What is momstown? Why you should be a momstown Edmonton member!

We get asked all the time, What is momstown? Our answer, momstown is the leading event and media company for moms in Edmonton. But what does that mean? It means that for the past 5 years momstown has been providing moms an incredible platform to connect, vent, and get out of the house! We host amazing educational based programming in every corner of Edmonton as well as, Sherwood Park and St Albert! 

Click here for details on our programming!

In person, our moms have access to 30+ programs per month starting in pregnancy until your child goes to school. Online, our message board allows moms to chat, ask questions and get support from one another. This organization provides the best of both worlds to moms.  For only $45/year you get all this plus a subscription to Today's Parent magazine, does it get any better than that?? 

I asked our own members what they liked about momstown. I expected responses like, the message board, Art and Play, Baby Basics and of course they love those things.  But their responses tied into the whole reason why we are so passionate about this organization and why momstown is making a difference in the lives of moms across Canada.

Here's what they had to say:

Message Board
"I could be up at 3 in the morning and having a mommy crisis or even just posting a funny post that I thought would make someone else's day better, and the chances of me being on there alone are pretty slim. I never feel alone."

Moms Nights Out
"Mom night outs, To get out and visit with moms going through the same things as you. Adding new friends to your array of old ones to keep you fresh and young!"

Acceptance
"For me it is how accepting everyone is. I felt like I was always being judged as a new mom for all my decisions from nursing to formula feeding to what kind of solids I introduced and when to where I put her down to sleep. When I joined momstown I felt like I had finally found a group of women who are there to support each other and help each other no matter what and not trying to one-up each other. I feel like although everyone has made different choices, everyone is willing to support each other through their challenges. It has helped me tremendously in my confidence as a mom."


Baby Basics
"Baby Basics is my favourite part!!! The moms in the Baby Basics group have been so welcoming and open to sharing and listening. They offer advice and are open minded to different ways of doing things. They have a wealth of knowledge and I have never felt like I was being judged when I asked them a question or said how I do things."

Diversity
"The diversity in the group, you can have one question and expect a whole array of tips and tricks to pick and choose from and make your own."

"Mom" Friends
"I feel like it is such a great outlet to meet more "experienced" moms being a new mom and getting advice on things as they come up. I find myself saying more and more " well at momstown they said this or we did that" and I say it with confidence and really take every ones opinions and suggestions to heart. I don't have any friends with kids so being able to connect with other moms has been a really great outlet for me and I'm so grateful for finding this group"

Awesome Events
"The awesome playdates, especially crafty ones. Having someone arrange great ideas and get it set up make uncrafty moms like me feel like their kids got to do something cool."


Support
"I love that momstown is there for the highs and the lows. When I was going through my miscarriage I was just waiting to be swallowed up but it never happened. Janine, Kristin and all the other momstown mamas rallied around with support. It meant the world to me then and it still does now. We also rejoice in the highs...be it first smiles, movements, words or use of the potty. It makes being a mom so much easier when you know there are others out there to lend a hand and laugh with you."

Cream of the Crop
"What I've always loved most? Is that everyone is just so darn NICE. I've never, ever felt intimidated at an event or outting ever. momstown Edmonton is seriously made up of the best moms in the city, the cream of the crop."


Sponsored Events
"I also like how they introduce or create paths to other activities. Like the music class I signed Noah up for (thanks to a baby basics demo) and running in Team in Training"

Passionate Owners

"I think Kristin and Janine do a great job setting the tone of acceptance. I have heard them SEVERAL times say how important their 'moms' are to them"

"My favourite thing about momstown are how real Janine and Kristin are. Life happens and they are the most supporting and genuinely caring people. From my first outing they were warm and welcoming, and still it amazes me that they always remember my face, my name, my son's name, and even where I live!"

Want to be a part of this amazing community and join the cream of the crop?? 
Join us here to be a part of the fun! Here's a video recap of the fun we had in 2013!

Fisher-Price Sponsored Baby Basics!!

