Seeking Heating Oil Recommendations

We moved in a new place last spring which runs on oil heat. We did a quick fill up right when we moved in but didn't really get a chance to research the different options. We are looking for the least expensive place that delivers (we live in NE). I am looking for recommendations from mamas of places to buy oil from - or if they know any resources to compare prices, etc. Thanks!

Available: SWEET HOUSE close to Mississippi

This is a great house, super cute, comfortable, great amenities and great location!

1200 sq feet of newly renovated livable space that includes

hardwood floors in living/dining rooms and kitchen
newly tiled bathroom and kitchen
gas stove
gas heat
new windows and new refrigerator and new electric water heater
3 bedrooms  - large master bedroom in basement; carpeted and GOOD light
wash/dryer in laundry room
storage space - could be used as studio
landscaped fenced front/back/side yard with beds for gardening
bike/tool shed and worm bin
Great light!

close in!
one block north of Killingsworth bordering PCC Cascade Campus
close to Mississippi
reasonable distance from University of Portland
several new restaurants (Thai, Pho, African, two coffee houses, pizza and beer bar) down the block
I-5 access
New Seasons market within walking/biking distance
Yellow line Max and bus lines within walking distance
beautiful Peninsula park just blocks away

$1450/mo, plus security deposit
minimum 6-mo lease
small pet negotiable w/deposit
references will be checked

Especially perfect for couple -- w/or w/o child.
LGTBQ friendly!

Please contact devora by phone 503.310.8178or by email doryluna@gmail.com

Co-Housing Opportunity Available

My family (me, my husband and two kids - charlie 2, grace 5.5, three cats) lives in a pretty big 3 bedroom house in North Portland. We are thinking of having our family sleep in one room (a very big room) and renting the other two room(s). We would like to do this with people who have an interest in co-housing principles and raising children together. We are thinking we would start this in the fall.  Interested?  Please contact Susan at susan.maginn@gmail.com

Green Household Cleaners Workshop

Nurture will be hosting Portland Green Parenting's Green Cleaners Workshop

This hands-on workshop will teach you how to make several natural, safe household cleaners, including kitchen cleansers, diaper pail deodorizer, tub and tile cleaner, floor mop, all-purpose household cleaner, antiseptic soap spray, and air deodorizer. Feel good about not using any harsh chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or having dangerous fumes inhaled by your family, and enjoy how your home sparkles and smells! The class includes everything you will need to get started: several containers and bottles, most of the ingredients (see note about equipment below), and written recipes for you to keep. I will share with you where to buy the ingredients in bulk/at wholesale prices to save money. You will save hundreds of dollars over time compared to store bought cleaners. And you will spare landfills so much packaging, too, since the bottles are reusable over and over.

NOTE: Since essential oils can be pricey and we all prefer different scents, please bring a few of your own. Recommended scents include lemon, peppermint, and lavender. Essential oils are not absolutely necessary, but they do add yummy scents and make the cleaning experience aroma-therapeutic and so much more pleasant! Also, bring your own 1-2 oz bottle of tea tree oil. We will only use a few dropper fulls of the oils at the workshop, so they will last you a long time. You will also need funnels (wide mouth and regular), measuring cups and spoons, a large mixing bowl, fork and a spatula (Pyrex and metal utensils are preferred since essential oils can melt plastic). Bring your own labels or a sharpie to label your containers too, and a bag to carry it all home!

$20 + $25 materials

June 22, 2008 3pm-5pm

At Nurture: 1614 NE Alberta
Register Here

Does anyone know of a good home safety "babyproofer"?

I am looking for someone to come into my home to evaluate what needs to be done and to help make it happen. I am specifically looking for someone who is reliable, experienced, and professional.  I called "Portland babyproofers" but the dude never calls back. (: I am tired of waiting and do not have time or the skills to do this project myself.

$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

Rare SE Pdx Home for Rent

We are moving to combine forces with the grandparents and will be offering our home for rent. It's been a wonderful family  home so we thought we'd offer it up to another UrbanMama family. We have been neighbors for ten years so it is bittersweet for us--but we'd invite you to enjoy a field trip/weekend retreat with us on our new 40 acre plot on the Columbia River.

