NorthDallasMommies

Question of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

What are your main influences on how you parent?

Do you do the same things your parents did or the complete opposite? Is there a book or website that you read for advice?

Let's discuss on the Mommy Forum.

March is Adult Literacy Month

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:30:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:40:00 +0000

NorthDallasMommies' 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/240224/9506YVCoek2D, 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.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

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

This week we also have our Monthly Friday Meet and Greet. We hope to see you there!

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

Leap Day

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Leap Day!

I found this story on NPR's website and thought it was fitting for the day. And, while most of us mommies won't be scheduling quite that many random things to do during the day, I would love to hear if you have any silly traditions that you do for leap years.

Check out the Mommy Forum and tell us what you have going on for this Leap Day!

Free Premium Membership Access for a Limited Time

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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!

February Book Club

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:22:00 +0000

Our February Book Club is scheduled for February 16. The book chosen is Dream Watchman: Quest for the Missing Talisman by Tina Roberts. Our book club is held the third Thursday of the month. This is February 16. See the Books, Movies, and Entertainment forum for more details.

We will also have the author, Tina Roberts, joining us for the book club meeting, so bring your book so she can sign it!

This will be fun!

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

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

February Is Cultural Awareness Month!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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!

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

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

Don't forget the First Friday Meet and Greet is one week from today!

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

Books Books Books

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This week, we are talking about books. I love to read as do many of the mommies in our group. We often chat about what is next on our own reading list, but we don't talk much about the books we read with our kids. I'd love to hear what your favorite books for kids, so let's chat.

Join us at North Dallas Mommies to discuss your favorites.

Do You Have Flower Power?

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

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 NorthDallasMommies! 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/240224/9506YVCoek2D to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and NorthDallasMommies' 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!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

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.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

In addition to our regular chat on the Mommy Forum, we have a great event planned for this week.

We will be going for a Mom's Night Out at a crafting place to do pottery painting.

Check out the Calendar for more information and to RSVP so we know to look for you!

Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

So, this is my chocolate stash from Christmas. It was a gift exchange swap gift. It is really a bit ridiculous, considering that we won't be sharing any of it with our kids. But, my husband and I are slowly making our way through it.

Let's talk about candy. With Valentines coming around the corner, what is your favorite candy? Do you prefer chocolate or something else? Come to the Mommy Forum to talk about it.

TMN Weigh-In Challenge News

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Hello, and Happy New Year to everyone!

My name is Karen Skidmore, and I am the owner of Completely Fit, a personal training and fitness company located in Mount Airy, Md. I am a team leader for one of the groups in The Mommies Network Weigh-In Challenge.

All my team members have started off strong and are working very hard to accomplish their goals. They were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their current nutritional and fitness habits, and answer questions about what changes they wanted to create. Based on that information, I have helped each person come up with a detailed action plan that will not only help to accomplish her goals, but more importantly, help to improve her lifestyle.

If you are looking to make a change in your life but are not a part of the Weigh-In Challenge, you too can do it with just a few small changes at a time.

If your nutrition is off track, start by taking away one unhealthy food once a week and replacing it with a healthy food.

If your exercise routine is off track, start by finding something you really enjoy doing — walking, biking, or swimming — and adding 10 minutes of that exercise to your day. Before you know it, exercise will have become a daily routine.

Be sure to track your results, as we do much better when we can see our progress.

I am very excited to be a part of this group and team, and I look forward to reporting our successes back to you each month. — Karen Skidmore, Completely Fit

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

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

New Year Organization

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

One of my New Year Resolutions, or rather my Life Resolution, is to get more organized. Since about August, I have been using a calendar system that actually works for me. And, now I have this. The label maker.

At Christmas, my kids got a few toys that were identical. So, my mom pulled out her label maker so that I could put their names on it to avoid fights later. She picked up on my enthusiasm for making labels and last week, she brought me my very own.

Now, I don't know that it will keep me any more organized than before. But at least my stuff will be labeled. And that makes me happy.

Does anyone else have any resolutions about getting more organized? Let's talk about them in the Domestic Goddess Forum and get tips from each other! I look forward to hearing from you!

Menu Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
Recipe Number: 1239075628
Contributor: Shelly Potter
Rating: 8.00 based on 1 votes
Rate This Recipe
Review This Recipe

Serves: 1
Calories Per Serving: NA
Preparation Time: NA
Difficulty: Easy
Print Friendly Version
Recipe is Unreviewed

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Cooking Instructions:

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT !

This recipe comes from our fabulous NorthDallasMommies Cookbook. Check it out and let us know how you liked the recipe!

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Alisonj) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

We have some great events scheduled this week that we hope you can make it to.

