Mamas went home with swag from Babble Beauty Bar,  Ron Hodgson,Keylime Athletic Wear, Scentsy, Stella & Dot, Pampered Chef, Live to Dance , 4Cats Art Studio, Bikram Yoga St. Albert, Amaranth Whole Foods, Carla Dawes Photography and Glazing Pot Studio & Gifts!

Door Prize Winners!

J Shantz Photography Family or Boudoir Session plus 1 8×10 print (value $300) – Catherine O.

Organic Tan Leduc 1 free spray tan- Kara M.

Scentsy Warm Buddy – Kelly P.

Amaranth Whole Foods Gift Basket – I am pulling a blank but it was one lucky mama!

Dance Co. 8 week class or summer camp – Camille A.

Keylime Athletic Wear shopping party gift card – Heather G.

Most importantly the evening was a reminder and celebration to treat ourselves with love! ”True beauty isn’t the collection of unrealistic physical ideals that the media loves to promote. True beauty is embracing who you  are at your very core.” by local author Leanne Power of You are Soooo Beautiful.

Say this to yourself mamas, everyday.

After Lori’s presentation and while waiting for photo’s mama’s and children will have fun in Java Mama’s play area! Free admittance before, after and during the event is included with the purchase of a ticket. Within one week you will receive a fully edited and unmarked image via email that you print as you choose. Additional images will be available for sale directly through Kalla B Photography at a cost.

Register HERE.

EarlyBird ends May 20th! 

Event limited to 12 moms! 

Each mom & child receives a surprise gift!

Sponsored by Simon O’Neill of Primerica. As a father, husband and finance coach Simon helps parents form a positive relationship with money. He offers a fresh and personalized outlook on your finances by building an authentic relationship, educating you, providing tons of value and simplifying the concepts of money! Helping families become debt free and financially independent since 2010.

Advice on blogging from an experienced blogger is as good as gold. Here are some golden tips; Lori sets goals for herself and always has a daily goal in mind, Christina says to be passionate about your blogging and to be consistent (if you blog once a week then always blog once a week) and Sheri said do not compare yourself to other bloggers or blogs and your words will mean something to someone someday. A beautiful quote from the evening was “better to write for  yourself and have no public than write for the public and have no self“. Be yourself and the first post is always the hardest. Lastly if you want to start a blog, then start a blog!

Social Media is a HUGE part of blogging and it affects how people gravitate towards blogs. Suggested venues for connecting with people and broadcasting your blogging content are instagram, youtube, google+, forkly (for food blogs), pinterest, facebook and twitter. To save time as a mom you can auto post  your blog content to facebook and twitter, if it’s really good content then you can share again later. Find the social media nitch that works best for your blog, Christina’s blog readership exploded from Pinterest because her DIY blog is a visual blog that perfectly suits Pinterst.

So how do they do it? How are they fabulous mamas and successful bloggers? Every blogger said that their phone is a BIG benefit; they could check pinterest, facebook, twitter, put a photo on instagram and even write a post to email to themselves to edit later while still being a mom.  Lori wakes up 1 hour before her girls and uses the time to work. Nap time and bedtime are also when Christina and Sheri  get work done without distractions. On average each blogger spends 2 hours a day working on their blog.

Blogging as a business is possible and these mama bloggers prove it. Brands/companies are starting to realize the value in blogs Lori said. Brands are looking for blog credibility and will usually start approaching you at your one year mark of blogging. As a business mama and blogger you need to think “what can I do for this brand?”. Christina gets most excited about the pitches she has to done to PR companies that represent brands she want to work with, like Fabric.com.  The brand fabric. com fits Christina’s niche of blog while staying true to her personal voice and earning a living. A great way to make money is to host or co-host twitter parties with a brand like Lori has done. Read about twitter parties HERE. Bloggers can also earn money or product in lieu by reviewing a product; all bloggers expressed that when reviewing a product you need to stay true to your beliefs and be honest with your readers. Even if that results in a negative review of the product. Ads on your blog can also generate money; google ads and she blogs media are popular.

Thank you to Sheri, Lori, Christina and Nicola for an amazing evening! Below is a list of local mama bloggers who were in attendance, let’s start an Edmonton Mama Blogs Community! Follow and support these local mama’s.

