It’s that time of the year.

Mother’s Day is looming and Cribsheet’s inbox is overflowing with pitches. I know, I know, marketing is a hard job and somebody’s gotta do it.

But really, some of these are a stretch.

Friends of the Earth ($15) is offering half-price memberships for mothers ($15). “Show all the mothers in your life that you care by giving them a gift membership today.” (But does it show you care about the earth or about your mother? I’m not sure…anyway, I’m all for anything that helps Mother Nature.)

“National Survey Shows Adult Children Choose Mom over Dad” came the e-mail blast from Senior Helpers, an inhome provider.

“Just in time for Mother’s Day, the national poll found 70% (7 out of 10) adult children would overwhelmingly choose their mom over their dad to move in with them if their elderly parents could not take care of themselves.”

(Argh, do we have to make dad feel bad in order to make mom feel good?)

And the “best” one: “Moms-to-be Need NOT be Nauseated on Mother’s Day” from Psi Bands, the company that makes those wristbands with acupuncture points to overcome nausea. (Anybody tried them? Do they work?)

Then there’s this vaguely annoying pitch from momAgenda, a company that makes organizers for moms. 

“This year cook mom a celebratory meal.  Store her favorite recipes in the momAgenda Kitchen Folio for a quick reference. This powerhouse system is ideal for keeping track of sports team’s practices, camp schedules, family vacation dates and even storing take-out menus for those late nights.  Another use of this product is to centrally store all your kids’ forms including birth certificates and other documents required to jump their sports activities. Help mom stay on track and never forget another game, recital or practice with momAgenda desktop or Mini-Daily.”

(Do I really need more guilt on not having all Vital Documents at my fingertips? And for parity, is there a dadAgenda?)

Now this one I really liked - make a slideshow of mom’s favorite pics on Animoto. Click here for sample video.

“Just upload your photos, pick a song, and Animoto will take care of the rest, creating a one-of-a-kind video with the visual energy of a music video and the emotional impact of a movie trailer.  Now, you can even add personal messages in text (captions, messages, dates, etc.) or give your video a professional-quality effect with stock images.”

(And it’s free! Though I’d skip the stock images if you’re trying to personalize…)

And here’s Kay’s favorite: super cool personalized greeting cards from Snapily. Upload your fave pic of Mom and you can turn it 3D, or Flip or Morph more than one image. Greeting cards start at $3.50.

Of course, you’ve got to check out Cool Mom Picks Mother’s Day ideas

Plus a recent article from Real Simple on Memorable Gifts for Mom

Any other ideas for Mother’s Day gifts Cribsheeters?

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(Reminder - we’ll be @ Salon Aura near 50th & France this Evening for Mom’s Time Out - make an appt to get pampered, or swing by and chat if you can join us for some wine & cheese. If you can’t make it this evening - they are still taking appointments today and tomorrow for 2 treatments for $50 - a seriously great deal!)

click on image below for more information

We went to the Raptor Release at the Hyland Lake Park Preserve in Bloomington last Saturday and met up with some friends. What a beautiful day and a great family event!

We saw Owls

a Turkey Vulture

(I had recently seen one fly by my office window at the Star Tribune. I told the raptor volunteer about my sighting. She thought it was odd for one to be in downtown Minneapolis, but assured me that “No, it wasn’t circling the building -it must have just been a bit off it’s migratory course.”)

We managed to have a nice picnic by the lake and avoid “the-fun-for-kids-yet-incredibly-stressful-for-parents-Chutes-and-Ladders-playground” (that park is another post in itself)

There were educational activities, music, and more people with enormous telephoto lenses then I’ve ever seen in one place. Then the big event. The raptor release. They were setting free three hawks that had been rehabilitated. I had no idea that it would be so moving. In fact I got a little choked up. But I guess that is why there was a crowd of people from all over the metro area there.

Because it is so dang cool to see these magnificent birds soar off. Freedom!

We don’t live far from there and I went back for a solo bike ride at dusk in there later that evening. It is my happy place. There are miles and miles of paved trails through prairieland and aspen groves. The sun was just starting to set, a chorus of frogs filled the air and deer were grazing on the hills. I looked up and saw a red-tail hawk catching a gust of wind just soaring above me. I’m not sure if it was one that was just released or not but it made me smile as I biked away. A lovely ending to a lovely day.

