<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765</id><updated>2024-10-01T22:22:41.806-07:00</updated><category term="The Mommies Network"/><category term="Wordless Wednesday"/><category term="National Forum"/><category term="Menu Monday"/><category term="National Auction"/><category term="Santa Letters"/><category term="Fundraising"/><category term="Weigh-In Challenge"/><category term="cultural awareness month"/><category term="events"/><category term="recipes"/><category term="sponsors"/><category term="Beach Body"/><category term="Business"/><category term="Mommies Talk"/><category term="Opinions"/><category term="Opportunity"/><category term="Oregon"/><category term="Premium Membership"/><category term="Savings"/><category term="Weight Loss"/><category term="health"/><category term="health and wellness"/><category term="momics"/><category term="motherhood"/><category term="relocation"/><category term="summer"/><category term="webinar"/><category term="winter"/><title type='text'>PortlandMetroMommies</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default?redirect=false'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default?start-index=26&amp;max-results=25&amp;redirect=false'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>54</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2744034740076737992</id><published>2013-08-26T08:18:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2013-08-26T08:18:06.977-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Invitation to free new website that helps moms better manage their kids’ group activities</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxHA1gkTzUAeJlpjkX3gj8LKCWta6ARiSQOv1tmpxOMRyqjD0pJ2Bdvvlezk9HVFZVPrThooWBk95mRixxR067fYCtm71KSpAWGdDXr4b2agKMenou2If5X4RzjApklivO6LON8vVYDXM/s1600/tag_line%5B1%5D.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;98&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxHA1gkTzUAeJlpjkX3gj8LKCWta6ARiSQOv1tmpxOMRyqjD0pJ2Bdvvlezk9HVFZVPrThooWBk95mRixxR067fYCtm71KSpAWGdDXr4b2agKMenou2If5X4RzjApklivO6LON8vVYDXM/s400/tag_line%5B1%5D.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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Hello Mommies,&lt;/div&gt;
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I am a fellow member of the Mommies Network and the creator of a new website called&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;b&gt;Podanize&lt;/b&gt;, which helps moms, dads and group leaders better organize their kids&#39;&lt;/div&gt;
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group activities (e.g. soccer, scouts, school classes, etc.)&lt;/div&gt;
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Kids today are overscheduled, and keeping up is a challenge: &amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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• What day did I volunteer at school to go read with the kids?&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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• Who is driving to the scout meeting?&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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• When am I signed up to bring the team&#39;s snacks? &amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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These are just a few of the many little details that busy parents have to keep straight. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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Try as we might, something inevitably falls through the cracks. &amp;nbsp;We all need a little help&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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to stay organized.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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I’d like to invite you to join our brand new website. &amp;nbsp;To join, just go to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.blogger.com/goog_1952879817&quot;&gt;http://&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.blogger.com/goog_1952879817&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.podanize.com/&quot;&gt;www.podanize.com&lt;/a&gt; and click Get Started to create a &quot;Pod&quot; for any real-world group, or&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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even just your family for now. You can create a Pod if you’re a group leader or a group&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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member. It’s quick, easy and free. &amp;nbsp;Then &quot;get your Pod going&quot; by adding discussions&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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or events, and inviting others to join your Pod. &amp;nbsp;&lt;b&gt;Podanize&lt;/b&gt; can also be accessed via a&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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mobile browser, and our mobile app will be available in late 2013.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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Our mission at &lt;b&gt;Podanize&lt;/b&gt; is to help ease the stress that comes with keeping our&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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kids active and involved. &amp;nbsp;To this end, we welcome any feedback you have. &amp;nbsp;Podanize&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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is for you and is built to get better over time by adding your suggestions – I’d love&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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to hear from you. Also, if you know of other moms (or dads) who might benefit from&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;b&gt;Podanize&lt;/b&gt;, please share this with them.&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;b&gt;Podanize&lt;/b&gt; is ideal for all extra-curricular activities: soccer, little league, playgroups, scout&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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troops, swim teams, theater groups, school classes, PTA, etc. The list is endless and&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;
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includes anything with a need for ongoing communication and coordination.&lt;/div&gt;
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Again, just go to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.podanize.com/&quot;&gt;http://www.podanize.com&lt;/a&gt; to get started.&lt;/div&gt;
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Best,&lt;/div&gt;
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Nikki Sacks&lt;/div&gt;
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Co-Founder of Podanize&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:nikki@podanize.com&quot;&gt;nikki@podanize.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZTJP0otyWq0jZRU-J87FqvHB0B8WUcdNFGdf6rulD2CRWV5EGYhpLpyvAWsZtqmxNs6cY2MAFm5vfYBiTnpIl7_rgfEb0HSmd9x2u9EXQ45VY_dJN7U43JialRaNo7_WUCVdQKCAwqZq/s1600/Podanize%5B1%5D.PNG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;140&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZTJP0otyWq0jZRU-J87FqvHB0B8WUcdNFGdf6rulD2CRWV5EGYhpLpyvAWsZtqmxNs6cY2MAFm5vfYBiTnpIl7_rgfEb0HSmd9x2u9EXQ45VY_dJN7U43JialRaNo7_WUCVdQKCAwqZq/s400/Podanize%5B1%5D.PNG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; font-size: 12.0pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2744034740076737992/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2013/08/invitation-to-free-new-website-that.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2744034740076737992'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2744034740076737992'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2013/08/invitation-to-free-new-website-that.html' title='Invitation to free new website that helps moms better manage their kids’ group activities'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxHA1gkTzUAeJlpjkX3gj8LKCWta6ARiSQOv1tmpxOMRyqjD0pJ2Bdvvlezk9HVFZVPrThooWBk95mRixxR067fYCtm71KSpAWGdDXr4b2agKMenou2If5X4RzjApklivO6LON8vVYDXM/s72-c/tag_line%5B1%5D.PNG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-34983785875950595</id><published>2012-11-15T09:09:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-11-15T09:09:00.835-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Santa Letters"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><title type='text'>Making a list, Checking it twice </title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqEE_EVhBVf8RiPuz10U3CKKIurikAr4zu88A2xls2JXdPCQ1gZH9eYmYRTD-tPxtio6zALNvAc9n75qpBP8d8pVa7plVsQVXFXmD2KoE_0KpEpdhpKvGpqK-38mdfxNRt7427vjZFGRC/s1600/letterimage.gif&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqEE_EVhBVf8RiPuz10U3CKKIurikAr4zu88A2xls2JXdPCQ1gZH9eYmYRTD-tPxtio6zALNvAc9n75qpBP8d8pVa7plVsQVXFXmD2KoE_0KpEpdhpKvGpqK-38mdfxNRt7427vjZFGRC/s1600/letterimage.gif&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;Don&#39;t get caught on the Naughty List because you forgot to order customized &lt;a href=&quot;http://themommiesnetwork.org/santa/&quot;&gt;Santa Letters&lt;/a&gt; for all your favorite kids!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;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.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;Act now before Santa gets too busy making toys and packing his sleigh! Ordering is open through Tuesday, November 20.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;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.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/34983785875950595/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/11/making-list-checking-it-twice.