By Katie Moosbrugger

Probably one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a new parent is finding the best car seat and stroller for your infant. It’s a daunting task. And for new parents this task got even more complicated with changes to the car seat rules. Click here to read Triangle Moms on Main’s take on the this topic, and how the 2014 regulations may affect you and your child.

But when it comes to finding a car seat and stroller, a simple shopping trip may leave you confused by all the several styles and brands from which to choose. So today, with the help of our friends at Babies R Us and our trusty Baby Bargains book, we’ll focus on a few highly rated infant car seats and strollers – all of which make sense for our lifestyles here in the Triad. If you are reading this post early, tune to Fox8 TV News at 9:30 am to watch me showcase a few of these models live, thanks to our friends at Babies R Us! Read More

By the TMoM Team

We're thrilled to say we recently updated our Kids Eat Free directory! I can't count how many times my husband and I refer to this directory when making plans to eat out with the kids. It's so much fun to splurge without feeling the guilt.

This list is always accessible under our Directories tab. If you know of a restaurant with a special deal for kids that's not listed below, please email me at Katie@TriadMomsOnMain.com, or leave a comment below, and we'll get it added. Similarly if a deal listed below has recently changed, please let me know so we can keep this directory current. And as always, it's smart to call ahead first to confirm a restaurant is still honoring the Kids Eat Free deal listed below.

So go ahead and make a date with the family to eat out this week. Enjoy! Read More

By Guest Blogger Michelle Mitchell

March Winds just blew in a
Photo Shoot Deal - Never Before Offered

from Ken Sykes Photography

Session and $150 Studio Credit for $59
($141 Savings)
March 12 – 28 Only!

In this economy, the only thing guaranteed to increase in value is a portrait of someone you love. So, if you want to get the most bang out of your buck, purchase this never before offered photo shoot deal! Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

Summer swim team season begins for most swim clubs in the next few weeks. I know it seems a little cold and I am sure many kids will have purple toes when they climb out of the water, but they will eventually have a wonderful time! If your child is participating in swim team this year – BRAVO! If you are still contemplating, I say do it! Here’s why…

When my family moved to Charlotte over thirty years ago, our neighborhood did not have a pool, so we spent our first two summers running through the sprinkler and playing “Nestea Plunge” by pouring buckets of water on ourselves in the driveway. Ahhh, the memories! By the time I turned eight, our neighborhood pool opened, and my mom was one of the women who got an official swim team up and running. (Kind of ironic as I look back now, considering she never knew how to swim until I taught her a few years ago!) We only had about 60 kids on our team at good old Sardis Forest, and we looked pretty pitiful because we had no swim caps or goggles. Our diving blocks were hand-made by my dad, and no one had any clue what they were doing, but we were pumped up! We lost every single swim meet that year and I think the next year as well, but none of that mattered.  Read More

By Guest Blogger Shelley Holden

If you are looking for a fun and creative summer day camp for kids, St Paul’s Preschool’s Camp Create in Winston-Salem is just the answer! Run by St. Paul’s Preschool teachers, this camp offers crafts, games, adventures and more for your little ones. It is open to children ages 18 months old by the first day of their camp week to age 5 (rising kindergarteners.) Children are split by classes based on their age and each class gears its activities to that particular age level.

Each camp experience is different, and teachers pick themes and focus the activities for the week on those themes. My oldest daughter particularly loved “Traveling Around the Globe” last year. Along with other rising kindergarteners, she spent the week on an imaginary voyage from Italy to Mexico and more. In each country, they learned about the culture and did crafts and activities that taught them about the people and their traditions. They also cooked a special snack each day that went along with the country. She had the best time and I was amazed at what she learned about each country that has stuck with her. She said it was her favorite camp week!  Read More

By Guest Blogger Amber Ford, Family Services Director, Spears Family YMCA 

Over the years many parents have asked, “what is the point of summer camp anyway?” Summer camps are designed for youth to explore, create, discover, and grow. Camps are fun for a summer and provide lessons that last a lifetime.

