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The Forum
Centsible Moms
Centsible Moms is a place to discuss saving money, making smart money choices, and living a centsible life. This isn't just for the frugal minded moms, maybe you want to spave (spend to save), or you want to get rid of the stuff you could care less about so you can spend more time and more money on the things you do care about. Living a centsible life is all about making smart choices, and being able to manage your money, whether you're a stay at home mom, or a CEO.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SHmm...is this 'centsible' or just plain weird? ___________ Why your grandma swipes sugar packets CNN - If you build it, they will come. And if you put it on the table, chances are someone is going to take it. This includes, but is certainly not limited to, condiment sachets, paper napkins, individual coffee creamers, cracker packets, and just about anything else “not wrapped for individual sale” that can easily be stuffed into purses and/or pockets without a single qualm. Whether it’s your best friend, grandma, crazy uncle or maybe even yourself doing the lifting, evidence of the petty pilfering can be found in drawers and car glove boxes across the nation – each with their own little cache of restaurant and sugar caddy bounty. Diane Merrits of Orlando, Florida, says she saves money this way. She hasn’t had to buy coffee creamer in years, takes extra ketchup packets at fast food restaurants and saves all the leftover condiments sachets when she orders delivery. She even washes and reuses plastic tableware because “it is good for the environment and better than wasting money.” “It’s easy for some people to say – to rationalize – taking these items is not going to have an impact. 'No one is going to feel it if I take five Sweet N’Lows,'” says Kristene Doyle, psychologist and the Associate Executive Director of the Albert Ellis Institute. For those people, it’s the restaurant's way of paying it forward. “Although there is an unwritten understanding that condiments and small spices or ingredients for making the food served at restaurants more flavorful are there for limited use, some people choose to see this as an unpaid bonus of having come to the restaurant,” agrees Patricia Farrell, clinical psychologist and author of “How to Be Your Own Therapist.” Farrell adds some of the caddy swipers might say to themselves, “It's there for me, isn't it? Why shouldn't I take it? If they only wanted me to have a little bit, why didn't they just put out a little bit?” - an example of what psychologists call attribution of responsibility.ViewJanuary.13th.2012
Motivate Me To Be Fit
For our body and soul: a place where we can motivate each other to eat healthy and exercise - be it cardio, weight lifting, pilates, HipHop Abs, or Yoga. So post your goals and actual work-out. Let's have fun! (Make sure you consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine - just be true to yourself!)
LATEST POSTED BY: gottalovemomMountains, the beach and the sky: being close to nature, where my mind can be calm. These settings give me a zen feeling. What about you?ViewOctober.6th.2011
Ask a Question
This circle is a place to ask questions and get information!
LATEST POSTED BY: robinHey moms, I am having a little problem getting the links I post here to to go live. Noticed this feature has been down a day or two in the Hood...is it just me or is anyone else noticing this? The comments feature seems really slow, too.ViewJanuary.29th.2011
Three Things I'm Grateful for Today
Studies show that focusing on what you're grateful for instead of what's going wrong makes you healthier and happier. It's simple. Every day look for things that are good in your life--then make a record of them here.
LATEST POSTED BY: Deborah1. That not just one, but TWO of my favorite people on the world were born this day. Happy Birthday Brandie and Robin!!!! xoxo 2. That the security woman who was hit by a reckless 16 year old in our HS's parking lot yesterday afternoon, just moments after I waved at her is hanging on and continues to fight for her life. Surviving the impact alone is a miracle. 3. My son's well thought out letter on the reasons why he needs a cell phone. (not saying he is getting one, but I appreciate his thinking)ViewMay.16th.2012
Eat your Veggies!
Whether you're a strict vegan, eat dairy and fish with your veggies, or are a meat lover who's shifting her diet toward more veggies, join us here to talk about all things to do with a vegetarian diet. Post favorite recipes, too!
