tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86991557496259577452024-03-05T05:25:28.022-05:00Mom in the Triangle (formerly MiCH)<center><i>A guide for parents in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas.<br>
Stop here to plan your next kid-friendly activity out in the Triangle.</i></center>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.comBlogger730125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-44547221762894699412013-02-06T17:14:00.002-05:002017-03-04T20:48:15.830-05:00We've moved!Hello! In case you didn't know, we've spread out the Welcome mat on our new Internet home. Please head to<br />
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<a href="http://mominthetriangle.com/">mominthetriangle.com</a></div>
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to follow the same great content, new fancy look.<br />
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We'll see you all over there!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">We're working on a Blogger redirect that should be up soon.</span></em></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-36685045157105930772013-01-25T09:21:00.001-05:002013-01-25T09:21:10.426-05:00Stay & Play Snack Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am sure that, by now, the majority of you have heard of the newest business for families to open in Durham. It was highly anticipated (because the idea is brilliant) and opened this Saturday with much fanfare. Good news - the place meets all expectations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3otzkvIZxtZHP87VwtKqsXDjYwg5Le0aktmYYLUSklEEHHXIT-Ofd0myuhGIXCA988eNJmwu46wugDkl2wRsg5EP18cqu2uXOnf5CeQ2c0c78ilBHPp3Y690lboKyyE83w891WgupGgf/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3otzkvIZxtZHP87VwtKqsXDjYwg5Le0aktmYYLUSklEEHHXIT-Ofd0myuhGIXCA988eNJmwu46wugDkl2wRsg5EP18cqu2uXOnf5CeQ2c0c78ilBHPp3Y690lboKyyE83w891WgupGgf/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3GzD_q5xDfs6MIJy1cr6WAUt5NyWZ7eGmJiYmjEpTtw8d97z2ktUlUWThmdYyTr0ZSKFIgSnaRdB5KId9KglB_vpnBrkC97ONu19Zv7gmgQSNR07YFOqnEJB8_lumS60L_qaBG-tBgAt/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3GzD_q5xDfs6MIJy1cr6WAUt5NyWZ7eGmJiYmjEpTtw8d97z2ktUlUWThmdYyTr0ZSKFIgSnaRdB5KId9KglB_vpnBrkC97ONu19Zv7gmgQSNR07YFOqnEJB8_lumS60L_qaBG-tBgAt/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a>Stay & Play Snack Cafe is a coffee house in downtown Durham that is for families to come play. <br /><br />One big, long room is filled with toys, padded floors, and creativity so that parents can sit, have a cup of coffee or latte and a muffin from Ninth Street bakery, kids can get some popcorn from <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/11/mad-popper.html" target="_blank">Mad Popper</a> when they get hungry (or other snacks), and kids can play. FINALLY - we now have a place where we can have coffee with a friend and avoid hipsters on their computers throwing us judgemental looks because our children are running around making loud noises (or is that just me?).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iQ3YKkyp_3SPY6Hh28voxqtcDnqBpQzCCQEPbi3w8TBpmfj9NLWcz14HQUidcidN50WnWa4X7-cg4YYGqjdhoag5oJSmuSx_k-GEqB5H-ddyq5eyHe5_M-i5UkEbYPILSn_n2kW-Znns/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iQ3YKkyp_3SPY6Hh28voxqtcDnqBpQzCCQEPbi3w8TBpmfj9NLWcz14HQUidcidN50WnWa4X7-cg4YYGqjdhoag5oJSmuSx_k-GEqB5H-ddyq5eyHe5_M-i5UkEbYPILSn_n2kW-Znns/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iQ3YKkyp_3SPY6Hh28voxqtcDnqBpQzCCQEPbi3w8TBpmfj9NLWcz14HQUidcidN50WnWa4X7-cg4YYGqjdhoag5oJSmuSx_k-GEqB5H-ddyq5eyHe5_M-i5UkEbYPILSn_n2kW-Znns/s200/IMG_0329.JPG" width="200" /></a>Stay & Play has an area for art with supplies provided by <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/04/bull-city-craft.html" target="_blank">Bull City Craft</a>, a train table, a play kitchen and dolls, a padded area with a climber and large blocks, books, a bunch of small tactile toys stored and labelled to bring out and play with, and an area for infants in the back. Much of the toys gear towards kids under 6 or so but kids of any age are welcome - just have the older kids bring Angry Birds on their iPads or whatever it is they do nowadays (Lord, I hope you all help me when I have older kids).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6ZmuYihs1nUdvt7vvWJ3OPwNovv_xjn0FMYzqXM0FHJXBbJDn_Qgb7X4paH-HMADHKgTAdS1E38RkYochqCY66BZTjb5Z_YmlHTIVccLbp5eccOXYxdttTgAU0b1iM6c9WP4ndsO_VQs/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6ZmuYihs1nUdvt7vvWJ3OPwNovv_xjn0FMYzqXM0FHJXBbJDn_Qgb7X4paH-HMADHKgTAdS1E38RkYochqCY66BZTjb5Z_YmlHTIVccLbp5eccOXYxdttTgAU0b1iM6c9WP4ndsO_VQs/s200/IMG_0360.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Surrounding all this kid-joy are chairs and tables and sofas for parents and caretakers to sit on (although let's be honest, we still don't get to sit much).<br />
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There are all kinds of events going on, too. There are art times (for a small additional fee for supplies), storytimes (no extra charge), and Stay & Play has invited some of our favorites - <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2009/11/aquamoms-working-out-with-baby.html" target="_blank">Healthy Moms</a> and <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-sweet-arts.html" target="_blank">My SweetArts</a> - to come in and offer classes (these classes cost additional money).<br />
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I love that Emily, the owner of Stay & Play, has thought of everything. In the bathroom, for example, in addition to a changing table there is step stool for the sink, a step stool for the toilet, a toddler potty seat, free breastpads, and more. All over the cafe there are antibacterial wipes hanging in beautiful canisters.<br />
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Prices are reasonable across the board. Snacks for kids come in cute little muffin cups and are $1 per cup. You do have to pay to play and stay here (unless you are taking one of the fee-based classes). Adults are free (I think because we end up drinking a lot of coffee so we more than make up for it) and the first child is $4.50, each additional child is $3.00. I thought this was worth it. You can buy membership at a variety of levels, too, which would be worth doing if you know you will frequent this spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqXhej8hr9b450AAV8lxSWGhpingfpKgElj3IcpwkevrPLZG5iB0Ef6436joo8KKrQosKULqL6O856xcX_T0nD5_ZsoDMveUR21LRrNyOp6oDR4UnqSvY-keFdBZ9Mo-oKU2FV9KqogF4/s1600/rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqXhej8hr9b450AAV8lxSWGhpingfpKgElj3IcpwkevrPLZG5iB0Ef6436joo8KKrQosKULqL6O856xcX_T0nD5_ZsoDMveUR21LRrNyOp6oDR4UnqSvY-keFdBZ9Mo-oKU2FV9KqogF4/s320/rules.jpg" width="320" /></a>You must wear socks to play and everyone has to leave their shoes off at the door (yes, even adults so make sure you wear your socks without holes in the toes). Also, you can't take strollers back in to the cafe (you won't need them) so unless you are doing some heavy duty walking to get there you can leave the stroller in the car. Our group ended up heading over to <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/04/bull-city-burger-brewery.html" target="_blank">Bull City Brewery</a> for some burgers afterwards but this isn't too far from some of our other Durham favorites either.</div>
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There is street parking available if you want to search but you can also park across the street in the garage ($1/hr weekdays, free on weekends).<br />
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Truly, my only complaint about this new business model that has come to the Triangle is that no one has opened one in Chapel Hill. I feel like Stay & Play Snack Cafe meets a need that has existed for a long time in a elegant and desireable way.<br />
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<strong><em>Stay & Play Snack Cafe</em></strong><br />
<a href="http://stayandplaysnackcafe.com/"><em>http://stayandplaysnackcafe.com/</em></a><br />
<em>405A East Chapel Hill St</em><br />
<em>Durham</em><br />
<em>919-275-2978</em><br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-24750141011093416452013-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-24T08:00:14.243-05:00Arts & Crafts Thursday: Paper Plate Dinosaurs<i>From Sarah C.:</i><br />
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Next Wednesday is "<a href="http://drawadinosaurday.com/" target="_blank">Draw a Dinosaur Day</a>." Seriously. Having a certain 3.5 year old in my home who loves dinosaurs, I couldn't think of a better 'holiday' to get crafty for. Surely there are at least a few dino loving kids in the MiCH crowd?<br />
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While <b>D </b>did draw a dinosaur to share as part of the 'holiday,' I didn't think a tutorial was necessary for drawing a dinosaur. Instead, I thought I'd share how we crafted one from a paper plate. <br />
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<u>Supplies:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>paper plate</li>
<li>markers, crayons or paint to color the plate</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>brads (glue or tape could also be used) </li>
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To start, hand your child a paper plate to color. We used markers, but crayons or paint would also work.<br />
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Cut the plate into 3 pieces as shown below by cutting it in half and then cutting one of the pieces in half. <br />
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From the one of the quarter pieces, help your child cut a tail. Start at the smooth portion and cut a curve back toward the outer edge of the plate on the opposite side of the piece to create the tail. Don't toss the extra piece. Set it aside. Then take the other quarter piece and cut a neck/head shape. Again, save the remaining portion. Attach the tail and neck/head using brads <span style="font-size: 85%;">(glue or tape could also be used)</span>.<br />
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Take the "extra" pieces left from cutting the tail and neck/head and cut 4 legs. Attach these to the body as well.<br />
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That's it - you've made a dinosaur! <span style="font-size: 85%;">(How my son got his to stand on it's own is beyond me! Preschooler magic?)</span><br />
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Share your dinosaur or any project inspired by our Arts & Crafts Thursday posts on our Flickr group <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2119183@N25/" target="_blank">here</a>. We'd love to see what you and your kids have made!<br />
<br />Sarah Cogginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691096945912900890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-89903140352456310132013-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-23T08:00:01.091-05:00Stone's Education Superstore<i>From Sarah C.:</i><br />
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Stone's Education Superstore has been a fixture in Raleigh for years. I recall driving past during my days at NCSU when I thought it was "teachers only." I just recently ventured in for the first time both for the purpose of sharing and to search out a specific item for <b>D</b>. What I discovered? I'll be visiting a lot.<br />
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This store is huge! Well, far greater than I ever imagined it could be. It's in a fairly nondescript metal building along Tryon Rd. Step in through the doors and the world of education is spread about you as far as you can see. It encompasses so much more than "just" teacher supplies. Sure, you'll find bulletin board decor and flash cards but you'll also find Melissa & Doug and Playmobil items.<br />
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I was so taken in by everything, I had to ask for directions to the specific paper I was looking for. There is plenty of order to the layout. I just hadn't expected so much and was trying to keep a grip on my 3yo who wanted to run and explore every inch as well.<br />
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He also wanted to play which made our discovery of the kids play area behind the registers a huge hit. We found it pretty early in our visit and <b>D</b> wanted to stay and play and play. A train table, Playmobil pieces, Mr Potato Head, puzzles, books, etc. It had plenty to entertain.<br />
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Besides the number of options & fun play area available under one roof, I was also impressed with the knowledge the staff possessed. I had come in search of lined paper for <b>D</b> to practice writing his letters on. Something so simple but I was struggling to find in other stores. I mentioned earlier that I asked for help in locating it. The sales associate led me to the options - there were a lot - and then chatted with me about it. I explained to her a couple of things we were working on such as holding a pencil correctly. She immediately had suggestions including a special pencil. I did end up buying it and it really has made a difference. He's not perfectly holding all crayons & pencils now but does understand is getting closer to correct. I was pleased that she took time to listen to me and make recommendations of how to help him learn and grow. That's huge to any parent.<br />
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If you're in search of a new workbook, homeschooling literature, or even a toy for your child, I highly suggest visiting Stone's.<br />
