StLouisMommies.com

February Is Cultural Awareness Month!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:01:00 +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!

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 StLouisMommies! 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/240244/6d5Ixg89W68A to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and StLouisMommies' 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.

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 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.

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 (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, StLouisMommies 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

MOMics Comics - Installing a Carseat is Easy!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

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 "Momics" column! Send us an email at blogs@themommiesnetwork.org

Menu Monday: Kiss Me Chocolate Chip Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

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.

Ring in the New Year with TMN!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:55:00 +0000

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?

Don't Forget: Santa Letters!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:12:00 +0000

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.

Mommies Weigh-In Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:31:00 +0000

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.

The Mommies Network Presents Santa Letters

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:39:00 +0000

TMN presents Santa Letters!

Have your kids begun making their Christmas wish lists? The Mommies Network and Santa Claus have teamed up to send your little one a letter straight from the North Pole!

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
Please mention our area chapter name to ensure we receive credit for your purchase.

The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter.

National Support at Your Fingertips

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:36:00 +0000

What if you had a place to go that had the same great support as your local chapter, but with more specialized forums and thousands of members across the United States?

What if that place offered encouragement to mommies in specific situations, such as stay-at-home, work-at-home, and military mommies?

What if that place provided interaction in groups discussing the latest Twilight books, couponing tips, and other hot topics in today's culture?

What if you could get all that for free?

Well, wonder no longer, because it's here at The Mommies Network National Forum. With 3,000 members and growing, the National Forum offers the same great support you've come to know from your local chapter, but with a twist. It features unique forums not available on your home site, including couponing, family vacation tips (including Disney), and alternative medicine.

Looking for someone to chat with about Twilight and other vamp books? Check out our "Everything Vamps" subforum in Books, Movies, & Entertainment. Are you a stay-at-home, campus, or military mommy looking for a friend? Talk with those in your situation in one of the Our Work subforums. Do you have a child with special needs and desire interaction with other mothers who are dealing with a specific condition? We have subforums related to specific diagnoses in Our Kids With Special Needs.

Members of this free site may purchase a Premium Membership, which contains extra forums, such as Debate This and Classifieds, along with other perks.

Mommies across the country are chatting it up in these and many other groups in the National Forum. So skip the "what ifs," and join us for enhanced support on a national scale!

If you're interested in being on the ground level of the action, consider becoming a Support Coordinator or Posting Diva for the National Forum.

The Mommies Network Presents ... Mommies Talk

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:11:00 +0000

The Mommies Network Presents ... Mommies Talk!

Mommies Talk is a monthly webinar series that engages, informs, and supports our members.

Get your kids to listen — the first time. No nagging or yelling required. October's webinar, presented in partnership with Positive Parenting Solutions, offers tools and strategies you can use right away. Discover how this webinar will be your answer to better behavior and parenting peace!

There are two dates to choose from: Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. EDT and Thursday, Oct. 13, at 9 p.m. EDT. To ensure that this webinar proceeds as scheduled, we need at least 120 participants. If you are interested in attending, please click here to sign up as soon as possible.

Email jennifer.zaranis@themommiesnetwork.org with any questions about the Mommies Talk webinar series.

Everyone Deserves a Second Chance!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:37:00 +0000

The Mommies Network would like to thank everyone who participated in the National Auction! Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the auction will go to support Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The remaining 75 percent of funds raised will be used to further The Mommies Network 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, parents, and community leaders.

The Mommies Network National Auction received a number of last-minute donations! These new items, along with some previously listed, will go up for sale in a limited-time Second Chance Auction! Get your shop on Sept. 5–11 on the National Forum!

Click here to shop today!

Spotlight On Mommy: TammieE

noreply@blogger.com (Meg @ Higgins Happenings) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Tammie & her son, Daniel

STLM Username: TammieE

First Name: Tammie

Names & Ages of Children: Daniel, 4. and Ellie, 8 months

Do you work? FT or PT?: very limited PT from home.

