FrederickMommies

#MrsFieldsMoments Slow Down And Enjoy A Cookie With Someone You Love! #USO #cookies #family

2014-10-16T04:49:00.001-04:00

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Mrs. Fields Famous Brands ("Mrs. Fields") and Interbake Foods LLC ("Interbake Foods," the company responsible for the manufacture and sale of Mrs. Fields branded pre-packaged cookies sold at retailers throughout North America) today kicked off "Mrs. Fields Moments," a national campaign inspiring busy cookie lovers to slow down and enjoy a cookie moment with loved ones.

At a time when obligations leave precious little time for the ones that matter most, Mrs. Fields is encouraging a nationwide movement to dedicate Sunday night to cookie moments with family and friends. Mrs. Fields wants every cookie lover to embrace and share their #mrsfieldsmoments – from milk-and-cookies to bedtime treats – and has provided fun and useful tools for doing so at www.mrsfieldsmoments.com.

Mrs. Fields is a Proud Supporter of the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO), and "Mrs. Fields Moments" builds on the Organization's "Every Moment Counts" campaign, which helps all families – military and otherwise – make the most of every moment together.

"When you buy Mrs. Fields cookies, you're not just buying a cookie: You're helping create moments that matter for troops enduring long deployments," said Kevin McDonough, President of Interbake Foods. "By buying a box of Mrs. Fields cookies, you help give a cookie moment for you and for them. It's a touch of home to those who need it most."

Visit MrsFieldsMoments.com for "Snacktivity" ideas, Conversation Starters, more information about the Mrs. Fields–USO partnership, or to find a grocery store with Mrs. Fields Cookies (look for the USO banner on the box!).

About Mrs. Fields Famous Brands The Company is a well-established franchiser in the premium snack food industry, featuring Mrs. Fields® and TCBY® as its core brands. Through its franchisees' retail stores; it is one of the largest retailers of freshly baked, on-premises specialty cookies and brownies in the world and the largest retailer of soft-serve frozen yogurt with live active cultures. Its franchise systems operate through a network of more than 950 franchised and licensed locations throughout the United States and in 23 foreign countries. In addition, it operates an internet and catalog gifting business, a branded retail business and has entered into licensing arrangements that leverage awareness of its core brands among its retail customer base. The Company is currently relocating their headquarters from Salt Lake City, Utah to Broomfield, Colorado.

About the USO The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

About Interbake Foods Headquartered in Richmond, VA Interbake Foods LLC is a baked goods manufacturer with over 110 years of business experience. Interbake Foods is the North American cookie and cracker Division of Weston Foods. This includes Interbake Foods in the USA and Colonial Cookies Limited in Canada. Weston Foods' mission is to be recognized by its customers as providing the best bakery solutions in North America and Interbake is privileged to serve the marketplace with our award-winning products and services. Interbake Foods consists of three distinct business segments: Retail Private Brands, Contract Manufacturing and Girl Scout cookies through our ABC Bakers Division.

We would like to encourage you to spend a little extra time this Sunday with your family, here is a list of great "Snacktivities" to enjoy with the kids, from mix and watch movie night.....to a family costume contest, these ideas are so much fun. Turn off that TV and put down those devices for a little quality time. Enter to win the trip of a lifetime for your family in the #MrsFieldsMoments contest HERE , just upload a fun photo of your cookie moment and you will be entered to win a trip to Washington DC.

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Crafty Kids: DIY Shaving Cream Paint Creations #crafts #kids

2014-08-20T15:17:00.001-04:00

Crafty Kids: DIY Shaving Cream Paint Creations

Rheney Williams-Guest Blogger

For moms who grew up in the '80s like I did, you'll probably remember those spinning art toys that let you create splashes and spiral smears of paint. You know – there was a spinning platform with paper exposed underneath, you dropped dots of paint into the middle and the spinning motion and centrifugal force pulled the paint out to the edges of the circle and you were left with these crazy, tie-died-looking paintings?

Although the toys have changed over the years, a kid's (and kids at heart!) basic desire to see swirls of paint and crazy combinations of colors hasn't. And an old-school product is making new spiral innovations possible: Shaving cream! All you need are a few basic supplies and you and your kids can have hours of creative and colorful fun with a beautiful piece of artwork to show for it at the end of the day.

