by Kristen Bagwell

It's that time again...bulletin board time! If you have a charitable event or cause (or just an event or cause you want to bring attention to), email kristen{at}trianglemomsonmain.com with your event info. Check out the May/June events coming up! Thanks in advance for your support of these fun community events! Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Have you voted for your favorite 2012 Moms Choice Award nominees? The voting period began last week and runs through the end of this month. Voting is easy and open to anyone - simply click on the survey link below and cast your votes accordingly.

As a reminder, your choices for the best people and services in the Triangle are...

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by guest blogger Brooke Farmer

Recently, I had one of those lovely, unexpected moments where you really feel appreciated for what you do, completely reaffirming your commitment to your job. Going through the mail one evening I recognized the return address for a family that I used to nanny while I was in graduate school in Richmond, VA. Inside was an invitation to the high school graduation for Wes, the young man I had taken care of from the age of nine to eleven. There was also a note from his mom saying that he had specifically asked that I be invited because he knew I would be proud of him for reaching this milestone.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Finally, it's here - our 2012 reader-approved summer camp directory!  Whether you are looking for an overnight camp or a local option, half or full day, partial week or week long camps (or longer) - there is something on the list below. Thanks so much to all the readers who emailed us their favorites. If you don't see your favorite option below on the list, let me know! Read More

By Guest Blogger Heather Bjork

September – school starting back and the start of soccer and football season. Fans of both sports are passionate in their love of these games. One does not have to look very far to spot people wearing football or soccer apparel around the Triad. Sports are an important part of most people’s lives, and they are commonly discussed at home, with friends, in the workplace, in cyber space and through any form of media that we come in contact with on a daily basis. As such, it seems we would be doing our children a disservice to not expose them to different sports and give them an opportunity to experience playing different sports.

If you have not yet provided your child with the chance to get involved in a sport, think again. Even if you are not a “sports” person yourself, there are multiple benefits to allowing your child to play sports. Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger

We are already thinking "hooray for fall" around here, and what better way to celebrate than to plan some outdoor fun? These tips and tricks from Katie can help you get the ball rolling. Enjoy! ...Kristen B. Read More

By Guest Blogger Ellen Dockham


When people find out I homeschool my two kids, ages 9 and 12, I get a variety of reactions, many of which can be summed up in the comment, “I could NEVER do that.” Occasionally, though, someone will say they admire homeschooling and would like to know how I reached that decision. Read More

By Beth Frack, Artist-in-Residence at Forsyth Country Day School

Several years ago, I taught music to a kindergarten student who was described by his classroom teachers and parents as unhappy, moody, contradictory and never excited about anything. That same year I gave him a solo in a school musical, and it was like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly. This child became confident and excited about everything. Suddenly, there was joy and happiness, and it spilled over into his classroom and home life in a very positive way. The teachers were amazed at thetransformation in this child, and they attributed the change to the joy that music brought into his life. Read More

All moms deserve recognition just for being incredible people!  Here at Triangle Moms On Main, we want to highlight local moms and give them the props they deserve.  Meet these extraordinary women who are making a difference in the lives of their families, friends, strangers, and the community.  They might be movers, shakers, entrepreneurs, athletes, volunteers, or caregivers, but most importantly … they are moms!

For a look back at all of our moms on the move, click here...we've featured some great women! Read More

by guest blogger and fitness expert Kevin Hedley

Well, here we go with a new year and a new start on being a better you.  The start of the year is a time to reflect on the successes and accomplishments of the past 12 months and a good time to set new goals going forward.  So take a moment and write down what you have done well in the last year and what positive effects these habits have had on your life.  Make a commitment to continue these efforts and allow yourself to feel good about what you have done.  Here are 5 ideas to consider for 2012 in an effort to help you get moving in the right direction. Read More

By Guest Blogger Michelle Bostian, LCSW
Lower School Counselor for Greensboro Day School

Feeling uncomfortable about being separate from mom and dad, or “separation anxiety” is most commonly thought to be something that impacts preschool children and kindergarten age. It does, but also common is the onset around 4th grade. It catches parents off guard because they think they are done with this sort of thing.  Read More

by guest blogger Kurt L. Klinepeter, M.D. Pediatric Behavioral Medicine Specialist

