TriadMommies

Leslie B. sent you $20 (open for details)

2016-09-24T21:56:00.000-04:00

Leslie B. sent you $20 to try the all-new empowr:

Resources:

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*This offer has been sent by leslieblockrn@gmail.com. By accepting this offer to try the new empowr, I stipulate that I'm 18 or older and am signing up having agreed with the product, terms and privacy policies, including the manner in which "$" and the word "earnings" are used throughout the empowr website, mobile apps and all empowr communications including this email, as defined in the product policy. This promotional email was sent to themommiesnetwork.Triad@blogger.com and may contain special notices or offers. It is for illustrative purposes only and is in no way a guarantee. You can prevent future emails here. empowr - 501 West Broadway, Suite A182, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.

#MrsFieldsMoments Slow Down And Enjoy A Cookie With Someone You Love! #USO #cookies #family

2014-10-16T04:16:00.001-04:00

Share your story Here and download your coupon

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands ("Mrs. Fields") and Interbake Foods LLC ("Interbake Foods," the company responsible for the manufacture and sale of Mrs. Fields branded pre-packaged cookies sold at retailers throughout North America) today kicked off "Mrs. Fields Moments," a national campaign inspiring busy cookie lovers to slow down and enjoy a cookie moment with loved ones.

At a time when obligations leave precious little time for the ones that matter most, Mrs. Fields is encouraging a nationwide movement to dedicate Sunday night to cookie moments with family and friends. Mrs. Fields wants every cookie lover to embrace and share their #mrsfieldsmoments – from milk-and-cookies to bedtime treats – and has provided fun and useful tools for doing so at www.mrsfieldsmoments.com.

Mrs. Fields is a Proud Supporter of the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO), and "Mrs. Fields Moments" builds on the Organization's "Every Moment Counts" campaign, which helps all families – military and otherwise – make the most of every moment together.

"When you buy Mrs. Fields cookies, you're not just buying a cookie: You're helping create moments that matter for troops enduring long deployments," said Kevin McDonough, President of Interbake Foods. "By buying a box of Mrs. Fields cookies, you help give a cookie moment for you and for them. It's a touch of home to those who need it most."

Visit MrsFieldsMoments.com for "Snacktivity" ideas, Conversation Starters, more information about the Mrs. Fields–USO partnership, or to find a grocery store with Mrs. Fields Cookies (look for the USO banner on the box!).

About Mrs. Fields Famous Brands The Company is a well-established franchiser in the premium snack food industry, featuring Mrs. Fields® and TCBY® as its core brands. Through its franchisees' retail stores; it is one of the largest retailers of freshly baked, on-premises specialty cookies and brownies in the world and the largest retailer of soft-serve frozen yogurt with live active cultures. Its franchise systems operate through a network of more than 950 franchised and licensed locations throughout the United States and in 23 foreign countries. In addition, it operates an internet and catalog gifting business, a branded retail business and has entered into licensing arrangements that leverage awareness of its core brands among its retail customer base. The Company is currently relocating their headquarters from Salt Lake City, Utah to Broomfield, Colorado.

About the USO The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

About Interbake Foods Headquartered in Richmond, VA Interbake Foods LLC is a baked goods manufacturer with over 110 years of business experience. Interbake Foods is the North American cookie and cracker Division of Weston Foods. This includes Interbake Foods in the USA and Colonial Cookies Limited in Canada. Weston Foods' mission is to be recognized by its customers as providing the best bakery solutions in North America and Interbake is privileged to serve the marketplace with our award-winning products and services. Interbake Foods consists of three distinct business segments: Retail Private Brands, Contract Manufacturing and Girl Scout cookies through our ABC Bakers Division.

We would like to encourage you to spend a little extra time this Sunday with your family, here is a list of great "Snacktivities" to enjoy with the kids, from mix and watch movie night.....to a family costume contest, these ideas are so much fun. Turn off that TV and put down those devices for a little quality time. Enter to win the trip of a lifetime for your family in the #MrsFieldsMoments contest HERE , just upload a fun photo of your cookie moment and you will be entered to win a trip to Washington DC.

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Crafty Kids: DIY Shaving Cream Paint Creations #crafts #kids

2014-08-20T15:17:00.001-04:00

Crafty Kids: DIY Shaving Cream Paint Creations

Rheney Williams-Guest Blogger

For moms who grew up in the '80s like I did, you'll probably remember those spinning art toys that let you create splashes and spiral smears of paint. You know – there was a spinning platform with paper exposed underneath, you dropped dots of paint into the middle and the spinning motion and centrifugal force pulled the paint out to the edges of the circle and you were left with these crazy, tie-died-looking paintings?

Although the toys have changed over the years, a kid's (and kids at heart!) basic desire to see swirls of paint and crazy combinations of colors hasn't. And an old-school product is making new spiral innovations possible: Shaving cream! All you need are a few basic supplies and you and your kids can have hours of creative and colorful fun with a beautiful piece of artwork to show for it at the end of the day.

Gather the materials for your shaving cream paint projects. You'll need:

Foam Shaving Cream (not the gel)
Paints in an assortment of colors
Heavy card stock or construction paper
Spatula or ruler
Skewer or little fingers!
Large cookie sheet or use smaller individual trays, one for each child

Tip: To make clean-up a breeze (and avoid having to buy a disposable tray), line the cookie sheet with aluminum foil first. Then all you have to do is remove the foil and you're done!

1. Spray a few lines of shaving cream onto the sheet and use the spatula or ruler to spread out the shaving cream flat and in a square or rectangle about the size of the paper.

2. Add a few random dots of paint or food coloring around the shaving cream palette.

Tip: If you have leftover paint samples from the last time you painted a room, this is a great way to use those and ensure whatever masterpiece your kids come up with coordinates with the space!

3. Use the skewer to make swirls with the paint in free-flowing circles or waves and if you have little kids, just let them go nuts with their fingers.

