AtlantaAreaMommies

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

We chat online in a private forum — discussing everything from the best photographers to the worst temper tantrums and all that lies between — and meet up regularly at member-driven events around town. Whether it's a late-night commiseration about a crying baby (there are 4 a.m. posts to prove it) or a Moms' Night Out, AtlantaAreaMommies provides what our members need, when and how they need it.

Click here to go directly to our calendar, and stay up-to-date on all our events scheduled for this week.

We're on our way!!!

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

We're soaring high with your help!
The Mommies Network is in the running for a fundraising marketing package that will increase our development efforts. A free ONCORE package from Eleventy Group's 4Good contest will benefit all our members by raising funds with less effort. More money means a better network for mommies across the nation.
Join our facebook event to vote and share. A minute of your time is all it takes.
With gratitude,
The Mommies Network

The Mommies Network needs your help!"

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The Mommies Network is a finalist non-profit in Eleventy Group's 4Good contest With a simple click to vote and another to share, you can help boost TMN's fundraising power. Better fundraising means technology upgrades, an expanding network, and more time for our volunteers to focus on what they do best: make mom-to-mom connections everyday.

Join our facebook event to spread the word that will help us spread our wings. Voting costs nothing but a minute of your time.

From everyone at The Mommies Network, thanks for your support.

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Mommy, Look at That Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:26:00 +0000

You and your children are enjoying a sunny afternoon at the park when they suddenly say, “Mommy, look at that dog! Let’s go see him!” This innocent request could turn emotionally and physically harmful for your children if your children don’t know the proper manners for meeting a new dog.

What do you need to know? Bonnie Buchanan, owner of Bon-Clyde Training Center in Sanford, NC and professional dog trainer offers some advice.

“Dogs need to be treated like human strangers,” says Bonnie. Parents should observe the owner and the dog’s body language. Does the dog look relaxed or nervous? Does the owner have control over the dog? Bonnie also notes that “it’s also important to remember that dogs react differently to adults and to children. Children often make faster and jerkier movements that can make a dog nervous. For a dog that hasn’t been ‘kidsocialized’, children can be threatening.”

Here are a few tips to keep your next encounter with a four-legged friend a positive one: - The number one rule: Never stare a dog in the eyes. A dog interprets staring as an attempt to be dominant and this can cause a negative reaction from the dog. - Always ask the owner’s permission before you approach the dog. -Slowly lift the back of your hand for the dog to sniff. - Scratch under the chin first. Never pet the top of the head because this is a sign of dominance. - Keep your voice soft. - If a dog runs up to you, then remain calm, don’t run or scream.

The dog’s owner may not be aware of the dog’s behavior, so watch for these signs and don’t approach a dog if he is doing any of the following: - Staring at you intensely - Tipped forward on the front feet - Ears pressed against the head These are all signs of aggression and it is best to stay away. If you have any doubt about the dog or owner, then avoid them. Dog bites are 100 percent preventable.

What can you do if your child loves dogs, but you don’t want to make one part of your family just yet? Here are a few suggestions: - Training Centers like Bon-Clyde offer a variety of classes and seminars open to the public to observe. - Attend fundraisers or dog festivals - Attend local dog shows

What can you do if your child is scared of dogs? - Find a Therapy Dog volunteer dog. Therapy Dogs are used in nursing homes and hospitals and have undergone special training to be gentle and calm. - Encourage the dog owner’s to tell your child something special about the dog. - Ask if your child and the dog can “shake hands”.

It is important to remember that dogs will be dogs and even the most well trained dog can have a bad day. Dogs have personalities as unpredictable and complex as humans. It is these personalities that make dogs irresistible to adults and children.

