VegasMommies

Learn a New Language During Cultural Awareness Month

2012-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-02-01T08:31:00.001-08:00

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?

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

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 VegasMommies! 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/240253/IB1me54J2bQb to view the enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and VegasMommies' 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

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

What's Up This Week (Jan. 16-22)

2012-01-15T22:33:00.000-08:00

Ready or not, here we come!

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Indoor Play Event (Northwest)--Come play with the group and let someone else take care of the cleaning!

Wed., Jan. 18
Park Playdate (Henderson)--Let's play! Hope for sunshine and head to the park. You may want to bring your picnic lunch, too.

Thurs., Jan. 19

Coffee Talk Playdate (Southeast)-- Children can play while Mommies visit. Children of all ages welcome!

Going somewhere with the kiddos that would be fun for friends to meet at?
Suggest your own event today on the Calendar or in the Events & Happenings Forum!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Menu Monday: More healthy stuff

2012-01-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

If you are trying to get your New Year off to a healthy start by working out more, by now you are probably feeling hungry from all the extra calories being burned. Add some healthy alternatives to your snack stash.

This recipe makes well as a loaf of bread, but also as muffins that can be frozen and defrosted for a day or a week's worth at a time for easy, and healthy snacks. Bake once eat for well several days!

Carrot Zucchini Muffins
From the VegasMommies Recipe database. Submitted by Amelia (Recipe number 1198263867)

Ingredients
3/4 c. orange juice
1/2 c butter
1 egg
1 c flour
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c sugar (maybe try Splenda or other sugar substitute for an even healthier recipie)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1c shredded carrots
1c shredded zucchini (Get a tiny arm workout, and save money, by shredding the veggies yourself!)

Instructions

Heat Oven to 400

In a large bowl combine orange juice, butter and eggs

Mix in all remaining ingredients except the carrots and zucchini

Fold in carrots and zucchini

Spoon into baking cups (or a greased muffin pan)

Bale 18-20 or until pick inserted comes out clean

What's Happening This Week (Jan. 9-15)

2012-01-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

Time to start getting back into the normal routines and schedules after the holidays!

Lots of events coming up this week to help get you back into some fun social events with new and/or old friends!

Wed., January 11

Rollers, Crawlers and Movers (Henderson)--Your chance to move around. We'll be inside, but if it is nice out we'll switch to a local park.

Workout and Play (Military Support Group)--Get moving and give the kids a chance to play at the same time!

Thurs., January 12
Eat and play at McD's (Northwest)--Answer the question of what's for lunch AND get a play date out of it!

Coffee Talk Playdate (Southeast)--Children can play while mommies visit and drink coffee, tea, or hot cocoa!

Sat., Jan. 14
SE/Henderson Meet 'n Greet (SE/Henderson)--Bring your little ones and maybe your coffeee. Meet some new mommas and chat with old friends. Bring lunch for your family. Dads are welcome to join too!

Going somewhere with the kiddos that would be fun for friends to meet at?
Suggest your own event today on the Calendar or in the Events & Happenings Forum!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

Menu Monday: Banana-Berry Smoothie

2012-01-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

While this may not be a ground-breaking recipe for your family, many of us have resolved to eat healthier in the new year. Here's a reminder that healthy can be easy and delicious for adults and kids!

1 1/4 cups calcium-fortified orange juice
1 1/4 cups frozen mixed berries (or fresh if you've got them--add ice if using fresh)
1 cup sliced ripe banana

Combine all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.

From the VegasMommies Cookbook. Recipe Number: 1177034897 Contributor: Becky

Find other recipe ideas for your healthy diet in the Cookbook, or share your own in the Domestic Goddess thread!

What's Happening This Week (Jan. 2-8)

2012-01-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2012!

While there's only one formal event on the calendar this week, there is still lots of discussion going on in our forums!

Here's the event this week:

Saturday, Jan. 7

Northwest Meet n Greet (Northwest)-- If you are a new, shy, or inactive member, or just want to come and hang out with a bunch of cool moms and kids, we're hosting our NW Area Group Meet & Greet. Come out, let the kiddos play, and get to know other moms in the NW Area Group.

Remember: Specific times and locations are available to VegasMommies members on the VM Calendar. Visit www.VegasMommies.com to log-in or register to RSVP for this event!

Going somewhere with the kiddos that would be fun for friends to meet at?
Suggest your own event today on the Calendar or in the Events & Happenings Forum!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

jannoon028

Menu Monday: Ham & Cheese Poppers

2011-12-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Need a quick appetizer for your New Year's eve events? Add other stuffing or spices to make these your own favorite flavor!

Ingredients:

Fully cooked ham (either thin slices or small cubes)
Swiss or cheddar cheese (which ever you prefer)
1 can of biscuits (thin ones) Cooking Instructions:

Directions:
Open biscuits and flaten them out. Once they are flatten, add a small amount of ham and cheese to the middle of each biscuit.
Fold them in half and pitch the sides together (tightly).
Lay on a cookie sheet and Bake (at 350F) until the biscuits are done (around 10-12 minutes).