Gather the materials for your shaving cream paint projects. You'll need:

Foam Shaving Cream (not the gel)
Paints in an assortment of colors
Heavy card stock or construction paper
Spatula or ruler
Skewer or little fingers!
Large cookie sheet or use smaller individual trays, one for each child

Tip: To make clean-up a breeze (and avoid having to buy a disposable tray), line the cookie sheet with aluminum foil first. Then all you have to do is remove the foil and you're done!

1. Spray a few lines of shaving cream onto the sheet and use the spatula or ruler to spread out the shaving cream flat and in a square or rectangle about the size of the paper.

2. Add a few random dots of paint or food coloring around the shaving cream palette.

Tip: If you have leftover paint samples from the last time you painted a room, this is a great way to use those and ensure whatever masterpiece your kids come up with coordinates with the space!

3. Use the skewer to make swirls with the paint in free-flowing circles or waves and if you have little kids, just let them go nuts with their fingers.

4. Place the paper into the shaving cream with the right-side facing down so that when you pull the paper off, the paint is on the correct side.

5. Gently push the paper into the shaving cream so that all surfaces touch and allow it to sit for about 10 seconds before carefully peeling the paper off of the shaving cream.

6. Place the paper on a flat surface (in my case, I had another foil-lined sheet pan at the ready) and carefully scrape all of the shaving cream off of the paper to reveal the magical marbling below!

7. Set the paper aside to dry thoroughly and if the edges start to curl, place a glass or other heavy object on the corners to keep them down during drying.

From here, take some time to admire your work and see what imaginative images your kids can find! Can you spot the hidden smiley face that appeared in my swirls? In addition to your classic refrigerator pin-up, here are some other creative uses for your pint-sized Picasso's masterpiece:

Make DIY bookmarks to give as Christmas gifts to the readers you love
Use the brown paper bags from the grocery store in your shaving cream paint project and have unique book covers for school next year
Frame it so you always have a custom piece of art in your office or work space
A DIY puzzle: Cut it into a bunch of different pieces that your kids can put back together and learn about how shapes and patterns relate to each other

What other cool things can you and your kids come up with for shaving cream paint creations?

Rheney Williams is a prolific crafter with a background in theatre arts. Besides writing about projects for Home Depot, Rheney is currently putting her DIY expertise to work by remodeling her first home and experimenting with colors and textures in her home decor.

Amazon.com Widgets

Are you a Business Owner? Now Sponsorship is easier (and cheaper) than ever!!!!

2014-07-16T20:49:00.001-04:00

Every day, moms across the country are logging into their chapter of The Mommies Network, thanks in part to the support that we get from our sponsors... and our moms are returning the favor by finding out more about those businesses that support their chapter.

That could be you! Sponsorship is a really inexpensive option to marketing, and this week, it's even more affordable.

Now until July 23rd, we are offering 50% all Forum Sponsorship spots with a graphic and text. For as little as $10-$125, your business can be in front of our members for a whole year!!!!

And, we try to make it really easy for you.

Simply Click Here and select the 50% Forum Sponsorship Option. From there, select your chapter and how many spots you want and fill out all of the other information and your discount is instantly applied. Or, you can look around to see if one of our other options works better for you!

After submitting your sponsorship, you'll be taken to a secure PayPal page, and with that complete, we will have your sponsorship up and running within 24 hours!!

An entire year of presentation to our members for as little as $10.... how can you NOT afford to!

Click Here to order your sponsorship today.

WANNA CHANGE YOUR USERNAME? NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!!!!!

2014-05-29T13:02:00.001-04:00

We are in the last 48 hours of the Mommies Network May is for Mothers, and we are upping the perks for you to donate!!!

If you make a $25 donation before 11:59pm on May 31st, you can change your username by simply forwarding your donation receipt to heather@themommiesnetwork.org!

Yeah- it's really that easy!!!

Visit http://themommiesnetwork.causevox.com to make your donation right now!!!

Are you part of the 99%?

2014-05-08T11:19:00.001-04:00

How would you feel if I told you that less than 1% of the people around you cared about what you need?

Far too often, we feel the impact of standing alone and just wish that someone else would stand there with us, knowing that the journey would not be so hard if we just had a few extra people to help us along the way. This is apathy, and it's a big problem. I bet this is something you have experienced in your life. However, when the shoe is on the other foot and something out there in the world needs us, we tend to pass it right by.