We are so excited that coming up on March 13th Fisher Price is sponsoring our momstown Edmonton Baby Basics infant playgroup! momstown Edmonton mamas generally meet every Wednesday  at Birthsource for our infant art and sensory program but this event is extra special! There is no other mom's group where you can try out, and potentially WIN, toys from Fisher Price. That's right, we're raffling them off at the end!  This is an open event to give you an opportunity to see what momstown is all about!

Please join us, there's still time, sign up for your free 4 week trial membership and you can come too.

Here are the fun toys we'll be playing with:

                                       My Little Snugabunny™ Cradle ’n Swing

                                                 Ocean Wonders™ Aquarium

                                                 Laugh & Learn™ Say Please™ Tea Set

                                                Laugh & Learn™ Click 'n Learn Remote

momstown Edmonton is a community that provides fun and friendship for moms. If you would like to get connected check us out! A membership is only $45/year - you even get to try us for 4 weeks FREE!! Register here.

Remember with every full year momstown membership purchased in 2013 you will receive a BONUS 1 year subscription to Today's Parent magazine.

Little Scientists - Silly Putty!

momstown Edmonton has been silly this month, so our Little Scientists decided to make some homemade Silly Putty! We all remember playing with the store bought kind as kids, so it was great to be able to introduce it to our own kids…at a much cheaper price! Our Little Scientists loved seeing it come together, and loved playing with it even more.  It was so much fun to see the looks on their faces when the glue and borax were mixed. What a great way to spend a cold, winter day at home! Want to make it with your own scientist? Here’s how:

Materials:
-1.5 tsp borax dissolved in a small amount of water
-1/4 cup white glue
-1/4 water
-food colouring
-plastic sandwich bag

Directions:

1. Mix the white glue and water together in a bowl. Add a couple of drops food colouring.
2. Pour in the borax and water mixture and stir. Watch what happens!
3. Put  your mixture into a small plastic bag and let the children mix it well. Once it’s mixed, pour off any remaining water and pat dry with paper towel.
4. Play!

Interested in our programs? Check out our free trial and see all of the amazing events we have going on at momstown!

Fit Mamas Edmonton - Schedule & Challenge Guidelines

Welcome to momstown Edmonton's

 Fit Mamas Challenge 2013! 

We are so glad you've decided to join us! We're going to get healthy, get fit and have fun doing it! 

Here's how it's going to work:

• First, if you are not already a momstown member go sign up HERE for your free trial for the entire duration of the challenge*! The message board will have 2 discussion areas where you can share your successes, struggles and encourage each other! Every post on the message board will get you an entry to win the grande prize*! 
• Next, go to the momstown calendar and sign up for the free classes! We need each of you to sign up there so we can let the organizers know how many to expect at each class. Also, please feel free to sign up to ANY momstown event during your trial, we offer amazing programming across the city for kids of all ages

How Do You Win The
$500 Grand Prize? 

There are three ways to earn entries to win this fabulous prize! 

1. Support each other on the message board.  We'll have 2 discussion topics, one for fitness and another for nutrition.  Post how you're doing, if you liked the classes, recipes, encouragement or share your successes! Every post on the message board is an entry to a maximum of 5 per day!
2. Come out to the FREE classes! We'll have a sign in sheet at each class.  Every single time you show up and participate you'll get another entry! 
3. Record your food intake for one week and submit it by email to Simply For Life once during the challenge, they'll review and tweak it for you, as well as provide a personalized meal plan!

It's pretty simple.  The more you participate, the better your chances are to win!

We can't forget to thank our amazing sponsors who are opening up their classes and giving us a chance to see what they are all about! Check them out below and find their classes on the momstown calendar to sign up! Be sure to head to facebook and give them a like!

If you're not signed up for the challenge yet please click here to register! 

February 7th - Nutrition Seminar and Kick-Off!

Simply For Life is delivered by motivating Certified Consultants who guide clients each week to their individual health goals. Whether you are managing your diabetes, controlling your cholesterol or seeking weight management, our SFL team is ready to customize a meal plan for you.

Find Simply for Life on Facebook!

February 11th - Boxing/Kickboxing Circuit workout

The 30 Minute Hit is a high intensity action packed Boxing/Kickboxing Circuit workout designed just for women. Fast paced, challenging and empowering. This one of a kind workout appeals to all levels of fitness in a friendly non-intimidating, exciting environment In just 30 Minutes you will sweat, learn, burn, and smile your way to results you never thought possible.