4. Place the paper into the shaving cream with the right-side facing down so that when you pull the paper off, the paint is on the correct side.

5. Gently push the paper into the shaving cream so that all surfaces touch and allow it to sit for about 10 seconds before carefully peeling the paper off of the shaving cream.

6. Place the paper on a flat surface (in my case, I had another foil-lined sheet pan at the ready) and carefully scrape all of the shaving cream off of the paper to reveal the magical marbling below!

7. Set the paper aside to dry thoroughly and if the edges start to curl, place a glass or other heavy object on the corners to keep them down during drying.

From here, take some time to admire your work and see what imaginative images your kids can find! Can you spot the hidden smiley face that appeared in my swirls? In addition to your classic refrigerator pin-up, here are some other creative uses for your pint-sized Picasso's masterpiece:

Make DIY bookmarks to give as Christmas gifts to the readers you love
Use the brown paper bags from the grocery store in your shaving cream paint project and have unique book covers for school next year
Frame it so you always have a custom piece of art in your office or work space
A DIY puzzle: Cut it into a bunch of different pieces that your kids can put back together and learn about how shapes and patterns relate to each other

What other cool things can you and your kids come up with for shaving cream paint creations?

Rheney Williams is a prolific crafter with a background in theatre arts. Besides writing about projects for Home Depot, Rheney is currently putting her DIY expertise to work by remodeling her first home and experimenting with colors and textures in her home decor.

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

2014-07-16T20:49:00.001-04:00

Every day, moms across the country are logging into their chapter of The Mommies Network, thanks in part to the support that we get from our sponsors... and our moms are returning the favor by finding out more about those businesses that support their chapter.

That could be you! Sponsorship is a really inexpensive option to marketing, and this week, it's even more affordable.

Now until July 23rd, we are offering 50% all Forum Sponsorship spots with a graphic and text. For as little as $10-$125, your business can be in front of our members for a whole year!!!!

And, we try to make it really easy for you.

Simply Click Here and select the 50% Forum Sponsorship Option. From there, select your chapter and how many spots you want and fill out all of the other information and your discount is instantly applied. Or, you can look around to see if one of our other options works better for you!

After submitting your sponsorship, you'll be taken to a secure PayPal page, and with that complete, we will have your sponsorship up and running within 24 hours!!

An entire year of presentation to our members for as little as $10.... how can you NOT afford to!

Click Here to order your sponsorship today.

WANNA CHANGE YOUR USERNAME? NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!!!!!

2014-05-29T13:02:00.001-04:00

We are in the last 48 hours of the Mommies Network May is for Mothers, and we are upping the perks for you to donate!!!

If you make a $25 donation before 11:59pm on May 31st, you can change your username by simply forwarding your donation receipt to heather@themommiesnetwork.org!

Yeah- it's really that easy!!!

Visit http://themommiesnetwork.causevox.com to make your donation right now!!!

Are you part of the 99%?

2014-05-08T11:19:00.001-04:00

How would you feel if I told you that less than 1% of the people around you cared about what you need?

Far too often, we feel the impact of standing alone and just wish that someone else would stand there with us, knowing that the journey would not be so hard if we just had a few extra people to help us along the way. This is apathy, and it's a big problem. I bet this is something you have experienced in your life. However, when the shoe is on the other foot and something out there in the world needs us, we tend to pass it right by.

The Mommies Network has over 20,000 members... moms who come to us for help and support and community. 20,000 moms just like you. Last year, less than 350 of those members donated to The Mommies Network during our May is for Mothers campaign. Look around you- do you think that only 350 of our members need support and community and the other 19,650 don't? And which one of those are you?

When we look at our chapters, that is not what we see. We see moms logging in day after day, sometimes 20 or 30 times a day. What we see is that almost all 20,000 of those members do need us and do use us, but that less than 1% of our membership helping burden the cost of the other 99% of us. Less than 1% of us are committed to what you need.

Forget the money, because it's not about the money. It's about apathy. The indifference of saying 'I don't need to do anything because someone else will take care of it and I'll still get what I need'. Do any of us really want to be that person?

Are you satisfied knowing that select few people are more invested in your support than you are?

This week, the conversation we are having on the forums is asking our members to make a commitment. We are asking one simple question:

"What will you do to make your community better?"

It doesn't have to be money! There are dozens of ways you can help... little things like signing up for Amazon Smiles and giving 0.5% of your purchases back to The Mommies Network, or asking a friend to join so that our community of support gets bigger, going to an event that one of our volunteers worked hard to provide to you, or even just not passing by a post without saying something.

Or you can give a few bucks and know for the next year that you were not a part of the 99% being cared for by 1%, if for not other reason than to know that a community cannot sustain itself like that and you know you use and need that community.

Give today so you can receive tomorrow.

Get Support. Give Support. The Mommies Network.

I Don't Like Mothers Day

2014-05-06T10:44:00.001-04:00

Let me tell you why.

I don't want to sound ungrateful- I really don't! But, I could do without the store bought card. Flowers are always nice, but they will wilt ( and guess who is going to have to throw them out and wash out the gunky water from the vase?)

Honestly, one day a year, a $5 card and overpriced flowers do not make this job any easier. I'd rather get something I know that I need. Something that actually makes motherhood a little easier. Something that is personal. Something I use the whole year!

This year, I am asking the people I love to give me a community of friends and people who understand me. This year, I'm just asking the people who love me to skip the card and the flowers and make a donation to The Mommies Network instead.

The Mommies Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which means that it can't continue to bring FREE support to moms without help.

It's super easy and takes just a second! Just click on the image you would prefer below and you can post it right to your Facebook Wall. Tag the people you know will be sending you a card and ask for this instead! Best of all, you actually are saving time (and money) of those people you love, because this takes just a minute. We will even be send out a personalized E-Card to you on Mothers Day to let you know that person has made a donation in your honor.