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/34983785875950595'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/34983785875950595'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/11/making-list-checking-it-twice.html' title='Making a list, Checking it twice '/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710248594914212742</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqEE_EVhBVf8RiPuz10U3CKKIurikAr4zu88A2xls2JXdPCQ1gZH9eYmYRTD-tPxtio6zALNvAc9n75qpBP8d8pVa7plVsQVXFXmD2KoE_0KpEpdhpKvGpqK-38mdfxNRt7427vjZFGRC/s72-c/letterimage.gif" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-3823400693478047205</id><published>2012-11-13T09:08:00.005-08:00</published><updated>2012-11-13T09:08:29.258-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Santa Letters"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><title type='text'>You better watch out; You better not cry </title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqEE_EVhBVf8RiPuz10U3CKKIurikAr4zu88A2xls2JXdPCQ1gZH9eYmYRTD-tPxtio6zALNvAc9n75qpBP8d8pVa7plVsQVXFXmD2KoE_0KpEpdhpKvGpqK-38mdfxNRt7427vjZFGRC/s1600/letterimage.gif&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqEE_EVhBVf8RiPuz10U3CKKIurikAr4zu88A2xls2JXdPCQ1gZH9eYmYRTD-tPxtio6zALNvAc9n75qpBP8d8pVa7plVsQVXFXmD2KoE_0KpEpdhpKvGpqK-38mdfxNRt7427vjZFGRC/s1600/letterimage.gif&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;background-color: white;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;Santa Claus letters are coming to town!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;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&#39;s First Christmas or encouraging an older kid to Keep Believing, we&#39;ve got the right message for Santa to send!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;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.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;br style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot; /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;Place your order today by clicking on our Santa Letter campaign here, on our forums, or through our&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: red; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/events/133646640117502/?fref=ts&quot;&gt;facebook event&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #323d4f; font-family: &#39;Lucida Grande&#39;, &#39;Trebuchet MS&#39;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;that you can share with all your friends and family.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/3823400693478047205/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/11/you-better-watch-out-you-better-not-cry.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/3823400693478047205'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/3823400693478047205'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/11/you-better-watch-out-you-better-not-cry.html' title='You better watch out; You better not cry '/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710248594914212742</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqEE_EVhBVf8RiPuz10U3CKKIurikAr4zu88A2xls2JXdPCQ1gZH9eYmYRTD-tPxtio6zALNvAc9n75qpBP8d8pVa7plVsQVXFXmD2KoE_0KpEpdhpKvGpqK-38mdfxNRt7427vjZFGRC/s72-c/letterimage.gif" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2846617561045001224</id><published>2012-10-01T08:33:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2012-10-01T08:33:00.376-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Help Us Grow</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;More than 30,000 women have been touched by &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;. Our members have found friends when lonely, help when needy, answers when confused, comfort when grieving. All this is possible through 84 chapters nationwide that provide a safe and FREE place for moms to meet online and in real life.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXAKAW-UbZ5C9lCBkto1O8ltZ41Cl-GBQQWNsebg8p-t1xZQX-ShHwz_ulMadLM0k0ThBawPIi0ww126vdsaf0TmGotNH67yvo9Xljqi_BwaSPZHz_IEvfWauiIGFJCAe5szBcE2uX6M/s1600/800px-Families05.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;266&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXAKAW-UbZ5C9lCBkto1O8ltZ41Cl-GBQQWNsebg8p-t1xZQX-ShHwz_ulMadLM0k0ThBawPIi0ww126vdsaf0TmGotNH67yvo9Xljqi_BwaSPZHz_IEvfWauiIGFJCAe5szBcE2uX6M/s400/800px-Families05.jpg&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;Little things mean a lot to moms. That&#39;s why we are asking you to share your story and our &lt;/span&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://bit.ly/U6D6B7&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;fundraising campaign&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt; to help us grow and improve. Every $10 donation helps us connect moms to the resources they need to change the world - one family, one neighborhood, one community at a time. Each social media share, on average, helps us get $18 closer to our goal. So, please, take a moment to give us a boost.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Thanks for helping us make a difference for mommies, families, and communities across the country.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2846617561045001224/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/10/help-us-grow.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2846617561045001224'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2846617561045001224'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/10/help-us-grow.html' title='Help Us Grow'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXAKAW-UbZ5C9lCBkto1O8ltZ41Cl-GBQQWNsebg8p-t1xZQX-ShHwz_ulMadLM0k0ThBawPIi0ww126vdsaf0TmGotNH67yvo9Xljqi_BwaSPZHz_IEvfWauiIGFJCAe5szBcE2uX6M/s72-c/800px-Families05.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-7599902778713893599</id><published>2012-09-26T08:34:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2012-09-26T08:34:21.595-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Where will we be in 10 years?</title><content type='html'>Moms just like you are finding support, encouragement, and friendship every day on &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network&lt;/a&gt;. 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?&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq07XJ1zq6Y0eznQqH8f7tnjeaIv1GMg5c1oqgwnuiovT5epobwyYX_Ro3h7h52IE6HQbnWtbTfGIJ8Hlk8ziUerMFClTg1fecrAF7ZH0hhRPRKezUvEHr57yqQzhwUzz7Bh8O0kLfQh0/s1600/FBEvent.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq07XJ1zq6Y0eznQqH8f7tnjeaIv1GMg5c1oqgwnuiovT5epobwyYX_Ro3h7h52IE6HQbnWtbTfGIJ8Hlk8ziUerMFClTg1fecrAF7ZH0hhRPRKezUvEHr57yqQzhwUzz7Bh8O0kLfQh0/s1600/FBEvent.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
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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 &lt;a href=&quot;http://bit.ly/U6D6B7&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;fundraising campaign&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;and share it via social media or word-of-mouth. Just $10 keeps our network running for 80 minutes. That&#39;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.&lt;br /&gt;
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Thank you for supporting the network that supports moms. We are excited about sharing the next ten years with you!</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/7599902778713893599/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/09/where-will-we-be-in-10-years.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/7599902778713893599'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/7599902778713893599'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/09/where-will-we-be-in-10-years.html' title='Where will we be in 10 years?'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq07XJ1zq6Y0eznQqH8f7tnjeaIv1GMg5c1oqgwnuiovT5epobwyYX_Ro3h7h52IE6HQbnWtbTfGIJ8Hlk8ziUerMFClTg1fecrAF7ZH0hhRPRKezUvEHr57yqQzhwUzz7Bh8O0kLfQh0/s72-c/FBEvent.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-9134613374808564787</id><published>2012-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2012-05-28T08:00:06.534-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Time is running out!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;
Time is running out to vote for your favorite non-profit, The Mommies Network, in Eleventy Marketing Group&#39;s &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/eleventygroup/app_289947384417182&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Eleventy Group&#39;s 4Good contest&lt;/a&gt; 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 &quot;moms on the ground.&quot;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
So join our &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/310674799010659/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;facebook event&lt;/a&gt; to vote and share. Get those votes in by 11:59 p.m. EST and help us spread our wings!&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/9134613374808564787/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/05/time-is-running-out.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/9134613374808564787'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/9134613374808564787'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/05/time-is-running-out.html' title='Time is running out!'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06710248594914212742</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-514607372656736605</id><published>2012-03-02T18:39:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-03-02T18:39:00.525-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Fundraising"/><title type='text'>How Does Your Garden Grow?</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href=&quot;http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2387/flowerpowersmallgraphic.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2387/flowerpowersmallgraphic.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;PortlandMetroMommies&#39; fabulous Flower Power fundraiser is drawing to a close, so if you haven&#39;t placed your order yet, now is the time! It&#39;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/240234/q1M1G0x6Kxi5, 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&#39;t delay: Grow with us today!

