Seeking mamas thoughts on kid-friendly restuarants

My name is Elissa Elan and I'm a reporter for a business trade magazine called Nation's Restaurant News in New York City. I found the urbanMamas website on Google and thought I'd try to contact you. I'm working on a story about restaurants that cater to moms with young kids and whether that's an
untapped market or not.

Would any of you be willing to participate in this story? I'm trying to find out why kid-friendly restaurants appeal to moms in particular, how often those kinds of restaurants are frequented.

Do you think there are enough of them or should there be more? Does that kind of setting make you feel more comfortable and relaxed than an adult-focused restaurant does and why?

Thanks,

Elissa

Elissa Elan
Northeast Bureau Chief
Nation's Restaurant News
212-756-5203
eelan@nrn.com

Non-trendy maternity clothing?

Hello,

I'm not sure if this is the right part of the website to post this kind of question, but here goes....

I'm having trouble finding maternity clothing and I would greatly appreciate any shopping tips.  Normal clothes shopping is tough for me, but this is even more of a challenge  I tend to not fit or be comfortable in the current fashion of shirts and pants and I'd really like to find some "boring" basics.  I've tried Target, Motherhood, Mimi, Gap.  I did find one or two things at used stores, but the selection is small. 

I prefer to wear shirts that aren't tight and that don't have low necklines.  Similarly, I'm looking for pants that aren't low cut/tight/flared (and petite lengths if possible).  Something like very basic khakis and solid color LLBean type shirts. 

I did use a Bella Band for a while, which was great until my belly got bigger.

Thank you for any suggestions!
Pregnant Mama

$990 / 2br - BRIGHT SPACIOUS DUPLEX, Near Downtown and Nike, Walk to Max

Sunny and spacious, Two Bedroom/1 Bath Duplex
Come enjoy a new apartment with more than 1100 square feet, and lots of storage space. It's clean and quiet. The place has a 1 car garage and a beautiful patio and side yard. Lots of closet space including one walk-in. It also has W/D hookups, super nice neighbors on a quiet street. Close to 217, 26, and Barnes Road. Walk to Max or bus lines.

Sorry no pets. Utilities not included. 

Rent $990 with year lease plus a deposit of $400 ($250 Refundable) and $25 application fee (per adult)
Available June 15 2008

Call or email Dana for any questions or an application.  Photos available upon request.
Dana.burrell@gmail.com
503-515-3444

Consumer Opinion Services: Cash for your thoughts

An urbanMama sent in the following info, recommending participation for some cash:

Do you have an ONLY child 0-48 months old?
If so, we need your opinions!

Consumer Opinion Services is conducting paid research study with new Mothers between the ages of 21 and 42. This is for a round table discussion only, no sales are involved and no sales will result from your participation. The study will last about 2 hours and will pay $75.00 to $85.00!  Call today to see if you qualify to participate.

Be sure to reference our Email for Childhood.  Do not call inquiring solely about “any studies” as we will not be able to connect you to the appropriate person!

503.281.1270
888.698.7616
Monday – Thursday Hours: 1pm-9pm
Friday Hours: 1pm-8pm

ust about every week we invite a group of individuals from all walks of life to paid discussion groups; for an hour or two, participants enjoy lively and informative conversation (plus refreshments!) in the comfort of one of our world class conference rooms.  At the end of the discussion, we pay you cash for sharing your opinions and insights. It’s called Market Research and it’s a fun way to earn some extra cash while having a say in what products or services might be offered in the future.

Please visit our website at: WWW.COSVC.COM
COS will never give out your information to anyone, ever.
COS will pay you cash for your opinions and insights.

The Idea of Motherhood Therapy Group

"The Idea of Motherhood"

Are you a mom?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the realities of motherhood?

You are not alone!

Please join us in a counseling process and support group for mothers with children 8 years old or younger. Group meetings will focus on the emotional exploration of the idea of motherhood and the disconnect with the reality of what motherhood really means.

Group will be cofacilitated by Alison Stawicki, MS, NCC, a professional adult individual counselor and Lindsay McGrath, MS, a professional marriage and family therapist.

