Burgh Mom

A Little Do-Goodery

2011-12-01T09:55:00.001-08:00

Shhhhh! I have a little project that just started that I would like to keep under control, but I do need a little help. So, shhhhhh! This is just for your eyes!

In the comments on my most recent Christmas Crazy post, there was a question about whether or not Womansplace can accept used stuffed animals as donations. The short answer is that they cannot because of safety and health concerns, but the question led to an idea and has now led to me committing to making a little magic happen.

Welcome Packets for kids.

Right now when children check into the emergency shelter, they are given a toothbrush and a few other absolute essentials. Wouldn't it be nice if they were to get those essentials along with a few "comfort" items? Like, maybe a small stuffed animal, a small toy, some crayons, a coloring book, and some socks/slippers to wear around the shelter? Maybe all of it packed into a small drawstring backpack?

I think it's something we can totally make happen.

On average, about 15 kids per month pass through the shelter, so we aren't talking about a huge undertaking here. To get things started, I have offered to provide 20 Welcome Packets in early January. To get those put together, I need 20 used but IN EXCELLENT CONDITION stuffed animals. Think "I would give this to my nieces or nephews and not feel guilty at all" condition. They must fit into a gallon-size plastic bag. I've already recruited some help in getting those used stuffed animals thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, so there's no need to douse them in Lysol or anything, but they should appear to be in new condition.

I'll do a little fundraising to take care of the other parts of the Welcome Packets, but I wanted to offer the chance to unload some used stuffed animals to you guys first. I can only take 20 for now, so whoever comments first with a commitment for the January supply is the winner (please provide a quantity that you can provide). The rest of you will have to wait until the next round.

Once the holiday smoke clears a bit, I will try to make it a mission to see if the other shelters in the area could benefit from the same sort of thing. Fingers crossed that they can because it sure would be nice to find a home for all of those perfectly-good-but-not-loved stuffed animals we all have in our houses.

Thanks!

Cooooooooooookies!

2011-10-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I SWEAR IT WAS JUNE JUST YESTERDAY, it's almost time for our annual day of sugar-fueled shenanigans known as the cookie swap. Here's the information:

When: Saturday, November 5th at 2:00pm
Where: La Casa de Burgh Baby (please request the address/directions via email if you need them)
Who: You. Your family. Any strangers you happen to encounter who know how to bake kick-ass cookies.
What: Cooooookies!

Please bring at least six dozen cookies. You'll leave with however many cookies you bring, so if you bring more, that's great, too. The basic premise is that we'll pile all of the cookies up on some tables in my dining room and you'll "swap" your cookies for some other cookies.

If you're not a cookie-baking person, that's OK, too. Bring a side dish or snack or something to share with everybody and we'll still send you home with cookies.

It's Blogmob Time

2011-08-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

What would happen if a mob of Pittsburgh’s top bloggers swarmed the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank one evening? Find out on September 8, 2011 when we honor Hunger Action Month with Pittsburgh's first #blogmob event.

More information can be found here.

March of Dimes March for Babies

2011-04-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

The March of Dimes is hard at work recruiting teams to participate in this year's March for Babies. The Pittsburgh walk will be held May 22 starting at 9:00 am at PNC Park. If you are interested in walking, please let me know. I'm gauging interest before I register a team.

Thanks!

I Didn't Forget. I Just, Uh, Didn't Post Anything.

2011-04-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

*tap*

*tap*

Hellooooooooo!

Sorry for the delay in getting things started in 2011. Anyway, let's get back to the hanging out occasionally, n'at.

When: April 15th at 6:30pm
Where: Sharp Edge Bistro (922 Penn Ave)
Who: Whoever

As always, please RSVP so I can make a reservation.

I Should Put Something Here, But I Can't Think Of What

2011-02-18T12:31:00.001-08:00

In my inbox:

I'm a reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and I'm writing a story regarding the recent IRS ruling to make breastfeeding supplies tax deductible. I'm hoping to talk to some PIttsburgh-area moms about the ruling and about how it's been criticized by several conservative political figures. Would you be able to put me in touch with anyone who might have an opinion on the issue?

Anybody? Somebody? Bueller? Just email me at burghbaby (at) gmail.com and I'll forward the contact information to you.