&lt;i&gt;Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter&#39;s operating expenses.&lt;/i&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/514607372656736605/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-does-your-garden-grow.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/514607372656736605'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/514607372656736605'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-does-your-garden-grow.html' title='How Does Your Garden Grow?'/><author><name>Anonymous</name><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-719344980086895649</id><published>2012-02-28T17:00:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2012-02-28T17:47:00.754-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Free Premium Membership Access for a Limited Time</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4356/smallimaget.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;179&quot; src=&quot;http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4356/smallimaget.jpg&quot; width=&quot;200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Ever wonder what&#39;s so special about Premium Access to the National Forum? For a limited time The Mommies Network is offering FREE access to premium content like Debate This and Buy/Sell/Swap to all members.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;See what you&#39;ve been missing by logging on to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/index.php&quot;&gt;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/index.php&lt;/a&gt; and get started today.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Free Premium Access is available to all current and new members of The Mommies Network National Forum. &lt;b&gt;It is available NOW through April 30th.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/719344980086895649/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-premium-membership-access-for.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/719344980086895649'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/719344980086895649'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-premium-membership-access-for.html' title='Free Premium Membership Access for a Limited Time'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-3336022014721229259</id><published>2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-02-15T00:00:13.238-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="cultural awareness month"/><title type='text'>Learn a New Language During Cultural Awareness Month!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3348/handslogo180.gif&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3348/handslogo180.gif&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;i&gt;Bonjour! Ciao! Hola!&lt;/i&gt; Have you been checking the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/index.php&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Chapter&lt;/a&gt; and participating in Cultural Awareness Month? In our &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/viewforum.php?f=45&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Multicultural Mommies forum&lt;/a&gt;, 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!&lt;br /&gt;
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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 &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TMN&lt;/a&gt; as we highlight the many languages and cultures that make our world wonderful!</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/3336022014721229259/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/02/learn-new-language-during-cultural.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/3336022014721229259'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/3336022014721229259'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/02/learn-new-language-during-cultural.html' title='Learn a New Language During Cultural Awareness Month!'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-4593221429069514790</id><published>2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-02-01T08:52:51.166-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="cultural awareness month"/><title type='text'>February Is Cultural Awareness Month!</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href=&quot;http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3348/handslogo180.gif&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3348/handslogo180.gif&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
February is Cultural Awareness Month at &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network&lt;/a&gt;, and we&#39;re thinking globally! Share a love for foreign language and different cultures with your child in our &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/viewforum.php?f=45&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Multicultural Mommies forum&lt;/a&gt; on our &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Chapter&lt;/a&gt;. Each week, we&#39;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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
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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!</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/4593221429069514790/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-is-cultural-awareness-month.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/4593221429069514790'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/4593221429069514790'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-is-cultural-awareness-month.html' title='February Is Cultural Awareness Month!'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2233567220948319489</id><published>2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-22T08:00:06.974-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Fundraising"/><title type='text'>Do You Have Flower Power?</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href=&quot;http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2387/flowerpowersmallgraphic.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2387/flowerpowersmallgraphic.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;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&#39;s no  better time than now to grow with PortlandMetroMommies! We&#39;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/240234/q1M1G0x6Kxi5 to view the  enormous array of flower bulbs, and spring into Flower Power and  PortlandMetroMommies&#39; fabulous fundraiser!

Special bonus: Spend $40 or more to receive a free bag of 10 Twilight gladiolus, a $10 value.

Grow with us!

&lt;i&gt;Profits made through our fundraising link go toward our chapter&#39;s operating expenses.&lt;/i&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2233567220948319489/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-you-have-flower-power.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2233567220948319489'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2233567220948319489'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/do-you-have-flower-power.html' title='Do You Have Flower Power?'/><author><name>Anonymous</name><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2950875734374915996</id><published>2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-20T08:00:06.286-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sponsors"/><title type='text'>Reminder: Ring in the New Year with TMN!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyGjEncNkYOJlZ1aQ42b8rVn9HG8wjVoYYjPfJNjVdMrPDprZUFRWJ2ZVh9v7DUFBmo7Mw3LsCKCK3FdVuexOHlAVnhEdF60Rrp5LsC7tePXR5ylbKOSsiXgvjM7WdqmFkRiIoGa-a0/s1600/forumad2.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyGjEncNkYOJlZ1aQ42b8rVn9HG8wjVoYYjPfJNjVdMrPDprZUFRWJ2ZVh9v7DUFBmo7Mw3LsCKCK3FdVuexOHlAVnhEdF60Rrp5LsC7tePXR5ylbKOSsiXgvjM7WdqmFkRiIoGa-a0/s1600/forumad2.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
The New Year&#39;s parties may have ended, but our sponsorship promotion hasn&#39;t! We&#39;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 influential 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.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2950875734374915996/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/reminder-ring-in-new-year-with-tmn.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2950875734374915996'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2950875734374915996'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/reminder-ring-in-new-year-with-tmn.html' title='Reminder: Ring in the New Year with TMN!'/><author><name>Anonymous</name><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyGjEncNkYOJlZ1aQ42b8rVn9HG8wjVoYYjPfJNjVdMrPDprZUFRWJ2ZVh9v7DUFBmo7Mw3LsCKCK3FdVuexOHlAVnhEdF60Rrp5LsC7tePXR5ylbKOSsiXgvjM7WdqmFkRiIoGa-a0/s72-c/forumad2.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-3911077133084587912</id><published>2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-16T08:00:05.279-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="health and wellness"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Weigh-In Challenge"/><title type='text'>TMN Weigh-In Challenge News</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://74.220.207.199/%7Ecomplex7/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ballroom.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://74.220.207.199/%7Ecomplex7/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ballroom.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
Hello, and Happy New Year to everyone!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
My name is Karen Skidmore, and I am the  owner of &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.completely-fit.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Completely Fit&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If your nutrition is off track, start by taking away one unhealthy food once a week and replacing it with a healthy food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Be sure to track your results, as we do much better when we can see our progress.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.

