UnionCountyMommies

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

2014-10-16T04:40:00.001-04:00

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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.

Amazon.com Widgets

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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Sponsor's Spotlight: Storyland Celebrations

2013-08-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Teresa Stevens, a former librarian, and birthday party hostess from Discovery Place, recently opened Storyland Celebrations, a birthday party venue with a literary twist, behind Brusters in downtown Indian Trail. We will be combining classic stories and well-loved characters with popular party themes such as super heroes and princesses. We will be doing finger plays, draw-n-tell stories, dress up, action songs, crafts and much more! The whole point is to bring reading back to kids in a fun way, celebrating with their favorite characters but focusing the theme with a famous story (for example, the princess party will hear "The Princess and the Pea" fairy tale, and then play a game of which princess can feel the "pea". Our parties will run from 2 to 2 ½ hours and will include up to 12 children from ages 2 to 12 years old. There are three party packages, from basic to super deluxe (which includes all kids in costume, and a package of 5 goody items out of a buffet of 8 items that each child selects themselves.

Storyland Celebrations will offer lots more literary fun!! Primarily our focus will be on literary classes, specifically home school, and preschool classes. We allow your child to try out one of our eight session classes for free, if they enjoy it, and want to continue, they then register for the full time period. For those families with multiple children in classes (specifically home school) there will a discount applied. We will incorporate the NC Common Core Standards for literature during the lessons, as well as during group storytelling presentations.

Storytelling presentations can be done at our location, or we can come to you. We'd love to do a presentation for daycare centers, or schools, mom's groups, church youth groups, or Scouts. Our audiences are very interactive during our presentations. They get to wear costumes, say lines from famous stories (for example - 3 little pigs), and ask to do it again. We even offer one free presentation to a group for their review, and then work out a regular schedule for continued presentations.

We also offer open play time with our "literary" toys, which includes props, puzzles, puppets, and of course, great books! For our school-aged kids (5-12) we have a Kid's Lit Club to give them a relaxed opportunity the last Saturday every month, to meet other kids their age, play games, and do crafts all about that month's book theme. Additionally, the kids get pizza, ice cream, and a drink, and the parents get 2 hours off by themselves (obviously an added bonus). Storyland Celebrations will have craft classes to go along with picture book classics, as well as Newbery winners combined with enrichment activities.
Teresa Stevens is CPR and First Aid Certified, and we use a wristband sign check-in/out sheet for security purposes. We also know how important sanitary care conditions are to parents regarding their children, so costumes and head gear are cleaned and sanitized after each use.

Email: party@storylandcelebrations.com

Website: www.storylandcelebrations.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/storylandcelebrations

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

2013-08-20T23:10:00.004-04:00

Hello Mommies,

I am a fellow member of the Mommies Network 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 overscheduled, 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. 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

Sponsors Spot : Animal Grossology at Discovery Place

2013-08-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Animal Grossology: Turning "EWWW" into "WOW"

Slime, barf, and other smelly stuff - there's no denying it - kids are fascinated by some pretty gross things, especially when animals are involved.

Many animals are dirty and stinky, but some take their grossness to a whole new level. Animal Grossology at Discovery Place in Charlotte hurls you into exploring the disgusting side of science where the grosser, the better.

Combining science and disgusting fun, Animal Grossology engages kids of all ages in real life lessons that are presented in a fun showcase oozing with science. This interactive exhibition sparks children's interest in science while learning about some of the slimiest and ickiest creatures on Earth.

Kids get to enjoy hands-on stations and games that feature tons of gross topics including "Dung Ball Rally," "Blood Sucker Blow-up," and "The Slime Game." These wacky games teach kids lessons such as why the waste of some animals actually helps others live, ways to avoid Lyme disease or West Nile virus, and the important purpose slime serves for animals and even humans.

Meet Sir Gus Flea and Helga the Hagfish as you become an expert on the science behind Animal Grossology. Many people think leeches are pretty gross but they're often used after some surgeries to aid in the healing process. Did you know that cows are one of the gassiest animals on Earth? They actually produce the greenhouse gas, methane.

You can also discover why the dung beetle is nature's living pooper-scooper and why scientists are studying slug and snail slime production for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.

Be sure to join us for a journey into the en-GROSS-ing world of animals. It's a great way to show kids that learning can be fun.

Animal Grossology is FREE with Museum admission.

Sponsors Spot: 9Round

2013-04-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

WHY IS KICKBOXING GOOD FOR YOU?