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SMaking the most of extra summer produce USAToday.com - On a Tuesday, well before the weekend rush, Chris Scott pulled up in front of L'étoile restaurant in Charlottesville, Va., to deliver five "Charleston Gray" and "Sangria" varieties of watermelon to chef/owner Mark Gresge. "Every watermelon required its own personal escort into the restaurant, because they were so large," says Scott, whose 8-year-old son, Nathan, tended the melons all summer in the family garden. "After five trips, I rested in my car briefly before driving away." L'étoile has started accepting produce from area gardeners in exchange for a free meal for two. "We wanted to include our guests in a direct way," says Gresge, who transformed the Scott family melons into an elegant "pavé" with cobia fish and pistachios. "We wanted to bring awareness that you do not have to be a farmer to grow great produce." Of course, not every restaurant is open to such barter. But there are many other creative ways to make use of the great abundance of fresh produce this time of year — be it from a home garden or a farmers market. 1. Donate it to a food pantry. For the 50 million Americans who can't afford food right now, fresh produce is a rarity. "We all have the responsibility to not waste food, even from the garden," says Lisa Braddock, who is founder of the Sunshine Harvest Sharing Project, which aims to link up gardeners in Illinois and Utah with food banks that could use the surplus. Nationally, the site AmpleHarvest.org can connect you with food pantries in your area, even telling you on which days each will receive deliveries. What are the other options? Find out here: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/cooking-recipes/story/2011-08-30/Making-the-most-of-extra-summer-produce/50195688/1?loc=interstitialskipViewAugust.31st.2011Yoga Mommies
For anyone that's new to this practice or skilled yogis. I myself am a novice but would like to chat with anyone who has suggestions or advice
LATEST POSTED BY: RandaHi, I am new here. I love to do yoga, my only trouble is my 3yo thinks it's fun to tackle mommy! I was wondering if anybody knows of any good kids yoga that me and him could do together?ViewMarch.9th.2011
needs and wants
Getting a handle on distinguishing the difference between the "I needs" and the "I wants" can be a powerful tool in our lives. Whether you are looking for greater meaning or financial freedom, clarity or gratefulness join here to list your needs and wants. Put it out there, see what happens.
LATEST POSTED BY: rjlightIt is hard to distinguish the wants from the needs. I know we didn't need a wii but, I also knew it would be great family time--and it is. We also got the ea active and my husband and i have been exercising together regularly. So I think the want was actually a need in disguise because we needed family time and my h and I needed to exercise together. What do you think? I have a really hard time spending that much money on one item so I guess I want some of my guilt lifted! It really was our Christmas gift for the family. The only other items were some stocking stuffers...yet I can think of the many other things we really could use or need!ViewJanuary.2nd.2010
Fresno Mommies
For mothers of Fresno County California!
LATEST POSTED BY: JennAnother great show is on it's way to Fresno (hey, that rhymes!). My son is crazy about the Fresh Beats. When I told him that we could go see them, he just about flipped. He can’t wait to see them in the live show. The Fresh Beat Band is coming to the Majestic Warnors Theatre in Fresno February 16. Doors open at 5:00PM and the show starts at 6:00PM. There’s a great discount available too. Here is the info: The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon's popular preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, will hit the road in February 2012 for the first time ever on a 15-week, 50-city nationwide concert tour. Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Shout (Thomas Hobson), Marina (Tara Perry), and Twist (Jon Beavers) will perform The Fresh Beat Band hits from seasons one, two and three of the live-action music series that teaches preschoolers about music appreciation and how to express their feelings through movement, song and instrumental music. Tickets for The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert tour are on sale now! If you click here to purchase tickets, http://tickets.warnors.org/ordertickets.asp?p=28&backurl=default.asp, click on 1 of the 3 levels it applies to ($10, $20 or $30) and click “apply discount” when in the shopping cart. Type in DANCE6 (MUST BE IN ALL CAPS) then “unlock” and save $2.00 per ticket!!! This is a great savings when you take the whole family. It’s limited to the first 100 tickets per price range while tickets last. Share this discount with your friends and enjoy!! Your whole family will love it. I work for Miles Of Marketing and this information was provided to me by them (www.milesofmarketing.com). We are a group of moms passing along great information like this to other moms!!!ViewJanuary.31st.2012
The Motherhood Book Club
A book club group for the members of the Motherhood. Each month we will pick a new book to read and discuss! (For more book talk, visit the A Good Read circle!)
