Involving Children in Charity

My husband and I strive to be charitable people. We do our yearly donations to various causes that are near and dear to our hearts. We asked for donations as part of our gift registry for our wedding and were pleased to have raised a fair amount to our charities. I've run some races and collected donations. I've cleaned up some city parks as part of my company's Volunteer Day.

This is that time of year around the holidays where there is so much overconsumption to the point of gluttony, and there are so many people less fortunate out there. Especially in our current economy. It really hits home that we need to do more.

I want to be the type of person who volunteers more of my time and is really present with those in need. But who has the time? We can barely get it together each night to get dinner on the table. With two boys under 2 years of age, I barely see my own husband, so how can I possibly fit in time for anyone else?

Well, I think my children will be my motivation. I want to be an example for them and teach them how to be charitable. I've read that as of age 3, this is a good time to start, as this is when children are just beginning to comprehend that other people have feelings, too.

I think we'll start with the obvious clearing out of some toys that we may no longer need and clothing as well. But as my children get older, I'd like to interact with those in need a bit more. Perhaps we could volunteer with the elderly or do some dog walking at a shelter.

I'd love to hear from those of you who make charity part of your lives and how you involve your children, especially around the holidays.

Post submitted by Trish from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Don't Forget: Santa Letters!

The elves are busy coordinating delivery of Santa letters to boys and girls across the United States. Is your letter in the bunch? If you haven't yet ordered your letter(s), don't delay! Place your order by Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

Remember, Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code SANTA at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total.

You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for your child. Letters will be printed on Santa's special stationery, signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf, shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to receive a special letter before the holidays.

Reserve your letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope you'll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place your order now! http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html

The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter.  Please mention your chapter's name to ensure they receive credit for your purchase.

An Orphan Thanksgiving

"What makes the Thanksgiving meal special to you?"

That was the question I posed to my friends seven years ago, when I invited them to my San Francisco apartment. Being from the South, the answer for me was sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans on top (and the cranberry sauce that slurps its way from the can). I was surprised by what others from different corners of the States had to add to the mix. A particular friend couldn't have Thanksgiving without Brussels sprouts. I've never been a fan of the vegetable, so I tried them with trepidation and have since made them a regular part of my winter diet. Another made her stuffing with oysters. Her mother was British and says it was always on their table growing up. I trusted her, but I made my way toward the more traditional: cornbread and stuffing.

The reason I asked the question to begin with was that my husband and I were hosting an orphan Thanksgiving.

Like so many of our friends, our families were on the East Coast, well out of range for such a short (and terribly expensive travel) weekend. So 16 people gathered at our house around 4 p.m., bottles of wine and special dishes in hand. It was our policy to invite anyone we knew who didn't have travel plans, and he or she could bring a friend.

My friend Shannon was very excited about her date for the evening. He was a local lounge singer, and she promised some post-dinner entertainment. However, the entertainment started when he walked in the door. Mr. Love professed his eternal thanks at the invitation and presented me with a "very fine bottle of wine" and suggested we open and decant it immediately, as it "needed time to breathe." Oh, dear. Granted, I did live in Northern California, where people knew their wine, but this guy was with the wrong crowd. Six years out of college, and I still believed the difference between a $10 bottle of wine and and a $50 bottle of wine was $40 less to spend on more wine. Mr. Love joined the rest of the crowd in the back to witness the turkey deep-frying under the watchful eye of my husband. I went ahead and decanted the darn wine.

The rest of the night was wonderful, filled with loud, fun stories and plenty more bottles of wine opened. Including a fun magnum from a winery that a friend had visited earlier in the year and was waiting for the right occasion to open.

(As an aside, here is a little trivia for you: A magnum is twice as much as a standard .75-liter bottle, a Methuselah is eight times, Balthazar is 16 times, and a Nebuchadnezzar is a whopping 20 bottles of wine, all in one bottle.)