Building independence, self-esteem, and lasting relationships.
From birth children begin to learn about their inner selves and start becoming their own person. Having youth learn to solve their own problems, turn to peers and counselors for support, and be responsible for their belongings and activity area are key parts of the summer camp experience. They're picking and choosing which activities they want to do that day, hiding and seeking, being messy, and doing the spooky things children do (while being supervised). It is that feeling of success and freedom that translates into self esteem.  Read More

By Guest Blogger, Donna Fiori

When I was first approached about writing a blog for moms of seniors in high school, I first thought of writing about the whole process of helping your student decide the best direction for them and all that is involved. After much thought, I decided to take a different approach and talk to you about what happens to us, the moms, when our children decide to leave the nest and move on to their next stage in life.

There are numerous resources available to the parents of high school seniors that will enable them to get on the right track for the proceeding years. However, one thing they don’t prepare us for is the day our children actually leave home. We all get that large lump in our throats just thinking about it, watching them walk across the stage on graduation day and then all the preparation for the move day in August. Read More

By Guest Blogger Shelley Holden

If you are looking for a fun and creative summer day camp for kids, St Paul’s Preschool’s Camp Create in Winston-Salem is just the answer! Run by St. Paul’s Preschool teachers, this camp offers crafts, games, adventures and more for your little ones. It is open to children ages 18 months old by the first day of their camp week to age 5 (rising kindergarteners.) Children are split by classes based on their age and each class gears its activities to that particular age level.

Each camp experience is different, and teachers pick themes and focus the activities for the week on those themes. My oldest daughter particularly loved “Traveling Around the Globe” last year. Along with other rising kindergarteners, she spent the week on an imaginary voyage from Italy to Mexico and more. In each country, they learned about the culture and did crafts and activities that taught them about the people and their traditions. They also cooked a special snack each day that went along with the country. She had the best time and I was amazed at what she learned about each country that has stuck with her. She said it was her favorite camp week!  Read More

By Richard Moore, managing partner, The Little Gym

“Welcome to The Little Gym!”  With that simple statement The Little Gym of Greensboro opened over 13 years ago in the Westridge Square Shopping Center off Battleground Avenue.  It was the best of times. Our simple goal? To change the world, one child, one forward roll at a time. We officially were promoting the healthy and successful physical and mental development of the children of the world. But we didn’t want to just promote healthy living and development....we wanted to start positively impacting the stories we heard every night on the 11 pm news and read every day in the newspaper.

As a society, we have the option of more video games and television shows available for our children, but if a child’s activity level remains low at a younger age, they are more likely to remain inactive as they get older.*  Read More

By Guest Blogger Megan Crisci

Have you ever been attending a social gathering revolving around children, such as a birthday party or school Christmas party and witnessed what some might categorize as a “helicopter” or “overprotective” mom meticulously monitoring every tiny piece of food that goes into her child’s mouth? Have you ever thought to yourself “Yikes, that woman needs to relax; this is a party after all?" Maybe you have or maybe you haven’t. Maybe “that” mom is a mom who simply wants healthier choices when it comes to the foods their child eats or maybe “that” mom is the mom of a child with a food allergy. Both types of moms are simply doing what they feel is the best way for their child to nourish their bodies but for the mom of a child with a food allergy it is more about keeping their child safe from food that will do nothing but bring their tiny bodies harm.

I am the mom of two daughters with newly diagnosed food allergies. My daughters are now living with Celiac Disease. They both suffer horribly when they ingest gluten. Maybe you have noticed all of the gluten free products and foods when you are making your way through the grocery store aisles and have wondered if this is just a new trendy way of eating or dieting. Maybe to some people that is exactly what gluten free eating is. A trend. But for people like my daughters and myself, eating gluten free is way of life. A way to keep from getting sick. A way to live “normally”. Yes, I have Celiac Disease too. Read More

By Daniel Krowchuk, M.D., Pediatrician and Co-Director of Pediatric Dermatology, Brenner Children’s Hospital

One of the more vexing skin problems affecting children is molluscum contagiosum. What is it and what can be done about it?

Molluscum contagiosum (“molluscum”) is a viral infection of the skin. For reasons that are not known, molluscum is becoming more common. It is spread by close physical contact (skin-to-skin) or by contaminated objects, like a towel or wash cloth. Although very controversial, there is some evidence that molluscum may be spread via swimming pools. Any child may get molluscum but those who have eczema seem to be particularly prone. Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger

Probably one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a new parent is finding the best car seat and stroller for your infant. It’s a daunting task. And for new parents this task got even more complicated with changes to the car seat rules. Click here to read Triangle Moms on Main’s take on the this topic, and how the 2014 regulations may affect you and your child.