• http://thediymommy.com/
• http://www.thisbirdsday.com/
• http://www.frugaledmontonmama.com/
• http://www.modernmama.com/
• http://www.entrepreneurmomnow.com/edmonton/
• http://blog.babyandbeyond.ca/
• http://soothingangels.ca/ (blog coming soon!)
• http://katies-contemplations.blogspot.ca/
• http://juicygreenmom.blogspot.ca/
• http://nestingsquared.wordpress.com/
• http://thismomsgotsomethingtosay.com/
• http://www.family101.ca/
• http://mamavillage.org/
• http://www.saveyourforktherespie.com/
• http://vvboutiquestyle.blogspot.ca/

Mama Blogs was Presented by Ron Hodgson!

Thank you to our Mama Blogs sponsors!

The International Children’s Festival is set to ignite children (and those young at heart!) with excitement, curiosity, learning and amazement from Tuesday, May 28th – Saturday, June 1st in St. Albert, AB! Over 100 shows representing 9 countries along with 15 hands on site activities and an assortment of roving artist maes it “The Most WONDERFUL Time of the Year”!

New York Times best selling author, Erin Litwin, takes a playful stroll with Pete The Cat,  Will Stroet and The Backyard Band entertains you (soon to be on CBC’S Kids!) and Splash’N'Boots make you sing!  The festival has performances for every age range, from Telus Toddler Town (aimed at 0-4 year olds) to Edmonton’s own dynamic 3rd Steet Beat hip-hop dance troupe. The Enmax Outdoor Stage hosts  FREE Entertainment. Plus the Children’s Festival offer more FREE activities with face painters, inflatable fun, temporary hair color, an education station and more!

How do you take in all this excitement?

• Tickets available through the Arden Theatre box office at 780.459.1542 OR  Ticketmaster.
• Grandparents Day is Tuesday, May 28th from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Main Stage Shows are 2 for 1!
• Telus Toddler Town admission is $5 (aimed at 0 – 4 year olds) and parents admission is FREE!
• Friday Fun wristbands offer unlimited access to site activities (and viewing of Main Stage shows with unsold seats) and is valid from 2 – 8 p.m., $15 adult & $10 child. Note: Only available for purchase at the Ardent Theatre box office at 780.459.1542).
• Super Saturday wristbands offer unlimited access to site activities (and viewing of Main Stage shows with unsold seats) and valid ALL DAY, $15 adult & $10 child. Note: Only available for purchase at the Ardent Theatre box office at 780.459.1542).
• Main Stage performances are $11 adults & $9 children. See Main Stage schedule HERE.
• Site Activities are $3 each and are based on a first come, first serve basis. See Site Activities schedule HERE.
• FREE Activities are through out the festival from face painting, airbrush tattoo, sidewalk chalk, mini solar powered car race, inflatable fun and more!

Remember parking is limited. A free Park-and-Ride service between the St. Albert Centre Bus Exchange and the Festival site will be available during the week of the Festival.

Enter to win 1 of 3 Family Packs by telling Modern Mama “Have you ever been to the International Children’s Festival?” on our Facebook post HERE. The Family Pack includes 4 tickets to 1 main stage show (excluding sold out shows) and 4 site activity tickets! Deadline is Thursday, May 16th at 11:00 p.m. Good Luck!

Painting with Mom!

• When: Saturday, May 11th from 10 a.m.  - 5 p.m.
• Where: Glazing Pot Studio & Gifts, #108 31 Fairview Blvd.
• What: FREE studio fees & strawberry shortcake while painting with mom!
• More Information

Mom and Me Craft Time!

• When: Wednesday, May 8th at 1 p.m.
• Where: Java Mama Cafe St. Albert, #117 15 Circle Drive
• What: Come paint a ceramic mug together and go home with a one of a kind coffee cup that is microwave and dishwasher safe.
• Cost: $15 plus tax and includes all material and play.
• Call 780.459.5090 to register, over half full!

Mother’s Day Specials!

• When: Now
• Where: Heave Essence Day Spa, 15 Circle Drive
• What: Full Day Package 15% off, $255 (Regular $300). Includes a manicure, pedicure, signature facial, body scrub, one hour massage and spa lunch! Other specials include Pedicure & Signature Facial Package for $130 AND One hour massage with a 30 minute Infrared Sauna Treatment for $95.
• More Information

Yoga for Mom

• When: Sunday, May 12th from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• Where: Arcadia Cafe & Bar, 24 Perron St.
• What: Treat yourself to a gentle yoga session in the Arcadia patio with Camille LeBlanc with 25 spots available.
• Cost: Donation all proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
• More Information and call 780.458.8226 to pre-register.