As an activity that requires repeated quick bursts of movement, kickboxing promotes heart health by providing a cardiovascular workout. The kicks and punches that you learn during the 9Round workout make your body pump blood faster to the heart, especially when done in exercise stretches that last 30 minutes or longer. Over time, this increased heart rate results in a stronger, more efficient heart. By using resistance training as well as the traditional kickboxing punches and kicks, you maximize your time as well as your effort!

As with most total-body workouts, kickboxing requires increased physical activity that burns fat, tones and builds muscle and can lead to weight loss. Depending upon what type of kickboxing you perform, you could burn as many calories per hour with this sport as you would walking or jogging, according to a study performed by the American Council on Exercise. Conducted by a team of University of Mississippi researchers who were led by Len Kravitz, Ph.D., the July 1999 ACE study reveals that kickboxing participants typically burn 350 to 450 calories per hour. Results from the study indicate that you can expect to burn the most calories while blending a combination of upper-and lower-body kickboxing moves. Because of the non-stop movement and mix of resistance training, 9Round clients can achieve the same calorie burn in half the time.

Just as a ballerina who practices dance moves every day increases her agility, so also can you increase your body's flexibility and coordination with kickboxing. Most people lose flexibility and coordination as a natural part of the aging process, as well as from inactivity, but kickboxing can help to combat this loss of agility. Performing basic kickboxing moves requires you to twist your body and deliver multi-level, elevated kicks, which provides key flexibility training for your body. As you get better at executing these moves, your body becomes more flexible. Increased flexibility comes with many benefits, including improved posture, decreased muscle tension and less chance of injuries, according to the American Council on Exercise.

Regularly participating in a kickboxing regimen may be able to kick stress and boost your self-esteem. The controlled punching and kicking require a level of physical exertion and focus that allow you to let go of other stresses in your life. Getting better at executing difficult kickboxing moves, or learning to use one of the bags (speed bag or double end) better, inevitably improves self-confidence, particularly if you're able to easily perform moves that you could never do before. Kickboxing can also promote peace of mind, especially for women who may find themselves in a situation in which they'll need to practice self-defense techniques.

You better watch out; You better not cry

2012-11-18T11:19:00.002-05:00

Don't get caught on the Naughty List because you forgot to order customized Santa Letters for all your favorite kids!

For just $6 for the first letter and 10% off for each thereafter with the discount code SANTA, you can send the magic of Christmas to any child. A unique letter that you personalize will arrive from North Pole Station in Alaska in time for Christmas. Choose from a variety of themes including The Reason for the Season and School Days templates. Each one is special - just like the children.

Act now before Santa gets too busy making toys and packing his sleigh! Ordering is open through Tuesday, November 20.

Proceeds benefit The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing 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.

You better watch out; You better not cry

2012-11-01T19:42:00.001-04:00

Santa Claus letters are coming to town!

This year share the magic of the holidays with your favorite children by ordering personalized letters for each one. Each unique letter will be mailed from North Pole Station in Alaska in time for Christmas. For just $6 for the first letter and 10% off for each thereafter with the discount code SANTA, choose from one of our eight templates to customize the perfect letter for each child on your Nice List. Whether it be Baby's First Christmas or encouraging an older kid to Keep Believing, we've got the right message for Santa to send! And if you order more than one, use the discount code

Santa gets very busy this time of year, so place your order by Tuesday, November 20. All proceeds benefit The Mommies Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing 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.

Place your order today by clicking on our Santa Letter campaign here, on our forums, or through our Facebook event that you can share with all your friends and family.

Here's a yummy dessert for the whole family!

2012-10-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

Coconut Mango Pudding
2 C dried, fresh or frozen mango
3 ripe peaches or 1 banana, or 1 bag frozen unsweetened peaches
2 T organic, UNREFINED coconut oil
1 T vanilla Pinch salt Coconut milk to drizzle on top (optional)
-Cut dried mango into pieces with kitchen scissors, and soak in just enough fresh warm water to cover until soft (15 min)
-Cut peaches or 1 banana into small pieces for blending
-In a food processor or blender, blend the softened mango and some of its soaking water with the cut peaches/banana, vanilla and coconut and blend all until super creamy. Doing this in batches make it easier for your blender and makes it smooth.
-Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top and voila!

You can see and taste more recipes at The Fresh Expo, Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Charlotte Convention Center. We will feature local healthy and family friendly restaurants and more!
www.thefreshexpo.com
www.facebook.com/thefreshexpo
www.twitter.com/thefreshexpo
Can your family use extra $$$? Make sure you check out our contest at http://www.facebook.com/pages/TFE-Greenify-Your-Life/130471723759861

October 13, 2012

10:00am to 6:00pm

Charlotte Convention Center

Charlotte, NC

General Admission Tickets: $10.00

Children 12 and under: Free

*Bring in 4 or more non-perishable food items and save $2.00 off admission at the door.