So after the fancy decanted wine, the magnum, and a variety of others, we were all stuffed and happy to be together. The only thing to do next was, of course, to have a little dance party. Looking back, I have no idea who was deejaying or who decided to dance on my table first, but before I knew it, Shannon (who invited Mr. Love) was disco-dancing in her (very pointy) Prada boots, leaving tiny little indents all over the top. At the time, I thought it was great. And looking back, I still like to look at my table and see the little indents, reminding me of that fun and festive Thanksgiving, full of joy and friends.

Nowadays, my Thanksgiving table is walked on by my little 2-year-old's feet, and we drink fewer bottles of wine and a bit more milk. But we are still surrounded by the love of family and friends, and I hope that is the Thanksgiving tradition my children carry on — along with the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and the slurping cranberry sauce, of course.

Post submitted by Katie from The Mommies Network's Content Team

The Mommies Network would like to wish 

you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

We Have a Winner!

From Oct. 17 through Nov. 17, five chapters in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area participated in the Charlotte Area Dishwasher Giveaway. Members nominated who they felt were the most deserving mommies to win a Frigidaire Professional 24-inch Built-In Dishwasher from Plaza Appliance Mart. Sixteen nominees were chosen from the following chapters: CentralPiedmontMommies, CharlotteMommies, LakeNormanMommies, UnionCountyMommies, and YorkCountyMommies. We at The Mommies Network enjoyed reading the various stories and thank all who submitted nominations!

The stories that were submitted were all quite moving. However, there can be only one winner, and the mommies have spoken. By a landslide, Mommy_009 is the winner of the Frigidaire Professional 24-inch Built-In Dishwasher from Plaza Appliance Mart!

Mommy_009's daughter was born with a rare birth defect that has affected her esophagus and her digestive system. As a result, she is 95 percent tube-fed and 5 percent mouth-fed with Stage 1 baby food.

Here's what Mommy_009 had to say about the giveaway:

We would love to have the opportunity to possibly win the new dishwasher. We have needed a new one for the past few years for various reasons:

1. For the safety and sanity of our child's feeding/medical supplies.

2. We have well water (and a water softener that doesn’t help), which causes hard-water buildup in our dishwasher.

3. The top rack is bent.

4. The dishes appear dirty even after being run on the heavy-soiled cycle. So after equipment and supplies are run through the dishwasher, we also have to boil them in hot water on the stove.

Congratulations, Mommy_009, on winning the Charlotte Area Dishwasher Giveaway!

Thank you again to all who participated in this contest! And if you're in the market for a new dishwasher or other product for the home, be sure to like Plaza Appliance Mart on Facebook, or visit its website.

Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, when a spotlight is shined on this disease to make as many people aware of it as possible. It is also a perfect time to learn more about the disease that kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. More people get diagnosed with diabetes each year, and it is predicted that a third of adults will have the disease within the next 40 years. By being aware of the disease and it's symptoms, treatments, and prevention, it is possible to stop the advance of diabetes and live a healthier, longer life.


What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes, technically called diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic disease in which the blood contains high levels of glucose, or blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pancreas, and it is supposed to control a person’s blood glucose levels. When a person’s blood sugar gets too high, or too low, it can cause the processes of the body to be off. Blood sugar is a measurement that shows what your blood sugar level is at this moment, and A1C levels show how well blood sugar has been controlled over the past six to eight weeks. A1C measures the percentage of HbA1c (a form of hemoglobin) in the blood, which gives a bigger picture of how well your diabetes is being controlled. It is an average over time, as opposed to a single measure that is given when checking blood sugar.
 

Types
Of the several different types of diabetes, three of them are the most common.
Type 1, or DM1: If you have this type, your body does not produce insulin. You must take insulin daily to control your blood sugar. This type is usually diagnosed early in life, prior to adulthood. It is also known as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2, or DM2: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance or decreased insulin production. Your body makes insulin, but it is either not enough, or it is not processed effectively enough to control blood sugar. 