Give up the Mommy Myth that you can't ask for what you need, and tell the people that love you to skip the card... you'd prefer a circle of friends this Mothers Day!

Click here to Share this image on your Facebook Wall

Tales from our Supermoms

2014-05-03T11:41:00.001-04:00

Over the past two days, we asked for our moms to share their Mommy Myths, and the response has been overwhelming! Here are a just a few*...

" I had to learn it's okay to ask for help... My mom was very sick several years ago and was in and out of the hospital.... between taking care of my mom, going back and forth to the hospital... trying to keep some sort of normalcy for my family.... Dinner, homework, etc, I almost lost it. I felt like the world was on my shoulders and I was a moment away from losing it.

Thankfully several friends from this site would just send little notes of encouragement, offers to help with the kids, etc. I wouldn't have made it without them. I tear up just typing this because I will never be able to repay them for what they did during that time...."

"I'm not one who's afraid to lay it on the line.... For some reason however, it took me longer than usual to talk about (some) issues. I finally opened up last week and boy am I glad I did! It was like a weight was lifted. I don't want to talk about it on FB .... but I knew here I'd be safe. I got a ton of support and a wealth of information I would've had no clue about otherwise. I feel a lot better about my situation and I feel like I'm able to move forward not only more educated but also supported which means the world."

"When I started back at work after having my first daughter, I really depended on the MOTC forum for major support. I remember the feeling of missing the baby were so strong I felt like someone was ripping my heart strings out! I cried my first day back. The first few weeks were the hardest, and I went to the forum often for encouragement, understanding, advice, tips on how to balance working and being a new mom. It was so fantastic to get connected with other moms who knew exactly what I was feeling."

"I was talking to my MIL last night on the phone, and she asked me how I was coping... I said "Well, I am managing to feed the kids and keep them fairly clean, so we're doing okay." and she said "Well, I see you post smiling, happy pictures on FB and just think you are doing fine,....

Which is exactly why BM helps me. I don't post this stuff on FB because I don't want the whole world to know, but I can come here and talk, vent, ask for advice etc. I know that people here, other moms going through similar things will understand and give me support.

That's really such an amazing thing TMN provides, for their members to get and give support, for FREE! "

This is what just a few of our moms are saying when they are telling us why they need their chapter. We are not social media! We are a place where moms find support when the rest of the world expects them to just deal with what life throws at them. But we cannot do it alone.. just like these moms cannot do it alone.

We give this to our members for free because we don't believe that moms should have to pay to get this kind of support... but that doesn't mean that that it's cost free for us to provide it. We have moms who can't donate... and we understand that. We also have moms who already give their time to our organization, and we do not want to ask them to give more... they make your support possible! If you can give, give for yourself and another mom. Your donation means that these moms and tens of thousands of moms just like them can come here tomorrow and get the support they need!


Click here to donate now!

* Some of the details have been changed to protect the identity of our members and have been used with the permission of those members Our mission: To provide a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, mothers and community leaders.

Lessons from a Stressed-Out Mommy!

2014-05-01T00:04:00.001-04:00

I've had it. The smile has disappeared from my face and I am in a twisty-twirly spiral of self-doubt and the words echo through my brain like a mantra I know too well.

I can't do it all....

Those aren't the words of the Mommy I show the rest of the world. To the rest of the world, I am a rock. A pillar. A foundation. But inside, I am crumbling. The dozens of masks I put on... complete parent to my children, loving partner to my spouse, absolute provider to my family, dedicated employee to my job, willing volunteer to the schools and clubs, kind and thoughtful neighbor, generous and loving daughter, giving and supportive friend... I'm exhausted and I'm sick of constantly sacrificing myself. I have to be these things- all of these things- and I don't know which one to let go of ( or even if I can let go of) without feeling like I've disappointed everyone. And in my mind, I spin.

...But I have to do it all.

This is where I have been. Tied up in knots. Caught in a race with myself. Unable to feel any satisfaction because everything I did, even if it was good, was never good enough. And the path out of my Stressed-Out Mommy Syndrome was simple. I just wanted someone else who understood it all.

There is a relief that comes with having someone who tells you that you are not alone. The reason is that within struggle lies a feeling of solitude..and not the good kind of solitude I get when the kids are in bed and I can have a moment of peace. The bad solitude... the lonely solitude. People, by nature, long for connection, especially in times of struggle. And during those times, the best connection is made by simply acknowledging that my struggle is hard. And that I am not alone in thinking that.

What lessons have I learned? Three simple things:

- Admit the struggle. Every time you think the world is depending on you, stop telling yourself that you can't show that to the rest of the world. Stop thinking that you don't deserve support, because you do. We all do.

- Don't underestimate the power of connection. Connecting with other people is key, and finding a place where you can let down the masks, and what you get back is that you are not alone; it's vital to overcoming struggle that you not feel like you are walking the path by yourself.

- You only get what you are willing to give. When we connect, we cannot simply expect to take and never give. Connection is about exchange.... others being there when we need them, and showing up when others need us. With this, we create our own safe space. Our own community of people we can turn to.

This is what we do at The Mommies Network. When we started, we didn't do it to get the latest slow-cooker recipe or to debate about the whether we return shopping carts or not. We did it because we recognized that connections matter, and that women ( and especially mothers!) find it difficult to connect in a meaningful way unless we have a place to be honest about our struggles. And nobody can understand the struggle of a mother like another mother. When I talk about the twisty-twirly spiral of self-doubt, that is a place that almost every other mother recognizes. When I say I can't do it all but I have to do it all, millions of other mothers know this feeling... because they feel it too.

We Get It

We've Been There

This month, The Mommies Network is launching in annual May is for Mothers campaign focused on one idea... the letting go of the Mommy Myth. The Mommy Myth is simply that we don't need help and support. What we do is give you a safe space to let go of your Mommy Myths. A place to come with your struggles and have a community of moms who understand why it's so hard who can rally around you and say the thing you need to hear... that you are not alone.