The Mommies Network has over 20,000 members... moms who come to us for help and support and community. 20,000 moms just like you. Last year, less than 350 of those members donated to The Mommies Network during our May is for Mothers campaign. Look around you- do you think that only 350 of our members need support and community and the other 19,650 don't? And which one of those are you?

When we look at our chapters, that is not what we see. We see moms logging in day after day, sometimes 20 or 30 times a day. What we see is that almost all 20,000 of those members do need us and do use us, but that less than 1% of our membership helping burden the cost of the other 99% of us. Less than 1% of us are committed to what you need.

Forget the money, because it's not about the money. It's about apathy. The indifference of saying 'I don't need to do anything because someone else will take care of it and I'll still get what I need'. Do any of us really want to be that person?

Are you satisfied knowing that select few people are more invested in your support than you are?

This week, the conversation we are having on the forums is asking our members to make a commitment. We are asking one simple question:

"What will you do to make your community better?"

It doesn't have to be money! There are dozens of ways you can help... little things like signing up for Amazon Smiles and giving 0.5% of your purchases back to The Mommies Network, or asking a friend to join so that our community of support gets bigger, going to an event that one of our volunteers worked hard to provide to you, or even just not passing by a post without saying something.

Or you can give a few bucks and know for the next year that you were not a part of the 99% being cared for by 1%, if for not other reason than to know that a community cannot sustain itself like that and you know you use and need that community.

Give today so you can receive tomorrow.

Get Support. Give Support. The Mommies Network.

I Don't Like Mothers Day

2014-05-06T10:44:00.001-04:00

Let me tell you why.

I don't want to sound ungrateful- I really don't! But, I could do without the store bought card. Flowers are always nice, but they will wilt ( and guess who is going to have to throw them out and wash out the gunky water from the vase?)

Honestly, one day a year, a $5 card and overpriced flowers do not make this job any easier. I'd rather get something I know that I need. Something that actually makes motherhood a little easier. Something that is personal. Something I use the whole year!

This year, I am asking the people I love to give me a community of friends and people who understand me. This year, I'm just asking the people who love me to skip the card and the flowers and make a donation to The Mommies Network instead.

The Mommies Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which means that it can't continue to bring FREE support to moms without help.

It's super easy and takes just a second! Just click on the image you would prefer below and you can post it right to your Facebook Wall. Tag the people you know will be sending you a card and ask for this instead! Best of all, you actually are saving time (and money) of those people you love, because this takes just a minute. We will even be send out a personalized E-Card to you on Mothers Day to let you know that person has made a donation in your honor.

Give up the Mommy Myth that you can't ask for what you need, and tell the people that love you to skip the card... you'd prefer a circle of friends this Mothers Day!

Click here to Share this image on your Facebook Wall

Tales from our Supermoms

2014-05-03T11:41:00.001-04:00

Over the past two days, we asked for our moms to share their Mommy Myths, and the response has been overwhelming! Here are a just a few*...

" I had to learn it's okay to ask for help... My mom was very sick several years ago and was in and out of the hospital.... between taking care of my mom, going back and forth to the hospital... trying to keep some sort of normalcy for my family.... Dinner, homework, etc, I almost lost it. I felt like the world was on my shoulders and I was a moment away from losing it.

Thankfully several friends from this site would just send little notes of encouragement, offers to help with the kids, etc. I wouldn't have made it without them. I tear up just typing this because I will never be able to repay them for what they did during that time...."

"I'm not one who's afraid to lay it on the line.... For some reason however, it took me longer than usual to talk about (some) issues. I finally opened up last week and boy am I glad I did! It was like a weight was lifted. I don't want to talk about it on FB .... but I knew here I'd be safe. I got a ton of support and a wealth of information I would've had no clue about otherwise. I feel a lot better about my situation and I feel like I'm able to move forward not only more educated but also supported which means the world."

"When I started back at work after having my first daughter, I really depended on the MOTC forum for major support. I remember the feeling of missing the baby were so strong I felt like someone was ripping my heart strings out! I cried my first day back. The first few weeks were the hardest, and I went to the forum often for encouragement, understanding, advice, tips on how to balance working and being a new mom. It was so fantastic to get connected with other moms who knew exactly what I was feeling."