&lt;i&gt;— Karen Skidmore, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.completely-fit.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Completely Fit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/i&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/3911077133084587912/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/tmn-weigh-in-challenge-news.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/3911077133084587912'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/3911077133084587912'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/tmn-weigh-in-challenge-news.html' title='TMN Weigh-In Challenge News'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2170383141071447779</id><published>2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-06T09:00:08.468-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="events"/><title type='text'>This Week with the Mommies</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.portlandmetromommies.com/forum/calendar.php&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr8o8jIiUwYPr3JMSWkdB4dkQuoaoXzkTKQxPgR6v0TzpoOe7nPeeyRWnwHV2wCNeMWkhkDg1oErJe46ObS0rxsodGqBtRzj6NxZbCS9IO1ZMxdmvic21yUIRaqhwi4B6wmSIpF5YyC0/s1600/TWWTM.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
We chat online in a private forum — discussing everything from the best photographers to the worst temper tantrums and all that lies between — and meet up regularly at member-driven events around town. Whether it&#39;s a late-night commiseration about a crying baby (there are 4 a.m. posts to prove it) or a Moms&#39; Night Out, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.portlandmetromommies.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;PortlandMetroMommies&lt;/a&gt; provides what our members need, when and how they need it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Click &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.portlandmetromommies.com/forum/calendar.php&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; to go directly to our calendar, and stay up-to-date on all of our events scheduled for this week.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2170383141071447779/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-week-with-mommies.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2170383141071447779'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2170383141071447779'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-week-with-mommies.html' title='This Week with the Mommies'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr8o8jIiUwYPr3JMSWkdB4dkQuoaoXzkTKQxPgR6v0TzpoOe7nPeeyRWnwHV2wCNeMWkhkDg1oErJe46ObS0rxsodGqBtRzj6NxZbCS9IO1ZMxdmvic21yUIRaqhwi4B6wmSIpF5YyC0/s72-c/TWWTM.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-461147710714005540</id><published>2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-04T09:00:07.439-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="health"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="winter"/><title type='text'>Staying Healthy This Winter</title><content type='html'>&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: inherit;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt;A runny  nose, coughing, an aching body, and choking phlegm are just a few of the  unattractive and uncomfortable symptoms related to the common cold and  flu.  During the chilly winter months, we find ourselves spending the  majority of our time indoors, making it quite easy to send and receive  those unwanted cold and flu cooties.   Both the common cold and the  flu are extremely contagious.  Many of these germs are spread by  hand-to-hand contact and are also airborne.   It seems as though we are  destined for some sort of sniffle each year.  However, we have control  to a certain extent!   Give it your best shot this winter and beyond to  avoid those pesky cold and flu critter invasions.  Here are the top 10 tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Sleep eight hours a night.   Yes, lack of sleep can affect the immune system.  While we sleep, our  immune system releases proteins called cytokines.  Cytokines are  necessary for fighting infection.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Get stress levels under control.   Stress can decrease immune system function.  Research has found that  cortisol and catecholamines, hormones that are released during times of  stress, can turn down the effects of the immune system.   The following  link provides more info on the effects of stress:  &lt;a href=&quot;http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2007/Januar%20...%20res_01.htm&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2007/Januar ... res_01.htm&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Yoga,  deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and getting yourself into the present moment are all ways to cope with stress.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Get outdoors every day.   Spending too much time indoors, especially around people, can increase  your chances of contracting those cold and flu cooties!  In addition,  getting sunlight for 15 minutes every day can improve your mood and  Vitamin D levels.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Exercise!   Indoors or outdoors, exercise has repeatedly been shown to strengthen  not only our bodies but also our immune systems.   For detailed  information regarding exercise and immunity, check out this link: &lt;a class=&quot;postlink&quot; href=&quot;http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_diet_exercise_stress_and_the_immune_system.aspx&quot;&gt;http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders ... ystem.aspx&lt;/a&gt;.   &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; To review guidelines on physical activity, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website:  &lt;a class=&quot;postlink&quot; href=&quot;http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html&quot;&gt;http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/eve ... index.html&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Wash your hands!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Consume a balanced and nutritionally dense diet.&lt;b&gt;   &lt;/b&gt;Proper nutrition goes a long way!  There is no better way to receive  vitamins and minerals than through fresh fruits and vegetables and whole  grains.  For the dairy lovers and meat eaters out there, choose the  leanest options available.  Vitamins and minerals provide our cells with  the building blocks it needs to fight off disease!  Excess sugar and  fat can create a systemic inflammatory response, making it more difficult  for our bodies to fight off disease and illness.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Hydrate!   Water can flush toxins from the body and carry much-needed nutrients  to our body’s cells and tissues.  The dry winter months can cause  insensible hydration losses that we are typically not aware of.  In  addition, mild dehydration can make you feel drained and more  susceptible to the dreaded &quot;C&quot;: constipation.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Rinse the nasal passages!   A practice that many refer to as nasal flushing is a safe and  effective way to clean out the nasal passages.  During cold-weather  months, the respiratory tract creates more mucus in an attempt to warm  and moisten our airways.  When that mucus spends too much time inside  the body, germs can linger and proliferate.  By flushing the mucus from  your nose, you are removing some of those unwanted infestations.  For  more information, check out &lt;a class=&quot;postlink&quot; href=&quot;http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php&quot;&gt;http://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Avoid the inevitable.   It may be best to avoid situations where you know you will encounter  individuals with the cold or flu.  In many instances, this is not  possible, or perhaps you are unaware of someone&#39;s pending illness.   Nonetheless, take precautions by strengthening your own immune system and  washing your hands postvisit.  