We are YOUR Community

We are asking for a donation- whatever you can afford- so that we can continue to keep "the lights on and the doors open", for you and for every other moms in our communities. If you have received support, or watched other moms benefit from simply having a place where they can be honest about their struggles, please make even a small donation. We want to keep doing this year after year, but we can't do it without your help.

Click on a mom YOU identify with to help us keep doing what we love.... supporting you!

Now Thru 3/31- earn $5 for The Mommies Network by purchasing from Amazon!!!!

2014-03-24T09:44:00.001-04:00

The Mommies Network

Now through 3/31, make an Amazon purchase through The Mommies Network Amazon Smiles page, and Amazon will donate $5 to the organization we love so dearly ( in addition to the 0.5% we receive regularly). If you are making a purchase from Amazon ( including Prime purchases), please use this link to earn TMN $5!!!

HOW EASY IS THAT!!!!

Click Banner to sign up now to start earning money by shopping at Amazon for The Mommies Network!

Check out our latest deals from our TMN Affiliates!

2014-02-12T22:06:00.001-05:00

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TRIAD-AREA McDONALD’S LAUNCHES NEW DOLLAR MENU & MORE

2013-11-08T08:16:00.000-05:00

TRIAD-AREA McDONALD’S LAUNCHES NEW DOLLAR MENU & MORE TO OFFER CUSTOMERS MORE CHOICES Expanded menu delivers more variety and value; includes new burger and chicken sandwiches, plus classic favorites Greensboro, N.C., Nov. 8, 2013 – Beginning in early November, more than 10 years after the introduction of its Dollar Menu, Triad-area McDonald’s will introduce Dollar Menu & More, created to offer customers more choices at the great value they expect. The new menu gives McDonald’s customers additional options to enjoy and share with five new sandwiches, along with their familiar favorites. The new Dollar Menu & More includes items priced from $1 - $2 and a shareable option priced at $5. The new menu features more than 15 menu items including two new sandwiches for $1 and three new sandwiches for $2: * BBQ Ranch Burger, a burger made with 100 percent beef and topped with mild BBQ ranch sauce, chili lime tortilla strips and white cheddar* for $1. * Buffalo Ranch McChicken, featuring seasoned crispy chicken with spicy buffalo and buttermilk ranch sauce, topped with lettuce for $1. * Bacon McDouble, a burger made with 100 percent beef and topped with Applewood-smoked bacon, American Cheese, dill pickles and onions for $2. * Bacon Cheddar McChicken, featuring seasoned crispy chicken and Applewood-smoked bacon and white cheddar*, topped with lettuce and mayonnaise for $2. * Bacon Buffalo Ranch McChicken, featuring seasoned crispy chicken with spicy buffalo and buttermilk ranch sauce, topped with Applewood-smoked bacon and lettuce for $2. Many familiar favorites from the previous Dollar Menu will still be offered for $1, like the McChicken, Grilled Onion Cheddar* Burger, Side Salad, Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait and large Sweet Tea. McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger and McDouble remain part of the Dollar Menu & More. The new menu also features 20-piece Chicken McNuggets for $5, perfect for sharing. *pasteurized process Additionally, customers can still enjoy great value with McDonald’s Dollar Menu at Breakfast, featuring classic items such as the Sausage Biscuit, Hash Browns and small Premium Roast Coffee. About McDonald's McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 89 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter at @McD_Triad for updates on our business, promotions and products. McDonald’s, McChicken and McDouble are trademarks of McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates. © 2013 McDonald’s

Sponsorship Spotlight: Greenway Kids Consignment Sale

2013-10-24T10:08:00.001-04:00

The NEW Greenway Kids Consignment Sale is less than a week away! For the past 3 years Greenway Kids has been a children's resale store in High Point. The mother & daughter duo behind Greenway Kids has decided to switch gears from retail to conducting twice yearly consignment sales featuring clothing from ALL SEASONS.

Mark your calendars on Thursday, October 31st through Saturday, November 2nd for the first
semiannual "Greenway Kids Consignment Sale", taking place at C3 church located at 300 NC Hwy 68 in Greensboro. (2 buildings away from our current location.)

Please visit www.Greenwaykids.com or www.Facebook.com/GWKids for more information & sale dates and times!

Here's just a few of the things that make this sale different from the rest:
• In addition to cash, we accept all major credit cards and even PayPal!
• Because no one likes clothes with safety pin holes, Greenway Kids Consignment Sales takes a
common sense approach to tagging.
• We all know that Triad weather can be unpredictable, so the Greenway Kids Consignment Sales
will feature clothing for all seasons!
• We are family owned! The Greenway Kids team consists of Jandy –Mother of 2 and
grandmother of (almost) 4 with her hubby and their daughter Dayna – Her 2 kiddos and the one
still cooking, along with her hubby.
• While this is our first consignment event, you wouldn't know it! Between our loyal sellers, and
our current inventory, this sale will be packed full of goodies.
Volunteer or consign and get ‘first pick' at our pre-sale.
Interested in turning your kid's outgrown items into Holiday cash? It's not too late to sign up to consign.
Visit www.greenwaykids.com/sign-me-up to register online and receive your tags via E-mail today!
Our website www.Greenwaykids.com features tips and videos to help sellers make the most from their
items and will walk you through all the benefits of buying and selling at our sale.
Call or text their "Seller's Helpline" (Dayna's cell) at (336)298-1495
Happy Consigning!