Gestational diabetes (GDM): A glucose tolerance test is usually given around 24 weeks of pregnancy to diagnose GDM. The hormones produced by the body during pregnancy affect the way insulin is processed, similar to Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes can usually be controlled with diet but occasionally requires insulin. Thankfully, this type of diabetes usually resolves after delivery. 

Risk Factors
A primary risk factor in all types of diabetes is genetics. A family history is a strong predictor of your risk for the disease. Other uncontrollable risk factors include age, race, and a history of gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans.
As daunting as those risk factors may seem, there are risk factors you can influence in order to lessen your chance of getting diabetes. These factors primarily relate to lifestyle and health choices. An inactive lifestyle and being overweight are significant risk factors you can control. Exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep are important steps in prevention. Other factors that can be influenced are high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. Making an effort to control your blood pressure and cholesterol may be a little more difficult, but it will be worth the effort if it prevents diabetes.

Symptoms
There are several important symptoms to watch for if you are at high risk for diabetes: frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, excess hunger, numbness or tingling in the extremities, slow healing, unusual weight loss, and unusual fatigue or lethargy. If you think you may have these symptoms, see your doctor to get tested. Uncontrolled diabetes can have severe consequences for your health. 

Treatment
There is no cure for diabetes. It is a lifelong disease that must be treated, and it can be well controlled with the appropriate treatment. Blood sugar and A1C levels must be kept within normal limits. A normal blood sugar reading generally should be under 200 mg/dl, and A1C should be below 7 percent. For gestational diabetes, blood sugar is usually recommended to be under 120 mg/dl. Different cases may have different recommendations and will be individualized by your doctor based on the severity of your diabetes. 

The biggest control factor for diabetes is diet. A diabetic should eat to control carbohydrate intake. Simple carbs can spike blood sugar and cause a crash later. Your doctor will provide a list of recommended foods and timing of meals to prevent this. Exercise is also important for controlling blood sugar. Just a short walk can do wonders for bringing down blood sugar levels. You can also work with your doctor to come up with an exercise program to control your diabetes. 

Insulin is the next step in treating diabetes. Insulin is available in oral or injection forms. Oral is the first choice, with the injection being used when that does not work. Type 1 diabetes is almost always treated with insulin, and Type 2 when other treatments are not effective. 

In diabetics who are overweight or obese, weight loss is an extremely effective treatment. In some cases, treatment is no longer needed once weight loss is achieved and maintained. If this were to happen, diet and exercise must be continued, but it is possible that insulin would no longer be needed. This can only happen under the strict supervision of a doctor. 

Diabetics also need to pay careful attention to other parts of their body. Since diabetes reduces blood flow, your hands and especially your feet will need more care than usual. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is common. If uncontrolled, it can cause permanent damage and numbness in your feet. Oral care is also important. Since diabetics are more prone to infections, gum disease can develop quickly. And since both oral hygiene and diabetes are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, your oral health is very important.
Being diagnosed with diabetes mellitus can be overwhelming at first, but with the right support and education from your doctor as well as your family and friends, it can be controlled and not be a huge burden.

Your lifestyle may change, but it will be for the better, and it will also provide more energy and a longer life. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor or a diabetes specialist in your area.

Resources:
American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org
PubMed Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002194/
WebMD: http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/default.htm

Post submitted by Erin from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Peanut Butter Lover's Month!

It's Peanut Butter Lover’s Month! 

What kind of peanut lover are you? Me, I consider myself a peanut butter brand snob: I’m a creamy Jif–only kind of mama. I don't believe in store-brand peanut butter. I don’t care what's on sale or what coupons are available for anything other than Jif. And I admit I even had to force myself to buy the reduced-fat jar (I never believed in reduced-fat peanut butter, either, until I had kids, and my round parts got rounder, and the wrong places got round, too).

Anyway, regardless if you’re a brand snob or not, smooth or creamy, full fat or reduced fat (or organic or omega-3 or — the list goes on and on): peanut butter lovers love their peanut butter. So please enjoy these fun bits and pieces about peanut butter, the yummiest spread on Earth!