Tell us a little about you: I'm a military brat, married to a Swiss man I met while studying in Scotland. When not being a mostly SAHM, I'm a usability engineer. Basically, I design software/hardware/toys/anything based on watching how the user will use the product and designing something that matches what they need. I've lived in the St. Louis area since 2003.

Favorite Hobby: antiques, especially mid 1800s fashion pictures/magazines - but my obsessions are organic food, breastfeeding, and natural childbirth..dunno if that's considered a hobby :)

Favorite Color: depends on the day... and the purpose...

Tammies husband & 2 beautiful children

What's your favorite part about being a Mommy? baby/little boy kisses and snuggles

What do you like to do in your "Me Time"?
massage/yoga

Do you blog? If so, what's the address? http://tegloff.wordpress.com/ but I haven't written much since I got pregnant with baby girl!

My fav. room in the house is.... my bathroom. I designed it with my husband and we renovated it myself. I LOVE it!

I love the scent of... lavender and rosemary.

Tammies little blessings!

Family is... love.

Why I love St. Louis... I love having the choice between a small town atmosphere of old town St. Charles and the convenience and variety of the city.

One thing I wouldn't leave the house without... my Android

If I was stranded on an island, the one thing I would want with me would be... my hubby and kids.

Thank you so much Tammie for taking the time to fill this out & letting us get to know you just a little bit better! I know I learned a few things for sure!

Lunch Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Meg @ Higgins Happenings) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:28:00 +0000

Send them to school with a smile — and a lunch that's yummy and safe.

By: Bonnie Schiedel via Kaboose.com

Christine Zone, a day care teacher in Strongsville, Ohio, sees some scary things in kids' lunches: food that's lovingly but improperly packed, and left to slowly warm up as the morning wears on. "I go crazy thinking of the multiplying bacteria!" she says. "Parents will microwave leftovers in the morning but then the container sits out until noon. They send string cheese and yogurt without ice pack. Their kids sip on the same bottle of water all week that's never been refrigerated. They're disasters waiting to happen!"

Zone's concern is well-founded. "Forty to 140 degrees F is the danger zone for food," says Elisa Zied, an American Dietetic Association spokesperson and registered dietitian in New York. In other words, perishable food needs to be kept at temperatures below 40 degrees F (5 degrees C). If it's reheated, it has to reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) or more. Otherwise, harmful bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels, possibly making kids sick. "Children have developing immune systems, which means they're more susceptible to the ill effects of spoiled food," says Zied. "When your child gets sick, it could be a 24-hour bug, but it could also be food poisoning."

Here are five easy steps for keeping your child's lunch safe.

Make a good start. Wash your hands before and during food preparation, and always store food in clean containers. "Don't just dump the crumbs out of the container from the day before and put another sandwich in," says Zied. Use fresh food (leftovers, such as cold chicken, should be a maximum of four days old) and give produce like apples a scrub to remove dirt and pesticides. Keep portions small enough (for example, cut sandwiches in half or quarters) so that they stay evenly cool. Wipe out the lunch bag or box after each use with mild soap or a bit of baking soda and water.

Keep it cool. There are lots of cute and kid-friendly insulated lunch bags and boxes available, so have your child pick a favorite. Chill the food and the bag in the fridge overnight so you're ready to go in the morning. You can also use mini-ice packs, frozen juice boxes or water bottles to keep things cool. "One good tip is to fill a water bottle halfway, freeze it, top it up with water in the morning, and your child will have a nice cold drink at lunch," says Zied. (According to the Food and Drug Administration, freezing disposable water bottles is safe.)

Know what needs to be chilled. If a food item is normally kept in the refrigerator - such as string cheese, yogurt, mayo, lunch meat, milk or leftover pizza - it needs an ice pack in the lunch bag. (Fruit and veggies are fine at room temperature for a few hours.) Refilling the same water bottle over and over again without proper washing or refrigeration is not a good idea, either. A study conducted at a grade school in Calgary, Alberta, found that many of the kids' water bottles contained fecal coliform and other nasty bacteria, in part because they weren't washed and dried between uses.

