by Megan Torrini
The school year is more than half over and the struggles your child has been facing these past few months have not gone away. Now is a great time ... Read more
Tips for Your Child's First Haircut
Taking a young child for their first haircut doesn't have to be a stressful experience. Following are some tips to ensure it is an enjoyable experience for you and y... Read more
Green Shopping Guide
By Keri Greenwald
So you're thinking to yourself that it is that time of the year again and although you love the parties and seeing everyone looking... Read more
We have 6 pairs of tickets to give away to fans of MomTalk on Facebook. Find us on Facebook and then add a comment to the FB wall post saying you'd like to be eligible to win and indicating which show you're interested in. Not in the Minnesota area? No worries--we also have 3 Sister CDs to give away.
What & Where:
The local musical trio, Sister, is releasing a new CD, "There Goes My Heart," geared for women who want to break out of the mold. The "There Goes My Heart" tour will include Twin Cities area and other Minnesota stops from April 30-May 22. The music of Sister celebrates women in all stages of life--a show would make a great outing for Girls' Night Out.
Sister's "There Goes My Heart" tour locations include (Minnesota)
May 2, 3 p.m.-Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School,
May 7, 7 p.m.-Chaska Community Center Theater,
Mother's Day May 9, 3 p.m.-Mankato West High School Auditorium,
May 22, 7 p.m.-Yellow Tree Theatre/Osseo,
and (western Wisconsin) April 30, 7 p.m.-Baldwin-Woodville Performing Arts Center.
Tickets in advance are $24/adults, $17/seniors and $10/children at www.SisterProductions.com.
"There Goes My Heart" features brand new Sister original music launched by the lead vocals of arranger Alisa Leonard and the signature harmonies of the trio. "No matter what stage a woman is in, when they hear Sister, they will identify with one of the messages woven throughout poetic song, beautiful music, and amazing voices. They are a gift to women," says previous show attendee, Mary Kay.
Sister's "There Goes My Heart" CD will release April 30, 2010 available for $15 at www.SisterProductions.com and at all live performances.
About Sister
Sister, formerly known as the Norvold Sisters, is comprised of three real-life siblings from Minnesota: Kjersten Dysthe, Kara Millerhagen, and Alisa Leonard. Hear Sister music, read fan reviews, see video, and get more information at SisterProductions.com.
You've seen the ads, now see the movie at an advanced screening!
3 Lucky MomTalk members in the Twin Cities area are invited to a special advance screening of BABIES. Winners, chosen at random, will see the movie and receive an additional prize pack with a poster, a baby onesie and adult-size t-shirt.
When and where:
Wednesday, April 28
7:30 p.m.
Landmark Lagoon Cinema
(1320 Lagoon Avenue, Minneapolis)
SYNOPSIS
The adventure of a lifetime begins...
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Thomas Balmès, from an original idea by producer Alain Chabat, BABIES simultaneously follows four babies around the world - from birth to first steps. The children are, respectively, in order of on-screen introduction: Ponijao, who lives with her family near Opuwo, Namibia; Bayarjargal, who resides with his family in Mongolia, near Bayanchandmani; Mari, who lives with her family in Tokyo, Japan; and Hattie, who resides with her family in the United States, in San Francisco.
Re-defining the nonfiction art form, BABIES joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all.
2 Free Items with $25 online purchase & local pick-up for members of the MomTalk Community. Join our new social network at share.momtalk.com to take advantage of this offer!
Sweet Cheeks Baby Food is made fresh weekly using only organic fruits, vegetables and grains and is sourced directly from small family farmers. They use only easily digested, non-allergen ingredients; they don't use any fats, oils, seasonings, meat or dairy products.
Author and Minnesota native Kristin Maschka aims to knock down the walls women hit when juggling paid work and parenting responsibilities as she reads from her soon-to-be released book, THIS IS NOT HOW I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE: Remodeling Motherhood to Get the Lives We Want Today.
Hosted by the Twin Cities East Chapter of Mothers & More, Maschka will read excerpts, discuss tools and strategies from her book, and conduct a signing as part of a FREE Open House for all area Mothers and Mothers-to-be.
DATE: Tuesday 10/20
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00pm
PLACE: Oak Meadows, 8131 4th St. North, Oakdale
COST: FREE
As a mother and past president for Mothers & More, Maschka has both experienced and heard the frustrations that women face today. She uses her own personal story and those of women across the country to illustrate in an accessible and humorous way the root causes of the frustrations and resentment mothers often feel. Maschka addresses the complex issues mothers and fathers face, and inspires readers with practical and specific actions - providing concrete tips and tools so they can be happier, and live the lives they always thought they would.
Kristin Maschka was born in St. Paul and grew up in Mankato where she is a member of the Mankato East Athletics Hall of Fame. Currently she is Director of Business to School Connections for the Pasadena Educational Foundation, and lives in Pasadena, CA with her husband and daughter.
Mothers & More has improved the lives of mothers at all stages of active parenting through support, education, and advocacy for over 20 years. Founded in 2006, the Twin Cities East Chapter of Mothers & More holds regular meetings on the first Wednesday and third Tuesday of every month at Oak Meadows in Oakdale. Local membership includes mothers who are residents of Washington County and the St. Croix River Valley. Call (651) 204-0071 or visit www.mothersandmoreTCE.org to learn more.