McDONALD’S IN THE TRIAD KICKS OFF FOOTBALL SEASON WITH LAUNCH OF NEW MIGHTY WINGS

2013-09-12T10:56:00.002-04:00

McDONALD’S IN THE TRIAD KICKS OFF FOOTBALL SEASON WITH LAUNCH OF NEW MIGHTY WINGS
McDonald’s bring game day excitement to football and chicken wing fans with Mighty Wings promotion
Greensboro, N.C. (September 10, 2013) – Just in time for football season, wing lovers in the Triad can enjoy one of their favorite game day foods any time with McDonald’s new Mighty Wings. Available for a limited time only from mid-September through mid-November, while supplies last, Mighty Wings are bone-in, crispy chicken wings that deliver a spicy kick with every bite.
“Chicken wings are one of the most commonly ordered items at sit-down restaurants while watching sports,” said Tony Delligatti, Triad-area McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “By adding Mighty Wings to our menu this fall, we want to bring the popularity and fun of chicken wings to customers looking for any reason to order them – be it during game day or on-the-go.”
About Mighty Wings
Mighty Wings were inspired by larger size chicken wings from McDonald’s Hong Kong where customers enjoyed the big, bold flavor. The new tender, meaty bone-in chicken wings are sourced from McDonald’s trusted poultry suppliers and served in drummettes and wingettes. For a customized flavor experience, guests can pair their wings with one of nine sauces,* ranging from sweet to tangy to bold.
Mighty Wings are available in three portion sizes to fit a variety of eating preferences. While price and participation may vary, customers can choose from:
* Three piece – 290 calories; $2.99
* Five piece – 480 calories; $4.79
* Ten piece – 960 calories; $8.99
For more information about Mighty Wings promotion, visit www.McDonalds.com.
*subject to availability
About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 89 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McD_Triad for updates on our business, promotions and products.

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

2013-08-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow Mommies,

I am a mom here in Charlotte and the creator of a new website called Podanize, which helps moms, dads and group leaders better organize their kids’ group activities (e.g. soccer, scouts, school classes, etc.)

Kids today are over scheduled, and keeping up is a challenge:

· What day did I volunteer at school to go read with the kids?

· Who is driving to the scout meeting?

· When am I signed up to bring the team’s snacks?

These are just a few of the many little details that busy parents have to keep straight. Try as we might, something inevitably falls through the cracks. We all need a little help to stay organized.

I’d like to invite you to join our brand new website, and we’re giving local moms the first opportunity. To join, just go to http://www.podanize.com and click Get Started to create a “Pod” for any real-world group, or even just your family for now. You can create a Pod if you’re a group leader or a group member. It’s quick, easy and free. Then “get your Pod going” by adding discussions or events, and inviting others to join your Pod. Podanize can also be accessed via a mobile browser, and our mobile app will be available in late 2013.

Our mission at Podanize is to help ease the stress that comes with keeping our kids active and involved. To this end, we welcome any feedback you have. Podanize is for you and is built to get better over time by adding your suggestions – I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you know of other moms (or dads) who might benefit from Podanize, please share this with them.

Podanize is ideal for all extra-curricular activities: soccer, little league, playgroups, scout troops, swim teams, theater groups, school classes, PTA, etc. The list is endless and includes anything with a need for ongoing communication and coordination.

Again, just go to http://www.podanize.com to get started.

Best,

Nikki Sacks

Co-Founder of Podanize

nikki@podanize.com

What does The Mommies Network Mean to You?

2013-05-07T21:58:00.000-04:00

Every morning, I do the same thing. I get my cup of coffee while I make breakfast for the kid. I gather the clothes together, making a small pile on the sofa next to me- awaiting the completion of whatever cereal or breakfast bar is being consumed by the little one in the kitchen. I sip my coffee and grab my phone, and I log into my chapter of The Mommies Network. I click " View Your Posts" to see if there have been any responses to my latest musings. Then, I go onto The Mommy Forum, then Relationships,usually heading to the conversations that have the most appeal...the ones with the most posts! Maybe take a timeout to get the kid dressed. Then onto my area group, then my support groups. Then I swing over to my Facebook, then my Twitter, then back to my chapter of The Mommies Network to see the newest posts. I do this about 20 or 30 times a day...rinse and repeat. Occasionally, I will get particularly attached to a post...be it my own or someone elses. Then, I might check in 40 or 50 times a day ( thank God for smartphones!). Every now and then I'll be a part of a conversation that is gaining traction...bunches of posts, and my heart is lifted with each page of conversation that is added...one page...two pages...five pages! It's like Christmas morning every time I open a page....a slight joy to see what has been added.

Sometimes, it's fluff...a coupon I found or looking for new homeowners insurance. Sometimes it's personal...an issue with my Mother-in-Law or a behavioral issue with my little one. Sometimes it's topical...a news piece or an article I found. But each time, it is the same feeling. I am a part of something- a community that shares something special and something unique. How many times have you done this? Now, I need to think about what that MEANS to me. I knew early on that it meant a great deal to me; it meant that I was a part of a network of women who took on their identity as a Mommy, and took it to another level. I knew that becoming a mother forced me to re-identify who I was as a person, because I was forever changed by the little wonder that appeared in my life. But being a part of The Mommies Network took it to a new level. It allowed me to take the new me.- the mother me- and USE it. By using it, I became a Mommy. I used all of those tools that came with motherhood and I applied them. My words became softer, my ideas became firmer, and my passions shifted from what was good for me to what was good for the world I was creating for my child. Along the way, I have met mothers who are very different than me. I have encountered people that I would have never counted as my friends in my life before motherhood. However, I can now see them for what they are ... exactly like me. Their ideas might be different, and their style may be different, but their reasons and their execution is cornered in exactly the same place as mine. Everything they do is the result of their love for their children. They, too, have been forever changed by becoming a mother, and they are on the same journey as me, figuring out how to apply this unique relationship to how they relate to the world.