LATEST POSTED BY: gottalovemomAre you an e-book or paper book reader?ViewDecember.18th.2011Living on a Budget
Budget. The dreaded B word! But it doesn't have to be scary any more! Come get encouragement on how to stay on budget, navigate family finances and give tips and advice you have learned!
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SWorth it or not: A shopping Guide SmartMoney.com - We've all been there, standing in the aisle of a store, spending way too much time weighing the small differences between two similar products. Will the more expensive umbrella really perform better? When it comes to a laptop bag, is $120 too much, too little, or just right? Here's some help. Each month, SmartMoney Magazine looks at sets of two similar consumer products, and assesses the better buy. This year, we looked at a wide variety of goods, including blenders, deep fryers and Digital SLR cameras. To aid in your holiday shopping, here are seven suggestions: http://www.smartmoney.com/spend/family-money/worth-it-or-not-a-shopping-guide/ViewDecember.16th.2011Mommybloggers
For Moms who blog ... whether you call yourself a mom blogger, mommyblogger, mother who blogs -- you are welcome here. Share your URL with us and say a little about yourself!
LATEST POSTED BY: MomwichHi, I'm Momwich - I've been a mommy blogger since my gorgeous daughters were 6 and 2... fast forward a few years and several thousand dollars in girl scout fees, cheer uniforms and orthodontics and they're now 16 and 12 - and I'm still blogging about my parenting fails :) http://www.momwich.netViewMay.2nd.2012
Dinner Time Again? Help! In need of inspiration!
Easy recipes, inspiration, ideas. Help each other find new ways to fix fast, healthy, tasty dinners by sharing our standbys -- the top-of-the-head recipes or family favorites we pull out of the hat on those days when we face the, "yikes, it's dinnertime already and I haven't done anything about feeding everyone" moment. Or the recipes you come across that inspire you to mix things up a bit.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla S5 real, fast, delicious meals from around the U.S. Eatocracy - Rachael Ray, Robin Miller and Martha Stewart all whip up some quick-and-easy meals on TV, but for those of us who aren’t gifted in the culinary sense, they might not be that simple. Well folks, CNN iReport has answered your cooking prayers. We’ve collected real recipes from real people as part of the cultural census for CNN's Defining America. For each night of the busy workweek, we’ve selected five fast, delicious meals that won’t eat up too much time or leave you scratching your head. Arturo Navarro of Chula Vista, California, can make a meal of scrumptious salmon, brown rice, and spinach salad in 15 minutes flat. The salmon cooks in virgin olive oil for three minutes on each side. In the meantime, he washes and prepares the spinach, tomato, bell pepper, and avocado salad – a favorite he makes a few times a week. “I’ve changed my diet since last May, so I’ve been eating salmon; better nutrition than what I ate before,” he said. He now prepares fresh meals each day. Michelle Chu’s typical weekday dinners usually consist of a protein, veggies and of course, dessert! She and her boyfriend, who live in Richmond, Virginia, recently visited Omaha Steaks for the first time and were sold on the tender meat. “It’s something we eat frequently because it’s filling, easy to prepare and tastes great.” Chu’s meal of steak, asparagus and whipped sweet potatoes took about 30 minutes from start to finish. And, she ended the meal on a sweet note – angel food cake drizzled with raspberries and Biscoff spread. Are we in heaven yet? Keep reading: http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/07/06/ireport-5-real-fast-delicious-meals-from-around-the-u-s/?hpt=hp_bn8ViewJuly.6th.2011The Pantry Challenge
Do you know what's in the back of your freezer or pantry? Do you often buy stuff because you can't remember if you have it (or can't find it) at home? Join us as we challenge ourselves to use up the good food we have (and save a few dollars!)