Thanks to CharlotteMommies for this post.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000

I've been wanting to post this recipe for a while now. I considered creating a new blog for recipes, but I can't even keep up with this one, so I'll post my few random recipes here instead! I love cooking and baking. If I had to choose one, I'd probably choose to bake, however, because I love cake and cookies! But cooking is enjoyable as well. I usually find a recipe that interests me and then change it as I see fit. Some of my favorite recipe sites are from Food Network, MyRecipes (Southern Living and Cooking Light), and random food blogs around the Web and on Pinterest. I also have a ton of cookbooks. If I remember correctly, my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup recipe is inspired by two or three different recipes from around the Web: Ina Garten's Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, as well as from this blog, originally found on Pinterest! I think there might have been an original Weight Watchers recipe for inspiration, as well! This is a Weight Watchers–friendly recipe, as it is only 1 points-plus for 1 cup! Also, this recipe makes a lot of soup! Go big or go home right? Well, be prepared to freeze some, or just cut the recipe in half if you don't have a lot of soup eaters in your family. With my own spin and twist, here it is! I do plan to enter it in a contest one day. How the heck do I copyright this recipe?!

Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 2-3 medium leeks, chopped (white parts only) 3-4 medium garlic cloves, chopped 2 teaspoons dried thyme Salt and pepper to taste 6-ounce can tomato paste 12-ounce can tomato sauce 4 26-ounce cans whole tomatoes 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 26-ounce cans diced tomatoes 2 bay leaves Fresh chopped basil (1/2 cup or to taste) 2 12-ounce cans fat-free evaporated milk 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions Heat olive oil over medium heat in a VERY LARGE POT: professional chef right here, baby! Add chopped leeks, and saute until soft, about 5–10 minutes. Add chopped garlic, and saute a few more minutes. Add cans of whole tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, about 10–15 minutes. Add broth, bring to boil, and reduce to simmer, cover, and let cook 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat, and remove bay leaves. With an immersion blender, blend until smooth. If using a food processor or regular blender, let cool completely before pureeing mixture to avoid burns. Add soup back to pot if needed. Add cans of diced tomatoes, and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, and let cook, uncovered, until soup reduces some—professional chef strikes again—anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours or longer! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of baking soda before adding the evaporated milk to avoid curdling. Simmer to heat milk through. Remove from heat. Add as much, or as little, basil as you like. I LOOOVE the taste of basil, so I add A LOT! I have used both fresh, chopped basil, as well as a tube of chopped, fresh basil herb blend by Gourmet Garden. I used half the tube! I've added the tubed basil before adding the milk as well—whatever floats your boat!

Big pot

And that's it! Feel free to garnish with additional thyme or basil. Serve immediately, or refrigerate/freeze until ready to eat! Enjoy!

My yummy soup

Next month, I may try out a new French onion soup recipe! Yum, yum! — Brianne (bribugg13) Recipe originally posted Jan. 9, 2012, at Brianne's personal blog, Momma Needs Coffee!

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 06 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

AAM Bursting into West Cobb County

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Have some fun while helping AtlantaAreaMommies expand in the West Cobb region! On Saturday, May 5, AAM will be at the Hollydale Elementary Diabetes Run and Multicultural Fair from 11-2. Join us to run game booths or distribute AAM flyers and coloring sheets from our display.

You already know how great AtlantaAreaMommies is. Now it's time to share the news and help us grow! Put on your favorite AAM shirt and join us for a fun-filled day. Volunteer positions are still available; see the calendar for details.

7 Must-Have Items for Every Parent

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

You know those books and reports that come out every year telling you how to save money and get the best gear for your baby and kids? Well, because I love you all so much, I'm going to share with you — totally free — my list of must-have Items for every parent. You can thank me in chocolate.

1. A baby: You have several options here. There's the old-fashioned fun way, of course. You can modify that way with charts and thermometers and mucus logs, though those seem less fun. You can turn to medical professionals for help, unless your OB looks like Abe Vigoda, in which case it’s best to have him (or her) just do the injections, in vitro, and/or surrogate stuff. There’s also adoption, both open and closed, local or import. Last resort is kidnapping, but I really don’t condone that method. What’s really important is that you find the best way for you and your family to get a baby added to the tree.