Fun facts:

• Today, almost 90 million jars are sold annually. That's almost three jars per second!
• When making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, 96 percent of people put the peanut butter on before the jelly.
• It takes 772 peanuts to make a 16.3 oz jar of peanut butter.
• "Arachibutyrophobia" (pronounced I-RA-KID-BU-TI-RO-PHO-BI-A) is the fear of peanut butter getting stuck to the roof of your mouth.
• Americans eat about 3 pounds of peanut butter per person each year, totaling about 500 million pounds — enough to cover the floor of the Grand Canyon.

Alternative uses for peanut butter (i.e., it's not made just for jelly):

• Use peanut butter to remove a wad of gum from your hair.
• A small amount, rubbed with a cloth, will easily remove a price tag sticker.
• Got mice? Add a gob of peanut butter to your mousetraps — they can't get enough.
• Peanut butter makes a great lubricant! Squeaky doors, rusty blades, and anything that needs a dab of oil can be revived with a little peanut butter.

And now for something you can do with the kids: Make your own peanut butter!

Do you love peanut butter so much, you've thought about making your own? Try this fun, family-friendly recipe, and see if your stuff is as good as your favorite jarred brand!

Homemade Peanut Butter
 

Ingredients 
2 cups roasted shelled, unsalted peanuts
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

1. Place peanuts, oil, and salt into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend well, until desired texture is reached.
3. Place peanut butter in an airtight container.
4. For crunchy peanut butter, add 1/4 cup of peanuts and blend again, but for just a short burst or two.
5. The oil will separate from the peanuts during storage. Simply stir and serve.

Finally, I have to include this absolutely brilliant peanut butter recipe. If you're looking for something delicious and seasonal with that satisfying sweet/spicy taste, look no further.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Mousse

Makes eight 6-ounce servings.

Ingredients

2 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Reddi-Wip topping

Instructions

1. Coat a skillet or small saucepan with cooking spray, and cook pumpkin for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool.
2. With a hand mixer, combine pumpkin and peanut butter. 
3. Add powdered sugar, and beat on high. 
4. Add whipping cream, and beat on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy. 
5. Spoon into serving dishes, leaving room at the top for the garnish, and chill for at least one hour.
6. Before serving, top with Reddi-Wip, and garnish with candy corn before serving.

Post submitted by Alisa from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Mommies Weigh-In Challenge

Are you looking to shed a few pounds? Need some help with your fitness goals? Or just searching for the right foods to eat? The Mommies Network challenges you to be the best you can be in 2012!

Join mommies across the country on their journey to be healthy for themselves and their families. Participants will be assigned to regional teams led by a TMN member and a wellness collaborator. Results, tips, and stories will be shared monthly to keep all participants motivated. This challenge is a six-month commitment, running January–June.

Email fitness@themommiesnetwork.org for more information about this program. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 23, 2011.

Going the Distance.... In a Tutu

In 2008, I got a call from a good friend who said, "I am running the Disney Marathon. I think you should run it with me." At the time, I couldn't run from the front door to the mailbox without getting winded, so 26.2 miles was sounding a bit hefty, if you know what I mean.

This is Krista.

Krista

Krista, my crazy running friend, proceeds to tell me about the Couch-to-5K program and then Galloway's Marathon Training, blah, blah, blah. Well, ol' Krista is convincing. Maybe she should be in sales instead of a teacher. Maybe her real calling is convincing people that misery loves company. Or maybe, just maybe, she is just a really mean prankster. But either way, the next thing out of my mouth is, "I'm in."

Yep, you read that correctly, I said I was in. And I did more than that: I registered for the race — the whole enchilada, the full 26.2 DearGodIHopeIDon'tDie Marathon.