So, when I think about The Mommies Network, I need to think about what it is to me, and the solution becomes so simple. The Mommies Network gave me to the place to FIND all of these things. It was the platform, the medium, the safe space where I was able to make the most of the new me. The value in that is not simple to measure, but it is clear to me that I have to find a way to measure it, and give back in turn. There are so many ways to give back, and if you are like me, you want to give back to someone else what you have received. This network does not exist on it's own. It takes time and energy and money and resources. There are opportunities to give back at every turn. You can donate time, you can donate resources, you can sponsor, you can donate money, you can be a part of the events, or you can just show up to witness the efforts of others who have given back. All of these things expand the network. They make it available to more and more women who are just like you. As we work together, we make the number of mothers in our network larger and larger, and we are able to do more and more to make the world a better place for our children.

I encourage everyone to look at themselves as a Mommy, and think about what it means to you. Right now, The Mommies Network is holding their annual May is for Mother's campaign to help meet the monetary demands of running the network. If being a Mommy has value to you, match it with a donation. However, there are other ways you can contribute. There are volunteer positions available both at The Mommies Network and at the Chapter level. Consider donating your time to this worthy cause. If you are a business owner, consider sponsorship with The Mommies Network as a way to give back to these communities and engage with the membership. But, most of all, see your identity as a Mommy as something that makes you a part of something special, and embrace what that means to you! Because there are a million ways to mother ... and one network for us all.

Raise money online for MOMMIES NETWORK

A Word From Our President #mommiesnetwork

2013-05-03T09:41:00.000-04:00

Heather Fortune: Founder and President of The Mommies Network

Greetings to our wonderful members!

As we march into May, I'd like to take a moment and wish each of you a Happy Mother's Day. So often, we as moms don't get the regular pat on the back for our hard work that other jobs offer. Our "rewards" are not found in a paycheck, but in the first smile of our beautiful baby, or the toddling steps of our two-year old, or the extra-long hug from our teenager. Moms are built to see the beauty where no one else can, to see the benefit of years of investment of time and love and energy, to see that growth can occur in many ways, and often when least expected.

This ability to see beyond what is there is something I believe we are granted when we become mothers – so that we can see potential in our children from the moment they are born, so that we can love this little helpless baby and know what greatness we hold in our arms.

When I started CharlotteMommies eleven years ago, I felt like this wonderful quality we share as mothers could be the key to changing how our communities work – and how we care for each other. We can see what is not yet there – we can love before the person has really done anything worthy of love – we can care even though the one we care for doesn't acknowledge or even appreciate our love.

If we can do this for our children, why can't we do this for each other? Why can't we seek the good in each other, and assume, at the foundation, that each of us has this gift – this "power" to see the potential of others and encourage each other to reach that potential.

Through the years, we have tried many ways to spread this message – to provide a place where mothers from all walks of life, from all backgrounds and beliefs, can come together and find the things they share in common – to support and care for each other, simply because we share this common bond. It's been a work in progress and amid our many successes, we have also suffered many failures. In each failure, we choose to use our "superpower" to continue to focus on the potential – to rise to the challenge and find a new way to meet our goal and truly connect mothers together.

In 2013, we've challenged ourselves and our members to end the Mommy Wars – but we can't do that by choosing sides or ignoring that the war exists.

Instead, let's join together to talk about these issues that divide us as moms. Let's learn to discuss our ways of doing things without fear of judgment. Let's understand that its okay that there are different ways to do the same thing – and that choosing one doesn't make the other choices bad or wrong. It simply makes them right for you, in your situation.

We are challenging ourselves and our members to put ourselves in the shoes of others and really begin to understand the person behind the feelings – understand that our choices do not define us – but our love for our children certainly can unite us.

We can end the Mommy Wars simply by choosing to use our mommy "superpower" and seeing the good in each other – seeing the positive potential in each mom in our network, seeing how her being exactly the way she is benefits you and the others in your community.

If we can strive to see each other the way we see our children – as individuals who are constantly growing and learning as we travel through our lives – and challenge ourselves to care for each other regardless of what comes back – think of the accomplishments we can achieve and the positive impact we can make in our own lives, in the lives of our fellow moms and in the communities where we live.

The Mommies Network is committed to ending The Mommy Wars and providing a safe, secure FREE way for moms to network together, find support and friendship from one another and encourage each other to grow and learn as women, as mothers and as community leaders. Each dollar donated to TMN goes directly into providing improved technical services and new programs for our chapters and their members.

Would you join us in bringing peace to the Mommy Wars in 2013? Your donation can make a difference and help us reach more mothers across the country.

Donate to MOMMIES NETWORK at Razoo

What Does Real Support Look Like?

2013-05-01T09:38:00.000-04:00

Across the country, we have been proud to provide support to mothers from all walks of life for the last 11 years. But, as time has gone by, we have seen a shift in the dynamics between mothers and we have seen a divide that the media has dubbed "The Mommy Wars."

When The Mommies Network was founded, we saw that mothers have a unique bond- a shared strength from loving for our children. We identified that the characteristics of being a mother- the passion, the sacrifice, the deep conviction of providing to our children a better world- all of these things were also aspects that could create a community of women who could make the world a better place.

The Mommies Network 2013 from The Mommies Network on Vimeo.

However, in order to make these communities, we have to overcome the hurdles of the "Mommy Wars." We need to come back to our place of support, and see that how we parent is not nearly as important as our love for our children. What divides us is weaker than what unites us.
Supporting mothers does not always look like what you think it might. But, to us, supporting mothers means ...

providing a place for them to feel safe...

giving them a free corner of the world where they can find other mothers who have been where they have been....

giving them a community where they can be themselves..

providing these things to mothers we don't always agree with...

we stop defining ourselves, and each other, as being different, and instead we unite under the idea that the diversity of our members makes us stronger.

We serve over 30,000 women in our mission to provide a safe and FREE place to find support and encouragement, advice and friendship.