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<i><strong>Stone's Education Store</strong></i><br />
<a href="http://www.stones-education.com/" target="_blank"><i>http://www.stones-education.com/</i></a><br />
<i>3800 Tryon Road</i><br />
<i>Raleigh</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Monday - Saturday 9a - 6p</i><br />
<i>Sunday 12p - 6p</i>Sarah Cogginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691096945912900890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-23368337129882864512013-01-22T08:55:00.001-05:002013-01-22T08:55:14.397-05:00DAC's Toddler Art Workshop<i>We are recovering from the fabulous event at Northgate Mall yesterday. Estimates hit my in-box today that it was over 1,000 attendees - the largest that this event has seen. NC MomsRising did a fabulous job organizing and thanks to Lango Kids, the Durham Mothers Club, the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Mothers Club, and Northgate Mall. I was pleased to be a part, even if my wild and crazy boys meant we had to skip the second session. I look forward to helping with this again next year. In the meantime, here's another love-for-Durham post today....Enjoy!</i><br />
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As you know, I try to get crafty with my kids when I can. Art can open so many doors and encouraging kids' creativity is important to me. Yet it can be messy. And I can have a hard time coming up with ideas. Hence why I was more than happy to try out the Durham Art Council's Toddler Art Workshop. (The DAC is the same organization that brings us the <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/04/dac-clay-studio-at-northgate-mall.html" target="_blank">clay workshop</a>.)<br />
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These workshops change on the schedule frequently so you really need to stay tuned to the DAC's website (see below) to find out when they are. For this session, through April 2013 for certain, they are going to be held for 1 hour on Saturday mornings. However, in the past they have been on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and sometimes Fridays. It is worth getting to if you can.<br />
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For $12 per child you are given access to a room with 4 tables in it. Each table has a different art/sensory experience for your child. An artist named Brenda puts it all together, comes up with the ideas, and provides all the supplies you would need. She clearly loves what she does and is very warm and inviting. When<b> C</b> and I attended there was a table of homemade playdough with various tools, a painting table (very popular), a table to decoupage your own jars and containers, and a table to make collages on old CDs or paper. At one point Brenda also whipped out some paper plate puppets. You, of course, take your finished projects home with you and can participate in each activity more than once or not at all.<br />
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There are sinks for cleaning, everything is toddler-proof and, best of all, someone else cleans up the mess when you are all done! That's worth the money in my book.<br />
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The class is advertised for kids 18 months - 4 years of age. There were kids in there encompassing that age span so I would say that is accurate. Yet do note that there are a lot of baubles so if you have a young child still prone to sticking everything in his/her mouth this is best saved until they get older. The room does have a door and the kids were very entertained so you don't have to worry too much about runaways. All you have to do as a parent is sit with your child and do art with them. Not a bad deal.<br />
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This would be particularly great if you have 2 children in that age span and can bring them both. They do limit the number of participants so get online to register.<br />
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These are held at the DAC's building downtown so we popped over to the Durham Farmers' Market and then over to <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/11/daisycakes.html" target="_blank">Daisycakes</a> afterwards to treat ourselves.<br />
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<br />
<i><b>Durham Arts Council's Parent/Child Toddler Art Workshops</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.durhamarts.org/classes.html"><i>http://www.durhamarts.org/classes.html</i></a><br />
<i>Durham Arts Council, Inc.<br />120 Morris Street<br />Durham, NC
27701<br />919-560-2787</i>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-40980281332240945372013-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-20T17:53:33.314-05:00MLK Celebration on MondayI am so pleased to share with you details about a really great event this coming Monday to celebrate MLK day. As you loyal readers know, usually we don't do articles on specific events but, well, I am actually going to BE at this one with my TMOM partner in crime Kristen so I really want you to come out and say hi! I will be the frantic-looking completely wild-haired mom trying to chase down a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old boy who are going in different directions simultaneously. In fact, if you say hi, please feel free to also grab one of my children and bring them back to me. Thanks in advance.<br />
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In all seriousness, this event was huge last year and we're hoping for it to be even HUGER (I make up words sometimes) this year. So come see us. Here are the details-<br />
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<i>Dr. King came to Durham!</i></div>
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This year we’re also celebrating the important role Durham and our city’s young people played in the Civil Rights struggle.
We’ll be talking about the sit -in movement
and how, in one of the earliest sit-ins, a group of three women and four men from Durham sat in at the Royal Ice Cream Company on June 23, 1957 to protest segregation. We’ll honor their efforts by sharing stories learning freedom songs, doing related crafts, and celebrating with an ice cream social and sock hop featuring music from the Civil Rights Era.
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<b><u>What:</u></b> Join us for a free story time, songs, crafts, ice cream social, and sock hop as we celebrate MLK’s life and legacy in a way that kids can understand. In continuing Dr. King’s commitment to service,participants are asked to donate nonperishable food or toiletry items (soap, toothbrushes,diapers, etc) for Durham Urban Ministries to help
them serve local families in need. Voter registration and information will also be available.
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<b><u>When:</u></b> MLK Day, Monday, January 21, 2013.
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Parties will begin at 10:30 and noon. Each will include a story time followed by an ice cream social, sock hop featuring music of the Civil Rights era, crafts, and more.
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<b><u>Where:</u></b> The Center Court at Northgate Mall, 1058 West Club Blvd, Durham
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<b><u>Sponsored by:</u></b> NC MomsRising, Lango Kids, the Durham Mothers Club, Carrboro/ Chapel
Hill Mothers Club, Northgate Mall, and more Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-12526353992946595102013-01-17T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-17T08:00:13.276-05:00Arts & Crafts Thursday: String HeartsSince it looks like we may be stuck in the house with some wintry weather on the way, here's a craft to help you enjoy being indoors and get you thinking about Valentine's Day. <br />
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<u><b>Supplies</b>:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>yarn</li>
<li>cornstarch</li>
<li>water</li>
<li>heart-shaped cookie cutter</li>
<li>parchment paper</li>
<li>scissors</li>
</ul>
Adults will also need access to a stove.<br />
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<u><b>Instructions:</b></u><br />
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Make a glue out of cornstarch and water. Start by mixing about 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 3/4 cup of water in a saucepan, stir it, and heat it until it is smooth. Allow it to cool. Once cool, you may need to modify the mixture so that it is thick enough to have a little sticky to it. Note that If you allow it to cool overnight or for too long you can reheat it in the microwave, just add more water.<br />
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Cut yarn of any color into any length you want. We went with anywhere from 6-12 inches. <b>C</b> was in charge of cutting so no promises that they were anywhere uniform in length.<br />
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Put your cookie cutter on to a piece of parchment paper. Take a piece of yarn, place it in the glue mixture, and soak it well.<br />
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Pull the yarn out of the glue mixture and remove excess by running your fingers over it. Put the piece of yarn in the cookie cutter however you want. We had no method, just sort of shoved it in there so it fit.<br />
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Continue to do this until you have completely filled the heart. Ideally you would get one thin layer of yarn but no need to be scientific about this. Too little yarn you risk losing the heart shape, though, so go ahead and pile it in. A lot of yarn just means it takes longer to dry but that's not a huge problem unless you are on some sort of weird crafting-deadline I don't know about.<br />
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Allow the yarn to dry for about a day. <b>C</b> and I removed the cookie cutter then, pressed out any remaining moisture that might still be left using a paper towel, and reshaped the heart as we wanted to/needed to.<br />
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I have read online that you can speed up the drying process by placing the heart (without cookie cutter) and parchment paper in to an oven set on "warm" for up to 2 hours.<br />
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Honestly, I am not sure what we are going to do with our completed hearts but they look very pretty, have a neat texture we keep poking at, and we sure had fun making them.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-35635146651899520832013-01-16T09:06:00.002-05:002013-01-16T09:06:46.546-05:00Mommy Time: Personal Space<i>A new aspect of Mommy Time from Teresa today. I have my personal space at home, do you?:</i><br />
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We don’t always need to get out of the house to get some mommy time. Sometimes, retreating to our own little corner is all we need. A place that reminds you who you are, other than “mom,” and holds the things or space for you to do things you enjoy. Do you have an area in your home that is just for you?<br />
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We have a small room attached to our garage that I have turned into my office. It is not connected to the rest of the house, and you have to go outside to get to it. I have to admit, this is pretty nice. I can sneak out there and the kids don’t know where I am, and you can’t hear anything inside the house. Of course, the downside is that I can’t really go out there unless my significant other is home.<br />
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Nonetheless, having a room that is just my own is a nice luxury. I have only my things there, with a comfortable chair, desk, crafty stuff, and a TV. Sometimes I go to write, or work on a project. Other times I just literally do nothing but breathe and soak in the silence.<br />
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However, a personal space doesn’t have to be an entire room. A small closet could be made into a desk space, if you like to write or craft. A corner of a spare bedroom could be made into a reading nook or meditation/prayer space. You could take over some real estate in your garage or basement for exercise, dance or yoga. What do you like to do? What fills you up? Can you dedicate a space in your home for just you?<br />
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I think it’s good to decorate your personal space with things that inspire, motivate, or create a feeling of happiness. I have put up art that I find relaxing and a magnet board I can put little memories on. It can be so easy to get swept away in the momentum of motherhood, and not spend enough time nourishing ourselves. Having a personal space can help make it easier to get some mommy time and recharge.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-88989184486064447312013-01-14T11:42:00.002-05:002013-01-14T11:42:11.065-05:00The Golden Belt in Durham<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Oviw47CqKBp9Vt21Q8NOJQMtEuk9uyNMbbc2Nd_hyphenhyphen2Im823lq7Uy0Wl73RHDQaWWfvNZsDB9QfJTSMsRvZaYqpPSIQITPHY4FPzR1JxHpGdduwBCOn8UtM8fg7VR1K3A3k7YoyJNDcE/s1600/2013-01-12_12-52-15_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Oviw47CqKBp9Vt21Q8NOJQMtEuk9uyNMbbc2Nd_hyphenhyphen2Im823lq7Uy0Wl73RHDQaWWfvNZsDB9QfJTSMsRvZaYqpPSIQITPHY4FPzR1JxHpGdduwBCOn8UtM8fg7VR1K3A3k7YoyJNDcE/s320/2013-01-12_12-52-15_512.jpg" width="180" /></a>I had time during this gorgeous weekend to get a little exploring in. I found myself in Durham walking around the inspirational Golden Belt and the artist galleries there. Have you been yet? I lived in the DC metro area for years and fondly remember the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria. The Golden Belt reminds me of that, just a little younger and smaller.<br />