Find 30 Minute Hit on Facebook!

February 20th - Bootcamp/Circuit Training

Inertia Fitness classes are FUN and motivating to challenge your current level of fitness whether you are just getting started or wanting to challenge your inner athlete! Group classes include circuit/bootcamp and interval training of hi-low, HIIT training (high intensity interval training), Tabata drills, agility drills, and more! All of these elements are intended to challenge your core, your cardio, and your functional strength. You will see and feel the difference as you build your cardio and strength abilities, build lean muscle and tone your body.

Find Inertia Fitness on Facebook!

February 28th - Ashley Nashman Dance Aerobics

Ashley Nashman Dance Aerobics is bringing the fun back to fitness! Using a freestyle blend of street dance built into a cardio routine, we'll help you work up a sweat and burn off calories. We offer new routines every 4-6 weeks to keep it fresh and incorporate all your favourite music; from Hip Hop to Reggae, Latin and more! Our classes are structured for participants at all fitness levels and ages, and we have multiple instructors available during class for anyone needing an extra hand. We even offer the option to book private in home sessions for your convenience! At Ashley Nashman Dance Aerobics we believe anyone can be fit and healthy with good diet and regular exercise, and we want to help you!

Find Ashley Nashman Dance Aerobics on Facebook!

March 5 - Parent & Tot Yoga !
Regain strength and flexibility while bonding with your baby.  Focus will be on developing core strength and stability to help with the challenges of parenthood. 

March 7 - Parent & Tot Bootcamp!

This class is suitable for all fitness levels. With your baby at your side, this cardio and resistance based class will get you back into shape. Bring your strollers!

From Zumba® to bootcamp, to dance and parent & tot programs; there is truly something for every ability, age and interest. Our group exercise leaders are all nationally recognized and certified by the governing body of their discipline.

March 11 - Zumba Class

Zumba is a 60 minute dance workout that ultimately is a marriage of sexy, heart pumping Latin and International rhythms combined with simple easy to follow movement that anyone can do! 
What can you expect when you come to my class? 

· Everyone is welcome! - Bring the husbands, friends, kids 14+ We usually have a giant dance fitness party!
· We burn serious calories – One class and you have burned up to 500 calories!
· No judgment! – trust me everyone is paying so much attention to me leading them in movement that no one notices anyone with “2 left feet” in class.
· We embrace our bodies – we are all beautiful no matter what shape and size. Your body will shake and shimmy and its awesome.
· I’m relatable - I too am working on my fitness goals! My students have called me “relatable”, “high energy” and “inspiring” to them.

Find Zumba with Tara on Facebook & Twitter!

March 18th - Burlesque Boom
Burlesque Boom is a dance based fitness class that combines old school Burlesque dance choreography with cardio interval training.  It was originally developed in the Fall of 2010 by Sarah Torkoly and has since grown into including a second level developed by Sarah.  With Sarah’s extensive dance and choreography background she has created two levels of Burlesque Boom that cater to all women.

Find Burlesque Boom on Facebook & Twitter

*To a Maximum of 5 Message Board Posts Per Day
*Challenge period is Friday February 1st, 2013 at 12:00am MST until Friday March 22nd, 2013 11:59pm MST.

Be momstown Edmonton's Official Photographer!

momstown Edmonton has a 2013 sponsorship opportunity available for a 

great photographer that enjoys photographing kids, families and fun events. 

Our partnership package will include:

• a business listing in our Member Discount/Referral Directory Page
• a professionals editorial spot in our monthly newsletter (your choice of month)
• an online block ad posted on the momstown Edmonton website
• a momstown membership for your family
• planned photo sessions throughout the year (grandparents session, family sessions)
• photographic coverage of one momstown weekend family event per month (Valentines, Easter, etc)
• provide professionally-edited photos with time sensitivity to momstown Edmonton for blog and social media sharing
• social media sharing of your business website and facebook fan page

If this sounds like a great way to grow your photography business and portfolio, please contact Kristin Heimbecker for more information & contract details at info.edmonton@momstown.ca.

Please note, this is not a paid position for hire, this is a business sponsorship

 opportunity for a professional photographer.

