The Redden Report- Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts

So Mother's Day is this Sunday and if you have not gotten your mother or that special mother figure in your life a gift yet, shame on you you still have time. And I am going to do you a favor and give you some ideas for the special lady in your life whether it is your wife, sister, mom or grandmother that you are looking to buy gifts for. Not to knock the gas station flower and balloon entrepreneurs, but it's time to step our game up in 2017.

So here are a few ideas for that mother in your life.

Make-up Loving Mom- If the mother you know has the gift of looking flawless despite her somewhat hectic life, she may love the following gifts.

1. Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette- $32, Limited Edition @ Sephora
The colors are cute and the price is right. I would snatch this limited edition palette up real quick before it's no longer available.
2. Foreo Luna play- $39 @ Sephora
This textured silicone cleansing devise sends sonic waves to enhance deep pore cleansing. But, be warned, this is the non-rechargeable price point that estimates 100 uses. The chargeable Luna starts at $100.
3. Philosophy Cleanse, Refine and Renew Kit- $75 @ Ulta
With this cleanser, two step peel and award winning moisturizer, you can't go wrong.

Laid Back Mom- The mom we all aspire to be.

1. Mom- Yellow Bath Bomb- $7.95 @ Lush
As a bougie bath taker, I love bath bombs of any kind. This one from Lush with the scent of rose and lemon is heavenly.
2. Umbra Aquala Bathtb Caddy- $39 @ JCPenny
I like the fact that this caddy is adjustable, has built in book holder and a built in wine glass holder. And there is a perfect spot to hold a candle.
3. Audible Subscription - $14.95/month @ audible.com
When's the last time you saw a mom actually have time to sit and read a book? Well, with Audible she has the opportunity to use her multitasking skills and listen to a best seller during her commute, or during bath time.

Tech Savy Mom- For the moms who love electronics just as much as the next guy.

1. Harman Kardon Wireless Speaker- $159.95 @ Amazon
This portable speaker is so cool. Whether you have it in the kitchen while cooking or in the yard while tending to your garden, mom is sure to love the portability and the sound.
2. Universal Wireless Charging Pad- $49.99 @ Belkin
Messing around with chords are a thing of the past when you have this. It's simple and convenient.
3. Fitbit Blaze- $149.95 @ Amazon 
For the health conscious mom who wants to tack daily activities in style.

Fashionable Mom- For the mom who can keep it all together and look cute at the same time.

1. Gisela Layered Choker- $16 @ Charming Charlie
This necklace combines the choker, layered and body chain trend all in one. And you can't beat the price.
2. Boc by Born Bucket Crossbody Bag- $24.99 @ TJ Maxx
This crossbody bag is "almost gone" according to their website and I see why, it's super cute.
3. Jennifer Lopez Embroidered Bomber Jacket- $51.99 @ Kohl's
Bomber jacket plus embroidered flower pattern equals on trend cuteness.

Creative or Adventurous Mom- For the mom who keeps her children busy by signing them up in every art, sport and music activity because she knew the importance of a well rounded child. *Note, these places are in the Southeast Michigan area, but I'm sure there are places similar in every metropolitan area.

1. Painting Party- $35 or $45 for a painting session @ Painting With a Twist
Take a couple of moms, add in a little artistic fun and a glass of wine to get those creative juices flowing and you've got a fun night ahead.
2. Ziplining- $48 @ The Adventure Park
Nothing like some fresh air, exercise and adventure to put a smile on mom's face.
3. A fondue dinner- $$$ @ The Melting Pot
A four course meal, melted cheese, chocolate, optional wine. Need I say more?

The Sentimental Mom- For the mom who saves every card and noodle necklace.

1. Homemade or printable cards- Free or $ @ Etsy.com
What mother wouldn't want a card made with love?
2. A heartfelt letter- Free
Tell that mom in your life what makes her special. She's sure to grin from ear to ear.
3. Personalized gifts, like the Large Photo Treat Jar - $39.99 @ Personal Creations

No matter what the cost, I hope you were inspired by this post to get that mother figure in your life a special gift or token to show just how much she means to you.

Do you have a special gift idea? Please share.

Forever loving my B.A.D.D. Kids,
Rhonda

Under attack in my own home

 

My family is under attack.  We were busy living our lives and we ignored the signs. Deep down I knew it would happen eventually, but not to this magnitude. All I remember about the day it started are the screams, the terror and the fear. It was on a bright Tuesday morning that we realized that our peace of mind was being challenged and our lives would never be the same. It was on this day that spiders tried to overtake our home.