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This area is an old warehouse that has been convereted into large and many artist studios. Head down to the big number 3, walk in the door, and you enter a U-shaped corridor flanked on either side by studios. The artists here work in a variety of mediums: photography, painting, letterpress, jewelry, film, metalsmithing, and more. They are all active, each studio laid out differently, and incredibly inspiring. In the middle is a gallery displaying work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25Rw7seAV-1A2jfbkQ2pXbX_mZtPIh5TpaZECRvTU-YZhfLFuDbcZlo1j3XQd2dTcm2WOHxHmCNT7hSbRHbhKczIqZAZZgJ2wbP6uOVogBRNQyhvKvnIqx5DANSHyJFA54hOscv5NzFMr/s1600/2013-01-12_12-56-57_435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25Rw7seAV-1A2jfbkQ2pXbX_mZtPIh5TpaZECRvTU-YZhfLFuDbcZlo1j3XQd2dTcm2WOHxHmCNT7hSbRHbhKczIqZAZZgJ2wbP6uOVogBRNQyhvKvnIqx5DANSHyJFA54hOscv5NzFMr/s320/2013-01-12_12-56-57_435.jpg" width="180" /></a>I was here on a gorgeous Saturday morning which meant that a lot of the artists themselves were out enjoying and not working in their studios. But during a weekday most of these spots are filled with activity, I am told. The Golden Belt also runs events of all kinds but always feature art and collaboration. The new location of <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/08/scrap-exchange.html" target="_blank">The Scrap Exchange</a> is across the street and they participate in many of these big events, too. The premiere series at the Golden Belt is the Third Friday event. These run from 5:30 - 9:30 pm every third Friday of the month. Artists come out and work, new paintings are displayed, new galleries open, and then beyond that who knows what other exciting art event will be featured (as of the posting of this article the next Third Friday is October 19th). I am told that the other good time to get in and see the artists at work (and purchase your own special art piece to take home) is First Wednesdays from 11 am - 4 pm. Note that even if artists aren't working, you can still look in nearly all of the studios and see some really beautiful original pieces.<br />
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The Golden Belt is currently the home of the "cow barn." Here cows from <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/09/cowparade-nc-2012.html" target="_blank">CowParade NC </a>go to be fixed or otherwise retired. Since the auction is coming up February 2nd (is it weird that I REALLY want a cow?) all the cows around the Triangle are making their way here. Accordingly, the room is packed with cows of all kinds. I loved this! But it won't last long so if you want to see it get over there. I couldn't get in to the room as it was closed but it was a lot of fun peeking in from all angles and you can see so many.<br />
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There isn't much around the Golden Belt as far as food and drink goes. However, there is a cafe on site at Golden Belt called Blend. Blend sells coffee, has some options for a glass of wine, has pastries and light fare for lunch, and they also have some frozen yogurt! This isn't a frozen yogurt shop of the caliber of <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/11/moonberries-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Moonberries</a> or <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/08/sweet-frog-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Sweet Frog</a> or <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/03/tutti-frutti-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Tutti Frutti</a> but it will make kids (and moms) happy. Blend also has an area of board games and books to enjoy. There isn't a ton of seating but you shouldn't have too hard a time finding a spot. (FYI my crew and I ended up driving quickly over to <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/11/geer-st-garden.html" target="_blank">Geer Street</a> to get some fries since we were not about being healthy but Blend was certainly enticing and staff was very friendly.)<br />
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Golden Belt has easy free parking and some tables on the plaza outside. It's a fun little spot to explore, especially if you can time it to see the artists working. Who knows, it may even inspire your kids to come home and get <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/p/by-resource.html#arts&craftsthursday" target="_blank">crafty</a>!<br />
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<b><i>Golden Belt</i></b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.goldenbeltarts.com/index.shtml">http://www.goldenbeltarts.com/</a></i><br />
<i>807 East Main Street </i><br />
<i>Durham</i><br />
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-46871162386991788612013-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-11T08:32:29.065-05:00Our Favorites - January 2013I hope that you all take advantage of all the wonderful resources for parents in our area. I feel like all the websites, newsletters, and blogs available to families is one of the things that make the Triangle so precious. We're all a little different but we're all passionate about our desire to help<span style="color: #0000ee;"> you </span>and share what we've learned.<br />
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That is why I am particularly excited about the newest MiCHill collaboration. I am working with Cary from Social Butterflies and Kristin from Macaroni Kid Triangle to share our insider tips and thoughts. I hope you support them as much as you have supported me ( you all are the best! ) and you can look forward to more of these special posts throughout the year.<br />
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<b>Q: What is you favorite FREE family-friendly activity in the Triangle?</b></div>
<i><br /></i><b>Cary from </b><a href="http://www.socialbutterfliesnc.com/" target="_blank"><b>Social Butterflies</b></a><b>:</b><br />
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<i>A favorite outing for my family is visiting the <a href="http://naturalsciences.org/" target="_blank">North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences</a> for their Daily Programs. Perfect for preschoolers and younger elementary school age children, their <a href="http://216.38.51.43/programs-events/daily-programs" target="_blank">Storytime</a> and <a href="http://216.38.51.43/programs-events/daily-programs" target="_blank">Meet the Animals</a> program are educational and entertaining. Both offer some hands on with all kinds of live animals! I usually coordinate the time we visit with the times of the <a href="http://216.38.51.43/exhibits/areas-for-guided-learning#discovery" target="_blank">Discovery Room</a> (times vary and sometimes closed on Mondays, check before you go). The <a href="http://216.38.51.43/exhibits/areas-for-guided-learning#discovery" target="_blank">Discovery Room</a> has animal costumes, a living beehive, fossils, seashell collection, books, live beetles boxes to explore and more! The Acro Cafe is on the top floor, so when you are finished with your museum tour, you can stop and have a hot dog and a cookie before you head home!</i><br />
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<b>Kristin from </b><a href="http://www.southraleigh.macaronikid.com/" target="_blank"><b>Macaroni Kid</b></a><b>:</b><i> </i><br />
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<i>In Durham there are many places to visit and enjoy the outdoors, but one place in particular is <a href="http://www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/" target="_blank">Sarah P. Duke Gardens</a>. The pleasures of walking around and viewing the different flowers and bushes is only one of the best parts of the gardens. Many visit the gardens for picnics, exercise, and playing football or frisbee. A few other great things about the gardens are the storytimes and drop-in programs for kids that are offered throughout the year. Not only are the gardens a great place to make family memories, but they are also a great place for kids to learn wonderful things about the outdoors.</i><br />
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<b>Allison from </b><a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mom in Chapel Hill</b></a><b>:</b><br />
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<i>My family and I really enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors, in all ways. We love to <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/p/by-resource.html#walk" target="_blank">hike</a> and <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/p/by-resource.html#parks" target="_blank">explore parks</a>, we love <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/08/geocaching.html" target="_blank">geocaching</a>. It's kind of our thing. Unfortunately, our thing isn't the best during the frigid winter months. So when the weather gets cold we turn to the free Sundays at <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/04/kidzu-childrens-museum.html" target="_blank">Kidzu</a> in Chapel Hill -if you can stand the crowding, it is worth it. But we also love to hit the <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/04/crosswinds-cafe-at-rdu.html" target="_blank">Crosswinds Cafe at RDU</a>. At this location, where you don't have to buy anything at all and can even pack your own snacks, you can spend time watching planes come and go and runway activity up close and personal. It is always a hit with the boys in my life.</i></div>
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<b>About Our Friends:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rbASDO_8w45ap1IgbHKxDbDwaJNfYgVuXZ7gFXzOkykHwSDWcOXTmsCfegrf9lU92HnhjA4zC87QiaGemXDLrrzRkhxjtoO_7FRftRAdzKfN5GrVGipEh4n7FbX5XFFPIhXjUQm0GbcN/s1600/Mac+Kid+Logo+-+Transparent.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rbASDO_8w45ap1IgbHKxDbDwaJNfYgVuXZ7gFXzOkykHwSDWcOXTmsCfegrf9lU92HnhjA4zC87QiaGemXDLrrzRkhxjtoO_7FRftRAdzKfN5GrVGipEh4n7FbX5XFFPIhXjUQm0GbcN/s200/Mac+Kid+Logo+-+Transparent.gif" width="200" /></a><b><i> </i></b></div>
<b><i>Macaroni Kid Triangle</i></b> is a free online weekly newsletter and website for the Triangle, giving you all the scoop on what is happening in our community including events, products and giveaways. Macaroni Kid puts everything you need in one place so you don't have to spend your time looking for things to do and learn, you just get to have fun with your family! <span style="font-family: inherit;">Macaroni Kid has 3 community website<span id="internal-source-marker_0.14503585973674138" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.durham.macaronikid.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Durham</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.northraleigh.macaornikid.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">North Raleigh</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.southraleigh.macaronikid.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">South Raleigh</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Macaroni Kid can also be found on </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MacaroniKidWakeCo"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/MacKidTriangle"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span><br />
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<b><i>Social Butterflies</i></b> in an online guide to Raleigh area kid and family events. Issues are free and emailed to subscribers monthly. Social Butterflies gives you all of Raleigh's best big city events and keeps you in the know of all the happenings in small towns surroudngin Raleigh. You won't miss any Raleigh area favorites! You can find us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/socialbutterfliesnc" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, now on <a href="https://twitter.com/SButterfliesNC" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and get the most current monthly issues on the <a href="http://socialbutterfliesnc.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<i><br /></i>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-38271672536348293022013-01-09T11:11:00.001-05:002013-01-09T11:11:49.432-05:00White Pines Nature Preserve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is going to be gorgeous this weekend. Temperatures in the 70s. Time to get out! Lucky for you I have a gem to share. White Pines Nature Preserve is located in Chatham County and is one of the crowning jewels of the <a href="http://www.triangleland.org/" target="_blank">Triangle Land Conservancy</a>. It had been closed for a few months for reforestation work but is now reopen. Just in time for you to enjoy!<br />
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The hiking is really beautiful and not difficult at all. In general it is pretty flat with just a few hills to get you down to the water and back up, well maintained, and easy to follow. The longest trail is going to be about 1 miles but combining the trails within the preserve you could get in 3.5 miles plus some time throwing sticks in the water (see trail map below). There are 275 acres of beautifully preserved forest here.<br />