(A post about the first get-together of 2011 is coming soon. Promise.)

Cookies. And Swapping.

2010-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Consider this your friendly neighborhood reminder that the cookie swap is this Saturday, November 20th at 2:30 pm. If I haven't already sent you the address via email or twitter DM, please let me know because I lost my list of who had it and who needed it. I suck like that. Also, if you're interested in carpooling or whatever, holler in comments.

The general idea is that you will show up with 6 dozen cookies and leave with a different 6 dozen cookies. However, if you bring more or less, it's no problem. Just leave with whatever quantity you showed up with (Or more--you people will NOT be sticking me with the extra cookies this year DO YOU HEAR ME? Ahem.). Appetizers and beverages are always welcome.

Also, some of you may know that Missy is running a fundraiser (Cookies for Cancer) at Once Upon a Child right before the cookie swap. It happens to be on the way to my house for most people, so you can always buy cookies from her if you're not up for baking them (you can either pick them up or she'll deliver them to the cookie swap--how's that for service?). If you'd like to do that, please let her know (@PghCafeSolstice on twitter, or email me and I'll pass it on) how many and what kind. Anyone who purchases 2 dozen cookies gets a coupon for 20% off at Once Upon a Child, and anyone who purchases 3 dozen cookies gets a chance for a $50 gift card.

Finally, if you've got any new, unwrapped toys you'd like to have vanish from your universe, I happen to know someone who is taking a truckload of stuff to Toys for Tots on November 30th.

I'll Remind You Again Next Week

2010-11-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

COOOOKIE SWAP!

I really just wanted to bump this information back to the top of the page, so ignore me if you're already on board for the cookie swap on November 20th.

What: A day of swapping cookies and such
When: Saturday, November 20th at 2:30pm
Where: La Casa de Burghbaby. The address will be distributed via email and twitter DM.
Who: Whoever you want. There's a Man Cave for locking up the men and a playroom for entertaining the little ones.
The premise: Bring 6-dozen cookies to the event and leave with a different 6-dozen cookies. If you're not a baker, no worries, we could use some appetizers and such to snack on while we're hanging out.
Important Detail: It's BYOB, folks.

A Minor Change of Plans--Make It Atria's

2010-10-28T19:20:00.001-07:00

Due to some construction issues at Las Velas, we need to relocate the dinner scheduled for Friday, October 29th at 7:00 pm. We will meet at Atria's at PNC Park instead. Please spread the word. Thanks!

Worth Mentioning

2010-10-27T14:12:00.001-07:00

IKEA Pittsburgh is hosting trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 30th from 1-4:00pm. Kids 12 and under will get a free trick-or-treat bag and candy will be handed out all over the store.

Save some Swedish Fish for me.

The Cookie Swap

2010-10-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

What: A day of swapping cookies and such
When: Saturday, November 20th at 2:30pm
Where: La Casa de Burghbaby. The address will be distributed via email.
Who: Whoever you want. There's a Man Cave for locking up the men and a playroom for entertaining the little ones.
The premise: Bring 6-dozen cookies to the event and leave with a different 6-dozen cookies. If you're not a baker, no worries, we could use some appetizers and such to snack on while we're hanging out.

Reminders and more details as soon as Halloween is over.

Meet-Up Time. Again.

2010-10-18T14:15:00.001-07:00

How about one last dinner before the end of the year?

When: Friday, October 29th at 7:00 pm (or whenever you get there--I can guarantee that I personally will be late)
Where: Las Velas (Market Square/downtown)
Who: Social media-type parental units and anybody else you happen to want to have escort you.

Please RSVP in comments so I can make a reservation.

P.S.
Cookie Swap details are coming very, very soon.

Redd Up Thread Up

2010-10-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Jennie Roth, aka @jenana37, has been working on a fantastic project that might just give you that push you need to clean out your closets. Imma gonna cheat and just copy and paste the press release:

October 19, 2010-The cool crisp air of fall in Pittsburgh signals reluctant locals to pull out their cold weather attire and put those sundresses and shorts in storage bins for another long winter. In the process, it’s possible to find that once treasured sweater is now too small or not as appealing as it was last year. Jennie Roth, a local young professional, is seizing this ritualistic opportunity by organizing a community clothing swap, aptly titled “Redd Up Thread Up” presented by WYEP, on November 6, 2010 at the WYEP Community Broadcast Center.