Tickets to Ordway's 2009-10 Season are on Sale Now
Tickets to all Ordway Center for the Performing Arts' 2009-10 performances officially go on sale to the general public Sunday, September 13. Ordway's season calendar includes a first-time national tour, an Ordway-produced Disney classic, a hilarious and interactive holiday performance, a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner, a seven-time 2008 Tony Award-winning musical and a series of captivating global dance and music artists.
Ordway's Box Office phone lines are open from 11a.m. to 3p.m. on Sunday at 651.224.4222. Online sales are available at ordway.org.
Zywiec's, on Hwy. 61 in Cottage Grove, (known to many as the location for the infamous "Haunting Experience") introduces a new Corn Maze.
Zywiec's Corn Maze has an exciting dinosaur theme that kids of all ages will "dig"! Throughout the maze there are 12 dinosaur checkpoints. Find as many dinosaurs as you can and win prizes! I have attached an ariel view of the the maze, that is in the shape of a dinousaur. www.zywiecs.com
The Corn Maze is open weekends (starts September 12) through October from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. We can also schedule weekday field trips. Refreshments and other activities will be available.
The cost is $7 for ages 12 and up; $5 for ages 3 through 11; and, free for 2 and under.
Celebrating Earth Day 2009 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
By Megan Torrini
Created in 1970, the Earth Day concept is based on the belief that all human beings have a moral responsibility to protect the Earth.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul area has a lot of Earth Day events planned, so gather your family members for a day of eco-friendly activities and the opportunity to join together for a global observance of Earth Day 2009.
Wishes for the Sky, Harriet Island, St. Paul
April 19, 10:30am-4pm
www.wishesforthesky.org
Wishes for the Sky 2009- Celebrate Earth Day by making wishes and flying kites at Harriet Island in St. Paul. This free public art event relies on attendees to assist in making a collaborative work of art. Each year the first wish is given to the first child born in St. Paul on Earth Day. Bring a wind chime, and when it's time to go home, you will be taking it with you. Kites will be provides, please do not bring your own kite.
Como Zoo, St. Paul
April 22-26
www.comozooconservatory.org
Visit Como Zoo, join the party for the planet and celebrate the Year of the Gorilla. You may bring all unwanted cell phones, and ink jet and toner cartridges to recycle.
2009 Minneapolis Earth Day Watershed Cleanup, Minneapolis Parks
April 18, 9:30am-noon
www.minneapolisparks.org
Join your friends and neighbors in helping keep Minneapolis a beautiful place to live. No pre-registration required. Visit www.minneapolisparks.org for a list of cleanup sites. Gloves, bags and directions are provided at the registration table located at each site.
Harriet Alexander Nature Center, Roseville
April 18, 9am-4pm
www.ci.roseville.mn.us
Come celebrate Harriet Alexander Nature Center's 19th birthday and Earth Day 2009. The theme this year is The Green Generation. Find out what "green" means and learn what you can do to help make this a greener world. The event starts with a pancake breakfast at 9am and continues with a day of activities, entertainment and exhibits. Free water bottles (BPA free) to the first 275 visitors, Blue Sky Guides to the first 30 families, free garden seeds (while supplies last), the annual walking parade, tree planting and more. Free recycling of fluorescent light bulbs, eyeglasses and printer cartridges (on day of event only).
The Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
April 19-20
www.mnzoo.com
Earth Fest- Party for the Planet! Celebrate Earth Day 2009 at the Minnesota Zoo. This Earth Day event will feature hands-on and eco-friendly activities, crafts, displays and more.
Earth Day 2009 Green 5K and Watershed Cleanup, Bottineau Neighborhood, Gluek Park, NE Minneapolis
April 18, 8am
www.bottineauneighborhood.org
The Earth Day celebration begins with a family friendly and pet friendly 5K Run/Walk down Marshall Street, over the Mississippi River, twice, and back. Next join in for the watershed cleanup (gloves and bags provided). Additional activities throughout the day include hands on activities, birdhouse building and gardening information from a master gardener. Enjoy a visit from the live birds of prey from the U of MN Raptor Center, including a bald eagle. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required for the 5K Run/Walk.
Kasota Ponds Cleanup, St. Anthony Park
April 18, 9am-noon
www.sapcc.org
Join the St. Anthony Park neighborhood in cleaning up Kasota Ponds. The Kasota Ponds area is home many types of wildlife, from snapping turtles to salamanders to herons. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Cleanup equipment and refreshments provided. Visit www.sapcc.org for complete details.
City of Hastings Earth Day Celebration, Hastings
April 25, 9am-1pm
www.ci.hastings.mn.us
Celebrate Earth Day 2009 in the City of Hastings. Pioneer SecureShred will be on-site to shred and recycle all your confidential papers. You do not need to remove staples, paperclips, binder clips or metal tabs, but do remove 3-ring binders. Note: there is a maximum of 2 banker's boxes worth of papers. Recycle your old crayons- leave wrappers on and bring them to the event to be recycled. Other highlights include information on energy conservation, composting, recycling, gardening and much more.