LATEST POSTED BY: BeckiWe've been trying hard not to waste food here. I'm so proud of managing to a) finish off a bunch of leftovers and b) satisfy various picky appetites without having to cook three different meals that I had to post. Last night we had marinated flank steak. There was some of that left over, but not enough to make an entree. There was also some baby carrots, spinach and mixed greens left from last week's salad ingredients, along with bleu cheese bought for our Valentine's dinner. Last but not least, there was half a bag of corkscrew pasta--again, not enough for an entree for the whole family. Here's how the meal shook out: South Beach Dieting Mama: Mixed greens salad with sliced flank steak, bleu cheese and balsamic vinaigrette Picky Vegetarian-wannabe Girl: Pasta and baby carrots (with some cheese for protein) Eat-anything-except-most-vegetables growing boy: Sliced flank steak, pasta, and baby carrots Hard-working Dad: Pasta tossed with sauteed spinach, sliced flank steak, and bleu cheese. Nobody's dinner is actually all that interesting except for my husband's, but I was still pleased that everyone got a dinner they liked, the fridge got cleaned out, and I didn't have to do any extra work.ViewFebruary.15th.2010
Giving Back
We like to live by the saying, "Leave everything a little better than you found it." How do you make the world a little bit better? Share here what you know about making a difference and making the world a better place.
LATEST POSTED BY: UncoolMomdotcomMy daughters and I joined a national mother-daughter organization a few years ago called National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). They have a chapter in our community. At first I was hesitant, because the dues were a bit high and it has a bit of a "junior league" feel, but it has been worth every penny. To be a member, you and your daughter(s), from the time they're in 7th grade until 12th, put in a required number of hours each year volunteering in the community. NCL sets up ties with a variety of organizations and you and your daughters "go and do". The teen years have been turbulent in our household and some of the only really good "mom and daughter times" for us have been when we're working side by side, volunteering. It's win-win-- we help make the world a better place and bond with each other. We've helped out at such organizations as Special Olympics, the animal shelter, a food bank, and a center for abused children. One of my daughters always says, "Well, we could always volunteer at those places without being a member of NCL" but having to "report hours" to the organization keeps us doing it-- I know we'd probably let life make us too busy otherwise!ViewFebruary.15th.2012
Giving Back
We like to live by the saying, "Leave everything a little better than you found it." How do you make the world a little bit better? Share here what you know about making a difference and making the world a better place.
LATEST POSTED BY: UncoolMomdotcomMy daughters and I joined a national mother-daughter organization a few years ago called National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). They have a chapter in our community. At first I was hesitant, because the dues were a bit high and it has a bit of a "junior league" feel, but it has been worth every penny. To be a member, you and your daughter(s), from the time they're in 7th grade until 12th, put in a required number of hours each year volunteering in the community. NCL sets up ties with a variety of organizations and you and your daughters "go and do". The teen years have been turbulent in our household and some of the only really good "mom and daughter times" for us have been when we're working side by side, volunteering. It's win-win-- we help make the world a better place and bond with each other. We've helped out at such organizations as Special Olympics, the animal shelter, a food bank, and a center for abused children. One of my daughters always says, "Well, we could always volunteer at those places without being a member of NCL" but having to "report hours" to the organization keeps us doing it-- I know we'd probably let life make us too busy otherwise!ViewFebruary.15th.2012Giving Back
We like to live by the saying, "Leave everything a little better than you found it." How do you make the world a little bit better? Share here what you know about making a difference and making the world a better place.
LATEST POSTED BY: UncoolMomdotcomMy daughters and I joined a national mother-daughter organization a few years ago called National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). They have a chapter in our community. At first I was hesitant, because the dues were a bit high and it has a bit of a "junior league" feel, but it has been worth every penny. To be a member, you and your daughter(s), from the time they're in 7th grade until 12th, put in a required number of hours each year volunteering in the community. NCL sets up ties with a variety of organizations and you and your daughters "go and do". The teen years have been turbulent in our household and some of the only really good "mom and daughter times" for us have been when we're working side by side, volunteering. It's win-win-- we help make the world a better place and bond with each other. We've helped out at such organizations as Special Olympics, the animal shelter, a food bank, and a center for abused children. One of my daughters always says, "Well, we could always volunteer at those places without being a member of NCL" but having to "report hours" to the organization keeps us doing it-- I know we'd probably let life make us too busy otherwise!ViewFebruary.15th.2012A Good Read
We've all heard the saying that readers and leaders! And I agree whole heartedly and I think that books rock! So let's talk about books - the good ones, the bad ones, the ones that inspire us, ones that make us laugh or cry, the ones to read when we need to escape from real life! Please note, all off topic posts will be deleted!