Thanks for your interest and happy clicking!

Oprah's Life Class: Listen To What Your Life is Teaching You.

I heard that Oprah was coming to Edmonton January 21st and thought little of it, actually. I remember her show on everyday in our kitchen at 5 o'clock growing up. What could she say that I haven't already heard?  My mother in law called and asked if I wanted to go.  Well sure, why not? It's Oprah, I might as well!  I was shocked at how touched I was by her words. One quote in particular resonated with me - "Whatever follows "I am" will always come looking for you." I've been defining my life by labels that have led to me where I am today.

I've had some pretty crappy things happen in my short 28 years. I've said countless times "All bad things in life happen to me." I've sort of defined myself as a survivor. Sounds good right? A survivor.  There's nothing better than surviving. There's a song that has carried me through rough times with the loss of Maya called "I will carry you" a line in that song says "People say that I am brave but I'm not, the truth is I'm barely hanging on" that is exactly how I've felt since I can remember, that is surviving. It's staying afloat when you're being pulled under. That is what has defined me since I was fourteen years old. 

Six months into starting High School I was sexually assaulted by 3 boys. It destroyed me. It took 6 months of self hatred and an amazing teacher who recognized that I was drowning to convince me tell my parents what happened. Another year of fighting them in court, being the focus of news stories and countless meetings at school. Finally, all three were found guilty and sentenced. By then, I was half way through grade 11. Friends were few and far between. They were just kids themselves and being friends with the girl who was on the news wasn't in their best interest while trying to win the popularity contest that is High School. What I lacked in those years was support. My family did the best they could. Spending a year talking to lawyers and watching their daughter defend herself on the witness stand wasn't in my parents grand plan. It destroyed them, too. Now a mother myself, I understand how hard it must have been for them to not be able to protect me. Luckily for me I was born a twin. She didn't have a choice but to stick with me. She may have resented it at time but her pushing me through is probably the only thing that kept me afloat. I survived. Barely.

After that I decided to lean on a boyfriend that I thought would offer me the support I so desperately craved. He ended up cheating on me.  So much for that. High School didn't end up being the "best years of my life" as I was led to believe, but I survived.

For the next 5 years I just tried to keep my head above water. Starting university, quitting university, starting college courses, dropping college courses. I don't think I had the confidence at that point to finish anything I started. I was lost. Apart from meeting my amazing husband and creating a little life for ourselves, I was floundering.

Then my amazing daughter was born. Wow. This moment changed my life forever. Who knew you could love someone so much. I decided I would live my life for her and I realized again how much support I needed and how hard it was to find. I became a doula to help provide this support to new moms. I loved every client that I could help transition into motherhood and felt blessed to be trusted with such an amazing opportunity.

Pregnant with our second baby we were struck with our next tragedy. 6 months into the pregnancy we lost our angel Maya. I thought I was done with the tragic.  I thought I had already survived. I was supposed to be living now, and yet, here I was again, in this place just barely able to keep my head above water, gasping for air. What I got this time though was what I craved. I was surrounded by love. I was surrounded by people who wanted to help (whether they knew how or not).  I was surrounded by support. 

Just a year after losing Maya my husband was laid off from work. This is a new one.  6 months pregnant and thinking I was about to start maternity leave and now we're hit with this. Frustrated doesn't even begin to describe what it felt like to get up everyday and go to work at six, then seven and finally nine months pregnant with my husband unemployed. Jobs were not easy to find. He applied for at least 10 everyday. It took 6 months to find a job.  We struggled financially and still have not fully recovered. But we survived. 

Back on our feet we were now pregnant with our fourth and final baby.  This pregnancy was plagued with anxiety and depression that I hadn't experienced with the others.  Then came the birth.  I know 25% of women have c sections.   I know there are good reasons to have one.  But as a doula, this was the one thing I knew how to do. This was the one thing I was an expert at.  I still have nightmares and recurring anxiety about Liam's birth.  It wasn't easy and I still haven't come to terms with it but I survived. 