I started training and planned my family Disney trip to begin the weekend of the race. I even convinced my husband to run too. OK, so remember that I am the girl who can't make it to the mailbox without getting winded? Well, I started with my Couch-to-5K Program, and I am dedicated. I actually graduated the Couch-to-5K Program and started the Galloway Training. I am rocking along and feeling all accomplished, until the week comes when I have to run 17 miles on my long run.

Seriously, 17 miles is miserable. I sucked wind the entire time, never got into a good rhythm, and lost all confidence that this was actually an obtainable goal. Maybe this was a bit hefty, so I decided to jump ship. I just couldn't wrap my mind around 26.2 miles. I know I could do 13.1. I'd done that before in training.

There was a large group of us going, some running and some cheering. There were other girls who were going to run the half marathon. I'm going to do that instead. So I registered for the 2009 Disney Half Marathon. I trained and I trained. You would have thought that training for this race was my job. I ran every morning and hardly missed a training run. Oh, and did I mention that somewhere in between signing up and training, Krista found out she was pregnant? And she still ran the full marathon. So, not only is she a really mean prankster, but she's also a mega rock star, too.

Because I had planned my trip around the full marathon, I wasn't due to check in at Disney until Saturday after the half marathon was over. I made a few phone calls and decided to drive down a day early to stay with my friend Liz (who had also signed up for both races because she was overzealous like me). Liz is wonderful and promised to run the entire half marathon by my side. Yay!

We had a great time at the Disney Health and Fitness Expo, buying all our marathon merchandise and hanging out with our friends who were either going to run or cheer.

It really was a super-fun time, until ... remember I said I trained? I was well trained. This race should have been a cake walk. It was not a cake walk. It was far from a cake walk. Somewhere along the line I let my mind tell my body that I can't do this. Luckily, my body won out, but just barely. I completed the half marathon with an official finish time (if only by mere seconds). I was miserable — completely, totally, utterly miserable — but I did it. I can say with all certainty that I managed to get through it because of Liz and all my friends who were there to cheer me on every step of the way. I was and still am eternally grateful for them.

The next day, my husband ran the full marathon next to my good friend, Deb. Krista ran the full marathon pregnant. And me? Well, my dear friend, Cee, and I cheered our hearts out for them. We knew how much it meant to hear someone say, "You've got this!" or "You're looking great," because it had meant so much to us the day before.

That fateful weekend sparked this bizarre love of endurance racing. As miserable as it was, I knew I had accomplished something most people never do. In fact, that year I ran three half marathons: the Disney Half Marathon in January, the Inaugural Princess Half Marathon in March, and the Disneyland Half Marathon in September.

This year, in January, I completed Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge at  Walt Disney World. Goofy's Challenge requires that you complete both the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday. So, I have finally completed a full marathon. Go big or stay home, they always say.

The past almost four years (counting training time) has taught me the following:

1. Endurance running is 95 percent mental. Knowing you can do it is worth more than I can tell you
2. Running friends are lots of fun and persuasive and some of the best friends you could ever ask for (thank you, Krista, Liz, Renee, Kari, Cee, Deb, Leslie, Katie, Tonja, Lynn, Becky, and the host of others who have encouraged me).
3.  I really like to collect medals.

Post submitted by Jill from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Dishwasher Giveaway ... Voting Extension

Please note that the voting period for this giveaway has been extended! Voting is open through Thursday, Nov. 17.

Plaza Appliance Mart is giving away a Frigidaire Professional 24-inch Built-In Dishwasher to one deserving member of The Mommies Network in the Charlotte area!

The nominations are in, and voting is under way! The winner will be decided by the members of our participating chapters: CentralPiedmontMommies, CharlotteMommies, LakeNormanMommies, UnionCountyMommies, and YorkCountyMommies. Click here to review all the nominees, then click on your chapter's link below to vote for the mommy you think is most deserving.

CentralPiedmontMommies vote here
CharlotteMommies vote here
LakeNormanMommies vote here
UnionCountyMommies vote here
YorkCountyMommies vote here

Email CLTDishwasherGiveaway@themommiesnetwork.org for details regarding this giveaway.

