LakeNormanMommies

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

2014-10-16T04:44:00.001-04:00

Share your story Here and download your coupon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share this with your fellow bloggers and friends!

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

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

Crafty Kids: DIY Shaving Cream Paint Creations

Rheney Williams-Guest Blogger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com Widgets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here to order your sponsorship today.

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

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

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

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

Yeah- it's really that easy!!!

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

Are you part of the 99%?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give today so you can receive tomorrow.

Get Support. Give Support. The Mommies Network.

I Don't Like Mothers Day

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

Let me tell you why.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to Share this image on your Facebook Wall

Tales from our Supermoms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Click here to donate now!

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

Lessons from a Stressed-Out Mommy!

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

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

I can't do it all....

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

...But I have to do it all.

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

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

What lessons have I learned? Three simple things:

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

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

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

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

We Get It

We've Been There

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

We are YOUR Community

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

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

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

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

The Mommies Network

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

HOW EASY IS THAT!!!!

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

Check out our latest deals from our TMN Affiliates!

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

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

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

Hello fellow Mommies,

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

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

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

· Who is driving to the scout meeting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best,

Nikki Sacks

Co-Founder of Podanize

nikki@podanize.com

Sponsor Spotlight: Turning Pointe Music & Dance Center

2013-08-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Red Flags When Looking For A Dance Studio

Red Flag #1: The studio does not consider dance education its primary goal. Beware of studios that do not offer quality dance education. You are paying a lot of money for your child to learn an art that is developed over many years. Your teachers should be knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, dance terminology & age appropriateness in the development of technique.

Red Flag #2: The studio teaches “drilling” or “tricks” over proper technique. A studio with a good dance program spends the majority of the time developing proper technique & biomechanics for movement. In general, a well-balanced class should never spend ½ or more of the class on choreography. Also, a class that “drills” the same movements every single class is not concerned with developing technique.

Red Flag #3: The studio allows girls on pointe with less than 3 hours of ballet per week and without a pointe readiness assessment. Pointe is for an advanced ballet student. Students taking less than 3 hours of ballet are not ready for the physical demands that a study in pointe requires. In addition, any studio that allows a child on pointe without assessing whether they are physically ready…puts a child in danger of injury.

Reg Flag #4: The teacher’s class looks out of control and disorganized. There are many reasons this can occur but in general if a class looks disorganized your child is not getting the proper attention that they deserve.

Red Flag #5: The studio environment and teaching style emphasizes “yelling” over correcting. This is probably the biggest red flag to me. There is nothing more demoralizing than a teacher yelling at kids. This sort of behavior not only reflects poorly upon the studio but in the long term will destroy a child’s sense of worth. There are very few students who go on to dance professionally but all students should develop a love of dance.

This article was written by Jennifer Phelps. Ms. Phelps has over 20 years teaching and performance experience and is the Owner/Artistic Director of the Turning Pointe Music & Dance Center located at 19615 Liverpool Parkway in Cornelius. If you are interested in dance or music classes for your child please attend our Open House on August 24^th from 11:00-2:00. We will be having free classes from 11-12; Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Open House from 12-2 visit or visit our website at www.dancelkn.com .

Sponsors Spot : Animal Grossology at Discovery Place

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

Animal Grossology: Turning "EWWW" into "WOW"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Grossology is FREE with Museum admission.

Sponsors Spot : Turning Pointe Music & Dance Center

2013-08-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Red Flags When Looking For A Dance Studio

When I was young I remember my mother taking me to my very first ballet class. It was magical! I loved everything about it…the pink tights, the hair in a pretty bun, the warm smiles that I got from the dance teacher ….even when I was going the wrong direction! It was that wonderful experience that set me on a path to becoming a performing artist, teacher & now owner of the Turning Pointe Music & Dance Center in Cornelius. During my years teaching, I have noticed that there are some definite red flags that you should consider when picking out a dance studio for your child.

Red Flag #1: The studio does not consider dance education its primary goal. Beware of studios that do not offer quality dance education. You are paying a lot of money for your child to learn an art that is developed over many years. Your teachers should be knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, dance terminology & age appropriateness in the development of technique.

