SEGeorgiaMommies.com

Coming up on SEGM

2012-02-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

It's a busy week with the SEGeorgiaMommies! Take a peek at what's coming up!

Cupid's Arrow Craft - Come out and let the kids make a cute edible cupid's arrow for Valentine's Day! There's an attendance limit, so be sure to RSVP!
My Funny Valentine's Playdate - Bring your kiddos over in their best mix-matched outfit. We'll be taking pictures and making Valentines Day cards for dad (or whomever you'd like it to go to)!
Java Friday - Come hang out, drink coffee, and have a good time. Don't be shy if you're new, just jump in and meet some great people! Even if you don't like coffee, you can come socialize and let the kids play! Java will be held at three locations this week, be sure to RSVP!

Check out the calendar for more details, and don't forget to RSVP!

February Is Cultural Awareness Month!

2012-02-01T10:53:00.002-05:00

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!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo submitted by Shari from SEGeorgiaMommies.

Menu Monday - Poppy Seed Chicken

2012-01-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:

4-6 boneless chicken breasts

4 cans cream of chicken soup

1 16 oz container sour cream

approx. 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed

approx. 1 stick butter, melted

1-2 TBSP poppy seeds

Instructions:

Boil chicken breasts, cool and then shred in baking dish. I usually use my 10x13 glass dish.

In separate bowl, mix soup and sour cream. Pour mixture over chicken.

Crush crackers - I usually use a big Ziploc bag and the flat/smooth side of my meat tenderizer. Dump crumbs into another bowl. Mix in melted butter and poppy seeds. Spread cracker mixture on top of chicken and soup/sour cream mixture.

Cook at 350 for approx. 45 minutes or until soup/chicken mixture is bubbly.

Very rich dish, but tastes really good!

Submitted by a member to the SEGeorgiaMommies recipe database.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!

Ring in the New Year with TMN

2012-01-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

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 influenial 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.

Menu Monday: Kiss Me Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am always making CCC a million different ways, just search Chocolate Chip Cookie/s on here and you'll get a few hits. Can't help it. These are chewy soft yummies. And I had a ton of chips I needed to use up. When a few cooled I took them on a plate to Pixie girl- she took one, walked away took a bite and came back towards me, I told DH, "yup she wants one in each hand..." NOPE. She came over, put her arms around me and kissed me... then took the other cookie. I love that little baby.

2 sticks melted butter

1/4 c sugar
1 1/4 c brown sugar (lightly packed)
2Tbs milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

2 Tbs sour cream

Sift-

2 1/4c bread flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt- I used kosher last night

1 cup oats
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup nuts (optional)

Cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Add remaining wet ingredients. Beat well. Mix in flour mixture. Stir in oats, chocolate and nuts.

Chill dough thoroughly. I left this dough overnight in the fridge. I used a small cookie scoop for these cookies. I baked them on stoneware. Which took longer, than my standard parchment lined jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes depending on your oven.

You can also scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet, flash freeze the dough balls and put them in a Zip top bag and bake a few at a time.

OR roll the dough into logs and wrap in plastic wrap and slice and bake them also.

Post provided by the Please Give Peas a Chance Blog.

TMN Weigh-In Challenge News

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's a busy week with the SEGeorgiaMommies! Take a peek at what's coming up!

Monday, January 9
Macaroni Madness

Wednesday, January 11
Afternoon Play @Chick Fil A

Thursday, January 12
Morning Playdate

Friday, January 13
Nassau Java

Check out the calendar for more details, and don't forget to RSVP!

Staying Healthy This Winter

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

It's a busy week with the SEGeorgiaMommies! Take a peek at what's coming up!

Tuesday, January 2
Park Playdate

Wednesday, January 3
New (& Old!) Member Meet & Greet

Check out the calendar for more details, and don't forget to RSVP!

MOMics Comics - Installing a Carseat is Easy!

2011-12-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

Illustration by Rainey Niklawski from RichmondMommies.com, A3 for The Mommies Network

If you enjoy drawing or designing mom-centered comics of your own, consider contributing to our weekly "Momics" column! Send us an email at blogs@themommiesnetwork.org

Menu Monday - Chocolate Cherry Kisses

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
2 tsp maraschino cherry juice
1/2 tsp almond extract
few drops of red food coloring

2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup maraschino cherries (drained & chopped)
48 hershey chocolate kisses (unwrapped)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine sugar, butter, cherry juice, almond extract, & food coloring until well blended.
Stir in flour and salt. Mix well.
Stir in cherries.
Shape into 1-inch balls and place 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.
Immediately press 1 kiss onto each cookie and remove from cookie sheet onto cooling rack.

Submitted by a member to the SEGeorgiaMommies recipe database.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!

Menu Monday - Tuna Melt

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

3 cans tuna, drained well

1/3 c mayonnaise or miracle whip

2 tsp mustard

6 slices cheese

12 slices slightly buttered bread

All to taste:

Salt

Pepper

Garlic powder

Minced Onion

Instructions:

Mix tuna, mayo, mustard and seasonings.

Spoon mix onto un-buttered side of bread, add cheese and another slice of bread, buttered side up.