2. A way to feed the baby: You can breastfeed or give formula, or both. I am not here to dictate what you do with your body or your child. There are plenty of other places in the Googleverse to learn about the pros and cons of both. But no matter what you choose, you are very likely going to need a bottle at some point. Do those handblown-glass "most like the breast" bottles seem like the only reasonable choice? Like the ease of the bottles with the baggies? Have a bumblebee theme going on and only want the bottles that coordinate with your crib bedding, travel system, diaper bag, and wardrobe? Your baby is going to refuse whatever nipples fit the bottle you have chosen. Your child will refuse it with such a tiny fury and will insist on drinking only from Waterford Crystal champagne flutes. As hard as it is, resist the urge to buy. Borrow from a trusted friend until you can figure out what your baby's preference is. Use the money you saved here on more important stuff, like bail or fine crystal.

3. A place for baby to sleep: If you buy that heirloom-quality lifetime bed, your baby will want to sleep in a dresser drawer. Choose to co-sleep, and your little one will only sleep in gravity boots, vampire style. Bassinet for every floor of your house? Your baby will have reflux and only sleep upright in a carrier of some sort. So go ahead and splurge here if you have some cash on hand or a really pushy interior decorator. Otherwise, buy on the budget end, and keep a drawer empty, just in case.

4. Something to catch excretions: Babies ooze from all over the place. You’re going to need a good stock of burp cloths, bibs, and hankies, even though you will most often just use your shirt, because who wants to do more laundry? And after your 40th diaper blowout, you'll spend those insomniac moments trolling the Internet for help with elimination communication. I mean, if women in China can toilet train their infants, why can't you? Well go ahead, if that's your thing, but I find 3 a.m. is not usually a good time for making important decisions.

5. A means to transport baby: Unless you rely solely on public transportation or never, ever leave your home, you'll need a car seat. I personally don't like the baby bucket–type things because I’m too lazy to tote one of those around. And I'm too cheap to buy two car seats when one will work. But I sure would like to have one to snap into the grocery cart or high chair next time I venture into public. The nice thing about babywearing is that I can keep strangers' hands off my baby, even if I have to hear, "They didn’t have those in my day," a million times a week. So here you have to decide how important extras like air bags and cup holders are for you. I bet if you ask Dr. Google, she'll even point you toward some useful sites that help you choose seats that fit your car make and model best, but you have to say, "Please."

6. Flexibility: If you haven't guessed by now, babies can be pretty unpredictable. I'm fairly sure Murphy had a special subsection of that pesky law dedicated just to people under 4 feet tall. They are their own little humans with their own little preferences. No matter how much you really, really, really want them to love all the things that you love, sometimes they just don't. And you just can't rationalize with a newborn. Trust me, I've tried. Surprisingly, a person that fits into your hand has incredible willpower that can cut through all your determination. At some point, you will find yourself staunchly defending opposing sides of an argument that takes place entirely in your head, but you are convinced is also some sort of psychic communique from your preverbal infant. It's OK to surrender a little.

7. A sense of humor: This one's free but quite possibly the most important child-rearing tool in your arsenal. Sometimes it's all you've got. And if it fails, at least you’ve saved all this extra money to pay for therapy. Or wine.

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Hersheypark Review

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:59:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, my husband and I took our two kids (ages 7 and 4) to Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It took about seven hours to drive there from the Triangle area, and that included driving through some rain and traffic in Virginia. We arrived in Hershey around dinnertime. After checking into our hotel, we stopped at a Giant Food Store, where we purchased discounted tickets for Hersheypark. I had read this was the best place to buy tickets, and it seems this was true.

Then we started looking for some dinner. We came upon the Chocolate Avenue Grill and decided on a whim to try it out. I'm so glad we did. I highly recommend this place: delicious food, good service, and an excellent kids menu.

When we finished dinner, it was just after 7 p.m. and the rain, which had been coming down while we were eating, had stopped. So we decided to preview Hersheypark. When you purchase tickets to the park, you can go in the evening before to check it out and return the next day with the same tickets. We were able to go in at 7:30 p.m., so it was perfect timing.

At the front of the park, you can measure your kids to see what kind of candy they are. Then you just have to look for the candy signs on the different rides to see if they can ride them. My daughter was a Hershey's Kiss and my son was a Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar.

The first night, we went on three rides. First was the carousel, which was quite fast. I think I was dizzier from the carousel than from any of the rides we rode the next day. Then we went on the Kissing Tower, which probably would have been better in the daylight. It's a ride that takes you way up above the park where you can look out Hershey's Kiss–shaped windows at the whole area. Finally, we went on Trailblazer, the only roller coaster my daughter is tall enough to ride. We all loved it.