The Redd Up Thread Up will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the WYEP Community Broadcast Center. Participants who complete a donor form when they drop-off their donation the week of the event will receive a free tote bag to “shop” at the event. Additional tote bags can be purchased for $5.00. 100% of the proceeds from the Redd Up Thread Up will go to the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, a United Way organization.

Participants are urged to bring their gently used men’s and women’s clothing and accessories to the WYEP Community Broadcast Center lobby the week before the event. Donations will be accepted Nov 1-5, during WYEP’s normal business hours and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday November 4, and Friday November 5.

Inspired by the mention of a similar event in Toronto last year by a blogger, Ms. Roth started thinking about how to pull the event together in Pittsburgh. Ms. Roth noted: “There are countless worthy causes right here in Pittsburgh and several Pittsburgh-based companies who are more than happy to give back to the community. Being connected in the Pittsburgh social media community has made it easy for me to find the right people to pull this event together.”

With a focus on the re-use of gently used clothing, the Pittsburgh Craft Collective and the I Made It! Market will be providing upcycling demos to encourage participants to reuse and repurpose once discarded items. The event tote bags can also be used again as grocery totes or for storage.

Official Redd Up Thread Up tote bags are being provided with printing sponsorship from Commonwealth Press, a South Side based custom print shop. Pittsburgh-based retailers ModCloth.com and American Eagle Outfitters have provided funding. The Pittsburgh Foundation and WYEP 91.3fm have also provided event assistance.

For more information about Redd Up Thread Up, please visit www.reddupthreadup.com.

Got that? Clean out your closets and drop the items off at WYEP between November 1-5. Mens and womens clothing will be accepted (maternity items, too). Then, if you want, you can go back on November 6th and pick out some new-to-you duds. All proceeds benefit The Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

It's ALIVE.

2010-10-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

IT'S BACK!

OK, so you probably didn't know it was gone, but this site has been down for a few days. All fixxy-fixed now, though.

There is going to be a little flurry of posts as I catch up on the things that have been piling up in my inbox, so hold on to your hats. Or whatever.

Zoo Day! Finally!

2010-09-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

What: Zoo Day
Where: The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium--meet at the eating area that is at the top of the escalators
When: September 11th at 11:00am

Bring the family for a day at the zoo! Please RSVP in comments so we know how many people to expect.

Save the Date--October 5th

2010-09-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

What: A ScareHouse Invasion
When: Tuesday, October 5th starting at 7:00pm (ScareHouse closes at 10:00pm that night)
Where: ScareHouse in Etna

Scott from the ScareHouse has graciously offered to hold a fundraiser benefiting Christmas Crazy and Make Room for Kids. Heavily discounted tickets for the haunts will be available, with all proceeds going to the charities. More details will be available next week, including how to get VIP tickets to the special event.

As an extra bonus, there's a very good chance that you'll get to see either myself or Virginia of That's Church living out our respective worst nightmares.

October Baby Stuff Swap

2010-09-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

What: Baby Stuff Swap
Where: @redpenmama's house (Dawn)
When: 2nd weekend in October (final details to be announced)

A chance to swap childrens/baby clothing, baby items, and toys. Please RSVP to Dawn so that she can get you the address.

Passing On Info...

2010-09-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Junior League of Pittsburgh is making a $10,000 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for the creation of a diaper bank. A new study by Huggies revealed that diaper need is critical in the U.S.

Without diapers, mothers can't meet one of their babies' basic needs. Yet there is little support for these moms and babies in need.

Many community-based organizations don't provide diapers. Public resources are limited as food assistance programs like food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) focus solely on food and nutrition, and therefore do not cover diapers.

To celebrate the new Pittsburgh Diaper Bank the Junior League, the Food Bank and Huggies have teamed together to host "A Day For Moms" on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Food Bank Headquarters in Duquesne. The event will feature health care organizations and providers to answer questions and concerns about children's health. There will be crafts and games for kids and food fair for everyone.

We're asking everyone to get involved and help mothers in need provide for their babies. We're collecting diapers and gently used baby items such as strollers, high chairs, pack-n-plays and car seats to be given to the mothers.