Your donation to The Mommies Network provides us with the means to unite mothers from across the country and to provide a real network of support. Help us end "The Mommy Wars" by making a donation in honor of a mother who may not be like you, but is part of the community of moms that makes your world a better place.

Donate to MOMMIES NETWORK at Razoo

jumblzar

2013-04-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

Are you a mom who likes to buy and sell your used kids gear or who enjoys the consignment sales? Check out our new partner, jumblzar -- an invitation-only buy/sell platform for moms. Only available for moms in established "Mommy Communities" like ours, you interact with other moms, just like you, ensuring a much safer experience!

Lucky moms in your area get to be the first to try out this great new service in the limited testing run! So if you are a current member, check out the posts in the Mommy Forum or B/S/T/F to learn more and sign up for this limited time pre-launch!

Not a member of one of our communities? ANY mom is welcome to join us and membership is ALWAYS FREE! Visit us at www.themommiesnetwork.org to join these or any of our other 75 local chapters! No chapter in your area? No problem! Our National Chapter is available for moms across the country!

Join us and thanks to jumblzar for including us in this exciting, exclusive event!

Show Support for a Family within our Community!

2013-04-11T12:24:00.004-04:00

http://www.gofundme.com/2jiuu4

Makayla will be admitted this Friday, April 12th, for brain surgery, she has endured so much at such a young age, no child should have to experience such a challenge. Please show your support with your donation as well as sharing this link. Thank you so much for your assistance. If you have questions or wish to donate off-line please email us at cmhuffm@gmail.com

Makayla, twin "B", is a surviving micro-preemie who was born with a class IV (worst possible) brain hemmorage at 25 weeks gestation. Makayla beat the odds and spent close to 6 months in NICU and has faced many surgeries and challenges over the years. She is now 7.5 years old with Cerebal Palsy and suffering from Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt malfunction. Makayla is currently suffering from daily headaches, vomiting, loss of appetite and sometimes lethargic. This is a result of intermittent shunt failure causing Ventriculomegaly and increased pressure on the brain which causes temporary function of the shunt.

Guest Blog Monday

2013-04-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

The Two-Year Old

By Sara Dutilly

I have two kids: a two-year old and a four-month old.

Before I had them, I had no idea what it meant to be a mom. From the outside, it seemed easy. I like to play. I like to be silly. I like to color and go to storytime.

I knew there was more than fun to being a mom: discipline and teaching, cleaning up spilled milk and other things we shouldn’t call by name.

I didn’t know how much not-so-fun would show itself. I didn’t know that newborns were so fragile. I didn’t anticipate crying being so stressful, feeding being so painful, or two-year olds being so ornery.

Mostly, I didn’t anticipate that the mom transition would be so shocking.

When my first child was born, I was suddenly consumed by the most confusing, constant, and simultaneous love and frustration known to man.

You know- “Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Elizabeth Stone

What a cheesy, but accurate thing to say.

No doubt fathers feel this confusing love-frustration too, but somehow my husband is more able to cope than I. This is no surprise; I have seen him relax through everything else. He can bring wisdom and simplicity to the most complicated of situations. I am the emotional one in our relationship—isn’t this our feminine duty? I am the one who thinks to wash the dishes after dinner and bring the sippy cup to church, and I am the one who cries when one of these is forgotten.

As I said, my oldest child is two years old. I can hardly believe it, but while I think this thought I know that many of you have kindergarteners and teenagers and are shaking your head at me saying, “She doesn’t have a clue.”

You would be right; after two years I still know very little about motherhood.

It’s the hardest job for a reason. This job deals closely with the heart, with innocence, with emotion, and this job changes every single day.

So I say again, with confidence, that after two whole years at this, I still know very little about how to be a mom.

Love is always the answer though, wouldn’t you say?

Why is my baby crying?

Why am I crying?

What does my child want?

What does my child need?

What is my child doing?

What should I make for dinner?

How do I tell my husband about my long, crazy day?

How can I possibly be a wife and a mother at the same time?

Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love.

Love is the answer. Todd Rundgren knew it. John Lennon and Jack Johnson knew it…. know it.

It’s easy now to write about how love is the answer. Right now, both of my children are sleeping angels. Tomorrow morning, they will be crying, clingy, needy frustrations.

In the middle of craziness, when it’s difficult to show love, I have found that it helps to give myself the same benefit of the doubt that I know my young son desires. When I get stressed out or love-frustrated, I remind myself that I am only a two-year old mother, and thus a two-year old. This makes me feel better because most days I do feel like a two-year old. I am learning to walk life with a child (more accurately, two children), and to speak in a new language. I trip. I fall. I fail to communicate accurately. I have tantrums. I beg for brownies.

In those moments of craziness, I tell myself, “It will be okay,” and I know it’s true because if my two-year old has learned to walk, to build towers, and to recognize treats when they arrive, then so can I.

Guest Blog Monday!

2013-03-11T11:48:00.000-04:00

To K or not to K . . . that can be a big question!

By guest blogger Carol P., staff 1st Lutheran School for Young Children, Greensboro

I teach a class for 4 year old preschoolers and this is definitely one of the most common questions we get from our parents. So here are some of the considerations my associate and I like to pass along in regard to those later birthdates and kindergarten readiness. When trying to make that decision, it is important to think about how this may affect your child not only next year but at other stages of their educational journey as well . . .

v If you’re happy and you know it ~~ Being educators, we want to see children love school and the adventures of learning. And when you send a little child into the structure of kindergarten too early, school can quickly change from a delightful experience that they enjoy to drudgery that they dread – especially in today’s school environment, where the stresses on both teacher and student are many and the children are feeling the weight of that stress earlier and earlier!

v Follow the leader ~~ When your child is one of the youngest in the class there is more of a tendency for them to be a “follower” rather than a leader. On the other hand, when a child is given that extra year to grow in both maturity and skill, they will not only be some of the older children in their class but will also have gained both experience andconfidence that make them much more ready leaders among their peers!

v Good, better, best ~~ Also, it is important to keep in mind that when your child begins as one of the youngest in the class, they will always be one of the youngest in the class. This may show itself academically (always more of a push to keep up) and/or emotionally or socially. For example, the homework load in even the earliest grades can be quite intense – which is creating a great deal of stress for lots of children and their parents! And the younger the child, the harder it is to complete a full day of school and then come home and have that much more work to do when what they are really ready (and need!) to do is relax and play!