After about two hours, we headed back to the hotel. We woke up the next morning and arrived at the park when it opened at 10 a.m. Unfortunately, the rain continued off and on all day, but we still had fun and there were enough dry times that we were able to ride on everything we wanted.

The nice thing about Hersheypark is that there are plenty of rides for younger kids. They even have child-size versions of many popular rides, such as the Scrambler, drop tower, swings, and Pirate ship. The kids did go on the little swings, but we stuck with the regular-sized Scrambler, which was my daughter's favorite ride. She and I also had a blast on the Frontier Flyers (see video below) and Starship America. Although she really liked the spinning rides, she also rode several of the many rides that were more geared toward toddlers.

The Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge was a fun indoor ride that reminded us of the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disney. And we all enjoyed the Ferris wheel and Skyview tramway, both of which gave us a view from above the park as the Kissing Tower had the night before. We also enjoyed TAP: The Show, which we decided to watch while avoiding a downpour of rain. My daughter especially liked watching the dancers on stage.

Hersheypark also has 11 large roller coasters. I had no idea they had so many. As I mentioned before, my daughter was only tall enough to go on Trailblazer, so that's the only one the kids rode. My husband went on Fahrenheit, Storm Runner, and Lightning Racer (see picture below). I also rode on Lightning Racer and Comet. Lightning Racer was definitely the best wooden coaster, and my husband said he liked Fahrenheit the best among the two metal coasters he rode. We ended up going on Trailblazer with the kids two more times that day as well.

The one area we did not get a chance to visit was the water park that is part of the park. You can see some of it in the picture at the top of the page. It looks incredible, with a huge sprayground area and several exciting water slides. It also features a flume ride and a roller coaster incorporated into the water park. It looked like a lot of fun, so I'm sure we'll check it out if we make it back to Hersheypark in the future.

I think it would have been a little better if my daughter was a few inches taller (there were a few rides she wanted to go on in which the minimum height was 42 inches). And I think it obviously would have been better if we didn't have rain when we were there. But overall, it was a great experience, and I expect we'll go back, hopefully with friends next time.

Thanks to Julie Blog a Mommies member at TriangleMommies.

AAM Bursting into West Cobb County

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:00:00 +0000

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Inexpensive Ways to Get New Reads

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:52:00 +0000

1. Join Your Local Library It does not get any better than free. Take yourself down to your local library with a driver's license or a recent bill and sign up for a library card. As long as you return your books on time and in reasonable condition, checking out books from the local library costs nothing. Most libraries allow patrons to check out an unlimited number of books and let you keep them for two to three weeks (except for brand new titles, which most places let you keep for one week). If your library does not carry the title you want, you can often request that your library borrow it from a neighboring library, also free of charge. Also, did you know that many libraries offer e-books? You can download titles directly to your smartphone, computer or electronic reader.

2. Trade Your Titles Swap sites like PaperbackSwap.com, TitleTrader.com and Bookins.com currently offer over five million books free of charge. These sites let readers trade in titles on their bookshelves for others they would like to read. After listing a few titles, users will get credit for each one sent to another member. Credits can be redeemed for other books on the site. Depending on the site, users will pay shipping to send or receive a book, but not both. These sites have no fees and no hidden charges. Hardbacks, audio books and textbooks are also available.

3. Request Advance Reads Copies As a marketing tool, many publishers offer advanced copies to readers free of charge. An advanced copy, also known as a readers edition, is a copy of a book before it is released for mass distribution. The readers edition usually lacks a dust jacket, formatting and binding. While it is true that some of these books go to book reviewers and celebrities in hopes of getting free publicity, many publishing houses also offer them to the general public. You can become an early reviewer by joining LibraryThing (http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index. ... _Reviewers), by contacting the author or publisher of favorite titles, or by befriending a local bookstore owner.