Would you be willing to get the word out and encourage your readers to donate diapers and baby items?

Items can be dropped off at the Wear After Shop in Bloomfield:
The Wear After Shop
4752 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 687-2600

Store Hours:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
Closed Sunday and Monday

Please consider joining our cause and help end diaper need in our community. Please let me know if you have questions or would like more information on diaper deprivation.

Kind regards,
Gretchen Smathers

Hang Tight

2010-08-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Regarding plans for something for next week...I had someone contact me with an offer for something related to one of those plans, but so far the follow-through hasn't been completed. I know that's thoroughly vague, so you can email or DM me if you're in need of details. Long story short, hang tight. I'll work on something for early or mid-September.

PodCamp is Coming! PodCamp is Coming!

2010-08-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of talk floating around the internet about Pittsburgh PodCamp 5, and for good reason. If you've not attended a PodCamp in the past, you best hurry up and go over to register.

While the PodCamp site does a good job of outlining what it's all about, I think it may be worth explicitly stating why it could be of interest to someone who blogs for personal reasons, be it for a Mommy Blog or whatever. There is most certainly value even if you aren't involved in social meda for money or fame or anything other than yourself. While this year's full session list is still under development, in the past topics have included things like:

Blogging 101--How to set up a blog for the first time
Blogging 201--How to find blog fodder in daily life (You should go to this one. I have no reason for saying that. Except that I don't like standing in front of an empty room to talk. Ahem.)
WordPress--A session on using WordPress better
Blog Design--What works and what doesn't
Creative Commons--What it means and how you should use it to protect your words and photos
Privacy Issues--How invisible are you online?

And, really, sooooo much more. There is, literally, something for everyone. Whether you attend for just a few hours or for the full two days, I can guarantee that you will learn something. The best part? It's FREE. I personally have compared the BlogHer session schedule to the PodCamp one in the past, and found PodCamp to have a lot more that appealed to me. That's not even taking into consideration the drastic difference in price ($200 vs free) and travel expenses.

Those of you who have attended in the past, it would be dandy if you were to list some of your favorite sessions from prior years in comments. :-)

A Quick Update

2010-07-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made it out for the IKEA event! I posted a few photos over on flickr, if you're interested.

Couple of quick things . . .

Given the baby-palooza that is going on around these parts, I thought it would be dandy if we did a baby pool for each of our peeps. It will be a $5 buy in, with the winner getting half the money and the other half going to the soon-to-be-sleep-deprived-and-crazy family. The first one is up because my money says that @onedamnthing is not going to make it to her due date. You can join in here. Danielle was kind enough to provide some hints (as best as that can be done) here.

Those of you who are expecting, if you could be so kind as to email me your due dates, I'll get the other pools started as appropriate.

Completely unrelated . . . as you may know, ScareHouse is starting to gear up for my most favorite time of year. As one of the nation's best Haunted houses, they are constantly looking for some part-time temporary help in September and October. Some of the positions that are available include things like crowd control and ticket office, so it could be a good opportunity to make a little cash just before Christmas. They are busiest on the weekends, and obviously need primarily evening/night help, so it may work well with some of your schedules. If you are interested, go here.

Lastly, I'm working on August's meet-up details. We're due for a family-type event. I'm looking at the Pittsburgh Zoo or Kennywood on either August 27th or August 28th. Let me know your thoughts in comments or via email.

Reminder

2010-07-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Reminder: Tonight is the IKEA get-together. It will be from 6pm-8pm on the terrace (outside the restaurant) at IKEA Pittsburgh.

No worries if you didn't RSVP or RSVP'd late . . . there's plenty of space!

See you tonight!

IKEA + Happy Hour = WIN

2010-06-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

IKEA Pittsburgh has graciously offered to host a Burgh Mom get-together. If you haven't had a chance to make it out before, this would be a good time to start as IKEA will be hosting a happy hour just for us (think wine and food).

Where: IKEA Pittsburgh (Robinson) on the Patio
When: Friday, July 23rd from 6 to 8pm

Please RSVP in the comments so I can give an estimate to IKEA. Feel free to invite any Pittsburgh moms you know who are involved in social media.