NorCalMommies

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

2014-07-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

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!!!!!

2014-05-29T10:02:00.001-07:00

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%?

2014-05-08T08:19:00.001-07:00

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

2014-05-06T07:44:00.001-07:00

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

2014-05-03T08:41:00.001-07:00

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!

2014-04-30T21:04:00.001-07:00

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!!!!

2014-03-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2013-08-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

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 : Compassion International

2013-03-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what life is really like in other parts of the world? Have you ever wondered how to explain to your kids that they have it pretty good compared to some kids who live in other countries? What if you could see daily life on another continent - and give your kids an experience they won't forget - without getting on an airplane?

At Change the Story: The Compassion Experience, you can do just that. Your destination? Uganda. India. Bolivia. Your tour guide? A child who lives there, waiting to give you an inside look into their world - how they live, the streets they walk, and why their stories will never be the same.

This one-of-a-kind event is made up of 3,100 square feet of exhibit space that will immerse you and your family into the environment of the developing world. You'll step inside homes, walk through markets and see schools. You'll experience first hand the challenges that a life in poverty presents, but will also experience each child's special story of hope.

It's an amazing opportunity to see a different world that is usually only experienced by traveling overseas. It's also a chance to not just tell your kids about poverty, but to let them experience it - all in a safe and controlled environment. Check out this video preview:

Change the Story: Trailer 2 from The Compassion Experience on Vimeo.

The Compassion Experience is coming to the Bay Area this week - it will be at Church on the Hill in San Jose (500 Sands Drive - 95125) March 22-26. The event is complimentary.

Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are recommended to avoid waiting in line. Click here to reserve your spot now or visit Compassion.com/change for more information.

Share this event on Facebook
Connect on Twitter

----
Compassion International is the world's largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world's poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works through local churches to holistically address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children-enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Compassion has been awarded eleven consecutive, four-star ratings by Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator.

Sponsor Spotlight: Solar Shield

2013-02-19T05:36:00.002-08:00

We are all looking for ways to save a little cash these days. But certain aspects of life still need extra attention, our health being one major player. How can we “trim the fat” without compromising our well-being (and let’s be honest, style)?

The Solution - Solar Shield® Fits Over sunglasses! They’ve been receiving a great deal of attention from consumers who are passionate about well-being and style but don’t want to break the bank.

The line of fashionable frames fits easily & comfortably over your everyday glasses (quite genius actually). You can literally wear them over your glasses. Not only do the lenses provide up to 48% more coverage than regular sunglasses, but they are affordable as well! It really is the best of both worlds.

Think about it, you wear your regular glasses throughout the day but will definitely need your sunglasses too. Snow glare while driving, outside walking in the sun, no matter where you live, protecting your eyes is key. Why juggle two pairs of glasses? Odds are the majority of you reading this will “lose” your shades or your prescription lenses somewhere during your busy schedule (hint: they are probably on the kitchen counter when you need them in the car).

Eliminate this possibility with Solar Shields. At less than $25 a pair you can keep Solar Shields in your car, at home, in your gym bag, always available and convenient! And when a pair of prescription sunglasses can set you back up to $250, the savings are really noteworthy.

Solar Shield® Fits Over lenses are polarized to avoid blinding glare and they block 100% UVA/UVB light, so consumers can be confident they are getting some of the best protection from the sun at an affordable cost.

So let’s review. Solar Shields are affordable (which we can all appreciate), they fit over your glasses (no more “where are my glasses?” running around) and they protect your peepers in style. Makes perfect “cents” to me!

http://www.solarshield.com/sunglass.html

Making a list, Checking it twice

2012-11-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

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

2012-11-02T08:47:00.002-07:00

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 and on our forums.

March is Adult Literacy Month

2012-03-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

One in seven American adults cannot read this blog according to the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Adult Literacy. The Mommies Network is teaming up with local organizations across the country this month to promote adult literacy. As leaders in our communities, we are dedicated to improving the world around us, one mom at a time.

Reading impacts our daily lives in ways many take for granted: From understanding a utility bill to helping a child with homework, literacy is an essential skill. Without reading, adults have difficulty finding a job or getting promoted, participating in their child's schooling, and keeping up with important local and world issues. Even grocery shopping can be a daunting task.