4. Host Your Own Local Book Swap Gather a list of local friends and family and send out invitations. An evite is fine and its free. Include a short description of your book swap, including types of books to swap, the number of books to bring, time and location. Be sure to mention whether you will include refreshments or if you expect participants to bring something to share. Decide ahead of time if the books are being swapped permanently or if they will simply be on loan. If the books will be on loan, include in your invitation how the owners should be designated inside each book - telephone number, email address, or first name are common suggestions.

5. Buy used You can save a bundle by purchasing used books in good condition. Many towns have stores dedicated to selling used books. Readers can also find used books at Goodwill stores, consignment shops, yard sales and thrift stores. Many local libraries offer annual used book sales as well. Check with your local librarian for dates and details. While they charge a bit more, web sites like amazon.com and half.com also offer deeply discounted used books for the public.

Thanks to author Melissa from TriangleMommies.com.

Stopping for school buses

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:45:00 +0000

Thursday April 12th in a town south of Atlanta we had another child die from getting hit when trying to get onto the school bus. It is so sad. In this case they are still investigating what happened. Children getting injured or killed by drivers passing buses has happened far too often.

In my neighborhood the elementary school's bus stop is in front of my house, I have many times seen cars fly by school buses who had the flashing lights, stopped and even had the arm extended or the red stop sign extended off the side of the bus. Sometimes the buses have a speaker with a voice that announces stop also. I don't understand the problem. Are drivers not paying attention? Do they not care? Do they not know the laws?

I found this great pdf file that has pictures showing the laws here in Georgia. OperationStopArm.pdf Thank you Operation Stop Arm for trying to bring awareness to drivers to not pass stopped school buses. The law says it's the duty of the driver to stop for a school bus that is stopped with flashing lights if you on a 2 lane road or 4 lane with turning lane. Either way, the driver needs to stop.

How can we as Moms spread awareness to people to not pass stopped school buses?

Written by AtlantaAreaMommies member Kristen

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Homemade Mall Pretzels

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Every time I go to the mall, I can't say no to those delicious Mall Pretzels. The smell hits me as soon as I hit the food court. I love the crispy outside and soft inside. I enjoy dunking them in mustard or melted cheese. Last night I was brain storming ideas for the Monday recipe and I thought pretzels! I told my husband right away that I was going to make mall pretzels. He looked at me and laughed so hard and said, "your going to bake homemade pretzels? Please don't burn down our apartment." Well this just made me 1000 times more excited to make pretzels, just so I could prove my husband wrong. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast, 2tbs. brown sugar and 1 1/8 tsp. salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup bread flour, and knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. The video above is of me kneading dough. I thought I knew how to knead dough, but after I googled a how to video on kneading dough. I can say that I was totally wrong. Some tips I would share are first spray your surface with pam cooking spray and put flour on your hands and dough. If your surface and dough start sticking lay down more pam or flour. This will help the dough not to stick to you or your rolling surface. Place dough in a pam cooking spray greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let rise for one hour. After the dough as sat and allowed to rise for an hour, cut into twelve pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. Twist the dough into a pretzel shape, and dip into the baking soda solution. The baking soda solution is 2 cups warm water and baking soda combined in an 8 inch square pan. I found a helpful video on how to twist your dough into the perfect pretzel shape. The video also gives some great suggestions on other uses for your pretzel dough. Honestly, rolling the doll out into the three foot long rope is the toughest part. I found working from right to left was the best for me. After dipping the dough into the baking soda solution, place on a towel to soak up the bottom side of the dough. Then place the pretzel on a greased cookie sheet, reshape pretzel if needed. Let the pretzels sit on the cookie sheet for twenty minutes before putting in the oven. Sprinkle dough with salt if desired, before baking. Bake at 450 degrees F for five minutes, turn 180 degrees and cook another five minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic salt or cinnamon sugar. The best part of this recipe is it is kid friendly. Kids will love playing with the dough and seeing what creations they can make. One warning I have is not to leave your balls of dough in reach of a two year old, they will eat it. Also it takes time to roll out all the dough so you may want to bag half of the dough and put it in the refrigerator. The finished product is hot and delicious! Kid tested and mother approved! Post submitted by Kathy from CentralPeidmontMommies.comOriginally posted on the CentralPiedmontMommies Blog on 5/16/11

