Cinnamon Tortillas
- cinnamon and sugar mixture
- butter or cream cheese
- tortillas
- spreading sticks (popcycle sticks for young children, plastic if they are preschool age)
Fold the tortilla onto itself making it a long holdable roll up. Enjoy!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Recipe Time: Cinnamon Tortillas
I was first introduced to this concept when I was in elementary school. Another family went on a fishing trip with us, and brought these along. The thing I find so appealing is children can easily make them, building valuable spreading and folding skills later on. (The picture BTW I had a hard time making the butter and cinnamon sugar show up because the kids didn't get it all out on the edges! LOL. So instead I just stacked them and put sugar and cinnamon on top.
Cinnamon Tortillas
Fold the tortilla onto itself making it a long holdable roll up. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Tortillas
Fold the tortilla onto itself making it a long holdable roll up. Enjoy!
A Closer Look: Meetup.com
A quick Internet search anywhere for "moms groups" will bring you to meetup.com website; usually within the top three. Meetup is where I got my start, it is safe to say, I'm bias. But not blind. So I thought I would review the website I use today!
First Look
At first look the website appears fairly simple. I assure you, it's not that simple. Once you create a an account and join a group it looks like a normal 'group' website. However, once you take on an organizer (Organizers pay $19 a month, or less with other payment plans) role it becomes complicated.
The best part about meetup is the search engine optimization. If a moms were to google "Moms group in Chicago, IL" or the like, one of the first links would be to meetup.com. This feature alone makes it worth it to me to pay for the use. I usually get two-three new members a month just from this alone.
Calendar Features
The calendar allows members to veiw events in a list, or on a monthly calendar. Organizers can add the address, notes, pictures, maps, links, set specific to RSVPs and noticfications (like not allowing maybe RSVPs, and emailing the organizer when someone rsvps), ask questions when members RSVP, and even has options for payment if the event costs money. There is even manual and automatic waiting lists if you select RSVP limit is filled. Organizers can edit, copy, and email members related to that event (those who have rsvpd yes and/or no, and/or those who have not RSVPd.).
The calendar also allows you add notes, and make draft events.
Adminstration Tools
The organizer has the ability to select privacy levels, and how members join (automatially join, request permission, etc.). There is so much to go over, but the group has it's own 'webaddress' or you can use your own domain. The webiste also has a group forum, which the organizer can organize into folders, and adjust prviacy levels. There is also a photo section, mailing list, polls section, and the about page (for non members to learn about the group).
The organizer can also appoint other admintstrators to the group. The options are as follows:
co-organizer- can adjust everything the organizer does, except for the payment for the subscription.
assistant organizer- can do everything the organizer does, with the exception of group settings (privacy levels, welcome letter, etc.)
Event Organizers can only control events. They cannot set up polls, or edit the message board forums.
Member Even Organizers- members who are select to take of one event. They cannot touch any other events on the calendar.
Support
There are many vitual support groups in the 'organizer category' that are happy to offer support and guidence. A quick search in the website's search bar under "Organizer" will pull up many groups for this. Meetup headquarters is stationed in New York, so techinical support is available eastern time. The email for support is support@meetup.com
The downside is it can be complicated to figure out. Even with the weath of features I mentioned, the site has a lot more available. It also has a fee for organizing. With that fee you can run three groups, if you choose, but believe me, three is a lot to handle. Meetup does have a 30 day money back garentee. So there is no risk in trying it out.
Happy organizing!
First Look
At first look the website appears fairly simple. I assure you, it's not that simple. Once you create a an account and join a group it looks like a normal 'group' website. However, once you take on an organizer (Organizers pay $19 a month, or less with other payment plans) role it becomes complicated.
The best part about meetup is the search engine optimization. If a moms were to google "Moms group in Chicago, IL" or the like, one of the first links would be to meetup.com. This feature alone makes it worth it to me to pay for the use. I usually get two-three new members a month just from this alone.