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White Pines Nature Preserve is special because of the white pines and 200 year old beeches. White pines actually harken back to the Ice Age and rarely grow in such southern climates as ours. However since this preserve has North-facing bluffs and sits on the confluence of two rivers, the temperatures hover around 10 degrees cooler than other places in the County.<br />
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The Rocky & Deep Rivers join here, before flowing out to the Cape Fear River. You have got to head down there. Those of you following us on <a href="http://instagram.com/mominchapelhill" target="_blank">Instagram</a> saw the photo I shared of this magnificent spot.<br />
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Also head over to the Schoolkids Loop. Here you can see a piece of cable - the remains of an old cable bridge kids once took heading to school.<br />
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We had a really lovely time at this spot. It is one of our favorite places to hike now, next to Johnston Mill (also owned and operated by Triangle Land Conservancy).<br />
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Consider doing some <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/08/geocaching.html" target="_blank">geocaching</a> or <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2013/01/letterboxing.html" target="_blank">letterboxing </a>while on the property, too.<br />
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No strollers - take a carrier, and no bathrooms or picnic tables available. However, there are benches occasionally for sitting and taking in the view.<br />
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<i><b>White Pines Nature Preserve</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.triangleland.org/what-we-do/nature-preserves/white-pines-nature-preserve"><i>http://www.triangleland.org/what-we-do/nature-preserves/white-pines-nature-preserve</i></a><br />
<i>8 miles south of Pittsboro</i><br />
<i>White Pines Preserve is located in Chatham County about 8 miles south of Pittsboro. From the courthouse traffic circle in Pittsboro, go south on US 15-501 for 8 miles. Take the first left after crossing the Rocky River onto River Fork Road (SR 1958). Take an immediate right and proceed about 1.8 miles (the paved surface becomes gravel after about 1 mile). Turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.5 miles to a “T”. Turn left, you’ll see a White Pines Preserve sign on the right, and go about 1/8 mile to the parking area on your right.</i>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-589639761657059622013-01-07T09:50:00.002-05:002013-01-07T09:50:26.897-05:00LetterboxingI think it is no surprise that my boys and I love to get outdoors whenever we can. We have always enjoyed <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/08/geocaching.html" target="_blank">Geocaching</a> but have found ourselves doing it less and less over the years. I couldn't tell you why, except that perhaps when it comes to getting out of the house it is enough to try to remember bottles, snacks, diapers, hats, jackets, sippy cups, change of clothes, and who knows what else. Add a GPS and little trinkets to that in addition to the cache clues we just aren't on our A-game it seems. So I was happy to be introduced to Letterboxing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C & I open up our found letterbox</td></tr>
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Letterboxing is very similar to Geocaching, yet with some differences and with a much longer tradition. Letterboxing is said to have started in England in 1854. Through the years over 20,000 letterboxes have been placed around North America.<br />
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To find a letterbox you head to the websites below - I prefer the Atlas Quest site as I found it much easier to use. Find the letterbox you want to hunt for and open the browser to get the location information and your clue. Using the clue, hunt for your box! Inside the box there will be a little log book as well as stamp, the vast majority of these stamps are handcarved rubber stamps. The idea is that you would stamp the image into your own personal log book that you and your family keep to register your successful hunts and you would stamp your own image on to the log book in the letterbox to let folks know you've been there. You can also write a word or two of thanks and hello.<br />
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You don't need a GPS or trinkets. We also didn't take a stamp or ink pad or logbook with us. We just found the letterbox, wrote a little note, placed it back, and went on our way. If we do determine to get seriously in to this, though, I imagine my highly systematic and organized older son will be in to logging these in his personal notebook.<br />
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In regards to how this differes from Geocaching, equipment is obviously a big thing. You need less of it to letterbox. I pulled up Atlas Quest on my phone on the way to our location, read the information outloud, and we were good to go. There aren't as many letterboxes as caches to find but the letterboxes are much easier to find, in my opinion. The clues direct you right there.<br />
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Letterboxing also seems really geared towards kids. There is a whole letterboxing kids website (see below) and all of the entries in the log book we saw were families hunting. What's not for kids to love, though? It is a huge outdoor treasure hunt!<br />
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So if you needed an excuse to get outside, a way to motivate your kids to enjoy the great outdoors, consider letterboxing.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.letterboxing.org/" target="_blank">Letterboxing</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.letterboxing.org/kids/kids2.htm" target="_blank">Letterboxing Kids</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.atlasquest.com/" target="_blank">Atlas Quest</a></i>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-81194595796773344412013-01-02T10:58:00.002-05:002013-01-02T10:58:23.862-05:00Rise Biscuits & Doughnuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrEz_O-YOQBSqgpJ0qSyxfIzOwCOPN0MEUsu80bS97e8bKbRGu62xxxL-6v7jx7Kx-N0GVFrneIvg6P8as9JY2O4OnNcDTbwQFAtJP0ynqlDcqStFvHcCZxG_Z4zjiAg7A0KIkqepY231/s1600/2012-12-21_10-40-27_227edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrEz_O-YOQBSqgpJ0qSyxfIzOwCOPN0MEUsu80bS97e8bKbRGu62xxxL-6v7jx7Kx-N0GVFrneIvg6P8as9JY2O4OnNcDTbwQFAtJP0ynqlDcqStFvHcCZxG_Z4zjiAg7A0KIkqepY231/s320/2012-12-21_10-40-27_227edit.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you follow our <a href="http://instagram.com/mominchapelhill" target="_blank">Instagram feed</a> you saw our ode to a beautiful biscuit picture a few weeks ago. That was in Rise and I am so excited they are here. Rise is located in Renaissance over near Southpoint, right by the Target, the new<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/09/kid-to-kid.html" target="_blank"> Kid to Kid</a>, <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/04/haircuts.html" target="_blank">Peek-a-Do</a>'s new location, and <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/11/moonberries-frozen-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Moonberries</a>. In short, it's a great and dangerous location.</div>
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Rise is a walk up counter that offers delicious, buttery biscuit and biscuit sandwiches as well as perfect gourmet doughnuts. Some of the doughnut flavors are surprising (a bacon doughnut, a S'Mores doughnut, and so on) but they are really good.<br />
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Inside Rise you will find a family-friendly spot. In the back is a tiny little kitchen area for kids to play in (and I have yet to see it unused in my now multiple trips there), there is a huge chalkboard for drawing on and sharing thoughts, and a lot of books to grab and read.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAYpSRCB4Q3cXDS-2nqExpmbdahF5rg6oPc6oCgc7jCTcaBsVbFzP1xHBv-z9t7blR2vw1I7BOARTxabjmQq-TK4uEt3bX0Gq9Iyx5RWlMcJa16oHzebe-TmSLMpuJPfeCuna0dBxbHiC/s1600/2012-12-21_10-39-56_395+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAYpSRCB4Q3cXDS-2nqExpmbdahF5rg6oPc6oCgc7jCTcaBsVbFzP1xHBv-z9t7blR2vw1I7BOARTxabjmQq-TK4uEt3bX0Gq9Iyx5RWlMcJa16oHzebe-TmSLMpuJPfeCuna0dBxbHiC/s200/2012-12-21_10-39-56_395+edit.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I have yet to visit Rise when it isn't busy and crowded so expect a bit of a wait. However, while you wait, you can help yourself to some coffee (brilliant) and the line moves really fast. There isn't a ton of seating inside; however, we haven't had a problem when we've gone.<br />
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The only thing I would change about Rise is that it closes at 2 pm. I could nosh on some doughnuts with my kids and friends after a late afternoon trip to Target.<br />
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Now I realize this place is a huge temptation if your New Year's Resolution involves losing weight. But Rise has low-fat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, too.<br />
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I am thrilled that Rise is open and glad they are already seeing so much success.<br />
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<em><strong>Rise</strong></em><br />
<a href="http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com/"><em>http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com/</em></a><br />
<em>Renaissance Village</em><br />
<em>8200 Renaissance Parkway</em><br />
<em>Suite 1003</em><br />
<em>Durham</em><br />
<em>919-248-2992</em>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-54773328207850005012012-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-31T08:00:16.205-05:002012 Close Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfoBGAQ-XlynnCO5zFfRRlg15PdBb78lvP0gH591Cr-MwUYB7u9IVbNaifQjmxcVUUpC9tBkGXzdRizoGxo0xWHNp9AfZ1sbrbNpjn1kHnTbjwlznIKFEfVgY2zzbqoc9Q3zMvWuvOf6o/s1600/IMG_20120707_150609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfoBGAQ-XlynnCO5zFfRRlg15PdBb78lvP0gH591Cr-MwUYB7u9IVbNaifQjmxcVUUpC9tBkGXzdRizoGxo0xWHNp9AfZ1sbrbNpjn1kHnTbjwlznIKFEfVgY2zzbqoc9Q3zMvWuvOf6o/s200/IMG_20120707_150609.jpg" width="200" /></a>2012 was a huge year for me. Huge. I welcomed our new baby, The Bug, and got him integrated in to our family (still to be determined as to whether or not I can say "successfully"). Having number 2 increased the joy in our lives by 5x the amount but it also meant a lot of changes for me on a personal level. My relationships with my friends changed as my time became really hard to manage; DH and I have had less time than ever to talk; I had to stop teaching so many fitness classes; and I swear I have developed serious crows' feet around my eyes that were NOT there this time last year. </div>
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But it has also been a phenomenal year. This blog has kept me busy and incredibly happy. Being able to share my adventures with a group of parents that are so supportive and genuinely nice has delivered me from total insanity. I can't even begin to describe how your support, your follows, sharing the site with your friends, and the words of encouragement you all have provided have formed a sense of purpose for me over the past 3 years. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. <br />
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If you are new around here you can read the <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-close-out.html" target="_blank">2010 Close Out</a> here and the <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-close-out.html" target="_blank">2011 Close Out </a>here. But right now I am going to talk about what we've been up to around here in 2012. We've been so busy!<br />
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Let's not forget that <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/04/2012-fitness-challenge-we-did-it.html" target="_blank">we ran a 5k</a>. Say what!? I know, I still can't believe it! By being accountable to you and sharing our trials and tribluations throughout training, Sarah C. and I ran an actual for-real 5k. Not sure we'll be doing it again but never say never.<br />
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Here's how we look by the numbers:<br />
Facebook Fans: 747<br />
Twitter Followers: 605<br />
Pinterest Followers (new for us in 2012): 131<br />
Instagram Followers (also new for us in September 2012): 37<br />
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Let's not forget that we started a <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/p/sign-up.html" target="_blank">newsletter</a> in November! I am so excited about this possibility and am thrilled beyond belief that over 200 of you have already signed up to get the news as MiCHill sees fit.<br />
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We started a new series that you all have been enjoying, according to the numbers, called <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/p/by-resource.html#arts&craftsthursday" target="_blank">Arts & Crafts Thursday</a> ("A.C.T."). We have been loving it, too! It is good for us to be inspired to create with our children, even if some of those experiments fail. We just don't tell you about those.<br />
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We welcomed <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/search/label/teresa" target="_blank">Teresa </a>to our team and she has been delivering really great articles all about Mommy Time (you <em>can</em> get your groove back).<br />