Goodbye

The Mommies Network would like to thank all the men and women who have served and are still serving in our armed forces. We would also like to extend this thank you to include the families of these brave servicemen and women.

Photo courtesy of Katie Smith Photography
Website  Facebook

Katie's (katies) son, Tristan, 18 months, bids his father farewell at the airport after a mid-tour leave. Katie is a member of TriadMommies.

Simplicity Parenting

Do you remember the first time you saw Christmas decorations this year? None of my October magazine issues had any holiday ads, and I haven't heard any jingle bells coming out of my radio. 

However, Halloween week I had to make a trip to the local hardware store. My furnace guy was not happy with the state of my air filters. (I pleaded ignorance, as this is my first home). I really enjoy this particular hardware store because it is geared toward the shopper who likes to browse, and understands that "hardware" can also mean amazing gardening hats and particularly cute trash cans. 

I loaded my daughter into the cart and prepared to get her the complimentary bag of popcorn, conveniently located by the front door, when what to my wandering eye should appear? Yes, a Christmas tree and tiny reindeer. I averted my eyes and walked to the back of the store, not to be surprised by errant holiday decor again.

Every year, I hear this topic discussed through various forums and mediums: that Christmas comes earlier each year. Back when your grandfather walked uphill through snow both ways to school, Christmas was strictly post-Thanksgiving, perhaps even the few days before and the 12 after. Now, we have shopping on the brain as we scarf down our kids' mini-Snickers bars, hoping the hair dye doesn't stain the pillows this year. At least Starbucks has the decency to wait until Nov. 1 to bring out the holiday cups (although peppermint hot chocolate is extra appealing in red).

It is with these thoughts in mind that I picked up a book that has been at the recesses of a moving box for several months. When my son started preschool, it was the book given to our family by the school to help us understand the philosophy. "Simplicity Parenting," by Kim John Payne, is a book that gives parents a road map toward reducing the amount of clutter in our children's lives, both physical and emotional. 

After quite a lengthy intro, the author gives 10 steps toward decluttering your child's environment. (It kind of makes me want to stand up and introduce myself, and admit to being a "clutterer"). As I reviewed the steps, I knew I was ahead of the game. I forbid toys in my house that make electronic noise or require batteries. Not only do I not like the noise, but it doesn't make sense that a child will enjoy a toy if it is not designed for interaction and imagination. (You can really only imagine a ball being shot up out of a hole and rolling down again one way, right?) Check, no loud or obnoxious toys. 

But how about Step 10: Toy Multiples? Oh, how I am guilty of this! We have about 100 Matchbox cars. We don't even know 100 kids, and my son can only possibly play with a few at a time. But every trip that dad made or extra-good behavior was reason for another one to make its way into our home. 

Or the 600 train pieces? A 4 year old can't build the NYC subway system. He's doing well to make the circle match up so the train doesn't run off the track. Check, cut down on multiples. 

Step 8: Toys you are pressured into buying. I think this will happen perhaps a gazillion times this season. Child sees new X (fill in the blank) on TV. Child must have the toy, as it is better than last season's toy X or goes with the set that is collecting dust on the shelves. 

The author continues and addresses media time, outdoor play, schedules, household rhythms, sleep, etc., and there is plenty to take away from it. However, my takeaway for the holiday season is my son doesn’t need more stuff. Between the blocks, books, trains, Play-Doh, and a kitchen set, he could likely stay busy until the teenage years. So this year, I will try extra hard to focus on Christmas, not as a chance to get a pile of presents, but as a time to spend together, doing what he wants to. Whether it's baking cookies, riding bikes, or building trains, the best gift I can give is myself — and maybe a peppermint hot chocolate with extra whipped cream.

Post submitted by Katie from The Mommies Network's Content Team

Game Day Recipes

Being from the South, there are things we are known for: cooking, hospitality, a good ol' Southern drawl, and a love for our college football!