Skip the hot stuff. "Sending soup or chili in a thermos, or food that has to be reheated in the microwave, is generally not worth the trouble," notes Zied. "You're not going to send your child to school with a thermometer to make sure the temperature is 140 degrees F or more!"

Wash little hands. Encourage your child to wash her hands before she eats her snack or lunch. Zied suggests tucking an individually packaged hand wipe into her lunch bag.

Click to see original Article.

Last Chance!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:10:00 +0000

The Mommies Network National Auction closes Saturday, August 13, at 10 p.m. EST! There are but a few hours left to place your bids. With more than 600 items, ranging from boutique clothing to autographed books to tickets to Dollywood, there is sure to be something for every taste and budget.

Click on a link below to see what's what in each category!
Amusement Parks, Activities, and Travel
Beauty
Books, Music, and Games
Children's Clothing
Classes and Lessons
Crafts, Collectibles, and Toys
Decor and Home Items
Dining
Fashion and Jewelry
Health and Fitness
Infant Items
Infant/Child Gear
Maternity and Breastfeeding
Miscellaneous
Party Time
Photography Packages

By bidding on an item, you are helping mommies all over the country! Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from The Mommies Network National Auction will benefit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The remaining portion of the proceeds will go to furthering 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, parents, and community leaders.

Adopt a Platoon

noreply@blogger.com (Meg @ Higgins Happenings) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:56:00 +0000

AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort® founded in 1998 is a volunteer based nonprofit 501C-3 dedicated to serving deployed United States Service Men and Women ensuring that they are not forgotten by a grateful Nation. AdoptaPlatoon strives to provide a better deployment quality of life by sending cards, letters and care packages to lift the morale of Troops as they serve far from home and assist military families. AdoptaPlatoon provides an on-going mail support system, creates projects that meet the need of military requests, and establishes special projects that benefit deployed Troops representing all branches of the U.S. military. AdoptaPlatoon also serves injured Troops through AAP Walking Wounded Project and assists military veterans who remain our Nation’s Heroes.

Kimmie (AlmightyQueenKimmie) & Myself (Justanothermanicmommy) have finally gotten our Platoon information and we are really excited to get started on our Care Packages to send to Iraq! We are going through a company called AdoptAPlatoon.org and so far I am really impressed by them and their company. It did take about 3-4 weeks to get the screening phone call and another week to receive the Platoon information, but I understand that they must screen in order to get the best candidates for our Soldiers.

We have decided to have a monthly Platoon Party where we can get together and have the kids make something to put into the care packages as well as gather the donations to place in that month's Care Package. Our first Care Package will be mailed out early September and will have a Halloween Theme to it (Since Care Packages Take 4-5 weeks to arrive!). I love Halloween so I am pretty excited to start celebrating a little early!! :)

Our first Platoon Party will be next Wednesday....check out the calendar for more details...make sure to RSVP if you can make it!

Here is what we are looking for as far as donations go for the September Care Package:

Beef Jerky
Gatorade Packets
Halloween Candy
Halloween Cards (Made at our Platoon Party by our Kiddos!)
Halloween Decorations (Spider Web Decorations, Wall Posters, etc.)
Small Halloween Costumes - Eye Patch, Funny glasses, etc.
Anything Pumpkin or Autumn related
Spice or Pumpkin smelling items (Not Candles!)
Spice/Pumpkin Coffee Creamers
Cookies/Cakes/Treats in a Halloween or Autumn theme
Anything Orange/Black/Purple

We have 26 Soldiers in our Platoon including 2 Females - you do NOT have to donate enough items for each Soldier. Donate what you can and they will divide the items up as they choose. Please PM me (justanothermanicmommy) or Shoot me a message on Facebook if you are interested in donating and what you can commit to. No donation is too small, ladies & gents!

Here is a list from their website that gives examples of great items to include in the care packages - Def. take a look at this and donate WHATEVER you want. No donation is too small or silly - the more the merrier!

