Monday, December 6, 2010

today's kitchen store.

Today's Kitchen Store



If you haven't heard, there is a new kitchen store in downtown Wooster! Today's Kitchen Store is located on the square across from the Rubbermaid Store! The atmosphere at the store is fun and very modern. There are many unique cooking products/tools, cookbooks and spices/condiments! The store also has a very cute supply of kid size aprons and chef hats!!

I signed up for the first cooking class offered: Appetizers! The class was very interesting and the store supplied the recipes being prepared. I felt very comfortable asking questions and felt apart of the whole experience. I was able to sit at the counter which is right in front of the chef - (I recommend arriving early to any class so you are able to sit at the counter. A few people behind me couldn't see as well!) I look forward to future classes and if you have an idea for a cooking class the owners are more than willing to take suggestions!! You can find Today's Kitchen Store on the web: www.todayskitchenstore.com

by phone: 330.601.1331 or on Facebook: Today's Kitchen Store

I can't wait for the Preschool Cookie class! See you there!!

-Jen Shutt

help wanted?

Looking for some help around the house? Robin Phillips provides house cleaning services in the Wooster area and currently has openings. Robin can be reached at robinph@yahoo.com
Contact Beth Mulcahy for a reference.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

babylegs.

you might already know that i am a crazy-babylegs-addict. but you probably didn't know that you have an opportunity to win a pair everyday (once a month) for the special little one in your life! if you're wondering what in the world i'm talking about, go check out babylegs.com . they are legwarmers/armwarmers for boys and girls. they come in a bunch of different styles, and the if you "like" babylegs on facebook, you can get first dibs on some great sales.

and on to the "free" part. they run a forum here, where they post a daily question. all you have to do is answer the daily question and then a winner is chosen everyday by the moderator of the forum. you can win once a month! it's super fun to connect with other moms and hear their stories and takes on raising kids or being a mom. the forum is one of my daily online stops, and since joining it in late july, i've won twice. both times by posting a photo of my girl in her beautiful babylegs.

anyways, if you are interested, go here and request access by picking a screen name. they'll approve you within a few days, and then you just answer the daily question and you're on your way. hope to see you there! :)

--jen p.

christmas crafts for kids.

Just thought I would pass along info about a neat children’s craft time this Saturday in case you want to spread the word. It’s from 12-4:00 on Dec. 4 at 120 Beall (brick building just north of Liberty). We went last year—everything is free for kids and they had some really neat things to do. There was live Christmas music, and Santa dropped by too—no lines! This is a newer event and not very well known—kind of like a hidden gem—so just thought I would let other moms know about it.

thanks for the info, carrie!

portable north pole.

here's a great christmas idea for you:


You guys might already be aware of this... but here ya go, just in case your not...


This website prepares a personalized message from Santa to your little ones. They do a great job and you can add pics to it too. Only take a couple minutes. My kids are in love with it and it really helps them grasp the Christmas/Santa concept!

thanks, christa!

studio on liberty.

our many thanks to tracy heck, rhiannon fink, and the studio on liberty for hosting a mom's night of yoga!

for those of you who asked, here is the website for the studio, where you can access class schedules, class information, and upcoming events.

Friday, November 19, 2010

evening with santa.

Friday, December 3rd, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Liberty Street Commons in downtown Wooster. (146 East Liberty) Photos with Santa will be $5 and taken by Liberty Studio Photography. Girl Scout Troop 2298 will be providing a family fun activity. Triway High School Art Club will be painting faces, and a coloring contest will be held. For more information, please contact Roomscapes at 330-262-1088.

thanks, jen!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

babylegs great turkey chase.

over at the babylegs site, they are hosting a great turkey chase, with a new coupon available everyday this week. look through the site, find the turkey on a different page everyday, click on him and a new coupon code will pop up each day. today, it's 25% off everything! happy hunting!

indians snow days.

go here for info about the winter wonderland at progressive field!

wayne county library.

Overdue Fine Forgiveness


Nov. 19, 2010 - Jan. 1, 2011

Wayne County Public Library will forgive overdue fines on WCPL children’s library cards from November 19th, 2010 to January 1st, 2011 as our gift to the children this holiday season.

