Custom baby announcements with a trendy twist

In March 2007, I welcomed the arrival of my first child, Arland.  I designed a photo birth announcement, and enjoyed the process so much, that I decided to offer my services to other moms.  I work with the photos that you supply me, and can even do enhancements such as B&W, sepia and selective colouring.  I will work with you to create a one of a kind announcement that will be admired and treasured by all who receive one.  Please visit my website to see some samples and recent work.  www.mommamias.org  Any elements can be incorporated into your announcement, which includes: colour, font, layout, quote etc...  A layout can be designed around any number of photos.  Annoucements are developed at a professional photolab and drop shipped to your address complete with envelopes. 

I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create your perfect announcement!

Maria    maria@mommamias.org

Buy My Shoes

I've got two pairs of used-but-high-quality leather shoes that my kid just outgrew and I'd like to sell.
1) Umi size 25 black laced sneakers with a tan stripe and tan stitching. Kind of boyish, but my daughter liked them.
2) Umi size 25 red ankle boots with flowers on the outer sides, zippers on the inner sides.
Both pairs are scuffed, and the soles of the sneakers are a little worn down, but as Ebay sellers always say, "still have life in them! Perfect for play!". $5 per pair, or best offer. Email me at ostling32 at gmail.com - I can send you photos if you're interested.

Looking for a Flexible Yoga Trainer

My name is Liz, and I work as a Resident Outreach & Resource Coordinator at an apartment building located in North Clackamas County.  The building is less than a year old, and has a very large population of mommas looking for ways to become more physically active.  I am looking for a Yoga trainer that would be willing to come out to our building and teach a class once a week.  We have a large community room (about 1,600SF), and would be willing to pay a per head fee of $5 per class (collected at the time of the class from the participants).  If you are interested in doing this please contact me at leddleman@yahoo.com.   

PPS building survey online through Friday

Thank you to everyone who participated in Portland Public Schools' community meetings this month and provided input for the district's long-range facility plan.

At the meetings, held in North, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest Portland, facility planning consultants presented an overview of the physical condition and educational adequacy of the schools in that quadrant. Participants discussed the information and filled out surveys
indicating whether each school should be repaired, remodeled or replaced. This input will be used by district staff and the consultants as they develop a priority list for building improvements. That list will become part of a draft plan that will be presented to the school board in March. Staff will present the draft plan at a series of community meetings in April to get further input before the board adopts a final plan.

If you did not have an opportunity to attend the meetings, you can still review the assessments and complete the surveys online.  To access this information, go to www.reshape.pps.k12.or.us and click on the survey you want to complete. The surveys will be available online through Feb. 1.

For questions, write to reshape@pps.k12.or.us or call 503-916-3363.

Get involved in Earth Day 2008

2008 Earth Day: DANCE of the DINOSAUR! will be at Overlook Park this year on Saturday, April 19. We are expecting over 150 booths, for the most participation by organizations and businesses to date.  Booth registration is now open and is due by March 1, 2008.

http://www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/projects/earthday

Pass this along to folks or lists that might be interested in the Portland area. Our next organizing meeting is Mon, Jan 28, from 7PM to 8:30PM at Overlook House (3839 N. Melrose Drive) if anyone is interested in volunteering. More information on the meeting, our Poster Contest and more on the website listed above.

Thanks!
bob new, earth day coordinator

Help - I need a sitter for tommorow night (1/26)

Our babysitter is sick and my best friend is having a big party that has been in the works for months. My husband and I both really want to be there to support her.  We have a 17-month-old who will be sleeping by the time the sitter arrives.  Does anyone have a trustworthy babysitter that would be interested? We live in NE Portland  (near Providence Portland) and normally pay $7 an hour - but would negotiate.

Email Edie at edievanness@gmail.com

Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces

Does anyone know of a children's store in Portland that sells baltic amber teething necklaces for our little one? Thanks for your help.

Postings on the Childcare / Exchange Forum

Wanna post a childcare related question?  Or maybe you have an opening at your childcare facility or preschool? Or maybe you want to rave about your fabulous nanny?  Or perhaps you're looking to sell / purchase, or pass along goods and services to fellow urbanMamas?  Here's a way to allow the urbanMamas community at large to post on the childcare and exchange forum.

Nutritional Lifestyle Consulting

Creative Health Concepts is a nutritional lifestyle consulting practice located inside of Moving Parts personal training studio for women, in the historic Irvington district.  In a causal home-like setting, Andrea Volz, BS, CNC offers individualized sessions covering nutrition for increased energy, improved digestion, weight management, women's issues, body image, guidance for healthy social eating, shopping and meal preparation, avoiding toxicity and assistance with supplements.  Also inclduded in the lifestyle sessions are body composition analysis and interepretation of BMI (body mass index), BMR (basal metabolic rate), body fat percentage, lean body mass and hydration.

For information and appointments call 503.703.0171, or e-mail chconcepts@gmail.com.  

What would you love to see in a children's art program?

I am currently an artist, soon to be opening an art studio for children. I'm hoping I can get some feedback as to whether an art studio would be of interest. I'm still refining a lot of the logistics, and currently at a stand-still with one major decision...preschool program, or afterschool program? I may eventually do both, but I want to originally start with one. As a parent, would anyone be willing to share which one is more important, and why?  As a side-note, the art studio schedule would entail a Mon.-Thurs. attendance, with each session lasting 3-4 hours. Essentially it would be seen as another form of childcare as well. The foundation would obviously be art, however, my hope is to incorporate many other liberal art elements (theater,dance,music, etc).

I'm in a big need for feedback at this point, as I want this studio to meet the parents needs, as much as my own. So, it would be great to have this passed on, and I really appreciate it this point I'm looking at $27-30 a day(a day being a 3-4hr. sessions). I'm still in the midst of a location, but the general area would be Raleigh Hills/SW Beaverton area.  I would appreciate any insight you have to share!

Interested in sharing insight?  Email your thoughts to Jessica Schuller at jessierschuller@yahoo.com