"I was talking to my MIL last night on the phone, and she asked me how I was coping... I said "Well, I am managing to feed the kids and keep them fairly clean, so we're doing okay." and she said "Well, I see you post smiling, happy pictures on FB and just think you are doing fine,....

Which is exactly why BM helps me. I don't post this stuff on FB because I don't want the whole world to know, but I can come here and talk, vent, ask for advice etc. I know that people here, other moms going through similar things will understand and give me support.

That's really such an amazing thing TMN provides, for their members to get and give support, for FREE! "

This is what just a few of our moms are saying when they are telling us why they need their chapter. We are not social media! We are a place where moms find support when the rest of the world expects them to just deal with what life throws at them. But we cannot do it alone.. just like these moms cannot do it alone.

We give this to our members for free because we don't believe that moms should have to pay to get this kind of support... but that doesn't mean that that it's cost free for us to provide it. We have moms who can't donate... and we understand that. We also have moms who already give their time to our organization, and we do not want to ask them to give more... they make your support possible! If you can give, give for yourself and another mom. Your donation means that these moms and tens of thousands of moms just like them can come here tomorrow and get the support they need!


Click here to donate now!

* Some of the details have been changed to protect the identity of our members and have been used with the permission of those members Our mission: To provide a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, mothers and community leaders.

Lessons from a Stressed-Out Mommy!

2014-05-01T00:04:00.001-04:00

I've had it. The smile has disappeared from my face and I am in a twisty-twirly spiral of self-doubt and the words echo through my brain like a mantra I know too well.

I can't do it all....

Those aren't the words of the Mommy I show the rest of the world. To the rest of the world, I am a rock. A pillar. A foundation. But inside, I am crumbling. The dozens of masks I put on... complete parent to my children, loving partner to my spouse, absolute provider to my family, dedicated employee to my job, willing volunteer to the schools and clubs, kind and thoughtful neighbor, generous and loving daughter, giving and supportive friend... I'm exhausted and I'm sick of constantly sacrificing myself. I have to be these things- all of these things- and I don't know which one to let go of ( or even if I can let go of) without feeling like I've disappointed everyone. And in my mind, I spin.

...But I have to do it all.

This is where I have been. Tied up in knots. Caught in a race with myself. Unable to feel any satisfaction because everything I did, even if it was good, was never good enough. And the path out of my Stressed-Out Mommy Syndrome was simple. I just wanted someone else who understood it all.

There is a relief that comes with having someone who tells you that you are not alone. The reason is that within struggle lies a feeling of solitude..and not the good kind of solitude I get when the kids are in bed and I can have a moment of peace. The bad solitude... the lonely solitude. People, by nature, long for connection, especially in times of struggle. And during those times, the best connection is made by simply acknowledging that my struggle is hard. And that I am not alone in thinking that.

What lessons have I learned? Three simple things:

- Admit the struggle. Every time you think the world is depending on you, stop telling yourself that you can't show that to the rest of the world. Stop thinking that you don't deserve support, because you do. We all do.

- Don't underestimate the power of connection. Connecting with other people is key, and finding a place where you can let down the masks, and what you get back is that you are not alone; it's vital to overcoming struggle that you not feel like you are walking the path by yourself.

- You only get what you are willing to give. When we connect, we cannot simply expect to take and never give. Connection is about exchange.... others being there when we need them, and showing up when others need us. With this, we create our own safe space. Our own community of people we can turn to.

This is what we do at The Mommies Network. When we started, we didn't do it to get the latest slow-cooker recipe or to debate about the whether we return shopping carts or not. We did it because we recognized that connections matter, and that women ( and especially mothers!) find it difficult to connect in a meaningful way unless we have a place to be honest about our struggles. And nobody can understand the struggle of a mother like another mother. When I talk about the twisty-twirly spiral of self-doubt, that is a place that almost every other mother recognizes. When I say I can't do it all but I have to do it all, millions of other mothers know this feeling... because they feel it too.

We Get It

We've Been There

This month, The Mommies Network is launching in annual May is for Mothers campaign focused on one idea... the letting go of the Mommy Myth. The Mommy Myth is simply that we don't need help and support. What we do is give you a safe space to let go of your Mommy Myths. A place to come with your struggles and have a community of moms who understand why it's so hard who can rally around you and say the thing you need to hear... that you are not alone.