(I have had this song in my head nonstop since that day “I Saw A Bird Fly Away” - Dar Williams)

For more educational activities for the little ones check out upcoming events in the Three Rivers Park District programs - click on the Spring Calendar here.

If you’re pregnant and looking for a much deserved fun night out I highly recommend Pregnant Pause.
I went to one of these events when I was preggo with Vivian and enjoyed the fancy N/A drinks and - those 3 magic words - fabulous door prizes.
(this is happening the same night as Mom’s Night Out - so May and I can’t make it) You can read the press release below for more information.

Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Hosts Pregnant Pause Event, May 7
April 24, 2009 (Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) – in partnership with OptumHealth — will host Pregnant Pause, an event designed to educate women about healthy pregnancies and create awareness about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, on Thursday, May 7.
The free event for expectant mothers will be held at the Metropolitan Ballroom from 6 – 8 p.m., and will be hosted by WCCO Radio’s Susie Jones. While there is no charge, attendees must pre-register at www.optumhealth.com/pregnantpause. In addition to providing valuable information about staying healthy during pregnancy, Pregnant Pause will feature a maternity fashion show, a non-alcoholic drink contest and prizes – including strollers, cribs and high chairs – as well as other activities throughout the evening.
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with OptumHealth to educate women about keeping themselves and their babies healthy during pregnancy,” said Sara Messelt, executive director of MOFAS. “Pregnant Pause is a great opportunity to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, which are 100 percent preventable.”
MOFAS was founded in 1998 with the goal of eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and improving the quality of life for those individuals and families affected. MOFAS works within communities to provide resources and support for families living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. For more information, visit www.mofas.org.

So much ado about the flu -
let’s bid
that topic adieu
(for now)
and take some time
to talk
about things to do.

Oh, wait - it’s May 1st. It’s not national poetry month any longer.
sorry.

It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten together. I know we need to come up with a Cribsheet playdate with the kids - but May and I wanted to let you know about two opportunities coming up where we can meet up sans kids.

It’s so easy to put yourself lower on the list of priorities when you’re busy with the little ones - it is important (for the whole family) for you to take time out to take care of and nurture yourself.

Mom’s Time Out @ Salon Aura
Pre- Mother’s Day pampering …
click on image to read full invitation

Special deal for moms’ $50 for 2 a la carte services (seriously - that is a deal!)
May and I will be there next Thursday night from 6-8 - if you can’t make an appointment at that time just swing by and chat, peruse, and inhale the aromatherapy.
(Rumor has it, there will be things to nosh and sip on during that time as well…)
Oh and 3 magic words - Fabulous door prizes!

You can make it a night out grab a friend and go to a movie or dinner or shopping nearby.
Salon Aura is located next to the Edina Theater at 50th & France
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Eat Drink and Get Published

Another great cheap night out for mom or dad is
Eat, Drink and Get Published at 44th & France Wine Cellar.
EDGP: Memoir | Monday, May 11 , 2009 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

In collaboration with The Loft’s Memoir Festival, EDGP presents Laura M. Flynn, author of Swallow the Ocean, her first book, a memoir about being raised by a schizophrenic mother. Web site: lauramflynn.com

May and I are going to be attending this one and thought we would let Cribsheeters know too. There is a Wine & Cheese reception from 7-7:30. Come join us and mingle before the author starts her talk.
Let me tell you I’ve been to a few and am still raving about the events. This is a great affordable night out whether you are an aspiring writer or book lover. For $10 you get a delicious spread of amazing appetizers, wine or special N/A drinks, a great crowd of people, and an enlightening conversation by a local author.
(I should mention - if you want to skip the reception - the event is free.)
It’s just nice to go out and feel a little bit like a grown-up sometimes - I;m sure you’ll find it to be an enriching evening too.

You can sign up here: Eat Drink & Get Published

I was going to say Happy E.D!
but, er well… never mind.

Anyway - hope you are enjoying the lovely weather this Earth Day here in the Twin Cities.

Here are some Earth Day related links for you

I should shine the spotlight on the new StarTriibune.com/greenliving page here.
You’ll find tips on saving green by going green, howto videos, eco-friendly articles, the new blog Footprint by Kim Carlson, and more.

Celebrating Earth Day 2009 on momtalk.com

And a variety of Earth Day articles and kid-friendly activities here at Kaboose.com