Need help decorating small bathroom

We have one of the world's smallest bathrooms, so with a budget only for paint, we are looking for ideas to make the most of our little space. Although the tile would not have been our choice, we can live with it and are trying to work with it. So, I wanted to use varying tones of gray on the walls and a plum colored shower curtain as an accent color (taken from the granite countertop). I have taken 'before' pictures, but not sure how to share them on this post. I would really love suggestions from other moms and do-it-yourselfers. Thanks,

Custom guitars for kids and adults

Hi everyone -

I just wanted to pass along some word that I got from a dear friend of mine - After 12 years of building custom guitars, he is opening his own business, and is interested in building for children as well. His work is amazing, and he is local! Just wanted to pass it along in case anyone is interested.

His website is www.PresnellLutherie.com

Exec Director Job @ Emerge Oregon

Tess Fields writes with an opportunity to serve as ED of this new, excellent organization called Emerge Oregon. 

Emerge Oregon is a training program for Democratic women who want to run for public office.  Our mission is to identify, educate and inspire Democratic women to pursue elective office at the local, state and national levels.  Emerge originated in the San Francisco Bay Area (www.emergeca.org) six years ago and currently has state-based programs in seven other states. 

The full job description is here:  Download Emerge - Job Description - V2 - FINAL-2

Due date is 1.9.09.

Moving Pictures is Calling the Class of 2009!

I really love shooting senior portraits.  Every single session is different from the last, with fearless subjects against colorful and geometric backdrops in the Pearl District, downtown Portland, etc.  It’s constant learning for me, with a fun fashion aspect to the photos, bright colors and textures.

I’ll be booking these creative sessions right away, and will begin shooting in February when the weather (hopefully) settles back to normal and a bit more predictable. 

There are several options for packages, and Urban Mamas readers get special deals as always!  It’s an experience to remember... don’t procrastinate about booking!

Details:

Cost:  Several packages ranging from $149. to $1000.  High-res images on CDs, online galleries, hard-cover books are all available.  Urban Mamas readers receive 15% off any of these packages.
What does that include?  Depending on your package, at least one hour of photography and at least three outfits.  All packages include an online gallery of your photos.
When should I book?  It’s best to do it sooner than later... all photos are taken outside, weather permitting.  It’s smart to schedule early in case rescheduling is necessary due to bad weather.  We only reschedule for heavy rain... and alternate locations can be suggested where we can be covered.
How soon will it take to get my CD of photos?  One month
How soon before I get my hard-cover book?  Eight weeks from the time you choose your photos for the book.
How long will it take to view my online gallery?  Two weeks, tops.
How long does it take to receive my prints?  7-10 days
What should I wear?  Bring a variety of outfits.  Comfort and a style that represents you are always best, but also bring something that is crazy and fun.  Scarves, jewels, and other accessories will bring personality to your photos.  Have fun with it!
Where will we shoot?  We’ll discuss a location that represents you, whether it’s a park or an urban location.  I can suggest locations, and also travel within reason to a location that is meaningful to you.  Multiple locations are also a possibility, depending on your package.
What time will we shoot?  With mostly overcast weather this time of year, the time of day is not a huge priority.  The light will be the same throughout most of the day.  However, morning sessions allow a less-crowded session in urban areas, and late-afternoon sessions offer the best light if the clouds break.
How do I sign up?  Call or email Amy at Moving Pictures Studio.  She’ll talk with you about your style, and what your options are.  503.786.2157.  See her senior portfolio from 2008 at her website.  A deposit of 50% is due to reserve your date, and the other 50% due at the time of shooting.  Major credit cards accepted.

Storchenwiege German Wraps & Mama Ponchos for Sale

I was going to start a baby wearing business last year, but then we moved, life happened, and the wee little business never got started.  That said, I have some inventory left over that I'm selling at about what I paid for it. 

I have two Albert Storchs, both 4.6m & new in package.  It is bright and cheerful, with mostly oranges and a little yellow.  Machine washable/tumble dry. $80 each.

I also have a brand new (still in package) Leo Red, 4.6.  Machine wash/tumble dry.  Also $80.

I have a used Leo Red & used Leo Marine.  Both haven't been used very much, so they practically feel and look like new.  No known flaws in fabric. Both are for sale for $70 each. 

Have you ever seen a Mama Poncho?  They are wonderful!  They are hand knitted wool ponchos with a little hole in front (or back) for your little person's head to poke out of.  The ponchos are reversible, so they look fine front or back facing.  The wool is comfy and not itchy.  These normally retail for about $220.  I'm selling mine for $125 each.  I have olive green in S, M, & L.  I also have claret red in a small. 

I have photos of everything, so feel free to let me know if you'd like pics!  Email me (Kelly) at weboflifeperinatal@gmail.com or call me at (503) 449-5296.