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We had 189 new posts for you this year. Not too shabby given Sarah C. went back to work, I had an infant, and Katie delivered a new baby girl.<br />
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Top 5 Posts for 2012 (not including any A.C.T. tutorials):<br />
<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/06/erin-condren-planner.html" target="_blank">Erin Condren Planner</a><br />
<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/01/orange-co-gymnastics-open-gym.html" target="_blank">Orange Co. Gymnastics</a> (which, alas, has moved from UMall but is still around)<br />
<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-sweet-arts.html" target="_blank">My SweetArts</a><br />
<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/06/defygravity.html" target="_blank">DefyGravity</a><br />
<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/05/ebenezer-church-playground-beach.html" target="_blank">Ebenezer Church Playground & Beach</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqpUiP1yLoPX_h2kW3ydPlXzrrSHz8MNPDfPM10fDoYAKftZTDFJRgTBAFYsyT49r2kIcbRvoh8zfzflsLo1E99JuuFYsi_tbhlwDSa_TQUtkJf8TJ1nzd9egJgLBznqV60JvU3rvN_7A/s1600/IMG_20120525_184324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqpUiP1yLoPX_h2kW3ydPlXzrrSHz8MNPDfPM10fDoYAKftZTDFJRgTBAFYsyT49r2kIcbRvoh8zfzflsLo1E99JuuFYsi_tbhlwDSa_TQUtkJf8TJ1nzd9egJgLBznqV60JvU3rvN_7A/s200/IMG_20120525_184324.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I was personally touched that a close 6th place was the article I wrote about <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/04/service-opportunities-with-kids.html" target="_blank">Service Opportunities</a> for your kids. I knew I liked you all.<br />
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Then, of course, all of this good stuff and your support led me to new writing pastures as I joined Kristen Bagwell at <a href="http://www.trianglemomsonmain.com/" target="_blank">Triangle Moms on Main</a> in November as a Managing Partner. Over there she lets me talk about whatever I want to talk about (could get dangerous). Make sure you visit me there, keep tabs on me here, and keep all the great suggestions coming.<br />
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Hope that 2013 is healthy and prosperous for you and your family. I am looking forward to our adventures together in the new year.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-71653616443188959922012-12-28T09:01:00.001-05:002012-12-28T09:17:00.905-05:00Mommy Time: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction<em>We're back after a little holiday break and this post from Teresa couldn't come at a better time. Hope you all had a happy and successful season:</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG7Qcimp-eK4KcPGCPqzQwigx9uB1lYtaO3PDiCTQ76XWCccxjfWahxg4gqB92r5IAMIY_IKzKcFUW7v_tDjPAhNJm7euiRFPz6LLN7DEA2-I5Z-Irpt8BILsu8hM_Eie81hQTZLYxYT3/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG7Qcimp-eK4KcPGCPqzQwigx9uB1lYtaO3PDiCTQ76XWCccxjfWahxg4gqB92r5IAMIY_IKzKcFUW7v_tDjPAhNJm7euiRFPz6LLN7DEA2-I5Z-Irpt8BILsu8hM_Eie81hQTZLYxYT3/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a>Did you feel the the holiday stress, too? Before kids, I never understood the concept of holiday stress. I mean, what is there to stress about? Gifts, decorations, get togethers… it all just sounded like fun to me, why would I stress? Now I know. Kids make your life exponentially busier. In my regular life, it is hard to fit everything in. Throw in all the extra to-dos of the holidays, no matter how joyful, things can start to pile up and get stressful in trying to get it all done. </div>
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How do you handle your stress? Now, I don’t consider myself to be a “stressed” person in general, but when I learned about the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course offered by Duke Integrative Medicine, I thought it would be great to gain more tools on taking things in stride and being in the moment. <br />
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The Duke Integrative Medicine website describes the course as “a method of using meditation and yoga to cultivate awareness and reduce stress. It is based on the ancient practice of mindfulness, which is about waking up, being fully alive, and being present for the richness of each moment of our lives. Within this awakening, we gain access to our deepest inner resources for living, healing, and coping with stress.”<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj49jLViinkKdHrA-v55NU6Fn1w53lhhICfHybAWGjCR_AoHFK4LNPjCTkwK30YPX3aWJ4DAmVowMXbQ5_T2SEslEa6_UsHgQ7NGLFSVwHwlptbZfIhctPqvNKmtCk5nZUesz_P4oGQOdJ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj49jLViinkKdHrA-v55NU6Fn1w53lhhICfHybAWGjCR_AoHFK4LNPjCTkwK30YPX3aWJ4DAmVowMXbQ5_T2SEslEa6_UsHgQ7NGLFSVwHwlptbZfIhctPqvNKmtCk5nZUesz_P4oGQOdJ/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I can honestly say I have never taken a course that has been more meaningful to my daily life than this one. You learn how to step back, observe your being and accept things as they are. When the kids are getting crazy, I now find that I can more often take a breath, and accept the moment for what it is and respond appropriately -- instead of feeling crazed. I also felt that the course, and the practice, has cultivated an enhanced sense of gratitude and peace in me. <br />
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Investing in this mommy time not only benefits the parent, but it also will benefit your family and those you interact with. What a win-win situation! By taking the time for the class and mindfulness practice, you and your family reap the harvest of a calmer and more peaceful mom! <br />
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The MBSR course meets once a week for 8 weeks, and is 2.5 hours long per class. A day of mindfulness is also part of the course, which is an all-day intensive session of mindfulness. The class is offered at various times at Duke Integrative Medicine and other triangle locations. <br />
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Duke Integrative Medicine</strong></em><br />
<em><a href="http://www.dukeintegrativemedicine.com/"><em>http://www.dukeintegrativemedicine.com/</em></a></em><br />
<em>3475 Erwin Road<br />Durham<br />919-660-6826</em><br />
<em></em><br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-45857374556959460342012-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-19T08:00:15.114-05:00NASCAR Race ExperienceHave you noticed all the Living Social and Groupon deals to buy the NASCAR experience? Yeah, us, too. And we did it! Please note THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS. This is for mom or dad or grandpa or grandma (go granny) or whoever else in your life is interested in driving fast. But since Santa may still have some shopping to do we thought we'd let him know about this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-g48w1UNWbacWv425dakHoUz4p3ZQTxSFJETt9rxmqKw1C5wwp5Zf6dkBZylglAdv1JnB-3ZbuPNgKu2lpGK0fE2hAamzeBToNFLjbSotmkVEfBKtNkv-oUckALjypDvTzk5ITgfZl4f/s1600/IMG_9228edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-g48w1UNWbacWv425dakHoUz4p3ZQTxSFJETt9rxmqKw1C5wwp5Zf6dkBZylglAdv1JnB-3ZbuPNgKu2lpGK0fE2hAamzeBToNFLjbSotmkVEfBKtNkv-oUckALjypDvTzk5ITgfZl4f/s320/IMG_9228edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I bought DH a ticket for this as his gift at Christmas last year - the Living Social deal to the NASCAR driving experience through the <a href="http://www.andrettiracing.com/" target="_blank">Mario Andretti Race Experience</a> outfit. There are a couple of different options you can purchase - Indy car or NASCAR experience, a ride along where you sit next to a professional driver in the car, a 5 minute drive, or an 8 minute drive. Obviously everything is priced according to what you pick.<br />
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This is not for the feint of heart. You go super fast, which I guess is kind of the point. If you do the ride along you can get up to 180 mph. When you drive yourself there is a governor on it that limits you to 150 mph or so but DH was officially clocked going 155 mph. For real.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbJaFWT8GXA94hDOwXAxkJGi50KlTxB2tITs-joi4IKmLhtGGuXp-mDWPPna36N8ms5CGaR098F9igjhPflU6UcxcFCZidbWb7d3nzHuCFUstNkwAPyQ2_ovuII_YOFeNPfl0NmXpK4Oz/s1600/IMG_9239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbJaFWT8GXA94hDOwXAxkJGi50KlTxB2tITs-joi4IKmLhtGGuXp-mDWPPna36N8ms5CGaR098F9igjhPflU6UcxcFCZidbWb7d3nzHuCFUstNkwAPyQ2_ovuII_YOFeNPfl0NmXpK4Oz/s320/IMG_9239.JPG" width="320" /></a>We are not a NASCAR family (nothing wrong with it, just too many other things to focus on to add another sport in the mix) and we loved this. We drove on the Charlotte Motor Speedway's infield to check in and my heart was racing. The sheer enomority of the place hits you when you crest up on to the infield and the sounds are phenomenally powerful.</div>
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Things that surprised us-<br />- You are NOT the only driver on the track. You will be out there with other drivers. Clearly this can be dangerous. All drivers are required to (of course have a valid driver's license as well as) do a 1 hour safety course. It is a stick shift in the car so they work you through that and accelerating to go is pretty important so they spend some time on that technique.<br />
- You are hooked to a radio in your helmet transmitting from a driving coach. You must do what the driving coach says. If you don't they pull you off the track immediately and you are banned from all NASCAR events and stores forever. Ok, not that drastic, but pretty bad. It's for safety. Everyone needs to behave.<br />
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- Although you may only be driving for 5 minutes you could be waiting for up to 3 hours at the track for your turn. Plan accordingly. Kids are more than welcome to run around but we bought sound muffling earmuffs (<span style="font-size: x-small;">EARMUFFS</span>) for <strong>C</strong> when he went because it is super loud down there.<br />
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- It can get hot. These events take place in a few racetracks around the US but only on select weekends. Which means that you are primarily looking at hot months and drivers have to wear flame resistant suits while driving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusZDRrVRYLmYd3kdGZBEzCI20KUiFfQbq8dhSQmP4TO9OZ-gSQ1sy-IShz8LcpbrPHNMN6ji0VE_UHRvoAGoA1m_I1SrD2tXH16WmFgCg7PVJQqETYmvd07mgZEXqK6ZbPui0El4UXbBL/s1600/IMG_9230edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusZDRrVRYLmYd3kdGZBEzCI20KUiFfQbq8dhSQmP4TO9OZ-gSQ1sy-IShz8LcpbrPHNMN6ji0VE_UHRvoAGoA1m_I1SrD2tXH16WmFgCg7PVJQqETYmvd07mgZEXqK6ZbPui0El4UXbBL/s320/IMG_9230edit.jpg" width="320" /></a>- If it rains and the track gets wet you can not drive at high speeds. They do their best, given how many people they run through this program every day, to make sure you can drive but they will not compromise safety. We got rained out our first try and came back for a second go at it on a beautiful day.<br />
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This was crazy fun for DH. It was a wild ride and he loved it. Not sure we would pay full price (the Living Social/Groupon sites are always offering discounts on these) but it was a great gift for him. You can take all the photos and video at the race experience your heart desires so document it all for the world to know. It's the gift that keeps on giving....bragging rights.<br />
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<em><strong>NASCAR Race Experience</strong></em><br />
<a href="http://www.andrettiracing.com/"><em>http://www.andrettiracing.com/</em></a><br />
<em>a variety of tracks throughout the US- see website for details</em>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-30980146639175774162012-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-14T08:00:02.151-05:00The ULTIMATE Baby Stuff GiveawaySomehow I was fortunate enough to land a bunch of baby equipment here at Mom in Chapel Hill. Like, really awesome baby equipment such as....<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><strong>2 Stork Stacks</strong></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr0TCPoouhkaR06p0jnEFA_iBfjjZ7AYS04KgvggkWcixsYYGykE6BuYLdrrz94PS1zG7TwyqFaIdlNgsucCFyHQUZW_oPbxGD8ugeq5jVQ4kMWuDAyjHmMb7EZOnDrvzZDGI9Xr1U6jr/s1600/stork+stack.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr0TCPoouhkaR06p0jnEFA_iBfjjZ7AYS04KgvggkWcixsYYGykE6BuYLdrrz94PS1zG7TwyqFaIdlNgsucCFyHQUZW_oPbxGD8ugeq5jVQ4kMWuDAyjHmMb7EZOnDrvzZDGI9Xr1U6jr/s200/stork+stack.png" width="200" /></a>This is the newest in online subscription services and I love it. You can go online and either sign yourself or one lucky recipient up for a variety of options: 3 months, 6 months, or a full year. Each month Stork Stack will deliver a package full of five high quality items appropriate for the baby's age. </div>
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I have <strong>2 Stork Stacks for expecting parents</strong> to giveaway. This Shower Stack (which can be purchased separately from a monthly subscription or as part of) includes: <br />
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one pair of BabyLegs Legwarmers, aden + anais Muselin Swaddle, Earth Mama Angel Baby Body Butter, Sticky Bellies Monthly Milestone Stickers, and a Wubbanub Limited Edition Monkey. <br />
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This is over a $75 value of fabulous products I personally love.<br />