Red Flag #2: The studio teaches "drilling" or "tricks" over proper technique. A studio with a good dance program spends the majority of the time developing proper technique & biomechanics for movement. In general, a well-balanced class should never spend ½ or more of the class on choreography. Also, a class that "drills" the same movements every single class is not concerned with developing technique.

Red Flag #3: The studio allows girls on pointe with less than 3 hours of ballet per week and without a pointe readiness assessment. Pointe is for an advanced ballet student. Students taking less than 3 hours of ballet are not ready for the physical demands that a study in pointe requires. In addition, any studio that allows a child on pointe without assessing whether they are physically ready…puts a child in danger of injury.

Red Flag #4: The teacher's class looks out of control and disorganized. There are many reasons this can occur but in general if a class looks disorganized your child is not getting the proper attention that they deserve.

Red Flag #5: The studio environment and teaching style emphasizes "yelling" over correcting. This is probably the biggest red flag to me. There is nothing more demoralizing than a teacher yelling at kids. This sort of behavior not only reflects poorly upon the studio but in the long term will destroy a child's sense of worth. There are very few students who go on to dance professionally but all students should develop a love of dance.

This article was written by Jennifer Phelps. Ms. Phelps has over 20 years teaching and performance experience and is the Owner/Artistic Director of the Turning Pointe Music & Dance Center located at 19615 Liverpool Parkway in Cornelius. If you are interested in dance or music classes for your child please attend our Grand Opening on August 10th (10:00-2:00) or visit our website at www.dancelkn.com.

Wordless Wednesday

2013-07-31T07:44:00.000-04:00

Submitted by jks

Menu Monday - Sweet 'n Sour Coleslaw

2013-07-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sweet 'n Sour Coleslaw

Ingredients:
3 lbs of cabbage (purple + Green or either or)
1 cup of minced onion
1 cup of minced red + green pepper
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of vegetable oil
1 cup of vinegar
1 tablespoon of salt
2 tablespoons of celery seed

Cooking Instructions:
Mix together shredded cabbage, minced onion, peppers and 2 cups of sugar.
Let sit for 15 minutes.

Bring to boil in pot, veggie oil, vinegar, salt, celery seed. After it starts to boil, take off stove and pour over cabbage mixture.

Additional Comments:
Best to make this a day or two in advance, so juices have time to penetrate.

Submitted to The Mommies Network recipe database by a member.

Wordless Wednesday

2013-07-24T08:16:00.000-04:00

submitted by brttnywrdrp

Menu Monday - Tahitian Prawns

2013-07-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Tahitian Prawns

Ingredients:
2 lbs Prawns
2 Chopped Onions
2 Crushed Garlic Cloves
8 ozs White Wine
1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Parsley
Salt and Red Pepper to Taste

Cooking Instructions:
Wash the prawns thouroughly, breaking off the feelers or legs which are too long. Fry the chopped onion in a heavy frying pan until golden. Add the prawns and continue cooking until they turn red in colour. Season and add a glass of water or dry white wine to the pan, then the crushed cloves of garlic and a light sprinkling of paprika. Cover the pan and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Check the seasoning, sprinkle over the fresh parsley and serve hot.

Submitted to The Mommies Network recipe database by a member.

Wordless Wednesday

2013-07-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

submitted by jks

Menu Monday - Eggs Havana Style

2013-07-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

Eggs Havana Style

Ingredients:
SAUCE:
1/4 cup pure Spanish olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup tomatoes, canned, drained and chopped OR prepared tomato sauce
1/2 cup pimiento, drained and finely chopped
2 tablespoons dry sherry
salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper to taste

EGGS:
8 large eggs
4 tablespoons salted butter
salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions:
In a medium-size skillet over low heat, heat the oil until it is fragrant, then cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, stirring, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, pimientos, and sherry, cook until thickened, 15 minutes, and season with salt and pepper. Lightly oil 4 ramekins or au gratin dishes and divide the sauce among them. For each dish, break two eggs into a saucer, slide them on top of the tomato mixture, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parsley, and serve immediately from the baking dishes.

Submitted to The Mommies Network recipe database by a member.

This Week with the Mommies

2013-07-14T11:39:00.000-04:00

Looking for something fun to do this week? We've got you covered! From story time to play dates to MNO, check the calendar for more information, or click on any of the events below to find the information on the LakeNormanMommies calendar.