Found on the VegasMommies Cookbook. Submitted by Issa. Find other recipe ideas on the VM Cookbook by logging in!

What's Happening This Week (Dec. 26-Jan. 1)

2011-12-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

One full week left of 2011! Seven more days to complete (or start) your resolutions for 2011 and start planning what you want to accomplish in 2012.

We hope you found the support and friendship at VegasMommies to help with your 2011 resolutions.

What will your resolutions be for 2012? Meet more Mommies on our boards and in-person? Attend more play dates? Host your own event? Volunteer to help with the functioning of our group?

Start by attending this week's group-wide event:

Thursday, Dec. 29
Silly sock play date-- Put on your silly socks and come join us to dance around and laugh and play! What do you do with the lonely sock? Bring it with you and we'll make sock puppets!

Remember: Specific times and locations are available to VegasMommies members on the VM Calendar. Visit www.VegasMommies.com to log-in or register to RSVP for this event!

Going somewhere with the kiddos that would be fun for friends to meet at? Suggest your own event today on the Calendar or in the Events & Happenings Forum!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to you and your family from VegasMommies!

Menu Monday--Potato Soup

2011-12-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

Need an easy but hearty meal this week? Baked potato soup is a favorite of VegasMommies member Misti321 (Misti).

6 potatoes peeled and sliced
2 stalks of diced celery
chopped mushrooms
2 diced carrots
Real bacon bits
1 can of chicken stock (more or less depending on how thin you like your soup)
Cheese of choice (I use Velveeta )

Cook everything except cheese in crockpot for about two hours

Before serving add cheese and make a rue with the stock. Add back in with some half and half. Very yummy.

Are you going to eat this all in one sitting like Misti321's family can do?

Check out the VegasMommies Domestic Goddess forum for other recipe ideas or to share what you made tonight!

What's Happening This Week (Dec. 18-24)

2011-12-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

Kids are out of school and the holidays are in full force this week. A few events for Vegas Mommies!

If you are looking for play dates in your area to help keep the kids busy, recommend one in you area's Forum or on the VM Calendar! Don't be shy, come out and play (and get that energy out)!

Wed., Dec. 21
Hanukkah Play Date (Henderson)-- We will read a Hanukkah story and make a holiday craft! There is a play room for other kids and a carpeted living for for the babies.

Thurs., Dec. 22
Coffee Talk (Southwest)--Come relax with mommy friends and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while the kids play. If its nice outside, the kids can play on the Tot-lot. Open to all mommies from all area groups and kids of all ages!

From everyone at VegasMommies...happy Holidays to you and your family!

One Parent's Holiday Moment

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was worried my kids wouldn't get to bed on time. It was close to the time they'd normally get their pajamas on, but it was a special night. Tonight was the night to decorate the Christmas tree.

When I saw the excitement in their eyes, my concern with their bedtime ended. While my thoughts were fixed on how crabby my kids would be the next day, their thoughts were on hope, promise, and the excitement of the holidays. On this night, hope and promise won out.

As I watched them running from the decorations to the tree, I began to feel their hope and excitement. I felt further and further away from the "everyday worries" that had bothered me moments before. And as I watched them working together to create something beautiful, something else happened.

I began to be filled with love for them.

I watched them for awhile longer, then said, "You know, you guys are great." Michael, my 6-year-old son, hesitated for a second. "You are too, Dad," he said.

It was my turn to hesitate. For a moment, I felt numb, and then the feelings came. Tears of joy and gratitude streamed down my face. "Thanks, buddy," I whispered back. Sarah, my eight-year old daughter, glanced at me and asked me if I was crying. "Yes, Sarah, I'm very happy right now," I told her. She walked over to me and gave me a hug. A second wave of feelings came, and I struggled to compose myself.

As I sat there hugging my daughter, there was a part of me that was concerned about my kids taking "emotional care" of me. It felt a bit uncomfortable to be crying in front of my kids, and it felt a bit odd having my daughter comforting me.

But there was something bigger here.

We were having "a moment." It was a moment where we felt how close we could be, and it was a moment when my kids were seeing my authentic joy and gratitude. A moment that we would all remember for the rest of our lives.

After "the moment" passed, we continued to decorate the tree with lights and ornaments. When we'd finished, we got back into the "daily routine" of bedtime preparations. When my wife and I had gotten our kids to bed, I reflected on the moment that had passed and my life as a parent.

I thought about how easy it was for all of us to feel unappreciated, disrespected, and taken for granted as parents. It sometimes seems that we do so much for our kids, and we don't get the recognition we deserve. When life gets hard, we often long for the past, or look to the future, but we avoid the beauty of the present.

And then a moment like this comes along. One of the moments that creates meaning in your life. The kind of moment that reminds you why you're doing all that you're doing. And when you experience this kind of moment, it's easier to live each day and each moment with joy and gratitude. It's easier to face the occasional drudgery of everyday life. And it's easier to remember why we were put on this earth: to love each other and to help create a better world through that love.