Anybody who knows me, understands my feelings towards bugs of any kind. I hate them. I have a physical reaction of fear whenever I see them and if I had it my way, they all would be dead. We had seen the warning signs: the weather was getting nicer, we were getting exterminator literature in the mail, and the biggest sign of all- we would cross paths with spider webs in our laundry room quite frequently. Maybe it was denial, or maybe I just didn't want to face the fact that we were going to have to one day acknowledge them and either let them take over or hand over the money to get the house sprayed. 

It really started Monday night when a huge black ant was crawling all over the top of my dresser. He was moving really fast over my books I had lined up in the storage compartment. I called my husband in to "take care of him", and he did, while also looking to see if any of his friends were lurking around. He was alone so that was the end of it, so we thought.

The next morning, while preparing breakfast for my family I spilled blueberries all over the floor. While I was sweeping them up, I saw a huge white spider amongst the fallen and I moved a couple to the side so that I could crush him under my feet. As I was emptying the blueberries into the trash can, my daughter let out a scream that was so terrifying that I thought that Michael Myers, Jason, Freddie and the killer clowns were all standing in my kitchen. I turned around and saw her pointing to the wall that separated the kitchen and the dinning room. The spiders must have heard about the ant going out by himself and decided to bring reinforcements. There he was, another huge white spider and he was angry. He saw what I had just done to his boy so he was frantic and running all over the place. He tried to get away and ran from the wall onto a tote bag that was in the corner of the dinning room. I still had the broom in my hand so without hesitation I swept him to the floor and stomped on him hard. I could feel his body being crushed through my flexible house shoe.

After I went to scrap the remains of the two dead bodies off my shoe into the trash bin I looked at my purse, which was located right next to the tote bag. I saw something there, but wasn't sure. My purse is blue and there seemed to be a beige spot on it. Or is it a shadow? The only light I had was the one from the kitchen, so I turned around, flicked on the light and stared back at another spider. He didn't run like the last one did. He just looked back at me. For about 5 seconds we just stared each other down, waiting for each other to make the move. I noticed my purse was open so I decided it was time to make a go for it before he decided to run towards it and hide out amongst my bank cards and lip gloss. I swept him to the ground too, and he received the same fate as his homies. They thought from past experience that if they came out in a group and triple teamed me that I was going to be scared and run. They thought they had a punk on their hands. But, they found out that when it comes down to protecting my babies, I am a savage and I will not back down until I get every. single. one.

So to the spiders, tell the rest of your family, your cousins the ants, the centipedes, the big fat rolley polley bugs I don't know the names for, and those insects with the pinchers on the end, I am not playing no games with y'all this year. You step up to me, you will get dealt with. I will not be defeated. This is your last and final warning. Oh, and sorry for your loss. #savage

Forever loving my B.A.D.D. Kids,

Rhonda

Edit note- At press time, the house had been exterminated by my husband who set off foggers instead of calling specialists due to being cheap high costs. 

Encouraging Daddy-Daughter Relationships

I'm proud to be a daddy's girl. My dad and I didn't always see eye to eye, especially when I came to the driving and dating age, but I could always count on him. When I was into sports, he was there for the games and the practices. He was in attendance for every recital and talent show, and he screened every boy who called the house. Before he passed away, he often gave me a heads up on men and how they act in marriage. Of course, he was right, so when things started to happen I was already prepared and was able to handle certain situations with a calm reserve. The advise he has given me through my lifetime has been immeasurable and I appreciate the relationship that we had. I could only hope that all girls get to have that relationship with their dads.

That's why I'm so glad that my daughter is a daddy's girl, too. Of course she's too young for deep life lessons, but the relationship that she and her dad share is setting the tone for the relationships she will have with men for the rest of her life. He understands the importance of it as well, and I was so proud of him when he took her to their first Daddy-Daughter Dance last week.

The week leading up to it he knew he had to do it right and wanted to not only show her a good time, but show her how a gentleman should treat a lady. They were dressed to the nines, he bought her a corsage (#DaddySwag) and actually did a little two step with her on the dance floor. (Believe me, that alone is huge for my slightly rhythmically challenged husband.) They both came back with big smiles on their faces, showing off pics and videos from the night.