Frazzled to Fabulous Mamas! Hair Care on a dime

Hi! I'm a mama and know what it can be like to want to look good but every ounce of time and energy is spent on your little ones. Thats why I am offering SALON quality haircuts on a sliding scale. I have quite a few mama friends that I have been doing this for and they are my inspiration for expansion. I think everyone regardless of time and money should be able to feel good about themselves when looking in the mirror.

About me: I have been doing hair for about 6 years, am currently licensed (and working) in multiple states, am mother to a rambunctious toddler, and genuinely care about making people happy with their hair. Services: I live in the SE and am willing to come to you if you are close-in, otherwise you are welcome to come to me. I have a flexible schedule and can work with mornings or evenings as long as its planned. I am offering trims, full haircuts for mom, dad, and baby-however, I am aiming this mostly towards busy moms. Im also available for hair parties- an afternoon or evening of friends in need of trims, bang trims, & simple styling. I will provide a bottle of wine and some sort of hair treats.

Expense: My fee is dependent on the number of persons the appointment is for, location, and exact service. My prices are on a serious sliding scale and I am not out to make big bucks, rather meet new faces, do something I love. For more info, an estimate or appointment please feel free to email me at composingstick@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you! -jen

LOCAL MOM MAKES ART FOR KIDS

Check out prints of my fun and colorful kid's themed images-they're affordable, adorable and make great presents for all the kids in your life! You can check out the work at my website:  www.idraweggs.com   or just go directly to the I Draw Eggs online store: www.jillabraham.etsy.com

Thanks for looking!

Jill Abraham
jillabraham@comcast.net

My Smart Hands with Maria, LLC--Baby Sign Language Classes

My Smart Hands with Maria, LLC provides sign language instruction for caregivers to use with their hearing babies.

Research shows that signing babies:

• Talk sooner
• Have larger vocabularies
• Have less frustration, crying, and tantrums
• Engage in more sophisticated play
• Score higher on IQ tests (when tested at age 7-8)

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A LEVEL ONE CLASS: These sessions introduce you to every day words, family signs, foods, animals, emotions, opposites, bed time, and play signs. You will learn recommended first signs as well as the many benefits of using American Sign Language (ASL) with infants. Additionally you will gain an understanding on how to successfully integrate signs into everyday life. In this 8-week program you will learn over 100 ASL signs to use with your child. Each class allows for review, discussions, songs, and practice of signs in a playful, educational, and language-rich environment where caregivers and children will build their vocabulary. Classes are 45 minutes in length and are created for parents/ caregivers and babies. This program is recommended for pre-verbal babies with little to no signing exposure. Most babies are developmentally ready for signing back to their caregivers around 8-10 months of age, but exposure to sign can begin at birth. The typical age of attending babies is 6-18 months. If you have an older or more experience baby and wish to take a Level Two class please contact me for more details.

WHEN/WHERE: Most classes are currently being offered at Milagros Boutique, however scheduling is easy and flexible—you can either come to me or I can come to you! Ask for details. For more details on class and event schedules please go to: http://www.mysmarthands.com/Site/Maria,_Baby_Sign_Language_Instructor,_Portland_Oregon_.html

OR http://www.milagrosboutique.com/

Do you belong to a playgroup or other child related group? I am also happy to come and speak on the benefits of using sign and give an introduction to the program. Call or email today to book a FREE “Sign and Play Group” for you.

HOW TO REGISTAR: Contact Maria Gross at maria@mysmarthands.com or call 503-312-2216. Pre-registration is required.

Thoughtful Gift Giving

It fits in a stocking...
It's thoughtful and unique...
AND it give someone you love some special time with their family,
AND photos to show for it!

A $99 Gift Card from Moving Pictures includes the "Urban Mamas Special
An hour-long family portrait session (or children's portraits, or senior portraits...), a free 8x10, and a $50 print credit toward the rest of their print order.

Email us for details, play right online, and have your gift card shipped directly to you or your loved-one.

Moving Pictures Studio
503.786.2157
Visit our Website
Visit our Blog

Seeking urbanMamas for Panel on Flexible Work Arrangements

As part of Mt. Hood Community College’s Women’s Herstory events in February 2009, I am organizing a panel on open and flexible work arrangements. This panel was inspired by The Motherhood Manifesto documentary, and we will be showing the Open and Flexible Work section of the dvd.

I am seeking 1-2 women or men to speak on this panel about their personal experiences with open and flexible work arrangements. This might be from the employer or employee perspective. Each panelist (there will be four, total) will have 5 minutes to share their perspective, and then discussion and audience questions will follow. This is NOT a debate, and the panel will be moderated. The event is scheduled for Feb. 3, 12 noon – 1:00pm.

This is an excellent opportunity to spread the word of the value of open and flexible work arrangements and their benefit to women, men, children, employers, and the national economy. Your story can educate and inspire young women pursuing college degrees as well as the many adult, single and partnered parents who are students on our campus, attending school to achieve a better life for their families.

If you are interested, please contact me at Sharon [dot] Juenemann [at]mhcc [dot] edu