by Allison Carter

Is it too early to talk about Mother's Day?  Yes, no?  Well, unfortunately for you all Kristen gave me the microphone/keyboard today and this is what's on my mind.  So let's chat...

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by Allison Carter

All over town grocery stores, convenience stores, and Target (you know, all the places I shop these days) are informing me that it is time to start thinking about Easter baskets for my boys.  Yet does anyone else feel like their children still haven't come down from the sugar high that is Valentine's Day yet?  And am I the only parent out there whose children still have Christmas toys from relatives untouched?  So what's an Easter bunny to do that is classy, healthy, useful, and not junk?

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by Rachel Hoeing

Kid's birthday parties sure can raise blood-pressure for moms, and it is not because of planning stress. Moms get fired up about their opinions! Opinions on everything from goodie bags, to venues, to gifts. Read More

by Allison Carter

Less than 1 week until Christmas.  Are you all done your shopping?  Despite my efforts not to let my SuperMomItis dominate it's gone a little nuts and I am crafting and attending events and baking like I am up for some sort of Martha Stewart of the Year award (it's so unfair that Martha ALWAYS wins that award). So gift buying is going to rear up to bite me in the, well, rear, I know.

I brainstormed some last minute ideas for gifts and my gift to you is sharing them... Read More

by Rachel Hoeing

As we head back to school for the traditional calendar, I thought it would be fun to re-run this post from Rachel, a former teacher. Many parents like to provide a little treat for their teachers at the start of the new year...hopefully the post below will give you some inspiration. Enjoy! ~KB

Teachers might as well be the target of Donna Summer’s song “She Works Hard for the Money.” Teachers put in a full day of work inside the school walls, but also spend hours upon hours planning, grading, and assessing at home as well. We all want to show them our appreciation - even if you are low on money, a handmade card or treat from the student is always cherished. I have a few favorite gifts from all price ranges that I received throughout my years of teaching. I hope these ideas are helpful as you make your gift lists this year. Read More

By Courtney Tucker, author of www.aisforbeautiful.com

At a loss for what to purchase for your children's teachers this year?  Here are a few ideas from loyal Triad Moms on Main reader, Courtney ...

I always get lots and lots of lotion, mugs, hot cocoa, and notepads for Christmas.  If you are going to go this route I would suggest adding a personal touch to the gift such as including a personalization on the notepad (Vistaprint is a very inexpensive source).  Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger

It's the last day of our Gift Giving week! Click here to catch up on all our past gift idea blogs, and stay tuned because we have more holiday shopping posts coming up, such as how to stay on budget during the holidays and last-minute stocking stuffer ideas! Today I highlight gifts I discovered while out shopping and cruising around the Internet - some of which are being called the hottest toys on the market this year. I picked toys I thought looked pretty cool, but of course the real test is always decided by our kids. Just about every toy listed below can be found at Toys R' Us or on Amazon.com, but some are also found locally at Toys & Co and Kaplan Early Learning Company as noted below- so shop local if you can! Happy shopping! Read More

by guest blogger Kristen Daukas, author of the blog Four Hens and a Rooster

Remember when your child’s list to Santa was thicker than the phonebook? When Disney’s favorite Princess or Nick Jr's favorite handyman could save the day for Christmas bounty? Those long lists have been replaced by much shorter ones that primarily involve cash and gift cards. If you’re like me, you want to give something more than “just” a gift card but what items are on the “must have” list for our Teens and Tweens? Read More

by Shannon Ford, Triad Moms on Main

What to get the cutest kid on your list?  I am torn with this each and every year with my own toddler son, as well as my friend's young kids.  I want something personalized, unique, educational, fun, simple, affordable, and elaborate all rolled up into one. Hopefully this list will provide you with that perfect "go to" gift for the babies or toddlers on your list.