Calendar Features
The calendar allows members to veiw events in a list, or on a monthly calendar. Organizers can add the address, notes, pictures, maps, links, set specific to RSVPs and noticfications (like not allowing maybe RSVPs, and emailing the organizer when someone rsvps), ask questions when members RSVP, and even has options for payment if the event costs money. There is even manual and automatic waiting lists if you select RSVP limit is filled. Organizers can edit, copy, and email members related to that event (those who have rsvpd yes and/or no, and/or those who have not RSVPd.).
The calendar also allows you add notes, and make draft events.
Adminstration Tools
The organizer has the ability to select privacy levels, and how members join (automatially join, request permission, etc.). There is so much to go over, but the group has it's own 'webaddress' or you can use your own domain. The webiste also has a group forum, which the organizer can organize into folders, and adjust prviacy levels. There is also a photo section, mailing list, polls section, and the about page (for non members to learn about the group).
The organizer can also appoint other admintstrators to the group. The options are as follows:
co-organizer- can adjust everything the organizer does, except for the payment for the subscription.
assistant organizer- can do everything the organizer does, with the exception of group settings (privacy levels, welcome letter, etc.)
Event Organizers can only control events. They cannot set up polls, or edit the message board forums.
Member Even Organizers- members who are select to take of one event. They cannot touch any other events on the calendar.
Support
There are many vitual support groups in the 'organizer category' that are happy to offer support and guidence. A quick search in the website's search bar under "Organizer" will pull up many groups for this. Meetup headquarters is stationed in New York, so techinical support is available eastern time. The email for support is support@meetup.com
The downside is it can be complicated to figure out. Even with the weath of features I mentioned, the site has a lot more available. It also has a fee for organizing. With that fee you can run three groups, if you choose, but believe me, three is a lot to handle. Meetup does have a 30 day money back garentee. So there is no risk in trying it out.
Happy organizing!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Pizazz Your Playgroup
Giving your Playgroup a bit of pizazz
Sometimes a playgroup meeting regularly for the same activities can become very routine. In fact it can even put you in a rut. Members may start to lose interest, or the group may lose some enthusiasm. But never fear! There are plenty of things you can do to add a bit of pizazz to your playgroup.
•Theme
Your playgroups don't have to be just 'come over and play'! Add a theme!! It could be something simple from doing a 'teddy bear picnic', where children bring a teddy bear and mom brings a picnic item and everyone meets at a local park. Or it can be a full scale Luau themed party! It's all up to you!
•Food
Food is something anyone cannot do without. When it's good food, it attracts a great social atmosphere. Instead of supplying a regular snack, consider having a potluck for 'best or famous recipes'. Everyone loves to have people rave about their dishes, and everyone loves to indulge once and while.
•Activities
Structured Activities are appealing to parents and preschoolers. Children learn through play. By giving them an unusual activity in a group setting, you are giving the opportunity to learn in a group environment. Preschoolers would be thrilled with making craft projects, learning to play rhythms on instruments, etc. However, these activities may be a bit advanced for an infant or toddler. Remember-- It doesn't have to be complicated!!!! You can make a fun activity just out of old (but clean) adult socks. For example, Toddlers love learning how to dress themselves. Large socks makes it easy for them to get their feet into. They are learning an important skill, while getting enjoyment out of playing with mommy and daddy's socks. For Preschoolers, who are learning to group things in categories, you have them separate them from darks and lights, or match pairs of socks together!
Here are some more ideas for activities for you playgroups:
Circle time activities
Parachutes games
playing with puppets
dress up
sensory play (i.e. play dough, silly putty, sand)
•Places
Do you remember the excitement of riding in the car on the way to zoo when you were a child? Was there a special place that your parent's or your school would make a trip to? There are alot of local attractions just waiting to be visited! Your playgroups do not have to be limited to your home! Check your phone book under the categories Attractions, or Children's or Entertainment , and you may stumble on local resources you didn't know about. Ask around from your members about fun places they go. Then call and ask the facility about having an event there! Things you'll need to know:
◦The capacity of the space if you will be secluded to one room
◦The price of admission, parking, etc.