Sunday Brunch 

• When: Sunday, May 12th 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Where: Apex Casino
• What: Enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch! $29.95 for adults & 13.95 for kids with Toddlers 4 and under FREE!
• More Information & to Reserve a Reservation Call 780-460-8092

La Crema Cafe

• Enjoy a relaxed and  delicious breakfast or lunch in downtown St. Albert! Open on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. La Crema Cafe serves The place in St. Albert for espresso, paninis, gelato and thin crust pizza. They also have a great selection of gluten free products.

Sunday Brunch (SOLD OUT!)

• When: Sunday, May 12th 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Where: Glasshouse Bistro at The Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive
• What: Enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch!
• More Information

Mother Day Deal  5 for $95

• When: Now
• Where: Babble Beauty Bar, #206 506A St. Albert Trail
• What: Two people come and enjoy 5 services for only $95.
• More Information

Clean and Green Riverfest

• When: Sunday, May 12th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Where: City Hall/St. Albert Centre
• What: Annual Spruce Up St. Albert initiative which helps to clean-up and beautify our city. PLUS enjoy a free BBQ lunch sponsored by and located at the St. Albert Centre location from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.
• More Information

Relaxing Spa Gift!

• When: Now
• Where: Wellness Within at The Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive
• What: Mom & Me Pedicures & other Spa Specials!
• More Information

Moms are Special!

• Java Mama is celebrating Moms for the whole month of May! Like Java Mama’s Facebook page HERE to keep up to date on prizes and visit them at #117, 15 Circle Drive, St. Albert. Call 780.459.5090 for hours.

Delicious Treats!

• Buy mom some delicious cupcakes from Over The Top Cakes!
• Located at 2 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Albert.

THE FULL PAMPERING EXPERIENCE!

SATURDAY MAY 11, 2013 – DELTA EDMONTON SOUTH – 10AM-MIDNIGHT

1. They won’t be in a split classroom of grade 1 &2, 3&4, etc.  because the number of children are so small in the school.
2. They won’t be taught by a second cousin or go to school with a second cousin.
3. They won’t be taught by the same teacher as their parents, cousins and brother (just to clarify that is not the second cousin teacher, that was a different grade).
4. They will never despise the grater because now it is REALLY hard to ride your bike on the soft gravel.
5. Classmates will not be missed because it’s harvest time or hunting season.
6. No waiting for a bus in -35 weather. And seeing a moose while waiting…every day.
7. The neighbor will never drive them to school WHEN they miss the bus.
8. They will never get a call from dad telling them to close the windows because Mr. Farmer across the road is spraying the fields and noticed our windows are open.
9. They will never drive home down a country road at 10 km/hour because dad is checking everyone’s crop.
10. They will never hear coyotes howl at night.
11. No mapped out route to work, at the local gas station, that includes ONLY  right hand turns because the gas station is on a high accident prone highway.
12. They will not find out dad bought a new truck before he comes home and tells moms because of a series of phone calls;  starting with him stopping in town.
13. They will never have a tab at a local grocery store.
14. They will not go to the hair salon to have summer in the ice cream,  the gas station to rent a movie, the barber shop to pick up a greyhound parcel, the tire shop to write a driver license’s test or the register office to pick up a C.O.D. Sears parcel.

Even though the list is long of things my kids will never experience about small town living, we are happy where we are. Many opportunities not available to me are available to them because of the small city we live in. Last year we went back to my small town country fair and watched the parade. “WOW’s” could be heard from my son’s mouth as fire trucks and farm machinery drove past. Because that is what a small town country parade is, oh and PLUS you get candy!!

Christina is off to Beaumont on May 13th to do another Spring Craft! FREE for Members and $5 for Non-Members, you can register HERE. Did you know that Membership is good at all Modern Mama locations!

St. Albert’s May Playgroup – Mini Mixer is a Salsa Tots/Babies sample class at Dance Co. on Monday, May 6th with Reanna from Live to Dance. Register HERE.

Salsa Babies is a great way to dance your way back into shape with the best little partner of all-your baby! With the little ones snuggled into baby carriers, new moms learn basic steps to popular Latin Dances, while babies shake maracas and bounce along to the Salsa beat.