Our therapy group will have two Thursday evening offerings meeting from 6-7:30 and from 7:30-9 at the Wise Counsel and Comfort offices (www.portland-therapist.com), 423 NE 60th Ave. Portland, OR 97213. Starting date will be determined.

$25 per meeting, 8 weeks of meetings.

Please contact Alison Stawicki with interest and inquiries at 503-329-4283 or alisonstawicki@yahoo.com.

Adults only please, no childcare available.

Face Painting/Hand Painted Tattoos

Hello, my name is Amanda and I am looking for face painting gigs for childrens events/parties.
I can charge per design at big events (200+people, customer pays $3-5) or by the hour (you pay me $50/hr). I require a $15 travel/gas expense fee. I have a board with artwork samples that the kids pick from. I use high quality face paints. Very fast and friendly. I’ve done work at Company picnics, Pirate themed parties, Birthday parties, Concerts on the Lawn at Krugers Farm and McMenamins Brew Houses. Shoot me an email if you need my services and I can send you some samples. Thanks! email me

I am also looking for graphic design/illustration work. $40/hr
I am fluent in Macintosh OS X platform in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator & Adobe Photoshop

You can check out some samples of my work and see if I would be a good fit for your project.
http://www.myspace.com/amandasportfolio

Thank you so much for your time and consideration!

Want to Buy: AWD Sienna

Hi everyone,

We recently got in an accident (sans kids, thankfully!) and totalled our car and are ready to take the minivan leap. We do a lot of time on the snowy roads and safety is our greatest concern, so we need all wheel drive. Other preferences include low miles, dvd player, navigation, etc. Let me know if you have one or know of someone interested in selling!

Thanks

Alex

caahagen@yahoo.com

Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night

Baskin-Robbins is hosting its 2^nd annual 31 Cent Scoop Night on April 30 from 5 - 10 p.m. During the event, customers can visit any of Baskin-Robbins 2,700 stores nationwide for a scoop of ice cream for 31 cents. 

Baskin-Robbins is partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and donating $100,000 to the organization. During the event, many local fire departments will be on location at Baskin-Robbins stores to discuss fire safety and even getting behind the counter to scoop ice cream.   

We’re really excited about this event and the cause and we’d love for you to be involved.

Best,
Danielle

dsullivan@schneiderpr.com

On behalf of Baskin-Robbins

Mamas to be, be needin' a massage

mreneestokes@yahoo.com      Mamas to be, be needin' a massage.  Treat yourself to a pre-natal massage at Akasu Hair Studio and Spa.  My name is Michele and I have 14 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist and am well-versed in pre-natal massage.   I really enjoy working with moms to be.  I always find it a very rewarding and positive experience.   Akasu is located in a beautiful old house offering a welcoming and comforting environment.  Besides massage, we offer a vast array of services that cater to all types.  Everyone here not only excels at their craft but is also nuturing and upbeat.   If you have questions or would like to make an appointment call us at 503.287.3813.  I looking forward to meeting you.

Akasu Hair Studio and Spa

2037 N. Williams

akasusalon.com

Visiting family, looking for a house to rent

Hey there, Portland Mamas.

My fam & I (me, husband & now 32-month old daughter) are planning to do our summer vacay in PDX this year & are investigating our options for accomodations. We are planning to relocate from SWFL sometime in the next 3 years & use our vacays to visit different areas of the country as possible new hometowns. My husband is Canadian & has never been west of Tennessee, so I am very excited to come there! Last year we rented a small house in Asheville, NC & it was so much more preferable than a hotel. I have found a home in Overlook that is available, but we were hoping to come during the week of the 4th of July & that house isn't available until the middle of that week.

If any of you have any advice/input on homes that may be available, if we would be able to use Zipcar for 1-2 days, attending the fireworks (best places to view them from with a 3 yo), other "must do" things to experience Portland with a preschooler, we appreciate it.

& I'd be happy to return the favor of advice on places we've gone as a family to anyone else planning they're summer vacations. Just email me , tell me your location, & I'll reply.

Thanks!

Amy P. in Fort Myers

mrspintus@yahoo.com