Also, remember to avoid putting your  hands near your face until a thorough washing occurs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; Keep your living spaces clean and tidy.   Keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, and fruits and vegetables can  all be hosts and carriers of bacteria and viruses.  Disinfect often!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt; For  more tips regarding nutritional supplements and vitamins to complement  the tips mentioned above, consult your health care provider.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And remember, an apple a day just may keep the doctor away!  Best to you and your family for a safe and healthy holiday!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;Post submitted by Marisa from The Mommies Network&#39;s Content Team&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/461147710714005540/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/staying-healthy-this-winter.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/461147710714005540'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/461147710714005540'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/staying-healthy-this-winter.html' title='Staying Healthy This Winter'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2124930804347503626</id><published>2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2012-01-02T09:00:01.924-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Menu Monday"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="recipes"/><title type='text'>To Die For Blueberry Muffins</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKwdE2crxNBY7XstfpRp-c88-imAizitDx6EOhInYcCBtXsiLV_ONgknFQ3rsAyi6QLc2DutGCLYTOIoaFNXKSBw7wkw5liAxplr2hsZCoBf_9fTdeSwvvs-3ZU3uQnMJ0kiDNQ8mVP2H/s1600/101_5972.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;478&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKwdE2crxNBY7XstfpRp-c88-imAizitDx6EOhInYcCBtXsiLV_ONgknFQ3rsAyi6QLc2DutGCLYTOIoaFNXKSBw7wkw5liAxplr2hsZCoBf_9fTdeSwvvs-3ZU3uQnMJ0kiDNQ8mVP2H/s640/101_5972.JPG&quot; width=&quot;640&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
I am not a morning person at all. When my daughter screams, &quot;Mommy!&quot; in the morning, all I want to do is hide under the covers for a few more minutes. So usually, I am not in the mood to make a huge breakfast, either. I like something that is good and quick.&lt;br /&gt;
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Lately, Virginia has been on a blueberry kick. She loves her some blueberry waffles. When I was at the grocery store, I grabbed some fresh blueberries for her. Well, don&#39;t you know, my silly goose turned up her nose at the blueberries. I don&#39;t like to waste food, so I decided to make blueberry muffins. I usually use the store-bought muffin packs, but I ran across this &lt;a href=&quot;http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/detail.aspx&quot;&gt;To Die for Blueberry Muffin&lt;/a&gt; recipe on &lt;a href=&quot;http://allrecipes.com/&quot;&gt;AllRecipes&lt;/a&gt; and decided to give it a shot.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI_p-opLSOXfZAZ8oL6rhFbTbZBwnGiQFlJ7-tZS9CU_VU3rnsiBCVdaRe3sdcbnMlk13A7Q09C_RSQvYcL6zPw-WUyn99_98YhGq9M-jIzFzW61CeFnz8Ly2cw1J0sgFari7dZij9bWb/s1600/101_5965.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI_p-opLSOXfZAZ8oL6rhFbTbZBwnGiQFlJ7-tZS9CU_VU3rnsiBCVdaRe3sdcbnMlk13A7Q09C_RSQvYcL6zPw-WUyn99_98YhGq9M-jIzFzW61CeFnz8Ly2cw1J0sgFari7dZij9bWb/s400/101_5965.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: inherit; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups, or line with muffin liners. I always like to put two liners in one muffin spot. Like my mother, I tell my family that the one that gets the double liner is going to have a lucky day.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, and baking powder.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExhxp6SyyTChY4o2fQGxIG1fKP2Z8bWKDrd1AuRAPOsrogckCiqrpmq0TlAs59cqtF5EDaBND4whY1ydwTlW9xH1ohFypxI95ZQagK-gW0pvY7huC4I-F3ETnFL_GNXjxn8dVyykDb9zW/s1600/101_5966.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExhxp6SyyTChY4o2fQGxIG1fKP2Z8bWKDrd1AuRAPOsrogckCiqrpmq0TlAs59cqtF5EDaBND4whY1ydwTlW9xH1ohFypxI95ZQagK-gW0pvY7huC4I-F3ETnFL_GNXjxn8dVyykDb9zW/s400/101_5966.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: inherit; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;Measure 1 cup of vegetable oil; add egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpCVCCF-F9nK7p9-0nIiRiMPTECVqnhLx8VLc3ZaZlJyQDDIr0V6Wm0zFtTvrRAdE_ZKEz4Jl-3xsKt07z8Oz5SXXJU_MGL5L4xg4U1SvHcgQSwlTyzuft35T558LL-nTrY8bu_UyuBJn/s1600/101_5967.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpCVCCF-F9nK7p9-0nIiRiMPTECVqnhLx8VLc3ZaZlJyQDDIr0V6Wm0zFtTvrRAdE_ZKEz4Jl-3xsKt07z8Oz5SXXJU_MGL5L4xg4U1SvHcgQSwlTyzuft35T558LL-nTrY8bu_UyuBJn/s400/101_5967.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: inherit; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups to the top, and sprinkle with crumb-topping mixture.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzK06dhhSdfwKjBATWQsQa7zPyxYb_jPrIqR4TOvRaCwKpNFA01efwozDCoF7StEFcKlCkWL58HUIDLdV88xBfcpsw5FDrAvqPhi0txh0Qc_H6E2mYt-dOEviR7Y_CC_dL7pBtqBaIE6Z/s1600/101_5968.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzK06dhhSdfwKjBATWQsQa7zPyxYb_jPrIqR4TOvRaCwKpNFA01efwozDCoF7StEFcKlCkWL58HUIDLdV88xBfcpsw5FDrAvqPhi0txh0Qc_H6E2mYt-dOEviR7Y_CC_dL7pBtqBaIE6Z/s400/101_5968.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: inherit; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;To make crumb topping: Mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmI3DyfKxTKhXELz_JctzmZuYJNca2tuDGL5WdpXwBlEa_tmFbq4xy4I_mMRfVDxWEeH2vqGIH_FLlSfH3qw2xDqs5KUJDf5-bcjqgaIQwjtzVT8YVS4gE3dOUJZQU029LH0_JFetHnHp/s1600/101_5970.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;298&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmI3DyfKxTKhXELz_JctzmZuYJNca2tuDGL5WdpXwBlEa_tmFbq4xy4I_mMRfVDxWEeH2vqGIH_FLlSfH3qw2xDqs5KUJDf5-bcjqgaIQwjtzVT8YVS4gE3dOUJZQU029LH0_JFetHnHp/s400/101_5970.JPG&quot; width=&quot;400&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: inherit; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven or until done.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;line-height: 16px;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;Post originally submitted by Kathy (absolutelykathy) to the &lt;a href=&quot;http://centralpiedmontmommies.blogspot.com/2011/09/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins.html&quot;&gt;CentralPiedmontMommies&lt;/a&gt; blog on Sept. 8, 2011.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2124930804347503626/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2124930804347503626'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2124930804347503626'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2012/01/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins.html' title='To Die For Blueberry Muffins'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKwdE2crxNBY7XstfpRp-c88-imAizitDx6EOhInYcCBtXsiLV_ONgknFQ3rsAyi6QLc2DutGCLYTOIoaFNXKSBw7wkw5liAxplr2hsZCoBf_9fTdeSwvvs-3ZU3uQnMJ0kiDNQ8mVP2H/s72-c/101_5972.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-8351339185416044656</id><published>2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-30T09:00:06.416-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="events"/><title type='text'>This Week with the Mommies</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.portlandmetromommies.com/forum/calendar.php&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr8o8jIiUwYPr3JMSWkdB4dkQuoaoXzkTKQxPgR6v0TzpoOe7nPeeyRWnwHV2wCNeMWkhkDg1oErJe46ObS0rxsodGqBtRzj6NxZbCS9IO1ZMxdmvic21yUIRaqhwi4B6wmSIpF5YyC0/s1600/TWWTM.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