But when it comes to finding a car seat and stroller, a simple shopping trip may leave you confused by all the several styles and brands from which to choose. So today, with the help of our friends at Babies R Us and our trusty Baby Bargains book, we’ll focus on a few highly rated infant car seats and strollers – all of which make sense for our lifestyles here in the Triad. If you are reading this post early, tune to Fox8 TV News at 9:30 am to watch me showcase a few of these models live, thanks to our friends at Babies R Us! Read More

By Guest Blogger, Donna Fiori

When I was first approached about writing a blog for moms of seniors in high school, I first thought of writing about the whole process of helping your student decide the best direction for them and all that is involved. After much thought, I decided to take a different approach and talk to you about what happens to us, the moms, when our children decide to leave the nest and move on to their next stage in life.

There are numerous resources available to the parents of high school seniors that will enable them to get on the right track for the proceeding years. However, one thing they don’t prepare us for is the day our children actually leave home. We all get that large lump in our throats just thinking about it, watching them walk across the stage on graduation day and then all the preparation for the move day in August. Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

Summer swim team season begins for most swim clubs in the next few weeks. I know it seems a little cold and I am sure many kids will have purple toes when they climb out of the water, but they will eventually have a wonderful time! If your child is participating in swim team this year – BRAVO! If you are still contemplating, I say do it! Here’s why…

When my family moved to Charlotte over thirty years ago, our neighborhood did not have a pool, so we spent our first two summers running through the sprinkler and playing “Nestea Plunge” by pouring buckets of water on ourselves in the driveway. Ahhh, the memories! By the time I turned eight, our neighborhood pool opened, and my mom was one of the women who got an official swim team up and running. (Kind of ironic as I look back now, considering she never knew how to swim until I taught her a few years ago!) We only had about 60 kids on our team at good old Sardis Forest, and we looked pretty pitiful because we had no swim caps or goggles. Our diving blocks were hand-made by my dad, and no one had any clue what they were doing, but we were pumped up! We lost every single swim meet that year and I think the next year as well, but none of that mattered.  Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger

Probably one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a new parent is finding the best car seat and stroller for your infant. It’s a daunting task. And for new parents this task got even more complicated with changes to the car seat rules. Click here to read Triangle Moms on Main’s take on the this topic, and how the 2014 regulations may affect you and your child.

But when it comes to finding a car seat and stroller, a simple shopping trip may leave you confused by all the several styles and brands from which to choose. So today, with the help of our friends at Babies R Us and our trusty Baby Bargains book, we’ll focus on a few highly rated infant car seats and strollers – all of which make sense for our lifestyles here in the Triad. If you are reading this post early, tune to Fox8 TV News at 9:30 am to watch me showcase a few of these models live, thanks to our friends at Babies R Us! Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

We salute you moms in the minivans
and those in the SUV's.
We salute those in the pick-up trucks
And those on the ATV's.

We honor the moms who work in an office
And the ones who stay in their homes.
We honor those who wait tables
And those who answer the phones.

We love the moms who wear diamonds
And the moms who have tattoos.
We love the moms who buy new clothes
And those who prefer them used. Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger

Thanks to the crazy early spring weather we've all experienced, our local strawberry farms were delayed somewhat but berries should be ready for picking at most farms by next week. And according to some reports, this year's season will be SHORT - just two to three weeks of picking! So grab your buckets and start mapping out a day trip with your kids. There are so many pick-your-own farms right here in the Triad, and it makes for a wonderful outing for families and friends.

Lots of the places listed below have been recommended by TMoM readers in the past, and lots of these places are family owned and run. That means things could quickly change with the status of their business and farm. Plus, since the weather has been so unpredictable, you never know how ripe or picked over their crops will be. Therefore, PLEASE call these places before you go. And if you discover any changes from the information listed below - or if you've discovered a farm you want to add to this list - please email me at katie@triadmomsonmain.com and I'll make the updates!

Happy picking! Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

Do you own a video-monitor? These are usually called "infant video monitors" but after our Triad Moms on Main team meeting the other month I came to find out that they should be called "child monitors!" One of my team members even made fun of herself and said that her mother often asks her, "Are you planning to watch these kids on a video until they head off to college?"

