In my search for wonderful crib bedding—which is hard to find—I am amazed at the selection I found at AllModernBaby.com and their sister store CSNBaby.com.
Not only are there tons of options, they are organized so well, that you can quickly find what you are looking for for the price you want…I am never again going to be thumbing through the few options available around town!
This is the place to go!!
Look for my future post on the fantastic SkipHop Saddlebag I am getting to solve a longtime problem I have had with my Joovy sit and stand stroller —- where to put the diaper bag???? Genius!!
Mama Jen
Mama Jen
September 19th, 2009
Even though my kids are not yet school age, as a foodie who’s into eating locally grown organics, and healthy living in general, I’m a little worried about what their hot lunch options will be once they hit grade school. This mama might just be packing lunches for the next 20 years.
So, you can bet it’s on my agenda to check out the movie “Two Angry Moms,” screening in Madison at Whole Foods on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Discussion follows. It’s recommended that you call to reserve a seat; 608-233-9566. A $3 donation goes to the School Lunch Revolution.
The movie—billed as part exposé, part how-to—highlights the grassroots movement by moms Amy Kalafa and Susan Rubin, who wanted more focus on what kids eat in school lunches, and their quest to get healthy, tasty, real food into the cafeterias.
Check out the organization Rubin founded, in her exasperation regarding school food: www.betterschoolfood.org. You also, like me, may want to sign the Slow Food USA petition telling Congress to provide America’s children with real food at school. Click here to add your name: http://slowfoodusa.org/timeforlunch.
—Mama Kate
September 4th, 2009
The fabulous designer at Amuse Me that makes those great nursing covers with ribbons inside for your baby to play with, has launched adorable Mommy and Toddler aprons in some gorgeous fabrics.
These aprons are totally reversible, chic and whimsical! What little girl doesn’t want everything that mommy has? And what mommy doesn’t want to rock some serious style while in the kitchen or garden?
I absolutely adore these aprons and so does my daughter! You’ll want these aprons hanging in a prominent place in your kitchen. They are a decoration in themselves…
Mama Jen
September 3rd, 2009
I’ve been riding the same bike for 18 years. It’s an “urban mountain” bike, and it weighs a ton. But, it’s not even close to worn out because I simply don’t ride much. But, just the same, inspired by Madison’s “Ride the Drive” today, I thought I’d take a look at what’s out there in stylish-yet-can-haul-kids category. It may finally be time for me to update.
Friends rave about their Madsen “Precious Cargo Bike.” The kids sit in a bucket right behind you, and over the back tire. That way, they’re not way off back yonder enclosed in the chariot (as we call it) and you feel like a singular unit. It feels like you’re keeping them a little tighter to your chest—a good thing especially when riding roadside. And, when there are no kids, you can haul stuff. Very utilitarian. I’m ruining my own chances by telling you this…but you could WIN a FREE bike from Madsen. The company gives one away each week. My friends purchased their new ride at Williamson Bicycle Works, here in Madison, WI.
I also like the looks of WorkCycles bikes, a company known for making “Dutch city bikes.” They’re made in Amsterdam, but there are a few dealers stateside. Dig the Fr8Family bike, with the seat tucked snugly between you and the handlebars. This model can be fitted to carry up to three kids. Rear seat options available, too. Also like the looks of the Onderwater Family Tandem (pic of dad + 2 tinies). Please, let me not have the need for the company’s 12-seater extralong cargo bike.
WorkCycles has other cool child transport bikes, too. And just cool-looking bikes in general. Maybe it’s just that anything Euro or Scandinavian (except the pop music) appeals to this modernist mama.Like this one, the Secret Service ladies bike. 
Wow, and look. I can look ultra stylish on any of the bikes, sporting a skirt instead of something to sweat in. This makes me want to trade in my yoga pants for a wardrobe from Boden, complete with hip trench coat, don some Dansko clogs, and decorate my home with Marimekko patterns.
— Mama Kate
August 30th, 2009
Nanny Connections has some great new programs that we thought our fellow busy Wisconsin moms in the Madison, Milwaukee and Fox Valley areas would want to know about. Check out how they can help:
It’s back to school time and you know what that means… room mom duty, soccer practice, parent teacher conference (… without the kids… ugh!).
Or, maybe you’ve got season tickets to the Badgers or Packers—and don’t want to miss a game.
Nanny Connections can step in and guarantee you’ve got child care coverage, so you don’t have to miss a big game, or an important school or social event. Nanny Connections does makes it easy—they match your needs with appropriately experienced nannies. Nanny Connections does initial interviews, evaluations, and reference checks; and completes various other background checks—whew! That’s half the headache of finding a good sitter or nanny!
The fee schedule is pretty easy to follow:
Option #1: Purchase a membership to Nanny Connections for one year for access to our pre-screened pool of On Call Nannies. Yearly Membership Fee: $150.00. Each time you need an On Call Nanny, the fee is $15.00.
Option #2: You can also forgo the $150 membership fee and pay $25 each time you need an On Call Nanny. (A credit card is required to be on file.)
Nannies are paid the same day in cash usually ranging from $10-12 per hour. A four-hour minimum pay is required for on call services.
We’ve told you about Nanny Connections services in the past (from houshold managers, and housekeepers, to dedicate childcare professionals) but love to share updates on businesses masterminded BY moms, FOR moms. Our kudos to founder, president, and director of placement Tiffanie Kinder, the mompreneur extraordinaire who brainstormed this great company!