The Fresh! Expo brings together local and national companies that specialize in:
1. Natural and Organic Products
2. Natural Personal Care/Natural Beauty
3. Natural and Organic Foods
4. Vitamins and Supplements
5. Alternative and Herbal Medicines
6. Natural and Eco Friendly Pet Products
7. Eco Friendly Fashion and Accessiories
8. Recyclable Products

Also at the Fresh! Expo:
1. Healthy Cooking Demos
2. Food and Wine Tasting
3. Live Lectures from the Industries Experts
4. Health Food Retailers
5. Community non-profit Organizations
6. Fun Kid's Corner and On-Site Daycare
7. Free Product Samples

Fresh Expos' mission is to inspire and encourage individuals to embrace a life of health, wellness, fitness, environmental and green living through awareness of natural, organic and alternative products and solutions, advanced medicine research, education, nutrition, exercise and lifelong benefits of living a green, clean and healthy lifestyle.

Help Us Grow

2012-10-01T09:54:00.000-04:00

These voices represent the tens of thousands who belong to our communities and many more who just haven’t found us yet. Help us continue to provide the valuable connections that makes every mom's life better.

10 Years and Growing!

2012-09-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

Moms just like you are finding support, encouragement, and friendship every day on The Mommies Network. What started with two new moms ten years ago has grown into a nationwide network of over 30,000 women! Where will we be in ten years?

We are dedicated to providing valuable connections to all moms at no charge. In order to continue that, and to expand and improve our network, we rely on generous donations from the communities we reach. Please take a moment to view our fundraising campaign and share it via social media or word-of-mouth. Just $10 keeps our network running for 80 minutes. That's enough time for a lonely mom to find a friend, a struggling mom to find support, a grieving mom to find a hug, and a searching mom to find answers.

Thank you for supporting the network that supports moms. We are excited about sharing the next ten years with you!

Quick & Easy Quesadillas

2012-07-31T12:13:00.001-04:00

Quick & Easy Quesadillas

Serves Four
1- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
1- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large container of raw vegetables from salad bar
(try red, yellow and green peppers, spinach, onions, tomatoes)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
6-8 Small flour or organic corn tortillas (try whole wheat too! )
1 can Vegetarian refried beans
1 cup organic shredded cheese
Tabasco sauce
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 fresh lime, cut into sections
Heat oil in a heavy skillet and when it is very hot add the chicken breast and brown well on both sides.

Remove chicken from pan and hold in oven at 325 while you prepare the vegetables. Add the peppers, onions and tomatoes to the hot skillet. When they are soft add the spinach, salt and pepper to the skillet and cook until the spinach wilts.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken breast with an instant read thermometer. When the temperature reaches 165 the chicken is done. (Do not overcook the chicken or it will become tough and dry.) Remove chicken from the oven and put the tortillas wrapped in foil in the oven to warm them. Cut the chicken into strips.
Assemble your quesadillas by spreading refried beans on the tortilla and top with shredded cheese and chicken strips. Season the quesadilla with Tabasco, cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Serve the vegetables on the side or wrap them in a tortilla.

You can see and taste more recipes at The Fresh Expo, Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Charlotte Convention Center. We will feature local healthy and family friendly restaurants and more!
www.thefreshexpo.com
www.facebook.com/thefreshexpo
www.twitter.com/thefreshexpo

Can your family use extra $$$? Make sure you check out our contest at http://www.facebook.com/pages/TFE-Greenify-Your-Life/130471723759861

Healthy Tips to Reach Your Fitness Goals

2012-07-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Are you a mom working toward developing healthy habits or working toward fitness goals? Make time to reward yourself and keep your motivation levels high. For many of us “reward”= food, starting in childhood. While an occasional indulgence won’t derail your efforts, why set yourself back when there are so many no-calorie treats that can do the job?

Here’s a list that can get you to your fitness goals in no time.