I didn't even know that they still had events like this, but I'm glad that they do. This is one tradition that should never die. Dads all across the world should make it their mission to help nurture the relationships between their daughters. Your dad is supposed to be your protector, your teacher, your provider. Some would even say that your husband should reflect the relationship that you have with your dad.

So if he's was never present or active in your life, how do you know what to model that relationship on? There is no such thing as a perfect parent but, if you never even try to be that example in your child's life you've already failed.

Chime in! Do you believe that daddy-daughter bonds are important? What's the most memorable moment you've had with your dad?

Forever Loving my B.A.D.D. Kids,

Rhonda

My Life in Photos

1. My son had a day with the boys at his friends house last week-end. So we took little mama to Orange Leaf for some frozen yogurt. As can be expected she was all smiles. Who can be mad when froyo is involved?

2. I love when the weather is warm enough to be on the Detroit Riverwalk. I've been about 3 times in as many weeks. Once, to sing at an event our choir was invited to at the Detroit Marriott, then I went to the Praise Fest at Hart Plaza, and again last week between work and rehearsal. If they start having food trucks out there I'll never leave.

3. The final results of the haircut heard round the world. My FB family and friends are the silliest and most supportive folks I know. Even when it took me a couple days to really fall in love with the cut, they were all down with it. My mom, who responded first to the pic with my hair on the counter with, "What did you do?", even liked it. The jury is still out on if I'm going to keep it shorter or grow it out again. I'll keep you posted.

4. My Mother's Day was the bomb dot com. I received homemade cards, flowers, candy, wine and baby girl even gave me $2. My son's card made me proud. Part of it was a fill in the blank and one question said: "I love my mom the most because she always: keeps her promises." and "I know my mom loves me because she: gives me big hugs filled with love." But, I had to give him the side eye when I read, "What was your mom like before she became your mom: pretty and skinny." We gone have to have a little talk about that one.

After church, I kicked my feet up and enjoyed a meal prepared by my hubby. I was happy to be presented with such heartfelt gifts and was able to do the same for my Mom as I surprised her with a basket of goodies that included a cookbook of family recipes passed down from my Grandma. Overall, a good time was had by all.

How was you Mother's Day?

Forever Loving my B.A.D.D. Kids,
Rhonda  

The Value of a Black Life- Praying for our Streets

This is a repost from November that I wrote on my parenting blog. At the time there was looting and rioting happening in Ferguson, but my message still remains the same. Five months ago it was Ferguson, today it's Baltimore, next week it could be your city. Don't let the media distract you from the real issue. 

It's starting to become the norm: a young  life gone while his murderer walks free. I can't help but to wonder why? Why is this okay? Why is this happening? Why is a system that is supposed to be here to protect us, holding the deaths of so many black men as just another criminal who got what he deserved? Anyone who tells me that racism doesn't exist is in denial and anyone who says that the man who killed Michael Brown deserves to walk away unaffected and uncharged is a fool.

I don't agree with the looting that's going on in Ferguson but I understand their desperation. I understand what it feels like to be hurt and angry, feeling like your voice is not being heard, like nobody cares about the struggle our black youth go through everyday. Where they can't wear their hooded sweatshirts and walk in their own neighborhoods.This is the result of decades of peaceful protests that gave us an inch, yet take a mile.

I pray for them. I pray for my children, and I pray for the men in my life, who because of their skin and husky build automatically fit the profile. My husband and brother have both felt the black man's plight for DWB (driving while black) , handcuffed, slammed on top of police vehicle hoods while their cars were illegally searched. They left with sore wrists and bruised egos, but still, they walked away. Far too many is the story of those who don't get that privilege. And far too many is the story of those who don't know what to do about it.

How many protest, petitions, sit-ins and marches do we have to do before society truly sees us as equals? I don't know if that day will ever come. What I do know is that the black community needs to stop playing and open their eyes to the reality of the situation. Michael Brown, Travon Martin and Ricky Bell where just regular guys until the day they were killed and their murders went free. This clearly can happen to anybody and we have to change our mind set and be our brother's keeper. We have to teach our youth that ignorance is not bliss.

As any true parent knows, education starts at home and we need to instill in our children the values we grew up on. It's time to stop being friends and be parents. Stop buying video games and start buying books. Stop worshiping rappers and movie stars and follow a true and living God. So where do we start? Like anything that is being built, we have to start with a good foundation, and for me and my household that foundation starts with God. Whether you call Him God or not, there has got to be a higher power, a belief in something bigger than yourself that gives you that ray of hope that everything you need is in His hands.