I personally never owned one of these devices. My children are nine and seven years old, so when they were born I think these monitors were slowly coming onto the scene. Knowing my personality, this would have been a disaster. I knew I didn't need anything that I would be carrying around with me all hours of the day, turning on and off and checking to see if my baby was moving or not moving.  Read More

By Guest Blogger Megan Crisci

Have you ever been attending a social gathering revolving around children, such as a birthday party or school Christmas party and witnessed what some might categorize as a “helicopter” or “overprotective” mom meticulously monitoring every tiny piece of food that goes into her child’s mouth? Have you ever thought to yourself “Yikes, that woman needs to relax; this is a party after all?" Maybe you have or maybe you haven’t. Maybe “that” mom is a mom who simply wants healthier choices when it comes to the foods their child eats or maybe “that” mom is the mom of a child with a food allergy. Both types of moms are simply doing what they feel is the best way for their child to nourish their bodies but for the mom of a child with a food allergy it is more about keeping their child safe from food that will do nothing but bring their tiny bodies harm.

I am the mom of two daughters with newly diagnosed food allergies. My daughters are now living with Celiac Disease. They both suffer horribly when they ingest gluten. Maybe you have noticed all of the gluten free products and foods when you are making your way through the grocery store aisles and have wondered if this is just a new trendy way of eating or dieting. Maybe to some people that is exactly what gluten free eating is. A trend. But for people like my daughters and myself, eating gluten free is way of life. A way to keep from getting sick. A way to live “normally”. Yes, I have Celiac Disease too. Read More

By Jenny Stauffer

Spring is finally here, albeit still cold and rainy as I type this!

Already in my kitchen, meals are lighter and fresher as we anticipate the warmer weather and the chance for outdoor dining! I have tried some new recipes this year that are now in our regular rotation of meals that will work either as a quick weeknight meal or just as well if you are entertaining this Spring.


 Read More

By Jenny Stauffer

For quite some time, Meatless Mondays have been all the rage. Not so much for my family, though. Each Sunday, I take time to plan 4-5 meals that will take us through the week. Never once did I consider reserving one of those days as a meatless day. Until recently.....

Growing up, I did hit the stage as a teenager and young adult about being picky about my meat, since I made the connection of where my food came from. It was definitely a phase, though I am still picky-”er” about my meat than any other food group, and we do enjoy a vegetarian meal often.

Lo and behold, my second-grade daughter recently made the “connection”, as well, and has had a harder time accepting every meal as readily as she once did. So, we recently adopted an intentional day to be “meat-free”. Okay, not for a day, but at least for dinner! And though it might not always fall on a Monday, when I write my weekly meal plan, I do aim for one meatless meal a week. Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

Many if us are in the midst of planning Spring Break vacation and/or summer vacations. Why not try something different this year? Take the advice of other local moms and give their favorite destinations a shot. We asked our readers for their favorite beaches along the east coast and came up with the list below.

We hope these tips & suggestions from other local moms will help you choose a spot that fits your family's needs and wants. Whether you are looking to hit the town & stay busy or relax and soak up the sun ... you are sure to find a perfect destination on our list. If you have a beach to add to our "favorites" list, email Rachel@triadmomsonmain.com.

This blog will be archived under our Travel category, and you can also access it at any time by clicking on the "Directories" link at the top of the website.

 Read More

By TMoM team member Dani Luft

Cabbage Patch Kids. Bring back memories of your childhood? My family was planning a trip to Atlanta to celebrate my Aunt’s 70th birthday party and decided to take a detour. Babyland General is located in Cleveland, Georgia and is the birthplace of the beloved Cabbage Patch dolls we all know and love. I visited Babyland General a long time ago and remember it being fun. I posted on Facebook to get opinions on whether or not it was worth the extra hour out of our way, and most friends, like me, had gone a long time ago but loved it then, too. Some said it was a money pit and to just be prepared. Some said that if we’re lucky enough to watch a doll being “born”, then it would be worth it. My husband and I decided to give it a shot. Admission is free, and if nothing else, we were just an hour away from our true destination. Read More

By Kristen Bagwell of Triangle Moms on Main

When was the last time you visited Asheville, NC? In the past 10 years, Asheville has been named the Happiest City in America (Self Magazine), Best Mountain Destination (Southern Living), and Best Southern Town (Outside Magazine). It was also noted among the Most Beautiful Places in America by Good Morning America. The Hunger Games were filmed near Asheville, and both President Obama and Anthony Bourdain are occasional visitors there, sampling the local restaurants. And this time of year can be an absolutely gorgeous time to visit!