Salsa Tots is a Latin Groove for Kids on the Move! Designed for older children who are ready to dance on their own two feet! Featuring original music by renowned Latin artist, Ricky Franco, Salsa Tots combines movement and play with lively rhythms that parents and kids can both enjoy!

Pictures by Christina of The DIY Mommy.

World Meningitis Day video

Meningococcal disease is an aggressive illness that can lead to death within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. About 1 in 10 of those with the disease will die despite treatment. The highest rates of meningococcal disease occur in the first year of life.

Meningitis has flu like symptoms.  Early symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting3. Other symptoms can include confusion, light sensitivity and no interest in eating or drinking. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention.

Canadian children and young adults are most susceptible to meningitis. Children under one year of age and adolescents (15-19 years old) are among the age groups with the highest incidence of meningitis. College and university students are also susceptible to contracting meningitis because of their increased likelihood of sharing items such as drinks, utensils and cigarettes.

All vaccines to prevent against meningococcal disease are NOT the same.  Most meningococcal infections are caused by five different strains, A, C, Y, W-135, and B. Vaccines are currently available against four of the five strains, A, C, Y and W-135,  and a vaccine against the B strain is under review.

Canadian children who have received meningitis vaccines are NOT protected against all strains.  Many Canadians feel that their children are protected against all meningococcal disease, however, this is a misconception. There is currently no protection available for meningitis B, however Health Canada is currently reviewing for approval and use for Canadians, the first meningitis B vaccine. This vaccine would be the final piece of the meningitis vaccination puzzle.

We are also encouraging parents to take the Meningitis Awareness Survey, which will be live until April 29^th. This survey will provide insight into Canadians’ current perceptions and awareness of meningitis.

I participated in an information session to bring you this information.  I was not compensated for this post.

• Frugal Edmonton Mama
• This Birds Day
• The DIY Mommy is on CTV Morning Live Friday, April 19th at 8:45 a.m.!
• Buy Mama Blogs Tickets HERE.

ELECTRONICS DROP OFF

• When: April 20th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Where: St. Albert Centre in the parking lot
• What: Accepting all electronics, including TV’s, stereos, computers, phones, calculators. Note no small or large appliances accepted.
• More Information

SPIN, SPIN, SPIN

• When: April 21st, 2 – 4 p.m.
• Where: St. Albert Library, 5 St. Anne Street
• What: Learn to make a simple drop spindle! That’s right. Let the St. Albert Knit Lits show you how to spin your own yarn! Supplies for making your spindle will be provided. Register by calling 780-459-1682
• More Information

#MOMLIFE

• When: NOW
• Where: Online (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram)
• What: Upload your ‘Mom Life’ photos and tag them with Modern Mama on Canadian Family Facebook or #momlife on Twitter/Instagram to be entered to WIN one of five 1yr. magazine subscriptions!

TOUR THE ENJOY CENTRE!

• When: Monday – Friday at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (Pre-book necessary)
• Where: Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive
• Price: $5 per person.
• What: Includes small gift from Holes, 45-minute walkabout to learn about the Enjoy Centre’s history, design and partner businesses for groups of 6 – 30 in size.
• More Information

MOMS SECTION ONLY – ST. ALBERT’S ONLY MAMA’S NIGHT OUT!

• When: Tuesday, April 30th
• Where: Midnight Magic Apparel, #228 10 McKenney Avenue.
• Price: $10 – $15
• What: 10% off Lingerie, Swag Bags for every mom (samples from Babble Beauty Bar!), Door Prizes and Cupcakes from Over The Top Cakes!
• More Information

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL!

• When: May 28th – June 1st
• Where: Downtown St. Albert various locations
• Price: Free to various amounts, tickets on sale NOW!
• What: Five days of of storytelling, crafts, cultural activities, history and adventure for toddlers, pre-schoolers and kids! Featuring Splash N Boots, Little Mermaid, Will Stroet & The Backyard Band and so much more! PLUS  Toddler Town !
• More Information

REGISTRATION OPEN

• When: Now
• Where: St. Albert Family Resource Centre
• Price: Varies
• What: Registration open for Summer Programs for toddlers, babies, pre-schoolers, kids and adults.
• More Information

Follow Modern Mama St. Albert on Instagram!

Enjoy your week!