LATEST POSTED BY: BrandieI'm half-way through The Kitchen House .... so far so good, but I have a feeling the book will be a sad tale in the end. What are you reading?ViewMarch.5th.2012
Raising our Kids & a Garden Too
Welcome to The Motherhood Community Garden! Every year I learn a little more about gardening. Would love to connect with other moms who also like to dig in the dirt and make things grow.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SFirst Lady writes book on edible gardening Washington (CNN) – First lady, wife, mother, careerist, fashionista - Michelle Obama can now add "author" to her list of credentials. Obama has written a book that highlights one of her most visible initiatives as first lady: promoting better nutrition and edible gardening as a means for Americans to get and stay healthy. "American Grown: How the White House Kitchen Garden Inspires Families, Schools, and Communities" aims to explore "how increased access to healthy, affordable food can promote better eating habits and improve the health of families and communities across America," according to a press release issued Monday by the Crown Publishing Group. "Mrs. Obama will describe how her daughters Sasha and Malia were catalysts for change in her own family's eating behavior, which inspired Mrs. Obama to plant an edible garden on the South Lawn - the first since Eleanor Roosevelt's "Victory Garden," planted during World War II." The first lady did not accept an advance for the book and will donate all proceeds to a charity to be revealed later, the statement says. Random House Inc., Crown Publishing Group's parent, will also make a donation to a charity. The book will be on sale nationwide starting April 10. Original article: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/24/flotus-writes-book-on-edible-gardening/ViewOctober.26th.2011Mom Entrepreneurs
A place for moms who own a small business can come and share what they do and share tips and tricks of their trade.
LATEST POSTED BY: saraI'm Sara, and I just wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself to you, and let you know a little about what I do. I'm a Disney vacation planning specialist. My services are completely free because Disney recognizes the value of experts helping families plan their vacations. Here are just a few of the things that I can do: **assisting in making reservations and monitoring for new discounts **least crowded parks recommendations ** a custom itinerary showing park hours, parade times, crowd levels, and dining arrangements **tips on best viewing spots for parades and fireworks ** photo pass tips **attraction tips **fast pass tips **a list of free things to do at Walt Disney World ** unlimited access to me via phone or text to answer any questions that may come up during your vacation! You can reach me by email at sara@magicalmemoriestravel.com or by phone at 815-214-9832. You can also check out the blog for fun tips or to request a quote at www.disneyinstyle.blogspot.comViewMarch.21st.2012
Green Families
Green families are families who are trying to reduce their use of the Earth's resources. Whether you are light green or super green, this is the place to discuss what green living means to you and our planet! And to also share tips and ideas so that we can all be a little more green!
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SMIT project tries to turn trash into a game CNN - Here's the problem with recycling: It's boring. But maybe it doesn't have to be. A Boston company called Greenbean Recycle is trying to make the act of keeping bottles and cans out of the landfill into a fun, competitive and engaging game for students at MIT. The new company, which won an innovation prize this week from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, has converted a beefy recycling machine on MIT's campus into a point tabulator of sorts. When students approach the high-tech trash can to dump in their recyclables, they punch their phone number on a touch screen. A bar-code reader in the machine counts the number of cans, bottles and the like that the person has dropped off - and then uploads that data to Greenbean's website. Recyclers can track their progress online, and even engage in competitions with fellow students. "We want to be like the Zynga of recycling," said CEO Shanker Sahai, 38, referring the maker of such social games as "FarmVille." Competitions between fraternities at MIT have been particularly fruitful, he said, with the houses trying to compete against each other to get the top spot on an online recycling leaderboard. Continue: http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/09/mit-project-tries-to-turn-trash-into-a-game/?hpt=hp_bn6ViewNovember.14th.2011
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