Imagine your day without the benefit of reading. Find ways you can volunteer your time, your talent, or your resources by visiting Volunteer Guide and join The Mommies Network in promoting adult literacy.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2012-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

NorCalMommies' fabulous Flower Power fundraiser is drawing to a close, so if you haven't placed your order yet, now is the time! It's never too early to plan to improve your curb appeal or beautify your backyard. From begonias to tiger lilies and everything in between, Flower Power is the place for quality flower bulbs with a 100 percent money guarantee. This fundraiser runs until March 20, 2012, and your bulbs will arrive in April and May, just in time for beautiful summer blooms. Time is running out! Save time, money, and gas by planning your perfect garden from the comfort of your computer. Spring over to http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/t/240223/2Lz5F625WUbt, and check out the wide array of lovely lilies and pretty peonies, among other bulbs. As a bonus, if you spend $40 or more, Flower Power will send you a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value. So what are you waiting for? Don't delay: Grow with us today! Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter's operating expenses.

Free Premium Membership Access for a Limited Time

2012-02-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what's so special about Premium Access to the National Forum? For a limited time The Mommies Network is offering FREE access to premium content like Debate This and Buy/Sell/Swap to all members.
See what you've been missing by logging on to http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/index.php and get started today.

Free Premium Access is available to all current and new members of The Mommies Network National Forum. It is available NOW through April 30th.

Learn a New Language During Cultural Awareness Month!

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! Ciao! Hola! Have you been checking the National Chapter and participating in Cultural Awareness Month? In our Multicultural Mommies forum, we’re talking about foreign languages and discovering fun facts about different cultures. Join the celebration, and add some new words and phrases to your linguistic repertoire!

Do you have something to add to the conversation? Share your knowledge with other moms who are learning a language with their children. Go global with TMN as we highlight the many languages and cultures that make our world wonderful!

This Week With the Mommies

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

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, NorCalMommies 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 of our events scheduled for this week.

This Week With the Mommies

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

February Is Cultural Awareness Month!

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

February is Cultural Awareness Month at The Mommies Network, and we're thinking globally! Share a love for foreign language and different cultures with your child in our Multicultural Mommies forum on our National Chapter. Each week, we'll feature several languages and cultural tidbits. You may also participate and strengthen your language lingo in a special webinar. Additionally, our sponsor will provide information on how you can continue your language-learning experience after the month is over.

According to Associated Content, brain research shows that children are at an optimal age for language learning. Although language study is effective at any age, some studies suggest that the human brain is more open to learning a foreign language from birth to preadolescence. Fortunately, researchers have not found an age in which the language window closes completely, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.

Take advantage of this opportunity to think globally, and join us as we learn about foreign languages and different ways of life during Cultural Awareness Month at TMN!

Menu Monday: Cherry Almond Cookies

2012-01-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

Someone posted a recipe for Honey Oatmeal cookies on a forum I belong to yesterday and I had to bake some up. The cookies are soft, chewy and the honey in the background gives the cookies another layer of flavor. When I saw the recipe I thought about what went well with honey and thought almonds. And almonds go well with cherries. So I added almond extract, dried cherries, almond extract and some white baking chips/almond bark. The result? YUM.

The girls ate them up. DH at first thought I put raisins in cookies, but then he said "I knew they couldn't be raisins", no kidding. Next time I am going to try subbing wheat flour for the AP flour and palm sugar instead of the brown sugar and increase the honey a little bit. Just to experiment with different sugars- palm sugar has a lower glycemic index than brown sugar, not because I think the cookies need improvement.

3 TBS unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
1 TBS water
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda- I used 1/2 almost 3/4
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
the original recipe said any amount of the following- dried figs, chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, currants
I added-
1/2 cup dried pitted sulfured cherries
1/2 cup white baking chips
1/4 cup chopped dry roasted almonds
1/2 tsp almond extract

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cookies sheet or cover one with parchment paper.
Piglet helped me sift some ingredients.
Sift- flour, soda, salt.

Beat the butter and sugar together. Add the honey, water, egg and extract. Beat well. Add the flour mixture and mix.

Stir in oats, mix well. Stir in cherries, chips and almonds.
Bake for 12-15 minutes
I baked them for 12 minutes.