Then, let’s look on down the road a bit. Consider how early children transition to middle school today – 6^thgrade! This can be quite stressful for even the “older” children but I’ve had parents tell me that this level of change was almost an “undoing” for their younger child! Another of my former parents is a high school football coach. He told me, “I don’t care if my sons end up playing sports or not. But I do know if I send him on now (he had a summer birthday) and he wants to do sports he will always be competing for a spot on a team with kids that are almost a year older and that’s tough!”

These are just a few examples, but the point is that if your child begins school at a younger age, that can continue to have an impact on them for their entire school experience. A parent recently told me, “My child did ‘ok’ but I realized once they reached high school they could have done SO much better had they been a little older and more mature.” I’ve also had parents tell me that they were sent too early themselves and, as a result, want to provide a better, stronger, and more positive experience for their own children.

v The gift that keeps on giving! ~~ I’ve been doing this job for quite a while now and the only regrets I’ve ever heard expressed in this area were from parents that wished they’d taken that extra year! At the same time, I can’t even tell you how many times we’ve been told by an “extra year” parent, “That was the best thing I ever did for my child!” When you choose to add a “Pre-K” or “T-K” year to your child’s educational experience don’t think of it as “holding them back”. You are giving them something – the wonderful gift of time! And with that time they can grow and mature, gain skill and confidence, and – we pass this way but once! –just enjoy the experience of being five! These are awesome gifts to give a child and they can keep on giving for a long, long time!

P.S. I’ve been teaching 4’s for almost 20 years and still ABSOLUTELY love my job! My teaching associate and I are both so thankful to be able to spend our mornings in the delightful world of a 4 year old. Higher pay? Who would say no to that?!? Higher job satisfaction? Don’t think it’s possible! It truly is a joy!

Calling TriadMommies! We need You!

2013-03-02T15:28:00.000-05:00

Act of taking the initiative on a task, responsibility or project. This could be as a response to a request or by making the initiative to do so.

TriadMommies Needs You! Visit here to read all about available committee opportunities.

Committee Highlights

The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for assisting the Chapter Managers with tasks related to obtaining and maintaining business and personal sponsorships for the site or TMN community.

The Member Relations Committee is responsible for making new members feel welcome and helping to support members going through challenging times.

The Events Committee is responsible for organizing and planning group-wide events.

Our Promotions Committee helps get the word out about TriadMommies.com.

The Community Outreach Committee is responsible for helping to make TriadMommies.com presence known in our community through charitable donations, community events, and showing that we have a heart.

The Fundraising Committee is responsible for helping raise the money that TriadMommies.com needs to remain free for our members and to help us secure the funds needed to host our big events.

Fantastic Fundraiser March 1st!

2013-02-28T10:01:00.000-05:00

Friday March 1, 2013

The Village at North Elm
209 Pisgah Church Rd
Greensboro, NC 27455
Come join us for a great night out with family. Chick-Fil-A will donate 15% of sales reciepts donated from 5-8pm to TriadMommies! So spread the word and tell everyone you know! This is a great fundraising opportunity for us!

Guest Submission Monday!

2013-02-25T15:05:00.000-05:00

Company’s Coming

“I’m going blind.” “Why do you think you’re going blind?” my husband inquired. “Well, I can’t see the people on the television set anymore.” My husband got up, walked over to the set, ran a finger across the screen and stuck it under my nose. “Here, this is proof you’re not going blind.” “What is that on your finger?” “It’s dust, about one inch thick on the TV screen.” “Oh, so, I’m not going blind?” “No, the TV and the house just need to be dusted.” “Ok, then you know what we need to do, don’t you?” In perfect unison, we mumbled the words, “Have Company.”

My family is gripped with fear at the words-company’s coming. Fear because our house is not company presentable and fear because we will have to put forth physical movement to make the house presentable. We start preparing for company a week in advance. Yes, we need more than one hour or one day. For us it’s become synonymous with spring cleaning.

My husband always tackles his room first, the garage. Considering our guests will not park in it, walk thru it, or look at it, I fail to see the need to clean it. However, if he wants to organize his nuts and bolts and hang his wrenches according to size, who am I to stand in his way? If he wants to name and polish each screwdriver, who am I to stand in his way?

Only it’s the closet cleaning we do which baffles me most. First we get rid of things we no longer need or want anymore. Then afterwards we cram them with the junk lying around the house we don’t want our guests to see. Closets become off limits and are only allowed to be opened after our guests leave for fear of an avalanche. I’m always amazed when I go to someone’s house and they show me their closets. I’m thinking - where do they hide all the junk?

As always, the last minute cleaning, like the bathrooms, is saved for the day of the visit. First, my daughter scrubbed one tub clean. Next, my husband used elbow grease to scrub and clean the same tub. Then my son diligently cleaned the same tub for the third time in one day. Bathing in the sparkling, clean tub later that day, I realized: a) my family definitely has communication problems and b) if my family wants to clean one tub three times in one day, who am I to stand in their way?

Company came, company left. At night, upon disrobing, I vowed to myself to retrieve the robe I let drop beside the bed, while climbing in. Exhausted from a week of cleaning I didn’t have the energy to bend over. However, if my hubby is compelled to pick it up before I do, then, I definitely won’t stand in his way!

Cindy

Checkout my website at: cindyargiento.com

Author of Deal With Life's Stress With 'A Little Humor'
Sample or purchase a copy at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/137854