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Check out Stork Stack online at <a href="http://www.storkstack.com/">www.storkstack.com</a>. Not only is the product itself gorgeous and highly recommended, the company gives back to the community with the help of Operation Showers of Appreciation and Baby Buggy.<br />
<br />
But that's not all, we're also giving away....<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><strong>1 BabyGanics Home Cleaning Bundle</strong></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFGacCXj5cr79cihjH5FCHUybm8uDvbc6hywb5UZXXQIH9554QFA9h5Pgdm89nYgNYo1Jfq7vR7HSeBpNwjMH3MIi3JkhqPW-42gP0FKVuwY8hRddqBpzVdH_UUNiU-szzxnjQN8ng5JC/s1600/HealthyHomeBundleFragranceFree-120x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFGacCXj5cr79cihjH5FCHUybm8uDvbc6hywb5UZXXQIH9554QFA9h5Pgdm89nYgNYo1Jfq7vR7HSeBpNwjMH3MIi3JkhqPW-42gP0FKVuwY8hRddqBpzVdH_UUNiU-szzxnjQN8ng5JC/s200/HealthyHomeBundleFragranceFree-120x150.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
This bundle includes a product to clean every surface in your house (bathtub, highchair, toys, windows, floors & more) and the best news to parents it is all made from naturally safe and effective cleaning products. That means these are not harmful to your baby. Plus, folks, they WORK. It's a win-win. I have black granite in my kitchen and these do a great job of cleaning and shining them and I have the added benefit of knowing that they are safe. There are 5 products in the bundle and it costs over $25.<br />
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See <a href="http://www.babyganics.com/" target="_blank">BabyGanics</a> online to buy a bundle but you can always purchase individual items at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color: purple;">2 Babies R Us Purely Simple Starter Kits</span></strong></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsysNIudYIVSpAzeVi4EIduNjicO7NDxTjeMVohhKMrAvk3lbtbWVhEqClM1I6b8E5l1ofmN4PMn2sHpskbQY-TuzcSyM3t_AuZPWaYwzkrBKUGgyBJrFewlwjVxSuDp6WbE1FMNYmZ4Mf/s1600/pTRU1-12632366enh-z6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsysNIudYIVSpAzeVi4EIduNjicO7NDxTjeMVohhKMrAvk3lbtbWVhEqClM1I6b8E5l1ofmN4PMn2sHpskbQY-TuzcSyM3t_AuZPWaYwzkrBKUGgyBJrFewlwjVxSuDp6WbE1FMNYmZ4Mf/s200/pTRU1-12632366enh-z6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I know that a lot of women intend to breastfeed but it is always a good idea to have good bottles on hand regardless of what your plan is. You never know. So Babies R Us is offering a great starter kit with bottles that are easy to clean, anti-colic, with venting systems.<br />
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Each starter kit includes: 2 5-oz bottles, 2 9-oz bottles, 4 slow-flow nipples, 4 Vent-Tec anti-colic valves, 2 Air-Flow pacifier, 1 on-the-go formula storage container, and 1 bottle brush with attachable nipple brush. Everything is BPA free. Each Simple Starter Kit retails for $24.99 and you can find them at any Babies R Us (<a href="http://www.babiesrus.com/">www.babiesrus.com</a>).<br />
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<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color: purple;">1 Mama</span><span style="color: purple;"> and Papas Baby Snug seat</span></strong></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG-Eg_ofniELHughCQo-NWcZz6s6D8ZoKUYV8QwMraxe6XJSHWaWh88nsPfh81-hU_MyBXKY4oZVyceEhlDbNi32_8u-1f_jESUpMZ9bpJvc95Lt_8nTYouYU4uKySqtYZg_EyIvXTVzm/s1600/pTRU1-9131561_alternate1_dt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG-Eg_ofniELHughCQo-NWcZz6s6D8ZoKUYV8QwMraxe6XJSHWaWh88nsPfh81-hU_MyBXKY4oZVyceEhlDbNi32_8u-1f_jESUpMZ9bpJvc95Lt_8nTYouYU4uKySqtYZg_EyIvXTVzm/s200/pTRU1-9131561_alternate1_dt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This is the newest in infant seats and I am a fan. Some friends had babies with the dimplest cutest baby-fat legs that had problems with infant seats. Yet the Baby Snug has interchangeable padding inserts. The ergonomic form contours to your baby's form and as your baby grows you remove the foam for more space. There is a removable tray, it is seriously ligthweight, and it is very easy to clean. The Baby Snug currently sells at all Babies R Us locations for $59.99 (<a href="http://www.babiesrus.com/">www.babiesrus.com</a>).<br />
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You can see there is a LOT of great, new stuff here I am thrilled to share with you. We're going to be selecting a few winners, too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">ONE lucky person will WIN A FULL PACKAGE</span></strong>. </span>That means 1 Stork Stack, the BabyGanics Home Cleaning Bundle, the Babies R Us Purely Simple Starter Kit, and the Mama and Papas Baby Snug seat. I am not great at math, but that is close to $200 in baby gear, all of it great and useful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">ONE lucky person will WIN A STORK STACK FOR EXPECTING PARENTS</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">ONE lucky person will WIN A BABIES R US PURELY SIMPLE STARTER KIT</span></strong></div>
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What can I say, we have a lot of love to give (<span style="font-size: x-small;">ho ho ho</span>).<br />
<br />
Enter using the Rafflecopter link below and you have 2 weeks, until <strong><u>December 28th</u></strong>, to enter. Best of luck!<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">All products were provided to me complimentary; however, all reviews and commentary are fully my own.</span></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cfc470/" id="rc-0cfc470" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-3149774701440487872012-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-13T08:00:13.647-05:00Arts & Crafts Thursday: Handprint ReindeerI am a sucker for handprint art as you know. I saw an image out there on the Pinternet that, albeit it had no tutorial, I knew we could replicate. So here it is: a handprint reindeer to melt your heart.<br />
<u></u><br />
<u><strong>Supplies:</strong></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>brown construction paper</li>
<li>pencil</li>
<li>scissor</li>
<li>glue</li>
<li>googly eye</li>
<li>pipe cleaners</li>
<li>red pompom or sequin</li>
</ul>
Other things you might want to have:<br />
<ul>
<li>hot glue</li>
<li>ribbon</li>
<li>sequins</li>
<li>marker</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>How-to:</u></strong><br />
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Start by tracing your child's hand on to the paper. Cut out. Turn upside down and start creating your reindeer.<br />
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We added one googly eye using a glue stick and one red sequin for the nose. (Cheater's tip: I cut the thumb on my hand a little as it was looking a lot more like a anteater. So I cheated a little on mine.)<br />
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We cut pipe cleaners down and attached some to the top of the reindeer's head for antlers. We then drew hooves on the reindeer's feet using a black marker.<br />
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From there the sky is the limit. I used ribbon and sequins to accessorize mine. <strong>C</strong> managed to find a little bell and a bow that he decided to use. Let your imagine go.<br />
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I ended up going back when <strong>C</strong> was done and refastening items like the bell and bow with hot glue. Obviously, don't let the kids get their hands on that and keep that glue gun far from little fingers.<br />
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I think this is so cute and <strong>C</strong> loves that we each have one. So enjoy!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-57355948225441217602012-12-12T09:31:00.001-05:002012-12-12T09:31:41.215-05:00Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvbbbbgolE-Ie9B_Akq3PZHKzwfHFIrg0p5W37tpFWvogMVN4ANSU_6qwC2fc0uTmhUw1-tYlc0S-QSqTm3zgEfjO4tNyCBNBHYWm4rrcuEHN7LCewi0tLuyO7uL-JJjt4waYDcTwcENh/s1600/2012-11-24_12-41-46_754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvbbbbgolE-Ie9B_Akq3PZHKzwfHFIrg0p5W37tpFWvogMVN4ANSU_6qwC2fc0uTmhUw1-tYlc0S-QSqTm3zgEfjO4tNyCBNBHYWm4rrcuEHN7LCewi0tLuyO7uL-JJjt4waYDcTwcENh/s320/2012-11-24_12-41-46_754.jpg" width="320" /></a>I love old school diners - and I was appropriately thrilled when <strong>C </strong>announced our "lunch" at Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe on Franklin Street "delicious." What's not for a young kid to love? He got to eat bacon and a batch of M&M pancakes as big as his face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eVrxILgVVNe43E7lb08H8kw0wk5F-LNbeaKOWZeJBMZA-XtSHIs8my9HvTK13WJszkDNquoWgQZbSGEe0pCXPrFEj0rjLRO2NcZsDhsGhjLletztvMa8PdwG1KljlHX7CgrFdK8wIyro/s1600/2012-11-24_12-23-08_97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eVrxILgVVNe43E7lb08H8kw0wk5F-LNbeaKOWZeJBMZA-XtSHIs8my9HvTK13WJszkDNquoWgQZbSGEe0pCXPrFEj0rjLRO2NcZsDhsGhjLletztvMa8PdwG1KljlHX7CgrFdK8wIyro/s200/2012-11-24_12-23-08_97.jpg" width="111" /></a>Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe is right across from <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/05/uncs-campus.html" target="_blank">UNC's main campus</a> and has been an institution since 1972 (yes, that <em>is</em> older than me....but not by much). Inside the front looks very much like a diner with the cooking area exposed with countertops to pull up a barstool. Head towards the back and you'll find an area more like a "restaurant" with booths and tables and traditionsal seating.<br />
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Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe hasn't changed much in the 40 years it's been around. The interior is not modern and sparkly. However, if you want afriendly welcome and good old-fashioned breakfast (any time of day) this is where you go. The service was fast and very friendly (and they kept my coffee mug full at all times), and the food was reasonably priced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4n79U-aicfREQMGdidX_9UF9S5IOX71FgcnHGTQCRvh_rLGgov3lqcAZWDkPGtiSu3rSnr7N4g1V-BUIw6f-QIIZe0ukyZ0xYVMq7xdBKaPGXHRd3_RWUIiO8kgblwEilUcVj7vz0eM8/s1600/2012-11-24_12-41-30_420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4n79U-aicfREQMGdidX_9UF9S5IOX71FgcnHGTQCRvh_rLGgov3lqcAZWDkPGtiSu3rSnr7N4g1V-BUIw6f-QIIZe0ukyZ0xYVMq7xdBKaPGXHRd3_RWUIiO8kgblwEilUcVj7vz0eM8/s320/2012-11-24_12-41-30_420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong>C</strong> really appreciated the fact that pancakes here could be had with M&M's in them OR Reese's Pieces. The pancakes are huge and you might be watching your child bounce out, but it was totally worth it.<br />
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In short, we're pleased that Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe has been a wonderful part of UNC tradition for 40 years now.<br />
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<strong><em>Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe</em></strong><br />
<a href="http://yeoldewaffleshoppe.com/"><em>http://yeoldewaffleshoppe.com/</em></a><br />
<em>173 E. Franklin Street<br />Chapel Hill, NC 27514<br />Ph: (919) 929-9192</em><br />
<em>M – F | 7:00am – 2:00pm<br />Sa – Su | 8:00am – 2:30pm</em>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-68911097073488718692012-12-10T10:02:00.000-05:002012-12-10T10:02:58.655-05:00West Point on the Eno - DurhamAre you all amazed with this weather? December in North Carolina giveth. And we taketh. To take advantage of the opportunity to get some wild and high energy kids outside my friend and I spent the morning at West Point on the Eno the other week.<br />
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This is one of the few historic parks in Durham (like <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/01/piedmont-wildlife-center-leigh-farm.html" target="_blank">Leigh Farm</a>,<a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/03/bennett-place.html" target="_blank"> Bennett Place</a>, and <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/10/duke-homestead-tobacco-museum.html" target="_blank">Duke Homestead</a>). There is an old mill here, a bunch of buildings dating back to as early as 1778 (some housing museums), 388 acres of land, 2 miles of track on the Eno River, an ampitheatre, a garden, beautiful walking trails, and picnic facilities. There are various educational programs held at West Point park that you can see at <a href="http://schoolhouseofwonder.org/" target="_blank">this link here</a>. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available at West Point park and you can get more information on <a href="http://www.enoriver.org/eno/Activities/paddling/paddling.htm" target="_blank">that here</a> or even put in your own kayak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlTOaE7LaLsTIwDq8WkE6r53fo2nvi7eWpvfkIclRMfV7KYZNFFWCb7ySzLgbwGJaXoGnRI2njR0H4utQGE0sbbB31Xoe0IlA7Z81Srv5jhyq-QjBwLej8IqzZg-jzAA9daZjMSgrGCdm/s1600/IMG_9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlTOaE7LaLsTIwDq8WkE6r53fo2nvi7eWpvfkIclRMfV7KYZNFFWCb7ySzLgbwGJaXoGnRI2njR0H4utQGE0sbbB31Xoe0IlA7Z81Srv5jhyq-QjBwLej8IqzZg-jzAA9daZjMSgrGCdm/s320/IMG_9565.JPG" width="320" /></a>West Point has many opportunities to get in the Eno River, too. At this park there are plenty of spots to wade in and get your feet wet - not that we did that this trip but certainly something to remember for the warmer days of summer.<br />
