SWPiedmontMommies

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2012-03-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

SWPiedmontMommies' 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/240246/t75iF5vQpA06, 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

2012-02-28T17:04:00.003-05:00

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

2012-02-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

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!

February Is Cultural Awareness Month!

2012-02-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

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!

Do You Have Flower Power?

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

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 SWPiedmontMommies! 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/240246/t75iF5vQpA06 to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and SWPiedmontMommies' 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

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.

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

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, swpiedmontmommies 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

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

MOMics Comics - Installing a Carseat is Easy!

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

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

Menu Monday: Kiss Me Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

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.

Ring in the New Year with TMN!

2011-12-05T08:55:00.001-05:00

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?

Don't Forget: Santa Letters!

2011-11-25T10:13:00.001-05:00

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.

Mommies Weigh-In Challenge

2011-11-16T08:33:00.001-05:00

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.

The Mommies Network Presents Santa Letters

2011-11-04T10:39:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-09T06:38:00.002-04:00

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

2011-10-03T21:13:00.001-04:00

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!

2011-09-06T13:37:00.001-04:00

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!

Cleaning Challenge Day 5&6

2011-09-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

Clean out your refridgerator! Something I have been neglecting to do for awhile!

Throw out any old leftovers, condiments/etc that are out of date, wipe it down very well-both inside and out. Re-organize.

Today's job is:

Dusting! I HATE dusting so I need some accountability for sure today!

Dust all surfaces in your house...don't forget all those pictures on the wall and your tv (some I tend to forget sometimes).

Cleaning Challenge day 4

2011-08-30T10:23:00.002-04:00

Today we're taking a break from the kitchen (because, quite frankly, I'm tired of looking at my kitchen lol).

We're going to clean the tub/shower. Oh joy lol! I know mine needs it though.

Make sure to clean the faucets and shower head as well since those can get very grimy. Don't forget to clean the shower doors (if you have them) and I will be taking down my shower curtain and liner and tossing them in the washer while I clean.

Good luck!

Cleaning Challege Day 3

2011-08-29T12:55:00.001-04:00

Keeping it in the kitchen today!

Our challenge to tackle today is the stove.

Take your eyes/burners off (if you don't have a flat top range) and clean those. Clean drip pans and replace foil (if you use it). Clean entire stovetop well and allow to dry. Lift top and clean any spills underneath. Clean around knobs (and if they come off, take them off and clean well underneath in all nooks and crannies).

Moving on to the oven part. Clean the handle and clean the door both inside and out. If you have a self cleaning oven, prepare it and turn it on and let it do it's thing. If not, handclean it.

If you have a drawer beneath your stove, remove everything and clean it well, both inside and out. Put all pots/pans back in.

Good luck!

Cleaning Challege Day 2

2011-08-28T16:42:00.002-04:00

today's challenge is:

Clean your counter top appliances. I cleaned mine twice...first I used a spray bottle mixture of vinegar and hot water and a microfiber cloth and then I went over it again with Lysol disinfectant wipes.

First things first, unplug everything before you begin.

Microwave: take the glass plate out and wash. Wipe down the inside of the microwave thoroughly (don't forget the 'roof'). Clean the door, inside and out. Wipe down the top and sides.

Coffee maker: dump & empty any coffee grounds that may remain in there. Put your basket and pot in the dishwasher (or wash by hand). Wipe down entire outside of your coffee maker, even the bottom. The bottom of mine was NASTY! Wipe out the inside really well too.

Can opener: wipe down thoroughly, all over. I also took the handle off mine and hand washed it.

Toaster oven: take pan(s) out and wash. Set aside. Thoroughly clean the inside and out before reinserting the pan.

These are the only small appliances I have but if you have more be sure not to forget those!

Cleaning Challenge

2011-08-27T11:37:00.000-04:00

Every day I will post a cleaning challenge. This was made up by one of our Moderators.

Ok ladies, today we start with our first challenge!

Today is the junk drawer (or cabinet...whichever you may have!).

Start by taking EVERYTHING out.

Get a soapy rag or sponge and clean the drawer well.

Now it's time to go through all that stuff.

Make a pile for keeping and a pile for trash.

Now, it's time to figure out if there is an actual 'home' for some of this stuff already in your house and if so, go put it there!

What's left? Is it something that can be organized into bins in your catch-all drawer?

I just finished mine and I narrowed the drawer down to pens/pencils, notepads, takeout menus, batteries, & scissors. I have some small plastic bins that fit well in there so I put a bin for the writing utensils and scissors and a bin for the batteries. I found a manila envelope and put all of my takeout menus in there and clearly labeled the front of the envie. Notepads were stacked on top of the envelope. It looks soooooo much better!

I had a pile for the trash that was twice the size of what was left to keep! Ridiculous!

Go do it!