Rare Home for Rent: Close-In SE Clinton Home, 3 br, 1 b $1795 ($1750 w/ year lease)
Available May 1st
VIEW SE CLINTON HOUSE (www.mothertreebirth.com/ClintonHouse.html)

Enjoy the best of SE Portland in our beautiful Victorian on 16 & Clinton. With tons of unique character and just blocks from New Seasons, People's Coop, Hosford/Abernathy School, New Day School, 1 block to the Division/Downtown bus line, Legare's Coffee Shop, Ladd's Addition and Clinton Retail Hub (Zenana Spa), much more!

Two spacious bedrooms upstairs, large 3rd on main floor that could also be a 2nd living room--includes office nook with separate entrance.  Partially finished basement allows for a roommate or home office with separate entrance. Includes gas range, refrigerator, dishwasher, wash/dryer, hard-wood and stone flooring throughout.  Private Deck and large corner lot with fenced yard safe for kids or small pet. Fruit trees (cherry, fig apple, blueberry, huckleberry, grapes) and english garden, raised beds, bird sanctuary.

Small dog okay. No smoking or cats. This home has been 100% owner/occupied so looking for someone who will love it as their own.

$1795 ($1750 with year lease) 1st & Last. Utilities not included.$300 refundable security fee + credit check fees ($40).

For application and viewing by appointment, please contact Jesse & Nick Henderson at jesse@mothertreebirth.com or 503-407-4732.

Birth Bucks - Local Savings for Pregnancy & Baby

Are you pregnant? Local mamas are here to help by giving you their favorite picks and hundreds of $$$$ in savings at  50 local mama-preneur and favorite must-know-about services and organizations all in one wonderful little Birth Bucks Book for Birth, Baby and Beyond. It's the Mother Lode for savings for your little bundle.

Get yours at www.birth-bucks.com or at participating businesses.

Sample Savings:                

• Free Childbirth Series                  
• Free Classes: childbirth preparation, prenatal yoga                                  
• Free Exercise Band & Exercises                                    
• Free Photography Planning Session & $100 off sitting fee                                    
• $50 off Aqua-baby swim lesson                                  
• 50% off home cleaning service                                    
• $40 off your first order of organic baby food                                 
• $40 towards a ring resize or jewelry cleaning                                    
• 30% off first naturopathic well baby visit                                    
• $20 towards a postpartum lactation consultation                                    
• $20 towards your next acupuncture treatment                                    
• $10 off a spa treatment                                    
• $10 towards a prenatal massage                                 
• Hundreds more savings          

Great Local House Cleaning Support

Whether for the newborn stage or the mama-preneur who needs help doing the wipe waste down around the house we have several great house cleaning helpers to recommend:

Beth Mulcahy (in SE only--503-422-8076) is our super heroin. She's been known to hand-deliver and pickup a broken vacuum cleaner, replace cleaning supplies as needed and generally save marriages of the new parent crowd. Best reached at  She also happens to be an amazing house stager with her eye for detail she can use her super powers to scan your rooms an in an instant or two transform the funk into financial gain if you are in a mind to move.

Clean By Nature--a mama-owned (New Day School affiliated!) all purpose green house cleaning service that has been known to polish a shine into even the grungiest cherrio-crushed floors and crayon-stained walls. All while making you feel sure that the family aren't getting any extra chemicals along the way. Once you get over the guilt of having another mama (she truly loves her work) clean your house, you both can get on your way to doing what you do best. Contact: cleanbynature@comcast.net, 971-227-9332

Jesse @ Mother Tree

Tree Specialist Recommendation?

This is not mamas related at all but I am wondering if any fellow Portlanders have had any good experience with any arborists/tree specialists in town.  I have a couple trees that I think need to come down but I want to make sure its done right and safely.  I have had an unbelievably hard time finding someone I trust to do the job.  Thanks!