We are YOUR Community

We are asking for a donation- whatever you can afford- so that we can continue to keep "the lights on and the doors open", for you and for every other moms in our communities. If you have received support, or watched other moms benefit from simply having a place where they can be honest about their struggles, please make even a small donation. We want to keep doing this year after year, but we can't do it without your help.

Click on a mom YOU identify with to help us keep doing what we love.... supporting you!

Now Thru 3/31- earn $5 for The Mommies Network by purchasing from Amazon!!!!

2014-03-24T09:44:00.001-04:00

The Mommies Network

Now through 3/31, make an Amazon purchase through The Mommies Network Amazon Smiles page, and Amazon will donate $5 to the organization we love so dearly ( in addition to the 0.5% we receive regularly). If you are making a purchase from Amazon ( including Prime purchases), please use this link to earn TMN $5!!!

HOW EASY IS THAT!!!!

Click Banner to sign up now to start earning money by shopping at Amazon for The Mommies Network!

Noel Bullard

noel.bullard@themommiesnetwork.org

Skype: noelbullard

Director of Fund Development

The Mommies Network

http://www.themommiesnetwork.org

11524-C Providence Rd #248
Charlotte, NC 28277

Phone: (704) 719-9771

Check out our latest deals from our TMN Affiliates!

2014-02-12T22:06:00.001-05:00

ᐧ

Invitation to free new website that helps moms better manage their kids’ group activities

2013-08-26T11:12:00.001-04:00

Hello Mommies,

I am a fellow member of the Mommies Network and the creator of a new website called

Podanize, which helps moms, dads and group leaders better organize their kids'

group activities (e.g. soccer, scouts, school classes, etc.)

Kids today are overscheduled, and keeping up is a challenge:

• What day did I volunteer at school to go read with the kids?

• Who is driving to the scout meeting?

• When am I signed up to bring the team's snacks?

These are just a few of the many little details that busy parents have to keep straight.

Try as we might, something inevitably falls through the cracks. We all need a little help

to stay organized.

I’d like to invite you to join our brand new website. To join, just go to http://

www.podanize.com and click Get Started to create a "Pod" for any real-world group, or

even just your family for now. You can create a Pod if you’re a group leader or a group

member. It’s quick, easy and free. Then "get your Pod going" by adding discussions

or events, and inviting others to join your Pod. Podanize can also be accessed via a

mobile browser, and our mobile app will be available in late 2013.

Our mission at Podanize is to help ease the stress that comes with keeping our

kids active and involved. To this end, we welcome any feedback you have. Podanize

is for you and is built to get better over time by adding your suggestions – I’d love

to hear from you. Also, if you know of other moms (or dads) who might benefit from

Podanize, please share this with them.

Podanize is ideal for all extra-curricular activities: soccer, little league, playgroups, scout

troops, swim teams, theater groups, school classes, PTA, etc. The list is endless and

includes anything with a need for ongoing communication and coordination.

Again, just go to http://www.podanize.com to get started.

Best,

Nikki Sacks

Co-Founder of Podanize

nikki@podanize.com

Sponsors Spot : Arrange Professional Organizing

2013-08-10T15:50:00.001-04:00

As school-aged children, my siblings and I couldn't appreciate everything my mom did to prepare us for the school year. We just knew with each passing day, summer was ending and another school year starting. Today, with two young daughters of my own, I get it!

I help families de-clutter homework desks, create filing systems for school paperwork, and organize school supplies. This year, I am on the other end, participating in the back-to-school shuffle to prepare my three-year-old daughter for Pre-K. Admittedly, despite being a professional organizer, making sure we check off everything on the list feels daunting!

Without a doubt, a new school year brings a fresh start and more to your to-do list. Being organized gives you the greatest advantage over your time, commitments, and that daily to-do list. It imparts consistency and calm in our homes, which certainly helps our children to better focus in school and at home.

So, mom, you've got some homework to do. Get yourself and your kids comfortable with the following "organized" habits before the bell rings. Practicing now ensures they become second nature throughout the year. Here's to a wonderfully organized school year!

Eliminate morning chaos:

The night before, pack lunches/set out lunch money and layout clothes including socks, shoes, and hair accessories. Decide what everyone will have for breakfast.
Assign a home for each book bag, lunch box, and gym bag. When not in use, these items should always be found in this spot. Choose a place easily accessed by your children and closest to the door.