From our adult perspective, we typically think about childhood as a care-free time without significant worry or anxiety. Certain situations may cause children and adolescents to be acutely anxious -- but not for long and not in a chronic, life-changing way. However, childhood anxiety is more common than most people think and if it is sustained for longer periods of time should be addressed.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Happy Mothers' Day weekend to all of you from the moms right here on our TMOM team! I thought today was a great day to post this reminder from Mother Teresa. These verses were reportedly written on her wall for children in Calcutta, India. (Our friend Rachel at Triad MOM printed this out and posted it on her fridge after seeing it on her mother-in-law's refrigerator for years, and shared them with us.) These are great words for moms - and families -  to live by every day. Read More

By Guest Blogger Kristen Daukas with Ten to Twenty Parenting

At some point of your parenting tenure, this scenario is going to happen to you:

You’re in the kitchen, rushing around doing your end of day things. Getting dinner ready (if you know what you’re actually going to make), going thru the mail, sorting thru the endless stream of paperwork sent home by the school, cleaning out the clutter that is in your car (who knew you birthed an entire football team?!) and then, suddenly, you stop. You can feel the burn of their eyes boring into the back of your head. You turn around, only to see your precious offspring staring at you in disgust and out of their mouth comes the assault.

“Mom. You know you really shouldn’t be throwing those things into the trash. You should recycle them. And you know those really long showers that Daddy takes? Do you know how bad that is for the planet? And I went around the house and do you realize that WE DON’T HAVE A SINGLE CFL LIGHT BULB??”

You’ve just been served, Mom - by the junior “Go-Green” Police. Read More

by guest blogger Brooke Farmer

Recently, I had one of those lovely, unexpected moments where you really feel appreciated for what you do, completely reaffirming your commitment to your job. Going through the mail one evening I recognized the return address for a family that I used to nanny while I was in graduate school in Richmond, VA. Inside was an invitation to the high school graduation for Wes, the young man I had taken care of from the age of nine to eleven. There was also a note from his mom saying that he had specifically asked that I be invited because he knew I would be proud of him for reaching this milestone.  Read More

by Anonymous

The other day, I came across this saying painted as a picture in one of those fun boutique-y home decor shops. I read it, thought for a second, and then read it again because it suddenly occurred to me: I think this is what my mother was trying to teach me all along.  Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger

Earlier this week, Katie M. of Triad MOM really said it best...Thinking of all of our moms today, amd nissing those who are no longer with us on earth. Thanks Moms!  ~Kristen B.

We all know there is nothing more powerful than a mother's love. This Mother's Day, let's make a special point to reflect on the love we've received  - and continue to receive - from our own mothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers and great grandmothers. Without their devotion, support and life lessons, many of us would not be the mothers we are today.  Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

So today we are going to get up close and personal with our readers to talk about something no one wants to talk about – the Ladystache, as I call it. Whether you have a fine dusting of blonde hair above your lips, or a pitch black moustache, help is here! Read More

By Jenny Stauffer

Happy Cinco De Mayo!  Tomorrow we will be celebrating this day that commemorates the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War and celebrates Mexican heritage and pride.  Don’t y’all just love another reason to dish out some Mexican food? If you are grilling out with friends, joining a large fiesta, or just having a small family celebration, hopefully some of these recipes will fit the bill.

As always, if you have another recipe to share, please add your comment at the end of the blog!  More recipes can be found in our Food/Recipe section here.  

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by guest blogger Amber O'Neal

My first gluten-free shopping trip took place a shortly after my son's diagnosis. As I entered the store, I carried three pages of Gluten-Free foods and the other "avoid" foods that stress his body out. Waiting in the check out line, I realized how healthy the items in my cart looked:, green, fresh, farm grown vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. In other words I shopped the perimeter of the store without slipping down the interior isles for the processed foods packaged in boxes. This is a bit different from our usual cart. Read More

by guest blogger Amber O'Neal

As always, when I sit down to write my thoughts are running through my head faster than I can spit them out. In this case my thoughts are consumed with Gluten. Yummy, delicious gluten imbedded in everything we consume. You know, gluten: the protein found in the seeds of certain plants, notably in wheat, rye and barley, and in foods made from them. Now imagine changing direction completely. Suddenly gluten is a poison to your system, and for some it can be life threatening. Welcome to my my son’s new world! The land of Gluten-free.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

My husband left this afternoon for a long weekend in London. Doesn't that sound extravagant?! Before you get the wrong idea, let me be clear: we are SO not those people. Here's how it all went down: Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

At the end of a charitable work-week in a foreign country, what are you left with? We first mentioned a friend of mine who is currently on a mission last week, and today is a follow-up to that blog post. It's been so interesting to follow her online updates, and to try and imagine all of the experiences, emotions, and fulfillment that comes with a trip like this. I'm so happy and proud of my girlfriend for heading out on this challenge, and hope to do the same someday.