And don't forget to look back at all the other gift idea posts we've run this Gift Giving Week week, including Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas for Mom and Dad, 20 Holiday Gift Ideas Under $20, and Personalized Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids and Teens, and Holiday Gifts for the Men in Your Life. Plus there's more to come...stay tuned! Happy shopping! Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

For some reason, it's always difficult to come up with gift ideas for the men on my list. Either they "don't need anything" (my dad) or say something like "oh, I'll like whatever you get me." Not exactly helpful...but the list below may give you some ideas. These are unique and sometimes silly items that will be conversation pieces if nothing else, and most of them are under $25. Happy shopping! Read More

Written by Rachel Hoeing and Katie Moosbrugger

Rachel is always looking out for the cutest, most unique gifts and personalized gifts rank among her favorite. You'll remember she just ran this post featuring personalized items for moms and dads. For today's post she pulled together a variety of personalized gift ideas for kids and teens. We hope this list inspires you. And stay tuned for the rest of the week as we highlight other favorite gifts for the season. ~ Katie Read More

by Kristen Bagwell and Pamela Wilson

In the next two weeks, the Moms on Main will be posting holiday gift suggestions for people of all ages. To kick it off, I wanted to re-post this blog about holiday shopping for special needs children. These tips actually apply to most children, special needs or no, and I hope you find them useful.  - Kristen B.

If you have a special-needs child, you've undoubtedly spent a fair amount of time planning and purchasing gifts already. However, as the parent of a mainstream child, I had no idea what to do or where to go for gifts for my special needs friends. I found an article online that is useful for any gifting occasion, not just holiday.  Read More

by Triad MoM guest blogger Parker White
adapted for the Triangle by Kristen Bagwell

As parents, we all want to raise thoughtful, well-rounded children. Yet, society tells us that what is important these days are looks, wealth and status. Are these the messages we want our children to learn? As a mother of two, I found what is most important to me is my child's character. I want to raise my children to be good people, to help those in need and realize how blessed they truly are. In a culture of more...more...more, I want my children to learn the phrase give...give...give. Read More

by Rachel Hoeing, Triad MoM

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you're like me, most of the moms and dads on your list either seem to have everything, or say they don't want/need anything this year. (Not helpful!) Fortunately, Rachel has done all the work for us! Triad Moms on Main was actually featured on Fox 8 Morning News in Winston Salem earlier this week, sharing the very ideas you'll read about below. Big thank you to Rachel and the Triad MoM team! (Some of the stores noted are local to Winston Salem, but all of the features have web links and online store options.) Enjoy!  - Kristen

I've been on the hunt for unique gift ideas this season.  I am always one to lean toward something personalized because it shows that a lot of thought was put into the gift.  In addition, it seems that people rarely purchase personalized items for themselves, so it is always a special treat to receive one

I tried to collect a variety of price ranges for this list, so I hope these ideas will inspire you and help you fill in some ideas on your gift list!  And keep checking back to both Moms on Main websites (Triad and Triangle) because we will have MORE gift ideas after the Thanksgiving Holiday! Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

It's finally happened - you're staring at a positive pregnancy test! You'll spend the next few weeks alternately being nervous, being quiet, wanting to shout to the rooftops, wanting to keep the most special secret...and probably, wanting to just lie down for a minute. Congratulations: you're officially pregnant! Once you and your partner decide to share your big news, though...then what?  Read More

by guest blogger Rachel Rankin

Alright moms, listen up.  I'm serious this time.  This is not about Bentley.

If you're anything like me, your baby's grandmother buys him or her so many clothes that it's not unlike the Oscars at your house with 7 wardrobe changes every day.  I swear Benjamin has about five pairs of size 18 mo khaki shorts alone.  Ridiculous.  I'm so thankful.

But some babies are less fortunate.  Read More

By Triad MOM guest blogger Rebecca Albertson, author of Traveling With Mercy blog. (This article was originally printed in the December 2010 edition of Forsyth Woman Magazine).