Just hop on I-40 and head west. That's it! You'll take I-240W to get into town, wherever your chosen destination may be. There are actually five areas of Asheville and although it's not a huge place, there is a ton to do in each area. One of the most popular areas is Historic Biltmore Village, just outside the entrance to Biltmore. Biltmore was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, and Biltmore Village reflects that period. Pebbled streets, English-style cottages, art galleries, and fantastic shops and restaurants are all at your fingertips, along with multiple places to stay. We could spend an entire weekend just at the Biltmore Estate, so visit the website to get the skinny on the holiday happenings at the estate! Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger

Probably one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a new parent is finding the best car seat and stroller for your infant. It’s a daunting task. And for new parents this task got even more complicated with changes to the car seat rules. Click here to read Triangle Moms on Main’s take on the this topic, and how the 2014 regulations may affect you and your child.

But when it comes to finding a car seat and stroller, a simple shopping trip may leave you confused by all the several styles and brands from which to choose. So today, with the help of our friends at Babies R Us and our trusty Baby Bargains book, we’ll focus on a few highly rated infant car seats and strollers – all of which make sense for our lifestyles here in the Triad. If you are reading this post early, tune to Fox8 TV News at 9:30 am to watch me showcase a few of these models live, thanks to our friends at Babies R Us! Read More

By Guest Blogger Gail Vadia

Have your kids outgrown their spring and summer clothes? Are they bored of their toys? Are you looking for new or gently used clothes, toys, and other kids’ stuff at a deep discount off retail prices? If the answer is yes to all of these questions, then you won’t want to miss Friendly Avenue Christian Preschool’s 2013 Spring & Summer Kids’ Consignment Sale on March 15-16! The sale will be held at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, 4800 West Friendly Avenue in Greensboro, in the church’s new gymnasium. Read More

Sponsored by Kids Exchange

BUY SELL SERVE is the simple but important message of The Kids Exchange Consignment Event. For those that know the “mother sale” in Raleigh with 3,000 consignors, 700 workers and 30,000 buyers, you'll be please to know they're bringing this Bi-annual Community RE-cycle event to the Triad and Charlotte markets.

BUY gently used kids’ items at great prices, or SELL them and earn 2/3rds of your asking price. All unsold items are donated locally which SERVES our communities. Sales dates are March 6th-10th in Triad and March 13th-17th in Charlotte. Read More

Hosted by the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem
This is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends and favorite dolls!
Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through
a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions.
Enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing
has changed over the years to reflect history, culture, and girls' individual styles.

Saturday, May 18th, 2013 - Fashion Shows at 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19th 2013 - Fashion Shows at 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Ballroom of The Embassy Suites Hotel, Winston Salem
Learn more and buy you tickets at www.agfshow.org!

 

Sunday, April 21st, from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Meet & greet Star Wars Characters, arts & crafts, inflatable slides and more!
Advance registration is not required, but pre-registration is available online (for faster check-in).
Star Wars Day-$8/member, $10/nonmember.
www.childrensmuseumofws.org

 

Book a photo shoot at your home or at one of your favorite locations for ONLY $100.

This is 33% off the regular portrait price of $150, and $25 will be donated to Autism Society of North Carolina. Charge includes your sitting fee, plus a $50 print credit. For an additional $100 you may purchase the rights to all the photos taken during your shoot to make your own prints. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Robert Ross Photography
2706 Tillbrook Pl.
Greensboro, NC 27408
336-542-3213
336-404-1985
www.ross-photography.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ross-Photography/263513142098

 

Now Taking Reservations!

2013 Session Dates
Session I: June 17-21
Session II: June 24-28
Session III: July 1-5 (no camp July 4)
Session IV: July 8-12

Click here to register online. Hurry, space fills quickly!

Salem Sports Camp
500 E. Salem Ave.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101