5 Little Sayings to Help You Get Organized

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:37:00 +0000

'Spring Ahead. Fall Back.' That little saying always helps us remember whether we should set the clock ahead or back one hour. Similar little sayings, are also great for helping you to get and stay organized. Here are just a few:

1. A HOME FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE. Every item you have, no matter what it is, should have a designated home. For instance, the home for your magazines might be your magazine holder, which is located on your bookshelf. Or your home for your extra file folders and labels, might be the top shelf of your office supplies cabinet. If an item doesn't have a specific home, it's considered to be 'homeless.' Something that is homeless, tends to get lost. Designate a specific home for all of your stuff. Then, be sure that everything taken, gets returned to its home when done being used.

2. DON'T PUT IT DOWN. PUT IT AWAY. When you remove something from its home, the best thing to do when you're done using it, is to put it away. Yes, sometimes it seems easier to just place it on the kitchen table until later, or to put it on your desk until tomorrow. Unfortunately, this often results in many items being out of place, which can leave your home or office in disarray. Never mind the fact that it presents a bad example for other family members, or staff members. Don't give clutter a chance to form. Put it away now. You'll find it when you need it, and your environment will remain clutter-free.

3. FILE, DON'T PILE. It is very easy to get overwhelmed with paper. Our paper volume increases on a daily basis. Between lists, mail, bills, school papers, documentation, warranties, etc., it's often seen as a pain to take the time to handle those papers immediately. However, if those papers begin to transform themselves into piles--and they usually do--it's going to be even more of a pain to get them under control. Piles tend to get taller and taller, until even the idea of dismantling them seems colossal. This results in lots of piles, and even more stress. If you DON'T need a piece of paper, get rid of it immediately. Either recycle it, or give it to the appropriate party. If you DO need a piece of paper, file it right now. Don't put it down, even for a minute. Either place it in your filing cabinet, your Tickler file, your bill paying system, etc. If you take the time to file it now, it won't stand a chance of growing into a huge pile.

4. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Clutter and chaos go hand in hand. The more things you have, the easier it is for clutter to form and grow. Always remember to place your emphasis on quality over quantity. In other words, it's not important to have a lot of things, many of which you never use. It's more beneficial to have fewer things, all of which you use and/or enjoy. Simplify your life and you will get and stay organized!

5. FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT, GET EVERYTHING DONE WHEN IT'S DUE. Many people think that getting organized is about being neat and tidy. On the contrary, a person who is not very neat or tidy, can be very organized. Being organized actually entails 'finding everything you need when you need it, and getting everything done when it's due.' If you can master these two things, you are well on your way to being organized.

Thanks to author from CharlotteMommies, Maria Gracia

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Moving from Crib to Bed

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:14:00 +0000

When your child moves from crib to bed it’s a milestone in his life as well as yours. There is no precise time for making this move, though typically it’s between the first and third birthday. The key to success is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to the change.

Why move a child from crib to bed?
If a child sleeps well in his crib, don’t rush the change. Switching to a bed gives a child freedom and brings new issues for parents, such as the yo-yo syndrome or early morning wanderings. The most common reasons to switch:

•Your child learns how to climb.
--- Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up to the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more possible.•Your child outgrows the crib.
--- Don’t assume it’s time! You may think that he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his little nest. •Your child asks for a bed.--- If she’s old enough, then go ahead and take the leap.
•Your child is learning how to use the toilet. --- Even if your child uses the toilet during the day, it’s often a long while before bedtime dryness happens.
•A new sibling is on the way.--- If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to make room for the newcomer may add stress. If you feel that the time is right then make the change two months or more before your newborn arrives.

What kind of bed should my child move to?
There are a number of options for a child’s first bed:

o Toddler bed - These are small, low and child-sized. They have guard rails on all sides, and come in playful designs.
o Regular bed - A common choice is a mattress, box springs and bed frame (with all sides protected from fall-outs). Consider a double or bigger size to accommodate the night-reading ritual.
o Mattress on the floor A popular choice is a mattress or futon on the floor. This provides your little one with a big-kid bed, but one that prevents any painful falls.
o Bunk bed - Hold off on a bunk bed until your child is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.