1. Borrow the latest bestseller from the library
2. Buy some new music to listen to
3. Schedule a session with a personal trainer
4. Pick out a new piece of clothing for your new size
5. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure
6. Relax with a massage
7. Arrange a photo session for new pictures of you or a family portrait
8. Get your family to chip in and provide you with a night (or weekend if you can swing it) off – they will benefit in the long run from a healthier, happier you
9. Make an appointment with a nutritionist
10. Buy a new cookbook full of healthy recipes
11. Call up some friends and go window shopping
12. Get some new shoes for your workouts
13. Two words – Spa Day
14. Go see that new movie everyone is talking about
15. Get fitted and buy a new bra – a must if your goals involve weight loss
16. Invest in some new tools for the kitchen – steamer, smoothie maker, grill pan
17. Show off the sparkling new you with some sparkling new jewelry
18. Subscribe to your favorite magazine (fitness, cooking or guilty pleasure?)
19. Take a trip, go on an adventure – Scuba, sky diving, zip line – do something you’ll remember for life
20. Buy some new weights, a pedometer or other fitness accessories
21. Or for a larger goal – buy a home gym or other fitness equipment
22. Set aside some time and money for your favorite hobby
23. Treat your senses with some new candles
24. Indulge your body with new soaps or lotions
25. Pick up a bike (and helmet) and then use it
26. Stay up to date on the Fresh! Expo – A Non-GMO, Organic & Natural Living Family expo by visiting: www.thefreshexpo.com / FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/thefreshexpo and TWITTER www.twitter.com/thefreshexpo

While there are a few big ticket rewards here, most are pretty budget friendly or even free. What’s your favorite way to reward yourself for sticking to your fitness goals? Can your family use extra $$$? Make sure you check out our contest at http://www.facebook.com/pages/TFE-Greenify-Your-Life/130471723759861

Time is running out

2012-05-28T07:05:00.000-04:00

Time is running out to vote for your favorite non-profit, The Mommies Network, in Eleventy Marketing Group's Eleventy Group's 4Good contest The winner will receive a free ONCORE marketing package to maximize fundraising- freeing up our volunteers to focus on our mission of providing a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empowering them to be better women, parents and community leaders. Fundraising not only provides technology upgrades to our expanding network, but it also goes to support all our Chapters and the "moms on the ground."

So join our facebook event to vote and share. Get those votes in by 11:59 p.m. EST and help us spread our wings!

We are on our way

2012-05-25T07:03:00.000-04:00

We're soaring high with your help!
The Mommies Network is in the running for a fundraising marketing package that will increase our development efforts. A free ONCORE package from Eleventy Group's 4Good contest will benefit all our members by raising funds with less effort. More money means a better network for mommies across the nation.
Join our facebook event to vote and share. A minute of your time is all it takes.
With gratitude,
The Mommies Network

Sponsor Highlight: Sesame Street LIVE!

2012-03-23T11:00:00.001-04:00

Calling all super heroes! Super Grover has lost his super-ness! Never fear, the fabulous five Super Heroes are here -- featuring Elmo as Captain Fuzzy! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Zoe and all their furry friends are on a quest to put the “super” back in Super Grover. Singing and dancing their way through fun lessons on healthy habits, they discover how exercise, rest, nutritious food and good hygiene can save Super Grover -- and turn your children into Super Heroes, too! You’ll be feeling good when Elmo’s Super Heroes! comes to town!

Sesame Street Live
“Elmo’s Super Heroes”
Charlotte, NC; Bojangles’ Coliseum
Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sesame Street Live is a larger-than-life, musical touring stage production featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie…and more. Each performance is 90 minutes of singing, dancing and audience participation, including a 15-minute intermission. The perfect length for very young children!
Six (6) delightful performances! Tickets on-sale November 30 at the box office and all Ticketmaster locations.
To charge by phone, call 800-745-3000.

Ticket prices: $15, $20, $25, $35 (Gold Circle) & $60 (Sunny Seats).
Opening Night (Friday, March 30, 7:00 PM)—All seats $15 (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats).
Kid’s Matinee (Friday, March 30, 10:30 AM)—All seats $8 for School/Daycare Groups 10 + (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats).
Additional group discounts available. Groups 10+ call 704-335-3100.
Get the ultimate fan experience with Sunny Seats!
The Sunny Seats Package includes a VIP Seat and a pre-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live friends.
Additional fees/surcharges may apply.

Performance Schedule

Friday, March 30: 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 31: 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM
Sunday, April 1: 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM

Thank you and enjoy the show!

This blog was created and is actively maintained by The Mommies Network, Inc. (TMN) Any and all information published is for informational and/or promotional use only. TMN receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product and/or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified. Third party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to this blog. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the advertising opt-out page(http://www.google.com/privacy/ads/). Any questions regarding this blog can be directed to The Mommies Network at blogs@themommiesnetwork.org.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2012-03-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

UnionCountyMommies' 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/240251/fPOm50vU3iSI, 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.