◦Discounts if they are available
◦Operation days and hours
◦Ask about having a private play date at the facility
◦If food is allowed
◦What you are required/ or suggested to bring
Once you have a good idea about the venue, plan your event. You may want to coordinate it with the facility. By doing so, you can avoid a lot of potential problems. Some of the most common problems are
Keeping in Contact with your venue is always a good idea. Here are the suggested tips for corresponding with your venue:
Sometimes a playgroup meeting regularly for the same activities can become very routine. In fact it can even put you in a rut. Members may start to lose interest, or the group may lose some enthusiasm. But never fear! There are plenty of things you can do to add a bit of pizazz to your playgroup.
•Theme
Your playgroups don't have to be just 'come over and play'! Add a theme!! It could be something simple from doing a 'teddy bear picnic', where children bring a teddy bear and mom brings a picnic item and everyone meets at a local park. Or it can be a full scale Luau themed party! It's all up to you!
•Food
Food is something anyone cannot do without. When it's good food, it attracts a great social atmosphere. Instead of supplying a regular snack, consider having a potluck for 'best or famous recipes'. Everyone loves to have people rave about their dishes, and everyone loves to indulge once and while.
•Activities
Structured Activities are appealing to parents and preschoolers. Children learn through play. By giving them an unusual activity in a group setting, you are giving the opportunity to learn in a group environment. Preschoolers would be thrilled with making craft projects, learning to play rhythms on instruments, etc. However, these activities may be a bit advanced for an infant or toddler. Remember-- It doesn't have to be complicated!!!! You can make a fun activity just out of old (but clean) adult socks. For example, Toddlers love learning how to dress themselves. Large socks makes it easy for them to get their feet into. They are learning an important skill, while getting enjoyment out of playing with mommy and daddy's socks. For Preschoolers, who are learning to group things in categories, you have them separate them from darks and lights, or match pairs of socks together!
Here are some more ideas for activities for you playgroups:
Circle time activities
Parachutes games
playing with puppets
dress up
sensory play (i.e. play dough, silly putty, sand)
•Places
Do you remember the excitement of riding in the car on the way to zoo when you were a child? Was there a special place that your parent's or your school would make a trip to? There are alot of local attractions just waiting to be visited! Your playgroups do not have to be limited to your home! Check your phone book under the categories Attractions, or Children's or Entertainment , and you may stumble on local resources you didn't know about. Ask around from your members about fun places they go. Then call and ask the facility about having an event there! Things you'll need to know:
◦The capacity of the space if you will be secluded to one room
◦The price of admission, parking, etc.
◦Discounts if they are available
◦Operation days and hours
◦Ask about having a private play date at the facility
◦If food is allowed
◦What you are required/ or suggested to bring
Once you have a good idea about the venue, plan your event. You may want to coordinate it with the facility. By doing so, you can avoid a lot of potential problems. Some of the most common problems are
- members getting lost or not finding the group
- the staff of the facility being unprepared for the extra boost in attendance that day
- the facility being closed due to operation changes, weather, or high attendance (facility gets filled)
Keeping in Contact with your venue is always a good idea. Here are the suggested tips for corresponding with your venue:
- When first approaching a new venue, tell them about your group, who you are, your experience, and then your interest in their service. Ask them the necessary questions.
- Let them know about your first event with them, even if you don't have to reserve space. Just in case you happen to have another group meeting there too.
- A week before the event call and give them a reminder and estimate how many will come.
- The day before, do a confirmation call and tell them the final head count.
- A week after, thank them for the event and try to schedule your next one if interested.
- Once a quarter, double check with the venues information (ie. open and close times, prices, etc)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Original Group Names; Easy as 123!
Need help picking a name? If you are looking for the perfect name, here are tips!
1. Location, Location, Location!
Think about your group and locations associated with it. It doesn't have to mean your city's name. Perhaps you are limiting your group to a certain neighborhood? Maybe you meet reoccurring at your favorite park? Perhaps you'd like to open it to people within your county or even your state! (wow!) Make a list of all the possible locations you can use for your group name.
2. Adjective!!
If you could think of one word that describes your group, what would it be? Fun? Awesome? Creative? Active?...Write down as many as you can think of, then see what fits best with your group's name.