What Oprah taught me about my life experiences so far was that they aren't about survival at all. Anybody can survive, survival is just about getting through it alive.  My Aha! moment was the common thread that ties all these obstacles together - support. Oprah said to "listen to what your life is teaching you" I haven't just survived. I'm here now because of the support I've received along the way.  I only defined myself as a survivor because I didn't realized what my life was teaching me, I didn't know my purpose.   

"Find your purpose. If you can make a living at it, even better." Here I am, doing that very thing with momstown and as a doula. I own a company who's ultimate goal is to connect and support mothers.  How is that for living your purpose? I realize now that I need to be grateful for the life experiences that have challenged me enough to realize my purpose. What an incredible gift. 

momstown and Today's Parent Bring The Best Gift To Edmonton Moms!!

momstown is the BEST place to meet, socialize and develop lasting connections with moms in Edmonton! Now with a momstown membership not only do get parenting advice from our momstown mamas on our supportive message board and in person at events, but now you get Canada's leading parenting magazine delivered right to your door too!! 

New for 2013 every 1 year momstown membership now comes with a 

BONUS 1 year subscription to 

Today's Parent Magazine! 

It's a match made in heaven!

What our members are saying about momstown and Today's Parent:

momstown.ca offers a unique blend of early education programming and mama support, delivered both online and in-person in Edmonton, Sherwood Park & St. Albert! 

A membership is $45 per year and grants you access to a calendar with over 30 events per month! From casual play-dates to science, art & moms nights out, momstown has something for everyone! 

Check out February's calendar below! 

Sign up for a free trial membership at http://edmonton.momstown.ca/user/register 

to check out what momstown has to offer! 

Art and Play: Silly Tea Party!

Things are getting very silly at momstown Edmonton this month, and the kids (and mamas) are loving it! Once again, we enjoyed our fantastic Art and Play program at The Toy Hutch. We started off our morning reading a very silly book by Todd Parr, “Underwear Dos and Don’ts.” Mamas, if you want to guarantee a laugh from your child, READ THIS BOOK. After that, we sang a silly song called “Elephants have Wrinkles.” Once we got our sillies out dancing, we went to our silly craft: Silly Hats! Using paper plates, scissors, and an assortment of different items (feathers, stickers, rhinestones, pom poms, pipe cleaners, etc), the kids made some very silly hats!

And what better way to end our crafting, then to have a Silly Tea Party? Wearing their silly hats, the kids sat down to some Strawberry Tea and homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies. It was a hit! And it was so cute to see them dipping their cookies in the tea while wearing their silly hats. It was a Silly Tea Party the Mad Hatter would be proud of!

Cool School!

Help your child realize their true potential!

For children who are struggling or falling behind in their lessons, it can often be intimidating to ask for help. They don’t know how to even begin to improve their grades and can become frustrated by their limitations. They key is to provide a supportive environment, where children are encouraged to ask questions and interact with teachers and other students.

Metro Continuing Education’s Saturday Cool School program affords students the opportunity to learn in a comfortable classroom setting and receive valuable attention from their teacher. Here, the goal is not only for their marks to flourish, but for their self-esteem to as well. Students are given the opportunity to improve course marks, enhance study skills, build lifelong learning strategies and make new friends. There are typically less than 10 students per class, allowing teachers the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with each of the students throughout the class. Cool School is the Edmonton Public Schools’ alternative to privately-run tutoring programs. All classes are taught by certified instructors and are based on provincial curriculum.

Metro’s one-of-a-kind Cool School enrichment program is offered at two sites: a north location at Londonderry School and a south location at D.S. MacKenzie School. For elementary students, Math and Language Arts are offered. For Junior High Students, Math, Language Arts and Science are offered. Term 2 begins on Saturday, January 26 and runs every Saturday until March 16.

No matter what stage in your life your child is at, it’s never too early to build lifelong learning strategies. Whether your child has difficulty in a particular subject area or wants to reinforce basic concepts, Saturday Cool School is the answer.

For more information, please visit www.metrocontinuingeducation.ca/academic.

Heritage: The People In Your Neighbourhood

Welcome to momstown Edmonton's Heritage Edition of 
The People In Your Neighbourhood! Edmonton is a city made up of many beautiful neighbourhoods and it is our goal that this blog series will provide you with many great reasons to get out exploring the city, fall in love with Edmonton and the people in your neighbourhood!