How do we make the change?
Which approach is best for you will depend on your reasons for making the change, your child’s personality, and the size of his room. Here are a few options:

o Big-kid bed hoopla - Some children enjoy having an official Big Kid Day party. Set up the bed, decorate the room and add a few sleep-related gifts like books and stuffed animals.o One-step-at-a-time - Take the mattress out of the crib and place it on the floor in the place as the crib was. This gives your child the same sleeping surface and view of the room as he’s accustomed to. Place guard rails around the sides to create a crib-like enclosure. Keep the same bedding and crib toys. This is a mid-step between the crib and a real bed.o The gradual introduction - Set up the new bed in the same room with the crib. Allow your child to play on the bed and nap there. Do your bedtime reading in the new bed. This will help your child get used to the bed gradually.

Patience and encouragement
No matter which path you choose - be patient. Big steps toward growth often happen in spurts, and your child may be excited to welcome the change one day, but wary of it the next. Maintain your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a positive association with his new bed, since he’ll be sleeping there for many years to come.

This Week With the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

How To Save Money on Your Grocery Bill

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:40:00 +0000

1. Shop In Season
If you buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season, you will spend less money. As an added bonus, your food will taste better too. Foods that are shipped in from faraway places so that we can eat them out of season - think strawberries, oranges, cucumbers in the winter - have the added cost of transportation to get them to the store. Resist buying that hot house tomato in January. It isn't going to taste good anyway! If you have Farmer's Markets in your area, consider shopping there for local produce. Chances are it will be less expensive, taste better and be organically grown.

2. Shop Sales
Pay attention to the sales that your store is advertising. Buy only what is on sale, instead of buying based on cravings. Most stores post weekly and monthly sales. Find out the sales cycle of your favorite grocer because they don't all run Sunday to Saturday.

3. Plan Meals around SalesPlan your meals for the week around the weekly sales. Chicken and ground beef are on sale this week? Great - plan your menu to include chicken enchiladas, stuffed chicken breasts, tacos and sloppy joes.

4. Sign up for Store Rewards CardsBy signing up for store rewards cards, you will pay the lowest price for the items in that store. You will also be eligible for special deals and promotions and may receive coupons in the mail directly from the store itself. Your receipt will show you how much you have saved just by having that special card.

5. Sign up for Store email NoticesMany grocery stores now have online coupons and unique online specials. If you sign up for their email notices, you will be in the know about these special coupons and deals. Stores also use their email lists to notify customers of events like super doubles and triples.

6. Use CouponsShop with coupons. You can find coupons in the Sunday paper, online, in the grocery store fliers, on special bulletin boards throughout the grocery store, on store shelves, on wine bottles and in blinking machines situated inside grocery stores. You may think that buying generic is always cheaper, but that is often not the case. By combining sales with coupons, you can often get items for free.

7. Plant a Garden
Feed a man and he eats for a day. Plant a garden and you can eat all year long. Fresh fruits and vegetables are expensive, even in season. Buy seeds and plant a garden for a fraction of the cost. Even apartment dwellers can plant small window gardens.

8. Eat Before you Shop
Never shop on an empty stomach. Make sure you eat before you head to the grocery store. Studies show that hungry shoppers spend more money.

9. Leave your Kids at Home
Shop by yourself whenever possible. Children often ask for empty calorie foods and have no concept of cost. Many a mom has broken down and handed over as box of cookies just to get some peace and quiet. Leave them home, shop in quiet and stay on budget.

10. Take a List and Stick to itGet out your sales fliers, your coupons and your email notices ahead of time and make a list of what you need to buy for the week. Be sure to take your list and a pen with you on your shopping trip and determine to buy only what you have on the list. You will avoid impulse buys this way.

Grow With Us!

noreply@blogger.com (AtlantaAreaMommies) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Last call for flower bulbs! Grow with us at http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/240176/t2R0mAXcpjo3, and be the envy of your neighborhood while supporting AtlantaAreaMommies!

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So save some gas and the trip to your local nursery or big-box store, and plan your perfect garden from the comfort of your computer. Visit http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=8994&user_campaign_id=240176 to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and AtlantaAreaMommies’ fabulous fundraiser!
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Grow with us!