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We ended up taking the kids on a great little hike. West Point on the Eno has a lot of really accessible trails that weave in and out of the woods and down to the water. Our kids really enjoyed this and I loved seeing the views of the river through the trees. The trails are not long and our group especially enjoyed going over the pedestrian bridge and looking down at the Eno.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTi7iw8Y5ADC3mbhkLoO6H4T_wGM3FW3ZICzYMJrTZSpQwRpmMblORKr6LiAOFndSFRVAIfmOxn4YpuFz0A_CyqxQoXGylW2sVOslEuu-n22KNNj6-hhPJEVK4JB0SMHGjW1Tb1dVZEpR/s1600/IMG_9602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTi7iw8Y5ADC3mbhkLoO6H4T_wGM3FW3ZICzYMJrTZSpQwRpmMblORKr6LiAOFndSFRVAIfmOxn4YpuFz0A_CyqxQoXGylW2sVOslEuu-n22KNNj6-hhPJEVK4JB0SMHGjW1Tb1dVZEpR/s320/IMG_9602.JPG" width="213" /></a>We packed a picnic lunch and spent some time eating at one of the numerous picnic tables available here. There are also expanses of lawn where you can find some shade under a tree and enjoy your food.</div>
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The buildings are open for visitors 1 - 5 pm on the weekends only mid-March through December. Admission to the park is free and gates are open year-round from sun up to sun down.<br />
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There are public restroom facilities open when the park is.<br />
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West Point on the Eno hosts the hugely popular <a href="http://enoriver.org/Festival/" target="_blank">Festival for the Eno</a> 4th of July weekend every year.<br />
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<em><strong>West Point on the Eno Park</strong></em><br />
<a href="http://www.enoriver.org/eno/parks/WestPoint/westpoint.html"><em>http://www.enoriver.org/eno/parks/WestPoint/westpoint.html</em></a><br />
<em>5101 N Roxboro Street</em><br />
<em>Durham</em><br />
<em>919-471-1623</em>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-51655413110303302572012-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-07T08:00:10.140-05:00Great Wolf Lodge - Concord<i>From Sarah C.:</i><br />
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On the spur of the moment, DH suggested to me a stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. We had a few good reasons to celebrate and our weekend lodging plans had fallen through so why not toss in a little adventure?<br />
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Before we left, we simply showed <b>D</b> a few photos online. Keep in mind, this 3 year old had never even been to a water park or a hotel. The horror, right? The photos alone had him excited during the road trip and begging to get out of his car seat the moment the Lodge was in view. <br />
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Great Wolf Lodge has a number of room options from more traditional style hotel room to various suite options. We selected the KidKamp Suite which featured a separate "room" designed to look a tent. Inside was a bunk, small table and wall mounted tv. Admittedly we set the bar high in the room alone for our son's first hotel stay. He'll expect all hotels to have a "tent" now. As parents, we loved it because it did give him his own kid-sized space and, minus one venture to our side of the room at 11pm, spent the entire night in his own bed. <br />
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The main feature of GWL is the indoor waterpark. There is an outdoor section, but, of course, that is closed this time of year. We spent most of our time in a fenced area with secure gate designed specifically for the little ones. We also took turns trying out water slides, took a dip in the wave pool <span style="font-size: 85%;">(<b>D</b> learned the warning sound quick and scrambled to "shore" before the waves came)</span>, and I even dared to try a floating obstacle course. Proud to say I didn't fall into the water, but it was definitely not my most graceful moment!<br />
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Beyond the waterpark there are a lot of other activities spread out throughout the resort. We didn't try any due to time constrictions, but did wander a bit to take a peek. These include arcade, MagiQuest & Compass Quest, kids spa, Creation Station (make your own stuffed animal), bowling and mini golf. Note there are fees for these added options. You can purchase individually or buy a multipass (Paw Pass) for each child.<br />
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Daily activities included in the stay will be listed on a schedule given to you at check-in. The story time each evening in front of the fire in the lobby is supposed to be quite popular. I confess we missed it while playing in the water park! Next time.<br />
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Things to remember ...<br />
<ul>
<li>Check-in is at 4pm. You can access any "dry" area of the resort
beforehand and enter the water park as early as 1pm the day you arrive. Check-out is at 11am
with a fee for late check out. You will have access to the water park
until 9pm on the day you check out. There are locker rooms (men, women
& family) plus rental lockers in the water park area. </li>
<li>Water park passes are included with your room stay. Each member of your family will have a colored wristband that is your pass to the park and, for the adult ones, it also acts as your room key + resort charge option (no need to carry a wallet here).</li>
<li>Life jackets are provided for use. Personally we packed our son's Puddle Jumper and found it to be handy. Even the Cub Paw Pool which starts at zero entry got deep enough that it was reassuring to have the extra protection and, since he's used to it, we had no issues getting him to wear it. </li>
<li>The rooms have small fridges and microwaves so consider bringing some bottled water and a few snacks with you to help save on extra charges. Note there restrictions on outside foods in the water park so check the rules first.</li>
<li>The water park does have towels for use. They are small and must stay in the water park. Consider bringing your own or a cover up to wrap each family member in to stay a little warmer for your walk back to your room.</li>
<li>The water park is open 9am - 9pm. If you arrive around 9am, expect a line. My advice, hang out in your room or roam the other areas until about 9:10 to let the line disperse. As you enter the park, each child is measured and given a 2nd wristband that notes which areas he/she is tall enough for. If you didn't get one the night before or it came off (it's paper vs the plastic water pass/room key wristband), you will have to take the time to let the lifeguards measure your child and give them a new wristband. </li>
<li>Finally, personal preference here but it agrees with reviews DH & I read. We did find the mattresses to be very firm and the pillows hard. We packed D's pillow but definitely next time will be bringing our own as well. Again, personal preference but as all parents appreciate a good night's sleep, I thought I would suggest to help make your stay a tad more comfortable!</li>
</ul>
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Enjoy your stay! <br />
<br />
<i>Great Wolf Lodge</i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark" target="_blank">http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark </a></i><br />
<i>
10175 Weddington Road </i><br />
<i>
Concord, NC 28027 </i>Sarah Cogginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691096945912900890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-49298249354760611792012-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-06T08:00:03.166-05:00Arts & Crafts Thursday: Freezer Paper StencillingEasiest way to make custom tshirts, ever. While you are gearing up for the holidays, think about taking an hour or so to make some custom tees. It will be cheap and, honestly, quick.<br />
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This craft is certainly for the adult crowd to do, but it can also be done by older kids with some assistance. In fact, I saw a link over at <a href="http://www.iammommahearmeroar.net/2012/05/freezer-paper-stencil-party.html" target="_blank">I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar</a> where she hosted a freezer paper stencilling party for some older kids. Great idea! Here is how this easy craft work.<br />
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<strong><u>Supplies</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>tshirt (I got mine for 99 cents at JoAnn's)</li>
<li>Freezer Paper (it's in your grocery store near the aluminum foil)</li>
<li>fabric paint (you can get this at any craft store in a variety of colors)</li>
<li>iron</li>
<li>clip art or other design</li>
<li>scissors/craft knife</li>
<li>paint brush of any size</li>
<li>scrap paper</li>
<li>lightweight scrap cloth</li>
</ul>
<strong><u>Instructions</u></strong><br />
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Take your Freezer Paper and trace or otherwise draw your design on to your freezer paper. Note that you are going to put the shiny side of the Freezer Paper DOWN, so plan accordingly. If you have a printer that can hack it you can print your design right on to your paper. I downloaded a clipart dolphin (since this is a for a very special little niece who kind of has a thing for dolphins) and traced it on to my Freezer Paper.<br />
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Cut out your shape. You are making a stencil so you want to remove the part you want to show up on your thsirt. In otherwords, I cut the dolphin out and ended up with a piece of Freezer Paper with a dolphin cut out of it. Just wanted to make sure that was clear...<br />
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Place the stencil on to your thsirt where desired with the shiny side down. Using an iron with a medium setting - not too hot but not just warm - iron the Freezer Paper firmly but quickly to the tshirt. It will stick pretty easily.<br />
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I recommend placing your scrap paper inside your tshirt behind where you are about to paint since it can bleed through. Then use your fabric paint and paint your tshirt inside the stencil. Go ahead and be liberal.<br />
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Allow the paint to dry and then gently pull the Freezer Paper away. It will come off with no residue left behind.<br />
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Place a light cloth over the painted area and gently put firmly press the design for about 30 seconds to ensure that it sets.<br />
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That's it! So easy!<br />
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I was amazed that I hadn't tried this craft earlier. It look so great and took very little time...once I figured out what design I wanted.<br />
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Depending on your child there are many ways to engage them in the process. They can design, they can paint, but I would just be careful with the iron and the craft knife.<br />
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So have fun with this, get going on some custom gifts, and let me know what you make!<br />
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-55876661742395846382012-12-03T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T08:00:17.859-05:00New Hope Valley Railway Santa Train<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>C </b>is obsessed with trains. Last year we had a really lovely time at the <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2011/12/santa-train-at-lifescience.html" target="_blank">Life + Science Museum's Santa train</a> experience but this year, after a successful birthday party at New Hope Valley Railway, <b>C</b> had been asking to go back to NHVR. We decided we'd go to see Santa.<br />
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If you aren't familiar with NHVR you'll want to <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-hope-valley-railway.html" target="_blank">read Marney's article about it here</a>. For select weekends in December Santa rides the train (check out their schedule online, see below). Ticket prices are the same for the Santa ride as all other rides, and nearly everything about the actual experience is the same - except that everything is decorated for the holidays, Santa rides the train with the kids (and a helper elf) and gives out candy canes, and throughout the ride kids can spot decorations in the woods for the holiday season.<br />
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We decided to do this train over Life + Science this particular year because it's a real train (big seats! lots of space!), tickets are easier to get (although still purchase in advance, especially if you want a steam engine as opposed to a diesel engine), and the times worked out better for our schedule with The Bug (Life + Science runs only at night, after the Museum closes; NHVR runs only during the day as it is not lit at night).<br />
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Santa really spent a lot of time with the kids on the NHVR train. Since the whole experience is an hour train ride he had plenty of time to sit with us, answer questions, and really spend time with the children. And, again, it's a real train, which just makes <b>C</b> so ecstatic.<br />
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This doesn't have any of the activity stations you'll find at Life + Science but they do have all of the trains in museum to go through as well as the models. Also, you can buy hot chocolate and other concessions before you go on the train (and take them on with you) at NHVR. Life + Science is certainly a different experience being at night, with all the twinkly sparkle lights, but it really all depends on what type of thing you are looking for.<br />