Post provided by the Please Give Peas a Chance Blog.

This Week With the Mommies

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Making and Keeping Friends at Different Stages of Life

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Friendships are often one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling parts of our lives. Not only do they provide us with company to engage in enjoyable activities, but they enrich our lives through shared meaning. Support systems have been linked to higher levels of happiness and improved overall health. While some friendships may only last for certain periods of time, others extend over a lifetime, and most of us recognize these relationships as some of the most important we will have. Even for people who generally feel they don't have trouble making friends, there are stages in life when this task may seem more difficult, leaving us feeling lonely or doubting our abilities to connect to others. If this feels like it is true for you, or you've noticed that this might be the case for your child, here are some ideas that might help in this process.

Children
With all the exciting activities that occur at this age, children may feel overwhelmed with the task of fitting in with their peers. Although you want their education to come first, making friends is most likely to be at the top of their agenda, and is also important to their development. Here are a few ways you can help your children establish relationships with their peers:

1. Teach your child important social skills that are essential to establishing and maintaining friendships such as sharing, listening, following rules, and playing fair. Allow your child to participate in events and activities that enable them to practice and implement these social skills. You can reinforce positive social interactions through verbal praise and, if this is something that is a real challenge for your child, through a structured reward system.

2. Provide opportunities for your child to play and socialize with other children their age such as play dates, sleepovers, car pooling, and extra-curricular activities. They should interact with their peers from school and in your neighborhood.

3. Read books with your children that teaches them about friendships and social skills.

4. It isn't uncommon for children to be timid or anxious about making friends. Be attentive to any red flags that your child may display that could indicate he or she is having trouble such as throwing tantrums, withdrawal from you more than is normal for them, or other changes in behavior or emotions.

Teenagers
During the teenage years, your son or daughter will encounter many possibilities to make friends such as participating in athletics, attending school events, and participating in extracurricular school activities. This is also a time when 'fitting in' and feeling connected to peers seems the most important to them, so not feeling part of a group or connected to people can feel especially difficult during these years. Here are some ways to help your teen navigate their social world:

1. Let your teen see how you interact with your friends. Because they are entering the young adult phase, it is important for them to see examples of mature, adult interactions. This can also help your teen better understand how positive friendships in adulthood look. If they are willing to go, take your teen to lunch with you and a friend.

2. Encourage your teen to partake in social activities that would enable him or her to meet other teens. This can include going to the movies, attending a dance, or eating dinner with a group of their peers. You can use your home as a 'safe' location for teens to hang out, yet still have adult supervision, by giving them a private area or room to spend time.

3. Talk to your teen about the meaning and importance of friendships. Discuss what makes someone a "good friend" and how to resolve conflicts and/or manage meaningful friendships they may have with others.

4. Monitor how your teen interacts with their friends. If you feel he or she is in an unhealthy relationship with one of their peers, attempt to provide guidance.

Post college-graduates
The college years provide young adults with numerous opportunities to meet new people as well as gain unique experiences. However, upon graduating, many people find it difficult or overwhelming with having to "start over" and meet new people, especially when relocating to a new town or city. Here are some ways that might help you connect to others after college:

1. Get involved in your local community. Join clubs, teams, or other extra-curricular and/or service based groups that allow you to meet and interact with others on a weekly basis. Working with others to reach a common goal is a great way to connect, and takes some of the pressure off this process, as you already share a common interest.

2. Invite people to engage in some sort of activity such as going to lunch, getting coffee or a drink, or hanging out at your place.

3. If you're shy or lacking in confidence, don't be discouraged because these feelings are not uncommon. Talk to someone else who has dealt with this stage of life, too.

Adulthood
As we enter adulthood, we often feel settled into patterns of making and maintaining friendships. However, many people feel dissatisfied with their outlets for social connection or the number of people to whom they truly feel close. When we are set in our ways, we can lack imagination regarding ways and places to connect to others. Here are some ideas about how to connect to new friends as adults:

1. Attend functions in your community that cater to something you are interested in but may not have tried before. This enables you to interact with people who you will begin to see on a regular basis. This could be joining a local charity with regular volunteer hours, or taking classes at a community center.