Decorative hooks work great for hanging book bags. Let your kids choose their own hooks.
Cubby storage keeps items tidy and in one central location. Each child should have his or her own cubby space or two.

Create a family message center:

Manage calendars, schedules, and important papers by hanging a bulletin board in a central, well-seen location. It pairs nicely hung above a cubby unit. Everything in one place.
Create an inbox for your kids to place papers requiring your signature. Make sure your kids can access it, that they understand its purpose, and actually use it. Hold up your end of the deal by signing papers the night before and returning them to book bags ready to go in the morning.

Avoid last minute misses:

Label items one week before school starts. I'm using Oliver's Labels.
Establish file folders for paper that will come in throughout the year to avoid cluttering your countertops (i.e. registration forms, permission slips, tuition bills, report/progress cards).
Got artwork? Prevent clutter by determining how you will process and store artwork. If you can easily let go, consider the Artkive app. Otherwise; designate a system using portfolios, frames, or bins. To not let projects overrun your home, know that any system will require "editing" at some point. Don't feel guilty about letting go. You're simply creating more room to truly appreciate those masterpieces.

For organizing tips and ideas:
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Sign up for emails at www.arrangepro.com

Jill Prevatt lives in Baltimore with her husband and two young daughters. As owner of Arrange Professional Organizing, LLC, she says it is never about being perfect, but it is always about introducing organizing habits and routines that best fit the lifestyle and preferences of each family. Jill is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers® (NAPO) and serves as Director of Marketing for the NAPO-Baltimore Chapter.

Sponsors Spot : Arrange Professional Organizing

2013-05-30T19:00:00.000-04:00

Use Space Well

Space is defined as the unlimited or incalculably great three-dimensional realm in which all material objects are located and all events occur (dictionary.com). Ever since I came across the phrase "use space well", I've made it my mantra when approaching de-cluttering and organizing projects. Is there any one of us out there that doesn't strive to do something well? One of the most beneficial actions you can take to improve the quality of your life is to strive to use the spaces in your home well. After all, the spaces in our lives carry enormous responsibilities... being the "realm" in which ALL objects and events occur. As homeowners, it is our job to make ourselves a home in which we can make ourselves at home.

When items and belongings are assigned specific homes, a space is considered organized. There is no room left for clutter or the chaos that it brings. It might just be the professional organizer in me, but I draw very close ties between interior design and organized living. Regardless of our own unique preferences for home decor (i.e. traditional, modern, vintage), we can all maximize the spaces in our homes by linking together the fundamentals of design and organization.

I'm actually in the very early stage of planning a new space for my youngest daughter, Gwyneth. She'll soon be trading up from her toddler bed to a big girl bed, so I'll be taking these principles to heart when redesigning her bedroom. Oh, the possibilities! If you're like me, I get blissfully lost browsing the amazing photos on Pinterest. Man, do people have some great ideas! An endless abundance of creativity at my fingertips. The result of my research efforts? Fifteen gorgeously girly rooms I've repinned to my "Gywn's Room" secret board. But, I don't have fifteen rooms. I have one. Since my goal is to use the space well, I'll step away from the computer and answer the following question before I buy one stitch of window panel or furniture to store her clothes, toys, and books.

"What do I expect from this room?"

Whether creating a brand new room or revamping an existing one, ask that question of every space. Use three criteria to determine the answer:

1.) Assess - physical aspects of space... dimensions, window placement, lighting, location of closets, etc.

2.) Prioritize - most important activities that will occur in this space.

3.) Manipulate to fit needs - remove doors, add lighting, paint, install a bookcase, etc.

In the book Organized Living, Dawna Walter says, "This is your house. As long as you don't weaken it structurally, you can manipulate its spaces as you like." Yes! Why not?

Jill Prevatt

Arrange Professional Organizing, LLC

jill@arrangepro.com

www.arrangepro.com

Join the APO email list: http://arrangepro.us6.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=ad451085717646436e2953575&id=66f33095b3

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Making a list, Checking it twice

2012-11-15T01:23:00.000-05:00

Don't get caught on the Naughty List because you forgot to order customized Santa Letters for all your favorite kids!