Tuesday is our Mommy Coffee (little ones welcome!)

Wednesday is our Dallas County Area group playgroup.

Friday is our January Mom's Night Out.

Check out our Calendar for more information on these events and to RSVP so we know to look for you.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

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

Staying Healthy This Winter

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

A runny nose, coughing, an aching body, and choking phlegm are just a few of the unattractive and uncomfortable symptoms related to the common cold and flu. During the chilly winter months, we find ourselves spending the majority of our time indoors, making it quite easy to send and receive those unwanted cold and flu cooties. Both the common cold and the flu are extremely contagious. Many of these germs are spread by hand-to-hand contact and are also airborne. It seems as though we are destined for some sort of sniffle each year. However, we have control to a certain extent! Give it your best shot this winter and beyond to avoid those pesky cold and flu critter invasions. Here are the top 10 tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:

Sleep eight hours a night. Yes, lack of sleep can affect the immune system. While we sleep, our immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Cytokines are necessary for fighting infection.
Get stress levels under control. Stress can decrease immune system function. Research has found that cortisol and catecholamines, hormones that are released during times of stress, can turn down the effects of the immune system. The following link provides more info on the effects of stress: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2007/Januar ... res_01.htm.
Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and getting yourself into the present moment are all ways to cope with stress.
Get outdoors every day. Spending too much time indoors, especially around people, can increase your chances of contracting those cold and flu cooties! In addition, getting sunlight for 15 minutes every day can improve your mood and Vitamin D levels.
Exercise! Indoors or outdoors, exercise has repeatedly been shown to strengthen not only our bodies but also our immune systems. For detailed information regarding exercise and immunity, check out this link: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders ... ystem.aspx.
To review guidelines on physical activity, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/eve ... index.html.
Wash your hands!
Consume a balanced and nutritionally dense diet. Proper nutrition goes a long way! There is no better way to receive vitamins and minerals than through fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. For the dairy lovers and meat eaters out there, choose the leanest options available. Vitamins and minerals provide our cells with the building blocks it needs to fight off disease! Excess sugar and fat can create a systemic inflammatory response, making it more difficult for our bodies to fight off disease and illness.
Hydrate! Water can flush toxins from the body and carry much-needed nutrients to our body’s cells and tissues. The dry winter months can cause insensible hydration losses that we are typically not aware of. In addition, mild dehydration can make you feel drained and more susceptible to the dreaded "C": constipation.
Rinse the nasal passages! A practice that many refer to as nasal flushing is a safe and effective way to clean out the nasal passages. During cold-weather months, the respiratory tract creates more mucus in an attempt to warm and moisten our airways. When that mucus spends too much time inside the body, germs can linger and proliferate. By flushing the mucus from your nose, you are removing some of those unwanted infestations. For more information, check out http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php.
Avoid the inevitable. It may be best to avoid situations where you know you will encounter individuals with the cold or flu. In many instances, this is not possible, or perhaps you are unaware of someone's pending illness. Nonetheless, take precautions by strengthening your own immune system and washing your hands postvisit. Also, remember to avoid putting your hands near your face until a thorough washing occurs.
Keep your living spaces clean and tidy. Keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, and fruits and vegetables can all be hosts and carriers of bacteria and viruses. Disinfect often!

For more tips regarding nutritional supplements and vitamins to complement the tips mentioned above, consult your health care provider.

And remember, an apple a day just may keep the doctor away! Best to you and your family for a safe and healthy holiday!

Post submitted by Marisa from The Mommies Network's Content Team

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I am not a morning person at all. When my daughter screams, "Mommy!" in the morning, all I want to do is hide under the covers for a few more minutes. So usually, I am not in the mood to make a huge breakfast, either. I like something that is good and quick.

Lately, Virginia has been on a blueberry kick. She loves her some blueberry waffles. When I was at the grocery store, I grabbed some fresh blueberries for her. Well, don't you know, my silly goose turned up her nose at the blueberries. I don't like to waste food, so I decided to make blueberry muffins. I usually use the store-bought muffin packs, but I ran across this To Die for Blueberry Muffin recipe on AllRecipes and decided to give it a shot.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups, or line with muffin liners. I always like to put two liners in one muffin spot. Like my mother, I tell my family that the one that gets the double liner is going to have a lucky day. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Measure 1 cup of vegetable oil; add egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture.

Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups to the top, and sprinkle with crumb-topping mixture.

To make crumb topping: Mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven or until done.

Post originally submitted by Kathy (absolutelykathy) to the CentralPiedmontMommies blog on Sept. 8, 2011.

This Week with the Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

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