2. Join a group that involves doing something you enjoy yet keeps you active such as a yoga class or a golf club. This allows you to meet people with common interests, providing conversation starters that help take the pressure off the anxiety provoking introduction and connection process.

3. Invite family over for dinner. You can consider choosing members you feel most close or comfortable with or those who you want to get to know better, and set a theme for a dinner party. If you are in a relationship, consider having favorite members of both yours and your partner's family over together. This can deepen pre-existing relationships and lead to more regular family events and connections.

If you find your child or yourself having a little more difficulty making friends than you would like, speaking with a psychologist may help identify barriers and provide ideas for help moving past them.

Written by: Lepage Associates Solution-Based Psychological and Psychiatric Services, 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 106, Durham, NC 27713 www.lepageassociates.com

Menu Monday: Homemade Cheesecake Ice Cream

2012-01-23T07:32:00.001-08:00

I made some cheesecake for Cherry Cheesecake bombs and I had some filling leftover. I decided to make this AMAZING ice cream. I decided to use a buttermilk base and it was perfect - the tang from the buttermilk with the cheesecake bites- PERFECT. I'm really enjoying being "back" in the kitchen lately and experimenting and coming up with fun things to try.

1 1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla paste/1vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla

7 egg yolks

3/4 cup sugar, I used Vanilla Bean Specialty Sugar - you can use a cup, I just don't prefer things overly sweet

2 cups buttermilk

Maraschino cherries roughly chopped(with some juice reserved)

Vanilla bean cheesecake chunks (I'll post that recipe soon also)

Graham cracker pieces- I gave the girls the option of graham crackers or oreos. They chose graham- I'm glad

Freeze the cherries and cheesecake in a single layer.

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and set aside.

In a heavy bottom sauce pan stir the vanilla into the heavy cream. Bring it to a simmer.

Temper the cream and yolk mixture. I can't stress this enough. Be patient unless you want scrambled eggs. To temper add a little bit of cream to the yolk mixture and stir it. Add a little more and repeat to bring the yolks up to temperature and then add all the yolk mixture to the cream.

I put some cherry juice into the buttermilk. Stir it up and add it to the cream mixture. Transfer to a container and cool in the refrigerator.

Follow the instructions for your ice cream/gellato maker. Right before it's done stir in the yummy goodness that's in the freezer along with the graham crackers. Transfer it all to a container and finish freezing it.

Can it get any easier?

Post provided by the Please Give Peas a Chance Blog.

Do You Have Flower Power?

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for some curb appeal? Do you need to beautify your backyard? Spring planting season may be a few months away, but there's no better time than now to grow with NorCalMommies! We've partnered with Flower Power to bring you a fabulous fundraiser to help you plan the garden of your dreams. Flower Power sells quality flower bulbs with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Gorgeous geraniums, tantalizing tiger lilies, and beautiful begonias are just a few of the many bulbs available and ready to be shipped to your door. This fundraiser runs Jan. 22–March 20, 2012, and your bulbs will arrive in April and May, just in time for beautiful summer blooms. 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/i/t/240223/2Lz5F625WUbt to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and NorCalMommies' fabulous fundraiser! Special bonus: Spend $40 or more to receive a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value. Grow with us! Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter's operating expenses.

Reminder: Ring in the New Year with TMN!

2012-01-20T08:00:00.001-08:00

The New Year's parties may have ended, but our sponsorship promotion hasn't! We're still ringing in the New Year at The Mommies Network with an incredible deal that will have you reaching for your noisemakers. Moms may have the greatest buying power, sharing business experiences and trends with one another. And since women make more than 80 percent of all purchasing decisions and control two thirds of the nation’s disposable income, targeting this group benefits your company. Resolve to reach this influential portion of the population by taking advantage of this limited-time promotion. With all new/renewed sponsorship agreements, your business will receive a complimentary blog feature (advertorial to include logo/product image and 500 words). Prepaid agreements receive a 5 percent discount and a complimentary two months on one sponsorship listing. Sponsors also receive 20 percent off event sponsorships. Offer expires Jan. 31, 2012. The end of the month is just around the corner, so what are you waiting for? Celebrate with TMN by taking advantage of this amazing deal. For more details on how your business can ring in the New Year with moms across the nation, please contact Jessica Van Dyke at Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org.