For just $6 for the first letter and 10% off for each thereafter with the discount code SANTA, you can send the magic of Christmas to any child. A unique letter that you personalize will arrive from North Pole Station in Alaska in time for Christmas. Choose from a variety of themes including The Reason for the Season and School Days templates. Each one is special - just like the children.

Act now before Santa gets too busy making toys and packing his sleigh! Ordering is open through Tuesday, November 20.

Proceeds benefit The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, mothers and community leaders.

You better watch out; You better not cry

2012-11-14T01:23:00.001-05:00

Santa Claus letters are coming to town!

This year share the magic of the holidays with your favorite children by ordering personalized letters for each one. Each unique letter will be mailed from North Pole Station in Alaska in time for Christmas. For just $6 for the first letter and 10% off for each thereafter with the discount code SANTA, choose from one of our eight templates to customize the perfect letter for each child on your Nice List. Whether it be Baby's First Christmas or encouraging an older kid to Keep Believing, we've got the right message for Santa to send! And if you order more than one, use the discount code

Santa gets very busy this time of year, so place your order by Tuesday, November 20. All proceeds benefit The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, mothers and community leaders.

Place your order today by clicking on our Santa Letter campaign here, on our forums, or through our facebook event that you can share with all your friends and family.

Are you ready?

2012-08-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

For summer to end? Well, not summer quite yet, and definitely not the heat wave, but pretty soon, your kids will be back to the grind of learning. What's your favorite part about them being home for the summer? What's your favorite part about them going back to school?

Post your responses in the comments section! Or start a new discussion on FrederickMommies!

Time is running out for Mabel's Labels!

2012-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Time is running out! Don't miss you chance to order fantastic Mabel's Labels products as part of FrederickMommies' fundraiser.

Now through Sunday, August 19, when you shop through our direct shopping link, a portion of your order comes right back to FrederickMommies. Fundraisers like this help us fill the calendar with fun events and provide supplies for our tireless volunteer team. Choose from a full selection of personalized or writable labels for everything that leaves the house with your child. Mabel's Labels puts the fun in functional!

Mabel's Labels!

2012-08-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Bookbags, gym shoes, lunchboxes and more: You send your kids to school with so much stuff. So how can you help them keep track of it all? Place a Mabel's Labels order through FrederickMommies between August 1 and August 19 and a portion of your total comes back to our community!

Mabel's Labels has well-loved products for anything you need to keep track of. From allergy alerts to clothing and shoes, baby bottles to books and media- you're sure to find exactly what you need to get back what you send with your little ones.

Order online through FrederickMommies direct shopping link to ensure we get credit for your great products. Spread the word, share with friends, and thanks for supporting the chapter that supports you!

Here is FrederickMommies' link to start your shopping: www.frederick.mabelslabels.com/

Summer fun - by Stacy!

2012-07-30T20:09:00.002-04:00

WW - by Kim!

2012-06-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ballenger Crossing park

2012-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Next on our park adventure is another local park in Ballenger Crossing located off of Bentley street. This park is small but looks like a lot of fun. At this park is just a jungle gym, but there is a lot of things going on with it.

So if your little ones love to swing this is not the park for you.

Featured at this park is a curved slide, dual straight slides. Triangle shaped handles for monkey bars. And a half circle curve ladder to get up to the slides. Also this park is squared off with mulch as its floor. And two benches for the parents to keep an eye on the kiddos.

This park looks good for the locals but it is really close to the street. So I would keep a closer eye on the kids. There is a bunch of trees near by so they would provide a lot of shade.

I can’t wait to see where our next stop will be. Do you know??? Well tune in next time to see what park we are going to next.

Diva of the Month! June

2012-06-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Congrats Debbie!

1) How are you liking your role as Domestic Diva on the board?

It is fun to think up ideas for the Domestic Board. I am no where near a Domestic Diva in my own home but it has inspired me to try harder. I hope the ideas I am posting and the questions I am asking are helping people.

2) What is the best advice pertaining to the home that you have received?

If you don't use it get rid of it. Also to buy a big bottle of vinegar for cleaning.

3) What's your favorite meal to cook for your family?

Sweet Potato and Cilantro soup.

4) Name your three favorite home supplies.

Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Magic Erasers (the generic version).

Moderator of the Month! June

2012-06-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Lindsey!!

1) How are you liking your role as Breastfeeding Moderator on the board?