We chat online in a private forum — discussing everything from the best photographers to the worst temper tantrums and all that lies between — and meet up regularly at member-driven events around town. Whether it&#39;s a late-night commiseration about a crying baby (there are 4 a.m. posts to prove it) or a Moms&#39; Night Out, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.portlandmetromommies.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;PortlandMetroMommies&lt;/a&gt; provides what our members need, when and how they need it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Click &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.portlandmetromommies.com/forum/calendar.php&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt; to go directly to our calendar, and stay up-to-date on all of our events scheduled for this week.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/8351339185416044656/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-week-with-mommies.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/8351339185416044656'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/8351339185416044656'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-week-with-mommies.html' title='This Week with the Mommies'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr8o8jIiUwYPr3JMSWkdB4dkQuoaoXzkTKQxPgR6v0TzpoOe7nPeeyRWnwHV2wCNeMWkhkDg1oErJe46ObS0rxsodGqBtRzj6NxZbCS9IO1ZMxdmvic21yUIRaqhwi4B6wmSIpF5YyC0/s72-c/TWWTM.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-2727992878500193589</id><published>2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-28T09:00:01.559-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="momics"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="motherhood"/><title type='text'>MOMics Comics - Installing a Carseat is Easy!</title><content type='html'>&lt;center&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;Image Hosted by ImageShack.us&quot; src=&quot;http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5830/sundaymomics3carseat.jpg&quot; width=&quot;600&quot; /&gt;&lt;/center&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;Illustration by Rainey Niklawski from &lt;a href=&quot;http://richmondmommies.com/&quot;&gt;RichmondMommies.com&lt;/a&gt;, A3 for The Mommies Network&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;font-size: x-small;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;If you enjoy drawing or designing mom-centered comics of your own, consider contributing to our &quot;Momics&quot; column! Send us an email at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:blogs@themommiesnetwork.org&quot;&gt;blogs@themommiesnetwork.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/2727992878500193589/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/momics-comics-installing-carseat-is.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2727992878500193589'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/2727992878500193589'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/momics-comics-installing-carseat-is.html' title='MOMics Comics - Installing a Carseat is Easy!'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-9079334955714449388</id><published>2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-26T09:00:00.673-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Menu Monday"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="recipes"/><title type='text'>Menu Monday: Kiss Me Chocolate Chip Cookies</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6YVYBF2I/AAAAAAAAH90/ZCol4s0E3dU/s1600-h/DSC_3665+%28Large%29.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6YVYBF2I/AAAAAAAAH90/ZCol4s0E3dU/s320/DSC_3665+%28Large%29.JPG&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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I am always making CCC a million different ways, just search Chocolate Chip Cookie/s on here and you&#39;ll get a few hits. Can&#39;t help it. These are chewy soft yummies. And I had a ton of chips I needed to use up. When a few cooled I took them on a plate to Pixie girl- she took one, walked away took a bite and came back towards me, I told DH, &quot;yup she wants one in each hand...&quot; NOPE. She came over, put her arms around me and kissed me... then took the other cookie. I love that little baby.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6T59eowI/AAAAAAAAH9s/mEGqr_W4-O4/s1600-h/DSC_3669+%28Large%29.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6T59eowI/AAAAAAAAH9s/mEGqr_W4-O4/s320/DSC_3669+%28Large%29.JPG&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6R5pnzJI/AAAAAAAAH9k/QswBufHKCDY/s1600-h/DSC_3685+%28Large%29.JPG&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6R5pnzJI/AAAAAAAAH9k/QswBufHKCDY/s320/DSC_3685+%28Large%29.JPG&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;2 sticks melted butter&lt;/div&gt;1/4 c sugar&lt;br /&gt;
1 1/4 c brown sugar (lightly packed)&lt;br /&gt;
2Tbs milk&lt;br /&gt;
2 tsp vanilla&lt;br /&gt;
2 eggs&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;2 Tbs sour cream&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Sift-&lt;/div&gt;2 1/4c bread flour&lt;br /&gt;
1 tsp baking soda&lt;br /&gt;
1 tsp baking powder&lt;br /&gt;
1/2 tsp salt- I used kosher last night&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;1 cup oats&lt;br /&gt;
2 cups chocolate chips&lt;br /&gt;
1 cup nuts (optional)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Add remaining wet ingredients. Beat well. Mix in flour mixture. Stir in oats, chocolate and nuts.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Chill dough thoroughly. I left this dough overnight in the fridge. I used a small cookie scoop for these cookies. I baked them on stoneware. Which took longer, than my standard parchment lined jelly roll pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes depending on your oven. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
You can also scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet, flash freeze the dough balls and put them in a Zip top bag and bake a few at a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
OR roll the dough into logs and wrap in plastic wrap and slice and bake them also.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;Apple-style-span&quot; style=&quot;color: #333333; font-family: &#39;Century Gothic&#39;; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;Post provided by the &lt;a href=&quot;http://pleasegivepeasachance.blogspot.com/&quot; style=&quot;color: #66bb33; text-decoration: none;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Please Give Peas a Chance&lt;/a&gt; Blog.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/9079334955714449388/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/menu-monday-kiss-me-chocolate-chip.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/9079334955714449388'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/9079334955714449388'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/menu-monday-kiss-me-chocolate-chip.html' title='Menu Monday: Kiss Me Chocolate Chip Cookies'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h9Jp6ncJVks/S6g6YVYBF2I/AAAAAAAAH90/ZCol4s0E3dU/s72-c/DSC_3665+%28Large%29.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-4236024483678249942</id><published>2011-12-05T05:51:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-12-05T05:51:37.604-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="sponsors"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><title type='text'>Ring in the New Year with TMN!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyGjEncNkYOJlZ1aQ42b8rVn9HG8wjVoYYjPfJNjVdMrPDprZUFRWJ2ZVh9v7DUFBmo7Mw3LsCKCK3FdVuexOHlAVnhEdF60Rrp5LsC7tePXR5ylbKOSsiXgvjM7WdqmFkRiIoGa-a0/s1600/forumad2.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyGjEncNkYOJlZ1aQ42b8rVn9HG8wjVoYYjPfJNjVdMrPDprZUFRWJ2ZVh9v7DUFBmo7Mw3LsCKCK3FdVuexOHlAVnhEdF60Rrp5LsC7tePXR5ylbKOSsiXgvjM7WdqmFkRiIoGa-a0/s1600/forumad2.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: small;&quot;&gt;Ring in the New Year by reaching moms across the nation!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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?&lt;br /&gt;