Cook on griddle until cheese is melted and bread is golden.

Serve with chips, or fresh fruit like watermelon. Diced hard boiled eggs work well in the mix too!

Submitted by a member to the SEGeorgiaMommies recipe database.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!

Menu Monday - Crab Filled Won Tons

2011-12-12T10:51:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

6 oz crab meat, minced

6 oz softened cream cheese

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

40 won ton skins

1 slightly beaten egg

Vegetable oil

Instructions:

Place a heaping teaspoonful of crab meat in the center of one won ton skin. Cover remaining skins with damp towel to keep them pliable.

Top with another won ton skin and press edges to seal. Brush dab of egg on center of both sides of puff.

Use fingers to pleat each edge, pressing to seal. Repeat with remaining won ton skins. Cover puffs with damp towel or plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

Heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in wok to 350 degrees F. Fry 4 or 5 puffs at a time until golden brown, turning 2 or 3 times, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towel.

Serve with lemon sauce if desired. Lemon sauce recipe in sauces category.

Submitted by a member to the SEGeorgiaMommies recipe database.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Photo submitted by Cheyenne from SEGeorgiaMommies.

Menu Monday - Easy Oreo Truffles

2011-12-05T18:12:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:

1 pkg (1lb, 2oz) Oreo cookies, divided
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 pkg. (8 oz each) semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

Instructions:

Crush 9 of the cookies to finely crumble in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a reasealable plastic bag using a rolling pin, or a blender.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1 in in diameter.

Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

For easy dipping, place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat; roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using 2 forks, this will allow excess chocolate to run off, before placing on wax paper.

Submitted by a member to the SEGeorgiaMommies recipe database.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!

Ring in the New Year with TMN!

2011-12-05T08:54:00.001-05:00

Ring in the New Year by reaching moms across the nation!

Women make more than 80 percent of all purchasing decisions and control two thirds of the nation’s disposable income. And moms may have the greatest buying power. What mom doesn’t share the latest trends or personal experiences with a business that has provided products or services for her family or herself?

To help you start the New Year with a bang, The Mommies Network is offering the following:
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 Mommies Network can help your business reach moms across the nation or in your community. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is 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, parents, and community leaders. Through our online forums, our chapters connect local mothers, enabling them to ask questions, seek support, offer encouragement, find volunteer opportunities, and grow as leaders as they volunteer their time with our site. Our organization provides a valuable service to a portion of the population that is nearly always overlooked, overworked, and taken for granted: moms!

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.

How are you reaching the greatest buying power in our nation?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo submitted by Cheyenne from SEGeorgiaMommies.

Menu Monday - Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

2 28oz cans of whole peeled tomatoes
1 white onion
2 jalapenos
2 limes
1 lemon
1 tspn salt
4 cloves garlic
1 tbspn creole seasoning
cilantro

Instructions:

Drain the tomatoes, Mix 1/2 of all ingredients in food processor.
Squeeze lemon and lime in, do not put the whole lime into the processor!
Leave jalapenos seeded, unless you dont want it spicy!

Each batch will include 1 can of tomatoes, 1 lime squeezed, 1/2 onion, 1/2 lemon squeezed, 1 jalapeno, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 tspn salt, 1/2 tblspn creole, and you decide how much cilantro. I usually put in enough to cover all ingredients in the processor!

This is a double batch, so prepare to freeze some!

Submitted by a member to the SEGeorgiaMommies recipe database.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!

Don't Forget: Santa Letters!

2011-11-25T10:11:00.001-05:00

The elves are busy coordinating delivery of Santa letters to boys and girls across the United States. Is your letter in the bunch? If you haven't yet ordered your letter(s), don't delay! Place your order by Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

Remember, Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code SANTA at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total.

You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for your child. Letters will be printed on Santa's special stationery, signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf, shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to receive a special letter before the holidays.

Reserve your letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope you'll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place your order now! http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html

The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter. Please mention your chapter's name to ensure they receive credit for your purchase.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo submitted by Cheyenne from SEGeorgiaMommies.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo submitted by Cheyenne from SEGeorgiaMommies.

Mommies Weigh-In Challenge

2011-11-16T08:31:00.001-05:00

Are you looking to shed a few pounds? Need some help with your fitness goals? Or just searching for the right foods to eat? The Mommies Network challenges you to be the best you can be in 2012!

Join mommies across the country on their journey to be healthy for themselves and their families. Participants will be assigned to regional teams led by a TMN member and a wellness collaborator. Results, tips, and stories will be shared monthly to keep all participants motivated. This challenge is a six-month commitment, running January–June.

Email fitness@themommiesnetwork.org for more information about this program. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 23, 2011.

Menu Monday - Fruit Dip

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1 block cream cheese

1 jar marshmallow creme

Instructions:

Let cream cheese sit out for thirty minutes until softened. Using a mixer add cream cheese and marshmallow creme until blended smooth. Place in fridge and cool until ready to serve. Goes great with any fruit.

Check out the SEGeorgiaMommies cookbook for this and other recipes, and don't forget to submit your favorite menu items!