— Mama Kate
August 27th, 2009
Not sure what to do this weekend? Problem solved. Head to Madison this Sunday, August 30, 8am – 2pm, for Ride the Drive, a family-friendly event celebrating the city’s commitment to healthy living. A 6-mile loop from John Nolan Drive to East Washington will wrap around Capitol Square, and you can hop in at any point—on foot, bike, or skates—on the “car-free care free city streets.” Along the way you’ll find great events: kids’ bike rodeo, bike/stroller decorating and parade, art cart and obstacle course; adult group exercise classes; tunes in the tunnel underneath Monona Terrace; a block-long picnic; demonstrations; bike tune-ups; workshops with Suzy Favor Hamilton—and too much more to list here. Check out the Ride the Drive site for complete details.
— Mama Kate
August 26th, 2009
Ooops… we’re gathering at Bean Sprouts for a Coffee Talk with fitness guru Dustin Maher on Tuesday August 18 (typo said Aug 19). Sorry for the confusion! Call it sleep deprivation / mommy brain…
—Mama Kate
August 10th, 2009
We know the drill. Have a kid or two, feel lumpy and soft. You want to exercise, but where do you find the time or an affordable class or gym?
A couple of years ago, we both started training with Dustin Maher through his MamaTone group fitness classes for moms. We can’t say enough about the experience—particularly the fact that it’s great to work out with gals of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels who know what you’re going through. Dustin’s created a fun and supportive community atmosphere in his MamaTone fitness classes at Supreme Health club, and it’s fantastic to have a workout that is geared toward women’s bodies and getting us mommies back in shape fast. We’ve come to believe that we deserve to carve out time for focused exercise, as it makes us feel and look better, and helps us cope with and de-stress from the everyday aspects of momhood. That’s good stuff.
Together with the gals at Bean Sprouts cafe, we’ve created a monthly mommy chat. It’s an opportunity to gather, grow your community of moms, and talk about topics that are of interest to you. This month’s Coffee Talk, at Bean Sprouts, is loaded with inspiration and tips to make getting into shape easy. Dustin will teach 5 body-transforming
exercises you can easily do at home—whether watching the kids in the yard or Oprah on TV. He’ll also advise on exercises to avoid (yes mamas, it’s crunches!), and share nutrition tips on the top metabolism-boosting foods you can eat. You may have heard of Dustin; his fitness advice has been featured on local news casts for NBC, ABC, and CBS, as well as on Wisconsin Public Radio. He’s also founder of Fit Fun Bootcamps, and has recently launched a series of workout videos.
To learn more about Dustin Maher, his workouts and fitness philosophy, visit dustinmaherfitness.com/about-2/. Be sure to visit his site for more details on attending a MamaTone class free, and receiving a free fitness-related gift from Dustin (sign up for his newsletter). On his site, you’ll also be inspired by some amazing body transformations from some of his clients, and appreciate all the fitness and nutrition advice he offers.
Kids are welcome! They can play while we moms enjoy a complimentary cuppa joe and catch up on getting fit. Stay for lunch afterward, and gnosh on Bean Sprouts delish and healthy eats.
No more excuses — we’ll see you at Coffee Talk!
Date: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 10am-11am
FREE! Bring the kids.
Location: Bean Sprouts cafe, 6719 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue, Suite 101, Middleton, WI 53562. 608.826.6YUM.
— Mama Kate + Mama Jen
August 9th, 2009
So, what is Mama Jess—one of MomAppeal’s original founders—up to these days, besides chasing around her busy 4 year old? Exploring one of the best careers you’ve probably never heard of! She’s launched a virtual assistance business from her Madison, WI, home. We’re proud to say that Jessica Maes is fast becoming a guru and has just published a book on the subject, Exploring A Career As A Virtual Assistant and she is currently on virtual tour to promote it!
The book is drawn from Jessica’s own experiences as a virtual assistant, as well as the class she’s taught on the subject via the University of Wisconsin’s Minicourse department. A virtual assistant provides professional administrative, technical, or other specialized assistance to other businesses from a remote location, such as a home office; most have previous administrative experience. The book explores the industry, examples of successful practices, and how to make the leap toward starting your own Virtual Assistant practice.
If you’re looking for an outlet for your skills, one that allows you flexibility a busy mom needs, or maybe looking for a new career, then read a free sample from Jessica’s book by clicking here; to purchase in downloadable eBook format or hard copy, click here. To celebrate the book’s launch, Jessica has a few goodies to offer us. The first is a 20% discount off the purchase of the book. Simply use the promo code THANKYOU during check out.
Also, as part of this tour stop, Jessica is available to us today to answer your burning questions about the Virtual Assistance industry! Post your question by leaving a Comment below. Jessica will respond in the Comments section so be sure to check back!
The second goody from Jessica is that one lucky MomAppeal reader will receive a free copy of the eBook version of the book! To be eligible to win, you simply need to post a question about virtual assistance in the comments section of this post. She’ll choose the winner at random and announce here in a couple of days.
Kudos Mama Jess!
—Mama Kate + Mama Jen
August 3rd, 2009
Well, it may only last for 10 minutes, but it’s worth it: dark chocolate-covered ruffled potato chips. I was looking for just a little sweet bite while running errands, stopped into James J Chocolate Shop on Madison’s Monroe Street, and gave into temptation (the sales clerk was effusive about them). They were, as they sound: decadently, disgustingly delicious. I was only going to have one—the chocolate is thick and rich and, well, it IS covering a potato chip. But, well, you know how it goes, in a moment of crisis or weakness, the whole bag disappears. It was only 5 chips, but that was more than enough. I would have taken a picture to share but, they didn’t last long. Now I better go for a run …
— Mama Kate
July 16th, 2009
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