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To help you start the New Year with a bang, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network&lt;/a&gt; is offering the following:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network&lt;/a&gt; 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!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For more details on how your business can ring in the New Year with moms across the nation, please contact Jessica Van Dyke at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org&quot;&gt;Jessica.VanDyke@TheMommiesNetwork.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
How are you reaching the greatest buying power in our nation?&lt;/span&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/4236024483678249942/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/ring-in-new-year-with-tmn.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/4236024483678249942'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/4236024483678249942'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/12/ring-in-new-year-with-tmn.html' title='Ring in the New Year with TMN!'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyGjEncNkYOJlZ1aQ42b8rVn9HG8wjVoYYjPfJNjVdMrPDprZUFRWJ2ZVh9v7DUFBmo7Mw3LsCKCK3FdVuexOHlAVnhEdF60Rrp5LsC7tePXR5ylbKOSsiXgvjM7WdqmFkRiIoGa-a0/s72-c/forumad2.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-508278625006082878</id><published>2011-11-25T07:09:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-11-25T07:09:13.796-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Santa Letters"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><title type='text'>Don&#39;t Forget: Santa Letters!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi1DNfhYFRYSdVBmgl0AIg4Ks3wJPK4A02GOmLUcc4wqke3vaXoEeWuVU6CCuQhbzd4AVYFLv3X8YbNEGnsIXZbmbdqfCU_Eb4yov_9S9VFK0_O-yWXYkw1U6f6jE-ROD-ozdd5wuhyI/s1600/letter-image.gif&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;The elves are busy coordinating delivery of Santa letters to boys and girls across the United States. Is your letter in the bunch? If you haven&#39;t yet ordered your letter(s), don&#39;t delay! Place your order by Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Remember, Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code &lt;b&gt;SANTA&lt;/b&gt; at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering  process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for  your child. Letters will be printed on Santa&#39;s special stationery,  signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf,  shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to  receive a special letter before the holidays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reserve your  letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope  you&#39;ll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place  your order now! &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter.&amp;nbsp; Please mention your chapter&#39;s name to ensure they receive credit for your purchase.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/508278625006082878/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/11/dont-forget-santa-letters.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/508278625006082878'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/508278625006082878'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/11/dont-forget-santa-letters.html' title='Don&#39;t Forget: Santa Letters!'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi1DNfhYFRYSdVBmgl0AIg4Ks3wJPK4A02GOmLUcc4wqke3vaXoEeWuVU6CCuQhbzd4AVYFLv3X8YbNEGnsIXZbmbdqfCU_Eb4yov_9S9VFK0_O-yWXYkw1U6f6jE-ROD-ozdd5wuhyI/s72-c/letter-image.gif" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-758488105195080413</id><published>2011-11-16T05:26:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2011-11-16T05:26:36.494-08:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Weigh-In Challenge"/><title type='text'>Mommies Weigh-In Challenge</title><content type='html'>Are you looking to shed a few pounds? Need some help with your fitness goals? Or just searching for the right foods to eat? &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network&lt;/a&gt; challenges you to be the best you can be in 2012!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOcupW4Az9NB20C-UUymJcd9JPlt3uW6RyKjOcUPDQafjDaw_TO-2bdg2mftCtzWabdiuj-XZ9pSeJeIMMDklTNcQTjP9hkPqi4jQCTpURbw_aWxK7HrgHAiqlZyfiLnlIVzxGAxCXBs/s1600/WeighInChallenge2.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;132&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOcupW4Az9NB20C-UUymJcd9JPlt3uW6RyKjOcUPDQafjDaw_TO-2bdg2mftCtzWabdiuj-XZ9pSeJeIMMDklTNcQTjP9hkPqi4jQCTpURbw_aWxK7HrgHAiqlZyfiLnlIVzxGAxCXBs/s200/WeighInChallenge2.jpg&quot; width=&quot;200&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;Join mommies across the country on their journey to be healthy for themselves and their families. Participants will be assigned to regional teams led by a TMN member and a wellness collaborator. Results, tips, and stories will be shared monthly to keep all participants motivated. This challenge is a six-month commitment, running January–June.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:fitness@themommiesnetwork.org&quot;&gt;fitness@themommiesnetwork.org&lt;/a&gt; for more information about this program. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 23, 2011.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/758488105195080413/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/11/mommies-weigh-in-challenge.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/758488105195080413'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/758488105195080413'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/11/mommies-weigh-in-challenge.html' title='Mommies Weigh-In Challenge'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOcupW4Az9NB20C-UUymJcd9JPlt3uW6RyKjOcUPDQafjDaw_TO-2bdg2mftCtzWabdiuj-XZ9pSeJeIMMDklTNcQTjP9hkPqi4jQCTpURbw_aWxK7HrgHAiqlZyfiLnlIVzxGAxCXBs/s72-c/WeighInChallenge2.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-7116549879088596562</id><published>2011-11-04T07:35:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-11-04T07:35:56.850-07:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Santa Letters"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><title type='text'>The Mommies Network Presents Santa Letters</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;193&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-1hPtJQMOdI5rZhn3O2IOAfb0NVsfW73JMzXfdlkYtEo5kX58DHASL_6N5kGlePA8MCINZOcLPeaIOSxV3LaqoKZ3-IhxKqzLRKmpah5BBTe5i1mTd1l3zWa6EwCnQuYowruUugFlhk/s640/Header.gif&quot; width=&quot;640&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;TMN presents Santa Letters!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Have your kids begun making their Christmas wish lists? The Mommies Network and Santa Claus have teamed up to send your little one a letter straight from the North Pole!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&quot; style=&quot;clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi1DNfhYFRYSdVBmgl0AIg4Ks3wJPK4A02GOmLUcc4wqke3vaXoEeWuVU6CCuQhbzd4AVYFLv3X8YbNEGnsIXZbmbdqfCU_Eb4yov_9S9VFK0_O-yWXYkw1U6f6jE-ROD-ozdd5wuhyI/s1600/letter-image.gif&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code SANTA at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for your child. Letters will be printed on Santa&#39;s special stationery, signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf, shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to receive a special letter before the holidays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reserve your letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope you&#39;ll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place your order now! &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Please mention our area chapter name to ensure we receive credit for your purchase. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/7116549879088596562/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/11/mommies-network-presents-santa-letters.