If you want information about adoptaplatoon.org, please take a look at their website or ask me (justanothermanicmommy) and I will do my best to ask my contact and find out for you!

The National Auction has Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:43:00 +0000

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a community to support a mother and to provide her with the resources, encouragement, and opportunities necessary for her to be her best. With more than 90 local chapters and a national site that reaches all moms, The Mommies Network provides that community.

We are a non-profit 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. Our philosophy is that no one should have to pay a fee to make a friend, so we offer free membership to any mother within the community who wishes to join. Members gain camaraderie and support through an online forum that is available 24 hours a day, as well as local events where mothers can meet and develop friendships that last a lifetime.

This August, The Mommies Network is hosting our second annual National Auction and will donate 25 percent of the funds raised to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a national network of volunteer photographers who "introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the free gift of professional portraiture … [to] serve as an important step in the family's healing process by honoring their child's legacy." The remaining 75 percent of funds raised will be used to further the mission of TMN to provide support to moms across the country.

We believe that by working together, mothers can change the world — one family, one neighborhood, one community at a time. The Mommies Network is a connecting force, helping us each to make a difference in our own lives, in our families, and in the places we call home.

August 3 - Celebrate National Watermelon Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Meg @ Higgins Happenings) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:47:00 +0000

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jorgelgazzano/2446143704/

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about summer is enjoying a nice, juicy piece of Watermelon! Make sure to have a slice or two tomorrow (August 3) to celebrate National Watermelon Day, I know we will! I bought a nice big green one today at the Grocery, can't wait to crack open that spherical green piece of fruit filled with pink, juicy deliciousness! :)

In Celebration of National Watermelon Day, I have put together a few Watermelon themed crafts, recipes, and what nots! Check them out! Make sure to message and let us know how you are going to celebrate & commemorate the Watermelon!

Make Watermelon Play dough Recipe:

2 1/2 cups of Flour
1 Tbl. Alum
1/2 cup Salt
3 Tbl. Vegetable Oil
2 cups boiling Water
1 pkg. Watermelon Jello or Koolaide

Combine flour,alum,and salt.
Add oil and boiling water.
Stir or use hands to mix.
Add a pack of jello powder or koolaideand mix until done and feels like dough!

http://lovemyphilly.com/watermelon-pops/
Make Watermelon Pops
Ingredients
1 cup Sugar, divided
1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Lime Flavor Gelatin
2 cups boiling water, divided
Ice cubes
1 cup cold water, divided
1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Strawberry Flavor Gelatin
3 Tbsp. Miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 pkg. (4 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

Instructions
MIX 1/3 cup sugar and lime gelatin mix in medium bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to 1/2 cup cold water to measure 3/4 cup. Add to lime gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted. Refrigerate 25 min.
MEANWHILE, repeat Step 1 using strawberry gelatin mix and omitting the refrigeration step. Pour into 16 (3-oz.) paper cups. Freeze 20 min. Stir 1/2 tsp. chocolate chips into gelatin in each cup.
BEAT cream cheese and remaining sugar with mixer in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in COOL WHIP; spread over gelatin in cups.
POUR lime gelatin over cream cheese mixture. Insert wooden pop stick into gelatin in center of each cup. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Remove pops from cups just before serving.

W if for Watermelon Coloring Page

Head on over to Sprout.com to print your very own Watermelon Coloring Page!

Make a Paper Plate Watermelon (Super Easy Craft!)

Materials Needed:

Paper Plate

Green & Red Paint

Watermelon Seeds

Glue

Instructions:

Paint about 1 inch around the rim of the paper plate green for the Rhine. Then paint the remaining plate red for the inside of the watermelon. Glue the Watermelon seeds onto the plate in the red section & Viola! A Paper Plate Watermelon!

Us at StLouisMommies.com hope that you and your family have a wonderful National Watermelon Day, no matter how you chose to celebrate it!

The National Auction is Coming! Want a Sneak Peek?

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The National Forum has Arrived! Register TODAY!

noreply@blogger.com (The Mommies Network) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000