College football in the South is full of pomp and circumstance, ranging from simple events to all-out affairs! And if you think regular run-of-the-mill games are over the top, you should see rivalry games!

I am from South Carolina. I have never lived anywhere else. I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, just a short drive to Clemson University. In my family, we are Clemson fans. Big-time.

As a child, my father would take us to the Clemson games. We were IPTAY members and had season tickets. On game day, we would decorate our car with magnetic tiger paws, flags, and of course, the tiger tail hanging out of the trunk. I fondly remember the feeling of excitement and pride as I would get dressed in my Clemson colors and prepare for the game. Daddy would stop and get our tailgate food (usually some sandwiches from Duke Sandwich Shop, which, by the way, still makes some of the best sandwiches you have ever put in your mouth, or fried chicken) and off we would go. As you get closer to Death Valley (the football stadium at Clemson), there are tiger paws emblazoned on the roads. By this point, you're bursting with excitement. We would park in our spot, have our picnic tailgate, and watch the excitement build in each and every fan there.


As you enter Death Valley, you are overcome with the feeling of being part of something much more than the love of the game or football as a sport. You are part of a Clemson tradition and a Tiger Pride that is nearly palatable. You just can't help but be caught up in the moment. From the moment the players run into the field, also know as The Most Exciting 25 Seconds in College Football, to each singing of "Tiger Rag," you just know you're a part of greatness, and you can feel it with every roar of the crowd.

Now, don't get me wrong, Clemson sometimes forgets it is great. and it has had some less than stellar seasons, but I am a loyal fan through the ups and downs. This year, though, we have remembered our greatness, and the ACC has been reminded of it, as well.


I live in Charleston now, and getting to the games takes a bit more planning (like where to stay, tailgate menus, and so on). Now, that I am older (ugh, did I just write that I am older?) — scratch that, start again. Now that I am in charge of my tailgate experience, it is a bit different than it was when it was just Daddy and me. Tailgating these days consists of carefully designed menus, tents, friends, game-day dresses and outfits, and full fanfare (although we only make it to maybe one home game a year now).


Since we do live farther away, we also have tailgate parties from home. I can assure you that for the most part, the components are the same: lots of food, friends, game-day wear, and football. But the real glory of the game is missing. Don't get me wrong, I love our tailgate parties here, but nothing beats being there.


This blog post has been centered on Clemson football, because that is what I know and love. Every fan has a similar experience with their team, I am sure. I just wanted to share what my experiences were and are, and hopefully encourage you, the reader, to go to a game to experience the greatness and be a part of something that will live in you forever.


To help your tailgate planning, here are some of our favorite game-day foods (these can all be prepared a day ahead, which will make things even easier).



Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
With Bleu Cheese Coleslaw

Ingredients
Deli-style buns
Boneless chicken breasts
Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce
1 (16-ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

The night before the big game, prepare your coleslaw.

1. Toss together the coleslaw mix and onion in a bowl. In a saucepan, mix the vinegar, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. When sugar has dissolved, pour over the slaw mix and onion. Toss to coat, and let stand 15 minutes.
2. Drain the slaw mix in a colander, and return to the bowl. Toss with mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill overnight for the best results, but if you forget, you’ll be fine as long as it has at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving.

On game day, coat your chicken breasts with a generous coating of wing sauce, and then grill until done. Place your piping hot chicken on your bun, top with coleslaw and bun top, and enjoy! This coleslaw is also awesome on hot dogs and hamburgers!


Chicken Stew
This one is great for cold game days. Make it ahead, and put it in a Crock-Pot for game day to keep it warm.