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/7116549879088596562'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/7116549879088596562'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/11/mommies-network-presents-santa-letters.html' title='The Mommies Network Presents Santa Letters'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-1hPtJQMOdI5rZhn3O2IOAfb0NVsfW73JMzXfdlkYtEo5kX58DHASL_6N5kGlePA8MCINZOcLPeaIOSxV3LaqoKZ3-IhxKqzLRKmpah5BBTe5i1mTd1l3zWa6EwCnQuYowruUugFlhk/s72-c/Header.gif" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-6452878555000983127</id><published>2011-10-09T03:28:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-09T03:28:53.068-07:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="National Forum"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><title type='text'>National Support at Your Fingertips</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/&quot; style=&quot;clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexHC2cH5YBdVEZARld6KqB3X-eQGuxVmXMtHUeVOrcZ7YNRa1KT5iYzFAUWv12W6BGQAyQ33wCyzpnvNSubgDn6hDQaWaIZkUSR1qI6xhFeJ2vnRIIFD7AwTAvPZ_MSgZ-6r6QAjmiGo/s1600/gotkidsbutton.jpg&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;What if you had a place to go that had the same great support as your local chapter, but with more specialized forums and thousands of members across the United States?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
What if that place offered encouragement to mommies in specific situations, such as stay-at-home, work-at-home, and military mommies?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
What if that place provided interaction in groups discussing the latest &lt;i&gt;Twilight&lt;/i&gt; books, couponing tips, and other hot topics in today&#39;s culture?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
What if you could get all that for &lt;i&gt;free&lt;/i&gt;?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Well, wonder no longer, because it&#39;s here at &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network National Forum&lt;/a&gt;. With 3,000 members and growing, the National Forum offers the same great support you&#39;ve come to know from your local chapter, but with a twist. It features unique forums not available on your home site, including couponing, family vacation tips (including Disney), and alternative medicine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Looking for someone to chat with about Twilight and other vamp books? Check out our &quot;Everything Vamps&quot; subforum in Books, Movies, &amp;amp; Entertainment. Are you a stay-at-home, campus, or military mommy looking for a friend? Talk with those in your situation in one of the Our Work subforums. Do you have a child with special needs and desire interaction with other mothers who are dealing with a specific condition? We have subforums related to specific diagnoses in Our Kids With Special Needs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Members of this free site may purchase a &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/national_addons.shtml&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Premium Membership&lt;/a&gt;, which contains extra forums, such as Debate This and Classifieds, along with other perks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mommies across the country are chatting it up in these and many other groups in the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;National Forum&lt;/a&gt;. So skip the &quot;what ifs,&quot; and join us for enhanced support on a national scale!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;i&gt;If you&#39;re interested in being on the ground level of the action, consider becoming a &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/viewtopic.php?f=21&amp;amp;t=631&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Support Coordinator&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/nationalforum/viewtopic.php?f=21&amp;amp;t=624&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Posting Diva&lt;/a&gt; for the National Forum.&lt;/i&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/6452878555000983127/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/10/national-support-at-your-fingertips.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/6452878555000983127'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/6452878555000983127'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/10/national-support-at-your-fingertips.html' title='National Support at Your Fingertips'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexHC2cH5YBdVEZARld6KqB3X-eQGuxVmXMtHUeVOrcZ7YNRa1KT5iYzFAUWv12W6BGQAyQ33wCyzpnvNSubgDn6hDQaWaIZkUSR1qI6xhFeJ2vnRIIFD7AwTAvPZ_MSgZ-6r6QAjmiGo/s72-c/gotkidsbutton.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547706566735425765.post-866105015241894396</id><published>2011-10-03T18:06:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-03T18:06:13.947-07:00</updated><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Mommies Talk"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="The Mommies Network"/><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="webinar"/><title type='text'>The Mommies Network Presents ... Mommies Talk</title><content type='html'>&lt;img alt=&quot;Mommies Talk Webinar&quot; src=&quot;http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7834/mommiestalklogo.jpg&quot; style=&quot;float: left; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;&quot; width=&quot;139&quot; /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;font-color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;&quot;&gt;The Mommies Network Presents ... Mommies Talk!&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;Mommies Talk is a monthly webinar series that engages, informs, and supports our members.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;img height=&quot;118&quot; src=&quot;http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7102/positiveparenting.png&quot; width=&quot;430&quot; /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;font-color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;Get your kids to listen — the first time. No nagging or yelling required. October&#39;s webinar, presented in partnership with Positive Parenting Solutions, offers tools and strategies you can use right away. Discover how this webinar will be your answer to better behavior and parenting peace!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;There are two dates to choose from: Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. EDT and Thursday, Oct. 13, at 9 p.m. EDT. To ensure that this webinar proceeds as scheduled, we need at least 120 participants. If you are interested in attending, please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/the-mommies-network&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #716452; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to sign up as soon as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;Email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:jennifer.zaranis@themommiesnetwork.org&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #716452; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;&quot;&gt;jennifer.zaranis@themommiesnetwork.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; with any questions about the Mommies Talk webinar series.&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/feeds/866105015241894396/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/10/mommies-network-presents-mommies-talk.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/866105015241894396'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7547706566735425765/posts/default/866105015241894396'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://portlandmetromommies.blogspot.com/2011/10/mommies-network-presents-mommies-talk.html' title='The Mommies Network Presents ... Mommies Talk'/><author><name>The Mommies Network</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/06288205116523041856</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-FVdGIMFqdzNhipkxd7tB1_vLz67KyU5QqkNXBeiN0BrH3qsk7RczqJf7_N2qgYSJ7c6tBtRlHCCYnu8geQelDCDl4svZpSBEvODG-3l6VK2h0c5r_Ze0SA6R8H9Vqs/s1600/*'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>