Next, we must teach respect: for ourselves, our peers, those in authority and respect for life. We should care about how we look and how we carry ourselves and take priority in taking care of our health. We should be able to disagree with our peers and still respect them. We should be able to respect our elders and those in authority. We need to teach our children how to respond to police when confronted or pulled over. We need to drill it in their heads that life is not fair and things are going to happen, but it is how you deal with these things that show your true character. You can't fight a negative with a negative and think that something positive is going to be the result.

Most of all, we need to teach them respect for life. Death and violence should not be a part of the norm. We should not be desensitized, but instead feel prompted to make a change. This way of life where killers of children get to roam free because they have a badge has to end and we can't wait for justice to just happen. The track record speaks for itself. We have to get involved in our political systems, know the law and stand up for our American rights. How can you complain when you won't go out and vote? How can you be mad about the Ferguson decision when you won't do anything to help your community, you hate your fellow peers and you don't even have respect for yourself or anyone else around you?

We have to be our own civil rights leaders and stand for equal rights for all people. When it seems like the system is not made for us, we have to make the first step and value our own lives. That's my two cents, what's yours?

Praying and Forever Loving My BADD Kids,
Rhonda 

The Mom Timeout

I need a timeout. I have been pulled in a million directions and want to give my superwoman cape a rest. After last week's happenings, I have reached the point where I just need to be sent to my room or told to face the wall in the corner before I loose it. Since, I know that's not going to happen, I'm going to take myself away from some situations by putting myself on a time out.

So here's a short list of some things I plan to do all by my lonesome to relax, relate and release.

My fun things to do alone:
Go to the movies. I am no stranger to hitting the theatre alone. I actually prefer it. I get to eat all my nachos and I don't have to share the armrest.

Go to lunch or dinner. Although I frequent Panera Bread as my solo lunch spot, anywhere good food is, I will follow.

Get ice cream or froyo. I am not ashamed of ordering a waffle bowl sundae and eating it in the store or in my car. In my own ride I get to listen to music I want to hear.

Go to a museum. I love anything artistic and there is nothing like going to the Detroit Institute of Arts and looking at all the work on display. It gets your mind off the crazy day to day and helps you focus on what's beautiful in the world.

Have a spa day. It's time to woosahh, believe me your body will thank you for it.

Explore the bookstore. I am still a book person. I love the feel and smell of books, the art of holding something tangible. I could, and have spent hours in a bookstore before and it is awesome.

People watch at the mall. People are very interesting, especially when they think nobody is watching. Plus, it's a small world so you might run into somebody you know.

Go for a walk. As we all know, exercise releases those feel good endorphins and you can up the ante by walking a nice bike trail or at the park.

Shop. Speaking of endorphins, my heart skips a beat when I find something cute on sale. And although I love internet shopping, I have to admit that the instant gratification of carrying bags home is more satisfying than having to wait patiently for my package to come in the mail.

Stay the night at a hotel. Sometimes I like to reflect back to the time when I was single (spoken for, but not married), no kids and I stayed by my doggone self. Not that I don't love my family, but there is no such thing as privacy. Sometimes I just need a moment to just be to myself and reboot. In a perfect world, I would take a week-end and do all of the above.

So that's my mommy timeout list, what's yours?

Forever loving my B.A.D.D. Kids,
Rhonda

My Life in Photos

1. My babies are growing up. They need to wear glasses, can you believe that?! I was so fearful that they would break them the first day they wore them to school, but they are proving themsleves to be very responsible. So proud of them.

2. She bakes, too. I made a strawberry cake to celebrate 2 of my co-workers birthday and it was sooo good. We also had vegan banana bread, brought by another collegue and we thew in some oranges for good measure. The vegan banana bread was good too, I wasn't sure what to expect but it had plenty of flavor.

3. I did some shopping and I can't wait till the weather is nice enough for me to show these thick legs and thunder thighs. (Yes, I've learned to embrace mine.) I stalked this romper on ASOS for a couple weeks before it sold out. When I saw it was restocked, I did not hesitate. Online shopping is a blessing an a curse.

4. Deuces. This is going to be my motto/logo for the rest of the year, and possibly my life. I'm saying deuces to all negativity and situations that try to bring me down. I will no longer allow other people to control my feelings or bring me into their worlds of despair. #Preach. Ain't nobody got time for that.

What did you do this week? Holla.

Wishing you Love, Peace and Soul Deep Beauty,
Rhonda