3. Who?
With any group, people need to know who you are. For example, everyone knows when they walk into a red hat ladies convention, that they shouldn't expect to see young men wearing red hats! Why? Because the word ladies is in their group's name. Whether your group is for walkers, parents, young moms,etc, stating it your name will help people understand what's your groups about. And don't limit yourself to one choice, look it up in a thesaurus and find similar words too!
Once you've taken these three steps you've got a basis to start your name out on. Here are some examples of group names made from the advice above:
Hayford&2nd Fabulous Friends
Eastside Active Moms and Kids
Cheney's Child Connection
1. Location, Location, Location!
Think about your group and locations associated with it. It doesn't have to mean your city's name. Perhaps you are limiting your group to a certain neighborhood? Maybe you meet reoccurring at your favorite park? Perhaps you'd like to open it to people within your county or even your state! (wow!) Make a list of all the possible locations you can use for your group name.
2. Adjective!!
If you could think of one word that describes your group, what would it be? Fun? Awesome? Creative? Active?...Write down as many as you can think of, then see what fits best with your group's name.
3. Who?
With any group, people need to know who you are. For example, everyone knows when they walk into a red hat ladies convention, that they shouldn't expect to see young men wearing red hats! Why? Because the word ladies is in their group's name. Whether your group is for walkers, parents, young moms,etc, stating it your name will help people understand what's your groups about. And don't limit yourself to one choice, look it up in a thesaurus and find similar words too!
Once you've taken these three steps you've got a basis to start your name out on. Here are some examples of group names made from the advice above:
Hayford&2nd Fabulous Friends
Eastside Active Moms and Kids
Cheney's Child Connection
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Organizer's nightmare; DRAMA
There are days that I want to just sit on my bed, stuff my face in a pillow, and scream until my pillow is a doughnut. Those are my worst days. You can be assured; it is probably because I have encountered, yet again, another drama session.
If you organize enough members, for a long enough period of time, you'll find one. I have had my generous share of drama. To be honest, I do enjoy a bit of drama. Sorry to those organizers who believe playgroups can be 'drama free' but....you are dealing with social dynamics, and with that comes drama!! Come on, truthfully, a little drama makes life interesting (Which is I why I believe God invented in-laws.).
There is never a surpreme way to handle it when it does rear it's ugly head, but there is plenty you can learn from it, and a positive attitude to have about it. Every helping of drama has taught me a different lesson. The best part, in my opinion is drama leads to something better; communicating. Drama is a door to communication; you just have to step through it.
Even if in the end the two sides do not agree, when true communication happens, both sides feel validated in their problem, and can have closure. I'm still not an expert on communication, but here is what I've learned.
1. Stop, look, listen. You will never understand the other persons side unless you do this. You might as well listen to their side first because once they feel validated, they will listen to you!
2. Express your thoughts as they are 'your fault'. I'm not saying they are your fault, but if you express them as your problem and your fault, the opposite party will give you their sympathy, and feel less threatened. Instead of saying "You never call be back when you say you will." say "I feel like I'm not a priority to be called back." It's okay to use the word 'you' occasionally, but I try to avoid it at all costs. It takes practice.
3. Remember that we are all human. Honestly, this is something someone said to me once as a joke when I told him I was mad at him. When I asked if they knew why, he said "for being human?". It struck a chord with me and I will never forget it. You know what the beautiful thing about being human is? We all have feelings!
If you find the opposite party does not want to follow you through the door of communication, there are a few things you can do. Talk it out with someone outside of your circle. Give it time, that might be what he or she needs. Let go. If the person never comes around, you are going to have to realize you've tried your best, and that's all you can do. At least you stayed honest to yourself, and gave him or her the opportunity of friendship.
Drama can lead to better understanding, better communication, and better friends. It is not the enemy. I am definitely not encouraging one to grab a spoon and start stirring the pot, but if the pot is mixing, don't be afraid to taste what's cookin (Provided the meal is yours and not someone elses.)!
If you organize enough members, for a long enough period of time, you'll find one. I have had my generous share of drama. To be honest, I do enjoy a bit of drama. Sorry to those organizers who believe playgroups can be 'drama free' but....you are dealing with social dynamics, and with that comes drama!! Come on, truthfully, a little drama makes life interesting (Which is I why I believe God invented in-laws.).