The Library is forgiving over due fines only. If a child has other charges on their account those will need to be paid in full before any overdue fines will be forgiven. Accounts that have been turned over to a collection agency by another library are not eligible to have over due fines forgiven.

This gift is available to eligible patrons under 18 years of age. A child with overdues fines can visit any Wayne County Public Library location or the Mobile Branch and ask that their overdue fines be forgiven. Staff members will explain to the child how they can avoid over due fines in the future and forgive the over due fines on their card so the child has a fresh start for 2011.

For questions regarding these conditions or other library fine questions please contact your local branch.

For the link, go here.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

upcoming events.

wooster hospitality partners progressive dinner here

holiday happenings at toyrifix here

playhouse square tinsel town party here

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

free thanksgiving activity.

At Wayne County Public Library Children's Section all day on Monday, November 15th

Be Thankful Craftapooloza Day

Be Thankful for crafts! Come in and join us for a family program of making crafts for the upcoming holiday. Stop in the children's department anytime during the day to make fingerprint turkeys, Native American headdresses, pilgrim hats, and much more. No Registration is required.


thanks, jen!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

heartland point class.

sign up for this little class with your tike quick!!

Talking Turkey with Tots
Friday, November 12 10:30
Heartland Point, Orrville
$10

Make Thanksgiving crafts to get your family in the holiday spirit! Instructors Karrie McAllister and Michele Wilson will guide you and your child as you make an "I'm Thankful Tree" and something special for your holiday table.
Call 330-682-0200 to register asap

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

need a dog groomer by chance?

Excellent groomer, reasonably priced, professional, and friendly
Dog Gone Beautiful Dog Grooming Service in Wooster

Melissa Fishburn

330-988-2710


thanks, jen!

***SHE WILL NOT BE BOOKING NEW APPOINTMENTS TILL AFTER THE NEW YEAR, DUE TO A FULL SCHEDULE. THANKS!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

barnes and noble kids club.

it's free to join, and you can sign up here.

some new recipes for fall/winter boredom.

Left over candy:

www.candyexperiments.com



Flubber (College of Wooster Recipe)


In a large container (such as a pail) combine
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 cups white glue
Food coloring (whichever color you prefer)


In a second container, combine
1 1/3 cups warm water
3tsp Borax


mix ingredients in each container throroughly


Pour contants of smaller container into large container


Gently lift and turn mixture until only about a tablespoon of liquid is left. Flubber will be sticky for a moment or two. Let excess liquid drop off then Flubber will be ready.


Store in airtight container for 3 weeks.


It in non-edible




Peanut Butter Play Dough

one 18-oz. jar creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup non-fat dry milk

Mix ingredients together, using varying amounts of dry milk for desired consistencies. Knead it with fingers, forming into desired shapes, adding other foods like M&M's or peanuts for eyes, mouths, etc. Great fun!

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.







Kool-Aid Play Dough

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
3 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 package Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of unsweetened)
1 tablespoon cooking oil

Mix dry ingredients together in a large saucepan. Slowly add water mixed with oil and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens to dough. Turn out onto a heatproof bread board or counter top and knead until cool enough for children to handle. Dough will be the color of the Kool-Aid mix and will smell like the Kool-Aid mix. (Can be stored in a tightly covered container for up to six months)






Jell-O Play Dough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 (3-1/2 oz.) package "unsweetened" Jell-O

Mix all ingredients together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool and knead with floured hands until dry.

Storage: This recipe needs to cool completely "before" storing it in an airtight container!








Oatmeal Play Dough

1 part flour
2 parts oatmeal
1 part water

Mix ingredients together and form into shapes.

Note: The items made from this play dough recipe can be painted when they are dry.





Peanut Butter/Graham Cracker Play Dough

Equal amounts of Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Cream
Graham Crackers

First, have the children wash their hands before beginning so they can safely lick their fingers during this project.

Allow children to crumble up Graham Crackers into crumbs, then set these aside. Let them have just a little touch of the Marshmallow Cream and a little touch of peanut butter to feel the different textures and to lick off their fingers.