This was too good a topic to pass up. Most of the store references in this article are in the Triad area, but we have some similar spots in the Triangle. For example, there are two Ten Thousand Villages locations, one in Cameron Village, Raleigh and one in Eastgate shopping center in Chapel Hill. Read on... Read More

by Kristen Bagwell and Meghan Blackledge

This Saturday, take advantage of a great opportunity to finish your holiday shopping and have a little fun! The Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties (JLDOC) is hosting its annual Holiday Market at the Durham Marriott Convention Center from 9am to 3pm. Admission is just $5 and children 10 and under are free! All proceeds go directly back into the community via one of the Junior League's local programs. Your entry ticket also acts as a raffle ticket, and there are prizes totalling $4000 to be won!  Read More

By Guest Blogger, Amy Takacs

Not only is this a fabulous gift idea for girls, boys, and ladies, but you will be donating to a terrific cause. Just in time for Black Friday - keep reading for all the info on how to shop and give at the same time!

As a Mom, we all get a little Google-obsessed when it comes to our child’s health. I was no exception when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes just this April. At the young age of six, my “Extra Sweet” girl as I call her was sentenced to a life of daily pricks and insulin shots. While I call her Extra Sweet, she did not contract this disease from eating too much sugar. Her body no longer produces insulin like yours and I do. But, we’ll save the medical lesson on the difference in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for another blog entry. Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

Today’s post is not only for new moms. Today we need a collaborative effort from all you veteran moms, too! New moms need help when it comes time to register for baby gear. I have compiled a list of the top items recommended from some of our readers. These are just suggestions, and we know that every family has different priorities, so please add your thoughts by commenting below and letting us know what baby items you loved and which ones were a flop. New items are constantly coming out, so if you recently registered, please share any new items with us that you added to your list. Here are our MUST HAVES: Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

When I try to come up with blog ideas, I always have so many random things that I want to share!  So today I took my latest sporadic list of ideas and put them all into one blog I am calling this my “show and tell.” These are just things that I like and thought other moms should know about! Read More

By Guest Blogger, Carolyn Flaherty

I am proud to introduce to you an amazing mom who has created a quality product and a quickly growing company, Debby Yennaco. In 2007, Debby Yennaco's 5 year old son, Aidan asked her how to spell the word "Bug". Quickly she created a design to show her son how to spell in a unique and creative manner. Shortly thereafter, Debby created her first Namimal creation by turning Aidan's name into a dinosaur. Debby loved her creation and Aidan LOVED it even more! Instantly, Debby knew she had a HUGE IDEA! lit'l desi9s has created over 3,000 names into a whole collection of inspired designs…Debby artfully arranges the letters of a child’s first or last name (even dog names) to create absolutely adorable animals, fairies, princesses, and automobile designs. In doing so, she captures the imagination and sparks the creativity of children and parents alike. Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

When your first friend finds out she’s pregnant, it creates a snowball effect. Before you know it, everyone is having babies, which also means everyone is having baby showers! Whether you are attending a shower for a first-time mom, a veteran mom, or a mom of an adopted child, you want your gift to be one that is not only appreciated, but remembered! Read More

By Rachel Hoeing

Some of my girlfriends and I started talking about Thank You Notes the other day and I thought it would be a great topic of discussion for all you moms out there. Here are the facts – yes, thank you notes are often redundant when you have already thanked someone in person. Yes, they are a pain to write. Yes, they are time consuming. Yes, it is easier to send an email than waste a stamp. But we all agreed that thank you notes should be sent as often as possible. We all had the “old school” opinion that receiving a thank you note in the mail shows that the recipient was genuinely touched by your gift. It shows an appreciation for the time spent in choosing that perfect gift. It also sets a good example for your kids.

One area that we discussed was Children’s Birthday Parties. It seems that the new trend is to open gifts after the party. For this reason, we all agreed that it is very considerate to send thank you notes since the giver did not see the child open it.  Read More