As you move into this holiday season, remember to open yourself to your own "moments." They can happen at any time, and they'll appear to you when you have the courage and awareness to open yourself to the present moment. These moments may be filled by joy or pain, but they should not be judged by how happy they make you. They should be judged by whether you open yourself to that moment, and whether this moment fills your heart and your spirit.

May your heart and spirit be filled with "moments" this holiday season, and may you teach your children to open themselves to this spirit as well.

Originally Posted on the SaltLakeCityMommies blog

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

What's Happening This Week (Dec. 12-18)

2011-12-11T20:22:00.001-08:00

Counting the days until school is out or the holidays officially arrive? Take a break from it all with VegasMommies this week!

Monday, Dec. 12

Park Play Date (Henderson)-- Let some of that energy out in the park! (Be sure to check the Calendar and Henderson forum for event updates if weather turns bad.)

Book Club (Groupwide)--"An uproarious, surprising, and poignant satire of American suburbia and youth sports gone wild." (Amazon) Talk about November's book selection "Parents Behaving Badly" by Scott Gummer. Amazon's book description. Being on the in for picking the next Book Club selection!

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Workout and Playdate (Military Support Group)--Get ready to eat those extra calories at your holiday parties by burning some extra calories this week. Let the kiddos play in the kid-friendly and protected Family Workout room at Nellis!

Thursday, Dec. 15

CoffeeTalk (Southeast)-- Come relax with mommy friends and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while the kids play. If its nice outside, the kids can play on the Tot-Lot. Open to mommies from all area groups and kids of all ages.

Friday, Dec. 16

Indoor Studio Time (Northwest)-- Free weekly event at a local membership play area. Let someone else come up with the craft idea for the day!

Sunday, Dec. 18

NW Meet n Greet (Northwest)--If you are a new, shy, or inactive member, or just want to come and hang out with a bunch of cool moms and kids, we're hosting our NW Area Group Meet & Greet. Come out, let the kiddos play, and get to know other moms in the NW Area Group.

Don’t see an event that works for you this week? Recommend one on the Calendar!

Join www.VegasMommies.com to see more details about these and other events the Calendar!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T13:17:00.001-08:00

Congrats to the November Photo of the Month Winner jeneca128!

Stay tuned to the VegasMommies.com Tech Talk forum to enter your photo for December and vote for your favorite!

Ring in the New Year with TMN!

2011-12-05T05:59:00.001-08:00

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?

What's Happening This Week (Dec. 5-11)

2011-12-04T20:55:00.001-08:00

Here is a quick listing of events happening this week.

Tuesday, Dec.6
Afternoon park (Northwest)

Wednesday, Dec.7
Rollers and Crawlers play date (Henderson)

Thursday, Dec.8
Coffee talk! (Southeast)

Friday, Dec. 9
Military coffee (Military support group)

Saturday, Dec. 10
Breakfast with Santa (Military support group)

Sorry no links to each event on the calendar...the flu bug has made its appearance in this house. We promise to be fully healthy before attending any of these fun events!

Don’t see an event that works for you this week? Recommend one on the Calendar!

Join www.VegasMommies.com to see more details about these and other events the Calendar!

Holiday Planning Tips For Parents

2011-12-01T19:25:00.001-08:00

Ahhh, the Holidays! The Thanksgiving turkey came out of the oven golden brown, with an enticing aroma that filled the entire house.

All the china is in pristine condition and not a single piece in the set is missing. The family is gathered for holiday pictures, the children are poised perfectly; hands to themselves, not a hair out of place and their smiles are shining brightly for the camera. Then just as the photographer is about to capture the shot, you wake up!

Let's be realistic ladies. Without proper planning, the holidays are anything but a holiday. Just look at the list of things that need to be done: Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on.

Let me clue you all in on a few key questions that you should ask yourself in order to have a holiday season free of stress and worry, and instead filled with fun and laughter:

What types of holiday celebrations do you want? For example: Do you want to have an immediate family only holiday affair or an extravaganza including immediate and extended family plus a few friends? Once you've thought everything through and decided on the type of holiday gathering you would like, you can then start making your plans.

If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:

Holiday Cards: Start early! I use a holiday card list that I derive from saving names and addresses from holiday cards my family has received in past years. I created a simple, computerized list that is easy to edit and print onto address labels. Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.

Holiday Gifts: There's nothing like getting a HUGE credit card bill in the mail at the start of the New Year. Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to "impulse buying" and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it - your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.

Wrap it up: Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot. This will cut down on those late night wrapping sessions that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year.

Baking & cooking: If you will be cooking during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra timesaving measure.

Delegate: This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to enlist the help of your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what needs to be done then ask for volunteers. If no hands are raised, simply assign small tasks to each of them. Whether it is arranging for a babysitter so that you can escape for a child free day of shopping, passing the shopping list onto another family member or friend so that they can pick up the items for you, or letting the children decorate your home. Be sure to get the whole family involved in the holiday preparations so that you will not be overwhelmed.

Most of all...Enjoy!!

Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your family will have much fonder memories of this holiday season if you are not spending it pulling your hair out.

Courtesy of Salt Lake City Mommies