Tuesday, July 16

Park Play: Join our K-16 group for some fun and fresh air at the park!

Lazy 5 Ranch: Our Southern Iredell group will be meeting at this local favorite to check out the animals!

Wednesday, July 17

Game Night: Join us for this fun sitewide Mom's Night Out!!

Thursday, July 18

Breakfast Time: Our Huntersville area group will be hosting a coffee and bagel meet up!

Mom's Night Out: Join our Denver moms at a favorite Mexican restaurant!

Friday, July 19

Splash Time: Our K16 group is hosting a backyard sprinkler play date!

Story Time: Join our Cornelius/Davidson moms and kiddos for story time at the local library!

Wordless Wednesday

2013-07-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

submitted by brttnywrdrp

Menu Monday - Californian Artichoke Chicken Saute

2013-07-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

Californian Artichoke Chicken Saute

Ingredients:
16 California baby artichokes
¼ cup olive oil
4 half chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut into chunks
2 red or yellow onions, sliced thick
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon each chopped fresh basil and rosemary or 1 teaspoon each dried basil and rosemary, crushed
½ cup chicken broth
1 pound fettuccine, cooked and drained

Cooking Instructions:
Deleaf, remove chokes from artichokes cut into halves. Brown chicken in large skillet with 2 tablespoons oil; remove from pan and set aside. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil and sauté onions until tender. Add artichokes to skillet with garlic, basil and rosemary. Cook until artichokes are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in browned chicken and drizzle with chicken broth; heat through. Salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve over hot fettuccine.

Submitted to The Mommies Network recipe database by a member.

This week with the Mommies

2013-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Our calendar boasts many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this week! Please click a date below for more information or to RSVP.

Monday, July 8

McDonald's Meetup - Looking for an indoor activity to beat the summer heat? Join our K17 group for some breakfast and playtime in the McDonald's play place!

Tuesday, July 9

Splash Time - Grab your swim suits and towels and cool off with us for FREE at the Birkdale fountains! The area offers seating, a fenced area around the fountains and shade!

Wednesday, July 10

Park Play - Our Southern Iredell and K18 groups are teaming up to host an afternoon playdate at Bellingham Park in Mooresville!

Thursday, July 11

Park Play - Join our Huntersville Mommies for a playdate at popular North Mecklenburg Park.

Fitness Friday: The End. Or Is It?

2013-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

The End. Or Is It?

Coming to the end of a long challenge is a breath of fresh air. Whether or not you had the success you were hoping for, there are things you can learn from the experience that will help with future fitness goals. So, before you walk away from the challenge and forget, look at what worked to motivate you to better fitness and what didn't, and identify what you might want to do differently when faced with similar challenges.

Fitness challenges are stressful. How did you handle the stress? Did the weigh-in deadlines motivate you towards better fitness? Did you find your behaviors unchanged, or did you find yourself rebelling and doing worse than usual? If you found yourself motivated, then you might look to do more challenges or train for fitness events in the near future. If you weren't motivated or even found yourself rebelling, then you might be more of a fitness rebel. You're only going to change when you're ready, regardless of the challenges before you. If you think you are a fitness rebel, be sure you're ready before signing up for your next event. Be sure it's something that you want to do and are truly interested in, not just something that you think you should do.

Did the social support of other participants encourage you, or did you find yourself discouraged if others were seeing faster results? Many people thrive in competitive situations, but others would rather just focus on self-improvement. If self-improvement is your goal, try not to get distracted by other peoples' results and focus on giving and receiving support. You may find that approaching your social network differently would be most helpful to you. Try getting involved with the sole purpose of bringing encouragement to those that need it. When you realize you have the power to help others, you'll find yourself less discouraged in working towards your own goals.

Now that the challenge has ended, do you feel like you're ready to take more risks by trying different exercise or nutrition programs? Go ahead. It's not too late! It's hard to change course in the middle of a race, but now, you have the freedom to make routine changes without worrying about how they would affect the challenge. So, is this the end? I don't think so. It's time to relax a little, set new fitness goals, and consider this a new beginning.

Cindy Holleman (mommycindy) is an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer and the owner of Perfect Fit Personal Training in Huntersville, NC.
Perfect Fit on Facebook | Email Cindy

Click here for more information about the Spring Into Shape program that just wrapped up.