There is never a surpreme way to handle it when it does rear it's ugly head, but there is plenty you can learn from it, and a positive attitude to have about it. Every helping of drama has taught me a different lesson. The best part, in my opinion is drama leads to something better; communicating. Drama is a door to communication; you just have to step through it.
Even if in the end the two sides do not agree, when true communication happens, both sides feel validated in their problem, and can have closure. I'm still not an expert on communication, but here is what I've learned.
1. Stop, look, listen. You will never understand the other persons side unless you do this. You might as well listen to their side first because once they feel validated, they will listen to you!
2. Express your thoughts as they are 'your fault'. I'm not saying they are your fault, but if you express them as your problem and your fault, the opposite party will give you their sympathy, and feel less threatened. Instead of saying "You never call be back when you say you will." say "I feel like I'm not a priority to be called back." It's okay to use the word 'you' occasionally, but I try to avoid it at all costs. It takes practice.
3. Remember that we are all human. Honestly, this is something someone said to me once as a joke when I told him I was mad at him. When I asked if they knew why, he said "for being human?". It struck a chord with me and I will never forget it. You know what the beautiful thing about being human is? We all have feelings!
If you find the opposite party does not want to follow you through the door of communication, there are a few things you can do. Talk it out with someone outside of your circle. Give it time, that might be what he or she needs. Let go. If the person never comes around, you are going to have to realize you've tried your best, and that's all you can do. At least you stayed honest to yourself, and gave him or her the opportunity of friendship.
Drama can lead to better understanding, better communication, and better friends. It is not the enemy. I am definitely not encouraging one to grab a spoon and start stirring the pot, but if the pot is mixing, don't be afraid to taste what's cookin (Provided the meal is yours and not someone elses.)!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Peanut Free Playgroups
My daughter attends a peanut free kindergarten classroom. This means there will be no PB&J sandwiches this year. It's alright with me, but I have an advantage; I've been avoiding peanut butter for a while now. Thankfully we did find out that she is not allergic to peanuts, but even so, her kindergarten classroom has five children who are. One of the children is deathly allergic--- meaning if they even smell it they can have a reaction.
The child care facilities I worked at also have peanut free policies--- peanut allergy is becoming a major concern....but is it concern enough to make your playgroup peanut-free? If your group is small, it will be relativity simple to just ask the parents about allergies. If your group is large, however, it gets tricky.
When I lived in Tucson, I ran a military moms group, and mentioned that peanut butter items would not be allowed at potlucks because of my daughter. I also asked the group of 30 moms if any of their children had allergies so we could be aware of them.
Little did I know that a drama mama was just waiting to attack! "That's not fair. My children won't eat much, they are picky eaters...It's unreasonable to tell me my children need to starve because your child has an allergy."
OK. In my defense, I only said potlucks. I didn't want *all* the children to have something with peanut butter and tell my one year old daughter she couldn't. Now she's five, and understands (sort of) what an allergy is. Since my daughter's allergy is not life-threatening I had no problem if we had a brown bagged our lunches and someone brought along a PB&J. What if it was life-threatening?
This is the way I've handled it, and I'll continue to handle it, but it's not the only way. Since we meet up multiple times a week, I put a disclaimer on any event that involves food. If your child has a food allergy and you wish to attend this playdate, please inform the organizer.
Plain and simple. It's the responsibility of the parent. Why shouldn't it be? For the three years we thought my daughter had an allergy I made sure she stayed away from it. If other people are involved there is a larger possibility for mistakes.
Here are some common allergy foods (pictured above):
Wheat
Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Soy
Shellfish
So, what happens if you need to adjust? The best way is to talk to the parent. For the longest time I used almond butter in place of peanut butter. Then I found soy butter, and I love it! Most parents will know a possible substitute if the original cannot be used. You'll also have to find out how allergic the child is for safety measures.
If all else fails, fall back on your leadership team for a voted decision. Remember not every group is the same, and while one group might be allergen free another group may not. So whether your group is allergen free or not there is probably a group the opposite of you close by.