Mix the peanut butter and Marshmallow Cream together and have the children notice the change in texture. Cover surface area with wax paper or use a breadboard, let children make into shapes. Roll shapes in Graham Cracker crumbs, then eat!

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container.





Cream Cheese Play Dough

8 oz. package of cream cheese
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
1 tablespoon honey
crackers or bread slices

Combine cream cheese, milk and honey in a bowl and mix until well blended. Mold sculptures on was paper.

Storage: Unused portions MUST BE STORED in an airtight container and kept refrigerated! Because cream cheese is perishable, use the expiration date on the cream cheese package as your guide for how long you can keep this play dough.

Note: The shapes can then be placed on crackers or bread slices, decorated with edibles (celery or carrot slivers, raisins, dried fruit pieces, nuts, or seeds for a healthysnack... then eat!




Frosting Play Dough

1 can frosting (any flavor)
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Mix together until dough reaches desired consistency

Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. Next time you want to use it, let it come to room temperature for pliable dough.


thanks, missy!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

tastefully simple/silpada party.

Join us for a fun evening on November 4th at Kelly Kuzma’s house!
Forget-Me-Not Baskets will be hosting a Silpada and Tastefully Simple
party starting at 6:30 p.m. to help you get a jump start on all your holiday
shopping!
Jennifer Sanders will be there from Silpada to help you pick out that
perfect piece of jewelry and 30% of her sales will go back to FMN.
Jessica O’Loughlin will be there from Tastefully Simple giving out a bunch
of great new samples and 25% of her sales will go back to FMN.
All the festivities will begin at 6:30 at Kelly’s house.

A chance to win prizes, for those of you who attend!

If you would like to make a purchase from either or both consultants, but
can’t make the party, here is how you can do that:
Tastefully Simple
simply go online to: www.tastefullysimple.com
Click on Shop Products and pick out what you want
At check out, click on Find Host/Event
Type in Kelly Kuzma’s name and our party will come up, click on it.
Then when you place your order, our party will get credit
Silpada
To view all of their great jewelry, go to:
mysilpada.com/Jennifer.sanders
Once you decide what you would like to order, please contact Jennifer or
Kelly Kuzma with your order (you can not place orders online).

I will be sending out a Tastefully Simple evite to those of you who are on
my email list, so look for those as well. Please RSVP so we know how
many to expect!
Thanks for your support and we hope to see you on the 4th!

Sara Ringle
Forget-Me-Not Baskets, Inc.

heartland point.

here is a link to heartland point in orrville. more specifically, it's the event calendar for the upcoming months. :)

Friday, October 22, 2010

airport event.

In today's paper it had info that on Sat from 1-3 the Wayne County Airport will host trick or treat. Kids should come in costume, will get candy, and get to see the planes!


thanks, carrie!

Monday, October 18, 2010

barnes and noble- fairlawn.

children's activities for the fairlawn barnes and noble can be found here. some look like they are worth checking out! :)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

educational babysitting available...

My name is Shawn McGormley and I am Montessori trained for 3-6 year olds and 6-12 year olds. I am doing "educational babysitting" for 3-6 year olds in the afternoons. I work mostly with early math and language but I can help your child at any stage in any area. I also tutor older children at your home in the evenings and on weekends. Please contact me if you are interested, by using the wearemomsgroup@gmail.com address!

big red wagon sale, coming up!

http://thebigredwagon.com/ this is a LARGE consignment sale: baby through teen. It is similar to "Too good to be threw" but larger. The next one is October 23/24 in Canton/Akron.

thanks, shawn!

Friday, October 8, 2010

free day at cosi-columbus.

want to plan a fun, free day of entertainment for the family? cosi is hosting a community open house on dec. 5. want more details? check out the page here.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

october/november things to do.

here's a list of things to do in the coming weeks, compiled by jen finn. thanks, jen!