Ingredients
1 whole chicken
1 large onion, chopped
1 small bag of peeled baby carrots
1 12-ounce container of fresh sliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 can of corn
1 can of chopped chiles (in the Mexican food section of a grocery store)
3/4 cup uncooked rice
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and neck pieces. 
2. Place the chicken in a stockpot with just enough water to cover the chicken, then add the garlic. 
3. Cook covered on medium-low on the stove for 2 1/2 hours. 
4. Remove the chicken and garlic from the stockpot with a strainer, leaving the stock in the pot. 
5. Add chopped onion, carrots, and mushrooms to the stock, and cover and cook an additional 30 minutes.
6. While the vegetables are cooking, remove the meat from the chicken. 
7. When the chicken is picked and shredded, add to the stock. 
8. Add Cajun seasoning, rice, chiles, and corn. 
9. Cover and cook an additional 20 minutes. 
10. Serve with corn bread or saltines.

Beer Cheese Dip
2 blocks of cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet of Ranch dressing
1/2 can of beer of your choosing


Mix all the ingredients together. Refrigerate overnight, and serve with Fritos Scoops.


I hope you enjoy the recipes and the excitement of game day as much as we do!

Post submitted by Jill from The Mommies Network's Content Team

The Mommies Network Presents Santa Letters

TMN presents Santa Letters!

Have your kids begun making their Christmas wish lists? The Mommies Network and Santa Claus have teamed up to send your little one a letter straight from the North Pole!

Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code SANTA at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total.

You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for your child. Letters will be printed on Santa's special stationery, signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf, shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to receive a special letter before the holidays.

Reserve your letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope you'll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place your order now! http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html
Please mention your area chapter name to ensure they receive credit for your purchase.

The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter.

DIY Decorating With Mason Jars

When my husband and I first started living together, we ate our fair share of pasta. Cooking was not a class I had taken in college, and browning ground beef was about the extent of my culinary expertise. The sauce that we always chose, we noticed, came in a great glass jar. After washing it out, we realized they were actually Ball jars, or Mason jars. Having grown up in South Carolina and eaten at PoFolks on a regular basis, I knew that Mason jars were perfect for sweet tea.

We continued collecting them until we had quite a nice set. We could easily have provided sweet tea for a dozen people. After we had gotten married, and I learned to cook beyond boiling water, we got other glasses. When we moved to California, the Mason jar glasses were a great reminder from where we had come. Our new friends thought them quaint and thoroughly enjoyed when we served cocktails in them.

I have since expanded my collection outside of Mason jars. The little glass jars that homemade jams come in, extra large ones that held our locally made yogurt and tomato sauce, and teeny tiny ones (I have forgotten their origin) that now adorn a high shelf in my kitchen. I have seen these in quite a few homes and they seem specifically designed for such a display.

In late September, I received in the mail the October edition of Southern Living magazine. Right in the middle was a wonderful use for Mason jars! Check this out when you have time and a few extra jars on your hands. This describes how to make "pumpkins" with orange paint, a black permanent marker, and a few jars. Amazingly, my local hardware store actually sold pumpkin-colored spray paint. It's perfect for this craft, which my 4½ year old enthusiastically took part in. I am looking forward to expanding this to other seasons. I can imagine pink and yellow for Easter or maybe color-coded for a themed birthday party.

Here is another fun way I used Mason jars: I have a chandelier in my dining room that came with the house. It is not my favorite, but not so heinous that you immediately find yourself scouring stores for a new one. From the center extend eight arms, and the bulbs are covered by opaque cylindrical glass that gives off a faint yellow-tinged glow. Now, I have had my eye on the blue chandelier that Sarah Jessica Parker has in her Hamptons home for a while. Unfortunately, $6,000 is not in the budget for lighting, so it’s not going to happen in my house any time soon. But while staring at my dining room lighting, I was inspired. I removed the yellow cylinders and replaced them with Mason jars. (The downside is, I no longer have sweet tea glasses. I need to restock.) I know it’s not a direct copy, but imitation is the highest form of flattery, right?

After these projects, I now have jars in my kitchen, my dining room, and my front doorstep. (I even have one in the bar to serve as a flask in a pinch.) Please let me know if you come up with other fabulous ways to use your extra jars!

Post submitted by Content Team Member, Katie