the “pure” setting to puree until smooth. 

Add the cheddar, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and cayenne and puree until combined well.

Transfer dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the bacon, crumbled.

Serve with crudites and/or tortilla chips.

So what do you think? I think YES please make this for me for Mother's Day! Remember that you can celebrate Mother's Day with any female in your life which you want to give thanks and show your appreciation. 

More Mother's Day Recipes

Pineapple Chile Margarita
Cucumber Cilantro Salad 
Easy Greek Salad
Garden-Fresh Gazpacho
Garden Pasta Salad
Gazpacho dip
Grilled Sweet Corn with Lime-Chive
Healthy French Fries
Healthy Green Smoothie Recipes
Healthy Hummus 
Other ideas for Mother's Day and link party

{Mother's Day} Pineapple Chile Margarita

Have you ever cooked for mom on Mother's Day? You should try it! Here is a quick, sweet fruit drink to make for any of the special ladies in your life for Mother's Day! Trust me, any home made meal or drink using any of her favorite tasty recipes will be a well received gift! Oh and don't forget to clean up after yourself and do the dish!

Pineapple-Chile Margarita

Ingredients

8 (3/4- to 1-inch) chunks fresh pineapple

4 slices red jalapeño chili with seeds

1/2 cup 100% blue agave silver tequila

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons Simple Syrup

2 tablespoons Cointreau

2 cups ice cubes

Directions

With your blender-Use the “chop” setting to combine pineapple and jalapeño, and place in medium bowl. 

Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. 

Mix in tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, Cointreau, and 1 cup of ice. 

Use the “stir” setting to combine all ingredients, and strain into large glass measuring cup. 

Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses, and pour Margarita mixture over.

More Recipes for Mother's Day

3 yummy Mother's Day drinks
Asian Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Beer Batter Tempura (use with veggies)
Best Ever Buckeye Brownies
BLT Pizza
Coconut Dream Cake
Crab Rangoon
Scrambled Egg Margarita Pizza
Spinach Artichoke Focaccia
Other ideas for Mother's Day and link party

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DIY Sweet Mother's Day Flowers, Recipes and Craft Gifts

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Are you ready? Here is a fun collection of things to create mom for Mother's Day.

Here are two flower gift ideas that are mine and being featured over on the Bowdabra Blog this week! They are perfect ideas for giving fresh cut or potted flowers.

Mother's Day Potted Flower Gift Wrap tutorial

Mother's Day Fresh Flower Wrapped Gift with Bowdabra Bow

More Mother's Day Crafts

3 DIY Mother’s Day Gifts that Celebrate Family

Kahlua Tiramisu 

Easy Eggs Benedict

Mom- The unwritten letter

3 yummy Mother's Day drinks!

Strawberry Peach Smoothie

Thanks for stopping in! Share any of your Mother's Day ideas in the link!

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Easy Eggs Benedict Recipe for Mother's Day

What do you like to do for Mom on Mother's Day? Do you cook her a special meal? Have you ever made her breakfast in bed? Here is a tasty breakfast recipe which would be perfect to make Mom for breakfast in bed. 

Easy Eggs Benedict- serves 1 hungry mom

Ingredients:

1 English muffin, split and lightly toasted and buttered

2 eggs, poached*

2 pieces Canadian bacon

2-4 tablespoons Hollandaise Sauce*

Directions:

1) Make Hollandaise Sauce. Recipe and directions below.

2) Toast and butter English muffins.

3) Warm Canadian bacon in microwave or fry on stove top.

4) Make poached eggs. Directions below.

5) Assemble in this order; 1 English muffin, 1 piece Canadian bacon, 1 egg and top with 2 tablespoons of Hollandaise Sauce.

6) Serve to mom with a steamy cup of her favorite tea.

*Hollandaise Sauce

2 egg yolks

2 teaspoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed

1/4 cup of butter, unsalted and melted ( 1/2 of stick)

pinch of salt

pinch of lemon pepper seasoning

Directions for Sauce

1) In a small sauce pan, whisk together eggs and lemon juice. Do this for at least one minute to make the yolks fluffy.

2) Next, put on stove top, very low heat and keep whisking. Don’t stop whisking and keep the heat low for 2 minutes.

3) Finally, whisk in melted butter, salt and lemon pepper. Do this for 1 more minute. Take off heat, cover with lid. Immediately make the eggs and assemble. Top with sauce.

*Poached Eggs-so easy to make and healthy way to an egg

1) In a small fry pan, fill half full with water and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar.

2) Bring to a slow boil. When bubbles appear, break egg gently into the water.

3) Cook egg for 3-4 minutes. The egg white will be all white.

4) Remove with slotted spoon.

Stop over and check out my recipe which is also featured on the Bowdabra Blog. There I show you how to add a little special splash of love to this meal.

More recipes for Mother's Day

Lemon Curd Trifle with Fresh Berries
Prosecco Cake
Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
Kahlua Tiramisu
Tres Leches Cakes
Soft Brown Sugar Cookies

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