Friday, Oct 15, 2010 10:30-11:15 "Fall Fun for Little Ones" at Heartland Point in Orrville, cost per child is $10, call 330-682-0200 to register by phone

October 15th-17th, 22nd-24th, 29th-30th "Boo at the Akron Zoo" for more information go to www.akronzoo.org/news/events.asp?Evtid=238

Friday, October 29th from 5:30-7:30 "Trick or Treat Tracks" at the Lodi Outlet Mall (first 300 children will receive a free caramel apple)

Friday, Nov 12, 2010 10:30-11:30 "Talking Turkey with Tiny Tots", at Heartland Point in Orrville, cost per child is $10, call 330-682-0200 to register by phone

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

touch a truck.

the library is hosting touch a truck this weekend, and i believe that it starts at 10am if you are interested in going. you may want to call to confirm that that is the actual time... i might have inadvertantly made it up. ;) but for real, touch a truck is on oct 2nd.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

costume swap.

i was wondering if anyone would be interested in doing a costume swap for their kids this year. do you have any old costumes that your kids have worn in past years for halloween that you are willing to let another mom borrow?

the reason that i ask is that i know how expensive it can get to outfit the kids (especially multiple kids!!) for halloween. i have some great costumes for boys that are 3T and under, and for girls, i have a ladybug that is size 12 months. i'd be willing to let another mom borrow... and i hope that others might do the same. we could get some major exchanging going on here! :)

if you have something that you are willing to let someone borrow, leave a comment about what it is and what size it is. and if you're interested in borrowing something, you can make your request in the comment section as well.

Monday, August 30, 2010

fun fall things to do.

here's a short list of places to go and things to do in the northeast ohio area:

RAMSEYER FARMS
http://www.ramseyerfarms.com/index.php

Festivals and Dates
•September 25 & 26: Potato Festival
•October 2 & 3: Farm Heritage Days
•October 9 & 10: Kids Festival
•October 16 & 17
•October 23 & 24: Pumpkin Festival
•October 30 & 31: Fall Fun Festival


WOOLLY BEAR FESTIVAL
September 26th, 2010 in Vermilion, Ohio

YANKEE PEDDLER FESTIVAL
September 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2010 in Canal Fulton, Ohio
10:30am - 6:00pm

OHIO SWISS FESTIVAL
October 1-2, 2010 in Sugar Creek, Ohio

OHIO HERITAGE DAYS
September 25-26, 2010 in Mansfield, Ohio

Monday, August 16, 2010

mints by emilie.

One of our moms, Emilie Rickley, makes Homemade Mints. Here's the info:


Homemade Mints by Emilie
If anyone needs mints for a Bridal shower, Baby shower, Weddings or any other party you can contact me! I make cream cheese mints. You can choose from various colors, flavors and shapes! Prices are as follows:
100 Mints ~ $20.00
200 Mints ~ $30.00
300 Mints ~ $40.00

Contact her through the wearemomsgroup@gmail.com address! Thanks!

Monday, August 9, 2010

wooster branch library storytime.

sign-up begins next monday! mark your calendar!

if you need to call the library for more info: 330.262.0916 and then on the menu, the children's dept is number 4.

Monday, August 2, 2010

working moms group.

check out the info added tonight under the "working moms" tab. playdates and girl's nights out, just for working moms!

thanks, leann!

family fun craft kits.

these are available at select wal-marts (wooster's is one of them!). they are craft kits filled with seven days of crafts for kids. the theme's are: flowers and fairies, rainy days, summer camp, and ocean life. 7 dollars per kit, found back by the crafting/sewing section.

check out a picture of the previous ones here.

too good to be threw sale.

august 7th, church of the nazarene, 8:30am-12:30pm.

saturday morning out.

we were tossing around the idea of doing a saturday morning out for moms. we'd go to medina, have some tea at miss molly's, shop at root candle and in the square, and be back by 1 or 2 in the afternoon. would any of you be interested in an activity like this? would you prefer to do it in september or october? if we were to go, should we come up with an activity for all the dads and kids to do or just let them wing it? ;)

free "udder cover".