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If you want a long train ride, a conversation with Santa, and a little bit less stress making it all happen, keep the NHVR Santa train in mind.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<i><b>New Hope Valley Railway Santa Train</b></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.nhvry.org/">http://www.nhvry.org/</a></i><br />
<i>5121 Daisey Street</i><br />
<i>New Hill</i><br />
<i> </i>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-88523076251810103322012-11-28T08:10:00.002-05:002012-11-28T08:10:26.417-05:00NCSU Basketball at Reynolds Coliseum<i>Tis the season...for great winter activities that don't include jingle bells and Santa Claus. From Sarah C. today:</i><br />
<br />
Back in my day, NCSU played all basketball games at Reynolds Coliseum on campus <span style="font-size: 85%;">(yep, totally dated myself with that statement)</span>. There is nothing like a game there. The ambiance offered by the older construction, the heat <span style="font-size: 85%;">(it might be cold out, but you'll be sweating just watching the game)</span> and the noise. I like the PNC Arena, but nothing compares to the sound of cheering Wolfpack fans in Reynolds. And, of course, being smaller you are so much closer to the action.<br />
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These are reasons I cheered when NCSU started offering at least one men's early season game per season at their old venue. This season, you can catch the action on Saturday, December 8th. Game time is 1:00pm and tickets are general admission. Thus, arrive early if you want the better seats.<br />
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This is a great game to attend especially if you have young kids. You can enjoy the experience without it being too overwhelming. We arrived close to tip off last year and ended up with 5 seats for the 3 of us close to one end. Directly in front of the band. This turned out to be exactly the right spot for our then 2-1/2 year old. <b>D</b> could see the game well and move around a bit, but also was mesmerized by the band and people watching in general. If you find your little one gets fidgety, step out to the concourse and walk the indoor track for a lap or two. Afterwards head next door to Talley Student Center for Howling Cow ice cream. <span style="font-size: 85%;">(Yes, I've declared my love for it in posts <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/03/ncsu-farm-animal-days.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/2012/06/ncsu-main-campus.html">here</a>. I might have an addiction.)</span><br />
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Want to visit other times? The women's basketball, women's gymnastics, women's volleyball and wrestling all compete at Reynolds. <br />
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<i>NCSU Athletics</i><br />
<i>Find all the NCSU sports schedules at <a href="http://www.gopack.com/" target="_blank">http://www.gopack.com</a> </i><br />
<i>Reynolds Coliseum</i><br />
<a href="http://www.gopack.com/facilities/reynolds-coliseum.html" target="_blank"><i>http://www.gopack.com/facilities/reynolds-coliseum.html</i></a><br />
<i>East Dunn Ave</i><br />
<i>Raleigh</i><br />
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<br />Sarah Cogginshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12691096945912900890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8699155749625957745.post-25424304840089525632012-11-27T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-27T08:00:10.189-05:0010 Tips to Balance Your Life Even During Holiday Season? (Yeah, Right!)<em>I am thrilled today to have a really great post AND GIVEAWAY from a new guest: Lori V. Forgasi. Lori is a writer who lives in our neck of the woods and wrote the award-winning book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0984028463?tag=freedogtraini-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0984028463&adid=19K8XMW0V3M938M52FWA&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fjquer5njp5sb6h1mrbe78kjsjbudut64-a-sites-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fifr%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fhosting.gmodules.com%2Fig%2Fgadgets%2Ffile%2F110543442524307353585%2Finclude-gadget.xml%26container%3Denterprise%26view%3Ddefault%26lang%3Den%26country%3DALL%26sanitize%3D0%26v%3D1a9c8abfb81b27ae%26libs%3Dcore%3Adynamic-height%3Asettitle%26mid%3D117%26parent%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.lorivernifogarsi.com%2Flori-s-books%2Fmomnesia" target="_blank">Momnesia</a>. Read on for her solid tips about managing the holiday season, but head to the bottom for more about Lori as well as a leak about something our next newsletter will hold. Not to mention that if you leave us a comment you could possibly win a signed copy of her book! Here she is!:</em><br />
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Being the author of a novel that’s about the average suburban mom trying to balance her “momminess” and her “sexiness” is always a surefire conversation starter. Comments range from the most common “Ha ha, very funny,” to the occasional defensive, “I have no problem with my sexiness!” (<em>That’s not what I was saying</em>, I silently lament. <em>I was simply telling you about my book because you asked!</em>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp8NiqcCaFNC1gxzynpFA4Sho50JZMlI8vuRrOqL07NIh4QSLwrhAzt0gPuRm5kiUXyuKloC6nhFGALl5gfWJjVBKkhfww-4VzCOA4iiO7D2L1w8g3OEj1V4Y-Iquqnk-pK4RNGJO_J1e/s1600/j0428510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOp8NiqcCaFNC1gxzynpFA4Sho50JZMlI8vuRrOqL07NIh4QSLwrhAzt0gPuRm5kiUXyuKloC6nhFGALl5gfWJjVBKkhfww-4VzCOA4iiO7D2L1w8g3OEj1V4Y-Iquqnk-pK4RNGJO_J1e/s320/j0428510.jpg" width="225" /></a>Either way, we all recognize that it’s a challenge. Whether a man or a woman, balancing life’s responsibilities with our Selves can be an ongoing battle at any time. However, for women… during holiday season? Here is where I insert my own, “Yeah, right!” Ask the average mom what it’s like to add an abundance of household decorations complete with breakables and choking hazards, shopping, wrapping, cooking, hosting family events, attending the many additional school happenings, baking cookies… well, you get the picture.</div>
<br />How are we supposed to balance our “momminess” and our “sexiness” when we’ve got all of that going on, plus the usual responsibilities that surround work, kids, the house, pets, meals, etc?! I don’t care how great your husband is… it’s overwhelming.<br />
<br />Interestingly, although “Momnesia” is a novel, it has been received by the media almost as if it were nonfiction. Which it kind of is, because it speaks to the truth of many women’s lives, but actually isn’t because it’s a made up story.<br />
<br />I’ve been invited to speak on this topic at a multitude of venues, including the <em>Lifetime Women’s Network Balance Your Life Road Tour, The My Carolina Today Show</em>, and others, sharing tips for how real women in real life can find ways to balance it all.<br />
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<br /><strong>10 Tips to Balance Your Life Even During Holiday Season</strong></div>
<br /><strong>1. Implement small daily decadences.</strong> Whether taking five minutes to sit and relax mid-day, or spending an hour in a bubble bath on Sunday, doing little things for yourself here and there can make a huge difference.<br /><strong><br />2. Draw the line on activities you don’t enjoy. </strong>Do you like making ten dozen cookies for the neighborhood exchange? Great, by all means make them. Don’t enjoy it but feel like you “should?” Stop. Just stop. No one is going to shun you and if they do, they’re not your real friends anyway.<br /><strong><br />3. Decorate in ways that make you happy instead of anxious.</strong> I always thought I was the only one who felt like an OCD claustrophobe with the decorative holiday clutter. After writing “Momnesia” and chatting with hundreds of women at book club meetings? I’ve discovered that I am, by far, not the only one. Pare down your decorating to a level you actually enjoy. If the kids want to have the seventy-five plastic snow globes that you’ve accumulated over the years in their room, fine. They don’t have to be displayed on every surface of your kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Really. They don’t.<br /><strong><br />4. Do your holiday hosting your way.</strong> Remind yourself that if the party is at your house, you can do it your way. Stressing out trying to make all fifteen relatives idealistically happy will never serve any purpose other than to eat your guts out. Make it nice, but make it yours.<br /><strong><br />5. Dress for the occasion.</strong> I’m talking sneakers and a fanny pack, ladies. When you’re out on a big shopping excursion, comfort trumps style. Forget about hauling your gigantic purse until you’re hot, exhausted, and in need of a cortisone shot. Work those sneakers and you’ll feel better about the entire day.<br /><strong><br />6. Put expenses into perspective.</strong> If money is stressing you out, ask yourself things like, “Do we really need to have open bar, or would wine and beer be just as nice?” <br /><strong><br />7. Put your children’s wish lists into perspective.</strong> A wish list is supposed to be a wish list, not an order form. You don’t have to buy everything on the list, or items that you know are sure to cause problems (like the “magic” diary that only unlocks to the sound of their voice but never works and makes them cry daily). You’ll enjoy the season more if you get them things that you feel they’ll enjoy.<br /><strong><br />8. Impose a ban on martyrdom.</strong> Yes, I just said that out loud. We women in particular often have a hard time letting other people help us, worrying that things won’t be done “right.” Trust me, the stress alleviated by not having to do every single thing yourself outweighs the “risk” that your husband might buy snow<em>man</em> wrapping paper instead of snow<em>flakes</em>.<br /><strong><br />9. Schedule time with your friends.</strong> If you wait until you’re not busy, you could easily never see anyone again. Not your close friend, not even your spouse. Instead, make an appointment with them, even if it’s just to meet for an hour over coffee, and adhere to it like you would a doctor appointment.<br /><br /><strong>10. Eat a turkey leg.</strong> Don’t like turkey legs? Fine. Eat or do other things you like. The point about turkey legs is that there are only two and most people love them but no one wants to <em>say</em> what they want. Say what you want! It’s not just everyone else’s holiday… it’s yours too!<br />
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Do you have any tips for balancing your life during holiday season? I look forward to your comments below!<br />
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If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy the conversational and humorous writing style of “Momnesia.” I welcome you to learn more about Lori's books, read a free preview and more, at her website, <a href="http://www.loritheauthor.com/">www.LoriTheAuthor.com</a>. In fact, Lori has a special Turkey Leg Sneak Excerpt posted for the holiday season, which you can enjoy here: <a href="http://www.loritheauthor.com/TurkeyLeg">www.LoriTheAuthor.com/TurkeyLeg</a>. Keep an eye out, because in just a few weeks, MiCHill will be sharing a special sneak Christmas Excerpt with you too! (Make sure you <a href="http://mominchapelhill.blogspot.com/p/sign-up.html" target="_blank">subscribe to the newsletter</a>!)<br />
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<u><em><strong>BUT YOU REALLY WANT TO WIN A FREE, SIGNED COPY OF "MOMNESIA," DON'T YOU? I know I wish I could! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below giving us your best stress-management tip for the holidays. Winner will be chosen at random from all comments on Monday, December 9th (just in time for you to read this as your daily decadence through the holidays!).</strong></em></u><br />
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<em>Lori V. Fogarsi has been a freelance writer, journalist, columnist, and professional speaker for 15+ years. Her novel, “Momnesia” has been a finalist in several prestigious book awards. She also has a nonfiction book, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” which has been widely acclaimed in its genre.</em><br />
<em>Fogarsi is a happily married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. Originally a native New Yorker, she now divides her time between Holly Springs, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA, where she is hard at work on her next novel, “Gramnesia,” to be released in spring 2013 by Brickstone Publishing.</em><br />
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<em>Find Lori online here:</em><em><br />Website: </em><a href="http://www.loritheauthor.com/"><em>www.LoriTheAuthor.com</em></a><br /><em>Facebook: </em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor"><em>www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor</em></a><br /><em>Twitter: </em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/LoriTheAuthor"><em>www.twitter.com/LoriTheAuthor</em></a><br /><em>(In fact, you can find her at LoriTheAuthor just about everywhere online!)</em><br />
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14131227829646068234noreply@blogger.com4