Below are some excerpts from her daily notes - these paint a picture of what the week was like, in her own words. Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Have you ever considered going on a mission trip, or traveling to a community less fortunate? I have several friends who have done this in the past two years: one to Africa, one to Jamaica, one to Haiti, and one to Belize. Most recently - in fact, right this minute - one of my long-time friends is in Nepal working with Habitat for Humanity to build sustainable housing from bamboo.

Although it can be difficult to find "the right time" for a trip like this, it's absolutely amazing to consider, much less go and do. I am fascinated by the stories that my traveling friends have shared, and so I wanted to show a bit of what Amber is experiencing while she is away. After more than 24 hours of travel, her first experience was actually a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, which thankfully did not injure any of their traveling group. A rocky start seems to have led to smooth sailing, though. Here's a bit of background on how she came to choose Habitat and Nepal, and we'll follow up next week with some of her tales from the trip.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Who's ready to shop? The spring consignment sales are here again! Many shows are available in the Triangle area whether you are a seller or a shopper, so check the list below to see which one (or two or three) work best for you.

The consignment shows below are listed by date, with the earliest shows at the top. Tip: find and "like" these shows on Facebook for seasonal updates and inside info! Read More

By Chrissy Freeman

Chrissy is the brains behind ConsignmentMommies.com, a fabulous consignment directory and social media resource for every shopper no matter your zip code. Chrissy is a mom who lives in Greensboro, and while her site features a ton of great Triad and Triangle sales, you can also search other sales happening around the country. Be sure to check her site often to find the latest sales (many of which are ranked), and sign up for her newsletter to get alerts in advance! - KB

Repeat after me: Consignment Sales are not Garage Sales, Consignment Sales are not Garage Sales..." There's a lot of "misunderstanding" about consignment sales. Until you've been to a really good one, its hard to appreciate the full value in these sales. If you are one of those trendy moms who is skeptical of the whole consignment thing, here are a few things you should know... Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Readers, we want to show how much we appreciate your support over the past year as Triangle Moms On Main has grown. And so...drum roll please...welcome to our second annual Holiday Giveaway! Two lucky readers will win a gift package valued at nearly $600 (each) on Friday December 16, just in time for Christmas!

Keep reading to see the participating merchants, and don't forget to register at the end of this post. Also, please visit these spots to do some holiday shopping or just to treat yourself, and tell them we sent you. (That will help us to bring you more free stuff!)

Oh, and one more thing - make sure you pass this giveaway along to your friends, because if one of them is our lucky winner, YOU ALSO WIN! Just tell your friends to enter your name on the survey where it asks how you heard about us. Bonus - if they also like the Triangle MOM facebook page, your name will get thrown into the hat twice, which doubles your chances of winning! Read More

Just 4 Kids provides a way for families of Southern Wake County to buy and sell gently used children’s items. Conveniently located in Fuquay Varina, Just4Kids serves a large community of new and returning shoppers. Consignors have the opportunity to keep 75% of your asking price, and the consignor fee is only $7 - these are the best rates in the Triangle!

The spring sale runs from May 15 - 18 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Willow Spring. For more information or to register, please visit www.just4kidsnc.com

Breakfast with Santa & Jolly Jump

Ho Ho Ho! Have you been naughty or nice? Santa's going to be checking his list! Kids, bring your wish list and visit with Santa and enjoy a wonderful breakfast during our special Breakfast With Santa jump event. Parents, don't forget to bring your camera and take memorable photos of your kids with Santa Claus. Reservations are required and space is limited. Purchase your advanced tickets today! www.piuraleighbreakfastwithsanta.eventbright.com Saturday, December 10th 8:30am - 10:00am $10 per child

Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
In the new Friends and Family Hall (Church), 920 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill 

Enjoy one-stop shopping with 60 talented artisans and crafters from throughout North Carolina and Virginia and find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list!  A raffle, bake sale and musical entertainment add festive flair.  The Reindeer Cafe will be serving a delicious hot lunch.  Stop by the Candy Cane Coffee Bar for a caffeine-fueled shopping boost! 

Free admission.  All proceeds from Christmas Holiday Shoppe benefit St. Thomas More School and the enrichment of its educational programs.

When Friday, October 28, 2011, 6 – 9pm Where Downtown Cary, NC Note Cary Art Loop highlights Triangle arts and culture in Cary. Extended hours allow visitors to explore art galleries, restaurants, coffee houses and other businesses that showcase art, music and more on the Final Friday of each month. Link caryartloop.wordpress.com