if you're okay with spending the 10 bucks on shipping, you can get a free udder cover (nursing cover). or you can get the 3 piece gift set for 5 bucks, plus shipping. i bought one of these in the hopes of one day needing it, and can attest to how fab it is. go here to check out the selection, and the enter the code "Breastfeeding" at checkout to get it free.

thanks, bargain divas!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

deceptively delicious.

kohl's cares for kids has a new set of books for kids... this time around it's winnie the pooh. there are four books and four stuffed animals. the "adult" book available is deceptively delicious by jessica seinfeld... the one about hiding veggies and other nutritious ingredients in foods that are normally pretty kid-approved anyway. all the books and stuffed animals are 5 bucks each... pick some of them up and feel good that the profit goes to charity. :)

have you tried anything from deceptively delicious or the sneaky chef? have you had any success stories?

What We Need from YOU!

There are a few things that we wanted to do to make sure that all info is up-to-date. We wanted you to submit your family birthdays (for acknowledgement in the newsletter) and/or your due dates. We also needed to make sure that email addresses have been added correctly, and that no one has been left off the list. If you scan the recipient list of the emails you are getting and see that someone is missing, please send us an email with their name and e-address.
We also had a few ideas for articles in the newsletter and we need your help to see them come to fruition. We’d like to do some segments on One Tank Trips to family-friendly destinations. Also, we are looking for some moms who are willing to submit Book/CD/DVD reviews. And if you’re like Carrie, and have a stellar product that you’d like to share with other moms, we need you for product reviews!
We also are seeking your ideas about how the group can be made even better. Karrie McAllister submitted some ideas for making a We Are Moms Logo (know anyone who could do that for us??) to put on t-shirts, mugs, etc., and also a central address to send email to (besides my own personal e-address). What about a motto? Got anything catchy?
We’d love your playdate ideas, your GNO ideas, or great local activities you’ve found and are participating in with your child. In short, we want to know what you’re doing! If you care to share, we want to hear!

Friday, July 30, 2010

We Are Moms- History.

Why I started We Are Moms
In 2007 I was a full time working mom of two boys, ages 1 and 2. I had a home office and traveled 4 days a week, so I didn't have much of a connection with a group of moms. I knew that there were more moms out there like me and I was determined to find them. I started the moms group with about seven moms on the list, some of them I don't even think knew they were on the list, they were just moms I knew, LOL! It took a long time getting moms to connect and it was a lot of hard work. Many times in the first year, no one would show up for the play dates or "Girls Nights Out", but I refused to give up. I knew it wouldn't happen overnight and it didn't. But now, 3 years later, with a list of 82 moms, it has paid off!

This group to me is about surviving motherhood! It's about having fun while trying to raise decent kids in a world filled with demanding expectations put on our generation of parents. It's about meeting a diverse group of women and if you are lucky finding a few that will be lifelong friends . This group is its' own information highway of motherhood! Seriously, who needs Google when you have this many moms in one group! We have discussed rashes, preschools, plumbers, restaurants, toys," to minivan or not to minivan", specialists for kids, and that was just in one play date! It's not judging a mom because her child hit yours, because most likely your day will come... sooner than you think. It's about having a bad day, but knowing that you will be able to talk to someone over 48 inches for an hour and that somehow gets you through the rest of your day with a smile. It's about giving up a shower for yourself, so you have enough time to make it to a play date that is new and exciting for your kids. It's knowing that a ball cap and a camera are sometimes your best and only accessories!

Motherhood is a trip, it has helped me to learn who I am and who I want to be. We all have different views, standards and beliefs, but the common denominator is WE ARE MOMS. It is my belief that it is in the best interest of myself, that I do not go through this journey of motherhood alone, so that is why I started this group.
Sara

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Mother's of Twins Sale

Mother of Twins Sale

Location:Ida Sue School - 266 Oldman Rd.

Time:9:00AM Saturday, July 31st

Thanks, Denise!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Blog Complements Newsletter.

why start the blog? in our experience, we like to have information available at our fingertips... calendars, current happenings, explanation of activities, etc. this blog will contain the highlights of the bi-monthly newsletter, and will also post any current information that didn't make it into the newsletter. check back often for all the latest and greatest!