Heritage is an amazing Edmonton neighbourhood that offers the perfect combination of urban and outdoor living. Take the LRT to the end of the line and step off into Century Park! You'll enjoy boutique shopping at Twisted Sisters and fine dining at Bistecca or locally brewed beer and delicious eats at Brewsters!  Heritage provides all the modern comforts of big city living but with a warm and friendly small town feel that makes anyone who visits feel at home.  Read on to learn what you need to know about this fascinating neighbourhood.

Location

Heritage is bordered by the Whitemud Creek Ravine to the west, Calgary Trail to the east, Whitemud Drive to the north and the Blackmud Creek Ravine to the south. The Whitemud Creek Ravine offers fantastic trails for off-road mountain biking. 

Heritage encompasses the following neighbourhoods: Aspen Gardens, Blue Quill, Blue Quill Estates, Bearspaw, Duggan, Ermineskin, Greenfield, Keehewin, Rideau Park, Royal Gardens, Skyrattler, Steinhauer, Sweet Grass & Twin Brooks. 

What's a Mom To Do?

Spa-ahhh
Mama to be's - check out Sweet Momma Pregnancy Spa & Boutique - specializing in pregnancy wellness, they offer fantastic products and services for the mama-to-be. There is no better time to feel pampered than during your pregnancy!  

Quick Bites
Need a caffeine fix? Bogani Cafe offers a casual atmosphere, delicious coffee & world famous cinnamon buns! Enjoy a coffee with friends or plan your next book club gathering here! 

Shopping
Kunitz Shoes has a been the go-to shoe store for Edmontonians for over 30 years - initially a tiny shoe store for tiny feet, they expanded into adult shoes and never looked backed. We're happy to support this fantastic family run business - be sure to check them out for exceptional service, quality & style. 

Health & Fitness

Tucked away in Blue Quill you'll find Optimum Wellness, a full naturopathic medical practice where patients benefit from the use of naturopathic therapies that create a healthy environment in which the body can heal itself. The Yoga Den is located right next door, they are the premiere yoga studio on the south side. The Yoga Den offers hatha, gentle, yin, hatha flow, sattva & ashtanga yoga.

The Heart of the Hood

Edmonton Community Leagues

Community leagues are truly the heart of the Edmonton neighbourhoods. We are so lucky to have these resources in our communities - they offer special events, classes and fun right on your doorstep! In Heritage there is a community league in each small neighbourhood, there is a fantastic new rink in Twin Brooks, multi-purpose buildings in Blue Quill & Duggan available for rent & a brand new splashpark in Greenfield!

Check out this link to the Edmonton Community League Federation to find the community league for your neighbourhood - http://www.efcl.org/

Schools

The Heritage area offers some of the most diverse schooling options in Edmonton. English, French, Spanish & German immersion programs, among others, are offered at various schools. These programs have extended catchment areas to allow more Edmonton families to take advantage of the diverse programming! There is truly an option for every family & culture. You'll find more information on the Edmonton Public School Board & Catholic School Board Websites. Check out the links below to find a school perfect for your family!

Edmonton Public Schools - http://epsb.ca/
Edmonton Catholic Schools - http://www.ecsd.net

Want to live here? 

Check out the listings below for some great options!

Are you a mom in the Heritage Area? A $45 momstown membership offers over 30 events a month for moms just like you! Register for a 4 week free trial at http://edmonton.momstown.ca/user/register!

momstown Edmonton's 2nd Annual Noon Years Eve Party

December 31st was momstown Edmonton's 2nd Annual Noon Years Eve Party! This year we celebrated at The Toy Hutch! The kids bounced, climbed and played then we made noisemakers with plastic cups!

The kids loved shaking their noisemakers as we counted down at 12pm to the Noon Year!

Check out the video of our group of very excited kids making a lot of noise!

We have a TON of exciting events coming up for Edmonton families in 2013! 

If you're not a momstown member yet, click here to sign up for a free trial membership! 

Be sure to check out our Fit Mamas Challenge launching this week and our Mom-to-Mom Sale on February 2nd!

Happy New Year!! 

All the best to you and your family in 2013!