The child care facilities I worked at also have peanut free policies--- peanut allergy is becoming a major concern....but is it concern enough to make your playgroup peanut-free? If your group is small, it will be relativity simple to just ask the parents about allergies. If your group is large, however, it gets tricky.
When I lived in Tucson, I ran a military moms group, and mentioned that peanut butter items would not be allowed at potlucks because of my daughter. I also asked the group of 30 moms if any of their children had allergies so we could be aware of them.
Little did I know that a drama mama was just waiting to attack! "That's not fair. My children won't eat much, they are picky eaters...It's unreasonable to tell me my children need to starve because your child has an allergy."
OK. In my defense, I only said potlucks. I didn't want *all* the children to have something with peanut butter and tell my one year old daughter she couldn't. Now she's five, and understands (sort of) what an allergy is. Since my daughter's allergy is not life-threatening I had no problem if we had a brown bagged our lunches and someone brought along a PB&J. What if it was life-threatening?
This is the way I've handled it, and I'll continue to handle it, but it's not the only way. Since we meet up multiple times a week, I put a disclaimer on any event that involves food. If your child has a food allergy and you wish to attend this playdate, please inform the organizer.
Plain and simple. It's the responsibility of the parent. Why shouldn't it be? For the three years we thought my daughter had an allergy I made sure she stayed away from it. If other people are involved there is a larger possibility for mistakes.
Here are some common allergy foods (pictured above):
Wheat
Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Soy
Shellfish
So, what happens if you need to adjust? The best way is to talk to the parent. For the longest time I used almond butter in place of peanut butter. Then I found soy butter, and I love it! Most parents will know a possible substitute if the original cannot be used. You'll also have to find out how allergic the child is for safety measures.
If all else fails, fall back on your leadership team for a voted decision. Remember not every group is the same, and while one group might be allergen free another group may not. So whether your group is allergen free or not there is probably a group the opposite of you close by.
Monday, September 13, 2010
In your town: Petting Zoos!
If you are living in a large metropolis area in the united states, you are bound to have a petting zoo within two hours of your city. I say that with confidence because even though we do have one in our area, the business is not the best with customer service or organization. Trust me, we've tried it three times. Each time the playgroup has left with a bad taste their mouth.
So I have been on the hunt for a petting zoo relatively close to our city. The long search had left me discouraged, and disappointed. Until one day, I was at a local grocery store, and noticed a flyer for "kids day". I noticed it was going to have a petting zoo there. At first I thought it was the local petting zoo, but I figured it did not hurt to ask. The least they could tell me it that it is the same petting zoo we've been using.
So I asked.
This petting zoo is also close to our home, and is not an 'officail' business. But it had everything a petting zoo could offer. The ladies were amazing! This kids had a great time.
A few weeks later I noticed an ad on craigslist about a kids day at a local day care. Kind of like a promotion for business, but nonetheless it also offered a petting zoo. So I once again asked. Turns out the event used someone who had two rabbits, a tortoise, and a duck. OK, maybe it's a horse shy of a petting zoo, but still the kids would have fun.
My point is, you don't have to have an actual petting zoo around to get the petting zoo experience. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may find petting zoos in your own backyard. Ask around; word of mouth leads you to wonderful things. If all else fails maybe someone will have an uncle or grandparent to raises llamas, and goats. Kids are not really too picky about the animals they see.
So I have been on the hunt for a petting zoo relatively close to our city. The long search had left me discouraged, and disappointed. Until one day, I was at a local grocery store, and noticed a flyer for "kids day". I noticed it was going to have a petting zoo there. At first I thought it was the local petting zoo, but I figured it did not hurt to ask. The least they could tell me it that it is the same petting zoo we've been using.
So I asked.
This petting zoo is also close to our home, and is not an 'officail' business. But it had everything a petting zoo could offer. The ladies were amazing! This kids had a great time.
A few weeks later I noticed an ad on craigslist about a kids day at a local day care. Kind of like a promotion for business, but nonetheless it also offered a petting zoo. So I once again asked. Turns out the event used someone who had two rabbits, a tortoise, and a duck. OK, maybe it's a horse shy of a petting zoo, but still the kids would have fun.
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