I'm having a great time! I don't claim to be an expert in all things breastfeeding but having formula fed one baby and breastfed another, I think I can be empathetic as well as a bit clued up on what can happen. Breastfeeding is so important to a lot of Moms and it's great that I can help people come together and talk about it openly and without judgement on the forum.

2) What is the best breastfeeding advice you have received?

It's normal for babies to feed a LOT to begin with!

3) Are there any secret foods that help out milk supply?

There are a few women on the forum who could answer this one better than me! Oatmeal cookies boost supply, as does fenugreek, and I have sworn by Mother's Milk tea for the last six months. In the early days it's really important to get a lot of protein - eggs, nuts, protein bars by the side of the bed... as well as keep really well hydrated. Breastfeeding is hard work for the body and keeping yourself as healthy as possible is half of the battle towards a positive nursing experience.

4) Name the three items any breastfeeding mama should have.

This is really difficult as I could split necessities into different categories for physical wellbeing / comfort when out / mental wellbeing, but let's go with the things I couldn't have lived without...

A comfortable support pillow
Soothies and lanolin
A subscription to Netflix!

Breastfeeding while pregnant

2012-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

During my work with my new moms and new mom’s-to-be, I have had a recurring question that I feel I should share. Many of my moms are coming to me in a panic because they have found that they are pregnant again, but they are still actively breastfeeding their older child. The feelings of uncertainty for the new pregnancy and the safety of the infant-to-be swirl with the guilt of early weaning and can be an overwhelming state of mind for these mothers. So let’s put all these concerns and questions into perspective now. There is no reason to panic! If you and your baby are happy with your current nursing situation then there is no reason that breastfeeding cannot continue during the course of a normal and uncomplicated pregnancy. However, it is necessary to let your healthcare team know that you are actively breastfeeding your older child and your plans to continue. This is a very important piece of the puzzle because breastfeeding will release a hormone called Oxytocin which can cause mild uterine contractions. If you have a history of preterm labor, this could become a real concern for you and your healthcare team during your pregnancy. Therefore the conversation needs to be an open and honest discussion regarding the risks and benefits of your personal situation.

Oxytocin is also referred to as the cuddle or love hormone by many because of its role in not only reproduction, but its affiliation to self esteem, empathy and psychological health. More research is being conducted to determine if there is a correlation between a lack of Oxytocin production and some psychological processes such as sociopathic, psychopathic and narcissistic tendencies.

In addition to mild uterine contractions, breast sensitivity is a common symptom of pregnancy that can be exacerbated by continued breastfeeding as well as the general fatigue experienced by most women. Moms who take the path towards tandem nursing will need a great deal of family and partner support as they continue to care for their growing family. In general it take about 150 extra calories a day to support the rapid growth of pregnancy and about 500 calories a day to support a fully breastfeeding infant. That equates to high nutritional needs and a lot of work. Your body will give nutrients to the pregnancy and the breast milk first so it is vital that a healthy and well balanced diet be a part of the daily family routine.

Other changes that might be noticed will be in the breast milk the older child is receiving during the pregnancy. While it remains nutritionally sound, the content may change a little. The makeup and concentration of sugars, fat and proteins change as the pregnancy progresses thus changing the taste. This coupled with a slight decline in milk production late in pregnancy and your older child might start to wean voluntarily before the new baby is born. This usually leads to question regarding colostrum. Will the new baby still receive colostrum? And can the older child have colostrum? The simple answer is yes to both! The female body is an amazing creation and will produce colostrum for the infant after birth regardless if you continue to breastfeed your older child or not. Let the infant nurse first to receive the maximum amount of colostrum after delivery. The older child will also receive the added immunities of the colostrum until the mature milk develops. So both children actually can benefit from the colostrum and the wonderful immunities it packs during tandem nursing.

If you and your family are happy with breastfeeding and you find that you will be welcoming a new baby soon there is no reason to change a thing, just yet. Talk to your healthcare team about your choices and plans and work together to raise a happy and healthy family.

~Neo-Vie

www.Neoviehealth.com
Like us on Facebook: Neo-Vie LLC

Resources and interesting articles:

http://dept.wofford.edu/neuroscience/neuroseminar/pdffall2008/oxy-human.pdf
www.themommypotamus.com
www.ACOG.org
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914101746.htm
www.llli.org

WW - Rania!

2012-06-06T08:00:00.000-04:00